Epaper – September 08 KHI 2020

Tuesday, 8 September, 2020 I 19 Muharram, 1442 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 69 I 12 Pages I Karachi Edition

EduCational institutions to rEoPEn from sEPt 15 g

shaFqat says govt has decided to educational institutions in phases, and strict action will be taken against those violating sops

g

Faisal says decision taken aFter critically reviewing world practices and current covid-19 situation in the country

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

he federal government on Monday announced to reopen educational institutions across the country in phases starting september 15, nearly six months after the coronavirus crisis brought the country to a standstill. addressing a press conference after a meeting of the inter-provincial education ministers’ conference (ipeMc), Federal Minister for Federal education and professional training shafqat Mahmood said that the classes of grade-9 and above including the colleges and universities will be reopened from the september 15, adding that there are seven million students in this category. the minister said that the classes for grade-6 to 7 will be reopened from september 23 after reviewing the covid-19 situation, and the total strength of students in this slot is 6.4 million. he added that if the situation remains well under control, the primary level schools will also be reopened from the 30th of this month. shafqat said that the decision regarding reopening of educational institutions has been taken after detailed consultations with all the stakeholders including the provincial education ministers, the administration of schools, experts and think tanks. he said that the decisions will be equally applicable on vocational training institutes and seminaries.

he also said that strict action will be taken if the educational institutions do not comply with the standard operating procedures (sops). he further said the reopening of institutions was a difficult decision but has been taken for the future of the youth. he added matters pertaining to schedule of examinations and the course work are also being reviewed. speaking on the occasion, prime Minister’s special assistant on national health dr Faisal sultan said that the decision to reopen educational institutions has been made after critically reviewing the world practices and current coronavirus situation in the country. he said that special instructions have been given to the educational institutions regarding sops to avoid any situation that can lead to reverting this decision.

Faisal urged the parents to en-

more inside

11 killed, 5 injured in marble quarry collapse in Mohmand STORY ON PAGE 02

11 arrested over rape, murder of a minor girl in karachi STORY ON PAGE 02

Armed forces fully capable of defeating enemy, says air chief STORY ON PAGE 03

ihc halts deportation of us blogger

STORY ON PAGE 02

sure the use of masks for school going children. he said that schools’ administration should minimise the density of students in class rooms through shift management. he added that social distancing should be ensured in all types of gatherings in educational institutions. earlier, shafqat chaired the meeting of the provincial education ministers on Monday to make a final decision on the reopening of schools. the higher education commission’s (hec) chairperson and executive director, special assistant to the prime Minister on health dr Faisal sultan, and officials of the health department were also present in the meeting, which aimed to compile the final recommendations regarding the opening of educational institutes. the single national curriculum (snc), a short curriculum for the current academic year, examinations

in 2021, and establishment of antiharassment bodies in the provinces were also on the meeting’s agenda. a discussion on the transition plans related to the basic education community schools (becs) and national commission for human development (nchd) was also planned for the ipeMc. earlier in the day, Minister for school education dr Murad raas too had, through a tweet, announced to reopen schools across the province the same day. the tweet suggested students in classes nine and 10 will return on september 15, students in classes six to eight on september 22 while those in classes nursery to five will return to school on september 30. he further said that no double shifts would be allowed while all schools would follow the alternative day schedule according to which 50 per cent of total students would come to school one day while the remaining 50 per cent would attend the next day.

SINDH SCHOOLS TO OPEN IN PHASES: Meanwhile, sindh education Minister saeed ghani also said that schools in the province would open phase-wise. “classes nine and above would be opened on sept 15 in the first phase and one week after that on sept 22, classes six to eight would be opened and one week after that, that is sept 30, the classes from preprimary to five would be opened,” he said in a asad shares funds detail for karachi uplift projects.

asad shares funds detail for karachi uplift projects ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

sharing the details of funds to be spent on karachi uplift projects under the karachi transformation plan, planning and development Minister asad umar said on Monday that rs46 billion have been allocated for greater karachi water supply scheme. the planning minister in a statement said that rs300 billion have been allocated for karachi circular railway (kcr), while rs5 billion have been set aside for green line bus rapid transport (brt) project under the rs1.1 trillion karachi package announced by prime Minister imran khan on saturday. he said that the government has allocated rs131 billion for railways front corridor project, whereas rs254 billion storm water drains clearance projects would be completed under the karachi transformation plan. asad said that the sindh government has expressed desire to complete the kcr project, but it would be completed by the centre as railways department constitutionally comes under federal govt. “the estimated cost of the kcr project is rs300 billion and it would be completed by the federal government,” he added. it is pertinent to mention here that prime Minister imran khan on saturday had announced ‘historic’ rs1,100 billion financial package for the execution of a transformation plan meant to address the city’s issues and developmental requirements. briefing the media about the karachi package at governor house, pM imran had said that the federal government is fully aware of the problems being faced by the people of karachi and the government had decided to resolve all pending issues of the metropolis. “one year & three-year plans for karachi’s transformation have been devised as we’ve decided to resolve issues of karachi on a permanent basis,” he said and added that the provincial coordination implementation committee (pcic) has been formed which will monitor the implementation of karachi package.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

court orders missing secp official to be recovered by 17th ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

the islamabad high court (ihc) on Monday directed authorities concerned to ensure the recovery of the missing additional joint director of securities and exchange commission of pakistan (secp) by september 17. the directives were issued by ihc chief Justice athar Minallah while hearing a case related to the missing secp official. during the hearing, the ihc cJ slammed the government for its failure to recover sajid gondal. “is this a normal case?” the judge rhetorically asked the officials present in court. the judge observed that the federal capital is 1,400 square miles and this “small area” has its own inspector general of police and chief commissioner. he noted that the highest court of the country is also located within the federal capital. the judge asked the officials present whether they had any idea as to how many such cases are being heard by his court. he also wondered how the officials would react if a federal minister’s son goes missing.

Justice Minallah observed that the prime minister had played a crucial role in the lawyers’ movement for the supremacy of law. he asked the officials whether they have informed the prime Minister what is happening in

the federal capital. “someone will have to accept responsibility in this case,” Justice Minallah stated at one point. he also asked the officials to tell the court about one case in which a missing person had been recovered by them. “all efforts are being made for the recovery of sajid gondal,” the interior secretary offered in response to the judge. the interior secretary told the court that a meeting was held and all matters related to the disappearance were reviewed. he also assured the court that the case is being investigated at the highest level. earlier, the ihc on saturday ordered law enforcement agencies to recover gondal by Monday. the ihc was conducting a hearing of the petition filed by gondal’s mother at the high court over her son’s disappearance. during the hearing, the court remarked if gondal is not recovered by 2:00 pm on Monday, the secretary of the interior Ministry will have to appear in person before the court. a copy of the court’s order was also sent to the secretary cabinet division. earlier, after directives from top government officials to recover gondal, islamabad police registered a case against unidentified persons for the disappearance of the secp official. the case was registered at shahzad town police station on the complaint of the secp official’s wife, confirmed police.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Coronavirus in

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

298,903

LAST UPDATED AT 08:00 AM ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

3

RECOVERED:

NEW CASES:

394

DEATHS:

286,016 6,345 SINDH:

130,671

PUNJAB:

97,226

KP:

BALOCHISTAN:

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

36,625

13,292

2,331/3,008 15,750

02

Tuesday, 8 September, 2020

NEWS

11 arrested in the murder, rape of a minor in karachi KARACHI

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PPP AND PML-N DEMAND JUSTICE FOR THE 5-YEAR-OLD GIRL

STAFF REPORT

five-year-old girl was recovered from a garbage dump in the port city’s Esa Nagri neighbourhood on Sunday and at least 11 people were arrested the next day, police sources said.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and National Assembly (NA) Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif have strongly

condemned the rape and murder of the minor girl in Karachi.

PPP’s Bilawal said that the minor girl’s rape and murder was an inhumane act and directed the police to bring the culprit to justice. “The matter should be investigated on an urgent basis,” he added. “The government of Sindh should do everything possible to help the affected family.”

Similarly, PML-N’s Shehbaz said in a

statement that such menaces of the society must be given the harshest possible punishment. He extended condolences to the affected family.

The NA opposition leader said a zero tolerance policy must be adopted for such heinous crimes. He said the federal and provincial governments should cooperate to take effective measures against such actions. Everyone will need to come together

to eliminate such savages from the society, he concluded.

After rescue officials recovered the child’s body from a gunny bag on Sunday evening, the police launched an investigation into the rape-and-murder case. 11 men were detained at the site and DNA tests are being carried out, they added.

Dr Zakia Khursheed, the medico-legal officer (MLO) at Karachi’s Jinnah Hospital, earlier confirmed that the five-year-old girl had been raped prior to her death.

Dr Khursheed added that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and that samples have been obtained from the body to aid the investigation.

Authorities had said that the child’s father had submitted a missing persons report at the Pir Ilahi Buksh (PIB) police station.

Some residents in the area said the condition of the body looked burns. “Residents of the area told me that my daughter’s body had been found,” the father said.

Serving poor with dignity key concept of Naya Pakistan: PM ISLAMABAD APP

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said that it was his government’s key concept to serve the poor without undermining their dignity and self-respect, considering it a responsibility, not a favour.

During his visit to the first remodeled Shelter Home (Panagah) in Tarlai area of the federal capital, the prime minister said the civilized nations were recognised not by the luxurious lifestyle of the elite class rather through the living conditions of the poor.

Federal Ministers Asad Umar and Murad Saeed, PM's Special Assistants Dr Sania Nishtar, Ali Nawaz Awan, Zulfiqar Bukhari and Shahzad Akbar, PM's Focal Person on Panagah Nasimur Rehman, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Managing Director Aon Abbas Bappi and senior officers were also present.

The shelter home has been remodeled in a month time on the prime minister’s directive to upgrade all five shelter homes of the capital city as a model facility by uplifting the infrastructure, catering and security system.

The prime minister lauded Dr Sania

Nishtar and Aon Abbas Bappi for uplifting the facility and particularly for devising standards for replication in all other shelter homes of Islamabad as well as across the country.

Recalling the idea behind establishment of Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, the prime minister said that the basic concept was to provide cancer treatment to the patients without discriminating between the poor and the rich. The similar was his concept about Naya Pakistan, he added.

Referring to the government’s Sehat Insaf Card initiative, he said that it would provide satisfaction to the poor for having a medical insurance cover for treatment of their family members.

Similarly, he said, the shelter homes would provide a dignified living to the poor, who, otherwise, had to spend their nights at footpaths or in the open while braving the harsh weather conditions.

The prime minister strictly directed that the staff at the shelter homes must treat the beneficiaries with respect taking their work as service, not favour to anyone.

He said that the generous people of Pakistan would happily extend financial support to the project when they would see the poor people being treated in a re-

police to challenge ex-mpa achakzai's acquittal in traffic cop murder case

spectable and dignified manner across the country.

The premier, who also toured various sections of the shelter home, also joined the beneficiaries over dinner. He also interacted with the people and assured them of the government’s all-out efforts to control inflation and create job opportunities.

Earlier, Dr Sania Nishtar, while briefing the prime minister about the facility, said it was the first remodeled shelter home in pursuance of his directive of August 9, 2020. She said that the remodeled Panagah would provide even better facilities than the one-star hotels, including bed, meal and bathroom with hot water. The facility had the capacity to feed around 400 people at a time. A 24-hour surveillance system had been established, besides developing a website where a live data of beneficiaries would be uploaded.

The building was equipped with CCTV cameras, power backup, mosque and laundry, he added.

She said that currently, the facility was being funded by the government but the donations were also being arranged for what an exclusive bank account would be opened for every shelter home.

She also said that like Ehsaas Pro-

11 killed, 5 injured in marble quarry collapse in mohmand At least 11 labourers were killed and five others got injured in a landslide at a marble quarry in Mohmand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Monday. The incident occurred as a heavy boulder fell on locals working at a marble mine located at Ziarat Ghar mountain in Safi tehsil of Mohmand. 11 bodies and five injured were pulled out from under the rubble and shifted to Ghalanai Hospital, Rescue 1122 said in a statement. It said more people were feared to be trapped under the debris. A district administration official quoted locals as saying that at least 25 people were missing after the rockslide. The remote area does not have mobile and internet coverage, the official added. Rescue 1122 said its Mohmand team was carrying out a search operation to find the missing people, adding that additional personnel had been dispatched to the area from Peshawar and Charsadda Besides search and rescue tools, heavy machinery and ambulances were taking part in the operation, the rescue service added. NEWS DESK

gramme, a third-party audit of the shelter homes would be carried out to ensure transparency. She added that the standards set for the shelter homes would be implemented across all five facilities in the federal capital by end of November.

Dr Sania said that currently the shelter homes were operating in rented buildings, however, the government would later relocate the same to the planned purpose-built buildings.

Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Panagah Nasimur Rehman said that the successful operation of the shelter homes had put many notions to rest proving that it was not mere a political slogan.

Currently, around 150 shelter homes were running across the country, which would be equipped with modern facilities, he added.

PBM MD Aon Abbas Bappi apprised the prime minister about the standards set for the shelter homes and arrangements made by the PBM for opening of the remodeled shelter home.

He said that the remodeling of the shelter home was a challenging task but it was made possible consequent to the generous support by SAPM Zulfiqar Bukhari and others.

IHC halts deportation of US blogger ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

QUETTA: The police have decided to file an appeal in the Balochistan High Court (BHC), challenging the acquittal of former MPA Majeed Khan Achakzai in the murder case of a traffic cop. Additional Inspector General (AIG) Abdul Razaq Cheema said that the appeal against a model court’s September 4 verdict of exonerating Achakzai from all charges is in the final phase as the prosecution department is going through the detailed judgement and relevant documents to finalize the appeal. He said that the appeal will be moved in the high court at the earliest.

On September 4, the model court in Quetta had acquitted Achakzai in the traffic sergeant murder case due to lack of evidence. Judge Dost Muhammad Mandokhail had announced the verdict. Traffic Sergeant Haji Attaullah was run over and killed in Quetta’s GPO Chowk allegedly by a vehicle belonging to then-MPA Achakzai in 2017. The traffic police officer had been seriously wounded in the accident and was taken to Civil Hospital Quetta for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries. The incident had come to light when the footage of the legislator’s vehicle ramming into the traffic officer began circulating on social media. On December 29, 2017, Achakzai had been released from jail after an antiterrorism court (ATC) granted him bail in a case pertaining to the killing of a traffic sergeant in Quetta by his over-speeding vehicle. PPI

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued a stay order on a decision of the Ministry of Interior to turn down the application for a visa extension of a Pakistan-based American blogger. The court also directed the plaintiff to submit an affidavit detailing all her grievances before the next hearing. Cynthia Ritchie, who has been living in Pakistan since 2009, had moved the high court on Saturday, two days after the interior ministry, while rejecting her request of an extension in her visa, had directed her to leave the country within 15 days.

Ritchie, whose visa had expired in February, was living on an extended visa, granted to all foreigners in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, which expired on August 31. In her petition, the blogger, while maintaining that she meets the criteria for visa extension, had claimed the ministry rejected her application without any solid reason.

During the hearing, presided over by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, the petitioner’s counsel reiterated that the authorities concerned did not provide a reason for denying Ritchie a visa extension. To which, Justice Minallah observed that numerous visas are rejected on a daily basis without an explanation.

When the plaintiff questioned the law under which her request was denied, the judge replied that no law is required to reject a visa.

“A visa is not a basic right, it is a privilege,” the judge

observed. The court also asked whether Ritchie had any other complaints, to which she replied that two petitions were pending in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

After hearing the arguments, Justice Minallah issued notices to Secretary Interior Yousaf Naseem Khokhar and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Wajid Zia before adjourning the case indefinitely.

In June, the IHC had sought an explanation from the ministry about the status and terms and conditions of the visa issued to Ritchie, asking it to explain if she was entitled to making political statements.

Subsequently, the high court on July 10 asked the interior ministry to decide on a petition filed by a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader, seeking Cynthia’s deportation after she was accused by the party of making derogatory remarks about slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Last week, while taking up the matter, Justice Minallah read out a recent order of the interior ministry, noting that the interior secretary himself was not aware of the policy in such matters. The secretary had not made reference to any law or policy and appeared to have solely relied on the blogger’s statement, the judge said. The order is self-contradictory and in conflict with the previous order, Justice Minallah had observed. Khokhar had conceded in his order that Cynthia was granted a work visa in violation of relevant policy and laws.

The court had observed that Khokhar had been evasive in recording his findings regarding the crucial question: whether a foreign national visiting Pakistan on the basis of a business visa was entitled to give statements of a political nature.

high-profile terrorist among 5 killed; 10 held in nW NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Security forces killed five terrorists including a high-profile terrorist Wasim Zakaria, and arrested 10 others on Monday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Mir Ali where five militants, including Zakaria, were gunned down and 10 were arrested, confirmed the ISPR. Commander Wasim Zakaria hailed from the Haider Khel area and had been a mastermind of 30 terrorist attacks since September 2019. "Terrorist Wasim was involved in target killing activities and the martyrdom of CSS officer Zubaidullah Dawar," said the ISPR in a statement, adding that the militant was also directly involved in attacks on security forces. He had also attacked an army convoy at Hasu Khel. Earlier on July 12, security forces killed four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan. The military media wing had said in a statement that four terrorists had been killed during an IBO in North Waziristan when the security forces were clearing an area. STAFF REPORT

nab approaches court for closing inquiry against ahad cheema LAHORE: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday approached an accountability court for closure of inquiry against Ahad Cheema, former chairman of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), in the LDA City case. NAB, through an application, had pleaded with the court to allow closure of investigations against Cheema and eight others in LDA City case. The NAB prosecutor stated that the bureau had allowed to close inquiry against Cheema and others in a regional board meeting whereas the LDA had already assured the apex court that all affectees would be provided plots. The court was further apprised that land providers had successfully provided 90 per cent of the required land. Accountability Court Judge Syed Jawadul Hassan issued notices for September 11 and summoned lawyers for arguments on the application. It is pertinent to mention here that Cheema was arrested on February 21, 2018, in connection with the Ashiana Housing Scheme case but the bureau launched various inquiries against him later. Cheema is still behind the bars, though, the Lahore High Court (LHC) had granted bail to him in the LDA City case. APP

PM reiterates resolve for early legislation over FATF related bills ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated his resolve for early legislation over Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-related bills.

The prime minister said this while taking to his Parliamentary Adviser Dr Babar Awan, who called on him at his office on Monday.

The meeting discussed the Karachi Transformation Plan and other parliamentary issues, including FATF-related legislation.

The premier was briefed about the sessions of the National Assembly (NA) and Senate.

On the occasion, PM Imran said that the situation of Karachi worsened due to political negligence. He said that development of the metropolis is on the agenda of the federal

government and added that he will provide funds for the uplift of the city.

Awan appreciated the PM’s resolve for addressing the basic issues of the people living in Karachi.

Last Thursday, the prime minister had said that they will get the bills passed through the Senate at all costs, terming FATF-related bills ‘matter of national inter-

est’.

Talking to a delegation of senators belonging to the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) and its allied parties who called on him, he had said that the opposition parties unite only to conceal their corruption.

He had maintained that they would expose those elements who were opposing the bills pertaining to national security before

the masses. The premier had said that they will not bow down to such blackmailing and reiterated that no corrupt leader will get NRO. It is pertinent to mention here that the opposition parties in the Senate foiled a bid from the government to pass a bill relating to FATF, anti-money laundering (second amendment) bill 2020, from the Senate.

Tuesday, 8 September, 2020

NEWS

Armed ForCeS Fully CApAble oF deFeAting enemy, SAyS Air CHieF ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

HIEF of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan has said that Pakistan’s valiant armed forces are well-versed in protecting national borders and people, and are fully capable of defeating the enemy.

Air Force Day was observed with national zeal on Monday to commemorate the dexterity and valour of the defenders of air space of the country against Indian aggression in the September 1965 war.

In the 1965 war, the valiant Pakistani

pilots despite limited resources not only annihilated Indian air aggression but also inflicted humiliating defeat on India through unprecedented skill in the warfare and insurmountable courage.

The PAF ace Muhammad Mahmood Alam, commonly known as MM Alam, shot down five Indian Air Force Hawker Hunter Mk 56 fighters in less than a minute. The day started with special Dua and Quran Khawani for the Shuhada of 1965 and 1971 wars and those who laid down their lives in action since the creation of Pakistan.

Later, addressing the Martyrs’ Day ceremony in connection with the Air Force

Shallwani thanks Centre, Sindh for reposing trust KARACHI: Newly-appointed Karachi Administrator Iftikhar Shallwani has expressed his gratitude towards the federal and provincial governments for reposing trust in him.

Shallwani said this during a meeting with Governor Sindh Imran Ismail on Monday.

The two discussed transparent use of funds in the uplift projects for Karachi and other affairs. Imran Ismail said that Prime Minister Imran Khan recently announced a historic package for the metropolis and it would help in solving the city’s issues on a long-term basis. He said that getting better civic facilities was the right of the Karachiites and no serious efforts were made in the past for improving the infrastructure of the city. The governor said that it is a joint effort for the city as the federal, provincial and city governments would transform the business hub of the country through coordinated efforts. It is pertinent to mention here that the Sindh government on Saturday appointed Local Government Secretary Iftikhar Shallwani as the administrator of Karachi. Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, an officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service (BS-21), served as Additional Chief Secretary of Sindh Government’s Local Government Department and Karachi Commissioner. He studied at the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro where he got his MBBS degree in 1990. In 1993 he qualified for the Central Superior Services Examination and was selected as a DMG (District Management Group) Officer. During the service period he worked in different departments in Pakistan. In 2004 he left for London for his Master’s in Regional and Urban Planning Studies and completed his degree in 2005. From 2007 till 2013 he served as Counsellor in the Embassy of Pakistan Buenos Aires, Argentina.

He has served as the secretary of Sindh Government’s Health Department, directorgeneral of Sindh Board of Investment, and Law secretary in the Government of Sindh.

On his promotion to BS 21 he served as Additional secretary, Ministry of industries and Production. TLTP

Court indicts Fawad Hassan Fawad in assets case LAHORE: An accountability court in Lahore on Monday indicted a former civil servant and three members of his family in assets beyond means case filed against them by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). During the hearing, accountability judge Muhammad Akmal read out the charge sheet to Fawad Hassan Fawad, the former principal secretary to then prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Rubab Hassan, Waqar Hassan, and Anjum Hassan. However, the accused persons denied all the allegations and said they were innocent. The court issued notices to prosecution witnesses to appear in personal capacity to record their testimonies.

The agency arrested Fawad in 2018 for allegedly amassing wealth beyond known sources of his income and constructing a plaza “The Mall Rawalpindi,” in the name of benamidars and thus getting a benefit of Rs1 billion. The Lahore High Court (LHC) in January this year granted post-arrest bail to Fawad in the reference. Subsequently, the anti-graft agency had approached the Supreme Court against the order. INP

Day, the air chief said, “Today, we salute our martyrs and veterans for their determination, courage and spirit of sacrifice and renew our pledge that we will never allow any harm to our sacred homeland.”

“On the memorable and historic day of September 7, I pay tribute to all heroes of Pakistan Air Force who stood like a rock against enemy aggression and reduced its nefarious intentions to dust,” said Air Chief Marshal Anwar Mujahid.

Highlighting the current situation in Kashmir, the air chief said, “We also express our solidarity with the Kashmiri brothers and sisters who have been fighting against oppression and tyranny for

Another polio case takes national tally to 69

seven decades.”

To pay homage to the martyrs, the air chief laid floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Monument and offered Fateha.

Earlier in the day, a wreath laying ceremony was also held at the grave of Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed, (Nishan-e-Haider) at Karachi.

Air Vice Marshal Ghulam Abbas Ghumman, Air Officer Commanding, Southern Air Command, offered Fateha and laid floral wreath at the grave of the Shaheed on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff. Similar wreath laying ceremonies were also held at the graves of PAF martyrs all over the country.

Rescue 1122 service to be extended to tehsil level: Buzdar LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has announced to expand scope of Rescue 1122 to the level of tehsil, saying the motorbike service will be extended to the levels of district and tehsils as well.

The chief minister said this while inaugurating five new rescue 1122 stations established in different areas of the provincial capital on Monday.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the chief minister commended that Rescue 1122 is playing an important role in rescue activities by saving lives. The number of rescue 1122 stations has increased to 22 in Lahore now, he added. He regretted the board meeting of an important institution like Rescue 1122 had not been called despite the lapse of many years in the previous tenures and it was held in the tenure of the incumbent government after a passage of 15 years. The CM informed the service structure of rescue 1122 has been created along with the restoration of its frozen allowance. The government will examine to provide FDA allowance to the rescue 1122 staff on the pattern of police, he said.

He added that rescuers from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have also been provided training in Rescue 1122 Academy. Public service is the mission of the government and other institutions should also strive to serve the masses like rescue 1122. The government will not lag in the journey of public service, the CM repeated.

Punjab Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, Law Minister Raja Basharat, ACS (Home), and others were also present on this occasion.

PM for better coordination between institutions to tackle climate change challenges ISLAMABAD APP

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday stressed the need of better coordination among all the concerned federal and provincial institutions to tackle the challenges of climate change.

He expressed these views while presiding over the meeting of National Coordination Committee (NCC) on Floods.

Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz, Minister for Communications Murad Saeed, Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Faisal Vawda, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal, National Highway Authority (NHA) chairman, Flood Commission chairman, Meteorological Department director general and other senior officers were present in the meeting which was also attended by provincial chief secretaries through videolink.

The prime minister directed the NDMA chairman to assess the damages caused by recent rains in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in coordination with the provincial governments so that relief activities could be further improved and a joint strategy could be formed by

03

the federal and provincial governments regarding the compensation for damages.

The NDMA chairman briefed the prime minister about the current monsoon, situation of rains in various parts of the country, losses of life and property and the relief activities being carried by NDMA. The Meteorological Department and Flood Commission authorities told the prime minister that due to the recent monsoon, majority parts of the country particularly Sindh and Balochistan received more rains this year.

About the rivers’ situation, it was told that all the country’s rivers at present were flowing at medium levels.

The premier was informed that as all the dams had filled to their full capacity due to recent rains the availability of water in the country would remain satisfactory.

Provincial chief Secretaries apprised the meeting of human and material losses caused by the recent rains in Sindh, Punjab, KP and Balochistan and the relief activities.

The meeting was told by the concerned authorities that as the current spell of monsoon would subside by the middle of September, there were little chances of more floods in the country.

The meeting was also briefed about the relief activities being carried out by Pakistan Army.

QUETTA: Another polio case was reported from Pishin district of Balochistan on Friday, taking the provincial tally to 18 and national tally to 69 in the current year. According to details, the case was reported in district Pishin of Balochistan, where a 15-month old baby girl was confirmed battling with the crippling disease. The samples of the infected child were taken on August 20. Earlier on September 4, a polio case was reported from Pishin district of Balochistan. According to the Balochistan health department, a 34-month-old boy had been detected infected with the polio virus in Pashin’s Union Council, Ali Zai. The child was tested on August 19 and 20 after falling ill. The family of the child was reluctant to administer anti-polio drops to the child, said the health department. It is pertinent to mention here that the federal government resumed polio vaccination activities on July 20 last with a campaign in selected districts after a four-month suspension of all vaccination activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Districts covered in the first round were Faisalabad, Attock, South Waziristan, and parts of Karachi and Quetta. Almost 800,000 children under the age of five vaccinated during the campaign. It was learnt that the first polio immunisation campaign in the country during Covid-19 pandemic has achieved desired results as 94 per cent of the targeted children were administered polio drops during the drive. STAFF REPORT

Covid-19 recovery rate jumps to 95.7pc in country ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported another 394 coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 298,903. According to the latest statistics released by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Monday, three patients lost their lives to the deadly virus in the last 24 hours.

The number of total fatalities has reached 6,542. The recovery rate in the country has improved to 95.69 per cent as 286,016 patients out of 298,903 have recovered from the coronavirus in the country with active cases going down to 6,542. A total of 20,980 samples were tested over the past 24 hours, out of which 394 turned out to be positive. A total of 1,050 patients are under treatment in 735 hospitals across the country, 87 of whom are on ventilators. So far, Sindh has reported 130,671 confirmed cases of the virus, Punjab 97,226, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) 36,625, Balochistan 13,292, Islamabad 15,750, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) 2,331 and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) 3,008. TLTP

iHC scolds govt for 'abducting citizens in green number plated vehicles' ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday chastised the government for failing to guarantee the security of the citizens, declaring people were being kidnapped in vehicles having green number plates, which are issued only to government vehicles, implying the involvement of state-owned agencies.

During the hearing of a petition pertaining to the recovery of an purportedly missing person, a visibly angry Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, who was presiding over the hearing, summoned Minister for Interior retired Brigadier Ijaz Shah and Interior Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar on the next hearing. The judge also issued a notice to Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan, seeking judicial assistance. “Tell the AGP that closing one’s eyes will not solve problems. Citizens are being abducted in vehicles with green number plates, the Islamabad police have failed,” Justice Kayani remarked. “So, should we write to the Sindh police to investigate,” the judge stated. The judge wondered how no police officer had ever booked an official of the intelligence agencies. On the other hand, Malik Naeem, the superintendent of police (SP) for investigations heading the joint investigation team, told Justice Kayani that a first information report (FIR) of the kidnapping had been registered at the Karachi Company police station on January 1 this year. “I am leading the JIT of 50 missing persons myself,” he said. STAFF REPORT

NAB files supplementary reference in LNG scam ISLAMABAD INP

An accountability court in Islamabad on Monday issued notices to five new accused in the long-running Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) case involving former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

During the hearing, presided over by accountability court Judge Azam Khan, Abbasi was present.

A National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor informed the judge that the supplementary reference has been filed against the former premier and other accused, adding a copy can be arranged for the suspects if needed.

According to the supplementary reference, the PML-N vice president had been

receiving funds from a United Arab Emirates-based company, Trinity Company, said to be working with an Indian firm,

Siddharth (Pvt.) Ltd. According to the anti-graft agency, a sum of $538,895 was transferred to Abbasi’s account in three installments from a Dubai-based bank. The agency revealed that the Emirates government provided it with evidence in this regard, adding that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also confirmed these transactions.

However, the agency added, the former prime minister, when confronted, was unable to give a satisfactory explanation as to these transactions. The records show that more than Rs637 million were transferred to the accounts of Abbasi and his son, Abdullah Abbasi.

The court issued notices to five new accused named in the reference to appear in court on the next hearing on December 22.

Abbasi, former finance minister Miftah Ismail, former Pakistan State Oil managing director Imranul Haq and others are facing charges of corruption over the awarding of an LNG import contract allegedly at exorbitant rates in 2015, which caused a huge loss to the national exchequer.

Talking to newsmen outside the court, Abbasi said that it is the responsibility of the opposition to send the government packing and added that plan of action in this regard will be finalised in upcoming All Parties Conference (APC), scheduled for later this month.

“Fake allegations are being levelled against me and Prime Minister Imran Khan and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman have failed to prove any single one of them,” he said.

04

Tuesday, 8 September, 2020

NEWS

Nation united for country’s defence: Shibli ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz has said that the nation is united for defence of the country. In a tweet on Monday, the information minister said that the nation salutes its Shaheens who wrote unforgettable stories of valour and bravery on this day in 1965 for defence of the country.

The minister said those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland are the heroes of the nation.

Locust present only in Balochistan: NLCC ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The National Locust Control Centre (NLCC) has declared Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) from locust on Monday.

According to a statement released by NLCC spokesperson, locust is now only present in Balochistan. The statement further said antilocust survey and control operations are in progress and 201441 hectares area was surveyed in a day. During the last 24 hours, about 280 hectares area in Lasbela was sprayed, said the spokesperson. The control operation has been completed on 1,125,777 hectares of land across the affected areas in the country during the last six months, the press statement said. It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister Imran Khan on July 10 granted approval to Phase-II of the National Action Plan for Locust Control to eradicate the menace of ravenous pests posing risk to the country’s food security.

Railways all set to float ML-1 tenders on Saturday

Navy SpeaRheadiNg iNitiativeS to juMp StaRt bLue ecoNoMy ISLAMABAD

c

STAFF REPORT

HIEF of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi has said that Pakistan Navy is spearheading various initiatives to jump start Pakistan’s blue economy in line with the government’s renewed focus on the maritime sector and its decision to declare 2020 as the ‘Year of Blue Economy’.

In a statement on Monday on the eve of Navy Day, Admiral Abbasi said that in a significant development, PN in collaboration with China Geological Survey (CGS), the leading Chinese organization in offshore marine scientific research, is facilitating complete and systematic geological investigation within Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for mapping and exploration of offshore hydrocarbon resources. Two exploration surveys by CGS Ships have been conducted so far and preliminary findings are promising, indicating presence of various geological features associated with hydrocarbon reservoirs. Third joint expedition with CGS is planned during 2021, he further said.

The naval chief said that the Pakistan Navy, besides its core task of maritime defence of the country, is committed to the development of the maritime sector and bringing the dividends of the blue economy to the nation. He said that with the realisation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, PN is

ADMIRAL ABBASI SAYS EXPLORATION RESULTS SHOW OFFSHORE HYDROCARBON RESOURCES, GWADAR PORT’S SECURITY UNDER FOCUS alive to its growing responsibilities and role in the success of this project of vital national importance. The security in and around the port of Gwadar, which is the lynchpin of CPEC, is under special focus, and the navy is fully capable and vigilantly guarding the country's maritime interests, he added. “As we commemorate the spirit of Navy Day, all ranks of Pakistan Navy reiterate solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren and denounce the blatant annexation of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK). Pakistan will continue to support Kashmiris’ just struggle till the resolution of Kashmir issue, in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people and relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions,” said the naval chief. He said that September 8, the Navy Day, is celebrated by the Pakistan Navy to acknowledge the sacrifices and spirit of naval heroes who epitomized grit, courage and valour during the 1965 War. “The day reminds us of the heroic deeds and daring achievements of our Ghazis and Shuhadas who fought gallantly and humbled a much bigger adversary with their absolute faith in Allah (SWT) and profound self-belief. This day marks a golden chapter in our rich naval

LAHORE TLTP

history and rekindles hope and pride in our new generation,” he further said.

On the night of 7/8 September 1965, a flotilla comprising seven ships of the Pakistan Navy, in a daring operation code named ‘SOMNATH’, bombarded Indian port of Dwarka. The swift and accurate action not only destroyed important shore installations which included Indian radar station and a radio beacon directing Indian air force bombers for attacks on Karachi, but also inflicted irreparable damage to the Indian pride.

The PN lone Submarine Ghazi reigned supreme and remained unchallenged at sea throughout the war. Her ominous presence in the vicinity of Indian port, kept the Indian navy ships including their aircraft carrier, besieged in the harbour and rendered it ineffective to play any role or influence the course of war. The Naval chief said that at present PN is recognized as a potent naval force in the region. It is a key partner of international navies in collaborative maritime security initiatives and has also launched its own initiative of Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) to provide a secure maritime environment for the good of global commons.

The Pakistan Railways is all set to float tenders for dualisation of Karachi-Peshawar track Main Line-I (ML-I) multi-billion-dollar project under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on Saturday. According to an official of the department, the tenders would be limited to seek interest of Chinese firms since the project would be funded and executed under the CPEC. Giving details of the ML-I, he said the project consisted of three packages. Under package-I, the existing tracks between Lala Musa and Lahore, Lahore and Multan and Nawab Shah and Rohri would be replaced and upgraded. The package-II consists of upgrade of the railway track between Lala Musa and Rawalpindi, Nowshera-Peshawar and Hyderabad-Karachi sections while the package-III include upgradation of remaining chunks of the main-line, including Multan-Khanewal to Sukkur. On Saturday, Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed had said that Main Line-1 (ML-1) is a wide range of infrastructure development project that will uplift Pakistan Railways. He had said that international tender of ML-1 project would be issued on the 12th of this month and Pakistan Railways will enter into a new era after completion of this project. Rasheed had said that in the first phase, single track of Karachi Circular Railway would be laid down and work on double track will be started after completion of single-track.

LDA launches operation against defaulters of commercialisation fees LAHORE SHAHAB OMER

The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has sealed 87 buildings in different areas of the provincial capital in an operation against commercialisation fee defaulters.

According to an LDA official, the operation was carried out in Shadman, Shah Jamal, Jail Road, New Muslim Town, New Garden Town, Faisal Town, Gulberg, Quaid-e-Azam Town, Allama Iqbal Town and Controlled Area Multan Road.

He further said that the staff of zone I, zone II and zone III of the town planning wing of the LDA had also issued notices to the defaulters before sealing their buildings. Due to non-payment of fees by the due date and unauthorised commercial activities in residential buildings, the operation was carried out against these buildings and they were sealed.

LDA spokesperson Sohail Janjua said that a total of Rs400 million would be recovered from these defaulters and it would be spent on improving the infra-

structure of the city.

Janjua added that LDA officials had also demolished 8 and sealed 4 buildings in violation of construction rules at various locations.

Regarding the construction of houses and commencement of various development projects in LDA Avenue (I), the LDA spokesperson said that a review meeting regarding this issue was held on Monday in which LDA officials and other concerned authorities were present.

The meeting agenda included preparing an estimated cost for constructing the boundary of the scheme, improving the entrances and exits, and to make a feasibility study for the construction of the Avenue (I) Mosque. The services of the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) will be procured for cleaning the area, Janjua said.

He also said that Traffic Engineering & Transport Planning Agency (TEPA) Chief Engineer Mazhar Hussain Khan and former LDA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed were arrested by NAB and have been suspended.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi exchanges views with Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad.

Govt attaches great importance to business community: governor LAHORE APP

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar on Monday said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government gave great importance to the business community and would continue to support them by resolving their problems on top priority.

Speaking at a reception hosted by Filter House CEO Shahid Nazir Ch in honour of all PIAF-Founder alliance candidates contesting the annual election of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the governor said that deadly coronavirus badly affected the global economy, adding that Pakistan after the coronavirus had put the national economy back on track.

Tuesday, 8 September, 2020

ProvINcES, IcT aSkEd To STEP uP EFForTS agaINST ProFITEErINg NPMC OBSERVES VARIATION IN COMMODITY PRICES ACROSS THE COUNTRY ISLAMABAD TLTP

The Ministry of Finance on Monday urged the provincial governments and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration to take corrective measures to check undue profit margins.

The meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC), chaired by the special finance secretary at the Finance Division, was held to discuss the price trend of essential food items.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the provincial govern-

ments, ICT, ministries of industries, commerce, law & justice, planning, national food security, inter-provincial coordination (IPC) along with Competition Commission of Pakistan and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

The meeting was informed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation was recorded at 8.2pc in August 2020, as against 10.5pc in the same month last year. The meeting further noted that average inflation during July-August FY2021 also showed a declining trend and it was recorded at 8.7pc during the period under review as compared to

9.4pc in the same period last year.

The provincial governments and ICT admin informed the meeting that they were regularly monitoring the prices and taking strict action against hoarding and undue profiteering. The government, in consultation with all stakeholders, was taking proactive measures to control the general price level of daily use items at all levels, they claimed.

The committee also discussed the price movements of essential items among the provinces/ICT and observed variations in the price levels.

It directed the provincial govern-

ments to provide information regarding flood damages of minor and major crops to MNFS&R for timely response to any shortages. The ministries of industries & production and commerce were directed to take prompt actions and provide necessary support to facilitate the import of essential food items.

The Ministry of National Food Security & Research was asked to keep an eye on the supply & demand of pulses and vegetables including tomatoes, potatoes and onion and take necessary measures such as timely import for the smooth availability of these items.

The Utility Store Corporation was also instructed to ensure strict control on the quality and prices of daily use items in all their outlets.

KP to release Rs8m for provision of facilities at Torkham Customs Station PESHAWAR AZIZ BUNERI

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Finance Minister has sent a summary to Chief Minister Mahmood Khan about releasing Rs8 million for providing more facilities at Torkham Customs Station and keeping it open for round the clock operations.

The KP government has decided to release funds to Torkham custom station to enhance trade activities and improve the quality of the customs station.

According to a summary sent by the finance department, a record revenue

has been generated from im ports and exports on the crossing, therefore, improving the quality of the customs station is essential to keep business running round the clock.

However, Shahid Hussain, senior vice-president of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) was dissatisfied with KP government’s intentions regarding the improvement in facilities. He told Profit that such measures wouldn’t make sense unless the two sides facilitate export vehicles. “Pakistani officials had promised to build a parking lot for trade vehicles in the area between

Landi Kotal and Peshawar but so far no practical steps have been taken in this regard,” Hussain said.

He further said that Pakistan and Afghanistan have to take serious steps to increase Pak-Afghan trade including rationalizing customs duty. He informed that last year the Pakistani authorities increased the customs duty on grapes imported from Afghanistan. In response, Kabul increased customs duty on Pakistani mangoes, causing severe hardship for Pakistani traders and exporters.

Husain urged the government to sim-

plify the process of clearing export and import vehicles at Torkham crossing point. He said that the sooner the vehicles are cleared by both sides, the more PakAfghan trade will occur, increasing the revenue of both countries.

Last year, Prime Minister Imran Khan had inaugurated the 24-hour opening of the Torkham border to further boost Pak-Afghan trade and create more employment opportunities. The government officials believe that if better trade facilities were provided at the Torkham border, Central Asian countries will also utilize this important trade route.

Asad shares funds detail for Karachi uplift projects cOntInuED fROM PAgE 01 ‘CENTRE DOESN’T TRUST SINDH GOVT’: Seperately, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz said that the recent rains have exposed the Sindh government.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the minister said, “We do not want to give the funds directly to the Sindh government for Karachi’s development because, honestly, we do not trust them.” He said that the provincial government had taken billions of rupees for development, however, it has been exposed during the recent rains.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Centre, Sindh government, and the armed forces are part of the Rs1,100 billion plan to ensure its implementation and completion on time, he said.

Faraz said that of the Rs1.1 trillion package announced by the Prime Minis-

ter for development projects in Karachi, Rs611 billion will be provided by the federal government. He said that this clarification was necessary to remove any confusion on Karachi package.

He said that the federal government will patronise the Karachi Circular Railways project worth Rs300 billion.

The information minister said that the federal government will work for the welfare and development of the people of Karachi and Sindh. Faraz said that Karachi is the economic and commercial hub of Pakistan and yearly timelines have been set for implementation of the projects under the Karachi package.

The information minister said that for the people of Karachi, the government wants to move forward with consensus and in a cordial environment.

Replying to a question, the information minister categorically stated that no NRO will be given to the corrupt elements. He said the previous governments

Work on 10,870MW hydel projects underway in Punjab: minister LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Punjab Information Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chauhan has said that cheap energy mix based on local resources is the best solution to the country’s energy needs and work on 10,870MW hydel power projects has been initiated by the present government.

In a statement on Monday, Chauhan said that Pakistan’s cheapest solar power project of 100 MW, which has been started with the help of private sector with an investment of Rs10 billion in Chobara area of Layyah, is of special importance in this regard. He said that although the tariff of the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Project in Bahawalpur was fixed at 14 to 18 cents by the previous regime, Layyah Solar Power Project will add electricity to the national grid at the nominal rate of only 3.7 cents per unit. Chauhan further said that the PML-N had abused the country by banning renewable energy during the last two years of its tenure and doled out billions of rupees in the form of commissions for expensive power projects running on imported fuel.

pushed Pakistan into Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Grey List.

He said that it is the first time that the Centre is working for a province where the opposition rules. Faraz said that misconstruing facts has become normal for Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari now, talking of which he added, “Opposition is trying to misguide the people but it’s not working any more.” Problems of Karachi are up to the eyeballs now, he said. “Sindh government has taken loans but no development work is visible in Karachi,” he pointed out.

He asserted that the prime minister has announced a grand package for Karachi’s facelift. “Karachi is the business and trading hub of Pakistan and that its problems are now out of control,” he added.

Speaking of Karachi people and the abundance of issues they face, Faraz said that the Centre will do everything it can

to address Karachi’s problems. Moreover, he asserted that the people of interior Sindh are no different and that the “federal government will indiscriminately allay their grievances as well”.

Talking about the Karachi Circular Railway, he said that the provincial government wanted to claim this project but since the KCR comes under the ambit of Federal Railways, the centre will carry out this project as well.

He also said that his government wishes to create a conducive environment to resolve the issues of the metropolis. “We do not want to get into any controversies on the matter of Karachi,” he added.

On the matter of clearing the encroachments around nullahs, he stressed that it was agreed that the Sindh government shall recompense and resettle those low-income communities whose establishments will be brought down and demolished in the clearance drive.

NEWS

05

New FBISE chief likely to be chosen in next federal cabinet meeting ISLAMABAD AHMAD AHMADANI

The federal cabinet is expected to approve the appointment of Qaisar Alam as the new chairman of Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) for a three-year term. According to sources, Qaisar Alam, presently the chairman of Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education (BISE), is likely to be selected as the next chairman of FBISE out of three candidates – the others being Director General (DG) Hasnat Ahmed Qureshi, Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) Brig (r) Riazul Hassan. After conducting interviews of the 11 shortlisted candidates, the board has recommended three names to fill the top position of FBISE, sources said. The Establishment Division has also endorsed the proposal. They added that the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (FE&PT) has forwarded a summary to the federal cabinet and sought its necessary approval to fill the vacant position of FBISE chairman. The ex-chairman FBISE relinquished the charge on 21st March 2020 after completing two terms of three years, the maximum allowed by the FBISE Act, 1975. Sources said the premier has approved the selection board to finalize the recruitment process of chairman FBISE. The federal government is empowered to appoint a chairman of FBISE for three years under Section 11 (1)(2) of the FBISE Act 1975.

The post of chairman FBISE was advertised nationwide on 16th March 2020 and in response to the advertisement, 61 applications were received by Ministry of FE&PT, out of which 12 candidates were shortlisted by the scrutiny committee. Sources added that the selection board had conducted interviews of shortlisted candidates on July 13, 2020. 11 candidates appeared in person for an interview before the selection board and one candidate was absent.

Educational institutions to reopen from Sept 15 cOntInuED fORM PAgE 01 Masks would be made mandatory in all schools, he said, adding that all schools would have to implement the SOPs. Strict action would be taken against schools that do not implement SOPs, Ghani said. NCOC ISSUES GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLCHILDREN: Meanwhile, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Monday issued guidelines for the parents for sending their children to schools. In a series of text messages, the parents have been directed to ensure that the child is wearing a face mask before going to school. The mask could be surgical or made of cloth. In case of cough and other diseases, the child should not be sent to attend the school because that can easily expose threats to the lives of other children. Necessary tests have been urged in case of deteriorating health, the NCOC guidelines say.

The parents have been also directed to report to the school if their child tests positive for the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, All Pakistan Schools and Colleges Association (APS&CA) rejected rejected the government’s decision of reopening schools phase-wise. “All classes in schools should be reopened at the same time,” said APS&CA Chairman Malik Abrar Hussain in his statement on Monday. He said that more delay will be harmful to the students as five precious months of the academic year have already been lost. The APS&CA chairman questioned when the shopping malls and other business activities are running in the country, then how schools will increase coronavirus patients.

PSX holds gong ceremony for listing of energy Sukuk KARAcHI MEIRYUM ALI

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) held a gong ceremony today to mark the successful book building and listing of Power Holding Limited’s (PHL) Rs200 billion Pakistan Energy Sukuk II (PES II).

The book-building process, which had been managed by the PSX, had been concluded earlier in the year, on May 19, while the listing of the Sukuk took place on July 28. The book runners were the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and Taurus Securities. The gong striking ceremony was held to formally mark the issuance of the PES II at the Exchange.

Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue, was the chief guest of the event.

The event was dotted with representatives from the banking and finance world, including Dr Reza Baqir, the

governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP); Aamir Khan, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP); Sulaiman S Mehdi, the chairman of PSX; Farrukh H Khan, the CEO of PSX; Arif Usmani, the president and CEO of National Bank of Pakistan; Zain Hussain, the CEO of Taurus Securities; Irfan Siddiqi, the president and CEO of Meezan Bank; Naim Abdullah, the head of treasury at Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan; Atif Bajwa, the president and CEO of Bank Alfalah; Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, the chairman of Pakistan Stock Brokers Association; Arif Habib and Jahangir Siddiqi, former presidents of the Karachi Stock Exchange.

Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh congratulated the team on bringing the Sukuk Issuance to fruition. “For the first time the government raised Rs200 billion through Sukuk at less than KIBOR rate, through competitive book-building at PSX, saving Rs18 billion over 10 years of debt

CMYK

servicing,” he said.

He also appreciated the strong performance of the Exchange and congratulated PSX on being named the best performing market in Asia. He said it was particularly creditable, considering the recent challenges faced by Pakistan and Karachi.

Farrukh Khan said, "The competitive book building preceding the listing is a watershed event in itself not only for the Stock Exchange and the capital market of the country but also for the economy in general."

He further added, "It sets a precedent for other debt listings to engage in the state-of-the-art competitive book building managed by the Stock Exchange, which will enable GOP and private companies to raise capital at the most competitive cost, while providing attractive investment opportunities to investors."

PHL’s Pakistan Energy Sukuk II is a Shariah-compliant debt instrument which was issued through the competitive book

building process managed by PSX. At the time, the issue was oversubscribed by 70pc, or by about Rs139 billion, against the target amount of Rs200 billion.

The PHL Sukuk is a debt instrument with 10-year maturity with semi-annual profit payments for investors. It is a 100pc SLR eligible for governmentguaranteed security.

According to the PSX, the competitive book building process not only led to more competitive borrowing rates for the government of Pakistan but will also lead to greater liquidity and secondary market trading of the Sukuk.

“The competitive book-building process for PES II helped raise the targeted amount of Rs200 billion at a rate less than the Kibor rate, i.e. Kibor minus 10 basis points. This translates to an annual interest saving of approximately Rs 1.8 billion by the Pakistani government, as compared to the debt servicing on PES I which was earlier issued as a debt security by PHL,” the PSX said.

Tuesday, 8 September, 2020

06 COMMENT

Dirilis: Ertugrul

While fighting Fifth Generation War The army has to stand above domestic controversies

Some good things about the show

I

N his address on the Defence and Martyrs Day, the COAS assured his countrymen and the world at large that Pakistan is a peace-loving country but in case war is imposed on it, the armed forces would befittingly respond to every aggressive act. The general also maintained that the country wants peace in the world as well as in the region. It is with this spirit that Pakistan played a key role in peace efforts in Afghanistan. India on the other hand had always taken an irresponsible stance.

The COAS was right that by abrogating the special status of illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir India had once again threatened the peace of the region. Reiterating Quaid-e-Azam’s stand regarding Kashmir being Pakistan’s jugular vein, Gen Bajwa assured that the country will not show any flexibility over its Kashmir stand. few would disagree with the COAS over these observations Gen Bajwa maintains that Pakistan had been forced to fight a hybrid war. Countries hostile to Pakistan want to discredit the country and its armed forces by spreading chaos. The general seeks the cooperation of the nation to win the war.

Nobody can ever think of maligning the army as long as it confines itself to performing its constitutional role of defending the country’s geographical borders and helping the civil administration whenever called to deal with natural calamities like earthquakes and floods. The problem arises when the army gets involved in affairs that fall into the purview of the civilian governments.

Similarly when an incompetent government takes controversial and unpopular decisions while claiming that the army is on the same page with it, and the army fails to take notice of the claim, eyebrows are bound to be raised.

The army has been called in the past to help in conducting the general elections and there was no controversy over it.

Last year the JUI-f President told radio Deutsche Welle that the military and its agencies should not play any part in the elections. There is a need on the part of the army to be seen to be above the political divide.

HASAN AFTAB SAEED

I

f imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then explosions of jealousy are the most dishonest ways of paying tribute to somebody.

Imran Khan’s decision to instruct the PTV to dub and air Ertugrul has resulted in a spate of jealous outbursts from the so-called artistes of this country – outbursts not very different from those one inadvertently evokes when one has been thoughtless enough to praise a woman (in absentia) to another woman, especially if that woman is her “best friend”.

Syed Noor was refreshingly candid in his appraisal of Erugrul: “I didn’t like it. I watched two episodes and could not watch any more. There are four horses on either side that keep running this way and that.” Lest some animal rights activist is alarmed, it must be pointed out that Noor is no animal hater. Only (judging from his own films that he usually sets in rural Punjab) he appears to be more partial to buffalos than horses.

Noor went on to say that if given a similar opportunity, he would love to create a show on Muhammad Bin Qasim. One waits eagerly for that opportunity coming Noor’s way, for it promises to be a landmark in high comedy. One can imagine Qasim on horseback,

lywood, internet, the Zionist lobby, etc. for absence of sensibility, creativity, and quality on its own part.

Of course, one would have expected our liberals to be none-too-pleased with Ertugrul’s success. for sure, they are not. for an exhaustive, and rather amusing, list of what is wrong with the show, read Pervez adorned in eighth century armour with sword in hand, Hoodhbhoy’s article on the subject. Of course, lists while in the background there is a 2020 model Lunar help immensely when it comes to intellectuals, but the fact that Imran Khan seemed to love the show would Silver Honda Civic at a Shell gas station.

One would like to point out to Noor that people alone have sufficed for our liberals to hate Ertugurl’s with access to a variety of programming are likely to guts. Even more interesting are those who love the flock to the shows they feel are more entertaining. Of show but who are so devout that the sight of Esra Bilcourse, popularity is no assurance of quality; and it gic, who plays Halime Sultan in the show, wearing “un-Islamic” dresses in her could be argued that the real life is too much to bear masses often fail to recog– who make it clear on the nize quality the way consocial media that Bilgic’s noisseurs do; but one can Yasir Hussain too was off-screen demeanour does safely say that Larki Punjanot quite conform to the ban (emotional drama), itself (at least prudence Muslim way, and therefore Budha Gujjar (action), Billi initially). Plays like Ertugrul leaves a lot to be desired. (horror) and Noor’s other This scribe has become a ‘creations’ don’t exactly were sure to destroy the local huge fan of the show without come under the treats-forhaving watched a single Erelites category. industry, he said at first. Later, tugrul episode. It is amazing Not everybody can be as he took exception to the lead how one show can be the candid as Noor. Shaan exsource of such constant pain pressed pretty much the same actress of the show becoming for so many demographics at sentiment but made sure he brand ambassador for the same time: Desi liberals couched it in a more presentwho are at a loss to know able form. He graciously Pakistani brands at the cost of what novel intellectual aeromade it clear that he had no bics to employ in order to exobjection to the show itself.

Pakistani leading ladies like plain away its popularity; our His problem was with the Minal Khan. Minal Khan, whose “artistes” who can’t help state TV airing it. Yasir Huscoming out of the jealousy sain too was prudence itself last few TV serials are aptly closet one after the other; the (at least initially). Plays like entitled Hasad, Jalan, Ghamand pious folks who are perturbed Ertugrul were sure to destroy on the “un-Islamic” nature of the local industry, he said at and Nand, was quick to Bilgic’s outfits in real life; first. Later, he took exception and, last but not the least, the to the lead actress of the endorse Hussain’s views.

Saudis who have banned the show becoming brand amshow themselves and who are bassador for Pakistani brands mighty annoyed when anyat the cost of Pakistani leadbody else broadcasts it. More ing ladies like Minal Khan.

Minal Khan, whose last few TV serials are aptly enti- power, then, to Ertugrul’s producers, actors, those retled Hasad, Jalan, Ghamand and Nand, was quick to sponsible for its screening, and those who have loved endorse Hussain’s views. In a further attempt at vent- it and have helped make it an international megahit. ing off anger completely, Hussain compared the ErtuHasan Aftab Saeed is a connoisseur of music, litgrul stars to “international garbage”. This sort of reaction is not surprising from a lot that has always erature, and food (but not drinks). He can be reached blamed (at different times) Indian films, the VCR, Hol- at www.facebook.com/hasanaftabsaeed

Time is running out for the Palestinians

Rising terrorism Time to call in favors

The Palestinians cannot afford to miss yet another opportunity, which may well be their last

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number of recent terror attacks in North and South Waziristan and Balochistan should be a cause for concern for the government and the armed forces. Security forces are being targeted on a regular basis with one attack occurring a week ago claiming the lives of three soldiers in North Waziristan, and another, a few days later in South Waziristan resulting in a similar body count, including the death of a 23-year old officer. An MPA from North Waziristan narrowly escaped an attack when assailants opened fire on his car last week. Balochistan’s security situation is not dissimilar, with frequent IED blasts, a deadly example of which took place a month back when seven soldiers were killed in the same day in two separate incidents. While great strides have been made in the efforts to clamp down on terrorism in the country, a potent threat still clearly remains that emanates from across the Afghan border. The TTP has regrouped with Jamat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) and Hizbul-Ahrar (HuA) in Afghanistan with a sole objective to restart terrorist activities in Pakistan. All three groups, as a whole and even in their individual capacities have been responsible for some of the deadliest and brutal terrorist attacks in Pakistan. A lot of sacrifices had to be made to eliminate this threat from Pakistan and the era of almost daily large-scale deadly attacks across the country is behind us. But that should never be a source of complacency so long as the TTP and suchlike terrorist outfits continue to operate and plan operations against Pakistan from beyond its borders.

At present, the Afghan peace process is moving along slowly and Pakistan is playing a central role in ensuring it is a success. It would be advisable at this stage that Pakistan uses this leverage to force some meaningful action on part of the Afghan forces and more importantly the United States to at least disable the TTP and its allies to the extent that they pose a more manageable threat to Pakistan. Once the Afghan peace deal is done, the American’s will have left the region permanently and Afghanistan will be in a better position to deny any assistance. The time is now to call in favors and nip a potentially lethal threat in the bud.

Dr AloN BEN-MEir

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am addressing this article to the Palestinian Authority with a warning—having missed so many opportunities in the past to settle their conflict with Israel, it has now reached a point of no return. The mutual recognition between the UAE and Israel does not impede any prospect for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution. In fact, it makes it possible, provided that the Palestinians understand that their intransigence will only further undermine rather than help their prospect of establishing an independent state of their own.

The fact that the UAE conditioned its recognition of Israel on freezing any further annexation is considerably important. It offers the Palestinians the opportunity to move forward and enter into unconditional negotiations now, while there will be no further annexation of Palestinian land. Even though Prime Minister Netanyahu said the halt on further annexation is temporary, once the Palestinians agree to negotiate in good faith, they will make it impossible for any Israeli government to annex any territory without risking normalization of relations with other Arab states.

The Palestinian Authority ought to understand that other Arab countries, such as Bahrain and Oman, will sooner than later follow the UAE’s initiative, and they too will insist that Israel no longer annex further Palestinian territory. At this juncture the Palestinians cannot stop other Arab states from normalizing relations with Israel, as they in principle

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

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Asher John

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have decided that their national interest precedes that best for them, and also realize their own reality. of the Palestinians’, albeit they will still push and President Abas must understand that his policies thus far have done nothing but further undermine promote the idea of establishing a Palestinian state.

It is time now for the Palestinian Authority and the prospect of a Palestinian state. He surrounded Hamas to understand that there are certain realities himself with cronies who agree with him, and little they are facing today and can no longer change under if any opposition to the policies he has been pursuing is tolerated. He paralyzed himself, making it any circumstances.

Israel is a dominant power and it is becoming ever more difficult for him to change course lest he stronger rather than weaker relative to the Palestini- be accused of compromising, if not betraying, the ans and other countries in the region. furthermore, Palestinians’ cause.

It is time for Abbas to recognize that the disunity without peace, the Palestinians will continue to depend on Israel in a number of ways – especially eco- among the Palestinians is a curse that Israel has been nomically and in freedom of movement – for as far able to exploit for many years. The lack of unity of purpose between the PA and Hamas in particular has as the eye can see. further intransigence on the part of the Palestini- inflicted a severe blow to the Palestinians’ aspiration for statehood. It is time for ans, as has been demonboth camps to realize that strated in the past, will only their disunity played directly allow Israel to entrench itinto the hands of the hardself deeper in the West core Israelis, and finding Bank. Any concessions that It’s time for the Palestinians to common ground between Israel may be willing to think of what’s best for them, them to end the conflict make today in connection is sine qua non to Israeliwith relocating some settleand also realize their own Palestinian peace based on a ments, or the extent of land two-state solution. swaps, may no longer be reality. President Abas must finally, the continued possible in years to come. understand that his policies false hope of some PalestinThe decision by the Arab states to begin a thus far have done nothing but ian elements, including the PA, that over time the process of reconciliation further undermine the prospect geopolitical dynamic will with Israel is unstoppable, change on their behalf is tobecause they have realized of a Palestinian state. tally inconsistent with the that Israel is the singular history of the conflict and power in the region that can where things stand today. stop Iran from achieving its Thus, it is time for the Palesobjective of becoming the region’s hegemon equipped with nuclear weapons. In tinians to wake up. Any day, week, or month of conaddition, they want to benefit from Israel’s advanced tinued resistance to changing their attitude and refusing to enter into negotiations with Israel, the technology, intelligence, and even military training.

Moreover, Israel will continue to receive the sup- more political and physical ground they will lose.

Anyone who surveys the evolution of the Israeliport of the United States. Even if Biden becomes president, he will certainly maintain the US’ security Palestinian conflict will come to the inescapable conguarantee. finally, the PA will be wise to immedi- clusion that the Palestinians now are badly on the ately resume contact with the US because there is no losing side. Unless they act, they will, by their own power other than the United States (not even the EU, actions and misguided policies, scuttle any prospect Russia, or China) that can pressure Israel to make left for establishing a Palestinian state. This should serve as a warning. Time is running out, and any furany significant concessions.

Every Palestinian who has a say ought to con- ther political and on-the-ground losses they sustain sider these facts and realize that no matter how much today will not be able to be regained in the future.

The Palestinians at this juncture cannot afford they complain or to whom they appeal, no one can change these realities. The so-called support they are to miss yet another opportunity, which may well be receiving from Turkey and Iran is of no consequence. their last.

These two countries are merely paying lip service to Dr Alon Ben-Meir is a professor of international the Palestinians, when in fact neither Turkey nor Iran really cares about the Palestinians’ plight, except to relations at the Centre for Global Affairs at NYU. He teaches courses on international negotiation and exploit their cause for their own benefit.

It’s time for the Palestinians to think of what’s Middle Eastern studies. alon@alonben-meir.com

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Tuesday, 8 September, 2020

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

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

Standing with Kashmir, now more than ever As COVID-19 cases proliferate , the health authorities around the world are straining under the surge of patients. The countries like India is dealing with the pandemic in a very peculiar way . firstly Kashmir issue is on the raise .

However, with the arrival of COVID-19 Indian government has yet not prevented his bad strategy of giving the minority rights and currently India hatched conspiracy against Kashmiris . And the continuous firing along LOC continue . Due to their unprovoked and indiscriminate firings . As a result the innocent civilians are being victimized . The Indian occupations in the Working Boundary ( WB) have been continuously targeting Muslims which is becoming a threat to regional peace and security . Morever, army is supporting and sponsoring Terrorism in Kashmir . After a long sufferings Kashmir have yet stood firmly for their independence struggle . Let the world be bounded upon faiths and not discuss this problem with Kashmiris. I optimize the innocent Kashmiris struggle and hardwork will build a strong narrative on their disputes and successfully gain their victory.

Barkatullah turBat

Public toilets

Fixing the system One thing at a time the Rangers came to the rescue of residents. That investigation.

History repeated itself a couple of months neglect from the government, is the reason ago. Sugar and oil again became the subject of today, Karachi is a dump full of filthy sewerage debate about corruption. Result: system came water, no potable water, no electricity, no infraHEN Prime Minister Imran running in to help industries in distress. Sugar structure, no roads and no peace.

Khan, two years in the office, pricing went up and oil He appointed Bill states that some system does not disappeared from the Branton as Police let him work, should not we be market. You see corCommissioner of worried?

NYC. Everything was ruption and economic The ‘system’ did not let us fix What is this system? It is something akin to development after all against him. Crime was culture that you cannot see but surely you can go hand in hand in Pakrampant and his budget the problem even then when feel it. Just like culture, system too evolves over istan. The ‘system’ did was frozen. 36,000 emPresident Musharraf had the a period of time. And just like culture, it’s hard not let us fix the probployees wedded to stato break, composed of a variety of vested inter- lem even then when quo, unmotivated powers that are now combined tus ests; it forces you to do things in a certain way President Musharraf and underpaid with an otherwise forces you out. President George W. had the powers that are extremely disgruntled in President Arif Alvi, Prime Bush’s famous saying “Either you are with us… now combined in Prescustomer base comMinister Imran Khan, and COAS posed ” after the 9/11 attacks in the United States tells ident Arif Alvi, Prime of New York resyou exactly how this system works. In Pakistan, Minister Imran Khan, idents. In less than two General Qamar Javed Bajwa. until now the system has flourished and proved and COAS General years under Bill BranWhat chance does Prime more resilient than the Prime Minister’s efforts Qamar Javed Bajwa. ton crime fell 39 perto root it out. cent, murders 50 What chance does Minister Imran Khan has then? percent, We have already witnessed the power of Prime Minister Imran and theft 35 the system in the last year or so. And this is not Khan has then? percent, all this with no the first time the system has displayed its budget increase. Even Systems are not power. Lt. General (r) Shahid Aziz, the Chair- synonymous with PakJack Welch, sometimes man of National Accountability Bureau from istan alone. They have been prevalent over cen- called the CEO of CEOs “needed some ten years November 2004 to May 2007, said in one of his turies and have been beaten too if the resolve and tens of millions of US dollars of restructurinterviews “I was told repeatedly not to create is strong enough. New York City was known as ing and training to transform General Electric.” problems and not to destabilize the govern- the crime and welfare capital of America. And Bill Branton had a stellar record in Masment, otherwise the system would collapse. had been like that for decades. When I was fly- sachusetts before coming to NYC. He focused They (President Musharraf and his hand-picked ing British Airways to JfK, New York to pur- first on hot spots of the city. Hot spots are acciti-banker turned Prime Minister and their sue my Master of Law degree at Indiana tivities that have low resource input but high team) gave a strange logic that corruption and University, Bloomington in August 1979 we potential performance gains. Cold spots are economic development go hand in hand.” were informed by the crew to take only yellow activities that have high resource input but Sounds familiar? This is the same mantra we cab upon landing. This is the kind of scare low performance impact. He wanted to rehear from PML (N) and the PPP and even from NYC had. move the element of fear from the minds of some within the government.

When Rudolph Giuliani became the Mayor New Yorkers. He looked at the subway sysNAB at that time was pursuing corruption in of NYC on January 1, 1994 the city was broken. tem and found that vast majority of crimes Sugar and oil industries among others. Yes, you The system supported crime, mafia wars, crim- occurred only at a few stations even though it heard it right, sugar for over pricing and oil for inals, a crippling infrastructure and a scare was a maze. He also found out that police another kind of corruption that we hear little among its residents. In 1993, 1946 murders had were scarce at these stations. He ordered all about and I would like to share with our readers. taken place. In his last year as mayor in 2001 police officers to start travelling to and from It is the policy of the there were 642 murders work in trains and stop using vehicles includgovernment to sell oil in NYC. So how did he ing himself. As a result police officers started at the same rate all over to travel by subway and getting to know the do this? the country. Therefore, Every successful problems of the commuters firsthand. ImagNext he found out that police the cost of transportaleader will tell you that ine if Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari had been tion of oil from he or she had a great treated for their multiple medical problems in spent nearly 5 hours in Karachi towards the team. Well, past per- Pakistan, the medical facilities here would reporting a crime in a police North of the country is formance is the best in- have surely improved. absorbed by the govNext he found out that police spent nearly 5 dicator of future station. And in many cases the performance. ernment and reimIf the hours in reporting a crime in a police station. bursed to oil marketing police officers avoided taking a leader picks up a team And in many cases the police officers avoided companies as a subwithout a sterling track taking a criminal to a police station to save time criminal to a police station to sidy. NAB found out record or is forced to and energy. Bill Branton retrieved old and not in that the oil companies pick up tested and tried use buses and turned them into makeshift police save time and energy.

Bill were billing the govhands that had failed in stations just outside the subway stations to make Branton retrieved old and not in the past the leader is it easier for the police to book a criminal. These ernment upwards of 70% of the oil sold in to fail no matter buses were placed on all hot spot stations. This use buses and turned them into bound Pakistan as oil sold in how strong his or her step reduced booking time to 30 minutes. And KPK for extra revenue. all of a sudden police started to book a huge resolve might be. makeshift police stations just It is anybody’s guess Rudolph Giuliani amount of cases. outside the subway stations to focused first and forethat when NAB opened Similarly the Prime Minister will have to an inquiry all hell most on the biggest look at things differently and focus on hot spots. make it easier for the police to broke loose. So the p r o b l e m — c r i m e . No one can fix everything at the same time but book a criminal. system came to the resWhere there is crime, everyone can fix some of the things one at a cue of the oil compathere is little else. No time. The bright spot for us is that the Prime nies. To resolve the peace, no prosperity, no Minister does seem to have the resolve to root issue, Prime Minister development and no out corruption and fix the economy. He will have Shaukat Aziz in consultation with President progress. People refuse to invest, move out of to do it one by one and not all at the same time.

Musharraf appointed a gentleman, who is now city and the city decays. We have seen in advisor to the current Prime Minister as well, to Karachi the same phenomenon for at least a couSalman Munir is a management consultant look into the matter. And just like that he made ple of decades if not more. Karachi was as in- and innocence lawyer. He can be reached at the problem go away and NAB had to stop its fested with crime or even more than NYC until as1236m@gmail.com

SAlMAN MuNir

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GOVERNMENT has to provide all the facilities to the public including public toilets. But unfortunately, there is absence of public toilets in the country. furthermore, if there are pubic toilets then they are not properly cleaned and they are not able to be used. At numerous places people has to pay high amount for using a public toilet. Thus, the citizens face much difficulties and there is immense need of public toilets. The government must provide free and clean toilets at public places like railway stations, long distance public transport vehicles, such as trains, ferries, plans and etc.

Farahnaz Farooq ahmEd turBat

The role of television dramas PAKISTANI dramas are bringing good content except from few,Pakistani dramas always brought forth thought provoking stories but recently the dramas industry has taken a turn towards providing dramas enlightening the societal issues we are being faced with,while its great to see dramas shedding light on crucial issues like children abuse,rape victims, honouring killing, novel based etc. It is quite saddening to see that it hasn’t brought much change in the country. Dramas are good source of highlighting issues of a society, also providing the masses with the information to battle against those, but justice for the poor is still hard to believe.the victory of the right is just a wish for most. We all must rise together and play our part in providing the people with easier access to justice.It is again my humble request please publish my letter. attaullah Baloch turBat

Covid-19 and America THE cases of Covid-19 have been decreasing lately all over the world.

However, among the superpower countries, America is unable to fight with the fatal virus. The cases of Covid-19 are rising day by day in the US. That is surely due to the careless attitude and poor leadership of President Trump. Mr Trump is an unpredictable man and his presidency has made a notorious image of the United States in this entire world. Being unable to defeat coronavirus and showing no condemnation for his own public’s death due to the virus has opened the blindfold of Americans. The American elections are drawing near day by day. American need to be wise while choosing their leader as the leader of a superpower country affects the entire world. aFroz mJ turBat

Game addiction I agree that the recent concerns about video “gaming addiction “ have been a big issue on our daily life. It has brought too many changes in our lives even though game addiction has brought a huge change in our behavior, that we are addicted to gaming for which we dont keep social circle around us. The gaming has disrupts our sleep habits too. We have been avoiding school and work because all we need is gaming. All our need and habit is to play longer to get more enjoyment. The new generation feel irritable if can’t play a single day, rather feel anxious when do not play. Youngsters are completely consumed with thoughts about Gaming. A single person plays more than six hours a day. In my theory of thoughts what I suggest is that, the gaming cant save us, not even make us healthy nor slim, not smart nor calm, not rich not even fit. Ultimately, we have to take responsibility to save ourself from Gaming addiction. mahnaz hoth turBat

Karachi transformation plan YESTERDAY Prime minister Imran khan together with his aides visited Karachi to announce an enormous package for resolution of city’s problems. It seemed a decent to collect all stakeholders of Karachi at one page. While sitting between CM Murad Ali shah and Governor Imran Ismail PM announced a ambitious 11.13 million package for development of Karachi.In which Rs 92bn for water system projects, Rs 141bn for sewage treatment, Rs 267bn for solid waste, drains clearance, Rs 41bn for roads and Rs 572bn for Mass transit; rail and road transport. It’s a large amount ever announced for Karachi, for correct utilization of such amount a committee has also been established with the name of Provincial coordination and implementation committee(PCIO) under the heading of CM Sindh. Now, there’s need of sincerity to work for Karachi’s people who have lived their life under threat whenever any natural disaster came.

Sanaullah kalwar kaShmorE

Tuesday, 8 September, 2020

08 WORLD VIEW

Why Facebook is going to War in australia sLatE

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HANNAH RYAN

MAGINE: I see in the Sydney Morning Herald that someone who later tested positive for COVID-19 visited a train station near me. Health authorities are warning anyone who was there at certain times to be vigilant for symptoms and get tested. A lot of my friends live in the area, so I go to Facebook to share the article—but I can’t hit “post.” That’s because the content I want to share is news, and Facebook doesn’t do that anymore.

This scenario could become a reality if Facebook comes good on the threat it issued this week to ban news content from its platform in Australia. It’s the latest volley in a process that has been going on for more than two years, as Australia’s FCC equivalent, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, has worked toward a “media bargaining code” to regulate relations between Facebook and Google and news organizations. The government seems determined to pass the code in coming months—hence Facebook’s new threat.

If that happens, Facebook Australia’s managing director, Will Easton, said in a statement this week, Facebook will “reluctantly” stop Australian publishers and people from sharing even international news on Facebook and Instagram. In Easton’s characterization, the company is up against the wall: Switching off news is not Facebook’s first choice, but its last, he said. Facebook has described the Australian proposal as “un-

FACEBOOK’S RED LINE IS NOW CLEAR: COME FOR US LIKE AUSTRALIA IS TRYING TO DO, AND WE’LL FIGHT YOU precedented in its reach.”

The code would initially apply only to Facebook and Google, which has lodged its own campaign against the proposal by issuing an open letter describing it as “unfair” and creating pop-up ads on its products warning Australians about it. The Facebook threat has something of a Google precedent: In 2014, the search engine pulled its Google News product from Spain to avoid being forced to pay news publishers for stories. France’s regulator is currently pressuring Google to negotiate to pay publishers, and other European countries may follow suit, but Facebook has so far got off more lightly there.

Under a draft version of the code published in July, Facebook would have to tell news publishers what data it collects on the publishers’ users (without handing over the data itself), notify publishers of significant algorithmic changes that would affect the ranking of news content, and give news publishers power to disable comments on their posts sharing news content, or block comments by certain users or in particular circumstances. Facebook would also have to consult with news organizations to develop a proposal to recognize original work—as opposed to aggregation—when ranking news content, rewarding publishers doing

the reporting grunt work.Most notably, the code requires the social network and news publishers to bargain over payments to be made by Facebook for the publishers’ content. If the parties don’t agree, it goes to final offer arbitration—both sides submit a final offer, and an independent panel of arbitrators chooses between them. If Facebook doesn’t comply, it faces massive fines.

Facebook’s response is an overreaction to a code that doesn’t actually demand a lot.

It doesn’t prescribe an amount that Facebook will have to shell out—it just requires it to come to the table and negotiate in good faith.

The nub of Facebook’s argument is that news content is not a significant part of its business and doesn’t create much profit for the company, while publishers benefit from the huge audiences that Facebook allows them to reach. If that’s so, Facebook can bring that data to the bargaining table and make its case. The ACCC is attempting to redress an imbalance in bargaining power, not prescribe the outcome of the bargain.

Facebook’s dramatic escalation makes more sense if the debate over the Australian code is a proxy war in a bigger global fight over how Facebook should be regulated.

Facebook made clear that its message was meant for American ears when it gave its only interview about the threatened blockade

BLOOMBERG "It's our currency, but it’s your problem,” John Connally, Richard Nixon’s treasury secretary, told the world in 1971. Four decades later, the dollar’s weakness threatens to incite a full-blown currency war that could distract policy makers from their key task of mending the post-pandemic global economy.

The U.S. currency has been on a downward trend for several months. The Federal Reserve’s recent shift to an even more dovish stance — saying that it will allow inflation and the labor market to run hotter for longer than previously — looks set to exacerbate the dollar’s decline.

"Had the changes to monetary policy goals and strategy we made in the new statement been in place several years ago, it is likely that accommodation would have been withdrawn later, and the gains would have been greater,” Fed Gov. LaelBrainard said in a speech last week. In other words, the U.S. central bank will delay tapping the interest-rate brake for longer in future.

The strategy adaptation, announced last week by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell after a yearlong review, will embolden traders who were already speculating on dollar weakness and have raised their bets on the euro to record levels.

The euro’s steady ascent against the currencies of its main trading partners is clearly starting to make the European Central Bank a bit nervous, prompting its chief economist, Philip Lane, to make a rare and limited verbal intervention early last week.

"The euro-dollar rate does matter,” Lane said last Tuesday. "If there are forces moving the euro-dollar rate around, that feeds into our global and European forecasts and that in turn does feed into our monetary policy setting.”

Lane’s gentle attempt to jawbone the euro lower suggests that the ECB is uncomfortable with a value for the common currency of more than $1.20, the level it briefly breached for the first time in two years before his comments drove it down — and bang in line with its average value since it was introduced in 1999.

The ECB’s pain is easy to name. The stronger the euro, the greater the disinflationary effects as foreign goods cost less. Imported deflation, often from China, has been a persistent factor in keeping inflation subdued in many developed economies.The guardian of monetary stability in the euro bloc has very few options left to meet its inflation target, as it already has deeply negative interest rates and a vast quantitative easing program. The euro area is now technically in actual deflation, after headline consumer prices declined by an annual -0.2 percent in August. There are several mitigating factors that perhaps exaggerate this dip, but

THE EURO’S STEADY ASCENT AGAINST THE CURRENCIES OF ITS MAIN TRADING PARTNERS IS CLEARLY STARTING TO MAKE THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK A BIT NERVOUS

THERE HAS BEEN SCARCELY A WORD IN THE MAINSTREAM BRITISH MEDIA IN HIS DEFENCE

more worrying for policy makers is the substantial drop in core inflation to just 0.4 percent.

The data risk making a mockery of the ECB’s own policy review, which is expected to make the seismic shift in dropping the current "below but close to 2 percent” inflation target in favor of an explicit 2 percent.

Diverging inflation expectations between the U.S. and Europe go a long way to explaining the 6 percent rise in the value of the common currency against the greenback this year. The euro five-year forward inflation swap index at 1.22 percent is nearly a full percentage point below its dollar equivalent at 2.14 percent.

For its part, the Fed is effectively conducting a policy of benign neglect in the currency market, having provided almost limitless access to dollar liquidity for central banks around the world during the pandemic.

For the benefit of its own economy, and for much of the developing world, the U.S. central bank is in no rush to reverse that.

That leaves the ECB fighting a battle to keep a lid on its own currency against a wall of indifference.

Moreover, history suggests that central banks are relatively powerless to change the market value of their currencies.

Japan spent almost $80 billion between January 1999 and April 2000 in a failed effort to stop its currency appreciating against the dollar. During that period, the yen strengthened to as high as 101.46 per dollar from a low of almost 125 yen. The advance only halted once traders began to question Japan’s economy, and didn’t reverse until evidence of a slowdown become irrefutable.

And it’s 20 years since the ECB intervened unilaterally in the currency market. Back in November 2000, it was trying to resuscitate the euro, which had dropped to a low of 82.30 U.S. cents a few weeks prior to three solo efforts at market manipulation. By the end of the year, the currency had crawled to about 94 cents, but only because traders became less enamored of the prospects for the U.S. economy.

With the Fed still perceived as having more monetary policy ammunition available than its peers, the dollar still looks like a one-way downward bet, albeit in an increasingly crowded trade. Unless that outlook changes, the ECB will have to endure further euro gains — and resist the urge to go on the offensive, verbally or otherwise, or risk inflaming cross-border economic tensions at a time when the global outlook is perilously fragile.

Mark Gilbert and Marcus Ashworth Bloomberg Opinion columnists.

pretty scary.

In essence, Facebook has pledged to deliberately cut its own users off from information. A fundamental limb of Facebook’s opposition to the code is that it directs millions of Australians to news sites, thus delivering those sites a benefit.

It’s a legitimate argument against forcing Facebook to pay those publishers—but it’s also a fact that would make it unconscionable for Facebook to stop allowing that content on its platform. According to Facebook’s own data, people clicked to Australian news articles 2.3 billion times from Facebook news feeds in the first five months of 2020. A 2020 University of Canberra study found that 39 percent of Australians use Facebook as a source for news, a number that rises among younger generations. During the pandemic, 49 percent have used it as a source of news about the coronavirus. For more than half of Gen Z, social media has been their main source of news during the pandemic.If Facebook bans news content, many of those people simply won’t know the facts and information they would otherwise have learned.

And this is a time when the news is not just about telling people what happened today, or even the important incremental process of informing people’s votes at election time, but literally helping people to avoid getting sick and dying in a pandemic. If they don’t see it on Facebook, many of my friends who travel through my possibly COVID-infected train station simply won’t know they were put at risk.

Stop the extradition of Julian Assange

A currency war is the last thing the world needs

MARK GILBERT AND MARCUS ASHWORTH

to NBC News, declining all media requests in Australia. Globally, Facebook has avoided strong regulatory intrusion on its relationship with news publishers till now, partly by proactively striking deals with them to allay concerns about its market power, like the news tab it launched in the U.S. in 2019. But Facebook’s red line is now clear: Come for us like Australia is trying to do, and we’ll fight you.

That the code is not the main game here is of little comfort to Australians, who will bear the brunt of this escalation if Facebook does indeed ban news here. And there is every reason to think that it will. Australian officials have doubled down on the code in the wake of Facebook’s statement. For Facebook’s strong stance against the Australian proposal to resonate globally, it will need to follow through on its threat.

It’s strange to imagine what Facebook would look like if it banned news. On Nov. 3, Australians could log on to Facebook and not see a single news story about the TrumpBiden election. That’s not to say they wouldn’t be able to figure out the result (whenever the U.S. has one) from the content they see—individuals will still be able to post about the news without links, after all—but it won’t be the important facts researched, contextualized, and vetted by professional newsgathering outfits. Instead, it will be opinion and invective, memes, even misinformation and conspiracy. When Facebook is the primary lens through which many people access the internet, the impact on Australia’s information ecosystem starts to look

are

PREss GazEttE PETER OBORNE

Let’s imagine a foreign dissident was being held in London’s Belmarsh Prison charged with supposed espionage offences by the Chinese authorities.And that his real offence was revealing crimes committed by the Chinese Communist Party – including publishing video footage of atrocities carried out by Chinese troops.To put it another way, that his real offence was committing the crime of journalism.

Let us further suppose the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture said this dissident showed “all the symptoms typical for prolonged exposure to psychological torture” and that the Chinese were putting pressure on the UK authorities to extradite this individual where he could face up to 175 years in prison.The outrage from the British press would be deafening.

There would be calls for protests outside the prison, solemn leaders in the broadsheet newspapers, debates on primetime news programmes, alongside a rush of questions in parliament.The situation I have outlined above is nearly identical to the current plight of Julian Assange.There is one crucial difference. It is the US trying to extradite the co-founder of Wikileaks.Yet there has been scarcely a word in the mainstream British media in his defence.The fact that the US is an ally of Britain is perhaps one reason why. That should make no difference as far as the British media is concerned.

Indeed, Assange’s extradition hearing at the Old Bailey next week marks a profound moment for British journalists. Assange faces 18 charges under the US Espionage Act, which carry a potential sentence of 175 years – put away for the rest of his life.But his case represents an attack on journalism and democratic accountability. If Britain capitulates to Trump’s America, the right to publish leaked material in the public interest could suffer a devastating blow.

The British authorities have it within their power to refuse this extradition. Indeed, more than 160 legal experts wrote to the UK government last month, claiming they are obliged by international law to refuse the US request.

These lawyers are joined by human rights campaigners and health professionals, who have

been shocked by Assange’s treatment in British custody and fear his rights will be further violated if he is sent to the US.The National Union of Journalists supports Assange. General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet has warned that the charges pose a threat that could “criminalise the critical work of investigative sources”.And yet there has hardly been a sound from the British press.

There are many reasons for this relative silence, but before addressing them, the gravity of the situation at hand must be highlighted in the clearest of terms.

Assange is accused by the US of conspiring with whistleblower Chelsea Manning to hack a Pentagon computer. The US indictment says Assange agreed to attempt to crack a password (an attempt which was unsuccessful). Crucially, the indictment also charges Assange with actions that are no different to the standard practices of journalism.

For example, the indictment alleges that “Assange and Manning took measures to conceal Manning as the source of the disclosure of classified records”, as any professional journalist would.It claims that “Assange encouraged Manning” to provide the information. Again, this is how a journalist would act.

Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, made the situation clear: “It is dangerous to suggest that these actions are somehow criminal rather than steps routinely taken by investigative journalists who communicate with confidential sources to receive classified information of public importance.”To criminalise the protection of sources will stop whistleblowers coming forward and will put journalists and publishers at risk.

As Alan Rusbridger, former editor of the Guardian and one of Assange’s few defenders in the British media, told Press Gazette last month: “It’s quite a disturbing thing that we should send somebody to another country for supposedly breaking their laws on secrecy. If journalists are not concerned by that, then I think they should be.”I couldn’t agree more.

The US is asserting the right to prosecute a non-US citizen, not living in the US, not publishing in the US, under US laws that deny the right to a public interest defence.

It’s not difficult to imagine how this precedent could be abused by authoritarian foreign powers.

Imagine Saudi Arabia prosecuting a journalist in London for revealing details of the Jamal Khashoggi murder. Or China citing their Official Secrets Act to charge a publisher responsible for disseminating footage of the horrific treatment of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang.The press would be up in arms and I cannot believe the UK would extradite the individuals concerned.

Tuesday, 8 September, 2020

BUSINESS 09

AuStrAlIAN CoMPANy KeeN to INveSt IN PAKIStAN'S reNewABle eNerGy SeCtor

CORPORATE CORNER

ISLAMABAD

A

LAHORE: In order to provide customers an enhanced and enriched driving experience, Changan Automobiles has launched Changan Master Genuine Oil, a premium multi-grade high-performance engine oil, compatible with all gasoline and diesel-powered engines.

Nestlé Pakistan donates 75 tonnes of water to NDMA KARACHI: Nestlé Pakistan has donated 75 tonnes of water to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to facilitate them in their relief activities in Karachi following the torrential rains during recent monsoon spells. Nestlé will support NDMA’s relief efforts by donating 50,000 bottles of 1.5 liter Nestlé Pure Life for people affected by the rains. The contribution will aid relief work being carried out by NDMA in various parts of the city. Sharing his thoughts, Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Pakistan said, “Access to clean drinking water for those affected by urban flooding in Karachi has become an issue. It’s time that we should all come together and help in any way that we can to support the city get back on its feet.”

Pakistani businesses shortlisted for Shell Global Innovation Prize

GHULAM ABBAS

NDREW Forrest, Chairman of Australian company Fortescue Metals Group Ltd, has expressed a keen interest in making investments in Pakistan's renewable energy sector and green industry.

In a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday, Forrest said the investment by Fortescue Group would help create employment opportunities for Pakistanis, besides introducing new technology solutions for a host of industries.

The PM appreciated the interest of Fortescue Group in Pakistan and assured all possible facilitation in undertaking business ventures in the country.

He also shed light on the government's investment-friendly policies and highlighted the economic recovery displayed by the country in the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic.

The PM underscored the government's strategy to contain the spread of

PM ASSURES FORTESCUE METALS GROUP CHAIRMAN OF ALL POSSIBLE FACILITATION IN UNDERTAKING BUSINESS VENTURES IN PAKISTAN coronavirus through smart lockdowns and simultaneously reaching out to the millions of poor through the flagship Ehsaas Programme.

Andrew Forrest appreciated the strategy adopted by the government in dealing with the pandemic.

Later in the day, a delegation of Fortescue Metals Group Limited, headed by Chairman Andrew Forrest, visited the Board of Investment (BOI) to meet relevant government officials.

The meeting was chaired by Adviser to PM on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and attended by BOI Chairman Atif R Bokhari and Commerce Secretary Fareena Mazhar.

Addressing the meeting, Razak Dawood said the approach of the Fortescue Group was unique and it would result in the transfer of knowledge and

ISLAMABAD The Privatisation Commission on Monday auctioned five government properties for Rs156.45 million, as against the initial target of Rs140.525 million.

The auctioned properties include two penthouses in Islamabad Country Club as well as two apartments - one in Centaurus Mall and the other in PHA apartments. But maximum interest was witnessed in the land sold at Pir Sohawa, with bidders substantially increasing their bids till the final call of the highest bidder.

The inaugural session for the auction of federal government properties was held in Islamabad, where Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Haider Zaidi (chief guest), Privatisation Minister Mohammedmian Soomro, Special Assistant to PM on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari were also present. Soomro termed the inaugural session as “a substantial step” towards economic sustainability. “We are privatising 17 other entities simultaneously, and our prime focus is on transparency as directed by PM Imran Khan.”

He urged the people to come forward and participate in the biddings, as the benefit of the process would

Govt to enrol 100,000 youth under 'Hunarmand Pakistan' by year-end ISLAMABAD APP

The government has ramped up its efforts to enrol 100,000 youth for high-tech and traditional trades under the 'Hunarmand Pakistan' (Skill for All) project of the Prime Minister's Kamyab Jawan Programme.

The initiative was meant to increase the number of Pakistan’s skilled workforce by imparting six-month traditional training courses to 50,000 youngsters, besides training another 50,000 in high technologies.

Talking to APP, National Vocational and Technical

CM Buzdar dismayed over delay in farmers' facilitation

PC sells five govt properties for Rs156.4 million SHAHZAD PARACHA

KARACHI: Three entrepreneurs from Pakistan have been shortlisted among 21 finalists for the 2020 Shell LiveWIRE Top Ten Innovators Awards, a global competition that highlights and rewards businesses that demonstrate excellence in innovation. In total, 136 applications were received from 15 countries. This year, the Shell LiveWIRE competition is focused on Creating a More Liveable World. As part of Shell’s commitment to respond to changing global needs, this year’s Top Ten Innovators competition will also include a focus on supporting entrepreneurs throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Winners and two runners-up will be named in the three categories of Energy Transition, Environment & Circular Economy, and Local Prosperity, with the winners receiving $20,000 and runners up receiving $10,000.

technology to Pakistan.

He said that the workforce of Pakistan was quite capable of learning and adapting new technologies quickly and the investment would result in improving Pakistan’s labour market.

Dawood underlined that the BOI would act as the focal point for the group and that the board would actively resolve any issues that may arise during different stages of materialisation of their plans.

He appreciated the approach of the group for giving employment opportunities to indigenous communities, which was also a benchmark for their investment plans in Pakistan.

During the meeting, the Fortescue group gave a presentation on their proposed plans for making investments in Pakistan.

Training Commission (NAVTTC) Executive Director Dr Nasir Khan stated, "All is set for the resumption of the registration process under the first phase of 'Hunarmand Pakistan'."

Highlighting the institution's future endeavours with regard to the Kamyab Jawan Programme, he said, "Under the first phase, which was launched at the beginning of this year, a target was set for imparting six-month training courses to 50,000 youth of underdeveloped areas in traditional trades like welding, plumbing, dress-making, cooking, electric and others."

NAVTTC has so far enrolled 20,000 individuals

ultimately go to the country. The money would be used for debt retirement and poverty alleviation, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, SAPM Zulfi Bukhari lauded the PC for auctioning the dead properties that were straining the state resources. “It is a great opportunity for investors, especially after the PM announcing a construction package,” he opined.

Meanwhile, Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi said, "Today we achieved a milestone upon which we shall build a positive image of the country.”

He said privatisation was a necessary step as it helped inject capital, expertise and technology to lossmaking entities and make them financially viable.

"We could see how few banks performed better after they were privatised. The focus through this step would be to invest more on social development schemes,” he maintained.

During the auction, the privatisation ministry briefed the participants on how it ensured transparency; all eligible bidders were given a fair and equal chance to actively participate in the bid. The bidding was conducted by the financial advisers in the presence of the media and was duly monitored by the auction committee comprising senior officials of the ministry.

under this phase, who have already completed one-month training of the course, he noted.

Khan said enrollment for the second phase would commence after September 15 for registration of 30,000 youth from underdeveloped areas.

To a query, the executive director said some 280 institutions were dedicated in the less-developed areas to impart training in such trades.

Similarly, he added, the government has set a target to train 50,000 young people in high tech trades including artificial intelligence, robotics and cloud computing.

So far, 17,000 individuals have been enrolled for such courses. “We are fully committed to training 50,000 each in high tech and traditional trades under ‘Hunarmand Pakistan’ by end of the Fiscal Year 202021,” he resolved.

He said that youth from less developed areas were also being given an opportunity to get training in high tech courses from modern institutions located in major cities. Boarding and lodging facilities were also being provided to such students, he added.

The group informed that Pakistan was one of the short-listed countries that were being actively explored for investments.

Andrew Forrest appreciated the support and enthusiasm of the Pakistan government and said the investment would focus on Green Industry, starting from generation of hydropower and development of industry in the associated land, which would be owned and operated by the group with the help of local partners.

It is pertinent to mention that the group is currently undertaking exploration activities in New South Wales and South Australia, as well as in Ecuador and Argentina, besides preliminary exploration activities for copper, gold and lithium in Colombia, Peru, Portugal and Kazakhstan,.

Its longstanding relationships with customers in China have grown from its first commercial shipment of iron ore in 2008. Today, the group is the core supplier of seaborne iron ore to China and have expanded into markets including Japan and South Korea.

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Monday chaired a meeting at his office to review steps taken for the provision of facilities to the farmers and development of the agriculture sector. The provincial agriculture secretary gave a briefing about the departmental performance and facilities provided to the farmers. Following the briefing, the CM expressed displeasure over delay in some measures relating to the provision of facilities to the farmers. "The agriculture department has only conducted meetings during the two years while practical progress in the provision of facilities to the farmers is negligible," the CM regretted. "Durable steps will have to be taken immediately by discontinuing this practice and I will personally visit the agriculture department to check its workings."

Buzdar said that further delay in the adoption of steps aimed at provision of facilities to the farmers will not be tolerated as the agriculture sector is the linchpin of the national economy.

The agriculture sector has a lot of potential and there is no justification for the delay, he maintained, adding that the department needs to improve its performance. INP

Kanupp-II thermal testing completed, commercial operations from next year ISLAMABAD: The 1,100MW K2 reactor at the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (Kanupp), the first unit using China's homegrown ‘Hualong One’ technology, has successfully completed its thermal testing, also known as hot functional tests (HTFs).

China is building two Hualong One reactors with a capacity of 1,100MW each at the Karachi Nuclear Power Complex, where a single 137MW reactor unit (Kanupp-1) has been operating since 1972.

The construction of the Kanupp-2 and Kanupp-3 reactor units started in August 2015 and May 2016, with the start of commercial operations scheduled for 2021 and 2022, respectively. APP

MARKET DAILY

Bullish sentiment propels KSE-100 up by 272 points KARACHI STAFF REPORT

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) started the week on a positive note, with the benchmark accumulating over 350 points intraday amid positive sentiments.

Global equity markets also showed a positive trend, whereas crude oil prices slipped lower from the previous close; WTI crude price falling 1.71pc to $39.09 while Brent crude oil dropping 1.55pc to $42.00.

"The stock market managed to keep the investors interested throughout the day, with oil marketing companies, refinery, chemical, cement, steel and pharma stocks performing particularly well," said a report issued by AHL Ltd. "The ex-

ploration & production sector, on the other hand, went down on the back of declining international crude oil prices."

MARKET SUMMARY: The benchmark KSE-100 Index remained in the green zone throughout the day, touching its intraday high at 42,400.25 after gaining 377.25 points. It settled higher by 272.75 points at 42,295.75.

Among other indices, the KMI-30 Index accumulated 514.29 points to end at 68,036.57, while the KSE All Share Index gathered 213.92 points, closing at 29,962.82.

The overall market declined from 758.2 million shares in the previous session to 748.7 million shares (-1pc). Average traded value also declined by 4pc, from $142.8 million to $149.2 million. Power Cement

CMYK

Ltd (POWER 10.15pc), Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Ltd (PIBTL 3.36pc) and Hascol Petroleum Ltd (HASCOL 7.47pc) led the volume chart, exchanging 72.41 million, 57.33 million and 45.99 million shares, respectively.

Sectors that painted the benchmark index green included cement (57.63 points), fertiliser (54.70 points) and technology & communication (35.92 points).

Among the companies, Lucky Cement (LUCK 40.84 points), Systems Ltd (SYS 33.18 points) and Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC 28.05 points) remained the top contributors.

Adding 3.47pc to its cumulative market capitalisation, the technology & communication sector emerged as the session’s top gainer, with Systems Ltd (SYS 7.50pc), NetSol Technologies (NETSOL

6.23pc), Avanceon Limited (AVN 7.30pc) posting decent gains.

Earlier in the day, the PSX held a gong ceremony to formally mark the book building and listing of Power Holding Limited’s Rs200 billion Pakistan Energy Sukuk-II (PES-II).

Meanwhile, in a notification to the exchange, Avanceon Limited (AVN +7.30pc) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary 'Avanceon FZE' has been contracted to work on an oil & gas midstream project. The project is worth over half a billion rupees and will be responsible for the transportation of oil products to key regions of Pakistan.

On the financial side, Fauji Cement Company Ltd (FCCL -0.13pc) reported a loss of Rs59.38 million for FY20. It last reported a net loss in 2003.

Tuesday, 8 September, 2020

10 FOREIGN NEWS UAE planning first official visit to Israel on Sept 22 TEL AVIV AGENCIES The United Arab Emirates is planning to make its first official visit to Israel on Sept. 22 to build up the countries’ agreement to normalize relations, a source familiar with the provisional itinerary said on Monday.

Israeli officials declined to comment and UAE officials did not respond to calls seeking comment.

The two countries announced on Aug. 13 they would normalize diplomatic relations in a U.S.-brokered deal that was hailed as a breakthrough by Washington and Israel but spurned by the Palestinians. The UAE delegation’s trip to Israel, which has yet to be finalized, would come in reciprocation of a groundbreaking trip to Abu Dhabi last week by senior Israeli and U.S. envoys, the source told Reuters. The source said the UAE was expected to finalize the trip after a date is announced for a ceremony, likely in Washington, where the countries’ leaders will sign their normalization accord. That ceremony is likely to take place in mid-September, the source added. The source declined to be identified by name or nationality due to the sensitivity of the evolving contacts. The trip would be the first publicly acknowledged visit to Israel by an official delegation from the UAE. Israel exchanged embassies with neighbors Egypt and Jordan under peace deals decades ago. But until the UAE accord, all other Arab states had demanded Israel first cede more land to the Palestinians. An Israeli minister said on Monday annual trade between Israel and the UAE is expected to reach $4 billion.

China’s exports surge as global economies start to reopen BEIJING

TrUmp loomS lArGE ovEr CAmpAIGnS for ConTrol of ConGrESS WASHINGTON

T

AGENCIES

HE battle for control of Congress is solidifying into a race about President Donald Trump, as Republicans hitch their fortunes to their party’s leader and Democrats position themselves as a bulwark against him — and as partners in a potential Joe Biden White House.

So far, voters are signaling they want to finish the job they started in 2018 by installing Democrats for House majority control. Now, they’re on track to potentially do the same in the Senate.

“The president continues to overshadow and impact the races for the Senate and the House,” said Nathan Gonzales, the editor of Inside Elections, which tracks the campaigns.

Usually, a president at the top of the ticket boosts his party’s chances, but Trump’s slump is shifting the congressional map, strategists said. House Democrats are expected to easily retain the majority, without too many losses. The Senate, now in Republican hands, could almost as easily flip to Democrats.

Together, the congressional races provide a snapshot of an American electorate ahead of a voting season unlike

LONDON AGENCIES

Chinese exports rose for the third consecutive month in August, up by a solid 9.5 percent from a year earlier, customs data showed on Monday. That’s the strongest gain since March 2019. The figure is also better than analysts’ expectations of 7.1 percent growth. It eclipsed an extended fall in imports, which were down 2.1 percent in August, compared with a 1.4 percent fall in July. The strong exports come as more of China’s trading partners relax coronavirus lockdowns in a further boost to the recovery of the world’s second-biggest economy. “China’s exports continue to defy expectations and to grow significantly faster than global trade, thus gaining global market share,” said Louis Kuijs of Oxford Economics.

The country’s factories reported the first increase in new export orders this year in August due to the overseas demand revival.

Julian Assange resumed his battle in a London court on Monday to avoid extradition to the United States to face criminal charges over the activities of his WikiLeaks website, after months of delay due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The U.S. authorities accuse Australian-born Assange, 49, of conspiring to hack government computers and of violating an espionage law in connection with the release of confidential cables by WikiLeaks in 2010-2011. Assange, clean-shaven and wearing a suit at Monday’s hearing, formally declined to be extradited to face a superseding indictment issued by U.S. authorities in June.

Assange is seen by his admirers as a

champion of free speech who exposed U.S. abuses of power. His critics say that by publishing unredacted documents, he recklessly endangered the lives of intelligence sources.

He has also attracted more recent criticism over the release by WikiLeaks during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign of documents stolen from the Democratic National Committee, damaging nominee Hillary Clinton. He denies accusations by U.S. investigators that WikiLeaks obtained those documents from Russian hackers. The issue is not part of the legal proceedings.

Assange made international headlines in 2010 when WikiLeaks published a U.S. military video showing a 2007 attack by Apache helicopters in Baghdad that killed a dozen people, including two

Turkey facing EU sanctions over conflict with Greece, Cyprus

BAGHDAD

an opposite approach. As their calling card to voters, they are offering health care policy — preserving and expanding the coverage under the Affordable Care Act and strategies to end the Covid-19 crisis.

Ten ads released by House Democrats last week targeted Republicans who voted to repeal and replace “Obamacare” or pushed a quick economic reopening despite Covid-19 health risks. Democratic Senate candidates are taking similar cues as they appeal to voters concerned about health care access or costs.

“We’re gonna win back the Senate,” Biden told donors last week on a fundraising call.

The former vice president is eyeing a handful of Senate seats he believes Democrats could wrest from Republicans, with plans to campaign in North Carolina, Georgia, Texas and other states where Republican senators are vulnerable. Two months before the election, the races are still in flux. Any boost in Trump’s standing could bolster Republican chances, analysts said. Any missteps

by Biden could hurt Democrats.

On top of that is the uncertainty of the Covid-19 crisis, which upended campaigning. While many Republicans are following Trump’s lead, holding events and meeting voters in person, Democrats

Reuters news staff. The site later published vast troves of U.S. military records and diplomatic cables.

“POLITICAL” CHARGES: The extradition hearings started in February but were then postponed for a few months before being further delayed because of a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Assange’s lawyers argue that he would not receive a fair trial in the United States on political charges. They have also said he would be a suicide risk if sent to the United States, where they say he could face 175 years in prison.

The pursuit of Assange was part of President Donald Trump’s “effective declaration of war on leakers and journalists”, they argued in court papers. “He was an obvious symbol of all that Trump

DUBLIN Big Tech’s data centres can consume as much energy as large towns, but the industry is also leading the push to go green, which could be a boon for Ireland.

As a country with one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the world, Ireland has always been a hub for Big Tech. In fact, its so-called Silicon Docks play host to many of the tech industry’s biggest names, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and many more. The country’s attractiveness to Big Tech, however, has also put it at a cross-

ANKARA

PARIS AGENCIES

AGENCIES

Turkey faces EU sanctions over its escalating conflict with Greece and Cyprus, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been warned, foreign media reported.

European ministers had already discussed “the range of reprisals we could take with regards to Turkey” and the issue will top the agenda at this month’s European Council meeting, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

Turkey sent a hydrocarbon research vessel with a naval escort into Greek territorial waters last month, and Greece responded with naval exercises to defend its territory. The tension has illustrated the risk of conflict in the area as Erdogan pursues increasingly aggressively nationalist policies. Le Drian urged Erdogan to begin talks over its eastern Mediterranean ambitions between now and the European Council meeting on Sept. 24. “It’s up to the Turks to show that this matter ... can be discussed,” he said. “If so, we can create a virtuous circle for all the problems on the table.”

Otherwise Erdogan could face an “entire series of measures,” he said. “We are not short of options, and he knows that.” Meanwhile Turkey’s armed forces began annual military exercises since Sunday in breakaway northern Cyprus, an isolated “republic” recognized only by Ankara. Turkey has stationed tens of thousands of troops in the north of the island since it invaded in 1974 after a coup engineered by military rulers in Athens.

Turkey's armed forces HAS begun annual exercises in the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus - an entity recognised only by Ankara - as tensions continue to rise with Greece in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey's hunt for gas and oil reserves in waters claimed by Greece has put a huge strain on the relationship between the two NATO members.

As tensions ran high, the Turkish military began its exercises called "Mediterranean Storm" with the Turkish Cypriot Security Command, Vice President Fuat Oktay said on Twitter. "The security priorities of our country and the TRNC [Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus] are indispensable, along with diplomatic solutions in the eastern Mediterranean," Oktay said.

The Turkish defence ministry also tweeted the military exercises, which last until Thursday, continued "successfully". Cyprus is divided between the Greek Cypriot-run south - an EU member state - and the Turkish Cypriot north.

Turkey has stationed tens of thousands of troops in the north of the island since its 1974 invasion, which followed a coup engineered by military rulers in Greece.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and European Council President Charles Michel discussed developments in the eastern Mediterranean on Sunday during a phone call.

Tech giants sucking energy out of Ireland AGENCIES

condemned, having brought American war crimes to the attention of the world.”

Assange’s legal travails in Britain date to 2010, when he began fighting an attempt to extradite him to Sweden to answer questions about allegations of sexual assault, which have since been dropped. In June 2012, facing imminent extradition, he sought refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy.

He spent seven years holed up there.

His partner, Stella Moris, revealed this year that he had fathered two children while inside the embassy.

After Ecuador revoked his asylum, he was dragged out of the embassy in April 2019 and served a short British prison sentence for violating bail terms.

He remains jailed pending the outcome of the U.S. extradition request.

Turkey begins military exercises in northern Cyprus

AGENCIES

Two IS local leaders were killed and four militants were arrested on Monday in two security operations in northern and western Iraq, the Iraqi military said. In the northern province of Kirkuk, a force from the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) conducted a security operation, based on intelligence reports, in Daquq area in the south of the provincial capital Kirkuk, some 250 km north of Baghdad, Yehia Rasool, spokesman of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi forces said in a statement. The operation resulted in the killing of two IS local leaders and the arresting of two others, the statement said. In the western province of Anbar, another CTS force conducted a separate security operation near the town of al-Garma near the city of Fallujah, some 50 km west Baghdad, and resulted in the arresting of two IS militants, the statement added. The two operations came as the IS militants have intensified their attacks on the security forces and civilians in the formerly IS-controlled Sunni provinces.

are largely matching Biden’s approach of avoiding health risks by holding campaign events online. A memo from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee obtained by The Associated Press said candidates should remind voters “through your actions” that they take the Covid-19 threat seriously. Republicans mock Democrats’ virtual campaigning as hiding from voters.

Republicans hold a slim 53-47 majority in the Senate. That means they could afford to lose two or three seats, while Democrats would need to pick up three or four for a working majority. If either party has 50 seats, the vice president becomes a tie breaker.

While election season began with the parties on defense, protecting their incumbent senators, it has shifted to a decidedly lopsided Senate map. Only one Democrat, Sen. Doug Jones in Alabama, appears seriously at risk of defeat, running in a Deep South state where Trump is more popular than almost anywhere else.

The list of potentially endangered Republican senators has only grown.

Sen. Cory Gardner is running against popular former Gov. John Hickenlooper in Colorado, a state that has become more Democratic blue than toss-up purple.

Assange's legal fight to avoid US espionage trial resumes in London

AGENCIES

2 IS militants killed, 4 arrested in Iraq

any other. The coronavirus crisis, a shattered economy and a new civil rights era are forcing a reassessment of the way the federal government approaches longstanding problems. In a volatile political climate, health care, jobs and even what the parties are calling the soul of the nation are all on the ballot.

As Democrats gain momentum, Republicans are digging in, echoing Trump’s harsh criticism of the nationwide protests over police violence, particularly against Black people. He sounds dire warnings about the demonstrations happening in some cities. It’s an opening for the GOP, an attempt to win back wary suburban voters, particularly white women, who voted for Trump in 2016 but have since drifted away.

“It’s a winning message,” said Bob Salera, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, the House GOP’s campaign arm.

The NRCC used Trump’s visit to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to unleash a flurry of attacks against vulnerable Democrats, primarily those freshmen who built the House majority in 2018 from districts the president won in 2016. One television ad claimed a Democrat was choosing “criminals over cops.”

The Democratic campaigns are taking

roads of sorts. As more and more of the world’s leading tech companies double down on their operations in Ireland, Dublin is being forced to choose between its climate ambitions and investment from these giant firms.

In recent years, tech’s Big Four have begun building massive data centers on the island nation. And while it’s been great for the country from a financial standpoint, it is wearing on its energy infrastructure and sending its carbon footprint to new heights.

Though it’s not without benefits… Between the Big Four, thousands of jobs have been created and untold amounts of money have been injected into the Irish economy. And

now another up-and-coming tech star is looking to jump on board.

TikTok recently announced that it will be investing as much as $500 million to build its first-ever European data center in Ireland. The data center should be up and running by 2022 and is predicted to create hundreds of jobs.

“TikTok’s decision to establish its first European data centre in Ireland, representing a substantial investment here by the company, is very welcome,” said IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan, adding that “Following on from the establishment of its EMEA Trust & Safety Hub in Dublin earlier in the year, [it] positions Ireland as an important lo-

cation in the company’s global operations.”

But what will yet another massive data center mean for the country’s clean energy plans?

According to a report by an Irish grid operator, EirGrid, some of these giant data centers can use as much energy as entire towns.

The report goes on to mention that data centers alone could account for nearly 30 percent of all of Ireland’s energy consumption by 2028. And to make matters worse, some data center operators are relying on on-site gas plants, burning fossil fuels, due to shortages of capacity in the local electrical grid.

This conundrum is not without its own light at the end of the tunnel, however. The data center boom in Ireland has driven demand -and investment - for greener solutions. Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon and Google have all made lofty emissions com-

mitments, putting big red targets on their backs. Microsoft, for example, has pledged to go carbon-neutral within the next ten years. And the other giants have made similar claims. This means the clock is ticking to build - or buy - the infrastructure needed to keep their data centers green. Amazon and Facebook are leading this push in Ireland, signing high-profile agreements for the construction of major renewable projects in the country to power their data centers.

Amazon, for its part, is on track to double its renewable capacity in Ireland with a new deal to build a 115-megawatt wind farm in Ardderroo, Co Galway. This new project will join its Esk, Co Cork wind farm, which is set to begin operations next month, and Meenbog, Co Donegal project, which will come online in early 2022.

Tuesday, 8 September, 2020

SPORTS 11

Djokovic DisquAlifieD from us open AfTer AcciDenTly hiTTing officiAl WiTh The BAll

n

AGENCIES

OVAK Djokovic was dramatically disqualified from the US Open on Sunday after accidentally striking a female line judge with a ball in frustration during his last-16 match, sending shock waves through the tournament.

The world number one apologised for hitting the ball in disgust after losing his serve to go 6-5 down in the first set to Spain's 20th seed Pablo Carreno Busta inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Djokovic appeared to be looking the other way when he pulled the ball from his pocket and smacked it in the direction of the official, the ball hitting her full toss in the throat.

The official cried out and began gasping for air as she collapsed to the ground.

Djokovic rushed over to check on her, placing his hand on her back as she struggled to breathe. After a few minutes she got up and walked off the court looking dazed.

Around ten minutes of discussions then ensued between Djokovic and the tournament referee Soeren Friemel, during which the world number one pleaded his case.

The umpire then declared that Carreno

Busta had won by default. Djokovic shook hands with his opponent before leaving the court without appearing to shake the umpire's hand.

'SO WRONG': He went then directly to his car and left the Flushing Meadows site in New York without speaking to reporters.

Djokovic, 33, later posted an apology on Instagram saying he was “so sorry.”

“This whole situation has left me really sad and empty,” he wrote, adding that “thank God” the woman was okay. “I'm extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong,” Djokovic said. He also apologised to tournament organisers for “my behavior” but did not say whether he thought they were right to default him. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) said Djokovic had been defaulted under the Grand Slam rules for “intentionally hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with negligent disregard of the consequences”.

The body added that he would lose all ranking points and prize money from the tournament. Referee Friemel said Djokovic told him he should not be defaulted because it was unintentional. Friemel said he agreed there was no intent but that it was a clear-cut

case of Djokovic hitting the ball “angrily and recklessly”. “She was clearly hurt and in pain. There was no other option,” he told reporters. The Serbian star is one of only a handful of players to be disqualified from a men's singles tournament at a Grand Slam since John McEnroe was infamously tossed from the Australian Open in 1990.

Djokovic had been chasing an 18th Grand Slam title at the Billie Jean King US National Tennis Centre. He was hoping to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent from the tournament, in the race for the all-time men's Slam singles title record. Djokovic is on 17, with Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20. Carreno Busta said he did not see the incident. “I was celebrating the break with my coach,” he told reporters. “When I heard that the line judge was on the floor I was in shock. I never expected this moment when playing Novak. “I think it was bad luck,” he added.

Former players reacted with shock at the disqualification but said officials had made the correct decision.

NEW WINNER: “Right call!” former women's world number one Tracy Austin wrote on Twitter. Four-time US Open champion Martina Navratilova said officials “had

no choice” but to default Djokovic.

Former British number one Greg Rusedski described the disqualification as “unbelievable” but said officials had made the “correct decision”.

A USTA spokesperson said the line judge was “doing okay” after receiving treatment from medical staff. Djokovic had been the overwhelming favorite to capture a fourth US Open title.

His disqualification blows the men's draw wide open and means it will crown a first-time Grand Slam winner next Sunday.

“Now it gets interesting,” said fifth seed Alexander Zverev, who described Djokovic as “very unlucky.” “It's going to be one of the young guys,” who wins, Zverev added

after becoming the first German to reach the US Open last eight since 2007.

Fifth seed Zverev bulldozed Spain's unseeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-2, 62, 6-1 while 12th seed Canadian Denis Shapovalov beat David Goffin for a maiden Grand Slam last-eight spot.

In the women's draw, American Jennifer Brady, seeded 28th, stunned three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber while eighth seed Petra Martic was bundled out by Kazakhstan's 23rd seed Yulia Putintseva.

And American Shelby Rogers upset sixth seed Petra Kvitova 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 7-6 (8/6). She will next play two-time Slam winner Naomi Osaka, who defeated Estonia's Anett Kontaveit 6-3, 6-4.

India’s Australia tour likely to begin in east coast after WA denies quarantine relaxation AGENCIES

Warne suggests change in T20s for a ‘better contest between bat and ball’ Shane Warne has come up with a suggestion that he feels will bridge the gap between bat and ball in T20 cricket.

With the format considered to be heavily in favour of the batsmen, the former leg-spinner’s idea is a fresh take that promises to make for a better contest between bat and ball. “What about four bowlers bowl five overs? I just think it’ll make for a better contest between bat and ball.

You want your best bowlers bowling as much as you can as T20 is so much in the batsmen’s favour,” Warne said on Sky Sports Cricket while doing commentary during the second T20I between England and Australia. “When you get a couple of gun bowlers like this [Archer and Wood] you want to give them another over up front.” As per the current rules, in a T20 match, a bowler is allowed to bowl a maximum of four overs, even though there are no restrictions on the numbers of bowlers used during an inning. Warne suggests an extra over per bowler promises to make the contest between bat and ball even.

“Wouldn’t it be nice to give them five? You can obviously have eight bowlers bowl whatever but I would like to see bowlers be able to bowl five. [Adil] Rashid could bowl five overs in the middle which would be a real good battle for the batsmen against spin, while you can bowl your quicks at the beginning and at the end,” Warne said. “I reckon it gets rid of the bits-and-pieces and you can pick your best batsmen and best bowlers when selecting your team.” AGENCIES

Buttler to miss final T20 against Australia on Tuesday England’s wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler will miss the final T20 match against Australia on Tuesday to be with his family, the country’s cricket board announced on Monday. The 29-year-old, who hit a match-winning unbeaten 77 in the second T20, left England’s bio-secure bubble on Sunday evening following the team’s sixwicket victory over the arch-rivals. “He will miss England’s final Vitality IT20 against Australia on Tuesday at the Ageas Bowl,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement. England leads the three-match T20 series 2-0. As a member of the Test team, Buttler spent two months in the bio-secure bubble for the red-ball series against West Indies and Pakistan before joining the white-ball team for Australia’s tour of England. “Buttler, subject to testing, will return to the bio-secure bubble on Thursday ahead of the first ODI of the Royal London Series at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday,” the statement read. After the final T20 at the Ageas Bowl, the two teams will move to Manchester for the three-match ODI series, starting Friday. AGENCIES

Indian cricket team’s much-anticipated tour of Australia will begin either in Adelaide or Brisbane instead of favoured Perth after Western Australia state government made it clear that there won’t be any relaxation in quarantine guidelines in their territory.

According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, the Adelaide Oval is prepared to host back-to-back Tests, including a day-night game as well as the Boxing Day against India later this year in case the iconic MCG is not available because of rising coronavirus cases in the state of Victoria. Also, the Indian and Australian players will be coming directly from the UAE after IPL where there is a second wave of Covid-19 cases.

“We didn’t think it was acceptable to have the team return from a high-risk overseas location and then take part in normal training activities outside of quarantine, before flying out to another state to play games.” Mark McGowan, the Premier of the WA state government

was quoted as saying by the report.

“There were just too many risks in the model put forward by Cricket Aus-

tralia. We need to remain vigilant and do the right thing by all Western Australians and not take unnecessary

chances.”

As per Cricket Australia’s (CA) initial plans, the Australian team, which is currently touring England, and the Indian players were expected to enter the country via Perth. Both the teams were supposed to be based and train in a relaxed quarantine environment in Perth ahead of the series, but Western Australia state government’s insistence on a strict hotel quarantine for international travellers has put paid to CA’s plans.

The BCCI has requested the CA to allow its players to train during the quarantine inside the bio-bubble which is not possible in Perth. India’s tour of Australia is likely to start with limitedovers matches (T20 series) before the action shifts to the four-Test series.

“We acknowledge the WA government has a firm position on quarantine and border arrangements,” a CA spokesperson said. “The Australian men’s team will not be quarantining in Perth upon their return from the UK.” The CA is expected to come out with a revised Test series schedule this week.

NATIONS LEAGUE

Ansu Fati makes history as Spain thump Ukraine AGENCIES Ansu Fati became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Spanish national team on Sunday by scoring in Spain's 4-0 win over Ukraine.

Aged 17 years and 311 days, Fati scored in the 32nd minute at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium, when he cut in from the left and curled into the bottom corner. It came after a spell-binding opening half an hour from the youngster, whose driving run had already earned a penalty for Sergio Ramos to convert. Ramos then headed in to make it two before Fati made history on his first start for Spain, beating the country's previous youngest scorer, Juan Errazquin, who scored three goals aged 18 against Switzerland in 1925.

Manchester City's new signing Ferran Torres made it four late on as Spain registered their first victory in this season's Nations League to go top of League A's Group 4. Luis Enrique's side had opened with a 1-1 draw on Thursday against Germany, whose second game ended in another 1-1 draw away at Switzerland.

Fati impressed off the bench against Germany, enough to be handed his first start by Luis Enrique on the left of Spain's front three.

He took his chance by putting on a mesmerising display, the only shame that there were no fans in the stadium to see it. "At that age it's easy to get birds in

CMYK

your head," said Luis Enrique afterwards. "But he is mature enough to know that the path he is taking is the best to take as a player. He's quiet and humble."

FATI CONFIDENCE 'NOT NORMAL': Fati is now the youngest player to score for Spain, for Barcelona in La Liga and the youngest to score in the Champions League as well.

"When we choose the squad, we don't look at the age," Luis Enrique added. "That doesn't mean you don't have to understand that he's going to play bad games and he's going to make lots of mistakes. It's part

of learning but that kind of confidence isn't normal."

Born in Guinea-Bissau, Fati and his family moved to Seville when he was a young boy. He joined Barcelona's La Masia academy aged 10 and made his first team debut at the start of last season, becoming the second youngest player ever to play for the club.

He became the their youngest ever scorer in La Liga after scoring off the bench versus Osasuna and then scored on his first start for the Catalans too, against Valencia in September, aged 16.

The next day, Barcelona newspaper Mundo Deportivo wrote "A star is born" and he continued breaking records by hitting the winner against Inter Milan in the Champions League in December.

Fati was expected to be given his debut for Spain earlier this year but he had to wait as fixtures were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ukraine never got to grips with the winger, who won a penalty in the third minute, converted by Ramos, and then almost scored with a bicycle kick.

He fired wide of the far post after another darting dribble down the left and after Ramos headed in, he finally scored, cutting in from the left and ripping the ball into the far bottom corner.

Spain eased up in the second half but there was still time for a fourth, Torres finishing well at the back post to cap a memorable night.

Tuesday, 8 September, 2020

PRAyER TIMINGS

NEWS

HAfeez SHAIkH APPRISeS fOReIGN INveStORS Of PAkIStAN'S INveStmeNt POteNtIAl ISLAMABAD

A

were rich copper and gold resources available for exploration across the country.

According to a press statement issued by the finance ministry, the adviser further shared that the country had the best locations for solar power generation as up to 80,000MW of hydel electricity production potential was available in the country.

“With significant progress on the ease of doing business and the promulgation of laws for Special Economic Zones (SEZ), Pakistan now offers investment opportunities in energy, infrastructure, information & communication technology, textiles, apparel, surgical

STAFF REPORT

DVISER to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has urged foreign investors to invest in Pakistan, as the country’s location makes it the most lucrative destination in the region.

Chairing a meeting with a delegation of Australia’s Fortescue Metal Group Ltd, led by its chairman Andrew Forrest, the adviser said that Pakistan had one of the biggest coal and gold reserves in Thar, and that there

China commends Imran's positive remarks on bilateral relations

instruments, leather and footwear,” he maintained. “All these sectors offer favorable economic opportunities for investment and trade.” The adviser offered the delegation all possible cooperation from the federal government as well as all the relevant provincial and local government organizations for their business expansion in Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Fortescue Group Chairman Andrew Forrest thanked the adviser for providing an opportunity to discuss business prospects between Pakistan and the Australian company.

The chairman briefed the adviser that his

company, founded in 2003, has discovered and developed major iron ore deposits and constructed the most significant mines in the world. “We have grown to be one of the largest global iron producers and are focused on the vision of being the safest, lowest cost and most profitable mining company,” he informed.

He also stated that the company has a significant presence in the markets of China, Japan, South Korea, India, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Portugal and Kazakhstan.

Currently, he added, the company is consistently shipping around 170 million tonnes of

Cabinet likely to take important decision on establishment of LNG terminals

BEIJING: China on Monday commended positive comments made by Prime Minister Imran Khan on bilateral relations between Pakistan and China. “China appreciates Prime Minister Imran Khan’s positive comments on China-Pakistan relations,” Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Zhao Lijain said during his regular briefing while responding to a question asked by APP. “As all-weather strategic cooperative partners, China and Pakistan always enjoy mutual trust and support. This year, after standing the test of Covid-19, China-Pakistan relations have become even stronger with greater mutual trust, cooperation and friendship,” he said.

Zhao observed that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), an important pilot project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation and a flagship for bilateral cooperation, had registered new progress against all odds. APP

Afghan peace crucial for stability of entire region: President Alvi ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has said that Islamabad attaches special importance to its relations with Kabul and making sincere efforts to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan. He was talking to Ambassador-designate for Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmad Khan who called on him on Monday. The president said peaceful and stable Afghanistan is not only in the interest of the two neighboring countries but of the entire region. He said that Pakistan and Afghanistan share a common culture and religion and relations between the two countries need to be further expanded. Alvi urged the Ambassador-designate for Afghanistan to work for strengthening economic, political and public relations between the two neighboring countries.

Separately, Foreign Minster Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in a meeting with the envoy, said that peace in Afghanistan is very crucial for stability in the entire region. The foreign minister hoped that Khan’s nomination as an ambassador to the neighbouring country will be helpful in further strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They also discussed matters with particular reference to PakistanAfghanistan bilateral relations and the Afghan peace process. STAFF REPORT

ISLAMABAD AHMAD AHMADANI

The federal cabinet is likely to take a decision regarding the establishment of two new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals at Port Qasim, whereas the Ministry of Defence has so far refused to grant a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in this regard.

According to sources, the defence ministry has instead asked the Ministry of Energy to refer the case to the National Security Committee in order to obtain the NOC. The federal cabinet is likely to take up the matter in its upcoming meeting.

Sources said that two outstanding issues -- allocation of capacity in the existing as well as planned gas pipeline to transmit LNG from new terminals, and the grant of NOC by the Ministry of Defence -- are hampering the timely implementation on the establishment of LNG terminals at Port Qasim.

They said the maritime affairs minister had earlier taken up this matter with the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Subsequently, the PMO on 28th June had directed the ministry to take up the issue with relevant ministries/divisions/organisations and place a comprehensive summary clearly specifying the points/issues along with options before the federal cabinet for its consideration and decision.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs then forwarded a summary to the federal cabinet, proposing that a) the Ministry of Defence should be directed to issue NOC within 30 days or b) the Petroleum Division should be asked to undertake and commit to the new terminal operators for allocation of LNG gas in the existing pipeline on a firstcome-first-serve basis, besides providing capacity to both the terminal operators in new planned gas pipeline within 30 days. The maritime affairs minister has seen and authorised the

submission of this summary to the cabinet, said sources.

They said that the Petroleum Division, during a meeting with LNG terminal operators in Feb this year, had assured that capacity in the existing pipeline would be allocated on a firstcome-first-serve basis, adding that distribution companies were in the process of laying a new pipeline, linking Karachi to upcountry.

However, in another meeting held on June 4th, the representatives of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) informed that capacity in the existing pipeline was not available for the upcoming new terminals.

An official of the Petroleum Division, on the condition of anonymity, said that without assigning capacity allocation in the distribution pipeline, the operationalisation of two new LNG terminals would not be possible.

Gold could be heading to $5,000 per ounce, predict analysts WASHINGTON AGENCIES

The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked a surge in gold buying, and some analysts suggest that it still has plenty of upside potential.

The current year is proving to be an annus mirabilis for gold investors, with the yellow metal running riot. Gold prices are currently trading at $1,933 per ounce, not far from their historical high of $2,075 that they reached a month ago.

That is good for a 26.5 percent gain year-to-date and 30.9 percent since their 52-week low in March, compared to a 6.3 percent YTD gain by the S&P 500.

The torrid rally represents the sharpest gain the metal has mustered in more than a decade. That is hardly surprising given gold’s traditional role as a safe haven asset that many investors turn to during times of deep crises--and few can rival the Covid-19-induced economic meltdown. The Covid-19 situa-

tion has been improving somewhat, yet hedge funds, Wall Street, and investors alike continue being extremely bullish about gold, with some licking their chops and predicting that the yellow metal could touch absurd levels of as high as $3,000 and even $5,000 per ounce.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch says it expects gold to hit $3,000 by early 2022 while Citigroup and billionaire Thomas Kaplan, founder of New York-based asset management firm Electrum Group, believe that $5,000 is in the crosshairs. That certainly sounds like a gold bug’s dream. But what would such a climb imply for the rest of the financial markets? The virus has certainly unleashed a torrent of forces that have been fueling a relentless demand for gold and its time-honored credentials as a safe haven. Gold markets tend to flourish during times of deep economic crises when bonds offer flat or negative returns or stock markets become too choppy. All these have cer-

tainly rung true during the crisis.

The global economy was already showing signs of malaise well before the Covid-19 pandemic, prompting the world’s central banks to cut interest rates to historical lows. Investors tend to turn to safe-haven assets like gold during low-interest environments, though the gold-interest rate nexus has been weakening since the 1970s after the US abandoned the gold standard.

That said, there is a clearer correlation between economic crises and gold rallies. Several months ago, the World Bank sounded the alarm that the crisis was likely to plunge the economy into the worst recession since WWII. People tend to flock to safe havens such as gold and silver during times of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainties, which in turn supports higher gold prices due to gold’s price elasticity as Erb and Harvey noted in The Golden Dilemma. As Citigroup analyst Heath Jansen has pointed out:

95pc of those with Covid-19 report no symptoms: AKU study KARACHI STAFF REPORT

More than nine out of 10 people infected with coronavirus experience no symptoms of the disease, according to a new study by Aga Khan University (AKU) researchers.

Karachi has the most Covid-19 cases in Pakistan and the study saw AKU faculty investigate Covid-19’s prevalence in parts of the city with high and low rates of transmission in the community in April and June 2020. The study found that 95 per cent of those who tested positive for Covid-19 through blood tests, which register the presence of antibodies to fight the disease, reported feeling no symptoms of the illness such as a cough, fever or sore

throat. Rather, they were asymptomatic.

The proportion of asymptomatic cases in Pakistan is much higher than the developed world. Since asymptomatic people do not seek hospital treatment this may explain why Pakistan’s hospitals have not been under the same strain as in Spain and the UK, researchers said.

Results also indicate that children and adolescents are just as likely to catch the disease as adults. Men and women face the same risk of being infected.

The study also confirmed a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases between April and June this year from 0.2 per cent to 8.7 per cent in low community transmission areas such as Ibrahim Hyderi, and from 0.4 per cent to 15.1 per cent in high community transmis-

sion sites like Safoora Goth, Faisal Cantonment, Pehlwan Goth and Shanti Nagar.

These results are in line with the federal government’s national study where antibody testing found that overall, 11 per cent of Pakistanis had contracted the disease.

“The sharp increase in antibody levels in an area with low reported cases indicates that the virus continues to spread unchecked in populations where testing rates are sub-optimal,” said Dr Imran Nisar, an assistant professor at AKU and co-investigator on the study.

Over 2,000 participants participated in the first two phases of the study. Researchers are currently undertaking the third survey and plan to do a fourth in September 2020. These surveys will show the

impact of easing lockdowns on the coronavirus transmission rate in communities.

“Antibody testing or seroprevalence provides a true picture of the burden of Covid-19 as they capture asymptomatic cases who represent silent carriers of the disease,” said Dr Fyezah Jehan, an associate professor at AKU and co-investigator on the study. “Understanding how, when and in what types of settings, Covid-19-19 spreads is critical to developing effective public health and infection prevention measures to break chains of transmission.”

AKU’s Dr Nadia Ansari and Dr Mashal Amin, as well as US-based international collaborators Dr Bailey Fosdick and Dr Daniel Barremore, also contributed to the study.

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

4:58

12:30

4:58

6:16

6:43

8:00

iron ore per annum.

‘LIBERAL POLICIES’: Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi, in a separate meeting with Fortescue Group Chairman Andrew Forrest at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, said that Pakistan has adopted a very liberal and investmentfriendly policy and urged the foreign investors to benefit from it.

He said that the investment policy had been designed in a manner to provide a comprehensive framework for creating a conducive business environment for foreign investors in the country.

Highlighting the potential for investment in the mineral sector, the president informed the delegation that Pakistan was blessed with a lot of mineral resources and foreign investors were required to capitalise on opportunities to extract them efficiently.

Andrew Forrest informed the president that Fortescue Group was interested in investing in hydel energy and the mineral sector of Pakistan.

Oil slumps on signs of weakening demand from China RIYADH: Oil prices were traded down more than 1 percent on Monday after hitting their lowest since July, as Saudi Arabia made the deepest monthly price cuts for supply to Asia in five months and optimism about demand recovery cooled amid the pandemic. Brent crude was at $42.11 a barrel, down 55 cents or 1.3 percent by 06:42 GMT, after earlier sliding to $41.51, the lowest since July 30. US West Texas Intermediate crude skidded 64 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $39.13 a barrel after earlier dropping to $38.55, the lowest since July 10. The world remains awash with crude and fuel despite supply cuts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, known as OPEC+, and government efforts to stimulate the global economy and oil demand. Refiners have reduced their fuel output as a result, causing oil producers such as Saudi Arabia to cut prices to offset the falling crude demand. "Sentiment has turned sour and there might be some selling pressure ahead," Howie Lee, an economist at Singapore's OCBC bank said. The Labor Day holiday on Monday marks the traditional end of the peak summer demand season in the US, and that renewed investors' focus on the current lacklustre fuel demand in the world's biggest oil user. China, the world's biggest oil importer which has been supporting prices with record purchases, slowed its intake in August and increased its products exports, according to customs data on Monday. "There are so many uncertainties with regard to the Chinese economy and their relationship with key industrialized countries, with the US and, these days, even Europe," Keisuke Sadamori, director for energy markets and security at the International Energy Agency told. "It's not such an optimistic situation - that casts some shadow over the growth outlook." AGENCIES

Russia’s Alexei Navalny out of coma, is responsive, says German hospital Poisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s condition has improved, allowing doctors to take him out of an induced coma, the German hospital treating him said on Monday.

Navalny, a fierce, high-profile critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was flown to Germany last month after falling ill on August 20 on a domestic flight in Russia. German chemical weapons experts say tests show the 44-year-old was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent, prompting the German government last week to demand that Russia investigate the case. “The patient has been removed from his medically induced coma and is being weaned off mechanical ventilation,” Berlin’s Charite hospital said in a statement. ”He is responding to verbal stimuli. It remains too early to gauge the potential long-term effects of his severe poisoning.” It added that the decision to publicly release details of his condition was made in consultation with Navalny’s wife. Navalny had been in an induced coma in the Berlin hospital since he was flown to Germany on August 22 for treatment. News of his gradual recovery came as German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s office indicated that she might be willing to rethink the fate of a controversial German-Russian gas pipeline project — a sign of Berlin’s growing frustration over Moscow’s stonewalling about the Navalny case. German authorities said last week that tests showed “proof without doubt” that Navalny was poisoned with a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group. British authorities identified the Soviet-era Novichok as the poison used on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018. AGENCIES

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