Epaper – March 22-2022 ISB

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 I 18 Sha’ban, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 263 I 14 Pages I Islamabad Edition

No-coNfideNce motioN: iNdividual vote of aN mP has No status: sc ISLAMABAD

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Staff RepoRt

FTeR associating with a party, the vote of an MP during a no-confidence trial was a “collective right” of that legislator and their party, and that an individual vote, violating the party’s position on the matter, enjoyed no “status” under Article 95-II of the Constitution, the Supreme Court said on Monday.

The Supreme Court formed on Monday a five-member larger bench on a presidential reference seeking its opinion on Article 63-A of the Constitution, which deals with the disqualification of parliamentarians over defection.

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No INTeRFeReNCe To HALT THe PRoCeSS oF ARTICLe 95

Names of the judges who will constitute the bench are yet to be finalised. The reference was submitted

by Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan earlier today.

Separately, Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial observed that there should not be any interference to halt the process of Article 95 of the Constitution which permits a no-confidence motion against the incumbent prime minister. The twomember bench that also includes Justice Munib Akhtar made these remarks while hearing a petition of the Supreme Court Bar Association

(SCBA) that sought the intervention of the apex court to prevent “anarchy” on the day of the no-trust vote. SCBA President Muhammad Ahsan Bhoon had asked the court to restrain “political parties from holding public meetings in Islamabad before voting on the no-confidence motion”.

The petition had also prayed the court to stop government agencies from arresting or detaining MNAs and to stop public gatherings in the federal capital which prevented the assembly members from reaching parliament.

“The purpose of Supreme Court

proceedings is that the right of lawmakers [to cast vote] must not be defeated,” CJP Bandial said.

The bench also refused to intervene in the matter concerning the delay of the National Assembly session by the speaker. It advised the counsels representing the opposition leaders to raise this matter in parliament. In a reference to the attack on the Sindh House by PTI workers, the court said it expected that the Sindh government’s version will also be included in FIR. The court also issued notices to all major parties on the presidential reference as a larger bench would be expected to hear the presidential reference on March 24.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Response sought from govt on plea against journalist protection law ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday directed the Ministr y of Human Rights to submit its response on a petition moved against the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021. A single bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the petition. The ministr y didn’t file its response despite having been given a month’s time. The court directed the ministr y to submit its comments at the next hearing and adjourned the case until April 12.

The petition has challenged the definition of journalist as well as Section 6 of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021. In November last, the National Assembly passed seven bills, including the protection of journalists and media professionals bill. The lower house also witnessed the presentation of two ordinances as well. Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem presented the bill.

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Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

BARRiCK will RestARt ReKo Diq PRojeCt in DeAl enDing DeCADe-olD DisPute ISLAMABAD

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ReuteRs

arrick Gold has ended a long-running dispute with Pakistan and will now start to develop one of the world’s biggest gold and copper mining projects under an agreement signed on Sunday. Under the out-ofcourt deal, an $11 billion penalty slapped against Pakistan by a World Bank arbitration court and other liabilities will be waived and Barrick and its partners will invest $10 billion in the project, Minister for Finance Shaukat Tarin said.

The reko Diq project in Balochistan — which hosts one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits and is capable of producing 200,000 tons of copper and 250,000 ounces of gold a year for more than half a century — was suspended in 2011 after the government denied Toronto-based Barrick Gold and chile’s antofagasta a licence to develop it.

Barrick said in a statement it will operate the project which will be granted a mining lease, exploration licence and surface rights. in a separate statement, antofagasta said it had agreed to exit the project as its growth strategy was now focused on the

CPPA requests increase in electricity price by Rs4.99 per unit AhMAD AhMADAnI Electricity prices are likely to be jacked up by rs4.99 per unit on account of monthly Fuel Price adjustment (FPa) for the month of February 2022. as per details, central Power Purchasing agency (cPPa), on behalf of power distribution companies (DiScOs), has requested National Electric Power regulatory authority (NEPra) to approve rs4.99 per unit increase in the power tariff under the head FPa of the month of February 2022 for all consumer categories of distribution companies, except for lifeline and k-Electric consumers. NEPra is scheduled to hear the cPPa plea on March 31. NEPra, in a public hearing notice regarding fuel charges adjustment for the month of February 2022 for DiScOs, has invited all the interested parties to raise written as well as oral objections as permissible under the law at the public hearing. On the other hand, power tariff hike by rs3.45 per unit is also likely for the consumers of k-Electric under the head FPa of February 2022 and NEPra will hold a hearing in this regard on april 4, 2022.

KP transport dept fails to utilise allocated budget AzIz BunerI The khyber Pakhtunkhwa (kP) transport department has failed to utilise its annual development budget. according to finance department documents, the kP government had allocated rs8.792 billion for the transport department in the annual development program of the current financial year of which the finance department has released rs353.729 million till the third quarter of which the transport department has spent only rs272 million. The documents show that the provincial government has spent only rs158.288 million on the mass transit project – Bus rapid Transit (BrT) – out of rs8.678 billion loan received from the asian Development Bank (aDB). The finance department sources said that due to difficulties in obtaining funds from the aDB for the BrT project, funds could not be released to BrT project, a major project of the transport department. Similarly, out of rs113.988 million allocated for the transport inspection station project included in the annual development program, the transport department could hardly spend rs97 million.

The data show that only rs12 million could be utilised on “Transport Planning Traffic Engineering Unit ” for which the finance department had released rs18.707 million. according to sources, the largest amount of funds was allocated to the BrT project. The project was supposed to be completed in December 2021, but due to lack of funds from aDB province, now the project will be completed in July 2022.

production of copper and by-products in the americas.

“The new project company shall be owned 50 percent by Barrick Gold. The remaining 50 percent shareholding shall be owned by Pakistan, divided equally between Federal Government and the provincial government of Balochistan,” a statement from the office of Prime Minister imran khan said after the signing ceremony in islamabad.

According to BloomBerg, puBlic shAreholders will include: a 10 percent freecarried, non-contributing share held by the government of Balochistan. an additional 15 percent held by a special purpose company owned by the government of Balochistan.

25 percent owned by other federal state-owned enterprises. in the original agreement, the equity sharing between Tethyan copper company (Tcc) and the government was to be 75 percent and 25 percent respectively, although that agreement was never reached because the Supreme court struck down the grant of a mining lease in 2013. The Barrick-antofagasta joint venture discovered the vast mineral deposits more than a decade ago at the foot of an extinct volcano in Balochistan. it claimed it had invested more than $220 million.

Reference seeking interpretation of floor-crossing law lands in top court ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

The government petitioned the Supreme court on Monday to seek a ruling on whether defectors from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTi) party could lose their seats just days before the no-confidence vote against the prime minister.

The reference requests the top court to interpret article 63-a of the constitution which is related to disqualification of MPs on grounds of defection.

The reference was filed by attorney General khalid Javed khan on behalf of President arif alvi who approved its filing under article 186 of the constitution earlier in the day.

Speaking after filing the petition to the Supreme court, attorney General khan told reporters the government had asked it to advise why lawmakers who ditch their party and switch sides cannot be disqualified for life.

“The basic questions […] include will the dissident MPs be disqualified for life, […] what would be the significance of the votes polled by those MPs and will the vote of these MPs be counted or not,” he said. article 63-a, the law on floorcrossing, provides that MPs who defect could lose their seats if they then vote against their party, but the government aims to find out whether that also applies before they cast their votes.

“You know only murder isn’t a crime, an attempted murder is also a crime,” Minister for Planning and Development asad Umar said last week. article 63-a reads that an MP can be disqualified on grounds of defection if they “vote or abstains from voting in the House contrary to any direction issued by the parliamentary party to which he belongs, in relation to the election of the prime minister or chief minister; or a vote of confidence or a vote of no-confidence; or a money bill (budget) or a constitution (amendment) bill”.

The government has already indicated it will deploy the article to

fight the motion.

The law, however, says the party head — khan, in this case — has to declare in writing the MP concerned has defected but before making the declaration, they will “provide such member with an opportunity to show cause as to why such declaration may not be made against him”.

The office of Umar, who is also the party’s secretary-general, served the notices on some 14 legislators on Saturday, directing them to explain their position in a week.

The motion seeking the ouster of khan was submitted to the office of the speaker on March 8. it accused him of mismanaging the economy and poor governance in the toughest challenge he has faced since taking power in 2018. according to article 54 of the constitution, once a session of the National assembly has been requisitioned with signatures of at least 25 percent of the MPs on it, the speaker has a maximum of two weeks to do the

same.

Therefore, Qaiser had to call the House in session by March 22. politicAl turmoil: The threat of political turmoil in the nation is growing as the opposition seeks to oust the prime minister.

Several PTi MPs withdrew their support for him on Thursday, stoking more uncertainty over whether the former cricket star can hang on to power, following a warning by Punjab assembly Speaker chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi that the prime minister could lose his coalition partners.

Following the submission of the motion, Minister for interior Sheikh rasheed ahmed told a news conference it had been decided to seek the Supreme court’s ruling about whether the defectors are eligible to cast a vote after switching sides. ahmad said the decision was taken in a meeting chaired by khan. “i want to ask all of you to get back […] We wouldn’t do anything against

you,” he said in an appeal to the dissidents. numBers gAme: With the help of several smaller parties, PTi holds a narrow majority in the National assembly. it has 179 seats in the 342member House, only seven more than required for a simple majority. if none of the MPs from the ranks of the prime minister’s allies or the PTi vote against him, he will likely succeed.

However, the PTi is currently facing a split because of an internal revolt by some members.

The opposition, on the other hand, has 162 members and needs a simple majority of 172 to topple the government.

Should khan fail to win approval, the parliament will have to choose a new prime minister. khan has vowed to fight any move to unseat him. “Whatever they do, i’m ready for that,” he told a gathering in islamabad last week.

No prime minister of Pakistan has ever completed his term in office.

Islamic Development Bank to finance Mohmand dam hydropower project ShAhzAD PArAchA The government of Pakistan and islamic Development Bank (isDB) on Monday signed three Framework agreements amounting to $180 million for providing financing to Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project.

The signing ceremony was witnessed

by Dr. Muhammad al Jasser, President isDB and Omar ayub khan, Minister for Economic affairs while the Financing agreements were signed by Mian asad

Hayaud Din, Secretary Economic affairs Division and Mohammad Jamal alSatti, Special adviser to the President, isDB. Mohmand Dam Hydropower project is a multi-purpose concrete faced rockfill dam being constructed on Swat river located at a distance of about 48km from Peshawar and 5km upstream of Munda headworks in Mohmand district of khyber Pakhtunkhwa which in addition to generate 1300 MW electricity, will enhance Pakistan’s water storage capacity by 1,293million-acre feet (MaF), provide food

security buffer, provide 13.32 cubic of clean drinking water to the residents of Peshawar city and create more than 6,000 direct new employment opportunities for the local people. referring to the agreements, Dr. Muhammad al Jasser, President isDB on the occasion stated that “The bank takes pride in working alongside its partners to support Pakistan in a strategic project of national importance.

We are working with other partners from the arab coordination group along with one

of the most experienced authorities in Pakistan, WaPDa to develop a multipurpose dam that will not only enhance energy and water supply but also the livelihoods of the local communities and better protect them against floods. The signing of the framework agreements for Mohmand Dam and Hydropower plant project is testimony to the continuity of the strong partnership between Pakistan and isDB group, in alignment with the country’s priorities and our own commitments to allocate more financing to climate-friendly

projects. We are looking forward to ensuring the smooth implementation of the project and we hope to witness its operation in due time.”

Both sides discussed the ongoing and future economic cooperation between Pakistan & isDB and agreed to continue with the technical and financial assistance to Pakistan. it is pertinent to note that President isDB Muhammad al Jasser is in islamabad on a three-day visit to attend the 48th session of the Oic council of Foreign Ministers.

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

03

‘PAKistAn shARes the gRief,’ PM iMRAn KhAn exPResses soRRow oveR ChinA PlAne CRAsh ISLAMABAD

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staff RepoRt

riME Minister imran khan on Monday said islamabad shares the grief with Beijing after a china Eastern passenger jet carrying 132 people crashed into a mountain in southern china.

The crash caused a large fire shortly after losing contact with air traffic control and dropping thousands of metres in under three minutes.

The Boeing 737-800 flight from the city of kunming to the southern hub of Guangzhou “lost airborne contact over Wuzhou” in the Guangxi region on Monday afternoon, according to the civil aviation administration of china (caac).

The jet was carrying 123 passengers and nine crew members, according to aviation authorities.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the passenger plane crash in china,” the prime minister

said as the disaster prompted an unusually swift public reaction from chinese President Xi Jinping, who said he was “shocked” and ordered an immediate investigation into its cause.

“We share the grief of our chinese brothers and sisters and convey our deepest condolences and sympathies with the bereaved families,” PM imran khan said. china Eastern confirmed there had been deaths in the crash, without providing the number of those killed or giving details on whether there were any survivors.

“The company expresses its deep condolences for the passengers and crew members who died in the plane crash,” the airline said in a statement.

The cause of the crash is “still under investigation”, it added.

Hundreds of firefighters were dispatched to the scene in Teng county near the city of Wuzhou, state media reported, as nearby villagers rushed to help the rescue effort.

Pti changes venue of March 27 power show in islamabad newS DeSk

Imran rallies supporters ahead of no-confidence vote ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

Prime Minister imran khan turned to grassroot supporters Monday, lobbying the poor and promising better hospitals for the sick as he faces a no-confidence motion in parliament.

The challenge may be the biggest yet for the prime minister since he came to power in 2018. The opposition has demanded khan step down over his alleged failure to improve the economy.

He spoke to a gathering at the Pakistan institute of Medical Science (PiMS) in islamabad on Monday, lauding his government’s efforts to provide free health care for the poor. “Since i joined politics, it was my dream that poor people should have free facilities and free medical care,” khan said, adding that his government has succeeded in providing that to nearly every poor citizen. He also defended his government’s performance, saying all economic indicators show improvement in the economy. He also said the government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf (PTi) made remarkable improvements in public sector development particularly health, education, and economy.

“No government in the past has ever taken steps for the welfare of the public as is done by our government,” he said.

The prime minister said the provision of the best possible facilities for emergency patients was in line with fulfilling the requirements of humanity. khan said the quality medical facilities at PiMS and Jinnah Hospital will facilitate the growing population of the capital as per the international

practices.

He expressed satisfaction that the new setup at PiMS will support the existing healthcare facilities and will also aid in reducing the burgeoning load of patients in islamabad and the suburbs. khan thanked the Pakistan nationals living abroad to sponsor the architectural designs of the emergency section at PiMS. He said the health insurance card was the best scheme in the public sector which was not available even in developed nations.

“The vision behind the creation of Pakistan was establishing a socio-welfare islamic state. Our health insurance is a major step in this regard to enable poor people to get free treatment,” he said.

He termed the introduction of a uniform education regime another milestone of his government that aimed at developing unity among future generations.

‘BY hooK or BY crooK’: key opposition parties launched a formal no-confidence vote for khan on March 8. asad Qaiser, Speaker of the National assembly, convened a special session for Friday to deliberate whether khan still has majority support in the house.

Under the constitution, the parliament has three days to deliberate after which the MPs will vote, perhaps as early as Monday. khan has remained defiant, claiming he still enjoys the backing of the majority of lawmakers in the 342-seat House.

But recent mutinies from within the PTi could easily tip the scales against him. as many as 13 MPs from his party have indicated they could vote against him. after the 2018 election, khan secured 176 votes

in parliament to become prime minister. at a televised rally Sunday, he urged the dissenters to come back, saying he would forgive them, while also claiming they had been bribed by the opposition — a charge the turncoats deny. also, several MPs from parties allied with khan opened talks last week with the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on a possible new realignment in parliament, should khan be ousted.

The votes of the dissenters from khan’s ranks have also become an issue. President arif alvi on Monday asked the Supreme court for guidance on whether their votes should be counted and considered valid.

Some law experts say those votes will be counted — even if the Election commission later disqualifies them on complaints from khan’s party. imtiaz Gul, a senior analyst, said it seems the opposition’s no-confidence motion has garnered substantive support.

“This is a massive challenge to imran khan in a country of low morals and where the selfish forces of status quo are out to upstage him by hook or crook,” Gul told The associated Press.

The opposition, which needs a simple majority of 172 votes to oust khan, insists it has enough support.

The political turmoil comes as Pakistan is preparing to host foreign ministers from the 57member Organisation of islamic cooperation (Oic) in islamabad on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Minister for information Fawad chaudhry slammed the opposition, saying the real intention was to disrupt the conference, for which the dates were announced months ago.

China attending OIC moot to bolster relations with Muslim world: Wang Yi ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

china’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday said Beijing was attending the 48th meeting of Oic’s council of Foreign Ministers — scheduled to take place March 22-23 — for developing a partnership with the Muslim world besides promoting unity and cooperation for the multilateralism.

The chinese foreign minister, after his bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, told journalists that the cFM’s theme of “Building Partnerships for Unity, Justice, and Development” had great significance in the current scenario — and was also the main purpose of chinese participation. in what FM Qureshi described as a “very comprehensive and detailed meeting,” the two foreign ministers discussed bilateral cooperation, regional situation as well as international issues including afghanistan and Ukraine.

The meeting between the two ministers included discussions on diverse topics ranging from international issues like afghanistan and Ukraine to enhancing exports of Pakistan.

Qureshi, who addressed a press briefing alongside his chinese counterpart, told journalists that it was for the first time that the chinese foreign minister would attend and address the cFM moot.

Earlier, both the countries also signed documents for enhancing cooperation in the fields of higher education and agriculture at a ceremony also witnessed

by the two foreign ministers.

Qureshi said they also discussed the extension of the china-Pakistan Economic corridor to afghanistan.

The chinese FM assured for a review considering the changed situation in the war-torn country.

While discussing trade and investment cooperation, Qureshi said, china expressed the desire for the export of Pakistani rice and wheat in order to enhance the country’s exports.

The two foreign ministers discussed the counterterrorism cooperation and a coordinated approach to deal with the terrorist outfits including ETiM and TTP. Wang Yi spoke high of Pakistan’s steps for the security of chinese nationals in Pakistan and also lauded the strict action against those involved in Dasu terrorist attack.

FM Qureshi thanked china for supporting Pakistan in Financial action Task Force (FaTF) and told journalists that his counterpart had assured the country of its constant support till its removal from the Grey List. He also thanked china for giving a rollover of $2 billion to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to support Pakistan’s economy and also mentioned his upcoming visit to china within a few days which he said showed the limit of interaction cooperation and understanding.

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-insaf (PTi) on Monday decided to hold its planned March 27 power show at Parade Ground instead of D-chowk in islamabad and requested the district administration to change the venue. in a tweet, the party said that “the Parade Ground will be more suitable to accommodate the number of people that are expected to participate in the rally.” PTi Senator Faisal Javed and Special assistant to PM for cDa affairs ali Nawaz awan wrote to the district administration for the change of venue. in a media talk, Senator Faisal Javed said that they have always obeyed the rules in all of their rallies, adding that they are going to hold the rally at Parade Ground instead of D-chowk.

H said that it will be the biggest power show in the history of the country. People have decided to stand with the truth, he added. it is pertinent to mention that on Saturday, the islamabad High court (iHc) had ruled against holding any political gathering in red Zone which houses important government institutions including the Parliament House, Supreme court, Presidency and the Prime Minister Office.

Priyantha Kumara case trial to be completed by end of April LAhOre staff RepoRt

The aTc has summoned six witnesses for cross examination on 22nd March in Priyantha kumara case. This was told by the Secretary Prosecution Nadeem Sarwer while presiding over a five-member prosecutors committee to review the progress of the Priyantha kumara case. Secretary said that so far statements of 34 witnesses have been recorded while cross examination of seven witnesses has also been completed. The meeting was attended by deputy prosecutor general, Lahore (DPG) asmatullah khan, Deputy Prosecutor General Gujranwala DPG abdul rauf Wattoo, Deputy Prosecutor General asghar ali, Deputy Prosecutor General Zahid Sarfraz, and assistant District Public Prosecutor Umer. Secretary Prosecution Nadeem Sarwer that trial of 89 accused was in progress at kot Lakhpat Jail. among them accused are Juvenile and their trial was in progress separately. Meanwhile, the Fia has submitted analysis report of the voices of the accused. On this occasion, Prosecution committee told that trial of the case was in progress on daily basis in order to bring it to its logical end and justice to be dispensed to the heirs of the Priyantha kumara. Deputy Prosecutor General assmatullah khan told that one of the accused hit Priyantha kumara with scissor twice while second accused attacked with brick while third accused hit with wooden club which led to the death of Priyantha kumara. Secretary Nadeem Sarwer directed the prosecutor committee to work diligently so that trial of the case could be completed on merit and well in time. Secretary prosecution also appreciated the performance of the prosecution committee and pledged to give all assistance and cooperation for the follow up of the Priyantha kumara case.

Govt does not want conflict, will fight no-trust vote constitutionally: Qureshi ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday said the government is not heading towards any conflict as he vowed islamabad will fight the no-confidence motion in a constitutional manner and will not stop any of its MPs from cast their vote. in a statement, the foreign minister lashed out at the opposition saying that in

order to achieve the magic number, it stooped to new lows by purchasing the conscience of ruling MPs. He said the PTi was seeking the Supreme court’s guideline on horsetrading practice.

Qureshi said the party also sought the apex court’s direction on whether the defectors would be disqualified for life or not? He advised the dissidents to think twice before defecting as they could be

disqualified for life.

On PPP chief Bilawal BhuttoZardari’s speeches, he remarked he just laughs off his talk. With the passage of time, he would learn things, he added.

Qureshi said that the Oic council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting was going to be held Tuesday and Prime Minister imran khan will deliver the keynote address.

He said the Oic meeting would

discuss the burning issues being confronted by the Muslim world. He said more than 100 resolutions would be discussed during the moot.

He maintained it was due to khan’s efforts that Pakistan was hosting the moot.

However, he clarified that all parties put their efforts in it.

He said all preparations for the cFM moot had been completed adding that chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who

was invited as a special guest, was arriving today.

He said the Egypt Foreign Minister had already arrived and most of the dignitaries would arrive today. all the foreign ministers who are attending the Oic moot will be the special guests on the occasion of the National Day Parade celebration on March 23, Qureshi said, adding it will add to the pride of Pakistan.

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

04 NEWS

EaRthquaKE tRIggERS fuEL, coMModItY ShoRtagE In SKaRdu duE to cLoSuRE of RoadS ISLAMABAD

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ghulAm AbbAS

S the Gilgit-Skardu road remains blocked in various parts for continuous landsliding following the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, fuel and commodity crisis has started in Skardu and three other districts of Baltistan.

Following the week-long closure of the only connecting road between Baltistan region with the rest of the country, over 300

tourists are stranded in the area, who also face difficulties in movement for the fuel shortages, sources in district administration informed.

Apart from the sufferings in Baltistan region, hundreds of commuters are also stranded in Gilgit, most of them visiting from down country, could not proceed to Skardu for closure of the road for six consecutive days. On Sunday the stranded passengers staged a protest demonstration outside the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly building in Gilgit against the authorities’ failure to clear the Ja-

glot-Skardu Road. The strategically important route was completely blocked from last Wednesday after landslides triggered by an earthquake.

The frequent earthquake and aftershocks has made this road uncertain and risky for commuters despite the fact that Frontier Works Organization (FWO) has recently completed the widening of the road (167 km) with the investment of over RS 34 billion.

On Monday, officials at administration in Skardu claimed that it is making arrangements of airlifting the stranded people, ini-

tially those who have reported to the administration. Through a notice issued early on Monday, the administration has asked the listed group of stranded people to reach Skardu Airport soon to get airlifted.

Meanwhile, the commuters and tourists claim that the FWO was not taking visibly immediate and serious steps to clear the route which may fear to take another four to five days to clear the route.

The road is a lifeline for Baltistan residents as they depend on it to access other parts of the country. The protesters said the

Puppeteers set to start Istanbul chapter KARACHI AnAdolu Agency

A family master in the art of puppetry says it is set to entertain audiences in Turkey, launching its theatre company’s Istanbul chapter soon.

Saadaan Peerzada, one of the directors of the Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop, spoke to Anadolu Agency for World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People, which is being celebrated on Sunday.

The company was established in Lahore in 1974 after the death of the patriarch, Rafi Peer, a pioneer of performing arts in Pakistan. “My family has worked in this country for more than 47 years in arts and culture, and now is the time to expand to other countries,” Peerzada said. He did not divulge further details of the business plan but said there is a lot of potential in Istanbul, which is the hub of international tourists, and “it will be great to showcase the Pakistani art of puppetry and theatre in our ‘brother country’ (Turkey).”

Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop, considered the oldest

Youth renews pledge to uphold Jinnah’s legacy with pride: ISPR boss ISLAMABAD StAff RepoRt

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj. Gen. Babar Iftikhar on Monday shared a brief video based on the monologue of youth addressing founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah to renew their pledge to uphold his legacy — a nation-state with pride. In a tweet, the ISPR chief shared the video with the theme of Pakistan Day “Shad Rahay Pakistan”. The video initiates the message with Tajdeed-i-Ehd (a renewal of pledge) where this snippet is a monologue delivered by today’s youth. The metaphor of a house is used in the narration to represent the strength and stature of the homeland, dearly gifted to the nation by her forefathers. “It’s a reassurance given to our Quaid that his country, his nation has survived against all odds, has withstood the tests of time and is going to uphold his legacy with pride. It’s in tune with the undertaking that every Pakistani is committed to peace and prosperity of our beloved country,” the narrator said in the video.

and largest puppet company in the country, started holding carnivals in the early 1980s, and later organised festivals where stars from all over the world performed for local audiences.

“Our target audience was always children and youth.

We are the pioneers of performing arts in Pakistan and have trained thousands of students over the period of four decades,” Peerzada said, adding: “It was our father’s vision to do this for his country and we, all brothers and sisters, carried his legacy forward.”

Faizaan Peerzada MuseuM oF PuPPetry: The Rafi Peer Cultural Centre also houses a puppet museum now dedicated to Faizan Peerzada, one of the seven siblings, who died in 2012. He was a puppeteer and theatre director.

“Faizan left Pakistan in 1982 for the US, but I convinced him to come back after two years and start a puppet show here,” Peerzada said.

“We started our venture and the French cultural centre (Alliance Francaise) was the first one to give us space for a show. A multinational company also spon-

sored us […] that was our glorious time,” he recalled.

He said they held shows in schools, colleges and open-air theatres, and initiated the World Performing Arts Festival, a one-of-a-kind event in Pakistan.

“To date, we have organised 87 International World Performing Arts Festivals that include puppetry, music, dance and theatre — teams from 36 countries, 14,000 young artists,” he added.

But over the years Pakistan suffered from terrorism, negatively affecting arts and cultural activities in Pakistan. Like others, Rafi Peer also limited its operations.

“Multinational companies were our backbone and invested heavily in art and puppet shows,” Peerzada said. “As children were our target audience, even snack food companies wanted to work with us […] but it’s been 12 years now that we have had no multinational company to sponsor us.” digital PuPPetry: To stay relevant in the fastpaced digital world, the family has ventured into digital puppetry, and has launched YouTube channels to attract a wider audience.

government was not serious about clearing the road.

The stranded people have also demanded the GB government to airlift them through a C-130 aircraft. According to Fida Hussain, a stranded passenger, a dead body of his relative remained stranded in the Rondu area for two days and finally reached Skardu on the third day by carrying on shoulders from damaged areas.

According to senior minister GB Raja Zakaria Khan Maqpoon, the government is taking all possible steps to provide all facilities to those stranded by the road blockade.

The regional government, he claims, is trying to find a solution to the issue.

On the other hand the woes of tourists and locals have also been added by the cancellation of PIA flights to the area. Due to bad weather conditions, PIA flights between Islamabad, Karachi and Skardu were suspended for the second day in a row.

The Rafi Peer Theatre & Dance channel, which has over 40,000 subscribers, uploads videos from performances the company organizes across the world.

Similarly, the Rafi Peer Kids TV has 241,000 subscribers. It aims “to develop and produce educational television programming,” according to its About Us section.

“We had to shift to the digital world […] But it makes me sad that the new generation is deprived of watching this art as a live audience,” he said. governMent suPPort: Actor Usman Peerzada, another member of the Peerzada family, lamented what he said a lack of government support to puppeteers in Pakistan, as compared to India.

“In India, they have dedicated the area of Kathputli Nagar in Jaipur to puppeteers. Even our puppeteers are related to them and speak the same language. But here we are just one family keeping this art alive,” he said.

Still, Usman said, Rafi Peer is collaborating with the government to spread awareness on causes such as family planning. “We are working on a project with the Punjab government […] 80 shows in a year throughout the province to educate people on family planning,” he said. “We are hopeful that glorious days of puppetry and theatre will be back in Pakistan very soon.”

Sindh police book two PTI MPs over protest outside defecting lawmaker’s house KARACHI StAff RepoRt

Sindh police on Monday booked two Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers and several party leaders for staging a protest outside the residence of a dissident PTI MP, Ramesh Kumar Vankwani.

The lawmakers booked in the FIR —

lodged at Boat Basin police station in Clifton under charges of threatening a legislator — include Shah Nawaz Jadoon and Saeed Ahmad Afridi.

Meanwhile, a group of PTI activists staged a protest outside the Clifton police station over the arrest of party leader Murad Sheikh and members of his family.

“Murad Sheikh’s residence was raided without a search warrant and his family was also arrested,” Bilal Ahmed Ghaffar, another PTI MPA from Sindh, said and added the party workers who staged a protest outside the residence of Vankwani, were sitting at a distance.

Speaking over the registration of

cases against party leaders, Minister for Ports and Shipping Ali Haider Zaidi, also president of PTI Sindh chapter, said the Sindh government is arresting PTI workers in Karachi and they have also nominated MPAs in the case. “They had protested peacefully outside the house of an MP who has defected [to the opposition],” he said.

Encroached state land worth Rs5 billion recovered in 48 hours: BoR member LAHORE StAff RepoRt

The Board of Revenue (BoR) retrieved approximately 504 acres of state land valued at Rs5 billion in the last 48 hours across Punjab.

In a statement issued here, Senior BoR Member Babar Hayat Tarar said the land was retrieved during a major operation against the land mafia.

Giving the details of the crackdown, Tarar said that in Gujranwala 326 acres of state land worth Rs325.41 million was retrieved, in Faisalabad Rs21 million, 50 acres worth Rs10.6 million in Jhang, in Layyah 27 acres worth Rs20.6 million

Lawmakers from Sindh vow to support PM Khan

and in Rawalpindi 16 acres worth Rs60.8 million.

Similarly, in Sahiwal, some 8 acres of land worth Rs10.32 million was retrieved, 4 kanals worth Rs10.52 million in Sargodha, while 3 acres worth Rs10.50 million was retrieved in Sheikhupura.

Tarar said the BoR’s goal is to retrieve the remaining land across the province as soon as possible, adding that so far more than 191,599 acres worth Rs484.44 billion has been recovered.

This includes some 4,245 acres of urban lands worth Rs67.32 billion and 187,355 acres of rural lands worth Rs417.13 billion, he added.

ISLAMABAD StAff RepoRt

PTI’s National Assembly members from Sindh on Monday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and expressed their full trust in the leadership of PM Khan. Federal Minister Pervez Khattak, Governor of Sindh Imran Ismail and Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi were also present in the meeting. The National Assembly members from Sindh Aftab Siddiqui, Saifur Rehman, Ataullah Niazi, Akram Cheema, Fahim Khan, Aslam Khan, Alamgir Khan, Abdul Shakoor Shad, Capt. Jameel, Aftab Jahangir, Saima Nadeem and Nusrat Waheed met the prime minister. Special Assistant to PM Amir Doggar also attended the meeting in which the MNAs expressed their full confidence over Prime Minister Imran Khan. The parliament members also discussed various development projects of the federal government in Karachi in the session. It is to be mentioned here that Prime Minister Imran Khan and his aides holding meetings with the legislators of the PTI and the members of the allied parties to muster support and foil the opposition parties’ notrust move against his government.

Delhi-Doha flight makes emergency landing in Karachi KARACHI StAff RepoRt

A Qatar Airways flight going from Delhi to Doha made an emergency landing at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi “due to indication of smoke in the cargo hold”. The flight — QR579 — is carrying over 100 passengers.

The airline said another flight is being arranged to take the passengers to Doha. “Flight QR579 from Delhi to Doha on 21 March diverted to Karachi having declared an emergency due to indication of smoke detected in the cargo hold. Aircraft landed safely in Karachi where it was met by emergency services and passengers disembarked,” Qatar Airways said. “The incident is currently

under investigation and a relief flight is being arranged to transport passengers onwards to Doha. We apologise for the inconvenience to our passengers who will be assisted with their onward travel plans,” the airline said.

A cardiologist tweeted to complain about the situation. “What is the status of QR579 — Delhi-Doha, diverted to Karachi? No information being offered, no food or water being offered to passengers. Customer care is clueless.

Please help,” Dr Sameer Gupta tweeted. In a video message, another passenger, Ramesh Raliya, said many have connecting flights from Doha, but they haven’t got any information about when the aircraft would take-off from Karachi. The aircraft took off from

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Delhi at 3:50 am on Monday and landed at Karachi at 5:30 am, Raliya said. “After landing, they made everyone deboard and wait at the airport. It’s 9 am now,” the passenger said in the

video message. “They haven’t told us when the flight would take off. There are women and children, and many people have to take connecting flights from Doha,” he said.

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

Chinese Companies to step up Cooperation in pharma seCtor BeiJing

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app

NUMBER of Chinese pharmaceutical companies have expressed their intention to cooperate with potential Pakistani partners. “Having provided over 20 million doses of vaccine made in Pakistan, we expect to deepen cooperation with this country,” shared Xin Chunlin from CanSino on the recently held CPEC B2B Conference.

On the conference organised by the Board of Investment, Pakistan, providers of original new drugs and traditional Chinese medicines including Luye Life Sciences Group, Guangzhou Baiyunshan Zhongyi Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou Qixing Pharmaceutical also expressed their intention to cooperate with potential Pakistani partners.

“Facing the common challenge of the ongoing pandemic, joining hands with the Pakistani brothers will bring benefits for both peoples,” said Xin in an interview

with China Economic Net (CEN).

CanSino is a renowned Chinese pharmaceutical company that has launched the single-dose CanSino Covid-19 vaccine

scottish vlogger criticized for shaming seaview horsemen over minor fraud agenCies Scottish vlogger Dale Philip drew the ire of Pakistanis online after he posted about getting three horsemen at sea view arrested for allegedly defrauding him. Philip tweeted about the incident along with a picture of a young horseman behind bars, writing, “He tried to earn a living by cheating people, but now he’s living behind metal bars thanks to Karachi Police.” He added, “Hopefully he learns there’s no need to cheat foreign tourists. Most will give extra payment if they were shown a good experience and treated in an honest way.” He also uploaded a vlog detailing the same, titled “Avoid this horse ride scam in Karachi, Pakistan”. Several social media users questioned Philip over the public humiliation he subjected the horseman to, as well as his use of the incident as content for his vlog, which has since been viewed over 470,000 times. Comedian and host Shehzad Ghias Shaikh wrote on Twitter, “He tried scamming you of 20 dollars. You exploited him, used his face and made a video to make 4000 dollars from YouTube off of him.” He added, “Who is the real crook here?

Are you going to share even a portion of your money with the poor people you used to make your millions?”

In the video, the horseman reluctantly agrees to Rs 200 for a ride to amusement park Chunky Munky and back. Another horseman eventually replaces the one with whom the agreement was made, stating to the vlogger mid-ride that it’s a long way and would cost the equivalent of 20 trips. Philip then asks the horseman to stop the ride, but is ignored. At the end of the ride, the horsemen demand Rs 5000 for the ride, which Philip refuses. In response to the vlogger’s tweet, author Ilhan Niaz wrote, “Dale Philip has 858K YouTube subscribers.

Here he is celebrating the misery of a poor brown person who tried to ‘scam’ a few hundred rupees off him. The video of the ‘scam’ on YouTube has 450K+ views. Mr Philip is blind to his own privilege and gets a kick out of class warfare.” Visual artist Zulfikar Ali Bhutti also offered his two cents on the matter, tweeting, “Is this enough of an incentive to screen white tourists before they come here? Literally the govt and police could be doing a million better things with their time and money but no they want to make the vlogger happy. Disgusted.” A user asserted that despite the horseman’s petty fraud, he deserved to be treated with respect and not be subject to public humiliation. They wrote, “This might surprise a white man, but this person deserves to be treated with dignity regardless of whatever he did instead of being paraded as some indigenous deviant. Deeming Philip’s actions “disgusting”, another user shared, “Don’t go to third world countries as a rich foreigner if you don’t expect to pay higher prices and be occasionally swindled.” Journalist and talk show host George Fulton also weighed in on the matter, explaining to Philip that it wasn’t a “good look”, adding, “You probably made more money in YouTube advertising from the video than what he was originally asking.”

branded PakVac locally produced in Pakistan last year. According to Ghazala Parveen, Chief Biological Production Division, National Health Institute, Pakistan,

PakVac is producing more than three million doses per month, exceeding the initial expectation of one million and cutting the cost by 25%.

“Meanwhile, Pakistan welcomes investment in the medicine sector. Pakistani pharmaceutical sector is ripe for investment,” said Muhammad Radimuddin, Senior Technical Advisor to USP, on the conference.

Comprising 700 plus manufacturers and thousands of distributors, Pakistan’s $4 billion pharmaceutical market has been growing at a pace of 12.5% CAGR. “The potential of pharmaceutical exports with right partners is exponential,” Muhammad said. He also believed that global generic medicine market is expected to grow to about $700 billion by 2025.

A case in point is that during the pandemic Pakistan was able to start local production and export the key Covid-19 drug Remdesivir to 16 countries through joint ventures with foreign companies.

NEWS

05

islamabad police dismisses case against Baloch students, iman mazari News Desk

The criminal case registered against 200 Baloch students and Iman Mazari – daughter of federal minister Shireen Mazari – for protesting outside the National Press Club in Islamabad against the ‘enforced disappearance’ of a student was dismissed on Monday after the Islamabad police withdrew the case. The plea was heard by Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice (CJ) Athar Minallah where he was informed by Deputy Attorney General Syed Muhammad Tayyab Shah that the police had withdrawn the case against the students. On March 7, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah had said that the court would not allow the voice of Baloch students to be silenced. The IHC CJ’s remarks came at an earlier hearing of the case. Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari’s daughter Advocate Imaan Hazir-Mazari and others had moved the court on March 5 for the dismissal of the case. Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan said that the court should not dismiss the case but allow the police to do so. Justice Minallah stated that Prime Minister Imran Khan himself should have visited the Balcoh students, and further questioned if the first information report (FIR) filed against them should be declared null and void, as the court “will not allow the voice of Baloch students to be silenced”.

PIPS to hold ‘Dialogue Pakistan 2022’ on March 26 isLamaBad staff RepoRt

Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) is all set to hold its annual flagship event “Dialogue Pakistan 2022” on 26 March (Saturday) in an effort to stimulate policy discussion on key issues related to peace and security in the country.

This year’s discussion themes include “the future of parliament, constitution, and democracy; Taliban’s Afghanistan, and challenges for Pakistan; the debate on freedom of expression: where does the problem lie?; and policy discourse on governance, and

transparency.”

The Dialogue Pakistan provides a platform to discuss the need and ways of achieving peace in Pakistan. The event is well attended and received by policymakers/legislators, academicians, media persons, experts and subject specialists, civil society representatives, as well as students, and the general public.

PIPS – an Islamabad-based policy research and advocacy institute – will also launch two important documents during the event. “Charter of Peace” – a document laying down recommendations for countering radicalization and extremism in Pakistan, will be

launched in a special ceremony that will be attended by Special Representative to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Interfaith Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, and SAPM on Information and Broadcasting Raoof Hasan. The Charter has been designed after several consultations with stakeholders including religious, and political leadership of the country.

The institute will also launch the national report on “How Youth in Pakistan View State, Society, Religion, and Politics.” Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry will grace the event as chief guest while Chair-

No-confidence motion: Individual vote of an MP has no status: SC Continued form page 01 During the hearing, Attorney General for Pakistan Khalid Javed Khan gave an undertaking that all state functionaries would act strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the law A two-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial and Justice Munib Akhtar, took up the reference along with a plea filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) seeking the top court’s intervention to prevent “anarchy” ahead of the no-trust vote. Addressing a petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) against public meetings by the government and the opposition parties ahead of the no-trust vote against Imran Khan, Justice Munib Akhtar said the court had made similar observations in cases involving former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.

Never ignore remarks of Justice Munib: Haris Khwaja Advocate Commenting over the SC proceeding, Haris Khan Advocate told Pakistan Today that he had also failed to understand the remarks of Justice Munib Akhtar as reported in the media.

“But remember, you can’t ignore remarks or observation of Justice Munib Akhtar. Justice Munib Akhtar delves very deep into an issue and one cannot just ignore his remark. Hence it is very important to consider his remark. Prima facie, Justice Munib says that all the MPs of a party cannot vote in violation of the decision of the party head decision. But Article 63-A and 95 provide that if anyone casts his vote against party line would be disqualified,” he added.

“According to the constitution, the

vote has to be cast by Member of the Parliament which is an individual act. The Constitution says that majority vote would vote decide per the party leader. However, if anyone votes in violation of party policy, he/she may be disqualified. But the disqualification comes later and it doesn’t bar any MP to cast his vote. The constitution says that if defection is accepted he will cease to be a member. Those PTI MPs who rebelled knew that they could be disqualified if voted against the party decision but each vote would be counted. There is no law not to bar anyone to cast vote.

When asked should we read the 18th Amendment and 14th Amendment regarding the powers of the party head, Khwaja Haris said both amendments don’t affect Article 63-A as this proviso exclusively deals with the defection for voting for PM and finance bill.

Hamid Khan Advocate downplays remarks Hamid Khan Advocate, however, downplayed the observation and said that it is just an observation.

“This is mere a remark and not a judgment. The final judgment would be made by a bench. Discussion over an observation tantamount to preempting a judgment and it may affect a subjudice court proceeding,” he asserted.

Lifetime disqualification for defecting MPs? The remarks of Justice Munib Akhtar evoke the possibility of lifetime disqualification for the MPs who vote against party head’s direction. Legal experts say that the remarks of Justice Munib Akhtar reflect the possibility of lifetime disqualification for defecting MPs. According to the presidential reference submitted in the Apex court, the first inter-

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pretation, “Khiyanat (dishonesty) by way of defections warrants no pre-emptive action save de-seating the member as per the prescribed procedure with no further restriction or curbs from seeking election afresh.”

While the second interpretation, “visualizes this provision as prophylactic enshrining the constitutional goal of purifying the democratic process, inter alia, by rooting out the mischief of defection by creating deterrence, inter alia, by neutralizing the effects of vitiated vote followed by lifelong disqualification for the member found involved in such constitutionally prohibited and morally reprehensible conduct.”

The reference stated if the constitutional disapproval and prohibition against defection was effectively enforced with deterrence for future as well, many such members should stand disqualified for life under Article 62(1)(f) and would never be able to pollute democratic streams.

Pakistan People’s Party leader and seasoned lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan also has said that a legislator has to sacrifice assembly seat after voting against the party’s policy and the extent of disqualification has not been determined “but it could be close to ineligibility for life”. Hence, the court may decide the matter according to the plea made in the reference.

Opposition leaders attend court proceedings Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazl ur-Rehman, Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief Akhtar Mengal and other senior leadership of the

man Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Dr. Qibla Ayaz will chair the session of the report launch.

The report contains views of over 700 university students surveyed by PIPS from all across the country. The students were trained to sensitize them about faith-based issues occurring in the country to form a network of PIPS Observatory – a web-based platform to develop a multifaceted complaint mechanism to report incidents of faith-based persecution and discrimination. The event will be organized at Islamabad Hotel from 9:30 am to 5:40 pm on next Saturday and is open to the public.

opposition parties appeared before the court. Bilawal, while talking to reporters, reiterated they are continuing their political struggle and said “one hopes that political decisions are taken as per law”.

Meanwhile, Sharif said they will follow the apex court’s decision about rallies.

During the last hearing of the petition, while referring to the storming of Sindh House by workers of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party, Chief Justice Bandial remarked the incident was against freedom of expression and protest.

The chief justice further said that members and institutions should be provided security as per the constitution and warned that storming of a public property is a bailable offence.

The court further remarked that the political process should be held as per law and constitution of the country and hoped that all political sides will show restraint.

Supreme Court had summoned a report from the Islamabad police chief and four political parties.

‘SPEAKER VIOLATED CONSTITUTION BY DELAYING SESSION’ Meanwhile, talking to reporters outside the Supreme Court, Sharif and Bilawalsaid National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser violated the Constitution by “delaying the session” of the House.

Sharif questioned what stopped the speaker from convening the session earlier? He said the Opposition has delayed the long march due to the meeting of the Organisation of the Islamic Countries (OIC). He claimed the speaker delated the session consciously.

Bilawal said the government has been running away from the no-confidence vote. “The government tried to terrorise the MPs by ‘attacking’ the Parliament Lodges,” he added. He heaped praise on the court for taking notice of the attack on Sindh House in Islamabad. He also advised Qaiser to take decisions wisely otherwise “these people” will trap him.

He said the judiciary is on the side of the Constitution and law and will not take any political decision.

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Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

06 COMMENT

Why I am a Muslim

PTI under stress Indulging in bombast is not independent foreign policy

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HE stress caused by the ongoing crisis is evidently getting to Prime Minister Imran Khan.

His politicking is depriving him of the high moral ground that he once claimed. The PM is unfortunately presenting himself as a run of the mill politician who is willing to compromise on his own ideals to remain in power. PM Imran Khan has all these days badmouthed party dissenters, some of whom had long been critical of his policies in NA, accusing them of selling their conscience for money. According to him, bags filled with stacks of money were being given to buy the loyalties of his lawmakers. PTI leaders have called the dissenters prostitutes and pimps and the Sindh House, where some of them had taken shelter, a brothel. The PTI has issued notices to fourteen asking them to explain why they may not be declared defectors and disqualified as members of the National Assembly. Speaking at Dargai the PM first said he would rather give up his government than “compromising on his conscience” while in the same breath he expressed readiness to forgive the dissenters like a “compassionate father!” In other words Imran Khan’s conscience is willing to allow them to keep the millions they had received and still forgive them provided they retract and agree to keep him in power. The government wants SC to impose a lifelong bar on contesting elections on those who refuse to return to the fold of the pure.

In his Dargai address Imran Khan lauded India for having an ‘independent’ foreign policy which he said was favourable to Indian people. Does this imply that Pakistan didn’t have an independent foreign policy during the last three years and if so, who is to be held responsible if not the PTI and its leadership? Is indulgence in heroics while dealing with foreign powers a display of independent foreign policy? Is it sensible to openly refuse bases to US when these had not been asked for openly? Is it sensible to criticize EU in a public gathering instead of dealing with differences diplomatically?

HaSan aFTaB SaEED

I

am a Muslim because the Quran completes my picture of reality. Mind you, it is not a matter of my liking the Quran’s narrative better than other narratives. Neither is it a matter of my saying, ‘The smart money goes here’ or ‘This seems like the best bet’ (or any other variant of Pascal’s Wager). Instead, it is the only coherent picture ever presented by anyone. That is, you put One Transcendent God outside (independent of) the scheme of things, and the scheme makes complete sense; you remove God, and the scheme stops making any sense whatsoever. The scientists have for a long time been announcing that they are ‘working’ on the problem; that they are ‘getting there’. Believe me, they are doing nothing of the sort. What they are working on is how the universe evolves or behaves, not how it originated in the first place. There is just the one answer – that held by any sensible person, and which is confirmed by the Quran.

I am a Muslim because unlike many philosophers and religious systems, the Quran never proposes to prove the existence of God, because

existence is inextricably intertwined with dependence on time and space. Instead, it insists on a Transcendental God (independent of time and space) that is responsible for the existence of everything else.

The Quran has this way of dispensing, in a sentence or two, with lengthy and unwieldy discussions on infinite regress and questions regarding who created God. It does so by stating that God is not just another item in the universe, that there is nothing that is comparable unto Him. I am a Muslim because the Quran tells me not to waste my time in questions that I have no way of answering. It advises man to focus only on things that he can wrap his head around. As for the essence of God, the nature of revelation and how God interacts with the physical world, it declares that man should recognize the limits of his understanding.

I am a Muslim because Islam teaches me that one cannot remain neutral on the practical issues of life.

That suspending judgment on crucial questions is not tenable as it paralyzes life; and therefore, fancy armchair philosophies are useless because they cannot be lived. That at any given moment one must act according to the best of one’s knowledge and belief.

I am a Muslim because Islam teaches me to be responsible. It teaches me that I will be rewarded based on nobody else’s labours but my own. That I will be judged not on beliefs alone (which sometimes amount to little more than lip service) or deeds alone (which can be attributable to all the wrong motivations) but based on my beliefs as well as deeds.

I am a Muslim because Islam makes it clear that my beliefs and actions cannot affect God in aught; but that in the ultimate analysis my beliefs and actions only benefit or harm myself. That it is by no means the case of a jealous God that takes offence when a man is not dutiful to Him, and who therefore punished man for his transgression; but that man is punished, not for his sins but, by his sins. Because like the inevitable physical laws there are unavoidable moral laws, set in place by the same God. I am a Muslim because Islam teaches that the only worthwhile motive for any action is that it conforms to the moral laws of the universe (the Will of

God, in other words). That while any other motivation – being on the right side of the policeman, making the world a better place, assuaging one’s conscience – warrants its rewards too, but there is no comparison with the rewards for the same action if pleasing God is one’s motivation. Since everything else is bound to perish, that makes a lot of sense to me. I am a Muslim because Islam encourages me to think of others, and about the world at large, so that I think about God. That whether my actions make a great amount of difference in the world or no apparent difference at all, what makes my labours secure is my will to please God. I am a Muslim because Islam tells me that closing my eyes to dangers of any kind is folly. That being under the influence of anything – be it drugs or porn or any other excitement that tends to temporarily distort reality for me (however entertaining and soothing) is like pulling a wire of a fire alarm. Even closing one’s eyes while praying is discouraged – a symbolic reminder of the importance of always keeping one’s eyes open.

I am a Muslim because the Quran encourages its readers to face uncomfortable questions head-on instead of shunning or avoiding them by hiding behind walls. Because it quotes every question and objection that was ever raised by anybody, and then proceeds to answer it.

I am a Muslim because Islam tells me that neither am I completely free, nor am I predestined to do everything that I do; that the reality is somewhere in between. And that I would only be answerable for the part I am in control of. That what I cannot change must not affect what I can.

I am a Muslim because the Quran tells me not to lean toward either of the two extremes: that of considering myself a beast solely at the mercy of whims and desires; or somebody capable of the kind of altruism that is obviously superhuman. It tells me that I have great potential in either direction; that it is up to me to make the best use of that potential.

I am a Muslim because there is no superstition surrounding the religion presented in the Quran, so much so that many external commentators have been known to observe that it is not a religion at all; that it is merely a collection of beliefs and practices based on nothing more than common sense.

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

OIC’s problems

Defection clause in the Constitution

Resolution of differences and collective action required to address irrelevance

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N important and crucial agenda will be awaiting foreign ministers attending the Organization of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) conference starting in Islamabad today for two days that includes the situation in Kashmir, Palestine and Afghanistan while also taking up the issue of Islamophobia. Pakistan hosting makes the even an important one diplomatically and must therefore be executed smoothly and without incident; domestic politics must not interfere.

For Pakistan, Kashmir and Afghanistan will be central topics of discussion that affect the country directly.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Afghanistan, that is in the grips of a severe humanitarian crisis, has been somewhat forgotten. Pakistan needs all the support from OIC countries that it can get to provide crucial assistance to Afghanistan as any major instability there will eventually lead to security problems here. As things stand, terrorism incidents in Pakistan have steadily increased in frequency and intensity since the Taliban took Kabul. Indian atrocities in Kashmir continue unabated, threatening the very existence of the indigenous people there, let alone their right to self-determination.

Since 2019, when the crisis in the valley escalated, the OIC has done little more than issue generic condemnations.

It must step up and call-out India on the world stage, Unfortunately, over the years, the OIC has come up short, leaving much to be desired as it fails to develop consensus amongst members to take collective action on issues facing Muslims around the world, especially in conflicts where gross human rights violations are rampant. That the OIC is made up of some of the most oil rich countries in the world but is unable to effectively leverage that strength to its advantage, forcing world powers to pay attention to its demands, means that there are differences between member countries, which is why there are no meaningful results to speak of.

UNGA’s recent adoption of a resolution introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the OIC proclaiming March 15 as International Day to Combat Islamophobia is a testament to what is possible if action is taken as a unit and pursued aggressively with determination for a positive result. It is hoped that OIC is able to resolve some of its internal problems and resurge as a more formidable force advocating for Muslims’ rights across the world.

Laws must be followed in letter and spirit

Raja Hamza anwaR

L

AWS are devised for two complementary purposes; to guide the conduct of people and to lay a framework within which state institutions must act. If a certain thing has to be completed by state institutions in a particular manner, then that has to be dispensed strictly according to the framework permitted. Central to this concept is that state functionaries are only free to act to the extent permitted by law. Unless a law specifically authorizes a particular course of action, then that action is prohibited, whereas people are inherently free to act unless barred by law. This wellentrenched purpose of law heralds the liberty of individuals and minimizes the possibility of arbitrariness by state institutions. Of course, it would be an intolerable exercise by a tax collector to appropriate the income of a person without any justification emanating from the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, or any police officer to indefinitely incarcerate without the sanction of law. As people patiently wait for the outcome of the no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Imran Khan, the speaker gears himself to invalidate the votes of members from the ruling PTI as a way to defeat the opposition. The overarching question is: does the speaker possess the power to do so under the Constitution and by doing so, would he be transgressing from his Constitutional mandate.

The treasury fervently advocates for a pro-active role of the speaker during the parliamentary proceedings allowing him to prevent floor-crossing by any member from the government under Article 63A of the Constitution of Islamic Repub-

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lic of Pakistan, 1973. Undoubtedly, the purpose of incorporating Article 63A in the Constitution was to curb the proliferating menace of floor-crossing.

By making defection from a parliamentary party a Constitutional offence, Article 63A sought the hallowed goal of achieving ideologically driven politics; from the historical vantage point, this amendment was inserted in the Constitution to cleanse the politics from monetary remuneration in exchange for votes which had been prevalent in the 1990s.

Soon after its promulgation, Article 63A was challenged in the Supreme Court in the Wukala Mahaz Barai Tahafooz Dastoor case reported in PLD 1998 SC 1263. The Supreme Court, composed of a seven-member bench dismissed the argument that forcing members to vote on party lines tramples the fundamental right of the concerned members to express the sentiments of their constituents. In support of Article 63A, the court unequivocally held that the act of defying the party engenders doubts in the citizens about the transparency of the political process. However, in discussing the extent of the defection clause, the then Chief Justice of Pakistan Ajmal Mian, remarked that the clause imposes sanctions (penal in nature).

Therefore, contrary to the commonly held belief that the Constitution is to be widely interpreted, envisaging future changes in social attitudes, Article 63A has to be read narrowly.

The only penalty envisaged under Article 63A is disqualification of a member; the speaker does not possess the requisite authority under the Constitution to disqualify a member who has defected from his/her party. Invalidating votes on the ground of defection would amount to adding additional penalties in Article 63A and unconstitutionally expanding its scope contrary to the narrow reading enunciated in the Wukala Mahaz case. An elaborate procedure is contained in Article 63A whereby, after the member has committed the act of voting, the party head may declare the member to have defected. However, this declaration will not automatically result in a member’s disqualification and will only result in it once confirmed by the Election Commission of Pakistan. The Constitution has not

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vested the power of disqualification/penalization of a member on the party head or the speaker. The speaker of the National Assembly under Article 63A acts only as an intermediary between the Party Head and the Election Commission. The menial role of the speaker is underscored in Article 63A(3), according to which, if the speaker does not transmit the declaration of defection to the Election Commission within two days, the Constitution presumes that the Commission would have received it. Therefore, contrary to the narrative built by the government, the role of a speaker under Article 63A is of a mere post office and nothing more can be attributed to him.

Hypothetically, even if the speaker decides to declare votes of the PTI members invalid on the ground of defection, it would be patently illegal and unconstitutional as the speaker would be pre-empting defection before it even arises.

Constitutionally speaking, defection crystallizes when a member “votes or abstains from voting” which is then followed by a Show Cause Notice on the defected member, culminating in a declaration of defection by the party head.

Since defection cannot be declared by the speaker as he is not the party head consequently, invalidation of votes on this ground would indicate that he is unconstitutionally assuming the role of the party head. Article 63A is unambiguous, and creates mandatory pre-requisites before the declaration of defection can be made thereby, eliminating the possibility of arbitrariness.

A Constitution is merely a series of provisions on paper unless it is religiously followed with zeal and zest; its endurance and enforceability are contingent on its reverence by our political class. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s history is laden will unforgivable and deplorable unconstitutional and extra-constitutional acts that have perverted our political culture and severely weakened our Constitution’s guardrails. Whether the Prime Minister emerges as the victor or the vanquished from the vote of no-confidence, the spirit of our Constitution must not be obliterated during the process.

A Constitution is merely a series of provisions on paper unless it is religiously followed with zeal and zest; its endurance and enforceability are contingent on its reverence by our political class

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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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The author is a Barrister and practices law in Pakistan. He tweets at @RajahAnwar

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

06-07 Comments - 22nd March 2022_Layout 1 3/21/2022 8:32 PM Page 2

Tuesday, 22 March, 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

Poor customer focus

UNGA resolution on Islamophobia Close collaboration amongst stakeholders necessary

muHammaD zaHiD RiFaT

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T is a very bitter and regrettable fact that over the years Islamophobia has become a reality and its manifestations are hate speech, discrimination and violence against Muslims which are proliferating in several parts of the world.

Pakistan has been voicing its great concern and worry for quite some time on all international forums drawing the attention of the world at large to take notice of this emerging menace of Islamophobia in furtherance of terrorism.

In the midst of growing terrorism and as a consequence Islamophobia in the west, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on March 15,2022 unanimously adopted a resolution declaring March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The resolution adopted by consensus was introduced by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIOC) is indeed a welcome and appreciable move in the right direction and can easily be described as a moral victory for the Muslim Ummah.

This marked the day when couple of years ago, a gunman had entered two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 51 and injuring another 40 of those offering their prayers.

Historically speaking, the passage of the resolution by 193 strong UNGA has come as a sequence, continuation and recognition of a Pakistan-led resolution on Islamophobia which was unanimously adopted by the 47th OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in Niamey, Nigeria, in November 2020.

The resolution inter alia authorized the OIC Permanent Missions in New Work to jointly table a resolution in the UNGA for designating 15th March as the “International Day to Combat Islamophobia”; urged OIC Member States to organize and support various high-visibility events aimed at effectively increasing awareness at all levels about curbing Islamophobia and antiMuslim hatred; reaffirmed that desecration of the Holy Quran and reprinting of caricatures of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) are not legitimate expressions of the right to freedom of expression and opinion under the interna-

tional human rights law; called on the OIC Secretary General to continue monitoring the phenomenon of Islamophobia by strengthening the scope of Islamophobia Observatory and take necessary steps for building a common position of the Muslims Ummah on this issue, and also: called upon the UN Secretary General to initiate a global debate on countering rising Islamophobia and promoting inter-faith harmony.

It is also worth mentioning here that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan was amongst the first leaders of the Islamic world to raise the issue of Islamophobia at the international stage and continued to avail every opportunity to forcefully advocate the dire need to effectively combat this scourge.

Tackling Islamophobia was the main highlight of the Prime Minister’s speech at the 14th Summit of the OIC held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in June 2019.

In his maiden address to the 74th UN General Assembly session in New York in September 2019, he had emphatically stated the pandemic of COVID-19 was an opportunity to bring humanity together but unfortunately it has instead fanned hatred and violence against vulnerable minorities in several places, these trends have also accentuated Islamophobia, Muslims continue to be targeted with impunity in many countries, incidents in Europe including republication of blasphemous sketches ,stressed that willful provocations and incitement to hate and violence must be universally outlawed and the UNGA should declare as “International Day to Combat Islamophobia building a coalition to fight this scourge that splits the humanity.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Imran Khan had pointedly stated that the one country in the world today where the state sponsors Islamophobia is India, reason behind this is RSS ideology that unfortunately is ruling India.

Pakistan, through its leader at the 76th session of UN General Assembly in September 2021 had also highlighted the menace of Islamophobia and this scribe would like to quote that from the available record: “Islamophobia is another pernicious phenomenon that we all need to collectively combat, in the aftermath of 9/11 terrorist attacks, terrorism has been associated with Islam by some quarters, this has increased the tendency of right-wing, xenophobic and violent nationalities, extremists and terrorist groups to target Muslims, the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy has recognized these emerging threats. The Secretary General should convene a global dialogue on countering the rise

of Islamophobia and the worst and most pervasive form of Islamophobia now rules India, the hate-filled ‘Hindutva’ ideology propagated by the fascist RSS-BJP regime has unleashed a lesson a reign of fear and violence against India’s 200 million strong Muslim community.”

The Muslim Ummah through the adoption of the resolution despite opposition by India, France and the European Union has achieved a moral victory and now it should move forward collectively to continue highlighting the menace of Islamophobia.

Along with the observance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia” on March 15 every year from now onwards, the leaders of the countries from which terrorist organizations originate and operate also need to address the lack of education, poverty and human rights concerns to eliminate the fear, ignorance and desperation that causes the people, particularly the youth to fall prey to the rhetoric of extremists.

World leaders also need to work together on this highly sensitive issue preserving the space for all nations to live in peace. The situation in the world at large also make it obligatory for the Muslim countries to forge common strategy in their ranks to protect Islam from the dangers it faces from deviant Muslims themselves or from a scared and uninformed world at large.

Quite obviously, Pakistan and OIC ought to continue closer collaboration for the preparation of a plan to effectively and collectively combat Islamophobia.

Adoption of the Resolution by the 193member body has quite successfully marked the culmination of long concerted efforts by a group of OIC countries Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Jordan, Indonesia and Nigeria which led to securing the much needed and desired agreement and cooperation of the Western world in actively combating the growing menace of Islamophobia along with threats posed by the extremists and terrorists here, there and everywhere around the globe. Pakistan on its part is determined and committed to continue making efforts to counter Islamophobia and terrorism in all manifestations. Only through closer collaboration and cooperation by all living and ruling, the world can be turned into a happy and peaceful place to live together forward and onward.

The Muslim Ummah through the adoption of the resolution despite opposition by India, France and the European Union has achieved a moral victory and now it should move forward collectively to continue highlighting the menace of Islamophobia.

The writer is Lahore-based Freelance Writer, Columnist & retired Deputy Controller (News) , Radio Pakistan, Islamabad and can be reached at zahidriffat@gmail.com

MOBILE phones are devices that made our life a lot easier since the 90s.

Before the 90s, in 1979 Nokia first launched its phone and this was the breakthrough for them as it was a cheap and hard mobile with more durability than other phones.

In 2014 Nokia’s CEO decided to end its operation due to losses. The first major cause was their resistance to smartphone evaluation and they failed to take advantage of Android’s success. Everyone was manufacturing and bringing new advancements in smartphones and very soon Samsung and other Android manufacturers launched cost-effective and user-friendly phones.

At this time Nokia kept its ego and remained stubborn as their management was in bluff that people would not accept these touch phones. Marketing is as important as the product itself, marketing in the mobile industry is very much important, the attractive advertisements to attract people about it deigns and its new features is important to boost the sales. Creating a flagship store is not enough as it won’t make any sale without the word of mouth and this will hinder the growth. They were not also slow in marketing but also to adapt the changes with technology and new trends.

The top managers had a fear of the growing market and they knew they could not meet quarterly targets. They had a fear that if the public knew about their failing Symbian software which was not anywhere near Apple’s OS, the customer would have left them already, it was confirmed that it will take them several years to build something like that. Everyone was playing the blame game; top managers were blaming middle ones for not meeting their goals and middle management did not feel to tell everything that was happening in the field to the top management. The world in which we are living right now is an open world and there is no shame that if one enterprise joins hands with another in the same industry to build something more innovative and tough to give challenging competition.

While everyone was struggling with the better option of the operating system, Nokia was playing its monopoly and did not focus there. Other enterprises took one step backward to take a big step forward and yes, they did it and dominate the world and kicked one of the biggest rivals in the history of the mobile industry out of the market.

From this, we must learn that accepting the change is very important in every department of life not just in business otherwise you will face bad consequences. This is exactly what happened with NOKIA and they lost the battle. They took too long to embrace the evolution and when they did realize it, it was too late for them.

Accepting to change is a must. Enterprises need to focus on 4Cs not on 4Pc now as if their customer will be happy then eventually, they will be the happiest and most growing firm.

MEEKAL ABDULLAH LAHORE

Anti-Social Youth TODAY our youth’s socializing skills are lacking in many ways. Their perception of socialization starts from being social on social media and ends at the same point. They don’t want to interact with people anymore. Moreover, they have started declaring people villains to guard their stance.

Everyone is complaining that every other individual is toxic and negative and judging me in every instance. Actually, all these people who are accusing others are negative in reality. If every person is blaming each other then where is this negativity coming from?

If we are living in a society then it is a fact that people will taunt you, judge you discourage you, but also there would be people who would love you, encourage you, nourish you, root for you, respect you. Growth and nourishment are especially connected with people’s behaviour with you and your learning from it. This could only be possible if we start living in a society in a real sense.

MUSFIRA ALI LAHORE

Fake Pirs AS per the Constitution of Pakistan, there can be no law that is repugnant to Islam. It is the Holy Quran that strictly prohibits Muslims from the practice of Black Magic in stricter terms than in the indulgence by believers from consumption of any addictive substance. Black magic was practised by Pharaohs and idol worshippers but is not allowed by any of the three monotheistic religions. Yet, despite this clarity on absolute refrain from the practice of black magic, it is being practised openly in almost all major towns and cities of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, at their outlets which are advertised. The practice of black magic is destroying families and the lives of ordinary citizens of Pakistan.

Are we living in the stone ages where such practices are allowed? It was shocking and repulsive that a pregnant woman of KPK had a nail inserted on her skull, presumably on the recommendation of a fake Pir or Aalim that this would ensure the birth of a male child. The poor lady was brought to a hospital located in KPK, in this condition, yet law enforcement or the government has not taken those responsible to task. If this insertion of a nail on the skull was on the advice of a so-called Aalim, why is he/she not being prosecuted for the practice of such an inhumane act, which Islam does not allow, under any circumstances? These fake Pirs have brought disrepute to many pious people whose spiritual guidance is sought by many citizens of this country. The immoral activities indulged by these “Fake Pirs” must be dealt with an iron hand.

MALIK TARIQ ALI LAHORE

08 WORLD VIEW 22nd March 22_Layout 1 3/21/2022 10:33 PM Page 1

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

The CoST of ZelenSkyy’S folly IS BeIng Borne By hIS PeoPle

indian expreSS subrAtA mitrA

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hRee weeks into the vicious war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement that his country was not likely to join the NATO, combined with reports of some progress towards a deal with Russia should bring some relief to a world shocked, saddened, and outraged by the images of suffering of the kind that one has not witnessed on european soil since the Second World War. Zelenskyy spoke of the importance of finding “new formats of cooperation…with the communities available” so Ukraine can have “reliable” security guarantees. his latest demand is a security guarantee, short of membership, from NATO. But these possible components of a deal are facts that have been known for well over a decade in Brussels, Kyiv as well as in Moscow and Washington. Why, then, did it take all this time, and the collateral damage that went with it, to get there? Was all that suffering of non-combatants (which is by no means at an end yet) necessary to get to where one should have been, all along? Why has the President of Ukraine waited for three long weeks to open serious negotiations with the Russians?

These questions acquire significance in view of the “Putinology” — laying the entire blame for war and suffering on the obduracy of Vladimir Putin, cast as Russia’s new czar — which has completely overshadowed serious reflection and realistic thinking in popular media as well as in statements of Western leaders. As a matter of fact, all major stakeholders are having a good war.

THE UKRAINIAN LEADERSHIP HAS TAKEN NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE OF GOVERNANCE AND DIPLOMACY There is a rating “war” among the networks seeking out every photo opportunity to beat their rivals. NATO has now found a new raison d’etre for its relevance and has secured increased funding. In Germany, Olaf Scholz, the new Chancellor, with his long record as a conscientious objector to war, has announced increased funding for the military and authorised sending German weapons to Ukraine. President emmanuel Macron of France, deep into campaigning for re-election, has promptly got onto the bandwagon of “Western solidarity”. Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the UK, deep in the quagmire of the “partygate” scandal, with the London police launching a criminal investigation into him and with his own job hanging by a thread, has found a wonderful exit, and is now projecting himself as the great defender of democracy and civility. But the best show belongs to President Zelenskyy, a television-actor-turned-politician, who is now getting a standing ovation from parliaments across europe and North America. Behind these cheerleaders of war are other less visible interests. The military-industrial complex, active as ever underneath the façade of the western liberal democracy, is not dead.

The real cost of war is borne by the citizens of Ukraine. Their security and welfare should have been the primary responsibility of the elected president of the country, who should have calculated his options, the costs and benefits of each, during the final months preceding the war, as the vast Russian army was camping on his doorstep. has there been then a grand failure of governance and diplomacy on the part of the Ukrainian leadership, for which they have taken no responsibility?

This is puzzling.

One way of solving this puzzle is to understand how states go about making foreign policy, and how they balance simultaneously what would be saleable domestically and acceptable internationally. This is best understood with the help of a “toolbox” — a dynamic model comprising “domestic” level variables of interests, values, perceptions, and personalities, set against contextual and structural determinants that are historical, institutional and systemic. National decision-makers aim to make choices that enhance national security, and, simultaneously, maintain or extend their clout at home.

Several factors influence their reasoning. These include their knowledge and preferences about the national interest, their ideational framework and the personality of the decision-maker, the attitude towards risk, and, finally, the simulation of similar calculations of their adversaries.

In light of this reasoning, the significance of Zelenskyy’s remarks come in the timing of his recent statement.

It is little realised outside Ukraine how fundamentally the collective mindset in that country was affected by the fall of the Soviet Union and how rabid, pungent nationalism took hold of public imagination. Neo-Nazi groups, often acting with covert support of the official machinery and military, have had a free run, particularly in the east, once separatists, with Russian support, raised their flag of insurgency. President Zelenskyy, a novice in politics with little strategic understanding of the constellation of domestic and international forces, has been trapped into the domestic opinion, and has been egged on by NATO, which, having created expectations of in-

If Ukraine can have an international brigade, why can’t Palestine and Syria?

Middle eaSt Monitor Yvonne ridleY

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RITAIN’S Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has said that she will support anyone who wants to go to Ukraine to join an international brigade of fighters against Russia. She described such a mission as taking part in a battle “for freedom and democracy”.

I can’t help but wonder, though, about those who’ve left British shores to fight overseas only to have their citizenships revoked by an unsympathetic British government. The only difference I can see between those who want to fight in Ukraine and those who want to fight in Palestine, Syria, Libya or Iraq is skin colour and faith.

There are at least 100,000 Muslims living in Kyiv. Is Truss going to support their British and european brothers and sisters who want to go out to fight alongside them in the Ukrainian capital? She told the BBC on Sunday morning that it was up to people to make their own decisions in such situations; she also said that the Ukrainians are fighting for freedom, “not just for Ukraine but for the whole of europe.”

Why, I wonder, are democracy and freedom more precious in europe than, say, in Syria, where dictator Bashar AlAssad is trying to crush the last vestiges of a revolution in which Syrians dared to dream about their own democratic state? And why are Palestinians who resist Israel’s brutal occupation demonised as “terrorists” and shunned by the “democratic” and apparently freedom-loving West? I know many people who would like to go out and join the Palestinians in defence of their legitimate rights as they fight for survival against apartheid Israel.

As Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urges foreign nationals “to join the defence of security in europe”, his government is ready to arm an “international” legion of volunteer foreigners who wish to join the Ukrainian army in its fight against Russian forces. “This is not just Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” he pointed out on his official website. “This is the beginning of a war against europe. Against european unity.”

Palestinian leaders have made similar statements about securing the future of Islam’s third holiest site, the Noble Sanctuary of Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, which is under attack by Israeli occupation forces, including illegal settlers. If an international call was made for millions of Muslims across the West to protect Al-Aqsa from the murderous designs of the Israelis, would Foreign Secretary Liz Truss approve? Somehow, I doubt it. As I wrote a couple of days ago, “The crisis

in Ukraine exposes the hypocrisy of Israel and its Zionist allies.” Among the latter stands Truss and the government in which she has a senior role. “everyone who wants to join the defence of security in europe and the world may come and stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians against the invaders of the 21st Century,” said Zelenskyy. Now imagine that hamas leader Ismail haniyeh — whose democratic election as Palestinian Prime Minister in 2006 was rejected by those same Zionist allies — issued such an invitation to Muslims around the world, and Britain in particular, to protect the people of occupied Palestine from Israel and its settler-colonialism. Apartheid, remember, is akin to a crime against humanity, and the annexation of territory through military action is illegal; Israel is guilty of both.

Moreover, some of the settlers and soldiers who bolster and enforce Israel’s occupation of Palestine hold British and other european passports. But hey, that’s OK it seems, because they are white and Jewish, while those who oppose them are “only” Arabs.

In 2019, I visited an amputee clinic where traumatised Syrian children were being taught to walk again. I met British doctors, teachers and aid workers who have had their citizenship revoked because they were working in rebel-held Idlib. Unable to make a legal challenge against the British government’s decision from a war zone, they are now in a legal black hole.

They didn’t pick up weapons or go out to fight; they simply wanted to help the ordinary Syrian people in their struggle for democracy and the best way they could do this was by using the skills that they have. They must all be wondering why the British government which stripped them of their passports is ready to back those looking to do the same in Ukraine, and even take up arms there. Can there be any more blatant example of hypocrisy, Islamophobia and racism than that being displayed by Liz Truss and, presumably, her boss Boris Johnson and their cabinet colleagues?

When people are in trouble it is human nature for people to want to help in any way they can. I would not dream of criticising anyone who wants to join an international brigade to help Ukrainians in their struggle. But if that’s OK, then it should also be OK for others to go to help the people of Palestine, Chechnya, Libya, Syria, Yemen, occupied Kashmir and other trouble spots.

In the 1930s, around 60,000 young people left North America and europe to join the International Brigade, groups of foreign volunteers who fought on the Republican side against the fascist Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War (1936–39). What is rarely reported is that while many left Britain to fight for the republicans, there was also a few who fought alongside the fascists. Neither faced any problems when they returned to Britain.

While Truss and UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace insist that British soldiers will not be sent to Ukraine to fight, the position of British citizens who decide to join the international brigade needs to be clarified. The foreign secretary needs to explain why the defence of democracy in Ukraine is acceptable, but standing up against tyrants, dictators and authoritarian regimes elsewhere is not. We have a right to know.

More to the point, so do the people of occupied Palestine and Syria. If the Ukrainians can be helped by an international brigade, why can’t they?

tervening, has, very realistically, pulled back.

All of this was known. The Ukraine war follows decades of warnings by experts in the field that NATO expansion into eastern europe could provoke Russia.

Nor is Ukraine the first instance of such a problem. During the Cold War, Finland, bordering the Soviet Union, faced the choice between disastrous hostility and negotiated neutrality. “Finlandisation”, the process through which a country decides not to challenge a more powerful neighbour, while maintaining its sovereignty, has brought peace and prosperity to countries sandwiched between powerful adversaries. however, control over domestic politics that a national leader requires for his people to swallow the bitter pill of self-containment is conspicuous by its absence in Ukraine.

At issue today are two different ways of looking at global politics. The first, propagated by the United States, believes in “making the world safe for democracy”, regardless of the costs — borne mostly by the people, from the Vietnamese in the old days to Iraq, Syria, Libya or Afghanistan now, meant to be brought into the fold of democracy. The second voice — one remembers Jawaharlal Nehru with gratitude — is to let each country choose its own path, and be obliged to respect the choices of others. The remarkable restraint with which India and Pakistan — two nuclear powers — have handled the recent mischance of an unarmed missile being fired from Indian territory into Pakistan, and their consistent insistence that the problems between Ukraine and Russia should be solved through negotiation should be a lesson in restraint, reflection and mature diplomacy for the warmongers in the West.

The writer, emeritus professor of political science in Heidelberg University, is the author of India: Statecraft and Foreign Policy (forthcoming), written jointly with Jivanta Schoettli and Markus Pauli.

Coming food shortages INDIA’S TOTAL WHEAT PRODUCTION CONSTITUTES AROUND 14.0% OF THE WORLD’S TOTAL WHEAT PRODUCTION; HOWEVER, MOST OF THAT WHEAT IS CONSUMED DOMESTICALLY. IT IS NOT LIKELY THAT INDIA CAN SUBSTANTIALLY REPLACE THE DISRUPTED WHEAT IMPORTS OF THESE AFRICAN NATIONS

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he world is facing a potential food crisis because of the Russo-Ukraine conflict. The impact of this conflict is global and long-term. A few of us geopolitical commentators have examined the potentially lasting effects on global commodities. Africa will especially feel the impact of this war, where food imports are critical.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is causing many significant problems worldwide. While war is horrific and the suffering occurring in Ukraine is immense, the world is starting to feel this war’s impact. Ukraine and Russia are significant exporters of foodstuffs.

I don’t know where the timeframe comes from, but the crisis may occur sooner, judging from US production and Chinese food purchases in the first half of 2022. The population of Africa continues to explode. The world is also facing a rapidly approaching fertilizer shortage because of the war in Ukraine. These knock-on effects cause a perfect storm of a rapid decline in available food and the ability to produce more food.

Substantial portions of African food imports come from Russia and Ukraine. Devastation from the war and sanctions will cause difficulty filling the gap in the second half of 2022. It’s essential to take notice of the countries particularly egypt. egypt is a country whose government’s stability depends substantially on inexpensive bread. Despite promises of increasing domestic planting of wheat, increasing production substantially is difficult for egypt. The problem is exacerbated by the Grand ethiopian Renaissance Dam filling that threatens the Nile River zone’s

food production. This situation can create a perfect storm where the egyptian government faces food shortages and a disagreeable ethiopian government. Pundits toss the word instability around a lot; however, this is an actual example of a severe crisis, especially when coupled with other upheavals in the Middle east and Africa.

Currently, India is rising to the occasion and is in final talks with egypt to start exporting wheat. India is displaying its ability to act like a major power, having raised its relative share of world wheat exports from 0.14% to 0.54% in 2020. India’s total wheat production constitutes around 14.0% of the world’s total wheat production; however, most of that wheat is consumed domestically. It is not likely that India can substantially replace the disrupted wheat imports of these African nations.

The imports do not substantially impact the pending fertilizer and water shortages in a country like egypt. In my understanding, some of the first Russian sanctions that will be lifted or circumvented will be on gas exports (if they were ever enforceable), given the impending food crisis. egypt’s case is particularly exacerbated, but similar situations exist across Africa. Compounding this are regional, transnational crime and terrorism, and the machinations of the Great Powers as they contend for power in that continent. The fallout from the Russo-Ukraine war will exaggerate and accelerate the diplomatic, economic, and intelligence fight between the United States, Russia, and China. here, we will also see a situation where Russia and China will be unwilling friends in Africa. Russia wants (needs?) commodity prices to be as high as possible and benefit from instability to boost the value of their exports, which African nations export. China is in search of cheap commodities to import and the ability to expand overseas production, especially some manufacturing and agricultural products in the long term. China seeks to shift its economy to a more technological and service-oriented one to compete with the United States and the United Kingdom.

To emphasize a point, expanding the conflict from a regional one to a global war will kill millions of people because of food shortages from even more exporters facing disruptions. Do not let people like Adam Kinzinger gaslight you into believing there are zero consequences from starting a NATO-Russia war. World War 3 is a bad policy choice.

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

CORPORATE CORNER

LOCAL bANkS bid OVer rS100 biLLiON iN LANdMArk fiNANCiNg fOr NPPMCL IslaMaBaD

Caption: During the event on FinTech jointly organized by FPCCI & ICCIA, Mr. Shaukat Ali Omerson, VP FPCCI; Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo, immediate past President FPCCI; Sheikh Sultan Rehman, former VP FPCCI; Ms. Aalia Jafar, Director International Relations ICCIA and CEOs of various FinTech companies are also present on the occasion.

Sardar Ijaz Khan Jafar Secy: The international conference is being held in the presence of the most important decisionmakers, experts and academics, as well as investors and prominent international personalities, who will contribute to coming up with recommendations that serve the Hajj and Umrah sector in the transformation towards innovation, which are in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

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Press release

ATIONAL Power Parks Management Company (Pvt.) Limited (NPPMCL) received an unprecedented response from a syndicate of local banks for project financing in excess of Rupees 100 billion.

NPPMCL, which owns and operates two state-of-the-art power plants, is being privatized by Privatisation Commission which led the recapitalization of Government of Pakistan’s

KaraCHI Press release

The roads of Karachi were electrified when Dewan Motors delivered the first ever BMW iX Electric Vehicle in Pakistan. Dr. Hamid Haqparwar, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, Mr. Dewan Yousuf Farooqui and Ms. Nabiha Yousuf, CEO of Dewan Motors handed over the first ever BMW IX Electric Vehicle in Pakistan, in the presence of Mr. Holger Ziegler, German Consul General at Karachi to Mr. Khalid Siddiq Sheikh. The BMW iX heralds a new age in mobility, redefining the successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept, which allows the customers to enjoy luxury combined with almost-hidden world of intelligent functionality. It offers electric driving pleasure like never experienced before.

equity and sovereign guaranteed debt, refinancing it with long-term project loan on a commercial basis. The successful bank syndicate includes conventional and Islamic banks (HBL, Meezan, NBP, Faysal, Alfalah, Bank of Punjab, Bank Islami, Pak Kuwait Investment Company and UBL). The transaction has been structured and executed by Privatisation Commission, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance and NPPMCL, without the support of any financial advisor or intermediary saving a significant amount in advisory fees. Federal

Indus Motor Company (IMC), aligning itself with the spirit of Toyota's global corporate initiative, "Start Your Impossible” (SYI), has signed on an emerging mountaineer, Asad Ali Memon as its newest SYI champion.

Asad is a 24-year-old, high potential sportsman from Larkana, Sindh. Since the beginning of his mountaineering career in 2016, he has summitted several peaks both in Pakistan and internationally and made multiple records, which brought Pakistan under the spotlight of international attention. In 2021, he set a world record when he climbed the Kil-

Amreli Steels organizes National Retailer Awards in Karachi

ICI Pakistan Limited has embarked on a journey towards creating a greener and cleaner future for Pakistan. To further its sustainability agenda, in 2021 the Company launched a flagship sustainability drive – STEP (Sustain, Transform, Evolve, Preserve) to maximise the positive environmental impact of each of its businesses. In line with the Company’s sustainability goals, ICI Pakistan Limited has launched innovative offerings within its Polyester Fibre portfolio. These products allow the Company to play its part in reducing Pakistan’s plastic waste levels by recycling and converting discarded PET bottles into value-added polyester fibre. ICI Pakistan Limited has introduced sustainable products such as “Terylene Clean” and “Terylene Powered by CiCLO”, with the aim of reducing the environmental burden caused by plastic and microfiber pollution. Terylene Clean (Global Recycle Standard Certified) is salvaged from 100% post-consumer PET bottles and allows the downstream sector textile to completely shift its production on recycled fibre while continuing to offer exceptional quality finished products to their consumers.

Chief of South African Navy visits Naval Headquarters IslaMaBaD Press release

KaraCHI

Press release

of the obligor risk and significance of the power sector.” He further acknowledged the key importance of efficient capital structure in providing affordable electricity to the consumer as well as enabling sale of the entity to blue-chip investors and operators.

NPPMCL owns and operates 1230MW Combined Cycle Power Plant Haveli Bahadur Shah in Jhang and 1223MW Combined Cycle Power Plant Balloki in Kasur and as such is one of the biggest public sector power producers in the country, ensuring a brighter future for Pakistan.

imanjaro and back in 20 hours.

The Seven Summits Challenge is a mountaineer’s ultimate dream that entails climbing the seven tallest mountains in each of the world’s seven continents. Of these seven peaks, Asad has already conquered three in Europe, South America and Africa.

His next stop is Mount Denali in Alaska, USA, the 3rd most prominent and 3rd most isolated peak on Earth, after Mount Everest. Asad will be the first Asian to scale the impressive 23,000+ feet mountain in May this year. Until then, he will be training for the climb in Sindh, Islamabad and Skardu.

Press release

iCi Pakistan embarks on a journey towards creating greener, cleaner future for Pakistan

Minister Mohammedmian Soomro, welcomed the prospects and expressed his gratitude to banks for showing willingness to finance the project. We are heading on the way towards the completion of this landmark transaction within a stipulated time.

Moreover, expressing his gratitude to the banks upon conclusion of the bidding, Saleem Ahmad, Chairman Privatisation Commission also stated that, “these indications from local banks not only underscore the depth and liquidity of capital markets in Pakistan but also reinforce the quality

Indus Motor Joins Hands with emerging mountaineer to help realise his dream Press release

first bMW-iX electric vehicle delivered in Pakistan

09

Amreli Steels, Pakistan’s Largest Selling Brand of Steel Bars, organized the first-ever National Retailer Awards 2022 in Ramada Hotel near Jinnah Terminal Airport, Karachi. The award show was organized to recognize the efforts of Amreli Steels’ Retailers in achieving record sales in volume and value for the company in

the previous fiscal year.

Amreli Steels’ retailers from all over Pakistan gathered in the city of lights for the occasion.

Prizes included Smart TVs, Microwaves, ACs, Motorcycles, International Tours, Hatchback and Sedan Cars and more. The highest selling retailer nationwide won the grand prize of Toyota Corolla Altis. The evening was capped off by a Sufi Qawwali performance by Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad Qawal Brothers.

PBM extends support to Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital Press release Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) extends its support to Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital for the medical treatment of poor patients and persons with disabilities (PWDs). In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between PBM and Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital. Managing Director PBM, Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar and Chairman, Ghurki Trust, Prof, Dr. Amer Aziz validated the MoU on this auspicious occasion. According to the MoU, PBM funded patients will be provided comprehensive, state of the art medical treatment i.e. Cyber Knife surgery, artificial limbs, joints implants, assistive devices and chemotherapy etc.

It was also outlined in the MoU that the hospital will not charge any consultation fee will from the PBM sponsored patients regarding their training, psychological treatment and repair of surgical instruments. While addressing the audience, Managing Director PBM, Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar implied that under the leadership of Prime Minister of Pakistan, PBM is taking serious measures to re-

Chief of South African Navy Vice Admiral Mosuwa Samuel Hlongwane called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad. Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, Chief of South African Navy was received by the Naval Chief and was presented Guard of Honour. Afterwards, the visiting dignity laid wreath at Shuhada monument and he was then introduced to Principal Staff Officers at Naval Headquarters. Later, Chief of South African Navy called on Chief of the Naval Staff in his office. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including bilateral collaborations and regional maritime security milieu were discussed. The Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan Navy initiative of Regional Maritime Security Patrols for ensuring maritime security and peace in the region. The visiting Admiral appreciated Pakistan Navy’s efforts and initiatives in support of collaborative maritime security in the region. Afterwards, Chief of South African Navy was given detailed briefing on Pakistan Navy roles and operational capabilities. It is expected that the recent visit of Chief of South African Navy will further enhance bilateral collaboration between the two navies.

Air Marshal Muhammad Zahid Mahmood, Hi (M) Appointed As Vice Chief Of The Air Staff IslaMaBaD Press release

solve the issues of vulnerable and deprived people of society. Such measures would enable the special persons to render their religious, political and social duties without any hindrance. "To ensure the mobility and self-reliance of PWDs, artificial limbs, customized wheel chairs and other assistive devices are being provided to them", he elaborated while expressing his gratitude to the Management of Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital for being part of PBM to serve the poor patients and PWDs. In his remarks, Chairman Ghurki Trust & Teaching Hospital, Prof. Dr. Amer Aziz vowed for the sustainable partnership with PBM to facilitate the poor and vulnerable populace of the country.

The Government of Pakistan has appointed Air Marshal Muhammad Zahid Mahmood as Vice Chief of the Air Staff. Air Marshal Muhammad Zahid Mahmood was commissioned in GD (P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in April, 1987. During his illustrious career, he has commanded Combat Commanders' School and an operational air base. In his staff appointments, the Air Marshal served at Air Headquarters as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel), Director General C4I and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans). Air Marshal Zahid Mahmood is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, National Defence University Islamabad and Air Command & Staff Course, USA. In recognition of his meritorious services and valuable contributions to PAF, he has been awarded with Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military).

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

10 FOREIGN NEWS

ChineSe Boeing CRaSheS with 132 on BoaRd, no Sign of SURvivoRS BeiJing

a

ReuteRs

China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737-800 with 132 people on board crashed in mountains in southern China on a domestic flight on Monday following a sudden descent from cruising altitude.

The media said there was no sign of survivors.

The plane was flying from the southwestern city of Kunming, capital of Yunnan province, to Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong, bordering Hong Kong.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the crash, in which the plane descended at a final rate of 31,000 feet a minute, according to

flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.

“Can confirm the plane has crashed,” China Eastern Airlines said in a statement in which it also gave details of a hotline for relatives of those on board.

The media cited a rescue official as saying the plane had disintegrated and caused a fire destroying bamboo trees. The People’s Daily quoted a provincial firefighting department official as saying there was no sign of life among the debris.

The aircraft, with 123 passengers and nine crew on board, lost contact over the city of Wuzhou, China’s Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the airline said.

The flight left Kunming at 1:11

iraq digs up mass grave containing bodies of iS fighters, relatives MosUL, iRAQ

pm (0511 GMT), FlightRadar24 data showed, and had been due to land in Guangzhou at 3:05 pm (0705 GMT).

The plane, which Flightradar24 said was six years old, had been cruising at an altitude of 29,100 feet at 0620 GMT. Just over two minutes and 15 seconds later, data showed it had descended to 9,075 feet.

In another 20 seconds, its last tracked altitude was 3,225 feet.

Crashes during the cruise phase of flight are relatively rare even though it accounts for the majority of flight time.

Boeing found in a report last year that only 13 percent of fatal commercial accidents globally between 2011 and 2020 occurred during the cruise phase, whereas 28

percent of fatal accidents occurred on the final approach and 26 percent on landing.

Online weather data showed partly cloudy conditions with good visibility in Wuzhou at the time of the crash. President Xi Jinping called for investigators to determine the cause of the crash as soon as possible and to ensure “absolute” aviation safety, state broadcaster CCTV reported. A Boeing spokesperson said: “We are aware of the initial media reports and are working to gather more information.”

Shares of Boeing Co. were down 6.4 percent at $180.44 in premarket trade. Shares in China Eastern Airlines in Hong Kong closed down 6.5% after news of the crash broke, while its U.S.-listed shares slumped

17 percent in premarket trading.

‘GOOD RECORD’: Aviation data provider OAG said this month that state-owned China Eastern Airlines was the world’s sixth-largest by scheduled weekly seat capacity and the biggest in China.

The 737-800 model that crashed on Monday has a good safety record and is the predecessor to the 737 MAX model that has been grounded in China for more than three years following fatal crashes in 2018 in Indonesia and 2019 in Ethiopia.

China Eastern has 109 of the 737-800s in its fleet and another 40 of the smaller 737-700s of the same

Saudi Arabia ‘not responsible for any oil shortage’ after Houthi attacks

Agencies

RiYADH

Iraqi authorities said Sunday that they had exhumed the remains of 85 Islamic State group fighters and their relatives from a mass grave in the northern city of Mosul.

The remains of 35 people killed between 2016 and 2017 were dug up on Saturday while 50 were found on Sunday and “work is ongoing”, said Hassan Wathiq al-Anzi, head of forensics in northern Iraq’s Nineveh province.

Workers unearthed bones and skulls, placing them in black bags for transportation to the forensic department, an AFP correspondent said. It is the first announcement of a mass grave of IS fighters killed during the 20162017 battle to recapture Mosul, the extremist group’s former stronghold. Anzi was unable to provide an estimate of the total number of bodies at the site nor the precise circumstances of their deaths. IS seized large swathes of Iraqi territory in 2014, declaring a “caliphate” and killing thousands there before Baghdad declared victory in 2017. The United Nations says the group left behind more than 200 mass graves that could contain as many as 12,000 bodies. The Mosul site was located behind a mosque in a residential area in the Al-Rifai district, Anzi said, adding that DNA samples would be taken to identify the bodies. Nineveh’s civil defence said that while digging began on Saturday, the authorities were previously aware of the site’s location. Iraq continues to discover mass graves not only from the IS period but also from the regime of former dictator Saddam Hussein, who was toppled in a US-led invasion in 2003.

news Desk

‘Batman’ swings high, again topping n.america box office neW YoRK AFP

“The Batman” continued swinging from the rooftops this weekend, taking in an estimated box-office-leading $36.8 million in North American theatres while performing strongly overseas, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday. The dark and gritty superhero film from Warner Bros., starring Robert Pattinson in the title role, has passed the $300 million mark domestically in just three weeks, while nearly doubling that figure overseas, with $598 million. In second place for the Friday-through-Sunday period was another dark film, the fantasy animation “Jujutsu Kaisen 0” from Crunchyroll/Funimation (95 percent owned by Sony Pictures). It tells the story of a young student who becomes a sorcerer and battles a cursed spirit. Already hugely popular in Japan, it took in $17.7 million in North American theatres, which David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research called “a terrific opening” for a rare anime in wide release. The third spot went to Sony’s “Uncharted,” at $8 million. Tom Holland plays an Indiana Jones-style treasure hunter. In fourth was another new release, a slasher film from indie studio A24 simply titled “X,” at $4.4 million. While that total was relatively modest, Gross said, “Horror is not expensive to make” and “X,” which has enjoyed good reviews, “should recover its costs and make a few dollars.” And in fifth place was Metro Goldwyn Mayer’s road-trip comedy “Dog,” at $4.1 million. It stars Channing Tatum.

ROunDinG Out thE tOp 10 wERE: 1.

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” ($3.2 million) 2.

“Death on the Nile” ($1.7 million) 3.

“The Outfit” ($1.5 million) 4.

“The Kashmir Files” ($1.5 million) 5.

“Sing 2” ($1.5 million)

generation, according to FlightRadar24. The safety record of China’s airline industry has been among the best in the world over the past decade.

“The CAAC has very rigid safety regulations and we will just need to wait for more details to help shed light on the plausible cause of the accident,” said Shukor Yusof, head of Malaysia-based aviation consultancy Endau Analytics.

Investigators will be looking to recover the plane’s two so-called black boxes – the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder – to help shed light on the crash.

Saudi Arabia said it would not bear responsibility for any shortages in oil supplies to global markets in light after recent attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis on Saudi oil facilities, Saudi state news agency (SPA) reported on Monday.

The Houthis fired missiles and drones at Saudi energy and water desalination facilities, causing a temporary drop in output at a refinery but no casualties, the Saudi energy ministry and state media said on Sunday.

Strikes hit a petroleum products distribution terminal, a natural gas plant and

China to provide additional 10m yuan in humanitarian aid to Ukraine stAff RepoRt The Chinese Red Cross will offer an additional 10 million yuan ($1.57 million) of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters on Monday. Wang’s comments came at a regular briefing in Beijing and the promise of aid follows previous pledges of aid to Ukraine including one of 5 million yuan from earlier this month.

“China pays close attention to the civilian casualties in the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” Wang said, noting that the top priority for the international community now is to deal with the possible largescale humanitarian crisis.

Wang said China has put forward a six-point initiative on alleviating the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and has taken concrete actions, including providing humanitarian aid supplies.

“China will continue to play a constructive role in easing the situation in Ukraine and stands ready to make its own efforts to overcome the humanitar-

ian crisis,” said Wang.

The Chinese Red Cross will offer an additional 10 million yuan ($1.57 million) of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters on Monday. Wang’s comments came at a regular briefing in Beijing and the promise of aid follows previous pledges of aid to Ukraine including one of 5 million yuan from earlier this month.

“China pays close attention to the civilian casualties in the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” Wang said, noting that the top priority for the international community now is to deal with the possible largescale humanitarian crisis.

Wang said China has put forward a six-point initiative on alleviating the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and has taken concrete actions, including providing humanitarian aid supplies.

“China will continue to play a constructive role in easing the situation in Ukraine and stands ready to make its own efforts to overcome the humanitarian crisis,” said Wang.

a refinery along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, the ministry said in a statement.

Attacks using drone or ballistic missiles “will affect the kingdom’s production capacity and its ability to fulfil its obligations, which undoubtedly threatens the security and stability of energy supplies to global markets,” SPA reported, quoting an unnamed source at the foreign ministry.

Saudi Arabia has struggled to extricate itself from the war in Yemen which has killed tens of thousands and left millions of people there facing starvation.

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have also endangered the kingdom’s airports, oil facilities and caused some civilian deaths.

US says Myanmar committed genocide against Rohingya Agencies The United States has determined that the violence against the Rohingya minority committed by Myanmar’s military amounted to genocide and crimes against humanity, an official told AFP Sunday. Hundreds of thousands of the mostly Muslim Rohingya community have fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar since 2017 after a military crackdown that is now the subject of a genocide case at the United Nations’ highest court in The Hague. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to officially announce the decision to designate that crackdown a genocide in remarks at the Holocaust Museum in Washington on Monday, where an exhibit on “Burma’s Path to Genocide” — using a former name for the country — is on display. Blinken said in December last year during a visit to Malaysia that the United States was looking “very actively” at whether the treatment of the Rohingya might “constitute genocide.” The State Department released a report in 2018 that detailed violence against the Rohingya in western Rakhine state as “extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents.” Around 850,000 Rohingya are languishing in camps in neighboring Bangladesh, recounting mass killings and rape, while another 600,000 members of the community remain in Rakhine where they report widespread oppression. A legal designation of genocide — defined by the UN as acts “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group” — could be followed by further sanctions and limits on aid, among other penalties against the already-isolated military junta, the New York Times reported. The United States slapped a series of sanctions on the country’s leaders and like other Western nations has long restricted weapons to its armed forces, which even before the junta took power faced allegations of crimes against humanity for the brutal campaign against the Rohingya. The case opened against Myanmar

by The Gambia at the International Court of Justice in 2019 has been complicated by last year’s coup that ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her government, triggering mass protests and a bloody crackdown. The Nobel peace laureate, who faced criticism from rights groups for her involvement in the Rohingya case, is now under house arrest and on trial by the same generals she defended at The Hague. The administration of President Barack Obama had pumped large amounts of political capital into Myanmar’s transition to a fledgling democracy, offering financial help and diplomatic support.

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

SPORTS 11

KPL hOLDs rOaDshOWs IN LONDON, BIrmINgham, BarCeLONa

P

MiAN AbRAR

AKISTANI High Commissioner to UK Moazzam Ahmed Khan hosted a roadshow at Pakistan High Commission London in recognition of the successful execution of KPL season-1 and the launch of KPL Season-2 followed by a roadshow at Pakistan Consulate Birmingham hosted by Consul Gen-

eral of Pakistan to UK Sardar Adnan Rashid and Vice Consul of Pakistan Ms. Bakhtawar Mir. Mr. Arif Malik (President of KPL), Ch. Shahzad Akhtar (CEO of KPL), and Shahid Afridi (Brand Ambassador of KPL) graced the events accompanied by the prominent overseas business community and political individuals of Pakistan and Kashmiri Diaspora.

KPL Roadshow was also held in

Barcelona, Spain, where Mr. Arif Malik, President KPL and Mr. Shahzad Akhtar – CEO KPL, and DG Kashmir Committee Amir Omar Malik among others briefed the audiences in Barcelona, with Consul General Barcelona Mirza Salman Baig as chief guest.

Moazzam Ahmed Khan in London commended the efforts of KPL management in the first season of the Kashmir Premier League and wowed to support KPL in its ambitions and executions. He further added that KPL is a platform that not only promotes the talent of Kashmir but also proved to be a supporting pillar in elevating the lives of Kashmiris through tourism and economic growth.

Sardar Adnan Rashid in Birmingham said that he is very much contented on meeting with Kashmir Premier League Management and it is a positive move. He mentioned that KPL is not only promoting the talent of Kashmir but is also accentuating how peaceful Kashmir and the people of Kashmir are. He further added that KPL will not only provide a chance to Kashmiri talent around the globe but will also highlight the Kashmir issue across the globe.

Bakhtawar Mir in Birmingham praised the management for their resolve in executing the KPL. She said that KPL is promoting and supporting the game of cricket which is the true passion of our people. It is high-

lighting the culture of the Kashmir region and is promoting investment and tourism in the region which is a great achievement of the Kashmir Premier League.

Shahid Afridi who was present at the Pakistan High Commission roadshow praised the management for their determination against all odds. He said that the success of KPL Season 1 sent the message of peace and harmony across the globe which was very much needed. Furthermore, KPL Season 2 will be a much bigger and more efficacious event for the Kashmiri community across the globe and we are also planning to bring finals to the UK for Kashmiri Diaspora.

Mr. Arif Malik shared the success story of KPL despite all the propaganda and threats from the Indian Lobby. He exemplified some of the Kashmiri player’s performance in KPL season 1 and declared that now the number of franchises has increased to 8 which will give chance to more young Kashmiri talent. He also stated that KPL is starting a player development program in collaboration with UK county cricket to train and enhance the skills of young Kashmiri cricketers. Ch. Shahzad Akhtar on this occasion said that KPL is not an overnight achievement, instead, it is the result of the continuous effort of the last 4 years with toilsome decisions taken to bring this dream to reality.

Pakistani fast bowlers Afridi, Naseem put Australia in trouble LAHORe Agencies

Quick bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah picked up two wickets apiece on Monday to lead Pakistan’s inspired performance against Australia on the first day of the deciding third and final test in Lahore.

Afridi, 21, did the early damage, striking twice in his second over to dismiss opener David Warner for seven and No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne before he had scored, to reduce Australia to 8-2 after they won the toss and opted to bat.

Naseem, 19, drafted into the Pakistan side in place of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, hurt the tourists in the final session, dismissing a well-set Steve Smith for 59 and Travis Head for 26 as Australia reached 232-5 at the close.

All-rounder Cameron Green was unbeaten on 20 for Australia with wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey eight not out.

After their shaky start, it was opener Usman Khawaja who led Australia’s fightback with a resilient 91, adding to scores of 97, 160 and 44 not out in his last three innings in his country of birth.

The left-handed Khawaja, who

CWC22: Pakistan women register historic win against West Indies News Desk The Pakistan women finally broke the 18match losing streak in the competition after registering a historic victory over West Indies by 8 wickets in a rain-affected match. This is Pakistan’s first victory in the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in five matches and still remains at the bottom of the points table. The match was reduced to 20 overs due to incessant rain in the morning. Opting to bowl first, Pakistan restricted West Indies to 89 for 7. Nida Dar was the pick of the bowlers as she returned career-best figures of 4 for 10 and helped reduce West Indies to a low total.

Deandra Dottin remained the only Windies batter to put up a fight as she hit five boundaries but fell prey to Nida Dar. Skipper Stafanie Taylor was the second-highest scorer with 17 after Dottin’s 27-run knock at top of the order. Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu, and Omaima Sohail all picked up a wicket each along with Nida Dar’s four wickets. In return, Pakistan lost the early wicket of Sidra Ameen but Muneeba Ali took responsibility and ended up posting a solid 37-run knock which included five boundaries. After Muneeba’s departure – thanks to Shakera Selman – skipper Bisma Maroof and Omaima Sohail saw the game off with unbeaten 20 and 22. Pakistan chased down the target in the 19th over and now have their first points on the board.

Here’s how the points table currently stands: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Australia – 10 pts (Q) South Africa – 8 pts West Indies – 6 pts India – 4 pts England – 4 pts New Zealand – 4 pts Bangladesh – 2 pts Pakistan – 2 pts

added 136 for the third wicket with Smith, appeared set for his 12th test hundred before Pakistan captain Babar Azam completed a one-handed catch at slip off spinner Sajid Khan.

Smith, Australia’s batting mainstay,

was out leg before for 59 after completing his third successive half-century.

The first two tests of the series — the first between the sides in Pakistan since 1998 — were drawn.

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium was hosting a test match for the first time since the 2009 attack by gunmen on a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team.

After left-armer Afridi’s two early wickets, Australia could have been in even deeper trouble but Pakistan failed to capitalise on chances offered by Khawaja and Smith.

Looking to dominate left-arm spinner Nauman Ali from the onset, Khawaja, on 12, flashed hard at a full-pitched delivery but the edge flew under the hands of Babar Azam in the lone slip position.

On the next delivery, Nauman failed to hold a straightforward return catch from Smith, who was on 19. Off-spinner Sajid also spilled a return catch off Head when he was on seven.

Sad Nadal contemplates new injury concern as claycourt season looms New YORk AFp

Rafael Nadal is facing renewed injury concerns after his 20-0 unbeaten run to start 2022 ended with a straight-sets defeat to 20th-ranked Taylor Fritz in the ATP Indian Wells Masters final.

The 35-year-old Spanish superstar was reluctant to discuss the upper-body injury that hindered him against Fritz, insisting “it’s his day,” but he couldn’t hide his disappointment and the worry about what it might mean for the claycourt season and his chances of a 14th French Open title.”

“Honestly, I wanted to make it perfect before clay,” Nadal said of a 2022 hardcourt run that saw him win an epic Australian Open final against Daniil Medvedev and lift the trophy in Acapulco.

He said the first months of the year “have been very, very, very beautiful.

“Honestly I am sad because the way I was not able to compete,” he said of his inability to finish off the run with a fourth Indian Wells title.

“It is tough to have these feelings, especially every day, but in the final is very, very ugly, no?

Making things worse, the oft-injured Nadal did not yet have a diagnosis of the problem that caused him to feel pain and shortness of breath.

It began late in his semifinal victory over 18-yearold compatriot Carlos

Alcaraz and he twice received treatment during his loss to Fritz.

“I had pain, honestly,” Nadal said. “I have problem to breathe. I don’t know if it’s something on the rib, I don’t know yet. When I’m breathing, when I’m moving it’s like a needle all the time inside here,” he said, indicating his chest.

“I get dizzy a little bit because it’s painful. It’s a kind of pain that limit me a lot. Is not only about pain, I don’t feel very well because affects my breathing.”

It’s the latest in a litany of injuries for Nadal, whose Australian Open triumph was his record-setting 21st Grand Slam title.

Troubled for years with knee injuries, he saw his 2021 season cut short by foot pain that he feared

could end his career.

He said his resurgence had brought him joy, and now he’s focused on figuring out how to solve his latest physical problem.

“I am sad now, but I am not the kind of person that goes down or goes very high emotionally depending on the moment.

“The last months have been amazing, unforgettable, very emotional. I enjoyed things that I never thought I could live again a few months ago.

“Now it’s the moment to try to solve this problem as soon as possible, try to start on clay. The thing that worries me now, it’s about what’s going on there, what I have to do now to recover and how long going to take.”

Bank of Punjab Deaf Team with winning trophy. pr

BOP T20 National Deaf Cricket Championship Commences pR The Bank of Punjab strives to create an inclusive environment that nurtures diversity and fosters inclusion. The Bank is resolute in its endeavors to remain at the forefront in service to the public and the greater good. As part of BOP’s commitment, the bank is sponsoring the BOP T20 National Deaf Cricket Championship to provide an opportunity for healthy athletic competition for our deaf cricketers. This initiative will also enable meaningful interactions among members of the deaf (and hard of hearing) community, provide a productive outlet, and result in numerous physical, social, and psychological benefits for all involved. The opening ceremony of the BOP T20 National Deaf Championship was held at Punjab University Cricket Ground, Lahore, on 21st March 2022. The championship was formally inaugurated by Mr. Zafar Masud (President & CEO – The Bank of Punjab). Mr. Irfan Miraj (President, Pakistan Deaf Cricket Association), deaf cricket players, and the members of the general public were also present at the ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Zafar Masud (President & CEO – The Bank of Punjab) said, “The support provided for this tournament is not simply a demonstration of our commitment to our Corporate Social but also of our commitment to diversity, and equal opportunity, as core tenets of our corporate values and the ethos of our brand. As an extension of that same commitment, and under the umbrella of the State Bank of Pakistan’s activities to uplift the differently-abled, the Bank of Punjab is currently developing a network of 20 Model Branches, across Pakistan, specifically designed for Persons with Disabilities and equipped with facilities suited for the disabled.” The championship tournament will be played from 21st March to 26th March 2022, and eighteen deaf cricket teams will be participating in the event. The closing ceremony of the event will be held on 26th March 2022 at Aleem Dar Academy, Lahore.

Chelsea bidders shortlist to be narrowed down to three, new offers made MANCHesTeR reuters

Raine Group, a US bank overseeing the sale of Premier League club Chelsea, plans to narrow down the shortlist of bidders to three on Monday or Tuesday, sources close to the deal told Reuters. Chelsea were initially put up for sale by owner Roman Abramovich following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and before sanctions were imposed on the oligarch by the British government, effectively giving it control of the club. Raine set a deadline of 2100 GMT last Friday for bids to be made, with several being made public, while sources close to the deal said many more had been submitted privately. Some are only just being made public now, with London-based global investment firm Centricus confirming on Monday that they had offered to buy Chelsea, a bid driven by co-founder Nizar Al-Bassam and CEO Garth Ritchie, who are both said to be Blues season ticket holders. Reports in the British media have named several other bidders, including Saudi Media, headed by businessman Mohamed Alkhereiji. To move things forward, Reuters has been told that Raine, in consultation with the club, will narrow down the shortlist, with the process slowed by revised bids still coming in. Over the next few weeks, a preferred buyer or buyers will be submitted to the government who must issue a special licence for any sale and who require evidence that Abramovich will not make any financial gain.

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

pRayeR tiMiNgs

NEWS

Foreign Ministers oF egypt, Uzbekistan Meet Coas gen bajwa, disCUss bilateral Cooperation RAWALPINDI

F

staff RepoRt

oreIGn Ministers of egypt and Uzbekistan separately called on called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) here at GHQ, discussed regional and global situations and expressed desire to expand bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting with Mr Sameh Hassan Shoukry, Foreign Minister of egypt, the matters of mutual interest, regional security and cooperation in all fields of defence & security were discussed.

The CoAS said that Pakistan and egypt enjoy truly brotherly relations and emphasized the need for enhancing bilateral cooperation in all spheres. referring to oIC’s 48th Council of Foreign Ministers session, CoAS termed it a historic development for addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and

bringing international community to a shared vision and joint strategy to find solution to emerging challenges in the region vital for peace and stability. egyptian Foreign Minister acknowl-

edged Pakistan’s contributions towards regional peace and pledged to play his part for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels. He specially appreciated Pak-

istan’s efforts for hosting the oIC’s 48th Council of Foreign Ministers.

Later in the day, Mr Furqat Sidikov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan called on General Qamar Javed Baja. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed.

The CoAS said that Pakistan values its relations with Uzbekistan, rooted in religious affinity, common values, geo-strategic significance, potential for mutually beneficial and enhanced economic and defence cooperation. Both reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations including efforts for peace and security in the region.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability and pledged to play his role for further improvements in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels. He specially appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for hosting the oIC’s 48th Council of Foreign Ministers.

JAC takes serious note of PM’s ‘false allegations’ against media KARACHI News Desk

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

4:46

12:15

4:36

6:09

6:21

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eCp issues notices to pM, others for election code violation in Malakand NeWs DesK The election Commission of Pakistan (eCP) on Sunday served a notice to Prime Minister Imran Khan over violation of code of conduct and alleged use of government resources during his visit to address a public gathering in Malakand the same day. In the notice, Malakand District Monitoring officer (DMo) Ziaur rahim stated that the premier had addressed the rally as part of the election campaign for PTI candidates for village councils and used state resources for the purpose. He directed the prime minister to appear before him or send in a lawyer on March 22 at 10am for the purpose.

The notice to the premier warned that if he fails to appear then “it will be presumed that you have nothing to offer in your defence and the matter shall be dealt with and decided under the law, rules and available record in your absence.” The DMo also issued notices to KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, Communications Minister Murad Saeed, Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi, Senator Faisal Javed, MnA Junaid Akbar, MPA Pir Musavir Shah and MPA Shakeel Khan and directed them to explain their position on March 22. This was the second eCP notice sent to the prime minister for a similar code violation in as many days.

He was previously served a notice, along with other federal ministers, on March 11 for addressing a gathering in Lower Dir. Malakand is one of the districts, where the second phase of local body elections will be held on March 31.

Chinese FM wang yi lands in Capital to attend oiC FMs moot

The Media Joint Action Committee (JAC) has taken a serious note of the false allegations made by the Prime Minister against media in his public address on Sunday.

Mr. Imran Khan alleged that media houses have been bought by political parties and some are also being funded from foreign sources. In a statement issued today, the JAC said that in effect, this amounts to accusing the media of corruption. The statement said JAC challenges the Prime Minister to prove these scandalous allegations. Being in the Government, the premier has the resources to investigate and prove his allegations.

The Joint Action Committee asked the Prime Minister to understand that false and baseless statements about media houses will not serve any purpose.

“Media and journalists are performing their professional responsibilities guaranteed by the constitution,” the statement said and requested Mr. Imran Khan not to make such statements for political point scoring.

The joint statement further stated that if proof can not be provided for these allegations within a reasonable time, the JAC reserves its right to approach the judiciary for relief against these scandalous, false and defamatory allegations.

IsLAMABAD MiaN abRaR

No one will come to rescue Imran, declares Maryam IsLAMABAD staff RepoRt

Pakistan Muslim League-nawaz (PML-n) vice president Maryam nawaz on Monday said Prime Minister Imran Khan “lost the game” and no one will come to rescue him now. Talking to reporters outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC), she claimed Khan is “afraid of the word neutral”. She accused him of unleashing national Accountability Bureau (nAB), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and anticorruption agencies on his

political opponents.

She said the government is below the level in the number game, adding Khan wants someone who can uplift his position in the number game.

She further claimed that Khan wants someone who can punish opponents.

While criticising the prime minister, nawaz also said his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has been slipped from the hands of Khan. She said that former prime minister nawaz Sharif has defeated Imran Khan while staying abroad.

Chinese Foreign Minister (FM) Wang Yi arrived in Pakistan on Monday to attend the 48th organization of Islamic Cooperation (oIC) foreign ministers’ conference. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had invited his Chinese counterpart to attend the moot as a special guest, a rare move to accord this opportunity to a leader from a non-oIC country. The two-day conference will be held from March 22 to 23 in Islamabad. During his visit, Wang is also expected to attend the Pakistan Day parade, where he will witness a special performance of China-made modern fighter jets J10C.The Chinese foreign minister will also meet Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi. The China-Pakistan economic Corridor (CPeC), bilateral relations, and matters pertaining to regional and international significance will be discussed during his talks with the Pakistani leadership. A substantial economic package for the second phase of CPeC is also expected to be announced by the Chinese foreign minister. FMs, member states’ delegations & int’l observers arrive to attend oIC moot The Foreign Ministers and delegations from the organization of Islamic Cooperation (oIC) Members States, observers and representatives of the International organizations on Monday arrived here to attend the 48th session of the oIC Council of Foreign Ministers.

MQM-P, opposition leaders to hold another round of talks today KARACHI staff RepoRt

Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) will hold another round of talks with the opposition leaders in Islamabad today ahead of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, sources said on Monday.

A delegation of MQM-P leaders along with Amir Khan and Waseem Akhtar departed for Islamabad. The second delegation of MQM-P leaders will land in Islamabad in the evening, sources added.

The MQM-P and the opposition leaders are

likely to discuss the political situation and strategy on the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the upcoming meeting.

Monday, MQM-P convenor Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui had been given authority by the activists for taking final decision regarding the political strategy and meetings with the leaders of other parties. earlier, it was learnt that Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) had paved the way for the meeting between Pakistan People’s Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan.

In a meeting with the Chaudhry brothers of PML-Q, the MQM had raised reservations, but

the meeting was fixed by the Chaudhry brothers after talks with the former president Asif Ali Zardari, sources said.

They further said Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid to guarantee settlements between Pakistan People’s Party and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, if they reach consensus.

It may be noted that the PPP co-chairman had also offered a guarantee of PML-n to PML-Q, sources said.

Following the meeting with the PPP leadership, MQM-P had said they would decide about staying or leaving the government by keeping their ‘interests’ in view.

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

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Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

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54x8 World View 22nd March 2022 (Page 02)_Layout 1 3/22/2022 12:26 AM Page 1

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

WORLD VIEW

AfRICA wIll nOt beCOme A PAwn fOR U.S. In RUSSIA-UkRAIne CRISIS

stephen nDegwA

t

hE bombshell by South african President Cyril Ramaphosa condemning the United States-led north atlantic Treaty Organization (naTO) for the conflict in Ukraine must have come as a shocker to the West. Further, the South african former freedom fighter and leader of the patriotic african national Congress (anC) stated categorically that he would not bow to pressure to condemn Russia for its “special military operation.” in what could be seen as South africa’s official position, Ramaphosa stated in South africa’s Parliament last week that “the war could have been avoided if naTO had heeded the warnings from among its own leaders and officials over the years that its eastward expansion would lead to greater, not less, instability in the region.”

Basically, the U.S. and its allies have unfairly and forcefully had their way with everyone else in the world for so long, more so africa, which they still believe is, going by their condescending attitude, technically a “dark continent.” Therefore, it must have been rather disconcerting for Ramaphosa to speak truth to power on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ramaphosa’s sentiments are representative of the unstated feelings flowing through not just africa’s leadership but the citizenry as well. But it seems like there was extreme pressure for Ramaphosa to state otherwise as a

way of giving the impression that africa supports the West’s hegemonic approach.

By coercing one of africa’s most influential leaders to misrepresent the continent’s genuine feelings, the West could also have succeeded in alienating the continent from China. if push eventually comes to shove, then the West would have it that africa would at worst remain neutral, or at best join the anti-Russia brigade.

But in an interview with the nikkei financial newspaper, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni disabused this notion by stating that China-style diplomacy was “much better” than the West’s. he contended that the West’s response to the conflict was full of “double standards” and extolled the virtues of China’s diplomatic approach of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs. it is also instructive that Ramaphosa’s courageous statement came after he had personally talked on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The latter has actually spoken with several leaders from around the world, while his Ukrainian counterpart has been talking unilaterally to the Western bloc. Therefore, it is rather obvious who is genuine in their angst seeing that, as Ramaphosa acknowledged, the crisis has been building over many years as the international community gave a deaf ear to Russia’s grievances about naTO’S intrusive eastward expansion.

The african Union made its own pronounced on the matter on February 24 at the onset of Russia’s special military operation and called for the intervention of the United nations (Un). The organization’s statement was bent on seeking Russia’s ceasefire and negotiations under the auspices of the Un. however, subsequent and ongoing revelations of the West’s meddling coupled with racial discrimination against africans during the evacuation of civilians across the borders from Ukraine has brought in a new dynamic. individual countries like South africa, and kenya before it, have also already expressed their views.

Ramaphosa took a totally different tack from Martin kimani, kenya’s Permanent Representative, in his statement to the Un. kimani’s February 22 statement seemed to criticize Russia’s special military operation. Given that it was a knee-jerk reaction using the stated Un stance, the view today would definitely be different in light of the new developments. in retrospect, kenya must be in a quandary about its

Talks between delegations from Ukraine and Russia in Belarus' Brest region.

ultimate position. Since independence, the East african country has had a long cordial diplomatic relationship with Russia. The communist country was a destination for tertiary education for thousands of kenyan students post-independence. international rules should not be weaponized and applied to achieve predetermined outcomes favoring certain favorites to the detriment of those presumed powerless and inconsequential in the geopolitical scheme of things. While the West piles pressure on Russia to halt the conflict, it refuses to be accountable for its toxic actions in Ukraine.

Though largely unspoken, forthright statements like Ramaphosa’s are currently reverberating around the continent. Experts expect that such observations will soon become common currency as the truth of the conflict unfolds with the debunking of international media propaganda. however, what may not be immediately clear is why Ramaphosa seems to have been given clout to the extent

RENEWED COLD WAR

Real challenges await the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Asif DurrAni

P

akiSTan will host the 48th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of islamic Cooperation (OiC) in islamabad from March 22 to 23. The session will coincide with the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence. While Palestine and kashmir have remained a permanent agenda item on the organization’s agenda, there are also issues of islamophobia, terrorism and the situations in Bosnia, Yemen and Libya. Millions of our afghan brethren still remain at the mercy of international aid and confront an uncertain future at the hands of hunger and disease. The deleterious impact of the COViD-19 pandemic is yet to be fully contained.

The proposed theme of the 48th Session, “Partnering for Unity, Justice and Development,” is a clarion call not only for the Muslim world but the entire humanity facing discrimination.

While Pakistan may seek to build “partnerships” across the islamic world and build bridges of cooperation to address the challenges facing Ummah, or the Muslim community, there is also a need to look at the emerging geopolitical paradigm at the regional level. Special attention has to be paid to the regions suffering from perennial tensions in the Muslim world, such as the Middle East. held under the shadows of the Ukraine crisis, in which the world is once again pushed to the renewed Cold War, the OiC meeting will have the opportunity to look at the emerging threats to the world and options that the islamic world can avail to put across its point of view effectively.

The OiC meeting assumes importance because of the severe sanctions imposed on Russia by the U.S. and EU countries. The most affected sector under these sanctions is energy. Russia is the world’s top exporter of crude and oil products combined, producing about seven million barrels per day, or seven percent of global supply. in addition, Russia is the world’s largest grains and fertilizers exporter and a top producer of palladium, nickel, coal and steel. The bid to exclude its economy from the trading system will therefore hit a wide range of industries and add to global food security fears though many islamic countries, endowed with vast energy resources, may have windfall profits due to the sanctions on Russia.

The forthcoming CFM should afford a rare opportunity for the member states to formulate a common position about the world challenges. it would also be a rare occasion to draw lessons from the partisan attitude of the West

toward white people and the people of color. While the Ukrainians have been welcomed in Europe as normal citizens, asians escaping Ukraine faced discrimination and slurs at the Polish and Romanian borders without refugee status. although the OiC countries have realized that few countries have supported the Russian military operation on Ukraine, the attitude of the U.S. and EU is equally reprehensible to instigating Ukraine to provoke a violent response from Russia. Behind the Russian attack lie the severe Russian complaints against the american and European attitude of pushing the envelope while expanding the north atlantic Treaty Organization well beyond the Western threat perception.

The islamic countries will have to look at the emerging Cold War situation from twin agenda points, first dealing with peace, security and stability in the Muslim countries, and second, how to refrain from block-politics to secure their interests. indeed, none of the islamic countries’ situation is ideal. apart from external interference in the name of “arab Spring,” which caused disasters for Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, iraq and Syria, the islamic countries have been grappling with tensions within their ranks, such as Saudi-iranian tussle in the region.

Secondly, the entire islamic world will sooner be facing a stark choice of either supporting the U.S.-led global order or the one which defies its dictates. after the end of the Cold War, Francis Fukuyama’s book, “The End of history and the Last Man,” made a sweeping statement that humankind had “reached the end-point of post-war history and the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government.” however, it did not happen as predicted by Fukuyama. China’s rise based on “meritocracy” set a new par-

adigm through whole-process people’s democracy. The country has lifted over 800 million out of poverty – a marvel that the best democracies could only dream about.

But the U.S.-led Western order, through their military-industrial complex, may push the world into bloc politics. Just look at the post-9/11 scenario, where islamic countries have been on the receiving end. Countless Muslims were killed in afghanistan, iraq, Libya and Syria on the U.S. watch, and millions became refugees on various continents. naturally, the emerging order would directly impact the islamic world, which spans over a vast geographical expanse connecting Europe, africa and asia. individually, islamic countries could be pressurized to join the american-led world. alternatively, however, the OiC has a choice whether to emerge as a neutral bloc to assert its identity or as a formidable alliance with friendly relations with the american-led world and other countries. The OiC can decide on peace and security issues on merit. Moreover, a neutral OiC can also play the role of a mediator between the countries in conflict. Given the divisions within the islamic Ummah’s ranks, a unified neutral stance over the renewed Cold War may sound premature. Still, the gathering storm on the international horizon would soon force the countries to adopt a unified stance for their individual and regional interests.

Asif Durrani is a former Ambassador of Pakistan in Iran and the United Arab Emirates. He served as a Deputy Head of Mission in Kabul from 2005 to 2009. Currently, he is a senior research fellow at Islamabad Policy Research Institute. The article reflects the author’s opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

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that he was even suggested as a probable mediator.

Well, Ramaphosa is seen as a sincere leader whose views are untainted by geopolitical passions. Moreover, the fact that he comes from africa means it is assumed that he would have no personal or national stake in any of the warring parties. an african proverb says, “When a fool becomes enlightened, the clever man is in trouble.” africa has come of age and is not willing to be used as a rubber stamp to undermine or antagonize other countries’ genuine grievances. The countries have learned the hard way after experiencing the brunt of divide-and-rule tactics that have stunted their growth and unity for decades.

Stephen Ndegwa is a Nairobi-based communication expert, a lecturer-scholar at the United States International University-Africa and an author and international affairs columnist. The article reflects the author’s opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

‘He who tied the bell to the tiger must take it off’: America should show the world its sincerity

“C

hina and the U.S. must not only guide their relations forward along the right track, but also shoulder their share of international responsibilities and work for world peace and tranquility,” said Chinese President Xi Jinping during a video call with U.S. President Joe Biden at the latter’s request, showing the wisdom and commitment of the leader of a major country.

Four months after the two leaders’ last virtual meeting in november 2021, the global situation changed significantly. incitement by the U.S.-led naTO further aggravated hostilities between Russian and Ukraine, leading to military conflicts. as the culprit of the Ukraine crisis, the U.S., instead of taking responsibility, churned out misinformation against China and piled pressure and coercion on China in an attempt to shift blames and take advantage of the crisis. This has not only further challenged China-U.S. relations, but also upset world peace.

The two heads of state having a candid and indepth exchange of views on China-U.S. relations, the situation in Ukraine and other issues of mutual interest at such a crucial moment is of great significance to the two countries and the world in general.

During the call, Biden reiterated the position that the U.S. does not seek to have a new Cold War with China, change China’s system, revitalize its alliances against China or support “Taiwan independence,” and that it has no intention to seek a conflict with China. in response, Xi said he took these remarks “very seriously” and noted that the “direct cause” of the current strain on China-U.S. relations was that “some people on the U.S. side have not followed through on the important common understanding reached by us, neither have they acted on President Biden’s positive statements. The U.S. has misperceived and miscalculated China’s strategic intention.”

Xi’s frank and straightforward statement pointed out america’s failure to deliver on its promises as well as its deepgoing misconception of China as an “imagined enemy,” accurately identifying the crux of the problem in China-U.S. relations.

Taiwan is the most complex and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations. The current U.S. government, although having repeatedly underscored its commitment to the one-China policy, has gone back on its own words by acts that severely jeopardized peace across the Taiwan Straits and further strained bilateral relation. During the video call, Xi stressed that some people in the U.S. had sent a wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” forces, which was “very dangerous,” and that mishandling of the Taiwan issue would exert a disruptive impact on China-U.S. relations. Xi’s remark was a reaffirmation of China’s solemn position on the Taiwan issue and a clear warning to the U.S. Washington must take it seriously and exercise caution over its words and deeds to avoid getting itself into trouble.

Xi also talked about “international responsibilities” and restated China’s standpoint on the Ukraine crisis. he emphasized that “as leaders of major countries, we need to think about how to properly address global hotspot issues and, more importantly, keep in mind global stability and the work and life of billions of people. Sweeping and indiscriminate sanctions would only make the people suffer.” Xi went on to point out that the “pressing priority” of addressing the Ukraine crisis was to keep the dialogue and negotiation going, avoid civilian casualties, prevent a humanitarian crisis,

and cease hostilities as soon as possible, while an “enduring solution” would be for major countries to respect each other, reject the Cold War mentality, refrain from bloc confrontation, and build step by step a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture for the region and for the world.

This means that China has offered a general plan to resolve Ukraine crisis, which involves both guiding principles and specific means, and addresses both the conflict itself and its root cause. These proposals are a reflection of China’s wisdom and its deep concern for the people, and represent the latest effort it made to dissolve the Ukraine crisis.

“The more complex the situation, the greater the need to remain cool-headed and rational. Whatever the circumstances, there is always a need for political courage to create space for peace and leave room for political settlement,” said Xi. as the saying goes, he who tied the bell to the tiger must take it off. now that Biden has expressed Washington’s willingness to keep the lines of communication with China open to prevent the escalation of the situation, Washington must match its words with its deeds. Seeking China’s support and cooperation on the one hand while attacking, vilifying, threatening and sanctioning China on the other will never work. it is worth noting that the video call between the two leaders coincided with the 50th anniversary of signing of the Shanghai Communique by China and the U.S. 50 years ago, when the then leaders of the two countries recognized that in spite of disagreements, China and the U.S. did not have the intention to change each other’s systems and therefore may cooperate based on common interests. This is the key spirit of the Shanghai Communique and still makes sense after half a century.

Biden also mentioned the Shanghai Communique during the call, holding that the Sino-U.S. relationship would shape the world order in the 21st century. Where is this relationship heading? The U.S. may find some clues in history.

“The stable development of bilateral relations will benefit both countries,”, the two heads of state agreed that the video call was constructive and directed their teams to promptly follow up. it is the hope on China’s side that the U.S. honors its words, acts on the common understandings between the two leaders and fulfills Biden’s political pledges. On both putting China-U.S. relations back on the right track and properly solving the Ukraine crisis, the U.S. should not disappoint China and the world yet again!

The following article has been taken from Chinese-language column “The Real Point.” It reflects the author’s opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.