Epaper – January 22 ISB 2021

Friday, 22 January, 2021 I 8 Jamadi-ul-Sani, 1442 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 204 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

China to ‘gift’ half a million vaCCine doses to Pakistan: Qureshi

ISLAMABAD

d

STAff RePoRT

ays after the drug regulatory authority Pakistan (draP) approved the chinese sinopharm covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, foreign Minister shah Mehmood Qureshi on thursday announced beijing will provide half a million doses by January 31. speaking to reporters following a telephone call with his chinese counterpart, Wang yi, Qureshi said beijing offered islamabad to “immediately” airlift the shots.

Qureshi said he held a detailed conversation with yi during which he “discussed Pakistan’s requirements,” after Prime Minister imran khan had directed him to increase interaction with beijing “considering the sensitivity of the [coronavirus] situation”. “i want to give the nation the good news that china has promised to imme-

diately provide 500,000 doses of vaccine to Pakistan by January 31,” he said. “they [china] have said you can send your airplane and immediately airlift this drug.” the first doses, he said, would be provided to Pakistan under “grant assistance,” and would not require any payment.

While Qureshi did not specify which vaccine he was referring to, it is likely to be sinopharm, which was granted approval earlier this week. “i also informed [yi] that our needs are far greater than [those 0.5 million doses] … we need 1.1 million doses [for frontline workers] in the first phase,” he said. at this, yi assured Qureshi this could also be accomplished by the end of february. in december, the federal cabinet approved $250 million in funding to buy coronavirus vaccines, initially to cover the most vulnerable 5 per cent of the population, including the frontline health workers.

Meanwhile, the national command

Coronavirus in

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

527,146

and operation centre (ncoc) announced to have opened registrations for frontline healthcare workers who are set to receive the first doses of the vaccine. staff in both public and private health facilities will be vaccinated, ncoc announced on its website and gave an elaborate definition for who qualified as a healthcare worker.

Under vaccine protocol, the vaccination of frontline healthcare workers will be followed by remaining healthcare workers and people over 65 in the second phase, and the general public in the third phase. according to Qureshi, yi had stressed that china had committed to “global public good” in responding to the pandemic. “keeping in mind our allweather friendship, the minister assured us that china’s cooperation with Pakistan would continue [during the vaccine phase],” he said. he also noted that he had discussed the cansino vaccine with yi and floated the possibility of islamabad manufacturing it indigenously. “he was very amenable to the suggestion,” Qureshi added.

Last week, dr. faisal sultan, state minister for health, said Pakistan has been engaging with a number of vaccine makers, adding the country could get “in the range of tens of millions” of vaccine doses under an agreement with cansino. the company’s ad5-ncov coronavirus candidate is nearing completion of Phase iii clinical trials in Pakistan. the preliminary results of the cansino vaccine may come in by mid-february, dr sultan had said. in addition to sinopharm, draP has also approved the oxford-astraZeneca vaccine for emergency use.

A civilised society gives a message: Crime does not pay: PM ISLAMABAD TLTP

Prime Minister imran khan on thursday stressed the need to rework Pakistan’s criminal justice system, adding that “a civilised society gives a message: crime does not pay”. speaking at the launching ceremony of Letters of administration and succession certificates, the premier said that through the law ministry’s initiative, the government was able to ease the burdens of the common man. he stated the corrective measures would help make people’s lives better. he stated: “once the culprits face punishments for their crimes, the rates would eventually fall in the country.” “i consider corrections in the system when it provides relief to a common citizen,” he added.

“We are trying to bring reforms and change our justice system for the better,” he said, adding that the inheritance certificates would now be issued within 15 days. earlier it normally took two to seven years after initiation of the application by the legal heirs of the deceased. according to radio Pakistan, the law ministry has devised a mechanism to establish succession facilitation Units in collaboration with the national database and registration authority (nadra) for the issuance of Letters of administra-

Govt announces Rs1.95 per unit hike in power tariff g

Minister cites decisions Made by forMer PML-n govt as reason for tariff hike

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

54

RECOVERED:

NEW CASES:

2,363 DEATHS:

480,696 11,157 SINDH:

PUNJAB:

238,470

151,603

KP:

BALOCHISTAN:

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

64,373

18,670

8,706/4,894 40,430

more inside

COAS lauds ISI’s tireless efforts for national security President for onewindow operations to issue disability certificates

AhmAd AhmAdAni

LAST UPDATED AT 8:00 AM ON JANUARY 21, 2021

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

STORY ON BACK PAGE

ISLAMABAD energy Minister omar ayub khan on thursday announced a rs1.95 increase in the per unit price of electricity, blaming the previous government of Pakistan Muslim League-nawaz (PML-n) for inking power agreements with ‘bad intentions and corrupt practices’. ayub’s announcement came during a press conference held alongside Planning and development Minister asad Umar and special advisor to Prime Minister on Power tabish gauhar in islamabad. “the previous government planted landmines for us with its policies, causing for us to fall in trouble as we try to manage the affairs of the country,” ayub said. “if we look at their policies, the increase in electricity tariff in one year alone (2019-2020) on account of compulsory capacity payments would have been rs2.18 per unit.” but despite the constraints and covid-19 challenges, the

tion and succession certificates within 15 days of initiation of the application by the legal heirs of the deceased. he lamented that the land mafia illegally takes hold of their plots, as he highlighted that half of the pending cases in the courts were of land disputes. “We are trying to bring reforms and change our justice system for the better,” he said, adding that it would be another step towards providing relief to the people. reiterating his resolve for transforming Pakistan into a Madina-like state, he said: “in the state of Madina, monarchy did not exist.” the state was based on the principles of equality and justice, he said, adding that people do not know that it was a “modern-day state.”

Meanwhile, state bank of Pakistan (sbP) governor dr reza baqir called on Prime Minister imran khan and briefed him on the overall economic situation of the country. the governor sbP also apprised the Prime Minister of roshan digital account, stability in exports and remittances and the expected increase in them due to government’s steps. separately, the prime minister termed the unity and solidarity amongst Muslim Ummah as the need of the hour, and said the role of Ulema was vital in promoting harmony by discouraging extremism and sectarianism.

STORY ON PAGE 03

government paid rs473 billion subsidy to the power sector in the last year, he added. the minister further said, “We have to somehow overcome the deficit left behind by the PML-n government… we have to make this decision to ensure that the industries continue to function.”

Meanwhile, saPM gauhar informed that the government would be shutting down gas supply to power-linked units of the country from february 1. “agreements with the inde-

pendent Power Producers regarding ‘take and pay’ clause will end by the first of next month,” he stated. gauhar also announced that the government will shut down the old power plants with a capacity of 3,500 megawatts. “the past few years have witnessed a drop in the demand for electricity,” the saPM claimed. “We are going to initiate a dialogue with the provinces regarding power theft and bill recoveries.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Public holiday announced on Kashmir Solidarity Day STORY ON PAGE 03

Pakistan asks india to end incarceration of kashmir leaders STORY ON BACK PAGE

02

Friday, 22 January, 2021

NEWS

Covid-19 killS 54, infECtS 2,363 in a day: nCoC ISLAMABAD

P

TLTP

AKISTAN recorded 54 more deaths in the past 24 hours due to Covid-19, surging the overall death toll to 11,157, said the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Thursday.

According to the NCOC, 2,363 fresh infections were reported during the aforementioned period, pushing up the national tally of cases to 527,146. In the past 24 hours, as many as 2,179 patients have recovered from the virus in a day and 2,324 patients are still in critical condition including 27 new cases. The total count of active cases is 35,293. Overall 480,696

people have recovered from the deadly disease so far.

A total of 43,744 tests were conducted across the country during this period, while 7,525,432 samples have been tested thus far.

Meanwhile, over 60 shops, restaurants and stores have been sealed besides imposition of fines by the district administration in Lahore over the violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) against Covid19 on Thursday.

The district administration has conducted an operation against violators of the SOPs against Covid-19 in different parts of the Punjab capital Lahore. According to details, 65 shops, stores and cafes have been fined up to Rs64,000, whereas the assistant commissioner (AC) sealed eight shops in

Buzdar announces Rs2bn uplift package for Harappa HARAPPA TLTP

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar visited Harappa and announced Rs2 billion development package. According to a press statement, CM Buzdar has said that a strategy had been devised to resolve public problems at the grassroots level. He said that half of the amount would be used for road repair, while Rs500 million would be used for water supply and sewerage improvement. Similarly, Rs500 million would be spent on construction of overhead bridge and underpass at the railway crossing, he informed.

The CM further announced plans to develop 2,000 villages, including that of Sahiwal, as model villages, adding that Sahiwal Teaching Hospital would be made functional soon. A cardiology institute would be constructed in Sahiwal and expressway would be constructed for Sahiwal from Samundri Interchange to facilitate different districts, he said. The CM affirmed that a programme had been devised to give universal health coverage to every citizen, adding that Sahiwal and DG Khan division were included in the first phase and that Prime Minister Imran Khan would soon launch this programme in Sahiwal. He said as many as 10,000 policemen are being recruited along with the provision of 650 new vehicles. He further stated that Rs18 billion development package had been announced for Sahiwal through Punjab intermediate cities improvement investment programme. Governor Chaudhry Sarwar, in his address, stated that the government wanted to introduce a judicious system of justice and development on the pattern of the state of Madina.

Model Town tehsil.

AC Shalamar sealed 21 shops and stores and oversaw the imposition fines worth Rs39,000. 19 shops and stores and three restaurants have been sealed by the AC City, whereas 12 shops and two restaurants were sealed by AC Cantt.

Meanwhile, the federal and provincial governments have been offered the opportunity to buy the OxfordAstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine for $6-7 by a Pakistani importer if they procure the important drug in bulk. However, Sindh Medical Stores (SMS) has not given a timeframe as to when it would be able to deliver the vaccine to the country.

The SMS was allowed to import the Oxford-AstraZeneca’s vaccine in Pakistan by

the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) on Friday last. The approval was given on the recommendations of an experts panel that asked DRAP to give emergency use authorisation to the British-Swedish multinational company’s AZD-1222 vaccine in the country.

“After getting the emergency use authorisation and permission from the DRAP to import the Oxford-AstraZeneca’s AZD1222 vaccine in Pakistan, we have offered to provide it for USD 6-7 per dose to the federal and provincial governments. We, however, don’t know when we would be able to get hold of the first consignment of the vaccine as it has been already purchased by the several countries of the world,” said SMS official Usman Ghani..

‘A public hearing will also make it difficult for the committee to work’: ECP NEWS DESK A spokesperson for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) stated that a public hearing on the foreign funding case is not possible as it would make it quite difficult for the scrutiny committee to work.

“Unnecessary and unsubstantiated comments on the case should be avoided,” he said on Thursday. The spokesperson further explained that the powers of the scrutiny committee are similar to that of a joint investigation committee. The spokesperson maintained that this was “important and sensitive” case and that the verdict will be done based on “merit” and “national interest”. The spokesperson added that the perspectives of both the accused and the complainant would be heard by the committee. The official stated that after reviewing the positions, the committee will forward its “comprehensive

recommendations” to the ECP. The ECP will then put forward these recommendations to both the parties in an open hearing, he said. The spokesperson further said that the case would be conducted without any “fear or pressure”.

A day earlier, founding member of the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) and petitioner in the case Babar S Awan had expressed his lack of trust in the ECP’s committee. Babar had raised objections on the “unverified” documents submitted by the ruling party to the scrutiny committee. In reply to Babar’s complaints, PTI counsel had told the media after a meeting that the scrutiny committee had never been partial and hoped the report, which will be submitted by the panel, will be based on merit. The ECP had also issued a clarification on the allegations levelled by Babar. The election commission had said that the allegation of partiality was against reality and the scrutiny committee was working according to its terms of reference.

Oil dips after unexpected build in US crude stockpiles NEW YORK AGENCIES

Oil prices slipped on Thursday after industry data showed a surprise increase in US crude inventories that revived pandemic-related fuel demand concerns, while US stimulus hopes buoyed prices.

Brent crude futures fell 3 cents to $56.05 a barrel by 11:27 am EST (1627 GMT). US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 14 cents to $53.17 a barrel.

Both benchmarks rose over the past two days on expectations of massive Covid-19 relief spending under new US President Joe Biden. Late Wednesday, industry data showed US crude oil inventories rose 2.6 million barrels last week, compared with analysts’ forecasts in a Reuters poll for a 1.2 million-barrel draw. Official inventory data

has been delayed by two days to Friday due to the Martin Luther King Jr holiday and Inauguration Day. “We are on pause until we get the inventory report,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago. “The market is waiting to see what we’re going to see in inventories tomorrow and stimulus down the road.” Elsewhere, compliance with a deal to cut output from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies fell in December from November. Compliance reached 99pc last month, two sources told Reuters.

Meanwhile, rising coronavirus cases in China, the world’s largest crude oil importer, weighed on prices. Beijing plans to impose strict virus testing requirements during the Lunar New Year holiday season, when tens of millions of people are expected to travel, as it battles the worst wave of new infections since March 2020.

Govt emphasising on e-governance to ensure transparency: Firdous LAHORE TLTP

Special Assistant to Punjub Chief Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that the government has laid great emphasis on e-governance and is extensively using technology to improve efficiency and ensure transparency.

Dr Firdous said this while addressing a press conference flanked by Punjab Minister for Higher Education & Information Technology Raja YasirHumayun at Arfa Software Technology Park on Thursday.

She said that Punjab is witnessing significant progress and development in the field of information technology and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) is playing a vital role in the creation of job opportunities for the youth. Providing support and creating a conducive environment for the IT and other related sectors has been among the top priorities of the government, she further said.

She maintained the government has established eRozgaar centres across the province to enable the recent graduates to polish and monetize their skills and enhance

their professional capabilities.

The special assistant stressed that the ‘E-Building Plan’ project has been implemented in Punjab for ease of doing business under which plans for commercial, residential, industrial and semi-commercial buildings will be approved in 30 days.

She further said that the opposition's announcement for a ‘million march’ by the opposition is not for the public but only to save its billions of dollars looted from the national exchequer.

Dr Firdous maintained that the Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) politics, ranging from resignation to long march, foreign funding case to rally against Israel, has now reached a dead end.

The SACM said the government has summoned a National Assembly (NA) session on Friday and the time has come to show and prove how serious the opposition is in submitting its resignations to the speaker, adding that these self-interested people have no courage to resign.

Dr Firdous said Prime Minister Imran Khan’s announcement to telecast live proceedings of foreign funding case has deflated PDM’s balloon because everything will be exposed before the general public.

She said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has submitted the lists and receipts of its donors to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) now it is the opposition parties’ turn to reveal the source of their funds.

She questioned where PDM President MaulanaFazlurRehman’s properties - worth billions of rupees - came from, adding that the JamiatUlema-e-IslamFazl (JUI-F) chief was blackmailing for his share in the government.

Responding to a question, she said, “Our coalition partners are our strength and Chaudhary brothers are an integral part of the PM's consultation conclave. We will not only contest the Senate elections together but will also defeat opposition.”

Speaking on the occasion, Raja YasirHumayun said that information technology is being used to improve governance and facilitate masses in the province. He said that citizens can avail numerous facilities by using a single mobile application developed by the PITB. Humayun said the government has launched ‘e-Pay Punjab’ mobile application for tax collection adding that this is a step towards a transparent system for which the Prime Minister Imran Khan had made a promise with the people.

The official shared that SMS will be able to provide the British company’s vaccine $67 per dose, making it Rs1,000 to 1,200 per dose if the government agrees to buy 30 to 50 million doses. “For the private sector and institutions, we have offered to provide it for Rs2,000 to Rs2,500 per dose if they order 10,000 or more doses. But it should be very clear that we would only be providing the vaccine to reputed institutions like Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), ShaukatKhanum hospital and others,” Usman Ghani added.

Ghani said that he could not share the exact date of delivery as AstraZeneca was supplying it to other countries which had already booked and paid for the vaccine in advance.

Sweden to invest in CPEC, SEZs ISLAMABAD APP

Swedish investors, on the invitation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers and Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has accepted to join the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and CPEC related Special Economic Zones (SEZs), as FPCCI Chairman Qurban Ali urged for increasing bilateral economic and trade relations besides, increasing business to business connectivity between Pakistan and Sweden. He was presiding over a meeting with the Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan Henrik Persson, along with senior business leaders including, FPCCI Coordinator Capital House Mirza Abdur Reham and others here in the FPCCI Capital Office on Thursday. FPCCI former vice president Muhammad Ali Quaid, Hunza CCI President Mehboob Rabani, ICSTSI President Malik Zaheer, CCI Mandi Bahauddin President Haider Raza Naqvi and others were also present in the meeting. The Swedish ambassador was invited to bring investment in areas including hydel power, tourism, mineral mines, transport and the housing sector. Emphasising the importance of Gilgit Baltistan (GB) as a gateway to opportunities for the Swedes to connect with China and Central Asian Republics (CARs), the FPCCI chairman said that Swedish businessmen can start joint ventures with local industrialists in the region’s SEZs, which would increase the business and industrial cooperation between the two countries. “Foreign investors can avail cheap energy for their industrial sector as GB has huge potential to produce hydropower,” he added. Similarly, he also underscored the significance of the deep sea Gwadar port in assisting Western countries to achieve their economic and trade targets. Ambassador Persson agreed to invest in Pakistan and also showed interest in investing in the telecom sector, information technology (IT), renewable energy, education, academia, business development and environmental protection.

Moreover, the Swedish ambassador expressed satisfaction over completing 16 rounds of economic and trade consultation and enhance cooperation with regional countries through Pakistan.

SBP reserves fall $386m to $13.01bn NEWS DESK The foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) fell 2.88pc on a weekly basis, according to data released by the central bank on Thursday. On January 15, the foreign currency reserves held by the SBP were recorded at $13,013.8 million, down $386 million compared with $13,400 million in the previous week. According to the central bank, the fall came on the back of external debt repayments. Overall, liquid foreign currency reserves held by the country, including net reserves held by banks other than the SBP, stood at $20,120.3 million. Net reserves held by banks amounted to $7,106.5 million.

Friday, 22 January, 2021

NEWS

faRaZ ConfiRmS JuStiCE (R) aZmat SaEEd will HEad BRoadSHEEt inquiRy CommittEE

i

NEWS DESK

NFORMATION Minister Shibli Faraz said on Twitter said that the inquiry committee for the Broadsheet case would be headed by Justice (r) Azmat Saeed Sheikh He made this announcement after a meeting of the National Assembly’s (NA) Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting regarding the ongoing saga with Broadsheet LLC. Committee Chairman Javed Latif earlier in the day asked the chief of the National Accountability Bureau to explain why “Pakistan had to pay billions just because of one institution’s fault”.

With regard to Broadsheet LLC, Latif summoned NAB Chairman Javed Iqbal and conveyed his displeasure at the pay-off of the huge sum from the national exchequer to the foreign firm.

“Why did the NAB believe that the money went to the wrong account following the London High Court’s ruling in this regard?” he questioned, directing the NAB to transparently reveal under which government tenure this issue came to be.

He noted that the anti-graft watchdog has changed its statements multiple times and that the Broadsheet saga had become a matter of international embarrassment for the country.

During the meeting, Faraz instead recommended that the committee “summon everyone involved in the transactions if it wants to get an explanation from the NAB chief”. However, Latif replied the government should not portray itself as defending the NAB chairman. A day earlier, Faraz had said that the Broadsheet LLC issue has once again exposed the plunderers of the national wealth. In a tweet on Wednesday, the information minister had said this case shows how national interests were

compromised for personal gains. The minister had added that those who looted the national exchequer will have to answer for it. He had further said if these elements had not been given national reconciliation ordinances (NROs), the country would not have to suffer so many losses.

Earlier this week, the federal government had confirmed the payment of $21.5 million to a UK-based asset recovery firm in damage compensation and termed the development as a “cost” of “NRO deals” offered to the Sharif family during the regime of former president Pervez Musharraf.

In 2000, Broadsheet LLC — a company registered in the Isle of Man, tax heaven in the UK, and engaged by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) — helped the government and the newly-established accountability agency track down foreign assets of some 150 Pakistan nationals including members of the Sharif family

acquired through ill-gotten wealth.

The agreement was terminated by the bureau in 2003, after which Broadsheet filed a claim with the High Court of Justice, London against Pakistan, seeking the award of $28.7 million.

In 2019, a separate claim filed with the high court showed the company has applied for permission to enforce its judgement that it be paid $22 million by the government of Pakistan in compensation.

The firm had also asked for an interest rate of $4,758 a day to be applied, jacking up the amount to $28.7 million. After the bureau failed to make the payment, the amount was reported to be debited from the accounts of the Pakistan High Commission in London. However, Akbar, special assistant to the prime minister on accountability and interior, while addressing a presser had said that the government “cleared the dues” on December 31.

“Of the $21.5m paid to broadsheet,” he

Opp could only gather 3,000 people: Rasheed NEWS DESK Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said on Thursday that in spite of the interior ministry for the first time allowing a protest in the Red Zone, the opposition could only gather 3,000 people.

“I was about to declare that there were 2,000 people, but after consultations with everyone, it was decided that the attendees were 3,000,” he said while addressing a gathering at National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) centre.

“The opposition cooperated with us and so did we [the government],” the interior minister said regarding the opposition’s long march. “If they cooperate with us in the long march, then

we would also cooperate with them.

In reference to a statement by Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman Rasheed said that the JamiatUlema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief was with former president General (r) Pervez Musharraf when the madrasa students picked up the gun.

He also pointed out that while PDM was organising a shaam-e-ghareeban outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) offices, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was having a celebration in Umerkot.

Now Fazl is instigating the students but no one came, Rasheed said, adding that it was a “Friday market” for powerhungry people.

Survey: 31pc workers in kP lost jobs during second wave of Covid-19 PESHAWAR AZIZ BUNERI

A recent survey n Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) shows that 31 per cent of people have lost their jobs due to the second wave of coronavirus and the percentage of those working on Rs10,000 per month has increased from four to 47 per cent. However, 40 per cent of the workers have started getting jobs again and the daily wage has gone up to Rs565. The Department of Planning and Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the British Aid Agency, conducted a business survey in which 3,200 citizens were interviewed. The gender breakdown of the survey showed it was 87 per cent men and 13 per cent women. The officials said that for the survey, eight constituencies in 32 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were selected. According to the report, the construction sector in the province was hard hit, while the transport sector was the second most affected due to the Covid-19.

The report said that during the first wave, 70 per cent of the people lost their jobs in April, last year. During the second wave, 31 per cent of citizens lost their jobs in August. During the first wave, 67 per cent lost their jobs in agriculture sector, 83 per cent in construction, 27 per cent in food, 64 per cent in manufacturing, 87 per cenr in transportation, 31 per cent in transportation and 31 per cent in wholesale sector. According to the survey, before the lockdown, 4 per cent of the citizens had a monthly income of Rs 10,000 or less, 23 per cent had an income of Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 and 73 per cent had an income of more than Rs 20,000. The income of 47 per cent of the citizens was less than 10 thousand while the income of 33 per cent of the citizens was 10 to 20 thousand and the income of 21 per cent was more than 20,000 monthly. Furthermore, despite the easing in lockdown, only 40 per cent daily wage workers managed to secure regular jobs while the daily income of the workers has been recorded at only Rs565.

The interior minister warned the JUIF chief that Fazl should avoid be fooled again, and said that he would have attended Anti-Israel rally of JUI-F if he had been invited.

“MaulanaFazl is my brother. I would have attended his rally today had he invited. Who dares to recognize Israel?

On the other hand, I can predict that Maulana will be fooled again,” said Sheikh Rasheed.

Taking a shot at Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, Rasheed told her that the foreign funding case would become “Panama part 2” for her and her family.

He said: “ It’s going to be a difficult time for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice-president Maryam Nawaz

as further details of her properties will be released soon.”

Regarding NADRA reforms, the minister announced that facilitation centres would be opened in all district headquarters and added that free identity cards would be given to 100,000 citizens per day. He further said regular passports would be converted to e-passports by inserting a chip in them.

“Around 300 new vehicles for NADRA are being prepared while 16 vehicles of the authority are currently operational in Karachi,” he added.

“All possible steps will be taken to ensure peace in Karachi. The role of Rangers is important for the prevention of terrorism, crime and restoration of peace,” the minister said.

KP plans harsher punishments for child rapists PESHAWAR TLTP

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government on Thursday proposed capital punishment or 14 years imprisonment for child rapists in the province.

Under the existing KP Child Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Act 2010, a person convicted of sexually abusing a child faces up to 14 years in imprisonment sentence. The new draft, titled KP Child Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Act 2020, plans harsher punishments including life imprisonment and a Rs5 million fine. The bill stated that in case of a death sentence “the proceedings of the execution of sentence of death shall be recorded by audiovisual means and such recordings may be accessible to the public as prescribed.” The convict will not be entitled to any remission during the imprisonment. “In case the accused is awarded imprisonment of life, he shall remain imprisoned for the remainder of his natural life without the possibility of parole or probation.” Other amendments include a 14-year prison term for person(s) charged with making pornographic videos of a child and 10-year term for seducing a child with the intent of involving him/her in sexual activity. The bill proposed that a register of sexual offenders will be maintained and all information relating to the convicted will be shared with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to make it publicly accessible.

In addition, registered sexual offenders shall not be employed by an organisation that works or deals with children and the employers who do hire them will be fined. They will also be prohibited from travelling on public transportation that is used by children.

KP Minister for Social Welfare BishamInamullah said that Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has directed to present the amendment bill before the cabinet meeting.

He said that the amendment is meant to award exemplary punishment to the child rapists. The minister vowed to get the amendment bill passed from the cabinet and the assembly soon. He said that the government has taken notice of the rising cases of child abuse and the drafted bill will be presented in the next cabinet meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

The draft also proposes life imprisonment or “a term which may extend to 25 years but which shall not be less than 14 years and a fine of up to Rs5 million” for those convicted of child trafficking.

KP GOES FOR THIRD ‘BILLION PROJECT’: The KP government also decided to launch the Billion Dry Fruits Project after the success of the Billion Tree Tsunami and Billion Honey Projects.

The saplings would be planted to boost the production of the dry fruits under the project. The agriculture department has been directed to launch the Billion Dry Fruits Project soon. The project will be monitored by KP Governor Shah Farman. Underlining the importance of the project, Shah Farman said that the Billion Dry Fruits Project will increase the income of the people living in the tribal districts of the province and will cause a big revolution.

Last year, Prime Minister Imran Khan had launched the Billion Tree Tsunami Honey Project. Under the project, one million hectares of Pakistan’s forests would produce seven types of honey. Whereas, the production of honey would increase from 12,000 metric tons to 70,000 metric tons. Pakistan would be able to export honey worth Rs45 billion annually to different countries.

03

had said, “$20.5m was paid because of the Sharif family — of this $1.5m was paid against the Avenfield House apartments and $19m against assets of [deposed prime minister] Nawaz Sharif.”

Akbar had further said the quantum order mentioned details regarding Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president Shahbaz Sharif, such as that he paid $7.3m to NAB and elsewhere, he took kickbacks of $160m in highway taxes.

He had also shared copies of ex-parte judgments against Pakistan in the case which he said was done on orders of Prime Minister Imran Khan and was in line with his view of no accountability without transparency.

The minister had declassified two judgments: one against the liability award in 2016 and the second for the quantum award in 2018. The first verdict ruled the government [of Pakistan] was liable to pay the firm and the second determined the actual amount of liability to be paid, he said.

He had clarified the judgments were being made public after securing written consent by Broadsheet’s lawyers to ensure there were no “reservations” about the decision.

“We represent the nation and came on this mandate [of accountability] so it is the prime minister’s stance that for transparency, everything which should be in public access, the government should do it [and make it available].”

na panel summons naB chief to explain payment to Broadsheet ISLAMABAD: National Assembly's Standing Committee on Information and BroadcastingChairman Javed Latif on Thursday summoned the chairman of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to explain as to why the UK-based firm Broadsheet LLC was paid-off billions of rupees.

"Pakistan had to pay billions of rupees just because of one institution's fault," Latif said while chairing the meeting of the committee. He expressed displeasure over the pay-off of the huge sum from the national exchequer to the foreign firm. Latif noted that the country had to face embarrassment due to the Broadsheet saga, adding the top graft watchdog changed its statement multiple times. "Why did the NAB believe that the money went to the wrong account following the London High Court's ruling in this regard?" he questioned and said, "The NAB chairman must tell under which government's tenure did it happen". During the meeting, Information Minister ShibliFaraz said the NAB chief should not be summoned to give an explanation. "The committee may summon everyone involved in the transactions, if it wants to get an explanation from the NAB chief," he maintained. However, Latif said the government should not give an impression as if it is defending the NAB chief. TLTP

Public holiday announced on kashmir Solidarity day ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced a public holiday on February 5 to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day. A notification issued by the Ministry of Interior on Thursday said that February 5, 2021, shall be a public holiday for observing Kashmir Solidarity Day. The government said the Kashmir Day is being observed to “signify political and moral support in their struggle for selfdetermination and to honour” Kashmiri martyrs. A one-minute silence will be observed on February 5 in solidarity with the Kashmiris, the notification said.

Kashmir issue remains a flashpoint between Pakistan and India with Islamabad constantly urging the world to hold a plebiscite on Kashmir. The conflict prompted global outrage after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unilateral decision to revoke Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that grants special status to the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The Narendra Modi-led government had also imposed communication blackouts in the occupied region ahead of its controversial decision to revoke the autonomy of the occupied region. But weeks of slow or no internet are a regular occurrence in the disputed region. TLTP

President for one-window operations to issue disability certificates ISLAMABAD TLTP

President Dr ArifAlvi has emphasised the need for establishing one-window operations in the country to expeditiously process disability certificates.

Speaking at a follow-up meeting on the registration of differently-abled persons in Islamabad on Thursday, the president said the existing procedure of certification and registration is quite slow and cumbersome and needs to be simplified.

Addressing the meeting, President Alvi said that

persons with disability (PWDs) constituted almost 12-14 per cent of the country’s population and they faced great difficulties in getting their disability certificates.

In order to facilitate them, he asked the concerned stakeholders to establish an institutional setup to be composed of medical specialists and representatives of National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to swiftly process disability certificates.

He advised the Ministry of National Health Services to approach the provinces comprehensively to evolve a consensus on the definition of disability as well as decide

modalities for the certification of disabilities.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Dr SaniaNishtar briefed the meeting that the survey on PWDs under the Ehsaas Programme would be completed by the end of June 2021.

The NADRA chairman informed the meeting that over 339,000 DAPs had been registered with NADRA. The meeting was also attended by SAPM on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) Dr Faisal Sultan, NADRA Chairman Usman YousafMobin and senior officials of the Ministry of Health.

Friday, 22 January, 2021

04 NEWS

SinDH CM VowS to MaKE KMC finanCially StablE organiSation KARACHI

S

SHC rejects pleas against K-Electric privatisation KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday rejected the petitions filed against the privatisation of Karachi Electric (KE), which was formerly known as Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC).

The KE Labour Union had approached the court in 2005 against the government’s decision to privatise the power utility. The judgement was reserved by a two-judge bench of the SHC, comprising justices Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Arshad Hussain Khan after hearing arguments from both sides in 2017. The court while announcing its reserved verdict stated that the process of privatisation of the Karachi Electric was not ‘illegal’ and the applicants failed to satisfy the court that why the KE cannot be privatised. The SHC rejected the pleas of the K-Electric Labour Union.

Last year in the month of July, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has said that if there is no legal binding on agreement with K-Electric then it should be made public. TLTP

TLTP

INDH Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday vowed to make Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) a financially stable organisation by giving it a workable financial model and reorganising its various wings responsible for revenue collection.

The chief minister, for this purpose, constituted a committee, headed by Local Government (LG) Minister Syed Nasir Shah, Adviser for Law Murtaza Wahab, LG Secretary Najam Shah and KMC Administrator Laiq Ahmed to submit their recommendations to make the corporation financially stable.

Shah took the decision while presiding over a meeting to review the financial condition of KMC. Syed Nasir Shah,

Murtaza Wahab, PSCM Sajid Jamal Abro, Najam Shah, Laiq Ahmed and other concerned officers attended the meeting.

He pointed out KMC has failed to pay salaries to its senior employees for the months of November and December 2020.

The chief minister said that it was quite disturbing to know that Karachi, being the industrial hub of the country, was financially running the entire country but its metropolitan corporation was itself bogged down in the financial crisis and was unable to pay salaries to its senior officers.

“We have to overhaul various wings of the KMC, particularly those which are responsible for revenue collection,” he said.

Nasir Shah said that the District Municipal Corporation (DMCs), under the guidance of the chief minister, have not only curtailed their non-development expenditures but have enhanced their rev-

enue collection.

Quoting the example of the DMC South, Nasir Shah said that it used to collect Rs9 million from charged parking and has now increased the collection to Rs750 million. “This is something to plug the pilferages,” the chief minister said.

The minister also said that the DMC Korangi used to utilise Rs20 million on picking garbage from their area but have managed to curtail the expenditure to Rs9 million only due to better management.

Similarly, the DMC Central has enhanced its collection from shops and other such establishments.

The chief minister said that the KMC has valuable assets; beautiful parks in the city and huts along the beach. He questioned why the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was not operating KMC so that the assets would be maintained properly and would become a rea-

sonable source of revenue.

The chief minister said that the KMC has the potential to collect Rs1.5 billion only against MUCT and it could auction the services of its petrol pumps and marriage grounds to the highest bidders.

“I want you to prepare a financial model and present it within the next 15 days. After that I’ll add necessary input to make the KMC a rich organisation,” he said. He also directed the Local Government Department to issue a notification to take back collection of tax from mobile phone towers from SBCA and hand it over to KMC. “The collection whatever the SBCA has made so far should be paid back to KMC,” he directed.

The chief minister approved a Rs170 million grant for KMC so that it could clear salaries of its senior employees. He also said that he would be reviewing KMC’s financial position fortnightly.

Pacemaker Clinic is a milestone, says Dow University VC Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) ViceChancellor (VC) Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy has said that the establishment of Peacemaker Clinic in Karachi is a step forward for the second-largest public cardiology institute in the city. He was speaking as the chief guest at the official inauguration of the Dow Peacemaker Clinic, which was held out in the open in front of the main entrance of the Dow International Medical College in accordance with the Covid guidelines. Quraishy said that the management of Dow University would extend all possible support for the advancement of the Institute of Cardiology and for the convenience of the patients. Ojha Campus Director and Pro ViceChancellor Prof Kartar Dawani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dow University Hospital and Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Zarnaz Wahid and Dow Institute of Cardiology Chairman Dr Tariq Farman also spoke on the occasion. Professor Wahid said that in a short span of five years, the Dow Institute of Cardiology has made its mark and is rapidly becoming a state-of-the-art cardiac hospital. Dr Farman on the occasion said after the establishment of this institute in 2016, diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases, including angiography, angioplasty and bypass surgery, was started. He further said that post-graduate training had also began a year after that. He further explained that work is underway this year for the establishment of programmes related to pediatric cardiology, valvular intervention, and cardiac CT scan and other advanced cardiac imaging techniques. VC Quraishy unveiled the plaque after the speeches and inaugurated the clinic. Earlier, the VC distributed shields among the faculty and staff including Dr Muhammad Faisal Khanzada. The event was attended by Superintendent Dr Zahid Azam Medical, Prof Iftikhar, Dr Haris Alvi, Dr Rustam, Brigadier Shoaib, Prof Amjad Sattar, and other teachers and students. NEWS DESK

LAHORE: Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister on Information and Culture Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and officials of Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors pose for a group photo. STAFF PHOTO

Man kills wife, four kids for 'honour' GUJRANWALA TLTP

A man killed his wife and four children in Gujranwala on Thursday, police said.

The murders, police informed, were committed by the woman's husband, who was identified as Imran.

After being arrested, Imran confessed to committing the crime, the officials said, adding that it was a case of "honour killing" as per the confession.

Police added that the accused also confessed to "killing all of his children who woke up from their sleep and witnessed him killing their mother."

Cases of violence against women appear to be on a rise in the country as several cases of honour killing were reported earlier this month.

A man identified as Liaquat Sher allegedly killed his sister over suspicion of having "illicit relations" with a boy in Ubauro, a town in Sindh's Ghotki district to save his "honour," as per the reports.The suspect, how-

ever, managed to escape arrest and fled before he could be detained.

In another case of 'honour killing', a man allegedly axed his wife to death in Khairpur's Piryalo Town in the first week of January 2021. According to police, the suspect tried to flee after killing his wife, but he was apprehended.

During interrogation, the person, according to police, "confessed" to his crimes and said that he had killed his wife "for having an affair with another person".

Police committee formed to probe Faisalabad ‘encounter’ FAISALABAD INP

Faisalabad police on Thursday constituted a five-member inquiry committee to hold an investigation into the alleged murder of a citizen Waqas by firing of police officials.

City Police Officer (CPO) Sohail Chaudhry issued a notification regarding the constitution of an inquiry committee which will be headed by Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Investigation Bilal Iftikhar.

SSP Iqbal Town Kamran Asghar has been appointed as the convener of the committee.

CDU in-charge Muhammad Javaid was given the responsibility to provide technical assistance to the investigators. The committee is tasked to give a daily briefing to the CPO till reaching the conclusion of the probe.

Prior to the formation of the inquiry committee, a murder case was registered against four policemen under three different sections over the complaint of the slain youngster’s brother.

A man lost his life and three others were

injured after a patrolling vehicle of police in Dijkot city of Faisalabad district opened fire at their car for not stopping despite receiving a signal.

Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Shahid Manzoor tried to stop a black Toyota Corolla driving on the Samundari Road on the night of Jan 20, said Faisalabad city police officer (CPO) in a statement.

The Faisalabad CPO also released a video message in which he said that the incident was “very saddening” and the officials had fired at the car in an “unwanted and unnecessary manner”.

“Nobody is above the law. Even if they are policemen, if they commit excesses, the same laws will be applicable to them as to any ordinary citizen,” he added.

According to the victim’s family, Waqas Ahmed and his friends were returning home from a wedding on Wednesday night when they were stopped by four officers of the police.

“After stopping and questioning them,

the police chased their car,” a cousin of the victim said. “The officers forced Waqas out of the car and then shot him multiple times.”

The family’s reports line up with the information presented in the FIR, which states, pon seeing the police, Ahmed put his hands in the air but the ASI said “show them the consequences of fleeing” and one of the PHP officials then fired at Ahmed “with the intention to kill”.

The policemen also hit the dead body, he claimed. “They then took three other men in the car to an unknown location. We don’t know anything about their whereabouts,” he added.

Waqas’ brother Owais stated in the complaint against the ‘fake encounter’ that ASI Shahid went furious after his deceased brother’s vehicle ran over his foot. Later, the police officer threatened Waqas when he stopped the car while other officials pulled their rifles which made him afraid of being killed.

“We got scared and to save our lives, sped the car away from the scene,” the complainant stated. “They illegally chased us.

The driver sped the car away [eventually] stopping at the bazaar near Pharala and tried to run away.”

He claimed that his slain brother stopped his car again in a suburban village and surrendered before the officials by raising his hands, but a constable Usman allegedly opened fire on him over the orders of ASI Shahid.

He added that Waqas was seriously wounded and fell down on the ground after receiving a bullet in his stomach, but the police officials continued kicking and torturing him with their guns.

The police patrolling team carried out aerial firing to disperse the local residents who had gathered on the scene. Later, the police team drove away from the scene along with Waqas’ body and his car, stated Owais.

The three men were initially taken into police custody and later released after the city police officer got involved.

On the other hand, the accused police officials said they chased the car after it did not stop at a security check. “Waqas was killed

in an exchange of fire,” a police officer said.

The families of the victim and detained have blocked the city’s Samundri Road in protest and are demanding justice.

Following this, the Faisalabad CCPO took notice of the incident and launched an inquiry. The four accused police officers, including sub-inspector Shahid Manzoor, have been arrested and a first information report (FIR) has been registered.

“It was found out the driver of the car, Mohammad Waqas Ahmed, was injured as a result of the firing. He was immediately shifted to hospital where he [died],” the police statement read.

Ahmed’s body has been sent for a postmortem examination while the three other men have been sent back home.

The statement maintained that when Ahmed’s car reached Pharala village, the people inside disembarked and made a run for it.

“There was no justification of firing at unarmed innocent people,” the police statement said.

Friday, 22 January, 2021

NEWS

Rehabilitation of the innocent

t

By HASAN MANDVIWALLA

he basic idea of rehabilitation through imprisonment is that a person who has been incarcerated will never want to be sent back to prison after they have been set free.

Rehabilitation programs in the criminal justice system only focus on equipping offenders with skills to avoid crime and to live a productive life, neglecting the requirement for their rehabilitation back into society.

This is the story of Sakina, who was honourably acquitted by a three-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan vide judgment dated January 6, 2021, authored by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah.

On January 14, 2021, Sakina Ramzan, 77, was released from Women’s Prison and Correctional Facility, Central Jail, Karachi and reunited with her family after serving almost 7 years of a life sentence for transport-

ing narcotics from Quetta to Karachi.

While the backdrop of the story is a poor woman without any knowledge of the drugs she was carrying, the law on drugs and the evidence in drug cases is what needs to be understood to appreciate the reasons for Sakina’s release.

Sakina was convicted under Section 6 of the Control of Narcotic Substance Act 1997 which prohibits the delivery and transportation of narcotics and contains punishments in relation to the quantities recovered.

Various judgments of the apex court have expanded on the application of Section 6 of the Act being connected with “knowledge” in regard to the delivery and transportation of drugs. As Sakina pleaded she was not aware that such items were concealed in electronic goods given to her by her employer, her acquittal was actually as a consequence of irregularities and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Govt announces Rs1.95 per unit hike in power tariff

The prosecution must, in any criminal case, prove the culpability of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. More particularly in narcotics cases, the evidence related to the chain of custody. This begins with the recovery of the seized drugs and includes the separation of samples and ultimately the dispatch to the testing laboratory. The due process is of paramount importance and the prosecution must establish that the chain of custody had remained unbroken, unsuspicious, safe and secure.

In Sakina’s case evidence was presented before the trial court where it was found that the witness testimonies were inconsistent calling into question the quantities recovered as well as the entire chain.

The apex court has also held that for the testing of narcotics to conform with and meet the threshold of Rule 6 of the Control of Narcotic Substances (Government Analysts) Rules 2001, the report of the govern-

ment analyst after the test and analysis should include a detailed plan of an experiment, procedure, test or a precise step-bystep description, including a list of all necessary reagents, and accordingly failed to demonstrate such specific detail may result in the invalidity or inconclusiveness of such test or examination.

Sakina’s story makes one reflect on the challenges faced by the underprivileged who are entangled in such situations due to lack of resources and means. Women and children of destitute circumstances are prime targets for becoming drug peddlers for the real perpetrators handling the overall narcotics network. Knowingly or unknowingly, many Sakinas find themselves in situations where the law provides harsh sentences without representation or guidance, completely at the mercy of the criminal justice system.

Sakina, a desecrated, underprivileged old lady, was taken away from her family for almost 7 years for a crime she did not commit; a crime for which she was never afforded the benefit of the doubt; a crime for which the real perpetrators are at large task-

05

ing the judiciary with the moral hazard of balancing the menace of drugs in society while exercising caution in depriving the innocent of their freedom and liberty.

Sakina will not receive any compensation by the State for her acquittal nor can she be offered rehabilitation. Unfortunately, the stigma of jail, of drugs, of culpability and the darkness associated with her incarceration will stay with her.

In the last hour leading up to her release, Sakina mentioned being unable to sleep for three nights after she received news of her acquittal by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. She bid farewell to her fellow inmates, her custody officers, and the superintendent of the Women’s Prison and Correctional Facility.

She shed tears of joy at the thought of being reunited with her family once again, yet the story doesn’t seem to have a happy ending. Where will she go? What will she do? how will she embrace the outside world? And how will she ever be rehabilitated?

The writer is an Advocate of the High Court

Covid-19: the digital banking tipping point in Pakistan

By ALI ASHAr JAffrI

CoNtINueD froM pAge 01 Addressing the presser, Asad Umar said, “We had to face problems related to exports due to the previous regime, but a positive outcome is that the exports are witnessing a recovery while the economy is also on an upward trajectory due to the policies of the incumbent government.” The planning minister said Pakistan’s economy has been witnessing an uplift for the past few months and that there has been uplift in the growth and production of the industries. Umar went on to add that the current account is now in surplus, not under deficit, maintaining that the incumbent government inherited the issues relating to power from the previous rulers. “The government decreased the power tariff for the industries,” he said.

oGRa lifts years long new licence ban on cnG stations

The coronavirus pandemic has not only impacted but rather transformed almost all aspects of our lives. The year 2020 witnessed countries being brought to the verge of collapsing health and economic systems, and with the beginning of the New Year, the problems are far from being solved.

While most industrial sectors struggled to survive the pandemic induced challenges, the whole world witnessed a huge surge in the adoption of various technologies.

The global banking sector was centre stage in the pandemic-induced technological revolution, and the Pakistan banking industry was no exception. According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) statistics, the number of registered online banking users in Pakistan increased by 36 per cent, up to 13.22 million users between July and September 2020 compared with the same period last year.

This translated into a 139 per cent increase in the volume of mobile banking transactions and a growth of 55 per cent in the volume of internet banking transactions in Pakistan. Pakistan’s banking industry has played a pivotal role in continuing the

country’s economic system through this pandemic, which can be mainly attributed to the digital banking revolution. As a nation, Pakistan witnessed the tipping point towards the adoption of digital banking during the past year.

Whether it was the timely, and secure transmission of monetary assistance to the underprivileged masses of the country through the government’s ehsaas program or the provision of loans to the pandemic struck industrial sectors, Pakistan banking industry played an instrumental role due to the successful and timely integration of digital solutions and platforms.

Consumers were welcomed in the world of digital banking through e-banking transactions, ATM transactions, internet banking transactions, mobile banking transactions, e-commerce, and cashless Points-Of-Sale (POS) transactions through the use of credit or debit cards.

The Covid-19 slogan of “Stay home, Stay Safe” was only possible due to the digital banking solutions being provided to all the customers. Standing on the shoulders of the digitalised banking industry, many businesses were able to keep their operations running even during the days of

the lockdown. however, the journey towards a digitalised, resilient, and proactive financial system is by no means over. Instead, we are just at the beginning, with a predominantly cash-dependent economy caused as the majority of the consumers still use cash for daily transactions and avoid digital banking solutions due to a lack of knowledge or security fears. Globally, the banking industry is leaps and bounds ahead of Pakistan’s banking industry in terms of technological advancements. Consumers can avail financial services through smart bank branches offering 24/7 bank services through self-service machines, such as issuing new ATM cards, cheque books, statements of accounts, and so on.

By adopting advanced technologies, the banking industry is integrating what it offers with various other sectors, such as health care or other government departments, on a real-time basis. Banks that are behind this trend will start to struggle due to structurally uncompetitive economics.

It is essential to understand that the new word for survival during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the post-Covid scenario is “digital”. Technological advances in every aspect of our daily lives are a substantial part

of this new age. This pandemic has pushed us past the digital revolution’s tipping point, which can create promising exponential impacts on the economic productivity and growth of Pakistan. however, without the proactive and efficient digitalisation of the country’s banking system, this transformation can be endangered. Pakistan’s banking industry needs to move forward and build upon the momentum generated due to the conditions imposed by this novel pandemic. A need exists to evaluate and re-engineer the ageing processes across all industries and harness partnerships based on real-time connectivity and information sharing.

The banking sector also needs to work on pragmatic digital banking models and build a more dynamic digital presence across all stakeholders. Pakistan’s banking system should respond to the opportunities arising out of these challenging times and lead the country towards the era of true digitalisation.

Ali AsharJaffri is the General Manager Supply Chain & Procurement and CIO at Bank AL habib Limited, Pakistan. he has more than 22 years of managerial experience in a number of reputed national and international organizations.

ISLAMABAD AHMAD AHMADANI

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has lifted a 12 year long ban on the issuance of new licences for the new compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations in the country, according to a local media report.

According to OGRA, new licences would be awarded to run CNG stations on Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG). In this regard, the authority has published advertisements inviting applications from interested persons in various newspapers. In January 2008, caretaker prime minister, Mohammad Mian Soomro had directed that “new CNG licences in the pipeline should be held up and CNG connections should not be issued except to those who had already imported CNG machines”. Later, in April 2011, prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani imposed a countrywide moratorium on the provision of new industrial and commercial gas connections with immediate effect for a period of six months. In September 2011, he approved proposals under which OGRA issued marketing licences to prospective applicants.

A civilised society gives a message: Crime does not pay: PM CoNtINueD froM pAge 01 Talking to a delegation of Ulema (religious scholars), Prime Minister Imran said their united efforts could help counter the nefarious conspiracies aimed at creating a rift among Muslims all over the world.

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith harmony Pir Noor ul haq Qadri was also present during the meeting.

The premier stated that the Ulema could play a significant role in making the country a true Islamic welfare state.

Imran Khan added that he would hold a series of meetings with Ulema and seek guidance from them on issues facing the country.

Regarding his efforts to highlight the problems faced by the Muslim world, he said that the voice against Islamophobia was raised at several international fora.

The Ulema appreciated the efforts made by Prime Minister Imran Khan and thanked him for taking a firm stance against the blasphemy of the holy Prophet (Peace

be Upon him) and Islamophobia in the West at the platform of the United Nations (UN).

They said the premier had effectively conveyed the sentiments of the people of Pakistan and the entire Muslim Ummah.

The delegation said the premier had highlighted the Kashmir issue in an effective manner at the UN, adding that Imran Khan was a true leader of the Islamic world.

On the issue of recognising Israel, the Ulema lauded PM Imran for taking a clear and unequivocal stance.

The delegation appreciated the prime minister’s vision and efforts to make Pakistan more in line with the Islamic welfare state of Madinah.

They assured Prime Minister Imran full support in making Pakistan a true Islamic welfare state.

They also lauded the PM’s prudent strategy in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and the government’s efforts to manage worshippers at mosques in the most efficient manner.

The Ulema informed that minorities enjoyed full protection in the country following the premier’s efforts to ensure their safety and the restoration of their religious sites.

The Ulema also praised the efforts of the government in improving the madrassas system in the country, particularly in the implementation of educational curriculum as per modern requirements.

The delegation included Pir Muhammad Amin Al hasnat Shah, Pir Charaguddin Shah, Dr Qibla Ayaz, Pir Naqibur-Rehman, Maulana Abdul Khubair Azad, Pir habib Irfani, Sahibzada Muhammad hamid Raza, Syed Ziaullah Bukhari, Pir Sultan Ahmad Ali haq Bahu, Allama Muhammad hussain Akbar, Mufti Abu Bakar Mohyuddin, Maulana Muhammad Adil Attari, Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Qureshi, Mufti Fazal Jameel Rizvi, Maulana hamid ul haq, Pir Shamsul Amin, Pir habibullah Shah, Muhammad Qasim Qasmi, Sahibzada Muhammad Akram Shah and Pir Makhdoom Abbas Bengali. With additional input from TLTP

Distorted facts encouraging illicit trade of cigarettes: SIT NeWS DeSK Stop Illegal Trade (SIT) Pakistan has expressed concerns over the misreporting of facts regarding the tobacco sector.

“Distorted facts are misleading for policymakers and encouraging illicit trade of cigarettes in Pakistan,” said a statement.

“Instead of raising public awareness to curb the smoking trend, few organizations are presenting misleading statistics to the government and policymakers. Surprisingly, well-known platforms for economic research and government consulting are being used in this campaign,” said AmnaSaleem, the representative for SIT. She said that the figures released by various international research institutes on the illicit sale of cigarettes in Pakistan, the position is around 30 per cent to 40 per cent.

“however, on the contrary, various local bodies are presenting separate statistics on the legal and illegal sale of cigarettes in Pakistan, which is diverting the attention of policymakers from the illicit sector,” she added.

A research paper was released by the Social Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

The report “Regional tobacco tax regime & its implications for health” was compiled against ground realities.

This report has used data from a study conducted by ‘Pakistan National heart Association’ and ‘ human Development Foundation’ to determine the volume of illicit cigarettes in Pakistan and termed it 9 per cent. It is unfortunate that a credible institute like SDPI failed to validate the numbers. The based study has only accounted for the smuggled cigarettes in Pakistan, completely ignoring the local non-complaint tax-evad-

ing illicit sector.

SDPI has also failed to identify the contradiction in the quoted study which says that around 62 per cent of the packs were priced between 30 to 60 rupees which is below the retail price prescribed under tax laws. It clearly indicates the magnitude of illicit cigarettes in Pakistan.

Amna said that it was unfortunate that the reports of national-level bodies like SDPI compromise on verification and validation of data on such sensitive issues. This is certainly going to impact decision making as it appeared to support the stance of non-compliant tax-evading illicit cigarette manufacturers.

A special report compiled last year by harvard experts based on Pakistan Customs data found that only smuggling of cigarettes into Pakistan accounted for 20% of total

CMYK

sales, which is above & beyond the tax-evasion by non-compliant local manufacturers.

Former chairman FBR, Shabar Zaidi has also described cigarettes as a top item in the economic losses through illegal trade and tax evasion. According to Shabbar Zaidi, tax is being evaded on 30% of cigarettes sold in Pakistan.

According to the SIT representative, the fact brought to light by Shabbar Zaidi is enough to open the eyes of those elements who mislead the government and policymakers to downplay the economic losses of the illicit trade in cigarettes.

She said that such reports also negate the solid understanding of the Prime Minister who claimed, “Only two tobacco companies, with a market share of around 60% contribute 98% of the tobacco tax collection, whereas all other tobacco companies operat-

ing illegally contribute only 2% to the national exchequer despite having a market share of about 40%.”

Industry insiders said that inaccurate statistics about cigarettes or any other industry affect decision-making and lead to a policy that contradicts the facts, affecting both the government and investors. Further adding, every stakeholder, including advocacy and research bodies, have to play their role to highlight the menace of illicit trade in Pakistan and portray its true picture to facilitate policies to counter it.

We urge the government to scrutinize those who provided inaccurate data to influence important economic decisions so that the motives of such elements could be traced.

Stop Illegal Trade is a media advocacy forum against illegal consumer goods (counterfeit, trademark infringements, smuggling, piracy and tax evasion). The platform is strategically designed to create awareness of such illegal practices to reach the relevant stakeholders and the general public.

Friday, 22 January, 2021

06 COMMENT

The Emperor has no clothes

Coping with the Biden Administration Need to fight terrorism and promote tolerance

The Confederacy lives on in spirit

T

HE PTI government is going to have problems with the Biden Administration. Some of these can be resolved soon, others will take time.

With President Joe Biden settling down within weeks, the PTI government is going to be asked whether it is willing to push the Afghan Taliban to reduce the level of violence in Afghanistan, make them concede on their ultra conservative agenda regarding human rights in general and women’s status in particular and revive the presently stalled talks. Also, if the PTI government would prevent its territory from being used as a sanctuary for militants and violent extremist organisations?

Pakistan is also going to be required to curb all terrorist groups that threaten not only the USA but also India, which is perceived by the USA as a strategic ally. US Defense Secretary-nominee Gen (retd) Lloyd Austin concedes that Pakistan has taken steps against anti-Indian groups but has expressed reservations regarding their being satisfactory.

Pakistan has lost hundreds of thousands of civilians and security personnel in terrorist attacks besides undergoing immense material losses. It is in its own interest to concentrate on eradicating terrorism and helping to bring peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan needs to project a soft image abroad.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has talked about Pakistan’s position as a bridge between China and the USA. Bridges of the sort were needed only during the Cold War when major powers had no other way to reach out to one another. The suggestion is all the more preposterous when it comes in the wake of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Saudi-Iran visit which failed to produce any understanding between the two countries.

Pakistan has to learn to live with India being treated by the USA as a strategic ally. Meanwhile Pakistan needs to do all that is required to put an end to terrorism inside the country and help in bringing peace to Afghanistan. Pakistan needs to be seen as a country where religious minorities are protected and provided equal rights and dissenting voices are not muzzled. This is the best way to expose Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan should meanwhile strengthen its strategic ties with China giving priority to the completion of the CPEC. Only an economically strong Pakistan can better help Kashmir while also preserving its own independence.

At Penpoint M A NIAZI

U

S President Joe Biden has taken office at a time when his predecessor has been impeached, for the second time, this time for having incited the crowd which took over the Capitol, breaking in to the joint session which was about to certify the electoral college result in favour of Joe Biden. It is not that Pakistan is entirely unfamiliar with the situation, though it does different things in response. When the PTI dharna exploded into a takeover of Parliament building, however, it was not considered an attempt to sabotage democracy, nor was PTI leader especially singled out for punishment.

On the other hand, Trump has been accused of attempting to subvert democracy, of trying to carry out a coup, and has been impeached. The impeachment is interesting, in that there is a punishment provided, being the US Equivalent of Article 6 of the Pakistani Constitution. Overall, also reflected was the fact that the coup attempt did not involve the military. Trump had hoped that the military would help him as Commander-in-Chief, but the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, had already been firm about not obeying. Clearly, the military did not feel that it could not work with President Biden.

This represents the first time that there has been a dispute of the election results being carried to the extent of their being challenged so strongly by the mob that it attempted to up-end the certification process, normally a formality. Only in 1876 was there a dispute about the electoral votes from Florida, and the extraordinary procedure of a congressional commission used. However, Trump had lost both the popular vote and the electoral vote. By attempting a violent coup, he was providing yet another reminder of how fragile democracy was, and prompting speculation about the last time democratic government was up-ended.

Going by the example of Rome, it is early days yet. First of all, the USA has survived worse. The Civil War, well over a century and a half ago, was something the USA survived. That too started with a tense election, with the victory of the abolitionist Abraham Lincoln making the secession of the South inevitable. There is no such clear geographical division now, but the problem of race remains. The

The false dawn is over

Civil War is not over, as some of those who stormed the Capitol carried Confederate flags. Last year, that flag, and other Confederate symbols, such as the statues of its war heroes, were at the centre of controversy during the Black Lives Matter movement, with opponents saying they honoured slavery supporters, and defenders saying they reflected history.

The reason the Civil War is not over is dual. First, the North itself was strangely ambivalent about race.

Second, the USA is still racially troubled, as reflected in the strength of the white supremacist movement. It is apposite that the last time US soldiers had to sleep in the Capitol, as they have had to this tie, was in 861, faced with the threat of Confederate invasion.

However, because the USA could come through the Civil War, scarred but intact, it is being assumed that it will come through this crisis too. It is thus instructive to look back to the fall of the Roman Republic, and how it began with the killing of Tiberius Gracchus in 133 BC, when as tribune he promulgated a land reform law. Opponents rioted. Several rioted. He was among those killed. In the same way, his brother Gaius committed suicide after a day chased by a mob through Rome, in 122 BC. The later rise of Gaius Marius, then of the military dictator Sulla, of Julius Caesar, and finally of Augustus, appear as stages in the shift to Empire and the demise of democracy.

One of the features visible then was the division of Rome between the two parties, the Optimates and the Populares, just as the USA is now riven between Republicans and Democrats. Rioting near the Capitol was a mark of the Gracchi’s murders, and the US Capitol has been named in deliberate tribute to the Roman Republic. The USA, which was founded by admirers of the Roman Republic, was a sort of laboratory for the Enlightenment.

When applied to Europe, that Enlightenment led to the overthrow of the French monarchy and the rise of Napoleon. It also led to the development of socialism and later communism. It is an integral element in the cultural make-up of the West. Does Trump represent those who reject the Enlightenment? Certainly, is rejection of science, of expertise, seen in his denial of climate change and then of the covid-19 pandemic, now this.

Has the election of Joe Biden meant the end of the Trumpian rejection of the Enlightenment? Not necessarily, though he has been elected in what seems an attempt to right the ship. He has agreed to

the Liberal agenda, which is what the Enlightenment wished to promote. Trump has been accused of founding Trumpism, but it does not mean that he invented it, only that he pulled together various strands together of various conservative elements.

He lost by 3 million votes, but he did get more than 80 million votes. Those voters are not going to fade away anytime soon.

One of the consequences of impeachment is that he would be disqualified from contesting the Presidency, something for which he is eligible in 2024, with it being predicted that he will seek the Republican nomination. He will seek to become the only man apart from Grover Cleveland in 1896, to win a nonconsecutive term to the White House. Much of Trump’s importance is not so much because of is his own candidacy as because of his seal of approval for other candidates, who start amounting to thousands if state offices are included. Disqualifying him would mean that he will have to nominate a successor in 2024, just as he expected to. He might want to pass the torch on to his daughter Ivanka, but there are increasing signs that she might find that difficult to do. Who then?

That the USA went through a coup attempt is clear, but it was both amateurish and half-hearted.

The nearest example is the 1923 Beer Hall Putsch

by Hitler and Ludendorff in Munich. That failed, and there seems to have been a reversal this time, for while the Putsch convinced Hitler that legitimate means were preferable, the storming of the Capitol indicated that Trump felt that elections would not get him where he wanted to go. Significantly, Hitler did not control the German military in 1923, even though he had roped in the distinguished World War I veteran Gen Erich von Ludendorff. Trump has not been able to bend the military to his ill in his term in office.

Let there be no mistake. The USA’s institutions might have been strong enough to withstand this blow, but it has not yet exorcised its demons. Trump supporters do not want just a turn at power, with quadrennial refreshments of a mandate to rule. They want permanent power. The founders of the USA admired the Roman Republic, but did not see, as now can be seen, that if their Republic, like the Roman, acquired an Empire, it would turn into an empire. The storming of the Capitol should be seen as the first step in the search for an Emperor.

The writer is a member of staff.

The govt must stop chasing chimeras

T

Baluchistan’s insurgency

HE government has met the news of the current account recording a deficit of $662 million in December with a deafening silence, even though the cumulative current account for the first half of the current fiscal year remains in a surplus of $1.1 billion, which indicates a willingness to take credit for good news, but not for bad. The attack of dumbness contrasts with the loquacity of recent months when current account surpluses were being recorded, and for which the government boasted without shame. Perhaps one reason for the deficit has been the government itself, as one of the main reasons for the deficit has been an increased import bill because of food imports, with wheat and sugar being imported in unprecedented quantities after shortages had raised a storm of protest, especially when the prices of these commodities went up and up, with no end in sight. That these shortages had been caused by the government’s own decision to export both commodities still awaits full investigation, with a senior PTI figure, and one of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s closest confidants being implicated.

Foreign workers’ remittances have also increased substantially, but this may prove a temporary phenomenon, as further depression of the Gulf economies might lead to a decline in remittances. The government has also been patting itself on the back over this increase, though it has done little or nothing to generate this. The government might do well to consider that an easing of the foreign exchange situation has led to a jump in imports. The pity is that these imports have been because of its own mistakes rather than because of any improvement in the standard of living of the average citizen, or because of any sudden increase in the price of any of Pakistan’s major imports.

One clue to the surplus, even all other indicators remain in the red, could be the increase in foreign commercial borrowing, with December seeing the government borrowing at $1.2 billion, taking the total for the year so far to $5.7 billion. Little of this money went to productive use, most of it being voted to repaying already contracted debt.

So long as the government keeps on hounding its political opponents, and refuse to reform the taxation system, recoveries will remain as chimerical as this.

An Indian hand exploiting the situation

MohsIN sAleeM UllAh

T

HROUGHOUT the year, we continue to hear horrific news of sectarian killings and foreign-sponsored insurgencies in Pakistan’s western region, Baluchistan. This year kicked off with yet another tragic news straight from the land of miseries about the killing of coal mine workers, who were the members of a minority Shia community, the Hazara.

Fleeing from their native region of Afghanistan to Quetta, some decades ago, was not the end of their plight where they had been initially persecuted at the hands of then King Abdur Rehman Khan. Later, when the Taliban took over the reign of Afghanistan, it further threatened their existence, as they continued to follow the Shia sect even though ruled by the hardline Sunni Taliban. With more killings, Pakistan welcomed another influx of Hazara migrants to Quetta, who could have breathed a sigh of relief, but in dreams. With lives at stake, the Hazara community has been forced to isolate themselves from the main city of Quetta, and have their abode confined to two ghetto towns.

The fears and threat they feel from being Hazara is spurred by thee genocide they have been facing for decades, and as young Hazaras dodge life threats,

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

Umar Aziz

Asher John

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Deputy Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

I

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

I

they have opted to settle outside Baluchistan to receive quality education for a better life and prosperous future. In past, the members of the community have also applied for asylum in the UK, and their government’s special guidelines for their safe transition and commitment to a speedy asylum process speak for Pakistan’s inability to protect its minorities.

Critics believe that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s cold response to the Hazara incident and the condition of burying the martyred coal miners before his visit to Quetta questions the presence of the “State of Madinah”, and challenges the quality of his statesmanship. Khan’s short-sighted aides might not see the backlash his government is facing internationally, as the world media tends to compare New Zealand’s PM Jacinda Ardern’s quick move, though political, in reaching out to her Muslim community following the Christchurch attack.

Khan’s political rivals swamped social media, questioning his government’s performance in restoring peace, and unresolved issues of the Hazara community, and Pashtuns of Baluchistan. This is not new for Hazara mourners to have Khan visiting them weeks after the incident, as last year, after the April 12 attack at Quetta’s vegetable market that claimed lives of 20 people including Baloch and Pashtuns as well, made Khan visit them after a week with repeated promises to ensure National Action Plan was fully implemented and hopes for a peaceful Pakistan.

Despite the government’s reassurance to restore peace, and tightened security measures in pursuit of the NAP, the province still makes it to the breaking news of every news channel, reporting the latest ambush on security forces. And banned religious outfits funded by anti-Pakistan spy agencies gain momentum by targeting minorities like the Hazara community, as the pretext of Shia-Sunni differences is the easiest way to spur unrest in the province that could lead to Pakistan’s instability in the South-Asian region and attract global criticism on its human rights record. Recently, a former Indian army officer claimed, in an Indian televised interview, having close ties with Baloch separatist movement leaders, and confessed RAW’s staunch support in getting Baluchistan’s independence from Pakistan. Since this claim, there have been multiple attacks on Pakistan’s military personnel carried out by a Baloch terrorist organization. Also, the Indian

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

I

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

I

newspapers confirmed the presence of the Baluchistan Liberation Army’s leaders in Indian territory, as they are lodged and have been seeking medical treatment for years. That said, that Indo-Baloch explicit connections backed by Indian intelligence agencies is one reason for sectarian killings, economic backwardness, and influence of Indian-funded Baloch separatist leaders like Brahamdagh Bugti, who asked for political asylum in Switzerland, but whose request was declined for having links with terrorist organizations, and support for militant activities in Pakistan.

Of course, with unmet security measures, and the Baloch separatist movement backing militant attacks on Chinese officials, has jeopardized projects under the CPEC, including the Gwadar port, in Baluchistan.

A country marred by billion dollars of corruption by former incapable governments failed to provide an effective solution to resolve sectarian violence and separatist movements. The Indian media, swayed by the Modi government, slanders Pakistan for persecuting the Hazara community and accusing the federal government of depriving Baluchistan of its due share in the country’s natural resources. That is not all, but the fake news reports highlighting issues from political instability, economic turmoil to bomb blast and “CPEC invading Baluchistan” serves their agenda to propagate a false narrative against Pakistan globally.

It’s not too long ago, when Indian Navy’s Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, confessed his role in supporting terrorist activities and creating unrest with the support of RAW within Pakistan, which were executed through Baloch separatist leaders. Also, the Indian consulates in Afghanistan serve as command and surveillance centres, supervised by trained Indian Army officers, who are tasked to carry out terrorist activities, spy on Pakistan’s arsenals, and channel terrorists into Pakistan through the Pak-Afghan border.

However, security officials maintained that their consistent efforts to carrying out actions against militant hideouts, and improved intelligence-based operations against perpetrators, have resulted in sporadic attacks on Hazaras, unlike in the past. Their commitment to eradicate militants with the help of intelligence agencies has wiped out Lashkar-eJhangvi elements inside and outside of Quetta, which were involved in Hazara killings. Also, with a great effort of the Pakistani media, and the Foreign Office, has disseminated quality literature, and briefings on Indian involvement in Baluchistan.

The writer reports for Fox News Digital and also a freelance columnist. He is currently pursuing an LLM at UC Berkeley and can be reached at mohsin.saleemullah@berkeley.edu

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Friday, 22 January, 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

Real face of Mufti Qawi A mufti Arabic:( ‫ )يتفم‬is an Islamic scholar and deeply discusses an issue where his words are based on actuality, and give (fatwa) on a point of Islamic law (sharia). The word mufti titled to those who have more knowledge than (ulhmas). In fact, they talk about issues on the basis of (Quran) and solve the matter from the roots. In societies these scholars are highly regarded with due respect. Likewise, Mufti Abdul Qawi is a religious personality from Multan, Punjab, Pakistan. He joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party in 2013 but was later expelled from the party. No doubt, the duration of 2016-17 Mufti Qawi videos got viral with Qandeel Baloch, for which he used to blame only Qandeel. Further, has more horrible activities and viewpoints, such as in 2020 he was dancing with a Chinese woman, he argued it has been screened and not based on reality. Besides this, he was the member of Ruet-e-hilal committee but due to scandal videos with Qandeel and his party membership was suspended after the incident. He has different viral videos with tiktoker Hareem Shah, and the new video he used to highlight vulgar discussions. Yet he won’t blame himself.

Waleed lal TurbaT

Crackdown on fuel shortage

Does Modi want atomic war?

Modi is playing with fire

sAjjAd shAUkAt

D

URING the heightened days of the Cold War, many crises arose in Suez Canal, Korea, Cuba and Vietnam when the USA and the former USSR were willing to use atomic weapons, but they stopped short of it because they both had the fear that nuclear war would eliminate both the superpowers. Therefore, they preferred to resolve their differences through diplomacy by following the doctrine of nuclear deterrence, popularly known as the balance of terror.

Similarly, many occasions came between Pakistan and India during the Kargil crisis of 1998, the militant attack on Indian Parliament in 2001 and particularly after the Mumbai terror attacks in 20008, when New Delhi started a blame game against Islamabad in the wake of its highly provocative actions like mobilization of troops.

Pakistan had also taken defensive steps to meet any prospective aggression. But, India failed to implement its war-like designs, because Islamabad also possessed nuclear weapons.

Now, the situation is very dangerous, as since Narendra Modi, the leader of the ruling BJP, became Indian prime minister, he has been following extremist policies by ignoring the doctrine of nuclear deterrence, with respect to both Pakistan and China.

Tensions increased greatly between India and Pakistan, and between India and China on 5 August 2019, when the Indian extremist government abrogated Articles 35A and 370 of the Indian Constitution, which gave a special status to the disputed territory of Indian Occupied Kashmir. The Indian government also bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, to be ruled by the federal government. New Delhi also issued an infamous map which displayed these divisions.

Besides Pakistan, China also rejected the Indian malicious acts as “unlawful and void”, saying that India’s decision to “include” some of

China’s territory into its administrative jurisdic- cial status of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir…. Now they [India] think the best tion “challenged” Beijing’s sovereignty.

India had escalated tensions with Islam- way is to divert the attention towards Pakabad especially in the aftermath of the false- istan… While their quadcopters have also viflag terror attack at Pulwama in olated airspace on different occasions.”

While, hinting at Pakistan and China, Indian Indian-Occupied Kashmir. On 27 February 2019, in response to the Indian so-called pre- national security advisor Ajit Doval recently emptive air strike in the town of Balakot, close stated: “New India doctrine will take battle to to the border with Pakistan’s sector of Kashmir, foreign soil.”

Pointing to India’s belligerence and prepathe Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down two Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets and launched rations, in an interview with a private TV channel, DG ISPR Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar said that aerial strikes at six targets in the IIOJK. Indian forces have also intensified shelling Indian aggressive behaviour and ceasefire vioinside Pakistani side of Kashmir by violating the lations along the Line of Control gave indication ceasefire agreement across the Line of Control of a full-scale war between India and Pakistan.

Nevertheless, in (LoC) and compelled order to divert attention Pakistan Army to give a from flawed internal matching reply. policies such as the unLikewise, drastic precedented rise of tensions arose between Unlike the past, now, border Hindu extremism, the New Delhi and Beijing dispute between New Delhi persecution of religious on May 5, last year, minorities —Sikhs, when India occupied and Beijing has become very Christians and particuvarious areas, adjacent to the Line of Actual alarming. The same is true in larly Muslims, controversial agricultural Control (LAC). In recase of Pakistan in relation laws which resulted sponse, Chinese forces into countrywide moved into the regions to the Indian Occupied protests of farmers, along the eastern Kashmir. In this backdrop, various scandals, corLadakh border and varuption of the top officated the disputed terthe tenets of nuclear doctrine cials; Modi’s regime ritories. which is promoting reMeanwhile, a numcannot be applied to South ligious and ethnic ber of talks between the Asia where Modi’s risky chauvinism in India, high civil and military can take the risk of nuofficials to de-escalate strategy could result in an clear war with Pakistan the situation failed due all-out conventional war with or China. to Modi’s war-mongerNotably, Indian exing strategy. Hence, the Pakistan or China or at the Army Chief Gen border dispute between Deepak Kapoor had India and China resame time, with both the stated on 29 December mains unsettled. countries, which may 2010 that the Indian In the recent past, Army “is now revising India’s Home Minister culminate into atomic war, its five-year-old docAmit Shah threatened enveloping the entire region trine” and is preparing that surgical strikes for a “possible twowould be carried out inand probably the whole world front war with China side Pakistani territory. and Pakistan.”

Reacting to his Nonetheless, unstatement, Pakistani like the past, now, borForeign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stated: “Let me make it clear der dispute between New Delhi and Beijing has to Amit Shah that if India made the mistake, we become very alarming. The same is true in case will give a befitting response…Why does India of Pakistan in relation to the Indian Occupied Kashmir. not launch a surgical strike on Ladakh?”

In this backdrop, the tenets of nuclear docChief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and Director General Inter Services trine cannot be applied to South Asia where Public Relations, Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar have Modi’s risky strategy could result in an all-out repeatedly said that Pakistan’s armed forces conventional war with Pakistan or China or at “are ready to respond any Indian aggression the same time, with both the countries, which with full might”. And Prime Minister Imran may culminate into atomic war, enveloping the Khan, Mr Qureshi and General Bajwa also entire region and probably the whole world. pointed out: “India is planning false flag operSajjad Shaukat writes on international afation– Pulwama-II…India faced great humiliation in the military standoff with China… fairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic India is facing many internal challenges espe- Militants, Invisible Balance of Power: Dangercially after the emergence of coronavirus… ous Shift in International Relations Many issues have emerged in India after the Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com August 5, 2019 move, which revoked the spe-

I have been reading with interest about the June 2020 fuel shortage. I am simply astonished that in the year 2021, the Government of Pakistan still expects to control prices of critical basic commodities like gasoline and diesel, when the most powerful Governments of the world would not dare.

We are possibly one of the only countries on Earth to ascribe such power to our elected representatives. India, US, UK, Europe, none of them dictate prices at the pump. So why does Pakistan think it right to try and do so? This is a communistic, command-economy type of policy typical of the same that brought down the Soviet Union. And aside from the wrong premise that bureaucrats in Islamabad can know and dictate what the best price should be at every petrol station across the country, the policy is doomed to failure, which is evidenced by the very shortage that happened in June 2020.

It seems to be a strange point that the Government of Pakistan has asked for an inquiry as to why petrol companies were not selling fuel at a price that was lower than their cost. They should ask themselves what they are doing wrong that caused the shortage in the first place.

How can a Government try to force businesses, established to make profit, to sell at a loss? This is the key question. Not only is this criminal, it goes against Islam and capitalist economic theory. No Government has the right to force private companies to sell at a loss, period.

Can the Government force someone to rent out their house on a negative rent? Until this question is resolved similar crises will continue to hurt the people and corporate sector of Pakistan. rohail hassan Karachi

Good Luck, Biden-Harris Team!

THE new regime headed by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris is in the saddle in the USA now. First of all, best of luck to Team Biden-Harris on this new political journey. After the so many ifs and buts coupled with some more internal crises, Biden has come to power formally at last. First up, What are they up to? What is up in the West and the East? These are all some of the basic questions to the new government in America. All things considered, Biden should first look into the US internal crises like gun culture, rising riots and certain ethnic issues. For sure, reaching up to them all concerned will do the magic as Biden has been a talented person to come up with wise words and ideas. Breaking the barriers is next. Still, there have been internal, political and economic barriers unresolved among countries worldwide.

In my native areas such as Tiruchendur, Korkai, Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Marthandam, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, the people have been into easygoing lifestyle, always having been trying to have good rapport with one another. As of now, other than the internal problems, the Biden team must take sincere steps to connect with the East. More than this, it is time to befriend the Middle East and the Asian regime not in a hegemonic manner but in the best way possible politically and economically even as these Asian nations have been spearheading on all major fronts with great potential in most areas like human sources, agriculture, technology. Rewriting history has often been quoted in so many ways so far. Factually speaking, the American history, politics and technology have been all not just sources of inspiration but also of immense help all the time. Gotcha! Already having been in command and being in charge now, the new US President Joe Biden has indeed got some good opportunities and some more great ideas to mould the US into good shape in the first place and then to make the international community peaceful and much more prosperous in all the spheres and on each and every count. It is just being expected that Biden will be able to make his political horse riding useful and memorable forever.

P senThil saravana durai MuMbai

Education in rural areas QUALITY education in rural areas still remains only a dream. No government have worked in order to provide education in rural areas.

Additionally, the people of rural areas are deprived from quality education.

Even, they are unaware from the significance of the good education. There are not enough schools and classrooms in rural areas. Students are deprived from potable water and sanitation in the schools. And they are also deprived from the very basic facilities like boards, chalks, tables, chairs, electricity and much more. There is urgent need to improve the education system in the rural areas. For that, the government should build enough schools and provide all the facilities there for a satisfying education system.

Farahnaz TurbaT

Friday, 22 January, 2021

08 WORLD VIEW

"TwiTTer and The oTher plaTforms are bad, facebook is worse" PRESIDENT-ELECT JOSEPH BIDEN'S FIRST TERM WILL BE OVERSHADOWED BY CIVIL UNREST AT HOME AND CYBERATTACKS FROM ABROAD

DER SpiEGEL

d

Tim BArTz

ER SPIEGEL: Mr. Roubini, in summer 2020, you said in DeR SPIeGeL that Trump would lose the election and call his supporters to arms. Both have happened.

What's next for the U.S.?

Roubini: There will be more armed uprisings, especially by white nationalists, if only to provoke the left. Russia and China will launch cyberattacks against the US and spread misinformation. That will shape the next four years. In the short term, though, something else worries me?

DER SPIEGEL: What?

Roubini: That Trump could have Saudi Arabia bomb Iran's nuclear facility in Natanz. All he has to do is claim that Iran is enriching uranium, then such a strike would be legitimized and unstoppable by the U.S. military.

DER SPIEGEL: Why would he do such a thing?

Roubini: For four reasons: he could present himself as a strongman to his supporters, make life difficult for his successor Joe Biden, who favors rapprochement with Iran, and do a favor for his friends in Israel and Saudi Arabia. he will need their money to finance his planned media empire; banks will no longer give him loans.

DER SPIEGEL: Moving to the economy, why is it only now that the business elite is turning its back on Trump? It was always obvious that his allegiance to democracy isn't particularly strong.

Roubini: entrepreneurs want to do business, it's no different in the U.S. than in Venezuela. Trump was politically a populist, but economically a plutocrat. Businessmen liked that. Just think of his tax cuts and deregulation. Now he's leaving and the business elite are stalking Biden.

DER SPIEGEL: What remains of his economic policy? Until the pandemic struck, his record was good: Average wages were on the rise, unemployment fell and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 57 percent during his tenure.

Roubini: Nevertheless, his record is worse than Barack Obama's in terms of the stock market, the labor market and the debt.

DER SPIEGEL: The stock market has taken the storming of the Capitol surprisingly calmly. Why? Roubini: Because the change of government is coming anyway, and because the results of the Senate by-elections in Georgia came in on the same day (giving the Democrats control of the Senate). That makes it easier for Biden to pump more money into stimulus programs. he will also raise taxes, though that will be harder to get through the Senate.

DER SPIEGEL: Biden faces the immense challenge of reconciling a deeply divided country. Is economic policy the key to doing so?

Roubini: I think so. Biden must try to win back the white workers. he will do everything to create jobs: launch big infrastructure programs, push for the greening of the economy. I'm just afraid that many Trump supporters are so pig-headed that that won't help much.

DER SPIEGEL: Why so pessimistic?

Roubini: Because the right-wing movement will grow stronger. The Republicans, even the moderates, will attack Biden wherever they can. That will lead to more violence and social uprisings.

DER SPIEGEL: Maybe things will turn out quite differently and the US will enter a golden age.

Roubini: What makes you think that?

DER SPIEGEL: If the state invests in future technologies and the economy develops successful business models from them, growth will pick up.

Roubini: That's right: The state must invest more in 5G, artificial intelligence, robotics and infrastructure. Biden needs to develop a national master plan, similar to what China has done. Obama largely stayed out of economic policy, but that doesn't work anymore, especially because China is growing so aggressively. There has to be social consensus on this, though, and that will be enormously difficult. And it will take years to see results. Simply spending money is not enough.

DER SPIEGEL: That would be the Biden version of "Make America great again?"

Roubini: I don't like the term because we have to cooperate with our partners. But there is a lot of room between laissez-faire economic policy and Trump's protectionism.

Nouriel Roubini, 62, is one of the best-known economists in the world. A professor at the Stern School of Business in New York, he is one of the few who predicted the bursting of the U.S. real estate bubble and the resulting financial crisis in 2008. He was also among those who warned early on that COVID-19 would cripple the economy.

We need a better industrial base instead of continuing to impose tariffs on foreign imports. That only hurts consumers, especially lower and middle incomes. We are importing inflation.

DER SPIEGEL: Is inflation coming back?

Roubini: Not in the next two years, too much has broken economically for that. In the short term, we need ultra-loose monetary policy and economic stimulus programs. But one thing is clear: We have to get out of it at some point, otherwise we risk even stagflation, i.e. anemic growth plus inflation. The central bank will have to raise interest rates again, the state will have to restructure its budget, for example through higher taxes for the rich, for companies and for banks. But that is something for 2023 or 2024.

DER SPIEGEL: Left-wing Democrats will demand that Biden impose drastic tax increases very quickly.

Roubini: Sure, they want to tax millionaire wealth at 70 percent, to introduce

Medicare for all and to invest $3 trillion in greening the economy. But I don't think they can get away with it.

DER SPIEGEL: Why not?

Roubini: Because the Democrats have only a razor-thin majority, especially in the Senate. And the average Democratic senator is much more moderate than the left wing of the party. Moreover, Biden's personnel policy shows that he is backing centrists. Janet Yellen, for example, the former Federal Reserve chair and future treasury secretary, was my boss on Obama's Council of economic Advisers. She is progressive but moderate.

That's true of almost everyone Biden is bringing in.

DER SPIEGEL: The debate about regulating social media platforms is heating up after Twitter, Facebook and others blocked Trump. Is the industry sucking up to the Democrats to avoid being harshly regulated?

Roubini: Deleting Trump's access was the right thing to do because he's responsible for the uprising at the Capitol. But it was

Google should fix the news industry it broke PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP EXPECTS THE GLOBAL NEWSPAPER INDUSTRY’S COMBINED ADVERTISING AND CIRCULATION REVENUE TO FALL FROM $108 BILLION TO $86 BILLION BETWEEN 2019 AND 2024

BLOOMBERG

T

ALEX WEBB

he innovation that turned Google and Facebook into money-making behemoths wasn’t search or social networking. It was selling advertising space alongside content they got for free. Now, as regulatory investigations in the United States, europe and beyond raise the prospect of breaking up the Silicon Valley companies, they’re tweaking that formula. The two firms are striking deals to start paying one important source of that content: news organizations. Not only does this help bring them in line with new copyright laws, it also gives them the chance to regain the media industry’s trust.

Later this month, Facebook will launch its news

tab (which has been available in the United States since 2019) in the U.K., with names such as the Guardian, the economist and the Independent. Meanwhile, Google has started rolling out its latest news offering, the Google News Showcase, which is already live in Germany with 20 publications, including the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Der Spiegel and Die Zeit. Next up it’s going to the U.K., France, Belgium and Australia.

Both products set a significant precedent in that the tech giants are paying publishers to license their stories.

In the past, any revenue the two companies directed toward publishers came from either one-off philanthropic funding for news projects or a share of ad income from users clicking on a story — neither of which has been enough to build a sustainable media business.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP expects the global newspaper industry’s combined advertising and circulation revenue to fall from $108 billion to $86 billion between 2019 and 2024.

To be sure, the new licensing fees are, in relative terms, insubstantial. Major publishers in Germany are receiving a flat fee of just a few million euros a year each from Google — between 1% and 2% of their annual revenue. Given that the search giant can account for more

than a quarter of their traffic, it’s a drop in the ocean.

Facebook is paying similar amounts in the U.K. The trade-off is the ability to cultivate a relationship with readers who are already on these platforms, because these products will direct them to a publication’s website to read the story. That hasn’t been the case with Apple Inc.’s News+ offering or Microsoft Corp.’s websites — both of which keep readers on their platform and obscure data from publishers, who are nonetheless paid for their stories. Microsoft is developing another news product for Windows that will host the stories itself. Perhaps now the publishers with which it’s in early talks will have a stronger bargaining hand.

The Google News Showcase is made up of so-called “cards,” each focusing on a topic — say sports, finance or COVID-19 — and displaying stories selected by news organizations. Should a user click on a given story, they’re directed to the publication’s website paywallfree, thanks to the license fee paid by Google. Conveniently for the Alphabet Inc. unit, the contracts let it use the stories across any of its other products. Facebook’s news tab will similarly push readers to a publication’s website.

These products are separate from the stories that appear in Facebook newsfeeds or Google search results —

also totally opportunistic. Facebook was collecting revenue from political advertising until recently, and now, at the end of Trump's term, they are cracking down on him. Facebook CeO Mark Zuckerberg is all about money, he's an absolutely disgusting guy.

Twitter and the other platforms are bad, Facebook is worse.

DER SPIEGEL: Do you expect tough regulation?

Roubini: It's clear that Big Tech has become too powerful, but it's not so easy to deal with it. The anti-monopoly laws, for example, are tailored to classic monopoly suppliers, who dictate prices through their revenue power. Oil or telecom companies used to be broken up on that basis. Big Tech is different: Their services cost nothing, but they exploit their users' data. They need to be regulated differently, more strictly, but not broken up. Politically, too, there is a lot to be said against breaking them up.

DER SPIEGEL: What do you mean?

Roubini: China uses its digital companies like Alibaba or Tencent for cyber warfare, so the U.S. cannot break up its digital force. Big Tech should instead become part of the national security-industrial complex.

DER SPIEGEL: Is it conceivable that some U.S. tech companies might even leave the country if the Democrats raise taxes?

Roubini: I don't think so. The battle for talent, for example, is still decided in the U.S. It would be more important for Biden to close tax loopholes that allow big companies to pay taxes in Ireland, for example, but produce at home.

DER SPIEGEL: The europeans have agreed on a 750 billion euro economic program to strengthen the economy after the pandemic. Are you surprised by so much unity?

Roubini: This is an enormous step in the right direction, otherwise Italy would have been bankrupt. It's just a pity that europe always needs a crisis first.

DER SPIEGEL: Sovereign debt loads are also enormous, especially in Southern europe. Can the eurozone withstand that in the long term?

Roubini: Of course, 170 percent debt relative to economic output as in Italy is a lot. But as long as the european Central Bank keeps interest rates low and buys bonds, it is bearable. And if the economy stagnates, interest rates will stay low anyway. What is more crucial, especially in Italy, is that the populists don't come to power and demand a debt cut. But that is not a big risk at the moment. The eurozone is not threatened, but creditworthy.

DER SPIEGEL: In Germany, there is already talk of a return to the balanced budget, referred to in the country as the "black zero." Do you understand that?

Roubini: No, not at all. We are still in the middle of a pandemic. More realistic, but also more dangerous, will be the moment when Germany's deficit drops to 2 or 3 percent and that of the Southern europeans only to 6 or 8 percent. Then the european Commission would have to impose penalties, and the economic gap between Germany and the rest of europe would widen even more. That could fuel the intraeuropean debt debate. But back to the black zero now? Grotesque!

the platforms should arguably pay extra for that. But news executives hope that this effort marks a first step toward more sustainable recurring revenue agreements.

There remains a great deal of skepticism from news organizations, since they have been burned repeatedly in the past. For years, Facebook encouraged companies, public figures and publishers to cultivate an audience through Facebook pages. After those groups invested time, money and effort, the California firm then changed the way content was surfaced, making it very hard to reach that same audience without paying for promotion.

That’s one reason that some publishers are more comfortable receiving just a small fee from the tech companies when they could reasonably seek more: If it was a more sizable payment, then they’d risk becoming beholden to the Silicon Valley firms’ whims.

The new contracts guarantee revenue from Google and Facebook for three years — an aeon in technology half-lives. As much as news executives are excited about the precedent that is being set, they need to ensure these deals yield meaningful results, primarily by attracting new subscribers.

As antitrust pressures on Google and Facebook mount, it’s in their interest to help the news business develop sustainable economic models. Doing so might ease the criticism they face for upturning those models in the first place – and ward off additional regulation. Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. has championed new rules in Australia that force the tech giants to share more digital ad revenue. Paying for news should also improve the quality of platforms that have become a hotbed for misinformation.

A healthy news industry is good for democracy. For the tech giants, it should also be good for business.

Alex Webb is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering europe’s technology, media and communications industries.

Friday, 22 January, 2021

BUSINESS 09 corporate corner Meezan Bank, IUB join hands to promote Islamic finance KARACHI: Meezan Bank and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to abridge the industry-academia gap, marking a milestone for both the organizations by initiating collaboration for planning, research engagement and knowledge exchange activities. Under this MoU, IUB’s Institute of Business Management & Administrative Sciences, Department of Islamic and Commercial Banking (ICB), will join hands with Meezan Bank for capacity building, internship opportunities and collaborative research projects in order to develop professional expertise in the field of Islamic finance. The MoU was signed by Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Group Head, Shariah Compliance - Meezan Bank and IUB Vice Chancellor Engr Prof Dr Ather Mahboob (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz). PRESS RElEASE

Avanza Solutions, Hysab Kytab sign accord to boost digital financial inclusion KARACHI: Avanza Solutions has entered into a strategic partnership with Hysab Kytab to provide individual-level personalized financial management products and services to the digital banking customers. The partnership will facilitate digital banking customers to manage their finances in a more efficient and secure manner. It will improve online banking experience, better money management and helps the customers to proactively manage their finances. Speaking at the occasion, Yasir Ilyas, Head of Hysab Kytab, said, “I believe collaboration between FinTech players and other Financial Institutions’ is key for the development of compressive solutions offering to end-customer. This collaboration with Avanza will help fintech industry to work collectively for the common goal of boosting digital financial inclusion of customer.” PRESS RElEASE

Careem partners with UNDP to raise awareness on gender sensitisation, civic sense KARACHI: Careem has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to raise awareness on gender sensitization, traffic rules and civic sense through a series of animated videos. The videos are going to be used for engagement of youth on social issues as well as being incorporated in the onboarding process for training Careem’s Captains at time of registration. Commenting on the collaboration, Mohsin Zaka, General Manager Ride Hailing, Careem Pakistan said: “Our efforts for ensuring safety at Careem never stops. We are constantly working to enhance the overall experience for our customers. That being said, Captains are an integral part of the Careem family and we will continue to work on their capacity building by continuously educating them. This partnership will act as a catalyst in providing such training to our deserving Captains.” PRESS RElEASE

Samsung sets new standard for flagship mobile processors with Exynos 2100 LAHORE: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Has announced the Exynos 2100 through its first virtual event, Exynos On 2021. The new mobile processor is the company’s first premium 5G-integrated mobile processor built on the most advanced 5-nanometer (nm) extreme ultraviolet (EUV) process node. “Our Exynos team has been committed to creating premium mobile computing experiences by bringing innovations to processors that are at the heart of today’s smart devices,” said Inyup Kang, President of System LSI Business at Samsung Electronics. “Today we are delighted to introduce the Exynos 2100, our most advanced mobile processor yet.

Armed with powerful processing technologies and an advanced 5G modem on a power-efficient 5nm process node, Exynos 2100 will set a new standard for tomorrow’s flagship mobile devices.” PRESS RElEASE

ECNEC APProvES SECoND PHASE of PAKCHINA oPtIC fIBEr ProjECt At rS37.9BN ISLAMABAD SHAHZAD PARACHA

t

HE Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved the Pak-China Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) Project-Phase II at a cost of Rs37.9 billion.

The ECNEC meeting was held under the chairmanship of Finance and Revenue Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Thursday.

The committee was informed that the Pak-China OFC project would provide alternate path for international connectivity through the northern border of Pakistan with China, besides transforming Pakistan as a digital gateway of regional connectivity.

Meanwhile, the committee approved a summary regarding the construction of Gwadar-Ratodero Road Project (M-8), sponsored by the Ministry of Communication and executed by National Highway Authority, at a rationalised cost of Rs38 billion. The approval was accorded keeping in view the strategic importance of the route, as it would facilitate CPEC connectivity through improved road linkages.

Likewise, ECNEC gave a go-ahead to a summary regarding 'provision of Advanced Skills Development

through International Scholarship Phase-1 for Master and PHD programmes', to be executed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The project, approved at a rationalised cost of Rs13.361 billion, is part of the Prime Minister Knowledge Economy Task Force Initiative.

A summary titled 'Greater Karachi Water Supply Scheme (K-IV) 260 MGD (phase-1)' was also approved by the ECNEC. The project, to be completed in four years, would provide additional 260 MGD water to Karachi at a cost of Rs25 billion.

Similarly, the committee okayed a project titled 'Solid Waste Emergency and Efficiency Project (SWEEP)', moved by the Sindh's Local Government, Housing and Town Planning Department, at a total cost of Rs16.8 billion, including IBRD-World Bank loan of Rs16 billion. The project is designed to mitigate the risk of widespread flooding caused by inadequate solid and liquid waste management during monsoon season and to improve the solid waste management infrastructure and service delivery with a view to transform Karachi into an eco-friendly city in the long run.

ECNEC also approved the 'Khyber Pakhtunkwa Human Capital Investment Project (Education Component)' at a cost of Rs18.9 billion. The project, financed by the World Bank/IDA, is envisioned to

LESCO assures textile industry of uninterrupted supply LAHORE HASSAN NAQVI

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has assured All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA)-Punjab of interrupted power supply to all industries, particularly the export sector.

LESCO CEO Chaudhry Muhammad Amin said this during a meeting with an APTMA delegation, led by Punjab Chairman Abdul Rahim Nasir, on Thursday.

Nasir informed the LESCO management that the present capping of 5MW for B3 industrial consumers and the requirement for separate grid connection for load beyond 5MW is obstructing further investment.

"Even a meagre additional load of 500kW to 1MW entails heavy investment and financial cost," he said, adding that due to excess electricity and acute gas shortage in the country, the federal government is now pushing the industry to switchover to grid-based electricity and offering incentives like a reduced tariff on incremental electricity consumption.

"Such initiatives are, however, not feasible due to enormous investments involved in getting an additional load," he maintained.

In order to facilitate exporters and to enable

them meet the growing demand for export orders, APTMA proposed that the grid ceiling be enhanced from 5MW to 6.5MW for B3 industrial consumers.

This, the association said, would be a small step that could go a long way in boosting exports, augmenting foreign exchange earnings and creating additional opportunities.

LESCO’s management endorsed the demand for considerably enhancing the grid ceiling and advised APTMA to submit a proposal to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for across the board implementation of the policy in this regard. "LESCO will assist APTMNA over issues subject to technical capacities," it was promised.

On APTMA’s suggestion, LESCO also agreed that the maintenance period schedule would be prepared in consultation with the association, whereas all mills would be informed about maintenance closures in advance.

The LESCO CEO further announced that there would be no load shedding, power outage or voltage fluctuations for the industry, adding that the textile sector had a huge role in the upsurge of Pakistan’s exports despite the ongoing pandemic; therefore, it would make all efforts to resolve any power related issues being faced by millers.

KP govt approves Rs5bn for construction of Kalam-Kumrat Road SWAT APP

Swat Deputy Commissioner Junaid Khan said on Thursday that an amount of Rs5 billion has been allocated for the construction of a road linking Kalam-Kumrat valleys.

Talking to APP, Junaid Khan said that the KP chief minister has approved a hefty amount for the construction of the 113-km road, which would link Kalam and Kumrat valleys

so that more local and foreign tourists are brought to these scenic places. "The new road will not only promote tourism in the area but will also facilitate the people of both districts in terms of accessibility.”

He informed that soon after assuming the charge as DC Swat, they held a snow jeep rally in which two dozens of drivers, including women, participated.

“I want all media persons, including print, electronic and social media persons, bloggers

and vloggers, to play their role in highlighting the soft image of Pakistan, besides exploring tourism potential of the country,” he added.

Junaid Khan, who also has additional charge of MD Tourism, admitted that the Covid-19 outbreak in the country had badly affected the tourism sector in the year 2020, adding that KP was the hardest hit province in this regard, as more than 70pc of the country tourism was in KP.

upgrade basic education infrastructure in the districts of Peshawar, Haripur, Noshera and Swabi of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

Furthermore, a project for 'Construction of 100 Dams in Balochistan- Package IV (23 Dams)' was approved by ECNEC at a cost of Rs13.5 billion. Balochistan's Irrigation Department would execute the project which would be completed in three years. Realizing the water scarcity in Balochistan, the project is designed to harness flood flows for direct irrigation, groundwater recharge and agricultural development through construction of small dams throughout the province.

ECNEC also approved Covid-19 response and other natural calamities control programmes at a cost of Rs70 billion (as federal share). The project includes National Health Upgradation Programme, National Programme for Water and Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Covid19 interventions for less developed areas etc.

Lastly, the forum approved a project for 'Dualization and Improvement of Old Bannu Road' at Rs17 billion from federal PSDP (2020-21). The project envisages dualization of existing two-lane old Bannu road measuring 83km in length from Gaandi Chowk to Sarai Naurang (8km) and Domail to Krapa on N-55 (75km) to 4 lanes with 7.3m wide carriageway on either side.

Current account turns from surplus to deficit Pakistan’s current account balance recorded a deficit of $662 million in December 2020 after remaining in surplus for a record period of five months (JulyNovember) of the current fiscal year, FY21.

According to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), “In December 2020, the current account registered a deficit of $662 million after remaining in surplus for the past five months.

Cumulatively, in the first six months of FY21, the current account remains in surplus at $1.1 billion compared to a deficit of over $2 billion during 6MFY20”. The current account was in surplus of $513m in November. On a YoY basis, the monthly deficit swelled by more than 130 per cent, data showed. The deterioration in the current account appears to originate from a sudden surge in imports last month. Imports of goods in December amounted to $5bn, up by $940m or 23pc from November.

Growth in goods imports last month was more than 32pc on an annual basis. In contrast, exports of goods recorded a nominal increase of 0.6pc, thus worsening the balance of trade in goods by more than 50pc in Dec. The current account reflects the country’s total transactions with the rest of the world. A deficit suggests the nation is a net borrower. Cumulatively, the current account posted a surplus of $1.13 billion for Q1FY21 and Q2FY21, as opposed to a deficit of over $2bn in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. However, according to the SBP data, it was the first time in the past decade that the country recorded a current account surplus for two consecutive quarters. NEWS DESK

ISLAMABAD: Eighteen, the luxury real estate project, has signed renowned actor Adnan Siddiqui as their brand ambassador. The actor is set to appear in Eighteen's mainstream campaigns, alongside other top celebrities who have been and are still associated with the brand, including the likes of Fawad khan and Mahira Khan. PR

MARKET DAILY

Bulls stage comeback as index gains 307 points KARACHI STAFF REPORT

After a lacklustre performance in the previous session, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) rallied on Thursday, with the indices posting gains all day long amid improved market sentiment.

Global equity markets showed a mixed trend, whereas crude oil prices dipped lower from the previous close; WTI crude price declining 0.56pc to $53.01 while Brent crude price falling 0.55pc to $55.77 (As at 4:09pm PST).

"Government's renegotiation with the power sector on resolution of circular debt paved the way for HUBC, KAPCO and KEL to perform well, whereas a pause in institutional selling (due to redemptions) also helped the index stage a recovery," a report issued by Arif Habib Ltd read. "Banking and E&P sectors managed to recover from the selling trend observed in the last two sessions, while cement sector performed in anticipation of better quarterly results."

SUMMARY: The benchmark KSE-100 Index remained in the green throughout

the day, registering its intraday high at 46,143.53 after gaining 466.59 points. It settled higher by 307.52 points at 45,984.46. Among other indices, the KMI30 Index appreciated 535.52 points to end at 73,271.36, while the KSE All Share Index added 191.44 points, closing at 31,913.85.

The overall market volumes surged from 476.57 million shares in the previous session to 606.37 million shares (+27pc). Average traded value, however, declined 6pc, from $119.1 million to $111.6 million. K-Electric Ltd (KEL +3.66pc), Hum Network Ltd (HUMNL

CMYK

-4.24pc) and Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Ltd (PIBTL +1.26pc) led the volume chart, exchanging 143.82 million, 43.38 million and 31.43 million shares, respectively.

Sectors that painted the benchmark index green included banking (+69.45 points), cement (+67.24 points) and technology & communication (+41.15 points). Among the companies, Lucky Cement Ltd (LUCK +42.65 points), Engro Corporation Ltd (ENGRO +26.94 points) TRG Pakistan Ltd (TRG +24.54 points) remained the top contributors.

ISLAMABAD: Graana.com marks the launch of Graana Clubs by partnering with the Iqbal Institute of Policy Studies (IIPS) to co-host a seminar titled – Pedal to Fitness: Cycling Strategy for Islamabad. PR

Friday, 22 January, 2021

10 ForeIgn news

TWiTTer loCks aCCouNT of ChiNa's us eMbassy over iTs defeNCe of XiNjiaNg PoliCy SHANGHAI

T

AGENCIES

WITTER has locked the account of China’s US embassy for a tweet that defended China’s policy towards Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang, which the US social media platform said violated its stand against “dehumanizing” people.

China’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that it was confused by the move and that it was the embassy’s responsibility to call out disinformation and clarify the truth. The Chinese Embassy account, @ChineseEmbinUS, posted a tweet this month that said that Uighur women had been emancipated and were no longer “baby-making machines”, citing a study reported by state-backed newspaper China Daily.

The tweet was removed by Twitter and replaced by a label stating that it was no longer available. Although Twitter hides tweets that violate its policies, it requires account owners to manually delete such posts. The Chinese embassy’s account has not posted any new tweets since Jan. 9.

Twitter’s suspension of the embassy’s account came a day after the Trump administration, in its final hours, accused China of committing genocide in Xinjiang, a finding

endorsed by the incoming Biden administration.

The Biden administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Twitter’s move.

Twitter is blocked in China but has been embraced

by Chinese state media and diplomats, many of whom have taken to the platform to aggressively defend China’s positions in what has come to be known as “Wolf Warrior” diplomacy.

“We’ve taken action on the Tweet you referenced for violating our policy against dehumanization, where it states: We prohibit the dehumanization of a group of people based on their religion, caste, age, disability, serious disease, national origin, race, or ethnicity,” a Twitter spokesperson said on Thursday.

The Chinese embassy in Washington, which joined Twitter in June 2019, did not immediately respond to an e-mailed request for comment.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular briefing on Thursday that it was confused by Twitter’s move. “There are numerous reports and information relating to Xinjiang that are against China. It’s a responsibility for our embassy in the US to clarify the truth,” she said.

“We hope they won’t apply double standards on this

No Tsunami risk after 7.0 magnitude quake at sea near Philippines: PTWC HONOLULU: A tsunami was not expected after an earthquake measured at magnitude 7.0 was detected at sea near the Philippines on Thursday, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said. The quake occurred at a depth of 98.5 km, according to the US Geological Survey. The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) pegged the quake at a magnitude of 7.1 with a depth of about 114 km, after having initially reported magnitudes of 7.2 and 6.8. AGENCIES

Mongolian prime minister submits resignation after Covid-19 protests ULAANBAATAR: Mongolia’s Prime Minister KhurelsukhUkhnaa submitted his resignation to parliament on Thursday after protests in the capital Ulaanbaatar over the government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, the state news agency Montsame reported. Khurelsukh said in his resignation statement that he should “assume the responsibility upon himself and accept the demand of the public.”

His resignation needs to be approved by parliament. The protests erupted on Wednesday over what some Mongolians saw as the inhumane treatment of a Covid-19 patient and her newborn baby, Montsame said. Video footage showed the patient, still wearing her nightgown and slippers, being relocated with her baby to a specialist quarantine facility run by Mongolia’s National Center of Communicable Diseases. The protests triggered the dismissal of senior health officials. Mongolia’s deputy prime minister and health minister also tendered their resignations. The incident came amid growing public dissatisfaction with Mongolia’s economic situation and a lack of job opportunities. Mongolia, which earned praise from the World Health Organization in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic for its handling of the health crisis, has recently been battling an outbreak caused by an infected driver entering from Russia. AGENCIES

Trapped China gold miners have to wait 15 days for rescue QIXIA: Workers trapped in a gold mine in China since Jan. 10 may have to wait another 15 days before they can be rescued because of a blockage on their intended escape route, officials said on Thursday. A total of 22 workers were trapped underground after an explosion at the Hushan mine in Qixia, a major gold-producing region under the administration of Yantai in Shandong province on the northeast coast. One is confirmed to have died, while 11 are known to be alive. The remaining 10 are missing. Rescuers were drilling new shafts on Thursday to reach 10 of the men in the middle section of the mine, more than 600 metres from the entrance, who have been sent food and medical supplies. Another survivor has been found in a different section. The shafts include one 711mm (28-inch) diameter shaft that rescuers hope to use to bring the survivors to safety. However, at least another 15 days may be needed to clear obstacles, Gong Haitao, deputy head of Yantai’s propaganda department, told a news conference at the headquarters of the rescue operation. A “severe blockage” 350 metres down was much worse than feared, officials said, adding that it was about 100 metres thick and weights some 70 tonnes. Thick smog, reeking of chemicals, hung over the muddy road leading up to the mine site and a row of ambulances on standby in a carpark, reducing visibility to a few hundred metres. AGENCIES

issue. We hope they can discern what is correct and truthful from disinformation on this matter.”

China has repeatedly rejected accusations of abuse in Xinjiang, where a UN panel has said at least a million Uighurs and other Muslims had been detained in camps.

Last year, a report by German researcher Adrian Zenz published by the Washington-based Jamestown Foundation think tank accused China of using forced sterilization, forced abortion and coercive family planning against minority Muslims. China said the allegations were groundless and false.

This is not the first time Twitter has taken action against China-linked accounts. In June last year, it removed more than 170,000 accounts it said were tied to a Beijing-backed influence operation that deceptively spread messages favourable to the Chinese government.

Twitter’s move also follows the removal of the account of former US president Donald Trump, which had 88 million followers, citing the risk of violence after his supporters stormed the US Capitol this month.

China meanwhile struck an optimistic tone towards the Biden administration on Thursday, saying “kind angels can triumph over evil forces”.

Italian mafia sweep nets centrist leader, white-collar workers ROME AGENCIES

Italian police arrested 50 people on Thursday and placed a prominent centrist politician under investigation in a crackdown on the ‘Ndrangheta mafia that prosecutors say lays bare its efforts to launder cash and buy influence.

The ‘Ndrangheta is based in the southern region of Calabria, the toe of Italy’s boot, and has surpassed Sicily’s more famous Cosa Nostra to become the most powerful mafia group in the country -- and one of the largest crime gangs in the world.

“This investigation makes clear what we have been saying for decades.

The ‘Ndrangheta shoots less and has

more and more ties with business and politics,” said prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, who last week launched one of Italy’s biggest mob trials.

Among those placed under investigation was Lorenzo Cesa, head of the small UDC party, who was in the national spotlight last week after he rejected overtures from Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to join the ruling coalition, which has lost its absolute majority in parliament.

Gratteri said Cesa was suspected of offering to procure contracts for the ‘Ndrangheta in return for favours.

Cesa, who is a member of the European Parliament representing southern Italy, denied the accusation, but said he would resign as head of the

UDC “given this particular moment our country is going through”.

It was not immediately clear if his departure would lead to a rethink within the UDC over Conte’s request for backing.

The police in Calabria said they carried out more than 250,000 phone taps and secret recordings which helped show how the ‘Ndrangheta had used an array of front companies to launder money and generate false invoices for tax scams.

Warehouses were rented, but left empty, and trucks sent in for simulated offloading and loading operations, the police said.

Gratteri said the lynchpin was a local man who had close ties with po-

lice, politicians, businessmen and various ‘Ndrangheta clan. He was detained and it was not immediately possible to obtain comment from him.

“During the search of his house, (police) found hundreds of millions in cash which they have not yet finished counting, dozens of Rolexes and luxury cars,” Gratteri told reporters.

The trial that began last week in Calabria is of 355 suspected ‘Ndrangheta gangsters and their whitecollar associates.

The last time Italy tried hundreds of alleged mafiosi simultaneously was in 1986 in Sicily in a case that represented a turning point in the fight against Cosa Nostra, marking the beginning of that group’s sharp decline.

On Britain's Covid-19 frontline, medics and patients fight for life LONDON AGENCIES

At Milton Keynes University Hospital in England, it is a battle between life and death. For those most ill, death is gaining the upper hand. The latest Covid-19 wave has hit the hospital northwest of London with even more force than the first: younger patients fill its wards and fewer of the sickest people respond to treatment. Doctors and nurses are grappling with the strain of exhaustion and loss.

Joy Halliday, consultant in intensive care and acute medicine, is in charge of a high-dependency unit for Covid-19. It is a step down from an intensive care unit (ICU), and severely ill patients there are receiving CPAP oxygen.

Stephen Marshall, 68, is one of them. After testing negative for Covid-19 following a recent operation on his back, he initially thought he had a cold.

“I should never have left it, it’s just made it worse,” he said, speaking through a mask pumping oxygen into his lungs.

“I’m on oxygen all the time now,” he said. “I seem to be holding my own at the moment, so touching wood,” he added, lifting his hand to his head.

Halliday said that with visits curtailed, the doctors and nurses were supporting patients emotionally as well as medically.

“I can only just imagine how difficult that is for family at the end of the telephone to be told that their loved one is getting worse ... or they’re agitated or their oxygen levels are dropping,” she said.

“It’s difficult for us to see and it’s even more difficult for them.” The youngest person in her eightbed unit is 51-year-old supermarket worker VictoritaAndries. She was put on oxygen immediately when she was admitted five days ago.

“The machine for me has been good,” said Andries, adding that she felt positive about the future.

The oxygen levels in her mask are gradually being reduced as her condition improves.

The youngest person being ventilated in the hospital is just 28. The official death toll from Covid-19 in the United Kingdom is 93,290, the highest in Europe and the fifth worst in the world after the United

States, Brazil, India and Mexico. 39,068 Covid-19 patients are being treated in hospitals. Deaths rose by a record 1,820 people on Wednesday.

INTENSIVE CARE: In the ICU, where all seven patients had Covid-19, the quiet is interrupted by machines bleeping and oxygen pumping.

WassimShamsuddin, clinical director for anaesthesia and intensive care, said the patients were receiving mechanical ventilation, which requires sedation. “This time around what we’re finding is that patients aren’t faring as well if they need to be invasively ventilated,” he said.

“Our mortality probably in the first wave for patients coming onto intensive care was around 40%.

This time around we find that the mortality is about 80%.” He explained that unlike in the first wave, all Covid-19 patients in the hospital now automatically receive remdesivir and dexamethasone after they were found to be effective.

That means that those who end up in ICU during the second wave of the pandemic are more likely to be the sickest patients, because they have not responded to those treatments.

Shamsuddin added that he did not know whether a highly transmissible new variant of the disease found in the UK also contributed to higher death rates. He said intensive care staff, who have been boosted by medics and nurses from other wards during the pandemic to maintain one-on-one care, were not used to such high levels of death.

“At the moment we’re just all keeping our heads down and just getting on with it,” he said.

“Intensive care hospitals are meant to be a place where we treat patients and make them better. The difficulty here is that even though we try our best and we throw everything at the patients, it just doesn’t seem to be working.”

Friday, 22 January, 2021

SPORTS 11

PoGBA STArS AS MAncheSTer UniTed eArn coMeBAck win over FULhAM To STAy on ToP LONDON

P

AGENCIES

AUL Pogba produced a moment of magic as Manchester United came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 and reclaim the Premier League lead on Wednesday, ending Manchester City’s short stay at the top.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s in-form team started the match third in the table after 24 hours of chopping and changing at the summit.

The win sent the Red Devils two points clear and equalled the club record of 17 Premier League away games without defeat set by the treble-winning side of 1999.

United were forced to dig deep after Ademola Lookman punished them for an untidy start before Edinson Cavani pulled them level with a poacher’s goal later in the first half.

Pogba – back in the starting line-up in recent weeks after a spell on the periphery of Solskjaer’s team – put United in front with a stunning left-foot curling effort from outside the area in the second half.

United have now won seven Premier League games after going behind this season.

“Fantastic goal by Paul and we had some other chances to finish the game but of course when it is just one goal, and the players they put on, it is going to be like heart in your mouth,” Solskjaer told BT Sport.

But the Norwegian refused to be drawn on a title challenge, even though United are top at the halfway point of the season.

“It is always going to be talked about

when you are halfway through and top of the league but we are not thinking about this,” he added. “We just have to go one game at a time. It is such an unpredictable season.”

ThriLLiNg race: The Premier League race is shaping up to be a thriller, with just eight points separating United from seventhplaced West Ham. United knew they had to respond after City beat Aston Villa 2-0 earlier on Wednesday to leapfrog Leicester, who topped the table after their 2-0 win against Chelsea the previous evening.

But the defensive discipline they showed in their goalless draw against Liverpool on Sunday was absent in the early minutes and they paid the price.

United were punished in the fifth minute when Lookman sprang the offside trap, collecting a ball over the top from Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

The forward had time to pick his spot and gave Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea no chance, striking the ball into the bottom corner with his right foot.

The away side settled and were level in the 21st minute through Cavani, moments after Bruno Fernandes had hit the inside of the post.

Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola failed to hold a Fernandes cross from the left, spilling the ball into the path of the veteran Uruguayan, who made no mistake with a left-footed finish from close range.

The increasingly influential Fernandes tested Areola from distance as United began to flex their muscles without creating many

ATP announced tweaked 2021 calendar, adds tournaments in Singapore and Marbella

clear-cut chances.

Fulham made a bright start to the second period as United again struggled to find openings. But in the 65th minute Pogba broke the deadlock, creating space before producing an unstoppable drive past a diving Areola.

The Frenchman said he had been “really

Du Plessis preparing for unexpected Test series in Pakistan KARACHI

LONDON

mad” after failing to convert a late chance against Liverpool.

“It was a beautiful goal and beautiful win,” he said. “It was not my favourite goal ever but it was still beautiful.”

As the second half wore on, United faced some nervy moments. De Gea was forced to make a smart save with his legs

AGENCIES

AGENCIES

The ATP men’s tennis tour announced adjustments to its 2021 calendar on Wednesday, axing one US event and adding tournaments in Singapore and Marbella.

The tour said in a statement posted on its website that it was making the changes as well as undertaking other measures to create increased playing opportunities “in the face of scheduling challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.” Two new ATP 250 events have been granted single-year licenses for 2021, in Singapore and Marbella, Spain. The Singapore event will be held at the OCBC Arena February 22-28, after the conclusion of the upcoming Australian Open. The Marbella tournament will follow the Miami Open in April. Other measures to increase playing opportunities include an expanded draw size at several tournaments, including at Dubai in March and at the Cordoba Open in February and the Argentina Open in March. The Hungarian Open, a clay court tournament usually held in Budapest in April, will be relocated in 2021 to Belgrade. But the clay court tournament in Houston, Texas, usually scheduled in April, would not take place in 2021. “All other tournaments on the original 2021 calendar remain unchanged at this time and are planned to take place as scheduled,” the ATP said.

Faf du Plessis was not expecting to play Test cricket in Pakistan so soon despite two visits for limited-overs formats over the last four years.

“That is one thing I did not see happening in my time,” the veteran South Africa batsman told the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) digital channel on Thursday.

“I knew white-ball cricket was happening here, but I did not know that the red-ball cricket was going to happen this soon,” he said. “I am looking forward to it and I hope that it is the same as it was 13 years ago – the wickets are flat so we the batters can score some runs.”

The 36-year-old du Plessis is expected to form the nucleus of the Proteas batting in the upcoming two-Test series, which will be first for South Africa in Pakistan in over 13 years.

The first Test will start here from January 26 while the second will be played at Rawalpindi from February 4.

Du Plessis first toured Pakistan, when he led an International Cricket Council-backed World XI for a Twenty20 series in 2017. He returned last November to feature in Pakistan Super League (PSL) playoff for Peshawar Zalmi at National Stadium.

“That (2017) was the first step to bring any sort of cricket back (to Pakistan),” Du Plessis said. “What they did really well at that stage was to bring players from all

around the world to come and play and to see that the security levels were going to be very, very good and it gave players peace of mind.”

Pakistan had long been trying to convince foreign teams to return for international competition in Pakistan, where incoming cricket tours were halted after an attack on the Sri Lanka team’s bus at Lahore in 2009.

Du Plessis made his Test debut in 2012 and has played away matches in Australia, India, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and New Zealand. Five of his seven Tests against Pakistan have been in South Africa, the other two at Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2013.

Pakistan played a majority of its home matches in the United Arab Emirates for a decade before Sri Lanka returned for two Test matches in 2019.

The West Indies and Bangladesh have sent teams to play international cricket in Pakistan over the last six years. Now it’s South Africa’s turn.

“It is important for Pakistan to play in home conditions,” du Plessis said. “They have been playing in the UAE for the last 11 years so (some) fans have never seen them play — that is almost like a generation and that is missed seeing them play.”

Du Plessis will not stay after the Test matches to play in a three-match Twenty20 series because South Africa will be preparing to host Australia in a Test series.

from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who blasted another chance over the bar.

And United had their hearts in their mouths when Aleksandar Mitrovic’s header deflected off Eric Bailly and inches wide of the post deep into time added on.

Defeat for Fulham leaves them third from bottom, four points from safety.

Bach says 'no Plan B' for Tokyo Games TOKYO AGENCIES

There is “no Plan B” for the Tokyo Games, says International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, who reaffirmed his commitment to holding the showpiece event this year in an interview with Kyodo News on Thursday. After the Games were postponed last year because of the global novel coronavirus pandemic, Saturday marks six months until the rearranged Olympics are due to start on July 23. Despite dwindling public support and a surge in coronavirus cases across the world, organisers are adamant the Games will go ahead. “We have at this moment, no reason whatsoever to believe that the Olympic Games in Tokyo will not open on the 23rd of July in the Olympic stadium in Tokyo,” Bach told Kyodo News. “This is why there is no Plan B and this is why we are fully committed to make these Games safe and successful,” he added. With the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics on the horizon and rapidly escalating costs further reducing public support, Tokyo organisers have repeatedly ruled out postponing the Games again.

London Marathon plans for 100,000 runners this year LONDON: This year’s London Marathon is set to break new ground with a record 50,000 runners expected to tackle the course on the city’s streets while another 50,000 compete in a remote race “wherever they are on the planet”, organisers said on Thursday. The virtual London Marathon was held for the first time last year after the actual race was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nearly 38,000 runners took part to set a Guinness World Record for the most in a remote marathon in 24 hours. With a national vaccination drive underway, organisers also hope to have 50,000 runners for the traditional race on October 3. AGENCIES

Return of Stokes and Archer will be a major boost against India: Root LONDON AGENCIES

Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer will return to the England side for their India Tests starting next month, with captain Joe Root saying on Thursday the players will give the team a “major boost.”

Stokes and Archer missed England’s current matches in Sri Lanka as the squad was rotated to allow players to rest during the coronavirus pandemic.

England lead the two-match series 1-0 and the final match starts Friday (today) in Galle. England then go on to India – who have been boosted by their historic Test win in Australia this

week – for a series including four Tests. Root was optimistic despite India’s sensational win. “I expect India to be full of confidence and in their own conditions they are a very good team. They play some very good cricket,” he told reporters.

“We have to be at our absolute best. But that’s an exciting prospect for us, a great opportunity for us, it’s a great way to aid our development as a side. And we will be going there fully expecting to try and win that series.

But we have got a lot of hard work to do before we get there. We got a big Test match here.”

Root’s 228 was crucial to winning the opening Test by seven wickets but

England bowlers twice bowled out the hosts in Galle.

The tourists are due to shuffle their pace options in the second game, but it is the return of Stokes and Archer for the India series that excites Root.

The two key players are expected to be announced in the Test squad for India to be revealed Thursday.

“You speak to any side in the world, those two guys coming back into it would give the squad a huge boost and it’s certainly the case for us,” said Root. “We (will be) excited to see them back in and around the squad. Hopefully they are full of energy and ready to go when they get here.”

CMYK

Root said it is important to rest players in the current bubble life of touring teams. This year’s cricket calendar remains packed including the Twenty20 World Cup. “It is a huge year of Test cricket and also a World Cup, a lot of one-day cricket alongside. We are going to have to look after players,” said Root. “It is crucial we have got guys who are fit and raring to go, physically and mentally, for everything that is going to be thrown at us in the next 12 months.” England will travel to India from Sri Lanka with the first Test scheduled in Chennai on February 5. They will also play five T20 matches and three one-day internationals.

Friday, 22 January, 2021

NEWS

COAS lAudS ISI’S tIreleSS effOrtS fOr nAtIOnAl SeCurIty RAWALPINDI TLTP

C

HIEF of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday appreciated the tireless efforts of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for national security. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Army Chief expressed his satisfaction over professional preparedness of the ISI during his visit to its headquarters.

According to the military’s media wing, General Bajwa was given a comprehensive briefing on the regional and national security situation during his visit.

Earlier on arrival at the ISI headquarters, the Army Chief was received by DG ISI Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid.

Earlier on Wednesday, the COAS visited Sialkot garrison and received a briefing on the current situation at the Working Boundary with India.

According to the military’s media wing, the Army Chief appreciated the troops’ operational preparedness during the visit. General Bajwa also commended their morale, professionalism and resolve to defend the motherland, said the ISPR.

On day one, Biden targets Trump policies on climate, coronavirus WASHINGTON AGENCIES

President Joe Biden is moving swiftly to dismantle Donald Trump’s legacy on his first day in office, signing a series of executive actions that reverse course on immigration, climate change, racial equity and the handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

The new president signed the orders just hours after taking the oath of office at the Capitol, pivoting quickly from his pared-down inauguration ceremony to enacting his agenda. With the stroke of a pen, Biden ordered a halt to the construction of Trump’s US-Mexico border wall, ended the ban on travel from some Muslim-majority countries, declared his intent to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization and revoked the approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, aides said.

The 15 executive actions, and two directives, amount to an attempt to rewind the last four years of federal policies with striking speed. Only two recent presidents signed executive actions on their first day in office — and each signed just one. But Biden, facing the debilitating coronavirus pandemic, a damaged economy and a riven electorate, is intent on demonstrating a sense of urgency and competence that he argues has been missing under his Republican predecessor.

“There’s no time to start like today,” Biden said in his first comments to reporters as president.

Biden wore a mask as he signed the orders in the Oval Office — a marked departure from Trump, who rarely wore a face covering in public and never during events in the Oval Office. But virus precautions are now required in the building.

Among the executive actions signed Wednesday was one requiring masks and physical distancing on federal property and by federal employees. Biden’s order also extended the federal eviction freeze

to aid those struggling from the pandemic economic fallout, created a new federal office to coordinate a national response to the virus and restored the White House’s National Security Council directorate for global health security and defense, an office his predecessor had closed.

The actions reflected the new president’s top policy priority — getting a handle on a debilitating pandemic. In his inaugural address, Biden paused for what he called his first act as president — a moment of a silent prayer for the victims of the nation’s worst public health crisis in more than a century.

He declared that he would “press forward with speed and urgency” in the coming weeks. “For we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibilities — much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build and much to gain,” he said in the speech.

But Biden’s blitz of executive actions went beyond the pandemic. He targeted Trump’s environmental record, calling for a review of all regulations and executive actions that are deemed damaging to the environment or public health, aides said Tuesday as they previewed the moves.

Another order instructs federal agencies to prioritise racial equity and review policies that reinforce systemic racism.

Biden revoked two Trump orders related to the 2020 census. The first attempted to discern the citizenship status of every US resident, and the second sought to exclude people in the US illegally from the numbers used for apportioning congressional seats among the states.”

He also ordered federal employees to take an ethics pledge that commits them to upholding the independence of the Justice Department.

The president also revoked the justissued report of Trump’s “1776 Commission” that promotes “patriotic education.”

Those moves and others will be followed by dozens more in the next 10 days, the president’s aides said, as Biden looks to redirect the country without having to go through a Senate that Democrats control by the narrowest margin and will soon turn to the impeachment trial of Trump, who is charged by the House with inciting the insurrection at the Capitol.

Republicans signaled that Biden will face fierce opposition on some parts of his agenda.

One of his orders seeks to fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, a signature effort of the Obama administration that provided hundreds of thousands of young immigrants protection from deportation and a pathway to citizenship. That’s part of a broader immigration plan Biden sent to Congress on Wednesday that would provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the US without legal status.

The plan would lead to “a permanent cycle of illegal immigration and amnesty that would hurt hard-working Americans and the millions of legal immigrants working their way through the legal immigration process,” said Chris Hartline, a spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Even that familiar criticism seemed a return to the normalcy Biden has promised after years of disruptive and overheated politics. Hewing to tradition, Biden started his day by attending church with both Democratic and Republican leaders of Congress. His press secretary, Jen Psaki, held a briefing for reporters, a practice the Trump White House had all but abandoned in the final two months of the presidency. Psaki said she intended to restore regular briefings as part of the White House’s commitment to transparency.

“I have deep respect for the role of a free and independent press in our democracy and for the role all of you play,” she said.

Biden took other steps to try to signal his priorities and set the tone in his White House. As he swore in dozens of political appointees in a virtual ceremony, he declared he expected “honesty and decency” from all that worked for his administration and would fire anyone who shows disrespect to others “on the spot.”

“Everyone is entitled to human decency and dignity,” Biden said. “That’s been missing in a big way for the last four years.”

Pakistan asks India to end incarceration of Kashmir leaders ISLAMABAD TLTP

Pakistan has asked India to immediately end illegal incarceration of Kashmir leaders on fabricated charges. Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said on Thursday that Kashmiri leaders are under illegal detention in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IOK) and other parts of India, including notorious Tihar Jail. He said that incarceration of Kashmiri people is against the fundamental human rights, international conventions, and the international law.

The spokesperson said, “Pakistan condemns framing of concocted, fabricated, and politically motivated charges against Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik. A fictitious case relating to gunning down of four Indian Air Force personnel was launched against Yasin in March last year by the TADA court. The timing of reopening of old cases suggests that the BJP government is determined to frame the Hurriyat leadership for resisting the illegal Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.” Chaudhri expressed concerns about the health condition of Yasin as he has a number of medical complications, which require appropriate treatment. He said imprisonment and torturing of Kashmiri leaders on the basis of their political ideology and struggle against illegal occupation is a true reflection of extremist mindset of the BJP-RSS regime, which has no respect for human rights of the people of Kashmir. He urged the international community, especially the United Nations and Human Rights bodies, to take note of the human rights violations in the IOK and illegal incarceration of Kashmiris.

deadly twin suicide blasts rock Baghdad market BAGHDAD AGENCIES

A rare twin suicide bombing on a bustling commercial street in the heart of Baghdad on Thursday killed at least 28 people and wounded more than 70, according to Iraqi officials, in an attack that ruptured months of relative calm. The first suicide bomber had rushed into the market and claimed to feel sick, so that people would gather around him, according to an Iraqi interior ministry official. He then detonated his explosives. As people gathered around the victims, a second attacker detonated his bomb, the ministry's statement said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. A reporter at the scene said the bombers had struck a huge open-air market for second-hand clothes in Tayaran Square. It had been teeming with people following nearly a year of restrictions imposed in a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19.

Security forces cordoned off the area and paramedics were working to help the casualties.

Period of relative calm broken After years of deadly sectarian violence, suicide bombings have become relatively rare in the capital.

The last such attack took place in June 2019 and left several people dead. In January 2018, a suicide bombing in Tayaran Square killed more than 30 people, just a few months before the last parliamentary election. Elections in Iraq are typically preceded by escalating violence, including bombings and assassinations. Iraq is gearing up for a new general election this year, which Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi originally set for June -- nearly a year ahead of schedule -- in response to widespread protests in 2019. But authorities are in talks to reschedule them for October in order to give electoral authorities more time to register voters and new parties. Iraq declared the IS group was defeated at the end of 2017 after a fierce three-year campaign to retake the one-third of the country. But the group's sleeper cells have continued to operate in desert and mountain areas, typically targeting security forces or state infrastructure with low casualty attacks.

French Muslims at odds over Macron's 'anti-extremism' charter PARIS AGENCIES

The head of France's main Muslim organisation on Thursday slammed a “unilateral” move by three Islamic groups not to sign up to an anti-extremism charter championed by President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron wants French Muslim groups to sign up to the charter as he seeks to secure France's secular system in the wake of a spate of attacks blamed on radical Islamists in 2020.

But the Committee for Coordination of Turkish Muslims in France (CCMTF) and the Milli Gorus Islamic Confederation (CMIG)

— both catering to citizens of Turkish origin — as well as the Faith and Practice movement, announced late on Wednesday that they would not be signing up to the charter.

“Through these repetitive actions, the groups ... all risk being held responsible for this situation of division,” said Mohamed Moussaoui, the president of the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM), the umbrella grouping for France's Muslim groups.

This refusal “is not likely to provide reassurance ... on the state of the representative bodies of the Muslim religion”, he added.

A source close to the issue, who asked not to be named, said the three groups refusing to sign the charter were particularly con-

cerned about the definition of foreign interference in religion and the definition of political Islam.

The row comes at a time of severe diplomatic tensions between France and Turkey, whose President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly lambasted Macron's bid to crack down on radical Muslims in the country.

The Milli Gorus, a pan-European movement for the Turkish diaspora, is seen as inspired by the ideas of late prime minister Necmettin Erbakan, regarded as the father of political Islam in Turkey and Erdogan's mentor.

“We believe that certain passages and formulations in the text submitted are likely

to weaken the bonds of trust between the Muslims of France and the nation,” the three groups said in a statement.

“Furthermore, some statements are prejudicial to the honour of Muslims, with an accusatory and marginalising tone.”

'Important clarification' Five out of nine groups who make up the CFCM, a body set up almost 20 years ago to enable dialogue between the government and the Muslim community, have signed up to the charter after weeks of sometimes acrimonious debates.

But the failure of the CFCM to so far show a totally united front risks robbing the initiative of the consensus within the Muslim

community that it is supposed to highlight.

A government source, however, insisted that the groups' refusal would not weaken the process, adding that “the masks are coming off”.

“An important clarification is being made,” the source said.

The charter rejects “instrumentalising” Islam for political ends and affirms equality between men and women, while denouncing practices such as female circumcisions, forced marriages or “virginity certificates” for brides.

Macron railed against the promotion of “political Islam” in France in November last year after a teacher was beheaded outside his school.

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