Epaper – July 17 KHI 2020

Friday, 17 July, 2020 I 25 Dhū al-Qa‘dah, 1441 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 19 I 12 Pages I Karachi Edition

Pakistan gives unimPeded, uninterruPted aCCess to kulbhushan Jadhav again g

Qureshi says indian officials ran away from the meeting without talking to the convicted spy ISLAMABAD staff report

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akistan has provided second consular access to convicted indian spy commander kulbhushan Jadhav at india’s request, the foreign office (fo) confirmed on thursday. “two consular officers of the indian high commission in islamabad were provided unimpeded and uninterrupted consular access to commander Jadhav at 1500 hours,” said fo in a statement. the fo said that pakistan was committed to fully implementing the international court of Justice (icJ)’s judgment of July 17, 2019. “it is hoped that india will cooperate with the pakistan court in giving full effect to the said judgment,” it said. last year, Jadhav was given first consular access under the vienna convention on consular relations (vccr) 1963 on september 2. earlier, the mother and wife of commander Jadhav were also allowed to meet him on december 25, 2017, as a

KARACHI staff report

humanitarian gesture. indian serving navy commander Jadhav is in pakistan’s custody following his arrest from Balochistan in a counter-intelligence operation on march 3, 2016. he was awarded death sentence on charges of espionage after he confessed to his involvement in terrorist activities inside pakistan that resulted in the loss of many precious human lives. he also made important revelations about raw’s role in sponsoring state-terrorism in pakistan.

‘INDIAN OFFICIALS RAN AWAY FROM MEETING’: meanwhile, foreign minister shah mahmood Qureshi said that pakistan gave consular access to indian spy Jadhav, however, the two indian high commission officials ran away from the meeting without talking to him. the foreign minister said that they gave consular access to the indian spy under agreed terms, however, the two indian officials did not listen to him. “we removed a glass between the spy and the

Coronavirus in

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

259,401

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

NEW CASES:

40

2,145

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

SINDH:

PUNJAB:

178,737 5,465

110,068

88,539

KP:

BALOCHISTAN:

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

31,486 1,771/1,750

naB chief orders inquiry against k-electric

11,385

14,402

indian officials while audio and video recording equipment was also removed on the request of the high commission officials,” the foreign minister said, adding that all such steps were taken to facilitate the meeting. however, despite all these arrangements, he said that the indian officials left the meeting as Jadhav continuously asked them to talk to him. “it shows their negative intent,” Qureshi said while terming their attitude as surprising and asked if they did not want to talk to him then why consular access to Jadhav was sought. “we implemented their all demands but they chose to run away rather than availing the opportunity of consular access to Jadhav,” he added. the foreign minister said that even Jadhav was surprised at their behaviour and was left stunned when the officials left the meeting room without talking to him. he blamed that that neighbouring country wanted to create an impression that pakistan is not willing to give consular access to their spy through such acts.

national accountability Bureau (naB) chairman Justice (r) Javed iqbal on thursday ordered the accountability watchdog’s karachi bureau to launch an inquiry against k-electric. an inquiry should be launched for not elevating the electricity infrastructure in the city on modern lines, the naB chairman said as he directed the karachi bureau to acquire a copy of the k-electric agreement with the government and ascertain if it was implemented or not. he also directed them to acquire investment details of the kelectric. “we believe in performing our duties within the ambit of law,” Justice (r) iqbal said and added that the naB would not allow kelectric to mint billions of rupees from the citizens in the name of overcharging. “we will further not allow k-electric to carry out unannounced load shedding and avoid implementation on its agreement with the government,” he said, and directed the naB officials to complete an inquiry against the power utility within three months. it is pertinent to mention here that taking notice of prolonged load-shedding in karachi, prime minister imran khan has summoned k-electric’s higher officials on July 17. last month, nepra had taken notice of complaints regarding

govt ready for debate on prices of petroleum products: omar ayub ISLAMABAD staff report

minister for energy omar ayub thursday said that the government was ready for a debate on increase in prices of petroleum products but the matter should not be taken up through an adjournment motion now, as the issue was being heard by the lahore high court (lhc). speaking in the national assembly (na) while opposing an adjournment motion moved by legislator naveed Qamar on increase in petroleum prices, he said petroleum development levy was included in the finance bill approved by the lower house and its rate had remained flat at a level. “when we came to power, our system was not able to transmit 18,000 megawatts of power but now during the summer season, it is capable enough to transmit 23,000 megawatts of power,” he said, adding that this was made possible due to the introduction of the latest technology. he said that issues of low voltages in congested areas are also being addressed. he added that efforts have been accelerated to check power pilferage. he also said there is a

plan to enhance power generation to 100,000 megawatts by 2040 by primarily exploiting the indigenous resources including hydel, coal and renewables. he further said that as the matter of prices of petroleum products was being heard in the lhc, the issue was subjudice so it should not be taken up for debate in the house.

Qamar said that rules of the house allowed discussion on the matter such as prices of petroleum product, so members should debate the issue which concerned every pakistani citizen. as the opposition members did not press the matter, further debate could not be held on the motion. Qamar said that this was the first adjournment motion taken up in two years of proceedings of the na. he said that he had also moved an adjournment motion on the locust swarms arriving from the horn of africa as these posed grave danger to the agriculture of pakistan. while speaking on different points of order, lawmakers alamgir khan, dr nafeesa shah and murtaza Javed abbasi raised the issues of shortage of water and electricity in karachi and the alleged fake licences of pilots of pakistan international airlines (pia).

mnas sanaullah mastikhel, kamaluddin, moeen wattoo and others while taking part in debate in the house, suggested measures for improvement of agriculture and livestock sectors and irrigation system. they stressed upon the building of large and small dams and enhanced research facilities for improving seeds and crops. they urged for steps to treat diseases in livestock so meat exports could be increased to countries like china which was a huge meat market. parliamentary secretary for interior shaukat ali told the house during question hour that pakistan is fully facilitating the sikh pilgrims from india to visit kartarpur to perform their religious rituals. he said that there may be reduction in the number of sikh yatrees from india due to covid-19 but there is no obstacle from pakistani side in their way to visit their revered site. the parliamentary secretary said the sikh pilgrims are allowed to visit kartarpur without visa; however, they are bound to bring their valid indian passport for immigration clearance as per the memorandum of understanding (mou) signed between pakistan and india.

continuing unannounced loadshedding in karachi and directed the power utility to submit a detailed report in this regard. the body had also noted that inflated electricity bills were being charged to consumers. the power regulatory authority had taken up the issue as many residents took to the streets to protest the power outages, blocking main roads and highways to bring the issue to the attention of the relevant authorities. the ruling pakistan tehreek-einsaf (pti) too had launched a protest campaign and staged a sit-in outside the ke head office earlier this month to protest the “atrocities” of the power utility, demanding an end to its monopoly on electricity generation, transmission and distribution and vowing to approach nepra and the supreme court against ke. for its part, ke had attributed the power outages to fuel shortage, especially shortage of furnace oil, in the country. on wednesday, ke chief executive officer moonis alvi said that the load-shedding being carried out in karachi was in line with the national power policy 2013 and was purely on account of power theft. “even in areas with extremely high levels of power theft, cumulative load shedding hours do not exceed eight hours,” he said, adding that load-shedding schedules were uploaded to the ke website daily and sms sent to all customers registered with its 8119 sms service.

more inside

Centre urges provinces to ensure public’s adherence to SOPs on Eid STORY ON BACK PAGE

government’s plan for psm is a ‘disaster’, says cJp gulzar STORY ON PAGE 02

SAPM, ministry seem to be behind petrol crisis, remarks LHC CJ STORY ON PAGE 02

pilots' licence verification to be completed in a week: caa STORY ON BACK PAGE

02

Friday, 17 July, 2020

NEWS

Govt’s plan for psM is a ‘disaster’, says CJp SC ASKS PSM MANAGEMENT TO SUBMIT CONCISE REPORT ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday expressed annoyance over Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) administration and asked it to submit a concise report about the mills.

A three-member bench of the court headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel heard the case regarding promotions of PSM employees.

During the course of proceedings, the chief justice observed that the plan proposed for the steel mills was a disaster. The PSM could not fire all employees, he added.

The additional attorney general said that the cabinet did not even decide to fire all the employees of the steel mills.

The CJ said that if the employees were fired, there would be five thousand more cases.

The counsel for the PSM stated that Rs 40 billion funds would be required for dismissal of employees and implementation of PSMs’ public-private partnership decision.

The additional attorney general said that the steel mills would be run under a public-private partnership.

The chief justice said that the steel mills’ management had to reinstate the sacked employees if it showed more vigilance.

Govt expanding scope of ehsaas cash assistance: dr sania ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Justice Ahsan said that the PSM management was planning to lay off its 95 per cent of the employees and hire new employees on contract basis. At present, 320 cases of PSM employees were pending in the high courts and 29

in the apex court, he added.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing for four weeks due to the illness of PSM employees’ lawyer Kamran Murtaza and sought a new report from the management.

SAPM, ministry seem to be behind petrol crisis, remarks LHC CJ SAYS NON-ELECTED RETURN TO OFFICES NOT MASSES AFTER RUNNING GOVT

pakistan, Us to combat int'l parental child abduction WASHINGTON STAFF REPORT

Pakistan and the United States have decided to join hands to address the problem of international parental child abduction under the Hague Abduction Convention, announced the US State Department on Thursday.

In a press release, the State Department said that the US on July 1, 2020, accepted Pakistan’s accession to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (the Convention). “The Convention will enter into force between the United States and Pakistan on October 1, 2020, and will put in place an internationally recognised legal framework to resolve cases of parental child abduction between our two countries,” it said. The press release stated that as partners, the two countries would enhance their shared commitment to protecting children and open a new chapter in the US-Pakistan relationship. “Preventing and resolving cases of international parental child abduction is one of the Department’s highest priorities.

The Convention is a vital tool to deter international abduction and secure the return of abducted children. It provides a mechanism under civil law in either country for parents seeking the return of children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside of their country of habitual residence in violation of custodial rights,” it said, adding that parents seeking access to children in treaty partner countries may also invoke the Convention. The convention addresses where child custody issues should be decided, the State Department said. “We look forward to welcoming Pakistan as a new partner in this global effort to address international parental child abduction,” it added.

LAHORE TLTP

The Lahore High Court (LHC) remarked on Thursday that it seems as if Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Petroleum Division Nadeem Babar is running the Petroleum Ministry and is, therefore, responsible for the recent fuel shortages in the country.

This was said by LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan while hearing a petition regarding fuel shortages in June.

The court had been presented with the minutes of a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in which the matter was discussed. “[It seems as if] the cabinet takes the decisions and the prime minister or ministers are not present,” remarked LHC CJ Qasim while reviewing the record. He also stated whoever made the minutes of the meeting seemed to have done so to “please” the premier.

“What is the significance of such a massive mistake made in the name of the prime minister?” wondered the LHC’s top judge.

The LHC CJ also remarked on concerns that the government is being run by non-elected persons. “Whoever is elected has to go to the people — even if it is a minster, he has to face the people,” said the judge, adding that, in contrast, non-elected people can pack up their bags and

return to their offices when all is said and done.

The judge remarked that SAPM Babar had not told the cabinet that there was a shortage of fuel in the country and instead said that the petrol crisis happened “because people bought more petrol”.

“The meeting minutes suggest that the responsibility falls on the Petroleum Ministry,” remarked Justice Qasim.

He noted that the ministry, however, says that the responsibility falls on the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).

“Either the petroleum minister or OGRA did not do their job properly, or both of them did not,” remarked the LHC’s top judge. He added that since it seems that the SAPM was running the ministry, he ought to be held responsible for the crisis.

The court after passing the remarks also adjourned the hearing of the case for six weeks.

Last week, the LHC had directed the government to form a high-level commission to hold an inquiry into the fuel crisis which recently wreaked havoc in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic. The court had asked the attorney general to submit names for the commission in this regard.

The LHC top judge had remarked if the AG failed to submit the names of suitable candidates, the court would itself recommend the appropriate persons for the commission.

Housing scandal: NAB summons Khawaja Asif today LAHORE INP

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Khawaja Muhammad

Asif on Friday in Sialkot’s Kent View Housing Society scandal.

The anti-graft watchdog has asked the PML-N stalwart to appear before the NAB office tomorrow (Friday) at 11 am along with

the relevant documents.

The anti-corruption watchdog has summoned Asif after he failed to satisfy the joint investigation team when being questioned about the housing scheme scandal in the last appearance on July 3.

Dr Sania Nishtar, the special assistant to the prime minister on social protection and poverty alleviation, has announced that the scope of the Ehsaas Emergency Cash programme was being expanded and the budget has been increased from Rs144 billion to Rs203 billion. Addressing a press conference alongside Minister for Information Shibli Faraz, Dr Sania said that now around half of the country’s population would benefit from the government’s social protection programme. “I am also happy to tell you that the programme is also being acknowledged internationally. Our government has the honour of introducing the biggest social protection programme, in the shortest amount of time,” she added. Dr Sania further said that cash handouts were still being given, and would not stop until all the beneficiaries are paid.

shehbaz gets extension in interim bail LAHORE APP

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday extended the interim bail earlier granted to National Assembly Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif till July 23. The court accepted the PML-N president’s plea seeking the same and agreed to postpone the hearing of the case as the defense was not present. Speaking to media after his appearance, the PML-N president said he was feeling unwell due to his illness. “I came because I respect the courts.

Politics is being played at my expense,” he said. During the last hearing on July 7, Shehbaz’s counsel Amjad Pervez had told the court that the PML-N leader had tested negative for the virus. “Shehbaz Sharif is 69-yearold and his antibodies test is necessary,” said Tarar, the other counsel for the PML-N president. He added that people after recovering from the virus witnessed pain for five more days, adding that his client has also complained of the same. Tarar had requested the court to extend the bail granted to Shehbaz for three more weeks as the lawyers wanted their client to appear before the court himself. The court had adjourned the hearing and gave time to the lawyers to consult their client and take instructions from him.

Justice Isa's wife questions agencies' role in cleric's abusive video in affidavit ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Cerina Isa, the wife of Justice Qazi Faez Isa, has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, raising multiple questions pertaining to the suo motu case against the Rawalpindi-based cleric Agha Iftikharuddin Mirza, who is accused of hurling abuses and threat at the judge.

In her affidavit, Isa claimed that the manner in which the matter had been dealt with “confirms that a more direct method to remove her husband has now been planned”.

She questioned the late registration of the FIR, saying she was told to wait for formal approval from the Ministry of Interior. Isa wondered if every FIR registered across the country gets the nod of the ministry first.

Isa claimed that despite reporting the crime to the police on June 26, the FIA, in its record, stated to receive the complaint six days later on June 29. She further said that FIA only registered the complaint after it learnt of the Supreme Court taking up the matter.

She noticed that the agency did not ask the “terrorist” his motive for making the abusive video and wondered whether it was being “overly-protective”.

Isa claimed that the terrorists were being protected from the heavy hand of the law without further elaborating on her assertion.

She said to have learnt through Youtube that the cleric, who hurled abuses at the judge, was treated at the Supreme Court, where he had come to attend the hearing in the case against him, with a cup of tea.

Isa, whose husband is accused of being in possession of undeclared properties in the United Kingdom in the names of wife and children, questioned the sin-

gling out of her husband from 17 judges of the Supreme Court, wondering if this was a coincidence.

It merits a mention here that the presidential reference against Justice Isa was based on undeclared foreign properties his family owned.

Suspecting that the suo motu case was the continuation of the Justice Isa reference, Isa wondered why were Abdul Waheed Dogar, who had filed complained against the judge to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and Mirza Shahzad Akbar, special assistant to the prime minister on accountability, not questioned.

Wondering if the Inter-Services Intelligence chief was questioned in this regard, she asked whether the intelligence agencies conducted any inquiry into the matter.

She also complained about her copy of the FIR not being provided to her despite the passage of over three weeks.

Friday, 17 July, 2020

NEWS

another Cabinet, bUreaUCratiC reshUffle on the Cards ISLAMABAD

p

MIAN ABRAR

RIME Minister Imran Khan has decided to go for another cabinet reshuffle in next few months while federal and provincial bureaucrats have also been warned to show performance, asking them to improve functioning or be ready for implications.

Sources told this scribe that PM Imran looks focused on improvement in government functioning and he was ready to show the door to non-performers irrespective of their political weightage and close connections with the power corridors.

“It seems as if the prime minister believes that non-performing ministers and senior bureaucrats may cost him his political career. So, PM Imran looks determined to send non-performing ministers

and officials home. For this, he himself looks busy these days to set an example for others. In past few weeks, foreign direct investment has increased. Only projects worth $11 billion have been initiated,” an informed source told Pakistan Today on the condition of anonymity.

Sources said that a clear message has also been sent to the Punjab government to ensure good governance and improve performance otherwise Punjab chief minister or provincial cabinet would see a major reshuffle.

When asked to comment on a possible replacement for Usman Buzdar if the prime minister decides to bring a new face, an informed source said that it was premature to comment.

“Among the names taking rounds, I think no one would replace Buzdar. Keep in mind that no NAB affectee can be named as Punjab chief minister. The en-

Coas offers full assistance to italy in dealing with Covid-19 RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has offered all possible cooperation and assistance to Italy in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), COAS Bajwa met with Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Andreas Ferrarese at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi. During the meeting, issues of mutual interest, regional security and promotion of mutual cooperation were discussed. The army chief offered all possible assistance to the Italian Ambassador in tackling the coronavirus outbreak in Italy. The Italian envoy praised Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region and also appreciated its medical assistance. INP

Curve of coronavirus cases flattening in pakistan: president alvi ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has said that the entire nation, including the government and the religious scholars, deserve the credit for the country’s win against the Covid-19 as the curve of coronavirus is flattening. In an interview with a private television channel, the president said that the country’s testing capacity has been enhanced to 70,000 per day. The president said that the incumbent government did not get panicked and took care of the poor people to save them from the adverse economic impacts of the pandemic. He said that the ongoing debate on the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, 18th Amendment and other subjects is a healthy sign which will bring improvement. About the government’s anti-corruption efforts, President Alvi said that for the first time the probe reports into corruption scams were made public which would create a deterrent for the corrupt people. Turning to Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir, the president said by Muslims’ persecution, India is distorting its own history. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has rightly labeled the BJP as a fascist party, which is pursuing the agenda of Hindu supremacy. About the civil-military ties, the president said all four pillars of the state are on the same page and same direction when it comes to the interest of the state. TLTP

tire emphasis of the political and military leadership is on accountability,” the source said.

Sources said that Punjab Chief Minister Bazdar and cabinet members have been given special instructions to improve the performance of the provincial government in the next few months.

They said that Buzdar has also been asked to resolve reservations of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers and its coalition partners, especially the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PMLQ), who are important in political terms.

According to sources, the reports of huge sums of money allegedly collected for transfers and postings of senior bureaucrats in Punjab which actually have made the prime minister angry. They said that that is why the chief minister's brother had to hold a press conference recently and to make it clear that his family had nothing to

do with such money transactions.

They added that in case of failure in performance, PM Imran has decided to adopt a ruthless scrutiny and make surprising changes in the federal and Punjab cabinets in which even big names can be affected. They further said if PM Imran can take action against Jahangir Khan Tareen, there would be no exception for others.

According to another PTI leader, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Planning Minister Asad Umar have been urging the prime minister to take strict action against non-performing lot while Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry has been supporting ruthless accountability.

On the other hand, PTIs ministers, including Murad Saeed, Shehryar Afridi and Ali Mohammad Khan, have been urging the prime minister not to compromise further to ensure good governance, eradication of corruption, relief to the common man and merit under the PTI manifesto.

A source said that a major issue for Imran Khan is to draw a parity between his elected and non-elected advisers, special assistants.

Rs400bn construction projects to be launched by December: Faraz ISLAMABAD APP

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz said on Thursday that Rs 400 billion construction projects would be initiated by the end of December this year.

Addressing a news conference along with Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Dr Sania Nishtar he said that a mega project for the construction of houses and apartments worth Rs145 billion would be started by October while many more would follow the suit.

He also said Prime Minister Imran Khan was giving special attention to the uplift of the construction sector as this had the potential to revive the national economy as well as realise the dream of disadvantaged segments of the society to own their houses. Faraz said the people building five marla houses would be given loans on 5 per cent markup whereas for the ten marla houses, the markup rate will be 7 per cent. He said that

the schedule for payment of installments would be within the reach of the low-income groups.

He said that the prime minister chaired a meeting of the National Coordination Committee on Housing, Construction and Development on Thursday to personally monitor the situation and ensure steps to remove impediments in launching housing projects. He added that the meeting was attended by the country’s prominent builders and developers.

The meeting discussed several proposals to uplift the sector including holding international road shows for construction related projects to attract investment from expatriates. It also discussed in details all issues ranging from taxes and maps and utilities. Mechanism for lending to the construction sector was also discussed,” he informed. The objective of the meetings of the National Coordinating Committee was to maintain liaison with all stakeholders, he added. He said that the premier has decided to hold the meeting of the committee every two or three days keeping in view the importance of the sector.

RAWALPINDI Days after the Capital Development Authority (CDA) served a notice to the Pakistan Navy for its allegedly illegal and unauthorised construction of a sailing club at the Rawal Lake, the navy on Thursday clarified that the land in question was, in fact, allotted to it in 1994 for the development of a water sports centre.

According to a notification issued by

sindh extends province-wide lockdown till aug 15 KARACHI STAFF REPORT

The Sindh government has extended a province-wide lockdown enforced to curb the spread of the coronavirus until Aug 15. Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah on Thursday said the lockdown was being extended to “protect the lives of people”. He further said that following standard operating procedures (SOPs) was the need of the time, adding that it was “important that SOPs are strictly followed in mosques, offices and bazaars”.Shah said that marriage halls would remain closed and public gatherings would be banned during this time.

balochistan govt appeals to public to follow sops on eid to avoid new wave QUETTA STAFF REPORT

Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani on Thursday appealed to the public to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for curbing the spread of Covid-19 during Eidul Azha to avoid a possible surge in cases. Addressing reporters, Shahwani said that people did not follow SOPs during Eidul Fitr despite instructions from the government which led to an 80 percent increase in the country’s cases. Therefore, people must show greater responsibility this time around, he said. “The elderly and children are not allowed to enter cattle markets. We have appointed special magistrates [to ensure implementation]. Sanitisers and masks will be used and one metre of social distancing will be ensured.” The spokesperson said that a minimum distance of two metres would be maintained during Eid prayers and gatherings. He added that the government would disinfect mosques and warned that strict action will be taken against those violating SOPs.

sherry rehman demands resignation of aviation Minister, officials ISLAMABAD INP

LAHORE: The weather turned pleasant in Lahore after heavy rainfall lashed the provincial capital on Thursday. ZUBAIR MEHFOOZ

Navy says Rawal Lake site allotted to develop sports centre STAFF REPORT

03

the Prime Minister’s Secretariat on September 9, 1994, a copy of which is available with Pakistan Today, prime minister of the day, late Benazir Bhutto, had “approved the development of a water sports centre at Rawal Lake” and directed the Finance Division to “release Rs18.6 million during [the] current financial year [1994-1995]” for the purpose.

A statement issued by the Pakistan Navy on Wednesday asserted that navy divers are trained at the club who, then,

take part in rescue operations in all four provinces and the federally administrative units including Azad Jammu and Kashmir as the club is the only such facility in the north of the country.

According to the statement, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi took the initiative to upgrade the site to bring it at par with its international counterparts. For the aforestated purpose, the Pakistan Navy Sailing Club was constructed which, the navy said,

will not only support the sport of sailing but will also provide additional facilities to schools, colleges and other institutions in addition to its members both civilians and the military. The club, according to the navy, will also hold national and international water sports events. The statement said that the membership drive and allied services were initiated to generate funds for the said purposes so that the club administration does not have to seek money from the government.

Parliamentary Leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in the Senate Sherry Rehman has said that after two hours of solid questioning, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and aviation minister’s statements were found to be different. Addressing the media after attending the meeting of Aviation Committee on Thursday she said that it is alarming that no one is taking responsibility for anything while the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) remains grounded. Commenting on the fake degree scandal, the senator stated, “There is no certainty if the licences are fake or genuine as they have been making contradictory statements since day one. Today, we do not even know who is actually investigating this issue. It is shocking that no one is ready to take responsibility. For the last 15 months, we were requesting the federal government to scrutinise all of this but the federal government conveniently disregarded our concerns.” “The government is giving the wrong impression that the minister has satisfied the committee. When in fact the entire Civil Aviation Division and the aviation minister were not able to satisfy anyone, nor could they match their statements,” she added. “After this meeting I do not see any hope from them. I do not think they can stabilise PIA. Who is responsible for our pilots and PIA’s downgrading?

Do they have any action plan? We have not been given any clarification. Even we knew there is an issue which needs to be resolved but what did they do instead nothing,” she further said. Highlighting the Roosevelt Hotel issue, the senator said, “The explanation offered for the sale of the Roosevelt Hotel is flimsy and pointless. The claim in committee is that the sale of a profitable hotel was only made after Covid-19 onset, in anticipation of reduced business and profits, whereas the task force to sell it was made in 2019.”

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Friday, 17 July, 2020

NEWS

DIStRICt ADMInIStRAtIOn FAILS tO IMpLeMent SOpS In CAttLe MARKetS LAHORE

t

SHAHAB OMER

HE district administration’s incompetence resulting in the failure to implement coronavirus-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) in cattle markets has increased the risk of spreading Covid-19 on the occasion of Eidul Azha, Pakistan Today has observed.

In view of Eidul Azha, 14 cattle markets were opened outside the provincial capital on Wednesday. According to the SOPs issued by the Punjab government, every person had to be checked for temperature before entering the cattle market. Without face masks and gloves, people were not allowed to enter cattle markets and they were asked to adopt social distancing. However,

no SOPs were being implemented in the cattle markets and interestingly, cattle sellers were also rarely seen wearing masks and gloves in cattle markets.

Due to the heavy rains in the city, cleanliness in the cattle markets has also become a challenge for the district administration, while no arrangements have been made for the disposal of animal waste in the markets.

Muhammad Latif, an animal seller in Shahpur Kanjran’s cattle market, said that the fear of coronavirus may have disappeared among those who come to the cattle market.

“We were allowed to sell the animals the day before. Eid is also approaching, due to which a large number of people have turned to the markets. Coronavirus is a drama. People get sick every year and then get well. We should not be afraid of this virus.”

IHC expresses dissatisfaction over non-submission of report by police ISLAMABAD APP

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday expressed its dissatisfaction over non-submission of a report by the Islamabad Police in a case pertaining to the whereabouts of Suleman Farooq. Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani of the IHC, who heard the petition filed by Professor Mohammad Sharif about his 27year-old son, ordered to initiate a departmental action against police officials, besides imposing fine of Rs2 million each on them. During the course of proceedings, a police representative informed the court that a joint investigation team (JIT) had been constituted to probe the missing citizen case, however, the report could not be prepared so far. He asked the court to grant some time for preparation of the report. Justice Kiyani observed that the Safe City Project was only being used by the police to take pictures of couples.

There was no one to keep vigil as about the safety of citizens, he added. The court adjourned the case.

Suleman Farooq, electrical engineer, reportedly went missing from Phase III of Bahria Town, Rawalpindi on October 4 last year. The petitioner had lodged a first information report with the Loi Bher Police about the disappearance of his son. Meanwhile, Chief Justice Athar Minallah adjourned the case pertaining to another missing person Imran Khan till August 11. Additional Attorney General Tariq Khokher informed the court that a JIT had been constituted to probe the matter.

LHC stays imposition of 17pc sales tax on flour LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday issued a stay order against the Punjab government’s decision to impose a 17 percent sales tax on flour. During the hearing, the plaintiff informed Justice Shahid Karim that, according to business rules and regulations, a sales tax cannot be imposed on flour. The millers said the provincial government is making efforts to reduce flour price on one hand and imposing a tax on the other, which they said was dishonest practice. They requested the court to nullify the government’s decision. The LHC approved the petition for hearing while issuing a stay order against the imposition of sales tax. APP

SBCA employees protest against termination of contract services HYDERABAD: The contract and work charge employees of Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) on Thursday held a protest demonstration against termination of contract employment and demanded restoration of their services and payment of outstanding salaries at the earliest. The affected employees of SBCA led by Gulfam Qaimkhani, Sayed Mansoor Ali and others organized a protest demonstration in front of the local press club and said they were working with SBCA since the last eight years but neither their contract was extended nor services were regularised.

The SBCA management have paid salaries and extended contract of only 53 employees on the basis of favouritism and refused to extend contract of rest of the employees, they said and warned that if their salary is not paid and their contract not extended, they will take their movement forward and stage protest outside Chief Minister House in Karachi.APP

Similarly, a buyer Zeshan Shah, who purchased two goats from Lakho Dair cattle market, informed that the situation regarding the implementation of SOPs in the markets was very bad. “I have visited four markets from yesterday to buy sacrificial animals.

SOPs did not appear to be implemented in any of the markets. Animal sellers are just as ignorant, they have no awareness of this pandemic and they do not even want to understand anyone. There is no such thing as social distancing in cattle markets. Animal sellers form groups and we do not know which of them are infected with the virus. Similarly, buyers entering the market feel that they are not at risk from the coronavirus,” he said, adding that buyers do not follow any SOPs either and surprisingly, people are coming to the markets in groups as if everything was

normal. “The government machinery was not checking anyone’s temperature and those without masks were not stopped. The situation in the cattle markets is very bad which means that another virus surge awaits Lahoris,” he further said.

On the other hand, the spokesman for the district administration simply said that the administration was visiting cattle markets to do their part, denying the citizens’ account of the situation. “All the assistant commissioners are visiting the established cattle markets in their respective areas and reviewing the arrangements. Arrangements for drainage of rainwater have been completed. Proper checks are being carried out on the cleanliness of the washrooms, sitting arrangements, lights and staff presence in the markets.

Covid-19 recovery rate in KP reaches 71pc: Bangash PESHAWAR TLTP

Special Assistant to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) on Information and Local Government, Kamran Khan Bangash has said that the recovery rate of coronavirus patients in the province has reached 71 per cent while positive cases rate has come down from 25 per cent to 15 per cent.

Kamran Khan Bangash expressed these views while briefing the media at Directorate of Information and Public Relations on Thursday.

The CM’s aide said that coronavirus cases were on the rise during the last two months but now due to the steps taken by the KP government as well as the health department and people’s cooperation, the number of corona patients is decreasing day by day.

He said that the provincial government has provided timely medical facilities

to coronavirus patients. He said that the manner in which the entire nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan fought the coronavirus pandemic is commendable and the whole nation deserves praise.

“Doctors, nurses and paramedics staff are our frontline heroes who are risking their lives to provide medical care to patients,” Bangash added. He said that Focal Person of the Prime Minister for Covid-19 Dr Faisal Sultan, and Interior Minister Brigadier (r) Ijaz Shah have appreciated the steps taken against Covid-19 by the KP government and expressed satisfaction over the situation so far.

He said that the helpline 1700 has got a positive response from the public. He said that a large number of people are not only getting information and help regarding Covid-19 but are also getting guidance on other issues. Bangash said that since April

2020, the helpline service has received more than 274,000 calls in which 136,239 people have received information and help about coronavirus. He said that the opposition parties have tried to misguide the public about the KP government’s performance but the people are aware of the positive and sincere steps taken by the government for curbing coronavirus.“The coronavirus epidemic is not over yet and the fight is still going on. So, observe social distance during Eidul Azha so that our hard work and care is not wasted,” he added. He said that in order to protect the people, the government has closed specific hotspots as part of a strategy, adding smart lockdown has yielded good results. He said that smart lockdown was carried out in 18 different areas across the province on Wednesday last, adding that so far smart lockdown has been implemented in 144 affected areas across the province and the number of affected people in these areas is 378,687 while 3,614 houses have been isolated there.

Talking about the Information and Public Relations Department, he said that it will be modernised and staff would be trained accordingly.

CDA fetches Rs12.8bn from New Blue Area plots auction ISLAMABAD TLTP

The government has recorded a historical investment of over Rs12 billion during the two days of the auction of the newly-launched project of New Blue Area in Islamabad.

During the second day of auction organised by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the authorities have approved bids of four commercial plots worth Rs7.24. The spokesperson of CDA said that the participation of investors in the auction events has exhibited their confidence over the business-friendly policies of the federal government. The CDA has so far collected overall Rs12.79 billion revenue after the auction of eight commercial plots of different sizes. The Islamabad’s New Blue Area project showed the commitment of Prime Minister Imran Khan to promote the construction industry which became a successful experience of the federal government.

The government is expected to collect a revenue of Rs15 billion by auctioning commercial plots.

It emerged that the auction of 2,500 yards plots held on Wednesday (yesterday) had attracted huge investment, said CDA officials. It is noteworthy to mention here that the CDA had decided to organise three-day auction from July 15 to 17 at 10:00 am for the Islamabad New Blue Area’s commercial plots situated before the F-9 Park, Jinnah Avenue.

On March 1, Prime Minister Imran Khan had announced the Blue Area multi-billion commercial project in Islamabad will not only create jobs but will attract investment from overseas Pakistanis. He had said that one mega project on its pattern will be launched in Lahore and in Karachi soon.

The Premier had approved the plan in February to develop a commercial city named ‘New Blue Area’ within the limits of federal capital Islamabad. The government had allocated a 170 canal land in front of F-9 Park in the capital city for the project. The commercial city project will be developed on international standards and the government would be able to generate a huge revenue from it.

Sindh issues code of conduct for collecting sacrificial hides KARACHI APP

The Sindh Home Department on Thursday issued a code of conduct for the collection of sacrificial hides on Eidul Azha according to which parties and organisations that collect the hides should get a permit from the commissioner or deputy commissioner concerned. Officials said the home ministry had stated that on Eidul Azha various political, religious and social welfare organisations or parties collect the hides of sacrificial animals. “It becomes a matter of competition among the organisations and parties which creates law and order problems for the provincial government,” said a notification of the home ministry. “Keeping in view this situation the government has decided that for collection of hides, approval from the concerned commissioner or deputy commissioner is required.” It said only those parties, organisations, welfare bodies and religious institutions would be allowed to collect sacrificial skins that were duly registered and their heads had signed the code of conduct and abide by the rules and regulations of the code. “No [one] else is allowed to install camps for the collection of skins or hides. Use of loudspeakers, writing or chanting of slogans and announcements from mosques or offices of any political parties and organisations will not be allowed.” Besides, the notification said posters and banners used for the collection of hides were also prohibited. “No one will be allowed to collect the hides door-todoor. However, every individual is allowed to donate the hides as per one’s own will wherever and to whom he thinks eligible to get the skins.”

Rain, dust storm in Karachi on Friday: Met Office KARACHI STAFF REPORT

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted rain and thunder in Karachi from Friday (today) in the second spell of the downpour this season. According to PMD Director Sardar Sarfaraz, the spell would last a day or two and would be preceded by dusty winds. “Initially we had said that the second spell would start from July 15 but then the situation changed and it appeared that it would start after July 20. “[However], a similar low-pressure area has developed almost in the same place as in the first spell, around the Indian Rann of Kutch and the Arabian Sea,” he said, adding that some areas of Sindh, including Tharparkar, Badin and Thatta have already seen some rain. “There might be light rain in areas of Karachi tonight and it is expected that there will be thunder and rain along with strong winds from tomorrow.”

The official said the temperature in Karachi could range between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius today (Thursday) but would be “considerably reduced” after tomorrow’s rainfall.

Hagia Sophia be opened for worship for both Muslims and Christians: NCCP head LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Christians all over the world, including Pakistan, have been pained by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s announcement to turn the celebrated Hagia Sophia into a mosque and the Pakistani government should use its influence to bridge the inter-faith differences that have been caused by this decision.

In a press statement, National Council of Churches in Pakistan (NCCP) President and Diocese of Raiwind Bishop Dr Azad Marshall said the Turkish move to convert the Hagia Sophia – that was built 1,500 years ago as an Orthodox Christian cathedral but was converted into a

mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 – would sow division.

The UNESCO World Heritage site in Istanbul has been a museum since 1934 on the orders of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of modern, secular Turkey.

On July 10, Turkish President Erdogan announced that the first Muslim prayers would be held inside the building on July 24, after the country’s top administrative court annulled the site’s museum status.

Dr Marshall said that though several countries and all international church bodies, including the World Council of Churches, the Vatican, the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Church in Russia, have urged President Erdogan to reverse his decision in the larger interest of inter-

faith harmony, he would like to propose that the Hagia Sophia be opened for worship for both Muslims and Christians on Friday and Sunday, respectively, while it should remain accessible to all visitors for the rest of the week.

“We believe that this is a workable solution and would help in promoting mutual understanding, respect, dialogue and cooperation,” he said.

He added that the Pakistani church leadership hoped that the government of Pakistan would convey their concerns to the Turkish leadership and play its due role in fomenting inter-faith harmony.

Hagia Sophia’s complex history began in the year 537 when Byzantine emperor Justinian built the huge church

overlooking the Golden Horn harbor.

With its huge dome, it was believed to be the world’s largest church and building.

It remained in Byzantine hands for centuries apart from a brief moment in 1204 when Crusaders raided the city.

In 1453, in a devastating blow to the Byzantines, Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II captured Istanbul (formerly known as Constantinople) and the victorious conqueror performed Friday prayers inside Hagia Sophia.

The Ottomans soon converted the building into a mosque, adding four minarets to the exterior and covering ornate Christian icons and gold mosaics with panels of Arabic religious calligraphy.

After centuries at the heart of the Muslim Ottoman empire, it was turned into a museum in 1934 in a drive to make Turkey more secular.

Today Hagia Sophia is Turkey’s most popular tourist site, attracting more than 3.7 million visitors a year.

Friday, 17 July, 2020

DG AuDit tAkes notice of lAnD leAse AGreement witH sHAzAin BuGti, BrotHers ISLAMABAD

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AHMAD AHMADANI

HE Auditor General of Pakistan has taken notice of alleged land lease agreement of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) with Shazain Bugti and sought response from the OGDCL managing director on eight questions, besides provision of some relevant documents.

According to sources, the Directorate General of Audit (Petroleum & Natural Resources) has taken notice of OGDCL’s land lease agreement for the land of Uch gas fields with Shazain Bugti, leader of Jamhori Watan Party (JWP), and his brother, and the matter related to the payment of Rs770 million to Bugti brothers.

They alleged OGDCL MD has put approximately Rs8 billion worth burden on national exchequer due to this land lease agreement, which was allegedly chalked out without getting prior permission of OGDCL board. OGDCL issued three cheques of Rs770 million to Shazain Bugti, Guhram Bugti and Mir Chakar Bugti on 1st July, 2020, said sources.

“Approximately Rs8 billion worth heavy burden was put on the national exchequer as OGDCL issued three cheques worth Rs77.2 million to Shazain Bugti and his two brothers even before inking of the amended agreement,” a source privy to this development said.

The DG Audit has asked OGDCL MD to provide details of the total land acquired for Uch gas field up to June 2020, copy of lease agreements for the hiring of land for Uch gas filed, the survey of de-report by the OGDCL

Land Assessment Committee for the requirement of land for Uch gas filed, copy of lease agreement for 2930 acres of land signed on January 14, 2016, copy of de-hiring notices for 2930 acres issued on February 15, 2017, copy of lease agreement of 2500 acres of land for the period from 2017 to 2020 and copy of Board of Directors (BoDs) approval for the hiring of total leased land as well as 2500 acres of land of Uch gas field for the period from 2017 to 2020.

Also, the MD would provide details of payment of rent for all leased land for Uch gas field with a copy of vouchers/documents, said sources.

A copy of the document available with Profit disclosed that Audit Petroleum and Natural Resources DG has further asked OGDCL MD to email all requested items in soft /scanned form for desk audit at the earliest.

Sources said that the federal government had earlier paid a hefty sum to lure its disgruntled ally Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) ahead of the voting on the Finance Bill, 2020, and a new agreement was inked with Shazain Bugti

by OGDCL wherein the company was to pay Rs79,000 per acre rent to Bugti family with effect from January 1, 2018, despite the land not being in OGDC’s use since February 2017.

They said on the advice of the federal government, OGDC MD Shahid Saleem had approved to pay Shazain Bugti an additional 36pc as rent for 2,500 acres of oil and gas fields situated at Uch, Dera Bugti. Three cheques were issued on July 1, 2020, to the owners of the land of Uch gas field on the instructions of MD/CEO which was conveyed

by GM (CSR) and SO to MD/CEO. Nawabzada Shazain Bugti was given cheque

number 21506833 worth Rs257,756,931; Mir Guhram Bugti was given cheque number 21506836 worth Rs257,756, 931, and Mir Chakar Bugti was given cheque number 21506837 worth Rs257,756,931.

However, Payment to Shazain Bugti took a new turn as the OGDCL MD refused to grant approval to the issuance of cheques worth Rs770 million after which cheques which were previously issued to Bugti bounced, they added.

According to sources, OGDCL’s General Manager Finance Muhammad Azim, in a letter dated July 6, had sought the approval OGDCL MD Shahid Saleem for issuing Rs770 million to the Bugti family for land Uch gas field. However, the OGDCL MD refused to give approval in this regard.

“I did not issue any instructions to the GM (finance) for preparing cheques. I also did not issue any instruction through GM (CSR) or so for the preparation of cheques. I was informed that the GM (finance) is preparing some cheques regarding Uch land and inquired about the status of these cheques,” said sources quoting the OGDCL’s note of refusal.

They also informed this scribe that Finance and Accounts Department was advised to issue cheques in view of the urgency of the matter and it was assured that the case file along with the agreement and requisite approvals would be provided to the department. However, the requisite case file with necessary approval has not yet been provided to the department for want of which the accounting documentation still remains incomplete, they added.

The OGDCL spokesman remained unavailable for comment.

NEWS

05

Heated tobacco devices likely to be introduced in Pakistan; companies seek regulations ISLAMABAD GHULAM ABBAS

While the concerned regulatory authorities are yet to formulate a policy regarding cigarette alternatives, the marketing of ecigarettes has already started in various parts of the country.

Keeping in view the growing demand for less harmful tobacco products, big tobacco companies in the country are also planning to introduce the latest heated tobacco devices in the country, sources in the tobacco industry informed this scribe.

They said many tobacco stores in Pakistan are directly selling vapes to customers, while a majority of such devices are also being sold online. Sources said that e-cigarettes are considered to be 96pc safer than traditional cigarettes, adding that the online sale of the products is mainly non-duty paid. "There is a brand called 'Switch' which is being sold in Pakistan," an insider said and claimed that heated tobacco products would soon be available across the country.

"Instead of banning the products, the government should look into the matter and regulate the sale of e-cigarettes. It will also encourage a cigarette smoker to shift to reduced-risk products," said an official of a prominent cigarette company.

He suggested the regulators make policies for cigarette alternates and to counter the e-cigarettes being smuggled into the country.

Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration had authorized the marketing of what they referred to as a 'Tobacco Heating System' as modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs). This was the first time a tobacco product had attained "exposure modification".

According to Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products,

“The marketing of these particular products with the authorized information could help addicted adult smokers transition away from combusted cigarettes and reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals, but only if they completely switch."

Almost all the harm from smoking is caused by the thousands of toxins in smoke produced by burning tobacco. It is well known that ‘smokers smoke for nicotine but are killed by tar’.

According to the UK Royal College of Physicians, “If nicotine could be delivered effectively and acceptably to smokers without smoke, most if not all of the harm of smoking could probably be avoided.”

Products that deliver nicotine have different levels of risk, with cigarette smoking being the most harmful. As per the available data, e-cigarettes have an estimated 4pc risk compared to cigarette smoking and nicotine patches have an estimated 2pc risk. Tobacco harm reduction involves switching from the risky end of the spectrum to nicotine products at the less harmful end of the range.

There are three smoke-free nicotine products which have been used by millions of smokers to quit globally. These include electronic cigarettes, snus and the more advanced heated tobacco products (also known as heat-not-burn or HnB).

All these products deliver nicotine to satisfy nicotine cravings. Electronic cigarettes and HnB products have the added advantage of replicating the familiar handto-mouth ritual and sensations of smoking which smokers can find very hard to stop.

While not risk-free, the overwhelming scientific consensus is that these products deliver far lower levels of toxic and harmful compounds than combustible cigarettes. If a smoker switches completely from smoking he/she is likely to have substantial improvements in health.

Friday, 17 July, 2020

06 COMMENT

Ready or not, here I come!

Finally some traction on the Diamer-Bhasha dam Will there be a second foundation stone also?

SOPs and schoolchildren?

O

ne appreciates Prime Minister Imran Khan’s determination to build the Diamer-Bhasha dam, the biggest water reservoir in the country. The dam will not only provide cheap power but also conserve water for the country which already faces water shortage.

The dam will go a long way for economic development and social uplift of Pakistan. even in the short run the construction activity will create thousands of jobs.

In his speech, Mr Khan regretted that the decision to build the Dam was taken 50 years ago but the work has begun now, saying “this is one of the biggest reasons why we haven’t progressed.”

Mr Khan’s predecessors had a feasibility report prepared and got approval for the construction of the dam from both the eCneC and CCI. In 2018, WAPDA claimed that 89 percent of the land required for the dam had been acquired. Where the previous governments failed was in getting a loan of $12.6 billion required at the time to build the dam. Turkey was reportedly approached but funds could not be arranged. The World Bank refused on account of the Indian objection that the area was disputed. The then PM Yousuf Raza Gilani laid the foundation stone of the project on 18 October 2011.

In 2011 the Chinese Three Gorges Project Corporation (CTGPC) had shown willingness to invest in the Bhasha dam provided it was given the project on singlebid basis. The government might have over-ruled bureaucratic objections and ignored US displeasure, but with the PTI leaders dangling charges of corruption against anything done in contravention of rules, the government hesitated.

The appeals made jointly by CJP Mr Justice Saqib nisar and Mr Khan for donations to construct dams led only to a meagre sum of Rs 8.46 billion being deposited in the SBP. While the World Bank and Asian Development Bank still refuse to provide funds for the dam, China has agreed to finance the project, setting aside Indian objections. The contract for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam has been awarded to a joint venture between Power China and FWO. It is not known if the conditions for loan this time would be different from those in 2011. hopefully the government will go ahead notwithstanding US pressure. With Pakistan facing a financial crunch, will the joint venture be ready by 2028?

At Penpoint M A NIAZI

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he decision-point has come upon governments, about whether or not to reopen schools this September. The present schoolyear has gone down the drain. Closures in March meant that the third term was wasted. even in places which have succeeded in flattening the curve sufficiently to re-open schools, there have been closures again, as in hong Kong. hong Kong best illustrated both the dangers of reopening schools, as well as what the new ‘normal’ would be like.

One of the interesting things about the coronavirus is that the disease it causes, covid-19, does not develop in children of school-going age (or younger) as it does among older. There should be two caveats to this: first, the disease may develop in its most easily recognizable form; second, children have shown a greater vulnerability to the longer-term effects of the virus, which are themselves not all that wellknown. The most familiar form is respiratory distress, and death because of that, but there are troubling signs that the coronavirus may find a place in the brains, livers, kidneys or other organs of patients, with effects which will remain unknown until they manifest themselves. Doctors are not tackling these long-term effects, being too busy fighting the more immediate problems the virus is creating. however, the majority of children do not suffer any of these symptoms. That does not mean they do not get infected. It merely means that they do not develop any symptoms. While they are infected, if they are not isolated, they spread the disease wherever they go. It must not be forgotten that these are perfectly healthy children, who will not be isolated unless they test positive, and who will probably only be tested if identified as a fit subject by contact tracing.

If tests are ramped down, children without symptoms would be very low on the priority for testing. however, they will be very efficient spreaders of the disease. Keeping the schools closed does not mean they will be in isolation, or locked down. The spirit of adventure remains, and as any teacher will tell anyone willing to hear, keeping children confined to a classroom for some hours a day is hard enough, so keeping them locked down is hard enough.

One of the big differences between Pakistan and countries of the developed world is that there are fewer extended families here. The care of older peo-

CAA confusion The dismissal of his claims leaves the Minister no choice

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Wolf warriors

he DG of the Civil Aviation Authority has written to his Omani counterpart assuring him that the licenses issued to Pakistani pilots are reliable, and that there were 96 pilots cleared of the 104 whose names were given by foreign airlines and aviation authorities. he blamed the media and social media for the matter being ‘misconstrue incorrectly highlighted’. he seems to ignore that the doubts worldwide about Pakistani pilots were first sowed by a statement by Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan made a statement on the floor of the national Assembly that 40 percent pilots were holding ‘fake’ licenses. This was confirmed by no less a person than the Leader of the house, the Prime Minister himself, who said that these holders had been recruited by PIA by the previous corrupt governments. There is nothing that should be more reliable than a statement on the floor of the house, and the DG CAA should realise that he is Aviation Secretary, and his letter contradicts what his minister has said. either the minister must leave the Cabinet, for it is better if he alone is pilloried in the national Assembly for committing the ultimate violation of the house’ privilege, of mis-stating the facts before it, or the Secretary must go, for writing incorrect letters abroad, if indeed the Minister is in the right.

That such a serious matter has received such casual attention is shameful. not only has PIA had its reputation virtually destroyed, nut non-PIA Pakistani pilots have had careers abroad ruined. This has happened only because the Aviation Minister and the Aviation Secretary are not on the same page on how to handle the matter of the dubious licenses.

Was the Minister sent to the national Assembly with the knowledge that he had not been briefed properly? Or is a cover-up now being attempted, one which involves the construction of a false narrative, as the government scrambles to contain the damage, or is the CAA trying to save itself? The ‘original sin’ was committed in the attempt to fix responsibility for the Karachi air disaster on pilot error.

The CAA and the Aviation Ministry, including their heads, have shown their ability to lie. The government must tear through the web of deceit.

A brand new force of Chinese diplomats Abdul RAsool syed

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hInA has made a tectonic shift to its decades old foreign policy. It has, under the rubric of “Wolf Warrior diplomacy”, adopted a brand new modus oprandi to deal with the foreign world which is hawkish and aggressive. It is diametrically opposed to almost all diplomatic niceties once fostered by China.

This "wolf warrior diplomacy" has captured attention both home and abroad.

Wolf Warrior is the title of hugely successful patriotic action films, the first released in 215, featuring Rambo-like protagonists who fight enemies at home and abroad. A sequel that became China's highest earning movie when released in 2017. Wolf Warrior 2 centred on a squad of PLA soldiers sent into an African country to rescue Chinese civilians. The film's tagline was, "even though a thousand miles away, whoever offends China will be punished.” At the end, the Chinese passport is displayed, accompanied by the message: Citizens of the PRC: When you encounter danger in a foreign land, do not give up! Please remember, at your back stands a strong motherland.

Wolf warrior statecraft is an absolute antithesis of the diplomacy that China had been practicing for decades: keeping a low profile and working behind the scenes. This was enshrined in the 1980s by thenleader Deng Xiaoping, who said: "hide your strength, bide your time, never take the lead." nowadays, Bejing stands as the center of foreign criticism exclusively of xenophobic remarks due to the coronavirus pandemic, as countries, particularly the USA, increasingly view it as responsible for the spread of deadly pathogen. Moreover, China's oppression of Uighurs, and suspicion of huawei’s 5G infrastructure, have also been prime sources of tension.

In this milieu of scathing stricture, the wolf warrior’s counterblasts are helping China to assert its narrative abroad as well as rebut efforts made by its adversaries. Recent events vividly suggest that whenever any statement aimed at tarnishing the image of China comes, the wolf warriors quickly resort to the social media and float the counter arguments.

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

Umar Aziz

Asher John

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Deputy Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

schoolchildren on their break would speedily convince any doubter that children think that SOPs are for other people. And while it might be possible to argue that university students will show social responsibility (such as by washing hands before greetple devolves upon married children (usually, but not ing a grandparent), it is not to be expected of primary always, sons). That means that there are more multi- schoolchildren. generational families in countries like Pakistan. The In Pakistan, there is also the question of who is grandparents are at risk anyway, as apart from their to foot the bill. Private school-owners would be reage, they will quite likely have one or more of the co- luctant, and it should not be forgotten that many morbidities that are a risk factor even among those schools are already stuffed into (mostly rented) who are not of the vulnerable age. remises, and social distancing will be an issue. PriKeeping those children under check has been vate schools chase after pupil numbers to break even, problematic as it is. Lockdowns have tended to keep and thus are not likely to accept numbers restrictions. those children from bringing infections into the home.

At the same time, the schools are crying to be rehowever, when they go to school, there will be noth- opened. every society, whether the USA at the cutting ing to stop them catching the virus, and then bringing edge or Pakistan trying to lift itself by its bootstraps it home. It is virtually certain they will pass the virus out of poverty, needs to pass on its knowledge accuonto their parents and grandparents. While parents mulation to the next generation. Closed schools not would not necessarily get very ill, and might even re- only frazzle parents’ nerves, but leave children undermain asymptomatic, the socialised and under-ingrandparents will probaformed. The governments bly develop the disease carrying out the re-openand might not recover ings will also have to Schools will re-open anyhow, from it. Then there is the open those industries additional risk that teachwhich are necessary, like without regard for the ers will face. It should transport, stationery, textconsequences, just as in an earlier book publication, among also not be forgotten that the most experienced others. There is also the era, when children risked (and thus the best) teachquestion of public examithemselves and their families every nations, and admissions ers are also the oldest, and thus highly vulnerainto professional institutime they left the house, because ble, possibly suffering tions. Another reason why there were no treatments for from one of the co-morPakistan needs to re-open, bidities that increase the opposed to just wanting various bacterial diseases now well as risk of dying. to, is the fear that not all under control because of Another problem is the children who have that the schools will be been forced out of school, antibiotics.

That is the new reality opening during the winwill go back. Private that our leaders mean, but are too ter. This might well be schools are finding it imthe peak of a second possible to meet salary afraid to say out loud. After all, we and utility bills, and buildwave. True, the virus has should be willing to live with the not been killed off by the ing rents, and the teachers summer heat, but during and building owners have possibility of dying suddenly winter it will be reintheir income streams disforced by all of those flu rupted in what is already a viruses. This is the time topsy-turvy time. children’s noses run coOne result of this is piously because of them. Children are much more that the world might get a forced lesson in the ‘new susceptible to them, and are likely to bring them normal.’ Schools will re-open anyhow, without regard home, where parents and grandparents will be in- for the consequences, just as in an earlier era, when fected, and quite likely to fall ill as well, with grand- children risked themselves and their families every parents at particular risk. Some of these will be the time they left the house, because there were no treatcoronavirus. ments for various bacterial diseases now well under Wherever school reopenings have been even sug- control because of antibiotics. That is the new reality gested, let alone decided on, as in Pakistan, there have that our leaders mean, but are too afraid to say out been loud claims that SOPs will be put in place. loud. After all, we should be willing to live with the Much effort has been made to draft them. As far as possibility of dying suddenly. schools are concerned, it is crying for the moon to expect them to be implemented. A look at a class of The writer is a member of staff.

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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Two prominent proponents of wolf warrior diplomacy are hua Chunying and Zhao Lijian, top spokesmen at China's Foreign Ministry. In recent months, they have launched unfounded conspiracy theories and sneered at countries over their reactions to crises like the coronavirus pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.

In March, as tensions between the USA and China continued to mount over the origins of COVID-19, Zhao tweeted a conspiracy theory. he said: “it might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan." And as Black Lives Matter protests swept the USA, hua also ramped up her attack on US leadership. In late May, hua responded to the US State Department's support for hong Kong protesters by tweeting: "I can't breathe."

And in June, shortly after President Donald Trump sanctioned China over its oppression of Uighurs, hua tweeted: "The US should enact an African American human Rights Policy Act instead." however, Chinese wolf warrior diplomacy is not restricted only to the USA. Other countries are also not immune. One such example came in April, as France's coronavirus cases were skyrocketing, when China's embassy in Paris published an article alleging that nursing staff at French retirement homes had "abandoned their posts overnight, deserted collectively, leaving their pensioners to die of hunger and illness”. The claim was inflammatory and groundless.

China later issued a rebuttal and deleted the post from the embassy's site.

Additionally, An earlier wolf warrior move came in January 2019, when China's ambassador to Canada accused it of “White supremacy “for detaining huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, arrested over claims she violated US sanctions on Iran.

This wolf warrior diplomacy is, without any doubt, getting approval and patronage in Bejing.

Zhao's history of attacking the USA on the social media— which once prompted former national Security Advisor Susan Rice to call him a "racist disgrace"— earned him rapid promotion from China's deputy chief of mission in Pakistan to deputy director-general of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's information arm late last year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping even hand-wrote a memo to diplomats last year telling them to show more "fighting spirit."

Moreover, the Chinese foreign Ministry said in

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March. “We will not attack unless we are attacked, but if we are attacked, we will certainly counterattack.”

Wolf warrior diplomacy is also aimed at scoring political points and stoking patriotism among its own citizens— both those at home and abroad. While commenting on Chinese wolf warrior diplomacy Allen Carlson, director of Cornell University's China and Asia Pacific Studies program said: "China has more power than at any point before in its modern history. Xi is now experimenting with how to make use of such expanded capabilities."At the same time ... he has also created expectations within China that the country is already well along the path to national rejuvenation." here, the question arises whether the Chinese new diplomatic approach is paying her dividends or not.

This new strategy is uniting China’s allies against it.

A recent report noted that the “Five eyes” intelligence alliance– Australia, Canada, new Zealand, the UK and the USA– are drawing even closer together. That report follows an earlier that noted that Germany, Japan and France were also being inducted into a loose coalition against China.

It also appears that other coalitions are working in other ways to balance China. In the wake of China’s ban on Australian barley, for example, Australia made an agreement with India to sell its barley there. The two countries also agreed to provide greater access to each other’s military bases. That would appear to indicate a greater integration of the Quad coalition members– Australia, India, Japan and the USA. The US is, simultaneously, ratcheting up the pressure against China, flying sorties over Taiwan, forcing a Taiwanese integrated circuit fabrication plant to terminate sales of computer chips to huawei, etc. Also, the nATO Secretary-General, has warned against China’s increasing footprint in europe. In the USA itself, apart from the various tariffs imposed on Chinese goods, President Trump is now targeting the export of expertise. he has restricted the entry of Chinese graduate students in the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics, if they are believed to have any ties to the Chinese Communist Party, and intensified investigations into US scientists and academics believed to assist Chinese research efforts.

To cap it all, China’s aggressive diplomatic posture has, so far been a disaster for the country’s international image. It should, therefore, revisit her foreign policy and espouse smart power tactics of diplomacy to win over friends and to keep away the foes.

Abdul Rasool Syed is a freelance columnist

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Friday, 17 July, 2020

COMMENT 07 Editor’s mail Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan.

E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

Big loss for India FOUR years after India and Iran signed a deal to construct a rail line from Chabahar port to Zahedan, Tehran has decided to proceed with the project by itself citing delays from new Delhi. According to Indian publication The hindu, the country will now use around $400 million from the Iranian national Development Fund, instead of relying on financial assistance from India. The railways project, which will be completed by March 2022, witnessed the inauguration of its track laying process by Iranian Transport Minister Mohammad eslami last week. The railway project, which was being discussed between the Iranian Railways and the state owned Indian Railways Construction Ltd (IRCOn), was meant to be part of India’s commitment to the trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan to build an alternative trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia. In May 2016, during Prime Minister narendra Modi’s visit to Tehran to sign the Chabahar agreement with Iranian President hassan Rouhani and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. The blow to India comes in the backdrop of China finalising a huge $400 billion strategic partnership deal with Iran. From the Indian perspective growing Iran China relationship is a reason for worry and changing strategic landscape. India’s relations with Iran cooled off substantially after India agreed to reduce its trade relations with Iran after imposition of sanctions. The visit of President Trump and increasing Indo-US economic and strategic partnership seems to have been the last straw. It is unlikely that relations with Iran would improve in the near term.

AfiA AmbrEEn rAwAlpindi

“Made by slave labor” Nailing US proaganda

sultAN M HAlI

D

eSPITe the onslaught of covid-19, which has caused the meltdown of many economies and shaken the foundations of all, China saw its foreign trade rise 5.1 percent year on year in June, with exports and imports up 4.3 percent and 6.2 percent respectively. The country registered a better-than-expected foreign trade performance in the first half of the year, said Li Kuiwen, spokesman of the General Administration of Customs at a news conference.

Foreign trade of goods went down 3.2 percent year on year in the first half to 14.24 trillion yuan (about $2 trillion), narrowing by 1.7 percentage points compared with the decrease for the first five months. Following the turbulence in the first quarter, imports and exports of the second quarter showed signs of recovery and stability, and the exports have risen for three consecutive months, Li said.

During the January-June period, ASeAn remained China's largest trading partner with trade up 5.6 percent year on year to 2.09 trillion yuan, accounting for 14.7 percent of China's total foreign trade. Trade with the european Union and the USA decreased 1.8 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively, during the period, GAC data showed.

Combined trade with countries along the Belt and Road saw a slight decline of 0.9 percent year on year to 4.2 trillion yuan in h1, 2.3 percentage points lower than the country's overall decrease in foreign trade. exports of epidemic prevention supplies grew rapidly with sales of medicines and pharmaceutical products, and medical equipment expanding by 23.6 percent and 46.4 percent, respectively. noting that China's exports and imports continue to face a grim and complicated situation in the second half of this year, Li said the country's foreign trade is resilient and has more leeway. he assured that more efforts will be made to ensure stable and high-quality foreign trade.

Despite this salutary performance, some countries chose to deride China with snide com-

ments, most of them unwarranted. An impres- in Law, the Chinese Constitution and Language. sion is being created that products emanating The positive body language of the participants from China are “made by slave labour”. The of- depicted their happiness and well-being. The ficial account of US diplomatic missions in participants dwell in the training centres during China retweeted in Chinese the post that "Many working days and return home to spend weekproducts made in China are made by slave labor. ends with their families.

Turpan is an amazing city with Karez sysevery business should scrub its supply chain to ensure it's not profiting from the Chinese Com- tems, historical sites and modern sprawling munist Party's human rights abuse of Uyghurs buildings.

Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, too now in Xinjiang". The words came with a picture showing a fabric label that reads "made by slave presents a skyline of lofty skyscrapers and stylishly designed buildings. A visit to the Xinjiang labor in China".

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry exhibition on Major Incidents of Violent TerrorSpokesperson hua Chunying, when asked to ist Attacks was traumatizing because of the excomment on the issue at the daily morning brief- tent of loss to human lives and property ing, she responded that it was posted first by the graphically depicted.

A seminar with renowned Chinese experts spokesperson of the US State Department and retweeted by the US embassy and Consulates in from Xinjiang University and Academy of SciChina. She added that the USA unscrupulously ences was very informative as it highlighted the jumped at this shoddily-made photoshopped pic- extent of the threat from extremism and terrorture to discredit China. hua reiterated that China ism and the various steps the Chinese governfirmly opposes anyone using this to tarnish ment has taken to protect the citizens from the China's name. She asserted that the USA should three evils of extremism, terrorism and sepabe condemned and held accountable for such ratism. The Occident may be critical of the Chinese government’s egregious acts. She approach but by isopined that the propsuing relevant white aganda campaign papers, China has once again proves All 56 Chinese ethnic minorities are taken cognizance of that for some people the perils and in the USA, nothing treated with policies of unification, adopted adequate is not up for use in measures to eradiits fanatic bid to atcommon development cate the scourge of tack and smear opportunities, regional autonomy terrorism. Serious China. criminals are imprishua reaffirmed and are treated as equal citizens oned, minor offendthat the false accusahaving the same rights. Nowhere ers are offered the tions made by the chance to redeem USA on Xinjiang did we find any evidence of the themselves while are among the developmental plans biggest lies of this tarnishing accusation of “Made by raise the quality of century. In the past Slave Labor”. Perhaps China’s life of the underpriv40 years, the Uighur ileged. A visit to the population in Xindetractors are employing the White Mosque injiang has increased Chanakyan theme of “repeat a lie so formed that prayers, from 5.55 million to and even 11.68 million, more often that it appears to be the truth.” fasting aitekaf during Rathan doubling in the madan is well atpast four decades. tended.

She asked if this is A tour of Xin"genocide" claimed jiang last year and by the US? She informed that there is one mosque for every 530 the current visit presented stark contrasts. Last Muslims in Xinjiang, and the total number of year there was no night life, the sidewalks along mosques in China is more than ten times that in commercial centres were fenced, shoppers could the USA. Is this "religious oppression" claimed only enter through security gates. Because of by the USA? I also have some Uighur friends improved security conditions, the fences have who I know are very happy in Xinjiang, breathing been removed, at night we saw thousands of Chinese of all ages and minority groups dancing freely and enjoying their life.

Last summer I took a trip to Gansu and then in the square. We used the newly installed traveled by road from Lanzhou to Gannan along Urumqi Metro, which is both modern and effithe beautiful and newly completed highway cient. These are visible signs of tranquility reunder the BRI project. It was remarkable to ob- turning to Xinjiang.

It is heartening to note that all 56 Chinese serve that for most of the way, till we entered the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous territory, we were ethnic minorities are treated with policies of unigreeted with gleaming golden domes of fication, common development opportunities, mosques situated every two to three kilometers. regional autonomy and are treated as equal citiThere are over 2500 mosques in Gansu, catering zens having the same rights. nowhere did we to its population of 1.35 million Muslims bely- find any evidence of the tarnishing accusation of ing the western propaganda that China is sup- “Made by Slave Labor”. Perhaps China’s detractors are employing the Chanakyan theme of “repressing Islam.

The journey to Xinjiang was undertaken via peat a lie so often that it appears to be the truth.” modern high-speed train from Turpan. The visit Sultan M Hali is a retired Group Captain to Turpan vocational training center was an eyeopener. Contrary to Western propaganda, it is not and author of the book Defence & Diplomacy. a concentration camp but offers minor offenders Currently he is a columnist, analyst and TV talk the chance to learn new skills along with courses show host.

Kamyab jawan?

The PM has launched a ‘Kamyab Jawan’ program with a lot of publicity and fanfare. This program is geared toward providing low markup loans to young entrepreneurs between the ages of 21 and 45 to start businesses and projects. The government claims that the program will change the fate of the country by generating economic activity. Though it seems a wellintended and charming scheme, I am afraid it has all the ingredients of falling prey to corruption and scandals like similar programs launched by the governments in the past. Be it the Yellow Cab Scheme, CM/PM Youth Program, Laptop Scheme, or BISP, every program is supposed to change the fate of the country. however, every time these schemes end up changing the fates of a few pushing the country further into dismay. The rich, influential, and the powerful in this country have a way to misuse such schemes for personal amassment of wealth. They exploit poor and vulnerable people who qualify to get such loans, apply in their names, get the lion’s share giving them just a fraction. Therefore, every time, such initiatives fail only adding to the wealth of the corrupt and powerful. even the Special Assistant to the PM, Dr. Sania nishter acknowledged this in case of BISP were high ranking government officials benefited from the program in a big way by applying in fake names. Therefore, I request the PM to put in place a foolproof system that ensures merit and transparency.

Involving the opposition in this initiative would further strengthen transparency. Otherwise, I am afraid this might be one more initiative that would fail and lead to corruption. rAjA ShAfAAtullAh iSlAmAbAd

Social distancing in college?

TURBAT is among the most developed cities of Balochistan. The second largest city in Balochistan. But in entire Turbat there are just two colleges, one for boys and second one for girls. Many areas in Kech have no colleges at all. So, they migrate to Turbat for their education.

Unfortunately, the plethora of students have made it hard to study. A single class contains 230 students. even if the colleges reopen under strict SOPs, how would we maintain social distancing with this amount of students in a single class? The size of a single class would be the size of three rooms and often there were times when there were no more space for a single chair and students have been standing on door. These colleges are not really modernized to have echo system, mikes or projections. Sitting in behind is almost like not attending the class as one cannot hear what teacher is teaching. Thus, I request the concerned authorities to build more colleges in Turbat, so the education must not be just going to a rush.

Afroz mj turbAt

Mafia?

ALThOUGh it is no more surprising for the masses to watch Mr. Prime minister relinquishing his promises with every passing day, but certain praxis are now beyond the understanding of a common man. A political organization that always gave voice to the poor have now started to act unmoved by the misery of the poor. Let’s take the recent changes in petrol prices as an ultimate example of this. A record increase of approximately 26rs has left the poor helpless in many areas of the country. The kind of blame-game that commenced subsequently, where the Oil Marketing Companies [OMCs] blamed Government for not letting them import the additional fuel for the following months based upon their calculation of lower demand caused by prevailing lockdowns across the country and on the other hand the Government blamed OMCs, calling them a ‘mafia’ for restricting the supply, achieved nothing except the poor masses suffering. A similar situation was witnessed back when the sugar crises emerged, the entire blame was levied upon a ‘mafia’ which later turned out to be among the close aides of Mr. PM. now when the issue of PIA pilots with fake licenses have emerged, once again the government blamed everything on an organized ‘mafia’ as a cause for this. The question here is that how can an administration get away by blaming everything on a mafia without realizing their own misapprehensions. And even in circumstances where the situation turns disorderly, the government is fully authorized to use their strict muscle rather than giving up against those not cooperating or causing a disruption in supplies. Such maladministration and below par calculations from within the government authorities ultimately makes the poor even more miserable. mAliK mAShhood lAhorE.

Friday, 17 July, 2020

08 WORLD VIEW

No, Mr PresideNt, jourNalists are Not the eNeMy of the PeoPle TODAY, AMERICA IS BOILING WITH RESENTMENT AND BITTERNESS. NO OTHER MAJOR COUNTRY HAS DECLINED SO FAR, SO FAST

independent

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John siMpson

FTER 75 years of world dominance, America is visibly in steep decline. Covid-19 has highlighted the inadequacies of a leader who behaves as though he has stepped out of the pages of Tacitus’ lives of the Roman emperors.

Panels of historians regularly list him as the worst American president since Warren Harding. By comparison, even George W Bush looks presidential.

It’s hard now to remember how overwhelmingly superior the US once appeared. I first visited America in the summer of 1963, an overawed 18-year-old. Kennedy was still president, and by comparison with what I found in my travels from New York City to Southern California, Britain seemed like an absurd hangover from the

past. Our elderly politicians waddled around in morningsuits and top hats, our class system was strangling an entire nation. America was infinitely ahead of us, rich and energetic beyond our dreams.

“When we see something young and adventurous and exciting, we say it’s American,” said an article in a magazine I came across that year. “We’re a young country,” everyone from students to octogenarians told me.

At Mount Rushmore, where Donald Trump gave his disturbing, vindictive speech the other day, a preacher from Washington state said, “We’re a city set on a hill, son.”

America wasn’t just richer and stronger than any other nation on earth, it was morally superior.

There was a darker side, of course. I hitched a tenday lift from New Jersey to South Dakota with a lorrydriver who had whacked people for the Truckers’ Union and was happy to tell me about it in gory detail. In Chicago I strayed into North Lawndale and was arrested “for my own safety”. The white cops who picked me up spent the next two hours telling me how they dealt with uppity blacks; except they didn’t say “blacks”. In New

York City I watched a demonstration – a race-riot, the next day’s newspapers called it – and saw how brutally black protesters were treated by the police. One man was beaten to the ground, kicked and dragged away unconscious, blood streaming from his head; no mention of that in the next day’s New York Times.

Yet at the time such things seemed like aberrations.

This was MAGAland, the golden age which Trump promised and failed to return to. It might be irritating, complacent, and utterly lacking in self-awareness, but it was shored up by genuine moral principles.

As a wannabe journalist, I talked to a wide variety of newspaper and television people who all believed in America’s ethical superiority, even the hard-bitten ones.

A few years later, reporters like Woodward and Bernstein became national heroes because they upheld American principles in the face of Nixon’s criminality. That, people thought, was what the media existed to do.

I was allowed to hang out with the New York journalists at the black demonstration I witnessed. The police behaved with wary courtesy towards them, and me. But of course at that stage American presidents didn’t tell their followers that journalists were the enemy of the people, as President Trump has.

The message has sunk in; and the US police, often recruited from Trump’s bedrock support, have heard it and acted on it.

Last week, when The Independent’s chief US correspondent, Andrew Buncombe, was arrested for reporting on a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Seattle, the police behaved as savagely as if he were a Guantanamo pris-

oner. Buncombe’s cool, dispassionate account of the casual brutality with which he and other prisoners were treated was devastating. Under any previous American president, the degeneration of America’s police would have sparked immediate concern. Not under Donald Trump.

Since 2016, an average of a thousand people a year have been shot dead by America’s police: 45 per cent of them white males, a disproportionate 23 per cent black males, 16 per cent Hispanic males. Only 54 per cent of the people killed had guns, and 25 per cent were in visible mental distress. The police in most big American cities have become a paramilitary force, armed and armoured like soldiers. At times of stress they treat their fellow-citizens in the way I have seen American soldiers behave towards suspects in Iraq and Afghanistan – with maximum, unthinking violence. And, like American soldiers, they are very rarely disciplined or punished for it.

Today, America is boiling with resentment and bitterness. No other major country has declined so far, so fast. Under Reagan, Clinton and Obama it was still world-leading, a country to look up to, loved by non-Americans like me. Now its cities are lapsing into violence, while China is taking its place in the outside world.

Survey after survey shows that far fewer foreigners look up to Trump’s America. And even if he is defeated in November, is it really likely that his successor will find an antidote to the poison which has been encouraged to flow into the bloodstream of American society?

John Simpson is the BBC’s world affairs editor.

Australia's dirty secret and the trial The tensions over Huawei are not too sensitive for an open court about trade, but global supremacy

Sydney MorninG Herald John hewson

Scott Morrison has stated he wants to govern in the “Howard tradition”, but sadly that has also entailed adopting the worst of John Howard’s strategies: to admit or explain as little as possible. Recall the former prime minister’s commitment to the Iraq war without parliamentary debate, the Tampa and children-overboard affairs, the Wheat Board scandal, and the bugging of the government of Timor-Leste, just to mention the most conspicuous cases.

There has never been a full accounting for these decisions. Indeed, in some cases there has been blatant cover-up. Moreover, there has been little discussion of the longer-term consequences. Successive governments since have acted as if they are beyond reproach.

In this vein, the Morrison government has avoided accountability for the sports rorts and other slush fund excesses. It is not commenting on ABC findings that Australian troops killed as many as 10 Afghan civilians during a 2012 raid in Kandahar Province, hiding behind an expected report from the Inspector-General of the Defence Force on alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

This begs the question of the appropriateness of the ADF investigating itself.

The government is also attempting to stop the Auditor-General providing evidence that was critical of their $1.3 billion deal to purchase a new combat vehicle from arms manufacturer Thales, some two years after having used extraordinary powers to redact aspects following complaints from an “aggrieved” Thales.

And the government is still pursuing barrister Bernard Collaery in the courts over claimed breaches of intelligence secrecy laws in relation to an operation in Dili in 2004, when the Howard government spied on and bugged Timor-Leste officials’ private discussions about maritime boundary negotiations – to give Australia the upper hand.

To recap, Collaery became the approved legal representative for Witness K, the Australian spy who thought there was something rotten about that operation.

After unsuccessful attempts to raise the alarm through official channels, Witness K resorted to blowing the whistle and, ultimately, pleaded guilty last year to breaching secrecy laws.

But Collaery, the lawyer representing the whistleblower, is also accused of

breaching those laws and will fight the charges – albeit while he is prosecuted under worrying secrecy.

Sixteen years after Australia’s spying activities against a friendly neighbour – diverted from the war on terrorism – the Morrison government is going to incredible lengths and expense to prevent the full facts from being admitted, to prevent ministers and bureaucrats of the Howard administration being held to account or the identification of business interests that were favoured.

The ACT Supreme Court ruled last month, in the government’s favour, that sections of the Collaery trial would be held in secret because material identified by the Attorney-General as sensitive should remain classified.

It is probably more than coincidence that Timor-Leste’s original negotiator, Xanana Gusmao, was keen to testify, having forced a renegotiation of the maritime boundaries through action in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague.

Ironically, it backed a boundary that the Howard government had spied to avoid.

By objective assessment, this espionage was illegal, immoral and corrupt – a rich country seeking to disadvantage one of the poorest – to the obvious benefit of private companies, initiated by a government that had been wallowing in its role in achieving Timor-Leste’s independence.

Our governments would, of course, defend secrecy about espionage aimed at combating terrorism and other security threats, but surely this doesn’t extend to blatantly commercial ventures that are against the interests of our friendly neighbour and, indeed, our national interest?

How is it consistent that our government takes a strong position against Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, but defends its spying activities to the detriment of Timor-Leste? How is this consistent with our defence of the global “rules-based system”?

The effect of the Witness K and Collaery cases is to send a chill through anyone who might contemplate exposing the immoral and illegal actions of their government.

There are important questions about the agendas and relationships of the public service and private sector advisers who drove and implemented this breach of foreign policy strategy, and about those who stood to benefit, and by how much they may have benefited financially or in what other way?

There are also important questions concerning conflicts of interest and whether some involved had existing or prospective relationships with the private sector beneficiaries at the time of the spying and subsequent negotiations, or were to benefit post politics? All up, an overwhelming case for a National Integrity and Corruption Commission, with real teeth.

John Hewson is a professor at the Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU, and a former Liberal opposition leader.

Guardian Laurie MacfarLane

In 2015, George Osborne hailed the arrival of a “golden decade” of Sino-British relations. “Where some people are cautious about getting more involved in China, we say quite the reverse,” the chancellor remarked during a high-profile trip to Beijing.

“We want to get more involved with China.”

Five years later, the mood has changed dramatically following Britain’s U-turn on its decision to allow the Chinese firm Huawei to develop its 5G network. Although the UK government has sought to play down accusations that the decision was politically motivated, insisting it was a “technical decision”, in reality it could scarcely be more political.

After repeatedly failing to convince British intelligence services that Huawei posed a national security risk, the US decided to force the UK’s hand by imposing new sanctions that cut off the company from international semiconductor supplies. This left the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre with little choice but to advise that Huawei equipment should not be used in the UK’s 5G network, souring relations between London and Beijing.

Washington’s fears about Huawei are genuine. But beneath the rhetoric about national security lies a deeper concern: that China’s economic model may have the potential to rival the productive power of liberal capitalism – and threaten the technological supremacy that has long underpinned US hegemony thanks to its worldleading university, military and tech sectors.

After Deng Xiaoping initiated China’s reforms and opening-up process in 1978, most western economists assumed that China would follow the path of other former communist societies: economic liberalisation would be followed by political democratisation, and China would join the club of liberal democracies. But not only has liberal democracy not arrived in the People’s Republic, the Chinese Communist party has developed a distinct economic model that has lifted nearly a billion people out of poverty and transformed China into one of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies.

Officially called “socialism with Chinese characteristics”, China’s economic model combines strategic state ownership and planning with market-orientated incentives and a one-party political system. In contrast to most western economies, the commanding industrial heights of the econ-

omy are owned and controlled by a vast state holding company that reports directly to China’s state council; the financial system is tightly controlled and subordinated to policy objectives; and long-term planning and investment decisions are overseen by the powerful National Development and Reform Commission.

Huawei has become the international poster child for the success of this model. Although not a state-owned enterprise, the company has received significant support from the Chinese state, including a $30bn line of credit from the China Development Bank. Thanks in part to this support, it has emerged as the unrivalled global leader in the development of 5G networks, and recently overtook Samsung as the world’s largest smartphone maker.

Although Huawei is the first Chinese tech company to become globally dominant, it is unlikely to be the last. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, Beijing has made no secret of its ambition for China to achieve self-sufficiency in strategic technologies

such as advanced information technology, robotics, aerospace, green vehicles and biotechnology. While the US was happy to encourage China’s economic development when it provided a cheap pool of labour for western supply chains, the goal of achieving technological self-sufficiency has set alarm bells ringing in Washington.

The influential thinktank, the Council on Foreign Relations, has described China’s plans as a “real existential threat to US technological leadership”, while the US trade representative Robert Lighthizer acknowledged they pose “a very, very serious challenge”. Strategists fear that allowing China to continue with these plans could lead to the US losing technological supremacy in key strategic sectors such as information technology, telecommunications and artificial intelligence – along with the economic, military and geopolitical power that comes with it.

For all the rhetoric about a trade war, rising tensions between the US and China have never really been about trade. From the beginning, the US has been concerned with preventing China’s rise as a rival technological power. In the case of Huawei, the Trump administration’s goal is clear: to crush one of the first Chinese tech companies to become globally competitive, and prevent it from gaining a dominant position in a key infra-

structure of the future. This strategy is not without its risks, and could easily backfire.

By pressuring countries not to do business with Chinese firms and cutting them off from global supply chains, Washington may end up inadvertently accelerating Beijing’s efforts to develop domestic capabilities in leading technologies, thus fuelling these tensions even further.

While talk of a new “cold war” may be overblown, it’s no longer inconceivable to imagine a future where countries can use US technology or Chinese technology – but not both. In the longer term, a shift in this direction could fragment or even unwind the integration of our globalised economy.

It’s tempting to view the UK’s dilemma about Huawei as an unfortunate consequence of being caught in the crossfire between two superpowers. But in many ways the UK’s predicament can be traced to its own domestic policy failures. When Huawei was founded in the late 1980s, it was the UK – not China – that was a world leader in telecommunication technology. With homegrown firms such as STC, Racal, GEC, Marconi and Ferranti, the UK was second only to the US when it came to telecoms ingenuity. But in the following decades, successive UK governments allowed leading telecoms technology companies to be taken over and sold off to overseas firms. In thrall to free-market orthodoxy, British manufacturing and industry

was sacrificed in the interests of the City of London and the financial sector.

While Huawei’s rise is undoubtedly a story of Chinese success, it is also a story of Anglo-American decline. The global financial crisis laid bare the underlying weaknesses of neoliberal capitalism, but without a clear alternative to take its place the response was to double down on a broken model. In the years since, stagnant wages and productivity, and spiralling inequality have fuelled a surge of political discontent on both sides of the Atlantic.

If Anglo-American capitalism was already on life support, the catastrophic handling of the coronavirus crisis in the UK and the US has administered the lethal blow. Far from being viewed as successful models to emulate, the US and the UK are increasingly turning into cautionary tales to avoid. None of this is to say that China’s variant of authoritarian capitalism is a desirable alternative.

But rebuffing Chinese technology and stoking anti-China sentiment will not cure the ills of Anglo-American capitalism. The roots of these problems, and therefore their solutions, can instead be found much closer to home.

Laurie Macfarlane is economics editor at openDemocracy and a fellow at the UCL Institute of Innovation and Public Purpose.

Friday, 17 July, 2020

BUSINESS 09

PM postpones decision to increase power tariff for K-Electric consumers ISLAMABAD

SuKKur-HYdEraBad MotorwaY aMong rS289Bn ProjEctS aPProvEd BY EcnEc

INP

ISLAMABAD

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday postponed the decision to increase the price of electricity for consumers of Karachi Electric Supply Company (K-Electric). The decision was taken in a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy chaired by the prime minister. According to sources, the PM's decision comes after the Economic Coordination Committee's approval to increase the price of electricity for K-Electric consumers by Rs2.79 per unit.

During the meeting, the PM was informed that the federal government has offered additional power to K-Electric from the national grid, as the company's system could not produce more than 720MW of electricity. The meeting also reviewed the agreement between K-Electric and the government. PM Imran Khan directed emergency measures to end load shedding in Karachi, saying that the port city should be provided electricity from the national grid till the problems of K-Electric are resolved.

STAFF REPORT

SBP reserves rise $13m to $12.05bn BUSINESS DESK The foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan increased $13 million or 0.11pc to $12,054.9 million in the week ending July 10, compared to $12,041.6 million in the previous week, the central bank said on Thursday. Overall, liquid foreign currency reserves held by the country, including net reserves held by banks other than the SBP, stood at $18,952.6 million. Net reserves held by banks amounted to $6,897.7 million. The central bank gave no reason for the increase in reserves.

27pc contraction in trade deficit helped Pakistan save $8.6bn in FY20: PBF ISLAMABAD TLTP

The Pakistan Businesses Forum (PBF) said on Thursday that the return of normalcy after the Covid-19 lockdown and the gradual reopening of businesses around the globe has had a positive impacted Pakistan's balance of trade.

"Pakistan saved $8.6 billion as trade loss shrank 27pc in the fiscal year 2019-20," the forum informed in a statement issued on Thursday As per the PBF, Pakistan relies heavily on energy imports, as it meets over 70pc of domestic demand through imports. The share of energy, however, fell to one-fifth of total imports in recent months following the oil price crash. Besides, the recent petroleum product crisis in Pakistan suggested that at least three oil marketing companies (OMCs) did not import oil in the month of May, meaning imports remained low in terms of volumes as well.

The PBF, however, expressed concern over a significant drop in imports as around 60pc of import orders were placed by the export sector. The improvement in exports came after the country’s textile sector received new orders, including from the global health sector in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. Similarly, imports fell to their lowest level in nine years after Pakistan raised duties and adopted measures to curb spending. This reduced the current account deficit – the loss of foreign exchange as recorded in the country's dollar account with the rest of the world – by more than 73pc in the first nine months of the year. But this wasn't enough to change Pakistan's import-to-export ratio. Pakistan still spends more than two dollars for every dollar earned. It was the same last year as well. In the latest fiscal year, Pakistan exported goods worth $21.3 billion compared to imports of $44.6 billion, leaving it with a deficit of $23 billion. "The trade deficit means we are paying more on goods and services we are buying from the world than what we are earning by selling our products and services to them.

The latest data shows a drop of $10 billion in our annual imports but global demand suppression triggered by the coronavirus pandemic in the last quarter pushed exports down by 6.84pc or $1.5 billion, compared to FY19," the statement concluded.

t

HE Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Thursday approved four projects worth Rs289 billion pertaining to the construction of national highways in different parts of the country.

The ECNEC meeting, which was chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, discussed and gave goahead to the construction of 306km-long HyderabadSukkur Motorway at a cost of Rs165.679 billion, construction of 47.55km Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) at a cost of Rs 77.907 billion, construction of 146km Hoshab-Awaran-Khuzdar Section of M-8 Project, and land acquisition for Swat Motorway Phase-II at a cost of Rs20 billion.

The Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway, to be completed on Build Operate Transfer (BOT) basis, envisages construction of 306km-long, 6-lane wide,

access-controlled motorway. The motorway is proposed to be a high-speed toll road facility for efficient and safe transportation, which will start from Hyderabad (end of Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway M-9) and terminate at Naro Canal (Start of Sukkur-Multan Motorway M-5). The project alignment passes through Jamshoro, Tando Adam, Hala, Shahdadpur, Nawabshah, Moro, Dadu, Naushahro Feroze, Mehrabpur, Rasoolpur, Larkana, Khairpur and Sukkur.

The Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) project consists of two components involving the construction of Peshawar-Torkham Motorway and link road connecting motorway to Badabher (N-55) intersecting N-5 between Chamkani and Jhagra (55km) in length. The project envisages construction of 47.55 km long, 4-lane wide, dual carriageway high-speed access-controlled Motorway from Peshawar to Torkham. Peshawar Torkham Motorway is part of the Peshawar-Jalalabad-Kabul Motorway Project. The scope of work also includes the construction of bridges, interchanges, flyover, subways, underpasses,

HBL receives ‘Asia Best Bank Transformation 2020’ award from Euromoney THE BANK ALSO WINS ‘PAKISTAN’S BEST BANK 2020’ FOR A SECOND YEAR RUNNING BUSINESS DESK Euromoney awards HBL the dual accolades of ‘Asia's Best Bank Transformation 2020’ and ‘Pakistan's Best Bank 2020’ for another year running.

Key elements that helped HBL win these awards were HBL's work in the sphere of digitalization and the bank’s growing presence in China and its business initiatives with Chinese corporates and financial institutions.

LEADING THE TRANSFORMATION: HBL digitally disbursed more than $750 million (Rs125 billion) to over 10 million Pakistani households under the Government of Pakistan’s Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme for Covid-19 relief.

• HBL is a regional banking powerhouse, with branch presence in China and leadership role in the CPEC projects.

Commenting on the award, HBL President & CEO Muhammad Aurangzeb said, "This accolade reflects the strides HBL has made in its pivot towards becoming a 'technology company with a banking license'.

"HBL’s digital banking platform, HBL Konnect, has over 4 million customers, 25pc of whom are women, thus driving the country’s and the bank's fi-

nancial inclusion agenda. HBL and the Government of Pakistan joined forces to enable the delivery of the 'Ehsaas' Emergency Cash programme as part of the Covid-19 relief efforts. A remarkable Public-Private partnership, HBL disbursed over $750 million to more than 10 million Pakistani households through HBL Konnect.

"Internationally, HBL is the first Pakistani bank and one of the only three banks from the South Asia and MENA region to offer end-to-end RMB intermediation with a branch presence in Urumqi and soon to open a branch in Beijing. As the largest executor of CPEC related financing, China is going to be the linchpin of our regional bank strategy, not only in terms of our business book in China, but also if China wants to take their Belt and Road Initiative either through our branch network or our affiliates, to the regions where HBL has a presence."

Euromoney is a global English-language publication focused on business and finance.

Oil prices fall after OPEC+ agrees to ease output curbs LONDON AGENCIES

Oil prices fell on Thursday after OPEC and other producers including Russia agreed to ease record supply curbs from August, though the drop was cushioned by tightening global inventories as economic activity picks up.

Brent crude fell 29 cents, or 0.66pc, to $43.50 a barrel by 1121 GMT. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was down 43 cents, or 1pc, to $40.77 per barrel.

Both contracts rose 2pc the previous day after a sharp drop in

US crude inventories.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, known as OPEC+, agreed on Wednesday to scale back oil production cuts from August.

They will reduce their cuts to 7.7 million barrels per day through December from the 9.7 million bpd cuts in place since May. “Things are getting back to normal on the oil market,” said Norbert Rücker, head of economics research at Julius Baer.

“The petro-nations announced the partial lifting of their produc-

tion restrictions as oil demand rebounds and signs of an easing supply glut emerge... The economic recovery puts demand above supply.”

Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said production cuts in August and September would end up amounting to about 8.1 million-8.3 million bpd, more than the headline number.

That is because countries in the grouping which over-produced earlier this year would compensate with extra AugustSeptember cuts, he said.

box culverts, cattle creep, road furniture, drainage works, and retaining walls along with allied facilities.

Hoshab-Awaran-Khuzdar Section of M-8 Project envisages construction of 146km-long road from Hoshab to Awaran. There exists a motorable track from Hoshab to Awaran under the administrative control of C&W Department, Govt of Balochistan. Existing route is mostly followed while finalizing the alignment. The project road starts from Hoshab and traverses through Qila Darwesh, Ashal, Dandar, Sahar Kalat, Gorari, Laljan, Duddar, Razai, Nurdin, Madak, Malar, Labach Dargo and finally terminates at Awaran. The scope of works also includes the relocation of utilities and acquisition of 29,200 kanals of land for 100m of Right of Way (ROW).

The Swat Motorway Phase-II project envisages acquisition of 10,000 kanals of land for construction of 04-lane motorway 79.69 km in length from Chakdara to Fatehpur as Phase-II – extension of the Swat Motorway. The motorway is proposed as a high-speed toll road facility for efficient and safe transportation.

MARKET DAILY

Bulls regain control as KSE-100 crosses 37,000-mark KARACHI STAFF REPORT

After a lacklustre display in the previous session, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) rebounded on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 crossing the 37,000-mark amid increased investor participation. Global equity markets, on the other hand, showed mixed sentiments, while Crude oil prices slipped lower from the previous close; WTI crude oil prices declining 1.12pc to $40.73 and Brent crude oil price dipping 0.73pc to $43.46. "The cement sector led the PSX rally on Thursday, mainly on the back of yesterday's inauguration of DiamerBhasha Dam and optimism with respect to the PM's housing scheme," said a report issued by AHL Research. "Foreign investors have largely remained net sellers, whereas, among local investors, insurance companies and High Networth Individuals (HNIs) have taken the majority of float."

MARKET SUMMARY: The KSE-100 remained in the green throughout the day, registering its intraday high at 37,029.25 after gaining 350.22 points. It settled higher by 322.41 points or 0.88pc at 37,001.44. Among other indices, the KMI-30 Index accumulated 825.30 points to end at 59,888.10, while the KSE All Share Index added 272.83 points, closing at 26,461.91. Of the total traded shares, 202 advanced and 131 declined. The overall market volumes jumped from 328.15 million shares in the previous session to 402.55 million (+23pc). Average traded value also increased by 13pc, from $84.8 million to $96.2 million. JS Bank Limited (JSBL +12.77pc), Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited (MLCF +1.63pc) and Pak Elektron Limited (PAEL +1.84pc) led the volume chart, exchanging 31.68 million, 24.85 million and 24.12 million shares, respectively. Sectors that drove the index north included oil & gas exploration (+66.12 points), cement (+65.83 points) and banking (+46.34 points). Among the companies, Lucky Cement Limited (LUCK +38.09 points), Pak Petroleum Limited (PPL +37.25 points) and Habib Bank Limited (HBL +32.18 points) remained the top contributors. Adding 3.54pc to its cumulative market capitalization, the automobile assembling sector turned out to be the biggest gainer of the day, with Indus Motor Company Limited (INDU +4.09pc), Millat Tractors Limited (MTL +4.58pc) and Pakistan Suzuki Motors Company Limited (PSMC +5.42pc) taking significant strides forward

Pakistani InfoSec researchers to debut at DEFCON Hacking Conference SINGAPORE BABAR KHAN JAVED

The stereotypical perception around the information security (InfoSec) community, primarily hackers, once led to widespread fear among organizations. With the rise of ethical hacking and bug bounty hunters, the perception is widely changing to seeing InfoSec researchers as the prevention variable in a cybersecurity attack, instead of the cause of it.

With data breaches being all too common in Pakistan, the white-hat hacker community has grown over the past decade, with top-ranking bug bounty hunters and ethical hackers helping businesses and app publish-

TWO TOP-RANKED ETHICAL HACKERS FROM PAKISTAN HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SPEAK AT THE WORLD'S LARGEST HACKER CONVENTIONS ers close off weak links and vulnerabilities.

From the community in Pakistan, two InfoSec researchers have been invited to speak at the upcoming DEFCON 28 conference in Las Vegas, which due to C19, will be attended virtually. Ibad Shah and Etizaz Mohsin were accepted to the world’s largest hacking event after responding to a call of papers (CFP) that corresponds to their work in the Pakistan market.

"Technology has been growing exponen-

tially," said Shah. "As more companies move to the cloud, employing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and 5G, the volume of information generated, collected, cleaned, analyzed, and monetized will also grow. While this is positive, the good news comes with the bad news of elements that will try to steal this information or hold it hostage, with monetary gains on both sides.

Business can either choose to be proactive or be reactive, the latter of which costs more

money in rebuilding customer trust, brand equity, public relations to suppress the media, and more."

Speaking to Profit, Shah shared that the ethical hackers in Pakistan are ranked in the top ten worldwide, with the event serving as a platform to showcase this talent on an international stage and play a role in repositioning the image of the country as that of high talent potential in InfoSec. Shah is also a certified ethical hacker, having spent a number of years penetration testing and conducting vulnerability assessments. While the speaking gig is a first for Shah, it will be one of many for Etizaz who has represented Pakistan at similar conferences such as BSides

and LEHack.

"Etizaz Mohsin and I are both information security researchers and professional red teamers, sharing a deep interest in reverse engineering," said Shah. "As a security enthusiast, I have facilitated many companies - such as Huawei, ZTE, MuslimPro, and FourSquare - in fixing critical vulnerabilities."

Founded in 1993 by Jeff Moss, DEFCON - which stands for defence condition is considered to be one of the largest hacker conferences in the world, attracting practitioners and spectators fascinated with InfoSec. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the conference will be held virtually and free of charge this year in August.

Friday, 17 July, 2020

10 FOREIGN NEWS

WhIte house says trump has not ruled out sanctIons on chInese offIcIals WASHINGTON

p

AGENCIES

RESIDENT Donald Trump has not ruled out further sanctions on top Chinese officials that could come in addition to actions taken this week to punish China for its handling of Hong Kong, a White House National Security Council spokesman said on Wednesday.

The Hong Kong Autonomy Act, which Trump signed on Tuesday, allows him to impose sanctions and visa restrictions on Chinese officials and financial institutions involved in the imposition of China’s new national security law in Hong Kong.

Bloomberg reported Trump had ruled out additional sanctions on top Chinese officials for now to avoid escalating tensions.

National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot noted Trump last week issued sanctions against Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials for their treatment of minority Uighur Muslims.

“In no way has he taken anything off

the table with respect to further sanctions of party officials for actions in Hong Kong or on other issues. Any suggestion otherwise by anonymous sources is flat out wrong,” Ullyot said.

White House discussions are ongoing about potential targets for sanctions and no final decisions have been made, according

India virus cases surge nearly 32,700, beach state shut anew NEW DELHI

to a person familiar with the matter.

Among names being pushed is Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who has backed implementation of the security law, the source said.

The New York Times reported later Wednesday that the Trump administration was considering a sweeping ban on travel

to the United States by CCP members.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the legislation Trump signed and an executive order ending Hong Kong’s special status under US law were justified.

“General Secretary Xi Jinping made a choice to violate the Chinese Communist Party’s promises to Hong Kong that were made in an UN-registered treaty. He didn’t have to do that and he made that choice,” Pompeo told reporters.

Pompeo noted on Twitter later on Wednesday that Trump said the United States would “place a special focus” on admitting Hong Kong residents as refugees. “We stand with the Hong Kong people,” Pompeo said.

In response to Beijing’s broken promises, President @realDonaldTrump has taken steps to end Hong Kong’s preferential treatment and announced the United States will place a special focus on the admission of Hong Kong residents as refugees. We stand with the Hong Kong people. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) July 16, 2020

China 'successfully' test fires new air-to-ground missile

AGENCIES

India’s virus cases surged another 32,695 as of Thursday, taking the nation closer to 1 million and forcing a new lockdown in the popular western beach state of Goa two weeks after it was reopened to tourists. The new confirmed cases took the national total to 968,876. The Health Ministry also reported a record number of 606 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking total fatalities up to 24,915. The actual numbers, like elsewhere in the world, are thought to be far higher due to a number of reasons including limited testing. The Indian Medical Association, a voluntary organization of Indian doctors, said 99 doctors have died and another 1,302 are infected with the coronavirus. It called for shortening of working hours for health workers following safety concerns. It also said the fatality rate among doctors was 7.6%, much high than the national average of about 2.5%. About a dozen states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam, have put highrisk areas under lockdowns, only allowing essential food supplies and health services.

Goa state’s top elected official, Pramod Sawant, announced a three-day lockdown and a night curfew in the popular backpacking tourist destination, beginning Thursday night.

He said people were flouting social distancing norms. Nearly 40,000 people were fined 100 rupees ($1.3) each in the past two weeks for not wearing masks. A two-week lockdown also started Thursday in the eastern state of Bihar, with a population of 128 million and a fragile health system. Bihar is reporting over 1,000 cases a day despite limited testing. The initial boost that India’s economy received in June after the nationwide lockdown was relaxed is being jeopardized by the localized lockdowns in high-risk areas, experts say.

India’s minister for small and medium businesses, Nitin Gadkari, said last week that experts were predicting a loss of $133.3 billion in the next year. The Health Ministry said the recovery rate has climbed to 63.24% and the increase in recovered cases is driven by aggressive testing, timely diagnosis and effective management of patients either through supervised home isolation or hospital care.

BEIJING AGENCIES

China has recently test-launched a new type of air-to-ground missile, which can be fired from a helicopter, according to the team that developed the projectile.

The aviation experts said that the air-to-ground missile is likely to excel in terms of range, power and accuracy against hostile tanks.

Quoting China Aviation News, the influential daily Global Times reported that an undisclosed type of helicopter conducted the test firing of the missile at a site in Alxa, North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on June 22.

The missile accurately hit its target, marking the successful, first test launch of the projectile, the report said.

“In the whole world, [the missile] is in a leading position,” the report quoted an anonymous missile team member as saying, however, the publi-

cation did not reveal the new missile’s designation or its capabilities.

Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military aviation expert said that in order to be called “world-leading,” the air-toground missile must have a very long effective range, an advanced guidance system that enables very high accuracy, and a very powerful warhead that can penetrate a tank’s thick armour.

It is not surprising that China’s new missiles have become world leaders after seeing the performances of previous missiles like the HJ series, Fu said.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) operates multiple types of attack helicopters, including the Z-10 and Z-19, both of which were recently upgraded.

According to a photo released by PLA’s 80th Group Army in February, an upgraded Z-10 featured exhaust openings that face upward instead of outward, which experts said will make it harder to be targeted by infrared sensors.

The Z-19, lighter than the Z-10, saw an extra millimetre-wave fire control radar installed on the top of its rotor at the Fifth China Helicopter Exposition in Tianjin in October 2019.

The new radar can give the chopper the capability to search and track targets over long distances in complex weather conditions day and night, and provide accurate targeting data for guided weapon systems.

Among other weapons and equipment, many Z-10 attack helicopters were reportedly mobilised to western China’s plateau regions for drills, amid border tensions with India.

When equipped with the new missile, the PLA’s helicopters will become even deadlier, particularly to enemy tanks, armoured vehicles and fortifications, experts said.

China is also building amphibious assault ships that can carry helicopters and extend their capabilities across seas, analysts noted.

AGENCIES

Does wearing a mask pose any health risks?

No, not for most people. Babies and toddlers should not wear masks because they could suffocate. The same goes for anyone who has trouble removing a mask without help.

Others can wear masks without risking their health, according to experts, despite false rumors to the contrary.

In areas where COVID-19 is spreading, health experts agree that wearing masks or other face coverings in public helps reduce the

ANKARA AGENCIES

Seven Turkish security personnel lost their lives when a reconnaissance plane crashed on a mountain in Turkey’s eastern Van province Thursday.

Suleyman Soylu, the Minister of Interior, said the plane crashed on a mountain at an altitude of 2,200 feet (670 metres). The dead included the two pilots, Anadolu quoted him as saying. Accident investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash, NTV said. Broadcaster NTV quoted Soylu as saying that the last contact from the plane was received at 10.32 pm (1932 GMT) on Wednesday.

The plane disappeared from radar 13 minutes later.

twitter accounts of Bill Gates, obama, musk and others hacked SILICON VALLEY AGENCIES

A number of high profile Twitter accounts belonging to Barack Obama, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and others were hacked on Wednesday to solicit them into sending digital currency. The list of accounts commandeered grew rapidly to include Joe Biden, Apple, Uber, bitcoin specialty firms and many others. “Tough day for us at Twitter,” chief executive Jack Dorsey said in a tweet. “We all feel terrible this happened. We´re diagnosing and will share everything we can when we have a more complete understanding of exactly what happened.” The Biden campaign told AFP that Twitter locked down the hacked account quickly and removed the bogus tweet. Twitter disabled the ability to tweet from validated accounts, those with the official blue checkmarks, for about two hours while working on a fix. “Most accounts should be able to Tweet again,” the Twitter support team said in an evening update of the situation. “As we continue working on a fix, this functionality may come and go. We´re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible.” The duplicitous posts, which were largely deleted, were fired off from the array of high-profile accounts telling people they had 30 minutes to send $1,000 in bitcoin in order to be sent back twice as much.

“This is a SCAM, DO NOT participate!” Gemini cryptocurrency exchange co-founder Cameron Winklevoss warned from his official account on Twitter. “This is the same attack/takeover that other major crypto twitter accounts are experiencing. Be vigilant!” BitTorrent chief executive Justin Sun is offering a $1 million reward for finding the Twitter hackers and bringing them to justice, according to media reports.

Hospital owner in Bangladesh arrested for issuing over 6,000 fake Covid-19 test results DHAKA AGENCIES

Bangladesh authorities on Wednesday arrested a hospital owner after it was alleged that his hospital was issuing fake negative coronavirus test results to patients.

The arrest marked the end of a nine-day manhunt for Mohammad Shahed over allegations of giving fake certificates to patients, saying they were virusfree without even testing them.

Shahed, 42, was one of more than a dozen people detained by authorities over the past few days in connection with the scam.

Experts warn the false documents has worsened the already dire virus situation in the country of 168 million people by casting doubt about the veracity of certificates issued by clinics.

“He was arrested from the bank of a border river as he was trying to flee to India. He was wearing a

burqa,” Rapid Action Battalion spokesman Colonel Ashique Billah told AFP. “His hospitals carried out 10,500 coronavirus tests, out of which 4,200 were genuine and the rest, 6,300 test reports, were given without conducting tests.”

Shahed is also accused of charging for the certificates and virus treatments even though he had agreed with the government that his hospitals in the capital Dhaka would provide free care.

A well-known doctor and her husband were also arrested by police and accused of issuing thousands of fake virus certificates at their Dhaka laboratory.

The alleged scams could badly hurt migrant workers seeking to go abroad and whose remittances are key to Bangladesh´s economy, said Shakirul Islam of migrant rights group OKUP. Italy last week suspended flights to Rome from Bangladesh to stem the spate of coronavirus cases within the community.

Does wearing a mask pose any health risks?

NEW YORK CITY

7 killed in turkey as reconnaissance plane crashes on mountain

risk of spreading the virus when people can’t socially distance by staying 6 feet apart.

The coronavirus mainly spreads through droplets that are emitted when people talk, laugh, sing, cough and sneeze. Masks lower the likelihood of those droplets reaching other people. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you could be carrying the virus and could spread it.

When it’s humid outside, it could feel like it’s harder to breathe if you’re not used to wearing a mask, said Benjamin Neuman, a professor of biology at Texas A&M UniversityTexarkana. But he said masks don’t meaningfully decrease oxygen in the body.

“The body is quite good at adjusting to keep oxygen levels where they need to be,” he said.

There is also no evidence that the use of masks causes fungal or bacterial infections, according to Davidson Hamer, an infectious disease expert at Boston University. Disposable face masks are meant to be used once, then thrown in the garbage. With cloth masks, it’s a good idea to wash them regularly.

Wearing a mask may be uncomfortable, but health officials say you should resist any urge to touch your face. That could bring germs from your hands into your nose, mouth or eyes.

Several passengers arriving from Dhaka had tested positive for COVID-19.

“Some of the Bangladeshis who were tested positive in Italy were allegedly carrying negative COVID certificates from Bangladesh,” Islam claimed.

“The government must ensure quality of COVID19 tests in local laboratories for the sake of its overseas job market.”

Nearly $19 billion was sent back to Bangladesh by an estimated 12 million migrant workers last year, according to the central bank.

Bangladesh has reported just over 193,000 infections and 2,457 deaths so far.

But medical experts say the real figures are likely much higher because so little testing has been carried out.

The impoverished country has restarted economic activities after lifting a months-long virus lockdown at the end of May, even as the number of cases continues to rise.

Friday, 17 July, 2020

JOfrA ArChEr Out Of WEst IndIEs tEst fOr brEAChIng COvId-19 prOtOCOl LONDON

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AGENCIES

HE England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday announced that England's Jofra Archer was ruled out of the second Test against the West Indies and sent into five days of isolation for breaking "bio-secure protocols" aimed at stopping coronavirus infections, Both teams have been living in secure "bubble" sites at the Ageas Bowl, the venue for last week's first Test, and Emirates Old Trafford where the final two matches of the series will take place, in a bid to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The fast bowler apologised for putting his teammates in "danger", although the nature of the breach was not disclosed. His removal from the squad was announced just three hours before Thursday's scheduled 1000 GMT start in Manchester.

"I am extremely sorry for what I have done," Archer, who played in last week's first Test, said in an ECB statement.

"I have put, not only myself, but the whole team and management in danger. I fully accept the consequences of my actions, and I want to sincerely apologise to everyone in the bio-secure bubble."

ANGRY RESPONSE: Archer, who had been retained in the squad while fellow quicks James Anderson and Mark Wood were rested, will now undergo five days of self-isolation. He will need to test negative twice for COVID-19 before his isolation period is lifted.

"The West Indies team have been made aware and are satisfied with the measures that have been imposed," the ECB statement.

It is understood Archer's breach of the rules took place sometime after Sunday's end of the first Test at Hampshire´s Ageas Bowl and before the squad arrived at Old Trafford.

Australia names uncapped trio for potential England tour

PERTH: Australia named three uncapped players Thursday in a preliminary 26-man squad for a potential limited-overs tour of England, while recalling Glenn Maxwell and Usman Khawaja. Australia originally scheduled three one-day and three Twenty20 internationals in England this month, but the trip was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. September is seen as the potential alternative after international cricket in England resumed behind closed doors last week, although Cricket Australia (CA) said "several hurdles" have to be overcome before dates can be locked in. But selectors have decided to name a preliminary group to give them adequate time to prepare, with a final squad to be announced if the tour goes ahead. "The England Cricket Board are a long-standing and valued international cricket partner and we are doing all we can to give the tour the best possible chance of taking place," said CA´s head of national teams Ben Oliver. "In the meantime, the identification of a preliminary list will enable us to work with players and states more directly on the preparation for the tour in the hope it can proceed." AGENCIES

An ECB spokesman could not confirm if Archer would face further disciplinary action in addition to missing the second Test.

But the breach is likely to provoke an angry response from officials at Lord's after they made strenuous efforts to persuade both the West Indies and Pakistan to tour England this season against the backdrop of more than 44,000 deaths in Britain during the pandemic. Earlier in the campaign, there was a very real concern that COVID-19 could wipe out the 2020 home English cricket programme entirely, with ECB chief executive Tom Harrison outlining a worst-case scenario of a game-wide loss of some £380 million ($477 million) if that happened.

Therefore, it was of the utmost importance to the ECB that the West Indies series and Pakistan´s tour of England, both taking place behind closed doors, went ahead. England have not called up a replacement into their second Test squad for Barbados-born

quick Archer, who burst on the international scene last year when he bowled the decisive Super Over in the team´s World Cup final win over New Zealand at Lord´s.

Archer's absence deprives England of

Pakistani spinner Kashif Bhatti cleared

by ECB after testing negative for virus

SPORTS 11

genuine speed, with the 25-year-old having hit the 90 mph mark during a return of 3-45 in the second innings at Southampton — although the West Indies still won the first Test by four wickets.

IOC remains 'fully committed' to staging Olympics in 2021 BERN

SPORTS DESK

AGENCIES

The England Cricket Board on Thursday cleared Pakistan left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti, after he tested negative for the coronavirus.

Bhatti, who is currently in England for the upcoming Test series, tested positive for coronavirus upon arrival in UK and was under self-isolation.

The ECB spokesman said that the Pakistani player has been given permission to integrate with the squad after completing his isolation period.

The ECB said that after the initial positive test scare, Bhatti has tested negative for COVID-19 twice now.

According to the sports website ESPN Cricinfo, an ECB spokesperson said that there was confusion over the initial positive test in the UK as it was probably "the remnants of a previous Covid-19 infection".

The English board spokesperson added that the player was isolated as a safety-first approach.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had sought an update from the ECB in this regard and said that Bhatti's case fell under the jurisdiction of the English cricket board.

Bhatti departed for the series after two negative COVID-19 tests, and as per the PCB, tested negative again

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) remains fully committed to staging the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 and is considering multiple scenarios for them to take place safely, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Wednesday. Japan and the IOC postponed the Tokyo Games until 2021 in March because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Organisers have since spoken of trying to simplify the event which had been due to start on July 24 - to reduce costs and ensure athletes’ safety. Bach said the IOC’s coordination commission had reported “very good work in progress” and that more details would be given to a full IOC session which will take place by video conference on Friday. “We remain fully committed to celebrating Tokyo 2020 next year in July and August,” Bach told reporters in a conference call.

“The entire IOC is following the principle we established before the postponement (in March) that the first priority is about the safety of all participants.” “We continue to be guided by the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and based on this advice we are preparing multiple scenarios,” he added. “We don’t know the health situation one year from now.”

He said that holding events without spectators was clearly something the IOC did not want.

“We are working for a solution which on the one hand is safeguarding the health of all participants and on the other hand is also reflecting the Olympic spirit,” Bach added.

when he underwent another coronavirus test for the airline.

"Arrangements for a biosecure environment are the responsibility of the ECB," the PCB said.

Meanwhile, the PCB also notified that Harris Rauf, who previously tested positive for coronavirus, is now recovering and his recent COVID-19 test also came back negative. The PCB said that if he tests negative for the virus again, the right-arm quickie will be eligible to join the rest of the squad in England.

The board further said that Rauf is currently in a local hotel in Lahore under the supervision of the PCB medical panel.

Earlier on Wednesday, Haider Ali, Imran Khan Sr. and Bhatti, along with a masseur Malang Ali, had departed for England after testing negative for COVID-19 in back-to-back tests.

Moreover, Rauf along with Shoaib Malik, who has been granted special leave to be with his family in UAE, will be the last two squad members left to join the squad in England.

Time to reconsider Native American names, say activists and academics WASHINGTON AGENCIES

As the Washington, D.C. National Football League franchise contemplates a new identity, some activists, academics and branding experts say other teams should reconsider their Native American names and symbols.

The Washington team announced on Monday plans to drop its “Redskins” name after a review.

That decision has put a spotlight on other teams with Native American names and symbols such as Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Indians and Atlanta Braves, as well as the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks and NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.

“If we learned anything from this episode with the Washington team, it should be that it’s not up to the teams to define what is and isn’t honoring Native people,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter, the leader of the “Change the Mascot” campaign, in an email to Reuters.

The Indians franchise said earlier this month it would work “to determine the best path forward with regard to our team name” having already dropped its “Chief Wahoo” logo in 2019.

The Braves said this week that its “Tomahawk Chop” chant was “one of the many issues” being discussed with a Native American advisory group formed last year, but said a name change was out of the question.

The Chicago Blackhawks have said that they will not change their name, while the Kansas City Chiefs, which faced calls for from Native American leaders during their successful Super Bowl bid, declined to comment.

The Washington team nickname came under review amid immense pressure from top sponsors, but Gabriel Torres Colón, a Vanderbilt University professor who focuses on race, politics and sports, said a cultural shift is also at play.

“Money’s talking because there’s a general uprising with regard to racial consciousness at the moment,” said Torres Colón, citing ongoing protests across the U.S. following the death of George Floyd in police custody.

“Without the unfortunate death of George Floyd and subsequent popular uprising during a pandemic time, I highly doubt that the Redskins would have ended up doing what they did.”

Ari Lightman, a professor of digital media and marketing with Carnegie Mellon University, who has advised teams and the NFL in the past, said teams should see change as an opportunity to develop a more inclusive brand.

“We need to rethink processes that are legacy, outdated, meet with a lot of resistance,” said Lightman.

“You’re not going to alienate that fandom, that base. What you are going to do if you change (the name), is create more inclusivity to people that might have been distanced from your brand.”

Many fans are resistant to seeing their team’s logo or branding change, but Elizabeth Glynn, the CEO of Travois, a consulting firm that works with Native American and Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian communities, said “this is a good time to jump on a train that’s already moving.”

“This is the time where people will understand and be ready and if they wait, I think people will really question why, after all that has happened this year.”

CMYK

Friday, 17 July, 2020

PRAyER TIMINGS

NEWS

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

4:26

12:38

5:20

5:53

7:23

8:50

Centre urges ProvinCes to ensure PubliC’s AdherenCe to soPs on eid ISLAMABAD

P

UMAR SAYS COVID-19 CASES DECLINING DUE TO PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES, NOT REDUCTION IN TESTS

STAFF REPORT

lANNING Minister Asad Umar has urged the provincial governments to ensure public adherence to precautionary measures during Eidul Azha to contain the spread of coronavirus. Chairing a meeting here at National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) on Thursday, the minister said that necessary steps should be taken for holding cattle markets. The minister warned that any carelessness in observance of precautionary measures during Eidul Azha may lead to a fresh spike in coronavirus cases.

He said that public health and their protection is the top priority of the government. Sharing data of the coronavirus tests and cases, Umar said 23,403 average Covid-19 tests were conducted from June 1 to 15 while the number of tests from July 1 to 15 was 22,969. He said that average coronavirus cases from June 1 to 15 were 5,056 while their number in the correspon-

ding period in July was 3,097.

The minister said that the number of Covid-19 cases declined due to people’s better attitude regarding precautionary measures and administrative measures, including smart lockdown; not because of reduction in tests. Separately, in a tweet, Umar said that there has been a decline in coronavirus cases in the country primarily due to a nearly 60 per cent reduction in positivity. He said that some people are saying that cases are down only due to testing reduction. The minister explained that if the positivity rate had been over 22 per cent, which was in mid-June, the 24,262 tests done a day before would have resulted in 5,500 cases, but the actual number of cases was 2,145.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that health workers are rendering exem-

Pilots' licence verification process to be completed in a week: CAA

plary services and reduction in the number of new coronavirus cases in the country is due to their commitment to the cause.

In a statement, he said that under the “We Care” initiative, more than 60,000 health workers belonging to all the four provinces, the federal capital, GilgitBaltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) have already completed their training.

He said that protection of healthcare workers is the top priority of the government as they deal with the coronavirus situation on the front line.

He said despite limited resources, the government has given top priority to the protection of healthcare workers and its initiatives in this regard are being appreciated across the world. The special assistant appealed to the people to follow the guidelines announced on the occasion of Eidul Azha.

Pakistan’s textile exports drop 6pc to $12.5bn in FY20 ISLAMABAD

KARACHI

GHUALAM ABBAS

TLTP

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Thursday confirmed that it has received requests from 10 countries for the verification of licences of Pakistani pilots. The countries that had sought the credentials of Pakistani pilots included the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Malaysia, Vietnam and others. They had asked for the details of 176 pilots who had received licences from the operator in Pakistan. As many as 166 out of 176 licences have been verified so far by the CAA, the spokesperson said, adding that the clearance process was pushed into a delay due to the verification of 10 more licences on technical grounds. “The process will be completed by next week.” The CAA spokesperson stated that 262 pilots had been grounded over the directives of the Pakistani government over the issue of suspected licences, and that the the federal cabinet members had approved the suspension of licences of 28 pilots.

Moreover, the concerned authorities have commenced an action against 76 pilots and also lined up proceedings for the scrutiny of 158 more pilots. The spokesperson said that the aviation minister is personally supervising the matter related to the dubious licences.

PM’S AIDE SAYS 60,000 HEALTH WORKERS TRAINED TO HANDLE CORONAVIRUS CASES

Pakistan's textile and clothing exports posted a negative growth of over six per cent to $12.526 billion in the fiscal year 2019-20, as compared to $13.3 billion in the corresponding period of 2018-19.

According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), readymade garments exports dipped 3.81pc in value and 10.07pc in quantity during JulyJune FY20, while those of knitwear

dropped 3.64pc in value and 10.11pc in quantity. Bedwear exports posted a negative growth of 4.91pc in value and 2.31pc in quantity.

Meanwhile, towel exports fell 6.52pc in value and 6.39pc in quantity, while those of cotton cloth dipped by 12.94pc in value and 17.66pc in quantity.

However, exports are expected to revive in July as exporters have resumed production to honour international orders.

As per the PBS data, the fall in export proceeds from the sectors improved on a

month-on-month basis owing to a recovery in the international order. Compared to the 36.5pc decline in May 2020, the exports in June declined by 5.43pc over the year last year. The easing of lockdown in the North American and European countries -- top export destinations for Pakistani textile goods -- will help revive the sinking exports. The Covid-19 has collapsed the demand for the country’s exports during the last five months.

Maximum piled up containers at ports since March 22 were mostly cleared in the

month of June. Moreover, the government also opened up exports on the land route to Iran and Afghanistan in June.

It was only in February when the textile and clothing exports jumped nearly 17pc on a year-on-year basis. This growth was reported after a long time as the past few years had been marred by single-digit increases.

Among primary commodities, cotton yarn exports dipped by 12.49pc while yarn other than cotton by 23.81pc, madeup articles — excluding towels — by 13.16pc, and raw cotton 16.64pc. Exports of tents, canvas and tarpaulin increased by a massive 5.95pc during the months under review.

On a monthly basis, exports of textile and clothing posted a negative growth of 5.43pc to $959.130 million in June 2020 as against $1.014bn over the corresponding month of last year.

Not out of the woods yet: IMF chief warns second wave of infections could disrupt economies WASHINGTON AGENCIES

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned the world that a second major wave of coronavirus infections could trigger more disruptions in world economics.

Georgieva said the fiscal costs of actions aimed at containing the pandemic and mitigating its economic fallout were driving up already high debt levels, but it was premature to start withdrawing needed safety nets.

“We are not out of the woods yet,” she said in a blog posting ahead of Saturday’s virtual meeting of finance

ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 major economies.

The IMF last month further slashed its 2020 global output forecasts, predicting a 4.9% contraction and weaker-than-expected recovery in 2021.

Georgieva said $11 trillion in fiscal measures by G20 members and other countries, as well as massive central bank liquidity injections, have put a floor under the global economy. Even so, dangers lurked, she said, including a major new wave of infections, stretched asset valuations, volatile commodity prices, rising protectionism and political instability.

Global surge in coronavirus infections slows down reopening of businesses WASHINGTON AGENCIES

Coronavirus infections were surging across the globe on Wednesday, forcing several countries to put the brakes on reopening or impose new restrictions on their weary populations.

The number of Covid-19 cases worldwide topped 13.4 million and more than 581,000 deaths have been reported since the virus emerged late last year in China.

With the situation predicted to worsen in the United States, Walmart, the world´s largest retailer, said it would require customers to wear masks at all its stores to help stop the virus spreading.

Venezuela, four days after announcing a loosening of restrictions, became the latest country to reimpose localized lockdown measures, including a “radical quarantine” in the capital Caracas; while Bolivia´s la Paz department said it would undergo a four-day total quarantine. latin America topped 150,000 deaths Wednesday, becoming the world´s second hardest-hit region after Europe, where a total of 203,793 people have died.

Brazil accounted for roughly half of latin America´s

deaths, with more than 1,200 new fatalities recorded Wednesday bringing the total toll since the outbreak began there to 75,366.

In Ireland, Prime Minister Micheal Martin delayed the end of the lockdown because of a surge in new cases, with restrictions to remain in place until August 10 and the government also mandating the wearing of masks in shops. The United States meanwhile set a new record Wednesday with more than 67,000 cases registered in the previous 24 hours. The country has the world´s highest death toll at more than 137,000 fatalities, and officials are scrambling to roll back reopenings that were meant to revive economies.

LET’S STOP THIS NONSENSE: The latest research models show the number of US deaths projected to rise to over 150,000 by next month.

“We´ve got to almost reset this and say, ´Okay, let´s stop this nonsense,” Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious disease expert, told The Atlantic.

In the US state of Oklahoma, the Republican governor, Kevin Stitt, who has often declined to wear a mask, said he had tested positive for Covid-19.

The use of masks to slow the spread of the virus has

become a political flashpoint in the US, where Trump had resisted wearing one until recently and at times mocked the trend.

Stitt´s state recorded a single-day record of 1,075 new cases, while its neighbor to the south, Texas, reported 10,791 new cases and 110 new fatalities — both “new highs.”

Cases and death tolls continue to mount across the United States, particularly in the south and west, with Florida and California also hard hit.

Walmart meanwhile said it will require shoppers at its more than 5,300 stores to wear masks starting on July 20, joining a growing group of US businesses in mandating the protection.

“We know this is a simple step everyone can take for their safety and the safety of others in our facilities,” Walmart´s US chief operating officer Dacona Smith said.

VACCINE CANDIDATE TRAILS: Amid the grim forecasts, American biotech firm Moderna said it would start the final stage of human trials for its vaccine candidate on July 27, after promising results from earlier testing. Moderna is considered a leader in the global race to find a vaccine, and while its study should run until Oc-

Some countries lost more jobs in March and April than had been created since the end of the 2008 global financial crisis, and many of those jobs will never return, Georgieva said. Job losses, bankruptcies and industry restructuring could pose significant challenges for the financial sector, including credit losses to financial institutions and investors, she said.

To ensure stability, continued coordination across central banks and support from international financial institutions was essential, she said. Regulation should also support the flexible use of capital to keep credit lines open for businesses. tober 2022, preliminary results should be available long before then.

In the Asia-Pacific region, which had been somewhat successful in fighting the pandemic, there was fresh evidence of the deadly threat still posed by the virus.

Hong Kong´s bars, gyms, and beauty salons closed again Wednesday and a ban on gatherings of more than four people came into force as the city battled a fresh outbreak.

There was alarm in Japan too, where Tokyo´s governor warned that the capital was on its highest virus alert level after a spike in infections.

That came after the Indian state of Bihar, with a population of around 125 million, announced a 15-day virus lockdown starting Thursday.

PLEASE STOP: Authorities in Australia, meanwhile, pleaded Wednesday with the public to heed social distancing guidelines, with roughly five million people in Melbourne in lockdown since last week in a bid to contain a new outbreak.

“A particular concern for us is the ongoing parties and gatherings,” said Rick Nugent, acting assistant commissioner of Victoria state. “Please stop.”

Face masks will also become compulsory in England´s shops from next week, while in South Africa, where the number of cases topped 300,000, a nationwide curfew was reimposed.

On Thursday Spain will honour its 28,400 victims at a state ceremony to be attended by top EU and World Health Organization figures. The country is already seeing a surge in cases barely three weeks after coming out of lockdown.

Published by Arif Nizami at Plot No 66-C, 1st Floor, 21st Commercial Street, Phase-II (Extension), DHA Karachi and printed at Ibn-e-Hassan Printing Press, Hockey Stadium, Karachi. Ph: 021-35381208-9. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk