Epaper – May 9 ISB 2021

CMYK

9 May, 2021 I 26 Ramzan-ul-Mubarak, 1442 I Rs 25.00 I Vol XI No 310 I 32 Pages I Islamabad Edition

FIA bArs shehbAz From boArdIng FlIght AFter nAme Found on ‘Another lIst’ g

MAryAM SAyS govErnMEnt vIolAtED Court orDEr

LAHORE staff report

A

day after the lahore High Court (lHC) permitted him to travel to the united Kingdom for a medical check-up, the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) “placed” national Assembly opposition leader and Pakistan Muslim league-nawaz (PMl-n) President Shehbaz Sharif on “another list”, keeping him from leaving the country, party’s central spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said.

Shehbaz had petitioned the high court, saying he is a cancer survivor who now needs treatment abroad. the court on Friday evening ruled that he may travel to london between May 8 and July 3. the verdict drew criticism from the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan, which said it will explore legal options to stop Sharif

from leaving. Angered, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry described the ruling as a “joke” that he said could help Shehbaz “escape the law as his brother did” in 2019.

Shehbaz was scheduled to leave for Doha on a Qatar Airways flight from the Allama Iqbal International Airport in lahore in the wee hours of Saturday. After spending ten days in mandatory isolation in the Qatar capital, he had planned to jet off to london.

However, when Shehbaz arrived at the airport to board the flight, FIA officials present there told him he could not catch the flight because his name was placed on a “personnot-in-list”, Aurangzeb said while speaking to reporters early Saturday morning. the officials claimed their system had not been updated yet after the court order, she said. “two FIA officials were present during the hearing when the high court issued

CoronAvIrus In

PAkIstAn

CONFIRMED CASES:

854,240

LAST UPDATED AT 8:49 AM ON MAY 8, 2021

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

NEW CASES:

120

4,109

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

752,712

18,797

SINDH:

PUNJAB:

290,756 316,334 KP:

123,150

BALOCHISTAN:

23,186

AJK/GB: ISLAMABAD: 17,763/5,367 77,684

its order [allowing Sharif to travel to the uK]. the court had also mentioned the flight number Sharif would take [to fly to Doha],” she added. “the proforma that was given [after not letting Shehbaz fly] states ‘of by immigration not updated in IBMS system PnIl notepad’. the FIA officials present for the court order [… ] they did not update the system. [Prime Minister Imran Khan’s] instructions came and Akbar carried them out,” she claimed.

Aurangzeb claimed that Chaudhry and Adviser to Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Mirza Shahzad Akbar had been issuing statements saying they “did not accept” the order and they would make “complete efforts to stop Shehbaz”.

She also rounded on the government, saying it was focused on Shehbaz and political opponents instead of providing electricity, water, sugar, and wheat to the people.

Meanwhile, PMl-n vice President Maryam nawaz condemned barring of Shehbaz by the FIA from travelling abroad.

Maryam, in a tweet, said that it is highly condemnable how the fake government has violated court order by stopping the PMl-n president at the airport.

Shehbaz faces corruption charges in three separate court cases. He was released on bail last month on a court order, about seven months after he was arrested by the national Accountability Bureau (nAB) for involvement in money laundering and being in possession of assets disproportionate to declared income.

His brother and deposed prime minister nawaz Sharif, convicted of corruption, lives in self-exile in london. He was released from prison in 2019 on bail to seek medical treatment abroad but never returned home. the government last December started the process to reach an extradition treaty with Britain that would pave the way for the uK to hand over the PMl-n supreme leader.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign agreement to establish coordination council RIYADH/ISLAMABAD staff report

Prime Minister Imran Khan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed on Saturday an agreement to establish the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council.

Both countries also signed a memorandum of understanding (Mou) on illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and chemical precursors, state news agency SPA reported.

“Another Mou for financing eligible projects in the fields of energy, infrastructure, transportation, water, and communications between the Saudi Fund for Develop-

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Warm and cordial talks: FM Qureshi on PM-MBS meeting JEDDAH: Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia has so far resulted in a number of agreements while there have been discussions held on several important issues between the leadership of the two countries, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Saturday. PM Imran Khan is on a three-day visit to the Saudi Arabia during which he held a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. staff report

First batch of 1.2m AstraZeneca doses received in Pakistan via Covax ISLAMABAD staff report

the first shipment of oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines arrived in Pakistan on Saturday, through the Covax Facility, as reported by the national Command and operation Centre (nCoC). nCoC announced that 1,238,400 vaccine doses came in the first shipment, which is to be followed by 1,236,000 more doses in the next few days. these doses, it stated, would assist the government in fulfilling their “ongoing historic drive to bring the pandemic to an end.” the shipment was received

by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health, Dr Faisal Sultan, at the national Emergency operations Centre headquarters where representatives from Covax’s technical and funding partners were also present.

“Further allocations from June onwards will be confirmed in due course. the goal of the Covax facility is to supply Pakistan with enough doses to vaccinate 20 percent of the population depending on availability.”

SAPM Sultan stated that “In

ment (SFD) and the Islamic republic of Pakistan was signed as well,” Al-Arabiya tv reported separately. the two leaders likewise witnessed the signing of two agreements: Increasing cooperation in the field of people sentenced to penalties depriving freedom, and increasing cooperation in the field of combating crime. they also discussed ways to strengthen and enhance economic and trade relations between the two countries by exploring areas of investment and opportunities available in light of the Kingdom’s vision 2030, SPA reported.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

more inside

President Alvi promulgates ordinances regarding elections, parents’ protection STORY ON BACK PAGE

nCoC extends closure of educational institutions till May 23 this unprecedented crisis, we appreciate Covax and gavi’s (global Alliance for vaccines and Immunisation) contribution to the collective effort to fight Covid-19 in Pakistan.”

He also added that “Sometimes, such crises propel innovation and to this end, we were able to quickly expand the capacity of EPI’s (Expanded Programme on Immunisation) facilities to vaccinate our eligible population against Covid. recently, we’ve been administering almost 200,000 doses a day and we will be able to increase to 0.5 million doses a day very soon.”

By urging everyone above 40 to register themselves for this vaccination, SAPM Sultan hopes

to continue fulfilling the mission of immunising fellow citizens, especially those who are vulnerable and fall in the high-risk category. He said, “very soon, we will be able to expand the campaign to other age groups and demographics.” the nCoC also added that the AstraZeneca vaccines would help boost the aim to immunize priority groups such as frontline healthcare workers, senior citizens and others identified in their national Deployment and vaccination Plan. the statement declared that “more than 3.3m vaccine doses have been administered to healthcare workers and citizens at large.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

STORY ON PAGE 02

Blasts targeting Afghan school in Kabul kill 40, injure dozens

STORY ON BACK PAGE

in today’s issue

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Sunday, 9 May, 2021

ISLAMABAD

NEWS

NCOC exteNdS ClOSure Of eduCAtiONAl iNStitutiONS till MAy 23 IsLAMABAD

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Staff RepoRt

HE National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Saturday announced all educational institutions will remain closed until May 23 to rein in the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

A meeting to review the decision would be held on May 18 and the decision to reopen the institutions would be taken after taking into account the pandemic situation at the time, it said.

In March, the government had closed down all educational institutions in several major cities and Islamabad initially for two weeks but later extended until April 11 after a surge in Covid-19 cases there.

Last month, a meeting of the NCOC on Tuesday decided to keep in-person classes for students in grades one to eight suspended until April 28 in Covid-19 hotspots.

“In view of ongoing disease trends, education institutes earlier closed till 17th

May will continue to remain closed till 23rd May 21,” said the statement.

FIRST BATCH OF COVAX JABS ARRIVE: Earlier in the day, it also confirmed the arrival of 10 million doses of coronavirus vaccines procured under the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (Covax) facility, an initiative backed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that aims to ensure equitable provision of vaccines.

The body, through a statement, urged people especially those 60 and above to get inoculated on priority. It underscored that people in the said age group were the most vulnerable to the contagion disease.

To date, some 10.19 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines comprising Sinopharm, Sinovac, and CanSino were received by the government. It further informed that 1.23 million doses of AstraZeneca were also received in Islamabad. However, this vaccine was procured through the Covax programme, it said. The body announced one million doses of Sinovac will arrive on Sunday, a second consignment of one

Soldier injured in ambush by Afghan militants

million shots between May 13-15, and another 1.5 million doses were expected by the end of May. The government launched a nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive for the general public, starting with older people, in March.

The drive began with a focus on the oldest people in the community, generally over the age of 80. Battling a third wave of the virus, the government began the vaccination of people aged 50 and above on April 21, and for 40 and above on Monday with China’s Sinopharm and CanSino jabs.

Private hospitals in major cities are also using Russia’s Sputnik-V vaccine that has been imported by a local pharmaceutical company.

Islamabad has also approved the emergency use of AstraZeneca and China’s CoronaVac vaccines, but both are yet to be used in the country.

The government is aiming to ramp up the immunisation campaign in the summer and expects to receive 13.2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines by the end of June.

He had last month announced that by the end of June, the government would have a stock of 17 million vaccine jabs but stopped short of identifying the developer.

Fawad says will challenge removal of Shehbaz from blacklist IsLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Saturday said the government will challenge the decision of the Lahore High Court (LHC) to allow Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif to travel abroad and said his counsel has so far sent no request to remove the latter’s name from the blacklist.

In a tweet, Chaudhry said the chief of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) holds the authority to add/remove any person to/from the list.

The National Assembly Opposition Leader was turned back on Saturday at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and prevented from

IsLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

A soldier was injured in an ambush by militants from Afghanistan along the border between the two countries late on Friday night, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. The military’s media wing said that terrorists from the Afghan side of the border opened fire on a military checkpoint in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The troops responded promptly to the attack, the ISPR said.

But, during the exchange of fire, a soldier was injured. In the statement, the ISPR said Pakistan has “consistently been requesting Afghanistan to ensure effective border management”. “Pakistan strongly condemns the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan,” it said. The attack comes less than a week after a similar incident along the border in the Zhob district of Balochistan left four soldiers dead and six wounded. The attack was later claimed by proscribed Afghanistan-based Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The soldiers were working on fencing along the border in the district, the ISPR said in a statement on Wednesday.

Zhob sits across from Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province. The government is constructing a fence along its 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles) frontier with Afghanistan to secure the region, despite Kabul’s protests that the barrier would divide families and friends along the tribal belt straddling the Durand Line drawn up by the British in 1893.

As the United States prepares to end its longest war after nearly 20 years, there are fears that its troop withdrawal will extend the far longer conflict that has ravaged Afghanistan for four decades.

According to Minister of State for Health Dr Faisal Sultan, the government has so far placed orders for 30 million doses with different companies.

leaving the country, a PML-N spokesperson said.

During a conversation with a news channel, Chaudhry claimed Sharif had already booked his ticket even before filing the petition in the high court.

“There are different scales of justice for the rich and the poor in this country as rich get justice in a matter of hours,” he commented.

PML-N central spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said: “Sharif was never on ECL and his name was placed on the blacklist on account of political victimisation. Name of terrorists and anti-state elements are placed on the blacklist.”

“Keeping in view his travel conduct, the court has granted a one-time travel. Placing his name on the blacklist without lawful authority was illegal and was done on the orders of Imran Khan,” she alleged.

PM to spend time with family in Nathiagali during Eid holidays: report News Desk Prime Minister Imran Khan will spend Eid-ul-Fitr holidays with his family in Nathiagali, according to a news outlet.

According to the report, the PM will offer Eid prayers and spend time with his family in Nathiagali, and not perform official duties.

The government has notified Eid-ul-Fitr holidays from May 10 to 15 and imposed a ban on visiting tourists spots across the country as part of the government’s measures to restrict movement amid the

third wave of Covid-19.

Last month, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) had decided to ban tourism from May 8 to 6. “Tourist resorts, public parks and hotels in and around tourist spots to remain closed,” read an NCOC press statement. The interior ministry had said all tourist resorts, public parks, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and transport will also remain closed for the public.

“Travel nodes leading to tourist spots [will also remain] closed. Focus will remain on northern areas, Murree, Swat and other spots,” stated the press statement.

Pakistan condemns Al-Aqsa mosque attack by Israeli forces IsLAMABAD NewS DeSk

Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack on the innocent worshippers in Al Aqsa mosque by Israeli forces leading to a number of injuries.

In a statement on Saturday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said such attacks, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, are against all humanitarian norms and human rights laws.

He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support to the Palestinian cause and urged the international community to take prompt action to protect the Palestinian people.

Chaudhri underscored the need for a two state solution in accordance with the relevant UN and OIC resolutions with the pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al Sharif as the capital of a viable, independent and contiguous Palestinian state.

AL AQSA ATTACK: Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards unarmed Palestinian youth at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday amid growing anger over the potential eviction of Palestinians from homes on land occupied by Jewish settlers.

At least 178 Palestinians and six officers were injured in the night-time clashes at Islam’s third-holiest

site and around East Jerusalem, Palestinian medics and Israeli police said, as thousands of Palestinians faced off with several hundred Israeli police in riot gear.

Tension has mounted in Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank during the holy month of Ramadan, with nightly clashes in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah — a neighbourhood where numerous Palestinian families face eviction in a long-running legal case.

Calls for calm and restraint poured in on Friday from the United States and the United Nations, with

others including the European Union and Jordan voicing alarm at the possible evictions.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians packed into the hilltop compound surrounding the mosque earlier on Friday for prayers. Many stayed on to protest against the evictions in the city at the core of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.

But following the evening meal that breaks the Ramadan fast, clashes broke out at Al-Aqsa with smaller scuffles near Sheikh Jarrah, which sits near the walled Old City’s famous Damascus Gate.

Police used water cannon mounted on armoured vehicles to disperse several hundred protesters gathered near the homes of families facing potential eviction.

“If we don’t stand with this group of people here, (evictions) will (come) to my house, her house, his house and to every Palestinian who lives here,” said protester Bashar Mahmoud, 23, from the nearby Palestinian neighbourhood of Issawiya.

‘CALM DOWN AND BE QUIET’: An Aqsa official appealed for calm on the compound through the mosque’s loudspeakers. “Police must immediately stop firing stun grenades at worshippers, and the youth must calm down and be quiet!”

Israel’s Supreme Court will hold a hearing on the Sheikh Jarrah evictions on Monday, the same day that Israel marks Jerusalem Day — its annual celebration of

its occupation of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East war.

The Palestine Red Crescent ambulance service said 88 of the Palestinians injured were taken to hospital after being hit with rubber-coated metal bullets.

One of the injured lost an eye, two suffered serious head wounds and two had their jaws fractured, the Red Crescent said. The rest of the injuries were minor, it added. A police spokeswoman claimed Palestinians had thrown rocks, fireworks and other objects towards officers, with some of the six injured requiring medical treatment.

“We will respond with a heavy hand to any violent disturbance, rioting or harm to our officers, and will work to find those responsible and bring them to justice,” the spokeswoman said.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he “held (Israel) responsible for the dangerous developments and sinful attacks taking place in the holy city” and called on the UN Security Council to hold an urgent session on the issue.

Violence has also increased in the occupied West Bank, where two Palestinian gunmen were killed and a third critically injured on Friday after they opened fire at an Israeli base, police said. After that incident, Israel’s military said it would send additional combat troops to the West Bank.

Sunday, 9 May, 2021

ISLAMABAD

CovId-19 danGer GreaTer Than ever, Umar says as ThoUsands ThronG To marKeTs ISLAMABAD

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stAff RepoRt

HILE thousands in every city and town across the country thronged to markets and malls to shop for Eidul Fitr before the start of the long closure, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar on Saturday said the danger of coronavirus slipping out of control was greater than ever before and knocking at our doors.

The government portal reported 120 deaths and 4,105 new cases of Covid-19 in a single day ahead of a planned closure of all business and transport for a week starting Saturday (today).

But traders associations said they intended to defy the restrictions. The commissioner of Islamabad earlier said the administration will strictly implement the government plan.

“We realise that the mobility restrictions put into place from today till the 16th are going to cause inconvenience,” Umar, who also heads the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), said in a series of

tweets.

“These measures have been necessitated by the extremely dangerous situation which has been created in the region with the spread of virulent mutations of the virus.”

He also pointed to India which reported a record one-day rise in Covid19 deaths on Saturday as cases surged by more than 400,000 for the third

consecutive day.

“The unfortunate catastrophe unfolding in India has grabbed global headlines. Yesterday there were more than 4 lakh cases in India with 4,194 deaths. Hospital systems have been overwhelmed and oxygen supply run out in many places,” he said.

He recalled that Iran witnessed a sharp increase in cases in the same time

period with active cases growing twoand-a-half fold and daily deaths exceeding 400 in a day “in a country with a population less than half of Pakistan”.

“Even a small country like Nepal saw an exponential rise in cases going up above 7,000 daily. Deaths also rose sharply. You can see the entire region is exploding with cases & deaths, in the latest covid wave,” he observed.

“We have Alhamdulillah been spared the worst by timely decisions,” he said.

“The need for caution is clear. The danger is higher than ever and knocking at our doors. Need the country to unite in response and achieve once again what we achieved in the first wave, for which we received global praise. Inshallah, we will do it again, together.”

Minister of State for National Health Services Dr. Faisal Sultan has also advised people to stay home and avoid rushing to markets.

The country is currently in the middle of a third peak which authorities say is worse than the previous ones.

Since last year, it has reported 18,797 deaths from Covid-19 among 854,240 cases.

Pakistan urges UN to ask India to free Kashmiri political prisoners ISLAMABAD tLtp

Bid to smuggle heroin concealed in garment parcel foiled

Pakistan has urged the United Nations to ask Indian government to immediately release all illegally detained prisoners in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK).

In a letter to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Munir Akram conveyed deep concern of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the recent demise of a senior political leader and Chairman of Tehreek-

e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir Ashraf Sehrai in Indian custody.

Ambassador Munir Akram expressed his concerns over the health and safety of thousands of other incarcerated Kashmiri leaders as well as innocent Kashmiris languishing in different jails at undisclosed locations. Munir Akram recalled that since the outbreak of Covid-19, the secretary general and the high commissioner for human rights have repeatedly called for a human rights based approach to prevent the virus from rampaging through places of detention.

KARACHI tLtp

Pakistan Customs foiled on Saturday a bid to smuggle heroin to the United Kingdom (UK). Customs officials visited the international mail office located at II Chandrigar Road. During checking, heroin was discovered in a garment parcel destined for Birmingham. The drug worth around Rs19 million in the international market was concealed in a baby jacket, Collector Customs Airport Irfan Rehman informed, saying the parcel has been taken into custody with an FIR registered against a resident of Peshawar, who booked the parcel. Earlier, the AntiNarcotics Force (ANF) had thwarted a narcotics smuggling bid at the Allama International Airport Lahore. According to a spokesperson for the ANF, officials at the airport’s cargo office checked a suspicious parcel and discovered heroin concealed in small decoration pieces. The seized drug weighed 2.214 kilogrammes, he said.

China reluctant to provide $6bn loan for ML-I project NEWS DESK China has shown reluctance to provide $6 billion loan for the Mainline-I (ML-I) railway track–the single largest project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)– owing to concern over Islamabad’s growing debt, according to a news outlet.

The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC), in its meeting held in August last year, had approved the ML-1 project in three phases.

The cost of the project was $9bn initially, including equity amount of the government of Pakistan. But later, it was reduced gradually to $6.8bn.

“Beijing conveyed its concerns during a meeting held on March 30 to discuss financing modalities of the project,” the news outlet quoted officials as saying.

According to the report, the Chinese authorities, in the last meeting, were concerned of Pakistan’s ability to service its debt. “The Chinese side sought clarification regarding the possibility of raising further debt by Pakistan during currency of the IMF programme. The Pakistani side clarified that debt situation is being monitored and there is no restriction under the programme to raise debt for viable projects,” the news outlet quoted Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr Jehanzeb Khan as saying.

Ibuprofen does not make coronavirus symptoms worse, study finds PARIS Agencies

Taking anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen does not increase the risk of developing a severe form of Covid-19 or of dying from it, according to a new study, the largest so far on this class of medicines.

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic there was concern over the potential effects of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are used to treat everything from minor pain to chronic arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

But observational research published Saturday in the medical journal Lancet Rheumatology, based on 72,000 hospitalised patients, found that the drugs "do not increase the mortality or

severity" of Covid-19.

The authors recommended that doctors should continue to prescribe NSAIDs as they have in the past.

"When the pandemic began over a year ago, we needed to be sure that these common medications would not lead to worse outcomes in people with Covid19," lead author Ewen Harrison, a professor at the University of Edinburgh, said in a press release.

"We now have clear evidence that NSAIDs are safe to use in patients with Covid-19, which should provide reassurance to both clinicians and patients that they can continue to be used in the same way as before the pandemic began." The NSAID family of antiinflammatory drugs includes those widely used by the general public like ibuprofen -- an active substance in

common drugs, such as Nurofen or Advil -- or ketoprofen.

DEATH RATES THE SAME: Concerns over the drugs emerged at the start of the Covid pandemic and centred on suspicions that they can worsen infections, especially bacterial.

In March 2020, for example, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that people suffering Covid-19 symptoms avoid selfmedicating with ibuprofen, after French officials warned that anti-inflammatory drugs could worsen effects of the virus.

The new research examined data on 72,000 Covid patients admitted to 255 health centres in England, Scotland and Wales between January and August 2020.

Of these, 4,211 had taken NSAIDs before hospitalisation.

The study found that the proportion

of death was similar regardless of whether patients had taken the drugs or not -- 30.4 per cent for those who had and 31.3 per cent for those who had not.

It also found that those who took NSAIDs were "no more likely to be admitted to critical care, need invasive or non-invasive ventilation, or require oxygen".

There were some limitations to the research, however, including that in the UK ibuprofen is the most commonly used NSAID, so it is unclear whether the results could be as applicable to other countries where different NSAIDs are used.

They also did not know how long patients had taken the drugs and whether they were taking them for a serious chronic condition or temporary symptoms.

NEWS

03

Japan tightens rules on arrivals from Pakistan, India amid Covid-19 concerns TOKYO stAff RepoRt

Japan said on Friday that it will tighten restrictions on its nationals and residents arriving here from Pakistan, India, and Nepal amid concerns over highly transmissible virus variants wreaking havoc, particularly in India. The stricter measures will come into effect from Monday, the government said, and will involve requiring passengers arriving from either of the three countries to stay in quarantine facilities designated by the government for six days. PCR tests will be conducted on the passengers on day three and six, according to the government’s newly-announced guidelines. For around 35 countries and regions where virus variants have been reported, which include India and Pakistan, Japan currently requires Japanese nationals and residents arriving here to self-isolate in designated facilities for just three days and be tested for the virus on day three. Prior to this, negative PCR test results are required to be submitted within 72 hours prior to their departure and another test is administered upon their arrival here. Following the submission of a negative PCR test on day three, the returning Japanese nationals or residents here still have to self-isolate at home or another form of accommodation for 14 more days after arrival. Non-resident foreigners, such as tourists, are still banned from entering Japan unless they have qualified for a visa stipulating their visit falls into the category of “special exceptional circumstances.”

Govt plans to introduce Kamyab Kisan Programme, announces Tarin ISLAMABAD tLtp

Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin Saturday announced that the federal government plans to bring Kamyab Kisan Programme on the footing of Kamyab Jawan Programme. According to Radio Pakistan, while sharing details of Kamyab Kisan Programme, Shaukat Tarin said that small farmers would be distributed two million rupees as a loan to improve crops. He informed the government has also expedited cash disbursement under the Kamyab Jawan Programme and so far 10,000 youngsters have availed of the initiative. “We have to improve these numbers to hundreds of thousands of youngsters in the next three years,” he said adding that it was a revolutionary programme for prosperity at the ground level as it would empower people to own their business. Tarin said that they want people to initiate business from the cash support besides also helping others in setting up businesses. “Disbursing loans in a large number will expedite the economic growth and would have an immediate effect on the ground,” the finance minister said. On January 29, Prime Minister Imran Khan had inaugurated Kamyab Kisan scheme during his visit to Sahiwal in order to provide a special package to farmers. He had said that every government must have programmes like Ehsaas and Kamyab Jawan in order to provide maximum relief to the poor people. He had detailed that the federal government distributed Rs180 billion funds under Ehsaas programme in a transparent way.

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Sunday, 9 May, 2021

NEWS

sindh cm removes gadap ac, sHo over firing incident at bahria town KARACHI ppI

After Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took notice of the row between villagers and Bahria Town, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah removed assistant commissioner, mukhtiarkar (revenue official), and station house officer (ShO) of Gadap Town from their posts and ordered inquiry against them, This was stated by Sindh Minister for Information and Local Government Syed Nasir hussain Shah in a video statement on Saturday. The provincial minister said that the rights of the villagers would be fully protected and no one would be allowed to usurp their rights, adding that legal rights of everyone would be protected. earlier, Nasir, accompanied by MNA Jam Abdul Karim Jokhio, MPA Saleem Baloch and MPA Sajid Jokhio, reached Gadap Town and met with the villagers to find out the details of the incident. Talking to the villagers, Nasir said that they had come on the special instructions of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and assured them that they were standing by the villagers and action would be taken against the responsible as per law. Nasir along with Jam and Saleem also visited Jinnah hospital and enquired about the health of the injured in the Gadap incident. The minister assured best medical facilities to the injured.

seven children killed in water tank collapse ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

Punjab govt bans inter-district Public transPort from may 10 LAHORE

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he Punjab government has decided to ban inter-district public transport in the province from May 10 due to increased number of Covid-19 cases. The decision was taken during a meeting of the provincial government. The ban on public transport would come into place from 6:00 pm on May 10 to 6:00 am on May 15. The meeting to review the Covid-19 situation in the province was attended by provincial ministers Raja Basharat and Dr Yasmin Rashid, chief secretary, and some others. In the meeting, measures to mitigate Covid-19 spread, increasing the number of vaccination centres, and other issues were discussed. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Raja Basharat said that they are reviewing the Covid situation on daily basis and the masses should act responsibly and adopt precautionary measures. health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said that there was no shortage of doses at the vaccination centers. “We are administering more than 100,000 doses of Covid vaccine in a day,” she said, adding that the vaccination’s capacity would be increased with the passage of time.

On Thursday, Sindh Transport Minister Awais Shah had announced the closure of public transport from May 8 to 16 in the province. he had stated that the inter-provincial, inter-city and tourist transport will

be closed in the province during the said period. The decision, however, will not be enforced over the movement of vehicles within the city, he added.

The province had earlier requested the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to impose a ban on inter-provincial transport.

Staff RepoRt

Seven children were killed and another was injured when a water tank made of bricks and cement collapsed in Mohmand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday, rescue officials said. The children aged between four and 12 years were playing near the tank when walls collapsed on them, Abdullah Mohmand, a spokesperson of the state-owned Rescue 1122 in the district, said. he added that the children remained trapped under the debris of the tank until the residents and rescue teams retrieved the bodies and the injured from the rubbles. he said that the tank was in a dilapidated condition, and locals used to fetch water from it for drinking and other purposes, adding that on Saturday some people including parents of the kids were filling water in their cans when the incident happened.

The injured kid was shifted to a nearby hospital where his condition is stable, the spokesperson said.

Court grants bail to crime lord LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Saturday accepted the bail requests of underworld king Khawaja Aqeel, alias Gogi Butt, and his accomplices against surety bonds worth Rs0.1 million apiece.

Butt and 11 others were arrested on Wednesday for attacking a police team and harbouring proclaimed offenders. Staff RepoRt

LAHORE: Roadside shops are open at Hall Road amid lockdown in the provincial capital. ZUBaIR MeHfooZ

Sindh establishes first 24-hour vaccination centre in Karachi MURTAZA WAHAB SAYS THE CENTRE WOULD BE ABLE TO VACCINATE 20,000 TO 25,000 PEOPLE IN A DAY KARACHI NewS DeSk

The Sindh government has established Pakistan’s first mass vaccination centre in Karachi to administer vaccination round the clock.

The coronavirus mass vaccination centre has been established at the expo Centre, where the isolation centre and treatment facility is also being revived to treat the patients of coronavirus.

Law and environment Adviser Barrister Murtaza Wahab informed the new mass vaccination centre would be able to vaccinate 20,000 to 25,000 people in a day, and that it would start working from Sunday (today) to provide free inoculation services.

he further said the centre would be highly beneficial and protect the health of the citizens against the deadly viral disease. he expressed the provincial government shall provide free coronavirus testing service for citizens, adding that the government had also launched a service to administer Covid-19 vaccination to such people at home, who for any reason such as the age factor or any severe disease or disability could not leave their homes. he recalled that just one and half months back, the prevalence of the coronavirus infection in Sindh was just two per cent that has now been increased to 7.1 per cent.

The government’s spokesman said such an alarming increase in coronavirus cases in

the province in such a short span of time make it mandatory upon the citizens to wear masks publicly. he appealed to general public, especially the retailers, to cooperate with the law-enforcement agencies and not to clash with them as they have been rendering a vital public service by enforcing the lockdown regime in the markets. he said that due action would be taken against police personnel who resorted to minting money in the garb of enforcing the lockdown timings in the markets. The law adviser said the people should fully adhere to the lockdown policy being enforced by the government during the last week of Ramazan and on the upcoming occasion of the eidul Fitr to safeguard public health against the third wave of the coronavirus.

The government has been compelled to enforce the lockdown regime, keeping in view the massive devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic in India and other countries, Wahab said, adding that the government is under an obligation to improve the oxygen supply to the hospitals, but at the same time the public should show extreme caution so that no one reaches the critical stage where the administration of oxygen became compulsory.

Sunday, 9 May, 2021

ISLAMABAD

PakiStan, Saudi araBia Sign agreeMent to eStaBliSh coordination council

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continued from page 01

HEy both confirmed their satisfaction with the strength of bilateral military and security relations, and agreed on further cooperation to achieve common goals between the two countries, it added.

At the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister Imran touched down in Riyadh late on Friday on a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss bilateral cooperation. On arrival, he was received by the crown prince and was accorded a warm welcome at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

Following his arrival, delegation-level talks were held between the two sides, the PMO further said.

“We believe this is a very important visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Saudi Arabia with respect to our historic bilateral relationship, trade, and economic ties,” Arab News quoted Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri as saying.

Pointing to the importance of the visit, Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday ahead of the prime minister’s

arrival. He was received by Pakistan’s Ambassador in Riyadh Bilal Akbar and Saudi military officials.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Gen Bajwa discussed regional security and bilateral defense, among other matters, in meetings with the crown prince and others.

“During the visit, the prime minister’s consultations with the Saudi leadership will cover all areas of bilateral cooperation including economic, trade, investment, energy, job opportunities for Pakistani workforce, and welfare of diaspora in the kingdom,” a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) statement had announced Thursday.

Today, the two countries affirmed their full support for all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. They also discussed the country’s right to the establishment of its independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

They have also affirmed their support for political solutions in Syria and Libya, and the efforts of the United Nations and its envoys in this regard.

“The two sides stressed the need for concerted efforts of the Islamic world to confront extremism and violence and reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security,” SPA said.

Officials familiar with the developments suggest several Pakistani inmates will be released

from prisons in Saudi Arabia during the visit.

“Several inmates will be released and brought back to Pakistan,” Akbar said earlier this week, explaining that a meeting would be held with the inmates and their release would be expedited with the support of Saudi authorities.

In 2019, during the crown prince’s maiden official visit to Pakistan, Mohammed bin Salman, at the request of Prime Minister Imran, had ordered the release of about 2,100 prisoners from the Saudi prisons. The order, however, could not be fully executed and many workers are still feared languishing in prisons.

The fate of thousands of workers locked up in jails across the Middle East is a sensitive issue with a perception the prisoners are mostly poor labourers who have no real legal recourse.

Huge numbers of people travel to the Middle East every year, with many working on construction sites or as domestic helpers. The remittances they send back are vital for the country’s dollarstarved economy.

The visit will mark a deepening of ties between allies whose relationship has in the past centered on oil-rich Saudi Arabia backing Islamabad’s economy during difficult periods, and in return Pakistan Army lending support to the Kingdom and its royal family.

First batch of 1.2m AstraZeneca doses received in Pakistan via Covax continued from page 01 It also acknowledged that the The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination had increased the cold chain capacity of the EPI to meet the requirements of the vaccine deployment plan, which it said includes “ultra-cold chain facilities in 15 large cities” as well.

According to the statement, “Sinopharm, Sinovac, CanSino-Bio and Sputnik [vaccine] doses have been administered in Pakistan so far,” and “the 2.47m doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine will be used to immunise about 1.24m high-risk people against the virus.”

Aida Girma, the Unicef representative in Pakistan also commented on this occasion, saying, “Unicef is proud to be leading efforts to procure and supply safe, effective and affordable Covid-19 vaccines on behalf of the Covax facility which aims to quickly reach people in low and middle-income countries and ensures that no one at risk is left behind,” “Unicef commends the government for its leadership in the national response to the pandemic, including the successful rollout of the national vaccination programme, and thanks the Covax partners for their generous contribution. Solidarity is key to ending the pandemic.”

Alexa Reynolds, Gavi Senior Country Manager for Pakistan said that the vaccines are safe, effective, and would “play an important role in helping the country to end this pandemic”. She also added that, “this delivery — the first of many — is the product of an unprecedented global partnership to ensure no country is left behind in the global race for Covid-19 vaccines.”

Gavi set up this Covax alliance last year in April, which is a Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and the World Health Organisation. Free vaccines for 20 percent of the population of many countries, Pakistan included, have been pledged by this alliance.

“It aims to provide at least two billion doses of approved Covid-19 vaccines by the end of 2021, enabling the protection of frontline healthcare and social workers, as well as other high-risk and vulnerable groups in what will be the largest immunisation campaign in history,” affirmed the NCOC statement. diplomacy through coVaX: Diplomatic missions and Covax donors attended this handover ceremony as well, as reported by the NCOC statement.

Androulla Kaminara, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, said: “We welcome the opportunity to concretely show our solidarity with the government and support its efforts to fight the coronavirus through this important delivery of vaccines.

“We are proud to play our part in the global Covax initiative, alongside our partners, as it helps to complement efforts where vaccines are needed. For the time being SOPs (standard operating procedures) still need to be followed.”

While US Embassy Chargé d’affaires, Angela P Aggeler added that “the United States welcomes the

successful arrival in Pakistan of 1.2m doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. We remain committed to working bilaterally and multilaterally to support access to vaccines for the world’s most at-risk populations,” She said this pandemic has brought to light the importance of partnerships, such as the longstanding one between the United States and Pakistan, “which has enabled us to more effectively respond to this health crisis together”.

Dr. Christian Turner, The British High Commissioner to Pakistan commented: “I’m proud of the UK’s role in developing the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine that Pakistan is receiving today. The UK is one of the world’s biggest contributors to the Covax facility — donating £548m to make sure countries get the vaccines they need, including Pakistan.”

“Today’s arrival of the first Covax batch in Pakistan is an important milestone for fighting this pandemic together. It is also a strong token of multilateralism and international solidarity at its best.”

Meanwhile, Dr Philipp Deichmann, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Germany in Pakistan claimed: “Germany, as [the] second largest donor, is proud of contributing to the Covax facility more than 1.5bn euros because we are convinced: An inclusive global access to vaccines is the need of the hour and nobody is safe until everyone is safe!”

The United States Government also welcomed the successful arrival in Pakistan of 1.2 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, which landed at Islamabad International Airport Saturday. health ministry guidelines : Ministry of National Health on Saturday issued guidelines with regard to the use and storage of the AstraZeneca vaccine. It is to be mentioned here that Pakistan has recently received 1.23 mln vaccine doses of Oxford University’s AstraZeneca.

According to the guidelines, AstraZeneca could be administered to a specific age group of men and women.

The vaccine shot could be given to the male aged 18 years or above, and the women above 40 years of age.

In condition of fever, AstraZeneca vaccine should not be administered to a person. “Those infected with coronavirus will be administered the vaccine after recovery from the disease,” according to the guidelines.

AstraZeneca vaccine could also be administered to the hypertension, sugar and patients of heart ailment.

The patients of severe diseases and those having blood clotting complaint should not be given AstraZeneca shot, according to the guidelines. A person underwent organ transplant could be administered the vaccine after three months of the surgery.

According to the guidelines, no data is yet available for the use of AstraZeneca vaccine in the people below 18 years of age. AstraZeneca required to be stored at 2 to 8 degree Centigrade temperature. The vaccine will be administered to a person in two doses. The second dose of the vaccine could be administered between four to 12 weeks after the first dose.

Weekly inflation registers 0.5pc rise islamabad: Weekly inflation for the combined group in the period ended on May 6 slightly increased by 0.50 per cent on the back of an uptick in prices of essential food items, data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed on Friday. For the lowest income group earning below Rs17,732 per month, the SPI increased by 0.37pc and for the group earning above Rs44,175, it recorded an uptick of 0.48pc. This was mainly due to an increase in prices of food items including chicken 10.36pc, bananas 8.21pc, wheat flour 2.89pc, mustard oil 1.49pc and beef 1.15pc. staff report

cmYK

NEWS

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Warm and cordial talks: FM Qureshi on PM-MBS meeting continued from page 01 In a video statement, the Foreign Minister explained how that delegationlevel talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere during which views were exchanged on future directions of the bilateral relationship. “The prime minister’s visit is proving highly productive and there is good news for Pakistan and the Pakistani people.” After delegation-level talks, the foreign minister said, a small group meeting was also held with Mohammad Bin Salman in which Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was also present. “During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on regional issues, Pakistan’s neighbours on both sides and the Afghan peace process.”

Qureshi said the prime minister and crown prince have signed an agreement under which a high-level coordination consultation council will be established which will provide an institutionalised and structured platform for the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Referring to the important agreements signed with Saudi Arabia, he said under one agreement, the Kingdom will provide five hundred million dollars to Pakistan from the Saudi Development Fund to be used for infrastructure development and development of water resources and hydropower projects in Pakistan. “We have decided to move forward in all fields, especially energy collaboration, economic relations, investments and job opportunities,” he added. He said Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman also shared features of his vision for Saudi Arabia with the Pakistani delegation. “In his [Mohammad Bin Salman] view, to achieve the goals set under the vision they would need massive manpower. They have estimated that they would need at least 10 million workers in the next 10 years.”

“Keeping in view the services rendered by Pakistan and the Pakistani workforce, they have decided to allocate a large chunk of this [manpower import] for Pakistani people”, Qureshi added. Both sides also discussed the role of the Organisation Of Islamic Countries (OIC), the FM said. PM Khan also invited the crown prince to visit Pakistan and shared that the goodwill generated by his last visit is still fresh in the minds of people, an invitation the latter accepted. Qureshi said a Saudi delegation will visit Pakistan after Eid to discuss the visit of the Saudi crown prince and foreign minister to Pakistan.

Sunday, 9 May, 2021

06 COMMENT

Writing on the wall

PM Khan’s Saudi Arabia visit Will be judged by concrete achievements

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Stark political realities cannot be wished away

ATeRiAL needs have once again brought together the temporarily estranged allies. PM imran Khan was warmly received by Saudi crown prince MBS at the Jeddah airport from where he was taken to the reception at Royal Palace. That this was preceded by a four day long visit to SA by COAS Bajwa indicates the Saudi government’s prime concerns relate to defence and security matters.

The attack on the Aramco facilities during the fag end of President Trump’s tenure and the lack of any assuring action by the US sent a disarming message that the Gulf Arab coutries will have to fend for themselves in case of any aggression. The feeling of insecurity deepened after President Biden’s victory. This has led SA and UAe to improve relations with Qatar; MBS wants ‘good and special relations’ with iran and has acknowledged that the houthis were Yemenis and Arabs - not merely agents of iran; Saudi intelligence chief has visited Syria for improvement of ties and Turkish foreign Minister is due in SA after four years of alienation.

Pakistani troops were initially deployed in Saudi Arabia for the country’s defense against possible israeli aggression. A protocol was signed in 1982 for military assistance in defence and security as well as for training of local troops. With American military cover no more considered reliable SA needs enhanced military support from Pakistan. As the Saudi Press Agency put it, both sides discussed bilateral military and defence cooperation and ways to enhance it during the meeting between MBS and COAS Bajwa.

Pakistan on the other hand needs to boost its growth to be able to create jobs. for this it needs foreign investments.

Pakistan suffers from liquidity crunch. it wants more time to pay back loans obtained from the Gulf countries, and oil on deferred payment. To ensure the continuity and enhancement of remittances Pakistan wants more jobs for its professionals and labour in MBS’ Vision 2030 projects Whether Pakistan can get a proper quid pro quo will depend on the quality of its diplomacy. What is needed is putting more stress on the material needs of the country and avoid stressing issues that are seen harmful by SA for its national interest. MoUs are not enough. What is required instead are binding agreements.

Arif NizAmi

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hief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa had the honour of calling upon the Saudi crown prince and de facto ruler Mohmmad bin Salman, popularly referred to as MBS. Saudi deputy defence minister was also present. The very next day Prime Minister imran Khan also joined in the second high level meeting between the Saudi and Pakistani leadership.

According to the iSPR, during the meeting with the COAS, “matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including recent developments in Afghan Peace process, bilateral defence security activity, collaboration for regional peace and connectivity” were discussed. The COAS appropriately responded that Pakistan was “resolutely committed to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of KSA and defence of the two holy mosques.”

Notwithstanding the homilies and platitudes usually expressed on such occasions, is it really a new beginning for frayed Saudi Pak relations during the past year or so. islamabad’s ties with Riyadh had hit

Economic roadmap

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eSPiTe its many promises, the PTi, much before covid-19 hit, failed spectacularly at delivering an economy running on all cylinders, growing at an impressive rate and creating ‘more jobs than we would know what to do with’. When the worst economic repercussions of a once-in-a-century global pandemic, it dealt a debilitating blow, recovering from which will be a long uphill battle where there are no shortcuts or room for slacking. The high turnover in the finance and economic team thus far has made it near impossible to reach a level of stability required to implement crucial policies that would steer the ship in at least the right direction, if not at full speed. Prime Minister imran Khan’s latest choice for finance Minister, Shaukat Tareen, seems to be well aware of the myriad challenges he faces and has some bold plans to address them. in an interview to Bloomberg, he highlighted what must be achieved within the next year to have a chance at putting Pakistan back on the road to economic growth. One of the major takeaways is the intention to spend $6 billion on development in the coming financial year for the economy to expand by at least 5 percent. This in itself is quite a tall order given the severe spending restrictions the country currently faces, not to mention its exhausted debt lines with ‘friendly countries’ and ifis (international financial institutions) alike. Mr Tareen emphasizes on the need for job creation, stating how the country has almost ‘110 million youth’, requiring 2 million annual jobs. Generating that sort of employment would only be possible if the GDP is growing annually and consistently at a rate much higher than the current -0.4 percent to one percent. Understandably, the increased spending will create more employment but the former remains a big ‘if’ unless the required budgetary allowances are somehow created.

On the revenue front, Tareen is targeting Rs6 trillion, which is a mammoth task given the longstanding systemic and structural issues with the tax collection apparatus of the country, yet to be fixed, despite many attempts. Realistic or not, there is no denying that the country is in dire need of the kind of economic upswing being envisioned by the new finance Minister. Coupled with the iMf’s intention to ‘help Pakistan navigate itself out of this economic slump’, Mr Tareen’s optimism determination could get us out of the red.

Whether or not this combination succeeds, only time will tell.

rAbiA Ahmed Study the past if you would define the future –Confucius

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LAGUeS and pandemics are nothing new.

They have occurred with disastrous regularity over millennia and in many cases changed the course of history. As when the earliest recorded pandemic that occurred in 430 BC in Athens, it was a major cause of the defeat of Athens by the Spartans. And then again there is the Justinian Plague about nine hundred years later, that scuppered Justinian’s plans to reunite the Roman empire, and is also said to have created conditions that led to the spread of Christianity. And then again the pandemic in 1350, the second outbreak of the bubonic plague that spread all over the world and contributed to the collapse of the British feudal system, among other things.

There have been many pandemics subsequently.

The Spanish flu in 1918. families of those who died as a result of that pandemic are still alive today. The Asian ‘flu of 1957, hiV/AiDS in 1981, SARS in 2003 and now covid-19.

So why do pandemics appear to come as a surprise and catch the world on the backfoot every time, particularly now when communications are so much better and history is no longer a closed book. it was Desmond Tutu who said that, “We learn from history that we do not learn from history.” he was not wrong.

Since we are able to travel so easily now, and we do, pandemics should be something very much to be anticipated. even so far back as when the Spanish arrived in the Caribbean they took smallpox, measles and the bubonic plague with them. As many as 90

Arif Nizami Editor Joint Editor

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Medical staff was also required to wear gloves, and gowns and wash their hands frequently. Nobody was percent of indigenous people died in North and South allowed to share dishes, and patients’ dishes were America as a result. The first cholera epidemic that sterilized after use. Rates of recovery were higher in started in 1817 started in Russia. it then spread via these outdoor hospitals, and there were fewer cases British soldiers to india and then on to Spain, Africa of depression. Does all of this sound familiar or not? and virtually all around the world. if instead of read- Why then does it come as a surprise. ing history as events dead and gone, something to be if hospitals are full now, why not put up tents found in the pages of fusty old books alone, we read it with fans and move patients there? Why do hospitals as something to learn from, we would pick up several not come with such open spaces that can be used even pointers for many things, but for the purposes of this under normal conditions, and definitely in case of column, it would help in dealing with pandemics when pandemics? This should be a mandatory factor in hosthey occur, as they have a fatiguing habit of doing. pital design, the provision of clean outdoor spaces, There are factors that facilitate the spread of dis- isolatable rooms, well ventilated buildings, and a ease. Travel, as we have seen, is one. hygiene is an- strict adherence to hygiene. other major one as florence Nightingale discovered.

This pandemic has been around for a while, unLack of hygiene is seen in fortunately. it was first repoor living conditions, ported in China on the 31 caused by poverty or simply December 2019, and reby unclean habits. And then ported for the first time in there is unclean drinking Pakistan on the 26 february Planning ahead does not appear 2020. water for which the main reWhile that period is sponsibility lies with governgenerally and ideally not to be a strong point in our ments as well as with to come up with a society. And of course there is much societies today that destroy new vaccine, clinical trials the environment by dumping and all, even that has been the squirreling away. Whether pollutants into water sources. done, admittedly with fewer Lack of fresh air is anthe lack of planning is because studies than one would like. other factor. One of the is ample time for it is somehow not inculcated in us tout that things that sets this panhave stocked up on demic apart from previous things such as oxygen, us, or because the wrong ones is the fact that so many cylinders, and other equippersons are in place where people are able to work ment. We are close to runfrom home, thanks to out of those, and india decisions are made, well, what ning greater connectivity, the inis already out, may God ternet and telephones. it is would you say to a bit of both? have mercy on their people. increasingly possible now to And ours. And sufferers all A great pity in either case work from home, conduct over the world. There is no meetings, and communicate reason to run out of these not just by means of sound things because all it needs is but also visually . This stayplanning and little else to ing home often contributes to a lack of exercise, in- make enough. We are not as short of funds as we are sufficient exposure to sunlight and lower counts of told. it is where those funds are used that needs monVitamin D. it is said, although it’s unclear if it’s a cer- itoring, as does the quality of those cylinders, oxygen tainty, that Vitamin D helps combat viral infections. being exceedingly flammable.

When the flu epidemic of 1918 reached the US hosPlanning ahead does not appear to be a strong pitals were full to overflowing, as they are now in point in our society. And of course there is the squirPakistan and in many other countries. emergency reling away. Whether the lack of planning is because tents were set up outdoors in sites that were properly it is somehow not inculcated in us, or because the drained, and provided with bathrooms, running water wrong persons are in place where decisions are made, and sewage. well, what would you say to a bit of both? A great There was maximum sunlight and fresh air in pity in either case. The squirreling away…that is these outdoor hospitals. When the weather was good plain and simple greed, and that is far more dangerpatients were taken right outside the tent. everyone ous than any pandemic. in contact with these patients was required to wear a fact mask made of five layers, covering the mouth Rabia Ahmed is a freelance columnist. Read more and nose. These masks were frequently washed. by her at http://rabia-ahmed.blogspot.com

There are many lessons for this pandemic in past ones

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Managing Editor

Arif Nizami is Editor, Pakistan Today. He can be contacted at arifn51@hotmail.com.

Pandemics have been around a while

Are the goals even achievable at this point?

Yousaf Nizami Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

an all-time low thanks to the infantile behaviour of our foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi who openly complained about the Saudis stance on Kashmir perceived as lukewarm by islamabad. Beggars cannot be choosers; flush with newfound glory the young ruler of KSA promptly pulled the plug on part of the virtually free money lent out to Pakistan.

Adding insult to injury, islamabad tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to spearhead an anti-OiC group sponsored

by Malaysia’s Mahathir Muhammad.

Pakistan was lucky this time around. President Donald Trump, big time Saudi supporter losing to his Democratic contender Joe Biden was a big setback to the Saudis’ geopolitical intrests in the region .islamabad (at least partly so), is back in the game. Washington badly needs Pakistan’s cooperation in order to facilitate a smooth exit of its forces from Afghanistan.

There is also talk about the US being the facilitator behind the perceived thaw between islamabad and New Delhi. however, the most audacious speculation is about the US setting up a base on Pakistani territory. This seems highly unlikely. Not that islamabad will outrightly reject such an offer if made, but more so because granting of military bases with all its appended complications is no longer required. Technology and the heavy political costs have obviated such options.

The one tangible gain from the Saudi visit is the formation of the high-level supreme co-ordination council to oversee relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in the right direction.

So far, the Kashmir issue is concerned little hope can be pinned on Riyadh to unequivocally support islamabad. Similarly, little hope can be pinned on the OiC confronting france on the blasphemy issue.

Khan, only a few days ago, after castigating his diplomats for being incompetent and corrupt, is basking in the glory of international limelight. in any case for a leader beleaguered at home is always good to receive red-carpet treatment, especially from the Royals of Saudi Arabia.

The PTi chief has very little to cheer about at home. his party has lost virtually all by-elections even from constituencies considered ‘safe’ for the rul-

ing party. Losing NA-249 from Karachi was especially humiliating for Khan coming at number 5 in the losing order and it was not even possible for the PTi to complain about rigging without further losing credibility. As was generally anticipated, the axe fell on the hapless chief minister Usman Buzdar for losing all those by-elections in the province to PML-N. Thus Punjab, seemingly no longer the bastion of the Sharifs in the in the aftermath of the 2018 general elections, is remerging as their home ground.

The other day the prime minister flew in to Lahore to ask his CM, after all what went wrong? Buzdar, in his signature laconic style hemmed and hawed proffering very lame excuses for the dismal performance of the party in the province.

The powers that be want him out since long. But to no avail. his qilla (source of power) seem to so strong that no one can touch him.

Khan has already crossed the Rubicon so far as his tenure is concerned. Now it seems the mid-term blues have taken over. Perhaps here is a somewhat belated realisation that the PTi has failed to deliver on most of the tall promises it had made to the electorate before elections time.

A tell-tale indication of panic setting in was the sudden sacking of finance minister hafeez Sheikh and induction of experienced banker and economist Shaukat tarin in his place. Only a week or so before, Tarin was ushered in while Khan was still all praise for Sheikh’s performance as finance minister.

Perhaps the innermost circle around the PM had succeeded in convincing him that while inflation was going up, the economy was going south, despite claims to the contrary by his various spokespersons.

Another blow to Khan has been loss of Jahangir Tareen as a trusted ally. Somewhat personal in nature, it has politically damaged the PTi as well. Already with a wafer-thin majority at the centre and as well in Punjab, the ruling coalition simply cannot afford to lose more. Notwithstanding the ongoing sugar inquiry, the prime minister has to move swiftly to do damage control by bringing some of his estranged friends back on board. first of all he has to get rid of a bevy of jokers clustered around him as ministers, SAPMs and advisors some of them, have caused more damage to the government through sheer buffoonery as well a lack of any experience.

Time is fast running out on him. The sooner the realisation, the better for him.

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Sunday, 9 May, 2021

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

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

PM versus ambassadors PM Imran Khan abased Pakistan ambassadors in a meeting and said you should seek lessons from Indian ambassadors that how are functioning actively? he also added that I had received many complaints from countrymen in Saudi Arabia that the Pakistan embassy is unresponsive. he said you are still proceeding on a callousness mindset. Moreover, If the mindset of ambassadors is callousness so, the question arises what can be the status of the country and how will P.M remove this callosity mindset all over the country.

Khuda dad Baloch Karachi

Uncharted territory

On dispensation of justice As the rich purchase the vehicles of justice, the poor languish in the dark dungeons

Candid Corner Raoof Hasan “The ultimate goal of the political elite is to privatise the air. So as not to destroy their own edifice of democratic compassion, they will make provisions for the sick and the poor. Air will be rationed by a privatised bureaucracy and only those who complete a series of stringent means tests will be allowed a breath freely. If this sounds like untenable dystopian sci-fi, you haven’t been paying attention. In the 17th century, Dean Jonathan Swift satirically proposed that the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food for rich gentlemen and ladies.

Many lords in Westminster at the time took this as a sign that an Irish voice was finally speaking sense. The descendents of these Lords still stalk the corridors of power today. Never underestimate the callousness of the hereditary madness of the ruling class.”

–Dean Canavagh

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thought calling the current events disastrous would suffice to underline their gravity. But, no, that is too mild a description to capture even a modicum of the dastardly grossness in which we seem to be enveloped as a matter of everyday routine. these weird happenings not only diminish the value and meaning of life; it is virtually slaughtered into bits and pieces to be scattered around as crumbs for the hungry vultures to swallow. this last Friday, I wrote about the ‘colonial legacy’ of our bureaucracy which, in spite of the drastically altered circumstances, it is not willing to shed simply to ensure protection and advancement of their larger-than-life persona which has kept nibbling away at the state, reducing it to a haunting shadow of its real self. But the lust and appetite for more do not diminish. In fact, they increase with the scent of distant flesh as the fangs drip with anticipation of a lifeless prey falling at their feet.

In King Lear, it is Earl gloucester who cries out thus: “In th’ last night’s storm I such a fellow saw, which made me think a man a worm”. And then a note of helplessness a little later: “As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods, they kill us for their sport”. this marks an anguished confession of one’s weakness in an uneven match.

But there are occasions when discrimination is assiduously created among people not only as a reflection of sickening regression, but portraying a mindset which cannot see beyond its own profit. Such is the bounteous perversion that we have acquired in abundance and which we are wont to using aplenty.

Shahbaz Sharif has a number of serious

cases pending against him. More so, throughout his brief confinement within luxurious surroundings, he remained totally unwilling to cooperate with the NAB in responding to questions. Now that, after considerable number of hearings, the cases against him seemed to be nearing their end, most probably with his conviction, he was first granted bail and then, a few days later when he applied for permission to proceed abroad for ‘treatment’, he was given the freedom within less than 24 hours. Lest we forget, he is the same Shahbaz Sharif who had submitted an undertaking to “ensure the return of my brother Nawaz Sharif within four weeks” when this court had granted him leave to travel abroad for treatment.

After the passage of more than a year, he has neither returned nor provided any proof of the treatment that he is undergoing for his illness.

Instead of holding him to account for not fulfilling his undertaking, Shahbaz Sharif is rewarded for lying to the court with the added incentive of permission to travel abroad.

Shahbaz Sharif comes with an illustrious family background. his son, Salman Shahbaz, is an absconder as is his son-in-law and other people who are connected with grievous crimes. his other son, hamza Shahbaz, is out on bail with dozens of cases of money-laundering through fake accounts pending against him. his brother, on whose behalf he had given the undertaking, has since been declared an absconder as have also two of his sons, hasan and hussain. his niece, Maryam, is a convict who is out on bail on a false pretext.

It appeared that the court was in a great rush to grant him bail to join the tribe of convicts and absconders so that they could all enjoy the loot they have scavenged from the state exchequer to put into their foreign accounts, properties and businesses.

What was the rationale before the court for granting him permission to leave the country? the decision casts serious aspersions on the legitimacy of the superior courts. It is but certain that the Sharifs can make the LhC do whatever they may wish.

In so doing, the court seems completely oblivious to the charge of whether their acts fall within the domain of the law, or are in breach of it.

It is a reality that the government cannot function if its operational domain is constantly encroached upon by the judiciary and decisions which cannot be defended in courts of law are imposed upon it for implementation. I understand that the government is determined to resist this decision at all forums which are legally available, yet dabbling in matters which should be left strictly to the executive is a horrible waste. Notwithstanding the fact that the bail granted to Shahbaz Sharif is highly question-

able, if he is allowed to leave in compliance with the court decision, it would be propagated as having taken place with the connivance of the government just as it had happened when the elder brother was allowed to leave on the basis of what were later discovered to be fake medical reports. the Sharifs constitute a family of convicts, criminals and proclaimed offenders. they need no mercy. they must be forced to cough up the entire illegal bounty they have stolen from the state. they are certainly not the ones the courts should be showing sympathy to in flagrant violation of the tenets of justice. In particular, the LhC must review its decision to grant him leave for treatment abroad as he is most likely to follow in the not-so-illustrious footsteps of his elder brother, the convict-absconder Nawaz Sharif. the larger domain of judicial reckoning does not present a healthy picture either. the recent injunction by the 10-member SC bench in the matter of Justice Isa has taken further gloss off the face of an institution which is reckoned as one of the three pillars on which the edifice of the state stands. holding a judge to account now seems an improbable prospect. It is as if the judges would henceforth be deemed to be beyond the pale of the law.

In fact, they would be the law unto themselves, dispensing their respective brand to the likes of the Sharifs and the Bhutto-Zardaris on the one hand, whose coffers are stuffed with the illicit loot, while the brand they dispense to the poor and the marginalised is a draconian version which sees no good in the ones who come with their palms stretched in supplication.

Where does Pakistan stand in the midst of this uneven, unjust dispensation where the rich and the mighty can purchase the very vehicles of justice and the poor languish in the dark dungeons for a lifetime with no one to hear their screams? An aptly illustrative description can be found in what horatio, friend of hamlet, has to say: “And let me speak to th’ yet unknowing world how these things came about. So shall you hear of carnal, bloody, and unnatural acts; of accidental judgements, casual slaughters; of deaths put on by cunning and forc’d cause”.

Need I say more? Need anyone say more?

The larger domain of judicial reckoning does not present a healthy picture either. The recent injunction by the 10-member SC bench in the matter of Justice Isa has taken further gloss off the face of an institution which is reckoned as one of the three pillars on which the edifice of the state stands. Holding a judge to account now seems an improbable prospect.

The writer is a political and security strategist, and heads the Regional Peace Institute – an Islamabad-based think tank. Email: raoofhasan@hotmail.com. Twitter: @RaoofHasan

It depends upon political leadership and their awareness of science and history, which will determine intensity of damage inflicted by this contagious pandemic CoVIt-19. this is unchartered territory, where medical scientists and biologists have still to find a vaccine which can prevent infection from being contracted and give people confidence to overcome fear. We, however can learn lessons from history and authentic hadiths which quote holy Prophet(PBuh) on how to cope with such pandemics and plagues. this can be a long wait till we find the cure, just like it took almost 5 years by researchers to offer a vaccine for Ebola. however we can pray to Almighty that a vaccine is developed within a year, as predicted by those who specialize in control and cure of contagious infections and hopefully offer a therapeutic medicine in the interim period for those already infected.Lock-down, self isolation and following advice of doctors is our only safe option. however if political leaders were to ape course adopted by President trump or PM Boris, than they should be prepared for quantum of fatalities and infections citizens of these countries have suffered. Adopting preventive measures with strict oversight by the State is a safe option. In any case it is the constitutional and moral obligation of a legally elected executive to protect lives of citizens. A poor under-nourished family is more likely to die in case of being exposed to CoVIt19 than being underfed with one meal a day.

MALIk TARIq ALI Lahore

Relations with Saudi Arabia thE prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s abiding support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom, and expressed special reverence accorded to the Land of the two holy Mosques by the people of Pakistan. the prime minister appreciated the Crown Prince’s recently launched “green Saudi Arabia and green Middle East” initiatives. he hoped to build upon the synergies between the vision of the Crown Prince and his own environment-related initiatives including the “10 Billion trees tsunami”. Acknowledging the positive and constructive role of more than two million Pakistani Diaspora in the Kingdom, the two leaders discussed ways to maximize mutual benefit from cooperation in the human resource sector. the prime minister thanked the Saudi leadership for taking considerate measures for the welfare of Pakistani expatriates during the CoVID-19 pandemic. Exchanging views on regional and international issues, the prime minister outlined his vision of a peaceful neighborhood to advance the objectives of national economic development. highlighting the situation in IIoJK, Imran Khan stressed the importance of peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. he also highlighted Pakistan’s consistent efforts to support peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. the prime minister lauded the Crown Prince for the Kingdom’s efforts and initiatives aimed at reinforcing and further promoting regional peace and security. the two leaders also witnessed signing of a number of bilateral agreements/Memoranda of understanding (Mou), including Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Combating Crimes; Agreement on transfer of Convicted Individuals (Prisoners); Mou on Combating Illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs; Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemicals; and Framework Mou for financing of projects (totaling up to uSD 500 million) in energy, hydropower generation, infrastructure, transport and communication and water resource development. the prime minister extended an invitation to the Crown Prince to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience. ahmad Nasim Karachi

Economic challenges thErE is a ray of hope for the overall national economy to build up after listening to the holistic correct approach of the finance minister to solve the teething national problems piled up owing to bad governance over the years . the minister appears to be clear headed and in a very short time of assuming the office , has correctly identified the grave problems facing the country . he has very capably outlined a workable road map to steer the country out of the woods and from its present state of quagmire and despondency. No doubt , the power sector is in a great mess and its problems are many and have been made highly complicated with each passing day . Some of its problems are solvable if there is administrative & a political will . these include massive power thefts , corruption and inefficiency . the government needs to root these out with a stern hand . then there are technical and policy problems . Surplus or excess power is one of these . You have to pay capacity and fixed charges even if you are not utilising it . the government has not taken any measures or announced any policy for the fruitful utilisation of this surplus energy to eliminate the financial continuous burden on the exchequer. All the above items are contributing to the building up of the notorious Circular Debt . one of the ways to maximise the use of surplus power is to give special incentives and tariffs to export oriented industries to boost exports which is the ultimate awnser to lift the national economy . At the same time , foreign investors should be encouraged to put up their industries by offering them subsidised power tariffs , besides other attractive favourable terms and conditions . Another step could be to offer special reduced power tariffs for certain group of cosumers so that idol excess energy is profitably made use of . Even export of surplus power to the neighbouring countries should be explored , especially in view of launching of many new power generating projects and import of envisaged hydel power from Central Asia , which will further increase surplus power . the real benifits to the economy will accrue only when when our exports grow up . And one of the main ingredients in achieving this is the availability of affordable electrical power , which unfortunately in not in sight in the near future.

Whether an affordable and cheaper power can be realised , is a big question mark and a challenge to the sitting government .

ENgr riaz Bhutta lahorE

Sunday, 9 May, 2021

08 WORLD VIEW

Israel's polIcy In Jerusalem escalates sItuatIon In Gaza and West Bank middLe eAsT moniTor

a

DR ADNAN Abu AMER

T a time when the confrontations in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in occupied Jerusalem persist, Israeli security and military circles have expressed concerns over the continuation of the uprising that erupted at the Damascus Gate at Al-Aqsa Mosque. These events were followed by the subsequent burst of rockets launched from the Gaza Strip towards the occupied territories, in solidarity with Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, the intensity of criticism in Israel regarding how the occupation's security services and army had succumbed in front of Gaza's missiles after surrendering at the Damascus Gate became more intense.

This granted Hamas another moral victory that would force Israel to face more confrontations in the future, as media and social media platforms in Jerusalem and the entire Arab world have been invaded by a final and decisive headline: Israel is defeated.

The clashes that followed the installation of security checkpoints at the entrance of Damascus Gate are another episode to be added to the events, including the electronic gates of Temple Mount, the prisoner swap deals with Hamas, the first Intifada and many other bleak milestones in history.

Zionists have paid dearly for these events, despite the misinformation marketed via Israeli media.

The Israeli rejection of the authorities' policy to contain the Damascus Gate clashes intensified even further, since immediately after the removal of the checkpoints, hundreds of Palestinian youths gathered and chanted slogans in support of Mohammed Deif, current leader of Izz AdDin Al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas's military wing). Deif threatened to expand the reach of confrontations if the restrictions on Jerusalemites continued, meaning that the Israeli defeat and surrender in front of the heroic victory of the people of Jerusalem gave the Palestinians another moral achievement.

Israel's approach in the occupied Holy City pushed the Palestinians to invest their energy in escalating the situation in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. On the other hand, it can be said that all the factors and indications took a noticeable turn, indicating that the martyrdom operation in Nablus may fuel subsequent attacks of the same nature, or as part of a sophisticated escalation scheme.

Immediately after the West Bank attacks, the Hamas propaganda machine started working around the clock. The movement's spokespeople welcomed the offensives and

linked them without hesitation to the violent confrontations in Jerusalem. This comes despite the fact that the coming week will be loaded with crucial events and dates, increasing the tension and prompting the involved parties to seek further escalation.

The last Friday of ramadan fell on 7 May, and Qadr night will be celebrated on Sunday (the night of the 27th day of the holy month), followed the next day by the Jewish Jerusalem Day, celebrated this year during the month of ramadan. If that is not enough, a week later comes the Nakba Day, knowing that the unrest in Jerusalem has not diminished after opening Damascus Gate and removing the security checkpoints.

Therefore, Palestinians are very keen to re-ignite the flame of resistance in Jerusalem.

After the violent Jerusalem events have subsided, Hamas is trying to stop the eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, to motivate the population of east Jerusalem to take to the streets.

The current Israeli policy has been linked to what the extreme right considers as a retreat in the conventional approach to handling the Palestinian factions. It no longer demands the government to strike Hamas with an iron fist and an outstretched military arm, as usual. However, there have been des-

perate calls made by Israeli personalities to take action, while repeating "Hamas always escalates" and attributing the Israeli efforts to stop clashes to the egyptian mediation efforts to restore calm.

While facing Hamas, the Israeli security apparatus is afraid of launching a comprehensive campaign against the movement and paying a bloody price, adding to that the effects of The Hague and Goldstone reports.

This still haunts the occupation authorities, among other things, such as the West Bank uprising and the belief that every military operation against Hamas would force them to reoccupy the Gaza Strip 16 years after their withdrawal.

Israel is still reluctant to make a military move against Hamas, and as a general rule, the Israeli public sympathises with the government's reluctance. As such, supporters for ending the siege of Gaza are afraid to appear foolish in case the Israeli army turns out to be unable to guarantee security without controlling the strip. Meanwhile, dissenters want the Israelis to know the high cost that they will pay after leaving Gaza.

The Israelis' favourite option indeed is to target Hamas, but they are sure that the resistance movement will not suffer much harm. Hence, the Israeli response to Al-Qassam rockets has rarely caused real damage to Palestinian areas, as Hamas leaders enjoy

long-term immunity from targeted assassinations, in addition to many other advantages. As for the political and security levels, and the right and left wings alike, they all agree that in the current situation, there is no escape from holding back and investing in the Iron Dome and underground Sensory Concrete Barrier, instead of responding to Hamas. estimates of the Israeli position say that the gates of Gaza must be smashed once every few years so that Hamas will think a hundred times before trying to drag Israel into war and internalise serious concerns over the occupation's extended reach. However, the real problem lies in the fact that Israel's behaviour while confronting Gaza is characterised by a sense of despair, as the Israeli army and the political leadership are using this cowardly rhetoric to justify their "lip-biting" approach in front of the 40 rockets recently launched by Hamas.

The recent events in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank have proven to be interconnected with what is happening in occupied Jerusalem. The events ended with Israel's frightening folding of the barriers at the stairs of Damascus Gate, while offering Hamas what looked like a victory and approval to its claim that the shooting in Gaza emanated from Israel's practices in Jerusalem.

The Israeli policy towards Palestinians is the expression of silent and submissive behaviour, as the Israeli authorities presented a model of conduct that can be referred to as "a shameful surrender to the Palestinian bullying." They caved in without the blink of an eye and without taking into account that Hamas might find a new excuse to incite the region due to the aggressive Israeli policy in Jerusalem.

How anti-democratic “Deep concern” won’t halt Jerusalem evictions politics make India’s

eLecTronicinTifAdA.neT

I

MAuREEN ClARE MuRPHy

SrAeL, it would seem, is counting on getting away with murder and ethnic cleansing in perpetuity. The state’s authorities said they were investigating the death of Said Yousef Muhammad Odeh, a Palestinian boy who was shot in the back by Israeli soldiers earlier this week. The supposed probe cannot be taken seriously, however, given Israel’s abysmal track record for investigating the deaths of Palestinians by its forces.

Instead, Israel’s self-investigations should only be seen as a hollow exercise intended to ward off international accountability. Whether the International Criminal Court gives weight to these investigations, which have resulted in only a handful of convictions of low-ranking soldiers in recent years, remains to be seen.

SHAM INVESTIGATIONS: The ICC defers to a country’s internal investigations, where they exist, under the principle of complementarity which holds that “states have the first responsibility and right to prosecute international crimes.” Nearly 200 Israelis including university professors and senior reserve army officers wrote the ICC this week to say that the state “has no intention to seriously investigate complaints of war crimes.” The Israeli military says it is investigating the shooting death of a Palestinian woman at a road junction near a West Bank settlement on Sunday. As Haaretz journalist Gideon Levy puts it plainly, video of the shooting of Fahmiya Hroub “leaves no room for doubt: This was an execution.” The footage shows the 60-year-old slowly moving towards soldiers while holding a kitchen knife. She posed no immediate threat to anyone’s life before she was shot in the stomach, leg and hand and left bleeding in the street before being transferred to a hospital, where she died.

B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, said the killing of the woman reflected Israel’s open-fire policy “backed by senior government and military officials.” That policy allows for the use of lethal force “against any Palestinian holding a knife, regardless of the degree of danger posed.” No Israeli responsible for the death of a Palestinian in similar circumstances has faced charges, according to B’Tselem. Hroub’s family told Levy that the slain woman was experiencing psychiatric difficulties and was released from a hospital the day before she was killed. Israel is holding the woman’s body, preventing her family from arranging a burial.

Israel’s high court has approved the withholding of slain Palestinians’ bodies to be used as bargaining chips in nego-

tiations with Hamas, which is believed to be holding the remains of two Israeli soldiers killed during the 2014 invasion of Gaza. Al-Haq, a prominent Palestinian human rights group, says that the “practice of withholding bodies amounts to a policy of collective punishment.” Israel’s use of collective punishment is a violation of Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention and thus a war crime.

The state’s high court has given its blessing to another form of collective punishment: punitive home demolitions.

That punishment is exacted against the families of Palestinians suspected of involvement in attacks on Israelis but is never used against Israelis who have attacked Palestinians.

On Thursday night, occupation forces raided a home belonging to the family Muntasir Shalabi, a Palestinian arrested by Israel over the shooting of three young Israelis in the West Bank, one of whom died of his injuries, earlier this week. The Israeli military published a video of its soldiers in the home, mapping it ahead of its demolition – in other words, it published a video of its forces planning a war crime. Meanwhile, there is no shortage of terrifying videos circulating on social media (despite censorship by Twitter and Facebook) showing Israeli police and settler brutality against Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah, a neighborhood in occupied east Jerusalem.

SHeIKH JArrAH eVICTIONS Palestinians facing imminent forced eviction from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah are calling on the International Criminal Court to investigate Israel’s crimes of “forcible transfer, appropriation of property, persecution, apartheid and other inhumane acts causing great suffering or serious injury.” An Israeli court has paved the way for those evictions, ruling in favor of Nahalat Shimon International – an organization based in the US – and Ateret Cohanim, another settlement group that seeks to take over the properties. It would be the second or third forced displacement of the Palestinian families who have been denied their right to return to the towns, cities and villages from which they were expelled around the time of Israel’s establishment in 1948.The families are subjected to a “coercive environment” in Jerusalem “designed to transform the city’s demographic composition to secure Israeli-Jewish control over Jerusalem and drive ongoing Palestinian displacement,” according to human rights groups. The UN’s human rights office warned Israel on Friday that the evictions would amount to a war crime. Israel’s foreign ministry characterized the situation as a “real estate dispute.” The Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions National Committee stated that “the scenes of settler violence in Sheikh Jarrah are repulsive. But they are not new.” They are a continuation of the violence that has been enacted against Palestinians before, during and after Israel declared its independence on their homeland. The violence of domination and displacement – carried out by settlers and uniformed forces alike – is backed by the Israeli state at every level.

“Deep concern” – the phrasing constantly used by Western diplomats – provides no protection to Palestinians under the boot of Israel’s military occupation. Any state or institution that can leverage material pressure but instead only urges Israel to act with restraint and investigate itself is complicit in the furtherance of this brutal regime of colonization.

Maureen Clare Murphy is an associate editor of The Electronic Intifada and lives in Chicago.

COVID calamity worse

L A Times

“I

PRERNA SINGH

cannot breathe.” My uncle, a physician in Delhi, recounted how the cry reverberated through the ward he was overseeing. Across the country, hundreds of thousands of Indians are dying — in their homes, on the streets, on the way to, outside and inside hospitals, including top private hospitals in Delhi, such as where my uncle works, that have exhausted their oxygen supplies.

The most immediate cause of their suffocation is a deadly new wave of an unpredictable, mutating novel coronavirus. But, as a political scientist who studies India, I also see shadows of the kind of deadly systemic force that bore down on George Floyd’s neck when he gasped the same last words.

In India, that force of callousness and contempt takes shape as Hindu nationalism — propelled and promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Because of Modi’s politics, COVID-19 has brought India to its knees and tens of thousands of Indians to their deathbeds. In the world’s largest democracy, the Modi regime must be held accountable for the terrifying surge of death and disease since March.

This is because the regime favored its own electoral interest over the safety and health of its citizens. In bombastic rhetoric characteristic of right-wing-populist “big men” such as Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, Modi earlier this year claimed credit for having defeated COVID. Virtually all restrictions on public gatherings were lifted.

This was a flagrant violation of public health advice. But it allowed the regime to continue to hold a number of key state elections, including in the battleground state of Bengal, where Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party hoped, unsuccessfully, to oust the incumbent government. Hundreds of campaign rallies convened thousands of unmasked political supporters. Modi himself participated in the campaigns and lauded the “huge crowds of people” who had turned out.

Further, the regime gave the enthusiastic goahead to the Hindu pilgrimage and festival of Kumbh Mela, facilitating travel by 3.5 million devo-

tees to the banks of the Ganges for a ritual dip. Few COVID protocols were followed, and the festival has unsurprisingly been a superspreader event.

Yet, an ill-advised but far smaller religious gathering of Muslims at the beginning of the pandemic, in March 2020, had caused the Modi regime to file serious charges against organizers and attendees — and many are still awaiting trial. That event also provoked more scapegoating of this religious minority, whose exclusion is at the core of the Hindu nationalist vision of India.

These self-serving, callous decisions were taken against the backdrop of the regime’s stillborn vaccination campaign. Despite being the world’s leading manufacturer of vaccines, supply-chain snags and complex sign-up procedures mean that as of today just about 2% of Indians are fully vaccinated. A more robust vaccination campaign might not have prevented the current wave of the virus, but it would have significantly curbed it.

Finally, the COVID calamity has been exacerbated by another crisis unfolding in India during Modi’s reign of power: the erosion of democracy.

Last month, Freedom House demoted India from “free” to “partly free,” reflecting the Modi regime’s widespread, relentless and often brutal curtailing of civil liberties, including attacks on freedom of speech and the press.

Indian nationalism was forged in the fierceness of effective nonviolent protest against the British. But the BJP’s brand of right-wing Hindu nationalism offers no space for dissent. Since assuming power in 2014, Modi’s government has hunted down opponents, whether young climate activists, civil society leaders, nongovernmental organizations, writers, artists, movie directors, Bollywood actors or the press. Journalists critical of the government have been gunned down outside their homes.

Today as parks, parking lots and even backyards are being turned into cremation grounds, and as the smell of death hangs over the capital, the Modi regime is busy pressuring Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to take down posts critical of it.

Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen and Jean Dreze famously showed that famines were caused not just by a shortage of food, but by the lack of a free flow of information and government accountability. Democracies that allow the press and citizens to publicly critique government actions have been shown to be immune to famines. Pandemics follow the same logic. By cracking down on criticism of the government’s decisions before and during the COVID pandemic, the regime and its local allies have greatly exacerbated a natural disaster and have left millions of Indians sick and gasping for air.

Prerna Singh is Mahatma Gandhi associate professor of political science and international studies and holds an appointment at the school of public health at Brown University.

Sunday, 9 May, 2021

BUSINESS 09

ISLAMABAD corporate corner BOP launches first free Roshan Digital Account LAHORE: After a rigorous process of monitoring and inspection over a few months to ensure protection of customer interest, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) gave its approval to Bank of Punjab (BOP) for launching the first free Roshan Digital Account (RDA) for BOP to join an elite group of Banks to launch this Digital Initiative for the Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs). This will help attract small depositors who were keeping away from RDA on account of associated operating costs. Roshan Digital Account is a revolutionary initiative spearheaded by the SBP. For the first time in Pakistan’s history, NRPs are being provided an opportunity to remotely open and operate Bank accounts in Pakistan through an entirely digital and online proposition. RDA has attracted over $1 billion in a relatively short period of time. Account holders can also invest in stock market, real estate and Naya Pakistan Certificates issued by the government, and also contribute in Ehsaas Kifalat Programme through their Zakat, Sadqaat etc. There are more products in the pipeline to facilitate our overseas Pakistanis and their families. For BOP, RDA will cater needs of thousands of Pakistanis abroad who will be able to open bank accounts by visiting www.bop.com.pk through a simplified digital procedure. Customer can open account in multiple currencies (PKR, USD, EURO, GBP). BOP customers can avail various services without any charges as BOP’s RDA offers conventional & Islamic banking account with no minimum balance requirement. Free debit card for NRVA will be provided with zero courier charges. In addition to this, no charges will be levied on international usage of debit card at POS & ATM. Three free supplementary debit cards will also be available to RDA customers’ family members. Free mobile app enabled with multiple life style banking facilities will also be available. BOP’s RDA customers will also enjoy multiple investment opportunities like Naya Pakistan Certificate (NPC), access to stock market, investment in property, term deposit booking etc. apart from above mentioned features, BOP’s auto loan facility will also be available along with easy repatriation of funds. A dedicated 24/7 BOP service excellence unit has also been set up for complete hand holding of customers and to provide assistance wherever required. Customers will be given guidance on all products being offered and assisted on any issues they may be facing. PRESS RElEASE

FiSCAL DEFiCit wiDEnS tO 3.6PC in 9MFY21 ISLAMABAD

t

SHAHZAD PARACHA

HE country’s fiscal deficit has increased to 3.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) or Rs1.652 trillion during the first nine months (July-March) of the current fiscal year despite a drastic cut in development, almost static defence expenditure, healthy provincial cash surpluses and record petroleum levy collections.

The consolidated data on fiscal operations for the first three quarters of the year released by the finance ministry on Thursday showed that the total revenue incre¬ased by 6.45pc to Rs4.99tr in nine months against a rise of about 4.2pc to Rs6.644tr in total expenditure.

The data showed that the total revenue posted a healthy growth of 12.6pc during the third quarter (January-March), but poor performance in the first two quarters pulled down the average revenue growth to 6.45pc. The total expenditure was curtailed at a nominal growth of 0.3pc but average growth in expenditure increased to 4.2pc due to higher expenditures in the first two quarters.

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tax collection during the first three quarters of the current fiscal year was Rs3,394 billion following direct taxes Rs1,246bn, taxes on international trade Rs541bn, sales tax Rs1,415bn, and federal excise duty Rs191.6bn.

Provincial tax collection during the same period recorded Rs370.16bn which included Rs210.8bn sales tax on services, Rs6,3bn excise duty, Rs40.3bn stamp duties, Rs20.5bn motor vehicles tax and Rs92.3bn others taxes.

Also, tax revenue increased by 4.7pc to Rs3.8tr during the first nine months of the current fiscal year while non-tax revenue went up by 12pc during the same period. Current expenditure, on the other hand, increased by 8.4pc to Rs6.1tr.

Federal non-tax revenue of Rs1,145bn included surplus profit of SBP Rs497.5bn, petroleum levy Rs 369.210bn, mark up of PSEs and others Rs53.2bn, dividend Rs19.60bn, profit PTA and others Rs19.99bn defence receipts Rs10.5bn, passport fee Rs10.2bn, discount retained on crude oil Rs7.051bn, royalties on oil and gas Rs53.3bn, windfall levy against crude oil Rs1.396bn, petroleum levy on LPG2.32bn, gas infrastructure development cess Rs15.4bn, natural gas development surcharge Rs17.3bn, and others Rs68.3bn while the provincial non tax collection stood at Rs82.1 bn.

Non tax revenue both federal and provincial was Rs1,227bn during the first three quarters of the current fiscal year.

Provincial budget surplus included Rs244bn by Punjab, Rs67bn by Sindh, Rs66bn by Balochistan and Rs66bn by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Development expenditure dropped to 1.6pc of GDP against 1.8pc of GDP, while defence expenditure went down to 1.7pc from 1.8pc.

The primary balance, on the other hand, stood at Rs562bn surplus or 1pc of GDP, compared to Rs194bn or 0.4pc of GDP last year.

The finance ministry reported that direct taxes increased by 8.8pc to Rs1.246tr or 2.7pc of GDP this year against Rs1.15tr of last year or 2.6pc of GDP. Indirect taxes, on the other hand, increased by 13.2pc to Rs2.15tr from last year’s Rs1.898tr.

Exports to UK post 31pc growth in 10MFY21 LSM posts 9pc growth in 9MFY21 Big industries posted 9 per cent growth during the first nine months of current fiscal year but the index slid for the second successive month, suggesting an uneven growth momentum due to disruptions caused by the pandemic. The Large-scale Manufacturing (LSM) sector registered a cumulative growth of 9pc in July-March of current fiscal year, reported the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Friday. March was the second successive month when the index dropped over the previous month, again slipping below pre-Covid levels and standing at 155.6. On a month-on-month basis, the LSM sector showed a contraction of 7.7pc in March over February 2021. LSM expansion had slowed in January after posting a double-digit growth in December and November on the back of higher automobile, cement products and one-time sugar output, which reflects the revival of industrialisation. In February, LSM posted a growth of 4.85pc. In December and November last year, LSM grew by 11.4pc and 14.5pc, respectively, on a yearon-year basis. Out of 15 major sectors, nine sectors recorded positive growth while the output of six sectors, being monitored by the federal and provincial governments, dropped in the first nine months of current fiscal year, according to the PBS. MONITORING REPORT

SECP mulls conversion of physical shares into book-entry form ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Pakistan’s exports to the United Kingdom (UK) surged by 31 per cent during the first ten months of the current fiscal year (10MFY21).

“We are glad to share that during Jul-Apr 2021, our exports to UK have grown by 31 percent to USD 1.709 billion from USD 1.309 billion in JulApr 2020,” informed Advisor to Prime Minister for Trade and

Investment Abdul Razak Dawood, adding that these are the highest-ever exports to UK in a 10-month period. The advisor further informed that remittances from UK also increased by 62pc during the July to March period (9MFY21).

“I encourage the exporters to consolidate their exports to UK. I also commend the efforts of MOC’s Trade & Investment

Officers, Pakistan Trade Mission, London and Pakistan Trade Officer, Manchester and urge them to facilitate more our exporters and investors,” he said.

United States of America (USA) remained the top export destinations of Pakistani products during the first three quarters of financial year (2020-21), followed by United Kingdom (UK) and China. NEWS DESK

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is considering a proposal requiring all the public listed, public unlisted, public interest, and private limited companies to have their shares in book-entry form in compliance with Section 72 of the Companies Act, 2017, a statement said on Friday. Shares held in the book-entry form would have the same rights and privileges as shares held in physical certificate form. Once notified, all companies, required to replace their physical shares with book-entry form, would apply to a depository, licensed by the SECP for conversion of physical shares and further issuance of shares in the book-entry form. The depository would prescribe procedures for such conversion and issuance of shares, including documentation required, process to be followed and applicable fee/charges. Handling of shares in case of corporate actions, i.e., issue of bonus/right shares and transfer or selling of shares would be much easier if shares are converted into the book-entry form.

China’s exports top forecasts, imports growth best in decade BEIJING AGENCIES

Chinese exports grew at a forecast-busting rate last month, data showed Friday, while imports surged at their strongest in a decade as the global economy bounces back from the pandemic crisis and domestic consumption recovers.

With vaccines being rolled out around the world — particularly in the key US market — and economically painful lockdowns being eased, demand for China’s goods has picked up this year, having fallen off a cliff in 2020.

Shipments abroad soared 32.3 percent on-year in April — smashing the 24.1 per-

COUNTRY'S FOREX RESERVES RISE TO $3.2TN cent expected in a Bloomberg survey — thanks to a sharp rise in demand for electronics and medical masks. The impressive figures are attributable to last year’s very low base of comparison owing to the pandemic.

But they still show that the global recovery is underway, led by the United States where the economy is scorching along on the back of vast government spending and central bank largesse.

“The stimulus in developed economies, especially in the US, sustained their demand for Chinese manufactured products,” Nomura chief China economist Lu Ting told AFP.

At home, with the coronavirus largely brought under control, China’s vast army of consumers are getting back to their daily lives after last year’s travails, sending imports up 43.1 percent, slightly below forecast but the best rise since early 2011. In April, China’s trade surplus with the US — a key point of contention during their bruising trade war — rose 23 percent to $28.1 billion.

FOREX RESERVES RISE TO $3.2TN: China’s foreign exchange reserves, the world’s largest, increased in April from a month earlier, official data showed on Friday, as the US dollar weakened. Reserves rose by

CMYK

$28.15 billion to $3.198 trillion, data from the central bank showed. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected the reserves to rise to $3.2 trillion from $3.17 trillion in March.

The increase was due to the dollar’s fall against other major currencies held in the reserves, and to rises in global asset prices, the foreign exchange regulator said in a statement.

The yuan appreciated 1.2% against the dollar in April, while the US currency fell 2.1% against a basket of other major currencies.

Strong foreign capital inflows to China also continued in April after the country posted record economic growth in the first three months of the year.

China accounted for 95% of foreign net inflows to emerging market equities last

month at $13.5 billion, though flows into Chinese debt eased, data from the Institute of International Finance showed.

China held 62.64 million fine troy ounces of gold at the end of April, unchanged from a month earlier, the data showed.

The value of its gold reserves rose to $110.73 billion at the end of April from $109.18 billion at the end of March.

China posted a preliminary current account surplus of $75.1 billion in the first quarter, equivalent to 2% of gross domestic product, the foreign exchange regulator said.

It had a preliminary capital and financial account deficit of $75.1 billion in JanuaryMarch, it said.

sunday, 9 may, 2021

10 foreIgn news

Islamabad

ISrAEl PolICE, PAlEStInIAnS ClASh At Al-AqSA MoSqUE, SCorES InjUrEd JERUSALEM

I

AgeNcies

SRAELI police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards unarmed Palestinian youth at Jerusalem’s AlAqsa Mosque on Friday amid growing anger over the potential eviction of Palestinians from homes on land occupied

by Jewish settlers.

At least 178 Palestinians and six officers were injured in the night-time clashes at Islam’s third-holiest site and around East Jerusalem, Palestinian medics and Israeli police said, as thousands of Palestinians faced off with several hundred Israeli police in riot gear.

Tension has mounted in Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank during the holy month of Ramadan, with nightly clashes in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah — a neighbourhood where numerous Palestinian families face eviction in a long-running legal case.

Calls for calm and restraint poured in on Friday from the United States and the United Nations, with others including the European Union and Jordan voicing alarm at the possible evictions.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians packed into the hilltop compound surrounding the mosque earlier on Friday for prayers. Many stayed on to protest against the evictions in the city at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

But following the evening meal that breaks the Ramadan fast, clashes broke out at Al-Aqsa with smaller scuffles near Sheikh Jarrah, which sits near the walled Old City’s famous Damascus Gate.

Police used water cannon mounted on armoured vehicles to disperse several hundred protesters gathered near the homes of families facing potential eviction.

“If we don’t stand with this group of people here, (evictions) will (come) to my

house, her house, his house and to every Palestinian who lives here,” said protester Bashar Mahmoud, 23, from the nearby Palestinian neighbourhood of Issawiya.

‘CALM DOWN AND BE QUIET’: An Aqsa official appealed for calm on the compound through the mosque’s loudspeakers. “Police must immediately stop firing stun grenades at worshippers, and the youth must calm down and be quiet!”

Israel’s Supreme Court will hold a hearing on the Sheikh Jarrah evictions on Mon-

day, the same day that Israel marks Jerusalem Day — its annual celebration of its occupation of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East war.

The Palestine Red Crescent ambulance service said 88 of the Palestinians injured were taken to hospital after being hit with rubber-coated metal bullets.

One of the injured lost an eye, two suffered serious head wounds and two had their jaws fractured, the Red Crescent said. The rest of the injuries were minor, it added.

A police spokeswoman claimed Palestinians had thrown rocks, fireworks and other objects towards officers, with some of the six injured requiring medical treatment.

“We will respond with a heavy hand to any violent disturbance, rioting or harm to our officers, and will work to find those responsible and bring them to justice,” the spokeswoman said.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he “held (Israel) responsible for the dangerous developments and sinful attacks tak-

ing place in the holy city” and called on the UN Security Council to hold an urgent session on the issue.

Violence has also increased in the occupied West Bank, where two Palestinian gunmen were killed and a third critically injured on Friday after they opened fire at an Israeli base, police said. After that incident, Israel’s military said it would send additional combat troops to the West Bank.

‘PLAYING WITH FIRE’: Sheikh Jarrah’s residents are overwhelmingly Palestinian, but the neighbourhood also contains a site revered by religious Jews as the tomb of an ancient high priest, Simon the Just.

The spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the evictions, “if ordered and implemented, would violate Israel’s obligations under international law” on East Jerusalem territory it captured and occupied, along with the West Bank, from neighbouring Jordan in 1967.

“We call on Israel to immediately halt all forced evictions, including those in Sheikh Jarrah, and to cease any activity that would further contribute to a coercive environment and lead to a risk of forcible transfer,” spokesman Rupert Colville said on Friday.

Washington was “deeply concerned about the heightened tensions in Jerusalem,” said US State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter.

“As we head into a sensitive period in the days ahead, it will be critical for all sides to ensure calm and act responsibly to deescalate tensions and avoid violent confrontation,” Porter said.

The European Union, Jordan and the sixmember Gulf Cooperation Council have expressed alarm at the potential evictions.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Jordan had given the Palestinian Authority documents that he said showed the Sheikh Jarrah Palestinians were the “legitimate owners” of their homes.

Israel’s “provocative steps in occupied Jerusalem and violation of Palestinian rights, including the rights of the people of Sheikh Jarrah in their homes, is playing with fire,” Safadi said in a foreign ministry statement on Twitter.

Israel’s foreign ministry claimed on Friday that Palestinians were “presenting a real-estate dispute between private parties as a nationalist cause, in order to incite violence in Jerusalem.” Palestinians rejected the allegation.

Covid-19: India reports more than 4,000 deaths for first time NEW DELHI AgeNcies

As EU turns down US decision to waive Covid-19 vaccination patents, Pope Francis offers support ROME News Desk

In a video message during a “Vax Live” benefit concert, head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis has thrown his support behind increasing calls for Covid-19 vaccination patents to be waived to achieve universal access to vaccines. Arguing for ‘temporary suspension of intellectual property rights’, he urges the world to not forget the most vulnerable in the face of the pandemic, which has “produced death and suffering, affecting the lives of all” and exacerbated existing social and environmental crises. His words are followed by a groundbreaking decision by US President Joe Biden this week, supporting waiving intellectual property rights to Covid-19 vaccines. “The Administration believes strongly in intellectual property protections, but in service of ending this pandemic, supports the waiver of those protections for COVID-19 vaccines,” US Trade Representative Katherine Tai wrote in a statement. So far only U.S. firm Moderna waived patent rights in October on its vaccine, which uses using the latest mRNA technology, but no other firm has yet announced that it will try to copy the shot. The patent waiver proposal was first put forward by India and South Africa last October, and has the backing of dozens of mostly developing countries but requires unanimous support at the World Trade Organization before rules could be loosened.

Germany is among the major EU countries opposed to such a waiver. French President Emmanuel Macron has questioned the sharing of patents, stating how this was not the main issue while calling out Britain and the United States for blocking the export of vaccines and their ingredients to the wider world. Experts say waivers could take years to negotiate and would not address the immediate need to manufacture more doses fast.

India on Saturday reported its highest ever single-day Covid-19 death toll, as cases continued to rise and states imposed stricter lockdowns.

India’s health ministry reported 4,187 fatalities over the past 24 hours, taking the overall death toll to just under 240,000. Cases rose by 401,078, increasing the total since the start of the pandemic to 21.9 million.

Medical experts say the real numbers of Covid-19 cases and fatalities are likely to be far higher than official tallies.

Tamil Nadu, known for its automobile manufacturing including BMW, Daimler, Hyundai, Ford, Nissan and Renault, said it would move from a partial to a full lockdown on Monday, stopping public transport and shutting state-run alcohol retailers.

Neighbouring Karnataka state extended a total shutdown late on Friday.

The state capital Bengaluru is a major tech hub, home to major offices of companies including Google, Amazon and Cisco.

India is yet to impose a national lockdown as it did during its first wave last year, but around half of all its states have imposed a total shutdown. The rest are under a partial shutdown.

Though it is the world’s biggest vaccine maker, India is struggling to produce and distribute enough doses to stem the wave of Covid-19.

Although the country has administered over 167m vaccine doses, its rate of inoculation has fallen sharply in recent days and only around two per cent of its 1.4 billion people have received the two doses needed to be fully immunised.

A CRISIS IN THE SOUTH: While states in the country’s northern and western areas have borne the brunt of the pandemic, southern states including

MEDICAL EXPERTS SAY THE REAL NUMBERS OF COVID-19 CASES AND FATALITIES ARE LIKELY TO BE FAR HIGHER THAN OFFICIAL TALLIES Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have seen infections surge.

The second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in India has brought the healthcare system to the brink of collapse, with patients dying due to lack of oxygen or access to hospital beds.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been criticised for his handling of the oxygen shortage, though the government says it is doing all it can.

Tamil Nadu chief minister M. K. Stalin said in a letter to Modi late on Friday Tamil Nadu’s medical oxygen de-

mand could double in the next two weeks.

“The availability of oxygen in Tamil Nadu is very very critical,” Stalin said, adding that 13 patients died in a hospital on the outskirts of Chennai due to the lack of oxygen.

Sunday, 9 May, 2021

SPORTS 11

ISLAMABAD

IndIan boaRd yet to dIscuss IPL offeR fRoM engLIsh countIes NEW DELHI

t

Agencies

He Indian cricket board will explore all options to try to complete this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) but is yet to discuss offers from english counties to host the remaining matches, a senior official told Reuters.

The eight-team league was postponed indefinitely on Tuesday after several personnel tested positive for COVID-19 following bubble breaches in two venues.

Warwickshire, Surrey, and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have offered to host the IPL’s remaining 31 matches in September, according to espncricinfo.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan last month said he was keen to bring the lucrative league, which attracts international cricket’s top players, to the city.

“We will explore all the options and see when it’s feasible to play those matches and take a call at the right time,” BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal said by telephone.

“Their offer has not been discussed yet. It’s too early.”

“Right now, our immediate plan is finalise the preparation for

the T20 World Cup in India later this year.”

Dhumal said the interest to stage IPL matches was indicative of its popularity abroad. “IPL is huge, and everybody wants to host IPL matches. It has a massive fan following even outside India.”

BCCI officials have acknowledged how difficult it could be to squeeze in the remaining IPL matches in an already crowded calendar.

The franchises believe it could be in September, just before the T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in a pandemic-ravaged India.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) shared a team video on their Twitter feed on Friday in which chairman Anand Kripalu told the players the BCCI had “indicated” the tournament would resume in September.

“We trust the BCCI will obviously gather as much information as they can when looking at that window around September and obviously keep us all informed,” Bangalore’s Director of Cricket Operation Mike Hesson said in that video.

“We’ll be part of the decision-making process as well, just to make sure that when it’s rescheduled, the players and everybody involved are in a safe environment.”

Nothing can stop Tokyo Olympics from going ahead: Coates SYDNEY Agencies

International Olympic Committee vicepresident John Coates was adamant Saturday that nothing could stop the Tokyo Olympics from going ahead, despite ongoing risks from Covid-19.

Asked by AFP if there was any scenario in which the Games, which are due to start in July, could be cancelled or postponed again at this late stage, he replied: “No, there’s not.

“The prime minister of Japan said that to the president of the United States two or three weeks ago, he continues to say that to the IOC. “We’re working with him (Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga) on all of the safety measures. It’s going ahead.”

Suga held talks with US leader Joe Biden in April and stressed the Asian nation was doing everything possible to contain Covid-19 infections and hold a “safe and secure” Olympics.

But questions continue to be raised about the viability of the Games, given

the ongoing pandemic and a virus state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of Japan being extended on Friday.

Coates, who heads the IOC’s Coor-

dination Commission for the Tokyo Games, said a huge amount of work had been done to ensure the safety of athletes and the Japanese public.

“We spent the first half of last year identifying all the worst-case scenarios,” he told reporters in Sydney on the sidelines of the Australian Olympic Committee’s annual general meeting.

“We spent the next six months looking at the countermeasures that are necessary.

“We’re implementing those countermeasures, predicated on there being no vaccine, so that situation has improved. The Games will go ahead.”

US drug giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech on Thursday announced a deal with the IOC to provide vaccines to competitors and staff at the Games, which Coates said was a major step.

“All of the precautions that we have been taking are aimed at the health of the athletes and the health of the people of Japan,” he said.

“We’ve put an amazing amount of work into the procedures that ensure the safety of the athletes through testing […] boosted now by all athletes around the world now having access to the vaccine.”

Abid Ali posts highest Test score by a Pakistani batsman in Zimbabwe HARARE news Desk

In a series in which Zimbabwe have offered little competition, this might be the nadir. On a turgid, attritional day for the hosts, Pakistan piled the runs up high with Abid Ali scoring an unbeaten double century on the second day of the second Test in Harare, combining for a 169-run partnership with No. 9 Nauman Ali, who scored a brisk 97 of his own.

It allowed Pakistan to amass 510 before Babar Azam declared, leaving Zimbabwe with an uncomfortable final session to negotiate.

But that they didn't, with Brendan Taylor's side losing four frontline batsmen in 30 overs and ending up trailing by 458 runs overnight.

It might be easy to forget now but both sides claimed a share of the spoils in the morning session. At that point, the hosts kept their hopes of restricting Pakistan below 400 alive with wickets at regular intervals, and were just three strikes away from wrapping up the innings. Pakistan's nightwatchman Sajid Khan frustrated Zimbabwe for the first hour, but saw his stay come to an end thanks to a splendid diving catch from Regis Chakabva, whose

wicketkeeping has been under scrutiny at times on this tour. Mohammad Rizwan combined for an equally handy partnership with the ever-present Abid, while also speeding things up. There were a few whipped boundaries through the off side, and the pair might have carried through to lunch before Rizwan tried to target Tendai Chisoro over mid-on. A horrible miscue found the fielder, and tailender Hasan Ali nicked off to Luke Jongwe in the following over.

Zimbabwe might have smelled blood then, but it was Pakistan who landed all the punches in the session that followed. After four attritional sessions of the hosts ensuring they stayed within touching distance of Pakistan, Abid and Nauman wrenched the game out of their hands in a middle session that devastated Zimbabwe's chances. If they imagined they would come out after lunch and mop up the tail, the two batters put paid to such fanciful notions, hurtling through the gears as the total began to swell.

With Zimbabwe supposedly well into the Pakistan tail, there was expectation that the more able batter in Abid would take a more progressive approach through the middle session, but it was Nauman who broke the shack-

les more regularly. He targeted the spinners from time to time, awaiting deliveries in the slot to launch over long-on as five of Pakistan's six sixes came off his bat. Once he got to his half-century - with a boundary to square leg he began to lay waste to the Zimbabwe attack.

Jongwe was smashed for 17 in that over, before Milton Shumba found himself going for 18 in the following one. It seemed no sooner than Abid's double century had come up that Nauman was eyeing three figures of his own. Blink and you would miss it, but by tea, the scorecard had Nauman single digits away from a hundred.

It might be a tad unfair to say Abid didn't adjust the tempo of his innings over five sessions, but he continued to prioritise solidity and assuredness over thrift. It is hard to fault the formula that has ground Zimbabwe into the dust for nearly two days, and when Abid pulled a long hop to cow corner to bring up 200, there was a sense of inevitability about it. He might have batted the whole Test without anyone being able to snare him, but when Nauman lazily lifted his foot up in the air just after tea, Chakabva cannily whipped off the bails to have him stumped, leaving the left-armer three short of a remarkable hundred.

Ramos suffers hamstring injury, may have played last game for Real Madrid

MADRID Agencies

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos may have played his last game for the club after they announced on Saturday that he had picked up a hamstring injury. Ramos’s contract runs out at the end of June and there are only four La Liga games remaining this season. “Following the tests carried out on Sergio Ramos by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with tendonitis in the muscle of his left hamstring. His recovery will continue to be assessed,” Real said in a statement. Real, who sit second in La Liga on 74 points, take on fourthplaced Sevilla — Ramos’s former club — on Sunday.

Injuries have plagued the 35-year-old this season, limiting him to 15 league starts and only five appearances in all competitions in 2021.

Sunday, 9 May, 2021

prayer timings

NEWS

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

3:54

12:00

4:44

5:21

6:39

8:07

PresIdent AlvI PromulgAtes ordInAnces regArdIng electIons, PArents’ ProtectIon ISLAMABAD

P

tLtp

reSIDeNT Arif Alvi on Saturday promulgated elections (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2021, allowing voting rights to overseas Pakistanis and use of electronic voting machines (eVMs) during the election process.

According to the ordinance issued by the president, changes were made to section 94 (1) and section 103 of the election Act 2017. The amendments will help in ensuring that overseas Pakistanis vote during the next general election.

Furthermore, the election Commission of Pakistan (eCP) would also be bound to purchase electronic voting machines (eVMs) ahead of the general election as amendments were made in sections pertaining to the use of biometric machines for a pilot project.

The president also promulgated Parents Protection Ordinance (PPO), 2021 to protect parents from being forcibly evicted by the children. The ordinance will render the act punishable by jail time or fine or both.

The PPO, 2021 also restricts children, who own the property or have rented the space themselves, in forcing out their parents of the house. Separately, if the parents want their children out of the house that

ELECTIONS (SECOND AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE, 2021 ALLOWS VOTING RIGHTS TO OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS AND USE OF ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES DURING ELECTION PROCESS

the parents own or have rented, the children will be held responsible for not obeying the instructions.

The children must leave the house of

their parents within 30 days of the written notice issued by the parents and failing to do so might land them in jail for 30 days or slap a fine on them or both.

The deputy commissioner of any district now has the power to move against the children upon complaint by parents.

The action against such children whose parents have made formal complaint falling under the ambit of this ordinance will require no warrant. However, both parents and the children will have the right to appeal. earlier on May 4, the federal cabinet had approved two ordinances regarding the use of electronic voting machines (eVMs) and voting rights for overseas Pakistanis.

Sharing details regarding decisions taken during the cabinet meeting headed

by Prime Minister Imran Khan in a presser, Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry had said that through an ordinance the eCP has been authorised to use eVM. “Another ordinance has given the eCP authority regarding voting rights for the overseas Pakistanis,” the information minister had said while lamenting that certain people do not know the powers rested with the Parliament.

He had said that the government has fulfilled its responsibility regarding legislation on the matter. “Technological work is to be done on biometric and e-voting,” he had said adding that they have appointed a consultant to finalise recommendations in this regard.

Blasts targeting Afghan school in Kabul kill 40, injure dozens

KABUL agencies

Multiple blasts at a school in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday killed at least 40 people and wounded dozens more, mostly female students, officials said, in an attack Afghan President Ashraf Ghani blamed on the Taliban.

A senior interior ministry official told reuters on condition of anonymity that

most of the casualties were students coming out of the Sayed ul Shuhada school.

Footage on TV channel ToloNews showed chaotic scenes outside the school, with books and school bags strewn across a bloodstained road, and residents rushing to help victims.

At a nearby hospital, staff wheeled in injured students while dozens of distressed relatives searched desperately for their sons and daughters, according to a reuters witness.

A spokesman for the interior ministry, Tariq Arian, put the death toll at least 30 and injured at 52 but did not specify the cause or the target.

Kabul is on high alert since Washington announced plans last month to pull out all US troops by September 11, with Afghan officials saying the Taliban have stepped up attacks across the country following the announcement.

No group has claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied the group was involved and condemned the incident.

Saturday’s explosions took place in western Kabul, a heavily Shi’ite Muslim neighbourhood that has frequently been attacked over the years.

The school is a joint high school for girls and boys, who study in three shifts, the second of which is for female students, Najiba Arian, spokeswoman for the Ministry of education, told reuters.

The wounded are mostly female students, she said.

“The horrendous attack in Dasht-i Barchi area in Kabul, is a despicable act of terrorism,” the european Union’s mission in Afghanistan said on Twitter.

“Targeting primarily students in a girls’ school, makes this an attack on the

future of Afghanistan.”

President Ghani blamed the Taliban.

“The Taliban, by escalating their illegitimate war and violence, have once again shown that they are not only reluctant to resolve the current crisis peacefully and fundamentally, but by complicating the situation,” Ghani said.

The Taliban and United States last year signed an agreement to end the 20-year war, which started with US and allied forces invading Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York by al Qaeda, whose leader, Osama bin Laden, was being given shelter by the Taliban government.

Under the agreement, Washington was to pull out troops in exchange for Taliban security guarantees and for the group to start peace talks with the Afghan government.

Talks began last year but have since stalled.

Taliban attacks on foreign forces have largely ceased. A number of journalists, activists and academics have been killed in attacks blamed on the Taliban, who deny involvement.

Last month, the Washington said it was pushing back the troop pullout deadline from May 1 to September 11, which the Taliban warned could have consequences for the agreement.

Pakistan expresses concern after India arrests two for trading uranium ISLAMABAD staff report

The Foreign Office on Saturday expressed “serious concern” after India arrested two unauthorised men with over 7 kilograms of uranium, a highly explosive and radioactive material widely used in nuclear weapons.

The development took place in Mumbai city of the western state of Maharashtra where the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) was informed that the suspect, Jigar Pandya, was going to sell pieces of uranium, India Today reported.

“Security of nuclear materials should be the top priority for all countries,” the FO said in a statement. “There is a need for [a] thorough investigation of the matter as to how such [a] sizeable quantity of uranium could become available outside any state control and identify the gaps which made this possible,” it added. Independent groups and nuclear experts are skeptical about India’s ability to keep its nuclear weapons safe from extremists, but the global nuclear regulator has not raised any concerns over it.

The most glaring example of New Delhi’s proliferation activity is the 1974 nuclear explosion, for which India diverted nuclear fuel from Canadian reactors supplied for peaceful purposes, to conduct its nuclear test. As such, it became the first country to divert peaceful nuclear resources towards weapons use. Last year, a report by a USbased research group claimed hundreds of foreign companies are actively procuring components for India and Pakistan’s nuclear programmes, taking advantage of gaps in the global regulation of the industry. Using open-source data, the Centre For Advance Defense Studies (C4ADS) report provided one of the most comprehensive overviews of networks supplying the rivals, in a region regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous nuclear flashpoints. “India and Pakistan are taking advantage of gaps in global non-proliferation regimes and export controls to get what they need,” said Jack Margolin, a C4ADS analyst and co-author of the report. It is seldom possible to determine whether individual transactions are illegal by using publicly available data, Margolin said, and the report does not suggest that companies mentioned broke national or international laws or regulations. But past reports by the think tank, whose financial backers include the Carnegie Corporation and the Wyss Foundation, have often led to action by law enforcement agencies.

UK variant accounts for 70pc of Covid cases in Pakistan, researcher says KARACHI agencies

A coronavirus variant first discovered in the United Kingdom now accounts for up to 70 per cent of Covid-19 infections across Pakistan, a research centre studying the disease in the country said on Saturday.

Pakistan has imposed strict nationwide restrictions in the lead up to eid-ul-Fitr next week in a bid to control a spike in cases, including banning public transport over the holiday period.

“There is a 60pc to 70pc prevalence of the UK variant in Pakistan,” Professor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Chaudhry, director at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, told reuters, adding that this figure was 2pc in January.

The ICCBS works on Covid-19 samples and provides research and data to the

government.

The “UK variant”, known as B.1.1.7 and first identified in Britain late last year, is believed to be more transmissible than other previously dominant coronavirus variants.

Chaudhry added, however, that it was yet to be established if the variant was more deadly.

He also said a variant found in neighbouring India, which has seen a massive surge of cases in recent weeks, had not been detected in Pakistan yet, but that was because they did not have the kits needed to detect the variant, named B.1.617.

The kits to detect the variant had been ordered and would soon arrive in the country, he said.

Chaudhry said there was a high possibility that the variant had already reached Pakistan since the diasporas of the two countries interact closely in Gulf states.

Pakistan has seen a daily death toll of

more than 100 in recent weeks. Officials are worried the strained healthcare system could reach a breaking point if more contagious coronavirus variants begin to spread, as has happened in India.

Overall, Pakistan has registered 854,240 infections and 18,797 deaths from Covid-19.

While official daily infection numbers remain low, between 4,000 and 5,000, only around 40,000 tests are conducted a day — a fraction of the 220 million population.

Pakistan has recently stepped up its vaccination drive, inoculating around 3.3m people.

The first batch of 1.2m vaccine doses under the Covax quota was received on Saturday. earlier today, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said that the restrictions imposed would inconvenience citizens but were necessary due to the “extremely dangerous situation created in the region with the spread of virulent mutations of the virus”.

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