Epaper – September 27 LHR 2021

Sunday, 27 September, 2021 I 19 Safar, 1443 I Rs 40.00 I Vol XII No 88 I 48 Pages I Karachi Edition

Govt claims sharifs bouGht avenfield flats via money laundered from motorway ISLAMABAD

FC soldier martyred, two injured in terrorist attack in Mach A Frontier Corps soldier was martyred and two others injured after terrorists attacked a check post in the province’s Mach area.

The Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement that terrorists had targeted the check post, adding that FC troops responded promptly.

During the exchange of fire, a soldier — Sepoy Irfan — was martyred while two others were injured, according to the statement.

“Pakistan Army remains committed to defeating such cowardly acts by externally sponsored terrorist elements. Terrorists will not be allowed to sabotage the hard-earned peace in the country,” the ISPR emphasized in the statement.

In a separate incident, Security forces claimed to have killed a commander of the militant Islamic State group in a raid in

Balochistan’s Mastung district on Sunday, a spokesperson for the province’s Counter-Terrorism Department said.

The spokesperson said security forces conducted a raid after receiving information about the terrorist’s presence.

During an operation in a vineyard in the district’s Killi Mehrab area, the IS commander — identified as Mumtaz Ahmed aka Pehelwan — was killed, he added.

The provincial government had announced a bounty of Rs200,000 for Ahmed.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ahmed was suspected to be the mastermind of the deadly suicide blast on an election rally in the district in 2018 in which 128 people were killed and more than 200 injured.

IS had claimed responsibility for the bombing. news desk

MORE INSIDE

PTI destroyed country in three years, asserts Shehbaz

i

Mian abrar

N a new twist to the ongoing war of allegations between the treasury and the opposition, the federal government has blamed the Sharif family for purchasing the Avenfield flats with money laundered out of the Islamabad-Lahore motorway. “[The] timing of the purchase of Avenfield flats is almost the same of construction of the motorway. The Sharif family was purchasing the Avenfield flats in the UK on the same time when the most expensive agreement of the region for construction of a motorway was being signed in the country by the then Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government,” claimed Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry while addressing a news conference.

Speaking alongside Minister for Communications Murad Saeed, Fawad Chaudhry blamed the Sharif family for committing massive corruption in the M-1 project.

“The then PML-N government did massive corruption under the cover of such expensive contracts for constructing the motorway. They did not spend a single penny of the looted money on the masses, rather Sharifs purchased luxury Avenfield flats from laundered money in London,” said the minister, adding that the money spent on such expensive projects by the PML-N government was borrowed from different international financial institutions.

As a result, the minister said, the country had to pay $2 billion in interest to a company that was in agreement with the then government to construct the motorway.

Fawad Chaudhry also mentioned a story published in a leading national daily

on December 4, 2002, claiming that the cost of the Lahore-Islamabad motorway had exceeded to Rs. 60 billion.

“The total income of motorway till 2002 was Rs450 million only,” he said and added that Prime Minister Imran Khan was never against the development of road infrastructure, but the corruption which was committed in the name of such projects.

“There is no concept of development without road infrastructure because communication [linkages] are everything. But if you start building roads to promote your own business as it was in the case of the Sharif family then there would be no development in the country,” he said, adding, “The motorways are remarkable and must be built.”

He reiterated PM Imran Khan’s stance about corruption and said corrupt practices

Pakistan to pursue PTAs with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman: Dawood

STORY ON BACK PAGE

Decision to cancel Pakistan tour ‘out of our hands’: NZ coach

STORY ON BACK PAGE

Disturbing details of Islamabad couple harassment case emerge in police challan STORY ON PAGE 02

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Taliban ask airlines to resume international flights to Afghanistan

IN TODAY S ISSUE

at the local level did not cause major damage to the country, rather it was the ‘systematic’ corruption of a prime minister and his cabinet members which ruined the nation.

Fawad said the same did happen in Pakistan where from 1947 to 2008, the total debt stood at Rs6 trillion, but it were both the Sharif and Zardari families which took it to Rs27 trillion in only 10 years.

The incumbent government had to return $10 billion in the last three years to repay the loans taken by the past governments, he added.

The minister said the country still had to repay a massive amount of debt which was piled up due to the corruption of those two families in all the economic sectors of the country.

DUBAI agencies

Pakistan will pursue individual trade deals with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood said on Sunday, as talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) remain stalled.

The GCC, which includes those three countries plus Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, started free trade talks with Pakistan in 2004. It has not implemented a free trade deal since 2015.

Dawood told Reuters that Pakistan hoped bilateral negotiations for preferential trade deals with the three Gulf Arab states would start in the next 6-12 months.

“We feel it is far better to do individual (deals) at the moment rather

than with the GCC as a bloc,” he said in Dubai. Article continues after this advertisement A preferential trade deal typically gives certain products preferential access such as by reducing or removing tariffs.

Dawood said the negotiations would cover a limited number of goods and would not be as comprehensive as a free trade agreement, though over time the deals if secured, could be expanded.

He did not say which goods Pakistan would seek to include.

The UAE announced this month it would seek broad economic agreements covering trade and investments with eight countries, including India, Britain and Turkey, but not Pakistan.

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02

Monday, 27 September, 2021

KARACHI

NEWS

DiStuRbing DetailS of iSlaMabaD CouPle haRaSSMent CaSe eMeRge in PoliCe Challan

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NeWS DeSK

HE police submitted the case challan against Usman Mirza, who has been accused of sexually harassing, torturing, and filming a young couple in Islamabad’s E-11 at a hearing at an Islamabad sessions court, wherein the challan has revealed disturbing details on the nature of the harassment.

Usman Mirza and accomplice Abrar are prime suspects in the case and will be indicted on September 28.

The suspects filmed inappropriate videos of the couple and then blackmailed them for money. The police have seized weapons and mobile phones through which the videos were recorded.

Asim Ghaffar, a sub-inspector of the Golra police station said he lodged the complaint against the suspects with police after he watched the sexually explicit video on a cellphone.

Sub-Inspector Asim Ghaffar of the Golra

police station lodged a complaint against the accused with the police after watching the objectionable video on a mobile phone.

As per details of the challan, Mirza took Rs600,000 of the money while Umar Bilal extorted the man for Rs150,000. Mohib Bangash received Rs125,000, Rehan Hussain Mughal Rs100,000, and the rest Rs50,000 each.

Usman Mirza was arrested in early July after a video of him assaulting and getting violent against a young couple sparked outrage across Pakistani Twitter, with #ArrestUsmanMirza appearing on the top trends.

According to the couple, Mirza abused and ridiculed them while filming the crime.

The couple’s statements, recorded in front of the judicial magistrate, have been included in the case challan as well.

“The men extorted Rs1.15 million from the complainants,” the investigation officer told the court. Of this, Rs600,000 were taken

by Mirza and the remaining amount was

distributed among other suspects, he added.

At the previous hearing, the court extended the suspects’ judicial remand for 14 days. They are presently behind bars at the Adiala Jail.

Usman Mirza, the co-owner of car business in Islamabad, was arrested when a video surfaced on the internet showing him harassing and torturing a young couple at an apartment in Sector E-11. During raids in the

Swat trembles with 4.3 magnitude earthquake

Mujahid hails Pakistan’s support for Afghanistan before int’l community ISLAMABAD INP

PM to perform KCR groundbreaking today: governor KARACHI TLTP

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Karachi today (Monday) to perform the groundbreaking of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project. Talking to the media persons on Sunday, Imran Ismail said a ceremony will be held at Cantonment Railway Station in this regard. He said that the Rs250 billion mega project will be completed in three years, adding that 16 stations would be built along the 43 kilometres long track. The governor said that Green Line Bus Service will also be operationalised next month and the K-4 water supply project will be completed by the end of 2023. The premier during his day-long visit to the port city will also meet several party leaders and lawmakers. He will be briefed over the ongoing development projects in Sindh, and would also meet with the religious scholars representing different schools of thought. The prime minister will be accompanied by Railways Minister Azam Swati and other federal ministers. All arrangements in this regard have been finalised and the ceremony will be held at a newly constructed guest house of the Cantonment Railway Station. Due to security reasons, platform No 7 and 8 have been closed for the general public while strict security measures have been put in place at the railway station. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) recently approved a summary regarding the construction of infrastructure for the elimination of level crossings for the loop section of Karachi Circular Railway (KCR). The project envisages the construction of flyovers and underpasses along the route of KCR for the elimination of 22-level crossings. The rationalised cost of the project is Rs20.71 billion on a cost-sharing basis. The project will facilitate the free movement of the KCR train. Last month, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, while chairing a meeting to review the latest status of KCR and railways freight corridor projects, said that simultaneous work on PPP components of the KCR would result in months of time saving and completion of the project. So, the railways should expedite consultation with P3A. The meeting was briefed that the project was expected to facilitate 40 percent of the cargo meant to be transported upcountry. Furthermore, the plan has been submitted to the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Authority for approval. Umar gave directives that the corridor must be designed for optimising the outcome, and in addition to the financial cost, the destination time should be reduced as well. The planning minister also directed all the concerned officials to ensure the completion of projects within timelines, as such projects were crucial for the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Karachi.

Acting Deputy Information Minister of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid has said that Pakistan’s support for Afghanistan before the international community is commendable. “Pakistan’s demand to international community to establish better ties with Afghanistan are laudable,” he said in an interview to Pakistan Television on Sunday. Mujahid said that Pakistan was our neighbouring country and Afghanistan was thankful for Pakistan’s stance regarding Afghanistan.

Afghanistan wanted good relations with the international community and desired to expand trade and economic ties, he said added, “We hope that neighbouring countries will continue to extend support to Afghanistan before the international community.”

The Afghan Deputy Information Minister said many countries had raised voice in our favour before the international community and the United States.

Qatar, Uzbekistan and other countries had also adopted a positive stance towards Afghanistan, he said adding six days back China and Russia talked in our favour at the United Nations General Assembly.

The relations of Afghanistan with its neighbours and

next few days, his accomplices were nabbed from different areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Later, investigations revealed that Mirza had not only tortured and filmed the couple but also blackmailed and extorted money from them. He was said to have received millions of rupees from the young man and woman, who are now married.

Days after the arrests, another woman told journalists that she, too, had been harassed and blackmailed by Mirza ‘for quite some time.’

Last month, Islamabad Police DIG Afzal Kausar had told a press conference that they had added new charges in the FIR under at least seven sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. He named the following sections: 375 (rape), 384 (punishment for extortion), 342 (punishment for wrongful confinement), 114 (abettor present when offence is committed), 395 (punishment of dacoity), 496-A (enticing or taking away or detaining with criminal intent a woman), 377-B (sexual abuse).

the international community were important, he noted.

Mujahid said war had ended in Panjshir and “we do not desire war with anybody”.

Time had come that the Afghan nation should work for progress and prosperity of Afghanistan, he added.

After peace in Afghanistan our priority was to expand trade with other countries, he told.

He warned that if any group would attack Afghanistan or fight with the government, action would be taken. The Afghan Deputy Information Minister said Afghanistan would be further connected by road to Peshawar and different cities of Pakistan. To a question, he said the desecration of Pakistani flag at the Afghan border was an unfortunate incident.

The minister assured that action would be taken against anybody who would damage relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

To a question, he said if an invitation was extended to Afghan leadership for a visit to Pakistan, it would be considered.

Zabihullah said the Afghan government condemned the human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir.

The Afghan government would continue to provide diplomatic and political support to oppressed Muslims in different parts of the world, he concluded.

SWAT INP

An earthquake with an intensity of 4.3 on the Richter Scale on Sunday hit the lands across Swat and its adjoining parts, National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) said. There have not been any reports of losses, monetary of life, in the course of the quake that originated from the border region of Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The Richter Scale magnitude recorded the quake at 4.3 level and its depth into the ground to be 170 kilometers according to the NSMC measures. Earlier this month, an earthquake of 4.3 magnitude on the Richter Scale struck Swat region and adjoining areas, National Seismic Monitoring Centre confirmed on Sep 12. The moderate intensity tremors in the morning jolted Swat district and the outskirts, according to reports. The reported depth of the quake, as NSMC says, was 150 kilometres while its originating center was Hindu Kash mountain range in Afghanistan. No casualty has been reported so far from the tremors.

Coronavirus travel bans boost domestic tourism ISLAMABAD/KARACHI ANAdoLu AgeNcy

Worldwide coronavirus travel bans, exploration of new tourist destinations and infrastructure development have boosted domestic tourism, with millions of local visitors thronging to the scenic north and northwest this summer.

A record of more than 5.5 million tourists, mainly local, visited the majestic mountains, lush-green plateaus and picturesque valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan despite the coronavirus pandemic during this tourist season In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, nearly 4 million tourists visited the famous tourist destinations of Swat, Chitral, Nathiagali Abbottabad, Kaghan and Naran in Mansehra from May to September, according to Latifur Rehman Khan, a spokesman for the provincial tourism department.

Beautiful Swat valley, also known as the Switzerland of Pakistan, remained the favourite site visited by more than 1.5 million people this year.

Khan told Anadolu Agency a significant increase in domestic tourism is the outcome of infrastructure development at tourist sites, with several projects underway to provide facilities to international standards for tourists.

More than 1.5 million tourists, mainly local, have visited Gilgit-Baltistan during the summer season, which is 30 percent higher than the previous year’s figures, said Raja Nasir Khan, the region’s Minister for Tourism.

“Our tourist season is still ongoing. The autumn and winter seasons are ahead, and we hope the number of tourists by the end of this year will be double than the yesteryear,” Khan told Anadolu Agency.

Boom in aviation industry: Tens of thousands of affluent people, who otherwise would travel to Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and other worldwide destinations to spend holidays, are another addition to the growing number of domestic tourists.

Yahya Polani, President of All Pakistan Travel Agencies Association, confirmed that international travel, including for tourism purposes, has come to a grinding halt since the coronavirus pandemic hit the

globe.

But local air travel has picked up this year, particularly during the tourist season, giving a sigh of relief to the otherwise dying local aviation industry, Polani told Anadolu Agency.

“There has been an extraordinary increase in local air travel this year due to rising domestic tourism. All the companies, which used to offer international tourism packages, are now taking their clients to Gilgit, Skardu, Swat Chitral and other destinations in big numbers,” he said.

“Credit goes to the prime minister [Imran Khan] who has personally focused on tourism promotion,” said Polani, adding the boom in domestic tourism has saved thousands of jobs in the aviation industry.

To cope with the growing number of tourists, Pakistan International Airlines, for the first time, recently launched direct flights from different cities, including Karachi to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Panoramic Pakistan: Pakistan, undoubtedly, is one of a handful of countries that offer a unique blend of history and biodiversity to eco-lovers.

From the snow-capped peaks in the north and glistening waters in the south, together with limitless opportunities to watch wildlife, sail in the mighty Indus river, and deep-sea diving in the Arabian Sea, it has much more to attract eco-lovers.

The northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, which borders China, is home to the six peaks of more than 8,000meter (26,250-foot) altitude, including the world’s second tallest peak K-2.

In addition, the region has more than 5,000 large and small glaciers and over 100 lakes, which jointly make up the world’s largest freshwater reservoir.

Also, eco-lovers can witness the endangered snow leopard and brown bear, in addition to 300 species of wildlife in the breathtaking region.

One can sail the Indus to witness blind dolphins — also known as Indus dolphins Toward the mountains such as in Khunjerab National Park in Gilgit-Baltistan, there are guaranteed sightings of the Himalayan Ibex and if one travels to northwestern Chitral near the Afghanistan border, then

markhor — Pakistan’s national animal.

There are opportunities to watch wildlife, marine turtles nesting near Karachi together with very approachable Kirthar and Hingol National Parks in southern Sindh and southwestern Balochistan provinces, offering a mix of history and biodiversity.

Newly discovered Kumrat, a breathtaking valley that sits near the Afghanistan border has become a favourite spot for tourists because of its glistening blue lakes and lush-green plateau in recent years.

“I have visited many countries across the world but believe me the natural beauty I have seen here [in Kumrat] is unique and amazing,” Sadiq Khan, a Dubaibased Pakistan national, told Anadolu Agency.

“I had heard about the beauty of this valley and wished to visit here. Finally, I am here,” he said, smiling.

A 50 kilometres (31 miles) road that leads to the Kumrat valley from Dir district requires major repairs and reconstruction. It is muddy and bumpy.

“This tourist spot can change the locals’ lives and economy if a new road is built together with some other infrastructure development,” said Dr. Fahim Shakir, who works at a government hospital in Dir. Bilal Athar, a Karachi-based businessman, who used to spend holidays abroad before the pandemic, has nothing but praise for the spectacular Neelam valley of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

“I had never been there before. It’s beautiful beyond my expectations,” Athar told Anadolu Agency. Along with friends, he visited the valley for the first time in August.

“I know we are not the only ones who have explored Pakistan’s own beauty for the first time.

Thousands of others have done this during the past two years,” he said.

“My message to those who travel abroad to spend holidays is [that] forget about abroad, Pakistan is simply magnificent in terms of tourism.” religious tourism: Pakistan is just 70 years old, but it is situated in a region that has been home to the world’s three major religions — Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism — for centuries.

Monday, 27 September, 2021

KARACHI

MAstErMind of dEAdly 2018 ElEction rAlly blAst killEd KARACHI

s

AnAdolu Agency

ECURITY forces on Sunday killed the mastermind of a 2018 election meeting bombing that killed over 150 people, including former Balochistan chief minister Aslam Raisani’s brother and Balochistan Awami Party leader Siraj Raisani, and injured hundreds in Mastung district of Balochistan.

Mumtaz, alias Mota Pehalwan, was killed in a security operation in the Mastung district, located 50 kilometres (31miles), miles from Quetta, Deputy Commissioner Ilyas Kubzai told reporters. 154 people were killed and more than 200 injured on July 13, 2018, in a suicide blast targeting the election rally of a local politician in Mastung.

The ISIS terror group had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Raisani became the second electoral

Mushaal praises PM for raising kashmir cause at world level ISLAMABAD APP

Chairperson of Peace and Culture Organization Mushaal Hussein Mullick has praised Prime Minister Imran Khan for raising the Kashmir cause at the global stage vociferously and powerfully. Mushaal, said that Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi raised the issue at the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) effectively. However, she stressed the need that the world should also support the Kashmir freedom struggle and take tangible solution to rid Kashmir of the worst enslavement of Indian fascist government.

Speaking at a function, she said that the role of the youth in Kashmir freedom movement is of a paramount importance; hence the Pakistani youth have to come forward to turn the table onto the Hindutva regime, unleashing a reign of terror in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK). “I had been in the Jammu and Kashmir and know what kind of atrocities the Kashmiri people are enduring,” she maintained.

Mushaal added that Pakistani youth are the voice of Kashmiri people and the role of young people play a key role in the success of any movement. The chairperson said that the issue of Afghanistan has been resolved and now the world’s attention is focused on Kashmir. “We have to believe that Kashmir can be free and we have to believe from the heart that the green crescent flag will fly in Kashmir soon, as only we can materialize the cherished dream,” she added. Mushaal said, “You have an example of how the world’s superpower was defeated by constant struggle in your neighborhood, so the day is not far away when Kashmir will break the fetters of Indian slavery.” She expressed apprehension that in the wake of August 5’s notorious step

by Indian government, Hindus are being resettled in Kashmir in massive number under a malicious plan as if India is planning to hold a referendum afterwards, which would be disastrous. Therefore, she demanded that Pakistan should speed up its efforts to convince the world powers to ensure resolution of Kashmir dispute as per the UN agreed formula and aspiration of Kashmiri people at the earliest in order to foil the Indian nefarious designs.

candidate to be killed in pre-election violence in 2018.

A week before the Mastung attack, a suicide bomber blew himself up at a rally by an anti-Taliban political party in Peshawar, killing 20 people — including Haroon Bilour who was hoping to win a provincial assembly seat.

The proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack.

Over the course of the last decade,

Balochistan, and especially Quetta, has faced a deadly wave of violence and bombings.

Aside from its rich mineral deposits, the province is also a key route of the $64 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which aims to connect China’s strategically important northwestern Xinxiang province to Gwadar port through a network of roads, railways, and pipelines to transport cargo, oil, and gas.

Qureshi concludes week-long UNGA session ISLAMABAD APP

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi concluded Sunday the week-long visit to the United States where he attended the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The foreign minister attended the opening session of the event and addressed the Council on Foreign Relations on September 21 in which he spoke about the Pakistan-US relationship as well as the situation in Afghanistan.

On September 21, the foreign minister attended the D8 Council of Ministers Meetings. He had an extensive media interaction and addressed the Pakistani-American community in New York, a Foreign Office press statement said. During his visit, the foreign minister met High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell Fontelles.

The two had an in-depth discussion on Pakistan-EU relations, including the strategic partnership.

Afghanistan-related cooperation and the way forward were also discussed.

Qureshi also addressed a virtual forum titled “How changing water availability from ice and snow will impact our societies”.

He also held a meeting with US

QURESHI REACHES LONDON ON THREE-DAY VISIT ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Sunday arrived in London on a three-day visit to the United Kingdom. On arrival at the Heathrow Airport, Pakistan’s high commissioner to the UK, Moazzam Ahmad Khan, his deputy, Faisal Aziz, and other senior officials of the mission welcomed the foreign minister. During his visit, Qureshi will meet the chairman of the British Foreign Affairs Committee and members of the Parliament. He will also hold a meeting with his UK counterpart, Elizabeth Truss who has assumed office on September 15, replacing Dominic Raab. The meeting will focus on bilateral relations, bilateral cooperation in multilateral fields and important regional and global issues. Qureshi will also interact with the members of the Pakistan community. He would also address the media in London and brief them about Pakistan’s views on bilateral ties between the two nations, important regional and global issues. The visit to the United Kingdom is a testament to the strengthening of high-level contacts between the two countries, a Foreign Office statement said. APP

Secretary of State Antony Blinken. A wide-ranging discussion was held covering bilateral relations and the situation in Afghanistan. Blinken expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s assistance in the evacuation flights.

The same day, the foreign minister chaired a meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Kashmir. It was the only contact group meeting held on the sidelines of the session.

It brought together foreign ministers of member states who expressed concern at the human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir. On September 23, Qureshi attended and spoke at the “Uniting for Consensus” ministerial meeting.

He also had a dinner interaction with leading Pakistan-American investors and entrepreneurs.

Other engagements included meetings with US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, International Committee of the Red Cross President Peter Maurer, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid.

During these interactions, the foreign minister, inter Alia, highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to avert a humanitarian tragedy in Afghanistan.

NEWS

03

Eight terrorists arrested in separate intelligence-based operations in Punjab ISLAMABAD StAff rePort

Eight terrorists were arrested late Saturday in separate intelligence-based operations in Punjab, the Counter-Terrorism Department said. According to the CTD, its personnel conducted an operation by acting on an intelligence tip-off regarding the presence of terrorists in a neighbourhood of Lahore. Four terrorists belonging to a proscribed outfit were arrested during the operation in Lahore, said the CTD, adding the accused have been shifted to an undisclosed location to be interrogated. Separately, the CTD and the Intelligence Bureau carried out a joint operation in Sheikhupura and apprehended two terrorists.

The arrested persons were involved in terror activities in the district. Moreover, two militants of a proscribed outfit were nabbed in two separate raids at their hideouts in Gujranwala and Hafizabad. According to the police, the arrested men were collecting donations to finance terror activities in the districts.

Afghanistan welcomes Pakistan’s fruit tax exemption KABUL StAff rePort

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Taliban caretaker government on Sunday welcomed Pakistan’s decision on exempting Afghan traders from paying sales tax on fresh fruit, spokesman of the ministry said Sunday. “As a result of efforts by MoFA of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and through negotiations and agreement aimed at resolving issues of fresh fruit export, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has exempted previously levied 17 percent sales tax on fresh fruit exports from Afghanistan effective Sept. 24, 2021,” spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said in a statement. He said land-locked Afghanistan has welcomed “this decision and calls for increased trade and transit, and further facilitation between the two countries.” Afghan traders also welcomed the measure, describing Pakistan as a good market for Afghan fruit, calling upon the government to facilitate the export of their fruit to the neighbouring country.

Shehryar Afridi asks Amnesty International to expose Indian war crimes in IOK ISLAMABAD MiAn AbrAr

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Shehryar Afridi has presented a dossier to Amnesty International on human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and urged the organisation to raise its voice, as well as ask the United Nations and other humanitarian organisations to save the suffering Kashmiris from Indian genocide.

Afridi, who met Amnesty International Senior Advocate Lawrence Moss at the United Nations on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General in New York and briefed

him on the worsening human rights violations in the Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. During the 90-minute meeting, Afridi detailed how the occupational regime of the Indians in Jammu and Kashmir was involved in war crimes and crimes against humanity. He also briefed Moss on the muzzling of civil society voices in India, including its refusal to allow Amnesty International and other independent observers to operate in the country particularly in IIOJK, was a matter of deep concern.

“I underlined that India has imposed an ‘iron curtain’ on IIOJK since 05 Aug 2019 and was relentlessly pursuing its nefarious design to introduce demographic changes in the occupied territory,” he said.

He said he had invited Amnesty International to have a more in-depth and detailed interaction with members of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir in the future.

“As the chairman of the Parliamentary Special Committee on Kashmir, I have come to take part in the ongoing General Assembly session for a very special purpose. My mission here is to sensitize the international community, as well as the civil society, on the grave and systematic human rights violations taking place in IIOJK,” Afridi said. “Since 05 August 2019, there is a wall of secrecy, a military siege, and communication blockade imposed on IIOJK. Behind this iron curtain, crimes against humanity are being committed in IIOJK, not just human rights violations.

Precautionary measures against dengue stressed as cases rise across the country LAHORE StAff rePort

The health authorities are facing the return of a difficult challenge as Pakistan witnesses a considerable uptick in the number of cases being reported.

An upsurge of dengue hemorrhagic fever cases has been reported in the federal capital territory as 32 new cases of the disease surfaced in last 24 hours on Sunday.

According to sources, 17 cases of dengue viral fever reported in rural area and 15 cases in urban areas of the federal capital.

“In the ongoing season 177 dengue fever cases have been reported in Islamabad so far, sources said. “In rural areas 123 and in urban areas of Islamabad 54 dengue virus cases have been reported”, sources said.

Moreover, most patients of the dengue hemorrhagic fever cases have been admitted at hospitals in Rawalpindi.

Dengue virus has claimed two lives during this season in Islamabad, according to the sources. “Both patients succumbed by the disease in this season were residents of Ghouri Town Phase-IV in Islamabad,” sources said. According to INP, delay in fumigation by the administration was resulted in upsurge in dengue patients this season.

Furthermore, 90 cases of dengue virus have been reported across Punjab over the past 24 hours, said the provincial health department, adding that 81 of these cases were reported in Lahore alone.

The total tally of dengue virus cases this year have surged to 1,082 whereas 905 cases in total have been reported from Lahore this year.

Meanwhile, A total of 10 dengue patients are under treatment in Hayat Medical Complex said the spokesman on Sunday.

He said in the last 24 hours two new cases were admitted and same numbers dengue patients were discharged.

All dengue patients are being treated in the medical ward of the hospital as per protocol and for whom all arrangements have been made accordingly to deal with the emergency situation as well, he added.

A day earlier, Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch urged the people to adopt precautionary measures against dengue.

In a statement on Saturday, he appealed to the people to take special care of cleanliness and no garbage should be thrown in open places, adding that people should be

more responsible in preventing dengue during monsoon and rainwater should not be accumulated in residential areas.

He appealed to all the religious scholars to inform the worshipers coming to the mosques about the prevention of dengue.

“Be a responsible citizen by keeping your surroundings neat and clean” he said. He maintained that the public was requested to extend full cooperation to the Health department teams if they come to your home or business centers for the checking of dengue larvae, as dengue could be fatal and was a very dangerous fever which could cause death.

During last 24 hours, 73 dengue patients were reported from Punjab and 60 patients were reported from Lahore, 11 from Rawalpindi whereas 1 patient each from

Multan and Narowal.

During this year total 992 confirmed cases of dengue had been reported from Punjab and out of all confirmed patients, 824 patients had been reported from Lahore. At present a total of 66 patients were admitted across Punjab out of which 48 dengue patients were admitted in the hospitals of Lahore while 17 patients were admitted in hospitals of Rawalpindi.

On Saturday, 353,737 indoor and 81,409 outdoor locations were checked across Punjab, while larvae were destroyed from 140 locations. In Lahore 6,007 indoor and 3,441 outdoor places were checked for dengue larvae and 69 positive containers were destroyed. People have demanded the government take adequate measures to stem the disease from spreading further.

Monday, 27 September, 2021

04 NEWS

KARACHI

PSX mAy SnAP two-week loSinG StreAk thiS week KARACHI

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TLTP

HE Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) is likely to snap its twoweek losing streak this week despite negative sentiment, as there is no major unprecedented problem on the economic side and companies’ fundamentals are strong.

The imminent pressure that the market will face this week is proposed 37 percent hike in gas tariff, expected increase in electricity price, surging crude prices, and inflationary figures.

However, weekly inflationary figures showed a slight improvement last week and possible resumption of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme next month could provide a

breather.

According to market experts, shares’ prices have suffered more as compared to the drop in the index level. They said that the index is in an oversold position and shares of some major companies are available at very attractive prices. They view the situation as buying-time.

They cite the examples of oil, fertilizer and cement sectors, which have been hit hard in recent weeks and some blue chips stocks are trading at almost a 52-week low level. Market closure above 45,600 points may act as a jumping pad for the market to break the 46,000 level.

The cement sector is facing pressure due to an increase in coal prices and cement prices may witness an increase in the coming days. However, a major drop in share prices

Gold likely to stay in bears’ grip

of major cement companies is not in accordance with the coal factor and this sector may bounce back. On the other hand, all major global markets are on the high side.

October is a month of result season and it is expected that results will be good, keeping the past results in view, which will help improve investors’ sentiment.

The situation of Covid-19 in the country is improving and the numbers about new infections, deaths and active cases have been dropping constantly. World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Head, Dr Palitha Mahipala praised Pakistan for its wonderful efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus, and running an efficient vaccination drive, covering all corners of the country.

Though rupee depreciation caused panic selling, overall there is not as much chaos as

being propagated by some influential market players. Though the last four months have witnessed continuous depreciation, the rupee is still trading at almost the same level where it had been 13 months ago. According to the majority of experts, PKR is set to move in a range between 169 and 172 against the USD till resumption of the IMF programme. They think that the IMF programme resumption will ease pressure on PKR and it will hopefully appreciate to some extent against the USD. Again the European Union (EU) has extended GSP Plus status of Pakistan with six new conventions, the Asian Development Bank predicted Pakistan’s economy will grow at 4 percent in FY22 and issuance of new international Sukuk in October are likely to be welcomed by investors.

On the Afghanistan front, which re-

Bitcoin rises to $43,180 as cryptos’ cap hits $2tn again

PKR falls by 0.52pc against USD on weekly basis

NEWS DESK The cryptocurrency market remained positive for the second straight day on Sunday, with the market cap gaining 1.4 percent to reach $2 trillion mark again as of 1330 hours GMT. The price of bitcoin (BTC), the largest cryptocurrency, gained 1.20 percent to reach $43,180. With this increase in price, the market capitalisation of the biggest cryptocurrency has reached $812.9 billion.

Likewise, ether (ETH) price went up by 2.05 percent to reach $2,988. With this increase in price, the market capitalisation of ETH has reached $350.6 billion. Similarly, XRP price gained 0.17 percent to reach $0.945. The market capitalisation of XRP stands at $94.4 billion after this increase. However, cardano (ADA) price faced selling pressure and shed 5.01 percent to reach $2.26. Its market capitalisation has reached $73.2 billion after this decrease. In the same way dogecoin (Doge) price shed 1.68 percent to reach $0.205. With this decrease in price, the market capitalisation of doge has fallen to $26.9 billion.

ISLAMABAD TLTP

After closing the third week in a row on a negative trajectory by shedding 0.21 percent on a week-on-week basis to reach $1,751.20 per ounce against the preceding week closure at $1,754.80, gold’s near-term outlook seems to be bearish again.

Overall, the gold price has shed around 5 percent during the last three weeks and there is a clear bearish shift in gold’s outlook.

From a technical point of view, the average price on the one-week view declined to $1,728 from $1,750 previously, with the majority of experts expecting gold to push lower in the coming week.

Meanwhile, the price of gold increased by 0.31 percent in Pakistan during the last week.

The price of 10 grams of yellow metal in Pakistan was Rs94,800 at the opening of the last week and it increased to Rs95,100 to close the week. The appreciation in gold price in the local market was due to depreciation of the local currency, which depreciated by 0.52 percent against the US dollar during the week, with the dollar opening at Rs168.19 on Monday last and closing at Rs169.08 on Friday last.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator on the daily chart stays near 40, suggesting that the bearish bias remains intact. On the downside, static support seems to have formed at $1,740 ahead of $1,730 and $1,720. On the other hand, a daily close above $1,770 could attract buyers and gold could target $1,790 (20-day SMA, 50, day SMA) before $1,800 (psychological level) and $1,805 (200-day SMA).

During the law week, gold staged a rebound and closed in the positive territory on Monday and Tuesday. However, gold lost its traction as the greenback gathered strength and rising US Treasury bond yields caused the bearish pressure to increase in the second half of the week. Gold slumped to a multiweek low of $1,7137 on Thursday before staging a technical rebound and closing near $1,751.20 on Friday.

During this week, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis will publish the final estimate of the second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth alongside the US Department of Labour’s weekly Initial Jobless Claims report on Thursday.

The Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, the Fed’s preferred gauge of inflation, will be looked upon for fresh impetus on Friday ahead of the ISM Manufacturing PMI and the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index data.

Meanwhile, investors will keep a close eye on the US T-bond yields’ movements and the general risk sentiment. More than 1.5 percent yield for the 10-year US T-bond yield could pave the way for another leg lower in gold prices. It is pertinent to mention that TLTP Research Wing predicted on September 19 that gold’s near-term technical outlook seems to be bearish and it is likely to extend bearish mood.

NEWS DESK

on the initiatives taken by the central bank to support the balance of payments position. They said that several factors impacted the rupee value during this period, which included widening of the trade deficit, current account deficit, Afghanistan uncertainty and others.

The major factors, which deteriorated the rupee value, can be attributed to Afghanistan’s political uncertainty. Following the takeover by the Taliban, the foreign currency account of Afghanistan in the US was seized, which created a liquidity issue for the neighbouring country for import payments. The other major issue is the widening of the current account deficit. The current account deficit was recorded at $2.29 billion during the first two months (July-August) 2021, compared to a surplus of $838 million in the same months of the last fiscal year. The widening of the current account deficit may be attributed to large trade deficits and slower pace of inflows in the shape of export receipts and workers’ remittances.

After the rupee hit an all-time low of Rs169.12 on September 15, 2021, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reportedly intervened to support the local currency. However, the intervention was not sufficient to support the rupee. To support the balance of payments position, the central bank on September 23, 2021 took a major decision to ban bank financing for imported vehicles.

Further, the State Bank also restricts the bank loans in terms of money and time frame for the locally-assembled motor vehicles.

Pakistan rupee continued its losing streak against the US dollar in the interbank and shed Rs0.89 (-0.52 percent) during the last week, mainly due to high import bill and volatile situation in neighbouring Afghanistan.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the US dollar opened at Rs168.19 on Monday last in the interbank and closed at Rs169.08 on Friday, the last working day of the week.

The Pakistani rupee shed Rs0.89 during the last five days against the US dollar, while depreciation during the fiscal year 2021-22 has been Rs11.66. The local unit has shed Rs8.81 against the US dollar in the current year 2021. The local currency has maintained a downtrend after it touched 22-month high of Rs152.27 in May 2021, losing a cumulative Rs16.77 in the past four months to date.

During the last week, the rupee weakened by 53 paisas (-0.31 percent) against the US dollar on Monday and closed at Rs168.72. However, the local unit recovered on Tuesday and gained 20 paisas (+0.12 percent). However, the next three sessions proved tough for the rupee and it weakened by 16 paisas (-0.09 percent), 35 paisas (-0.21 percent) and five paisas (-0.03 percent) on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, respectively. However, the rupee remained above its all-time low level against the greenback of Rs169.12 witnessed on September 15, 2021. Within the open market, the rupee was traded at Rs169/170.50 per dollar during the week.

According to experts, the rupee-dollar parity will depend

mained and has been one of important factors for PSX volatility, the United States has taken steps to pave the way for aid to flow into the economically paralysed nation. The US Treasury Department on Friday said it issued two general licences, one allowing the US government, NGOs and certain international organisations, including the United Nations, to engage in transactions with the Taliban or Haqqani Network that are necessary to provide humanitarian assistance. The second licence authorises certain transactions related to the export and re-export of food, medicine and other items. These US steps will ease some pressure on PKR and also benefit PSX in the shape of improved sentiment.

The last week remained the worst performing week of the financial year 2021-22, with all five sessions closing in the red, and the benchmark KSE-100 Index shed 1,563 points (-3.4 percent) to settle at 45,073.52.

Foreign buying remained $6.7 million against a net sell of $10.9 million recorded in the preceding week. On the domestic front, major selling was reported by individuals ($7.5 million) and companies ($3.5 million). The KSE-100 Index is currently trading at a PER of 5.3x (2021) compared to Asia-Pacific regional average of 14.4x while offering a dividend yield of 8.1 percent versus 2.3 percent offered by the region.

Food spending in Asia to double by 2030: report NEWS DESK Asian states are on course to double their spending on food by 2030 to some $8 trillion, with over $1.5 trillion of investment needed to keep up with the demand, according to a new report. According to joint findings of investment firms PwC, Rabobank and Temasek, much of the spending increase will come from the fast population growth in the region, expected to reach 4.5 billion people by 2030. Changing consumer habits is another factor contributing to increased demand, with people in the region increasingly turning toward healthy food. “Folks want healthier food, they want safer food, they want to buy online, they want food that is sustainable,” Anuj Maheshwari, managing director of agribusiness at Temasek, told CNBC. All this will inevitably lead to Asia becoming the world’s largest food and beverage market in less than a decade, the report states.

According to the findings, India and Southeast Asia will boost spending the most, however, China will retain its position as the largest market overall.

World urged to play role to rebuild Afghanistan NEWS DESK Pakistan has offered 100 scholarships to Afghan students, besides dispatching Rs100 million relief goods to Afghanistan.

Iftikhar Ali Malik, president of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation-Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC-CCI) disclosed this while talking to a delegation of donors and philanthropists, said a press statement issued on Sunday. Malik said the people of Afghanistan are currently confronting great ordeals in terms of absence of health cover and non-availability of food. He said it is the moral obligation of the entire world, especially

the West and the United States, to play their key role in rebuilding Afghanistan and rehabilitation of its people.

He said durable peace in Afghanistan would benefit not only Pakistan and the region but also the whole world, adding that strengthening the economy and providing basic amenities to the people of Afghanistan would serve the purpose of restoration of peace and tranquility.

Malik said, “We are proud that Pakistan ranked top of the list of major donors worldwide.” He mentioned that Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar is taking keen interest for mobilising and encouraging the donors and philanthropists to help the people of Afghanistan.

He said that various welfare and industrial organiza-

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tions including Pak-Afghan Brotherhood, Sarwar Foundation, University of Lahore (UoL), Qarshi Foundation, Ghani Group, Vital Group, Guard Group of Industries and Anjuman-e-Arain Pakistan are extending support and to the Afghan brethren. He added the University of Health Sciences (UHS) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Javed Akram had also started training Afghan doctors in telemedicine and other medical fields.

A high-level team of SAARC Chamber would also visit Afghanistan chapter of SAARC-CCI to express solidarity with them and extend whole hearted cooperation to increase volume of bilateral trade between the brotherly Muslim states.

Monday, 27 September, 2021

KARACHI

NEWS

RS10 BilliON PROjEcTS PROPOSED FOR BEAUTiFicATiON OF TRiBAl AREAS

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pesHaWar

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aZIZ BUNerI

HE Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government had set up four special committees to identify projects for the beautification of tribal districts and the establishment of markets.

The Planning and Development (P&D) department sources said that KP government will implement the projects in seven tribal districts and six tribal sub-divisions.

A total of Rs7.274 billion has been proposed for all the tribal districts. Rs1.9 billion has been allocated for Khyber district, Rs738 million for Mohmand district, Rs972 million for Kurram district, Rs725 million for Orakzai district and Rs1.59 billion for Bajaur district, Rs1.68 billion has been proposed North Waziristan and Rs555 million for South Waziristan.

Similarly, Rs250 million will be spent on the beautification ofJandola, Rs200 million for Dara Adamkhel, Rs1.60 billion on sub-divisions in Waziristan, Rs252 million for Bathani and Rs250 million for Hassan Khel and projects worth Rs268 million were proposed for Drazanda. A total of Rs10.955 billion has been proposed for all the sub-divisions.

Govt claims Sharifs bought Avenfield flats via money laundered from motorway

Traders call off protest over new tax laws after agreement with FBR

continued from page 01 The two families laundered the money which they had looted from the national exchequer; he said citing the example of Shehbaz Sharif who used bank accounts of his lower staff to stash Rs25 billion dirty money abroad. The present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan was striving hard to root out such mafias that had been weakening the country. About the corruption cases of the Sharif family, he said the government was pursuing them vigorously to take them to the logical conclusion. He came down hard over Shehbaz Sharif for criticizing the government on inflation and said it was him and his family who were the reason behind all the economic woes in the country. The minister said when the country borrowed money for debt retirement, it eventually resulted in inflation, a weak economy, expensive rates of utilities like electricity and gas. Responding to a query, Fawad said contracts worth Rs one trillion for road projects were made during different tenures of the PML-N government.

continued from page 01 Saudi, Emirati and Omani officials could not be immediately reached for comment on the PM’s adviser’s remarks. Dawood is in Dubai to assess preparations for Pakistan’s participation at the six month Expo world fair being held there from next month. He said Pakistan would highlight safety and diversity at Expo, which he hoped would lead to an increase in tourists and investments in the South Asian nation. This month, New Zealand’s cricket team pulled out of an upcoming tour of Pakistan over security concerns. “We were not expecting something like this to happen and that is the type of perception that we have to overcome,” Dawood said.

CITy NOTes M a NIaZI

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’M surprised at England’s decision not to come to Pakistan. It was only to be expected after New Zealand decided to abandon its tour, but nobody seems willing to own the ECB decision. British PM Boris Johnson said his government had not issued a threat warning, and the British High Commissioner to Islamabad, Christian Turner, said it wasn’t him either. Even the Players’ Association, said it hadn’t been asked (even though the ECB said that it had been consulted).

I wouldn’t be surprised if the ECB turned around and said that it hadn’t cancelled the tour atfer all. But then, the ECB’s security consulting firm is the same as Cricket New Zealand uses. They are carefully keeping quiet, and are probably saying

faisalabad Press reLease

The Bank of Punjab (BOP) and University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) have entered into a collaboration, where the parties shall work together for the betterment of fresh Agri graduates and entrepreneurs associated with the university. Under this arrangement, fresh graduates will be accepted for internship and Jobs. Further, farmers and graduates associated with the university will also be eligible for financing under BOP’s own product range as well as under govt.’s subsidized schemes i.e., Prime Minister Kamyab Jawan & Punjab Rozgar. These farmers and graduates will be encouraged to avail financing facilities to update their Agri-infrastructure and move towards more modern farming techniques. University shall now also promote BOP’s agri products through expos arranged by them. BOP shall also conduct informative sessions for UAF faculty and students regarding financing facilities offered by the Bank. The Bank of Punjab may also participate as a sponsor in upcoming startup competitions arranged by University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. This inclusiveness will empower farmers and graduates through better economic outcome and provide them sufficient cash flows to meet their day to day agribusiness expenses. The signing ceremony held at University of Agriculture Faisalabad was attended by Group Head Retail & Priority Sectors Lending Asif Riaz, Group Head People and Organizational Excellence Group Alia Zafar, Head Agri Credit Division Sarfraz Hussain, while University of Agriculture Faisalabad was represented by Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmed Khan, Pro ViceChancellor Professor Dr Anas Sarwar Qureshi, Director ORIC Professor Dr Zahir Ahmad Zahir & deans of the university.

UNFPA warns of 'imminent' famine in Afghanistan islamabad sTaFF rePOrT

Pakistan to pursue PTAs with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman: Dawood

BOP & Faisalabad University of Agriculture join hands

The Markazi Tanzeem Tajiran Pakistan (MTTP) on Sunday cancelled its against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) scheduled for September 27 after reaching an agreement over the recently promulgated tax amendment ordinance.

As per the details, a delegation of elected leadership of small traders led by Markazi Tanzeem Tajiran Central President Kashif Chaudhry had been in contact with FBR for the last few days.

The confusions of small traders, especially with reference to Tax Laws (Third Amendment) Ordinance-2021 were addressed after which the final meeting took place at FBR HQs where both FBR and elected leadership of Markazi Tanzeem Tajiran, accom-

panied by elected leaders from across Pakistan successfully concluded discussions wherein all misunderstandings were clarified.

The decisions agreed were formally announced by Qaisar Iqbal, Member (IR Operations) FBR and the central leadership of traders in a joint press conference.

Member (IR Operations) informed the media that all misunderstandings on the Tax Laws (Third Amendment) Ordinance were removed. He thanked the elected leadership of the traders’ community for their understanding and cooperation and also assured them that all issues regarding tax laws and any other confusion shall be clarified by mutual discussions, leaving no space for unfounded propaganda or misinformation spread by irresponsible elements on social media.

He further said that POS did

not pertain to small traders and also that the general public is being misled by vested groups leading to believe that their electricity and gas connections will be disconnected and their mobile phones disabled. He clarified that only those persons who are not appearing on ATL will face this treatment.

He further explained that this provision had been introduced for bringing non tax paying “professionals” in the tax net.

He also added that this provision will not affect commercial consumers of electricity.

All trade leaders unanimously announced that they will keep playing their role and cooperate with FBR on vital issues related to tax compliance so that the national economy gets strengthened and our beloved country becomes economically self-reliant.

KABUL: Afghanistan is at risk of "imminent hunger" with winter approaching and services disrupted by the return to power of the Taliban. Natalia Kanem, director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said via video that the situation in the country was dire, , AFP reported. "It would not be an exaggeration to say" that at least a third of Afghanistan's population of around 33 million is affected by "imminent hunger," Kanem warned. Harsh winters, disrupting the ability to transport supplies to isolated areas of the mountainous country, plus the coronavirus pandemic will aggravate an already complicated situation, she added. "There is a lot of anxiety over how we're going to deliver health care, where the next meal is going to come from," Kanem told AFP from the UNFPA headquarters in New York. The doctor from Panama warned that women and girls would bear the worst of it. "It is urgent, for women and girls in particular who were already suffering. This is one of the countries with the highest death during childbirth and pregnancy rates.

We cannot underscore enough that even during a transitional period, women and girls have human rights and these are to be respected," she said. Kanem repeated calls made by the international community to the Taliban, who swept to power last month as the United States withdrew its last troops, ending Washington's 20-year war there. TLTP

STAyiNG AwAy FROm PAkiSTAN that since NewZealand oiled out, England should do the same.

JUst wait though. Australia will have to decide too.That’s when Fawad Chaudhry will probably be proved true. His reaction to the English decision was that it was the price of saying, “No more.” Imran Khan said it, when the USA wanted us to do more, it seems, and we didn’t.

The information of the terrorist threat is supposed to have come from a New Zealander’s wife,who got an email from someone who said he was planning to attack her husband.

Of course, the mail came too late to be included in the dossier that is doing the rounds of world capitals, but then our agencies got proof that the mail had actually

been sent from Mumbai.

Then there’s the report that says that the person supposed to have sent the mail was actually some musician and Tiktokker.

Mmmm… Sounds as if Arnab Goswami, the veteran telejournlist who got caught with his pants down, is getting his revenge.

Remember, he’s the guy who said that there were Pakistani Army officers on the fifth floor of the Serena in Kabul. Only the Serena there doesn’t have a fifth floor. He was obviously told so by highly reliable sources. Well, those highly unreliable sources fooled our own highly unreliable sources with a Tiktokker.

Of course, someone might remind Fawad Chaudhry that when one refuses to ‘do more’, then cricket tours aren’t can-

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celled; people are made horrible examples of. Like Bhutto. Or Indira Gandhi.

Or Zia. Or Ziaur Rehman of Bangladesh.

The last is interesting. The USA didn’t really have a motive, but |India did: he wasn’t doing more. But no tours were cancelled. Bangladesh wasn’t even denied Test status. So maybe those highly unreliable sources helped along the coup that saw him killed. It took some doing, but the highly unreliable sources got a friendly government installed in Dhaka.

It didn’t help, as the Bangladeshi government has got problems with the Indian government on a number of issues, starting with the Rojingyas.

Our highly unreliable sources have got a friendly government installed in Kabul,

but they are beginning to have issues. The moral is that certain problems go with borders, and no matter how friendly the government, it can’t help behaving like a government.

Meanwhile, Imran has advised the players to take out their anger at New Zealand on the cricket field. That sounds like a formula for getting dropped. How often have we heard of someone dismissed because of a ‘rush of blood’? Of course, he’s being optimistic to assume that they will be playing. Well, they probably won’t be playing at home.

And while New Zealand got a threat and pulled out, who threatened England?

The same Tiktokker or a different one?

Frankly, I suspect Boris Johnson. Just look at him. Doesn’t he have the face of a natural-born prankster? I realize we as a country have lost the right since 2018 (and some would say 1990) to point fingers at other country’s Prime Ministers, but still…

Monday, 27 September, 2021

06 COMMENT

Vaccine disparity and growth concerns in Asia

The unthinkable Fawad Chaudhry commits the government to disobeying the law

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EDErAL Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has repeated the government stance that the Prime Minister will not consult the Leader of the opposition in the National Assembly on the fresh appointment of a NAB Chairman. His reason, given during a press talk in Jhelum, is that he Leader concerned, Mian Shehbaz Sharif, is a NAB accused, and it would amount to consulting an accused over his investigating officer. The NAB ordinance has protection from the Constitution, with the procedure to amend it being the same as the Constitution, and it provides that the Chairman is to be appointed by the President on the advice of the PM, after consulting the Leader of the opposition. Mian Shehbaz does not insist on a personal consultation, content to be consulted by letter over the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner, but what Mr Chaudhry has said is against the law.

If there is a reference against the Prime Minister, is he estopped from advising the President? The Leader of the opposition has not only been elected an MNA by his constituency, but chosen by the opposition as its Leader.

If either he, or the PM, or both are contesting the next election, are they stopped from mutual consultation about the caretaker PM? It is for the opposition Leader to recuse himself from consultation because he is a NAB accused, not for the government to refuse to contact him on that ground.

The problem is illustrated in this instance. Mr Chaudhry would say that Mr Sharif is a bad person, and point to the NAB cases against him. Mr Sharif might point out, with support from a Supreme Court judgment, that NAB has been used by the government as a tool against opponents, including himself. The government’s wish to reappoint the incumbent illustrates this. It then comes down to the President, who is a former party secretary general. He will have to choose between his former party loyalty and his present office, which binds him not just to follow the Constitution and law himself, but to ensure that others do so when tendering him advice.

There is much wrong with NAB, the NAB law and its way of operation; it does not need a head whose legality is doubtful. Not much worse can be imagined for an accountability mechanism.

Vaccine inequity has economic connsequences

Dr. Omer JaveD

‘G

ovErNMENTS of countries where vaccines are being produced – the USA, European Union members, the UK, India, russia, and China – need to cooperate under United Nations leadership to ensure that a sufficient supply of CovID-19 vaccine doses reaches the poorest countries.’ – Excerpt from a Project Syndicate (PS) published article ‘vaccine producers must step up’ by Jeffrey D. Sachs The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently released its flagship report ‘Asian Development outlook’ (ADo) update, which highlighted that vaccine inequality, among other factors like rising global commodity prices, was producing varied economic recoveries among countries. ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa, in his foreword to the report, pointed out in this regard: ‘The growth trajectories of developing Asia’s economies are heading in different directions. Stronger growth is expected in economies that are coping well with the covid-19 pandemic, as they can take advantage of the strengthening recovery in global demand. But those that are struggling with the pandemic cannot, and are falling behind.’

Moreover, he pointed out that differentiated vaccine rollout performance, among other factors, was leading to varied growth experience in Asia, whereby

Dengue makes a comeback The surge in cases shows that someone lost the plot

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HE rising number of cases of dengue fever in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa indicate that a scourge thought to have been brought under control, is once again resurgent, and that too in the midst of a covid-19 pandemic. The increase in cases illustrates the danger of ignoring existing viral threats while combating covid-19. Dengue is not transmitted by human infection, but its vector is the aedes aegypti mosquito, and because its breeding-grounds are bodies of water, it becomes particularly dangerous when the monsoon is ending.

Though hospitals play a major role in treating patients, there is not much they can do beyond manage the symptoms. The real treatment is prevention, which is done by combating the vector. That was not done. The bodies of stagnant water left by the monsoons were not handled; there were none of the careful anti-larvae campaigns of the past. The PTI has proved a particular failure at this, for the highest rise is in provinces it rules.

However, this is a considerable public health hazard, and there have been over 800 deaths upto 2019.

The aversion of dengue epidemics depends on hard work and persistence by the government. There is no shortcut to consistent effort. The covid-19 epidemic is a complicating factor, but it is no excuse for ignoring other problems. Dengue infections may not be transmitted by humans, but there may have to be special wards set up, and patients have to be isolated. In hospitals already under strain from the needs of covid-19 patients, it is that much harder to make special arrangements for dengue patients.

That will lead to more deaths from both diseases. There is also the danger of cross-infection. Covid-19 infections may prove fatal for both dengue patients and convalescents. The danger of becoming single-minded about covid-19 is well illustrated by the way dengue has unexpectedly reared its head. Dengue had gone nowhere, it was merely ignored. Polio may be getting the same treatment; and it is essential that the vaccination campaign against it should not have any let-up. The real enemy, in the case of all three viral diseases is complacency rather than the illnesses themselves.

Transforming Education through Social-Emotional Learning m. Ilyas KalhOrO

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o conclude, there is a need to reform the education system. The newly devised and inaugurated Single National Curriculum may be a good idea for eradicating disparity in the education system. Yet, there is more to do beyond ceasing disparity. That is preparing learners for a better life. This would be possible by promoting social-emotional learning. Such a type of learning can help learners academically, socially and professionally Education in Pakistan does not meet its real purpose. It has been treated as a means for imparting academic knowledge and teaching reading and writing.

The life-skills aspects of education, that can be instilled through social emotional kind of learning, have been overlooked. Consequently, the educational institutions produce learned people, that possess academic knowledge but are devoid of skills necessary for living a happy and successful life. In short, the need is to promote social-emotional learning.

Social emotional learning has been conceptualised in different ways. Commonly known by its acronym, SEL, it is a type of learning that infuses in students positive thoughts, emotions and attitude.

Through this learning, students acquire and effectively apply knowledge and skills that help them control their emotions, establish positive relationships with peers, those younger than them, and elders, make responsible decisions and have capability to cope with the untoward situations of life.

Initiation of Social emotional learning programmes in classrooms is not a kind of an insignificant idea to be overlooked. Globally the impact of social and emotional learning on individuals and communities is being increasingly recognised. But in Pakistan it has not yet been given importance. Here in our society, the focus of classroom activities have been to teach students reading and writing and to enable them to qualify exams. But the social and emotional well being aspects of education have been neglected The purpose of education is not just to teach students reading and writing and teach them different academic subjects. There is also an element of character reinforcement that is requisite in true education.

As the saying of Martin Luther King Junior goes “The function of education is to teach one to think in-

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

‘Growth forecasts are revised up for East Asia and Central Asia, but down for South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific from the projections made in April. This reflects not just the differences in vaccine progress and control of domestic outbreaks but also other factors, including rising commodity prices which are helping Central Asia, and depressed tourism which continues to weigh on tourism-dependent economies in the Pacific and elsewhere.’

In the particular case of Pakistan, unlike what the government expected around the time of passing Budget a couple of months back, and which it may find itself a lot more challenging in the wake of factors like rising imported inflationary component and a lot-less-than-needed financial support by development partners to bring greater stimulus and macroeconomic stability at the same time, the report’s September update expected to be at 3.9 percent for 2021, and 4 percent next year.

The government, on the other hand, expected much higher growth numbers, which given the situation prevailing since passing of Budget, where stagflationary headwinds are gaining pace overall globally, but especially in developing countries, due to reasons including facing high level of vaccine inequality and relatively little stimulus being provided than in rich, advanced countries, all means that it continues to face much more difficult task of meeting those more optimistic growth numbers than being envisaged in ADo. As per the report’s September 2022 growth forecasts for South Asia, only Bhutan and Sri Lanka have lower growth forecasts than Pakistan. This forecasted growth rate for Pakistan for September 2022, is the lowest for ‘Developing Asia’ (DA) average overall and in terms of its component geographic groups – where the report defines ‘Developing Asia comprises the 46 members of the Asian Development Bank listed below by geographic group’. Hence, the average forecast economic growth rate for DA for September 2022 was 5.4 percent, for East Asia at 5.1 percent, for South Asia at 7 percent, for Southeast Asia at 5 percent, and the Pacific at 4.8 percent.

At the same time, Pakistan’s forecasted inflation for September 2022 by the report, is the highest in South Asia at 7.5 percent, which is also much higher than DA average at 2.7 percent, and even in terms of the ‘geographic group’ it is the highest, whereby for

Central Asia it is 6.7 percent, East Asia (2.2 percent), South Asia (5.1 percent), Southeast Asia (2.4 percent), and the Pacific (4.1 percent). Clearly, stagflationary consequences during the pandemic are among the highest for Pakistan in South Asia.

Having said that, while Pakistan faces an immense up-hill task in building upon the macroeconomic stability achieved over the last few years, and to continue to provide needed fiscal stimulus, and in particular make public health sector expenditures during the pandemic, and to also mitigate the otherwise high imported inflationary impact of high level of international commodity prices, especially of food and oil, since Pakistan is a net importer of oil and also imports a significant quantity of food items, it is important that international development partners, especially the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with which Pakistan is currently in a programme, understands the importance of providing greater and much needed quantity of financial assistance.

This is because, developing countries, including Pakistan, have little room left in terms of practicing macroeconomic policy instruments, especially since a regime of global vaccine apartheid has meant developing countries are a lot far behind on inoculation, and in turn economic recovery, than rich, advanced countries, and this prolonged time frame of enduring the rather starker end of the pandemic in terms of consequences has left the country left with little balancing act between stability and growth through employing monetary and fiscal policies, and the innovativeness that can be brought in their usage.

Moreover, a recently published, Financial Times (FT) article ‘Low vaccination rates blamed for ‘diverging’ south-east Asia growth’ pointed out ‘Southeast Asian countries that failed to administer Covid-19 vaccines fast enough and are suffering outbreaks of the disease are causing a growing regional economic divergence, the Asian Development Bank said on Wednesday. The ADB cut its 2021 growth forecasts for leading economies including Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and vietnam even as it raised its forecasts for China, Taiwan and South Korea. “regional growth paths are diverging,” the Japanese-backed multilateral bank said as it published a six-monthly update to its Asian Development outlook for 2021. “Economies that have successfully contained the pandemic and actively rolled out vaccines are benefiting more than others from the recovery in global demand.”’

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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tensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education”.

In our country the number of people with mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, is increasing at an alarming rate. If youngsters are trained in classrooms how to self-regulate themselves and control their emotions, there is a probability of their being less vulnerable to mental illnesses in future.

This learning is essential for students living in a society like ours, where factors like violence, abuse, neglect and hunger prevail.

Mental health aside, Social Emotional Learning is helpful in many other ways. It can help students improve their academic performance. Students being able to self-regulate their emotions are greatly likely to perform well academically. The young learners facing negative experiences of life become resilient enough in coping with these and escaping academic loss likely to be incurred by such undesired experiences. The cognizance of students with the importance of self-discipline, attained through SEL programmes, also drives students to make a difference at school.

SEL also prepares learners for a better life at home and within the community. The instilled skills like ability to manage emotions, to make informed decisions, to solve daily-life problems, and to maintain good relationships with others, whether it be family, peers or other community members, help an individual learner have a pleasant, healthy and successful life Moreover, SEL equips learners with skills needed for professional success. They get workplace readiness skills, such as communication, collaboration, assertiveness, problem-solving and decision-making skills. The young learners, through such education, are better prepared to succeed professionally in future. Besides, there would be more possibility of a healthier, cooperative and supportive work environment at workplaces.

Accommodating social-emotional learning within the academically driven educational setting here is not something without constraints. one major challenge is the high student-teacher ratio in schools. In public schools, particularly in Sindh province, one can find more than 100 students enrolled in almost every classroom. Such overcrowded classrooms can create difficulty for teachers in fostering social emotional skills. other major challenges are lengthy curricula and time constraints. Teachers will not be able to find enough time for instilling social emotional skills when they are supposed to teach a lengthy syllabus

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within the limited period. The school administration can also be perceived as a hindrance, as without caring for what new skills students might learn, it pressurises teachers in ensuring completion of the prescribed syllabus.

Moreover, teachers are not themselves trained and skilled enough to effectively integrate SEL in their teaching practice. There will be a gigantic task of training teachers for successful implementation of the new learning.

Also, lack of support from families of students is an issue. This probable missing support might be due to unawareness of SEL, fear of unwanted inculcation, or because of inability to buttress SEL at home. Without the support of families, promotion of SEL can’t be a success.

Furthermore, intellectual and cultural diversity in the classroom can pose a challenge. It will be challenging to ensure that SEL models cater to all students irrespective of differences in their culture, financial perspective and abilities.

However, it is not impossible to materialise the new learning provided certain drastic measures are taken. SEL material should be incorporated within the academic subjects and specific time should be allocated to it. This may contain separate classes for SEL, measurable learning objectives and separate assessment. The designation of the programmes of SEL should be made on inclusiveness. Emphasis should be on acceptance of diversity whether cultural, linguistic, racial or intellectual. An extensive teacher training programme can be initiated for equipping teachers with effective skills needed for effective implementation of the innovative learning programme. Besides, the number of students per classroom should be ideally set at 40 so that teachers could easily reinforce SEL. To conclude, there is a need to reform the education system. The newly devised and inaugurated Single National Curriculum may be a good idea for eradicating disparity in the education system. Yet, there is more to do beyond ceasing disparity. That is preparing learners for a better life. This would be possible by promoting social-emotional learning. Such a type of learning can help learners academically, socially and professionally .

The writer is an educator and an independent educational researcher from Lahori Muhalla, Larkana

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Monday, 27 September, 2021

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

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

America and Taliban controversy

Challenges ahead for New Afghan government The Taliban must be very careful

Waseem shabbIr

T

HE unplanned and hurried US withdrawal from Afghanistan, making that country descend \into unrest, has provided the Taliban with an opportunity to take over Kabul and immediately announce their interim government, which has flabbergasted the whole world. The USA’s terrible defeat in its two-decade-long war at the hands of the Taliban confirms them to be invincible fighters and real victorious.

The Taliban’s unflinching armed resistance in the face of the USA for the last 20 years has finally proved Afghanistan to be the graveyard of empire for this superpower as well. However, there is no guarantee that a party best at fighting can also be best in running a state. Governing a state is indubitably a daunting task that requires complete consciousness and expertise about politics, diplomacy, administration, and variable choices in formulation of foreign policies.

The Taliban being conservative, fully acquainted with the art of war, are not that much expert, strategists, or skilled and experienced in steering a newly formed government. Therefore, the establishment of a new regime by the Taliban is set to face myriads of impending challenges.

Apprehensions loom large that the Taliban government may not be recognised by the international community due to its not honouring its commitments. Forming a new cabinet which is entirely based on male members ignoring representation to women and minorities, is a stark deviation from a broad-based and Inclusive government, which the Taliban had promised.

Inclusion of hardliners in the cabinet, who have remained involved in deadliest terrorist attacks may offend global powers.

The Taliban have inexpediently declared Mullah Sirajuddin Haqqani the Interior Minister who is not acceptable for the USA. The US government views him as a global terrorist who was involved in orchestrating attacks against US and coalition forces. Such controversial moves by the Taliban are attracting antagonism from the USA and European Union that may become a hindrance to the international recognition of this new regime.

However, Pakistan, russia, China and Iran

seem ready to legitimise the new Afghan government in return for assurances from Talibans to never let Afghan soil be used by insurgents and terrorists against them.

Incorporating and adjusting the Afghan Army and Police Force is also a challenging task for the Taliban to tackle. This new regime has to sustain their services by making them part of the current Government machinery, while adjusting some of their own people. If the two aforementioned tiers are ignored and their salaries are stopped, they may fall prey to anti-Taliban insurgent groups. That would be the most dreadful situation for the Taliban. Therefore, the Taliban should handle this serious issue with due consideration before elements of the Afghan Army and Police become allied to non-state actors, leading to a renewed disastrous civil war. on the economic front, Afghanistan has suffered a major setback in the past couple of months and its currency has depreciated significantly due to obstruction in flow of foreign aid to Afghanistan. International reserves of approximately $9.4 billion have been frozen by the USA. The IMF has also suspended more than $400 million in emergency reserves after the Taliban’s resurgence to power.

The European Union has also halted its plans to disburse about $1.4 billion as aid to Afghanistan by 2025.

Moreover, Germany was going to announce development aid of $503 million to Afghanistan, which it abruptly suspended seeing the Taliban come to power. The Taliban will have to fix the dwindling economy by ensuring funds flow into the country to escape from further economic regression.

The unbridled economic crisis further begets another crisis of food shortage and insecurity.

According to the reports of the UN World Food Programme, 14 million of Afghans are expected to be forced into starvation if Afghanistan is not provided with financial assistance and food aid. rein Paulsen, Director of the Food and Agriculture organization,has told reporters that 4 million Afghans are already facing a food emergency and 7.3 million Afghans are severely affected by drought in rural areas.

Under such adverse circumstances and rising inflation, people are forced to sell their possessions in makeshift markets to make both ends meet. To avert this economic and food crisis, Prime Minister Imran Khan has emphasized the world must engage with the new Afghan government and provide them with humanitarian assistance in this difficult time. However, China has announced a $31 million aid package for Afghanistan, including food supplies and coronavirus vaccines.

ISIS Khorasan Chapter is another gigantic challenge for the Taliban government to repel.

This lethal terrorist group, comprising more than 5000 fighters, emerged in 2015 from the disgruntled members of both Taliban and Al-Qaida in Afghanistan. ISIS-K had acquired control of the larger part of Eastern Afghanistan in 2016, debilitating the Taliban’s position in those areas; therefore, this faction will keep posing threats to Taliban even after they are in power. After a few days of the Taliban takeover of Kabul, horrific bombings at Kabul airport were carried out by ISIS-K, claiming no fewer than 177 casualties.

The Taliban should not underestimate the deep rooted network of this militant outfit, and rather they should be focused on dismantling ISIS-K for the smooth functioning of their government.

There are also equal chances of the eruption of internal rivalries and sectarian violence among varying enthic groups and warlords that can push the country to civil war. Hence, integrating these multiple ethnicities into a single national stream is a challenging task for Taliban. The new government needs to reconcile with all these existing factions by including them in the government as only the way forward to ward off any impending rivalry that could be a disaster for this new regime.

The Brain drain is however another big challenge for the current Afghan government.

The terror -stricken Afghanistan, Under the present precarious and turbulent situation, is pushing educated people to leave the country which is certainly a great loss for Taliban regime. In an attempt to secure life, the movement of people, including IT experts, policy analysts, administrators, educated and experienced people in all fields, from Afghanistan to other countries means the Taliban will simply have less hands to run their government machinery.

To overcome all aforementioned challenges, the Taliban have to be moderate and gentle as compared to being hardliners, in their treatment of others. They need to fulfill their commitments and covenants in order to attain world recognition. They should also respect human rights, especially those of women, in order to acquire a relatively soft image of their government. They must not allow Afghan soil to be used by terrorists; it will help them earn international favour.

Taliban must ensure provision of food to starving people. Finally, fixing the dwindling economy is the need of this high time for the Taliban so that an impending humanitarian crisis can be prevented.

The Brain drain is however another big challenge for the current Afghan government.

The terror -stricken Afghanistan,uUnder the present precarious and turbulent situation, is pushing educated people to leave the country which is certainly a great loss for Taliban regime.

The writer is a freelance columnist

AFTEr 9/11 the Taliban and America controversy became the most serious issue in the world. When the American army took part in Afghanistan to fight and wanted to end the Taliban’s history. That time 28 centuries took part against the Taliban 19 years ago. American never considered that he has been weaker but in 2008 according to an estimation that America had lost 6 trillion on the wars. Since 2014 till now Afghanistan has 45000 security, 35000 other countries and 300 American soldiers were killed by Taliban. on the other side, 70% areas are covered by the Taliban and 30% areas covered by the force of America. However, in 2020 the American President Dollar Trump decided to end the war.

Where more than 50 countries had participated including Pakistan. In that agreement America decided to take out or withdraw his military from Afghanistan. In 14 months it is going to take out 8600 troops. While America will release up 5000 in exchange for 1,000 afghan security forces and the American army.

The Taliban will continue their own religion and America is not created for foreign policies. The Taliban will make their own government.

America will remove all resistance which was not allowed. He is going to convince UNo to remove the berries from the Security Council. America will not utter political words on Taliban governance. This agreement was done on 29 February 2020 in Qatar by Mulla Ummer. Yet nothing happens but the political war continues.

Mahtab abdul latif turbat

Why only women?

IT is a common fact that women are being demotivated and abused by every individual everywhere and especially in Pakistan. Pakistan is such a worst country where women are being abused and killed openly as they are deprived of many rights; they are not allowed to choose their careers and lifestyles according to their wishes. In fact, they are forced to marry in very early ages, they are forced to born babies, they are forced to not read, they are forced to suicide, they are forced to be silent, they are forced to bear all the situations silently and especially they are forced to kill their dreams and wishes. Nevertheless, they are the victims of violence and they are not safe anywhere as nowadays they are also not safe in their houses, work places, educational institutions, etc.

Thus, we women really want justice and need our rights and we want to be treated well by individuals as men as we need your love, respect, support and help to go hide and achieve our goals. rahat Murad turbat

Baldia Town and its problems BALDIA town has no infrastructure, poor road maintenance. And there's no authorities clinic or another making plans infrastructure in Baldia. Basic facilities isn't always to be had to humans here.

Home of Baldia are low pay individuals, they're not getting their essential necessities and that they are suffering for an all-encompassing time. The issue of water is terrible individuals do not get water at all and what they get is not spotless for drinking. Individuals gets sick because of the inaccessibility of clean water. While, water was seen overflowing out of the haggard lines, shaping water pools to a great extent and causing challenges for people on foot and the traffic. roads aren't totally developed and their condition is very awful. Mishaps happen each day in light of the fact that the roads and streets are broken. roads development and fix projects are begun yet never finished.In entire Baldia town not have a solitary public hospital. Individuals likewise travel to get a great deal their treatment. Individuals here become ill due to trash dumps, residue and heaps of contamination.

SEEMa Ejaz Karachi

Vaccination drive THE National Command and operation Centre (NCoC) announced on Wednesday that coronavirus vaccines will be mandatory for all public and private sector employees, adding that government employees must be fully vaccinated by June 30. The directives were issued after a meeting of the NCoC, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, which reviewed the ongoing vaccination campaign and implementation of Covid-19 SoPs. The body decided to ease some of the Covid-19 restrictions in view of the declining number of cases in the country. Besides, the meeting also decided the following: Introduction of certain incentives for various sectors to encourage vaccinations All vaccination centres to remain open from 8am to 10pm daily from June 11 (except Sundays) From June 11 onwards, citizens above 18 years of age will be able to avail the walk-in facility at vaccination centres. During the meeting, the NCoC also decided to ease some restrictions that were put in place earlier to stem the spread of the virus. restriction on closure of two days a week to be relaxed to one day.

Choice of day will be at the discretion of federating units Existing 50 per cent work from home policy to be relaxed to 100pc office attendance Selected non-contact sports to be permitted Partial opening of indoor gyms for vaccinated members only Ban on closure of shrines to remain in place Cinemas to remain shut Pakistan’s coronavirus positivity rate has been recorded at 2.54 per cent in the past 24 hours — the second day in a row that the positivity rate remained below 3pc.

According to the health ministry, 43,900 tests were conducted during the last 24 hours, of which 1,118 people tested positive. Besides, 335,790 people were administered Covid-19 vaccines on Tuesday, according to the NCoC. “The more [people] we vaccinate, the better we will be protected [against Covid-19],” said Umar, appealing to people to partake in the vaccination campaign. Pakistan also held a ceremony today to mark the deliverance of the 10 millionth vaccine dose. on the occasion, Umar said that the government aimed to inoculate 70 million people by the end of the year.

Sohail Khan lahorE

Monday, 27 September, 2021

08 WORLD VIEW

MIschIevous and fake cRusades WHILE ‘LOVE’ AND ‘NARCOTICS’ ARE REAL, TO ATTACH THE WORD JIHAD TO LOVE (A NATURAL HUMAN EMOTION) AND TO NARCOTICS (AN ANALGESIA AND AN ADDICTIVE DRUG) REVEALS WARPED THINKING IndIan express

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P Chidambaram

read a page from history. The Crusades were religious wars that began toward the end of the 11th century.

The wars are believed to have been fought between 1095 and 1291. History records that they were organised by European Christians, with the support of the Latin Church, to check the spread of Islam, roll back Muslim expansion (in Palestine, syria, Egypt) and take back the Holy Land in the eastern Mediterranean.

The wars were waged a thousand years after Jesus Christ and 450 years after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Both preached monotheism. Both were inspired

by Abraham and Moses. Among Muslims, they are Ibrahim and Musa. Along with Judaism, the three faiths are called Abrahamic religions. Therefore, the justification for the wars is inexplicable. Despite the wars, Christianity and Islam have survived to this day with millions of followers; most are tolerant and peaceful, some are warriors. Europe is largely Christian; Palestine, syria, Egypt and some other territories over which the wars were fought are predominantly Muslim nations. The moral of the story is that no religion or religious group can vanquish another.

Yet, the word jihad is in currency. Jihad, in Islam, according to Britannica, is a meritorious struggle or effort, primarily the human struggle to promote what is right and to prevent what is wrong. In modern times, however, it has become a synonym for violent campaigns.

Love jihad was a monster invented by the Hindu radical right to terrorise young men and women. Narcotic jihad is the new monster, and it pains me and millions of Indians that an ordained bishop, Bishop Joseph

Kallarangatt of Pala, should be its author.

While ‘love’ and ‘narcotics’ are real, to attach the word jihad to love (a natural human emotion) and to narcotics (an analgesia and an addictive drug) reveals warped thinking.

The intention is clear. It is to provoke distrust and communal conflict between followers of a religion (Hinduism or Christianity) on the one hand and Islam on the other. Islam is the ‘other’ and Muslims are the ‘other’ people to fanatics. A secular nation must stamp out such fanaticism whether it is expressed in words or deeds or through subtle means of discrimination.

NO EVIDENCE: There is no evidence that Islam is ‘expansionist’ in India. The PEW survey, published in June 2021, has blown away many myths and falsehoods. The religious composition of India has been reasonably stable between 1951 and 2011.

There is a slight increase in the proportion of Muslims because of migration and because the fertility rate among Muslims, though it has fallen sharply from 4.4 (1992) to 2.6 (2015), is slightly more than the fertility rate among Hindus and other religious groups. Yet, even by 2050, Hindus will constitute an overwhelming 77 per cent (1,300 million) of the population. Among the respondents in the PEW survey, 81.6 per cent said they were raised as Hindu and 81.7 per cent currently identify as Hindu; 2.3 per cent said they were raised as Christian and 2.6 per cent currently identify as Christian.

Mass conversion to Islam is a lie.

There is no surprise in the Hindu radical right springing to the support of the Bishop of Pala. Both target the ‘other’, meaning the Muslims. We must remember that there have been occasions when the Hindu radical right has treated the Christians as ‘other’.

The ‘othering’ of any section of the people is unacceptable.

MY SCHOOL EXPERIENCE: I studied in a school run by Christian missionaries.

The overwhelming majority of pupils were Hindus from all sections of society. There was a small number of Christians and a sprinkling of Muslims. Each class was divided into many sections, but there was a Class Leader, chosen by the Headmaster, the legendary Kuruvilla Jacob. In the five years that I studied from Class VI to Class X, the Class Leader was A K Moosa, a jovial, friendly but average student. In Class XI, the final year, the Class Leader automatically became the school Pupil Leader. The Headmaster wanted a student who was tall and impressive and who could speak English fluently at school functions and at the Annual Day. Who did he choose? Lo and behold, he nominated Mr Haroon Mohammed! None of the students, and certainly not the Hindu or Christian pupils, thought that something unusual had been done. The word ‘appeasement’ was totally unfamiliar to us.

I am glad that the Chief Minister, Mr Pinarayi Vijayan, has read the riot act to the Bishop. I am gladder that the Leader of the Opposition, Mr V D satheesan, has supported the Chief Minister’s statement that the government will be “unsparing against those who propagate such false theories”.

Those who talk mischievously about narcotic jihad should ponder over the unprecedented haul of 3,000 kg of heroin (that is three tonnes!) seized by the authorities when it was attempted to be ‘imported’ through a port in Gujarat. I can say with authority that no one would have dared to ‘import’ such a humongous quantity unless he/she (a couple — not Muslims — have been apprehended) enjoyed official patronage at a fairly high level.

The Prime Minister and the Home Minister should deprecate talk of jihad, love or narcotic. They should also comment on the seizure of 3,000 kg of heroin. These are issues that have serious consequences for the internal security and social harmony of the country.

Why James Bond being called ‘basically a rapist’ is more important than you think WE SHOULD PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE MANY INCARNATIONS OF THE BRITISH SPY: THE CHARACTER IS A MIRROR THAT REFLECTS BACK OUR CULTURAL MORES

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Katie edwards

s nothing beyond the reach of the self-righteous tentacles of the woke brigade? Is no part of our popular culture safe from the tyranny of cancel culture? Now Bond? surely, not the saviour of our cinemas James Bond?!

Cary Fukunaga, the director of No Time To Die, the latest instalment in the James Bond franchise, triggered a slew of headlines this week when he said what we already knew: James Bond is “basically” a rapist. Predictably and tediously, Fukunaga is now accused of creating a Bond for the woke era. What can we expect from a snowflake Bond? He whips off his disguise to reveal a Black Lives Matter T-shirt? He interrupts a clinch with Penelope smallbone to confirm mutual consent? Nope.

Just a 12A certificate from the British Board of Film Classification.

In his comments, Fukunaga appeared to refer to a notorious scene in 1965’s Thunderball when sean Connery’s Bond rapes Patricia Fearing, a nurse at the health clinic shrublands. As with so many of the women characters in Bond films – forever infantilised as Bond Girls – Fearing’s name is a double-entendre. Unlike Pussy Galore, Holly Goodhead, Plenty O’Toole, Octopussy, Honey Ryder, or Mary Goodnight, Patricia Fearing’s name may not induce a schoolboy snigger of sexual innuendo but it does, however, refer to the sexual violence experienced by the character. The character’s name and the soundtrack that accompanies the scene, not only makes light of the rape but also frames it

as seduction. Hardly a newsflash for a franchise that persistently frames sexual violence and sexual harassment as seduction and physical violence as foreplay.

It’s time to consider that the spy who leaves us shaken but not stirred is an important indicator of our cultural mores.

Bond’s character is refashioned for every era, both reflecting and shaping the values of the time.

While we might like to think that Daniel Craig’s 007 is the right-on Bond in blue budgie-smugglers that we deserve, he’s also still the creep that we pay good money to watch. Take skyfall as an example. severine, an accomplice of baddie Raoul silva, is portrayed as a classic femme fatale. she’s all smokyeyes and lingering stares – and she’s also Bond’s enemy – until he identifies a tattoo on her wrist that marks her as a victim of sex trafficking. Now the femme fatale schtick makes sense! Of course, a victim of child sex trafficking would be a temptress, and of course she wouldn’t bat an eyelid when Bond – who she thinks is dead – joins her in the shower. A painful history of sex trafficking is erased in just one moment with the spy who loved her – or at least missed when he shot at her. Yes, it’s deeply troubling but yes, the audiences quite literally queued up to see it.

Of course, Bond is a sexual predator in many of the films – and Ian Fleming’s books with a reference to the “sweet tang of rape” are equally, if not more, troubling. Rather than sanitising the franchise or side-stepping the misogyny and racism that have been essential ingredients of our most popular and well-loved film franchises, perhaps we should instead acknowledge that some of our most revered, lauded and celebrated cultural characters have been lionised precisely because of their abhorrent behaviour.

Rape is trivialised and repackaged as playful seduction in Bond films because that’s how it’s been treated in reality.

We should pay close attention to the many incarnations of Bond. The character is a mirror that reflects back our cultural mores – even when that includes sexual violence against woman as entertainment with a jaunty quip and a devilish smirk.

Why doesn’t rationality seem to matter anymore?

EXCERPTED FROM “RATIONALITY: WHY IT SEEMS SCARCE AND WHY IT MATTERS”

BY STEVEN PINKER, JOHNSTONE FAMILY PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY.

Harvard Gazette

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steven PinKer

ATIONALITY ought to be the lodestar for everything we think and do. (If you disagree, are your objections rational?) Yet in an era blessed with unprecedented resources for reasoning, the public sphere is infested with fake news, quack cures, conspiracy theories, and “post-truth” rhetoric. We face deadly threats to our health, our democracy, and the livability of our planet.

Though the problems are daunting, solutions exist, and our species has the intellectual wherewithal to find them. Yet among our fiercest problems today is convincing people to accept the solutions when we do find them.

How should we think of human rationality? The cognitive wherewithal to understand the world and bend it to our advantage is not a trophy of Western civilization; it’s the patrimony of our species. The san of the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa are one of the

world’s oldest peoples, and their foraging lifestyle, maintained until recently, offers a glimpse of the ways in which humans spent most of their existence. Hunter-gatherers don’t just chuck spears at passing animals or help themselves to fruit and nuts growing around them. The tracking scientist Louis Liebenberg, who has worked with the san for decades, has described how they owe their survival to a scientific mindset. They reason their way from fragmentary data to remote conclusions with an intuitive grasp of logic, critical thinking, statistical reasoning, correlation and causation, and game theory.

The san track fleeing animals from their hoofprints, effluvia, and other spoor. They distinguish dozens of species by the shapes and spacing of their tracks, aided by their grasp of cause and effect. They may infer that a pointed track comes from an agile springbok, which needs a good grip, whereas a flat-footed track comes from a heavy kudu, which has to support its weight. They then make syllogistic deductions: steenbok and duiker can be run down in the rainy season because the wet sand forces open their hooves and stiffens their joints; kudu and eland can be run down in the dry season because they tire easily in loose sand.

The san also engage in critical thinking.

They know not to trust first impressions and appreciate the dangers of seeing what they want to see. Nor will they accept arguments from authority: Anyone, including a young

upstart, may shoot down a conjecture or come up with his own until a consensus emerges from the disputation.

Another critical faculty exercised by the san is distinguishing causation from correlation. Liebenberg recalls: “One tracker, Boroh// xao, told me that when the [lark] sings, it dries out the soil, making the roots good to eat. Afterwards, Nate and /Uase told me that Boroh// xao was wrong — it is not the bird that dries out the soil, it is the sun that dries out the soil. The bird is only telling them that the soil will dry out in the coming months and that it is the time of the year when the roots are good to eat.”

Yet for all the deadly effectiveness of the san’s technology, they have survived in an unforgiving desert for more than a hundred thousand years without exterminating the animals they depend on. During a drought, they think ahead to what would happen if they killed the last plant or animal of its kind, and they spare members of the threatened species. They tailor conservation plans to the vulnerabilities of plants, which cannot migrate but recover quickly when the rains return, and animals, which can survive a drought but build back numbers slowly.

The sapience of the san makes the puzzle of human rationality acute. Despite our ancient capacity for reason, today we are flooded with reminders of the fallacies and follies of our fellows. Three quarters of Americans believe in at least one phenome-

non that defies the laws of science, including psychic healing (55 percent), extrasensory perception (41 percent), haunted houses (37 percent), and ghosts (32 percent) — which also means that people believe in houses haunted by ghosts without believing in ghosts. In social media, fake news (such as Joe Biden Calls Trump supporters “Dregs of society” and Florida Man Arrested for Tranquilizing and Raping Alligators in the Everglades) is diffused farther and faster than the truth, and humans are more likely to spread it than bots.

How, then, can we understand this thing called rationality, which would appear to be our birthright yet is so frequently and flagrantly flouted? The starting point is to appreciate that rationality is not a power that an agent either has or doesn’t have, like superman’s X- ray vision. It is a kit of cognitive tools that can attain particular goals in particular worlds.

To understand what rationality is, why it seems scarce, and why it matters, we must begin with the ground truths of rationality itself: the ways an intelligent agent ought to reason, given its goals and the world in which it lives. These “normative” models come from logic, philosophy, mathematics, and artificial intelligence, and they are our best understanding of the “correct” solution to a problem and how to find it. They serve as an aspiration for those who want to be rational, which should mean everyone. A

major goal of this book is to explain the most widely applicable normative tools of reason.

Normative models also serve as benchmarks against which we can assess how human schlemiels do reason, the subject matter of psychology and the other behavioral sciences. The many ways in which ordinary people fall short have become famous through the Nobel Prize-winning research of Daniel Kahneman, Amos Tversky, and other psychologists and behavioral economists.

When people’s judgments deviate from a normative model, as they so often do, we have a puzzle to solve. sometimes the disparity reveals a genuine irrationality: The human brain cannot cope with the complexity of a problem, or it is saddled with a bug that cussedly drives it to the wrong answer time and again.

But in many cases a problem may have been presented to them in a deceptive format, and when it is translated into a mindfriendlier guise, they ace it. Or the normative model may itself be correct only in a particular environment, and people accurately sense that they are not in that one, so the model doesn’t apply. Or the model may be designed to bring about a certain goal, and, for better or worse, people are after a different one.

Though explanations of irrationality may absolve people of the charge of outright stupidity, to understand is not to forgive. sometimes we can hold people to a higher standard. They can be taught to spot a deep problem across its superficial guises. They can be goaded into applying their best habits of thinking outside their comfort zones. And they can be inspired to set their sights higher than self-defeating or collectively destructive goals.

Monday, 27 September, 2021

BUSINESS 09

KARACHI CORPORATE CORNER SHC bars media host, others from making allegations, propaganda against MG Motors Karachi: The Sindh High Court, while hearing the petitions of MG Motors, has restrained the host of a media channel, an anchor and a YouTube channel from making any baseless allegations or false propaganda against MG Motors. MG Motors lawyer Bazad Haider Advocate told the court that MG Motors has been facing baseless propaganda on social media. The court, after reviewing the judiciary, restrained the three accused from making any baseless allegations against MG Motors in the future. Representatives of MG Motors thanked all their customers who trusted MG Motors cars and chose them. He further clarified that like all other car manufacturing companies, MG Motors is also facing shortage of ECU chips. However, MG Motors is grateful to all its customers for their patience in delivering MG Motors cars, adding that MG Motors is committed to the delivery of all its vehicles and will ensure delivery in every possible way. The representatives of MG Motors further elaborated that these legal measures are being taken by MG Motors only; the consumers do not have any misconception that MG Motors will not fulfill its promises and MG Motors in its best efforts. It is expected that it will provide vehicles of good quality and safety to all consumers in Pakistan. All MG Motors vehicles are manufactured to international standards and are in competition with any of the best manufactured vehicles in the world. It may be recalled that MG Motors is the only company in Pakistan which is introducing electric vehicles in the “B” category segment and also bringing a wide range of hybrid vehicles which is a good quality and cheap way of transport for the consumers.

MG Motors' CKD vehicles will also be introduced soon and work on the dealership network is in full swing. The representatives of MG Motors further said that both the vision and mission of MG Motors at this time focused only on the introduction of export quality vehicles in Pakistan which not only select modern technology but also take care of high quality of safety. MG Motors further said that it will not tolerate any kind of false propaganda following the order of the judiciary and has the authority to take stern action. MG Motors is fully committed to fulfilling its promises and will make every effort to ensure that the promises made to all customers are fulfilled.PrESS rElEASE

PM TerMS KArACHi CoASTAl zone inCluSion inTo CPeC A ‘GAMe CHAnGer’ ISLAMABAD APP

P

RIME Minister Imran Khan Sunday while lauding efforts of the ministry of Maritime Affairs, termed inclusion of Karachi Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone (KCCDZ) in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a ‘game changer’.

He expressed the hope that it would help in cleaning up marine habitat for fishermen, develop low income housing units and creating investment opportunities.

“Inclusion of Karachi Comprehensive Coastal Development Zone in CPEC is game changer. Will cleanup our marine habitat for fishermen, develop 20k low income housing units & present opportunities for

Pakistani entrepreneur gets into Forbes List 2021

LAHORE

ISLAMABAD: The export of footwear from the country increased by 23.72 per cent to $26.787 million during first two months of fiscal year 2021-22 (2MFY22) against the exports of $21.65 million during same period of the previous year (2MFY21). On a year-on-year (YoY) and month-on-month (MoM) basis, footwear exports soared by 51pc and 3.78pc in August 2021 when compared to exports in August 2020 and July 2021, according to latest data released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The data revealed that during the period under review, footwear export rose to $13.642 million in August compared to the export of $13.145 million in July 2021 and $9.03 million in August 2020. The detail shows that export of leather footwear rose from $18.9 million in July-August 2020-21 to $22.68 million in same period of current fiscal year, thus showing an increase of 20pc. Similarly, the export of other shoes also increased from $2.7 million in the corresponding period of last year to $4.1 million this year, showing an increase of 50pc. APP

promoting low-cost housing, KCCDZ would also provide residential resettlement to more than 20,000 families living in the surrounding slums.

The environment friendly mega KCCDZ envisages four new berths for KPT, adding depth to Pakistan’s expanding maritime sector.

It would also house a state-of-the-art fishing port, with a world class fisheries export processing zone to boost Pakistan’s trade potential and drastically improve the marine ecosystem and reduce pollution by establishing a water treatment plant at the mouth of the Lyari River.

The project would connect with the rest of Karachi through a majestic harbor bridge rising from behind Pakistan’s Deepwater Port, with exit ramps for Manora Islands and Sandspit beach and carries enormous potential for global investors as well.

Govt aims to reduce digital gap between rural, urban areas ISLAMABAD APP

KAUKAB JAHAN

Footwear exports surge 23.7pc in 2MFY22

investors. Will put Khi (Karachi) at par with developed port cities,” he posted on his twitter handle.

It is pertinent to mention here that the KCCDZ, an initiative of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, focuses on providing Karachi with an ultra modern urban infrastructure zone, placing Karachi amongst the top port cities of the world.

In a first of its kind even for CPEC, the planned multi-billion dollar mega KCCDZ project would be built on direct Chinese investment in partnership with Karachi Port Trust (KPT). The quantum of expected investment was around $3.5 billion.

Developed on reclaimed area of approximately 640 hectares on the Western back waters marsh land of KPT, KCCDZ would be a flagship project for not only Pakistan but the entire region.

In accordance with PM Imran Khan’s vision for

Pakistani entrepreneur and tech star Eesha Sheikh has made it to the prestigious ‘Forbes Next 1000 2021’ list. Sheikh’s health tech app Playpal helps people to pursue their healthcare goals by gamifying them.

According to Forbes, “Playpal uses machine learning to help personalize health recommendations for its users, then offers rewards for hitting certain goals, both within the internal game of the app as well as external rewards. The company has raised around $ 2 million so far.”

The healthtech startup Playpal Inc. was established in 2017, aims to make health capital both accessible and entertaining to all.

Talking to Profit, Sheikh revealed that her childhood struggle with clinical obesity led her to develop an app that would resolve the root of the healthcare crises.

“I started the company that could help individuals to control

their sustainability to disease, enabling them to live their best life.”

Explaining more about her business Eesha said, “Playpal is an online platform, that is built on AI and blockchain technology which learns individual behaviours and supports them to live a healthier lifestyle through actions.”

The education in chemistry helped Eesha to solidify her stance. After graduation, she took part in a study on gamified health with John Hopkins, Underarmour & Aetna from 2015 to 2017. This study gave her the insight to put the puzzle together and Keeko, the main character of gaming app was born.

“Keeko is a 2D combat shooter that is trying to save the world from her arch nemesis, the junk food army. Keeko is a direct representation of me, my journey and how far I’ve come,” Eesha added.

In 2017, she pitched the concept of Keeko to the Innovation Pavilion, the concept was approved and that was that. Today

Playpal Games and ES games have received 100,000 and 1.0 million downloads respectively.

About the app’s accessibility, Sheikh informed, “Initially Playpal will only be available to use in the US, however its team is constantly working to broaden our horizons, making it available to a larger demographic.”

Other future plans for Playpal include; series A fundraising, building and expanding on our partners network and officially launching the Blockchain AI platform.

Eesha further told that Forbes shortlisted her name via email and then then it went through a due diligence, fact checking process which eventually led her to be one of the chosen Forbes Next 1000.

Before getting into the ‘Forbes Next 1000 2021’ as a woman entrepreneur, Eesha’s company Playpal has been included in Forbes’ list of 50+ women-led startups disrupting healthtech.

He said, “Countries face new challenges as the global scale of the digital economy and the power of the private sector grows.” “Pakistan endorses that DCO is actively pursuing its vision of achieving social prosperity and growth of the digital economy by unifying efforts to advance the digital transformation agenda and promote common interests of the member states,” he added.

Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts towards digitisation, the minister apprised that the country had launched ‘Digital Pakistan’ campaign to enhance connectivity, improve digital infrastructure, increase investment in digital skills and promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Pakistan believed in adopting emerging digital technologies to enable cross-sector socio-economic development and transformation of economic activities, governance models, social interaction and achievement of sustainable development goals, he added. Referring to global reports, the minister said that the World Economic Forum had ranked Pakistan among the “best countries” in terms of ICT services affordability, adding that the country had been declared as the second-largest online labour supplier in software development and technology, as per the latest International Labour Organisation report. He said that the government had a vision of accelerated digitisation and transformation of Pakistan into a knowledge-based economy to spur economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Tax break announced on fresh fruit imports from Afghanistan The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced that there will be no sales tax on fresh fruit imports from Afghanistan in a bid to promote trade between the two neighbouring countries. In this regard, the FBR had issued a circular exempting sales tax on import of fresh fruits from Afghanistan on Friday. During a meeting with traders from Afghanistan and Pakistan on his visit to Torkham Border on Saturday, FBR Chairman Dr Muhammad Ashfaq ensured clearance of about 1,400 trucks of fruit from Afghanistan that were stuck at the border in addition to reviewing the pace and quality of services being provided by Pakistan Customs to facilitate trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The customs staff assured him to accelerate the process of 100 more trucks awaiting clearance. NEWS DESK

‘Development of highways to usher in new era of economic development in Balochistan’ ISLAMABAD APP

Minister for Communications and Postal Services Murad Saeed on Sunday said the construction and expansion of highways under CPEC will not only usher in a new era of economic development in remote areas of Balochistan but also pave the way for economic development in the entire region.

According to a state issued here, Murad said that Prime Minister Imran Khan not only promised the development and prosperity of the backward and deprived areas but also took practical steps

for it.

The minister said in comparison to the rulers of the past, PM Imran paid special attention to the development of Balochistan and expressed interest in the resolution of problems of Balochistan and its people.

He said that previous regimes had claimed that they built roads in the past but ignored the province due to less no of seats in Balochistan.

“We have always strived hard to put Balochistan on a path to a prosperous, peaceful and developed province where the people should have equal access to health, education, clean drinking water, employment and business facilities,” he

said.

Murad Saeed said that this was not just our claim, nor was it a dream, but over the past three years, we have begun to move in the right direction to put these initiatives practically with positive results. He said the people of the province were also witnessing these changes themselves.

Murad said previous governments in Balochistan only issued tenders for projects but practically no work was done and seen on the ground.

“PTI not only approved the Western Route of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but also initiated with ZhobKichlak project,” he said, recalling that

Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone of Quetta Western Bypass and Dera Murad Jamali Bypass this year.

The minister said construction work of Hushab-Awaran 146 km highway was in full swing which was being carried out 20 per cent faster than its scheduled time while the premier will lay the foundation stone of the Jalju Bella project next week.

Murad said that work is in full swing on Ziarat- Mor Kach Harnai 165 km highway, 198 km Basima and Khuzdar Highway. He said that Khuzdar Highway will also be completed in December this year.

He said that Karachi-Chaman-Quetta Khuzdar project one section procurement

phase has been completed while advertisement has been issued for another section of 330 km, adding that both these sections will be completed under BOT. He said that the total length of this road is 796 km.

The minister said that these road projects will reduce distances in Balochistan province, adding it will also boost the tourism industry and make easy for crops to reach the market on time.

He said that these projects of development and prosperity will also restore connectivity to other parts of the country.

He said that these projects provided thousands of people with direct or indirect employment opportunities.

Monday, 27 September, 2021

10 FOREIGN NEWS

KARACHI

TUnisiAns ProTesT AgAinsT PresidenT's Power grAb As oPPosiTion deePens TUNIS

s

REUTERS

EVERAL thousand demonstrators rallied in the Tunisian capital on Sunday to protest against President Kais Saied's seizure of power, calling on him to step down in the biggest show of public anger since his inter-

vention.

Saied this week brushed aside much of the 2014 constitution, giving himself power to rule by decree two months after he sacked the prime minister, suspended parliament and assumed executive authority.

"The people want the fall of the coup," chanted the crowd on Tunis's Habib Bourguiba Avenue, a focal point of the demonstrations that ended the rule of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on January 14, 2011. "Step down."

Police maintained a heavy presence around the demonstration and set up barricades.

The crisis has endangered the democratic gains that Tunisians won in the 2011 revolution that triggered the Arab Spring protests and has slowed efforts to tackle an urgent threat to public finances.

Saied has said his actions, which his opponents have called a coup, are needed to address a crisis of political paralysis, economic stagnation and a poor response to the coronavirus pandemic. He has promised to uphold rights and not become a dictator.

Nadia Ben Salem said she travelled 500 km (310 miles)from the south to express her anger.

"We will protect democracy...the constitution is a red line," she said, holding up a copy of the constitution.

SUPPORT FOR SAIED: Saied still has wide support among many Tunisians who are tired of corruption and poor public services and say his hands are clean. Dozens of his supporters appeared at the demonstration. Police separated the two camps.

"We support Saied because he declared war against a corrupt political class," said a man who would only

give his first name, Ahmed.

Saied has not put any time limit on his seizure of power, but said he would appoint a committee to help draft amendments to the 2014 constitution and establish "a true democracy in which the people are truly sovereign".

Teacher Abdelfattah Saied said it it was time for the president to go.

"He is acting like he is the sun that is rising on the country, the general prosecutor, the president, the parlia-

ment, the government. Like he is everything."

Tunisia's largest political party, the moderate Islamist Ennahda, called for people to unite and defend democracy in "a tireless, peaceful struggle".

Ennahda has been the most powerful party in Tunisia since the 2011 revolution that led to the ousting of Ben Ali, playing a role in backing successive coalition governments.

But Saied's actions have left it facing a split. More than 100 prominent officials of Ennahda, including law-

makers and former ministers, resigned on Saturday in protest at the leadership's performance.

Tunisia's influential labour union on Friday rejected key elements of Saied's actions and warned of a threat to democracy.

The first protest against Saied since his intervention on July 25 took place last week.

"The language of dialogue has been disrupted with Saied...He does not like dialogue," independent lawmaker Iyadh Loumi said.

Australian PM refuses to commit to phasing out fossil fuels

UK opposition hints at wealth taxes on shareholders and landlords BRIGHTON REUTERS

MELBOURNE REUTERS

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison refused to commit to phasing out fossil fuels as a major climate conference approaches, while his deputy doubled down on opposing targets for net zero emissions of greenhouse gases. Australia, the world's top coal and a major gas exporter, is under growing pressure to come up with emissions reduction targets ahead of November's COP26 United Nations climate conference in Scotland. The International Monetary Fund called on Australia to set a "time bound" target to reach net zero emissions on Friday, when the country's treasurer warned that Australia must brace for much higher borrowing costs if it fails to commit to a net zero target by 2050, as many peers have done. In interviews with Australian media after a summit in Washington, Morrison said his government was still working on its emissions plans, declining to commit to curbing fossil fuels that account for a major part of Australia's export revenue. He told broadcaster SBS in an interview that aired on Saturday night that he was not prepared to pull back any fossil fuel industries immediately. "We don't have to, because that change will take place over time," he said. "We are working on the transition technologies and fuels and the ultimate technologies that will be there over the next 20, 30 years that can get us to net zero... This doesn't happen overnight." Morrison, who has a largely undefined slogan of "technology not taxes", was part of a government that torpedoed a carbon pricing scheme after winning the 2013 election while opposing the mechanism as a tax. His deputy prime minister, climate change sceptic Barnaby Joyce, dug in on Sunday against a net zero target. "We look at it through the eyes of making sure there is not an unreasonable, or any loss of... regional jobs," Joyce, whose National party represents largely rural voters, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Joyce said proceeds from mining and agriculture industries were vital for people in regional towns, from hairdressers to auto service providers. "You've got to remember, fossil fuels are your nation's largest export and if you take away your nation's largest export, you've got to accept a lower standard of living," he said.

Migrants take shelter along the Del Rio International Bridge at sunset as they await to be processed after crossing the Rio Grande river into the U.S. from Ciudad Acuna in Del Rio, Texas, September 19, 2021. REUTERS

Britain's opposition Labour Party hinted on Sunday at new taxes on wealth, identifying landlords and shareholders as possible targets if it won power at the next election.

Labour's would-be finance minister Rachel Reeves used an interview before her speech at the party's annual conference in Brighton to preview what she called "a fair tax system". "I do think that people who get their income through wealth should have to pay more," Reeves told the Sunday Times, specifying "people who get their incomes through stocks and shares and buy-to-let properties". Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson is two years into what could be a five year term, after winning over many traditional Labour voters at the last election with a focus on finishing Brexit.

But the Covid-19 panic has forced his centre-right government to rapidly increase government spending and rack up debts that are likely to take generations to pay off. A Labour government would look to shift that burden further towards the wealthy, Reeves said.

Caught on camera: Kremlin releases photos of Putin's Siberian fishing trip MOSCOW REUTERS

Russian President Vladimir Putin spent several days hiking and fishing in Siberia in early September, the Kremlin said on Sunday as it published pictures of the president on the holiday.

A caption under one of the 20 pictures published on the Kremlin web site said the president stopped for a few days in Siberia after a working trip to Russia's Far East in early September.

Several days later, in the middle of September Putin said he would have to spend "a few days" in self-isolation after dozens of people in his entourage fell ill with Covid-19. He had to cancel

his trip to Tajikistan for a security summit. read more Putin has cultivated a macho image, appealing to many Russians, and has previously been pictured riding a horse barechested and in sun glasses, as well as carrying a hunting rifle and piloting a fighter jet.

This time, his outings were more mundane.

The Kremlin published photos of Putin standing in a river and catching a fish, walking through lush meadows and talking to Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, his usual holiday companion.

Putin, 68, has had two shots of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. The Kremlin has said he was feeling healthy.

Monday, 27 September, 2021

SPORTS 11

KARACHI

PreSiDent urgeS national PlayerS to foCuS on their PerformanCe ISLAMABAD

P

APP

RESIDENT Dr Arif Alvi Sunday while expressing his confidence in the capabilities of national sports teams, stressed upon players to focus on their performance in the field, so as to bring further laurels to the country.

Addressing a closing ceremony of DTA 14th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Amateur Golf Cup here at the Margalla Greens Golf Club, the president observed that sports always contributed to healthy activities, develop urge for competing and excelling while maintaining maximum performance.

The president also hoped that sports like golf would be promoted in the country, adding sports helped in learning different things about life.

The ceremony was attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi and a large number of civil and military dignitaries and participating golfers.

Referring to the national cricket team, the president said the national players had experienced an era of bias in the past.

The current Pakistan cricket squad had visited the United Kingdom during Covid19 pandemic, he said while citing the cancellation of foreign teams’ visit of Pakistan.

He said the prime minister had rightly urged the national team to focus on performing in the field which was vital.

The president further observed that Pak-

Juve beat Sampdoria but tearful Dybala out of Chelsea visit TURIN AFP

Juventus held off Sampdoria to win their second match of the Serie A season 3-2 on Sunday but will have to face Chelsea without star forward Paulo Dybala after the Argentina forward limped off with a thigh injury. Dybala opened the scoring early at the Allianz Stadium, with Leonardo Bonucci and Manuel Locatelli netting the other goals to move Juve ninth on eight points, but soon afterwards the 27-year-old left the field in tears after the latest in a long line of injuries. Massimiliano Allegri's side host holders Chelsea in their second Champions League group match on Wednesday and the coach said that both Dybala and centre-forward Alavaro Morata, who also exited with a thigh problem towards the end of the match, would be out of action until after the next international break which runs between October 4-15.

"We've got Chelsea midweek then Torino at the weekend, then we have 15 days of international break and we hope to have them back after then," Allegri told DAZN. "Unfortunately when you play three games every week, especially in this moment, the mental effort needed is superior to the physical effort. "So this win should give us a moment to relax because it's our first win at home and we might finish the weekend in the top half of the table. One thing at a time." Dybala got off to a great start by flashing home his third goal in all competitions this season with nine minutes on the clock, striking home a beautiful first-time finish after Manuel Locatelli's shot was blocked. The hosts were affected by Dybala's emotional exit and performed worse without him on the field but looked to have taken a big step towards victory when Bonucci slotted home his penalty in the 43rd minute. Samp responded immediately though and almost pulled one back through Fabio Quagliarella before Maya Yoshida nodded the away side back into the game from Antonio Candreva's whipped cross two minutes before half-time. Juve have lost points from winning positions three times in their first five matches but Manuel Locatelli re-established the hosts' two-goal lead in the 57th minute with his first Juve goal after almost setting up Federico Chiesa seconds before.

Locatelli flicked his Italy teammate through on goal, but after dribbling past three players in an attempt to fashion a shooting chance in a packed penalty area Chiesa was blocked. However the ball found its way to Dejan Kulusevski, who pulled back to Locatelli for a simple tap-in. Home supporters were again worrying about the result though with seven minute remaining when Candreva met Adrien Silva's pull back with a well taken first-time finish, but that turned out to be the match's last significant act. Later on Sunday is the first Rome derby of the season, with Jose Mourinho's Roma taking on Lazio with the chance to move within one point of Serie A leaders Milan, before Napoli host Cagliari aiming for top spot in the day's late match.

istani nation was blessed with capabilities and talents. The national teams, he said, by keeping up their performance, dignity and self ego, would bring more success to the country.

The president also narrated a historical incident of the cricket world when West Indian star Vivian Richards pummeled England legendary bowler Bob Willis with his superb batting.

The president appreciated the Margalla Golf Club for maintaining a lush green environment by constantly planting trees. He also shared his memories of Karachi golf club. He said the human beings are in the habit of looking for greenery and crave for getting a glimpse of natural scenery wherever they went.

The president congratulated the prize winners for their well earned success and commended the high standards of sports displayed by all the participants.

The president, later, gave away trophies and awards among the winning players in the amateur, senior amateur and ladies categories.

Major Saleem of Quetta Golf Club was given the winner’s trophy for clinching the title.

Pakistan Navy has always actively pursued the cause of nurturing various sports activities and raise overall standards of sports at the national and international levels. The four-day long CNS Amateur Golf Cup is an annual feature of PGF and Pakistan Navy sports calendar.

Yasir Shah, Amad Butt help Balochistan thump Southern Punjab AGENCIES Balochistan thumped Southern Punjab by seven wickets to move off the bottom of the points table, leaving Sohaib Maqsood's side winless in the competition.

After Balochistan put the opposition in to bat, they took immediate control, Khurram Shahzad removing Zain Abbas off the first ball to set the tempo of the innings. A 45-run partnership between captain Maqsood and Zeeshan Ashraf was the only tepid resistance SP managed throughout the innings, and once Amad Butt and Yasir Shah came in, they razed through the opposition. A combined six wickets for 30 runs in 7.5 overs cut SP to ribbons, with Maqsood's side failing to bat out their allotted 20 overs for the second successive game. They

were bowled out inside 18 overs for 101, the lowest score of the tournament, giving Balochistan a straightforward path to Balochistan victory.

102 for 3 (Bangalzai Balochistan would not compli58*, Bismillah 28) Beat cate matters, safely southern PunjaB 101 chugging along at a run-a-ball despite (maqsood 24, amad Butt the early loss of their 3-11, Yasir 3-19) BY captain Imam-ul-Haq. seven wickets Abdul Bangalzai led the chase in a mature, assured manner, his unbeaten 58 off 55 balls breaking the back of the total in a 57-run partnership with Bismillah Khan.

It wasn't until the 18th over that victory to take any risks. Southern Punjab started was sealed, but with little scoreboard last year's campaign with four defeats in pressure, Balochistan were never forced a row before recovering to make the

final, and with three defeats in as many games here, they look like they'll need similar heroics this time around.

hamilton –’wild and free’ but fiercely focussed on winning SOCHI AFP

Lewis Hamilton cemented his position as one of Formula One's true greats when he won his 100th Grand Prix in Sochi on Sunday, another staggering achievement for a boy who grew up in modest circumstances.

Hamilton already held the record for most victories after breaking Michael Schumacher's mark of 91 in Portugal last October.

His fifth victory in the Russian Grand Prix also put the 36-year-old Briton top of the driver standings and on course to break a tie (seven) with Schumacher for most driver titles. It has been quite a ride.

The son of a black father and a white mother, whose parents separated in his youth, Hamilton grew up on a housing estate. His father Anthony at one time held down three jobs to fund his son's embryonic racing career in karting. It was clear from an early age that Hamilton had a gift for speed and the gutsy natural instincts of a born racer. In 1995, aged 10, and wearing a jacket and shoes borrowed from his predecessor as British Formula Cadet karting champion, he went to a glittering awards ceremony in London where he met McLaren's then-boss Ron Dennis.

He asked for an autograph and told him "one day I want to race for you". Dennis replied: "Phone me in nine years and I'll sort you a deal."

MERCURIAL AND TEMPESTUOUS: Bold, determined and original, he almost won the title in his first record-breaking season as he reeled off nine successive podiums from his debut in Melbourne, astonishing with his speed and his style. On and off the track, he was fast,

mercurial and occasionally tempestuous and the combination led to a fierce rivalry with team-mate and twotime champion Fernando Alonso at McLaren.

He narrowly missed the 2007 title, but in 2008 grabbed fifth place on the final corner in Brazil to edge Felipe Massa by one point and at 23 become the youngest ever champion. Hamilton showed frustration as McLaren failed to deliver the speed to beat Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull, who reeled off four straight title triumphs from 2010 to 2013, by which time Hamilton had departed for Mercedes. Escaping the management regime of Dennis and his father, Hamilton found freedom at Mercedes alongside team-mate Nico Rosberg, his teenage karting friend and rival. This enabled Hamilton to express himself with a headline-grabbing trans-Atlantic lifestyle, mixing with musicians and 'fashionistas'. He showed little love for conventions and, for many observers, gave his sport a welcome injection of freshness and diversity as champion again in 2014

and 2015. Rosberg broke Hamilton's supremacy in 2016 and then retired, leaving the Englishman to dominate.

His former McLaren team-mate Jenson Button said Hamilton had pure speed. "For me, over one lap, I don't think there is anyone as quick as Lewis and I don't think there ever has been," Button said. That speed has in recent seasons been allied to a more mature attitude to his job as team leader.

'ONLY HUMAN': Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff said of Hamilton: "He is never satisfied. He never settles. He is never happy with where he is as a racing driver and a human being." Having achieved so much as his sport's most high profile figure, Hamilton has expressed views on social issues more frequently. He began voicing his concerns for the environment and in 2019 used Instagram to declare the planet was "a messed-up place" and he felt he wanted "to give up". That commentary, including revelations about his vegan lifestyle, led to the man who frequently used private jets and competes in a sport hardly known for its green credentials being accused of hypocrisy. "I'm only human," he retorted. "Like everyone, we have up and down days. That's what I've been really trying to convey." Last year, following the death of George Floyd, he pressed for greater diversity in the paddock and vocally supported the Black Lives Matter movement. His belief in self-expression and freedom has shaped his advice for young drivers.

"What I can definitely advise any kid that's out there trying to race is don't listen to people who tell you that you need a mental coach or you need someone to help control your mind," he said. "You need to let it run wild and free and discover yourself. It is all about discovery. And only you can do it."

Monday, 27 september, 2021

PrAyer Timings

news

PTI deSTRoyed CoUNTRy IN ThRee yeARS, ASSeRTS ShehbAz

P

AKISTAN Muslim League Nawaz PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has said that the ‘selected’ government of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has destroyed the country in just three years and made millions of people jobless.

“The burgeoning inflation level in the country now demands widespread public demonstrations and I urge everyone to take to the streets against this menace,” he said while addressing party workers during a workers convention in Rawalpindi.

On the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated PML-N leaders over victory in cantonment board elections and said the election results were very satisfactory.

Shehbaz claimed his party would have fulfilled all its promises listed in the 2018 election manifesto had it been in power.

“Get ready, it’s time to launch a

movement against the government, defeat it politically and make Pakistan great,” he said while giving a clarion call to workers.

Lashing out at the government over rising inflation, he lamented that the prices of basic commodities were skyrocketing and “the prime minister is still asking people not to worry”.

He also said that his party will bury PTI politically in the next general elections while stressing upon national institutions to ensure “fair and transparent” polls in 2023.

“It’s our right that the 2023 elections be held in a transparent manner and institutions like the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of Pakistan ensure polls are held fairly,” he told a workers’ convention in Rawalpindi.

He also highlighted that the recent

Modi targets Pakistan, China in UN address NEW YORK The AssociATed Press

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not directly mention Pakistan or China in his Saturday speech to the United Nations General Assembly, but the targets of his address were clear to the audience. In a roughly 20-minute speech delivered in-person and in Hindi, he called on the international community to help the women, children and minorities of Afghanistan and said that it was imperative the country not be used as a base from which to spread terror. “We also need to be alert and ensure that no country tries to take advantage of the delicate situation there, and use it as a tool for its own selfish interests,” he said in an apparent reference to Pakistan, wedged between Afghanistan and India. India has charged that the Taliban is Pakistan’s “proxy terrorist” group and claimed that Afghanistan could be used as a training ground for anti-India groups. The government in New Delhi also worries that the Taliban takeover could strengthen the freedom movement in occupied Kashmir. Modi did not mention Kashmir or the long-simmering conflict there, in contrast to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s speech the previous evening. Modi also highlighted what he called the need to protect oceans from “the race for expansion and exclusion.” India and China have long competed for influence in the Indian Ocean.

Modi’s speech came a day after the prime minister met one-on-one with President Joe Biden and participated in a summit of “the Quad”: the US, Japan, India and Australia. The members of the informal Indo-Pacific alliance have been uneasy as China’s power grows in the region. On the heels of waves of coronavirus surges that have ravaged India, Modi made no mention of his own country’s death toll — one that experts believe numbers in the millions. But he reaffirmed last week’s announcement that India would restart exporting vaccines next month. “Deeply conscious of its responsibility towards mankind, India has resumed the process of providing vaccines to those who need it in the world,” Modi said, inviting vaccine manufacturers to come to India and touting Indian scientists’ advances. Modi’s elision of direct references to China, Pakistan or Indian coronavirus casualties isn’t exactly new. It was the same story at last year’s UN General Assembly when amid border tensions with Pakistan and China and an already high death toll, he opted to instead paint India as a country that treats “the whole world as one family” and promoted domestic initiatives.

cantonment board elections were transparent, saying “nobody intervened in those polls”.

On the other hand, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib on Sunday asked PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif to bring back his absconding elder brother Nawaz Sharif from London instead of criticizing the government.

“You are a guarantor of your brother and you helped him flee the country to reach London, so bring him back before criticizing the government,” said the minister in a news statement while reacting to Shehbaz Sharif’s anti-government remarks.

He said Shehbaz Sharif had no right to celebrate his party’s victory in the cantonment boards’ elections as the PML-N was completely wiped out from three provinces including Balochistan, Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh due to its poor performance.

The PML-N had been relegated to a region, he said while referring to the political presence of the party’s in Punjab.

It was the PTI who took lead in the cantonment boards’ elections, he said, and asked Shehbaz to show some moral courage and accept his party’s defeat in the election.

The minister said it had become a habit of the PML-N to single out rigging wherever they faced defeat and termed those elections transparent where they emerged victoriously.

He said all the elections held in the past under traditional way were marred by the rigging controversy; therefore, the use of Electronic Voting Machines was crucial to ensure free, fair, and transparent polls in the country. news desk

Decision to cancel Pakistan tour ‘out of our hands’: NZ coach

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Russia says it’s in sync with Pakistan, US and China on Taliban NEW YORK: Russia, China, Pakistan and the United States are working together to ensure that Afghanistan’s new Taliban rulers keep their promises, especially to form a genuinely representative government and prevent extremism from spreading, Russia’s foreign minister said. Sergey Lavrov said the four countries are in ongoing contact. He said representatives from Russia, China and Pakistan recently travelled to Qatar and then to Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, to engage with both the Taliban and representatives of “secular authorities” — former president Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah, who headed the ousted government’s negotiating council with the Taliban. Lavrov said the interim government announced by the Taliban does not reflect “the whole gamut of Afghan society — ethnoreligious and political forces — so we are engaging in contacts.

They are ongoing.” The Taliban have promised an inclusive government, a more moderate form of a rule than when they last ruled the country from 1996 to 2001 including respecting women’s rights, providing stability after 20 years of war, fighting terrorism and extremism and stopping militants from using their territory to launch attacks. But recent moves suggest they may be returning to more repressive policies, particularly toward women and girls. “What’s most important […] is to ensure that the promises that they have proclaimed publicly to be kept,” Lavrov said.

“And for us, that is the top priority.” At a wideranging news conference and in his speech afterward at the UN General Assembly, Lavrov criticised the Biden administration including for its hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan. He said the US and NATO pullout “was carried out without any consideration of the consequences […] that there are many weapons left in Afghanistan.” It remains critical, he said, that such weapons aren’t used for “destructive purposes.” The AssociATed Press

Taliban ask airlines to resume international flights to Afghanistan

WELLINGTON Agencies

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead on Sunday said the decision to cancel the tour of Pakistan was “out of our hands” and urged his players to treat their upcoming T20 World Cup opener against the green shirts like any other match.

New Zealand Cricket abandoned its men’s team’s tour of Pakistan just before the start of the first ODI on September 17 citing a security threat, leaving the host nation disappointed as well as angry.

“That decision was out of our hands,” Stead was quoted as saying

by Stuff, a Wellington-based online news portal.

The players are currently in Dubai, one of the venues for the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosed in the UAE and Oman. “… Guys are now in Dubai and getting ready, and there’s the IPL that they can have a good look at, which

in many ways is good preparation for them as well,” Stead added.

He said the five players who were meant to be playing in a fivematch T20 series in Pakistan have begun training under batting coach Thilan Samaraweera in the UAE, where nine other squad members and travelling reserve Adam Milne are playing in the Indian Premier League.

“I think they’re okay. It was obviously unsettling and disappointing what happened in Pakistan and we certainly feel for the Pakistan cricket fraternity and fans,” Stead said.

In the run-up to the World Cup, New Zealand have warm-up matches lined up against Australia on October 18 and England two days later before their opener against Pakistan in Sharjah on October 27.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja said the only way to overcome this disappointment is to become the world’s best by beat-

ing the other nations, including New Zealand, in the T20 World Cup, two days after their opener against arch-rival India.

Raja had warned that the Black Caps will “hear from us” in the ICC. “We had one team in our target, our neighbours (India), now add two more teams, New Zealand and England,” Raja had said, referring to England’s withdrawal from a tour next month soon after New Zealand’s departure.

Stead, however, backed his team to shut out the hype and noise around the recent pullout when it plays Pakistan in the mega-event.

“Certainly, being that it’s Pakistan, people will hype that up, but for us, it’s no different to any other match we play against them,” Stead said.

At the last T20 World Cup in India in 2016, Kane Williamson’s side lost to England in the semifinals and this time have a tough group including Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and two other qualifiers.

KABUL: The Taliban government in Afghanistan appealed on Sunday for international flights to be resumed, promising full cooperation with airlines and saying that problems at Kabul airport had been resolved. The statement from the foreign affairs ministry comes as the new administration has stepped up efforts to open up the country and gain international acceptance following the collapse of the Westernbacked government last month. A limited number of aid and passenger flights have been operating from the airport. But normal commercial services have yet to resume since it was closed in the wake of the chaotic evacuation of tens of thousands of foreigners and vulnerable Afghans that followed the Taliban’s seizure of the capital. The airport, which was damaged during the evacuation, has since been reopened with the assistance of technical teams from Qatar and Turkey.

While some airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines, have been offering limited services and some people have been able to get places on flights, prices have been reported to be many times higher than normal. Foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said the suspension of international flights had left many Afghans stranded abroad and also prevented people from travelling for work or study. “As the problems at Kabul International Airport have been resolved and the airport is fully operational for domestic and international flights, the IEA assures all airlines of its full cooperation,” he said, using an abbreviation for Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the Taliban’s term for their new government. Since taking power, the Taliban have grappled with a severe economic crisis and have faced pressure on issues ranging from girls’ education to allegations of reprisals against former officials and others associated with the previous government. reuTers

Kabul’s carpet and antique dealers struggle after foreigners flee KABUL AfP

Traders of carpets, antiques and souvenirs on Kabul’s famed Chicken Street said Sunday business has completely dried up since the vast majority of foreigners left the Afghan capital as the Taliban took over.

The once-bustling hotspot, where aid workers and adventurous tourists would shop for vintage tribal rugs, pottery and metalware, is almost empty of visitors looking for a bargain.

“Business has drastically changed because we don’t have a lot of foreigners going here and there in Kabul,” carpet seller Abdul Wahab told AFP outside his empty showroom.

“So that has affected our business, like carpets, jewellery and the tribal things of Afghanistan.”

Wahab said most of his customers had been expats, such as NGO staff and diplomats, but almost all of them evacuated by the end of August, after the Taliban stormed to power in the weeks before.

Vintage rugs can fetch thousands of dollars, which means only foreigners and the richest of Afghans are Wahab’s target market.

Asked how many rugs he now sells per week, the dealer said: “Now, it’s none.”

‘HIPPIE TRAIL’ FAME: Chicken Street was hugely popular in the 1960s and ’70s among Kabul’s “hippie trail” visitors, who stayed in nearby guesthouses and shopped for clothes and hashish.

Tourism plummeted during and after the Soviet-Afghan war that started in 1979, but the street experienced a rebound after the US invasion in 2001.

Wahab said that, despite the recent lack

of custom, he remained “very optimistic” that trade would pick up in the coming months.

“Our business only depends on security.

If the security is good, foreigners will come, and then they will buy carpets or other textiles that are available in Afghanistan.”

Another dealer, 64-year-old Qadir Raouf — who owns a family carpet shop across the street — agreed.

“For the future, when there is peace, we can do good business,” he said.

“There are no foreigners to come. I hope the situation will be quiet and people are coming, starting business again.”

Originally from Herat in western Afghanistan, Raouf has had his carpet shop in Kabul for more than 45 years, sourcing old and new rugs from all over the country.

“These are our national things,” he said of his carpets. “We show them to all the

world: Afghan people can make carpets.”

‘I WANT TO SERVE’: Haji Jalil has been selling porcelain artefacts — some of them up to 300 years old — for almost 30 years.

“Our business has not been good for the last two years,” he said in his Chicken Street shop, blaming the Covid-19 crisis for the start of the downturn.

“This street is fully dependent on the economy,” he told AFP. “If people’s financial situations are good, they come and buy the decorative goods such as carpets, handicrafts, precious and semi-precious stones.

“Now businesses all over Afghanistan are not doing well.”

However, the 65-year-old said he had no plans to leave.

“I want to serve the people of my country,” he said. “Our business may be good outside Afghanistan and foreigners may

come and buy our products.

“But I want to do my business in Afghanistan and do not think of doing it elsewhere.”

Further down Chicken Street, men sold fresh pomegranate juice, bananas and watermelons from carts as a small group of Taliban fighters watched on.

Haji Niyaz appeared to be doing a good lunchtime trade at his bakery, although the breadmaker in his 40s told AFP his business was under threat too.

“The economy is weak,” he said, and the prices of flour and gas had gone up.

“We used to bake 4,000 loaves of bread every day, but now we can barely bake 2,000. I don’t think we can continue.

“If the current condition continues for 10 more days, things will be over in Afghanistan.”

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