Epaper – April 19-2022 ISB

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 I 17 Ramzan, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 291 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

Federal Cabinet oath-taking delayed as President alvi drags Feet g

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PMl-n to take lion’s share with 14 Ministers while PPP to get 11, JUi-F FoUr Bilawal to head Foreign Ministry, MiFtah isMail Finance

ISLAMABAD

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Mian abRaR

hile the federal government finalised the federal cabinet, President arif alvi saturday excused himself from administrating oaths to the cabinet members, following which the ceremony has been postponed. according to sources, in the absence of President alvi, senate chairman sadiq sanjarani will administer the oath to the members of the federal cabinet today or tomorrow.

Meanwhile, sources in the president’s house stated that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place either today or tomorrow (wednesday). sources said that the federal cabinet

has been finalised. Under the power sharing formula, the PMl-n will get a lion’s share in the cabinet with 14 ministers while the PPP will get 11, and the JUi-F will be given four ministries. Meanwhile, the rest of the seven positions will be allotted among other allies. the sources said that the cabinet formation was delayed for few days due to boycott by the BnP-M who protested against killing of a civilian in chagai district of Balochistan.

Per sources, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would be appointed Foreign Minister, Miftah ismail would be Finance Minister, shahid khaqan abbasi would be energy Minister, ahsan iqbal would be Planning Minister, rana sanaullah would be interior Minister, azam nazir tarar would be law Minister while naveed Qamar would be minister for commerce.

khursheed shah would be given water Ministry, sherry rehman climate change, Qadir Patel health, shazia Marri BisP and Murtaza Mahmood industries.

Qamar Zaman kaira would be advisor for kashmir affairs, hina rabani khar Mos for Foreign affairs and Mustafa nawaz Mos on law & Justice.

Marriyum aurangzeb is expected to be appointed as the information minister. sources also said that PMl-n’s khawaja asif, saad rafique, khurram dastgir, shaista Pervaiz Malik, and Murtaza Javed are also likely to join the cabinet. independent candidates Mohsin dawar and aslam Bhootani and PMl-Q’s tariq Bashir cheema are also likely to be included in the cabinet. according to the government sources, the ministry of climate change will be given to PPP, civil aviation will be given to PMl-n while communications will go to the JUi-F. defense would remain with the PMl-n, defense Production to BaP and Ministry of education to the anP. Ministry of housing will be given to JUi, Ministry of information will be given to PMln, while ministry of it and telecom would go to the MQM-P. according to sources, inter-provincial ministry will be given to the PMl-Q, while kashmir affairs and gilgit-Baltistan to PPP, Ministry of health to the PPP, Ministry of culture to PMl-n, and overseas Pakistanis to PPP. the sources said that Parliamentary affairs will be given to PMl-n, Ministry of Poverty alleviation, Privatization will go to the PPP and Ministry of railways will be given to the PMl-n, Ministries of religious affairs, travel and revenue will be given to PMl-n. science and technology will go to the BaP while Ministry of water resources will be given to PPP. earlier in the day, PMl-n leader Marriyum aurangzeb, while speaking at a press conference, announced that the names of federal cabinet would be revealed soon.

Six get death sentence in Priyantha Kumara lynching case LAHORE Staff RepoRt

an anti-terrorism court on Monday awarded death sentence to six and handed life imprisonment to nine as it announced its verdict in sri lankan citizen Priyantha kumara’s lynching case. seventy-two others nominated in the case were given two years of jail sentence of each, one person was given a sentence of five years while another was acquitted, Punjab Prosecution department secretary nadeem sarwar said in a press conference held in lahore. kumara was lynched by a mob comprising hundreds of protesters, including the employees of the factory in sialkot he was the manager of, on december 3. the mob had tortured him to death and later burnt his body. the details of the fines and sentences are as follows: six convicts awarded death sentence on two counts and payment of rs200,000 as compensation to the deceased’s legal heirs nine convicts awarded life imprisonment along with payment of rs200,000 as fine and rs200,000 as compensation to the legal heirs seventy-two convicts sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment each on three counts and one year each on two counts one convict awarded sentence of five years one person acquitted in the case a first information report was registered against 900 workers of rajco industries on the application of Uggoki station house officer armaghan Maqt under sections 302, 297, 201, 427, 431, 157, 149 of the Pakistan Penal code and 7 and 11ww of the anti-terrorism act. scores of suspects were arrested in the following days. the incident had seen widespread outrage and condemnation across Pakistan with politicians, scholars and civil society members calling for swift punishment to be meted out to the perpetrators. “the prosecution team presented a total of 43 witnesses in order to prove the crime against suspects,” sarwar said in the press conference today, adding that forensic, audio and video evidence was also used to prove the crime. “in less than a month, the prosecution completed the testimonies of witnesses. after that, the court gave them full chance to defend themselves. today, the atc gujranwala, upon the crime being proven, has punished 88 accused while one has been acquitted.

PM Shehbaz requests China to help revive Karachi Circular Railway ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister shehbaz sharif has urged china to help restore the mass transit rail network, karachi circular railway, which has been lying defunct for the last two decades. the prime minister requested this while inaugurating orange line Metro Bus service from Peshawar Morr to new islamabad international airport on Monday. “the project of kcr is very vital to the people of karachi and it will transport hundreds of thousands of commuters every day,” sharif said. “i would take advantage of this opportunity…. kindly convey my request to Beijing, ndrc (national development and reform commission) and our great leader President Xi to reconsider kcr for karachi as this would bring great dividends,” he told the chinese chargé d’affaires at the inauguration. sharif reaffirmed the commitment to work tirelessly for the welfare of the people, saying he will work with the same speed that he is used to. the prime minister regretted delay in the operationalisation of Peshawar Morr-new islamabad airport metro bus service. he said this project was a gift from PMl-n supremo nawaz sharif to the residents of the

federal capital. it was started in 2017 and it had to be operationalised in 2018. however, like other projects, the previous government delayed this public transport project as well. he said the lack of will and spirit delayed this project, otherwise, there was no other reason as funds were available for it.

the prime minister said that no ticket will be charged from the commuters using this metro service during the holy month of ramzan. he said fifteen buses have been taken from Punjab Metro authority to run this service. sharif expressed his gratitude to china and turkey for their contributions in the public transport project. he said china is a great friend which has always stood by Pakistan and contributed immensely to building Pakistan’s economy. he said the cPec is a game-changer project. the prime minister was also appreciative of turkey for standing by Pakistan in difficult times. commissioned in 1964, the karachi circular railway (kcr) was originally designed to help Pakistan railways employees by facilitating their movement between their workplaces and residences in the city’s eastern neighborhoods. the service remained popular until 1984 when the number of trains reduced, though it was the lack of maintenance and repair, along with a gap between expenditure and revenue, which led to its closure in 1999.

Pakistan’s former prime minister imran khan did the ground breaking ceremony for the project’s revival last september, nearly a year after former railways minister sheikh rasheed ahmed partially reactivated it but could not make it fully functional.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

MORE INSIDE

Pakistan values its relations with EU countries: Gen Bajwa STORY ON BACK PAGE

transfers, postings in ecP STORY ON PAGE 02

Bandial asks top leadership to ‘respect court decisions’ STORY ON BACK PAGE

Federal govt offered sindh’s governorship to MQM: waseem akhtar STORY ON PAGE 03

02

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 | IsLAMABAD

news

Fazl, asIF suggEsT govT To hold Early ElECTIons iSLAMABAD

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Staff RepoRt

AULANA Fazl ur-Rehman, president of his faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), has called on the coalition government to hold “immediate” elections just days after the opposition alliance ousted the Imran Khan-led government through a successful noconfidence motion.

Addressing his party workers in Islamabad, Fazl said the new setup of unified opposition would operate “for a year at the most”.

“In this new government, the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam

has its own identity and we are telling them (coalition members) that we want elections immediately,” he added. Referring to the former prime minister without naming him, Fazl said: “Even though he is gone and we sent him packing [sic], it is still our responsibility to return to the people the amanat that we struggled for.”

He suggested electoral reforms as a solution to any reservations that coalition partners in the new setup may have with regard to the electoral system and possibilities of rigging.

“We will support the initiative [of reforms],” he said, adding: “But political expediency has a limit.”

“We believe there is no reason to extend your stay at the office a moment longer than necessary.”

Meanwhile, addressing the National Assembly

session, PML-N leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif urged the government to hold the general elections in the country as soon as possible. “In my personal opinion, we should go to the people as soon as possible and take a new mandate,” Asif said.

Criticising the past government over its alleged incompetency and corruption, he said Imran Khan brought the country to the brink of bankruptcy.

Asif maintained that their coalition government is faced with the gigantic task of price hikes, and added that time and peace are required to deal with such challenges.

He said the coalition government is cognizant of the grievances of the people of Balochistan and wants to address them.

PML-N to approach LHC to resolve dispute over Punjab CM election Transfers, postings in ECP iSLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

After the change of government in the Centre, transfers and postings of senior officers started to take place in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Sindh chief election commissioner Saeed Gul was transferred to Punjab on the same pay and scale and Additional Director General Ijaz Anwar Chohan was appointed in his place. Muhammad Farid Afridi, a BPS-20 officer, has been given the additional charge of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Election Commissioner.

PTI sends reference against defecting Punjab lawmakers to ECP

LAHore Staff RepoRt

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has decided to approach the Lahore High Court (LHC) to resolve the dispute over the election of Punjab chief minister, Pakistan Today learnt on Monday.

It is pertinent to mention here that Punjab has been practically without a chief minister since April 1.

Hamza Shehbaz was elected as the new chief minister during a violent session of the Punjab Assembly on April 16.

However, the province’s Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema refused to take oath from him and wrote a letter to Advocate General Punjab Ahmed Owais, seeking his opinion on the legal points involved in Hamza’s election.

Meanwhile, the PML-N decided to approach the LHC due to this extraordinary delay in the oath taking

ceremony.

PML-N leader Ataullah Tarar told Pakistan Today: “We are not filing any new petition but we are filing a supplementary petition in the existing case.

We believe that the actions of the governor and the speaker of the assembly are unconstitutional and a clear violation of the existing order of the Lahore High Court, according to which this election was held. They are actually committing a contempt of court and we are going to the court on Tuesday.”

PTI Karachi jalsa: Who paid for Imran’s chartered flights? newS DeSk The charter plane used by former prime minister Imran Khan to travel to Karachi from Islamabad on Saturday was bankrolled by a Dubai-based Pakistani businessman, a news outlet reported on Monday.

According to the report, Imran boarded a chartered aircraft at 8:30pm from Islamabad to Karachi to attend his scheduled political rally in the city.

The aircraft is registered as AP-PLE and is owned by the Karachi-based company, Engro. It has been leased out to an aviation company.

The report said that after reaching Karachi, the aircraft developed a technical fault due to which Khan had to be flown back to Islamabad in another chartered plane of the company. For the round trip, the private aviation company was paid Rs2.9 million, which was provided by a Pakistani businessman in Dubai.

Meanwhile, PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal shared a picture of Khan exiting the aircraft and tweeted that it was “highly unprofessional” of Engro that its private jet was being “used for an anti-government rally.” On the other hand, Engro put out a statement on Twitter, clarifying that the plane is owned by Engro Fertilizers, but it has been chartered to a private company – Princely Jet. “Engro did not bear any expenses related to the flight,” it further added in the statement.

LAHore Staff RepoRt

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) will send a reference against some 20 lawmakers in Punjab to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on charges of floorcrossing. The reference would be handed over by the chief whip of the party, Abbas Ali Shah, to Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. “After speaker’s approval, the reference will be sent to the ECP where the commission is bound to decide on it within a month,” a report said. Defecting PTI lawmakers who voted in favour of Hamza Shehbaz for the chief minister’s election included Abdul Aleem Khan, Asad Khokhar, Nauman Langrial, Ejaz Alam Augustine, Ajmal Cheema, Saeed Akbar, Faisal Jawana, Zawar Warraich, among others. The reference will, however, not be applicable to independents Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Ahmed Ali, Jugnu Mohsin, Bilal Asghar Warraich and Raja Sagheer. Meanwhile, the PML-N has decided against giving them any government post or ministry in the provincial cabinet following the development. It is pertinent to mention here that Shehbaz was elected Punjab chief minister during a Punjab Assembly session that saw unprecedented violence resulting in attacks on Speaker Elahi and Deputy Speaker Dost Mohammad Mazari. Defecting lawmakers of the PTI, who were part of the Jahangir Tareen and Aleem Khan groups, played a key part in the election of the PML-N leader.

KP govt withdraws unused funds from administrative depts Aziz Buneri The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has begun the process of withdrawing unused development funds from different administrative departments.

So far, Rs5.95 billion unused funds has been withdrawn from the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA). The said funds were released for development projects but the PDA could not utilise it during the past 2 years.

According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance department, a few months ago, consultations were started regarding the unused funds in the accounts of all administrative departments and their subsidiaries. In this regard, billions of rupees have been identified and now the process has been started to withdraw them from the departments’ bank accounts.

According to sources, only those funds are being withdrawn which is not used by the department for two years and that the department does not need those funds for any other development project.

According to sources, in the first phase, only funds in state-owned banks are being withdrawn from the departments’ accounts. The official sources said that development funds has been withdrawn from 10 accounts of PDA amounting to Rs5.95 billion. The amount was deposited in the accounts opened with the permission of the finance department. But the PDA could not use the fund on the relevant projects, forcing the finance department to withdraw them.

According to finance department sources, in the next phase, the government is going to withdraw funds deposited in private bank accounts of the provincial government departments.

Pakistan strongly denounces Islamophobic incidents in Sweden, Netherlands iSLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Pakistan on Monday strongly condemned the recent abhorrent act of desecration of the Holy Quran during rallies in Sweden and offensive remarks made by a Dutch politician, attacking Islam and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

“These mindless provocative Islamophobic incidents serve no purpose other than hurting the sensitivities of over 1.5 billion Muslims living all over the world,” said an official handout of the ministry of foreign affairs.

“Such actions are not covered under legitimate expressions of the right to freedom of expression or opinion, which

carry responsibilities under international human rights law, such as the obligation not to carry out hate speech and incite people to violence,” the statement added.

“Muslims, including in Pakistan, unequivocally condemn the practice of insulting Islam, Christianity and Judaism alike, and stand against all acts of violence on the basis of religion or belief. These principles must be equally respected and supported by all,” the statement added.

“The international community needs to show a common resolve against xenophobia, intolerance and incitement to violence on the basis of religion or belief, and work together for promoting inter-faith harmony and peaceful co-

existence,” the statement added.

“That has been the spirit behind the OIC’s recent initiative led by Pakistan at the UN General Assembly to designate 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia,” the statement added.

“Pakistan’s concerns have been conveyed to the authorities in Sweden and The Netherlands. They have been urged to take cognizance of the sentiments of the

people of Pakistan and the Muslims worldwide and take steps to prevent Islamophobic incidents,” the statement asserted.

“We call on the international community to demonstrate solidarity and commitment to the ideals of building peaceful and harmonious societies for the betterment of humanity,” it concluded.

Pakistan’s textile exports jump 25pc to $14.3bn Monitoring report The exports of Pakistan textile commodities jumped by 25.43 per cent during the first nine months of the current fiscal year (2021-22) as compared to the corresponding period of last year, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) report. As per PBS data, the textile exports were recorded at $14,242.623 million in July-March (2021-22) against the exports of $11,355.465 million in JulyMarch (2020-21), showing growth of 25.43 per cent. The textile commodities that contributed in trade growth included cotton yarn, the exports of which increased by 25.97 per cent from $721.216 million last year to $908.487 million during the current year. Likewise, the exports of raw cotton increased by 1009.03 per cent, cotton cloth by 26.51 per cent, from $1,419.181 million to $1,795.457 million, cotton (carded or combed) by 100 percent to $1.632 million from $0.064 million exports last year, yarn (other than cotton yarn) increased by 104.53 per cent, from $23.560 million to $48.188 million whereas exports of knitwear increased by 34.12 per cent, from $2,780.896 million to $3,729.683 million. Meanwhile, on yearon-year basis, the textile exports increased by 19.90 per cent during the month of March 2022 as compared to the same month of last year. The exports during March 2022 were recorded at $1,625.253 million against the exports of $1,355.542 million during March 2021. On monthon-month basis, the exports of textile from the country however witnessed a decrease of 3.51 per cent during March 2022 when compared to the exports of $1,684.313 million in February 2022. As per report, the country’s total merchandise exports increased by 24.98 per cent during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The merchandise exports during July-March (2021-22) were recorded at $23.355 billion compared to the exports of $18.687billion during July-March (2020-21).

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 | IsLAMABAD

FEdEral govT oFFErEd sIndh’s govErnorshIP To MQM: WasEEM akhTar kArACHi

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Staff RepoRt

ENIOR leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM-P), Waseem Akhtar has claimed that the PML-N led federal government has offered Sindh’s Governorship to his party.

In a statement issued here on Monday, he said that besides being offered Sindh’s Governorship, MQM has also been consulted regarding other ministries but Coordination Committee of the party will take final decision in this connection.

Waseem Akhtar said that if PTI Chairman Imran Khan proves a foreign

conspiracy in removal of his government, then MQM will stand by him.

“If MQM joins the Cabinet, it will take the ministries which will be in the larger interest of Sindh and its people,” he clarified.

The MQM leader further stated the ministries would be next step, firsts promises made with his party should be fulfilled.

Waseem Akhtar said that the Karachities have no source of entertainment, therefore, they went to PTI public gathering to spend their time till Sehari.

19 bikes stolen from PTI’s Bagh-eJinnah public gathering As many as 19

motorcycles were stolen from parking of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) public

gathering at Bagh-e-Jinnah Karachi on Saturday.

Police said that 10 complaints of motorcycle theft from the meeting of PTI public meeting were lodged with Jamshed Quarter police station and nine applicants were moved in Soldier Bazaar police stations.

Police said that the affected participants of PTI meeting in their applications were of the view that they left their bikes in parking of the meeting and when they return after attending the gathering, their motorcycles were no present there.

Six stolen bikes have been recovered by police while search for remaining was underway.

PM, Qatari emir vow to expand cooperation in diverse fields iSLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday during with issues of mutual interest came under discussion.

During telephonic conversation, the Amir of Qatar felicitated Shehbaz Sharif for assuming office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and assured of full support in deepening Qatar’s relations with Pakistan.

The Prime Minister thanked Sheikh Tamim for his gracious gesture. He underlined the importance Pakistan attached to its relationship with Qatar and reaffirmed the strong desire to

further expand bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

PM Shehbaz Sharif underscored the

resolve to forge deeper economic engagement between Pakistan and Qatar – including in the trade, investment,

energy, communications, food security and other key sectors.

He also appreciated the measures taken by Qatar for the well-being of the Pakistani workers in the fields of security, health and infrastructure.

The Prime Minister appreciated the role played by Qatar in the Afghan peace process and expressed the desire that both countries should continue to work together for peace, stability and humanitarian assistance for the people in Afghanistan.

Shehbaz Sharif extended cordial invitation to The Amir to visit Pakistan at an early date.

The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact and take forward the process of consolidation and further expansion of Pakistan-Qatar relations.

PM underscores commitment to fortify ties with Riyadh, Doha iSLAMABAD tLtp

Chaudhry shujat may call it quits on politics: sources newS DeSk Senior politician and PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujat Hussain is reportedly mulling over calling it quits on politics after seeing a recent increase in aggression in the political scenario, sources privy to the matter said. Jamaat-eIslami’s Central Vice-Chief Liaquat Baloch found Shujat and his son Chaudhry Wajahat at the residence of Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, who was injured amid a ruckus in the Punjab Assembly on Saturday. Sources said when Baloch suggested Shujat step into the field to eliminate aggression and extremism from politics, the PML-Q leader said in a dispirited tone that he was now thinking about whether to stay in politics or not. At this, Baloch suggested Shujat tell the people that none of this aggression and violence interests anyone, the sources said. They said that while responding to the suggestion, Shujat said that he will speak to Baloch after making up his mind. Amid the ruckus in Punjab Assembly ahead of the election of chief minister on Saturday, Parvez Elahi, who was also a candidate for the slot, was not spared as well and became a target of the violence in the assembly that left him injured. “They have rewarded me well in return for my goodness,” said Elahi — who got his hand bandaged after he was injured during the ruckus. “Has this ever happened to any speaker before?” asked the PML-Q leader, adding that everything was pre-planned. They crossed all lines today trying to manhandle me in an attempt to “finish me”, he had said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underscored the commitment of his government to further advance the historic and long standing relations with Saudi Arabia by exploring new avenues of cooperation.

The prime minister said this while talking to Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Maliki, who called on him on Monday.

Sharif appreciated the vision of the Saudi leadership in transforming the kingdom. He also recalled his recent conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and said the two sides had agreed to work together to take their relations to new heights.

The prime minister requested that his cordial greetings be conveyed to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman.

He also lauded the vision of the Saudi leadership in transforming the country in a remarkable way.

Sharif emphasised enhanced trade, investment and strategic relations between the two sides while hoping to use the Saudi experience in promoting education, health, information technology, alternative fuels and clean energy in Pakistan.

The prime minister also mentioned the contributions

of the Pakistani community working in the kingdom and thanked the Saudi authorities for looking after their livelihood and well-being.

The prime minister affirmed that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy fraternal relations, characterised by mutual trust, close cooperation, and commonality of views on all issues of common interest.

He thanked the Saudi Ambassador and appreciated his important role in fostering closer Pakistan-Saudi relations. The Saudi Ambassador conveyed felicitations on his [Shehbaz] election as the prime minister and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s desire to further strengthen bilateral relations. Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the resolve to forge deeper economic engagement between Pakistan and Qatar in various sectors, including trade, investment, energy, communications, and food security.

He said this while receiving a telephone call from Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. The prime minister also appreciated the measures taken by Qatar for the well-being of the Pakistani workers in the fields of security, health and infrastructure.

The prime minister appreciated the role played by Qatar in the Afghan peace process and expressed the desire that both countries should continue to work together for peace, stability and humanitarian assistance for the people in Afghanistan.

Police to arrest lawmakers involved in Punjab Assembly ruckus within 24 hours newS DeSk The Punjab police are expected to arrest lawmakers who were involved in a brawl that broke out in the Punjab Assembly on Saturday.

Over the weekend, the police had requested the secretary of the Punjab assembly for the CCTV footage of the incident on the day of the election for the chief minister of the province. However, the secretary refused to release the video recordings. Following that, senior police officials held a round of talks with the secretary.

But the talks also ended up in a fiasco.

The police then seized the CCTV records as well as the equipment to identify the rioters. Based on the recordings, the police are expected to make the arrests in the next 24 hours.

As per the findings, women lawmakers were also involved in attacking police personnel on Saturday.

Others identified through videos obtained by the police show several PTI members of the Punjab Assembly, including Fayyaz Chohan, Umer Tanveer, Rana Shahbaz, Khayal Ahmad Kastro, Mahinder Pall Singh, Wasiq Qayum Abbasi, Nawabzada Waseem, Abida Bibi, Momina Waheed, Zainab Umar, Shahida Ahmad, and Asia Amjad. The video recordings also clearly show that the Punjab Assembly staff allowed the PTI lawmakers to take lotas into the hall before the session began. On Saturday, as the Punjab Assembly met to elect a new chief minister after Usman Buzdar resigned, lawmakers from the ruling PTI tossed lotas at Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari, while some slapped him and pulled his hair.

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Maryam blames PTI for anti-state campaign as journos blame PMl-n for ‘fake trend’ StAff report PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz has claimed that PTI’s “criminal ring” led by former prime minister Imran Khan was running a smear campaign on social media against the state institutions after his ouster from the power earlier this month. In a series of tweets, the ruling party leader said the malicious campaign and “lies” about foreign conspiracy were spread by a handful of people employing hundreds of fake accounts and bots. “Another IK [Imran Khan] lie exposed, another Conspiracy unveiled. Turns out that the slander campaigns against State institutions & lies about international conspiracy were churned out & spread by no more than a handful of people employing hundreds of fake accounts & BOTS,” she wrote on her official Twitter handle. “All of this was led by IK himself. We have tracked down the criminal ring from PTI. More facts will surface in the coming days. No lie will save you Now ! InshaAllah,” she added.

MarriyuM attributes fake twitter trend to Pti: Interestingly, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said on the microblogging website, Twitter, identified PTI’s bot army and marked their fake trends as spam. “PTI’s bots are still constantly spamming the digital space while making changes to the words and spreading misinformation. Pakistani people aren’t fools who’d buy in to these lies,” she added.

However, the trend she attributed to the PTI was some new trend which is not being run by the PTI social media activists. Soon after Marriyum’s tweets went viral, Twittaris mentioned that a fake trend had been run and then attributed to the PTI. Fahim Akhtar, a journalist from Islamabad, posted a tweet, stating that the government itself was involved in running a fake trend against the state institutions just to put blame on the PTI. Abbas Shabbir, another journalist, posted a tweet, claiming that the federal government had hired a cyber expert to stop the PTI trend using government resources but still it was failing in its bid to take down the trend. Last week, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) swung into action and launched a crackdown against an ongoing smear campaign and detained five suspects, including a political activist.

The arrests were made during several raids carried out in Lahore, Multan, Karachi, Islamabad and Rawalpindi by the cybercrime wing of the federal agency. The crackdown was prompted by an online campaign against state institutions, including the chief justice of Pakistan and the army chief, following the dismissal of the PTI government.

sub-inspector allegedly killed by lawyers’ torture in lhC premises

newS DeSk In another incident of lawlessness being showed by members of the legal community at the highest forum of justice in province—Lahore High Court—a sub inspector was allegedly killed by the torture of lawyers in LHC premises. The Sub-inspector Suleiman brought an accused to the court of Justice Waheed Khan on case hearing but after the hearing concluded, advocate Tanveer Saddique exchanged a verbal with the policeman. The Cop fell unconscious in the court and later breathed his last before Rescue 1122 reached the victim of torture. DIG Operations Dr Abid Khan has given directions to SP Civil Lines to take action in this regard. The city top cop directed his subordinates to trace the people involved in the killing of the subinspector. Lahore Police (Operations Wing) spokesperson said that sub-inspector Suleiman came from Narowal to present the accused before the court.

Police teams reached the crime scene and shifted the body of the Badomali resident Suleiman. Pertinent to note that the reputation of lawyers has already been tarnished with the label ‘wukla-gardi’ reserved for by members of the bar in the past.

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

04 NEWS PML-N ready for elections but after reforms: Sanaullah LAHORE

Sharif fOr earLy cOMPLetiON Of weLfare PrOjectS ISLAMABAD

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Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah said on Monday that the party is ready for general elections in the country, but only after electoral reforms. He said this is the last year of the previous government’s five-year term, and obviously, general elections are due next year. He went on to add that the last Punjab government, led by Sardar Usman Buzdar, was ‘incompetent’. “Not only that, it had no shame,” he said, and added, “The last Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government had no regard either for the law or for the constitution.” He added the situation is that both President Arif Alvi and Punjab Governor Umar Sarfaraz Cheema are behaving in the same way.

POL import bill surge 96pc to $14.812bn in 9 months APP The imports of overall petroleum group witnessed an increase of 96.09 percent during the first nine months of the current fiscal year (2021-22) as compared to the corresponding period of the last year.

During the period under review, the total imports of the petroleum group stood at $14.812 billion, as against the imports of $7.553 billion last year, according to the latest data issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Among petroleum commodities, the import of petroleum products rose by 111.45 percent, from $3.447 billion last year to $7.289 billion during the period under review. The imports of petroleum cured also increased by 82.25 percent, from $2.023 billion last year to $3.687 billion during July-March (2021-22) whereas the imports of liquefied natural gas surge by 91.78 percent from $1.731 billion to $3.320 billion. Similarly, the import of liquefied petroleum gas grew by 46.32 percent, from $351.256 million to $513.964 million whereas the imports of all other petroleum group commodities also increased by 64.48 percent, the data revealed. Meanwhile, on year-on-year basis, the petroleum group imports witnessed an increase 68.19 percent during the month of March 2022 as compared to the same month of last year.

The petroleum imports during March 2022 were recorded at $1864.055 million against the imports of $1108.315 million. On month-on-month basis, the petroleum imports into the country also increased by 48.83 percent during March 2022 when compared to the imports of $1252.494 million in February 2022, the data revealed. It is pertinent to mention here that the country’s total merchandise exports increased by 24.98 percent during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The merchandize exports during July-March (2021-22) were recorded at $23.355 billion compared to the exports of $18.687billion during July-March (2020-21), the PBS reported. On the other hand, the merchandize imports went up by 49.10 percent from $39.489 billion last year to $58.877 billion during

P

Staff RepoRt

RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed his government to complete the ongoing public welfare projects on a priority basis.

He was talking to Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Jahanzeb Khan and was apprised of the development projects.

The prime minister said public welfare projects will no longer suffer from criminal negligence as the journey of development has started from where it stopped.

Sharif also said the economic progress of the country will be ensured through continuation of concrete policies. The prime minister said not a single

rupee of the national exchequer will be wasted.

He also directed to make the Planning Commission more active and ensure cooperation between ministries and divisions.

Furthermore, Sharif also reiterated the resolve to speed up the process of development in the country that remained halted for four years.

He was talking to former GilgitBaltistan chief minister Hafeez urRehman who called on him in Islamabad and congratulated him on assuming the office.

Sharif said the welfare of the people is the topmost priority of the government.

Speaking on the occasion, Rehman said the approval of hospital in Chilas equipped with world-class facilities, is

no less than a blessing for the people of the area.

He said the approval of the Babusar

tunnel for the year-round flow of traffic will not only boost tourism but also the transportation and economic activities.

Food exports up by 18.92pc to $3.961bn in 3 quarters APP Food exports from the country witnessed an increase of 18.92 percent during the first three quarters of the current fiscal year as compared to the corresponding period of last year, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported.

The exports of various food commodities were recorded at $3,961.469 million during July-March (2021-22) as compared to the exports of $3,331.257 million in July-March (2020-21), according to PBS data.

The food commodities that contribute in positive growth in trade included rice, the exports of which grew by 14.96 percent, from $1,560.429 million to $1,793.909 million.

Among the rice commodities, the exports of Basmati rice went up from $408.117 million to $496.389 million, an increase of 21.63 percent whereas the exports of other rice commodities climbed up from $1,152.312 million

to $1,297.519 million, showing growth of 12.60 percent.

The other food commodities that contributed in positive growth included fish and fish preparations, the exports of which increased by 2.04 percent, from $303.782 million to $309.979 million whereas the exports of fruits increased by 4.22 percent, from $378.575 million to $294.538 million.

The exports of vegetables increased by 1.09 percent, from $245.739 million to $248.413 million; leguminous vegetables (pulses) by 100 percent, from zero exports to $0.068 million; tobacco by 59.35 percent, from $24.736 million to $39.418 million; spices by 18.05 percent, from $70.524 million to $83.251 million; oil seeds, nuts and kernals by 131.41 percent, from $76.348 million to $176.678 million; meat and meat preparations by 1.18 percent, from $247.010 million to $249.934 million

whereas the exports of all other food items increased by 56.86 percent, from $424.114 million to $665.282 million.

Meanwhile, on year-on-year basis, the exports of food commodities increased by 10.22 percent during the month of March 2022 as compared to the same month of last year. The food exports during March 2022 were recorded at $526.466 million against the exports of $477.668 million.

On month-on-month basis, the exports of food commodities increased by 8.96 million in March 2022 when compared to the exports of $483.162 million in February 2022, PBS reported.

It is pertinent to mention here that the overall exports from the country witnessed an increase of 24.67 percent during the first nine months of the current fiscal year (2021-22) as compared to the corresponding months of last year.

The exports from the country were recorded at $23.298 billion during July-March (2021-22) against the exports of $18.687 billion recorded during July-March (2020-21), showing growth of 24.67 percent.

The imports during the months under review also went up by 48.63 percent by growing from $39.489 billion last year to $58.691 billion in July-March (2021-22).

On year-on-year basis, the exports of the country increased by 15.91 percent during March 2022 as compared to the exports of same month of last year.

The exports during March 2022 were recorded at $2.740 billion against the exports of $2.364 billion in March 2021, the data revealed. The imports into the country increased from $5.631 billion in March 2021 to $6.186 billion in March 2022, showing growth of 9.86 percent, according to PBS data.

IHC rejects plea against issuance of diplomatic passport to absconding Nawaz ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday dismissed a petition against the announcement by the prime minister to issue a diplomatic passport to his brother and Pakistan M u s l i m League-

Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif. Earlier in the day, the IHC reserved its verdict on the petition and said it could not decide on the matter without having any evidence in this regard. The court said that the petitioner could not provide any notification to prove his claim.

The court while rejecting the plea also imposed a fine of Rs5,000 against the petitioner. “It is mandatory for an absconding convict to surrender himself to jail authorities,” the court said in its ver-

Sardar Tanveer Ilyas elected Prime Minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir unopposed MUZAFFARABAD Staff RepoRt

Sardar Tanveer Ilyas of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was elected unopposed as the 14th prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

He was elected unopposed as the unified opposition boycotted the election and did not submit nomination papers of their candidates. Ilyas needed 27 votes in the 53-seat assembly to be elected as prime minister.

Presided over by Speaker Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, the session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly started at 12:00 pm for the election.

The session was con-

CMYK

vened by President Sultan Mahmood under Article 16(3) of the AJK Constitution for the second time in less than 48 hours as the previous summary lacked the executive approval of the then prime minister.

Members of the opposition parties were present during the session.

Former prime minister Abdul Qayyum Niazi also attended the session.

dict. On April 15, a petition was filed in the IHC by Naeem Haider who asked the court to ensure the arrest of Sharif upon his return. “Nawaz Sharif is an absconding convict and therefore authorities should be barred from issuing a diplomatic passport to him,” it said. The petitioner — while making Sharif, interior and foreign secretaries as respondents in the case — asked the Islamabad High Court to take up the matter today and issue arrest warrants for the PML-N supremo. The registrar IHC admitted the

petition and formed a bench for the hearing to be headed by Chief Justice Athar Minallah.

Shehbaz Sharif had directed the interior ministry to issue a diplomatic passport to his elder brother. Shehbaz after assuming charge of his office got a briefing from the diplomatic staff about the issuance of a passport to Sharif. Pakistan’s high commission in London was directed to issue diplomatic passports to Sharif and former finance minister Ishaq Dar.

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

05

NEWS

Protest against direct hiring of senior engineers (civil) in Wapda On the call of Welfare Association of WAPDA Engineers (WAWE), the WAPDA Engineers across Pakistan have started peaceful protest against the direct hiring of BPS-18 engineers in WAPDA by wearing black ribbons on their arms during performance of official duties. More than 700 engineers from WAPDA House, other offices located in Lahore, Mangla Dam, Tarbela Dam, Warsak Hydropower, Kachhi Canal, offices located in Hyderabad, Quetta, Chashma Hydropower, Diamer Basha Dam, Dasu Hydropower, Dargai, Jabban, Mohmand Dam, Ghazi Barotha Hydropower, Golen Gol Hydropower, Jinnah Hydropower, Dubair Khwar Hydropower, Small Hydel Mangla, WAPDA Engineering Academy Faisalabad, WAPDA Administrative Staff College Islamabad, WAPDA House Peshawar, and Small Hydropower Stations participated in the peaceful protest. Direct hiring of BPS-18 engineers in WAPDA in the name of Diamer Basha Dam Company is illegal and also it shall affect seniority of more than 150 No. serving Junior Engineers which is unacceptable at all. WAWE had already requested concerned authorities to stop and cancel the illegal hiring process but unfortunately no positive action was taken due to which WAPDA engineers are constrained to display peaceful protest against this illegal process. WAWE further demands that approval of Technical allowance for WAPDA engineers @1.5 times basic pay may also be processed as per commitment already made by the Authority’s representatives in a meeting held on 03.05.2021. The protest in the form of wearing black ribbons at work places by WAPDA engineers across Pakistan shall continue on daily basis till acceptance of demands by the Authority, otherwise, the protest can later on be converted into other forms to protect the rights of WAPDA engineers at any cost. Central Executive Committee of WAWE is thankful to all its members for overwhelming response on the call of WAWE.

Pervaiz elahi approaches sessions court over Pa attack case

PML-N govt fuLLy caPabLe of resoLviNg eNergy crisis: Miftah iSLamaBad

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NewS DeSk

AKISTAN Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) leader Miftah Ismail on Monday said his government was fully capable of resolving the energy crisis under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Replying to the statement of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) MP and former federal minister Hammad Azhar, Ismail said the people would see a clear difference between the performance of his party and of the previous government’s.

“No doubt we are faced with severe economic challenges but the PML-N is determined to revive the country’s economy,” he added.

He said it was the government of PML-N that installed modern in-expensive power plants, generated electricity from cheap coal and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and overcome load shedding.

During the last tenure of the PML-N, he said the electricity lines were laid down to improve the power transmission and

distribution system. The project was aimed at reducing losses in the distribution and transmission of the power sector, which was unfortunately shut down by the government of PTI, he added.

He regretted that the ‘incompetent’ government of PTI had halted all energy projects that eventually caused losses to the power sector.

He expressed the confidence that the PML-N government would now again

start working on the improvement of the electricity supply and distribution system.

Miftah said PTI leaders had always lied to the nation that several power plants were operational in the country, adding that If there were sufficient plants already existed then why there was a power shortage and the country plunged into darkness.

He said PTI should explain the installation of new 8000 megawatts power plants and energy projects under the

Verdict in mob killing of Sri Lanka man today LaHore StAFF RePoRt

An anti-terrorism court in Lahore is expected to announce the verdict in the mob killing of a Sri Lankan factory manager on Monday.

The mob of factory employees in Sialkot tortured and burned Priyantha Kumara in December in an attack that thenprime minister Imran Khan said brought shame on the nation.

According to police, rumours spread that Kumara had “torn down a religious poster and thrown it in the dustbin” and that up to 120 people had been arrested, including one of the main accused.

Several gruesome video clips shared on social media showed a mob beating the prone victim while chanting slogans against blasphemy.

The victim’s body was returned to Sri Lankan high commission in Islamabad and then flown to his home country.

A first information report (FIR) was registered against 900 workers of the business, Rajco Industries, on the application of Uggoki Station House Officer (SHO) Armaghan Maqt under sections 302, 297, 201, 427, 431, 157, 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and 7 and 11-WW of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

Scores of suspects were arrested in the following days. The court indicted 89 peo-

ple, nine of them minors, who were suspected of killing the man.

“The investigation and trial were completed by a five-member team headed by public prosecutor Abdul Rauf Wattoo,” reported Geo News, adding that one last hearing would be conducted in Kot Lakhpat prison in Lahore “after which it is expected that the judgment will be read out.”

“During the trial, presided over by judge Natasha Naseem, the prosecution brought to court 46 eyewitnesses,” the report added.

“Furthermore, it submitted as evidence the CCTV footage of 10 cameras installed at the site of the murder, as well as videos

LaHore INP

Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on Monday approached a sessions court for registration of a case on his complaint regarding fight inside the assembly. The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader filed the appeal in the sessions court against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPAs and 200 unidentified people. The appeal stated that the victim had filed a complaint in the concerned police station but the police did not take any action.

government employment for plaintiffs under rule 17-a on ombudsman’s order LaHore StAFF RePoRt

On the orders of Punjab Ombudsman retired Maj. Azam Suleman Khan, applicants belonging to different districts of the province have been provided regular government jobs under Rule 17-A of the Punjab Civil Servants (Appointment & Conditions of Service), 1974. While giving details in a statement issued on Monday, a spokesman of the Office of Ombudsman said that junior clerk jobs in grade-11 have been provided to Abu Bakar Amjad and Mubeen Fatima of Narowal, Muhammad Mohsin Zafar and Yasir Ali of Vehari, Amna Rafique of Toba Tek Singh, Usama Waqas of Faisalabad and Ahsan Javed of Okara in provincial departments on the orders of ombudsman office against their applications submitted for the said purpose. As a result of action taken by the ombudsman office on separate applications, Mary Emanuel Masih of Lahore, Muhammad Sohaib Asghar of Sahiwal, Waqar Ahmed of Vehari and Tabinda Mehtab of Mianwali have been given lab attendant jobs in government bodies; the spokesman added and continued that Muhammad Abid of Faisalabad and Munawar Ahmed of Vehari have been recruited as baildar while Muhammad Imran of Muzaffargarh is provided tubewell driver job in irrigation department after the involvement of ombudsman office.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during its tenure.

Ismael said the truth of the matter was that Pakistan was an energy deficient country and that was what had prompted the last PTI government to consider installing more plants in the country but failed to do so.

“The CPEC authority chairman Khalid Mansoor had admitted that on television,” he said, and added, “Now it is for us to decide who is right and who is wrong.”

The PML-N leader asked those opposing the import of fuel to tell how much gas, oil, furnace oil and LNG the country produced. “When we are short of a commodity, obviously we will have to import it,” he emphasized.

Ismael claimed that when the last time Nawaz Sharif was the prime minister, the country was self-sufficient in wheat and sugar. “But due to the ‘corruption’ of the PTI government, Pakistan is now importing the two commodities,” he alleged.

He also hit out at the PTI for objecting to the rent paid on power plants. “Nobody gives you anything in this world for free,” he commented.

Arooj Aftab, the Grammy-winning singer serenading Coachella neW YorK AFP

Fresh off of her historic Grammy win, the Brooklyn-based Pakistan-origin singer Arooj Aftab has added another feather to her cap with a debut at the much-touted Coachella music festival.

She graced the California desert with a set that centred her melodious Urdu lyricism, a barrier-breaking move as she became the first Pakistani to play the prestigious festival. For Aftab, the language barrier no longer exists: “This is a door that’s opened.” The 37-year-old — who just released a cover of Spanish flamenco revisionist Rosalia’s “Di mi Nombre” — sees a revolution in popular music, with artists sailing freely past genre and borders.

“There’s a movement happening in the music industry at large,” she told AFP on the grounds of Coachella, where she delivered a moving performance of her work that fuses ancient Sufi traditions with inflections of folk, jazz and minimalism.

“The audience and the musicians are

creating music and the audiences are listening to music with a lot of freedom in their minds. Less genre-genre, less border-border,” she said. “It’s so free, and open, and really, really beautiful.” She credits the Latinx community for making huge inroads in this respect, citing Rosalia along with Becky G, Karol G, J. Balvin and Bad Bunny as influential in the transformation.

“The trap movement definitely changed the way listeners listen,” Aftab said, referring to the explosion of Southern US hip hop that later made it’s way into Latin America and fused with reggaeton.

The surge of Latin music on US airwaves and especially on streaming platforms “created a big opening in the minds of listeners in America,” she continued.”

“They now listen to music that they don’t understand, and it’s fine! They love it. That’s a big step.” Aftab said that opening has allowed her to feel more liberated with her own creations, putting out music based on emotions, without limitation.

“It’s a personal music,” she said. “It’s not ‘my country, my country’ — it’s global

music. It’s everything that we feel, it’s all the people that we meet.” “Whatever makes my heart sing is in the music.”

With three studio albums, Aftab mere weeks ago made history in becoming the first Pakistani solo vocalist to nab a Grammy, winning for her song “Mohabbat” in the Best Global Performance category.

She was also nominated in the prestigious Best New Artist field — although that award went, as expected, to pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo. But Aftab is basking in the moment of recognition, savouring her career accolades as well as her two performance dates at the premier Coachella festival.

“It feels really amazing, it’s a high — it’s a high moment in my career,” the singer said.

“I’ve been working towards this moment and imagining that this moment would come, or not.” “And it did! Which is miraculous.” She’s also stoked to be back in front of live audiences, with Coachella returning after a three-year, pandemic-induced hiatus.

Featuring artists from all over the world, the 2022 Coachella poster is a reflection of music’s’ globalisation and genre fluidity.

Six get death sentence in Priyantha Kumara lynching case Continued from page 01 “This is a very good day as the law punished those who took away an innocent life.

It is now hoped that the elements spreading religious extremism will be dealt in the same manner.”

The ATC had indicted 89 individuals on March 12. According to the challan submitted by the police, 80 of the accused are adults while nine of them are minors. Judge

Natasha Naseem had conducted the trial in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail. The statements of the accused had been recorded under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedures (CrPC). Five prosecutors, including Senior Special Prosecutor Abdul Rauf Wattoo, appeared during the trial. The prosecution had made 46 eyewitnesses part of the challan.

According to the challan, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, videos,

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digital evidence, DNA evidence, forensic evidence, eyewitnesses, including Kumara’s colleague who had tried to save him from the mob, were made part of the investigation.

It stated that footage from 10 digital video recorders in the factory was sent for forensic analysis, while the accused were traced via videos from social media and footage recovered from the mobile phones of 55 accused.

taken from the mobile phones of 55 accused men.”

A senior Pakistan official told AFP that Islamabad had been in touch with Sri Lankan diplomats over the incident “and have assured them that all those involved in the heinous crime will be brought to justice”.

Some politicians and activists argued that broader societal and political change was needed, beyond legal consequences for those involved.

“Arrests should of course be made, but there has to be a clear appraisal of why mobs feel the impunity,” said Senator Sherry Rehman, a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Pti gets district administratio n’s nod for Lahore jalsa LaHore INP

The district administration of Lahore on Monday gave a no-objection certificate (NOC) to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) for holding a public gathering at Minare-Pakistan on Thursday. In this connection, former federal minister for education and PTI leader Shafqat Mehmood held a meeting with the Lahore deputy commissioner, in which PTI Lahore President Sheikh Imtiaz Mehmood, General Secretary Zubair Niazi and other party leaders were also present. Security arrangements both inside and outside the venue, particularly at entry and exit points, came under discussion during the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Shafqat Mehmood said the issuance of NOC by the district administration is a welcome step.

“We will build a temporary hospital as well as reserve an area for car parking,” he said, and added, “Although, the party has finalised the plan, yet the real issue now is its execution.” Former education minister expressed his concern over the removal of PTI’s publicity material from the roads. “The intention of the newly-formed government appears to be bad,” he said. Shafqat went on to add that the PTI is now going to hold its third major rally after its ouster as a result of voting on the no-confidence motion a week ago.

06-07 Comments - 19th April 2022_Layout 1 4/18/2022 10:52 PM Page 1

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

06 COMMENT

The quiet joys of the happily married club

PTI’s standards of morality Foul play justified in pursuit of power

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he outgoing PTI administration has left enough administrative booby traps to impede the working of the Shahbaz Sharif government. While PTI leaders claimed that they had decided to resign en masse because they considered it immoral to work with ‘thieves’ and ‘dacoits’, the party retained the posts of the president, deputy speaker NA and governor Punjab without compunction to create problems for its successors. The deputy speaker subsequently used his office to try to change the NA schedule to delay the speaker’s election and to accept the resignations of PTI MNAs tendered not individually as required by the rules but collectively on a cyclostyled paper. President Alvi retained the office because as the head of the state so he could create hindrances for the new government. The PTI loyalist who was recently appointed governor Punjab was to be helpful in a sinister move launched by the party.

Despite being elected on Saturday, hamza Sharif was not administered the oath by the governor leaving the largest province of the country without a chief executive.

Governor Cheema refused to swear in the newly elected chief minister defying hi own principal secretary’s advice that no power was vested in the governor under the constitution or any law to set aside the election on any grounds whatsoever. The governor also ignored the warning that he may render himself liable for constitutional violation if he was to act otherwise. This led Prime Minister Sharif to order the dismissal of the governor and send the summary to the president to de-notify him which he is legally bound to sign. The president however continues to delay the matter to embarrass hamza Shahbaz as long as he can.

Such is the desperation of the PTI that it is now willing to offload Ch Pervez elahi in favour of Usman Buzdar if that could somehow stop hamza Sharif from becoming Punjab chief minister. Forgetting the promises made to Pervez elahi and the travails he has recently gone through Governor Omer Cheema is seeking legal opinion from the advocate general over the legality of Buzdar’s resignation, saying it was brought to his notice that there has been a violation of a constitutional procedure in the resignation.

As chronicled by a happily married man

HaSan afTaB SaEED

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here is this widespread perception that where single life is all fun and games, married life amounts to little more than endless ennui and monotonous misery. reality could not be more different. Because single life, despite all its excitement, is not a patch on the quiet joys associated with the happily married club. Single men and women must not let themselves be fooled by the complaints happily married folks frequently voice about how hard and boring their lives are. That propaganda is carefully designed to put off single folks contemplating making the swich to a life of untold marital bliss, thereby limiting the number of new entries to the happily married club.

The first boon that marriage brings to a happily married man is to overnight purge him of all his romantic impulses. Since a romantic disposition is a serious medical condition, this is a welcome transformation. Now he can focus on and be true to his real job description of earning a living, making ends meet, and being a useful member of society. Lots of valuable time and energy are saved when he no longer needs to be charming all the time. The immediate effect of marriage on the happily married woman is no less liberating. While she still cares greatly about her looks, a remarkable development takes place. Starting from the wedding day itself, the mirror miraculously quits is original function of mirroring and starts consistently telling her how beautiful, young, and healthy she looks no matter how she really looks.

So drastic is this transformation that the very things that before marriage were enough to cause untold anxiety and sleepless nights on account of worries about one’s attractiveness and suitability as potential spouse become tell-tale signs of being

Early elections A route worth considering to stabilize the country

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y failing to finalize a federal cabinet after more than a week having passed since coming to power, the coalition government has revealed a weakness that was largely expected would come to the fore early on: an inability to make important decisions in a timely manner as a unit due to the plethora of parties involved that have conflicting interests, not enough important positions to go around and fundamentally divergent political ideologies and strategies. It therefore seems unlikely that this alliance will be able to take the pressures of governing as one and facing the challenges faced by the country, primarily among which is the precarious condition of the economy. Imran Khan has already switched gears and is in election-mode, ready to contest them as soon as possible. One reason for this is perhaps he feels that his narrative of losing a vote of noconfidence was part of a ‘US-backed conspiracy’ is catching on, reflected in impressive attendance at his last two rallies and a general public sentiment which feels he has been wronged.

What is more, there are voices from within the senior leadership of the new government also calling for early elections to secure a fresh mandate and form a government; this includes Khwaja Asif of the PML-N and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur rehman. This would also be the sensible political way forward because the longer elections are put on hold; this government will have to take more unpopular decisions, such as fuel price increases and passing a proIMF budget that may include income tax rate hikes, than it would ideally want to. had the PTI remained in power, which it tried its best to do, these inflationary measures would’ve been attributed to them going into elections. This is seemingly why major parties, such as the PPP and MQM-P don’t want to take any portfolios in the current setup with only one-and-a-half year to go, which is another reason for the inordinate delay in the announcement of the federal cabinet.

Another factor to consider in all of this is the unpreparedness of the eCP, stating that it needs six months before ‘free and fair’ elections can be held as fresh countrywide delimitation of constituencies must be completed first. The country is currently in lingo as it has a prime minster with no cabinet, facing immense challenges, both internal and external. early elections may be the only sensible political and practical way forward for the government to end the stalemate.

Sania arif

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AST month, another hindu girl, 18-year-old, Pooja Kumar, was shot dead by influential people in rohri Sindh. According to news reports and police, the assailant, identified as Wahid Bux Lashari and two of his accomplices entered her house and opened fire on her. As per the police official, the accused wanted to marry Kumari but she refused.

This is not the first time such an incident has happened as there have been several and repeated incidents of killings, abductions and forced conversions of hindu women in Pakistan, especially in Sindh. Condemning the incident, hindu Member of National Assembly (MNA) of Lal Malhi said: “PPP’s Sindh govt even do not allow the poor hindus to protest, as police stop protesting mourners carrying dead body of Pooja.”

Meanwhile, mentioning the child marriage laws and its role in such incidents, activist and politician, Jibran Nasir noted: “Under PPP Govt. Child Marriage laws aren’t worth more than paper they’re printed on.

Doors to forced conversion of minor girls are open because Child Marriages are facilitated by corrupt and ignorant JoPs, Nikah registrars, UCs and Police.

Pooja Kumari a child had to defend herself.”

Although the police have arrested the killer, but the question that critics are asking is when this would end and what the authorities, especially Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has done to stop it?

As per a report by Unrepresented Nations and People Organizations (UNPO), forced conversion is rampant in Sindh province. The report stated that there are “two methods of forced conversions, i.e., bonded labor and marriage.” And the most of the bonded labor in Sindh are hindus.

As per the same report, almost 20 or more hindu girls are abducted and converted in Pakistan every month. And critics say that one of the most loathsome aspects of these forced conversions are immediate weddings to Muslim guys and total cut off from the

Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

The quiet joys of the happily married life translate directly into stats.

Numerous studies over the last one hundred years and more have conclusively demonstrated that married people tend to live longer than their unmarried counterparts.

The author is a connoisseur of music, literature, and food (but not drinks). He can be reached at www.facebook.com/hasanaftabsaeed

Authorities and government continue to turn a blind eye to these atrocities

Arif Nizami (Late)

M. A. Niazi

comes with its downsides as well. Take, for example, the overrated freedom to get out of bed on either side. This freedom, as is the case with most other freedoms, is clearly a curse because it forces one to make unnecessary decisions. It is such decisions on essentially trivial issues that cause one to age prematurely. A loving life partner renders many such decisions unnecessary, so that one can focus on the really important issues such as how to foil the latest machinations of the in-laws.

The quiet joys of the happily married life translate directly into stats. Numerous studies over the last one hundred years and more have conclusively demonstrated that married people tend to live longer than their unmarried counterparts. even in the rare cases where they do not actually get to live longer, there are reports that their years seem much longer than those experienced by unmarried folks.

To all singles out there: If you had any idea about the quiet joys of the happily married club, you would fall over one another to join it.

To those unfortunate folks who, despite being married, do not (yet) feel they belong to a happy, lucky club: The only difference between being ordinarily married and being happily married is one’s frame of mind. Like Descartes’s ‘cogito’, if you think you are happily married, then you are happily married. Believe me; it is all in the head. Try it. And welcome to the happily married club. Feel free to thank me later.

Forced conversion of Hindu girls in Sindh remains rampant

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

well-settled after it. Take a rotund figure, for instance. Far from being something to worry about, it gives credence to one’s claim of belonging to the happily married club – the proverbial proof of the pudding. Fretting about their charm, their diet, their looks, their figures – worries that continue to plague their single counterparts all the time – thus become nothing more than faint memories of a bygone era for these lucky members of the happily married club.

Only those who, in their single life, have experienced such insecurities on the cosmetic and romantic fronts can fully appreciate this newfound security associated with the happily married life.

So much for emotions.

Marriage works wonders on the mental side of things as well. It improves the functioning of the brain manifold by forcing both the husband and the wife to be innovative and imaginative, constantly coming up with novel excuses, justifications, and twists on events.

According to a study, a happy marriage drastically improves cognitive function, thereby reducing risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Though the exact quote escapes me, I am certain Oscar Wilde has said something profound on the issue, as he has on virtually every subject under the sun.

Other studies have shown that being happily married reduces the susceptibility to depression on the part of both parties. To be depressed, one needs time; and time is one commodity that is in short supply, thanks to the innumerable labours of love associated with the happily married life.

Much is made of freedom in single life. What is not nearly equally stressed is the fact that freedom

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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girls’ families. The abductors don’t do this in hiding; they do it openly because they insist they are doing “good work”.

According to a report by Gandhara, rFe/rL, there is a “conversion factory” in Sindh, which openly convert hindu girls to Islam and then marry them off to Muslims; there are hardly any incidents for hindu boys. The report says annually around 1,000 hindu women are forcibly converted in Pakistan, and most of them are from Sindh. And the most notorious name behind these incidents is Mian Mithu, the head of Dargah Bharchundi Sharif in Ghotki Sindh.

There are videos of Mithu and people at the dargah converting hindu girls openly. “The police have refused to investigate these conversions,” the Gandhara report said. Mian Mithu’s nephew Mian Mohammad Javed, refutes these allegations, saying “This is a total lie. It’s untrue. If it were true, they would have proven it [in court]. I challenge [the accusers].”

Critics point to the PPP as always propagating itself as leftwing and a liberal torchbearer party in Pakistan, and question if the ground reality might actually be different. The party has been ruling since 2008 and even before that, it held a very strong position in interior Sindh. But, many rights activists insist, there are mere policies on paper, or condemnation on Twitter, but not much has been done for protection of hindus in Sindh.

Analysts also say there is mass indifference among the people of Pakistan because religion is involved. Many actually wholeheartedly support these conversions.

“The time is ripe for the government of Sindh concerned to contemplate a long-lasting solution of

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

this burning issue to safeguard the rights of minority girls and women,” maintains analyst Shaikh Abdul rasheed.

“This will help them enjoy a carefree life beyond forced conversions and marriages with people of other religions. All of this is encouraged and supported by religious fanatics.”

And then comes the oldest game, the politics. Political analysts say that the PPP, or another other party for the matter, will not go against the hardline religious figures and personalities over the fear of losing votes.

“PPP has failed to protect minorities. The provincial administration should be pressurised into providing security to non-Muslim communities,” said Dr. Jaipal Chhabria, a member of the National Commission of Minorities.

Critics point to the PPP as always propagating itself as leftwing and a liberal torchbearer party in Pakistan, and question if the ground reality might actually be different.

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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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The writer is a freelance columnist

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

06-07 Comments - 19th April 2022_Layout 1 4/18/2022 10:52 PM Page 2

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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

Fight stigma against cancer I was diagnosed with blood cancer in December 1999. I have faced stigma associated with cancer through several stages of my life but I have always remained determined to use those adverse experiences to inspire others. I was rejected, ignored and brushed aside by the people around me, just because they thought that cancer was a contagious disease. The continuous rejection by my friends and teachers brought my morale down initially but the hospital where I was being treated, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer hospital and research Centre, restored my faith and belief through unimaginable ways and helped me out in pursuing my dream of completing my education.

After a five year treatment, I joined school, but because of my classmates’ misconceptions about cancer, I spent much of my time there seated alone in the classroom. Despite this discouragement, I earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce from a reputable university in Pakistan. even after graduating from university, I still faced discrimination and discouragement, this time from prospective employers who were afraid to hire me because I had cancer. however, today, I am working at SKMCh&rC as a member of staff and I am happy to serve the place where I received a new life. I would like to appeal to the public to show their support for the cause of fighting cancer not only with donations but also by showing social and emotional support for cancer patients.

AHSAN JAVAID LAHORE

Sustainability in the energy sector Good policies fail when not executed efficiently with poor implementation

nauman HafEEz

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AKISTAN’S energy sector has always been a Gordian knot for energy planners. energy policies made in the early 1990s were based on short-term energy demand forecasts, missing the critical sustainability element in the planning.

Over the years, policy-based reliance on thermal power generation through imported crude has worsened the crisis, sending the country into a never-ending circular debt trap. An answer to this crisis is long-term strategic energy planning that includes much-needed sustainable development elements through a balanced energy mix.

Currently, Pakistan generates 58.4pc of the total energy from thermal sources. Almost 2/3rd of dependency on thermal power forces the government to import expensive fossil fuels from volatile international energy markets.

The fluctuating nature of these markets, especially the LNG spot markets makes it a poor choice for countries like Pakistan to create energy depending on it.

Similarly, the boom and bust cycle of the crude oil market makes it impossible for a country like Pakistan to forecast its energyeconomy tradeoff by projecting long term energy sustainability.

Its current example is the russian-Ukraine conflict, which has skyrocketed crude prices in the international markets. The only answer to this complexity is to work out the successful execution of the alternative and renewable energy plans to integrate nonfossil fuel-based energy sources into the energy mix of the country.

Over the last five years, Pakistan has significantly increased its energy generation capacity in the short and medium-term energy infrastructure development projects under CPeC. The installed capacity makes less difference in meeting the energy demand if the energy sector is financially bleeding. The cash flow deficit in the system is continuously leading to the accumulation of circular debt, making it impossible for the government to pay all the liabilities of the generation companies. Currently, circular debt amounts to rs 2.476 trillion, out of which rs 1.494 trillion is related to power producers, rs 79 billion for fuel supplies and rs 904 billion held in Power holdings Limited.

Capping the circular debt is trickier to fudge. Power sector transmission and distribution (T&D) losses are standing at 17pc despite a policy target of 13.4pc. These losses through non-payment of electricity bills mostly by the domestic sector consumers coupled with power theft force the government to pour hefty subsidies on the energy sector. With the current accumulation pace, circular debt could reach rs 2.7 trillion by the end of this year. This introduces financial sustainability challenges in the system that makes the energy sector more fragile. energy management is further complicated by the duplicity of the management and regulatory bodies. The entire energy sector is managed by multiple specialised companies and regulators that overlook the regulatory and managerial affairs of the energy sector.

This calls for a more simplified system in which energy management and regulation form a pyramidal structure with a single body overlooking all the regulatory and managerial affairs. Such a system will integrate the working of bodies like OGrA and NePrA which are working on a similar model of regulating the energy sector.

Similarly, instead of duplicity in the energy policy and planning, a unified energy planning authority can be developed to take the lead in

Over the last five years, Pakistan has significantly increased its energy generation capacity in the short and medium-term energy infrastructure development projects under CPEC. The installed capacity makes less difference in meeting the energy demand if the energy sector is financially bleeding.

indicative energy generation, capacity expansion, transmission, and distribution planning.

The erstwhile PTI government has taken a similar step by introducing integrated energy planning in the country. Under the Planning Commission of Pakistan, an energy Planning and resource Centre (ePrC) has been set up to study the future energy generation and demand trends as well as make a sustainable road map for future energy planning in the country.

Once ePrC comes up with a long-term sustainable energy plan, the energy sector could be steered in the right direction.

The hefty burden on the exchequer and uncertainties associated with the fossil fuel markers are pushing countries to explore alternative and renewable energy production.

Pakistan rolled out its Alternative and renewable energy (Are) Policy in 2019 to reduce its dependence on thermal energy production. Presently, only 5pc of the total energy production is through the Are sources. The policy foresees a target of 60pc Are production by 2030, with the addition of hydel energy as part of the Are mix. The Are policy, even though it came with a delay, is a much-needed step to change the energy mix of Pakistan by 2050. however, the inclusion of hydel energy in the Are mix can be debated. Its inclusion will overshadow work on the other renewable energy sources including solar and wind power, making the policy less effective in the longer run.

For long term energy sustainability, the policies need to promote indigenous ownership and production of Are by providing incentives to power producers through the lenient import regulations on machinery such as solar panels and wind turbines. Increasing investment in the Are production sources will also attract FDI for local production of solar panels and wind turbines.

Pakistan being an agrarian country has a lot of potential for the production of biofuels, but presently the technology in the country is limited to the r&D sector only.

A sustainable energy market calls for sustainable policies that have far-reaching positive implications on the energy markets. Though in the previous years, Pakistan has shown excellent progress in solving the energy crisis through strategic energy mapping, the policies need to be supported by their timely implementation and efficient execution. As a matter of fact, Pakistan has always been an excellent policymaker but lagged in the execution phase. The energy sector is a test case for the new government to loosen the Gordian knot.

Energy management is further complicated by the duplicity of the management and regulatory bodies. The entire energy sector is managed by multiple specialised companies and regulators that overlook the regulatory and managerial affairs of the energy sector.

The writer is based in Islamabad and is the General Secretary of Institute of Policy and Research Multan (MIPR).

Apolitical role IT was very gratifying to witness Pakistan’s armed forces publicly state that they are apolitical as per the oath they take to uphold and defend the Constitution of Pakistan. The oath pledges them to “bear true faith and allegiance to Pakistan and uphold the Constitution of the Islamic republic of Pakistan, which embodies the will of the people, that I will not engage in any political activities whatsoever and that I will honestly and faithfully serve Pakistan in the Pakistan army by and under the law”. This oath does not pledge loyalty to any individual but the Constitution of Pakistan, its laws, and whosoever is the Constitutionally elected Prime Minister, President, etc.

In June 1948, during an address, the Quaid-e-Azam emphasised that the officers must understand the significance of the oath they take, which is complete loyalty and commitment to the Constitution of Pakistan. he further told the officers that “the spirit is what matters. I would like you to study the Constitution which is in force in Pakistan at present and understand its true constitutional and legal implications.” This reminds me of US General Mark Milley who refused to obey former US President Donald Trump’s unconstitutional orders. he publicly stated, “We take an oath to the Constitution. In the event of a dispute over some aspect of the elections by law, US courts and Congress are required to resolve disputes and not the US military.” The Pakistani military’s recognition of its oath should ease everyone’s concerns. Importantly, it serves as a positive sign for the country’s political future and will spare us any humiliations and failings.

MALIK ALI LAHORE

Malnutrition IN Sindh’s district of Tharparkar, this year alone many children have died because of the acute malnutrition and food scarcity in the region. Poverty, homelessness, and high illiteracy have led to poor maternal health during pregnancy, which endangers the life of both the mother and the child. Most women do not have access to sufficient food or health care support and are unaware of the dietary requirements. resultantly, most infants have innate deficiencies that are worsened by malnutrition. even children who do survive beyond the age of five are faced with frequent health-related issues that arise from the deprivation of vitamins, minerals, etc.

There is an absence of civil and public hospitals in the district and the ones that do exist are underfunded. The hospitals do not have adequate equipment to support patients and most practitioners/surgeons and nurses seldom come for their shifts. Unfortunately, the people cannot afford to travel to other cities to seek medical treatment or better livelihoods. With the continuous population growth, the problem is worsening in not just Tharparkar but in other areas of Sindh as well. Although the Sindh health ministry recognises the problem and announced plans to set up more health facilities, these efforts need to be speeded up. Perhaps, the health ministry should work with non-governmental organisations to tackle the issue comprehensively. People, especially women, must be educated and informed of the importance of a healthy diet and provided with sufficient food and supplements for good health. There is also a need to facilitate sanitation and raise awareness on good hygiene, which can help curtail the issue to some extent.

UMMER ABBASI ABBOTTABAD

Oral cancer IN Pakistan, oral cancer is the second most prevalent and is common among both males and females. It usually appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. It includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and pharynx (throat) and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated timely. research has revealed that men especially those over the age of fifty are at a higher risk compared to women. Some of the main causes that lead to oral cancer are smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, and poor dental hygiene practices. Also, the consumption of paan, chhalia, and gutka is commonplace in Pakistan, which has contributed to the high rates of mouth cancer. Symptoms of oral cancer include swellings, lumps or bumps, unexplained bleeding, difficulty chewing, ear pain, weight loss, etc. If people feel any changes or unusual symptoms, they must consult a doctor immediately. Considering that April is oral cancer awareness month, the relevant authorities should raise awareness about the early detection and prevention of such cancers. This is an effective way to ensure that people begin taking safety measures early on and avoid the costs and risks of a lengthy medical procedure. Also, people should be informed and encouraged to undertake regular self-exams of the mouth and check for symptoms that persist. early prevention will also help lift pressure off the medical department that is already strained.

MARIAM KHAN LAHORE

08 WORLD VIEW 19th April 22_Layout 1 4/18/2022 8:52 PM Page 1

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

‘aSIan naTo’ perIloUS and UnwanTed For aSIa AN “ASIAN NATO” WILL SURELY BE EQUALLY NA(O)TO-RIOUS AND HAZARDOUS, BOTH MILITARILY AND ECONOMICALLY PeoPle’s DAily online Qing ming

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N the early 1990s, when the Soviet Union was heading straight toward its sudden dissolution, leaders from NATO member states rushed to do their calculations. Should the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which had been built upon the premise of countering the Soviet superpower, also become history with the demise of its raison d’être?

Some pondered. But still, a host of politicians from NATO member states cautioned against its abolishment and argued that, even after the Soviet Union collapsed, the need to “preserve the strategic balance in Europe” still remained. It was with the belief of swapping Europe’s strategic autonomy with the ostensible “strategic balance” that NATO offered, a bygone concept from the Cold Warera reemerged and eventually widened its scope in a new century, and instead of shrinking or fading away it has instead expanded, incorporating more and more Central and Eastern European nations into its membership.

NATO, ASIAN EDITION? NATO’s ambition and appetite have never been just confined to the Trans-Atlantic, as hardly had the Iron Curtain ceased to exist when NATO began to involve itself in wars of regimechange and invasions into Iraq and Afghanistan. In recent years the Western military alliance has also been rising in strength at an alarming rate, spreading its tentacles further to reach regions in Asia.

High-level officials from Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia (with the latter, strictly speaking, simply being a nation that happens to be adjacent to Asia), among others, all being non-NATO states, and have long been frequently invited to join NATO meetings (including the one that was held earlier this month), at which NATO has spared no efforts to exercise its “long-arm

FOR THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, AN “ASIAN NATO,” EVEN IN ITS EMBRYONIC FORM, WILL BE DESTINED TO HEIGHTEN MILITARY RISKS, CREATE MORE TURMOIL, AND RISK DRAGING THE ENTIRE REGION INTO WASHINGTON’S INSATIABLE GAMBIT FOR MORE GEOPOLITICAL CLOUT AND HEGEMONY

jurisdiction” over issues such as the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

Since the simmering tension between Russia and Ukraine (the latter has been keen to join NATO despite the former’s fierce objection) escalated into a deadly war, Washington, the de facto leader of NATO, has grown increasingly active in preaching about the alliance’s significance. Not only have senior US officials turned their global visits into opportunities for the special promotion of NATO, but they have also repeatedly cited the so-called “China threat” and “Ukraine lesson” as excuses to urge military alliances in the Asia-Pacific region to be further cemented and bolstered. In a flurry of meetings and phone calls after the eruption of the Ukraine conflict, US president Joe Biden praised the “supportive” role of the Quad, an alliance between the US, India, Japan, and Australia, while reassuring the bloc’s partners of Washington’s commitment to supporting Australia with nuclear submarines and other advanced weaponry (such as hypersonic weapons) under AUKUS, a trilateral pact between the US, UK, and Australia.

Whatever intentions Washington may harbor—whether integrating more Asian nations into the already loaded roster of the NATO alliance, or duplicating and nurturing more NATO replica or quasi-NATO intergovernmental organizations around the world—they will surely be equally NA(o)TO-rious and hazardous, both militarily and economically.

A SECURITY MIRAGE: To begin with, Washington’s attempts to build a NATO replica organization—or, as many are calling it, an “Asian NATO”—will only serve to sabotage regional security and stability instead of “promoting” these goals.

Through bilateral security treaties and multilateral defense alliances like the Quad and AUKUS, Washington has for years laboriously weaved its so called Indo-Pacific “collective defense web” into something

akin to that of NATO, all at the expense of the common peace and stability shared by the entire region.

But the idea of seeking “collective security” through “collective defense” doesn’t hold water because Washington’s strategy by nature is hostile and “coercive,” which is exactly what Barry Blechman has written and argued, an American scholar focusing on nuclear disarmament, in his 2020 book Military Coercion and US Foreign Policy.

Holding the banner of bloc politics and power politics, the US has relentlessly borrowed coercive and hegemonic tactics from its Cold War toolbox: stationing its omnipresent troops, deploying defensive systems, conducting joint naval exercises, and selling lethal weapons. All of these tactics, however, only serve to create a mirage of security, one that is parochial, unsustainable and can fail at any time (As Blechman pointed out, during the post-Cold War period US efforts to coerce other states failed as often as they succeeded).

Take the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula as an example. Washington has always acted as the major player on the issue, and with its perilous moves, the US has sometimes grabbed the limelight away from even the ROK and DPRK themselves. In 2016, Washington announced that it would deploy THAAD, an anti-ballistic missile defense system, in South Korea, against vehement protests from countries within the region and from South Koreans. This omnipotent but unnecessary defense system was combined with a bombardment of sanctions and unrelenting joint military exercises.

This shows that Washington has utilized every coercive device at its disposal despite the crisis having become even more convoluted and insoluble in recent years.

Washington’s military presence in the region has not only given rise to on-and-off tensions on the Korean Peninsula, but the US army itself has also been muddling the otherwise pacific and stable state of the region.

Its spy planes have continued hovering and

IndIa-US dIalogUe

A LOSE-LOSE TRAP: For years, China’s peaceful rise and its dynamic trade ties with countries in Asia and beyond have become a thorn in Washington’s side. Under the disguise of its “overarching” Indo-Pacific strategy, the US is utilizing military alliances to kidnap economic ties in the region, creating a lose-lose trap that no nation, except the US, wants to see.

The souring China-Australia relationship is the perfect case study of how Washington’s bloc politics can take a toll on bilateral relations—and economic ties in particular—in the region of Asia and beyond.

China stands as Australia’s largest trading partner, having imported approximately USD 164.8 billion worth of Australian goods last year, according to statistics released by the General Administration of Customs of China. By comparison, the US imported only around USD 12.5 billion worth of goods from Australia in 2021.

With Australia’s trade axis leaning

clearly towards one direction, Aussie leaders are still somehow convinced of the merits in shifting their foreign policies in another direction. Since the second half of 2020, Australia has joined Washington’s call to smear China with baseless accusations, interfere in China’s domestic affairs, and hype up the so-called “China threat,” all against growing domestic concerns raised in Australia’s frenzied anti-China rhetoric, stoked on by the US. This may fray the China-Australia relationship, one that Scott Morrison, Australian prime minister, has acknowledged as “valuable.”

A possible Asian NATO may reflect part of Washington’s efforts to resuscitate its “Pivot to Asia” strategy, but Asian nations’ common interests have never revolved around the US: they remain deeply intertwined and deeply rooted in Asia.

Vibrant regional intergovernmental organizations in Asia like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), together with promising free trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which consists of the 10 members in ASEAN, plus China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, can serve as a strong indication that peace and development are still being prioritized and cherished and that multilateralism and cooperation can still prevail over bloc politics and confrontation.

The world is not a land divided by different ideological lines or carved by different camps, awaiting Washington and the US military’s alliances to conquer or deter enemies. In times of conflict and turmoil, we should all do more to cherish peace, a peace that is consolidated through common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security rather than sustained by pressure politics or Cold War-like power equilibriums. An “Asian NATO,” by its nature, goes against the peace as we know it and will inevitably impair the stability and prosperity of the region. If anything, it is beneficial— only for its architect, the US itself.

The French culture war over Islam shows no sign of abating

BOTH NATIONS MAINTAIN FOCUS ON STRATEGIC COOPERATION Tribune The India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, held amid the Russia-Ukraine war, has ticked all the bilateral boxes, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to enhancing defence and strategic cooperation in various domains, including relatively new ones such as space, artificial intelligence and cyberspace. It’s laudable that the US delegation, led

by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, and the Indian side, represented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, did not let the two countries’ differences over engagement with Russia cast a shadow on their talks.

The US has reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council and New Delhi’s induction into the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG). India is keen to join the elite club whose members are entitled to hassle-free procurement of supplies from international markets for building and operating nuclear reactors, but China has been playing spoilsport in league with Pakistan.

As of now, India’s N-push is powered by initiatives under the India-US Civil Nuclear Energy Working Group. Timely transfer of technology holds the key to a mutually beneficial strategic partnership, particularly in defence and energy sectors. India and the US need to redouble efforts to get the best results on this front.

Both countries are on the same page when it comes to envisioning a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and turning Quad into a formidable force that can make a lasting impact beyond its multilateral framework. With a new government set to take charge in Pakistan, it is significant that the troubled and troublesome country finds a mention in the joint statement. The ministers have called on Pakistan to take ‘immediate, sustained, and irreversible action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks’. A similarly strong message has been conveyed to Afghanistan’s rulers, the Taliban. All in all, the dialogue makes it clear that India and the US will continue to give precedence to their common strategic interests, irrespective of geopolitical upheaval anywhere in the world.

buzzing over sensitive waters, its ships and vessels have continued cruising in an often provocative manner, and one of its nuclear submarines was met with a collision in the South China Sea. Setting NATO as an exemplar, Washington is bent on constructing a hostile and turbulent climate, where any sense of security and stability is exclusive to only those nations living under its military umbrella. The ongoing Ukraine conflict has offered the world a wake-up call that NATO’s eastern expansion and growing coercion is no solution for peace, on the contrary, it was only the prelude to a shattered peace and a disrupted “strategic balance” in Europe. This scenario is exactly what the nations in Asia should act to prevent. For the Asia-Pacific region, an “Asian NATO,” even in its embryonic form, will be destined to heighten military risks, create more turmoil, and risk draging the entire region into Washington’s insatiable gambit for geopolitical clout and hegemony.

Al JAzeerA EmanuEllE DEgli Esposti anD Chris Chaplin

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MMANUEL Macron may have won the first round of France’s presidential election, but the success of right-wing candidate Marine Le Pen, who came in second with 23.1 percent of the vote, paints a worrying picture of the future of French politics.

Le Pen’s surge was in part due to her ability to focus on the cost of living and repaint herself as a moderate nationalist. But anti-immigrant and anti-Islamic attitudes, often wrapped up as a defence of “French culture”, remain a bulwark of her appeal.

Le Pen’s popularity demonstrates that divisive rhetoric holds political currency in France. Yet it is no longer solely the preserve of the far right. This year’s presidential election saw candidates from across the political spectrum attempt to outdo each other as defenders of “laïcité” (separation of church and state). At one point in 2021, Macron’s interior minister Gérald Darmanin even accused Le Pen of going “soft” on Islam.

France’s obsession with Islam is based on the concept that the state is secular in nature. Yet every political statement or government policy that seeks to protect laïcité and regulate Islam contradictorily entangles state and religion ever closer. Not only does this undermine any true division between religious and political spheres, but hinders genuine political dialogue over France’s rich cultural and religious tapestry.

AN OBSESSION WITH ‘POLITICAL’ ISLAM: Attacks on Islamic “values” became an acceptable mainstay of political discourse under President Sarkozy, who frequently framed his anti-Muslim policies as a defence of laïcité. After the murder of Samuel Paty by an ISIL sympathiser, Macron has adopted a similar tenor, launched a crackdown on Muslim civil society organisations, and undermined academic free-

dom by commissioning a study on the alleged expansion of Islamo-leftist (Islamo-Gauchiste) ideology at French universities. While Macron’s efforts to curb religious “extremism” may seem rational, they also evoke an uncomfortable truth as to who truly counts as fully French and what can be considered a proper interpretation of French society. As Reza Zia-Ebrahimi writes, laïcité is not a fixed set of values, and its lurch towards a right-wing anti-Islamism has occurred incrementally over several decades.

Yet it is law-abiding Muslims that have often felt the real-life consequences. The recent anti-separatism bill against Islamist “extremism” gives French authorities greater power to intervene in religious associations and limits foreign funding. Over the past year, there have been a number of cases where French authorities have used administrative procedures to close down mosques, schools, Muslim food stands and even a leading anti-discrimination group, the Collective Against Islamophobia in France.

A ‘CULTURE WAR’ BY ANY OTHER NAME: Macron has denied France is in the throes of a US or UK-style “culture war”, but the language of laïcité denotes an anxiety about cultural loss and anti-immigrant sentiment that the European right has been exploiting for decades. Islamophobia is sadly commonplace across Europe and the US, but whereas Islamophobia is recognised (albeit sometimes disingenuously) by political leaders in most Western countries, French politicians refute the very existence of any anti-Muslim stigma. Instead, “Islamophobia” is seen as a ploy by an “Islamoleftist” front to silence defenders of French culture.

This double-denial silences debate over France’s rich cultural and religious heterogeneity. Instead, uniformity is considered the basis of belonging, with little attention paid to the power and backgrounds of who gets to delineate the ethical contours of such an identity. As Muslim migrants are not recognised along ethnic lines, discrimination against Muslims is understood as religious critique rather than cultural disenfranchisement.

Such criticism is defended as a legitimate expression of free speech in a secular society, and those who voice un-

ease with the nature of such critique are either labelled as leftist Islamic sympathisers or outright Islamists.

This leaves little space for French Muslims – whether they practice Islam or not – to genuinely contribute to political debates on their terms. Muslim French citizens – despite many being second or thirdgeneration sons and daughters of immigrants – are disenfranchised through simultaneous demands that they assimilate while excluding them through spatial, legal, and security measures. The broader intersectionality of contemporary French identity is ignored as a threat to the privileged position of traditional culture.

Sadly, with the final presidential runoff between Macron and Le Pen only weeks away, there is little prospect that anti-Islamic political feeling will dissipate anytime soon. It is seen as an easy vote-winner, and neither candidate will be willing to dent their “cultural” credentials.

But, in the long term, any genuine effort to end France’s sensationalist obsession with Islam will require recognition of the diversity amongst the country’s six million Muslim citizens and the creation of genuinely open spaces within which religion can be discussed without state interference. Only by doing so can the ideal of laïcité be reclaimed from its current right-wing interpretation and lead to true free debate.

Emanuelle Degli Esposti is a Research Officer at the London School of Economics’ Religion and Global Society Research Unit. Her work focuses on the entanglement of secular and religious paradigms of knowledge, as well as the potential to forge new pathways to interreligious encounters at the intersection of local and global challenges.

Chris Chaplin is an Assistant Professorial Research Fellow at the London School of Economics’ Religion and Global Society Research Unit. His work focuses on the intersection between religion, faith, social activism and political belonging. He recently published the book ‘Salafism and the Sate: Islamic Activism and National Identity in Indonesia’.

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

09 Pakistan urges int’l community to hold india accountable for targeted attacks on muslims NEWS

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NEwS DESk

ig nhmP inam ghani pins badges to promoted officers ISLAMABAD pReSS RleaSe

Rank wearing ceremony of promoted officers from SP (Grade 18) to SSP (Grade 19) of Police Service of Pakistan serving in National Highways and Motorways Police was held at NHMP, Central Police office, Islamabad. The IG, NHMP Inam Ghani, DsIG, SSsP and other senior officers were present in the ceremony. IG, NHMP Inam Ghani, congratulated the newly promoted officers and advised them to work hard with dedication and devotion for the good name of the department. Timely promotions in service is an important milestone and responsibilities increase with the higher rank. At the end IG Inam Ghani, DIG Operations Saad Akhtar Bharwana, and DIG (HRM) Ali Ahmed Sabir Kayani pinned the Badges to the promoted officers, Afnan Amin, Gulfam Nasir, and Liaqat Hayat. Expressing best wishes for the promoted officers, IG, Inam Ghani said that all the officers of National Highways and Motorways Police should serve the community and commuters with loyalty, selfless service, honesty and professionalism.

hashoo group hosts grand suhoor ISLAMABAD pReSS ReleaSe

The COO and CFO of Hashoo Group, Mr. Haseeb Gardezi and Mr. Shakir Bhura, hosted a grand Suhoor on Friday night at Islamabad Marriott Hotel. Held at the Marquee, the event was attended by corporate executives, heads of financial institutions and banks, bureaucrats, ambassadors and diplomats. The turquoise and gold set up was inspired by Ramadan and consisted of beautiful lanterns, glittering lights, cutwork crescents and stars, and trees adorned with fairy lights. A sumptuous spread of food including a variety of cuisines and live cooking stations was served at the beautiful Poolside Terrace.

for next five years, there shall be no limit of attempts for nle: Pmc ISLAMABAD pReSS ReleaSe

The Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) envisions improving standards of healthcare delivery in Pakistan by fostering an environment that produces healthcare practitioners who imbibe the values of compassion, commitment, and excellence. The Pakistan Medical Commission strives to improve healthcare education through the advancement of quality medical and dental education in Pakistan. The healthcare regulator is setting benchmarks in line with global best practices to ensure quality healthcare for every citizen of our great nation. The Medical & Dental Council has duly approved modification in National Licensing Exam policy requiring qualification of NLE to the extent that a student must qualify the NLE (Step 1 and Step 2, as applicable) within a maximum period of 5 years from the date of completion of house job or the first attempt, whichever is earlier. The time limitation shall not apply to applicants who already hold a foreign practitioners license.

There shall be no limit to the number of attempts during the prescribed period. The spokesperson PMC stated that Pakistan Medical Commission is working determination and motivation to devise, place and implement all those policies which are in the larger interest of the nation and students.

The Foreign Office on Monday strongly condemned the recent spree of targeted attacks against the Muslim community by “fanatic Hindu mobs” in various Indian states, calling the international community to hold the country accountable “for its gross and widespread human rights violations”.

Indian police had on Sunday arrested 14 people in connection with violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims during a Hindu religious procession in New Delhi. Six police officers and several others were injured on Saturday during scuffles that marred the procession at a festival in Jahangirpuri, a suburban section of New Delhi.

In recent weeks, religious clashes have broken out between the majority Hindu and minority Muslim communities during religious processions in several parts of the country. Referring to a recent incident in Jahangirpuri, the FO pointed out that attempts to hoist the saffron flag at Delhi’s Jamia Masjid, derogatory sloganeering, playing of provocative music and the brandishing

of weapons by a Hindu procession while Muslims were waiting to break their fast revealed the “gravity of the state-sanctioned hysteria and hatred in India against Muslims”.

“This incident has re-kindled the horrific memories of the Delhi pogrom of February 2020, which was aimed to discriminate, dispossess and dehumanise

the Muslim community,” the FO said.

The FO also referred to the Ram Navami riots, which spread across many Indian states, saying that they spotlighted the country’s “precipitous slide … into a ‘Hindu Rashtra’”.

“Harrowing scenes of demolition of houses, businesses and shops belonging to Muslims and the vandalisation of

Chinese company distributes nets among fishermen of Gwadar ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The management of China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) and Pakistan Army has distributed fishing nets among poor fishermen in Gwadar.

The purpose of the distribution of nets was to enable the needy fishermen of Gwadar to earn a living with dignity as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The ceremony was attended by

Mr. Liu Fangtao, project manager of Eastbay Expressway (EBEW), Brigadier Fahad Mansoor of Commander 440 Brigade, Assistant Commissioner, officials from Gwadar Port Authority and Gwadar Development Authority and representatives of local fishermen.

The fishermen expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Army and CCCC for helping them. They also raised PakChina Friendship slogan and lauded the role of CCCC in uplifting the life of common people in Gwadar.

“The nets are being distributed amongst the poor and needy fishermen of Gwadar,” said Mr. Fangtao, adding that the completion of EBEW will lead to the development of North Free Zone and will create numerous jobs for the locals. He said, people of Gwadar will get maximum benefits from the projects.

Brigadier Fahad Mansoor thanked the Chinese Government and management of CCCC for their efforts regarding the welfare of local fishermen.

Slim chances of thaw in PakistanIndia tensions in Sharif government kARACHI anadolu agency

Pakistani and Indian political observers do not foresee any immediate easing of heightened hostilities between the two nuclear neighbors despite a recent regime change in Islamabad.

The already fraught relations between the two countries further plummeted in August 2019, when New Delhi stripped the occupied Jammu and Kashmir valley of its longstanding semiautonomous status.

The controversial move instantly prompted Islamabad to downgrade its diplomatic ties and halt trade with New Delhi. Ever since the two neighbors have not missed an opportunity to denounce the other at international and regional forums.

A February 2021 treaty that brought an end to nearly daily clashes along the Line of Control (LoC) — a de facto border that divides the picturesque Jammu and Kashmir between the two neighbours — has been the “sole” positive development in terms of relations. Dozens of soldiers and civilians from both sides were killed, while scores of others were injured in the clashes, which have taken a toll on inhabitants of bordering areas.

The Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N), whose president, Shehbaz Sharif, was elected prime minister last week following a successful noconfidence motion against his predecessor Imran Khan, has long advocated good relations with Pakistan’s neighbors, including India.

Particularly, the former party president and three-time premier, Nawaz Sharif, had had a “soft corner” in India from former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral to the incumbent leader Narendra Modi.

Nonetheless, Yashwant Sinha, a former Indian minister for external affairs, reckoned that Pakistan-India relations are not dependent on personalities.

“Frankly, I don’t see any change (following the change of prime minister). The relationship between India and Pakistan has rarely depended upon personalities,” Sanha, who served as New Delhi’s top diplomat from 2002 to 2004, told Anadolu Agency.

It, he added, has been a country-tocountry relationship so that even changes in regime in “this or that country” have not been able to bring temperatures down.

“What has happened is that there might have been some little let-up in the heat which governs the relationship between the two countries. But the basic temperatures remain the same,” he said.

Sharing a similar view, Maria Sultan, an Islamabad-based defense and security analyst, observed that in given circumstances there are “very slim” chances for a thaw in tensions between the two sides, “no matter who is in power.”

“There will be no immediate resumption of talks until the Kashmir dispute is brought within the framework,” Sultan, who heads an Islamabad-based think tank South Asian Strategic Stability Institute, told Anadolu Agency.

“The India Pakistan situation (therefore) will remain linked to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute,” she said.

Sultan further said New Delhi’s August 2019 move regarding Jammu and Kashmir played a “definitive” role in streamlining Pakistan’s position on talks with India that “no future talks are possible without reversal of 2019 act.”

‘Give up fixed ideas’: Sinha, who was his country’s foreign minister from 2002 to 2004, said he believed both sides have to give up “fixed ideas”

to move forward.

“The need of the hour for both countries is to give up their fixed ideas and start a dialogue with an open mind,” he said.

“Pakistan’s core issue, no matter who is the prime minister, is Jammu and Kashmir and there is no absolute progress even in other areas until that core issue is sorted out,” he said.

“The correct approach is to deal with the relationship in its entirety.

There are many other issues, in the meanwhile, pending, (and) solutions to those issues, like trade, will improve the relationship,” he said.

Pakistan, according to him, needs “to do more than India because India, from time to time, has shown that openness, has not been reciprocated by Pakistan.”

Ishtiaq Ahmed, an Islamabad-based foreign policy expert, says he foresees a “dual approach” by Pakistan’s newly elected prime minister to tackle the current state of relations with India, especially in the context of New Delhi’s August 2019 move.

“Shehbaz Sharif is expected to take a more resolute approach to tackle this grave challenge,” Ahmed told Anadolu Agency. Holding New Delhi’s Kashmir move responsible for further damaging already strained bilateral ties, he said: “Since then (August 2019), India’s nationalist regime has been reshaping the demography and identity of Jammu and Kashmir, which is not acceptable to Pakistan.”

Shehbaz’s inaugural speech, he said, expressed the desire to make peace with India, but within the framework of UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir. As the new premier, he argued, Sharif will be more vocal in condemning India’s August 2019 step at the international level.

mosques by local authorities in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat reveal the deep penetration of Hindutva ideology into the fabric of Indian state and society.”

The statement said it was regrettable to note a rapidly increasing trend in India of using Hindu religious processions to fan communal hatred and instigate anti-Muslim violence.

“Even more alarming is the fact that the local authorities that were evidently complicit in the fear-mongering have launched a concerted campaign against the Muslims on the pretext of a crackdown against ‘alleged rioters’,” the FO added. It said that Pakistan called upon the Indian government to transparently investigate the incidents of widespread violence and intimidation against Mus lims and their places of worship and initiate demonstrable efforts to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents.

Pakistan also called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and relevant international human rights and humanitarian organisations to question India and hold it accountable for repeated violations of human rights in the country.

igP launches balochistan Police Women safety app to ensure security of women QUETTA Staff RepoRt

In a landmark development, Balochistan Police has launched Balochistan Police Women Safety App to ensure safety and security of women in across Balochistan Province. The app has been introduced in collaboration with Punjab Safe City Authority. Mohsin Hassan Butt, Inspector General of Balochistan Police, said on the occasion that women must install Balochistan Women App which is easily available on Play Store.

“Women can get instant help through this app if they feel insecure anywhere in across Balochistan,” he added. Butt said that providing immediate assistance to women is top priority of Balochistan Police. “Students and working women can easily use this app. The Emergency Helpline 15 can also be contacted from the single tab through the Balochistan Police Women Safety App,” he said. “You can notify your family and Balochistan Police at the same time in case of any emergency,” the IGP concluded.

opening of bids for grant of petroleum exploration rights of onshore blocks ISLAMABAD pReSS ReleaSe

DGPC today publicly opened bids for 14 Onshore Blocks for grant of Petroleum Exploration Rights through open bidding on April 18, 2022 at Petroleum House, Islamabad. Bids were received for 9 Blocks and opened by the Bid Opening Committee in the presence of companies’ representatives. The minimum investment to be carried out by the Exploration and Production (E&P) companies in these Blocks will be over USD 70.2 million in three years. Apart from E&P activities, the successful companies will also spend over USD 810,000 in social welfare for the areas of their respective Blocks. For blocks that have discoveries, investments of several hundred million dollars will be made by these companies to develop the production.

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

10 FOREIGN NEWS

US report identifieS wideSpreAd rightS violAtionS in indiA

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AGENcIES

HE latest US State Department report on human rights has highlighted major violations in India, including extrajudicial killings by government agents, violence against Muslims and killings by government and non-government forces in occupied Kashmir.

The report — released earlier this week — coincided with a warning by a senior US official that there would be consequences if India increased its oil exports from Russia. US human rights groups have also noted that recently the Indian government allowed schools to ban students from wearing hijabs in the state of Karnataka, a move criticised globally but upheld by the state high court.

The US State Department reported receiving credible information about Muslims being targeted in certain parts of India.

“Muslim communities in certain areas remained vulnerable to communal violence and discrimination … violence against Muslim communities continued

during the year with cases of physical abuse, discrimination, forcible displacement, and lynching for suspected cow smuggling,” the report added.

The State Department reported receiving reports of “significant human rights violations” in India, including “unlawful and arbitrary killings, extrajudicial

Cruise ships return to Australia after two-year Covid ban SYDNEY AFP

A cruise ship docked in Sydney Harbour on Monday for the first time in more than two years, after a 2020 ban sparked by a mass Covid-19 outbreak was lifted. Crowds gathered at the base of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to watch the arrival of the ship, which began its 18,000-kilometre (11,000-mile) journey back to Australia nearly a month ago. International cruise ships were banned from Australian waters in March 2020 after a Covid-19 outbreak that spread from the Ruby Princess ship, which was linked to hundreds of cases of the virus and 28 deaths, many in aged care homes. The Pacific Explorer and two other cruise ships owned by P&O were moored off the coast of Cyprus for much of the past year waiting for Australia to lift its ban — a reprieve delayed by successive waves of Covid-19. Bookings for P&O’s Australian cruises are now close to pre-pandemic levels, spokesperson Lyndsey Gordon told AFP. “We now see the prospect of near-normal summer cruise season for 22-23.” Before the pandemic, some 350 cruise ships travelled to Australia carrying more than 600,000 passengers — making the industry worth Aus$5.2 billion (US$3.8 billion) to the national economy, according to the Cruise Lines International Association.

US announces global Covid summit May 12 WASHINGTON AFP

A global summit to chart an end to the Covid-19 crisis and plan for future upheavals will occur on May 12, the White House said Monday, even as President Joe Biden struggles to get vital pandemic funding from Congress. The virtual gathering will be co-chaired by the United States, along with current G7 president Germany, G20 president Indonesia, African Union chair Senegal, and Belize, the current chair of the CARICOM Caribbean grouping. “The summit will redouble our collective efforts to end the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic and prepare for future health threats,” the countries said in a joint statement. This will be the second global huddle on the pandemic, which has killed more than six million people and triggered profound disruption to leading economies and trading patterns in the two years since it began to spread. Biden hosted a similar summit last September, at which he urged partners to surge vaccines and ensure that 70 percent of every country has been vaccinated by September this year. Although death rates are plummeting world wide, the virus continues to spread, preventing many leading countries from fully lifting restrictions, while Shanghai in China is in the midst of a draconian lockdown. Summit hosts appealed for maintaining a sense of urgency. “In advance of the May 12 summit, we are calling on world leaders, members of civil society, non-governmental organizations, philanthropists, and the private sector to make new commitments and bring solutions to vaccinate the world, save lives now, and build better health security — for everyone, everywhere,” the joint statement said.

“The emergence and spread of new variants, like Omicron, have reinforced the need for a strategy aimed at controlling Covid-19 worldwide,” it said. And while the latest variants are less lethal, the summit statement stressed there must be a focus on stopping similar future catastrophes from taking the world by surprise.

“We know we must prepare now to build, sustain, and finance the global capacity we need, not only for emerging Covid-19 variants, but also future health crises,” the statement said.

killings by the government or its agents; torture and cases of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by police and prison officials”.

“Harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrest and detention by government authorities; political prisoners or detainees and arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy” were other areas of concern identified in the report.

Although a democracy, India imposed “restrictions on free expression and media, including violence, threats of violence, or unjustified arrests or prosecutions against journalists, use of criminal libel laws to prosecute social media speech and restrictions on internet freedom”, the report added.

India also imposed “overly restrictive laws on the organisation, funding, or operations of nongovernmental organisations and civil society organisations and refoulement of refugees”.

Another major concern, highlighted in the report, is the existence of “serious government corruption; government harassment of domestic and international human rights organisations”.

US denies deal to unfreeze $7B in Iranian funds for prisoner release ANADOlu AGENcY The US denied Iranian claims that a deal has been reached to unfreeze $7 billion in the Islamic Republic’s overseas funds.

An Iranian media report said the deal was part of an agreement to secure the release of IranianAmericans detained in Iran.

State Department spokesman Ned Price acknowledged the existence of talks concerning the prisoners’ release, saying they are running in parallel to ongoing nuclear negotiations and the US is approaching both talks “with the utmost urgency.”

But Price maintained all US sanctions remain in place “until and unless we’re able to achieve a mutual return to compliance with the” 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

“The fact is, unfortunately, we don’t have any breakthrough to announce any information relating to our negotiations,” he told reporters. “At this stage, neither of these negotiations has been successfully concluded.”

Iran said Monday that by week’s end it would receive part of its $7 billion in assets currently frozen by South Korea.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said in Tehran that the necessary framework for unblocking the assets has already been identified and agreed upon.

He said a high-level delegation from a regional country will be visiting Tehran this week to finalize the mechanism for unblocking what he called “sig-

nificant assets,” without mentioning South Korea by name.

Tehran has accused Seoul of freezing more than $7 billion in foreign exchange reserves under US pressure.

Iran has more than $100 billion in assets frozen in several countries, including South Korea, Iraq, Japan, Canada and others.

The funds were frozen soon after former President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Tehran.

north Korea tests new weapons system aimed at enhancing ‘tactical nukes’ efficiency: KCnA AGENcIES North Korea has test-fired a new weapons system, under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un, that it claims will boost the efficiency of its tactical nuclear weapons, state media said early Sunday. The “newtype tactical guided weapon… is of great significance in drastically improving the firepower of the frontline long-range artillery units and enhancing the efficiency in the operation of tactical nukes,” the official Korean Central News Agency reported, without specifying when the test took place. It said the test was successful. Kim gave a military research team “important instructions on further building up the defence capabilities and nuclear combat forces,” the report added. On Friday, North Korea marked the birthday of North Korea’s founding leader, Kim’s grandfather Kim Il Sung, with a huge public procession, fireworks and synchronised dancing — but no military parade as many observers had predicted. Analysts and South Korean and US officials also had thought a nuclear test was possible on the important anniversary. The anniversary celebrations came three weeks after North Korea staged its largest intercontinental ballistic missile test ever — the first time Kim’s most powerful weapon had been fired at full range since 2017. That test was the culmination of a record-breaking blitz of sanctions-busting launches this year and signalled an end to a self-imposed moratorium on long-range and nuclear tests. Longrange and nuclear tests have been paused since Kim met then-US president Donald Trump for a bout of doomed diplomacy, which collapsed in 2019. Officials and analysts say North Korea may carry out its seventh nuclear test in the coming weeks. Satellite imagery has shown signs of new activity at a tunnel at the Punggye-ri nuclear testing site, which North Korea said was demolished in 2018 ahead of the first Trump-Kim summit. North Korea has tested nuclear weapons six times since 2006 and touted the success of its last and most powerful one in 2017 — a hydrogen bomb with an estimated yield of 250 kilotons.

With a new nuclear test, experts say Pyongyang will seek to miniaturise nuclear warheads to mount on its ICBMs. South Korean officials have said Pyongyang could still stage a military parade or carry out a weapons test on or around April 25, the anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army. That anniversary coincides with the joint military exercises between Seoul and Washington, which is due to start on Monday. South Korea and the United States regularly stage military exercises, but Pyongyang has long protested the drills as a rehearsal for war.

China’s top legislature opens key committee session STAff REpORT The Standing Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, started its 34th session on Monday in Beijing to review multiple draft laws and law revisions.

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the session’s first plenary meeting.

Lawmakers reviewed draft laws on futures and derivatives and black soil conservation. They also reviewed draft revisions to the Vocational Education Law, the Law on Physical Culture and Sports, and the Law on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Women.

The draft revision to the Law on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Women, which was submitted to the NPC Standing Committee for a second reading, proposes a “mandatory reporting and screening mechanism” to swiftly identify and handle crimes against women, including the trafficking of women.

Marriage registration organs, local governments and women’s associations shall report to the police if they suspect women are being trafficked or abducted, says the draft.

Those who fail to perform the

mandatory duties will be punished. Hotels that fail to report such law violations or crimes may have their business licenses revoked or may be fined up to 50,000 yuan (about $7,845).

Lawmakers also deliberated on

electoral rules for the 14th NPC, the ratification of the International Labor Organization’s Forced Labor Convention, 1930, and the Abolition of Forced Labor Convention, 1957, among other bills and reports.

The term of the 13th NPC will end in March 2023 and deputies to the 14th NPC will be elected in January next year, according to China’s Constitution and relevant laws. The session will conclude on Wednesday.

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

Govt deCideS to reStore depArtmentAL CriCket StruCture

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News Desk

HE newly formed coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to restore the departmental cricket structure, which has been dysfunctional as a result of the implementation of the 2019 constitution, sources said on Monday.

The departmental cricket was banished in 2019 under the then patron-in-chief of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Imran Khan, leaving thousands of players and officials jobless.

Sources privy to the development told that the new government has also decided to restore firstclass cricketers from government departments under Mani’s tenure as a result of new PCB constitution.

It is pertinent to mention here that departmental cricket, which has played a pivotal role in the promotion of the sports in the country for last 45 years, was ended with former prime minister Imran Khan’s approval in 2019.

According to the new domestic structure, only six teams eligible to play the First Class Cricket in the country, two from Punjab and one each from Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces and the federal territory.

On the other hand, reports are circulating regarding the resignation of the current chairman of the PCB – Ramiz Raja, who was nominated by the exPM Imran Khan. Reports further suggest that former PCB Chairman Najam Sethi isa strong candidate for the position.

SPORTS 11

Haris takes 6 wickets on County Championship debut News Desk

Imam strives to hone power-hitting skills News Desk Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has said that he is working hard to improve his power-hitting skills to make his way into Pakistan’s T20 squad and franchise cricket.

He made his comeback recently in Test cricket against Australia, where he scored centuries in both innings of the Rawalpindi Test. He also had a terrific ODI series, where he scored two hundreds and an 89.

Talking to his fans on Twitter space, he said that most of the cricketers in Pakistan are branded as a player of a particular format and this proves to be disappointment for the player “Cricketers in Pakistan are usually labeled with specific red-ball or whiteball format player. This should indeed end as mostly players get frustrated

when they are being labeled specifically for being players of a particular format,” Imam said.

“I’m working hard on my power-hitting skills in order to make spot in T20 squad and franchise competitions as well,” he added.

“No doubt I did faced difficulties as a cricketer for being born in a family of a legend, but Inzamam-Ul-Haq always advised me that a cricketer himself knows his potential and capabilities the most, so I always focused on working hard in the field,” he further said.

He revealed the most liked thing about wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. “He has a very simple personality. What I like about him the most is that whenever we go abroad for a tour, he makes a WhatsApp group of all cricketers, where he announces namaz timings on a daily basis.”

irfan pathan draws parallels between Waqar Younis and umran malik AgeNcies

India star Pujara hits unbeaten double century LONDON AFP

Sri Lanka likely to lose hosting rights for Asia Cup 2022 amid economic crisis AgeNcies The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has set a deadline for Sri Lanka to confirm whether they will be able to host the Asia Cup 2022 amid the economic crisis that has engulfed the country.

Asia Cup 2022 is set to commence on August 27 but due to the political stability in Sri Lanka, the ACC has given the Sri Lankan cricketing board until July 27 to provide confirmation. A source close to the matter revealed that ACC officials have been in close contact with the Sri Lankan cricket board members, who still remain hopeful that they will be able to host the upcoming mega tournament. “Asia Cup T-20 cricket tournament will be held from August 27 to September 11th in Sri Lanka and that is final. SLC officials are in a very positive mood to conduct this Asia Cup with the support of the Asian Cricket Council.

No one is doing any rethink and there is no going back on that,” Mohan De Silva told InsideSport. Reports claim that if the political situation continues to deteriorate in Sri Lanka and does not improve then United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be chosen as a neutral venue, which was also the venue for the tournament last time around. Sri Lanka were scheduled to host the 2020 edition of the Asia Cup but that tournament was postponed twice due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Pakistan have the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in 2023. In this six-team tournament, five teams from Asia have got direct entry. These teams are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, while the sixth team was decided on the basis of qualifier matches. The sixth team to join the tournament will be one of UAE, Kuwait, Singapore or Hong Kong – with each side earning their place in the qualifier by coming either first or second in the ACC regional events in 2020.

India Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara hit an undefeated double century to help his English county side Sussex draw against Derbyshire on Sunday. The 34-year-old was unbeaten on 201 from 387 balls and shared a stand of 351 with Tom Haines who batted for almost 11 hours for his 243.

Pujara, a veteran of 95 Tests for India, is used to marathon stays — he once made 352 in a Ranji Trophy game in 2013.

Sussex closed on 515 for three, 180 runs ahead after following on 331 behind. “It means a lot to me,” said Pujara, who has also had spells in county cricket with Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has made an impressive start to his County Championship season by securing six wickets on his debut for Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Haris managed to get three scalps in the first innings while claiming an equal number of wickets in the second innings against Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. The young pacer ended the match with the figures 3-81 and 3-96. It is worth mentioning that Zafar Gohar also featured in the match for Gloucestershire. He picked up 1-45 in the first innings and followed it up with 1-63 in the second. Although Gohar had a poor outing with the ball, he played a solid knock of 40 runs before falling prey to Haris Rauf.

“I knew I was batting well and a double hundred sets you up for the rest of the season.”

Pakistan opener Shan Masood had made 239 for Derbyshire.

This was only the 11th time in the history of firstclass cricket that there were three double centuries in the same game.

Ben Compton, the grandson of England legend Denis Compton, scored centuries in both innings but could not prevent Kent losing by 10 wickets to Lancashire.

He followed his 104 not out with 115 but Lancashire had the last laugh with Matt Parkinson finishing with match figures of seven for 158, while Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali took three for 36 in Kent’s second innings.

Uncapped Indian pacer from Jammu & Kashmir Umran Malik has impressed everyone with his ability to clock over 150 kmph on a consistent basis. The 22year-old made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut last season for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the franchise showed faith, retaining him for the 2022 season. He has bagged 10 wickets in six matches and is second highest wicket-taker of the franchise. Umran stood out against Punjab Super Kings yesterday as he bagged figures of 4/28. He bowled a maiden in the final over and also registered his name in record books. Thus, the 22-year-old became only the fourth bowler in IPL history to bowl a maiden in the 20th over. Meanwhile, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has praised Umran and said that watching him bowl at the Jammu and Kashmir camp reminded him of former Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis “The first time I saw him bowl was when I was playing for Jammu and Kashmir and I was the mentor. Watching him bowl reminded me of the great Waqar Younis,” said Irfan Pathan while speaking on Star Sports ahead of Sunrisers Hyderbad’s game against the Punjab Kings.

PSG on brink of French title after beating Marseille PARis AFP

A Kylian Mbappe penalty proved decisive as Paris SaintGermain beat bitter rivals Marseille 2-1 on Sunday, meaning they could clinch the Ligue 1 title this week.

Mbappe converted from the spot in first-half stoppage time after the referee awarded a penalty for handball on a VAR review, restoring PSG’s lead following Neymar’s early opener and a Duje Caleta-Car equaliser.

PSG are 15 points clear of second-placed Marseille with six games remaining and Mauricio Pochettino’s side — who also have a far superior goal difference — stand poised to reclaim the trophy they relinquished to Lille last season.

If Marseille fail to beat Nantes on Wednesday then PSG will officially secure their eighth Ligue 1 title in 10 seasons if they can better their nearest rivals’ result when they face Angers.

Despite the apparently high stakes for the biggest fixture in French football, there was a distinctly flat atmosphere at the Parc des Princes.

Authorities banned Marseille fans from the game over concerns of possible violence, a recurring them in France in recent months.

Meanwhile, PSG ‘ultras’, the most vocal members of their support, have decided to stay silent until the end of the season in protest at the club’s management and at results in a campaign marked by the Champions League last-16 exit to Real Madrid.

In any case, a record-equalling 10th French championship in their history has never really been in doubt for PSG, even before their current run of three straight wins

in which Neymar and Mbappe have each scored six times.

The Brazilian gave PSG a 12th-minute lead, meeting a flighted ball forward by Marco Verratti and lobbing stranded goalkeeper Pau Lopez.

Marseille drew level just after the half-hour as Gianluigi Donnarumma made a mess of dealing with a corner, allowing Caleta-Car to prod home on the line.

Lopez saved a Neymar free-kick and Messi had two goals disallowed for offside before PSG were awarded the penalty deep in stoppage time at the end of the half.

Valentin Rongier blocked a shot with his thigh, the ball ricocheting up and striking his elbow, an infringement spotted by the referee after he was invited over to the pitchside monitor.

Mbappe’s successful penalty was his 21st Ligue 1 goal of the season and 32nd in all competitions.

The France star had another effort disallowed for offside in the second half.

Marseille then thought they had snatched a point when William Saliba turned in Dimitri Payet’s late free-kick. Yet that effort was also disallowed, and PSG held on.

Nice revive champioNs League hopes: Despite seeing their eight-game winning run come to an end, Marseille remain on course to qualify automatically for the Champions League as they sit three points clear of third-placed Rennes.

Nice are another two points back in fourth after Andy Delort’s late header secured a 2-1 win over Lorient.

Delort had put Nice in front with a penalty early in the second half only for Armand Lauriente to equalise for relegation-threatened Lorient, but Delort then headed in Kasper Dolberg’s 88th-minute cross.

Ambitious Nice, owned by British group Ineos, had gone four games without a win to slide from second to outside the European qualifying spots before this encounter.

Only the top two in France qualify automatically for the Champions League, with third going into the qualifying rounds and the fourth into the Europa League.

Lyon bounced back from their midweek Europa League elimination against West Ham United to crush Bordeaux 6-1, leaving their opponents four points from outright safety.

Moussa Dembele and Karl Toko-Ekambi both scored twice and Lyon recorded their biggest win of the season as they seek to salvage European qualification from a disappointing campaign.

They are eighth, four points adrift of fifth-placed Strasbourg, who drew 1-1 at Troyes.

Bottom side Metz are six points from safety after drawing 1-1 with fellow strugglers Clermont.

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Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

PRayeR TImINgS

NEWS

PakiStan vaLueS itS reLationS witH eu CountrieS: Gen Bajwa

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

4:06

12:07

4:48

5:34

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fiqah-e-hanfia lahore sehr: 4:04 am iftar: 6:35 Pm

islamabad sehr: 4:04 am iftar: 6:43 Pm

karachi sehr: 4:46 am iftar: 6:57 Pm

fiqah-e-jafaria lahore sehr: 3:55 am iftar: 6:45 Pm

islamabad sehr: 3:55 am iftar: 6:52 Pm

karachi sehr: 4:48 am iftar: 7:07 Pm

RAwALPINDI

C

STaff RePoRT

HIEF of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa Monday said that Pakistan values its relations with European Union (EU) countries and earnestly looks forward to enhance mutually beneficial multi-domain relations based on common interests.

He expressed these views during a meeting with Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan Mr Nicolae Goia who called him here at GHQ. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation including latest situation in Afghanistan and enhanced bilateral cooperation with Romania were discussed.

Both reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations in all fields. The visiting dignitary also appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability and pledged to play his role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

Bandial asks top leadership to ‘respect court decisions’

Election for NA deputy speaker to be held on Wednesday

ISLAMABAD STaff RePoRT

ISLAMABAD INP

The National Assembly secretariat on Monday issued a schedule for the election of the NA deputy speaker slot.

The seat had fallen vacant after Qasim Suri resigned from the post following the no-confidence motion submitted against him by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

According to the schedule, the election for the vacant seat of deputy speaker will take place on Wednesday while nomination papers for the election can be submitted to the NA secretary till 12 pm on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) nominated Zahid Akram Durrani for the office of the deputy speaker.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) lawmaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf was elected as 22nd speaker of the National Assembly unopposed on April 16.

Ashraf, who had previously served as the prime minister, was administered the oath by

PML-Q to challenge Hamza Shahbaz’s election as Punjab CM NewS DeSk PML-Q has decided to challenge the election of PMLN’s Hamza Shahbaz as the Punjab chief minister. The decision came during a meeting of the PML-Q and PTI’s parliamentary parties, with Chaudhry Parvez Elahi in the chair. “A bogus, unconstitutional and controversial election was held on April 16,” Elahi said while addressing the meeting. He said that the Punjab governor and advocate-general have declared the chief minister polls controversial and, therefore, it cannot be acknowledged till the situation gets clear. “Deputy speaker Dost Mohammad Mazari held the election in the gallery, which has no constitutional value. Anyone with a megaphone can hold polls in the guests’ gallery,” he said. “They can find a fake governor and take a fake oath the way they held a fake election,” Elahi said. He informed the meeting that the party has summoned a meeting of constitutional experts in which the strategy to challenge the election of chief minister will be prepared. He said that the courts were attacked in the past and now the Punjab Assembly has been ambushed.

“Whatever happened has never happened in the history of the Punjab Assembly. The police came as if they were raiding robbers,” the politician added. He alleged that all of it was supervised by Hamza with the target to push PML-Q and PTI workers out of the assembly.

Hamza was elected as chief minister Punjab on Saturday in a ruckus marred session of the Punjab Assembly.

Ahead of the vote, three PTI members of the Punjab Assembly were arrested for attacking Deputy Speaker Dost Mohammad Mazari as the party boycotted the session to elect the new chief minister. Hamza was elected as the new chief minister with 197 votes. While his rival Pervez Elahi did not receive any votes as his party and PTI had boycotted the polls. Hamza is the third member of his family to be elected as chief minister of Punjab. Earlier, his father Shehbaz Sharif, who is now the PM, and his uncle former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had also held the post.

PML-N’s Ayaz Sadiq.

The office of the speaker had fallen vacant after former speaker Asad Qaiser tendered his resigna-

tion in line with the PTI’s decision minutes before the voting on the no-confidence motion against the former prime minister Imran Khan on April 9.

Imran Ismail steps down as Sindh governor, President Alvi accepts resignation NewS DeSk Sindh Governor Imran Ismail President Arif Alvi on Monday accepted the resignation of Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, days after the resignation of the K-P governor.

The governors of Sindh and K-P had announced their decision to resign from their posts soon after Shehbaz Sharif was sworn in as the 23rd prime minister of Pakistan. They said their conscience prohibited them from working with

Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Monday said that Constitution is sacred and his court is its protector, expressing hope that the leadership of the country will respect the court decisions. He delivered these remarks while hearing the presidential reference seeking interpretation of Article 63-A. A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by the chief justice, heard the case. The top judge’s remarks clearly betrayed the court’s uneasiness over its recent verdict on the National Assembly deputy speaker’s ruling which declared the noconfidence vote block illegal and set the path for the removal of the former prime minister, Imran Khan. The judgement was criticised by supporters and activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on social media and at public rallies. While hearing the presidential reference, Justice Bandial remarked that the court was the protector of the Constitution as “Constitution is sacred”. He expressed his hope that the country’s leadership would respect the court’s decisions. He regretted that “our names are called when we protect the constitution”. He, however, vowed that court would go on performing their constitutional responsibilities and would defend constitution. Taking a jibe at the speeches in political gatherings, the judge remarked that 10,000 to 15,000 people gathered at a place and started criticising court decisions. Why should we make decisions anyway, the CJP wondered but prodded the leadership on the matter saying they should respect the court decisions. “National leaders should defend the court decisions,” Justice Bandial said. He said judges had to bear slights for protecting the Constitution. Addressing the attorney, he said: “Court sees no reason to get entangled in your political issues”.

Consultations underway to finalise names for Punjab cabinet NewS DeSk

“culprits of corruption”.

According to a notification, Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani would perform the duties till a new governor is appointed.

PHOTO: EXPRESS: Earlier, President Arif Alvi excepted the resignation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Shah Farman.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Mushtaq Ghani has now become acting governor of the province whereas Deputy Speaker Mahmood Jan is now the speaker of the KP assembly.

Consultations are underway for the formation of the cabinet of newly-elected Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz, sources said on Monday. The allied parties of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will also be given ministries in Punjab besides the PMLN MPAs. The names of Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman and Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan are being considered for appointment as provincial ministers. The health ministry is likely to be conferred upon Khawaja Salman Rafique or Khawaja Imran Nazir. Bilal Yaseen is likely to get the portfolio of food ministry. The names of Begum Zakia Shah Nawaz, Ishrat Ashraf, and Manshaullah Butt are also under consideration for appointment as provincial ministers. Similarly, the names of Jugnu Mohsin and Khalil Tahir Sindhu are also expected to be included in the Punjab cabinet. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) MPAs – Syed Hassan Murtaza and Ali Haider Gillani – are also likely to be handed over provincial ministries. The post of Punjab Assembly Speaker will be given to Tareen Group.

No PM to withstand US threats if foreign conspiracy succeeds: Imran g

'Whatever I took from toshakhana Is on record' ISLAMABAD TLTP

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has said that no future prime minister in Pakistan will be able to withstand US threats if the foreign conspiracy to keep him out of power succeeds.

“It will be bad for the country if the nation accepts the conspiracy… India and the US have once again demanded Pakistan to ‘do more’ and no one is saying anything now,” he said during an informal conversation with journalists on Monday.

He said that the ‘conspiracy’ was hatched in November and the no-confidence motion was tabled in January. “Our MNAs were called to the US Embassy

and soon after the US threat our allies also joined the opposition,” he added.

Talking about his recent public gatherings, Imran Khan said that the people have come out in huge numbers and no one was expecting it. He said that Pakistan needed its armed forces and he won’t say anything that would “harm” the institution.

The former premier said that his government had changed the policy of retaining foreign gifts and increased the price from 15 per cent to 50 per cent. “What-

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

ever I took from Toshakhana is on record… a president came to my residence and gave me the gift and I deposited it,” he added.

He challenged that there was no corruption case or scandal against him and if anyone has any evidence then he should bring it to fore.

Imran Khan said that he would personally distribute party tickets in the next elections and no “electable” would be approached this time around. “Giving tickets to allies taught me a lesson that you