Issuu

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Tuesday, 7 July, 2020 I 15 Dhū al-Qa‘dah, 1441 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 9 I 12 Pages I Karachi Edition

uzair BaloCh was an iranian sPy, Jit rePort says g

Pakistan, China ink agreement of $1.5bn Azad Pattan Hydel Power Project g

Asim Bajwa says mega project will create 3,000 jobs, provide an annual income of Rs1.38bn to Punjab, AJK from water use

Report claims Lyari ganglord passed on info of army installations to Iranian intelligence, killed at least 198 people on ‘ethnic and political grounds’ KARACHI

STAFF REPORT

HE Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report on Lyari ganglord Uzair Jan Baloch states that he passed on secret information regarding Pakistan Army installations to the Iranian intelligence and was behind a large number of targeted killings and politically motivated murders of rival gangsters and civilians. The Sindh government made public the JIT reports of three high-profile cases — concerning Uzair Baloch, the Baldia factory fire incident and former chairman of the Fishermen Cooperative Society Nisar Morai — after much controversy and litigation in courts on Monday. The three JIT reports were uploaded to the website of the Sindh home department and elicited varied responses from different political parties. The six-member JIT formed by the Sindh government in February 2016 to interrogate Baloch, comprising representatives of security and intelligence agencies, unanimously declared him as “black”, finding that Baloch along with his gang members was involved in a large number of murders/targeted killings of his rivals and innocent citizens including ethnic and “politically motivated killings”. “The accused has accepted his criminal acts before JIT and co-related all his actions with actual criminal happenings on [the] ground,” the report said of the chief of the outlawed Peoples Amn Committee (PAC). He also martyred several police and Rangers personnel and attacked police stations. In total, Baloch “confessed” to killing 198 people on ethnic and political grounds and owing to

Coronavirus in

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

233,646

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

RECOVERED:

NEW CASES:

3,344 DEATHS:

131,659 4,818 SINDH:

96,236

PUNJAB:

81,963

KP:

BALOCHISTAN:

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

28236

10,814

1,342/1,561 13,494

Baldia factor y fire JIT says incident was a ‘planned sabotage/terror activity ’

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

gangwar rivalry, according to the report. It revealed that Baloch, 42, told the investigators that he and his accomplices killed 11 traders of the Shershah junk market in 2010 because they were “sympathisers” of a political party and gave extortion to that party. He also admitted that in order to take revenge of the killing of his father, he kidnapped his rival gang leader Arshad Pappu and two others with the help of certain police officers and murdered them brutally. In addition to the murders, the JIT said Baloch was also involved in extortion, land grabbing, China-cutting and narcotics trafficking. Another revelation in the report was regarding Baloch’s alleged espionage activities. Baloch disclosed that he obtained a fake birth certificate of Iran in the late 1980s with the help of his aunt, who was a dual Pakistan-Iranian citizen, and in 2006 managed to obtain his Iranian identity card and passport. In 2014, when Baloch was residing with a friend in the Iranian port city of Chabahar, one Haji Nasir offered to arrange a meeting between Baloch and Iranian intelligence officers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Pakistan and China on Monday signed an agreement for the construction of $1.5 billion Azad Pattan Hydel Power Project. Prime Minister Imran Khan witnessed the signing ceremony. Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project will prove to be a milestone in the country’s development and prosperity. “The CPEC is the future of Pakistan,” he said. The premier further said time would prove the long term benefits of the CPEC project, which was based upon economic cooperation between Pakistan and China. He said Pakistan could learn a lot from China in realms of economic progress and prosperity as the country was fast emerging as world economic power. He expressed the optimism that in the future, they would learn from the Chinese experiences. The CPEC had different phases with various bright aspects for prosperity and progress, he added. Referring to the signing of the agreement, PM Imran said it was part of the investment to complete a power project based upon the clean energy. Unlike past, the project would not burden the people, he said and mentioned the previous governments’ costly projects which were made functional with imported fuel, thus increasing the cost

At least five killed, several injured in Karachi thunderstorm KARACHI STAFF REPORT

Torrential rains on Monday wreaked havoc in the port city, killing at least five people, including a woman and children. Two persons died after the roof of a house in Ibrahim Hyderi collapsed, while a three-yearold girl died when a wall collapsed in Malir’s Shamsi Society, they said, adding that a woman was electrocuted to death in Liaquatabad, while a child died of electrocution in Mominabad, Orangi Town. Several others were injured as a pole-mounted transformer (PMT) fell in Ibrahim Hyderi, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) said. One person was injured as a tree fell in Korangi’s Sector 33-D, while a five-year-old was wounded when a wall collapsed in Malir’s Memon Goth. The monsoon system was said to have been in Karachi’s southeast since the morning and had strengthened due to humidity from the sea, leading to the first rain in Pakistan’s financial capital. Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) director had noted

PM says time would prove long-term benefits of CPEC

of energy manifold and stressing the local currency. The prime minister said due to those policies, the power industry ran into losses impacting the consumers. He regretted that the country could not compete with its neighbouring countries in terms of generating the low-cost energy. He said the hydropower generation was considered as a big source of clean energy which was also in line with his government’s policy of ‘Clean and Green Pakistan’ and regarded as environment friendly. Meanwhile, CPEC Authority Chairman Lt Gen (r) Asim Saleem Bajwa said 3,000 jobs would be created through the mega project and it would provide an annual income of Rs1.38 billion to Punjab and Azad Kashmir from water use. He added, “With an investment of $1.5 billion, no fuel import, we are moving towards cheaper and greener power.” Last year in November, Pakistan and China agreed to include 700 megawatts Azad Pattan hydropower project under the CPEC. which is to be financed through Chinese currency. Azad Pattan hydropower project is a run-of-theriver scheme on the River Jhelum, in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with a capability of four hours of daily peaking. The project would be located near the Azad Pattan bridge upstream of 720 MW Karot hydropower project and downstream of 640 MW Mahal hydropower project and would be part of the River Jhelum hydel cascade. The project would deliver approximately 3.3 billion units of clean, renewable energy in the grid after its completion in 2026. Being developed under the 2002 power policy, the project would be transferred free of cost to the government after the term.

more inside

Coronavirus death toll reaches 4,762 in Pakistan STORY ON PAGE 03

that thunder cells were observed near Karachi and the rain spell was “strong”. The PMD official said wind speeds in the thunderstorm were recorded at 54 kilometres per hour. According to data provided by the authority, the highest rainfall was recorded in Saddar, at 43 millimetres (mm), while 26 mm was registered at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Faisal Base, 22mm in Nazimabad, 12mm at PAF Masroor Base, 8.8mm at Karacih’s Jinnah International Airport, 3.1mm in Landhi, and 1.2mm in Surjani Town. As the torrential rain accompanied by a thunderstorm started late afternoon in Karachi,

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two trees were reported to have been downed near Drigg Road on Shahrah-e-Faisal and the Arts Council of Pakistan, leading to traffic blockage. Despite the PMD’s early forecast, there seemed to be no plan to manage the traffic disruption from related authorities. Limited visibility due to heavy rain disrupted traffic flow at Shahrah-e-Faisal, while rain water stagnated near Quaidabad Bridge. A major traffic jam was seen at President House Road, I.I. Chundrigar Road, and near Governor House. People returning to their homes were stranded in traffic.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Shujaat advises PM Imran to avoid confrontation with media STORY ON BACK PAGE

Dr Zafar Mirza tests positive for Covid-19 STORY ON PAGE 03

Zardari’s indictment in Park Lane reference deferred yet again

STORY ON PAGE 02

Tuesday, 7 July, 2020

News

ZArdAri’s indictment in PArk LAne reference deferred yet AgAin ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

N accountability court once again deferred the indictment of former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari in the Park Lane estate reference after his counsel sought additional time to prepare for the case. The former president has been acc¬used of being involved “in extending a loan and its misappropriation by M/s Par¬the¬non Private Limited, M/s Park Lane Estate Private Limited and others”. During the hearing, the defence filed a petition with the court, requesting more time

to prepare for the case. “You should have submitted [this] request earlier,” said Justice Azam Khan. In his response, Barrister Farooq Naek said that he had to conduct more research and take out records related to the case to defend his client. At this point, NAB prosecutor Muzzafar Abbasi intervened and asked the court to issue a notice to the accused in the case. “We will argue today after 30 minutes,” he told the court. “Why is the prosecutor in such a hurry in this case?” asked Naek. He questioned that there are other cases that NAB is pursuing but why was the anti-graft body in such a hurry when it came to this particular one against the former president. “We should be given sufficient time.

govt to strongly support any initiative to harness potential of youth: Pm

We are not asking for a stay order,” he said, adding that he was requesting the time for himself and not his client. However, Abbasi observed by saying

Unbudgeted subsidy of Rs969m extended to RLNG fertiliser plants STAFF REPORT

ISLAMABAD

PPI

Shortly after the passage of the budget, the Economic Coordination Committee has approved an unbudgeted subsidy of Rs969 million to restart the RLNG-based fertiliser plants of Agritech and Fatima Fertilizer. According to official documents, the two plants would be provided RLNG at the subsidised rate of Rs756 per mmbtu for three months (July-September) to produce around 200,000 tonnes of urea. In 2019, these RLNG-based plants produced 767,000 tonnes of urea, which placed a fiscal burden of nearly Rs17 billion on account of subsidies, and foreign exchange outflow of Rs34 billion ($200 million). The decision to import RLNG for fertiliser plants was taken despite the government’s policy of ensuring improved and consistent gas supply to those indigenous gasbased fertiliser plants that have invested heavily to ramp up local production. As of June FY20, indigenous gas players produced

Prime Minister Imran Khan has emphasised that Pakistan has abundant talent to take the country to self-reliance in new technological innovation and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government will strongly support any initiative to harness the potential of the youth. He said this while inaugurating the production facility of first ever indigenously developed ventilators at National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) at Haripur on Monday. The prime minister stated that Pakistan’s approach in response to coronavirus pandemic and adopting the smart lockdown while keeping the economy afloat has been widely acknowledged. He said that the government’s focus will now remain on comprehensive health reforms. He commended the initiative taken by NRTC and the Ministry of Science and Technology for the first ever indigenously produced ventilator. He said that it is a landmark achievement for Pakistan and congratulated the entire team. Managing Director NRTC Brig Tofique Ahmed gave a detailed briefing to the prime minister about the history, sectors of research and development, products and services of NRTC. He briefed that NRTC is indigenously providing services including communication equipment, E-policing, Electro-Medical equipment, hardware and software.

Pm forms cabinet committee on institutional reforms ISLAMABAD TLTP

Prime Minister Imran Khan constituted the Cabinet Committee on Institutional Reform (CCIR) with immediate effect on Monday. The composition of the CCIR included Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood as its chairman, while ministers for defence, national food security and research & special assistant to the prime minister on establishment, adviser to the prime minister on institutional reforms & austerity and special assistant to the prime minister on petroleum as its members of this newly-constituted CCIR. Secretaries of establishment, finance and law & justice divisions and Cabinet Division special secretary may also be invited by special invitation as per notification issued by Cabinet Division.

ex-Pm Abbasi’s indictment in PsO case likely at next hearing KARACHI INP

An accountability court here on Monday resumed hearing a reference against former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and others over alleged illegal appointments in the Pakistan State Oil (PSO). The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart and the former petroleum secretary named in the case turned up before the court for the hearing. The accountability judge provided them a copy of the reference and is likely to indict them in the case at next hearing. Ex-PM Abbasi, who is also facing another NAB case related to the LNG scam, has obtained bail in this case. Last month, the Sindh High Court (SHC) had extended till Aug 27 the interim pre-arrest bail of the former prime minister and the former petroleum secretary. On May 19, the high court had granted them bail against a surety bond of Rs500,000 each.

that the agency had to submit a response to the court and it should be the one asking for time. “Keep the hearing for the case on the coming Tuesday, I have to do my research,” Naek requested. But Abbasi intervened again and told the court that it was necessary to charge the accused within seven days after copies of the reference were provided to them. After hearing the arguments, Judge Azam fixed the next hearing for July 9. To which, Naek stated that he had to appear at the Supreme Court’s Karachi registry on the day which is why it would not be possible for him to appear for the hearing. The court, after listening to Naek, set July 14 as the next hearing date.

2.93 million tonnes of urea compared to 2.5 million tonnes last year. Meanwhile, urea demand dropped by 8pc as against the previous year, and the June-end inventory of 0.43 million tonnes was more than twice the usual levels at this time of the year. On a full-year basis, the indigenous gas players are expected to produce 5.8 million tonnes to meet the urea demand of 5.8 million tonnes as forecasted by the government. Additionally, the opening channel inventory of 0.4 million tonnes is also sufficient to maintain minimum safety stock in the country. Economists have already pointed out that the government’s target of a 7pc fiscal deficit and tax revenues target of nearly Rs 5 trillion were unrealistic, and it may need to introduce a mid-year supplementary budget. Therefore, the rushed decision to needlessly restart RLNG-based fertiliser plants is likely to widen Pakistan’s fiscal and trade deficit at a time when the country is facing severe pressure from the IMF and the economy has been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Provision of wheat at aﬀordable rates is govt’s top priority: PM ISLAMABAD PPI

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that provision of wheat at affordable prices and unhindered availability of the commodity is the top priority of the government, and directed to ensure its obstacle free inter-province movement. He was chairing a meeting on Monday to review steps taken to reduce prices of edible items in Pakistan. He instructed all the provincial chief secretaries under the chairmanship of Minister for National Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam to evolve a coordinated strategy to ensure sufficient stock of wheat in every province as per its needs along with uniform prices of wheat and flour in all the federating units. The prime minister directed that farmer and common citizen should be the axis of this strategy as elements involved in profiteering and hoarding in the past

had deprived the farmer of his due profit in the past, while the common citizen was compelled to buy flour at higher rates. He directed to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against adulteration. He also directed to take effective action against hoarders of sugar in light of the Joint Investigation Team's (JIT) report. Briefing the meeting, Punjab chief secretary informed that 716 tonnes of flour and 16,0008.5 tonnes of sugar worth over Rs1 billion have been confiscated from big hoarders of sugar and dealers. It was told that the price of sugar was less in Punjab as a result of effective measures taken by the administration in the province. The chief secretary apprised the participants that the Punjab government is going to release wheat worth Rs35 billion, which will help end flour shortage as well slashing prices of the wheat and flour in a gradual manner.

it, ites export remittances surge 20.75pc to $1.11bn ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Information Technology (IT) and IT enabled Services (ITeS) export remittances comprising computer services and call center services surged to $1.11 billion over the first 11 months of FY20 growing by 20.75 per cent compared to $917.875 million during the same period in FY19. According to a performance report of Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), an organisation under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, IT Industry has achieved positive year on year growth as a result of strong government support, skilled entrepreneurs and a talented workforce. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication is taking all possible steps to ensure sustainable growth of Pakistan’s IT Industry and to ensure close coordination with the IT industry and associated stakeholders. Over the years, incentives from the government and various projects to enhance capacity and capability of the IT Industry have resulted in strong industry growth rates. Incentives to the industry include zero income tax on IT and ITeS exports till June 2025, tax breaks for PSEB registered IT start-ups for three years, up to 100 per cent foreign ownership of IT and ITeS companies, up to 100 per cent repatriation of profits for foreign IT and ITeS investors and tax holiday for venture capital funds till 2024. APP

Zulfi Bukhari negates Ahsan iqbal's claim about Ptdc closure ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OP&HRD) Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari Monday negated the claim of senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Ahsan Iqbal about shutting down of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC). “Perfect example of why you should not comment on things you have zero knowledge of. PTDC is still functional. Where was Mr Aristotle when PTDC had losses of 700+Mil in 5yrs of PMLN?,” he wrote on his twitter, while responding to Ahsan Iqbal who criticised the present government for its policies regarding tourism promotion in the country. Bukhari said the PTDC was fully functional and being operated with a clear vision and comprehensive plan. APP

114 indian nationals to be repatriated via Wagah border on July 9 LAHORE: 114 Indian nationals stuck in Pakistan owing to the coronavirus pandemic will return to their homeland via the Wagah bordering crossing on July 9. The Ministry of Interior has written a letter to the director general of the Punjab Rangers apprising him of the Indian citizens’ homeward journey through the Wagah border on foot. It instructed that the government-prescribed standard operating procedures (SOPs) be followed during their repatriation. The Indians got stuck in Pakistan after it closed its frontiers to stem the spread of the virus. INP

NAB reviews progress in corruption cases against Nawaz, Zardari ISLAMABAD APP

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday reviewed the progress in the corruption cases against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and president Asif Ali Zardari. The meeting with NAB Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal in the chair decided to utilise all resources to arrest the proclaimed offenders and also file appeals against the bails granted by the accountability courts to recover the looted money. According to NAB spokesman, the meeting reviewed the overall performance of the NAB. Speaking on the occasion, the chairman said, "The anti-graft watchdog firmly believes in pursuing the pol-

icy of accountability for all. NAB does not have affiliation with any group, political party or individual. The only affiliation of Bureau is with the state of Pakistan. The NAB is duty bound to recover the looted amount from the culprits, besides taking mega corruption cases to logical conclusion." The meeting reviewed the progress in the investigation in ongoing corruption cases against former prime ministers Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Shaukat Aziz, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, former president Asif Ali Zardari, former chief ministers Shehbaz Sharif, Qasim Ali Shah, Nawab Aslam Khan Raisani, Sanaullah Zehri, Sindh chief minister Murad Ali Shah, former ministers Ishaq Dar, Khawaja

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Saad Rafique, Dr Asim Hussain, Ahsan Iqbal,Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Miftah Ismael, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Aamir Kayani, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Babar Khan Ghauri, Manzoor Wasan, Agha Siraj Durrani, Sohail Anwar Sial, Adil Siddique, Rauf Siddique, Sharjil Inam Memon, Khursheed Shah, Waseem Akhtar, Sardar Ashiq Khan Gopang, Barjees Tahir, Ejaz Jakhrani, Rana Sanaullah, Sabtain Khan, Aleem Khan, Sahibzada Mehmood Zaib,Sher Azam Khan, Engineer Amir Muqam, Captain Safdar, Sardar Mehtab Abbasi,Usman Saifullah, Anwar Saifullah, Asfandyar Kakar, Asim Kurd, Saadat Anwar, Rehmat Baloch,Tamash Khan, Hamza Shehbaz, Salman Shahbaz, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Nawaz, Ahad Cheema, Fawad Hassan Fawad, Amjad Ali Khan, Siddique Memon, Manzoor

Kaka, Shahidul Islam, Imranul Haq, Abdul Ghani Majeed, Anwar Majeed, Ejaz Haroon, Zahid Mir, Asif Akhtar Hashmi, Tahir Basharat Cheema,Tariq Hameed, Dr Ehsan Ali, Ghulam Mustafa Phal, Farkhand Iqbal, Imtiaz Inayat Elahi, Kamran Lashari, Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera, Kamran Shafi and Khalid Mirza. The meeting also reviewed progress in the ongoing investigation against Bank Islami, Bank of Khyber, Malam Jabba, Billion Tree Tsunami and others. The meeting was told that Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) case is still under trial in the Supreme Court and case will proceed ahead in light of the instructions of the apex court. The ongoing inquiries, complaint verifications, investigations will be dealt as per law.

Tuesday, 7 July, 2020

News

cOrOnAvirus deAtH tOLL reAcHes 4,762 in PAkistAn ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

TOTAL of 3,344 new cases surfaced during the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 231,818, said the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Monday. The death toll from the virus has reached 4,762 with 50 more deaths reported over the aforementioned period. Out of these 50 deaths, 44 people died in various hospitals while six died out of hospital. A total of 22,271 coronavirus tests were carried out during the last 24 hours. S0 far, 131,649 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease across the country. The number of total active cases stands at 95,407.

Punjab CM says Covid-19 Cases deCreasing in ProvinCe due to ‘sMart loCkdown’ strategy The total 231,818 reported cases include 81,963 in Punjab, 94,528 in Sindh, 28,116 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 10,814 in Balochistan, 13,494 in Islamabad, 1,561 in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and 1,342 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). In Sindh, coronavirus claimed 46 more lives and infected 1,708 in the past 24 hours. In a statement issued from CM House on Monday, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that 46 more patients lost their lives while battling against the coronavirus, lifting the death toll to 1,572. He said that 1,708 new cases

govt disburses rs149.879bn to lockdown affectees through ehsaas Programme ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has disbursed Rs149.879 billion to at least 12,384,243 lockdown affectees under the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme. The federal government had initiated the programme to distribute Rs12,000 among those affected by the coronavirus lockdown. The payment process under different categories of the programme continued across the country. According to the latest update received on July 6, a total of Rs67.156 billion had been disbursed to 5,547,709 deserving families in Punjab so far, while Rs44.902 billion have been disbursed among 3,723,230 families in Sindh. Rs25.874 billion have been distributed among 2,131,284 beneficiaries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while more than Rs7.604 billion have been disbursed among 625,934 people in Balochistan. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Rs2.473 billion have been distributed among 202,464 persons while Rs1.081 billion have been distributed to 88,429 people in Gilgit Baltistan. An amount of Rs 0.787 billion had been disbursed among more than 65,193 beneficiaries in Islamabad. It is important to mention here that an amount of Rs1.26 billion, among the total disbursement, was paid to the existing Kafalat beneficiaries. APP

iHc reserves verdict on construction of Hindu temple in islamabad ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) reserved judgement on Monday on petitions against the construction of a temple in the federal capital after it was informed that the government has referred the matter to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII). The case was heard before Justice Amir Farooq. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) maintained before the court that the construction was stopped due to the lack of a building plan. The court inquired of the CDA the location of the plot and its allotted purpose. According to the CDA urban planning director, the process of plot allotment in H9/2 began in 2016. The site was alloted to the Hindu community for the construction of a temple, community centre or a shamshan ghat (cremation ground), he said. The plot was alloted after consultation with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, special branch and the Islamabad administration, said the CDA official. Area for a graveyard for Christian, Baha’i, Qadiani and Buddhist communities has also been allotted near the plot in question, he added. Land area of 3.89 kanal was allotted in 2017 and handed over to the Hindu panchayat in 2018, he told the court. STAFF REPORT

emerged when 12,479 samples were tested. He added that so far 514,905 samples have been tested against which 96,236 cases have been detected. He added that the overall detection rate came around to 19 per cent. CM Murad said that 679 persons recovered after contracting to coronavirus in 24 hours, lifting the provincial tally of recoveries to 53,855. He said that currently 40,809 patients were under treatment, of them 38,875 in home isolation, 327 at isolation centres and 1,607 at different hospitals. He

added that currently 623 patients were stated to be in critical condition, of them 96 have been shifted onto the ventilators. The chief minister urged people of the province to adopt precautionary measures against coronavirus infection and keep themselves and others safe. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said that coronavirus hit areas saw a significant drop in the number of patients after they were sealed under Prime Minister Imran Khan’s “smart lockdown” strategy. Taking to the microblogging site Twitter, he said coronavirus-affected areas in all major cities of Punjab, including the provincial capital, were sealed under this strategy for 10 to 15 days. He added that random sampling also yielded encouraging results. Most of the areas placed under “smart lockdown” have now been desealed, the chief minister said. “It has now been proven that the spread of the virus slows down in areas where people strictly follow SOPs issued by the government,” CM Usman Buzdar said, hoping that citizens would cooperate with the administration in the fight against the contagion and prevent its spread by sticking to the SOPs.

PM directs MoC to present five-year trade policy by july 10 ISLAMABAD SHAHZAD PARACHA

The Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has directed the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) to present the next five-year trade policy by July 10. According to sources, the MoC has been unable to present the new trade policy despite work on it being finalised. Sources further informed that the prime minster expressed his displeasure at the

delay and directed the MoC to present the trade policy by July 10. According to sources, the MoC has proposed a number of relief measures for different sectors in the upcoming trade policy, in order to increase exports to new destinations like Africa and Latin America. According to MoC estimates, exports would increase to $26 billion in 2020-21, $31 billion in 2021-22, $35 billion in 2022-23, $40 billion in 2023-24 and $46 billion in

2024-25. However, sources said that the country's exports remained stagnant due to low quality products and high electricity and gas rates. Earlier in May, the Adviser to the PM on Commerce and Investment Razaq Dawood had stated that Pakistan’s export during FY20 will not be able to achieve the target of $25 billion and will remain around $22 billion due to the Covid-19 lockdown. The Ministry of Finance had also submitted a reply in the upper house of parliament last month in which it stated that exports may fall to $21 to $22 billion owing to low commodity prices and decreased economic activity in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom and the Middle East.

Faraz for joint global eﬀorts to defeat coronavirus ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz has emphasised the need for joint efforts at the international level to defeat coronavirus pandemic. Talking to British High Commissioner Christian Turner on Monday, the information minister said that Pakistan lauds the British government’s efforts to combat Covid-19 with resoluteness. Expressing condolence over the deaths in Covid-19 in Britain, the minister expressed solidarity with the government and people of Britain in this difficult moment. Senator Shibli Faraz said, “In Pakistan, we have been sticking to a balanced policy of protecting people from the coronavirus pandemic as well as economic difficulties.” He said that the strategy of smart lockdown is yielding positive results in the country. The minister said that coronavirus pandemic has af-

fected economies of the entire world. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan initiated special efforts for debt relief for the developing countries. He added that it is welcoming that the G-20 countries are playing key role for relief in debts. The British High Commissioner said the way Pakistan is dealing with coronavirus is a role model for Britain. He said that Pakistan and Britain are friends. “We are standing by Pakistan in its efforts against the pandemic,” he added.

Kargil War heroes 21st martyrdom anniversary observed in native towns ISLAMABAD APP

The 21st martyrdom anniversary of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed and Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed, Nishane-Haider, was observed on Monday at their native villages, former’s Nawan kili and latter’s Ghizar, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) respectively. During the Kargil War, Shaheed Captain Karnal Sher Khan was deployed at the Gultari region. He along with his fellow soldiers established five strategic posts at the height of 17,000 feet at Gultari. Indian Army launched eight attacks on their position to capture the strategic posts. However, Khan and his men were able to defend those strategic posts. On July 5, 1999, the Indian army launched another attack and surrounded his posts with two battalions. With heavy mortar fire, the Indian Army captured one of his posts. Khan personally led a successful counter-attack and was able to re-capture the lost post. Despite shortage of ammunition and men, Khan was successful in forcing the enemy to retreat. During the battle he was hit

by machine gun fire but still continued ferociously fighting along with his soldiers and achieving his objectives. Later during the battle, Sher Khan succumbed to his injuries and embraced martyrdom. Wreath laying ceremonies would be held to pay respect and homage to recall the pledge to safeguard Pakistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Indian Army’s Brigadier (r) M P S Bajwa who was commanding the Indian Army 192 Mountain Brigade at that time in an interview to Indian media also praised Captain Sher Khan for his valour, courage and gallantry expressed while fighting the enemy troops. Before dispatching the body to Delhi, he informed his General Officer Commanding of Khan’s bravery and expressed the desire to write a small letter of appreciation and citation — that Captain Khan had fought very bravely and must be given his due recognition, reported The Print of India. Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed was serving in Northern Light Infantry Regiment when skirmishes broke out in Kargil in 1999. He fought from the forefront to thwart heavy Indian attacks. He volunteered himself to be deployed on the front positions located at the jagged peak in May 1999.

dr Zafar mirza tests positive for covid-19 ISLAMABAD: Dr Zafar Mirza, special adviser to the prime minister on health, has contracted the novel coronavirus. Making the announcement through a tweet, Dr Mirza said that he was experiencing mild symptoms. He added that as per his doctor’s advice, he was self-isolating at home. Dr Mirza, who has been at the forefront of the government’s fight against the pandemic, urged his colleagues to continue the campaign. “You are making a big difference & I am proud of you,” he said. STAFF REPORT

One new polio case surfaces in sindh, tally reaches KARACHI: One new polio case was reported from Karachi on Monday, taking the provincial tally to 19 this year. A 60-month male child in Landhi UC-1 was diagnosed with the polio virus after developing weakness in his left upper and lower limb. He had received the anti-polio vaccine on multiple occasions, according to parents. But the routine immunisation card showed zero doses. An investigation into the claims is ongoing. The Sindh government launched successive anti-polio campaigns from December 2019 to March 2020 that went a long way to put the anti-polio programme back on track, a spokesperson for the Sindh Emergency Operation Centre for Polio said. However, the global polio eradication initiative had to be halted following the outbreak of Covid-19 and no campaigns could be conducted since. “As we move forward, the EOC is planning a small-scale campaign in Karachi in July, followed by a wide-scale campaign in the province in August to protect children from polio,” the spokesperson said. STAFF REPORT

7 killed in chaman contaminated pond QUETTA: Seven persons were killed as poisonous gas contaminated a pond in Chaman, Balochistan on Monday. According to police, the incident occured near a wholesale shop at Trench Road. The deceased had jumped in to save a child who was in the pond, said the police, adding that further investigation is underway. The deceased were shifted to the Civil Hospital. Earlier, in March 2020, at least seven workers were killed in a coalmine blast in the provincial capital Quetta. At the time, Pakistan Mines and Labour Federation General Secretary Sultan Khan said that the incident took place due to gas leakage in the mine. Four miners were also injured in the explosion. Pakistan has a long history of coalmine accidents, mainly because of poor infrastructure and a lack of safety standards. Meanwhile, in May last year, 23 miners were killed in two coalmine blasts near Quetta. The annual death toll from coalmine accidents averages around 200, according to the Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation. STAFF REPORT

devising sOPs to reopen educational institutions: shahwani QUETTA: Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani on Monday said that the provincial government was in the process of drafting standard operating procedures (SOPs) for reopening educational institutions across the province. Speaking at a press conference, Shahwani said: “We are looking at whether we can open them in phases. We are trying to disinfect all educational buildings before Eidul Azha. “If cases don’t increase from now till Eid, then the government will not face any difficulty in opening educational institutes.” Shahwani also said that the province’s coronavirus situation has improved. “The percentage of positive cases in the first week of June was 32 percent. Now, it is 16 percent,” he said. “This is good news for the government […] that the public has shown an improvement in following standard operating procedures for curbing the spread of the virus, causing a drop in the number of cases. “There has been an almost 50pc reduction in hospitalisations and the number of critical patients has also reduced,” he said. STAFF REPORT

Tuesday, 7 July, 2020

NEWS

WoRK iN PRogRESS oN 13 SEZS, iNduStRial EStatES iN PuNjaB: BuZdaR LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

uNJAB Chief Minister Sardar usman Buzdar Monday said that work is in progress on 13 special economic zones (SEZs) and industrial estates being set up on more than 10,000 acres in the province. The chief minister said this during a meeting with Federal Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar who called on him at the Chief Minister's House.

CM SAYS REFORMS TO BE INTRODUCED IN BOARD OF REVENUE Projects of public welfare, constituencies’ issues and measures to speed up the industrialisation were discussed during the meeting. Speaking on this occasion, the chief minister said that work is in progress on 13 special economic zones in Punjab and various projects of public welfare in Lahore. He said that the government is fully focused on the development of backward areas as well

Nurses recruited for Covid-19 duty protest non-payment of salaries KARACHI

as the provincial capital. The CM said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has laid the foundation stone of Lahore Ring Road Southern Loop-III project and work is in progress on Mother & Child Hospital and Firdous Market's underpass project. Lahore's sewerage system will also be improved and people will be provided more facilities through mega projects, he assured.

PTD decides to increase inter-city buses fare by 15pc LAHORE SHAHAB OMER

INP

Nurses staged a protest near the Sindh Chief Minister’s House at PIDC traffic intersection on Monday, demanding that the government should pay their outstanding salaries and regularise their services. The protesters attempted to march towards the CM House to present their demands to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah but police as well as officials of the district administration present there did not let them proceed. They said that as many as 2,384 nurses were recruited to perform duties in Covid-19 wards but they have been deprived of their salaries for the last three months. The protesters demanded the government to immediately release their salaries and regularise their services. The Sindh Health Department said the protesting nurses were appointed on a three-month contractual basis. Their contracts have been renewed for another three months upon expiry, it added.

Robbers enter house on pretext of ‘combing operation’ in Karachi KARACHI INP

The Punjab Transport Department has decided to increase the fares of inter-city bus service by 15 per cent and a summary in this regard has also been sent to the committee of provincial cabinet, Pakistan Today has learnt reliably. Sources in the transport department said that during the lockdown, when local transport was allowed to operate, the fare of inter-city non-AC buses was reduced by 15 per cent. They said that a summary has been sent by the department to the cabinet committee stating that petrol prices have gone up which should lead to a 15 per cent increase in fares for non-AC buses. Sources believed that the decision to increase fares could not be taken until the summary was approved by the provincial cabinet. It is pertinent to mention here that in May, there were dialogues between the transport department and pub-

PESHAWAR TLTP

PESHAWAR APP

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Minister for Health, Taimur Salim Jhagra on Monday said that war footing efforts were underway to eradicate polio from the society and all available resources would be utilized to achieve the objective. He was chairing a meeting on polio that among others was attended by Director General Health Services Dr Niaz Muhammad, Special Secretary Health, Mian Adil and Dr Imtiaz Shah. Briefing the meeting, KP Emergency Operation Centre Coordinator

consider this decision because the poor man who does not already have a job can no longer bear the burden of the increase in fares,” he said. Another passenger, Ajmal Shafiq said that the government was befooling the people. “First the transporters went on strike and then negotiations resulted in a 15 per cent reduction in fares but the provincial transport authority never checked whether the transporters were really receiving the reduced fare. Less than two months later, there is again a proposal of increase in fares. In fact, the government does not want to give any relief to the public. We are forced to travel in these buses. Neither SOPs [standard operating procedures] are followed here nor is social distancing taken care of. The condition of small wagons is even worse. There, people are sitting tight and coughing in the wagons. The government is not fully focused on stopping the

Abdul Basit said that arrangements were being finalised for five-day antipolio campaign that would start from July 20 in South Waziristan. Addressing the participants, provincial minister said that polio eradication was among topmost responsibilities of government, adding that each and every citizen has to make sincere efforts in this connection. He also directed operation centre to inform government about hurdles and problems being faced relating to anti-polio campaign. He expressed satisfaction over performance of polio workers and said that they should be supported and encouraged.

spread of the coronavirus. On the other hand, the life of the poor man is being made worse, with sometimes an increase in bus fares and sometimes an increase in electricity and gas bills. We do not want such a ‘Naya Pakistan’ and ‘tabdeeli’. The government should not increase the fares,” he said. Secretary Provincial Transport Authority said that the decision to increase fares would be taken after the summary is approved. Government of Punjab Spokesperson Musarat Jamshed Cheema told Pakistan Today that the matter was still under consideration, "We have not yet finalised how much to increase fares, but as petrol prices have risen, the concerns of transporters cannot be ignored. The government is doing its best to provide relief to the people. We will not accept the rates of transporters in any case but we will find a middle way which will make both the people and the transporters happy."

KE asked to provide uninterrupted supply: Shah KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Information and Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has said that in order to face the expected heavy rains, all the stakeholders are on one page. He expressed his views while meeting various delegations at his residence Ali House Karachi. Shah said that overcoming the difficult situation during and after the rains was a tough task for them, but through combined and coordinated efforts of all the DMCs, KMC, Water Board, Cantonment and DHA, success would be achieved. He said that on the instructions of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, extraordinary measures had been taken in order to save the people from any difficulty or problem. The LG minister said that K-Electric had been requested to provide the uninterrupted supply during the rains and all the pumping stations of water board must be declared load-shedding free. PPI

Sindh governor reviews federally funded projects KARACHI PPI

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Department has decided to build a monument in order to pay tribute to the heroes who fought against the coronavirus. In this regard, students, citizens, professionals and institutions have been asked to submit their designs in the design competition for the monument. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Local Government Kamran Bangash, while expressing his views on the construction of the monument, said that the great nations do not forget their heroes. The main purpose of the monument is to salute the services of all heroes, including the police, journalists and doctors. Bangash clarified that a committee would be formed to select the best idea. Once the design idea for the monument is selected, it will be built by the private sector, he added. He said that creative ideas can be sent to the e-mail address of the Local Government Department or by post. The selected idea will be appreciated at the highest level while the place of the memorial will be provided by the Local Government Department within its jurisdiction. Kamran Bangash said that monument designs for the design competition could be submitted by July 25, 2020.

lic transporters regarding reduction of fares in which it was decided that fares would be reduced by 15 per cent. However, despite the reduction in fares, people seemed to be complaining that they were being overcharged by transporters. Rasheed Kamboh, a passenger, told Pakistan Today about the difficulty he would face because of this decision since he travels daily from an area near Sheikhupura Road to Lahore. “My office is near the Civil Secretariat for which I have to come here daily from my home which is located near Sheikhupura. The situation is already difficult and due to the deteriorating situation, our salaries have been cut. The government had recently reduced petrol prices but there was no reduction in fares. Now the price of petrol has been increased and at the same time the fare of buses is being increased, which is completely wrong with the poor man. The transport department should re-

Polio eradication among topmost priorities of government: Jhagra

Eight unidentified dacoits robbed a family of gold, cash and cell phones worth Rs1.7 million in the Orangi Town area of Karachi on Monday. According to details, an eight-member dacoit gang entered into the house under the pretext of ‘combing operation’ and robbed a family. One member of the dacoit gang said that they were conducting a search operation in the area. The dacoits asked permission, entered the house and looted cash and other valuables, said a family member of the robbed house. The accused also took two motorcycles along with them when they were leaving the house after the robbery. Police have launched an investigation and started the search for culprits. Earlier in April, two dacoits were killed in an alleged encounter with police in Gulshan-e-Maymar area of the city.

KP to build monument to pay tribute to coronavirus heroes: Bangash

He said a tax-relief package worth Rs18 billion was given to help recover the trade and industrial sector in the previous financial year. Similarly, a relief package costing Rs56 billion has also been given this financial year to support trade and business activities, he added. Meanwhile, work is in progress on 13 special economic zones and industrial estates are being set up on more than 10,000 acres in Punjab. The government is fully committed to solving the problems of the people and development work in the areas of the elected representatives will be done with their con-

sultation, the CM added. Separately, Chief Minister Buzdar chaired a meeting at his office about reforms in the Board of Revenue and directed to make functional mobile Arazi centres at the earliest. The CM stated that important reforms will be introduced to settle the revenue matters and a composite system will be devised to facilitate the citizens. He directed to constitute a committee for introducing departmental reforms under Law Minister Raja Basharat. This committee will submit its recommendations within seven days and decisions will be made in the light of committee recommendations. The chief minister regretted that the past rulers raised hollow slogans about the elimination of archaic ‘Patwari culture’ but no practical steps were taken in this regard. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is taking necessary steps to rectify the past lapses, he added.

Governor Sindh Imran Ismail presided over a review meeting of federally funded projects for the province of Sindh at Governor's House on Monday. Members of National Assembly Najeeb Haroon and Aftab Siddiqui and Members of Provincial Assembly Firdous Shamim Naqvi and Khurrum Sher Zaman attended the meeting. Chairman Sindh Infrastructure Development Company Limited (SIDCL) Samar Ali Khan, Member SIDCL Board Adnan Asdar, Mahmood Molvi, Ashraf Qureshi and other officers were also present on the occasion. The meeting discussed at length the progress of green line, purchase of fire tenders for Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, K-IV, construction of main roads in Karachi, construction of a bridge at Jinnah Avenue and other projects. The meeting also deliberated upon

various new major projects for Karachi and their pre-feasibility approval was also accorded on the occasion. The meeting further approved naming of already constructed flyovers after prominent personalities to recognize their contributions. The governor Sindh was informed that first prototype inspection of Fire tenders for KMC would be held by the end of July 2020. A joint team of KMC, SIDCL and third-party monitors would visit China shortly to check the Fire tenders, he was further informed. The meeting was apprised that the technical tenders for the purchase of busses for the green line are scheduled to be opened on 27th July 2020 while the technical tenders for IITC for the green line would be opened on 29th July 2020. The Sindh governor while stressing on completion of on-going projects also asked for conceptualisation of new projects for Karachi so as to improve the infrastructure of basis ameni-

ties in our megacity. He said that the federal government was fully aware of the development requirements of the provinces and it would provide all possible help and assistance

to the province in this regard. He added that the green line after completion and would provide state of the art travelling facilities to Karachiites which was their due right.

Tuesday, 7 July, 2020

NEWS

KP govt initiates Rs5.76bn Relief Payment to noRth WaziRistan tRadeRs peSHaWar

AZIZ bUNERI

HE Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has initiated the payment of more than Rs5.76 billion in total funds to traders affected by the military operations in North Waziristan after a period of five years. According to reports, the military operation Zarb-e-Azb, launched in 2014, against terrorists in North Waziristan affected 6,969 traders of Miranshah Bazaar. According to

estimates, traders of Miranshah Bazaar claim to have lost Rs21 billion due to the destruction caused to the market and trading goods. The KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Pervez Sabatkhel said that the provincial cabinet had decided to compensate the traders for which a committee headed by provincial law minister Sultan Muhammad Khan was formed. The five-member committee includes the provincial finance minister, relief secretary and home secretary. After negotiations with the traders com-

mittee and district administration, the KP provincial government released relief cheques to 200 traders on the first day, paying them a total of Rs5.76 billion. The committee formed by the district administration and the traders’ associations will distribute weekly relief checks to other traders after conducting inquiries. KP Provincial Assembly Member Mir Kalam Wazir said that all business activities at the Miranshah Bazaar had come to a complete halt due to terrorism and the Zarb-e-Azb operation adding that the

compensation provided by + government would help cover their financial losses, revive businesses and generate employment opportunities. Mir Kalam further informed that the traders in Miranshah Bazaar estimated more than Rs21 billion in losses however, the district administration has so far distributed just Rs1.4 million to those who claimed a loss of more than Rs3 million, Rs0.8 million to those who claimed a loss between Rs2 million and Rs3 million. Additionally, full amounts are being paid to traders claiming a

loss of less than Rs0.3 million. According to sources, the KP government’s list of the affected traders for the relief package, also includes names of people who don’t have a shop in the affected market. Additionally, according to sources, funds for the traders of Miranshah Bazaar are being provided from the Accelerated Implementation Plan (AIP) which is an injustice with the people of tribal districts as the main aim of AIP is the completion of uplift projects in tribal districts.

New rules and regulations implemented for PLRA employees LaHore ShAhAb OmER

The board of Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA) on Monday approved and initiated the implementation of the long waited service rules and regulations for its employees, Pakistan Today learnt. The authority’s spokesperson informed this scribe that the new regulations have clarified the procedure for appointment, powers, and posting of employees in addition to solidifying new rules of recruitment for contractual employees as well as procedures for medical facilities, regularisation and facilities like pension. The spokesperson said that employees are also bound to disclose their assets annually He said that the

implementation of the new regulations would have a positive impact on the delivery of public service, reduce staff issues and improve the authority’s performance. It should be noted here that several di-

rector generals (DGs) had held power after the establishment of PLRA in 2017; however, the service rules and regulations had never been formulated while no one paid serious attention to this issue either. In the past, contractual employees

Uzair Baloch was an Iranian spy, JIT report says contInued from page 01 A meeting with one such intelligence officer was subsequently arranged in which Baloch “was asked to provide certain information about armed forces officials [… ] besides general security environment of the city”, the report said. “The accused is found involved in espionage activities by providing secret informations/sketches regarding Army installations and officials to foreign agents (Iranian intelligence officers) which is a violation of Official Secrets Act, 1923,” the JIT wrote in its findings. It also revealed that Baloch has a large number of assets in Pakistan and Dubai, managed through black money, and laundered huge amounts of money through his henchmen. While being involved in illegal purchases of weapons and explosives, he

under the cover of the PAC “made Lyari his own state and put the entire city in a state of fear”, the JIT noted. The probe team recommended that criminal proceedings should be initiated against Baloch in the light of his disclosures and challans of the cases in which he was nominated be submitted in courts. It said some of the crimes confessed to by him are cognisable before the National Accountability Bureau, Federal Investigation Agency and Anti-Encroachment Cell, therefore Baloch and other accused should be handed over to these agencies for legal action. The JIT said it was “strongly recommended” that Baloch be tried under the Pakistan Army Act for his espionage activities. Last month, Karachi prison authorities had disclosed before an antiterrorism court that a military court had sentenced Baloch to 12 years’ rigorous imprisonment

in April this year after convicting him of spying for foreign countries. The report stated that certain other offences that Baloch was accused of needed “further probe” as and when fresh incriminating evidence surfaced. The Sindh government had announced on Friday that it would make the three JIT reports public by the ongoing week but challenged minister Ali Zaidi to point to any disclosure in the documents that might prove the involvement of top PPP leaders in criminal activities. Only last week, the provincial authorities had informed the Sindh High Court that they had challenged its order to make public the three JIT reports before the Supreme Court. This had come in response to a petition of PTI leader Ali Zaidi seeking to make public all three reports. He had petitioned the high court in 2017 and submit-

PSX, MUFAP appreciate ‘long overdue’ capital market reforms, urge govt to do more KaracHI mEIRYUm ALI

In a joint statement released on Monday, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and the Mutual Funds Association of Pakistan (MUFAP) appreciated the government and the regulator for what it dubbed ‘longoverdue’ capital market reforms, while also pointing out further reforms that need implementation. “The PSX and MUFAP feel greatly encouraged by the initiatives and reforms undertaken recently for capital market development. We believe that this demonstrates the commitment shown by the Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Finance and Securities and Exchange Commis-

sion of Pakistan (SECP) and its policy board towards development of capital markets,” the statement said. The recent capital market reforms include the discontinuation of institutional investment in National Savings Scheme (NSS), regulatory amendments for launch of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), revamping Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) regulations, reduction in annual monitoring fees for mutual funds and pension funds, removing tax anomalies for the mutual funds industry, book building of the PHL Energy Sukuks and expanding allowable expenses on mutual funds. While praising these changes, the PSX and MUFAP also asked the

government and the SECP to accept other proposals. These include revamping the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) regulatory structure, introducing regulatory framework and instruments for infrastructure funds and continuing pricing reforms in NSS for better management of debt maturity profile. “NSS is ultimately a scheme for the individual and vulnerable members of the society and it is best invested in by these citizens. The reform process initiated will enable the government to help such citizens better, while reducing the cost and managing the maturity of such debt with greater certainty,” said PSX Managing Director Farrukh Khan.

had often taken to protests for the increment in salaries and formulation of a service structure. An official of the authority while speaking to this scribe on condition of anonymity said that the formulation of rules and regulations would only bear fruit if the higher-ups ensure its full implementation. The official said that the condition of disclosing annual assets was a very good step on the surface, but one that would be difficult to implement as most of the staff dealing with land records was corrupt and had numerous ways to hide their corruption. The official suggested that the higherups should secretly monitor employees and their life out of work so that the system can be cleansed. ted that these JIT reports contained startling disclosures about the involvement of politicians in crimes such as murder and extortion. BALDIA FACTORY FIRE: A different nine-member JIT came to the conclusion that the horrific Baldia factory fire in 2012 was not an accident but a “planned sabotage/terror activity” in which 259 workers were burnt alive. The arson was carried out over the non-payment of Rs200 million extortion and refusal to agree to a partnership in factory profits, the report said. It held the then head of MQM’s Karachi Tanzeemi Committee, Hammad Siddiqi, and Rehman Bhola responsible for the tragedy. The JIT was also critical of the initial police investigation into the case and observed that police dealt with it in an unprofessional manner and in a way that benefited “the offenders” instead of the victims for some “motives and gains”. It said “fear and favour” were the dominating factors in the initial investigation, which affected the “length and breadth” of the police performance. The investigation team suggested that a fresh first information report (FIR) be filed under terrorism charges against the eight accused, including Hammad Siddiqi.

first batch of locally-produced ventilators handed over to ndma ISLamaBad STAFF REPORT

The first batch of domestically-produced ventilators was handed over to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) primarily to treat the critically-ill coronavirus patients, Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry announced on Monday. The announcement comes days after the US government donated 100 ventilators to support Pakistan in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Fawad had made the announcement to handover locally designed ventilators to the authority in June, saying that the country has joined the ranks of few countries producing their own ventilators. Multiple statements issued by the federal and provincial governments suggest that Pakistan is racing against time to arrange for 1,500 more ventilators as part of a contingency plan. Currently, after the arrival of USAID donation, about 1,600 ventilators are available at government hospitals treating coronavirus patients.

hearing in judge video scandal adjourned ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court on Monday adjourned the hearing in the videogate case involving a controversial video of former judge Arshad Malik till July 20. The hearing was adjourned at the request of the prosecution. During the proceedings, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecutor furnished arguments at the 23 ATA petition of two accused Nasir and Hamza for removing terrorism clauses from the case. APP

At least five killed, several injured in Karachi thunderstorm contnued from page 01 Meanwhile, K-Electric said it already took significant steps to improve its distribution network ahead of the predicted torrential rains in the city. In an update, a spokesperson for the K-Electric said protecting human lives was “a top priority” for the company. People should stay away from utility poles and broken wires in the rainy season, he advised. Among the “commendable” steps it took to improve its system were geo-tagging of high- and lowtension (HT and LT) poles, earthing, and grounding. “The K-Electric continuously remained active against the kunda [illegal electricity connections] mafia, as well as illegal Internet and TV cables on its poles,” the spokesperson added. The company also took steps against illegal street lights and dangerous switches installed on its utility poles, the official said, adding that the aim behind these

measures was to improve the system ahead of the rains in Karachi. “The protection of human lives has been our top priority,” the K-E representative noted. “We hope that the city government and related institutions will drain rain water immediately. A day prior, the PMD had forecasted monsoon rains in Sindh starting today, with heavy rainfalls expected in various cities across the province. “Rain/wind-thundershowers is expected in Sindh while heavy fall at few places is also expected in lower Sindh,” the PMD had said in its daily weather report. “Rain/wind-thundershower [with few heavy fall] is expected in Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Mirpur Khas, Islamkot, Tharparkar, Nagrparkar, and Mithi.” The monsoon system was expected to enter Tharparkar on Sunday from India’s Gujrat and was expected to enter Karachi accompanied by strong winds on Monday.

Tuesday, 7 July, 2020

06 COMMENT

The problem with Ideology

The white man’s knee on the black man’s neck Trump fights the other Americans

he American elections are still months off. The election campaign has started albeit in low key. Democrat presumptive candidate Joe Biden and President Donald Trump were initially viewed negatively by a majority of voters. Over the last few weeks however Mr Biden has managed to get ahead of the President in ratings. With the breakout of the coronavirus the situation started deteriorating for President Trump. Despite claims that the virus would soon be brought under control, US now has the largest number of positive cases and deaths in the world. The way the Trump administration has treated the “Black Lives Matter” agitation has further lowered its poll numbers. Within weeks of the tragic killing of George Floyd protestors took to demolishing symbols of slave persecution and white supremacy, beginning with Christopher Columbus who ravaged the habitations of unsuspecting and hospitable natives and took many of them as slaves back to Italy. Among the US Founding Fathers, George Washington owned slaves. The generals fighting in the Civil War on behalf of the Southern states wanted to perpetuate slavery. While some might have preferred these statues to be preserved in a museum, acts of the sort have been committed all over former colonies including India and Pakistan. Trump threatened that those who defaced statues could be sentenced to 10 years in jail. he described the black, the coloured and the liberal white supporters of the Black Lives Matter as leftists, Marxists, extremists and anarchists thus aligning himself openly with the rednecks and white supremacists. Biden has respect for another group of US heroes like those who are fighting coronavirus on the forefront like doctors and nurses, irrespective of their race or colour. In his speech on race, Joe Biden reflected on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the great Civil Rights leader’s vision for America. he earlier visited George Floyd’s family to tell, “When we get justice for George Floyd we will truly be on our way to racial justice in America”. Biden is trying to position himself as someone with the experience and empathy to lead the country out of a crisis. It is premature to predict if Biden will win. More so if he would act upon his promises.

Ali GAuhAr

hen the younger generation begins to seek knowledge and form ideas, it is only natural to favour or identify with an ideology. There is nothing wrong with that, unless they are convinced that it is only their belief system that can prevail. Problems arise when we choose to abandon critical thinking and not be open to other ideas if it does not suit the ideology we have subscribed to. nuance, context, and humility are fast becoming casualties. Defending our ideology is now more important than finding the truth. The art of civilized discourse is decaying. Worldwide, we are seeing that ideology is taking precedence over facts. It is even more concerning that the younger generation is becoming ideologically headstrong, leaving little room for other viewpoints. having an open mind is crucial for one’s development, hence pigeonholing and becoming intellectually hostage to a doctrine can be extremely counterproductive. The global political landscape is setting the stage for future ideologues. Today, we are witnessing emotional and illogical ideological politics on both the left and the right in many parts of the world. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi are examples of leaders who appeal to people’s baser instincts through emotive and divisive rhetoric, something that right wing populists are very good at. It also seems as if many on

Loadshedding woes Inadequate fuel supply and the heat

Consume carefully, please

ITh temperatures rising day by day and people being encouraged to stay home due to the Covid19 pandemic by the government, perhaps a better effort at ensuring uninterrupted supply of electricity to residences should have been made. Residents of Karachi being subjected to excessive power outages of up to ten hours in certain areas for the past week is reminiscent of an era of extreme loadshedding that the country went through up until 2016, by which time, finally, enough electricity had been added to the national grid for there to be a surplus. Kelectric, the primary and private electricity provider to the city has blamed the sharp increase in electricity usage due to the hotter weather and a severe shortage of furnace oil that would have been used to plug the megawatt gap. Although there are other power generating entities like independent power producers (IPPs), the investor-owned K-electric, enjoys a monopolistic transmission and distribution license, which means consumers in Karachi do not have any alternative. This lack of competition is what forced PTI lawmakers in Sindh to demand the introduction of new companies into the distribution chain of electricity in the city to end K-electric’s dominance. It is however, not that simple and a larger conversation must be had over the structure of power generation and distribution in the country. Karachi is unique in the way that it is the only city where a private company is the generator, distributor and transmitter of electricity all-in-one, which is also why it is run efficiently and profitably. Meanwhile, the rest of the country has to contend with the bifurcation between all three major components of electricity supply, which are fully state-owned. In Punjab for example, WAPDA generates the electricity through various sources, LeSCO distributes it and nTDC, through its severely compromised and out-dated transmission network delivers it to homes and businesses. All are loss-making inefficiently run taxpayer-money-haemorrhaging public sector enterprises that are overstaffed and cannot be privatised very easily due union protection and vested bureaucratic and political interests of past and present governments. Although loadshedding in Karachi has been resolved now that furnace oil import has been allowed, that there was an issue to begin with, makes a good case for the introduction of private-sector competition in the energy production and distribution industry. not only will consumers be able to enjoy the advantages of lowers prices and better availability, a host of other issues related to this perennially problematic sector will also be resolved.

How consumer culture goes deeper into our Psyche than we previously thought

ShAh NAwAz MohAl

e buy and consume, therefore we are. We consume calories to live. We consume heat to survive. We consume water to exist. We consume love to feel alive and die. We consume information to make sense of the world, or nonsense of sense we once made of. We consume all we can lay our hands on, our minds consume sights. We acquire to consume. We consume to sense life. We consume more, acquire more, and wolf down more, phase out more. We, dear folks, are through and through consumers from the day we enter the world to the day we bid farewell and dwell in our heavenly-infernal abodes. Answer the number of why’s below. Why do we buy something we neither need but want? Why do we buy on impulse, like compulsive apes? Why do we indulge in that pure hellish, woohoo ideal called ‘shopping till dropping therapy’? Why, when you are not paying for something, you are the product? Why social media feeds get inundated with sales and stuff, you showed interest in? Why do you crave and hanker after contentment of soul and seek, even find it in delicious food? Why do designer clothes make you whole? Why do expensive watches make us more confident?

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ing the constitution (for just over 40 days) is worse than the most vile acts terrorism. This is exactly why disproportionate hatred is dangerous. Those who bethe left have backed themselves into ideological corners lieve that Pakistan is in a shambles solely because of in response. Thus, extreme polarization and disunity one institution are living in a fool’s paradise. One-dimensional analysis, which is a symptom of hardcore best describe the current state of society worldwide. The more an individual identifies with an ideol- ideologues, will not solve anything. Any political anogy, the more unwilling they are to accept new ideas. alyst worth their salt will adopt a multi-varied approach Unknowingly, they have abdicated their mind to the to analyse a situation. Over simplifying complicated narrative they believe in. Identifying with a certain issues is never the answer. It is thus crucial that even doctrine does not mean one should sacrifice their if one strongly believes in something, they should have the sense not to hold themright to think outside it. Unselves hostage to their narrafortunately, ideologies, potive, and most importantly, litical or religious in nature have the humility to listen to are very certain of their others. The late filmmaker rightness, and thus become President Trump and Prime and cinematographer Albert dogmatic. even when new circumstances and evidence Minister Modi are examples of Maysles once memorably said, “Tyranny is the delibersurface, followers who pasleaders who appeal to people’s ate removal of nuance.” That sionately believe in a docis the difference between trine will be reluctant to baser instincts through wisdom and folly. sway from their position. It is important to stress In Pakistan, religious ideemotive and divisive rhetoric, that identifying with a particologues have continually something that right wing ular ideology does not make thrust their warped interpreyou an ideologue, but identitation of religion. They have populists are very good at. It fying exclusively with a cerseeped into every segment of tain doctrine while society and have actively disalso seems as if many on the downgrading alternatives couraged tolerance, equality, left have backed themselves does. It is imperative that the and free thought. Obscurant younger generation makes a clerics in Pakistan are a prime into ideological corners in concerted effort to critically example of the problem with think, and question what they adamantly believing in an response. Thus, extreme believe in. Challenging your ideology, especially without exposure or education, which polarization and disunity best beliefs doesn’t make you weaker; it in fact strengthens lays the groundwork for describe the current state of your inquisitiveness, which is tyranny and regression. the source of further research When you look at the edsociety worldwide. and discovery. It is very easy ucated left in Pakistan, one to label people if we don’t would expect them to be agree with them. It is much more flexible and less selfharder to sit down and listen. righteous. The left are usually very critical of the army, which is their right, We must acknowledge that we don’t know everything, however we have often seen their analysis skewed be- which is why when you are listening to someone you cause of their dislike for the institution. For example, don’t agree with, make a conscious effort to assume when the judgment against former President Musharraf they may know something that you do not. was announced-that his body be dragged and hanged Ali Gauhar is a sports anchor on PTV World on Islamabad’s main avenue and left hanging for three days, rather than being repulsed, they either celebrated English where he hosts “Sports Extra”. He can be or stayed silent. Some went so far to say that abrogat- reached at aligauhar41@gmail.com

And the decay of fact-based dialogue and debate

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Why are swanky cars; fast, phallic-symbolizing ones fulfillment. In short, an advertiser’s job is to sell things, stuff that we hanker after? Why do trips to exotic lands, which we have already and ideas packed, packaged and ready to be delivered as bundles of joy and contentment to consumers. seen in our feeds, excite us? The folks in the advertising business invoke pasBecause we are men, we are sons of women; we are daughters of Adam and are incomplete. The an- sion, manipulate emotions, ask a celebrity to endorse swer to many of these questions lie in our species’ per- a product as a magic-bullet, inculcate fear of being petual sense of incompleteness. From cradle to grave, left-out, promise fame and recognition, and make we strive for completeness in relationships, achieve- many believe that happiness is just a purchase away. ments, possessions, and stuff. Be it the modern man They know the consumer is not a moron, they also know he just masquerades with his limitless reservoir of around donning a rational, distractions or the ancient logical persona. And deep hunter-gatherer who had to down, a consumer is as use his fight or flight inmuch prone to calls of enstincts at the spur of the moThe need to acquire more, ticement, excitement and adment, the journey to feel buy more, possess more, venture as a kid would be. whole continues. you can’t flaunt it And here enters acquisiconsume more, however, has withIf wanton abandon, it tiveness along with its various traps. Acquisitiveness is turned the majority of us into does not matter. If it isn’t better than others, it does not neither evil in itself nor worfolks who solemnly believe count. If what you possess is thy of hatred. The need to not unique enough, it is run acquire more, buy more, that every ill, every evil, of the mill. Our quest for possess more, consume identity has taken us to more, however, has turned every dilemma has its many places and given us the majority of us into folks solution in acquiring more, great men who were aswho solemnly believe that tronomers, scientists, mathevery ill, every evil, every buying more, possessing ematicians, painters, writers, dilemma has its solution in poets, leaders, prophets and acquiring more, buying more, and consuming more. leaders. They sought their more, possessing more, and identity through their deeds, consuming more. And that, And that, as most of us are acts, inventions, preaching as most of us are slowly slowly coming to realize, is and discoveries. The hoi coming to realize, is cerpolloi, however, since time tainly not the case. certainly not the case. immemorial sought prestige, You are what you own is position and identity by acthe mantra of our times. quiring wealth, making profOwning more things, ownits, grabbing posts and ing better things, owning what most don’t or can’t own has reduced us to ma- positions of influence and caring for their progeny. The Prince of Paradox, G.K Chesterton may be of niacs whose sole concern is to feel better through acquisition. The cars we drive are messages. The some help here. Chesterton wrote and I quote, ‘there clothes we wear yell our position in life. The houses are two ways to get enough: one is to continue to acwe live in are banners. The jobs we have decide what cumulate more and more. The other is to desire less’. To acquire more and perpetuate the craving or to social status we possess. The people we know decide desire less and be at peace with ourselves; that choice, where we stand in society’s hierarchy. There are those who manufacture, produce, cre- dear folks, is ours. ate and sell. And there are those who buy, consume Shah Nawaz Mohal is a law graduate, feature and acquire. Then, there are those who facilitate them both through advertisement. They facilitate the man- writer and columnist. At present he is studying world ufacturers by advertising their product and buyers by literature at University of Potsdam, Germany. He can offering them a chance at happiness, contentment and be reached at mshahnawazmohal@gmail.com

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Tuesday, 7 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

Shrinking space for religious freedom AS the authorities in the federal capital halted the constriction of the hindu temple, the wave of religious intolerance, narrow-mindedness, and bigotry swept the country with the rabid outcry of protests and demonstrations. The move, that started with an admirable and inspiring beginning, when the government approved Rs100 million worth funds for the construction of the hindu Temple for the influential hindu community which encompasses employees from both private and public sectors and members of the business community, took a dark turn. As the religious clerics blatantly opposed this decision and threatened action if the authorities went ahead with the construction, the whole scenario becomes ironic. As our statements against Indian establishment paying a blithe disregard to Muslim worship places and values sardonically smirk at our bigotry at home, our confusion with our stance sees that light of the day. More than that when our private channels remark the “successful” cessation of the temple construction as our victory, it is a sad indictment of the dwindling space for religious freedom in Pakistan. As the country’s minorities are pushed unfairly against the wall by influential groups that threaten the authorities to the fear of conformity and submission, the whole scenario poignantly illuminates the permeation of religious discrimination at the grassroots of all aspects of our society. Hadia MukHtar karacHi

Effective parenting

Russia emerging as the new agricultural epicenter Pakistan could learn a thing or two a $70 billion investment package to boost pro- strength of local competitors. One proof of this ductivity in the agriculture sector via improved was the closing of an American trade group after infrastructure and logistics. The Agriculture Min- 26 years of operations. Russia has inistry reported in the creased its market share third quarter of 2019 in the Middle east and that it is targeting grain Africa. Russian weather production of 150.3 Islamabad should ban – or conditions, and its geomillion tonnes by 2023, graphical location, a conspicuous attempt starts with controlling – helped them beat the that could prove to be competitors in America. instrumental in achievimports. Then gradually, They grabbed the maring the country’s target ket by lowering prices, of $45 billion agriculthere should be a complete and banning agricultural export by 2024. ban on importing cereals and tural imports from Since the collapse western counties. now of the USSR, the agrivegetables, complemented Russia is targeting other cultural sector has gone distant markets, such as through a lot of transwith proper planning and Indonesia and Mexico. formation, from “an inkisaan packages. This can SuMeerA ASGhAr roy Pakistan has excelsufficient collective lent potential for grain model to the sufficient prove to be a turnaround and vegetable produccapitalist model.” tion. This is where we According to the ODAY, Russia is a major player in the for the sluggish economy can learn from Russian global wheat and grain market. Its head of Sovecon, an of Pakistan. practices, especially consulnumbers leave behind all global pow- agricultural from the fact that they ers. The credit for this goes to the grain tancy in Russia, the started doing well after industry of Russia, which has brought agriculture sector rebanning imports from back the confidence in an erstwhile dead econ- mains in private hands, western counties. which boosted the comomy, by bolstering the agriculture sector. The local farmers and growers seized the opRussian agricultural production has in- petition in the country. now the role of the state creased around 20% in the last half a decade, de- has increased in the agriculture sector. It is an- portunity, and began growing grains – wheat, barspite the broader recession. Russian President other positive for the Russian economy. In 2014, ley, et al. – now they are the leaders in grain Vladimir Putin expressed his joy by dubbing it Moscow decided to ban agricultural imports production. The same can be followed in Pakistan. Islamabad should ban – or starts with cona “breakthrough”, while discussing these figures from nations which had sanctioned Russia, givtrolling – imports. Then gradually, there should ing an additional boost to the local growers. in a meeting with growers and farmers. Back in history, Russia was a big agrarian be a complete ban on importing cereals and vegIn 2017, Russia’s revenues from agriculture exporter. Then a Bol- etables, complemented with proper planning and exports reached over shevik collective ap- kisaan packages. This can prove to be a turn$20 billion. Grains have proach wiped out around for the sluggish economy of Pakistan. been the star of the Pakistani and Russian agriculture sectors farming culture and show, as Russia became Back in history, Russia created an inefficient have many similarities. neither country is a stathe number one exporter cooperative system, ble economy. Food security is a common probof wheat for the first was a big agrarian which forced the Soviet lem for both – Russia still imports more food time in 2016. Russians Union to import grain than it exports. But Russia is on track, approachhave started to underline exporter. Then a ing its goal of feeding itself. In the last five and other food items. that, for them, “grain is Bolshevik collective After the collapse years, Russia has become self-sufficient in the now second oil”. of the Soviet Union, poultry industry. If Russian agriculture can grow Russia’s wheat exapproach wiped out farmers and growers from scratch, why not Pakistan’s? port exceeded that of Wheat is staple food outside Pakistan as had to learn modern the United States and farming culture and agriculture growing well. The whole of South Asia eats wheat and the european Union, created an inefficient system and reforms. rice. Therefore, we can earn a good share of our respectively. Russia They travelled the trembling economy by focusing on grain, vegcurrently holds a 22% cooperative system, world to study the best etable, and poultry industry. share of the global The time has come to explore every availmanagement practices wheat market with the which forced the Soviet systems, to learn about able option to help Pakistan’s economy. By inieU and the US, acUnion to import grain and the private ownership tiating a comprehensive plan, and a channelized counting for 14% and and mainly how people approach, in collaboration with astute think13%, respectively. This other food items. tanks, who know agriculture in a real and proper work for themselves. is a remarkable Over the decades, sense, with modern application and competiachievement for a the government made tion, Pakistan too can take strides towards selfcountry that was close agriculture a national sufficiency. to becoming a net food priority and showed support by offering subsiimporter a few years ago. Sumeera Asghar Roy is a doctoral candidate This episode encouraged Russia to invest ad- dies, along with investment in machinery and equately in the country’s agriculture sector with land. The government recognized the newfound at China Agricultural University, Beijing

We usually observe that a child becomes monitor of his class, he is brilliant at his academic work, he participates in Debate competition that takes place in his school and actively participates in Sports activities. By doing all this he showcases his skills and proves his mettle. All these skills and abilities are naturally inbuilted in him by birth or we can say that he is born with all those capabilities. his achievements in childhood indicate us to work hard over his hidden skills and show him the right path to live a successful life, In our society hustling schedule of parents is the biggest issue that prevent them from giving an effective and deserving upbringing to their children subsequently by the passage of time parents impose their decisions, whims and wishes over a child without even knowing his ambitions and motives and then he keeps sailing in a powerless boat for the rest of his Life. Illustrious American Psychologist howard Gardner proposes that a child is blessed with at least eight skills and he keeps divulging and making use of it in different phases of his life. Decision making is one of those skills but constant intervention of parents puts an unpropitious impact on that ability which completely deflects the directions of a child,s life. In this era of technology children are expert at operating Mobiles and other scientific devices as compare to their parents and they try to show their skills by using these devices, parents may keep an eye over their children so they may not get addicted to excessive use of it but they can not completely prevent them from using these devices as these devices are now their classrooms as well. now let’s discuss another categorisation proposed by Garner, those children who are good at painting, singing, acting and writing can be viewed as creative minded, If a child heedfully spends money he can be termed as “Business minded”. If a child gets combative very often then it shows that his emotional quinton is very strong as their behaviour can be normalised through effective counseling. Comparing children with each other is predicament which also is a major impediment in the way of a child,s progress. Parents should keep sagacious surveillance over their children so their strengths could be identified as earlier as possible and they could be made autonomous enough to take their own decisions freely without any cargo and cramp kaMran kHaMiSo kHowaja Sujiwal

US election ReSPeCTeD SIR, every presidential election has its unique circumstances but this one is more extraordinary than most, not least in that it is taking place while the world struggles with a pandemic – and the United States is the country worst affected. But even before the crisis began, both Republicans and Democrats saw this as an epochal contest. For Republicans, it is an opportunity to finish the job, proving to the Washington establishment — the “swamp” — that despite impeachment, investigations into Russian collusion and a chaotic, disorganised White house, with unprecedented turnover of administration officials, the president’s voters still have his back. For Democrats, it is their only shot at curtailing the Trump presidency, correcting America’s path and — depending on which wing of the party. Four months ago, Donald Trump’s odds of winning a second term had never looked better. After an easy acquittal in his impeachment trial, his approval rating had reached its highest level in three years, and was approaching the upper-40s range that delivered re-election to George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Unemployment was at a 50-year low, setting him up to take credit for a strong economy. And Bernie Sanders, a self-described socialist, had won the popular vote in each of the first three Democratic primary contests. But even by Mr Trump’s frenetic standards, the tumble in his political stock since then has been remarkably abrupt. First, Joe Biden, Barack Obama’s moderate and well-liked vice-president, pulled off a comeback for the ages, surging from the verge of dropping out to presumptive nominee. Then covid-19 battered America, claiming at least 110,000 lives and 30m jobs. And just when deaths from the virus began to taper off, protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd convulsed cities across America. Mr Trump’s callous response has widened the empathy gap separating him from Mr Biden into a chasm. even at the president’s highwater mark in February, he trailed Mr Biden by five percentage points in national polling averages. That deficit has now swelled to eight. Polls of swing states tell a similar tale. Mr Biden is not only ahead in the midwestern battlegrounds that elected Mr Trump the first time, but also in Florida and Arizona. even states that Mr Trump won easily in 2016, such as Georgia, Texas, Iowa and Ohio, look competitive. There is little question that if the election were held today, Mr Biden would win in a nearlandslide. The election, of course, will not be held today. SyEd taHir raSHdi SHaHdapur

Tuesday, 7 July, 2020

08 WORLD VIEW

China’s rise as a global power reaChes its riskiest point yet

stratfor worldview

RodgeR BakeR

hINA is an empire in the modern sense — a nation strengthened (but also held hostage) by its long supply chains, compelled to ever greater economic and political intercourse to preserve its interests, and increasingly drawn into the security sphere as well. It uses its economic, political and military leverage to expand its own direct sphere of operations, from the South China Sea to India and across Central Asia into europe. The more engaged it is internationally, the more dependent it is on maintaining and strengthening those connections, which are critical for Chinese economic growth and, by extension, domestic management of its massive, diverse and economically unequal population.

REVISITING JAPAN’S RISE: Perhaps the most dangerous time for a rising power is when it is strong enough to feel confident and arouse suspicion from rivals, but not yet powerful enough to ensure its intended new position in the face of resistance. A dual sense of destiny and insecurity can lead to higher levels of risk tolerance, a greater sense of urgency, and at times, self-fulfilling prophecies of international confrontation. Japan’s imperial rise from the late 1800s through World War II is a prime example. An advancing industrial power in an era of empires, Japan was emboldened by its successes in the Sino-Japanese War in the last decade of the 19th century and the Russo-Japanese War in the first decade of the 20th century. Japan’s expectation of being accepted as an equal among the leading empires and nations of the time was dashed by post-World War I settlements, and a begrudged and insecure Tokyo that ultimately launched a major military vitalization to press outward and claim leadership within the Asia-Pacific region. As Japan’s power grew and its imperial ambitions were laid bare, it triggered an economic and political response from the United States and other large powers, with Washington ultimately cutting off supplies of vital commodities to the expanding Japanese empire. The U.S. ability to stifle the Japanese economy, and in particular its war efforts in China, was an existential threat to Japanese strategic interests, and Japan was too committed to its imperial program to withdraw and accept constraint. Despite the recognized risk of losing, Japan chose and committed to a military

CHINA WILL CONTINUE TO RELY ON A POLICY OF DIVISION, EXPLOITING THE RIFTS IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE LIBERAL WESTERN WORLD ORDER TO DELAY ANY COLLECTIVE ACTION THAT MAY EXPOSE ITS WEAKNESS OR FORCE A STUMBLE IN ITS STRIDE course against the United States, accepting the risk of war over the reality of economic and political strangulation. A MODERN-DAY EMPIRE IN THE MAKING: China, however, is not Imperial Japan. And today’s world is not a world of empires, where conquering neighbors was a common practice of international relations. But China does sit at a moment in history that is loosely analogous to that of a rising Japan. Over the last half-century, China has moved rapidly from a developing nation to a country with increasing technological competence and competitiveness that hosts the world’s second-largest economy, as well as one of the world’s largest modern militaries. Under the guidance of President Xi Jinping, who took office in 2013, Chinese society has also pulled closer together around a new nationalism that lays claim to the country’s 5000-year history and the righteous indignation of its so-called “century of humiliation” at the hands of Western and Japanese imperialism. The challenge for China, however, is that international fears of “China’s rise” are no longer being ignored or subsumed in debates over globalization versus nationalism. The relative power balance with the United States is no longer one Washington can simply hope away. And even the european Union, the vanguard of globalism, is increasingly concerned by China’s economic and regulatory reach, and is taking steps to curtail Chinese investments in critical sectors. Following the end of the Cold War, the United States policy toward China could be summed up in a single word: cajoling. While there were moments of extreme tension, the overall intent was to try to draw China into a North Atlantic-centered world system, based on democratic liberalism and free-market capitalism. Avoiding overt confrontation was a key part of this policy — and something China rapidly learned to exploit. Beijing’s steady expansion in the South China Sea, for example, always moved in increments small enough that Washington would weigh the cost of response as too high. During this time, China adapted to ideas and systems that fit its needs, but Beijing also reinforced its own system centered on state capitalism. The stronger China grew, the more confident it was in its system, and the more China has sought to alter the Western-centric international norms. If China was a major player in the global economy, and its

economic development was largely on par with countries in the global south, why should it or other emerging countries still play by the rules set more than half a century ago by a small number of North Atlantic nations with a common heritage and an anti-Soviet agenda? China’s economic success, and the apparent political, economic and social chaos in the United States and even europe, appeared to bolster China’s case with much of the world. THE RACE TO THE TOP: By boldly asserting its global role, China has moved beyond its former walk softly and bide time approach. Beijing, however, also knows it’s not actually ready to support the role of a global leader, and any easing now may expose that weakness. China still needs time to complete its program of national rejuvenation and strengthening. But it is already facing constraints and restrictions on access to markets and technology, and is seeing a rise of military activity within its own near abroad. The United States, in particular, has recognized that there is no longer a value in cajoling China. The other options are simply accepting that China will play a major role in rewriting the international order, or taking action to constrain the Chinese advance — and Washington has chosen the latter by returning to a coercive strategy. *The United States has stepped up its drive to break its dependence on China for technology supply chains, and is urging companies to leave China. *The U.S. Navy has also maintained a robust operational tempo along the Chinese periphery, and engaged in maritime exercises with several regional countries, including Japan and Australia, and paid a major port visit to Vietnam. U.S. moves to cut China off from international semiconductor supply chains to limit investment and intellectual flows are clearly attempts to stifle Chinese development, and Beijing sees these as little less threatening than Japan saw U.S. restrictions of scrap steel and tropical resources. But if Beijing does not yet have the confidence or strength to use its military in a way comparable to the other big powers — namely, the United States, Russia and europe — it still has a useful tool in its kit to counter rising international pressure. China can, and actively does, work to exploit fis-

Regime change in Iran should not be American policy AS DEXTER FILKINS REPORTS IN THE NEW YORKER, THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THE IRANIAN REGIME IS CONTEMPLATING REVENGE AHEAD OF THE 2020 ELECTION IN ORDER TO HUMILIATE THE ADMINISTRATION

Newsweek CURT MILLS

he United States is enduring a new economic depression, an ongoing (perhaps worsening) pandemic and internal fissures on a scale not seen in 160 years. From a clear—if still flawed—beacon of hope for the world, America has in the space of a single generation become a land of low growth, debauched inequality and imperial defeat. The prospects for younger generations of Americans are obviously diminished; the country sports second-world infrastructure and Greek levels of debt, and its struggles with health care and internal violence are the subjects of deserved, international ridicule. In a more recent development, the scenes of rank iconoclasm unfolding in its cities—most provocatively, yards from the executive mansion itself—unambiguously show the world a country that is either unappreciative of, or in full revolution against, its own national inheritance. This is not to say America is finished—far from it— but it does suggest that policymakers who wish to preserve its international primacy should understand they are playing with a weaker hand. Global micromanagement is a luxury we can no longer afford—and there is no clearer instance of overstretch than U.S. policy toward Iran. Thirty years after Francis Fukuyama infamously declared “the end of history,” democracy, liberalism and open market capitalism are in retreat, if not actively threatened with extinction. The evidence is clear that the U.S. should get its own house in order before picking the drapes elsewhere. Consider that the regime in Tehran is a mediocre theocracy in a region of declining national interest; yet to hear it from the State Department, it’s the Iranians who constitute this country’s preeminent challenge. This animus is sustained by an obsession among some in America’s Deep State—40 years of bad blood has built up since Shah Reza Pahlavi was run of town.

he was our man in Tehran, and one has only to listen to media broadcasts from the 1970s to get a sense of how infectious Washington’s optimism was for his reign. “Persia is moving up in the world,” one newscast proclaimed. “Tehran is a modern city, vividly leaning more West than east. The mini-skirt is here and along with it has come a new freedom of expression.” Of course, we know what happened next. Pahlavi was tossed, dethroned by the hypnotic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and the American defense establishment has been smarting ever since. Yet rather than question whether Western meddling in Iranian affairs—the unconditional backing of the authoritarian shah, for instance, or the CIA-sponsored defrocking of nationalist Mohammad Mosaddegh—had caused this crisis in the first place, the United States has instead doubled down. Cribbing a line from Iran’s supreme leader, former U.S. officials Daniel Benjamin and Steven Simon have called Iran “America’s great satan.” Writing in Foreign Affairs, the duo point out: “Imagine historians a century from now trying to decide which foreign power the United States feared most in the decades from the late Cold War through 2020. ...[T]hey would see Russia first as an arch-enemy of the United States, then as a friend, and finally as a challenging nuisance. They would see China transform from a sometime partner to a greatpower rival. North Korea would appear as a sideshow. Only one country would be depicted as a persistent and implacable foe: Iran.” It hasn’t worked out. A lifetime ago—January—Donald Trump proved himself again more lucky than good, assassinating the regime’s second most important figure, Major Qassem Soleimani, with minimal apparent blowback. But Iran was, and is, largely a sideshow. In the same timeline, the administration could have been preparing a more fulsome response to the coming, international COVID-19 breakout, or negotiating a tougher trade deal with the Chinese communists, rather than a vainglorious cave to Beijing to save a stock market that would collapse months later anyway. And there’s no guarantee the U.S. is out of the woods, either. As Dexter Filkins reports in The New Yorker, there is evidence that the Iranian regime is contemplating revenge ahead of the 2020 election in order to humiliate the administration. For a government seem-

ingly obsessed with Iran, it could be the killing stroke. As Americans lose faith in their own government, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo remains committed to throwing stones from a glass house. In recent remarks, he proclaimed that “the rogue regimes in Caracas and Tehran are unified by their penchant for repressing their people, corruption, self-enrichment and gross mismanagement of their peoples’ wealth.” he also announced yet another tranche of sanctions against the Iranians (and the Venezuelans). A day later—even as, or perhaps because, the administration he serves looks likely to be gone come January—he imposed more economic penalties, this time on Iran’s metal industry. In its belligerence toward Iran, the United States stands nearly alone on the international stage, yet the administration continues to ceaselessly beat the drum. “We will continue to exert maximum pressure on Iran,” Pompeo said, “until the regime decides to start behaving like a normal country.” There is certainly a case that the Obama administration was overeager to cut a deal with Tehran’s mullahs, and shift American interest in the region toward cold agnosticism (our Saudi, emirati and egyptian partners, it should be noted, are hardly without their own flaws). But the zeal with which Trump— whether deliberately or, worse, through sheer disinterest—has overcorrected, from shredding Obama’s nuclear deal without a replacement to killing Soleimani, has been a disfiguring development for U.S. foreign policy. George Washington and Dwight eisenhower—statesmen who shared the experience of leading the country through pivotal wars, then shepherding its recovery afterward —both dedicated their parting shots in power to the same thing: cautioning against overreach overseas. President Washington said in his Farewell Address that the ideal country would “avoid the necessity of those overgrown military establishments which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty.” In his closing salvo, President eisenhower warned: “Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. ...This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. ...We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or un-

sures in the international system, divisions among the North Atlantic nations, stresses in the U.S. alliance and partnership structure, and the perception of inequality between advanced and developing nations in international institutions. Should the West coordinate in their attempts to constrain and shape Chinese development, it would come at a time when China remains vulnerable. Beijing is moving faster to strengthen its position around its periphery, from Xinjiang and hong Kong to the south and east China Seas and the Tibetan Plateau. It needs to accelerate its domestic technology drive, turbocharge domestic consumption, and lock in economic dependencies and political connections across eurasia. China is also cautiously eyeing the U.S. presidential election in November, concerned that a change in U.S. policy could lead to greater trans-Atlantic economic and political coordination, as well as increased trans-Pacific economic and security coordination against China. With the U.S. election only months away, China has a small window to simultaneously accelerate its own national security position and increase its efforts to exploit differing priorities before a potential change in U.S. leadership heals the current perception of a go-it-alone United States. Over the next year, we thus can expect Beijing to be more aggressive in its near abroad when it comes to territory and military movement, and more conciliatory and cooperative in europe, Africa and Asia when it comes to economics, investment and calls for globalization. These seemingly contradictory paths are, in fact, complementary — one secures the buffer space around China, the other keeps the world divided about how to manage China’s emergence. It is a difficult balance to maintain, and the pressure on Beijing, from domestic economic and demographic challenges to external military activity and economic levers, make this a risky moment in China’s assertion of its global status. But while we are no longer in the era of traditional empires, and active warfare against one another is the anomaly rather than the norm for the largest powers, history shows us that such transitions are filled with uncertainty, urgency and higher risk tolerance — and Beijing’s moment will prove no different. Rodger Baker leads Stratfor’s strategic thinking on global issues and future trends.

sought, by the military-industrial complex.” And as a private citizen, former President harry Truman—the architect of NATO and the CIA—decried the efflorescence of the Deep State he helped found. “I think it has become necessary to take another look at the purpose and operations of our Central Intelligence Agency—CIA,” Truman wrote in a letter to The Washington Post in 1963, shortly before his death. The facts on the ground have certainly changed since the 1790s—or since the mid-20th century. We no longer have a sparsely populated continent left to develop, or an economic position of unrivaled supremacy. But with one of the world’s two mega economies, continued natural abundance and a peerless military, all is not lost. Anchoring the country’s international engagement in realism and restraint should therefore be the most important new foreign policy business of the day. From the gratuitous militarization of domestic police to the crimes against American citizens by the National Security Agency reported last decade, it’s clear—as journalist Chris hedges observed of Thucydides’ reports from antiquity—that global and domestic developments are closely linked: “the tyranny the Athenian leadership imposed on others it finally imposed on itself.” A shift to a regime change policy on Iran would be imprudent, at best—and a body blow to America’s global preeminence, at worst. Consider how far the follies in Iraq and Afghanistan have set back the country. Many, of course, will argue that the Iranian theater is different— and that getting tough won’t necessarily result in kinetic war. But it’s telling that the same voices advancing those arguments also waved off concerns about our previous Middle east fiascoes. As a historical analogue, the French Revolution is also back in vogue. And here, too, the United States should work to follow the example of Washington, who maintained a healthy skepticism toward the schemes of France’s Jacobins. If tyranny be overthrown—so be it, and quite possibly it’s a cause for celebration. But America should be perennially wary of overinvolvement in a country about which it knows little. Some close to the president have implied that the U.S. already has a de facto policy of regime change for Iran. They might be right. But as our country faces innumerable challenges of much greater seriousness, it would be a grave mistake to commit blood and treasure to such a futile and frivolous cause, no matter how revolting sections of the Iranian leadership may be. To steal a line from Pompeo, whichever party triumphs in November, it’s high time America acts like “a normal country” and returns to the negotiating table. Curt Mills is senior reporter at The American Conservative, covering national security and the 2020 campaign. Mills was a 2018–2019 Robert Novak Fellow.

Tuesday, 7 July, 2020

busIness 09

TexTile millerS fear producTion loSSeS amid power ouTageS, low gaS preSSure LAHORE

Sngpl shareholders elect 11 directors BUSINESS DESK The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited’s shareholders have elected 11 directors of the company for next triennial starting from July 6, 2020. Of the elected directors, five are independent (including one female director). The elected directors include Ahmad Aqeel, Ms Roohi Raees Khan, Manzoor Ahmed, Rizwanullah Khan, Dr Sohail Razi Khan, Mohammad Haroon, Muhammad Ayub Chaudhry, Sajid Mehmood Qazi, Naveed Kamran Baloch, Yousaf Naseem Khokhar and Afan Aziz. “The earlier held extraordinary general meeting of the SNGPL shareholders on June 23, 2020 was adjourned due to a stay order, dated June 22, 2020, of Lahore High Court, restraining the company from holding election of directors,” said a statement issued by SNGPL. “Now, the said stay order has been vacated and LHC has dismissed the said petition vide order dated July 03, 2020.” The adjourned EGM was reconvened Monday at the company’s head office.

SBp extends refinance facility to hospitals serving non-covid-19 patients KARACHI MEIRYUM ALI

In light of the deteriorating situation of healthcare in Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has extended its refinance facility to hospitals serving non-Covid-19 patients. In a statement released on Monday, the SBP stated, “To cope with the rising needs of the health facilities in general in the country, SBP has allowed hospitals serving patients even other than Covid-19 to avail this facility.” Additionally, the refinance facility now allows manufacturers of protective gears and equipment, including items such as masks, dresses, testing kits, hospital beds, and ventilators, to avail the scheme. On March 17, the SBP had introduced a refinance scheme titled ‘Refinance Facility to Combat Covid-19 (RFCC)’, which was designed to support the health sector during the Covid-19 pandemic. Under this scheme, the SBP provided loans to banks at 0pc, which could then charge a maximum rate of 3pc for five years to hospitals and medical centres who need a loan to buy medical equipment and set up isolation wards. The scheme is available until end-September 2020.The scheme’s coverage was partially extended on April 6, while the maximum refinancing limit was increased on April 30. The scheme has proven popular and necessary: since its inception up till July 2, Rs6.4 billion of concessional credit have been approved for hospitals to fight Covid-19. As per the new circular, existing hospitals looking to expand, or brand new hospitals, can also avail the refinance facility. This is provided they meet certain minimum requirements such as 50 bedded tertiary care, 24 hours fully equipped emergency, in-house laboratory facility, and ICU with ventilators, among others.

HASSAN NAQVI

LL Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA)-Punjab Chairman Adil Bashir has said that frequent power outages and inadequate supply of gas were causing serious problems for the manufacturing units of the province. "Textile mills are facing serious issues of power fluctuations and unannounced load shedding over the last few weeks. Similarly, they are also confronted with a serious issue of extremely low gas pressure," he said in a statement issued on Monday. In addition, he added, the member mills were facing supply interruptions in the supply of fur-

nace oil, a commodity of paramount importance for manufacturing processes such as dyeing, drying, heating etc. "Under the prevalent circumstances, textile mills will not be able to maintain the smooth flow of export orders," Bashir said, adding that all requests for resolution of this issue at local levels have remained futile. He recalled that the government had resolved to provide uninterrupted electricity and gas to five export-oriented zero-rated sectors in order to foster exports and earn valuable foreign exchange for the country. "At this critical junction, when the exports of the country have started recovering after a steep fall in

April, it is imperative for the government to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas to the mills," he remarked. The APTMA official said the country's export industry was committed to maximising its productivity, but their efforts were going in vain due to frequent fluctuations in the provision of basic utilities. Bashir urged Power and Petroleum Minister Omar Ayub Khan, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) CEO Mujahid Pervez Chattha and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) MD Amer Tufail to immediately restore normal supply of gas and electricity to textile exporters-cum-manufacturing units so as to enable them to fulfil their commitment of surplus exports.

MARKET DAILY After three months of Stocks gain stagnation, cement 151 points in despatches surge 30pc in June range-bound OVERALL CEMENT CONSUMPTION IN FY20 INCREASES 2PC TO 47.81M TONNES, MAINLY ON THE BACK OF 19.8PC GROWTH IN EXPORTS

session

KARACHI ARIBA SHAHID

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Cement despatches increased by 29.94pc to 4.623 million tonnes in June 2020 as compared to 3.557 million tonnes in June 2019, ending the fiscal year 2019-20 on a positive note after three consecutive months of stagnation. According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), the domestic cement uptake increased by 19.63pc to 3.835 million tonnes in June 2020 from 3.206 million tonnes in June 2019, while exports surged by 123.89pc, from 0.351 million tonnes in June 2019 to 0.787 million tonnes in June 2020. Domestic cement consumption in the country's northern region was recorded at 3.384 million tonnes in June 2020, as against 2.750 million tonnes in June 2019. However, exports from the region declined to 46,025 tonnes this June compared with 0.145 million tonnes last year. The scenario was completely opposite in the southern region, where domestic consumption declined to 0.451 million tonnes YoY in June 2020 from 0.455 million tonnes last year, but exports increased from 0.206 million tonnes in June 2019 to 0.742 million tonnes during the period under review. The overall cement consumption during FY20 inched up by 1.98pc to 47.81 million tonnes, mainly on the back of 19.8pc growth in exports, which crossed the seven million tonne mark after a long time. Domestic consumption, however, contracted by almost one per cent, the first such decline in the last six years. The southern cement units performed well in exports while the northern region mostly catered to local consumption. In FY20, the mills in the northern zone

despatched 34.327 million cement to the local market, which was 6.07pc higher than the previous fiscal. However, it lost 22pc of the export market by exporting only 1.97 million tonnes of cement. It may be noted that the region had lost the Indian market due to protective policies of the Indian government, and the Afghan market due to a decline in construction activities in the landlocked country. In the southern zone, the mills were badly hit by low consumption in the region as their despatches declined by 29.37pc to only 5.637 million tonnes. However, exports from the region registered a healthy increase of 46.47pc to 5.877 million tonnes. In fact, cement exports were higher than the local consumption perhaps for the first time in history. "The higher uptake in June has given a hope that the new fiscal year would be better as a result of the incentives provided to the construction sector," the APCMA spokesperson remarked.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) moved within a narrow range on Monday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index managing to gain some territory amid lack of triggers. "Exploration & production, oil & gas marketing, chemical, cement and pharma sectors fared comparatively well today. However, the fertiliser sector bore price loss on the back of profit booking," said a report issued by Arif Habib Ltd. The KSE-100 Index remained volatile throughout the day, registering its intraday low at 35,002.11 (-49.27 points) and intraday high at 35,122.61 (+187.43 points). It settled higher by 151.39 points at 35,202.77. Among other indices, the KMI-30 Index gathered 146.10 points to close at 56,605.42, while the KSE All Share Index accumulated 162.77 points, ending at 25,249.79. Of the total traded scripts, 224 advanced and 87 declined. The overall market volumes increased from 175.7 million shares in the previous session to 332.2 million shares (+89pc), of which 228.83 million belonged to the KSE-100 scripts. Average traded value also increased by 66pc, from $40.4 million to $67 million. TRG Pakistan Limited (TRG +2.92pc), Pak Elektron Limited (PAEL +7.48pc), and Lotte Chemical Pakistan Limited (LOTCHEM +9.83pc) topped the volume chart, exchanging 37.70 million, 37.66 million and 30.84 million shares, respectively. Analysts attributed the surge in volumes to the "shortened trading hours on Friday", which allowed the market to "regain momentum on the first day of the week". Sectors that kept the benchmark in green included oil & gas exploration (+42.65 points), cement (+36.28 points), and oil & gas marketing (+26.73 points). Among the companies, Pak Petroleum Limited (PPL +17.70 points), Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSO +16.60 points), and Indus Motor Company Limited (INDU +14.24 points) remained the top contributors. Adding 5.36pc to its cumulative market capitalization, the refinery sector turned out to be the top gainer of the session, with Attock Refinery Limited (ATRL +7.50pc), Byco Petroleum Pakistan Limited (BYCO +3.92pc), National Refinery Limited (NRL +7.49pc) and Pakistan Refinery

Foreign investors satisfied with improving security environment: OICCI survey CHAMBER PRESIDENT SAYS FOREIGN INVESTORS UNDETERRED BY ISOLATED INCIDENTS LIKE THE JUNE 29 PSX ATTACK ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) released the results of its latest Annual Security Survey 2020, covering feedback on the security environment in Pakistan from July 2019 to June 2020. According to the survey, foreign investors have shown high level of satisfaction regarding the fast improving security environment and have also appreciated the performance of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in Karachi and Lahore, raising the security satisfaction profile of the two business hubs and bringing them at par with other mega-cities in the region. Commenting on the survey findings OICCI President Haroon Rashid said that

“the smooth and professional handling of the brazen attack on Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on June 29 and the restoration of order within a very short time is a testimony of the OICCI members’ confidence in the ability of the LEAs to professionally combat any threat to life and property in the country”. “Foreign investors are not deterred by such isolated incidents and continue to take a holistic view of the operating environment which is continuously improving and which OICCI members perceive to be highly positive,” the OICCI president added. The survey, conducted from May 15 to June 22 includes participation from Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and senior management of member organisations. In total, 70 per cent of the OICCI’s 200 members,

who belong to 35 countries and operate in 14 key sectors of the economy in Pakistan participated in the survey. Currently over two third of the OICCI members have their head offices in Karachi with operations all over the country. OICCI 2020 Security Survey indicates that foreign investors, overall, are impressed with further improvement in the security environment over the past twelve months, since July 2019, especially in Karachi and Lahore, with noticeable improvement in other business centers as well. While assessing the overall security situation, 60 per cent of the respondents reported an improved security environment for their businesses, customers, suppliers and employees. OICCI Vice President Irfan Siddiqui pointed out that “this improvement is over and above the already improved security environment last year and the continuous improvement recorded in the OICCI members annual security surveys since 2015”.

“It is highly encouraging that despite many disruptions during the past twelve months, due to Azadi March in December 2019, border tension with India during Q3 2019 and subsequent travel restriction since end March 2020 due to Covid-19, foreign nationals visiting Pakistan for OICCI members business prior to Covid19, showed a healthy increase, as over 40 per cent respondents reported more visitors than last year, with 26 per cent hosting more than 50 visitors and majority respondents getting between 20 and 50 visitors,” he further said. Majority of the foreign business visitors were from China, UK, USA, UAE, as well as other European and Asian countries. Due to the sustained improvement of the security environment, OICCI members reported that over 90 per cent of the board and management meetings of their Pakistan business operations, involving head quarters or regional management, were held within the country.

In terms of serious crimes, 87pc of respondents indicated a decrease over the last year in Karachi and Lahore. However, 37 per cent respondents in Karachi and 27 per cent in Lahore expressed concern on increasing street crimes. According to the results Islamabad experienced the lowest increase in street crimes among the key business centers. Foreign investors also expressed satisfaction with the performance of law enforcement agencies, with over 90 per cent expressing satisfaction in their interactions with Karachi and Lahore Police, Sindh Rangers, Punjab Police and CPLC and 84 per cent expressing satisfaction with interactions with Sindh Police. OICCI Security Survey gives a comprehensive and detailed feedback of a large number of foreign investors operating in Pakistan on various aspects of doing business connected with security and its impact on business operations. Established in 1860, OICCI is the largest chamber of commerce in Pakistan based on economic contribution in the form of taxes and investment by its members. The chamber includes over 200 foreign investors in Pakistan, including over 50 Fortune 500 companies, who contribute about one third of the total tax collection in the country.

Tuesday, 7 July, 2020

10 FOREIGN NEWS

SAUdI ArAbIA ISSUES ProtocolS to EnSUrE SAfEty of PIlGrImS dUrInG HAJJ JEDDAH

AGENCIES

ITH coronavirus cases still surging throughout the world, Saudi Arabia has limited the number of pilgrims to performing this year’s Hajj and put several protocols in place. The Saudi Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (Weqaya) has set the protocols to decrease the infection rate and ensure pilgrims’ safety. Saudi Health Minister Dr Tawfiq Al-Rabiah announced earlier last month that the number of pilgrims would be limited this year. Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mohammed Saleh Benten said that the decision to limit numbers “aims to protect people

above everything else, which has been the priority of the Kingdom since the start of the pandemic.” The long list of protocols affects all workers and pilgrims this year. From July 19, authorities will prohibit all entry into Mina, Muzdalifa, and Arafat without permits. Guides and awareness signs must be placed in all areas and written in various languages that include Covid-19 infection warnings, hand washing protocols, sneezing and coughing etiquette, and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Organizers must distribute pilgrims in the Tawaf area around the Kaaba to decrease overcrowding while adhering to a 1.5-meter distance between each person. Organizers at

Iran says it built underground ‘missile cities’ along Persian Gulf coast TEHRAN AGENCIES

Tehran has built multiple “missile cities,” both ashore and offshore, along its southern coast, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) navy chief has revealed, calling the facilities a “nightmare” for the country’s enemies. The network includes underground bunkers, as well as offshore floating platforms, Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri told Sobh-e Sadeq weekly, in an interview. “Iran has established underground onshore and offshore missile cities all along the coasts of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which would be a nightmare for Iran’s enemies,” Tangsiri stated. The IRGC is now present “everywhere” in these waters – its navy has mobilized 23,000 service personnel and 428 flotillas along the southern borders, the admiral added. Tangsiri also hinted at forthcoming long-range missiles, as well as brand-new military vessels “beyond the imagination” of the country’s enemies. Iran’s elite Guards Corps certainly has a thing for subterranean facilities, and repeatedly intimated that it has well-hidden missile stockpiles and launch sites, and even fully fledged underground factories. So far, no visual evidence of the IRGC navyoperated compounds has been made available.

Ayatollah Khamenei vows support for Palestinian cause TEHRAN AGENCIES

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Monday that the Islamic republic will spares no efforts to support the Palestinian cause, official IRNA news agency reported. "The Palestinian resistance has been able to thwart the U.S. and Israeli plots," Khamenei wrote in response to a letter of Ismail Haniyeh, politburo chief of Hamas movement. "They decided to continue their expansionist goals through economic pressure and laying siege on Gaza Strip," he said, adding that they have also resorted to "the trick of negotiation and peace plan" between Israel and Palestine. However, "the resistance and the people of Palestine will not yield to their threats and extortion ..., and they (the Palestinians) will tread the path of honour and pride," the Iranian leader's letter was cited as reading.

the Holy Mosque must ensure that pilgrims are distributed on all floors of the Saee (ritual walking between Safa and Marwa) and place track lines to maintain social distancing while ensuring that the grounds around the Kaaba and Saee are sanitized by cleaning crews before and after each group performing Tawaf.Touching the Holy Kaaba and Black Stone will be prohibited, barriers will be set to prevent reaching the sites and the mosque’s carpets are to be removed to allow pilgrims to use their personal prayer rugs instead to decrease the chances of the spread of any infection. Food will not be permitted in the mosque nor will it be allowed on the mosque’s grounds. All personnel, guides, pilgrims and

workers’ temperatures must be checked throughout the pilgrimage; protective face masks and gear must be worn at all times. Floor signs must be placed in locations such as baggage claim areas, restaurants and bus stops with a meter-and-a-half distance between each floor sign. Concerning the protocols for Arafat and Muzdalifa, pilgrims must adhere to social distancing at all times, wear masks and organizers must ensure that no more than 10 pilgrims are located in a tent of 50 square meters, ensuring a 1.5-meter distance between each pilgrim. Pilgrims must adhere to designated tracks and organizers must be vigilant and ensure that all pilgrims stay in line while adhering to social distancing rules. Organizers must assemble no more than

UK may phase out Huawei amid US pressure LONDON AGENCIES

In a sharp U-turn, the UK government is reportedly planning to ban Huawei equipment from the nation’s next-generation networks by the end of the year. In January, London allowed the company a limited role in Britain’s 5G networks. According to media reports, the policy reversal was driven by a branch of British intelligence agency GCHQ, which said the US sanctions barring Huawei from using technology which relies American intellectual property have had a severe impact on the firm. The agency’s report is expected to be submitted to Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week. Ministers on the National Security Council will be asked to ap-

prove a policy shift in the next two weeks to ban the purchase of any new Huawei equipment by the end of this year. Huawei technology might thus be removed from existing parts of the 5G network by 2026 or 2027, with its 4G and 3G products to follow, the Sunday Times reported. The US has been on a global campaign for over a year to convince nations to block Huawei from their 5G networks. Washington has been claiming that the Chinese company poses a security risk and threatens UK-US intelligence sharing. It said that allowing Huawei on the market would be “madness.” When London decided to allow Huawei a limited role in its mobile network, US politicians publicly urged Britain to reconsider. The new US rule

passed in May requires foreign manufacturers using American chipmaking equipment to get a license before being able to sell semiconductors to Huawei. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) launched an emergency review of Huawei’s role shortly after. Following the media reports on a possible phase out, Huawei’s Vice President Victor Zhang said the firm is open to discussions with the British government, and that it is “too early to determine the impact” of the proposed US restrictions. “All our world-leading products and solutions use technology and components over which the UK government has strict oversight. Our technology is already extensively used in 5G networks across the country and has helped con-

Russia set to introduce e-visas in 2021 MOSCOW AGENCIES

Every Russian city will be within easy reach for many foreign tourists starting from January 2021, with the evisa itself costing no more than $50. From January 1, 2021, many visitors to Russia will be able to travel to any Russian city using a one-time electronic visa (e-visa). The associated bill passed a first reading at the State Duma on June 23. The law is set to affect the current regulations, under which visitors from 53 countries are already allowed to enter Russia via an existing e-visa – however, they can only visit a small number of regions: the Kaliningrad Region, the Far Eastern Federal District, the Leningrad Region and its main city, St. Petersburg.

According to the text of the bill, travellers will be able to apply for an electronic visa on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Processing is promised to take no more than four calendar days. The one-time entry e-visa will be valid for up to 60 days following a successful application. However, the duration of the actual stay must not exceed 16 days. According to Deputy Foreign Minister Evgeniy Ivanov, the e-visa will cost no more than $50, with the cost waived for children under six. An updated list of countries has not yet been approved by the Foreign Ministry, Ivanov says. However, the government will use the current list of 53 countries as a starting point. It is possible that the list will be expanded, but it is unknown at this time what other countries may be included.

US economy to contract by 4.6pc in 2020: Goldman Sachs NEW YORK AGENCIES

Global investment management firm Goldman Sachs has lowered its forecast for the U.S. economy in a report, saying it would grow at 25 percent in the third quarter of this year rather than its previous forecast of 33 percent. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. economists said this would cause the U.S. economy to slump 4.6 percent this

year, worse than the 4.2 percent previously predicted. "A combination of tighter state restrictions and voluntary social distancing is already having a noticeable impact on economic activity," the economists said. In the meantime, the economists still maintained that next year's expected GDP growth rate would be 5.8 percent. They are positive that unemployment will be at 9 percent at the end of this year, better than the previous estimate of 9.5 percent.

Saudi Arabia finalises $800bn plan to turn Riyadh into regional economic hub RIYADH AGENCIES

Saudi Arabia is launching a SR3 trillion ($800 billion) plan to double the size of Riyadh in the next decade and transform it into an economic, social and cultural hub for the region. The ambitious strategy for the capital city was unveiled by Fahd Al-Rasheed, president of the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh, ahead of key meetings of the U20, the arm of the G20 leaders’ summit that deals with urban development and strategy. “Riyadh is already a very important economic engine for the Kingdom, and although it’s already very successful, the

50 pilgrims heading to the Jamarat (stone pillars) per group and disinfected and packaged pebbles will be provided for pilgrims as well. Those suspected of carrying the infection will be allowed to perform their pilgrimage only after being evaluated and cleared by a physician. They will be allocated into specific groups of suspected cases, placed in designated accommodation, and in buses with designated tracks to accommodate their condition. Weqaya’s protocols also advised that no personnel are allowed to work if they contract flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, a sore throat, or sudden loss of the sense of smell or taste) until symptoms disappear and are cleared by a physician. Disinfecting and sanitization rounds must be scheduled and organized to ensure that surfaces such as door handles and tables in reception areas, public seating areas, and waiting areas are cleaned around the clock. Sanitizers must be placed next to ATMs, touch-screen guides, and vending machines while all printed magazines and newspapers must be removed to decrease the possibility of transmission.

plan now, under Vision 2030, is to actually take that way further, to double the population to 15 million people,” said Fahd Al-Rasheed. “We’ve already launched 18 megaprojects in the city, worth over SR1 trillion, over $250 billion, to both improve liveability and deliver much higher economic growth so we can create jobs and double the population in 10 years. It’s a significant plan and the whole city is working to make sure this happens.” About $250 billion in investment are expected from the private sector, with the same amount generated by increased economic activity from population growth, finance and banking, cultural and desert

tourism, and leisure events. “We must also ensure the growth is managed properly, so there will be a focus on transport and logistics, including the Riyadh metro which will open at the beginning of next year. The aim is to increase productivity,” AlRasheed said. The plan involves the creation of a “mega industrial zone” focusing on advanced technology such as renewables and automation, and biotechnology and aquaponics. Another key feature is sustainability, with energy conservation, the circular carbon economy with its emphasis on reducing emissions, and water management, all priorities. “You will see 7 million trees planted

CMYK

in Riyadh in the next few years, and King Salman Park will be bigger than Hyde Park in London,” Al-Rasheed said. The city also aims to be a Middle East artistic and cultural hub. An opera house is being considered, as well as public art shows with 1,000 works commissioned from around the world. “We have not seen anything like it since Renaissance Florence,” Al-Rasheed said. The plans will be discussed this week during online meetings of the U20 linking Riyadh with Houston. The Texas oil capital is suffering a new spike in coronavirus cases and pandemics will be on the agenda. “We want to deal with this one, but also be ready for the next one,” AlRasheed said.

nect people throughout lockdown,” Zhang said. The head of international media at Huawei, Paul Harrison, posted a series of tweets over the weekend in which he said the US “fell asleep at the 5G wheel years ago & they’re fighting to claw back market position.” According to him, Huawei has been in the UK market for 20 years and has “helped telecom providers drive the UK to become a 5G global leader.” He said: “Restricting Huawei will do little to maintain that leadership.” “Shouldn’t the US respect a United Kingdom in the post-Brexit era being in a position to choose its own telecommunication strategy? On #Huawei right now, the Trump administration wants to call the shots,” Harrison tweeted.

Kuwait to update residency law to cut number of expats: minister KUWAIT CITY AGENCIES

Kuwait Interior Minister Anas Al-Saleh has said that the country will lower the number of expats living in the country within months through a new residency law. The state will focus on “skilled,” migrants rather than labourers, and 1.3 million foreigners, who “are either illiterate or can merely read and write,” were not the country’s priority, Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem said. “I understand that we recruit doctors and skilled manpower and not unskilled labourers. This is an indication that there is a distortion. Visa traders have contributed in increasing this figure,” AlGhanem said. The upgraded draft law would also limit the number of foreign nationals recruited by companies each year and will include regulations based on their skills, he added. The Kuwait parliament aims to have the legislation ready by October, prior to the November elections, Al-Ghanem said. Last month, Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al Sabah suggested reducing the number of expats from 70 percent to 30 percent.

UAE's newest airline to start flights on July 14 DUBAI AGENCIES

The UAE’s newest airline will start operations with a flight to Alexandria and Sohag in Egypt on July 14. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will take off from Abu Dhabi to Alexandria on July 14 followed by flights to Sohag the next day. “In these extraordinary times, it gives us great pride to launch Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capital’s first low-cost carrier," said Tony Douglas, Group CEO at Etihad Aviation Group, in a statement. This joint venture between Etihad and Air Arabia will offer greater convenience and direct access to the UAE’s thriving capital for new markets, beginning with two key Egyptian routes, and expanding in time. The flights will deploy Airbus A320 aircraft based at Abu Dhabi International Airport, and offering the “same value-added product and services provided by Air Arabia across its hubs”. Adel Al Ali, Group CEO at Air Arabia, said: “While the global aviation sector continues to witness unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic, this step is a testament to the strength of the UAE aviation sector and our commitment to its long-term prospects.

Tuesday, 7 July, 2020

SPORTS 11

ROGeR FedeReR 'mISSInG' WImBLedOn BuT AImInG TO Be BACK nexT yeAR PARIS

Agencies

OGER Federer on Monday said he is "missing" Wimbledon after the grass-court Grand Slam was cancelled, but hopes to play the tournament in 2021. The 38-year-old, who has undergone two knee surgeries this year, had already announced he will not play again until next year. This week was scheduled to be the second week of Wimbledon, where Federer has won a record eight men's singles titles, but the tournament was cancelled for the first time

Haider Ali, Imran Khan and Kashif Bhatti return two negative tests for Covid-19

since World War II due to the coronavirus pandemic. "Personally, it has been very pleasant to stay in the same place for a long time, I hadn't experienced that for more than 25 years," Federer said at the launch of the "Roger Center Court" running shoes created by Swiss brand On. "But of course I miss Wimbledon, of course I would like to be there currently playing on Centre Court for a place in the second week. "Clearly, one of my big goals, and that's why I do recovery work every day and work so hard, and why I'm preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year, is because I hope to

play at Wimbledon next year." Federer said the coronavirus lockdown gave him the chance to recuperate following surgery, but said he will have to be "patient" as he waits to return to the court. "Combined with my operations, it was an important moment for me, (to know) if I wanted to continue," he said. "It's very easy to say but it's a long way to come back, you have to be patient, it also was a time for reflection. "We were in the mountains, isolated, we didn't see anyone, I didn't see my parents for almost three months, we were very serious and strict." The ATP and WTA Tours are set to resume in August despite a raft of professional

Umar Akmal ban appeal to be heard on July 13 after coronavirus delay LAHORE Agencies

LAHORE: Haider Ali, Imran Khan and Kashif Bhatti will fly to the UK to join their Pakistan team-mates after returning a second negative Covid-19 test. They tested negative on July 1 and 4, as did masseurs Malang Ali and Mohammad Imran. The three players and Malang will fly from Lahore on July 8 to join the Pakistan squad, which is currently training in Worcester ahead of the threematch Test series against England, which begins in Manchester on August 5. Haris Rauf, meanwhile, tested positive once again, though he remains asymptomatic. Rauf is now the only player still returning positive tests among the ten who originally tested positive last month. Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz have already flown to England after returning two negative tests. The tour comprises three Test matches and three T20Is in August and September. All six games will be played behind closed doors. Agencies

Former Bayern doctor says he quit because Guardiola 'knew better' BERLIN: German Hans-Wilhelm MuellerWohlfahrt has said he quit as Bayern Munich team doctor in 2015 amid a spat with Pep Guardiola because the Spaniard "knew better". "I couldn't put up with the fact that a young coach (Guardiola) -- who was very successful and who is probably one of the very, very big names -- interfered in medical matters and knew everything better than I did," MuellerWohlfahrt told broadcaster BR24. The 77-year-old German has a reputation as one of the world's top sports doctors, whose list of superstar clients included retired sprinter Usain Bolt. Bolt dedicated his 2016 Olympic gold medal after the men's 100m final to him for helping him overcome a calf injury. MuellerWohlfahrt started working with Bayern in 1977, but resigned abruptly five years ago. At the time, he said it was because then-Bayern coach Guardiola blamed the club's medical department for a Champions League defeat at Porto. Mueller-Wohlfahrt only returned to Bayern in 2017, after Guardiola had left to join present side Manchester City, and stepped down again as club doctor last month. However, he refers to his time at Bayern under Guardiola as a "black spot". MuellerWohlfahrt says the pair have since buried the hatchet. Agencies

Umar Akmal's appeal against his threeyear ban will be heard next Monday on July 13 by an independent adjudicator at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore. The adjudicator is a former Supreme Court judge, Justice (retired) Faqir Mohammad Khokhar, and notices have been issued to both Akmal and the PCB with regards to the timing of the hearing. The appeal was set to be heard on June 11 but became yet another victim of the coronavirus pandemic, coming at a time when cases were increasing rapidly across Pakistan and lockdowns were imposed across Lahore. As a result, it was postponed; and now that the date of the new hearing has been confirmed, Akmal is set to learn his fate in a week's time. Akmal was banned for three years by the PCB on April 27 for failing to report corrupt approaches and was found guilty of two breaches of the board's anti-corruption code. The charges come under Article 2.4.4, which deals with "failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code". While each charge carries a three-year ban, they are being run concurrently.

The severity of the punishment was at the time considered surprising, but it emerged he had been handed the stifferthan-expected penalty for failing to show sufficient remorse. Players who had fallen foul in a similar manner to Akmal previously were handed far lighter sanctions, with Mohammad Irfan banned in 2017 for six months, while Mohammad Nawaz was given a two-month ban. Three weeks later, Akmal announced he would contest the decision on grounds that the length of the ban was unprecedented for a breach of the nature he had been found guilty of committing. According to the PCB's code, the appeal does not mean a fresh hearing will have to be conducted, with the

appeals process limiting itself to "a consideration of whether the decision being appealed was erroneous". The ban has come as the most significant setback to 29-year-old Akmal, whose career has been littered with controversy. Repeated incidents of indiscipline since his debut in 2009 have meant that he has been fined and suspended on several occasions; and an inability to stay fit has led to penalties as well. In September 2017, he copped a threemonth ban for publicly criticising then Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur, and earlier this year, was reprimanded by the PCB for misbehaving after failing a fitness test, reportedly exposing himself to a trainer in frustration at one point.

Afridi makes startling claim about Indian team asking for forgiveness from Pakistan SPORTS DESK Former Pakistani cricket team captain Shahid Afridi has made a startling claim that Indian cricketers have asked for forgiveness from the men in green on multiple occasions after losing the cricket match to Pakistani players. Afridi in an interview with Cric Cast on YouTube, said that he has always enjoyed playing against the arch rivals and on some occasions in which Pakistan dominated, the neighbours extended an apology. "I have always enjoyed playing against India. I believe we’ve beaten them so much that they used to ask us for forgiveness after the match," Afridi said. "I have enjoyed a lot playing against India and Australia, you have more pressure. They are big teams." The former cricketer's comment is likely to stir a reaction on the other side of the border. It is worthy to mention that in the Test format, Pakistan won 12 from 59 matches against India while the men in blue won nine with the remaining 39 matches ending in a draw. As for the ODI format, the Men in Green garnered 73 wins from 132 matches.

CMYK

players having contracted COVID-19. Federer could have lost his record of most men's Grand Slam singles titles by the time he returns, with his old rival Rafael Nadal just one behind on the all-time list. The US Open will be the first Grand Slam following the restart, getting underway behind closed doors in New York on August 31, before the French Open starts, with fans allowed to attend Roland Garros, on September 24. The Swiss star will also be hoping to claim Olympic singles gold for the first time next year at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in Japan, with the final to be played a week before his 40th birthday.

India worried T20 World Cup delays could impact IPL start date NEW DELHI: India's cricket leaders are becoming impatient with the world body's delays in deciding whether the Twenty20 World Cup will go ahead this year amid the coronavirus pandemic. The World Cup holdup is stopping the Board of Control for Cricket in India from setting a date for its biggest earner, the Indian Premier League. The International Cricket Council has said it will make a decision in July on the future of the 20 over event which was due to start in Australia in October. But no date for a meeting has been announced. "Why they (the ICC) are delaying we have no idea," BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told AFP, adding the BCCI was "already planning (the IPL) and we are looking for a window." "We will see how the situation pans out," he said. "We will explore options whether we can have it here or overseas." The United Arab Emirates and Sri Lankan cricket boards have already shown interest in hosting the T20 tournament that attracts global superstars such as England's Joe Root, West Indies batsman Chris Gayle and South Africa's Faf du Plessis. The IPL has twice been held outside India in years that it clashed with national elections. South Africa hosted the 2009 event and part of it was held in United Arab Emirates in 2014. Dhumal added that the BCCI will look to open domestic tournaments, such as the Ranji trophy, in September to kickstart the game post-pandemic. Dhumal earlier told AFP the board would suffer losses of more than 500 million dollars if the IPL is scrapped. Agencies

Survey finds 77pc of Japanese think Olympics 'cannot be held' next year TOKYO Agencies

A wide-ranging survey conducted by the Japan News Network (JNN) found that 77% of those questioned said that the Tokyo Olympics “cannot be held” next year, it was announced on Monday. The Tokyo 2020 Games, originally due to start this month, have already been delayed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. As organisers plan the rearranged Games, questions remain over whether it is suitable, or possible, to host the Olympics in Japan next year. Organisers have previously said they will look to “simplify” the Games next year to lower costs and reduce risks related to COVID-19. However, in the JNN poll, conducted over the weekend and that mostly centred on Japanese politics, 77% of respondents said they think the Olympics “cannot be held” in 2021. They did not give a reason. Just 17% said they thought it “can be held” next year. In March, the Japanese government and the International Olympic Committee made the unprecedented decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics until 2021. Since then, organisers have battled against an array of problems stemming from the postponement, including rising costs, athlete safety and securing the venues.

Tuesday, 7 July, 2020

NEWS

SHujaat adviSeS PM iMran tO avOid cOnfrOntatiOn WitH Media PML-Q LEADER SAYS ACTION AGAINST 24 NEWS STRENGTHENS PERCEPTION THAT CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IS BEING VIOLATED ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

AKISTAN Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has urged Prime Minister Imran Khan not to have confrontation with the media. “Media is the fourth pillar of state,” Shujaat stated in his letter to the

16,000 tonnes of sugar recovered from Punjab mills LAHORE: The Tiger Force recovered 16,000 tonnes of hoarded sugar from different mills in Punjab on Monday. The sugar has been valued at Rs1.1 billion. The force even conducted an operation against flour hoarders and recovered 716 tonnes of it from mill owners along with rice bags and other commodities. The operation was conducted on a tip-off. PM Imran Khan has said that hoarders won’t be forgiven at any cost. He has ordered institutions to sell flour and sugar at nominal rates either by taking action against hoarders or giving subsidy to people. On April 23, the Punjab government implemented a law against hoarding, The Punjab Prevention of Hoarding Ordinance 2020, and launched a crackdown against hoarders. Those found guilty may be sent to prison for a maximum of three years. STAFF REPORT

Pakistan's deficit in services trade narrows 41.6pc to $2.7bn ISLAMABAD: Owing to the coronavirus-led lockdown, Pakistan's services' exports declined by 16.72pc YoY to $389.99 million in May 2020, as against $468.27 in May last year. According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country's services' exports have taken a significant hit following the imposition of countrywide lockdown in March to contain the pandemic. On a cumulative basis, services' exports during the first 11 months (July-May) of FY20 fell by 8.52pc to $5.05 billion, as against $5.520 billion in the corresponding period last year. On the other hand, services' imports also fell to $7.750 billion in July-May FY20, as compared to $10.146 billion in the period of last year, reflecting a decline of 23.61pc. In May 2020, import of services fell by 59.79pc YoY to $468.03 million. As a result, the trade deficit in services narrowed by 41.63pc to $2.7 billion in 11MFY20 as against $4.625 billion over the same period last year. It is pertinent to mention the services sector has emerged as the main driver of economic growth with its share in the GDP increasing from 56pc in 2005-06 to 61.4pc in 2019-20. Its major sub-sectors include finance and insurance, transport and storage, wholesale and retail trade, public administration and defence. GHULAM ABBAS

prime minister Monday. “It is also necessary for this pillar to be stable.” He said confrontation with the media is not appropriate in any case.

“I had earlier informed you regarding the arrest of Daily Jang Editor-in-chief Mir Shakilur Rehman,” the PML-Q leader said. “And now I am writing to you over the suspension of 24 News’ license.” He said the recent action against 24 News strengthens the perception that the fourth pillar of state is being targeted and the constitutional right to freedom of expression is being violated. Shujaat said all these matters can be settled through consultation. “I hope you will ask the information minister to resolve the issues with owners of all channels through talks.” All channels should be paid their dues so that the media workers could get their salaries, he said. The PML-Q leader further requested the PM to withdraw the decision to suspend 24 News’ license to save media workers from unemployment. The solution to all issues lies in upholding the constitution and the law, he noted.

FO summons Indian diplomat after LoC firing injures five civilians RAWALPINDI

ISLAMABAD GHULAM ABBAS

“Such senseless acts are in clear violation of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding and are also against all established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct. These egregious violations of international law reflect consistent Indian attempts to escalate the situation along the LoC and are a threat to regional peace and security.” The statement added that India “cannot divert attention from the grave human rights situation” in occupied Kashmir by raising tensions across the LoC. The FO urged India to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding and to “maintain peace along the LoC” along with investigating all such violations. It also called upon India to allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its role according to UN resolutions.

Afghan president pushing for global 'consensus' on talks with Taliban KABUL AGENCIES

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is expected to start pushing Monday for a global consensus on peace talks with the Taliban, even as his spokesman slammed the militants for a spike in violence. Ghani is hosting three online conferences with representatives of some 20 countries this week, with the first meeting scheduled for later Monday. They aim to "build a consensus" for the peace talks at regional and international level, said Gran Hewad, a spokesman for the foreign ministry.The United States and Russia along with some international organisations such as the United Nations will take part, officials said. But just hours ahead of the first online meeting, Ghani's spokesman slammed the Taliban for an uptick in violence in recent weeks.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday called upon the World Health Organisation (WHO) to play its role in engaging member states to remove coronavirus-related travel restrictions for Pakistan and other developing countries and to work towards a data driven system of non-discriminatory travel rules. While speaking to WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom via video-link, the prime minister observed that travel restrictions imposed by the developed countries in the wake of Covid-19 could further exacerbate economic difficulties of developing countries struggling to mitigate adverse economic impact of the pandemic, PM office media wing in a press release said. While noting progress made by Pakistan in containing the spread of virus, the WHO appreciated the steps taken by the government in fighting the pandemic. The premier appreciated the support extended by WHO to the international community, including Pakistan to fight Covid-19. He also highlighted Pakistan’s strategy of deploying scientific and data driven interventions as well as rapid upgrades of healthcare facilities while attempting to maintain a balance between life and livelihood that had yielded positive results with a current downward trajectory in the spread of pandemic. Dr Tedros said that the WHO was working to suggest coronavirus-related travel guidelines to help the international community in making these decisions. APP

Govt okays two more projects under publicprivate partnership

STAFF REPORT

The Foreign Office (FO) on Monday summoned India’s Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia to register “strong protest” at the ceasefire violation which injured five civilians, including two elderly women. “Indian Army troops unprovoked ceasefire violation in [the] Nikial sector, along LoC, targeting civil population late last night. Pakistan Army troops responded effectively to Indian firing,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said through a tweet earlier in the day. It added that Pakistani troops “responded effectively to Indian firing”. The Foreign Office in its statement said that due to “indiscriminate and unprovoked firing by the Indian occupation forces […] on July 5, 10-year-old Junaid, 7-year-old Aryan, 70-year-old Jahan Begum, 50-year-old Zubaida Bibi and 15year-old Kamran Shafique sustained serious injuries”. The statement added that India had committed 1,595 ceasefire violations since the start of this year, which had resulted in 14 deaths and serious injuries to 121 people. “The Indian occupation forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have been continuously targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-caliber mortars and automatic weapons,” the statement said.

PM urges WHO to play its role in removing coronavirus-related travel restrictions

"There is no obstacle on our side for the peace process, but we see that the Taliban are not serious," Sediq Sediqqi told reporters. "The government of Afghanistan released a large number of Taliban in order to reduce violence in the country, but the violence has not decreased." Afghan authorities have released more than 4,000 Taliban prisoners out of 5,000 demanded by the insurgents in a deal with Washington signed in February. That deal paves the way for withdrawing of all foreign forces from Afghanistan by the middle of next year. Violence dropped in the run-up to the Taliban-Washington deal -- and again, briefly, after militants announced a three-day ceasefire on May 24. But there has been a spike in violence across much of the country in the past few weeks, with officials blaming the Taliban for killing and wounding hundreds of security personnel and civilians.

As the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) has little space to finance some important projects, the government on Monday selected two more road infrastructure projects worth Rs300 billion for development through Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The decision was taken during a meeting on ‘road infrastructure projects under PPP mode’ presided over by Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Minister Asad Umar. National Highway Authority (NHA) Chairman Sikandar Qayyum and PPP Authority (PPPA) Chief Executive Officer Malik Ahmed Khan were also present on the occasion. The meeting was briefed on various projects currently under consideration for implementation under PPP mode. It was informed that apart from SukkurHyderabad Motorway, which had been approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP), two more road projects namely ‘N-25 Karachi-Quetta Road’ (worth approx Rs200 billion) and ‘Mianwali-Muzaffargarh Road’ (worth approx Rs100 billion) were also being processed for implementation under PPP mode. The 790km N-25 connects Karachi Port with Quetta and provides access to Afghanistan through Chaman. The project includes the construction of additional carriageway and rehabilitation of the existing road. The meeting was further informed that the commercial feasibility of the entire Karachi-Chaman road, including the detailed design of KhuzdarChaman section and Karachi-Khuzdar section, would be taken up in the upcoming departmental working party meeting on July 10. This would be followed by the initiation of the procurement process. The meeting was told that design and commercial feasibility would be ready by March 30, 2021, and would be presented to the PPPA Board for approval by April 15 while bids would be called by midSeptember 2021.

With nearly 700,000 coronavirus cases, India is third worst-hit country NEW DELHI AGENCIES

India has overtaken Russia with the world’s third-highest number of novel coronavirus cases, at nearly 700,000, according to the latest data, as the outbreak shows no sign of slowing. Health ministry data on Monday showed more than 23,000 new cases reported in the previous 24 hours, down slightly from Sunday’s record increase of almost 25,000. There have been almost 20,000 deaths in India since the first case was detected there in January. India is now the world’s third worst-affected country, behind only the United States and Brazil. It has seen eight times the number of

cases as China, that has a similar-sized population and is where the virus originated late last year. Officials said they had reversed a decision to reopen the Taj Mahal, India’s most famous tourist attraction, in the city of Agra, 200 km southeast of New Delhi, on Monday, following a spate of new cases in the area. India’s capital has now started treating patients at a spiritual centre converted into a sprawling isolation facility and hospital with 10,000 beds, many made of cardboard and coated with chemicals to make them waterproof. About the size of 20 football fields, the facility on the outskirts of the city will treat mild symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. State government officials fear Delhi,

home to 25 million people, could record more than half-a-million cases by the end of the month. The city has repurposed some hotels to provide hospital care. It is also converting wedding halls and has several hundred modified railway coaches standing by. A strict lockdown in place since late March has gradually been lifted, allowing most activities as the economy nose-dived amid the shutdown. Schools, metro trains in cities, cinemas, gyms and swimming pools remain closed and international flights are still grounded. Authorities have made wearing masks mandatory in public places, while large gatherings are banned and shops and other public establishments are required to implement social distancing.

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