Epaper – January 29 LHR 2021

Friday, 29 January, 2021 I 15 Jamadi-ul-Sani, 1442 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 211 I 12 Pages I Lahore Edition

Pakistan must stoP chasing western mindset, says Pm imran g

Premier says it was a major mistake to take Part in someone else’s war

ISLAMABAD

P

STAFF REPORT

rime minister imran khan on thursday said that Pakistan needs to stand on its own two feet and embrace the ideology of its own independence instead of chasing after the western mindset. "it was a major mistake to take part in someone else’s war," he said while addressing a gathering in islamabad held to showcase a docu-drama 'Paani ke pankh' that highlights the im-

portance of Pakistan harnessing its hydropower capabilities. the premier had been referring to united states' fight against terrorism after 9/11. “we fell under pressure and took part in their war. first, we took part in the [soviet-afghan war] in the 80s and glorified the mujahideen and then after 9/11, we labelled them terrorists and at their bidding began fighting them,” said the premier.

“People thought the more they look like people from the west, the more they will seem moderate,” the premier

coronavirus in

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

539,387

LAST UPDATED AT 7:39 AM ON JANUARY 28, 2021

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

64

RECOVERED:

NEW CASES:

1,910 DEATHS:

494,578 11,514 SINDH:

PUNJAB:

243,683 155,805 KP:

66,198 AJK/GB:

BALOCHISTAN:

18,788

ISLAMABAD:

8,931/4,906 41,076

added. he said that people wanted Pakistan to project a "soft image". "what does a soft image even mean? [...] will the world begin to think very highly of us then?" he questioned. "we must never think of doing something that the west wants. like when musharraf spoke of 'enlightened moderation'," he stated, adding that the only image Pakistan needs to project is that of an independent nation. the premier also said that Pakistan must always aim to be self-reliant and not be afraid to have lofty dreams. “this is having an inferiority complex. when a country loses self-confidence, it begins to think of how to please others,” he added. "as our mindset begins to change, believe me i say this as a man who has seen the world, Pakistan's tremendous potential will begin to unlock."

Pm imran said that the main lesson they had learnt from the past was the need to strengthen the nation. "we have to ready the nation to pay taxes, without which we won't be able to educate our citizens, take care of their health or improve the infrastructure," the prime minister continued. he added that the previous governments had not given due thought to gathering resources for the country. "they thought of their elections instead of making dams," he said and characterised the 2008-2018 period as the "decade of darkness".

Pm imran said that in Pakistan, after 50 years two new dams are being built, whereas this should have been an activity that took place "from time to time".

SC releases all suspects in Daniel Pearl case g

Pearl family terms decision as a 'comPlete travesty of justice' which endangers journalists and PeoPle of Pakistan ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

the supreme court (sc) on thursday ordered the release of a Pakistan-origin british suspect convicted and later acquitted in the gruesome 2002 beheading of american journalist daniel Pearl. the court also dismissed an appeal against ahmad saeed omar sheikh’s acquittal by Pearl’s family. the short order was issued by a three-judge bench headed by justice mushir alam. one judge opposed the decision. “the court has come out to say that there is no offence that he has committed in this case,” mahmood a sheikh (no relation with the suspect), who represented omar sheikh, said. he added that the court had ordered that three others, who had been sentenced to life in prison for their part in the kidnapping and death, also be freed. "today's decision is a complete travesty of justice and the release of these killers puts in danger journalists everywhere and the people of Pakistan," the Pearl family said in a statement released by their counsel. the decision comes a day after

Govt to amend Constitution to ensure transparent Senate polls g

legal exPerts throw their weight behind secret ballot ISLAMABAD MIAN ABRAR

federal minister for information and broadcasting senator shibli faraz on thursday said that the Pakistan tehreek-e-insaf (Pti) government was making all-out efforts, including amendments to three articles of the constitution, to ensure transparency in the upcoming senate elections as it fully believed in a fair electoral process. legal experts, however, oppose the proposed amendments, saying that secret ballot is the spirit of democracy and the proposed system would further complicate the electoral system. addressing a press conference with Pm’s adviser on Parliamentary affairs dr babar awan, faraz said that it was Prime minister imran khan who had been stressing from the day one that his government would strive to hold the senate election in a free and transparent manner. he added that, unfortunately, in the past, the elections of the upper house of the parliament became controversial due to horse-trading, sale and pur-

omar sheikh told the sindh high court (shc) he played a “minor” role in the killing, without further elaboration. a letter handwritten by him in 2019, in which he admits limited involvement in the killing, was submitted nearly two weeks ago. it was not until wednesday that omar sheikh’s lawyers confirmed that their client wrote it. nowhere in the three-page letter addressed to the shc did omar sheikh elaborate or say exactly what his allegedly minor role in Pearl’s slaying involved. omar sheikh has been on death row since his conviction in the death of Pearl in 2002. his attorney said that his client “should not have spent one day in jail.” washington previously said that it would demand omar sheikh be extradited to the united states to be tried there. there was no immediate reaction from the us embassy in islamabad to the court order upholding the appeal.

Pearl was abducted on january 23, 2002, in karachi and beheaded the next month, reportedly by alQaeda. omar sheikh had been convicted of helping lure Pearl to a meeting in karachi in which he was kidnapped.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 02

more inside

Opp lambasts PTI as country falls four spots on corruption perception index STORY ON BACK PAGE

Pakistan renews call for equitable access to coronavirus vaccine chase of the votes, and change of loyalties, consequently affecting the credibility and moral standing of the winners. the Pti, he maintained, was ready to pay any price for the transparent election process, as it was the only party which had expelled its 20 provincial assembly members on the suspicion of voting against the party lines in the past. "we removed 20 sitting mPas from our government in kP because there was a doubt that they used their vote incorrectly and some transactions happened that were unaccept-

able. only the Pti and Prime minister imran khan could have removed sitting mPas. we have not seen such an example in the past or in the present." the minister stressed it was an opportunity for the opposition parties to fulfil their pledge, which they had made in the charter of democracy. he pointed out that the charter had been signed between Pakistan muslim leaguenawaz (Pml-n) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in 2006, and that it was "time for implementation".

CONTINUED ON PAGE 03

STORY ON PAGE 03

Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan this year, says Asad Umar STORY ON PAGE 03

sc seeks local bodies polls schedule from ecP STORY ON PAGE 02

02

Friday, 29 January, 2021

NEWS

GwADAr Port hAS BeCome A ‘ShininG PeArL’ for the reGion, SAyS ChineSe envoy ISLAMABAD

C

MIAN ABRAR

HINESE Ambassador Nong Rong has said that Gwadar Port, as the pilot project of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has now become a shining pearl for the region and would benefit the countries of the region.

Ambassador Rong expressed these views at various locations during his twoday visit to Gwadar, Balochistan.

He visited all major projects under the CPEC in Gwadar, including the New Gwadar International Airport Project, the China-Pak Friendship Hospital, China-Pak Technical and Vocational Institute in Gwadar, the Gwadar Eastbay Expressway Project, Gwadar Free Zone and Gwadar Port.

Rong met with Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Naseer Kashani, Gwadar Development Authority Director-General (DG) Shahzeb Kakar, General Officer

AMBASSADOR RONG SAYS GWADAR WILL ENJOY A BRIGHT FUTURE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF PORT INDUSTRIES Commanding, Special Security Division (GOC SSD) South Maj Gen Aamer Najam, and Pakistan Navy Western Commander Rear Admiral Jawad Ahmed.

He also attended the launching ceremony of Green Employment Scheme and Scholarship Award for excellent students of Middle School Faqeer Colony Gwadar.

During the field visit, Ambassador Rong extended the festive greetings to the workers at the construction site. He noted that the Spring Festival is coming, but the men were sticking to their posts with a common goal of speeding up the project to make the Gwadar Port a better place.

“We all know that the Spring Festival is a time for family reunions. You spend the Chinese New Year alone on the project site

Chinese Covid-19 vaccine trial results likely in few days: minister LAHORE: Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid on Thursday said that the late-stage trial for a Chinese Covid-19 vaccine was completed and the government will likely get the results in a few days. Talking to the media in Rawalpindi, the minister said that the mortality rate from the pandemic has decreased in Punjab. The coronavirus vaccine, she said, will be administered to frontline health workers in phase one. Dr Rashid said: “The Punjab government has so far distributed 5.2 million health insurance cards – for the indoor facilities, including neurosurgery, cardiac treatment, and dialysis – amongst the most deserving families." “Our plan is to extend the scope of the insurance scheme to the whole of the province. One health card covers treatment up to Rs 720,000. All families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been issued the health cards.” STAFF REPORT

Court orders B-class jail facilities for Khawaja Asif LAHORE: An accountability court on Thursday directed the jail authorities to provide B-class facilities to incarcerated Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) leader Khawaja Asif as per the law. Judge Jawadul Hassan allowed the former foreign minister to have home-cooked food and get himself checked by his personal physician inside jail. The court further called for a heater to be provided to him in his prison cell.

Khawaja’s lawyer contended before the court that his client, being an elderly parliamentarian, deserves Bclass facilities apart from having access to his personal physician and home-cooked food. Granting his plea, the court ruled that the accused be provided facilities as per the law. Speaking outside the court, PML-N leader Attaullah Tarar said that Khawaja was being subjected to vengeful behaviour inside the prison. TLTP

SC releases all suspects in Daniel Pearl case Prior to his kidnapping, the journalist had been investigating the link between reportedly Pakistan-based militants and Richard Reid, the notorious “Shoe Bomber” who attempted to blow up a flight from Paris to Miami with explosives hidden in his shoes. In July 2002, following the hearings, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Hyderabad had sentenced to death Omar Sheikh and life term to other co-accused.

However, all four convicts had moved the SHC in 2002 challenging their convictions. In his autobiography, In the Line of Fire: A Memoir, former president Pervaiz Musharraf had claimed that Sheikh, a British national and a student at the London School of Economics (reports suggest he did not graduate), was hired by MI6 to engage in “jihadi operations”, adding that “at some point, he probably became a rogue or a double agent”. COntInuED fROM PAgE 01

far from the motherland and make Gwadar your home. I'm so proud of you,” the ambassador said.

He also asked the companies in Gwadar to expedite the projects and take strict prevention and protection measures for Covid-19 pandemic and make a greater contribution to China-Pakistan friendship.

During his meeting with Maj Gen Aamer Najam and Rear Admiral Jawad Ahmed, Ambassador Rong appreciated the efforts made by the armed forces in safeguarding the CPEC projects and personnel. He underscored that safety is the premise of everything.

“Gwadar Safe City is an inalienable part of Gwadar Smart Port City, which portraits a brilliant future for Gwadar. I believe all the

local people and the people of Pakistan are looking forward to this day coming at an earlier date. No one will hesitate to take the first step with a bright road ahead,” he added.

Attending the launching ceremony of Green Employment Scheme, Ambassador Rong said that the project was responding to the Prime Minister Imran Khan's initiative for Clean Green Gwadar Movement, and China would work together with Pakistan to turn CPEC into a model green Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to protect and preserve the natural environment in the region.

While awarding scholarships to excellent students of Middle School Faqeer Colony Gwadar, Ambassador Rong said that 2021 marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations, and children were the future of the nation and the hope of Pakistan-China friendship.

He encouraged the students to cherish the opportunity, study hard, and grow up to become talents of the country and the builders of CPEC so they may carry on the

KP proposes to hold LB elections in September

Court indicts Shakil in illegal land allotment case LAHORE STAFF REPORT

An accountability court in Lahore on Thursday indicted Jang group chief executive officer (CEO) Mir Shakilur Rahman and two others in a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reference in connection with a 34-yearold shady real estate deal and tax evasion involving deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Accountability court Judge Asad Ali presided over the hearing in which the other accused -- former Lahore Development Authority (LDA) director general Humayon Faiz Rasool and its former land development department director Mian Bashir Ahmad -- were also present. All three accused pleaded not guilty to the charges after which the court ordered the agency to summon its witnesses to record their statements at the next hearing on February 16.

Shakil was arrested in March last on charges of illegal acquiring of 294,030 square feet of state-owned land in

Lahore's Johar Town neighbourhood in 1986 through assistance from the office of Sharif, then chief minister of Punjab. The NAB claimed the allotment was against the exemption policy and the laws for monetary gains.

In 2016, NAB said, he managed to have ownership rights transferred to him when Sharif was at the helm. The agency further said the suspects had caused a loss of Rs143.53 million to the national exchequer through the allotment in violation of relevant laws.

The anti-graft agency arrested Shakil after he had failed to satisfy their answers in a hearing regarding the case. Jang group insisted the case was trumped up and being used as an attempt to silence Shakil and his company because of its reporting that was critical of the government and NAB. Rahman was granted bail by the Supreme Court (SC) in November 2020 after months in jail while Sharif, who is residing in London since November 2019, was declared an absconder by the accountability court and perpetual arrest warrants were issued for him.

Govt committed to protection, welfare of media workers: Faraz ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Syed Shibli Faraz has said that the government is committed to making every possible effort for the protection and welfare of the media workers.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the information minister said that a bill for the protection of journalists is under process in the parliament, while another private member bill proposed for the wellbeing of media workers was rejected in the Senate due to non-

time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China from generation to generation.

Ambassador Rong said that with joint efforts from both China and Pakistan, Gwadar Port, as the pilot project of the CPEC, had witnessed dramatic changes, and become a model project for maintaining production and construction while doing a good job in preventing the spread of Covid19 throughout all BRI projects.

He reiterated that the Chinese side attached great importance to the development of Gwadar Port, and he had every good reason to believe that Gwadar would become a shining pearl of the region.

The Chinese envoy said that Gwadar would enjoy a bright future with the development of port industries, by building export processing zones based on local conditions. By developing the port, the city of Gwadar will develop as a whole, thus to become a benchmark for harmonious development, as well as a demonstration window for the success of BRI.

cooperation of the opposition. Faraz said that the government is also working on provision of health cards to journalists. Answering a question, he said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has become irrelevant in the politics of Pakistan as it has failed to garner support from the public. The minister said that masses have stood against corruption, but they cannot be brought on streets to safeguard corruption.

He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan is committed to acting against those who have plundered Pakistan's wealth and he is not ready to compromise on his stand on this issue.

PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT

Following in the footsteps of the Punjab government, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has assured the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of holding local bodies elections in September this year, sources said on Thursday.

The KP government has proposed September 15 as the date for the elections. The ECP will hold consultations in a meeting in February on the proposed date from the provincial government. According to the sources, a separate meeting will consider the proposal from the Punjab government. The sources said that the ECP will finalise the election schedule keeping in view the proposed dates from the two provincial governments. The ECP last week had directed the KP government to submit a date and other documents within 15 days. Last week, the Punjab government had suggested the ECP to hold the elections in September. The suggestion came in as an ECP meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja reviewed the preparations for the local bodies elections in KP and Punjab. The representatives of the two provincial governments attended the meeting. Both the governments were of the view that the reason behind the delay in holding the local government elections in the provinces was the coronavirus pandemic. The representatives of KP and Punjab gave a briefing to the ECP regarding the preparations for the elections.

The officials from the law and local wings also briefed the ECP on the issue.

SC seeks local bodies polls schedule from ECP ISLAMABAD TLTP

Expressing displeasure over delay in local body polls in provinces, the top court on Thursday sought election schedule form Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)

by February 4.

Hearing a matter relating to local bodies elections in Islamabad on Thursday a two-member bench headed

by Justice Qazi Faez Isa remarked that it seems that the ECP is not taking inference from the Constitution, but from “somewhere else”.

During the course of hearing, in response to the court directives attorney general for Pakistan (AGP), chief election commissioner (CEC), and other officials of the commission appeared before the bench.

Referring to the Article 6 of the Constitution, Justice Isa observed that those creating hurdles in the Constitution's implementation are committing high treason, adding that the CEC should step down from the slot if they are unable to organise elections. He further remarked that it seems that democracy is no longer a priority of the election authority.

Justice Isa questioned as to why local bodies polls

were not being held, saying why the masses were being deprived of democracy. The SC judge further said that not organising by-elections means the authority was not observing directions of the top court saying the top principal law officer should inform the chief executive of the country that "Constitution is more important."

Responding to the court’s query, the CEC said that local bodies elections would be held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on April 8. Later, adjourning the hearing till February 4, the top court asked the commissioner to discuss elections matter in the provinces with the officials and submit the minutes of the meeting on the next date of hearing.

Friday, 29 January, 2021

NEWS

PAKiStAn renewS CALL for equitABLe ACCeSS to CoronAviruS vACCine nEW YORK

P

AKRAM SAYS IF VACCINE IS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT A LARGE PART OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD, THE VIRUS WILL ROAM AND RETURN, TRIGGERING PERIODIC SHUTDOWNS

STAFF REPORT

AKISTAN Ambassador at the United Nations Munir Akram renewed the call for ensuring equitable access and distribution of the coronavirus vaccine, saying it was “vital” to control the pandemic and for quick recovery of the global economy.

“If the vaccine is not available through[out] a large part of the developing world, the virus will roam and return, triggering periodic shutdowns,” he said while pointing out that it would further impede the economic recovery in the developing countries and slow down the global recovery.

In a virtual address to a session of the Geneva-based Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Financing for Development, Ambassador Akram stressed the need for fully supporting the COVAX Facility for vaccine distribution by funding the 20 billion shots as soon as possible.

The fourth session titled 'Financing for Development: Towards a more coherent and consistent multilateral system: Priority policy proposals' was organised by the Pakistan Mission to the UN in Geneva and presided over by Ambassador Khalil Hashmi.

In his remarks from New York,

Ambassador Akram said that developing countries needed fiscal space and significant additional liquidity for the revival of the economy.

In this regard, he stressed the implementation of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s five-point proposal which calls for the equitable supply of Covid-19 vaccine to developing countries and suspension of debt repayments for most stressed countries until the end of the pandemic.

The ECOSOC chief said the G-20 industrialised countries’ Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) was welcome but was not enough as it should be extended to cover all distressed

PiA to airlift half million vaccine shots from Beijing LAHORE STAFF REPORT

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft will airlift more than half a million doses of a coronavirus vaccine from Beijing, the airline said. According to a spokesperson for the national flag-carrier, the airline’s Boeing 777 plane will be used for vaccine transportation. PIA CEO Air Marshal (r) Arshad Malik has a green-signal for the operation. Last week, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi announced that China had promised to provide 500,000 doses of the vaccine to Pakistan by January 31. In a video message after a phone call with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, Qureshi said that China asked Islamabad to send an airplane to airlift the jabs. “I want to give the nation the good news that China has promised to immediately provide 500,000 doses of vaccine to Pakistan by January 31,” he said.

developing countries, including the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

No solutions were in sight for a large part of the debt owed to the private sector, Ambassador Akram said, adding that some sort of an understanding should be reached with the credit rating agencies to enable the sector to participate.

He called for introducing new guidelines for debt resolution, including a more universal framework in the shape of an international debt authority, as has been discussed in the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Ambassador Akram said that the requirement for transparency should not

become a precondition for help to the developing countries. Noting that debt solution may be a slow process, he suggested the provision of larger concessional financing from multilateral development banks and the International Monetary Fund.

Mobilisation of domestic resources can also contribute through national capital markets, and support for national bond issues. “The mobilisation of the 100 billion annually in climate finance is now both a financial and a political condition for the global implementation of the Paris Agreement,” he said.

As for a new financial architecture, the ECOSOC chief proposed a fair international taxation system; digital economy; prevention of illicit financial flows, and the return of stolen assets.

The session concluded on Wednesday evening, with Ambassador Hashmi saying that he was encouraged by valuable insights and priority policy proposals. What was needed, he said in a tweet, was revitalised multilateralism, urgent and coordinated global actions to counter inter-linked health, economic and climate crises.

Education minister says academic year will begin in August nEWS DESK The academic school year will begin from August this year, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood said on Twitter.

Replying to another user on the popular micro-blogging site, Shafqat agreed that all school years should begin from August as the students can return with a fresh mind after the summer break.

A different user claimed that the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board (PCTB) had refused to give no-objection certificates (NOCs), to which the education minister replied: "We have given instructions that NOCs should be given expeditiously." In reply to another question, he said that private schools are free to use any textbook that is in conformity with the Single National Curriculum (SNC) and has a NOC from the provincial government.

A day earlier, Shafqat had announced that the country will

SHAFQAT SAYS SCHOOL YEARS SHOULD BEGIN FROM AUGUST AS THE STUDENTS CAN RETURN WITH A FRESH MIND AFTER THE SUMMER BREAK adopt the SNC from the next academic year. The announcement had been made through the official Twitter account of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, wherein the ministry had stated that it has developed the SNC with consultation from the relevant stakeholders for grades pre-1 to 5 and that this “shall be followed by all public and private schools across the country from next academic year”.

According to the ministry, under the directives from the federal minister for education, the new year “would start now in August 2021 due to extension in examination dates to be held in May/June and also prolonged school closures in the academic year of 2020”.

Furthermore, the ministry had said that a letter was sent to all provincial and area governments regarding the Textbook Policy under the unified curriculum.

It had stated that publishers are “allowed to develop these textbooks aligned with SLOs prescribed by SNC” and that they will require a noobjection certificate (NOC) by the provincial textbook boards so that they may “check any inclusion of anti-Pakistan, anti-religion, and any other hate material”.

Meanwhile, the textbook boards have been advised to “exercise due diligence to ensure that private publishers are producing textbooks in line with the objectives and contents of SNC”.

Govt to amend Constitution to ensure electoral transparency COntInuED fROM PAgE 01 Speaking on the occasion, Dr Awan announced that the PTI has prepared a "package to bring three reforms in the Constitution". He said that the rate of buying votes had already been set as most ruling governments wanted to increase the number of seats, but the PTI was determined to ensure transparency.

"The bill will introduce three amendments," he added, one of which would be "to Article 63-1C of the Constitution". "We're using the words 'open vote' instead of 'single transferable vote'," he explained.

The government's proposed amendments include replacing 'single transferable vote' in Article 59(2) of the Constitution with 'open vote', changing Article 63(1)(c) to allow Pakistanis with dual nationalities to contest elections, and to include the word Senate in Article 226 of the Constitution.

In case a dual national wins an election, he would have to give a clear proof before taking oath as the legislator that he had renounced his foreign citizenship, but if he loses the election, the dual national will have no need to renounce his foreign citizenship, he further explained. Dr Awan said that the constitutional amendment bill was a "test case" for political parties and would identify their stance on holding transparent elections. The introduction of reforms package in parliament will make it clear who in the opposition supported fair elections and wanted to stop the buying of votes and horse trading and who would be doing otherwise, he continued.

"Governments do not go as a result of bad prayers but through a no-confidence motion under a constitutional procedure," he said. "The transparency report is another proof of the PML-N's corruption."

The adviser said that the premier had made it clear

that, irrespective of the fact that his party would get more or less votes, he would pursue the electoral reforms in the Senate and pave the path for accountability.

Dr Awan said that a roadmap had been given to the political parties in the Parliament to stop the horse trading and buying of votes in elections.

Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto signed the Charter of Democracy in May 2006 and one of its point was that indirect elections should be open and identifiable votes should be cast in it, he observed.

The adviser said that the reforms were a national agenda and nobody would want to get Senators elected through use of money or corruption. He urged the opposition parties to support the government in undertaking electoral reforms in the parliament.

The bill comprising the aforementioned three amendments to the Constitution of Pakistan would be presented in the parliament next week ahead of the

Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan this year, says Asad Umar ISLAMABAD MIAN ABRAR

Federal Minister for Planning & Development Asad Umar on Thursday said that the Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Pakistan this year and Pakistan would accord historic reception to the Chinese dignitary upon his arrival.

Addressing the All-Pakistan Chambers’ Presidents Conference, Asad said that China has $4 trillion in imports and exports and Pakistan would have to formulate a strategy to win a significant share of the $2 trillion imports of China.

He said that Pakistan should also contribute to win at least $20 billion of the Chinese imports.

He also said that 30 per cent projects of the China-

Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are nearing completion which would largely help Pakistan expand its exports significantly.

The planning minister said that preparations are being made for 10th meeting of the Pakistan, China Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC). He said that the Main Line-I (ML-1) project will be discussed at the 10th JCC meeting.

03

Pm wants effective plan to address universities’ woes ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday chaired a meeting to review issues faced by universities in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and directed the authorities to ensure the provision of better facilities to students. The meeting was also attended by the Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood, governors, and education ministers of Punjab and KP while Dr Attaur Rahman also attended the session via video-link. The meeting proposed solutions to the financial and other issues of the varsities which included improving the education standards, eliminating political interference and, implementation on merit-based appointments. The proposals on the appointment of experienced heads of the universities were also presented before the meeting headed by the prime minister. Speaking during the meeting, PM Imran said that the future of the country lies in better education facilities at the varsities. “Provision of standard education facilities should be ensured in the universities,” directed the prime minister. He also called for the provision of better facilities to students besides appointments of expert and experienced officials in the varsities. The premier directed to prepare a uniform and effective strategy for the universities.

Govt prepares tors for Broadsheet probe commission ISLAMABAD TLTP

The federal government has prepared terms of reference (ToRs) for the commission to investigate into Broadsheet findings on Thursday. The ToRs for the inquiry commission will be presented before the federal cabinet for its approval. The summary of ToRs for the commission on Broadsheet scandal has been sent to the federal cabinet members through a circular. It stated that the inquiry commission will also probe into those cases that had been shut due to political compromise alongside holding a thorough investigation into Broadsheet revelations. On Tuesday, the federal cabinet had approved the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate the Broadsheet scandal after enhancing its powers as compared to the earlier formed inquiry commission. The inquiry commission will be headed by Justice (r) Azmat Saeed Sheikh in order to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the scandal. The commission will re-investigate cases involving bigwigs, which were closed out of expediency, the sources said, adding cases of important personalities such as Rao Sikandar Iqbal and Aftab Ahmed Sherpao will be re-opened. It is pertinent to mention here that the United Kingdom-based asset recovery firm Broadsheet LLC had been hired in 2000 by General Pervez Musharraf’s government to help recover assets stashed by past Pakistani rulers abroad.

upcoming Senate elections.

LEGAL OPINION fAvOuR SECRET BALLOT: Commenting over the proposed amendments, veteran legal expert on constitutional matters, S M Zafar told Pakistan Today that though the matter was already in the Supreme Court (SC), the government has decided to bring up the matter in the parliament.

“And I believe that the matter should be decided in the parliament,” he said, adding that the federal government should review its decision as secret ballot is a better option. “In my view, secret ballot is a better option against show of hands method. Senate elections are to be held under proportionate representation basis.

A show of hands may create some constitutional complexities,” he maintained. Advocate Hamid Khan told this scribe that making Senate elections transparent is a separate matter, but a single transferrable vote is to ensure the right of choice to every voter and that this amendment may complicate the matter. “I believe that there may be malpractices in Senate elections but secret ballot is spirit of democracy and I oppose removing secret ballot from the Constitution. Political parties should bring credible people and elect better people,” he said.

Asad said that work has been started for economic connectivity between China and Pakistan under the CPEC. He said that China has $2 trillion each in exports and imports. He also said that Pakistan needs to ponder how can it get its share of the Chinese imports. He further said that the government is working on a strategy to achieve this objective.

The minister said that if Pakistan takes even one per cent of the share of Chinese imports, it becomes $20 billion. “The entire power system is controlled by the bureaucracy. We want to bring this power system to private sector,” he concluded.

04

NEWS

COvID-19 vArIAnTS: BuzDAr APPrOveS rS50m TO Buy gene SequenCIng TeChnOlOgy LAHoRe

P

TLTP

uNJAB Chief Minister Sardarusman Buzdar on Thursday approved Rs50 million funds for the provincial health department to place an order for genetic sequencing technology.

After the order, Punjab will become the first province in Pakistan to acquire a genome sequencing machine, which will

help inidentifying new strains of the coronavirus in the province.

“Punjab will be the first province to buy a gene sequencing machine. The machine will allow investigation of what variants of the virus are causing deaths in the second wave of the pandemic,” said Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Secretary Captain (R) Mohammad usman Younis in a press statement.

Prior to this, only the Islamabad-based National Institute of Health had a gene se-

quencing machine and samples collected from positive patients in Punjab had to be sent to the federal laboratory for a reading.

Globally, scientists have identified three variants of the deadly coronavirus, which were first detected in England, South Africa and Brazil. The mutations, which are considered to be highly transmissible, have now spread to other countries.

The uK-variant alone has been traced in 50 countries, territories and areas to date, said the World Health Organization

(WHO) earlier this month.

As a result, the WHO has urged all countries to ramp up genome sequencing to help combat the emerging variants.

Last month, the Sindh health department detected the new variant of the coronavirus in three passengers entering the country from the uK. While Punjab has till now not detected any mutations of the virus, Younis says that the provincial health department has already started procurement of the gene sequencing machine.

Islamabad administration allows outdoor dining after 10pm The Islamabad administration on Thursday allowed outdoor dining after 10pm at various eateries across the city and maintained the ban on indoor dining due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The district administration said in the light of the National Command and Operations Centre's (NCOC) instructions, the 10pm ban on indoor dining will remain in place and existing timetable for shopping malls and business centres, which has been in place due to the pandemic, will continue to be implemented as well. The administration added, "Restrictions on closing recreational areas by 6pm will also remain in place. The standard operating procedures (SOPs) for coronavirus will continue to be strictly enforced." As per statistics, Pakistan has so far recorded almost 540,000 Covid-19 infections and more than 11,500 deaths from the pandemic. Around 2,000 new cases and 64 deaths were reported on Thursday. NEWS DESK

ATC sends accused in Osama Satti murder case to jail on judicial remand ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday sent five accused to Adiala Jail on judicial remand in the Osama Satti murder case.

The arrested cops were presented before the court of Judge Raja Jawad Abbas, who sent the accused to jail and directed the jail authorities to present them before the court on the next hearing on February 10, besides instructing the investigation officer of the case to submit a challan. The accused include Muddasir, Shakeel, Mohammad Mustafa, Saeed Ahmed and Iftikhar Ahmed. On January 2, the five Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel were taken into custody for indiscriminately gunning down 22-year-old Osama in the Sector G-10 area on Srignagar Highway within the jurisdiction of Ramna police station in the federal capital. TLTP

QUETTA: A large number of residents of Eastern Bypass block roads and burn tires during a protest against gas and electricity load-shedding in the provincial capital. PPI

KP govt bans transfers, registries in illegal residential colonies

Sindh devises digital mechanism for Covid-19 vaccination

PeSHAWAR

KARACHI

AZIZ BUNERI

Owing to the directives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, the Peshawar district administration has banned all kinds of transfers and registriesof plots in 181 illegal residential colonies. The illegal residential colonies include 25 illegal housing societies in Tehsil City, 123 in Tehsil Shah Alam, 24 in Tehsil Saddar and nine in Tehsil Matani. Abid Khan, a resident of Peshawar, said the provincial government's crackdown on illegal housing schemes has put billions of rupees at risk. Khan added that the majority of housing schemes in KP include societies started during the previous government without no objection certificates (NOCs). He further said the government should have inform the people before taking such decision as the people had invested billions of rupees in these societies. According to the Peshawar district administration, action has been initiated against the 181 illegal housing societies in the district and the decision was taken in the light of the directives of the provincial government. With the order, all kinds of transfers and registries in these illegal housing societies have been banned. The district administration said that the police have also been directed to take legal action against the illegal housing schemes.

CTD foils terror bid KHUZDAR STAFF REPORT

Foiling a major terrorism bid, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Balochistan police on Thursday recovered ten hand grenades from a wagon in Khuzdar. On a tip-off, the CTD personnel raided a passenger van parked at a highway and recovered the grenades from the possession of two passengers travelling to Khuzdar from Quetta. The grenades were hidden in a tyre loaded in the van and were transported later to be used in terrorist activities in the province.

TLTP

The Sindh health department has devised a digital mechanism with the help of the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) for Covid-19 vaccination.

According to details, the data of the vaccinator and the one who will get the coronavirus vaccine would be saved in the NADRA database and no unregistered person would be provided the vaccine.

The NADRA has designed separate login and password for the Covid-19 vaccinators.

Furthermore, it was said by the Sindh health depart-

ment that there would be a gap of 21 days between the first and second doses of the vaccine.

Meanwhile, the Sindh health department has set up 14 vaccination centres in the province.Of the 14 vaccination centres, nine have been established in Karachi, including two each in the South, East and Central districts, and one each in the Korangi, Malir and West districts.

The other districts where the vaccination centres have been set up include Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah and Hyderabad.

Trained staff have been deployed at these centres equipped with all the necessary equipment and appliances, including refrigerators.

lahore Police find mosque prayer leader dead with throat slit The prayer leader of Shalimar Mosque, situated at Multan Colony in Lahore, was found dead on Thursday with his throat slit. According to police, the body of Mohammad Asif, son of Mureed Hussain, was found from the quarters adjacent to the mosque and some unidentified people had visited the quarters to meet the 24-year-old victim before he was found dead.

The body was later moved to a morgue for post-mortem. The police suspect the same visitors to have killed Asif. Later, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar usman Buzdar took notice of the murder and sought a report from the Capital City Police Officer. He called for the arrest of those involved in the felony at the earliest and assured the bereaved family of justice at any cost. Lahore Police Chief Ghulam MehmoodDogar said the culprits will soon be arrested, adding that investigation has been started after registering an FIR. NEWS DESK

Another group of Pakistani Hindu families returns from India with shattered dreams LAHoRe APP

Another group of Pakistani Hindu families, which had migrated to India to seek better living conditions and economic future, returned here on Thursday.

The families were disappointed with their earlier decision of migration to India. The families were earlier lured to migrate to India to start a new life with economic prosperity. However, after an experience of “horrific living conditions” in India, over 100 Hindus have returned to Pakistan in the past few months.

“We were far better placed here in Pakistan and had much greater financial status,” said Jesu Mal son of RadhoKachhi, who was utterly dismayed by the treatment given to them in India.

“We could not get any place or employment in India,” he said and added, “When we lived in India, we realized how much better our life was back in Pakistan.”

He said the entire family then decided to return to Pakistan. However, since the borders were closed owing to the Covid-19 restrictions, they had to stay much longer there.

The returning Hindu families would remain in quarantine for fourteen days before being allowed to return to their native hometowns.

Another of the returning Hindus, Rano son of Ramji, said, “We left Pakistan with dreams of a better future but what we witnessed in India was nothing but horrific.”

He said eleven of their community members were brutally murdered and the Indian authorities just dumped them.

He added no one bothered to check with them regarding their requirements and no one told them anything about any of the promised employment opportunities.

“India only belongs to Brahmans. They treat the rest like dirt,” Ranofurther said.

To a question, he said still some

Hindu families are in India but after witnessing the despicable living conditions, the murder of 11 Pakistani Hindus and attitude of locals, “I would request all to return home and live with dignity and honour in Pakistan.”

“I would never ever advise anyone to make the same mistake of migrating to

India. We are lucky to be back alive,” Ranoconcluded.

Many members of the Pakistani Hindu community warmly welcomed the returning community members and presented them rose garlands as they walking back into Pakistan with high hopes for a better and secure future.

Friday, 29 January, 2021

NEWS

KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange holds gong ceremony for the first Self Registered Instrument issued by Bank Alfalah. PRESS RELEASE

OGRA deTeRmiNeS GAS PRice AT RS778.59 PeR mmbTu fOR SSGc ISLAMABAD

T

ISLAMABAD: The Imarat Group of Companies and Marriott International have signed a franchise agreement to launch service of the ‘Residence Inn by Marriott and Courtyard’ by Marriott in Pakistan. The signatories of the agreement were Chairman Imarat Group of Companies, Shafiq Akbar and Director of Lodging Development - Middle East & Pakistan for Marriott International Ziad Abi Raadh. PRESS RELEASE

AHMAD AHMADANI

hE Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has increased gas price for consumers of Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) by 5.4pc, besides determining the prescribed gas price at Rs778.59 per million British thermal units (mmbtu).

OGRA, while taking a decision on SSGC's review petition for Estimated Revenue Requirement (ERR), has provisionally determined a shortfall in ERR for FY21 at Rs14,270 million, in addition to previous year's shortfall of Rs50,983 million. Accordingly, the authority determined the prescribed price at Rs778.59 per mmbtu for each category of gas consumers as determined under section 8 (2) of OGRA Ordinance, 2002.

The authority, as a matter of principle under legal domain, was of the view that all the classes of

consumers should at least pay the average cost of service or the average prescribed price.

As per OGRA's decision, the prescribed price may be readjusted upon the receipt of federal government advice under section 8 (3) of the OGRA Ordinance in respect of sale price of gas for each category of retail consumers so that SSGCL is able to achieve its total revenue requirements in accordance with section 8 (6) of the Ordinance.

Under the said section, the federal government is required to advise the authority within 40 days regarding the minimum charges and sale price for each category of retail consumers for notification in the official gazette. "If the government fails to advise within the said period and the prescribed price for any category of retail consumers determined by the authority is higher than the most recently notified sale price for that category of retail consumers, OGRA will

Pakistan, Kuwait agree to enhance trade, investment cooperation ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Pakistan and Kuwait have expressed resolve to enhance cooperation in economic, trade, oil and gas, energy, investment, agriculture, IT and health sectors.

This was reaffirmed when a high-level Kuwaiti delegation, led by Assistant Foreign Minister Ali Suliman Al-Saeed, called on Economic Affairs Division (EAD) Secretary Noor Ahmed on Thursday.

The EAD secretary emphasised upon enhancing bilateral economic relation for mutual benefit of both countries. he appreciated the generous support of Kuwait in extending financing for development projects in Pakistan and debt suspension facility provided by Kuwait Fund to overcome Covid-19 situation. The secretary underscored the need to sign a framework agreement with Kuwait Fund for financing various projects in infrastructure, energy and social sector. Both sides agreed to hold the next session of the Joint Ministerial Commission in the near future. The Kuwaiti assistant foreign minister hoped that the forthcoming meeting of the joint commission will be instrumental in paving the way for future cooperation between the two countries. Earlier on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan's desire to forge stronger bilateral relations with Kuwait. he was talking to a Kuwaiti delegation led by Ali Suleman Al-Saeed in Islamabad. The foreign minister stressed the importance of deepening and diversifying the bilateral cooperation particularly in the areas of trade, investment, manpower export, and food security. he also underscored the importance of facilitating travel between the two countries. On the occasion, the Kuwaiti assistant foreign minister said his visit reflects the keenness of the leadership of Kuwait to enhance cooperation and collaboration with Pakistan in diverse arenas. During the meeting, the two sides expressed satisfaction at mutual collaboration in multilateral organisations particularly in the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

CMYK

be obliged to notify in the official gazette the prescribed price as determined by the authority to be the sale price for the said category of retail consumers."

According to sources, the government may take necessary action under section 8 (3) of the ordinance and advise the authority to go ahead with the revised sale price for each category of retail consumers of natural gas for notification in the official gazette within the stipulated time period.

"The current sale price is on the higher side, so there will be no impact on the price," an insider said.

The OGRA, in its decision, also directed SSGC to focus on reducing Unaccounted for Gas (UFG), improving internal control systems, increasing efficiency, and ensuring quality of service.

Earlier, the SSGCL, in an instant review petition, had claimed aggregate increase in prescribed price of Rs78.95 per mmbtu with effect from July 1, 2020.

05

SNGPL intensifies crackdown against gas theft SNGPL-Peshawar, in its continued extensive task force activities in Wazir Dhand near Karkhano market, has carried out raids against pilferers and illegal use of gas. During the said operation, the teams plugged 20 direct/underground connections and five direct use connections (gas was being fed to approx 70 houses. During the underground usage of gas, approx 350 houses were using gas illegally. An application in the local police station has also been submitted for lodging of FIRs against gas pilferers. PRESS RELEASE

Toyota beats Volkswagen to become World’s No 1 car seller in 2020 TOKYO: Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp overtook Germany’s Volkswagen in vehicle sales last year, regaining pole position as the world’s top selling automaker for the first time in five years as the pandemic demand slump hit its German rival harder. Toyota said on Thursday its group-wide global sales fell 11.3% to 9.528 million vehicles in 2020. That compared with a 15.2 percent drop at Volkswagen to 9.305 million vehicles. Automakers have suffered as coronavirus lockdowns have stopped people from visiting car showrooms and forced manufacturing plants to reduce or halt production. Toyota, however, has weathered the pandemic better in part because its home market Japan, and the Asian region in general, have been less affected by the outbreak than Europe and the United States. “Our focus is not on what our ranking may be, but on serving our customers” a Toyota spokeswoman said. As demand for cars rebounds, particularly in China, Toyota, Volkswagen and other manufacturers are scrambling to tap growing demand for electric cars. AGENCIES

Friday, 29 January, 2021

06 COMMENT

Minority rule

What people want is performance Not kicking the can down the road

Why the USA must punish the Capitol attack

W

hile the PDM has yet to decide next week whether it wants to go for a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister and the National Assembly Speaker, alarm bells are already ringing in the PTi’s top echelon. Unsure of the fidelity of its legislators who are to cast votes for the Senate elections next month, the government is already knocking at the Supreme Court’s door to allow the casting of open ballots.

The government’s worries are by no means unfounded in view of the reservations expressed by PTi legislators about its performance at the parliamentary party’s meeting on Wednesday The PM, imran Khan, who is used to hectoring others, was made to receive an earful on rising prices, his government’s failure to fulfill its promises and unwillingness to extend accountability to cabinet members, advisors and special assistants. While the government seems to have mended bridges with the PMl(Q), the MQM expressed displeasure over the delay in implementation of the Rs1.1 trillion Karachi Transformation Plan, which is meant to address basic civic issues in the metropolis.

The outburst led an otherwise inaccessible Mr Khan to agree to hold meetings with MNAs in groups to redress their grievances. The MQM was assured that the Karachi plan is already in the works. Keeping in view the MQM’s sensitivities over the last census results, a CCi meeting scheduled for putting its stamp on the exercise was postponed. Going back on his election campaign rhetoric against giving development funds directly to the MNAs because it amounted to promoting corruption, the PM announced Rs 500 million for every MNA and MPA to ensure their loyalty. it was yet another victory of realpolitik over a feigned idealism After making the announcements the PM assured the parliamentarians that the PDM was dead as a dodo after it failed to bring people to streets despite hectic efforts.

While there may be rivalries and differences over tactics within the PDM, it remains united over the issue of removing the PTi government and ensuring civilian supremacy in the country. As long as the government fails to provide relief to the people and is widely seen to be selected, it would be premature to write the opposition alliance’s obituary.

At Penpoint M A NIAZI

W

hile the USA has apparently recovered from the attack on US Capitol by Trump supporters out to overturn the election result, the inauguration of Joe Biden as President has not been enough to overcome the episode, and there seems a sufficient degree of support for Donald Trump’s impeachment, which will be the second he is undergoing, the previous one having come in 2019.

At the same time, the second impeachment, which has formally moved from the house, which has dr4afted a single article of impeachment, is likely to have the same result as the first: an acquittal. Unlike the last time, the Republicans no longer control the Senate, with a dramatic loss by them of both Georgia seats in a special post-November special election leading to Democrat control of that house. however, that control is narrow, as that house is now 50-50, and the Democrats still need 17 Republican Senators to break ranks and vote for the impeachment.

At one level, the impeachment of Donald Trump seems bit of overkill. After all, the main punishment of an impeachment is removal from office, and Trump has already been so removed by the electorate. however, that would be to underestimate the shock felt by many at the attack on US democracy. At bottom, democracy is about accepting election result, not just by the main contenders, but also those who are watching the competition. Perhaps most importantly, the results have to be accepted by the competitors, including the losers. That the holder of the highest office should refuse to accept results if they go against him or her, seems particularly reprehensible, and

The vaccine at last New challenges arrive

T

he announcement by health Services SAPM Dr Faisal Sultan that vaccination will begin next week is welcome, but it does not mean that the covid-19 pandemic is over. he announced that there would be designated vaccination centers, where citizens would apply through SMS and be informed when to appear for administration at which centre. The first batch of vaccines, 500,000 doses, has been donated by China, but future doses will have to be bought, and even if orders are immediately placed, the country would perforce have to take its place at the end of a very long queue. Urgency was always there, but it has become even more pressing because of the need for follow-up doses of the vaccine. The 500,000 doses, if administered, will create the necessity of administering a second dose to the recipients, or else to lose the benefit of the vaccine. it is also to be borne in mind that the second dose of a different vaccine may not be useful. it is also not feasible, because of storage issues, to vaccinate only 250,000 health workers, and keep the remaining 250,000 doses for the second time.

The government is apparently working on the assumption that people want to get vaccinated, and will volunteer for doses. This is not a safe assumption, not since the target must be blanket coverage, and thus vaccinating more 120 million people. Pakistan has not got a particularly good record, as its experience with the polio vaccine shows. it must learn from that experience, well as from the difficulties other countries are facing in the covid-19 rollout.

The USA, for example, is facing problems from people failing to turn up for their vaccine appointments, not to mention the problem of doses in multidose vials going waste once a vial had been opened and no one was left to vaccinate. This is also a time when we might let slip our guard as a society. Relief may be permissible, but relaxation is not. The precautions of social distancing, frequent handwashing and mask wearing cannot be relaxed. While the authorities tackle the massive logistical problems it entails, they must not lose sight of this.

ZAINAb NAZIr

W

e as a society respect language fluency, skin colour, crispy accents and walking brand labels, but not people in general. With the exit of Britishers, it was assumed that english language would go to its native soil soon. But the deep roots which english language has struck into our soil, were hard to be shaken. Unfortunately, we were unable to nip the anticipated Gordian knot in the bud.

Recently, a video went viral where two women (owners of a high-end restaurant) were making fun of their manager's bad english. They were giving him the short end of the stick just because they were "bored". Their loathsome tone of emetic arrogance shows how we all live under the same roof but experience different weathers. The way these women presented their mentality, explains why tarbiyat (training) is equally important as taleem (education).

Morality and empathy are values that small minds are never able to grasp.

Our slavery to the foreign language has always been an issue. Judgements are destructive. Making fun of people has become our survival instinct.

Editor Umar Aziz

Asher John

Executive Editor

Deputy Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

english is because we have been ignoring our own language for a long time. We have told our younger Whether it's Meera, Umer Akmal or Awais; we generation that english alone can provide them with enjoy degrading people. respectable class, job opportunities and social status.

Speaking fluent english is considered to be a Our society's obsession with eminence has shaped our mark of privilege and status in our part of the world. attitude towards the english language. The idea that What happened with Awais (cafe manager) happens delicate english defines a person's social status dates with almost everyone who does not know how to back to the eccentric customs of colonial times when speak in english and unfortunately, this happens in British schools and education was available only for our schools, colleges, universities and even our work- those with pro-British views. There was a time in hisplaces. Those who know how to speak english get all tory when Urdu was considered the language of the the privileges while others get ignored despite all their elite, and before that Persian was the language of nogood work. Those two restaurant owners reflect our bles, but things shook up. Now, we are ashamed of deeper and darker conour own language, be it science in one way or the Urdu, Punjabi, or Saraiki. if other. We ourselves are ofwe make mistakes while tentimes guilty of feeling that speaking our native lanWe Pakistanis are drifting sense of superiority when we guage, no one will even nospeak english better than tice but if we use incorrect away from our roots. The others in our classrooms and english, people will treat it white man's tongue has workplaces. We are the reaas an offence. The same son why those women had thing happened with Awais become a language of the the courage of videotaping which has definitely touched the manager and making fun elite and a desire of the a raw nerve within many of of his english. We are a part us. We Pakistanis are driftmiddle cl ass. On the other of the problem and need to ing away from our roots. show ourselves a mirror beThe white man's tongue has hand, countries like Japan, fore playing our national become a language of the Russia, China, Spain use their elite and a desire of the game of pointing fingers. english language is no middle class. On the other own languages measure of manners, and hand, countries like Japan, had it been the case, the Russia, China, Spain use Cannoli women would not their own languages. Sports have behaved so wretchedly. stars like Ronaldo and english is considered to be a global language and this Messi feel comfortable in communicating in their is the reason why mocking comes with it. We are liv- native languages and do not get judged. But our ing in a diverse age which prepares us to survive in cricket stars Sarfraz and Umer Akmal get pilloried this era of globalization. english or any other lan- for not being fluent in english. We need to get over guage is not a criterion of someone's intelligence. if this colonial hangover. The basic purpose of lanenglish solely was a presage of intelligence then, the guage is to verbally communicate. Attaching notions Japanese, German and Chinese would have never of status, wealth and intelligence with any language jumbled the world with their revolutions. would lead to segregation among us. in our country, the powerful and the so-called emerging affluent speak english, then the poor and The writer is an English Literature and Linguisweak try to emulate them. This practice has increased tics graduate based in Islamabad and can be reached the toffee-nosed in our society. The high esteem of at zainab.nazir@gmail.com.

When language skills are used to mock

Arif Nizami

Joint Editor

The writer is a member of staff.

White tongue and brown slaves

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

worthy of punishment.

Apart from that motive for impeachment, there are other partisan-political considerations. if impeached, Trump cannot be removed from office, but he can be disqualified from holding, and thus running for, public office, again. Normally, Presidents defeated after bone term usually just fade into the background, but Trump seems likely to run again in 2024, assuming of course that he is alive at that point.

The real reason he is spoken of as likely to run again, is the reason for the attack on the capital: the feeling by so many that they have been dispossessed. it is perhaps paradoxical that symbol of rebellion should belong to the New York that symbolizes the very force that there is a rebellion against, but it seems that the real conflict is between the two coasts of the USA, and Middle America. The dominance of the two coasts comes from that of the urban centres of los Angeles on the West Coast and New York on the east, which are not just heavily represented in US soft power, but which represent the USA to the world. it is also instructive that those two cities are the main magnets for immigration, and both almost rival each other in the size and diversity of their migrant populations.

They are also magnets for internal populations.

These people are the basis of a permanent Democrat majority, because New York state has 29 electoral votes, California 55. Those 84 votes always go the Democrat candidate, which means there are 83 votes there, which an opponent has to overcome. With a winning total of 271 electoral votes, Democrats start out with a huge advantage. Generally, demographic changes in the USA make for a coming permanent Democrat majority. Among the numerous changes occurring, the most significant will be the colorization of the US Population. By mid-century, the majority will be no longer white. it will remain the largest racial group, but it will no longer be 51 percent of the total.

The Republican candidate, who represents the most conservative and racist elements in the USA, is permanently disadvantaged, to the point where the last two have only come to election because of the electoral-college system, because both George W. Bush (in 2000) and Trump in 2016, had lost the popular vote, but won in the electoral College. if the electoral College becomes impossible to win, the Republicans may be reduced to a semi- minority.

One solution is outreach to minority voters. That has been tried, but does not seem to be working. One reason is the strength of the white supremacists within the Republicans. however, there have been two major transformations. Republicans started out as the default party for blacks to choose, after a Republican President, Abe lincoln, accepted a Civil War over the slavery question, and ultimately issued

the emancipation Proclamation. The defeated South went into the Democrat Party, and the ‘Dixiecrats’ were born, and it was in the South that the colour bar, which succeeded slavery, had its strongest support.

The Democrats underwent a change under Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who won four consecutive presidential elections. The coalition he constructed included minorities too, in those days primarily African-Americans.

The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s saw a struggle within the Democratic Party for its soul between minorities and white supremacists.

The minorities won, but at the cost of the South going to the Republicans. Biden may be the first Democrat to win in eight years, but he is the first non-Southerner, non-black Democrat since FDR himself, who last won an election in 1944. And just as FDR had harry Truman, a Southerner as his running mate, Biden had selected Kamala harris, a black, as his. he himself had twice been the running mate of the USA’s first black President. his running mate is also symbolic. Not only is Kamala harris black, but she is indian through her mother. it’s also significant that she is a woman, another break with precedent. She was an almost inevitable choice for Biden, who had to counter the cooperation he had engaged in as a Senator with Dixiecrat Senators. The campaign mixed with the Black lives Matter campaign, which had blacks in the forefront, but supported by whites who did not like the way police treated blacks. Those who supported the police were ironically the ones who killed a policeman in the attack on the Capitol. he was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher. One woman only was shot by the police. (Three other protesters died of a heart attack, a stroke and by being crushed in a stampede).

Apart from Trump not being in office, impeachment opponents say any trial would be divisive. That means that the USA does contain some people opposed to how it is governed. The attack on the Capitol, and the role of President Trump, indicate that the Republicans might see only a coup as the means of obtaining power. That would be an unfortunate development, for it would give ideas to many operators worldwide. it is now possible to see how the USA might implode. in that respect, Biden’s Presidency will be important. he spent the Obama years as the adult in the room, the designated driver, who brought a white male perspective to the foreign policy which was in the hands of a black President and a woman Secretary of State. Now his primary task will be to restore reason and responsibility to American behavior. however, while the world needs the USA to act responsibly, a large section of the American people don’t want this. Biden will have to make this section stay satisfied enough with the system not to overthrow it. There are many well-founded arguments why there can’t be a coup in the USA, mainly the diffusion of power within the system. Problem is, losers don’t care. They’re ready to tear down the edifice without any idea of what to put in place.

I

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

I

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

I

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

I

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Friday, 29 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

Humanity in tatters iN the Alkhalil city of Palestine, a boy child was kidnapped by zionist occupation soldiers. The soldiers rushed into the child's house and took him.

On the other hand, the family stood helpless and could not save their child.

Brutality on a small child shows the fewness of humanity. humanity is in tatters and that's the reason why children are also facing barbarism. The international authorities must stand with the innocents of Palestine, specifically protect the children from recklessness.

Farahnaz TurbaT

Muslim representation The USA president Joe Biden has appointed Saima Moshin, the first federal muslim woman prosecutor in US. Biden's attitude is quite warm towards muslims and Pakistan in comparison of the previous president Donald Trump. in addition, Biden also abolished the immigration ban on muslims at the first day of his presidency. Besides, he considers Pakistan suitable for future collaborations. As a president of the highest superpower country, Biden is very kind and friendly with other countries, specifically, muslim countries and communities. it seems that the US has gotten an idol. naz TurbaT

Planning crisis

Machiavelli in our Neighbourhood

ZAfAr AZIZ ChAudhry

M

AChiAVelli had little place for ethics, or for religion, in the system of his political philosophy. Aristotle had already distinguished ethics from politics but had not separated the two, whereas Machiavelli brought about a complete divorce between them. Morality was not denied but was subordinated to politics and, therefore, Machiavelli is not immoral but un-moral in his polities, which means that he had no scruples with morality, in so far as the strategies of the ruler kept him in power One of the most maligned thinkers in history is Niccole Machiavelli, an italian aristocrat who became infamous for his political views by writing a book, The Prince about 500 years ago. While discussing the classical history of early Ancient Rome, he presents a series of lessons on how a republic should be managed and groomed. his cardinal point was that he emancipated politics from theology and moral philosophy. Machiavelli is simply a "realist" or "pragmatist" as we understand him today, who states that moral values in reality do not greatly affect the decisions that political leaders make. it may be surprising for many to know that Machiavelli was not the first to propound this thought. About 1500 years before him, a hindu jurist Chankiya had taught a similar thesis. he gave a secondary place to morality in politics, and put strategy as the primary instrument.

Machiavellian thought travelled from europe and spread into the entire world. Politics everywhere is practiced more or less on Machiavellian principles which instead of letting the country run according to law, morality or ethics, insist that strategies of the protagonists should be such as could keep them perpetually in power.

To achieve this end, the ruler may resort to those strategies which remove all obstacles in the full enjoyment of their power. They may do so by making their own self-made laws. And all these tactics prescribed by Machiavelli were diligently employed by our past rulers which kept them in power for a long time.

Pakistan in its brief history has seen three military coups by Gen Ayub Khan, Gen Ziaul haq and Gen Pervez Musharraf which were staged in the true Machiavellian spirit of keeping their protagonists in power and under protection

of the doctrine of necessity. So the Machiavel- good for the ruler to do so in the interest of the lian spirit of our rulers played havoc in our coun- state. The state has no ethics. it is a non-ethical try right from its birth. in Pakistan, politics has entity.

Public interests were the most potent of all no strict bond with ethics, and our newspapers are replete with news where we do not see any motives for political action. Public standards of connection of politics with morality. The cardi- action were different from private standards. nal principle of Machiavelli is that “the end jus- Public conduct is neither inherently good, nor tifies the means” which means that by bad. it is good if its results are good. A good citemploying all illegal or un-ethical rules, if one izen may be one with whom patriotism is the manages to seize power and stay there and enjoy only moral law.

With Machiavelli, ends always justified the its fruits, it is fine with his politics. Military dictators have pretended to protect the democratic means. When a military ruler comes into power, system while the democratic leaders often he scraps the Constitution and gives his own self-made Provisional Constitution Order which tended to nourish the latter.

At the time of the inception of Pakistan, facilitates him to remain in power. By this gimthere was no healthy political culture. Most of mick he fulfills his desire to keep himself in the political parties were being run in an author- power for as long as he can. Thus remaining in itarian and arbitrary fashion. Following the spirit power he fulfills his desire and all the means he of Machiavelli a bogey was raised that there had adopted to reach his goal become justified. if we look at our recent politics, PTi Chairwere grave dangers to the security of state. Thus man imran Khan enon the pretext of ‘savtered politics by raising ing the state,’ all extrathe slogan of ‘change.’ constitutional steps But finding this goal were taken and elected Machiavelli had little place difficult to achieve, he representatives were instantly fell prey to the asked to go home. The for ethics, or for religion, in preaching of Machiissue of national secuavelli. From an advority was deliberately the system of his political cate of democratic cultivated by military philosophy. Aristotle had values, he became a dictators, so that the radical revolutionary. civilian population already distinguished ethics he has foisted all the should be made to befrom politics but had not blame on the Sharif lieve that the country family for accumulatcan only be ruled by separated the two, whereas ing a huge debt which the military rulers to prevents the PTi from save them from internal Machiavelli brought about a reforming the society. threats and external agcomplete divorce between in its pre-election gression. campaign the PTi felt To Machiavelli, the them.

Morality was not itself justified to adopt state was not a means denied but was subordinated any political strategy. to an end but was an Therefore, to make end in itself. Before to politics and, therefore, Nawaz Sharif step him, politics had a down, it joined hands strict bond with ethics, Machiavelli is not immoral with PAT to hold a long in theory, if not in pracbut un-moral in his polities, march. it staged a 126tice. he believed that day sit-in in islamabad public necessity knows which means that he had no and even attacked Parno law. State actions scruples with morality, in so liament and other prewere not to be judged mier state buildings. it by individual ethics. far as the strategies of the demanded a resignation Machiavelli prescribes from the serving PM on a double standard of ruler kept him in power the basis of unsubstanconduct for the ruler tiated allegations and and for the individual also by all visible citizens, on the basis of means also tried to conwhich the ruler is a creator of law whose moral obligations must ulti- vince the so-called Third Umpire to intervene. mately be sustained by law. A ruler can tell a lie All these tactics had no room for ethics or reliin the supreme interest of the state whereas an gion but were justified as per the principles individual cannot. Reasons of state must out- enunciated in the The Prince. Machiavelli had weigh any ethical considerations. These were the little place for ethics, or for religion, in the sysMachiavellian principles and practices by which tem of his political philosophy. Aristotle had althe Prince (ruler) could entrench himself in ready distinguished ethics from politics but had not separated the two, whereas Machiavelli power for a long time.

According to Machiavelli’s logic, there is no brought about a complete divorce between them. absolute good or evil. That is good which serves Morality was not denied but was subordinated the interests of the individuals and of the com- to politics and, therefore, Machiavelli is not immunity and which brings security. With him, the moral but un-moral in his polities, which means end justifies the means, for which he may be that he had no scruples with morality, in so far called the “founder of utilitarian ethics”. The cit- as the strategies of the ruler kept him in power. izen acts for himself; the state acts for all, and The writer is a former member of the provintherefore the same principles of conduct do not apply to both. it was always wrong for an indi- cial civil service and can be contacted at vidual to tell a lie, but sometimes necessary and zafar.aziz.ch@gmail.com.

We, the Pakistanis, faces bundle of unbearable challenges and overpopulation is one of them which has distrubed the country's economy and distrubed all of us. Due to the high population poverty rate is increasing terribly and multiple masses don't get their two times meals a day. in1950 it was recorded 33 million gradually it increased to 132.35 million in 1990.According to the 2017 report Pakistan's population was increased to 207 million.

The current over population of pakistan 2021 is 225,199,937,a 1.95% increase from 2020.The population of pakistan in 2020 was 220,892,340,a 2% increase form 2019 .the population of pakistan in 2019 was 216,565,318,a 2.04% increase form 2018. So, it is high time the government should play an authentic role for the decreasing of its population and make family planning.

Shoaib ahmed awarani

Online learning DUe to the coronavirus people are focusing on online education or classes daily. They are in homes getting rests and knowledge very well. But there are many problems they are facing. The biggest problem is they can't recover The things fast as they have done physically in classes and many different problems they are facing as well. Otherwise, it is very beneficial to get education through internet. There are many of the works we will be enjoying online reading till the institutions open. During a sudden period if covid-19 cases increase so we try our best for online classes. it is very compulsory not for Pakistani students but for the world requirement. The authorities should look up to online education changes. barkaTullah TurbaT

Unfortunate Violence Amid Rally The violence that had erupted during the tractor rally in New Delhi by farmers protesting certain farm laws on indian Republic Day is very unfortunate and yet could have been stopped through much more strong strategies. Various reports say that at least one farmer died in an accident that had taken place at that time and that many police officials were injured. Positively observing, there have been many and many more interesting points to be noted down here. here the full freedom constituted through the law had been granted to the farmers to proceed with their tractor rally even on Republic Day. Just see the greatness and real responsibility shown by the powers that be in doing so! here comes an important officer indeed. it is Mr. SN Shrivastava, the Police Commissioner who has indeed executed his duty with grace and greatness like granting permission for rally and keeping the crowd in control in a way as gentle as possible - without any degree of brutality except tear gas and barricades. Such gentle officers deserve special mention and must be appreciated for their inspiring duty. Coming from an agriculture background, i have been aware of the activities and complexities involved in farming. Many years down the road and down/all through those years from my 1990s schooldays, i have been watching many peaceful farmer protests for their needs in my native areas like Korkai, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. having recapped this, many media houses worldwide have been writing about and observing the farmer protests in Delhi. Symbols of farming activities, there is no need using tractors at all for a rally for the solid resons of accident, vulnerability and so on. A long, peaceful walk down the permitted route will do the magic then. Putting all these serious things into observation, it is time for all the parties concerned like farmers, leaders to calm down the situation and to put their detailed concerns again to the government which would do well in order to stop further escalation immediately now.

P SenThil Saravana durai mumbai

Expired medicines ThiS refers to the letter " Safe use" (Jan 28) by Muhammad Bakar. The writer said that, nowadays multiple expired medicines are sold by the owners of stores. They never check the dates of the medicines and never throw them.

Due to the expired medicines many patients are in trouble but yet no one seems serious regarding this sensitive matter and none of authorities pay any attention to this problem. So, why government doesn't take measures about this problem and why it is not arresting the expired medicines seller. imtaiz Javid awaran

Friday, 29 January, 2021

08 WORLD VIEW

Biden wanTs To reTurn To The iran deal. he can sTarT here.

new York Times

a

THERE IS A WINDOW NOW TO RESTORE AMERICA’S CREDIBILITY AND BRING MORE STABILITY TO THE MIDDLE EAST

Majid takht-ravanchi

S dawn broke on July 14, 2015, and after intensive and lengthy diplomatic talks, the final details of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action — better known as the “Iran nuclear deal” — were finalized. All parties to the accord were hopeful. Javad Zarif, my country’s foreign minister, tweeted: “#IranDeal is not a ceiling, but a solid foundation. We must now begin to build on it.”

This deal was considered by many across the world as an agreement that could change the dynamics in the Middle east. For its part, Iran fulfilled all of its obligations for almost three and a half years from when the deal went into effect in January 2016. The United States, however, has been less reliable. even during the last months of the Obama administration, the United States was not as faithful a partner as we hoped.

But then came Donald Trump. Mr. Trump campaigned on promises to “dismantle” the agreement. his 2016 electoral victory did indeed change the dynamics in the Middle east — for the worse. Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders in the region renewed their hopes of harassing and marginalizing Iran. Then, in May 2018, Mr. Trump’s government withdrew the United States from the accord. (Iran, at the request of the remaining participants in the deal, however, continued to comply with the restrictions on its nuclear program for one full year.)

As if the withdrawal wasn’t enough, the Trump administration repeatedly pushed the region to the brink of a catastrophic war. The assassination of Qassim Suleimani, a top Iranian military commander, in January 2020 was the most important of these provocations, to which was added the brazen assassination of our eminent scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in November.

Yet despite these provocations and the fantasies of some Trump administration officials of regime change in Iran, the Middle east has not exploded into a major conflagration. For our part, we have been prudent and patient.

During the Trump years, the Democratic Party, and especially Joe Biden, have been critics of Mr. Trump’s belligerent policies. On various occasions — including in an essay published on CNN’s website in September— Mr. Biden has called for the United States to return to the nuclear agreement. More important, he has committed to reversing Trump administration policies that have increased tensions in the region. Iran would welcome the reduction of tensions in our neighborhood. Now that Mr. Biden is in the White house, he must make good on these promises. The United States must immediately adhere to its commitments in the nuclear agreement, which was enshrined in international law in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231. By doing so, the Biden administration will put the country back into compliance.

The new administration should also swiftly remove the

new sanctions that the Trump administration placed on Iran. This will indicate the new government’s commitment to rebuilding the United States’ shattered global credibility.

Iran, for its part, has declared on numerous occasions that it is ready to return to the obligations initially agreed under the nuclear deal and expeditiously reverse the measures we have taken since, if all of the sanctions are withdrawn that were imposed and reimposed by the Trump administration after its illegal withdrawal from the accord.

Any halfhearted or partial fulfillment of the United States commitments will undermine what Mr. Biden has promised. But it will also be interpreted as insincerity on the part of the new administration, which will provide ammunition for opponents of the nuclear deal to sabotage diplomacy.

Mr. Biden’s Iran policy may go in two opposing directions: he may maintain the sanctions on Iran, which violate the nuclear agreement and which have been rejected by the international community — a move that would be tantamount to continuing Mr. Trump’s ill-fated “maximum pressure” policy. Or he could opt for the prompt fulfillment of American obligations under the nuclear deal, a promise he has already made.

The accord was specifically designed to deal with the nuclear issue, and nothing else. Other elements of Iran-United States relations have nothing to do with the

agreement and cannot be intertwined with it. Still, if fully implemented, it can be a basis for mutual respect that would be to the benefit of all parties.

But Mr. Biden and his administration should know that any delay in the lifting of sanctions will be construed as a sign of continued animosity toward the Iranian people. Iranians are suffering from this unjust blockade on our economy, and the responsibility for this suffering lies squarely with the United States. The Iranian people will not be indifferent to continued collective punishment. In fact, their representatives in the Parliament passed a law last month obligating the government to take certain measures, such as increasing the level of uranium enrichment, if sanctions are not lifted.

The window is closing. If the new administration does not meet its obligations and remove sanctions in short order, it will destroy the possibility for engagement within the nuclear agreement. But a full and honest lifting of the sanctions will create a new atmosphere that will help ease tensions in the region and beyond.

Dr. Ravanchi is Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and his country’s highest-ranking diplomat in the United States. he helped negotiate the 2015 nuclear agreement, from which former President Donald Trump withdrew the United States in 2018, and which President Biden has said he wants to rejoin. Iran is now in violation of some terms of the agreement but has said there is a window to revive the deal.

Think before Why I separated my Indian you tweet identity from my Hindu identity Harper's Bazaar

T

THOUGH THE JUDGE MAY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CASTEIST, IT IS LIKELY THAT INDIA’S CURRENT ADMINISTRATION EMPOWERED HIM TO EXPRESS HIS HATE SO UNAPOLOGETICALLY

Mathangi SubraManian

he summer I turned 11, we moved from Wisconsin to Maryland and my father found religion.

Back in the Midwest, my father was a whiskeydrinking atheist and an unapologetic Anglophile.

Our bookshelves burst with Wordsworth and Shakespeare; our CD player permanently rotated every album the Beatles ever made. If not for the framed kalamkari prints in our living room, a stranger alone in our house would never know we were Indian, let alone hindu.

But on the east Coast, everything changed. My father reconnected with his friend from medical school, a fellow Tamil Brahmin who was religious—so religious, in fact, that he was a founding funder of the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, now one of the largest hindu temples in the country. I don’t know if it was the joyful shock of finding an Indian community, or some other inciting incident, but after years of treating hinduism with condescension, my father suddenly became deeply and profoundly interested in God. And if my father was deeply interested in something, the rest of us had to be too.

My father started waking my brother and me up at 5:30 a.m. daily to meditate and chant slokas—Sanskrit hindu prayers—which we learned on Friday evenings from a shirtless, hairy-chested uncle during a class held in a suburban basement. On Sundays, we went to the Chinmaya Mission, where we learned Sanskrit and attended a youth group class while my father listened to lectures for adults.

A few weekends a month, we went to temple, where we prayed and volunteered: my father at the front desk, the rest of us in the kitchen.

There were parts of our new life that I appreciated, like learning how to meditate, which was a balm to my lifelong struggle with anxiety. Mostly, though, I chafed against hindu Brahminism’s patriarchy and the rules that were suddenly imposed on my existence. I resented the fact that I had to wear baggy, scratchy salwar kameez to temple while my brother got to wear his usual Western clothes. I resented that I wasn’t allowed to go to temple when I had my period. I resented that in my religious classes, girls were told to be modest, while boys were allowed to be rude and loud and wild. By the time I was a senior in high school, I couldn’t wait to leave home—and all its accompanying restrictions—behind.

And yet, in college, in my 20s, and even in my early 30s, I clung to hinduism with a ferocity that defied logic.

Whenever I moved to a new apartment, I set up a small altar with black stone statues of Ganesha, Parvati, and Shiva. On Friday mornings, I woke up, washed my hair, sat in front of this altar, and prayed. every few months, I took multiple buses and trains to Flushing to spend a few hours at the Ganesha temple there, sometimes spending

longer on the train than at the temple. As I rode the subway in the same traditional clothes I cursed as a teen, exhausted and uncomfortable and irritated, I wondered why, exactly, I was doing this to myself, over and over again.

The truth was I didn’t love being hindu. But I loved being Indian American. While I was secure in my American identity, the Indian part was more complicated. I couldn’t speak Tamil, my mother tongue, nor did I know how to cook more than a handful of traditional dishes. I preferred Western movies to Indian ones, and although I followed Indian politics, I lived too far away to be truly involved. hinduism was my only connection to India. At temple, I knew the words to the prayers, I knew the rituals, I knew their meanings, and so, I kept practicing, even though the older I got, the less I believed.

Then, in my early 30s, my husband and I moved to India, and everything changed again. Because he and I came from high-caste, religious families, I expected that our time in India would be defined by hindu rituals, ceremonies, and traditions. But instead of going to temples, I found myself attending literary events where poets codeswitched between english, Tamil, Kannada, and hindi. Instead of traveling to religious sites, I traveled to Delhi to join a general strike of early childhood educators, to Nagarhole to go bird-watching, to Chandigarh to curate a children’s literature festival, and to Sikkim to run writing workshops for Indigenous teachers and teens. When my husband and I socialized, we talked with our Indian friends about politics and pop culture, microbreweries and biryani, but we never talked about hinduism. Why would we?

Most of us weren’t religious, and half of us weren’t even hindu. hinduism defined my identity in the United States, but in India, it slowly faded away.

My official break with hinduism occurred during the adoption hearing that granted my husband and me custody of our daughter. That afternoon, our judge at the family court called us into his chamber to privately confirm that we were Brahmin. During our two-hour conversation, the judge told us that he, too, was Brahmin, and that he was pleased that a high caste family like ours was adopting a child like my daughter, whose features and history clearly marked her as indigenous, and therefore outside of the caste system. (This isn’t something I would ordinarily reveal about her, but my daughter’s features are so clear that in India, strangers routinely correctly discern her background without being told.) hearing his words, I truly understood the privilege Brahminism bestowed upon my family: Our caste made gatekeepers eager to work for us, made systems bend to our will. In contrast, my daughter comes from a caste that Brahmin patriarchy has robbed of financial resources and social capital for generations. Although I do not know my

daughter’s first mother’s story, it is likely that her decision to make an adoption plan was intimately tied to her marginalization, and underlay the reasons why she may not have been prepared to keep my daughter safe. The common assumption that I would be a better mother to my daughter than her birth mother, simply based on our castes, combined with the realization that the structures that benefited me oppressed my daughter’s birth family, was the final blow to what little faith I had left.

Though the judge may have always been casteist, it is likely that India’s current administration empowered him to express his hate so unapologetically: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gained widespread popularity by weaponizing high-caste hinduism against Dalits, Adivasis, and Muslims. Modi believes that India, though founded as a secular country, should instead be considered a hindu country. A key part of this stance is the conflation of Indian and hindu identity.

Publicly, I decry this, but internally, I am ashamed. For decades, I conflated my Indian identity with my hindu identity, unwittingly perpetuating the marginalization of Indians like my daughter and her birth family, and like my many non-hindu Indian friends.

Now, in the United States, I consider myself Indian but not hindu. My choice was made easier knowing that, after six years in India, hinduism was no longer necessary for me to connect with the country that I love. I am particularly aware of this as I raise my daughter. In our house, being Indian is about reading picture books about Dalit hero Bhimrao Ambedkar or written by Adivasi author Mamang Dai. It is about rapping in Tamil to The Casteless Collective, a hip-hop group famous for critiquing the inequity of the caste system. It is about comparing the paintings of Amrita Sher-Gil to the paintings of Frida Kahlo, my daughter’s current obsession. If my daughter wants to light diyas on Diwali or throw color on holi, she has that choice.

But when she talks about her Indian identity, hinduism is secondary, not central.

At a time when India’s right-wing politicians are trying to define India as a hindu nation, and when America’s right-wing politicians are deeply invested in Islamophobia, it is more urgent than ever for members of the diaspora to separate our religious and ethnic identities. There are so many ways to be Indian without reinforcing the caste hierarchies that marginalize Dalits and Adivasis in India, in the States, and around the world. My family’s decision to separate our hindu identity from our Indian identity doesn’t erase the generations of caste privilege that my husband and I have benefited from or the oppression that my daughter’s birth family faced for not identifying as hindu or Brahmin. But it feels like a start—a start that I hope my fellow Indian Americans will consider as well.

A SOCIAL CONTRACT FOR NETIZENS MUST CHALLENGE THEM TO RISE ABOVE FAKE NEWS, MISINFORMATION

T

Times of india

he ancient “look before you leap” axiom has become enormously relevant in the age of Twitter and WhatsApp. The convenience of microblogging is such that it has become tough to repress oneself from relaying news, beliefs, biases, rumours and general information emanating from kindred social networks. The unfortunate events of Republic Day or the January 6 Capitol attack underscore the pivotal role of social media.

Delhi police quickly released CCTV footage of a farmer dying after his tractor overturned to scotch rumours going viral on social media that the death was caused by bullet injury. Prior to that, influencers including high profile TMC MP Mahua Moitra had wrongly attributed a Netaji portrait at Rashtrapati Bhavan to Prosenjit Chatterjee, a Bengali actor who played the legendary leader on celluloid. They were all forced to delete their tweets but the damage was done, both to themselves and to the celebration of a leader everyone swears by. It is moot to ask why people don’t hit the pause button before propagating or reproducing what they see on social media. Very often, confirmation bias plays its dirty trick on cognitive ability, prompting individuals to interpret information according to their prejudices and beliefs.

While netas can get away with deleting their tweets, apologising or gaslighting, social media’s viral capabilities are such that fake news travels faster than true stories or their fact checks. Prominent citizens, especially politicians, indulging in misinformation even pose law and order risks amid extreme social polarisation. Twitter’s ban on Donald Trump helped defang him, despite the rightwing outrage. Starting from the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, India has first-hand experience of violence, riots and lynchings triggered by fake news and aided by social media. The low political priority for awareness campaigns on fake news, despite the overwhelming public interest, tells its own story of how political parties have weaponised digital illiteracy.

BUSINESS 09 corporate corner Samsung Pakistan holds virtual EPIC event to launch Galaxy S21 LAHORE: Samsung Pakistan recently held a virtual EPIC event to launch the newest devices in its smartphone lineup. These include the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ and the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The event, which premiered on Samsung Pakistan’s official Facebook page, was kicked off by Umar Ghumman, Head of Mobile Operations, Pakistan and Afghanistan, as he talked about the unprecedented times the world was going through and the lifestyle changes had been affected by the pandemic.

He also talked about the how no one expected work from home practices would continue for the most of the businesses. He claimed that “Samsung has always been working in the past to face the global challenges amicably by bringing in the devices that adds value for the users.” PRESS RELEASE

IGI Life Vitality achieves over 1bn new business premium in 2020 KARACHI: IGI Life Vitality has achieved a phenomenal sales figure of over 1 billion in new business premium within the year 2020. According to sources, this has been made possible through the untiring efforts of its agency sales teams and the window takaful channel. The renowned insurance company has dedicated its success to its valued customers across the nation and is setting its eyes on breaking new grounds in the new year 2021. IGI Life Vitality is Pakistan’s first active life insurance product which rewards its customers based on their steps and heart rate activity in a weekly, monthly and annual fashion while securing their future with an underlying insurance policy and takaful membership. PRESS RELEASE

ECC fOrmS COmmITTEE TO rEVIEw OmCS’ mArGInS On PETrOLEum PrOduCTS ISLAMABAD

T

SHAHZAD PARACHA

HE Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has constituted a four-member committee to review the margins of oil marketing companies/dealers on petroleum products.

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

According to details, the Petroleum Division had proposed Rs0.45 per litre hike in OMCs' margin on MS and HSD, whereas it had sought an upward revision of Rs0.58 per litre on MS and Rs0.50 per litre on HSD for dealers.

The revision in the margins of OMCs and dealers was worked out based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) – from June 2019 to October 2020 — duly published by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

The ECC, after due deliberation, decided that proposed rates for an increase in margins would be considered after a detailed study by Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).

In this regard, the forum constituted a sub-committee under the chairmanship of Special Assistant to PM on Revenue Dr Waqar Masood to evaluate the outcome of the PIDE study and present a revised summary before ECC accordingly.

COMMITTEE OKAYS CONTINUATION OF SUBSIDY ON FIVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS THROUGH USC; APPROVES ALLOCATION OF GAS FROM MARI PETROLEUM WELLS TO SSGC; DEFERS TEXTILE POLICY FOR FURTHER DELIBERATIONS Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industries & Production presented proposals related to the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) before the ECC. The committee considered and approved the first proposal regarding the continuation of general subsidy on five essential items through USC from 1st Jan till 30th June 2021, from funds allocated under Prime Minister's Relief Package-2020 in the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic.

Secondly, the ministry requested the ECC to approve the reallocation of Rs2.332 billion for ERP procurement and IT infrastructure for automation of stock management throughout the USC network. ECC approved the proposal in principle, with a direction to hold further consultation with IT and finance ministries for smooth implementation.

It was also decided that the USC would present before next ECC meeting a revised proposal after working out a specific percentage range(s) of differential from market prices for subsidizing essential commodities through the Ministry of Industries & Production.

The percentage range(s) would serve as a benchmark for subsidizing the essential commodities through USCs, keeping in view fluctuations in international commodity prices.

On Textiles and Apparel Policy 2020-25 by the Ministry of Commerce, the ECC decided to include SAPM on Power Tabish Gauhar in the sub-committee for a detailed consultation on proposals related to the power sector, which falls under the ambit of the textile policy. The five-year textile policy would be presented before the ECC in a couple of weeks.

Moreover, the ECC approved a Power Division summary regarding the implementation agreement, supplemental agreement and power purchase agreement for a 300MW coal power project in Gwadar.

Also, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), the ECC approved the allocation of 22MMCFD of gas to the SSGCL system from Sujjal-I, Sujawal-X-I and Aqeeq-I wells of Mari Petroleum Com-

FFC posts rs20.8bn profit for 2020 LAHORE: Tech Trends 2021 were revealed and discussed during an interactive session at Telenor Pakistan headquarters by Bjørn Taale Sandberg, Head of Telenor Research. The occasion was graced by IT and Telecommunications Minister Syed Aminul Haque. PR

PTC promotes Syed Ali Akbar to CEO LAHORE

Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) has announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2020, with net profitably of Rs20.82 billion.

The profitability translated into earnings per share (EPS) of Rs16.36, which was 22pc higher than last year.

The increase in profitability is primarily attributable to a temporary gain on extinguishment

and re-measurement of GIDC liability under the requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standards, which shall reverse in the next four years during the repayment term of GIDC liability as determined by the apex court.

The company declared final dividend of Rs3.4 per share for the quarter, with aggregate distribution of Rs11.20 per share for

Fauji Foundation to acquire majority stake in Silk Bank KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

MEIRYUM ALI

Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC) has promoted Marketing Director, Syed Ali Akbar, to the post of the chief executive officer (CEO)/managing director (MD). He has replaced Usman Zahur, who is the current MD and CEO, and has worked with PTC for 21 years. Syed Ali Akbar became a part of PTC Ltd. in May 2019 as the marketing director, with over two decades of experience of working with various multinational corporations and Fortune 500 companies in Pakistan, as well as the Middle East, North Africa and North America. He joined the company’s board in November 2019 Ali embarked on his career journey as a management trainee at Unilever Bestfoods and very quickly grew taking up senior leadership roles in Engro Corporation, British American Tobacco and Coca-Cola.

During his career, Ali has received various local and global honours for his contributions to strategic marketing and innovation in notable positions. Most recently, Syed Ali Akbar launched the Velo Sound station, a television programme and music show which features live studiorecorded music performances.

the year 2020.

It attained urea production of 2,487,000 tonnes while the aggregate sales revenue for the year was recorded at Rs97.66 billion.

Despite uncertain circumstances due to prevailing pandemic Covid-19, the company was able to achieve uninterrupted business operations while ensuring best standards of health and safety for its employees. NEWS DESK

Fauji Foundation has expressed interest in acquiring the majority stake of Silk Bank, according to a notice issued to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Thursday.

“Silkbank hereby notifies the Pakistan Stock Exchange that the Board of Directors of Silkbank Limited in its meeting held on January 28, 2021, has subject to the approval of the State Bank of Pakistan, given its in-principle approval to allow Fauji Foundation to conduct the required due diligence,” the statement read.

Silkbank has been requested to allow Fauji Foundation to conduct due diligence of the bank, and that Fauji Foundation intends to apply to the SBP for the requisite approval.

According to Silk Bank’s latest annual report for the year ending December 2019, around 62.39pc of the bank’s shares are held by associated companies and related parties. This can be further categorised as the Arif Habib Corporation holds 28.23pc, Shaukat Tarin holds 11.55pc, the International Finance Corporation holds

7.74pc, Zulqurnain Nawaz Chattha 7.47pc, Nomura European Investment Ltd 3.93pc and Bank Muscat holds 3.48pc.

Separately, the directors and chief executive hold 4.84pc of the bank’s shares.

For the year ending December 2019, the bank posted an after tax loss of Rs3,953 million, compared to a profit of Rs1,330 million in 2018. The bank attributed this loss to a delay in payments from real estate customers of the bank. “The bank had to classify lucrative real estate loans on prudent babsi, with a concrete recovery plan in place,” the bank explained.

However, the total deposits of the bank grew from Rs16.9 billion in 2018 to Rs148.85 billion in 2019.

This would be the second bank Fauji Foundation owns a part of, as it already has a stake in Askari Bank. It is not yet clear whether Fauji Foundation intends to run Silkbank separately, or merge Silkbank with Askari Bank.

The acquirer, Fauji Foundation, was founded in 1954 as a charitable trust and was initially designed to help provide welfare for the Pakistan Army’s retired soldiers as well as their dependents.

pany Limited.

Religious affairs secretary on the occasion presented the Zaireen Management Policy before ECC for consideration. The underlying rationale is to regulate, streamline and provide better facilities to Zaireen for performing religious obligations in an organized manner. The ECC approved the establishment of Ziarat Directorate Office at Quetta and Taftan at an estimated expenditure of Rs38.50 million. It also considered the establishment of Ziarat Directorate Offices at Mashhad (Iran), Karbala and Baghdad (Iraq) and directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to seek formal consent/approval from the host countries through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lastly, the National Electricity Policy 2021 was placed before ECC by the Power Division. After detailed discussion, the ECC referred the policy to Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCOE) for consideration with the advice that the policy may be referred back to ECC with recommendations. The committee further directed to take all provinces on board during the consultative process.

The meeting also approved a technical supplementary grant of Rs42 million in favour of the National Program for Enhancing Command Areas in Barani Areas (ICT component) surrendered by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research.

Panther Tyres IPO oversubscribed by 4.4 times Panther Tyres Limited successfully raised Rs2,632 million through a two-day book building process, which saw a broad-based participation from institutional and high net worth investors.

The book building was oversubscribed by 4.4 times with price closing at the Rs65.80 per share; an increase of 40pc from the floor price of Rs47.0 per share. The total demand received was Rs8,215 million against total issue size of Rs1,880 million; oversubscribed by Rs6,335 million. Arif Habib Limited is the Lead Manager & Book Runner for this IPO. Panther Tyres Limited, established in 1983, by Mian Iftikhar Ahmed, was the first player in Pakistan to introduce local manufacturing of tyres for two and three wheelers. Over the period of time, Panther has expanded into other segments of tyres and tubes including tractors, light commercial vehicles, trucks, buses and earth movers. The book building saw participation from 497 investors which included major commercial banks, insurance companies, local and foreign institutions, asset management companies, TREC holders and high net worth individuals. The general public will be offered shares on 3rd and 4th February at a price of Rs65.80 per share. NEWS DESK

Azerbaijan keen to open trading houses in Pakistan The Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) is exploring the Pakistani market to support the export of Azerbaijani products. This was announced by AZPROMO Acting President Yusif Abdullayev during a press conference on Thursday. "After a complete analysis of the markets, the country intends to open trading houses in Pakistan as well as Japan," he stated, recalling that the country's first trade house was opened in May 2017 in Belarus. NEWS DESK

mArkeT dAIly

Stocks snap three-day rally on profit booking KARACHI STAFF REPORT

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) snapped the three-day winning streak on Thursday, with the benchmark index failing to sustain gains amid profit booking. Global equity markets also displayed a downward trend, whereas crude oil prices inched lower from the previous close; WTI crude price declining 0.09pc to $52.80 while Brent crude price falling 0.07pc to $55.49 (As at 3:46pm PST).

“After three days of trading in the green,

the market fell to profit booking today; cement and banking stocks saw buying activity and healthy price performance, whereas selling pressure was witnessed in E&P, O&GMCs, technology and fertilizer sectors, which eroded all gains accumulated in early trade,” a report issued by Arif Habib Ltd read. “Among power stocks, HUBC performed well in anticipation of a change in the formula for resolution of circular debt, while banking sector stocks saw renewed interest after Fauji Foundation’s intention to acquire Silk Bank, resulting in the stock

posting highest trading volumes.”

SUMMARY: The benchmark KSE-100 Index moved in a narrow range on Thursday, registering its intraday high at 46,645.17 (+187.04 points) and low at 46,110.92 (347.21 points). It settled lower by 292.08 points at 46,166.05.

Among other indices, the KMI-30 Index dropped 390.70 points to close at 73,617.91, while the KSE All Share Index lost 158.77 points, ending at 31,914.12.

The overall market volumes inflated from 610.92 million shares in the previous

CMYK

session to 843.24 million shares (+38pc).

Average traded value, however, declined 10pc, from 180.9 million to $163.6 million.

Silk Bank Ltd (SILK +17.56pc) led the volume chart with 354.96 million shares exchanging hands (42pc of total volume), followed by K-Electric Ltd (KEL -0.24pc) and TRG Pakistan Ltd (TRG -4.59pc). The scrips had 31.21 million shares and 27.77 million shares, respectively.

Sectors that dragged the benchmark lower included technology & communication (-89.69 points), oil & gas exploration (-

66.97 points) and fertilizer (-57.01 points).

Among the companies, TRG Pakistan Ltd (TRG -63.26 points), Fauji Fertilizer Company Ltd (FFC -36.84 points) and Dawood Hercules Corporation Ltd (DAWH -34.12 points) dented the index the most.

Shedding 2.64pc from its cumulative market capitalization, the technology & communication sector ended as the session’s worst performer, with Systems Ltd (SYS 3.42pc), Avanceon Ltd (AVN -3.69pc) and Hum Network Ltd (HUMNL -2.89pc) closing in the negative.

10 FOREIGN NEWS

BideN admiNiStRatioN haltS aRmS SaleS to Uae, SaUdi aRaBia WASHINGTON

U

AGENCIES

President Joe Biden's administration has temporarily frozen for review a massive package of F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates and arms to Saudi Arabia, officials said Wednesday.

The nearly week-old administration has already signaled it plans to end support for the Saudi-led, UAE-backed offensive in Yemen, which is facing a humanitarian catastrophe.

A State Department spokesperson said the administration is "temporarily pausing the implementation" of a number of defense sales "to allow incoming leadership an opportunity to review."

"This is a routine administrative action typical to most any transition, and demonstrates the administration's commitment to transparency and good governance," the spokesperson said. The move is also aimed at "ensuring US arms sales meet our strategic objectives of building stronger, interoperable and more capable security partners."

The most high-profile sale is a $23 billion package of top-of-the-line F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates.

Former president Donald Trump's administration agreed to the sale -- the first of the stealth-capable planes to an Arab nation -- after the United Arab Emirates agreed to recognize Israel.

A potential halt to the sale could raise questions about whether the United Arab Emirates will continue its normalization with

Singapore detains teen for intending to attack mosques SINGAPORE AGENCIES

Singapore has detained a 16-year-old for intending to attack two mosques, plans authorities said were inspired by the killing of Muslim worshippers in Christchurch, New Zealand in March 2019. The boy, an unnamed Christian of Indian ethnicity, had purchased a tactical vest online and had intended to also buy a machete at the time of his arrest in December, the Internal Security Department (ISD) said in a statement on Wednesday. He had conducted reconnaissance of the mosques near his home, intended to livestream his attack and prepared statements that referenced Christchurch attacker Brenton Tarrant who is serving life imprisonment for killing 51 Muslim worshippers and injuring dozens of others on March 15, 2019. “He could only foresee two outcomes to his plan: that he is arrested before he is able to carry out the attacks, or he executes the plan and is thereafter killed by the Police,” the ISD said, adding he planned to carry out the attack on the anniversary of the Christchurch killings. The boy is the youngest person to be detained under Singapore’s colonial-era Internal Security Act, which allows authorities to detain anyone seen as a threat to security for up to two years.

He is also the first in the low crime island nation to be detained for far-right extremist ideology, while there have been a number of cases involving extremism. It was not immediately clear for how long the 16-year-old would be detained. Home Minister K. Shanmugam said on Wednesday that he would be given psychological counselling and will be able to continue his education while in detention but may not face criminal charges. “It would be said in a court of law, that he was only thinking about it. He has planned it, but he hasn’t actually taken a step yet. So, in many countries, without laws similar to the Internal Security Act, you can’t move early until there is some further act of preparation,” Shanmugam told local broadcaster ChannelNewsAsia.

Russian court keeps Kremlin critic Navalny in jail despite outcry MOSCOW AGENCIES

A Russian court on Thursday ordered Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny to be kept in jail, rejecting an appeal against his detention and shrugging off calls by the West and tens of thousands of his Russian supporters for his release. Navalny, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, was remanded in custody for 30 days on January 18 after flying back to Russia from Germany for the first time since being poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent in August. A court at the time ordered him detained for alleged parole violations, which he denied. With various legal cases pending against him, Navalny, 44, could face years in jail.

Tens of thousands of Russians protested against his jailing on Saturday. Navalny appeared in court on Thursday by video link from jail, railing against what he called absurd allegations trumped up by authorities to sideline him for political reasons. “You won’t succeed in frightening us. We are the majority... I’m happy that more and more people understand that the law is on our side, that we’re in the right,” he told the presiding judge. “We’ll never allow ... these people to seize and steal our country. Yes, brute force is on your side now. You can...put me in handcuffs. (But) that will not continue forever,” he said.

Israel, which Trump saw as a key foreign policy achievement.

Lawmakers of Biden's Democratic Party had voiced misgivings over the deal, fearing it would set off an arms race, but failed in the Senate to block the sale while Trump was in office. The package to the United Arab Emirates also included unarmed drones, while the United States has been preparing major sales of munitions to Saudi Arabia.

Trump had explicitly backed arms sales on commercial grounds, saying that the Saudis were creating US jobs by buying from US manufacturers.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during his confirmation hearing that the Saudi offensive against Yemen's Houthis has contributed to the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen.

China sharpens language, warns Taiwan that independence ‘means war’ BEIJING AGENCIES

China toughened its language towards Taiwan on Thursday, warning after recent stepped up military activities near the island that “independence means war” and that its armed forces were acting in response to provocation and foreign interference.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, reported multiple Chinese fighter jets and bombers entering its south-western air defence identification zone last weekend, prompting Washington to urge Beijing to stop pressuring Taiwan.

China believes that Taiwan’s democraticallyelected government is moving the island towards a declaration of formal independence, though Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has repeatedly said it is already an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name.

Asked at a monthly news briefing about the air

force’s recent activities, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. “The military activities carried out by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in the Taiwan Strait are necessary actions to address the current security situation in the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty and security,” he said.

“They are a solemn response to external interference and provocations by ‘Taiwan independence’ forces,” he added. Wu said a “handful” of people in Taiwan were seeking the island’s independence.

“We warn those ‘Taiwan independence’ elements: those who play with fire will burn themselves, and ‘Taiwan independence’ means war,” he added.

While China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, it is unusual for Beijing to make such overt, verbal threats of conflict.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said China should think carefully and not underestimate the island’s determination to defend its sovereignty and uphold free-

dom and democracy.

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry reported six Chinese air force aircraft, including four J-10 fighter jets, flew into its air defence zone on Thursday, close to the Taiwancontrolled Pratas Islands at the top end of the South China Sea. The weekend Chinese incursions coincided with a US carrier battle group entering the disputed South China Sea to promote “freedom of the seas”.

China routinely describes Taiwan as it’s most important and sensitive issue in relations with the United States, which under the former Trump administration ramped up support for the island in terms of arms sales and senior officials visiting Taipei. President Joe Biden’s government, in office for a week, has reaffirmed its commitment to Taiwan as being “rock solid”, potentially auguring further strains with Beijing.

Taiwan has denounced China’s threats and efforts at intimidation, and Tsai has vowed to defend the island’s freedom and not be coerced.

New Zealand, Vietnam top Covid performance ranking; US, UK languish SYDNEY AGENCIES

New Zealand, Vietnam and Taiwan rank the top three in a Covid Performance Index of almost 100 countries for their successful handling of the coronavirus pandemic, with Britain and America near the bottom of the pile.

The Lowy Institute said its index published on Thursday excludes China, where the first cases were

identified in December 2019, due to a lack of publicly available data. Other countries in the top 10 include Thailand, Cyprus, Rwanda, Iceland, Australia, Latvia and Sri Lanka - countries with fewer reported cases and deaths both in aggregate and per capita terms.

In total, 98 countries were evaluated in the 36 weeks that followed their hundredth confirmed case of Covid19, using data available to January 9, 2021.

Fourteen-day rolling averages of new daily figures were calculated for confirmed cases, confirmed

cases per million people, confirmed deaths, confirmed deaths per million people, confirmed cases as a proportion of tests, and tests per thousand people, the Lowy Institute said.

The report comes as world coronavirus cases surpass 100 million with the death toll exceeding 2 million.

The United States, with over 25 million confirmed cases, ranked 94, while India, with more than 11 million cases, was 86th. Britain, with the highest number of the deaths in Europe, stood at 66th.

Friday, 29 January, 2021

SPORTS 11

YASIr heLpS pAkIStAn FoIL South AFrICA FIGht In FIrSt teSt KARACHI

p

AGENCIES

AKISTAN'S spinners Yasir Shah and Nauman Ali grabbed three wickets in the space of ten runs to halt South Africa's fightback on the third day of the first Test in Karachi on Thursday. When it looked like South Africa would end the day at parity after wiping out Pakistan's big 158-run first innings lead, Yasir struck twice and Nauman once to leave the tourists on 187-4 at close. Nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj was unbeaten on two and skipper Quinton de Kock was yet to score, as South Africa now lead by 29 runs with six second innings wickets in hand.

Earlier, Pakistan scored 378 to take a crucial lead over South Africa's first innings total of 220.

Opener Aiden Markram, who scored a polished 74 for his 8th fifty, added 127 for the second wickets with Rassie van der Dussen who scored a solid 64. But Yasir, with figures of 3-53, changed the scenario by dismissing Dussen caught and then trapped Faf Du Plessis leg-before for ten, while Nauman had Markram caught by a close-in fielder to trigger a three wicket collapse in 33 balls.

Markram, dropped on 27 by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam off spinner Yasir, also had a leg-before decision overturned on four. Dussen also had a leg-before decision overturned on 56. Markram hit ten boundaries and Dussen five.

Both Yasir and Nauman will be major threats for South Africa on a fourth day National stadium pitch which produced 14 wickets on day one, four on the second and six SOUTH AFRICA 220 on the third.

AND 187 FOR 4 South Africa were off to a confident start with Markram and Dean (MARKRAM 74, VAN DER Elgar defying Pakistan's attack, and 64, YASIR 3-53) LEAD DUSSEN were 37 without loss at lunch.

Elgar, in visible discomfort PAKISTAN 378 (FAWAD 109, after being hit on the left hand by a ASHRAF 64, RABADA 3-70, rising delivery from pacer Shaheen runs to frustrate South Africa, who MAHARAJ 3-90) Shah Afridi, was caught by diving were looking for quick wickets. wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan off South Africa's pace spearhead Kagiso BY 29 RUNS Yasir for 29.

Rabada bowled Hasan Ali for 21 to reach In the morning Pakistan's tail added 70 200 wickets in his 44th Test.

Former SL player Lokuhettige found guilty under ICC Anti-Corruption Code

LONDON AGENCIES

AGENCIES

Frenchman Bestaven wins Vendee Globe race after time bonus PARIS: Frenchman Yannick Bestaven was declared the winner of the Vendee Globe roundthe-world sailing race in the early hours of Thursday after he was handed a time bonus of over 10 hours for his role in rescuing a fellow competitor. The 48-year-old aboard ‘Maitre CoQ IV’ finished with a time of 80 days, 13 hours, 59 minutes and 46 seconds, crossing the line after compatriots Charlie Dalin and Louis Burton at Les Sables d’Olonne, France. However, a time compensation of 10 hours and 15 minutes for his role in the rescue of Frenchman Kevin Escoffier - whose boat sank during the race - meant Bestaven finished with a better time than Dalin and Burton, who finished second and third. “I feel like I’m living a dream, hallucinating,” Bestaven said as fireworks lit up the sky. “We go from total solitude to this, to this party, to these lights.” AGENCIES

tralia in 2019, hit a six and four fours in his 38 not out, while debutant Nauman scored three boundaries before falling for 24. Rabada with 3-70 and spinner Maharaj, who took 3-90, were the pick of the South African bowlers.

Manchester United’s title hopes hit, Chelsea's Tuchel era begins with stalemate

DUBAI Former Sri Lanka allrounder Dilhara Lokuhettige has been found guilty of three offences under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. An independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal has found Lokuhettige guilty of: Article 2.1.1–for being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect(s) of a match.

Article 2.1.4–Directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach Code Article 2.1. Article 2.4.4–Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code.

Rabada, 25, is the eighth South African to take 200 or more Test wickets.

Pakistan were 323-9 at that point, but Yasir and Nauman added 55 valuable runs for the final wicket. Yasir, who scored a Test century in Aus-

Manchester United’s Premier League title hopes suffered a huge blow on Wednesday with a 2-1 defeat by bottom side Sheffield United as Chelsea started the Thomas Tuchel era with a goalless draw against Wolves.

The shock result at Old Trafford leaves Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City a point clear at the top with a game in hand and looking increasingly hot favourites to win a third title in four years.

Elsewhere on a busy night of midweek action, Leicester drew 1-1 with Everton, Burnley beat Aston Villa 3-2 and Brighton drew 0-0 with Fulham.

Manchester United started their match against Sheffield United on a high after an FA Cup win against Liverpool on Sunday but they were sloppy and uninspired

from the kick-off. The Blades broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Kean Bryan rose to glance home John Fleck’s corner after David de Gea failed to punch clear. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men were level in the 64th minute when an outswinging corner from Alex Telles was met with a thumping header by Harry Maguire.

But Sheffield United were back in front again 10 minutes later when United failed to clear and Oliver Burke’s strike went in off the underside of the bar after taking a wicked deflection off Axel Tuanzebe.

The Blades had just five points to show from their first 19 games – the worst haul in Premier League history – and had not won at Old Trafford since 1973.

Solskjaer said his side were lacking an “X factor” as they slipped to their first league defeat since November 1.

He blamed the referee for two mistakes – for missing a foul on De Gea for Sheffield United’s opening goal –

and for ruling out an Anthony Martial goal after adjudging that Maguire had committed a foul.

“Two wrong decisions, that’s how it is, it’s that kind of season, inconsistent and the referee missed those two,” he told the BBC. TUCHEL ERA: Earlier, former Paris Saint-Germain boss Tuchel took charge at Stamford Bridge against misfiring Wolves less than 24 hours after replacing the sacked Frank Lampard. Club owner Roman Abramovich handed the 47year-old a brief to revive the fortunes of a team that had lost five of their previous eight Premier League games.

Chelsea struggled to make an impression against Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, whose form has nose-dived after forward Raul Jimenez fractured his skull in late November. The home side dominated territory and possession, but created few clear-cut chances and the visitors had opportunities to leave with all three points.

We will do everything to organise a safe Olympics: IOC chief hints at Games without fans TOKYO AGENCIES

Olympic chief Thomas Bach on Wednesday said organisers were committed to holding a “successful and safe” Tokyo Games this year, dismissing cancellation talk as “speculation” – but admitted for the first time that fans may not be allowed.

After rising debate over the viability of the 2020 Games, already postponed for a year to July 23, Bach called for patience and said the International Olympic Committee was fully focused on the challenge of staging the event during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re not losing time or energy on

speculation... about whether the Games are taking place,” the IOC president told media in a video conference.

“We’re working on how the Games will take place. “Our task is to organise Olympic Games, not to cancel Olympic Games... and that is why we will not add fuel to this speculation.”

Bach said the complexity of the Games had multiplied in the pandemic, and announced a “playbook” of measures, including social distancing and potential quarantines, intended to host them safely.

“We are fully concentrated on and committed to the successful and safe delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020,” he said.

“We just have to ask for patience and understanding, is the main message... I think it is too early to decide anything else,” he added.

But Bach, who in November said he was “very, very confident” of holding the Olympics in front of fans, conceded that they could now take place behind closed doors. “This I cannot tell you,” he said, when asked if fans would be able to attend.

“Our priority is to ensure safe Olympic Games and we will do whatever is needed to organise safe Olympic Games.”

NO BLUEPRINT: Doubts have soared about the Games, due to start in less than six months, as the pandemic continues to paralyse many countries and with large

parts of Japan, including Tokyo, under a state of emergency.

On Thursday, Tokyo’s first Olympic test event this year, an artistic swimming competition scheduled for March, was postponed for two months because of travel restrictions.

“There is no blueprint, we’re learning every day,” Bach said.

He said he understood how people living under lockdown and perhaps unable to even visit a restaurant because of Covid19 restrictions found it hard to envisage the Games going ahead.

“The responsibility of the (Japanese) government and the IOC is to look beyond this situation,” Bach added.

Friday, 29 January, 2021

PRAyER TImINGS

news

fAjR suNRIsE

ZuhR

AsR mAghRIb IshA

5:36

12:14

3:07

7:01

5:27

6:52

Opp lAmbAStS ptI AS COUntry fAllS fOUr SpOtS On COrrUptIOn perCeptIOn Index ISLAMABAD

t

STAFF REPORT

HE opposition leaders expressed their displeasure on Thursday after Pakistan fell four spots on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Senator Sherry Rehman said that this update raises questions about the government's performance as the drop came during the rule of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

She further added that Prime Minister Imran Khan's claims of ending corruption had been a lie and that the PTI's "focus is on NAB and the government's political opponents, not corruption".

Moreover, PPP Parliamentarians Secretary Information Shazia Atta Marri said that in the past, PM Imran used to wave transparency reports but not has lost all right to cite those sort of sources.

"How many references did the NAB make on the corruption of the federal government that has been going on for the last two-and-a-half years?" she asked, questioning the premier's moral legitimacy.

In an attempt to retort to these accusations, Special Assistant to Prime Minister of Pakistan on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill said that the data used in the report by Transparency International (TI) was based on outdated information.

He claimed that this report referred to the corrup-

IslAmAbAd RANkEd 124 out of 180 NAtIoNs tion caused by the previous government.

He gave an example of the World Bank data cited in by TI which has been published in 2017. He said that this means the data for a 2017 publication must have been collected before 2017. He showed another data source from 2018.

Pakistan ranked 124 out of 180 countries on the CPI 2020 released by TI on Thursday, slipping four spots from the previous year’s place despite increased anti-corruption efforts.

The country is among 22 nations, including Lebanon and Bosnia and Herzegovina, that saw their scores decrease on the index.

Neighbouring India, Iran and Nepal lost one point.

Afghanistan's improved its position by gaining 3 points and Turkey by 1.

The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, drawing on 13 expert assessments and surveys of business executives.

Since its inception in 1995, the CPI, the organisation's flagship research product, has become the leading global indicator of public sector corruption. The index offers an annual snapshot of the relative degree

of corruption by ranking countries and territories from all over the globe.

“Like previous years, more than two-thirds of countries score below 50 on this year’s CPI, with an average score of just 43,” the report said.

Many developed countries, including Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Denmark, have scored less than last year, though Denmark attained the first rank on CPI 2019, losing the spot to New Zealand this year.

“The lack of real progress against corruption in most countries is disappointing and has profound negative effects on citizens around the world,” said Patricia Moreira, managing director of Transparency International.

“To have any chance of ending corruption and improving peoples’ lives, we must tackle the relationship between politics and big money. All citizens must be represented in decision making.”

Countries in which elections and political party financing are open to undue influence from vested interests were less able to combat corruption, an analysis of the results found.

“Frustration with government corruption and lack of trust in institutions speaks of a need for greater political integrity,” said the organisation's chairperson Delia Ferreira Rubio.

“Governments must urgently address the corrupting role of big money in political party financing and the undue influence it exerts on our political systems.”

UK court allows Abraaj founder’s extradition to US LONDON AGENCIES

The founder of collapsed Dubai-based private equity company Abraaj Group will be extradited to the United States, where he is wanted on fraud charges, a London court ruled on Thursday. US prosecutors allege Arif Naqvi, a Pakistani businessman, is the architect of a plot to defraud investors including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Naqvi’s lawyers have said he could face 291 years in jail if convicted in the US. Dubai-based Abraaj was the largest buyout fund in the Middle East and North Africa until its collapse in 2018, after investors raised concerns about the management of its $1 billion healthcare fund.

WHO team in Wuhan set to leave quarantine to probe Covid-19 origins thE oRIgINs of CovId-19 hAvE bEEN hIghly PolItICIsEd WUHAN AGENCIES

President Dr Arif Alvi confers Hilal-i-Imtiaz (military) on Gen Yousef Huneiti, chairman joint chiefs of staff of the Jordanian armed forces.

NEPRA hints at Rs3.50 per unit hike in power tariff The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has hinted at increasing the electricity tariff by about Rs3.50 per unit over the next few days.

According to a local media report, NEPRA, during a public hearing on monthly fuel price adjustment (FPA) for distribution companies of ex-WAPDA,

said that Rs1.95 per unit increase in base tariff would be notified in a few days across the country, while another Rs1.30-1.60 per unit FPA would be on top of that base price increase.

The annual impact of Rs1.95 per unit increase in base tariff would yield about Rs200 billion and would also be

applicable to K-Electric consumers.

On the other hand, the monthly FPA for December 2020 electricity consumption would yield about Rs9-10 billion for a month and would be applicable to all distribution companies, except K-Electric.

The regulatory body also explained

that the application of tariff increase would become part of the tariff in the coming billing cycle in February, adding that about Rs51bn worth of past FPAs pending for a few months owing to insufficient evidence would also have to be passed on to consumers in due course. NEWS DESK

A World Health Organisation-led team investigating the origins of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic was expected to leave their quarantine hotel on Thursday to begin fieldwork, two weeks after arriving in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus emerged in late 2019. The mission has been plagued by delay, concerns over access and bickering between China and the United States, which has accused Beijing of hiding the extent of the initial outbreak and has criticised the terms of the visit, under which Chinese experts conducted the first phase of research. “Slightly sad to say goodbye to my ‘gym’ & my ‘office’ where I’ve been holed up for last 2 wks!!,” team member Peter Daszak tweeted, along with photos of exercise equipment and a desk in his hotel room. “Moving into next phase of work now w/@WHO mission team & China counterparts,” he said. The team, which worked by videoconference while in quarantine, is led by Peter Ben Embarek, the WHO’s top expert on animal diseases that cross to other species, and is expected to remain in China for two more weeks. The WHO has tried to manage expectations for the investigation. “There are no guarantees of answers,” WHO emergency chief Mike Ryan told reporters earlier this month. “It is a difficult task to fully establish the origins and sometimes it can take two or three or four attempts to be able to do that in different settings.” The origins of Covid-19 have been highly politicised. The investigating team had been set to arrive in Wuhan earlier in January, and China’s delay of their visit drew rare public criticism from the head of the WHO, which former US President Donald Trump accused of being “China-centric” early in the outbreak. China has been pushing a narrative that the virus existed abroad before it was discovered in Wuhan, with state media citing the presence of the virus on imported frozen food packaging and scientific papers claiming it had been circulating in Europe in 2019. China’s foreign ministry has also hinted on several occasions that the sudden closure of the US Army laboratory at Fort Detrick in July 2019 is linked to the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.

India says China ties at crossroads amid border standoff “Peace and tranquillity in the border areas is the basis for the development of relations in other domains,” External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in a speech at a conference discussing India-China ties.

“If they are disturbed, so inevitably will the rest of the relationship.”

“Choices that are made will have profound repercussions, not just for the two nations but for the entire world,″ Jaishankar said.

Indian and Chinese soldiers brawled again last week in the Naku La area of northeastern Sikkim state. Last year, 20 Indian troops died in a clash with Chinese soldiers using clubs, stones and fists in another portion of the disputed border. China is believed

to also have had casualties but has not given any details.

Jaishankar said that with exchanges growing steadily in the past decades, China became one of India’s largest trading partners, a significant source of investment and technology and a participant in projects and infrastructure building as well as a substantial destination for tourism and education.

He said that to date India has yet to receive a credible explanation for the change in China’s stance or reasons for the massing of troops in border areas.

“It is a different matter that our own forces have responded appropriately and held their own in very challenging circum-

stances,” he said.

There was no immediate comment from the Chinese government.

The standoff has continued despite nine rounds of meetings involving local military commanders and political dialogue by foreign and defence ministers.

Both sides have mobilised tens of thousands of soldiers, artillery and fighter aircraft along the fiercely contested border known as the Line of Actual Control that separates Chinese and Indian-held territories from Ladakh in the west to India’s eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety. India and China fought a war in 1962. AGENCIES

Published by Arif Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk