Epaper – February 14 ISB 2021

CMYK

14 February, 2021 I 1 Rajab, 1442 I Rs 25.00 I Vol XI No 227 I 36 Pages I Islamabad Edition

SENATE POLLS

ECP ExtEnds datE for submission of nomination forms g

PTI, JI ISSue fInAl lISTS of CAndIdATeS ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

he election Commission of Pakistan (eCP) has extended the date for submission of nomination papers for the Senate elections till Monday. According to a press statement, the date has been extended to facilitate the candidates.

As per the revised schedule, the list of contesting candidates will now be published on Tuesday (february 16).

The scrutiny of the nomination papers will take place on february 17 and 18, followed by the filing of appeals against any acceptance or rejection of nominations which will be done by february 20.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the commission will scrutinise

the credentials of the candidates through an online process.

The documents submitted by the candidates would be verified by the Ministry of Interior, national database and Registration Authority (nAdRA), federal Investigation Agency (fIA), and national Accountability Bureau (nAB). The financial documents provided by the prospective candidates would also be checked by the federal Board of Revenue (fBR) and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

An election tribunal will dispose of all appeals by february 23. And finally, the eCP will publish a revised list of nominated candidates on february 24.

Any notified candidates wishing to withdraw their candidacy will be able to do so before february 25.

A total of 52 senators in the house of

104 are set to retire on March 11 on completion of their six-year term. The number includes four of the eight senators from the former federally Administered Tribal Areas (fATA). As the seats representing fATA will not be filled due to the merger of the tribal areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in May 2018, the Senate strength will shrink to 100.

Polling will, therefore, be held to elect 48 members: 12 each from KP and Balochistan, 11 each from Punjab and Sindh, and two from Islamabad.

The legislators will also vote to elect seven members on general seats including two women and two technocrats in the four provinces. Besides, the election on one minority seat each in KP and Balochistan will also be conducted.

More than 65 percent of the senators due to retire belong to the opposition parties.

PTI, JI ISSUE FINAL LISTS OF CANDIDATES:

Justice Isa questions SC order’s ‘shocking’ release to media

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

days after Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed banned Justice Qazi faez Isa from hearing any case against Prime Minister Imran Khan, the latter on Saturday expressed concerns over the release of the order to media before being shared with him. on february 11, a five-judge bench, headed by the top judge, issued an order banning Justice Isa from hearing cases involving the premier, observing that he had already filed a petition against the prime minister in his personal capacity against the proposed plan to release Rs500 million for development projects in each MP’s constituency. however, a statement issued on behalf of the prime minister had termed media reports about development funds incorrect.

In a letter written to the apex court’s registrar, Khawaja daud, Justice Isa said an order concerning him was passed and released to the media before being sent to him.

“This is shocking since as yet I have not received the file with order/judgment,” he said in the letter.

The letter further said it is a settled practice that after the judge heading the bench the chief justice writes the order and sends it to the next senior judge and so on. however, Justice Ijazul Ahsan apparently re-

ceived the letter but he [Justice Isa] did not.

“And the world knows of it before I have seen it,” he added.

Justice Isa raised five questions before the apex court registrar. he asked as to why the court order was not sent to him directly and why the established practice of sending it to the next senior judge was not followed. he further questioned how the judgment was released to the media before he read it let alone sign it in agreement or disagreement.

Justice Isa remarked why the judgement was released to the media and also asked the registrar to provide him case file so he may read the verdict.

The bench’s order had recalled how Justice Isa, during the hearing in the case involving uplift funds issue, placed on

in today’s issue

record photocopies of documents received by him through WhatsApp from some anonymous source, the copies of which were also handed over to other members of the bench as well as Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan.

Though Justice Isa had observed that he was unsure if the documents were genuine, AGP Khan had submitted that since the authenticity of the documents was questionable, the same may not be taken on record but in any event, Justice Isa would become a complainant in the matter and in that capacity it would not be appropriate for the judge to hear the matter.

Chief Justice Ahmed, therefore, observed that in these circumstances it would not be proper for Justice Isa to hear the case.

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The ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and an opposition party Jamaat-eIslami (JI) issued the final list of their candidates for the Senate elections.

According to details, the PTI Parliamentary Board, which met here with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair, finalised 20 names for Senate tickets.

Several big names, including Babar Awan, Shahzad Akbar, Amir Mughal and

Sajjad Turi, who were recommended for tickets, could not make the final cut for the March 3 Senate polls. from Balochistan, the name of Abdul Qadir, a joint candidate of PTI-BAP, was approved for a general seat, while de facto finance minister dr Abdul hafeez Sheikh and fauzia Arshad were given tickets on the general and reserved seats respectively for Islamabad.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

PTI changes Senate candidate from Balochistan ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided against awarding ticket to Abdul Qadir from Balochistan after differences emerged between Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and the PTI over the award of Senate tickets from the province. The development was confirmed by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill in a tweet on Saturday. Taking to Twitter, Shahbaz said that the PTI leadership has decided to award a Senate ticket to Zahoor Agha from Balochistan. The PTI leadership had awarded a ticket to Qadir, a business tycoon affiliated with the construction industry, for contesting the election on a general seat from Balochistan. STAFF REPORT

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Sunday, 14 February, 2021

ISLAMABAD

NEWS

BANNiNg iSA FRom hEARiNg CASES oF Pm will dAmAgE judiCiAl CREdiBility: mARyAm LAHORE

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STaff RePoRT

ISAPPROvING of a Supreme Court’s order banning Justice Qazi Faez Isa from hearing any case involving Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz on Saturday said the ruling will expose the judiciary to disrespect and undermine its credibility.

On Thursday, a five-judge bench, headed

by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, issued an order banning Justice Isa from hearing cases against the premier, observing that he had already filed a petition against Imran in his personal capacity against the proposed plan to release Rs500 million for development projects in each MP’s constituency.

However, a statement issued on behalf of the prime minister had termed media reports about development funds as incorrect.

Speaking to reporters before her

departure from Lahore to Sialkot, to campaign for the NA-75 by-poll, Maryam, when asked, claimed: “The whole system of justice and the respect of the judiciary is being risked to save an unqualified and incompetent person.”

The treatment [of the Supreme Court] provided to Prime Minister Imran Khan was completely different than the treatment meted out to his deposed predecessor Nawaz Sharif, she insisted.

“People can see the faces, the decisions, and the differences between the remarks.”

The February 11 order had recalled how Justice Isa, during the hearing in the case involving uplift funds issue, placed on record photocopies of documents received by him through WhatsApp from some anonymous source, the copies of which were also handed over to other members of the bench as well as Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan.

Though Justice Isa had observed that he was unsure if the documents were genuine, AGP Khan had submitted that since the authenticity of the documents was

Efforts afoot to ensure transparent Senate polls: Faraz PESHAWAR

questionable, the same may not be taken on record but in any event, Justice Isa would become a complainant in the matter and in that capacity it would not be appropriate for the judge to hear the matter.

Chief Justice Ahmed, therefore, observed that in these circumstances it

would not be proper for Justice Isa to hear the case.

“I understand that there have been historic attempts to break the PML-N. The state and all institutions have been thrust against a party but the party [PML-N] did not break apart,” Maryam said, adding that

the reason behind this was the PML-N becoming an “ideological party”.

To a question, Maryam said InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) chief Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar was “very respectable for me [and] he is a good man.”

“However, when you say such things then they will become a subject of mockery among the nation,” she said.

On Monday, Gen Iftikhar rejected a wave of hearsay claiming the army had established and used any sort of backdoor contacts with the ranks of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to intervene in political affairs, saying that the army should not be dragged into politics.

A number of recent developments, Maryam said, “were in front of the world [to see] so please speak that which the world will accept”. Otherwise, it would not be good for his credibility and that of the institution he represents, she said.

“The people will think you are lying [… ] it is better that you adopt silence and don’t talk on the issue but don’t give wrong statements.”

PM summons federal cabinet session on Tuesday

TLTP

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz has said that the government is making efforts to ensure transparency in the upcoming Senate elections. Talking to the media persons in Peshawar on Saturday, the information minister said that a transparent electoral system strengthens democratic system in the country. He said the government is trying to bring forward talented and skilled people in politics.

Faraz said the Opposition does not want to abolish the culture of cash from Senate elections, adding that they could not bring transparency in their ten-year term. He further said opposing open balloting in the Senate elections by the Opposition is beyond understating. The PTI parliamentarians will vote for its party candidates in the Senate elections, he added. About the recent video scandal of horse trading, Faraz informed that a committee has been constituted, which will probe the matter in a transparent manner. He also congratulated the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over the Universal Health Insurance Programme.

Zardari convinces Nawaz for in-house change: sources LAHORE INP

Former president and co-chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Asif Ali Zardari, has convinced former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for an in-house change, sources said on Saturday. In a telephonic conversation between the two leaders, issues related to country’s political situation and others came under discussion.

Both the leaders agreed to keep the alliance alive. The former president got success in convincing the PML-N supremo for an in-house change, sources added. The PML-N hinted at extending full support to PPP for the cause. Sources privy to the development said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) will support PPP, if it achieves the desired number game for in-house change. The PPP has also shown its conditional willingness to tender resignations from the assemblies in case of failure of the in-house change, sources further said. Earlier this week, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) and PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had discussed the country’s political situation, including long march, with Nawaz. In a telephonic conversation, the country’s overall political situation, preparations about the long march announced by the PDM and upcoming Senate polls had come under discussion.

ISLAMABAD INP

Prime Minister Imran Khan has summoned a meeting of the federal cabinet on Tuesday to discuss eight-point agenda.

The cabinet members are likely to approve disparity reduction allowance to the federal government employees. A briefing will also be given on Metro buses project for Islamabad airport.

The other items include granting permission to construct the office of Federal Services Tribunal in Karachi; briefing by the chairman of Task Force on Information Technology (IT) and Telecom; approval of the appointment of the managing director (MD) of

National Transmission & Despatch Company (NTDC).

The members are also expected to approve decisions of the Cabinet Committee on Institutional Reforms.

In the previous session, the federal cabinet had greenlighted the ordinance to legalise the organisation of Senate elections through open ballot.

The federal cabinet had approved the ordinance through a circulation summary, which paved the way for the promulgation of the law before the release of the election schedule.

It is pertinent to mention that the presidential reference regarding organisation of Senate polls through open ballot is also being heard by the Supreme Court (SC).

Pakistan Army conducts ‘Jidar-ul-Hadeed’ tactical drills in Thar: ISPR RAWALPINDI TLTP

The troops of Pakistan Army’s Karachi Corps are practising in tactical drills and procedures as part of exercise “Jidar-ul-Hadeed” in Thar Desert, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement on Saturday.

The exercise was commenced on January 28.

The military’s media wing said the four-week long defensive manoeuvre exercise is aimed at validating concept of defence in deserts. “The exercise is being conducted in extreme desert conditions, 74 kilometres ahead of Chhor, under conventional operations setting,” read the

statement.

Earlier on Tuesday last, the opening ceremony of Pakistan-Turkish joint military exercise "Ataturk-XI" was held at the Special Service Headquarters, Tarbela. Turkish forces and SSG troops are participating in three-week long joint exercise. The joint military exercise will further strengthen the bond of two brotherly nations and help in adapting the emerging trends in military modernisation and cooperation.

Pakistan and Turkey have increased defence and military cooperation in recent years. In July, 2018, Pakistan had signed an agreement with Turkish contractor ASFAT for acquisition of four Turkish-built MILGEM corvettes.

ECP asks FBR, NAB, SBP to verify data of Senate candidates NEW DESK The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday directed four institutions to provide it with data of candidates contesting the Senate elections for verification.

According to details, the Ministry of Interior, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) have been asked to provide certain documentation for each candidate, so that their eligibility and credibility can be ascertained. According to local media reports, NAB will provide information regarding a candidate’s history in regards to the law, FBR will look into possible tax evasion, while SBP will confirm if a candidate or any of their family members has defaulted in the past year. Fue to the ongoing pandemic, the commission will scrutinise the credentials of the candidates through an online process. The Senate polls are scheduled for March 3. Earlier today, the ECP extended the date to file nomination papers till February 15.

Gillani’s request for vote transfer approved ISLAMABAD INP

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday approved a request of former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gillani to transfer his vote from his hometown Multan to Islamabad.

Following the acceptance of his request made Friday, Gillani’s vote has now been registered at his Sector F-8 address, making him eligible to contest the forthcoming Senate elections from Islamabad.

Gillani, a senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader, is a joint candidate of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the multi-party opposition alliance seeking to oust the government.

Interestingly, only two days ago, his son, Ali Kasim Gillani, had denied the reports of him running for the House from Islamabad.

“This is to categorically deny that Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani has gotten his vote registered in Islamabad. Any news regarding his candidature for Senate elections from Islamabad is false,” he had told The News.

Despite finalising the names for the elections, the PPP saw the ECP schedule impractical to do many jobs. It also appealed to the authorities concerned to show some flexibility.

Subsequently, the election commission on Saturday issued a revised schedule extending the dates for every stage by at least a day.

Sunday, 14 February, 2021

ISLAMABAD

PM aNNOuNCeS deveLOPMeNt Of 50 urbaN fOreStS iN LahOre ISLAMABAD

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STAff RePoRT

RIME Minister Imran Khan on Saturday announced the development of 50 urban forests in Lahore based on the Miyawaki model as part of efforts to develop urban forests for improving the deteriorating environmental situation in the provincial capital.

“I have launched urban forestry on the lines of [the] Miyawaki technique in Japan where the trees grow 10 times faster and 30 times denser and is the best way to fight pollution,” the prime minister tweeted.

“50 sites have been chosen in Lahore,” he added. “[The] first experiment was in Liberty roundabout in 2020.”

Miyawaki is a method invented by 93-year-old Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. He is active worldwide as a professional in the restoration of the natural vegetation on degraded land.

His work developed into the

Miyawaki method, an approach that prioritises the natural development of forests using native species. Miyawaki forests can grow into mature ecosystems in just 20 years — astonishingly fast when compared to the 200 years it can take a forest to regenerate on its own.

Once stabilised, the forest is left to flourish, forevermore, on its own without further interference. The technique helps build dense and native forests.

The 51 sites where forests are being developed include: Jilani Park, Bahria Park, Township, Pathrowonwali Park, Arjun Road and Bilal Park in Green Town, Qarshi Park, Ghalib Market Park, Main Park, Main Boulevard and Aslam Riaz Park in Gulberg, Block H-1 Park, Phase II, Sabzazaar, Block E-1 Masjid Ya Rasool Allah Park, Gulshan-i-Ravi, Saggian Park 1, Jallo Botanical Garden, Canal Road (Harbanspura to Fatehgarh), Jallo to BRB Canal, Tajbagh, Triangle Park near the railway station, Sher Shah Block Park, Garden Town, Main Park of Shadman Market, Wasa Office, Shadman, Gulshan-i-Ravi Park, Gulshan-i-Iqbal Park, Kareem

Block and Moon Market parks in Allama Iqbal Town, Ayubia Market Park, Muslim Town, B-1 Block Park, Johar Town, International Market Mblock, Model Town Extension, Canal Road, greenbelt Fatehgarh to

Harbanspura, Circular Garden, Rewaz Garden, Family Park, Faisal Town, Qainchi Park Ferozepur Road, Greater Iqbal Park, G-1 Market Johar Town, Begum Kot Triangle Shahdara and Halloki interchange.

Police to form JIT to probe lawyers’ attack on IHC NEWS DESK The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday decided to form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the arrest and harassment of lawyers following an attack on the chief justice block of the high court.

According to local media reports, the decision was taken over a proposal by the police, that has been directed to arrest the lawyers explicitly involved in the attack, and take action as per the law against them after identification by the

presidents of the high court and Islamabad District Bar. Justice Minallah, who was hearing the case, noted that bringing the miscreants to justice would not be hard task. “You all know who the attackers were. They were all lawyers who had come here, and there was no outsider. I know a majority of them personally.

They are all included in proceeding with the march, agitating the lawyers, and in attacking them,” he said.

The court directed the police to independently take actions in accordance

with the evidence and the law. “A police cannot illegally harass a person or his family. The innocent ones should approach for relief as per law,” Justice Minallah maintained.

IHC chief justice stated that he has written a letter in this regard and is now awaiting a response from the regulators.

Minallah added that there was no need for protest as he had been working for the katcheri after assuming the charge as chief justice.

“The incumbent government worked at a fast pace for the transference of the

district judiciary,” he said, adding that “the government granted approval for the katcheri transference funds from the PSDP.” The high court ordered the chief commissioner to inform the bar in writing, updating them on the progress of the transference of the district courts.

Earlier on Monday, dozens of lawyers ransacked the chamber of IHC chief justice during a protest against the demolition of their illegal chambers at the Islamabad District Courts also known as the katcheri.

Two white tiger cubs in Lahore Zoo likely died of Covid-19, officials say LAHORE AGeNcIeS

Two 11-week-old white tiger cubs that died in Lahore Zoo last month appear to have died of Covid-19, officials said. The cubs died on January 30, four days after beginning treatment for what officials thought was feline panleukopenia virus, a disease that zoo officials said is common in Pakistan and targets cats’ immune system.

But an autopsy found the cubs’ lungs were badly damaged and they were suffering from a severe infection, with pathologists concluding they died from Covid-19.

Although no PCR test for the new coronavirus was conducted, zoo deputy director Kiran Saleem told Reuters the zoo believes the cubs were the victims of the pandemic that has killed 12,256 people in Pakistan.

“After their death, the zoo administration conducted

tests of all officials, and six were tested positive, including one official who handled the cubs,” Saleem said. “It strengthens the findings of the autopsy. The cubs probably caught the virus from the person handling and feeding them.”

The country’s zoos regularly draw the ire of animal rights activists, who say hundreds of animals have died from poor living conditions there.

“The last two white tiger cubs have died at Lahore zoo and once again the negligence of the management and authorities has come out,” Zufishan Anushay, founder of JFK (Justice for Kiki) Animal Rescue And Shelter, told Reuters.

“White tigers are extremely rare and need a specific habitat and environment to live a healthy life. By caging them in unhygienic conditions with no medical arrangements, we will keep witnessing these incidents.”

Covid-19 is a new virus, and the world is making policies for humans, she said. “It should not forget animals in pet shops, zoos, and everywhere else.”

Saleem rejected the allegations of neglect at the zoo, telling Reuters that animal rights activists were welcome to visit and check the facility’s safety and hygiene protocols themselves.

In December, two Himalayan brown bears were airlifted out of the Islamabad Zoo to a sanctuary in Jordan.

That rescue came weeks after an elephant Kaavan was moved to a sanctuary in Cambodia, the culmination of a years-long campaign that included US pop star Cher.

At the Peshawar Zoo, officials have said four giraffes died in 2020. Last year, two lions at Islamabad Zoo suffocated when workers lit fires in their cages.

Govt urged to stop production, sale of substandard steel ISLAMABAD GHULAM ABBAS

The country’s steel sector has expressed serious concerns on the production of low quality steel, which not only poses risk to infrastructure but also puts the documented sector at disadvantage.

In a meeting with Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) Secretary Arshad Mehmood, the representatives of the steel industry informed that production and sale of substandard steel continues unabated in the country, thus compromising the quality of the national infrastructure projects.

According to sources, Abbas Akberali, the patronin-chief of Pakistan Association of Large Steel Producers (PALSP), who headed the delegation, said that Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), an attached department of the ministry, is yet to ensure the implementation on national standard for the steel sector. The menace of usage of substandard steel must be stopped by implementing Pakistan Standards in letter and spirit by PSQCA. According to him, the production and sale of substandard steel was also putting the documented sector that produces world class steel at a disadvantage and discouraging them from further investments. The

companies that produce world class steel have the potential to go into large-scale steel production and above all have the potential to make Pakistan a steel exporting country.

As per Pakistan standards, it is not allowed to directly make steel from ship plates. Besides, steel produced from re-rollable scrap is substandard steel which is hazardous to use for construction purposes.

As per the office bearers of PALSP, the steel industry has also demanded reduction in marking fee so that more and more steel units can opt for licensing with PSQCA. The association has also been requesting MoST to implement Pakistan standards to discourage sale and usage of sub-standard steel in the country.

During the meeting, officials say, the secretary MoST stressed the local steel sector to opt for making steel from local iron ore which is available in kalabagh, as Pakistan cannot depend on imported scrap for making steel, for this purpose, he assured that the government is ready to provide full support to the local industry.

In a letter sent to the ministry, the steel sector has also requested to revise the existing rules to ensure compliance and an enforcement mechanism through a monitoring committee.

The ministry has also been suggested to direct all

the Director Generals of building control authorities in all the provinces that all drawings submitted for approval must have the clause that only deformed steel bars according to approved PSQCA standards are used.

Besides each steel bar must be marked as per standards, giving manufacturers’ name, dia, grade, etc. as laid down in standards.

PALSP has also suggested that a regime has to be established that will lay out the technical equipment requirement of each re-roller and steel melter. MoST and PSQCA should have the authority to switch off the electricity and gas connections of non-compliant rerollers and melters, if necessary, a law should be enacted to enforce this measure.

As per the association, all over the world, except USA, only metric sizes are allowed and used in designing the structures. In Pakistan too the metric system of steel bars in production must be adopted.

Steel bars dia should be in mm only and not in in inches or “suts”. all consultant engineers and structural engineers’, association, etc. should be advised to follow only metric size only.

Measurable steps need to be taken by PSQCA to secure payment from every registered company and to stamp out the production and marketing of sub-standard steel bars in the country.

NEWS

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Coronavirus kills 58, infects 1,262 in a day: NCOC ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded 58 more coronavirus-related deaths in the past 24 hours, surging the overall death toll to 12,276, said the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Saturday. According to the NCOC, 1,262 fresh infections were reported during the past 24 hours.

The total count of active cases is 25,649 and the positivity rate stands at 3.4 per cent. A total of 37,115 tests were conducted across the country during the past 24 hours, added the NCOC. At least 40 new Covid-19 cases emerged in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), taking the tally to 9,448. According to health officials, no deaths were reported in the region. So far 281 patients have succumbed to the deadly disease. As many as 24 patients recovered overnight, taking the total to 8,694. Sindh recorded 421 new coronavirus cases during the past 24 hours, taking the tally to 253,510. According to Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, 13 more patients died from the deadly virus as the death toll reached 4,212.

He further said that 559 more patients recovered overnight, taking the total to 235,143. Punjab reported 492 new coronavirus cases during the past 24 hours, taking the tally to 163,367. According to health officials, 32 more patients succumbed to the deadly virus as the death toll surged to 5,026. As many as 150,984 patients have recovered from the disease in the province so far, they added. Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid told the NCOC on Saturday that Punjab has intensified the vaccination process of healthcare workers and over 70,000 staff shall be vaccinated within 21 days. TLTP

Court to indict Sanaullah in drug case on March 6 LAHORE: A court for Control of Narcotics Substance (CNS) in Lahore will indict PML-N Punjab president Rana Sanaullah Khan in a drug case on March 6. In this regard, the court has issued notices to all the suspects. During the proceeding on Saturday, Khan was given the statement of the witnesses in the case. Responding to the statement, Farhad Shah, counsel for Khan, said it doesn’t reveal the names of those who recorded the statements and those the witnesses. At this, the government counsel said the statements were written by Deputy Director Rao Akram. The court then dismissed the objections raised

by Shah. The Anti-Narcotics Force arrested Khan in July 2019, claiming to have seized 15-kilogram heroin from his vehicle. A special team of the force had also arrested five others, including the driver and security guards of the PML-N leader. The FIR was lodged under Section 9(C) of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act 1997, which carries a death penalty or life imprisonment or a jail term that may extend to 14 years, along with a fine up to Rs1 million. INP

PML-N to support PPP’s Gillani in Senate polls ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has announced to support Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Yousaf Raza Gillani in the upcoming Senate elections. The decision was taken after a meeting between PML-N Senior VicePresident Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Gillani to hold consultations to field a joint candidate of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). Sources said that both the leaders held discussions regarding the nomination papers of Gillani. Two former premiers, Raja Pervez Ashraf and Abbasi acted as proponent and seconder in the candidate’s paper respectively, they added. Earlier in the day, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the election commission office in Karachi amid submission of nomination papers of PPP’s candidates for Senate. The chief minister was accompanied by Senator Sherry Rehman, Provincial Minister Imtiaz Shaikh and Jameel Soomro. PPP’s candidates from Sindh, Sherry, Saleem Mandviwala, Taj Haider and Farooq H Naik, submitted their nomination papers to the election commission. From Punjab, the son-in-law of former premier Raja Pervez Ashraf, Raja Azeemul Haq will contest the Senate elections. TLTP

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Sunday, 14 February, 2021

ISLAMABAD

NEWS

Punjab to bE turnEd into tourist hub From murrEE to Cholistan: buzdar LAHORE

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CM SAYS OFF-GRID ELECTRICITY TO BE PROVIDED TO CHOLISTAN

TLTP

UNJAB Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said the province has a great potential for tourism and it will be turned into a tourist hub from Murree to Cholistan.

The chief minister said this while talking to media persons during his visit to Cholistan and Bahawalpur on Saturday.

Buzdar said that tourism is very close to his heart, adding that Covid-19 affected the tourist activities but now the same are being restored.

Promoting tourism will create new job opportunities, the chief minister stated. He further maintained that the government will take all possible steps to promote tourism in the province.

He said, “The government is focusing on the development of backward areas.

The funds allocated for Southern Punjab

have been ring-fenced, while secretaries appointed in the Southern Punjab Secretariat have been empowered. The journey of progress and development will be continued under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.”

The chief minister said that there is no shortage of funds to the Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP).

“I am ready to provide as many resources as the TDCP require. Funds of Rs200 million have been released for the water supply schemes in Cholistan. Special relaxation will be given to the local teachers of Cholistan in recruitment. The quota of the veterinary sector will also be enhanced in Cholistan,” he maintained.

Buzdar said he is visiting every nook and corner of the province and personally monitoring the development proj-

ects. He asked the media to point out the problems and he would ensure prompt action on their news.

He informed the candidates have been announced for the Senate election.

“Victory will be ours in Senate. An ordinance for local government elections has been issued and the government wants to transfer the power at the grassroots level.

Local government elections will soon be held in the province,” he added.

Earlier, the chief minister visited the TDCP resorts, inaugurated Cholistan desert resort and various development projects for Bahawalpur, including double-decker bus service for tourists, and participated in the ceremony of Cholistan Desert Rally 2021.

He said, “Another promise made with the people of Bahawalpur has been

fulfilled. The double-decker bus service is a gift for the citizens of Bahawalpur from the PTI government. The people will be able to visit tourist and historical places through this double-decker bus.

Special rates have been fixed for the elderly and differently-abled people.”

Buzdar also witnessed the desert bike race and appreciated the professional expertise of the bikers, besides inspecting food courts and stalls of local handicrafts.

Buzdar congratulated the local administration and the concerned institutions for holding a successful desert rally. “Such events not only promote tourism but also highlight the soft image of the country. Public interest in the Cholistan rally a good omen,” he concluded.

KARACHI: An anti-encroachment operation is in progress in the provincial capital. PPI

Electric cars to hit the roads soon: Fawad LAHORE TLTP

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry said on Saturday that battery-powered electric cars will soon hit the roads in Pakistan. He announced this during the launch of an upgraded version of the Lahore Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) website. Chaudhry said that the government is taking every necessary measure to make Pakistan economically strong, adding that credit for the revival of economic activities goes to Prime Minister Imran Khan. “Pakistan is among 18 countries who are making their own ventilators,” said the science and technology minister. In December, the federal cabinet approved Pakistan’s first Electric Vehicle Policy. The Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy and the Mobile Manufacturing Policy were endorsed by the federal cabinet following their approval by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on December 16. Earlier on Friday, thirteen electric cars imported from South Korea were damaged after the trailer on which they were loaded overturned near Nawabshah.

Police said that the trailer was on its way from Karachi to Lahore when it overturned. The value of each car was estimated at Rs9 million.

‘Peaceful citizens must visit places of worships to know each other’ LAHORE: Leaders and scholars from different faiths have visited several mosques, churches, an imambargah and a gurdwara in Lahore, and requested all peaceful citizens to enter diverse places of worships to understand, know each other and gain more knowledge.

Under the umbrella of the Living Together Movement (LTM), leaders from Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism visited the Badshahi Mosque, Gurdwara Dera Sahib, a church as well as an imambargah to help prevent and resolve misunderstanding and misinterpretation through dialogue and open-hearted discussions. Speaking to the participants, Grand Imam of the Badshahi Mosque, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, who also heads the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, said that Islam is a religion of tolerance and mercy. “Islam is a religion of coexistence and not of violence,” he said, adding that Muslims should follow the true Islamic tradition of treatment with people from different religions. LTM leader Javaid William said that they are working with different communities in Punjab and other provinces to further educate and connect communities in a peaceful manner. “Our mission is to teach understanding that leads to respectful relationships among diverse faiths,” he said.

Other leaders of the LTM, including Dr Mahmood Ghaznavi, Dr Majid Abel, Prof Masood Mujahid, Prof Kalyan Singh, Allama Salman Shakir, Allama Shakeelur Rehman Nasir, Hafiz Samiullah, also shared their messages of peace on the occasion and looked forward to a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan. They stressed their desire to promote the true messages of all religions and faiths, besides tolerant, open-minded and moderate principles. “We believe that majority of the followers of different faiths understand the right conception about their religions,” they said. It is pertinent to mention that the members of the LTM, organised in multiple group forums, are peace-driven citizens and leaders, who recognise the same humanity in all and are passionate about bridging the gap between different religions and generations in order to increase respect, acceptance, understanding and harmony. STAFF REPORT

ECP should hold Senate polls according to Constitution: Murad KARACHI PPI

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the Article 266 of the Constitution calls for holding Senate elections through a secret ballot.

“The allegation of sale and purchase of votes against the parliamentarians was aimed at defaming the public representatives as the members have the right to vote according to their conscience," Murad said on Saturday while talking to the media at the office of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Responding to a question, Murad said that the secret voting for Senate election has been clearly mentioned in the Article 266 of the Constitution. “I am sure

the decision [of the court] will be according to the constitutional guidance,” he added.

To a question about horse trading, the CM said that the allegation of purchase and sale of votes was aimed at defaming the parliamentarians. “Our [PPP’s] all the 12 candidates are purely party workers and have a long track record of loyalty with the party. Our one party candidate, Sadiq Memon had filed his nomination papers on Friday and today [Saturday] 11 others, nominated by the party for all three categories, have filed their papers,” he said.

Replying to a question about the success of PPP candidates, Murad said that all the 11 candidates of his party would return in the Senate. “We have fielded the best candidates and all of them have filed their nomi-

nations,” he added.

To a question about seeking support from other opposition parties for the Senate election, the chief minister said that it is the strategy of the party and he would not disclose the strategy. “But I am telling you, we would get our senators elected,” he claimed.

Talking about wheat shortage, Murad said that he was surprised that the federal cabinet had levelled the allegation of hoarding wheat on the Sindh government.

“Why we will hoard it. But it was their failure to ensure procurement of wheat in Punjab,” he said and added “I am surprised that the PTI government has forgotten the statement of its Federal Minister Fakhar Imam on the floor of the National Assembly that 6.6 MMT of wheat harvested in Punjab had disappeared.”

Restaurants, marriage halls continue to violate Covid-19 SOPs LAHORE SHAHAB OMER

Violations of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) in restaurants and wedding halls in the provincial capital have not ceased as owners of the businesses neither comply with the requirement of a mask nor of social distancing, Pakistan Today learnt on Saturday.

Awais Nazir, an owner of a marriage hall situated in Gulberg, he informed this scribe that marriage hall owners were aware of the threat of disease but were

helpless during events.

“Customer and guests do not listen to us. And it is a burden to provide sanitisers. Duties must be divided in the implementation of law and order but in our case, we are held responsible for guests who do not follow SOPs,” he added.

Similarly, a manager in a restaurant in Gulberg, Ubaid Khan, said that the implementation of SOPs in restaurants was difficult. “As dine-in options are opening again, people are forgetting that they are still at risk of falling sick. Besides, wearing a mask while eating is

impossible. As far as sanitisers are concerned, they are offered to all customers.

This is the maximum we can do. The procedures must be reviewed and the system of implementation must be revised by the government.”

When asked about the current situation, the spokesperson of the district administration (DC) office informed that DC Lahore Mudassar Riaz has fined and seized shops, stores and marriage halls for violating Covid-19 SOPs. “Assistant Commissioner (AC) City Faizan Ahmed sealed 11 shops and stores

and 06 marriage halls while imposing a fine of Rs20,000 for overcharging and Rs10,000 for violating Covid-19 SOPs. Similarly, AC Shalimar Town Mansoor Qazi sealed three marriage halls and one shopping mall while the violators were fined Rs80,000. AC Cantt Zahi Shakir sealed 12 shops and two restaurants and fined them Rs20,000 for overcharging and Rs10,000 for violating SOPs.” The spokesperson further added that the district administration is active and actions are being taken against the violators of SOPs.

sunday, 14 February, 2021

islamabad

news

05

LNG ImPort ExEmPtEd from PPrA ruLES iSLamaBad

t

Senate polls: ECP extends date for submission of nomination forms continued from page 01 From Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Shibli Faraz, Mohsin Aziz, Zeeshan Khanzada, Faisal Saleem and Najiullah Khattak were given tickets on general seats, while Dost Muhammad Mehsud and Dr Humayun Mohmand were given a go ahead to be PTI’s candidates on technocrat seats.

On reserved seats for women, Dr Sania Nishtar and Falak Naz Chitrali will be the ruling party’s candidates, while Gurdeep Singh would be PTI’s candidate on the reserved seat for minorities.

On general seats from Punjab, Saifullah Khan Nyazee from North Punjab, Ejaz Ahmad Chaudhary from central Punjab and Aon Abbas Buppi from Southern Punjab have been given PTI tickets.

Barrister Ali Zafar and Dr Zarqa are the ruling party’s candidates for the technocrat seat and a reserved seat for women, respectively.

From Sindh, where the PTI is the second-largest party, Faisal Vawda has been awarded a ticket for a general seat while Saifullah Abrro would be the PTI’s candidate for a technocrat seat.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter announced its names of candidates for the Senate election. The JI nominated Maulana Dr Ata-ur-Rehman, a former member of the National Assembly, for the general seat of the Senate, while Dr Muhammad Iqbal Khalil was nominated for the technocrat seat.

Former MNA Inayat Begum was nominated for the reserved seat for women, while Javed Gul was nominated for the minority seat.

British-Pakistani elected as ICC chief prosecutor iSLamaBad TLTP

Karim Khan, a British lawyer of Pakistani origin, has been elected the next chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC), the court's governing body announced on Saturday. Khan, 50, currently heads a United Nations investigation into war crimes committed by Daesh in Iraq. He is succeeding Gambian judge Fatou Bensouda and will begin his nine-year term at the court in the Hague in June. "Karim Khan has been elected in the second round as the next ICC prosecutor. Warm congratulations!" O-Gon Kwon said in a tweet.

Khan has previously worked for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. At the ICC, he will decide the next steps on investigations into war crimes in Afghanistan and the 2014 Israel-Palestinian conflict in Gaza.

The ICC is the only permanent intergovernmental body that investigates crimes against humanity.

AHMAD AHMADANI

HE Petroleum Division has obtained an exemption from Public Procurement Rules (PPRA) rules for six Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tenders, it was learnt on Saturday.

According to sources, the federal cabinet approved the exemption after the Petroleum Division had declared PPRA rules as a big hindrance in getting LNG on cheap rates.

As per details, the Petroleum Division and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) had earlier requested the PPRA Board to grant exemption to PLL from applicability of Rule-13 (regarding mandatory response time) and Rule-35 (regarding minimum time

period between announcement of evaluation report and award of contract) of PPRA.

The PPRA board considered the matter regarding the matter of timely import

of LNG as a national interest and decided that PLL may be granted exemption under section 21 of PPRA Ordinance, 2002, from applicability of PPRA Rules2004 "to the extent of relaxing the duration periods between the announcement of evaluation report and award of contract to the successful bidder", subject to the condition that fair and reasonable opportunity should be provided to bidders.

Similarly, PLL may also be granted exemption from application of Rules 13 & 35 of PPRA-2004 for the procurement of LNG in case of next four tenders yet to be published "to the extent of relaxing the duration of response time and period between the announcement of evaluation report and award of contract to the successful bidders", provided that fair and reasonable opportunity prevails.

Google's $76m deal with French publishers leaves many outlets infuriated pariS AGENCIES

Alphabet Inc’s Google has agreed to pay $76 million over three years to a group of 121 French news publishers to end a more than year-long copyright spat, documents seen by Reuters show.

The agreement between Google and the Alliance de la presse d’information generale (APIG), a lobby group representing most major French publishers, was announced previously, but financial terms had not been disclosed.

The move infuriated many other French outlets, which deemed it unfair and opaque. Publishers in other countries will scrutinize the French agreement, the highest-profile in the world under Google’s new program to provide compensation for news snippets used in search results.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) and other French news providers that do not belong to the group are not part of the agreement and are pressing forward with various actions against Google.

The accord follows France’s implementation of the first copyright rule enacted under a recent European Union law that creates “neighbouring rights,” requiring large tech platforms to open talks with publishers seeking remuneration for use of news content.

In Australia, lawmakers have drafted legalisation that would require Google and Facebook to pay publishers and broadcasters for content. Google has threatened to shut down its search engine in Australia if the country adopts that approach, which the company called “unworkable.”

The French documents seen by Reuters include a framework agreement in which Google will pay $22 million annually for three years to a group of 121 national and local French news publications after signing individual licensing

agreements with each.

The second document is a settlement agreement under which Google agrees to pay $10 million to the same group in exchange for the publishers’ commitment not to sue over copyright claims for three years.

Publishers would commit to an upcoming new product called Google News Showcase that would allow publishers to curate content and provide limited access to paywalled stories.

Google declined to comment on terms of the deal.

In January, the Reuters news agency, a division of Thomson Reuters Corp, struck a deal with Google to be the first global news provider to Google News Showcase.

Reuters’ French rival AFP has maintained its complaint with the French antitrust watchdog against Google, an internal source said. Last month, AFP’s Chief Executive Fabrice Fries welcomed

the deal between Google and APIG, but called on the tech company to extend such copyright deals to news agencies.

MAKING GOOGLE PAY: Pressure is mounting on Google globally to pay for news content, as the industry’s advertising and revenues have plummeted with the rise of digital platforms.

In Spain and Germany, publishers have tried but failed to charge Google for displaying excerpts, or snippets. German publishers lost a legal battle in 2019 for 1 billion euros worth of copyright fees since 2013.

The text of the EU “neighbouring rights” rule was aimed at creating a new sustainable stream of revenues for news publishers.

In the United States, the news industry is backing legislation that would allow it to negotiate collectively with the big platforms without violating antitrust law. In Congress, lawmakers recently issued a report saying dominant tech firms

have harmed the news industry because they “can impose unilateral terms on publishers, such as take-it-or-leave-it revenue sharing agreements.”

Andrew MacLeod, chief executive of Canada’s Postmedia, said publishers there are watching discussions in other parts of the world. “We seek an outcome to grow and architect our future rather than relying on a handout.”

LACKING TRANSPARENCY: French publishers had little choice but to go along with the deal, three sources close to the matter, citing pressures from shareholders.

The same sources said some publishers were upset Google refused to provide access to data showing how much money it generates from news.

“These opaque agreements don’t ensure the fair treatment of all news publishers, since the calculation formula isn’t made public,” the union for independent online news publishers Spiil said this week. “Google took advantage of our divisions to advance its interests.”

Fees range from as large as $1.3 million for France’s reference daily Le Monde to $13,741 for local publisher La Voix de la Haute Marne, documents show. They did not specify how the amounts were calculated.

Leading national dailies Le Monde, Le Figaro and Liberation and their groups negotiated about 3 million euros ($3.6 million) each per year on top of the fee in the agreement, notably by agreeing in November to sell subscriptions through Google, one source close to the matter said.

The head of Le Monde group Louis Dreyfus and Liberation’s boss Denis Olivennes declined to comment. Representatives for Le Figaro were not immediately available for comment.

The head of APIG, Pierre Louette, did not respond to messages seeking comment.

FbR advises taxpayers to update profile to remain in aTl, skip fine iSLamaBad STAFF REPORT

Taxpayers have been advised to update their profile by March 31, 2021, to avoid penalty and exclusion from Active Taxpayers List (ATL).

The last date for updating the profile was December 31, 2020, which was extended by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) up to March 31, 2021, considering the problems faced by the taxpayers.

Through the Finance Act, 2020, a Section 114A was inserted to Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, regarding taxpayer’s profile. As per the provision, following persons are required to update their profile on IRIS: every person applying for registration under Sec-

tion 181; every person deriving income chargeable to tax under the head ‘income from business’; every person whose income is subject to final taxation; any non-profit organisation as defined in clause (36) of Section 2; any trust or welfare institution; and any other person prescribed by the FBR. The details required for updating the taxpayer’s profile included: bank accounts; utility connections; business premises, including all manufacturing, storage or retail outlets operated or leased by the taxpayer; types of businesses; and such other information as may be prescribed.

The FBR issued a detailed explanation on the issue stating that complexity of return forms is an embodiment of the complexity

of tax law. “Nevertheless, there is a dire need to simplify return forms without compromising on data required to verify accuracy of the declared version.”

The FBR said that instead of endeavouring to obtain all the relevant information in the income tax return, a new section has been added wherein taxpayers’ profile may be prescribed in order to capture data relevant to the taxpayer.

“Person who are already registered before September 30, 2020, and are deriving business income or income subject to final taxation, trust, welfare institutions, non-profit organizations and such other persons prescribed by the board are proposed to file a profile on or before December 31, 2020 (this

cmYK

has been extended up to March 31, 2021).”

The FBR further said that persons who obtain their registration after September 30, 2020 are proposed to furnish such a profile within 90 days of registration. In case of any change in particulars of information, such persons shall update their profile within 90 days of the change in particulars.

“The profile contains information relevant to income regarding bank accounts, utility connections, business premises including all manufacturing, storage or retail outlets operated or leased by the taxpayer, types of businesses and such other information as may be prescribed by the board.”

The FBR said: “If a person fails to furnish or update a taxpayer’s profile within the due

date or time period as extended by the FBR under Section 214A of the Ordinance, such person shall not be included in the active taxpayers’ list for the latest tax year ending prior to the aforesaid due date or extended date.”

However, upon filing or updating the profile, such persons shall be allowed to be placed on the ATL upon payment of surcharge which is proposed to be Rs20,000 in the case of a company, Rs10,000 in the case of an association of persons (AOPs) and Rs1,000 in the case of an individual.

“Further, a penalty for non-filing or not updating of profile is also proposed at the rate of Rs2,500 for each day of default subject to minimum penalty of Rs10,000,” the FBR added.

Sunday, 14 February, 2021

06 COMMENT

Globalization has affected how wars are fought

Suggestions of a paradigm shift Yet another attempt to alienate China?

P

rime minister imran Khan’s Commerce Adviser Abdul razak Dawood tried to create misunderstandings between Pakistan and China soon after the PTi came to power. Now another adviser appears to be trying to do the same. SAPm moeed Yousuf spoke at the launch of a report titled ‘Pak-Americana: Ushering in a New era of Pakistan-US relations’. Foreign miniser Shahmehmood Queshi was also among those present at the function, indicating the government’s support for the report. The report makes a number of suggestions that are contentious.

There is no dispute about the need on the part of Pakistan to improve relations with the USA. in fact every government in Pakistan has tried to court the USA. The report maintains that in view of the changing geostrategic environment in the region, there are opportunities for Pakistani policymakers to proactively seek and establish a comprehensive and resilient bilateral relationship with the USA. This too is alright as long as it is not done at the expense of Pak-China relations. The report however claims that for this Pakistan needs to assure the USA that it is not a Chinese proxy.

There is a lot of rhetoric about the benefits of trade and investment accruing from transforming Pakistan’s ties with the USA into geo-economic cooperation. Who would invest in a country mired in uncertainty? There is an unending fluctuation in the quality of electricity and power rates, a shortage of gas for industries and a lot still to be done to improve ease of doing business. The country has yet to develop a sufficient reservoir of trained and healthy manpower. meanwhile economic policies change with the change of every government. Political uncertainty is an additional disincentive.

China has invested over $60 billion in Pakistan to build the infrastructure needed for economic development.

The report wants Pakistan to avoid blanket endorsement of all Chinese foreign or domestic policies. if Pakistan cannot ask the USA not to endorse state terrorism in Palestinian territories, why should the USA expect Pakistan to oppose Chinese policies in Xinjiang? The report wants Pakistan to set itself up as a mediator to allow China and the USA to pursue their shared interests. if Pakistan failed to bring Saudi Arabia and iran together, how can it hope to mediate between two superpowers?

ahmed Jawad

T

he 20th century was oneof great events and developments in every part of human life.

The century was marked by the deadliest wars, deadliest weapons and unprecedented interconnectedness. The destructive power of A-bombs and the interconnectedness that transformed world into a global village infused the traditional wisdom about conflict resolution with great confusions. New conflicts demanded new solutions.

Globalization transformed the traditional theatre of conflict; war.

War in the 21st century has acquired a whole new character. The state, which was once the almighty Leviathan, has lost its monopoly over violence, and the erosion of its monopoly over violence from globalization has transformed the character of war. The wars of today are not fought between states; rather there is network of state and non-state actors which includes mercenaries, private security companies, hired thugs, and many more such actors etc. Globalization has unleashed a plethora of problems by undermining state sovereignty. Globalization, which was supposed to encourage cosmopolitan politics and cooperation, ended up creating more divisions. mary Kaldor, professor at the London School of economics, is among those scholars who have acknowledged the impact of globalization on the character of war. in her book, New and Old Wars: Organized Violence in a Global era, she highlights this change in the character of war. highlighting the difference between new and old, she wrote that new wars are different from old wars because of who fight these wars, for what reason these wars are fought, how these wars are financed and the way these wars are fought. Old wars were fought by states, financed by states, were waged for ideological purposes and

battles were the defining character. however, in new wars; actors are networks of state and non-state actors, which are to a greater extent privately financed and direct confrontation between opposite forces is rare. Kaldor is of the view that this change in the character of war is caused by globalization. Kaldor is of the view that this transformation is a consequence of globalization and disintegration of state.

Along with globalization, clash of symmetrical opponents can destroy the world. The advent of nuclear weapons has changed the traditional military logic. in fact, any war according to the old military logic, is simply not beneficial anymore. War between nuclear powers will leave neither party at benefit, since the costs of such victory cancel the benefits it holds. Avoiding direct war serves the political interest better than waging one. This change in military logic is evident from the change in tactics of the wars of today. Today’s wars are fought through guerillas, and counter-insurgency tactics are the tactics. The majority of conflicts involves one state and one or more than one non-state actor.

These are battles between wolves and shepherds where wolves attack the flock while shepherds try to save the sheep. however, it is not the change in military logic and innovation of new types of weapons that have transformed the character of war. rather transformation in politics is the defining element of this change. Politics of ‘new wars’ is identity politics which is very different from the politics of old wars. Old wars were largely driven by ideological politics, whereas new wars are driven entirely by identity politics. in the words of Professor Kaldor, “identity politics is about right to power in the name of a specific group whereas ideological politics is about winning power in order to carry out a particular ideological programme”. Globalization prompted groups to securitize their identity. War for these actors is either a mean for keeping their identity or claiming lands in

The aftermath

Limited terms in office

Covid-19 may be receding, but has left much damage behind

There for a reason

P

rime minister imran Khan, in less than a month, has complained twice on separate occasions that a five-year constitutionally mandated term for a democratically elected government is insufficient to complete large-scale development projects, calling the time limit ‘a tragedy’. That he has chosen to leave the question of how much time a government should ideally get to make good on its promises unanswered, leads one to believe that he feels it should be ‘unlimited’. The Pm has remained throughout his political career an advocate for a democratic system of government, severely critical of military dictatorships that typically last much longer than five years. A limited term of office is at the very heart of a democracy, serving an important purpose by keeping a check on authority, providing the people an opportunity to judge the performance of their elected representatives after every four to five years with their vote.

Two and a half years after coming to power, for the Pm to suddenly start blaming the limited amount of time a government gets in a term for his inability to achieve results is a lame excuse for patently bad performance. Prior to the 2018 general elections the same imran Khan would boast about revolutionising the country within the first 90 to 100 days if his party came to power. One can disregard such talk as election campaigning hyperbole but in the PTi’s case they actually presented such a plan, much of which remains unimplemented even at the halfway mark of its term. instead of finding flaws in previous governments, the opposition, bureaucracy, judiciary and the democratic system in general, it is time for the government to start improving its performance to achieve tangible results. it has done well in some aspects of the economy and governance but much of the more complicated reforms that require continuous and focused effort are still pending. With this constantly distracted and haphazard style of running the country, the PTi cannot build its ‘naya Pakistan’ even if they were to get an unlimited time in office. Unlike the USA, there is no limit on the number of times a party leader can be elected Prime minister. ironically enough, if Pm imran Khan can somehow manage to convince the people that he and his party have done well in their five years, then they have a good chance of securing consecutive terms. But perhaps the government realises that with the way things stand at the moment, it has reached a point of no-return.

Rabia ahmed

T

he human race is engaged in a furious battle against covid-19 at present; we hope it will come out victorious. The signs are promising, our sights are set on that welcome time when this entire episode will have become an event in the past. Yet, the aftermath will not be a return to life as it was before. Life after covid-19 will be different in many ways.

After we’ve counted our immense losses, we will– thankfully– be left with the survivors– those who have had the disease and survived to tell the tale. While most of these people will have come through with few or no after-effects, some will bear signs of their battle with the tiny monster that is this virus. These after-effects are likely to last from days to months.

The most common after-effect is persisting tiredness, as with any viral infection. in the case of covid19 there could also be a cough and shortness of breath, body aches and pain.

Further symptoms which are rare but have been known to occur are some extent of organ damage, such as to the heart, lungs or kidneys. These might take longer to recover from.

There can be other problems, among which could be a struggle to concentrate and depression.

Aside from these larger concerns, there will be a host of small things that might not be painful as the damage to tissue and muscle, but their effects could be stressful. An example is the obsessive compulsive behaviour that many people are likely to be left with such as a fetish for washing much more than necessary, even when normal conditions return.

There is the much larger problem of the setback to schooling, which although remediable, is likely to

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be a formidable challenge. Schools all over the world have been closed for an extended period, or have faced a succession of on and off periods. it will be hard to get back to regular attendance. And for those children who have had no schooling at all in the off periods, and most children in Pakistan fall into this category because the majority here does not possess the facility to be online, it will be a tough haul to catch up. This will increase the gulf between the haves and the have nots since the haves will be more or less on track with the syllabus, and the have nots will be as usual left far behind. in households all over the world where parents are simultaneously working from home and looking after children, there will be a battle to wean the children off televisions and phones. Parents have had little choice but to allow children extended screen time while they work. As a result children’s social skills will have taken a hit due to minimal human to human interaction.

To give a small example, you do not say ‘please’ to Google or Alexa, but you do say ‘please’ to real people.

Go figure.

One of the biggest aftereffects of covid-19, and the most distressing, is likely to be depression. Whether or not this is given much attention, and what attention it does receive, is of concern. it is so everywhere to some extent, but certainly Pakistan’s is a society in which depression is consistently downplayed and even looked upon as a weakness. Because it has no outward symptoms such as a rash or a fever (true of many other diseases), the impression is that depression can be talked or laughed away. here a person suffering from depression often takes the diagnosis as a hit on his or her courage and ability to cope with the ups and downs of life, or more often as an affront to faith, as if it implies in some way that the person has insufficient faith in God because of which he or she has downed tools and allowed himself to be overcome by depression.

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the name of that identity.

Another dimension of the problems caused by globalization for the concept of war is the proliferation of capitalism. The ideas of capitalism and free market motivated such actors who saw a potential for profit in war. These actors established private security firms and were up for grabs for the highest bidder. Companies like Titan and Blackwater are profit-maximizing companies whose only motivation is the accumulation of wealth. These institutions introduced in the concept of war further complexities, and the legitimacy of violence further degenerated. These developments underline the need for a new conceptualization of war. To address these complexities and set the basis for future exploration, Kaldor defines war as a “mutual enterprise” rather than a “contest of wills”. The reason illustrated by Kaldor is that the latter makes the elimination of the enemy the ultimate objective of war whereas the former suggests that both sides are interested “in the enterprise of war, rather than winning and losing, for both political and economic ends”. Although it is very difficult to discern what means one employs for what ends, the protracted conflicts all around the world and the industry which these wars fuel paints a different picture a picture very close to the concept of war as mutual enterprise rather than a contest of wills.

War in nuclear age, where symmetry in capabilities will, eventually, lead to mAD, cannot have the same character it once had. mankind, frightened by the destructiveness of these weapons and compelled by their natural instinct to clash, is trying to fight the new wars with new weapons according to old principles. This is commendable but not practical as this undermines the capabilities of new weapons by considering them just another weapon of war. Concepts of limited war show the appreciation of this reality.

There political, technological and economical developments highlight the need for evaluation of old ideas and encourage the need for new ideas. As the aphorism goes “modern problems require modern solutions”, wars of today are modern and they require modern solutions as the traditional ones are not adequate enough.

The writer is a freelance columnist

This is as wrong an attitude as can be.

Depression is not a sign of ‘defeat’ or ‘weakness’. it is very real, as much as any illness. And just like any other illness, it needs medical attention, and often medication.

The concerning prospect is that the higher rate of depression will lead to a corresponding rise in visits to spiritual healers, along with a rise in questionable ‘cures’, many of which can be dangerous.

There is such a thing as a placebo effect. Believing that something helps does sometimes cause the problem to recede, but there is a limit to this. Placebos can not replace medication, professional therapy, exercise, or whatever else is prescribed by a medical professional. in Pakistan it is commonly believed that djinns cause depression. And the treatment, when taken to a ‘spiritual healer’, is very often dangerous.

People are asked to perform strange rituals or drink ‘holy’ waters that may do nothing except put off proper treatment which leads to unwanted consequences and a greater severity of the disease.

There is another example which is a bit not applicable to the above, but it does give an idea of just how misplaced these so called ‘treatments’ can be.

Salima, who was suffering from severe depression, was taken for such a treatment by her inlaws. even though they were Christian, this family lived in Pakistan and the belief in djinns interacting with humans was dinned into them by their surroundings. The girl was prescribed an amulet which she wore around her neck. The amulet came loose one day and fell onto the road, from where it was retrieved by someone who showed it to a mullah.

What followed was a nightmare. Salima was accused of blasphemy because the amulet contained the names of Allah written on a scrap of paper. She was lucky that her husband’s employer was a rich man, who in Pakistan can even step in and override charges of blasphemy. in fact a large segment of the population do not believe in viruses themselves, and are likely as not boosting the practice of shamans and their products all over the country even as we speak.

The concerning prospect is that the higher rate of depression will lead to a corresponding rise in visits to spiritual healers, along with a rise in questionable ‘cures’, many of which can be dangerous. There is such a thing as a placebo effect.

Believing that something helps does sometimes cause the problem to recede, but there is a limit to this.

Placebos can not replace medication, professional therapy, exercise, or whatever else is prescribed by a medical professional

I

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

I

Rabia Ahmed is a freelance columnist. Read more by her at http://rabia-ahmed.blogspot.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Sunday, 14 February, 2021

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

Horse trading hOrSe trading in politics refer to vote trading.recently a video was leaked and viraled of our respected politicians where they are selling votes in election commission office.it is of shamefully to say that our political leaders are corrupt.The main reason of retardation of the country is these evil leaders.Sultan khan who is the mininter of law resingned because he could be seen clearly in the video.Publoc can’t distinguish even who is the honest politician in Pakistan.Though when we believe on a leader,they become the theif.We cannot believe them anymore.When prime minister imran khan came to the power he clearly told the public that the political leaders are fraudulent and they just looted pakistan.we want the removal of the corrupt politicians from the country.

Erum AsAdullAh TurbAT

TikTok’s impact

Threshold of change Need for institutions to work in unison

Candid Corner Raoof hasan “Old politicians, like old actors, revive in the limelight. The vacancy which afflicts them in private momentarily lifts when, once more, they feel the eyes of an audience upon them.

Their old passion for holding the centre of the stage guides their uncertain footsteps to where the lights shine, and summons up a wintry smile when the curtain rises.”

–malcolm muggeridge

T

O be at the centre stage is a desire which is not always latent. it shows through often with varying degrees of intensity, but it happens only occasionally that one succeeds in ascending the coveted height to stardom to be at the centre stage and cast a glance around. in disposing of the case regarding distribution of development funds to mNAs and mPAs, the Chief Justice observed that “in these circumstances, it would not be proper for the honourable judge (Qazi Faez isa) to hear the matter considering that he had already filed a petition against the Prime minister of Pakistan in his personal capacity, Therefore, to uphold the principle of un-biasness and impartiality, it would be in the interest of justice that the honourable Judge should not hear matters involving the Prime minister of Pakistan”. Welcome that it is, this judgement has taken a while in coming.

Only recently, Justice isa had put a question to the journalists sitting in the courtroom whether the media was free or otherwise. They were asked to respond either in the affirmative or the negative. initially, there was quiet. Upon further urging, some voices were heard saying it was not. Consequently, it was pronounced that the vote was a referendum certifying that media was not free in the country. Lest we forget it is the same media which was ordered not to comment on the hudaibiya Paper mills case after the judgement had been pronounced.

Freedom of expression is guaranteed by the constitution. A few journalists in the courtroom is too miniscule a representation for pronouncing a judgement of such magnitude. Furthermore, it is far too important an issue to be tackled in a fickle manner. if it was felt that there were constraints restricting the media from performing its duties, this could have been addressed within the framework of the constitution. The path undertaken presented a surreal enactment of holding court in an amphitheatre for the attendees to chant approval. if that be so, a few other issues could also be ad-

dressed by conducting similar referendums.

The judiciary is a key pillar of the state and it has to work in close proximity with the executive to ensure smooth handling of its affairs.

That calls for substantive appraisal and understanding in pursuing matters which pertain to various aspects where the two pillars need to work together. An example is the case of the executive seeking input from the judiciary regarding holding the Senate polls through open balloting. But, if one were to conclude that such matters are not handled in a manner worthy of the task, it would create unnecessary doubts regarding both the motive and functioning of the institutions.

For some time now, a debate has been raging that the judiciary is encroaching upon the executive domain, thus rendering it difficult for it to perform its functions. A perception also prevails that there are two justice systems operating in the country: one for the rich and the mighty and the other for the poor and the marginalised.

This is generating widespread negativity about the transparency and accountability of the judicial processes which is not a perception that any government can be comfortable with.

The executive and the judicial pillars have specific tasks assigned to them in the constitution and it would only be appropriate for them to function within their respective domains.

While it is extremely difficult for the executive to intercede in the working of the judiciary, some of the latter’s actions can imperil the role of the executive. it would also be appropriate for the judiciary to address the strong perception about two separate judicial systems in the country. This has damaged people’s nascent faith in the apex institution and the government alike, thus adversely impacting their credibility as well as their ability to perform their constitutional roles.

We have all known well that this country has been brutally ravaged by rulers whose personal interests took precedence over the national objectives. These charlatans did not even spare the institution of judiciary in collusion with the likes of Justice Qayyum and the clan. When their interests were threatened, they physically assaulted the apex court to force it into submission.

This has gone on for too long and the state can no longer bear the burden of such gross misdemeanours. For this to stop, it is absolutely imperative that the executive and the judiciary work for upholding the sanctity of the constitution. This objective cannot be achieved if the two operate at cross-purposes, or if one is engaged in belittling the other.

i understand there are sane voices within the government and the judiciary who would not be happy with such prospects. it is time they asserted their professional and moral authority to rise above personal interests of one or a few so that the state could be secured from their selfserving assault. This becomes even more important when it is going through a transition to establish the supremacy of accountability and the rule of law for the rich and the poor, the powerful and the weak. This is a difficult phase which requires exercise of responsible conduct by all state institutions. A successful passage through this phase can potentially lead to improved governance, opening up a world of opportunities for the poor and the downtrodden people who have languished on the fringes of life, but never lost hope. We owe this to them and their future.

The government is under the scanner. The judiciary is also under the scanner. So is every other institution which has a role to play in this transition. They must all espouse the larger interest of the state and its people. in the process, the distinction between right and wrong should be clearly established. residing in the domain of ambiguity will create blocks in the path of deliverance from the stranglehold of the wicked.

That will not be conducive to the process of change. While there is a need for absolute clarity of direction, there is also a desire that, in pursuing the objectives, the state and its institutions steer clear of confrontation. it is then that their combined energies would be devoted to the collective good of the people.

We are at the threshold of change. But we can’t be stuck here for long. We should not let the opportunity slip out of our grasp as that would be an unmitigated tragedy. if the state fails at this juncture, the vile and the wicked conglomerate would surge back with renewed venom and vengeance. None would be able to escape their ravages as they would pounce upon their afflicters without a thought of letting them walk away.

Of course, the state will be the principal victim. But so will be the institutions which failed to grasp the need of the situation and remained wrapped in the apparels of their conveniences.

Sadly, there will be nothing left to savour. There will be nothing left to celebrate.

We are at the threshold of change. But we can’t be stuck here for long. We should not let the opportunity slip out of our grasp as that would be an unmitigated tragedy. If the state fails at this juncture, the vile and the wicked conglomerate would surge back with renewed venom and vengeance. None would be able to escape their ravages as they would pounce upon their afflicters without a thought of letting them walk away

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

Sir, i want to draw the attention of concerned authorities through the columns of your esteemed newspaper towards an extremely vital problem of misuse of Tiktok on teens. Since the app boasts an endless stream of materials students are more likely to spend a long time in the app and might even become addicted. Some made dangerous videos and challenges to get more likes and followers. recently, a young man was hit and killed by train while being filmed walking along the tracks for a stunt. The app causes nuisance, wastage of time, harassment tool and contains inadequate content. As the age limit to access this app is low so most people lie about it. The surging fame of the app among young girls exposes them to disturbing comments and potential abuse, while serving as a hunting place for sexual predators. The concerned authorities are therefore requested to look into the matter and take suitable steps to solve this problem.

AmnA AkhlAq lAhorE

Passport Blues ThrOUGh the courtesy of your newspaper i wish to draw the attention of our interior ministry regarding some nasty things happening in passport office Saddar, Karachi. even after 73 years of independence, we are yet to learn the meaning and importance of surname. i visited Saddar passport office last week to apply for my granddaughter’s passport who is just 7 months old. She was accompanied by her parents.

When my son told the data operator to write our surname (which is Suriya) in the column given for surname, the data operator refused to comply and wrote my son’s name instead. Though our surname is mentioned on our CNiCs as well. The passport office needs to be taught the difference between father’s name and surname. Then the data operator demanded original B form which my son had unfortunately forgotten to carry in a hurry but he had a photocopy. he was made to go home and bring the original copy which took almost one hour. The data operator could have verified the photocopy of B form from his system because he had full access to NADrA database. After completing all process of passport, the officer refused to accept my granddaughter’s passport form and asked my son to get it attested by a 17 grade government official with his Name, Designation, CNiC and Cell no. my son insisted that he and his wife already has a passport and the child is just 7 months old but he did not listen. This process of attestation delayed the form submission by one whole day as the submission counter closes at 1 pm.

Last but not the least, a sum of PKr 25.00 is charged as bank charges along with PKr 4.00 as federal excise duty. i wonder if accepting a challan is such a herculean task for National Bank of Pakistan that they charge 25.00+4.00 (rs.29.00) as bank charges. Will the interior minister Sheikh rasheed Ahmed and his ministry take notice of the above and bring some improvement?

M. RAFIQUE ZAKARIA KARAchI

FRC and national disasters PAKiSTAN is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, being crossed by several major faults. As a result, earthquakes in Pakistan occur often and are destructive. The Government established a Federal relief Commission (FrP) to step up coordination in the massive rescue and relief operations like earthquakes. The earthquake that hit northern Pakistan on 8 October 2005 caused widespread destruction, killing over 73,000 people, severely injuring many more and leaving millions without shelter. majority of health care units and hospitals collapsed. Doublessly it was the worst calamity of Pakistan history.No disaster management organisation existed to handle a relief operation on such a large scale, and the existing infrastructure was either very poor or totally destroyed. realising the gravity of the disaster, the government immediately formed the Federal relief Commission (FrC), with a mandate to manage the entire spectrum of the relief effort. Within days, the FrC had taken charge of the situation. The scale of the disaster, the harsh weather conditions and the collapse of civil order in the affected areas called for a response mechanism which could provide quick decision-making, coupled with the efficient execution of directives on ground. The Commission conceived and implemented an elaborate National Action Plan to ensure a coherent response, spelling out domains, policies and end-states for all the stakeholders and key players. The plan also provided for financial compensation for survivors, amounting to several billion rupees. inter-agency coordination and the synchronisation of relief efforts were ensured through Strategic Leaders Group meetings, which integrated the UNs cluster approach into FrC strategy, with a view to developing a common operating picture and guidelines for all the agencies concerned. Within the FrC itself, there were two distinct wings, the military and the civilian. The military wing was responsible for undertaking the rescue and relief operation, while the civilian wing, comprising ministerial representative and coordinators, looked after inter-department and inter-agency issues. it has been claimed that the earthquake response was the most successful relief operation in recent history. lAibA FATimA bAhAwAlpur

Sunday, 14 February, 2021

08 WORLD VIEW

Biden needs a new Pakistan POlicy. this is what it shOuld lOOk like.

AtlAntiC CounCil SHAmILA n CHAUdHArY And vALI nASr

F

OR the first time in over two decades, Pakistan is not a foreignpolicy priority for a new US administration. Since 2001, Pakistan has been a focus of the War on Terror and critical to US military involvement in Afghanistan. But that security imperative no longer drives US foreign policy. A shrinking US military footprint in the region is reshaping Washington’s strategic thinking. In place of counterterrorism, the United States is bound to be guided by great-power rivalries—foremost among them managing its relationship with China. The urgency of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic challenges in the United States push Pakistan even lower down the list of US policy priorities.

This new reality raises the important question of how the United States should think about its relationship with Pakistan. A country of more than 200 million people, Pakistan is geostrategically located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and borders Iran, India, and China. It is critical to the stability of its neighborhood and an important accessway into Central Asia. These facts alone argue for the relevance of Pakistan to broader US interests in the economy and security of West and South Asia.

As the Biden administration rolls out its national security strategy, it should place a new Pakistan policy within its broader strategic interests in West Asia. It behooves the new administration to embark on diplomatic engagement with Islamabad that builds avenues of cooperation on geopolitical realities and economic opportunities. There is an opportunity here for Washington. Pakistan’s strategic calculus has also been changing, as

is evident from its support for the US-led peace process in Afghanistan. Economic pressure and changes to Pakistan’s pattern of alliances have only accelerated this shift.

CHINA MAKES INROADS: While the United States prioritized security issues for the past two decades, China systematically deepened its business and diplomatic engagements in West Asia. Pakistan is a key stepping stone for such Chinese forays and offers prospective new markets and resources—in particular energy reserves in Central Asia and the Middle East. So far, China has invested upwards of $56 billion in infrastructure, power, and port development in Pakistan, all as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It has also provided concessionary loans to Pakistan and even replaced the three billion dollars in loans that Saudi Arabia canceled last year.

China’s investment in Pakistan is a continuation of a strategic partnership between the two countries that spans decades. But it now comes with an added geostrategic dimension of giving China access to ports and roads that extend from the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea into western China and Central Asia and Afghanistan. This should inform the US approach to Pakistan and the broader region.

PAKISTAN’S SHIFTING STRATEGIC CALCULUS: The United States cannot match China’s economic investment in Pakistan or in the region for that matter, but it can influence the direction Pakistan takes.

That possibility is greater now than at any time in recent memory as there are significant changes to fundamentals that have long defined Pakistan’s strategic calculus.

First, the United States is no longer fixated on terrorism, which means it is no longer paying attention to Pakistan in the ways it did after the 9/11 attacks. Pakistan is keen to find new ways to engage the United States. These sentiments, exhibited at the highest levels of military and civilian leadership in Pakistan, are motivated by the pragmatic realization that the country can no longer take US interest for granted as the

United States shrinks its presence in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has offered a new approach based on economic security that seeks collaboration with the United States on climate change, technology, and a host of other nonsecurity issues. Translating this new approach into a reality is going to take a lot of work, as Pakistan falls short in keeping its own economic house in order.

This is related to the second fundamental change: the economy. Dwindling foreign aid, dips in labor remittances owing to the collapse of Gulf Cooperation Council economies, and decreases in Pakistan’s textile and manufacturing exports have put the country in dire straits. Pakistan has long borrowed to finance existing debt. That is no longer possible, and payments on its short- to medium-term debts are converging. Pakistan needs international assistance, preferably via loans and economic aid, and it must grow its exports to boost its economy. The United States should take note that under these circumstances Pakistan will be more open to policy compromises that could provide relief on these fronts.

Third, Saudi Arabia no longer serves as Pakistan’s strategic depth. After nearly five decades of close ties, Saudi Arabia is decisively distancing itself from Pakistan. Last year it canceled a three-billion-dollar loan after Islamabad complained about lack of Saudi support for Pakistan over Indian suppression in Kashmir.

The shift isn’t personal. Rather, it indicates a fourth fundamental change—that of an end to the Islamic foreign policy that had bound Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf states. It’s clear that Saudi Arabia is backing away from its Islamic foreign policy—as reflected in its position on India under the crown prince, who is more openly looking to build economic and strategic ties with the country. Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, is feeling isolated as Gulf countries normalize their relationships with the country.

Fifth, the paradigm for India-Pakistan relations is changing. With Saudi Arabia,

China, and the United States de-linking conflict between India and Pakistan from their respective relationships with those countries, Pakistan is being forced to reevaluate how it engages its traditional partners on the defining feature of its foreign relations with many countries: competition with India.

The cumulative effect of these five developments has been to unmoor Pakistan’s strategic calculus, leaving the country somewhat adrift and unsure of its standing and future direction. The changes introduce serious questions for policymakers. For example, what will the distancing of China and Saudi Arabia from India-Pakistan tensions mean when the two neighbors come to the brink of nuclear war?

A NEW APPROACH: Without the push and pull of the Saudis on Pakistan’s foreign policy, and in the absence of unconditional assurances of Chinese support for Pakistan, the United States faces a rare opportunity to re-engage an old partner. It is prudent to focus on the more urgent need to foster peace in Afghanistan. But the conditions on the ground in Afghanistan, as well as elsewhere in the region, must be in place to sustain peace beyond diplomatic negotiations and deals among political elites. If the United States continues to tether the stability of the region to Pakistan, then it must make far more significant investments in the country beyond security interests.

As business-to-business ties between US and foreign companies all over the world have shown, prospects of private-sector investment will push countries to more seriously embrace economic reform. More direct business-to-business engagements, with a light government touch, can facilitate and incubate initiatives far quicker than the speed at which large bureaucracies move.

Pakistan’s trade agreement with China, for example, makes it an ideal re-exporting hub. US companies can build manufacturing facilities in Pakistan and add value to American goods there, enabling those goods to access the Chinese market as Pakistani exports.

There is also room for the United States to

There is no point to extending commitments in Afghanistan THE BEST THING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION CAN DO AFTER IT COMPLETES ITS ASSESSMENT OF THE 2020 AGREEMENT WITH THE TALIBAN IS TO REMAIN ON SCHEDULE AND COMPLETE THE MILITARY WITHDRAWAL BY MAY rCW

O

dAnIEL dAvIS

N Jan 22, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told his Afghan counterpart that the Biden Administration would assess whether the Taliban are living up to their commitments to cut ties with terrorist groups.

While such an assessment is entirely reasonable for an incoming Administration, it must not be used as an excuse to halt the May 2021 end date of our military operations in Afghanistan, which the United States agreed to last year.

The deal brokered by the Trump Administration last February called for the United States to completely withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by May 2021. There were four primary conditions for this withdrawal. The U.S. government and Taliban representatives agreed to a number of conditions.

These include a guarantee by the Taliban that Afghanistan would never be used by any group or individual as a base to plan attacks against the United States; a timeline for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghan soil; that the Taliban will start “intra-Afghan negotiations with Afghan sides”; and that a “permanent and comprehensive cease-fire will be an item on the agenda of the intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations.” The conditions not part of the agreement are just as significant.

First, while the terms specified that talks were to begin between the two Afghan sides,

there was no requirement that they be concluded before the withdrawal of American troops. Those discussions started last September and are currently ongoing. Second, the agreement did not require a cease-fire to be in effect — it simply stated it had to be an agenda item. Last December, both the Afghan Government and the Taliban representatives exchanged their proposed agenda items, and both included a cease-fire as a discussion item.

The Biden national security team must resist the temptation to dismiss the agreement or seek to unilaterally modify the terms. The United States has been fighting a pointless, unnecessary war in Afghanistan for nearly two decades. As of now, there is a firm date for the bleeding to stop and our participation in the war to end.

Already, many pundits in Washington are lobbying the new administration to cancel the withdrawal timeline and wait until the two sides have concluded a peace agreement. Not only is this not a provision of our February 2020 deal, abrogating it would almost certainly extend the fighting and might put the negotiations in peril.

The Taliban remain adamant that they have lived up to their side of the deal. They have stopped directly targeting U.S. Forces. Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem recently told Tolo News that their side remains, firm on the commitment it agreed to. Yet a Taliban official last month warned that “if the U.S. Forces do not withdraw from Afghanistan, we will resume our attacks against them.” Many supporters of keeping U.S. troops indefinitely fighting in Afghanistan claim – with some justification – that we cannot trust the Taliban’s promises and

base our security on mere words. Washington should never entrust our security to promises given by any adversary. Fortunately, American national security is secured by our own, powerful intelligence and military capacity.

The U.S. military has the ability to identify emerging or imminent threats against our country and then to project combat power anywhere on the globe to conduct a direct, targeted strike against the target. The U.S. government has demonstrated this capability in several highprofile strikes in recent years, including taking out al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in 2013 and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019.

This same unblinking intelligence-strike capability already keeps the U.S. safe from terror attacks, no matter where in the world the threat may materialize. We do not need combat troops permanently on the ground in Afghanistan in order to strike at threats to our country that may arise from there.

The best thing the Biden Administration can do after it completes its assessment of the 2020 agreement with the Taliban is to remain on schedule and complete the military withdrawal by May. The problems in Afghanistan are only going to be resolved by the parties that must live with the results. Keeping American troops beyond May will only extend our military futility and do nothing to focus the two sides on reaching a negotiated settlement.

Daniel L. Davis is a Senior Fellow for Defense Priorities and a former Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army who deployed into combat zones four times. He is the author of “The Eleventh Hour in 2020 America.”

engage Pakistan’s private sector in Afghanistan. Already Pakistani construction and consumer-goods companies are looking to take advantage of a peace dividend in Afghanistan. Islamabad is also hoping to export food and agricultural goods across the border. Investment and trade can anchor relations between the United States and Pakistan in economics.

Ultimately, the best asset each country has is its people. The potential in continued exchanges between these populations is evident in the hundreds of Pakistani Fulbright scholarship recipients, the vibrant PakistaniAmerican community, and the many US businesses involved in Pakistan’s ever-growing consumer market. With two-thirds of its population under the age of thirty, Pakistan boasts a market that could thrive under the right regulatory environment.

Taking advantage of this potential will not be easy. Events such as the recent release of the man convicted of killing American journalist Daniel Pearl will create bumps in the relationship. A good first step would be to restart the US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. Pakistan is eager to know how the Biden administration will approach the country. Likewise, the United States wants to ensure it maintains a relationship with Pakistan that protects its interests in the region. A formal framework would signal a public commitment to the issues at the core of the relationship, add a layer of prestige and attention that will motivate all parties involved, and create a mechanism that allows for sustained oversight and follow-up on commitments. The United States has an opportunity to move on from the sordid history of US-Pakistan relations. Strategic imperatives in both Islamabad and Washington have provided a rare opening, one that if explored effectively could serve US regional interests positively and also provide impetus for change in Pakistan.

Dr. Vali R. Nasr is the Majid Khadduri professor of international affairs and Middle East studies at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University.

Shamila N. Chaudhary is nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center and former director for Pakistan and Afghanistan at the White House National Security Council.

Media veteran Uday Shankar & James Murdoch seek to acquire Asian media, tech firms MURDOCH AND SHANKAR PREVIOUSLY WORKED TOGETHER AT STAR INDIA, WHICH BECAME THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST MEDIA COMPANY BEFORE WALT DISNEY’S TAKEOVER OF A SWATH OF 21ST CENTURY FOX’S ASSETS BloomBerg BAIJU KALESH And AnTO AnTOnY

James Murdoch’s investment company Lupa Systems LLC, and a former senior executive at The Walt Disney Co.’s Asia unit are weighing a plan to raise funds through a special purpose acquisition company, people familiar with the matter said. The former chief executive officer of 21st Century Fox Inc. and Uday Shankar, the former president of Walt Disney Asia Pacific, are seeking a blank-check vehicle to acquire Asian companies in sectors including media and technology, the people said, asking not to be named as the information is not public. The joint venture is sounding out advisers as well as potential investors in the SPAC, the people said. They are considering listing the vehicle in the U.S., one of the people said. Deliberations are at an early stage, and details of the potential SPAC including venue may change, the people said.

Shankar and a representative for Lupa declined to comment. Lupa and Shankar announced a partnership in January to look for growth avenues across emerging markets. The 48-year-old son of billionaire Rupert Murdoch resigned from the board of News Corp. in July last year, citing differences of opinion with the publishing company. Lupa entered India less than two years ago and has built a portfolio of technology investments, according to the statement. Murdoch and Shankar previously worked together at Star India, which became the country’s largest media company before Walt Disney’s takeover of a swath of 21st Century Fox’s assets, including Star, in 2019. Shankar worked for the Asia Pacific unit of Disney after the deal, but left in December last year. Investors ploughed $83 billion into 248 SPACs in the U.S. last year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The trend is rapidly going global, with blankcheck companies springing up in recent months to focus on targets in Asia, or with ties to the region. Hong Kong billionaire Richard Li established a $595 million SPAC with PayPal Holdings Inc. co-founder Peter Thiel. Former Morgan Stanley India head Narayan Ramachandran’s SPAC raised about $173 million in January, and plans to seek a tie-up with a technology business led by members of the Indian diaspora.

Sunday, 14 February, 2021

buSineSS 09

iSlamabad

MASSIVe hIke In PetRoleuM PRICeS on the CARdS FPCCI seeks extension in SBP’s refinance scheme to support employment ISLAMABAD APP

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has urged the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to extend is Refinance Scheme for Payment of Wages and Salaries, which was launched to support employees and prevent layoffs due to the Covid-19 outbreak in Pakistan, by a year. Lauding the SBP's initiatives such as facilitation in salary payments, deferred loans and introduction of Temporary Economic Refinance Facility (TERF), FPCCI President Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo said in a statement that these schemes not only helped many industrial and service-oriented sectors to retain employees during Covid-19 pandemic, but also resolved cash flow problems faced by businessmen and industrialists. Under this scheme, SBP has released Rs238 billion to the private sector, he noted, adding that the aim of this scheme was to prevent layoffs by financing the wages and salaries of employees (permanent, contractual, daily wagers as well as outsourced). This service was available for all kinds of businesses except government entities, public sector enterprises, autonomous bodies and deposit taking financial institutions. "Since the companies that availed this credit facility through banks have still not recovered from the devastating economic impact of Covid-19, it would be advisable if SBP extend this scheme by one more year," the statement read.

FBR expects Rs6bn revenue from VAS installation in sugar mills ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is expecting to collect up to Rs6 billion a year from the installation of video analytics surveillance (VAS) systems at the sugar mills to check under-reporting in production. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had last Monday approved Rs350 million for the installation of VAS systems at the mills to monitor their operations and prevent tax evasion. VAS is a system that monitors production through video cameras and weighing sensors.

The system was introduced under an agreement signed by the FBR and Pakistan Sugar Mills Association in October last year. VAS installation will begin as soon as the legal process regarding licencing and import of surveillance devices is completed. Millers say they have been notified that monitoring will start by the next sugarcane crushing season in the autumn. "Electronic monitoring system is expected before the start of next crushing season," Sindh Abadgar’s Sugar Mills chief executive Tara Chand Essarani said. "Since the start of the crushing season from November 2020, representatives of FBR are already deployed in most of the mills.” While the FBR is optimistic that the monitoring system will significantly contribute to state coffers, experts say that the real issues behind tax evasion are the agency's inefficient law enforcement and connivance. According to experts, the FBR needs to improve human resources and counter tax evasion through technological intervention. "The tax evasion and/or avoidance is either due to inefficiency or corruption. The FBR first of all must put its own house in order," they added. An investigation report made public in May 2020 found that sugar mill owners had made a windfall profit of over Rs100 billion through acting as cartels, fudging the production cost to claim subsidies, underreporting their stocks and exploiting farmers. Some 85 sugar mills are operational in Pakistan, mostly in Punjab and Sindh. Many of them belong to influential politicians and their families.

ISLAMABAD

t

OGRA RECOMMENDS RS16 PER LITRE HIKE IN PETROL PRICE

AHMAD AHMADANI

HE prices of petroleum products (POL) are likely to witness a massive increase from Tuesday, as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has forwarded its summary in this regard to the Petroleum Division.

According to sources, OGRA has recommended up to Rs16 per litre hike in petrol price and up to Rs14.75 per liter increase in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) for the next 15 days.

Likewise, an increase in the prices

of kerosene oil and light diesel oil (LDO) has also been suggested by OGRA, they added.

Sources said that the final decision regarding oil prices would be made by Prime Minister Imran Khan. If the PM grants approval to the raise, then masses will find a new wave of inflation in prices of essential commodities and transport fares, they added.

The new oil prices will come into effect from 16th February 2021.

Sources said that despite OGRA's

working, the PM is expected to approve only Rs4 to Rs5 per litre hike in POL prices, since the government has the option to maintain/reduce oil prices by changing the rate of petroleum levy and other taxes imposed on oil prices.

At present, petrol is available at Rs111.90 per litre, while is being sold at Rs116.07 per litre in the open market.

It is pertinent to mention that under the government's instruction, OGRA is

Govt to end oil exploration in lakki block PESHAWAR AZIZ BUNERI

On the recommendation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oil and Gas Company Limited (KPOGCL), the federal government has decided to discontinue oil exploration activities in Lakki Block.

The responsibility of oil exploration in Lakki Block was assigned to KPOGCL by the Petroleum Division in 2018. As per a report shared with the federal government, the company had spent Rs30 million to complete exploration work on 750 units in different areas of Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu and Karak; however, only 3pc to 5pc probability of oil was found at the block.

According to Petroleum Division sources, the federal government has approved an alternative location for oil exploration in the province. The Council of Common Interests (CCI) has also approved the new location with a direction

for the company to formulate necessary rules and regulations in this regard, they added.

Talking to this scribe, Adviser to Chief Minister on Natural Resources Hamitaullah Khan confirmed that the KP government had approached the Centre regarding the closure of Lakki Block, following which the CCI allowed the province to commence work on a new block. "For this purpose, the Petroleum Division has sent a letter

to the Ministry of Defence for security clearance so that exploration work on the new block in Waziristan could be started."

Khan said the KP government would initiate the new venture with the help of reputed companies, as experience, along with investment, was essential for the success of the project.

Exploration work on the new block would be carried out at a cost of $30 million, he added.

required to calculate oil prices on the basis of 17pc general sales tax and maximum petroleum levy permissible under the law at Rs30 per litre on HSD and petrol. The government later announces a lower than OGRA-determined prices on political considerations.

However, if the government approves a hike in oil prices, then this will be the fifth increase in oil prices during the last two and half months.

In the last 75 days, the government has increased petrol price by Rs11.21 per litre, HSD by Rs14.64 per litre, kerosene oil by Rs14.90 per litre and LDO by Rs16.37 per litre.

Asad umar hails double-digit growth in lSM output Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has said that the country’s large scale manufacturing (LSM) industry is showing strong growth, as it increased by 11.4pc in December 2020, as compared to the same month of the preceding year. The federal minister in a tweet said that it is “another double digit growth month for large scale manufacturing”. On average, the large scale manufacturing production posted a growth of eight percent during July to December last year, he said, adding that the industrial sector is now showing sustained strong growth. Earlier on Friday, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said that the Large Scale Manufacturing Index (LSMI) output increased by 11.40pc for December 2020 compared to December 2019 and 13.51pc if compared to November 2020.

According to monthly data released by PBS, the overall output of LSMI increased by 8.16pc for July-December 2020-21 compared to JulyDecember 2019-20. The production during the period under review increased in textile, food, beverages & tobacco, coke & petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, non metallic mineral products, automobiles, fertilizers and paper & paperboard while it decreased in electronics, leather products and engineering products. NEWS DESK

Govt committed to economic uplift: minister ISLAMABAD TLTP

Hyderabad: A vendors displays stuffed toys in his shop ahead of Valentine's Day celebrations. INP

Minister for Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh has said that improving the economy and putting the country on a strong footing is the aim of the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) government. Talking to the media persons outside the Election Commission of Pakistan on Saturday after submitting his nomination papers for the Senate election, the finance minister said, “We are working to live up to the expectations of the people.” He was confident that the PTI will emerge victorious in the upcoming Senate elections.

He said, “We are proud of our democratic system.” Earlier, Sheikh along with his fellow cabinet members, Azam Swati, Hammad Azhar and others reached the Election Commission of Pakistan office to submit his nomination papers.

Healthy financial results may keep PSX in green next week After the benchmark index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) lost 1,097 points during the outgoing week, market gurus expect the bourse to turn green on the basis of expected healthy financial results to be announced in the upcoming week.

Some of big giants in cement, banking and oil & gas sectors are set to announce financial results in the coming week, including Fauji Cement, DG Khan Cement, Kohat Cement, Power Cement, Habib Bank, Askari Bank, Meezan Bank, Soneri Bank, Allied Bank, Faysal Bank, Bank Of Punjab, Pakistan State Oil and Mari Petroleum.

Likewise, other major companies an-

nouncing results in the next week include Kot Addu Power Company, Millat Tractors Limited, Engro Fertilizers Limited, Engro Corporation Limited, Al-Shaheer Corporation Limited, Sitara Chemical Industries Limited, Gatron Industries Limited, Mughal Iron and Steel Industries, National Foods Limited, and Tariq Glass Industries Limited.

Analysts at Arif Habib Limited said that the market will turn positive in the coming week given healthy earnings expectations in the ongoing result season.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index is currently trading at a PER of 7.4x (2021) compared to Asia Pacific regional average of

17.7x, while offering DY of 6.5pc versus 2.5pc offered by the region.

The market remained in the negative zone throughout the outgoing week as investors resorted to profit taking. Despite finalization of agreement between IPPs and the government, sentiment in the power sector remained lacklustre.

As international oil prices crossed $60/bbl mid-week, brief interest was witnessed in the E&P sector.

Albeit this was short-lived as oil prices corrected slightly by week end, and market participants were sidelined from the E&P stocks.

Pertinently, the market in the outgoing

CMYK

week witnessed its highest ever single day volume of 1,125 million shares. With that said, the market closed red on all five days, closing at 45,808 points, down by 1,098 points / 2.4pc on a week-on-week (WoW) basis.

Sector-wise, negative contributions came from commercial banks (448 points), fertilizer (267 points), oil & gas exploration companies (175 points) and power generation & distribution (113 points). On the other hand, cements (318 points), technology & communication (16 points) and refinery (16 points) contributed positively.

Among the scrips, negative contributors included UBL (105 points), HBL (100 points),

and ENGRO (99 points), while positive contributors included LUCK (144 points), DGKC (63 points), and KOHC (36 points).

Foreign selling continued this week, clocking in at $3.2 million compared to a net sale of $2.7 million last week. Selling was witnessed in commercial banks ($4.3 million) and E&P ($0.4 million). On the domestic front, major buying was reported by individuals ($12.7 million) and companies ($8.4 million).

Average volumes arrived at 734 million shares (up by 32pc WoW), while average value traded settled at $169 million (down by 1.5pc WoW). NEWS DESK

sunday, 14 February, 2021

10 ForeIgn news

IslamabaD

MyaNMar arMy SUSpENdS laWS liMitiNg forCES, hUNtS protESt BaCkErS

M

AGENCIES

YANMAR’S junta on Saturday suspended laws constraining security forces from detaining suspects or searching private property without court approval and ordered the arrest of wellknown backers of mass protests against this month’s coup.

The announcements came on the eighth day of country-wide demonstrations against the Feb. 1 takeover and detention of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, which halted an unsteady transition to democracy that began in 2011.

A statement signed by military ruler General Min Aung Hlaing ordered the suspension of three sections of the laws “protecting the privacy and security of the citizens”, which had been introduced after Myanmar opened up from half a century of army rule.

The sections suspended include the requirement for a court order to detain prisoners beyond 24 hours and constraints on security forces’ ability to enter - and if need be damage - private property to search it or make arrests. The suspensions also frees authorities to spy on all communications.

The statement gave no specific end date.

The coup has prompted the biggest street protests in more than a decade and has been denounced by Western countries, with the

United States announcing some sanctions on the ruling generals and other countries also considering measures.

Before Myanmar began democratic reforms, it was one of the world’s most isolated countries. In another echo of the old era, the junta reintroduced a requirement for villages and wards in towns to register anyone staying overnight.

As anti-coup protests sprang up again in the biggest city Yangon, the capital Naypyitaw and elsewhere on Saturday, the army

EU calls on China to reverse ban on BBC World News

said arrest warrants had been issued for seven high profile critics of military rule over their comments on social media.

People should inform the police if they spot any of the seven people named and will be punished if they shelter them, the army’s True News information team said in a statement.

It said cases had been filed under a law which provides up to two years jail for comments that could cause alarm or “threaten tranquility”.

On the wanted list is Min Ko Naing, 58, who was imprisoned for most of the time between 1988 and 2012, and who has been one of the most prominent figures in encouraging the protests and a civil disobedience movement.

Reuters was not immediately able to reach him for comment.

COUP OPPONENTS: Others with warrants against them included “Jimmy” Kyaw Min Yu - also a veteran of the 1988 student uprising - singer “Lin Lin” Htwe Lin Ko and Myo Yan Naung Thein, a political analyst, and Maung Maung Aye, an NLD-supporting television presenter, and writer Insein Aung Soe. “I am so proud to have a warrant issued along with Min Ko Naing. Catch me if you can,” said the last, Ei Pencilo, to her more than 1.6 million followers on Facebook.

Like several of those named, she worked with Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD), which won a landslide in a November election the army alleged to be tainted with fraud - an accusation dismissed by the electoral commission.

The United Nations human rights office said on Friday more than 350 people have been arrested in Myanmar since the coup by army chief General Min Aung Hlaing, who said he acted because of election malpractice.

Journalist Shwe Yee Win, who had reported on opposition to the coup in the west-

ern town of Pathein, was taken away by police and soldiers on Thursday and has not been heard from since, her TimeAyeyar news website and her mother said.

“I am really worried,” said Thein Thein, now looking after her daughter’s one-yearold child.

The government did not respond to requests for comment.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners voiced concern about a wave of overnight arrests.

“Family members are left with no knowledge of the charges, location, or condition of their loved ones. These are not isolated incidents, and nighttime raids are targeting dissenting voices,” it said in a statement.

Suu Kyi, for decades the standard bearer of the fight for democracy in Myanmar, faces charges of illegally importing and using six walkie-talkie radios.

NLD press officer Kyi Toe said on Facebook that she was healthy under house arrest in the capital Naypyitaw.

The coup and detentions have prompted anger from Western countries and the 47member UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on Friday calling on Myanmar to release detainees an refrain from using violence against protesters.

The United States this week began imposing sanctions on the ruling generals and some businesses linked to them.

Italy's Draghi takes office, faces daunting challenges

The European Union on Saturday called on China to reverse its ban on the BBC World News television channel imposed in apparent retaliation for Britain’s pulling of the license of state-owned Chinese broadcaster CGTN. The EU said in a statement that Beijing’s move further restricted “freedom of expression and access to information inside its borders," and violated both the Chinese constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The statement also said that Hong Kong’s announcement that its public broadcaster would also stop carrying BBC broadcasts added to the “erosion of the rights and freedoms that is ongoing" in the semiautonomous Chinese territory since the imposition last year of a sweeping new national security law. “The EU remains strongly committed to safeguarding media freedom and pluralism, as well as protecting the right to freedom of expression online and offline, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference of any kind," the statement said. While Britain is no longer in the EU, it remains a member of the Council of Europe, which oversees a 1989 agreement linking broadcasting licenses. Britain, the U.S. and foreign correspondents based in China have also expressed dismay over the BBC ban.

China's move Thursday was largely symbolic, because BBC World was shown only on cable TV systems in hotels and apartment compounds for foreigners and some other businesses. However, it comes against the backdrop of growing conflict between Beijing and Western governments over a slew of issues ranging from human rights to trade and the COVID-19 pandemic in which Chinese criticisms over foreign media coverage have played a prominent role. AGENCIES

The Italian president swore in the former chief of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, as prime minister on Saturday at the head of a unity government called on to confront the coronavirus crisis and economic slump.

All but one of Italy’s major parties have rallied to his side and his cabinet includes lawmakers from across the political spectrum, as well as technocrats in key posts, including the finance ministry and a new green transition portfolio.

Much now rests on Draghi’s shoulders.

He is tasked with plotting Italy’s recovery from the pandemic and must immediately set to work on plans for how to spend more than 200 billion euros ($240 billion) in European Union funds aimed at rebuilding the recession-bound economy.

If he prevails, Draghi will likely bolster the entire eurozone, which has long fretted over Italy’s perennial problems. Success would also prove to Italy’s sceptical northern allies that by offering funds to the poorer south, they will fortify the entire bloc.

Strong quake hits off Japan coast, triggering blackouts

200 years after Napoleon defeat, Russia and France bury their dead

IWAKI: A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 hit off the coast of eastern Japan on Saturday, shaking buildings and triggering widespread blackouts, but there appeared to be no major damage and no tsunami warning was issued. The epicentre was off the coast of Fukushima prefecture at a depth of 60 km (36 miles), the Japan Meteorological Agency said. It hit at 11:08 p.m. local time (1408 GMT) and shook buildings in the capital Tokyo and elsewhere. No tsunami warning had been issued, the meteorological agency said. A Reuters cameraman on location in Fukushima said his tenth floor hotel room shook heavily for some time. One man at the hotel was taken to hospital after falling and hitting his head on a door, the Reuters cameraman said. Although injured, the man was still able to walk, the cameraman said.

Footage from television also showed broken glass from shop fronts, while Kyodo news reported about a dozen injuries, although none immediately appeared to be grave. Some 950,000 households were initially without power, government spokesman Katsunobu Kato told a briefing carried on public broadcaster NHK. The blackouts appeared to be concentrated in northeast Japan, including Fukushima and neighbouring prefectures. There were no irregularities at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear power plants, or at the KahiwazakiKariwa nuclear plant, owner Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings said. The utility also said there was no change in the radiation levels around its plants. AGENCIES

ROME AGENCIES

VYAZMA AGENCIES

The remains of French and Russian soldiers who died during Napoleon's catastrophic retreat from Moscow in 1812 were laid to rest Saturday in a rare moment of unity between the two countries.

Officials and descendants of 19th-century Russian and French military leaders gathered for a windswept ceremony in the western town of Vyazma to re-bury the remains of 126 people killed in one of the bloodiest battles of Napoleon's Russian campaign.

The snow fell and a military band played in temperatures of minus 15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit) as uniformed pall-bearers carried eight flag-draped caskets at a cemetery in Vyazma, a town more than 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of Moscow.

The caskets containing the remains of 120 soldiers, three women and three teenagers were later put into the snow-covered ground to the sounds of a gun salute.

The earth had frozen, and the coffins were left in the ground covered by a white canvas.

But he faces enormous challenges. Italy is mired in its worst downturn since World War Two, hundreds of people are still dying of Covid-19 each day, the vaccination campaign is going slowly and he only has limited time to sort things out.

Italy is due to return to the polls in two years time, but it is far from certain that Draghi will be able to survive that long at the head of a coalition that includes parties with radically opposing views on issues such as immigration, justice, infrastructure development and welfare. Highlighting Italy’s political instability, Draghi’s government is the 67th to take office since 1946 and the seventh in the last decade alone.

CABINET MIX President Sergio Mattarella asked him to take over after the previous coalition collapsed amid party infighting. Draghi has spent the past 10 days drawing up his plans and unveiled his 23-strong cabinet on Friday, which included eight women.

Eight of the ministries went to technocrats, with the rest split amongst the six main parties that back the government -- four for the 5-Star Movement, the largest group in parliament, three each for the Democratic Party, the League and Forza Italia and one apiece for Italia Viva and LEU. As finance minister, Draghi called on an old col-

"As generations pass, death and time reconcile everyone," Yulia Khitrovo, a descendant of Russian field marshal Mikhail Kutuzov considered a national hero for repelling Napoleon, said at the ceremony.

Prince Joachim Murat, a descendant of one of Napoleon's most celebrated marshals, was also in attendance along with dozens of re-enactors in period uniforms.

The interment took place as France marks the bicentenary of the military leader's death this year.

The remains were discovered in a mass grave by French and Russian archaeologists in 2019.

The dig was led by Pierre Malinowski, the Kremlin-connected head of the Foundation for the Development of Russian-French Historic Initiatives.

The three women are believed to be so-called "vivandieres", who provided first aid and kept canteens in the French army, while the three adolescents are believed to have been drummers.

All are thought to have fallen during the Battle of Vyazma on November 3, 1812 at the beginning of the French army's retreat from Moscow and before the horrific crossing of the Berezina River.

The ceremony marked a rare moment of unity

league, Daniele Franco, the deputy governor of the Bank of Italy, while the sensitive job of justice minister was handed to the former head of the constitutional court, Marta Cartabia.

He also looked outside the political sphere for two new roles -- technological innovation, which was entrusted to the former head of telecoms firm Vodafone, Vittorio Colao, and ecological transition, given to physicist Roberto Cingolani.

These twin positions play into demands by the European Union that a sizeable chunk of its recovery fund should be used to promote the digitalisation of the continent and to shift away from a dependence on fossil fuels. Draghi, a reserved figure who has no profile on social media platforms, will unveil his programme in the upper house of parliament on Wednesday and the lower house on Thursday.

Confidence votes will be held in both chambers and with just the far-right Brothers of Italy outside the cabinet, he looks likely to win the biggest majority in Italian history.

However, some members of the 5-Star Movement, which was created in 2009 as an anti-system, anti-euro protest group, have said they might vote against Draghi, threatening a party schism.

between Russia and Europe at a time of heightened tensions over a litany of issues including the Kremlin's increasingly harsh crackdown on the opposition.

'Sign of reconciliation' "Direct descendants of the main players in the conflict are meeting here together in a sign of reconciliation to commemorate the Russian and French soldiers that their ancestors commanded more than 200 years ago," Malinowski told AFP ahead of the re-burial.

The site was first discovered during construction work and was initially believed to be one of the many World War II mass graves that dot western Russia.

But research by the Russian Academy of Sciences later showed that the remains were of victims of Napoleon's campaign, most of them in their 30s at the time of their death, said anthropologist Tatyana Shvedchikova.

Alexander Khokhlov, head of the archaeological expedition, said that the discovery of metal uniform buttons helped establish that some of the victims served in the French army's 30th and 55th line infantry regiments and 24th light infantry regiment.

Sunday, 14 February, 2021

SPORTS 11

ISLAMABAD

SouTh AfrICA WIn 2nd T20I AgAInST PAkISTAn by SIx WICkeTS S

NEWS DESK

OUTH Africa won the second Twenty20 International against Pakistan by six wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday. Pite van Biljon and Reeza Hendricks both scored 42 as South Africa chased down a modest 145-run target in just 16.2 overs. The third and final match is on Sunday, also in Lahore.

David Miller and captain Heinrich Klaasen saw the visitors through with more than three overs left.

Shaheen Shah Afridi struck twice for

Pakistan early on to get rid of Janneman Malan and JJ Smuts in the first and third over, respectively.

Afridi struck with the second ball of the innings to clean up Malan, giving Pakistan the ideal start. However, the Proteas made a recovery, scoring a flurry of boundaries against pacer Haris Rauf.

Pakistan had scored 144 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. Mohammad Rizwan scored a half-century, hitting 51 runs from 41 balls.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Rizwan is the first Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman to score 50+ runs in three

Sharma 161 helps India to 300-6 in second Test

consecutive T20I matches. Faheem Ashraf made 30 not out of 12 balls to help Pakistan reach a respectable total after the middle order failed to contribute. Pakistan lost captain Babar Azam early on in the second over after he was adjudged lbw, managing only five runs.

Youngster Haider Ali was the second to go back into the pavilion after a brilliant catch on the square leg boundary by Lutho Sipamla in the fifth over. Ali scored 10 runs from 11 balls.

The third wicket to fall was Hussain Talat, who was out to Tabrez Shamsi for three runs in the seventh over. Iftikhar

Ahmed was the fourth wicket, scoring 20 runs from 21 balls. He was sent back to the pavilion in the 14th over.

Earlier, South Africa had won the toss and opted to field first.

Pakistan had won the first T20I after Mohammad Rizwan's 104-run knock propelled the green shirts to victory.

It was Rizwan's highest-ever score in a T20I match and helped Pakistan set a respectable target for the visitors after the hosts suffered a loss early on when captain Babar Azam was run out in the very first over.

South Africa have made three changes to the squad with Glenton Stuurman, JJ Smuts

Nadal comes through tough workout to keep Slam dream alive

CHENNAI

and Pite van Biljon coming in for Jacques Snyman, Bjorn Fortuin and Junior Dala.

Stuurman will be making his T20I debut for South Africa.

Playing 11 Pakistan: Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Qadir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf South Africa: Janneman Malan, Reeza Hendricks, JJ Smuts, Pite van Biljon, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (capt, wk), Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Glenton Stuurman, Lutho Sipamla, Tabraiz Shamsi

West Indies stretch lead despite wobble after Cornwall five-for DHAKA AGENCIES

AGENCIES

MELBOURNE

Rohit Sharma scored a dazzling 161 to propel India to a healthy score in front of returning fans as England's bowlers hit back late on the opening day of the second Test Saturday. India reached 300 for six at stumps after electing to bat first in Chennai. Rishabh Pant, on 33, and Axar Patel, on five, were batting at close of play. Spinners Jack Leach and Moeen Ali claimed two wickets each on a pitch that offered turn. Ali bowled skipper Virat Kohli for nought to put India in trouble at 86-3. Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane, who made 67, put together a fourth-wicket stand of 162 to raise the noise of cheering fans who had been allowed into the ground for the first time since the pandemic.

The opener hit his seventh Test century -- and first against England -- and crossed 150 in his 36th five-day match to a standing ovation from the ecstatic crowd. But Leach broke through with his left-arm spin to send Sharma trudging back to the pavilion in the final session after the batsman holed out a catch to deep square leg.

Sharma, who survived a tight stumping chance -- given not out by the TV umpire -- off Leach on 159, hit 18 fours and two sixes in his 231ball stay. Rahane, who hit form after scores of one and nought in the first Test, soon fell to Ali, bowled on another good delivery by the offspinner. India lost three wickets in the final session. Skipper Joe Root chipped in with his off spin to get Ravichandran Ashwin caught at short leg by Ollie Pope. Earlier Olly Stone had Shubman Gill leg before for a duck in only the second over of the day, but Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara steadied the ship with an 85run second-wicket stand. But then Leach took Pujara for 21 and Ali's prized scalp of Kohli left India 106 for three at lunch. Ali bowled Kohli through the gate as the Indian captain stood shocked for a few moments while the TV umpire checked to see if the bail had been dislodged by the wicketkeeper's gloves, before walking off to stunned silence.

AGENCIES

World number two Rafael Nadal accelerated his pursuit of a record 21st Grand Slam title Saturday with a testing victory over Cameron Norrie in an Australian Open battle of the left-handers.

The Spanish second seed has altered his service motion due to lower-back tightness, but it didn't stop him emphatically demolishing his first two opponents in straight sets.

Britain's 69th-ranked Norrie proved a tougher assignment, with Nadal pressed much harder before emerging a 7-5, 6-2, 7-5 winner in an empty Rod Laver Arena as Melbourne went into a five-day coronavirus lockdown.

It put him into a Slam last 16 for the 49th time, behind only Roger Federer (67) and Novak Djokovic (53).

"All the matches are tough... I didn't convert the opportunities I had at the beginning of every set, so then the situation becomes a little bit more difficult,"

he said.

"And then of course you are playing against the best players in the world, so it's normal that you might suffer a bit.

But happy now, good feelings. Of course I need to keep improving."

Nadal, who next faces fiery Italian Fabio Fognini, who beat Australian Alex de Minaur in straight sets, is bidding to win his 21st major title and claim sole ownership of the men's record, which he currently shares with Federer.

His victory keeps him on course to meet Djokovic in the final, although the defending champion is under an injury cloud after suffering what he called an abdominal "muscle tear" in his thirdround clash on Friday.

It remains unclear whether the topseeded Serb will be able to play his fourth-round match against Milos Raonic on Sunday.

The odds were heavily stacked in Nadal's favour against Norrie, who has never lost an Australian Open match to a player ranked as low as the Briton at

69.

He also holds a stellar record against fellow lefties, winning 103 of 117, with the last loss coming against Denis Shapovalov in Montreal in 2017.

Nadal signalled his intent by opening with a serve to love, but Norrie proved a tough nut to crack, going blowfor-blow in a baseline battle and breaking the second seed.

But Nadal quickly refocused to fight back and take the set 7-5 when Norrie sent a forehand long.

The Spaniard created plenty of break point opportunities and finally converted an overhead to go break for 4-2 in the second set.

Another break sealed the set as Norrie, who was aiming to reach a Grand Slam last 16 for the first time, wilted under Nadal's relentless firepower.

Little separated them in the third set until Nadal made his move in the 11th game, forcing a match point with a screaming forehand and booking the win when Norrie send a backhand wide.

West Indies were 41-3 at stumps on the third day of the second Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday. Nkrumah Bonner was on eight with nightwatchman Jomel Warrican, two not out, after Kraigg Brathwaite (six), Shayne Moseley (seven) and John Campbell (18) were dismissed. Bangladesh were earlier all out for 296 runs in their first innings in reply to West Indies’ 409 runs. Resuming on 105-4, Bangladesh, who must win the game to avoid a series defeat, pinned great hopes on Mushfiqur, the most experienced batsman to give their innings some solidity. Mushfiqur added 71 with fellow overnight batsman Mohammad Mithun. But as Mithun flicked Cornwall he could not keep the ball on the ground as Kraigg Bratwaite dived forward to take a catch, removing the batsman for 15. Mushfiqur then departed soon before Liton and Mehidy averted further damage with their unbroken stand. Rahkeem Cornwall completed his maiden five-wicket haul to finish with 5-74 as Liton Das made the highest 71 runs for Bangladesh. West Indies won the first Test of the two-match series by three wickets.

Conte apologises for reacting to Juventus 'provocaton' ROME AGENCIES

Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte apologised on Saturday for "reacting badly to provocation" in the midweek Italian Cup match at Juventus.

Ex-Juve boss Conte appeared to show the finger to his former club's directors at half-time, while footage from broadcaster RAI at the end of the match showed the hosts' chairman Andrea Agnelli apparently telling Conte to "shut up". "The truth, everyone has seen it," said Conte, who

led Juve to three Serie A titles, on the eve of Inter's league match against Lazio.

"Players, coaches, presidents, we have to set an example in education.

"I'm sorry. I apologise. I reacted badly to a provocation. I could have reacted better, with an applause or a thumbs-up. I will remember it."

The images of Tuesday's incident are not clear enough to show the exact nature of Conte's half-time tirade nor precisely their target, although they certainly appeared to be in the direction the Juve contingent.

The same is true of Agnelli's utterances at the end of the match as he left the stand.

However, they are the subject of an investigation by the Italian Federation.

Conte returns to the bench on Sunday for the Lazio match, having been banished to the stands for the two previous games and fined 20,000 euros ($24,000) for verbally threatening the referee after Inter were held to a 0-0 draw by Udinese.

Inter are second in Serie A standings, two points behind city rivals AC Milan.

Alisson blunders again as late Leicester blitz rocks Liverpool LEICESTER AGENCIES

Liverpool crashed to a dismal 3-1 defeat at Leicester to leave their top four hopes in jeopardy after Alisson Becker's latest blunder sparked a stunning collapse from the troubled Premier League champions on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp's side endured a third successive defeat to effectively end any chance of retaining the title.

The calamitous nature of Liverpool's late meltdown raises serious questions about their bid to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Mohamed Salah had given the Reds the lead in the second half at the King Power Stadium.

But James Maddison triggered a remarkable burst of three goals in seven minutes from the hosts.

Maddison's VAR-assisted equaliser was followed by a howler from away keeper Alisson, whose miscued clearance was converted by Jamie Vardy.

It was another miserable afternoon for Alisson following his two costly mistakes in last weekend's 4-1 defeat against Manchester City. Harvey Barnes put the seal on Leicester's superb comeback, leaving fourth placed Liverpool languishing 10 points behind leaders City, who have two games in hand including one against Tottenham later on Saturday.

While Klopp would privately concede that Liverpool won't win the title, it is their top four place that he will be more worried about after the Reds were left with just two wins from their last 10 league games. They could be as low as sixth place by Monday if Chelsea and West Ham win their games in hand.

The temperature was well below zero in the east midlands and Klopp's 300th game in all competitions as Liverpool manager could not have been any more bitter. The City humiliation last Sunday left Klopp insisting he does not listen to the "noise" around Liverpool's shocking slide.

He won't be able to ignore the

alarm bells any longer.

Leicester climbed above Manchester United into second place after feasting on Liverpool's problems.

With Fabinho sidelined by a muscle injury, on-loan Schalke defender Ozan Kabak endured a Liverpool debut to forget.

Kabak had relatively little experience in the Bundesliga and Vardy welcomed him to the Premier League with a superb run that left the 20-year-old trailing in his wake as the Leicester striker lifted his shot just over the bar. Vardy had a golden opportunity to open the scoring when he got between Kabak and Jordan Henderson to meet Barnes' cross, yet his header was too close to Alisson.

Picked out by Maddison's sublime backheel, Vardy got in behind Henderson before smashing his shot against the bar.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was inches away from giving Liverpool the lead after half-time when his free-kick deflected off Vardy and clipped the bar.

Roberto Firmino headed just wide

from Alexander-Arnold's corner before Liverpool's pressure was rewarded in the 67th minute. Alexander-Arnold whipped over a cross and Firmino brilliantly dragged it back to Salah with a remarkable piece of nimble footwork.

Salah guided Firmino's pass into the far corner with a clinical finish from 15 yards for his 23rd goal of the season in all competitions. Just as Klopp's men looked back on track, they were unhinged a VAR controversy. Initially, Leicester were frustrated when VAR ruled that AlexanderArnold's challenge on Harvey Barnes was just outside the penalty area rather than inside it.

But Maddison ensured they wouldn't rue that decision when he bent his free-kick into the far corner. An offside flag went up against Daniel Amartey, but a VAR review showed Firmino's foot had played the Leicester midfielder onside so the goal was given. Klopp reacted with a frustrated laugh at the way fate had conspired against Liverpool, but the German was simply furious three minutes later.

Sunday, 14 February, 2021

prayer timings

NEWS

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

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Pakistan to develoP blue eConoMy strategy: President alvi PRESIDENT CALLS FOR REGIONAL PEACE TO ALLOW BLUE ECONOMY TO PROSPER KARACHI

PM offers condolences to families of martyred soldiers

staff report

P

AKISTAN would adopt a responsible strategy on the blue economy for sustainable use of ocean resources as it is transforming into a geo-economic hub. This was announced by President Dr Arif Alvi while addressing the inaugural session of 9th International Maritime Conference here on Saturday. The conference, titled ‘Development of Blue Economy under a secure and sustainable environment’, is aimed at analysing various facets of the ocean economy and achieving common goals of maritime prosperity and security in the region.

The president said Pakistan’s transformation into a geo-economic hub would improve livelihoods while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.

The delegates from over 35 navies of the world gathered at the platform to discuss the opportunities provided under the blue economy and suggest solutions based on emerging technology and innovations.

President Alvi emphasised the interest of mankind in renewable energy, fisheries, food security, transport, tourism and climate change, which he said, demanded international cooperation to avoid exploitation of oceans.

He expressed satisfaction that Pakistan was heading towards a sustainable blue economy by giving im-

ISLAMABAD staff report

portance to food security related to oceans, noting that 90 per cent depletion of fish stock in the coastal areas of Pakistan was not recoverable.

The president stressed the need for ‘inverted pyramid’ with a serious paradigm shift required in the thinking of mankind to stop the exploitation of waters, adding that the world needs to bring an end to irresponsible exploitation of oceans for the blue economy to thrive.

“As an international community, we need discipline to avert the threat to nature by reducing our footprint. Hegemonic designs in any way hinder

international cooperation. Ocean has the volume to be explored, but only in a responsible way,” he said.

Alvi assured unstinted cooperation of the government to the Pakistan Navy for pursuing the goals of regional peace and security.

Naval Chief Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi said Pakistan’s coastal areas were rich in biodiversity and offered immense scope for a blue economy.

He said China’s win-win strategy of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was mutually beneficial for both countries and also for the entire region.

Prime Minister Imran Khan sent a message of condolence on Saturday, a day after four Pakistan Army soldiers laid down their lives in a terrorist attack on a check-post in the Makeen area of South Waziristan district. “My condolences and prayers go to the families of our four brave soldiers martyred in Makeen, South Waziristan fighting a terrorist attack,” the premier tweeted. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said four terrorists were also killed when security personnel retaliated. Reports suggest a group of 10 terrorists had attacked the check-post in the Makeen area dominated by the Mehsud tribe. They said the attackers used both heavy and light weapons in the attack. The four terrorists killed in the retaliatory fire belonged to the proscribed Afghanistan-based Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

However, their identity could not be ascertained.

Blasts hit Afghanistan, at least four killed KABUL agencies

At least four Afghan security force members, including a commander, were killed and seven were critically injured in blasts in eastern and southern provinces on Saturday, officials said, adding that three civilians were injured in the east.

No militant group immediately claimed responsibility for the three attacks, which come amid an upsurge in violence in Afghanistan as clashes intensify between government forces and Taliban insurgents.

A string of near-daily roadside bombings in recent weeks has killed government officials, judges, journalists and activists.

The bloodshed comes as USbrokered peace talks in Qatar between the Taliban and representatives of the Afghan government have staggered in recent months.

President Joe Biden’s team is reviewing a peace-building deal that the government of his predecessor Donald Trump sealed with the Taliban in February 2020. The pact requires all American and allied forces to leave the country by May 1.

The United States has reduced the number of troops in Afghanistan to 2,500 from the 12,000 there when the agreement was signed. But violence remains high, with the US and Afghan governments largely blaming the Taliban.

Coronavirus in

Taliban warn NATO forces against extending occupation in Afghanistan

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

561,625

LAST UPDATED AT 9:42 AM ON FEBRUARY 13, 2021

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

NEW CASES:

58

1,262

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

SINDH:

PUNJAB:

523,700 12,276

253,090 KP:

69,386

On Saturday, a police spokesman in southern Kandahar province said a blast there was caused by a Humvee packed with explosives that targeted a police outpost, injuring seven police personnel.

Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry said “18 Taliban terrorists were killed and 9 others were wounded” in an operation in Arghandab district of Kandahar province on Friday night.

An explosion targeted the police commander in the Chapa Dara district of eastern Kunar province, killing four local police personnel, including the commander, said a provincial police spokesman.

A roadside bomb blast injured three civilians in Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province.

163,367 BALOCHISTAN:

18,924

AJK/GB: ISLAMABAD: 9,408/4,937 42,513

The Taliban on Saturday warned US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan not to extend their “occupation” beyond May as the insurgent group categorically denied it violated February 29, 2020, Doha accord.

“Our message to the upcoming NATO ministerial meeting is that the continuation of occupation and war is neither in your interest nor in the interest of your and our people,” the Taliban said in a statement that came just days before the meeting of NATO defence ministers, where the US would present its plan for the future of Afghanistan.

“Anyone seeking an extension of wars and occupation will be held liable for it just like the previous two decades.”

It may be noted here that the Joe Biden administration has said it would review the deal made by former US president Donald Trump with the Taliban last year under which the country agreed to withdraw troops by May 2021 in return for conditions including cutting ties with Al-Qaeda and opening peace talks with the Kabul government.

Both the Taliban and US have accused each other of defecting from the terms of the agreement.

“The Islamic Emirate (Afghan Taliban) on its part is seriously committed to its implementation, has taken effective steps in this regard, and also wants the other side to stringently implement the accord,” the statement said.

“The Islamic Emirate has significantly decreased the level of operations, and in breaking with past practice, no annual spring offensive was announced or

launched the previous year. That no district headquarters were conquered in succession like the years past, no numerous and complex attacks targeted the enemy in major cities, nor were plans sketched for the takeover of cities, if this does not constitute a reduction in violence than what does?”

“This is even before we reach any kind of an agreement with the internal op-

position about ending operations against their military personnel. On the other hand, fighting which has occurred is mostly cases where our Mujahideen have been forced to defend their areas, or where the public has been safeguarded from harmful check posts, or where gunmen that extorted passenger vehicles and supply trucks on main highways were suppressed,” the statement said.

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

“Anyone seeking the extension of wars and occupation will be held liable for it just like the previous two decades,” the statement warned, adding that, “the Afghan Mujahid nation considers defence of their homeland, values and freedom their legitimate right and takes pride in it.

Hence, all must avoid misjudging the situation or falling for the trappings of warmongering circles.” agencies