Thursday, 24 December, 2020 I 8 Jumada Al-Awwal, 1442 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 175 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition
President seeks sC oPinion on oPen balloting for senate eleCtions
ISLAMABAD staff report
P
resident dr arif alvi on Wednesday approved a proposal from Prime minister imran Khan seeking the opinion of the supreme court (sc) on holding the senate elections through open ballot and show of hands to end the practice of horse-trading. the prime minister in november suggested changing the voting process for senate elections as he sought an end to the “commonplace practice” of bribes and corruption. With a show of hands, he had said, everyone could see which parliamentarian voted for what candidate. Following the development, attorney general Khalid Jawed Khan suggested to seek the opinion of the apex court under article 186 of the constitution. a statement by the Press information department (Pid) issued Wednesday said that the president approved the prime minister’s proposal to send a reference to the apex court. “the president has sought the opinion of
the apex court on the premier’s proposal to hold the elections using open ballot/show of hands,” the statement said. in the reference, the president has sought the top court’s opinion on amending section 122(6) of the election act, 2017, without amending the constitution, it added. the government last week had announced to organise the election for the upper house a month earlier than previously scheduled and decided, following ag Khan’s suggestion, to seek the apex court’s guidance on the matter. the elections are to be held for 52 seats because as many members of the 104-member senate are due to retire on march 11. reports suggest the proposal to hold an early poll was given by minister for science and technology Fawad chaudhry, who is also a barrister and constitutional expert, during a meeting of the federal cabinet last week. When a participant of the meeting was asked if an amendment to the law would be required for it, he replied in the negative and said there was room in the constitution for it.
Coronavirus in
Pakistan
CONFIRMED CASES:
462,814
LAST UPDATED AT 8:21 AM ON DECEMBER 23, 2020
DAY'S DEATH TOLL:
84
RECOVERED:
NEW CASES:
2,142 DEATHS:
415,352 9,557 SINDH:
PUNJAB:
206,489
133,179
KP:
BALOCHISTAN:
AJK/GB:
ISLAMABAD:
55,811
17,980
8,040/4,832 36,483
in a subsequent cabinet briefing on the matter, ag Khan said that if section 122(6) of the elections act, 2017 was amended through an ordinance before the commencement of the election schedule by the election commission of Pakistan (ecP), the elections to the senate could be held through open voting instead of secret ballot. “However, keeping in view the sensitivity of the matter and given the fact that there is sufficient time before the next election to the senate, the government may seek ‘clarity’ on the issue by filing a reference to the sc under article 186 of the constitution,” he had said. “this course is not necessary but as the matter is of utmost significance and would affect the functioning of the senate, it may be prudent to seek the opinion of the sc,” he had said. the ag had said that the senate election was scheduled to be held in or about march 2021 to fill the seats as mentioned in article 59 of the constitution. the prime minister had made a public statement conveying the desire of his government to hold the elections by open ballot/show of hands as against secret balloting. He said that at present section 122(6) of the elections act, 2017 provided for senate elections by secret ballot. article 226 of the constitution provides that all elections under the constitution other than those of prime minister and chief ministers ‘shall’ be held by secret ballot. therefore, the ag had said, unless the constitution was amended, the senate election could not be held through open voting/show of hands. However, Khan had said, contrary to this convocational understanding, there was another view which was that the senate election was not an election under the constitution. “it is held in terms of the provisions of the elections act, 2017. the elections under the constitution to which article 226 refers include the election of [the] president of Pakistan under article 41(3) read with second schedule to the constitution. likewise, the elections of speaker and deputy speaker of the national assembly and chairman and deputy chairman of the senate are elections held under the constitution,” he had said.
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Govt in contact with virus vaccine developers for early doses, NCOC told ISLAMABAD staff report
the national command and operation center (ncoc) was informed Wednesday that the government was “in close liaison” with leading international manufacturers of coronavirus vaccines to secure early doses of the antidote. the government earlier this month announced it had begun the vaccine procurement process. the government has approved $150 million in funding to buy the vaccines, initially to cover the most vulnerable 5 percent of the population. the amount was later increased to $250 million following a surge in the cases. the initial phase of vaccinations would focus on providing free shots for frontline health workers and people above the age of 65 years, dr Faisal sultan, the prime minister’s special adviser on health, had announced. a panel of experts was
Imran announces health insurance, houses for Islamabad police g
Premier says Police Play a role vital in national develoPment by ensuring Peace ISLAMABAD staff report
Prime minister imran Khan has announced to provide islamabad police officials with healthcare cards and residence. addressing the passing out parade of islamabad police at Police lines Headquarters Wednesday, the prime minister said: “i want to say two things to islamabad police: every policeman will be given a health card, meaning each household will have access to quality treatment at any government or private hospital, and a residence.” the police and government staffers will also be able to buy their own houses under the naya Pakistan Housing scheme, he said. “the installments you pay will go towards you owning your homes. this is a big part of our programme, especially for government employees and police officials like yourself.” Highlighting the importance of the police in society, imran said: “a police force has a very big role in society. but, up till now, that role has not yet
compiling a list of recommendations on how to procure the vaccine, dr Faisal said. “We will see whether we need to tap more than one source, including some Western manufacturers or some chinese, so we will move forward with all these options.” Pakistan has launched Phase iii clinical trials for cansino biologics’ vaccine candidate, ad5-ncov, led by the national institute of Health (niH) and pharmaceutical company aJm Pharma — the local representative of cansino. another chinese candidate, chinese academy of sciences (cas), has also developed a vaccine which was found to be safe and triggered immune responses in early and mid-stage trials. a late-stage trial of the ZF2001 vaccine began last month in china and aims to recruit 29,000 people from Pakistan among other countries.
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more inside
PM Imran orders expediting work on Ravi Riverfront project STORY ON PAGE 03
soldier martyred in exchange of fire with indian forces STORY ON PAGE 02
been realised.” He said that due to colonialism, the people feared the police. “the british had a different sort of force that looked after the people and considered them their own.” “but because they considered us slaves, the attitude of the police was different.” the premier said that he wanted the nation to consider the police as their own and to “love them”. He said that when the Pakistan tehreek-e-insaf (Pti) came into power in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa (KP), they saw that the police were the target of terrorism. “more than 500 police officers had been martyred and morale was low. but the force changed in front of our eyes and fought terrorism. then there came a time when the people of Peshawar and mardan staged rallies in support of the police,” he said, adding that he felt pride at seeing the force changing in front of his eyes.
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Pakistan not holding any backdoor talks with India: FM Qureshi STORY ON PAGE 02
Pakistan and afghanistan should have integrated economies, says Pm’s aide STORY ON BACK PAGE
02
Thursday, 24 December, 2020
NEWS
PakIStan not HoldIng any backdoor talkS wItH IndIa: FM QureSHI MULTAN
F
STAFF REPORT
oreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said that Pakistan is not holding backdoor talks with India. This announcement came just two days after Prime Minister Imran Khan and the foreign minister himself warned India of befitting response at all levels of threat in case of any false flag operation and surgical strike. It is pertinent to note that Pakistan already expressed said that Pakistan has information that the Indian
government led by the Hindu nationalist BJP is planning to conduct a false flag operation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and it is looking for an excuse to accomplish its nefarious designs. He was talking to media persons after the Urs ceremonies of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam concluded on Wednesday. Commenting on the Pakistan Decorative Movement (PDM) the foreign minister said, “Our government has no interest in just sticking to the chair. And the government has not closed the door for talks with the opposition.”
He said that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) is dispersing and even the party did not agree with the statement of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. FM Qureshi said that Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) is also not united while Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) decisions are still made by Asif Ali Zardari and unauthorised people of the PPP attend PDM meetings. He clarified that not stopping PDM rallies is a strategy of the government and the government will fight the opposition with political power. He acknowledged that movements do not stop through police.
Qaisar, Khattak, Sarwar tasked to create divisions within PDM A REBEL GROUP IN PML-N SET TO EMERGE ISLAMABAD MIAN ABRAR
Soldier martyred in exchange of fire with Indian forces RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT
Indian troops committed unprovoked ceasefire violation in Satwal Sector along the Line of Control (LoC) on Wednesday night. Pakistan Army responded effectively to Indian firing, causing substantial damage to Indian troops in men and material. During exchange of fire, a 22-year-old valiant soldier, Sep Mukhtiar embraced martyrdom.
Indian Hindu pilgrims miss out on celebrations in Pakistan LAHORE SHAHAB OMER
As many as 47 Hindu pilgrims from India could not reach Pakistan due to unknown reasons for participating in the celebrations of Mokshda Ekadashi and Shri Gita Jayanti, Pakistan Today learnt on Wednesday. The pilgrims were to visit Katas Raj Temple in Chakwal and Krishna Temple in Lahore besides their participation in the celebrations. Sources in the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) told Pakistan Today that the officials of the department were waiting for the pilgrims at the Wagah integrated check post, but the Indians did not arrive. According to sources, the Pakistan High Commission (PHC) in New Delhi had issued visas to 47 Indian Hindu pilgrims for Lahore and Chakwal districts in the light of rules and regulations. However, the pilgrims cancelled their visit this year due to non-issuance of visa to their expected group leader Satish Kumar Shoqeen. Since 1982, Hindu pilgrims have been coming t the Katas Raj Temple in Chakwal every year under the leadership of Shiv Bajaj Pratap. But this year, Shoqeen was made the group leader due to ill health of Pratap. Pakistan Hindu Welfare Council Chairman Dr Manohar Chand spoke to Pakistan Today and said that he is deeply saddened to know that Indian Hindu pilgrims could not come to Pakistan despite getting visas. “In the light of the instructions of ETPB Chairman Dr Amir Ahmed, the department had made foolproof arrangements for food, accommodation, transport and security of the pilgrims,” Chand added.
The federal government has devised a strategy to deal with the upcoming agitation campaign, being planned by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). A source disclosed to Pakistan Today that a strategy has been devised to weaken the coalition of opposition parties and some ministers and political figures of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been given important tasks in this regard. According to the source, some ministers and government officials have been instructed to contact the leaders of the parties in the PDM before the end of January to weaken the opposition alliance from within. "National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak and Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar have been given important tasks," the source said.
The source also said that the government is expecting some ‘good news’ from United Kingdom. "The government expects that the news from UK will break the PML-N’s back in a few days. The news could be about an arrest of a political bigwig. Another breaking news is expected to come from Lahore," the source added. When asked to elaborate further about the news from Lahore, the source said that internal bickering in the PML-N has increased and a rebel group is set to emerge soon. Due to the same internal fissures, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz is silent from the last three days, as she did not even hold a single meeting. "There were some quiet meetings, but no statement came. According to my information, Maryam Nawaz has stopped the series of meetings. She was not available when even the most important leaders of the party wanted to meet her. Maryam is very upset with some party leaders, who are angry with her," the source concluded. PML-N leader Maryam Aurangzeb was not available for comments.
Govt committed to reward & punishment policy to achieve progress: Faraz ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz on Wednesday said that the government is committed to the promotion of reward and punishment policy to achieve progress in every institution of the country. In an interview with a private television channel, he said that there is a dire need to evolve a mechanism of self-accountability for improving the system. He also said that the government has made efforts to identify elements behind sugar and petroleum crisis. He added that the credit goes to the ruling party to make public the report about sugar mafia. He further said that the inquiry of petroleum products’ mishandling is in progress and it would be
govt prioritises resolution of overseas Pakistanis’ problems: PM
public within three to four days. OPPORTUNISTIC GROUPS IN PDM: Separately, in a tweet, Faraz said that the opportunistic groups in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) have different and separate directions. He said that the people running movement against the government are facing movements against themselves, which is evident from the statements of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leaders Maulana Sheerani and Hafiz Hussain Ahmed. The minister said that those who give their personal interests priority will gain nothing except humiliation. He also said that the chaotic politics of the opposition that has contradictory views will bring nothing good for the country and people. The minister further said that he prays that the opposition sees towards people's problems instead of power.
ISLAMABAD PPI
Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the government gives priority to resolution of the problems of overseas Pakistanis, ease of doing business, protection of the overseas Pakistanis' investment in Pakistan and their participation in voting. He was talking to British House of Lords member Amir Sarfraz, who called on him on Wednesday. They discussed ways to further strengthen relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The prime minister congratulated Sarfraz for being appointed as member of House of Lords at a young age. Sarfraz is among the youngest of the members of the House.
Senate deputy chairman reveals details of nab’s alleged human rights violations ISLAMABAD INP
Pakistan's anti-graft watchdog is engaged in human rights violations, Senate Deputy Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla claimed on Wednesday, criticising the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for "killing people and dropping off their bodies at hospitals". Mandviwalla said that he spoke to civil liberty bodies about the anti-corruption watchdog's alleged malpractices, but they feared highlighting that their alleged human rights violations would tarnish Pakistan's image around the world. "NAB accuses everyone of being thieves and robbers", he said, asking: "How dare it level such allegations against people?" "Women call and narrate what the NAB has done to them and their families. This institution is killing people and, when they die, it leaves their bodies in the hospital,” he said. "NAB is violating human rights. I spoke to human rights organisations about it, but they are afraid that talking about it will ruin Pakistan's image. Not a day goes by when I do not receive a call about the NAB's [alleged atrocities] and its actions," he added. The Senate official claimed he had received calls from abroad wherein people told him they left the country due to the anti-graft body's harassment. "We have made the NAB into a monster," he added, challenging the watchdog's representatives to appear in front of a committee if they had done nothing wrong. "NAB chairperson [Javed Iqbal] should have the courage to listen to these families' woes," he added, underlining that he would provide a list of people who have been affected by the anti-corruption body. Meanwhile, Adviser to Prime Minister on Interior Shehzad Akbar, while addressing a press conference, said that the Senate deputy chairman cannot use his position for his personal gains.
Sindh schools ‘unlikely’ to reopen in January: minister KARACHI STAFF REPORT
The Sindh government on Wednesday said that it was “unlikely” for schools to be allowed to resume classes from mid-January as was announced by the federal government when it closed down educational institutional countrywide last month. The government in November announced a nationwide closure of schools and postponed examinations to curtail rising coronavirus infections and a surge in new virus-related hospitalisations. Students, including those at higher educational institutions as well as in private schools, were expected to continue classes through distance learning until
December 24, when schools are scheduled to go on winter break until January 11. “Keeping in view the ongoing second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, it is unlikely that education institutes would be reopened in January 2020,” Ghani, the provincial minister for education, said while addressing a press conference in Karachi. However, he said, unlike the last term in the first wave of the pandemic, students will not be promoted to new grades without sitting for exams. Pakistan first closed educational institutions between March and September to combat the spread of the virus. State television and radio stations were used to broadcast lessons at home for students in
government schools. The minister’s statement comes as the provincial tally reached 206,489 cases, of which 32,139 infections were recorded in just the last 22 days. Around 444 people have died in the province since the start of December. Pakistan recorded 2,142 new coronavirus cases countrywide and 83 deaths over the last 24 hours as a second wave of the epidemic has gathered momentum, data released by National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) Wednesday showed. Prime Minister Imran Khan has already ruled out a wide-ranging lockdown, opting to close down nonessential public gatherings in a bid to keep the economy afloat through the pandemic.
Thursday, 24 December, 2020
PM IMran OrDerS exPeDItIng wOrK On ravI rIverfrOnt PrOjeCt ISLAMABAD
P
STAFF REPORT
RIMe Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday directed relevant authorities to make expeditious progress on Ravi Riverfront Urban Development project. The premier ordered expediting work on Ravi Riverfront Urban Development project after a consortium comprising global firms, ANGCC, offered investment worth $5 billion, as well as
the Chinese government and other companies decided for making an investment of $3 billion. The premier had been apprised in a meeting of Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and Pakistan Islands Development Authority (PIDA) regarding the expected investment worth $8 billion by a number of global companies in the Ravi Riverfront project. It had emerged that $3 billion investment will not include any genre
of loan. Moreover, the premier was told that a board has been constituted to initiate development work from January 2021. PM Imran said that the project will be the biggest and unique in its kinds which will attract foreign investors besides creating opportunities for employment in the country. earlier in September, he had laid the foundation stone of Ravi Riverfront Urban Development project and planted a sapling.
PM Imran said that the pace of construction of multi-billion project possesses importance, and the federal government will provide maximum assistance for removing all barriers in the urban development project. The project will be completed with the coordination of the private sector and the Punjab government will complete its infrastructure. The country will witness huge foreign investment through the project which is being initiated under a comprehensive plan.
Govt busy playing musical chairs, says Maryam Nawaz MARDAN STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday lashed out at Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying that the government is not qualified to run the country's affairs and it is busy playing musical chairs. Maryam's comments came a day after the prime minister said that never should a new government come to power without doing its homework and without getting briefings. Addressing the Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) 'Mehangai March', Maryam said that the PM does not have a team in place to manage the country's issues. "He [PM Imran Khan] says that he is not afraid of the PDM and will not bow before it," she said, taunting the prime minister by saying that only the one who stands can take a bow. "Whether your government is
prepared to run the affairs of the country or not, the people of Mardan have decided that they will not rest till you are sent home," she added. She accused the government of not having a qualified team to manage the country’s affairs. "He [PM Imran Khan] used to say before becoming prime minister that he has a team of 200 professionals. Where is your team now? When you know that you were not qualified to be a prime minister, why were you in such a hurry to wear the sherwani?" asked Maryam while taunting the PM. "You [PM Imran Khan] were not prepared to run the country, but to rob Rs122 billion in the LNG scam," she said. "You were not prepared to give the youth 10 million jobs, but to give your friends lucrative jobs," she added. She also accused the prime minister of being "fully prepared" to give NRO to his sister Aleema Khan. PDM chief Maulana Fazalur
Rehman addressed the rally after Maryam and said that the opposition parties have been saying that the current government is inept, but now the premier himself has admitted his failure. "He said that he could not make sense of the figures that were presented before him [...] such a government does not have the right to make decisions for the people," Fazl said. He added that the Supreme Court (SC) had also raised questions over the conduct of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). "There is no trusting the accountability process now. It is a puppet of the establishment and has no value of its own. The premier says that I will have to answer, but I want to say to him that he is in the grip of my accountability. First get yourself off the hook, then talk about us," he further said. The PDM chief said that Pakistan has become "isolated" in the region while Saudi Arabia and China "are
cross". China gave Pakistan a loan to repay its debts to the Saudis at an interest rate of 14 per cent, he said, adding that China did this because the government had "treated them badly". "You [PM Imran Khan] have destroyed the China-Pakistan economic Corridor (CPeC) and ruined Chinese investment in Pakistan. What else can you expect from the world when you treat them as such?" Fazl further said that currently the financial positions of Afghanistan, Iran, Malaysia and Indonesia are better than Pakistan. "Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal are moving ahead while Pakistan is sinking. The more days the government stays in the power, the more the country will continue to sink." He also announced that the PDM will march to Islamabad with the nation to demand the premier's resignation. "We will not rest till we remove the government," he said.
Punjab okays incentives for setting up units in industrial estates LAHORE STAFF REPORT
Soldier martyred during IBO on terrorist hideout RAWALPINDI: Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) on terrorist hideout in Silak Kaur, Awaran, Balochistan. One terrorist was killed and another apprehended. Cache of arms, ammunition and communication equipment recovered from hideout. During intense exchange of fire with terrorists, Havaldar Shoaib embraced martyrdom.STAFF REPORT
Punjab Minister for Industries and Trade Mian Aslam Iqbal has approved an incentive package for setting up industrial units in different small industrial estates. Under the package, the allottees completing their industrial units within the stipulated period will be given 50 per cent discount in the admissible non-development charges. The minister for industries and trade announced this while chairing the 114th meeting of the board of directors of Punjab Small Industries Corporation on Wednesday. The deadline ending on December 31, 2020, has been extended till June 30, 2021 for setting up industrial units by allottees in industrial estates under the Small Industrial estates Policy, 2019. The government has provided the opportunity to plots allottees to set up their industrial units due to coronavirus and the plots will be cancelled in case of failure in setting
Local bodies polls in IOK a bid to validate India’s illegal actions: Masood ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Terming the local bodies election in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) farcical, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan has said that Indian rulers cannot get the validation of their illegal actions taken since August 2019 by holding such sham polls. Commenting on the self-proclaimed victory of the ruling BJP and Farooq Abdullah's pro-India National Conference in the Districts Development Councils’ elections in occupied Kashmir, the state president said that these elections were held under the supervision of an occupation army which is engaged in massacring and ethnic cleansing of the Kashmiri people amidst detention of hundreds of political leaders, thousands of
political workers, civil society leaders, journalists and human rights activists. Masood maintained that India has always engineered elections in occupied Jammu and Kashmir in order to ensure the victory of pro-India parties and the majority of the Kashmiri people have neither accepted these elections nor have ever regarded them as a substitute of the plebiscite. About the so-called Gupkar Alliance formed under the leadership of Farooq Abdullah in occupied Kashmir, the AJK president said that this alliance had neither enjoyed the support of the people of occupied Kashmir nor has it any authority to lead the Kashmiri people. “Gupkar Alliance has no legitimacy; no endorsement from Kashmiris. Its participation in polls merely means a fresh lease of life for pro-India elements to safeguard their vested interests, at the expense of Kashmiris right to self-determination.”
up industrial units, the minister warned. The PSIC board also approved to establish a handicrafts development centre in Vohwa area of Taunsa tehsil in DG Khan to train the local women. The minister directed to observe rules for hiring a consultant for an engineering consultancy in PSIC building and demanded to provide a performance report of the regional directors. The minister emphasised that 100 per cent colonisation of industrial estates is a policy of the Punjab government. It would promote trade and economic activities, he said. He pointed out that an incentive package has been announced for the allottees of small industries estates and the industrialists can benefit from the Punjab Rozgar Scheme as well. He further directed that private universities should also be included in the programme of setting up R&D centres in universities. Additional secretary industries, PSIC MD and board members attended the meeting.
NEWS
03
Death toll from Karachi factory explosion rises to 10 NEWS DESK The death toll from Tuesday’s boiler blast in an ice factory in New Karachi rose to 10 after one more person succumbed to his wounds. The powerful blast had destroyed the building structure, killing eight besides damaging two other neighbouring industrial units while shattering the windowpanes of houses in the adjoining residential block. The witnesses said a large section of the boiler was flung into the air and landed some 250 yards away that damaged a few other industrial units in the locality and also hit the residential facilities in the thickly populated neighbourhood. At the time, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Moeenuddin said seven people had been working inside the factory at the time of the blast. Rescue officials and law enforcement agencies personnel reached the spot. The district police cordoned off the locality shortly after the incident. A statement said officers of the police, Sindh Rangers and Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) were all assisting rescue efforts. Police said heavy machinery was being used to recover the trapped people from the debris. Speaking to reports after the incident, Sindh Minister for Labour Saeed Ghani directed the secretary to conduct a probe and submit a report within 24 hours. A statement from the Labour Ministry confirmed that a safety team has been sent to the scene of the blast. It further added that the minister has communicated with the deputy commissioner and officials from relevant departments have been directed to provide immediate medical assistance to the victims of the blast. The statement further said that Ghani directed that the heirs of the deceased are promptly notified and arrangements are made for their burial. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had also taken notice of the incident and sought a report from the Labour Department. The provincial government has also ordered an inquiry and also issued directives to provide best medical facilities to the injured.
Indian diplomat summoned after LoC ceasefire violation kills one, hurts three ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Wednesday summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register Pakistan’s “strong protest” at the recent ceasefire violation along the line of control (LoC) which killed one and hurt three others. The development comes a day after a 50-year-old woman – Khadija, a resident of the Grid Janoobi village – was killed and 16-year-old Samar from the same village, 18-year-old Aneela Kausar in Barmoch village, 4-year-old Muhammad Seemab in Tanoon village received injuries as a result of “indiscriminate and unprovoked firing” along the de facto border between the two neighbours. “The Indian occupation forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary have been continuously targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavycalibre mortars and automatic weapons,” an FO press release said. The statement added that India had committed 3,012 ceasefire violations since the start of this year, which had resulted in 28 deaths and serious injuries to 253 people. “The Indian occupation forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have been continuously targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons,” the statement said. “Such senseless acts are in clear violation of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding, and are also against all established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct. These egregious violations of international law reflect consistent Indian attempts to escalate the situation along the LoC and are a threat to regional peace and security.” STAFF REPORT
Thursday, 24 December, 2020
04 NEWS
PHC issues notiCe to Centre over AMendMent to CsP ruLes PESHAWAR
t
TLTP
AKING serious note of recently amended Civil Service of Pakistan Rules 1954 in violation of constitutional provisions and top court verdict that has adverse impacts on provincial civil servants career, a division bench of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday sought reply from the federal government in the matter. Appearing before the bench of Justices Muhammad Nasir Mehfooz and Arshad Ali on Wednesday, Umer Ijaz Gilani, the counsel for Farhatullah Khan Marwat, a senior officer of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Provincial Management Service, claimed that the federal government has secretively made an amendment to the Civil Service of Pakistan Rules,
1954 through Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) 1046 of 2020. Terming the impugned SRO as an assault on the scheme of administrative federalism laid down in the Constitution of 1973 and reinforced by the 18th Amendment the petitioner contended that the impugned notification has been issued purportedly in pursuance of the federal Civil Servants Act, 1973. Advocate Gilani further argued that the SRO travels beyond the mandate of the parent Act whose scope is confined to federal posts only, adding neither the Act nor the Constitution empower the federal government to make any appointments to any provincial posts or to set rules for this purpose. “Provincial posts are an exclusively provincial matter,” Gilani contended. Responding to a query of the court the counsel submitted that through the SRO, Establishment Division has
effectively usurped for itself the right to periodically redetermine and possibly reduce the share of seats available to provincial civil servants in the upper echelons of the provincial bureaucracy. During the course of proceedings, the petitioner asserted that through SRO 1046, the power to make appointments to numerous important provincial civil service posts has been taken away from provincial cabinets (acting as collegiate, deliberative) and handed over to the prime minister. He said that this power can now be exercised behind closed doors, to the detriment of a provincial civil servant like the petitioner. Counsel for the petitioner argued that the SRO seeks to defeat the spirit of the Supreme Court's (SC) landmark judgment in Mustafa Impex case. Pertinently mention that while announcing verdict on 18th August 2016, the
Meesha shafi, others summoned on Jan 18 in smear campaign case
top court had expanded meaning and scope of the federal government while referring cabinet form of government, using language of Article 90 of the Constitution saying in the capacity of the chief executive of the country, the prime minister ‘executes policy decisions, but does not take them by himself’. The top court held that the premier could not move any legislation, finance or fiscal bill, or approve any budgetary or discretionary expenditure, without consulting and obtaining approval from the cabinet. After hearing preliminary arguments, the PHC accepted the plea for hearing and issued notices to secretary establishment and secretary law. Talking to TLTP, Advocate Gilani expressed, “The SRO 1046 militates against the entire scheme of our Constitution which is based on the principle of provincial autonomy and administrative federalism.
Youth are future of Pakistan, says Firdous
LAHORE TLTP
LAHORE
A sessions court on Wednesday summoned singer Meesha Shafi and seven others in a case of smear campaign against singer Ali Zafar on January 18. Judicial Magistrate Zulfiqar Bari heard the case and ordered the eight accused to appear in the court on January 18. Earlier in September, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)'s special court registered a first information report (FIR) against Shafi, Omar and others on the accusations of running a social media campaign against the singer. According to the FIR registered on April 19, 2018, Shafi had accused Zafar of sexual harassment on Twitter. In November 2018 Zafar had protested against the social media campaign against him to the FIA Cyber Crime Wing and lodged a complaint. Zafar in his application argued that the allegations against him were made under a premeditated plan conspired by Shafi, her friend and her lawyer. Whereas, numerous fake [social media] accounts were also created to run the 'Me Too' campaign against him.
INP
iHC axes 200pc increase in islamabad Property tax ISLAMABAD INP
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday suspended the verdict of 200 per cent increase in Islamabad Property Tax and ordered Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation to collect the property tax as per the old tax rates. Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiani issued the reserved verdict of the case and ordered tax collection is not the ambit of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and only Metropolitan Corporation will collect the tax property tax. The court has also directed to conduct an audit of CDA’s collected tax since 2015. The IHC earlier accepted the petitions regarding the increase of property tax in Islamabad that was filed by Jamat-e-Islami (JI) and other citizens of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), the TV channel reported.
Special Assistant to Chief Minister of Punjab for Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has approved construction of sports complexes in 21 tehsils of the province. Firdous, in a statement on Wednesday, said that this steps of CM Buzdar are a proof of government’s supervision of traditional sports of the province. She further said that youth of Pakistan are rising stars of shining future of Pakistan and Buzdar wants to see them prosper. The CM’s aide revealed that under the Green Sports Programme, 1,000 playgrounds will be constructed.
LAHORE: Citizens shop at the local fleece market without adhering to coronavirus SOPs. ZUBAIR MEHFOOZ
Sindh to raise gas crisis issue with Centre: Murad KARACHI INP
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday directed provincial energy minister to prepare Sindh’s case over the gas crisis. “The issue of unjust distribution of gas will be raised with the federal government,” chief minister said in a session over gas crisis in the province. Chief Minister Murad was presiding over a meeting over the gas crisis in province, attended by Sindh’s Energy Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh and other concerned officials. The chief minister was briefed about acute gas
shortage in the province. “Industrialists as well as domestic consumers are facing hardships in the gas crisis,” he said. “Sindh is country’s largest gas producing province, still the people here have been deprived of it,” the chief minister said. Sindh should be given priority in consumption of the gas being produced here, the chief minister said. “Depriving the province from its gas is violation of the Article 158 of the constitution,” CM Murad observed. The chief minister directed the energy minister to prepare Sindh’s case over the gas crisis. “The issue of unjust distribution of gas will be raised with the federal government,” he said.
PN chief leads top conference, satisfied at combat readiness ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Command and Staff Conference of Pakistan Navy concluded at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad. The conference was chaired by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, a PN statement said Wednesday. Matters related to geo strategic milieu, national security, operational preparedness, training and welfare of troops were reviewed. Briefings on various ongoing and future developmental projects of Pakistan Navy were also given to chief of the naval staff. While reviewing the deteriorating security situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), the forum reaffirmed
the support for just and rightful struggle of Kashmiris. The naval chief expressed confidence over combat readiness of the navy. He emphasised on strengthening maritime security to effectively respond to any aggression against Pakistan. The naval chief lauded initiatives taken towards capability development through acquisition of emerging technologies. The forum also discussed Covid-19 situation and reaffirmed implementation of govt policies to restrict countrywide spread of the pandemic. Command & Staff Conference is the apex decision making body of Pakistan Navy in which chief of the naval staff along with principal staff officers and field commanders undertake review of Pakistan Navy’s policies and plans.
Lahore man shot dead by business partners over money LAHORE INP
A 35-year-old man was shot dead by his business partner over money in Lahore’s Mughalpura, the police said on Wednesday. According to the victim’s family, he had gone out to the market on Tuesday when the suspects, identified as Zahid and Malik Javed, opened fire at him near the Sanghpura market. The perpetrators managed to escape from the crime scene. “The murderers had been working with my uncle for the last 20 years,” the victim’s nephew told the police, adding that they did not know why the crime took place. He added that both Zahid and Javed had met his uncle on Monday night. “Nothing seemed wrong then. I request the police to investigate the case as soon as possible.” The police have registered a murder case and have detained a man for questioning. Further investigations are underway.
Lahore court summons Mehmood Khan Achakzai over Punjab remarks LAHORE INP
A district and sessions court in Lahore has summoned Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai over his controversial remarks about the people of Punjab. He has been instructed to either appear in person or send his lawyer. The court has summoned a report from the SP on December 24. Tanveer Rashid has filed the petition against the PkMAP chief over his speech that he made during the PDM rally in Lahore on December 13.
Thursday, 24 December, 2020
news
President seeks SC opinion on open balloting for Senate elections continued from page 01 He had said that Article 226 of the Constitution had been interpreted by different courts. The Sindh High Court (SHC) in the case of the MQM vs province of Sindh (PLD 2017 Sindh 169), following the earlier judgement of Balochistan High Court in the case of Attaullah vs government of Pakistan (PLD 2014 Balochistan 206) held that the local government elections were the polls under Article 226 of the Constitution and must be held by secret ballot. However, subsequently, on an appeal against the SHC judgement, a three-member SC bench held that local government elections could be held through a secret ballot or through a show of hands and the choice was left to the legislature. “However, the determining factor would be the provisions in the applicable statute at the time of commencing of the elections schedule,” the AG had said. He had said while the SC judgement was a short-order comprising four pages, no detailed reasons were recorded in that case and the three judges who had issued the short order had retired.
Govt in contact with virus vaccine developers for early doses, NCOC told
ECC TO dECIdE SHElvING Of lPG AIr mIx PrOjECTS By SuI COmPANIES TOdAy iSLamaBad
T
AHMAD AHMADANI
HE Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet is expected to decide on Thursday (today) the shelving of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) air mix projects by the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited
(SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC). Following to ECC's decision on 26th March 2020 to shelve the installation of all LPG air mix plants on which work has not been started -- excluding two already commissioned plants at Awaran and Bella and a plant near completion at Gilgit -- the Petroleum Division, in a summary, has now proposed the commit-
tee to adjust subsidy from royalty to the respective provincial share from petroleum; or this subsidy be adjusted in the existing revenue requirement and Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) with a clear decision that no further LPG air mix plants will be installed; or SNGPL be instructed to abandon the projects (Drosh, Ayun, and Chitral Town) and dispose off the land and equipment with
PIA finally reduces fares for GB after suo motu notice by court iSLamaBad GHULAM ABBAS
The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reduced its fares on the Gilgit/Skardu-Islamabad route for both sides, a report submitted to the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court (SAC) read. According to a statement issued by the SAC, the PIA general manager informed the court on Wednesday that the national airline has lowered its fares to and from Gilgit/Skardu-Islamabad, as opposed to its earlier an-
nouncement of a one-way cut. It may be noted that PIA had previously announced a reduced minimum ticket at Rs6,915 for flights from Islamabad to Skardu/Gilgit, whereas passengers travelling from Gilgit/Skardu to Islamabad were forced to pay Rs10,000 to Rs17,000. Following the announcement, residents of the area had expressed dismay over the impact of the oneway cut in fares (only from Islamabad to Gilgit/Skardu). People of the northern region usually travel South to avoid harsh weather condi-
tions in the winter, and were expecting to see a difference in fares on flights on both sides. Earlier, in a suo motu notice, a divisional bench of SAC had directed PIA's general manager in Gilgit to completely reduce the fare on Gilgit/Skardu-Islamabad route. The bench comprising GB Chief Justice Justice Syed Arshad Hussain Shah and Senior Judge Justice Wazir Shakeel Ahmed had asked the GM to contact PIA managing director and submit a detailed report on the matter by Wednesday.
continued from page 01 FRESH INFECTIONS: Meanwhile, the government portal keeping track of the outbreak in Pakistan on Wednesday posted 2,142 new infections of the novel coronavirus after conducting 35,621 tests — a positivity ratio of 6.01 per cent. Some 84 critical patients, 73 of whom were under treatment in hospitals and 11 quarantined in their residences, died of coronavirus-related complications. Of the total, 47 patients were on ventilators. Most of the deaths were reported from Punjab followed by Sindh. During the last 24 hours, no ventilator was occupied in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) while 319 were put to use elsewhere. Multan emerged as the largest occupier of the artificial oxygen with 55 per cent usage, Islamabad 33 per cent, Peshawar 25 per cent and Lahore 34 per cent. The oxygen chambers (a type of treatment used to speed up healing of infections in which tissues are starved for oxygen) were also occupied in four cities: Rawalpindi 41 percent, Abbottabad 35 per cent, Peshawar 60 per cent and Multan 39 per cent. The number of recovered patients stood at 415,352 with the recovery rate surging to 86 percent. Since the outbreak in Pakistan, a total of 462,814 infections were confirmed — including the perished, recovered and under treatment Covid19 patients. The numbers are as following: Sindh 206,489 cases, Punjab 133,179, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) 55,811, Islamabad 36,483, Balochistan 17,980, AJK 8,040 and GB 4,832. A total of 6,406,281 tests have been conducted so far, while 615 hospitals have been fully equipped with coronavirus-related facilities. Despite a severe second wave, the authorities have yet to fully utilise the claimed testing capacity of 54,519, with daily testing significantly below numbers proposed by global health experts. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the testing policies only record the most symptomatic patients, a belief substantiated by a Punjab government official as the “most efficient use of resources”, while ignoring the spread among asymptomatic carriers.
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minimal loss possible through an open transparent process. Meanwhile, the ECC would also take up summaries from various ministries/division, including cabinet, federal education & professional training, housing & works, industries & production, planning, development and special initiatives, petroleum, water resources and maritime affairs divisions.
British American Tobacco to set up business services hub in Pakistan iSLamaBad SHAHZAD PARACHA
The British American Tobacco (BAT) is all set to establish its 'shared business services' in Pakistan, but it won't stop its operations in Malaysia as reported by some sections of media. In a clarification issued on Wednesday, BAT termed media reports that BAT is shifting its business services from Malaysia to Pakistan as "factually incorrect". "It is clarified that the setup is being established in parallel to its business in Malaysia, which will serve Asia Pacific and the Middle East region," the company stated. "This development will add Pakistan to the list of countries like Malaysia, Romania and Costa Rica, where BAT operates its service hubs to service 180 entities across the globe for finance, human resources, information technology and other functions." BAT's investment in Pakistan will create thousands of jobs over the next five years and would also serve as a talent incubator, creating global careers prospects and generating $100 million annually in service exports initially, with potential to increase further in future, the statement read.
Honda to stop production at one of two India plants neW deLHi
RAWALPINDI: A boy sells decorative items in connection with Christmas. PPI
AGENCIES
Oil steadies as surprise US stockbuild weighs London AGENCIES
Oil steadied on Wednesday after earlier losses sparked by an unexpected rise in US crude oil inventories, and as President Donald Trump rattled markets by threatening not to sign a long-awaited US Covid-19 relief bill. Brent crude futures were up 12 cents, or 0.2pc, to $50.20 a barrel at 1046 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed 9 cents, or 0.2pc, to $47.11 a barrel. Both contracts fell nearly $1 earlier in the session. The American Petroleum Institute (API) reported on Tuesday that US crude inventories rose by 2.7 million barrels last week, compared with analyst expectations for 3.2 million barrel draw. “The API set the US glut alarm bells ringing,” Stephen Brennock of oil brokerage PVM said. Oil also took a hit after Trump threatened not to sign an $892 billion coronavirus relief bill, saying he wants Congress to increase the amount in the stimulus checks that
lawmakers approved on Monday. A weaker US dollar, however, capped some losses. A weak greenback makes dollar-denominated commodities such as crude oil cheaper to holders of other currencies. Supply disruptions in Nigeria also lent support. ExxonMobil issued a force majeure on the Qua Iboe crude oil export terminal last week after a fire hit the facility and injured two workers. A source told Reuters production is expected to resume in early January. The stream was expected to load about 180,000 barrels per day (bpd) in December and 150,000 bpd in January. Oil markets remain jittery about the future recovery of demand as a new, highly infectious strain of the novel coronavirus has hit Britain, prompting a slew of countries to shut their borders to the country. Covid-19 cases continued to surge in the United States, with more than a million new cases in just six days, and Americans were warned again to avoid Christmas travel, further dampening fuel demand.
Honda Motor Co has halted production at one of its two car manufacturing plants in India, the carmaker said on Wednesday, a country where sales of its vehicles have been under pressure from competitors. The Japanese automaker has stopped producing cars at its plant in Greater Noida close to the capital of New Delhi and will move all production to its second facility in the western state of Rajasthan, the company said in a statement. The company’s local unit, Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL), will produce all vehicles and components at its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan with immediate effect for all domestic sales and exports, it said. “India is an important market in Honda’s global strategy and HCIL is committed to bring its latest and advanced technology models including electrified vehicles in future,” said Gaku Nakanishi, president and CEO, Honda Cars India. The Tapukara plant has an installed capacity to produce 180,000 cars a year. Honda sold over 102,000 cars in India and exported nearly 4,000 vehicles in the last fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, industry data showed.
Imran announces health insurance, houses for Islamabad police continued from page 01 The prime minister also gave a few words of advice to the graduates at the ceremony. “You will always have two paths in front of you. Always pray to be put on the path of blessings and not the one that leads to your destruction.” He said that back in his days of playing cricket, he was also presented with the choice between two paths when he was invited to play cricket in South Africa under the apartheid regime and again when he was asked for the decision of a toss in a match. He also said that the “path which seems
easy” is not always so and is instead the path which leads to “destruction”. Referring to opposition leaders, he said: “There were politicians who were given a lot of opportunities and made leaders of the country. They were also presented with these two paths […] but the paths they went on, they instead became a source of warning [for others].” “Sometimes they are going to the hospitals, sometimes they are going out of the country […] their children have run abroad, they have to lie to protect their fathers.” The prime minister said that overseas Pakistanis were the nation’s “biggest assets”
and only their help could “uplift Pakistan”. He also said that the most common complaints he received from overseas Pakistanis when he went abroad were the lack of security and safety for their investments and property purchases. “When they purchase plots or houses here, they get taken over illegally […] overseas Pakistanis need confidence that their money and investment will be safe and secure.” The premier said that the police, therefore, has a direct role to play in “uplifting Pakistan” by protecting the investments of overseas Pakistanis. He acknowledged that the salaries of of-
CMYK
ficials in the Islamabad police were lower than their counterparts in Punjab. He was referring to Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed’s address to the passing out ceremony minutes ago, in which the minister had pointed out the discrepancy in salaries and had requested the premier to “do something about it”. While assuring them he would talk to Minister for Finance Hafeez Shaikh about the issue “to see what can be done about it”, he said that the actual problem were the massive debt the country was under. Likening the country to a household, the prime minister said, “When loans accrue, a
household has to cut its expenditure until incomes increase. When you cut expenditure, there is a difficulty for the household.” So until the income generation of the country increases, said the prime minister, the nation will have to stay “patient for a while”. Imran said that expenditures of the Prime Minister House and Prime Minister Office had also been reduced by 60-70 per cent. Once Pakistan’s income starts to increase and there is enough money, salaries will be increased for the police, bureaucrats, government employees, and salaried classes, he added.
Thursday, 24 December, 2020
06 COMMENT
Please resign
A belated confession And a lame excuse
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hILe addressing cabinet members Prime Minister Imran Khan complained that he did not receive an extensive briefing like the one being provided to US President-elect Joe Biden. he confessed that it took him three months to understand things. he maintained that there were so many figures, particularly in the power sector, that for 18 months they could not decide which ones were correct. he insisted that every minister needed briefing prior to his being sworn in. Surely Mr Khan knew before coming to power that Pakistan did not practice the presidential system. he also knew that while in Britain the opposition leader is considered the PM-in-waiting and provided briefing on important national issues, in Pakistan he is treated altogether differently. This leads one to ask if the PM is looking for excuses and scapegoats for his government’s lamentable performance? Long before the elections Mr Khan showed impatience to come to power. Throughout the Islamabad sit-in Mr Khan was unhappy over the umpire’s delay in raising the finger. he repeatedly assured everyone that he had prepared a team over the years which would hit the ground running once in office, as the PTI had conducted exhaustive research on all national issues. When 10 million jobs and five million homes were promised, many thought that the PTI’s whizkids had already done work on that. As Mr Khan announced his Cabinet, it became clear to many that the PTI had neither a well-trained team of its own nor any well-researched economic policy. The U-turn over foreign loans, the recourse to the IMF and the flip flop on the CPeC corroborated the conclusion. Mr Khan says he virtually had no time to prepare before assuming office and the first three months were spent understanding the state of affairs. This might be true in his case or that of a handful of PTI’s core members in the cabinet. Over half a dozen of his ministers holding key portfolios had however served under several other ruling parties and were insiders, but lacked competence. It is not the first time that Mr Kan has promised to check Cabinet members’ performance. The ministers know that numerical compulsions do not allow Mr Khan to fire anyone. There is therefore little chance of improvement in their working even after signing the performance agreements.
A chance to get rid of past distortions
Dr FariD a Malik
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he Zia Pandemic ‘ of 1985 partyless elections may be finally coming to an end by the voluntary resignations of the opposition parties. Please resign as there is no other way to get rid of these ‘political bounty hunters’ who managed to capture the Parliament due to the senseless boycott by Movement for Restoration of Democracy of which the Benazir-led PPP was a major component. As a nation we have failed to get rid of these unscrupulous politicians despite several attempts. They have escaped conviction due to the weakness of our judicial system. even accountability has failed to weed them out. Though they have not been vindicated, they have not been convicted either. Now they have decided to call it a day, we must facilitate the process of their exit with a sigh of relief. I was hoping that the eleven political parties comprising the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), ably misled by the Maulana and Maryam, would make a big announcement at Minar-e-Pakistan on December 13, but the show did not meet expectations. ever since I attended my first rally with my father at this location in 1971, I have never missed any large gathering there. It was here that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the undisputed leader of West Pakistan, decided to boycott the Assembly Session called in Dacca. he clearly presented his demands: 1.More time to negotiate with
Rising temperature Government refuses to unify the nation
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NDIA’S BJP government seems bent on developing a war hysteria against Pakistan. Not only has it engaged in increasing pressure on the Line of Control, with the latest incident of firing leading to the killing of two persons from Indian shelling and to the summons of the Indian chargé d’affaires to the Foreign Office to receive a protest at the 3012 incidents of firing in 2020, which have led to 28 people being killed and 253 injured. The Indian build-up has caused enough concern in Pakistan, for the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, to tour the LoC, where he vowed that the Indian military would get a befitting reply if they attempted any misadventure. India is also preparing its nation for a misadventure, because this is firmly supported by the Indian media, one sign being the £20,000 fine imposed on Republic TV by British media regulator Ofcom, for telecasting a programmed designed to cause hatred of Pakistanis. The offending talk show showed several participants as calling all Pakistanis terrorists. The recent intelligence report that India was to launch a false-flag operation, and a surgical strike, showed that the Indian military is anxious to avenge itself for its failure at Balakot last year. The military itself has identified India as engaging in fifth-generation warfare against Pakistan. If so, an important component of defence is national unity. India may present a picture of division, not just because India is suffering from the BJP’s persecution of minorities, as well as the rising farmer’s protests. The PTI in Pakistan is eagerly sowing the seeds of disunity by persecuting political opponents. While the Indian government is trying to paper over its deeds and create national unity by creating war hysteria, Pakistan’s is not preparing for the defence that might become necessary. The government should, at this critical juncture, admit that it alone cannot take on the defence of the nation, and summon Parliament, perhaps in joint session. It is certain that the opposition will show that it supports the country in its hour of trial. The ensuing display of national unity will go some way to preventing any hostile power casting an evil eye on the motherland.
The protests are not getting as much coverage as they deserve Farooq alay
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he media in Pakistan is not giving sufficient coverage to what is now a huge event, the unprecedented protests of the Indian farmers against the three new laws which blatantly favour the interests of the big corporations in agriculture. had it been happening in Pakistan, the Indian media would have come out very differently; probably they all work in unison when it comes to working against Pakistan. There can be quoted many instances, which lead us to believe that either our journalism is poised to local politics or deliberately ignores the events occurring on the wider scale. One had observed that when the Indian media team, the number was in hundreds, came to Pakistan, during the former Prime Minister Vajpayee’s visit and his talks with Pakistan’s President, Pervez Musharraf, the Indian media spoke in chorus as if they had been well briefed by their ‘government’. On the contrary, our media persons had answers to Indian media interviewers that were heterogeneous and not in complete harmony with the Pakistan’s national interest. If one may invite the readers to browse on internet about the plight of protesting farmers of India, you will hardly see anything informative on Google, but the reports of Indian media, largely print and not even electronic or social media. Is it because of the Indian control over the Google and Microsoft or is it because we in Pakistan are not giving much importance to an event worthy of reporting– what to talk of exploiting? The reporting available does not come from any Pakistani outlets, but foreign wire news services. International media, like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, BBC, CNN and others are seen giving much of the due coverage. Likewise, the international media in the USA, the UK, the european Union, Canada and Australia is giving wide coverage to the Indian peasantry, which has largely won the support of people abroad and from across India. The issue warrants reporting because the protests have entered the third week; the
Arif Nizami Editor Umar Aziz
Asher John
Joint Editor
Executive Editor
Deputy Editor
Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965
Dr Farid A Malik is ex-Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation. He can be contacted at: fmaliks@hotmail.com.
Indian farmers’ protests and our media
Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami
Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad
Mujib-ur-Rehman to reach agreement on his six points to keep the federation united. or 2. The deadline to formulate a constitution within 120 days be lifted as differences cannot be bridged in this short period. The message was understood by the large crowd. For my father, the Tehrik-e-Pakistan Gold Medallist, it brought back the memories of the 1940 Lahore Resolution of which he was a part. Then the rally of 30 October 2011 rekindled hope for the depressed masses, I was there with my children. There was a very charged crowd who were there to listen to their Kaptaan. Then the ‘ Caravan of Change ‘ for ‘ Naya Pakistan ‘ moved to Mazar-eQuaid. After the gathering on 25 December 2011, a dinner was arranged to forge an alliance between old and the new PTI players. It proved to be the proverbial ‘ Last Supper ‘ for the old who still represent the credible, untainted part of the party. The first free and fair elections of 1970 were a major milestone in our struggle for people’s sovereignty. The establishment and its dirty political players were knocked out by the voters. The ‘ Freemasons Lodge of Democracy ‘ located on 33 Davis Road Lahore remained abandoned for years after that. It ushered a new era in politics. People’s power had finally prevailed under two genuine parties, the PPP in West Pakistan and Awami League in the east. Unfortunately the Quaid’s Pakistan was dismembered but real democracy emerged. The focus of the government moved from the classes to the masses as promised by ZAB. Labour, trade and student unions came to the forefront to restore their rights. The democratic era did not last long. By 1977, the anti-democratic forces got together in another alliance of nine political parties called the Pakistan National Alliance (PNA). Benazir’s heroic struggle against dictatorship finally paid off with a great election victory in 1988 but she was cornered again by regressive forces that came out of the ‘Muslim League house’ or ‘ The Freemasons Lodge of Democracy ‘ that was restored and revived again out of political wilderness of the 1970s. The ‘Political Circus’ kept going but a new player emerged to taint Bhutto’s party. Asif Ali Zardari the husband of the ‘ Daugter of the east ‘ was impressed more by the Sharifs’ money-making mechanisms than the Bhuttos’ party ideology. Finally President Farooq Leghari had to dismiss the gvernment of his own party followed by an operation clean-up. he set up the ehtesab Bureau under Chairmanship of Mr Justice (retd) Mujhadid Mirza with a promise of across-the-board accountability. The Chairman was
upbeat and promised to clean up the mess in a short time but little did he know that the task was not that simple. Political influences ran deep, prosecution was halfhearted with almost no reliable witnesses. Fearing a gang-up of the corrupt the President also caved in and constitutional wavers were given to the corrupt to contest elections. Nawaz Sharif was elected PM with absolute majority. he brought in his buddy Saif-ur-Rehman who ran a medical store in Mozang Chungi, to head the Bureau with instructions to go after the opposition. Now both parties had cases of corruption registered against each other, yet they still managed to survive. Then came the fourth Martial Law and a new more powerful body called the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was created through a Presidential Ordinance. More cases were registered against the loose cannons of both mainstream political parties but they managed to escape conviction again. Benazir went into self-exile while Nawaz Sharif struck a clemency deal to leave the country for ten years. Only Zardari stayed in prison, but managed to win freedom after reaching some understanding with the establishment. There is a Punjabi proverb Khoti Raee Borh Thalay (The donkey remained under the shade of the tree) The corrupt were neither punished nor exposed. From day one after coming into power the Kaptaan has been trying to move the ‘Donkey of Corruption’ from under the shade that it has been enjoying uninterrupted since 1985. But again it has proven to be a herculean task. expensive lawyers can exploit the weaknesses of common law to delay convictions forever. Release on bail does not mean vindication for the well-meaning decent souls, but it does for the ones who entered politics through the back door. Coming back to the offer to resign, it must be accepted with open arms as the ‘Genie’ has grown so big that it cannot be put back into the bottle through the judicial process. For the PPP which is a genuine political entity not conceived and launched by the ‘ Freemasons of Democracy’, it will not be an easy decision. Benazir always regretted her boycott of elections in 1985. According to ZAB, the political field should never be left open, and to be counted, the players must stay in the arena, willing and able to fight. Timing of the dissolultion of the Sindh Assembly can dampen the Senate elections for which PTI should formulate a strategy. Overall the resignations of the unscrupulous will prove to be a blessing in disguise, and provide relief of unimaginable proportions. Let us all stand up and applaud this announced, voluntary exit of the 1985 political distortions, and as a nation we should be willing to move on the righteous path of politics as it was in the two brief periods between 1947 to 1958 and 1971 to 1977.
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farmers have gathered in the outskirts of Delhi. Looking at the facts, it seems amazing that the farmers’ plight seems not only genuine but also politically motivated. Being a huge country, India’s farming sector is vast too, but troubled too. It provides a livelihood to nearly 70 percent of the country’s 1.3 billion people and accounts for around 15 percent of the $2.7 trillion economy. The “Green Revolution” of the 1970s turned India from a country facing regular food shortages into one with a surplus and a major exporter. But for the past few decades, farm incomes have remained largely stagnant and the sector is in sore need of investment and modernization. Currently, more than 85 percent of Indian farmers have less than two hectares (five acres) of land. Fewer than one in a hundred farmers owns over 10 hectares, according to a 2015-2016 Indian Agriculture Ministry’s survey. India hands out an estimated $32 billion in subsidies to farmers annually, according to the Indian Finance Ministry. Water shortages, floods and increasingly erratic weather caused by climate change, as well as debt, have taken a heavy toll on farmers, especially in Indian Punjab. According to a Punjab government report in 2017, it will use up all its groundwater resources by 2039. More than 300,000 farmers have killed themselves since the 1990s. Nearly 10,300 did so in 2019, according to the latest official figures. Farmers and their workers are also abandoning agriculture in droves— 2000 every day according to the last census in 2011. Markets were set up in the 1950s to stop the exploitation of farmers and pay a minimum support price (MSP) for certain produce but now the Indian government under extremist Narendra Modi has left the poor farmers at the mercy of seasoned business houses such as the Ambanis, the Tatas, the Birlas and the Rahejas as well as the RPG Group and the Future Group. Reportedly, 28 farmers have died while protesting for their rights, but the Indian media and government are busy in picturing them as terrorists, anti-nationalists, Naxalites, leftists and proxies of Khalistan. The BJP government doesn’t even have the guts to make new farm bills according to the Constitution. They say that the India government is a blot on
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democracy! That’s why, the saner elements across India including the retired bureaucrats, teachers, educationists, youths, scientists and workers in both organized and unorganized sectors, and even sportspersons and security forces are learning the farmers’ issues and have expressed solidarity with them. This protest has united India against the Nazi BJP government. The BJP government has used brutal might of the state apparatus; in haryana to prevent larger mobilization of peasants from reaching Delhi; but even that is proving to be insufficient. Indeed, there is large mobilization of peasants from across India – haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Sikhs, mostly crowds of 400 to 600 people, in nearly 50 different cities of the USA, the UK, Canada and Australia, are protesting with their families. Whereas the Indian government calls it an internal affair. Worried by the use of disproportionate force against many elderly protesters, the farmers have reached out to the UN to ask New Delhi to protect the farmers’ right to peaceful protest and exert pressure on them to accept their genuine demands. As the army of resolute farmers keeps up its blockade of New Delhi, Modi is facing the trickiest challenge to his authority and so-called reforms agenda. Modi made big promises to farmers, vowing to double their incomes by 2022. In September, Indian Parliament passed three laws that enabled the farmers to sell to any buyer they chose, rather than to commission agents at state-controlled markets. These markets were set up in the 1950s to stop the exploitation of farmers. “The laws will harm the farmers and in turn destroy our livelihood”, said Sukhwinder Singh, a farmer who cycled 400km to the protests. The system has led to farmers sometimes growing crops unsuited to the local climate, such as thirsty rice in Punjab, and can be fertile ground for corruption. “Land, cattle and farmers will be enslaved by the rich. Modi wants to finish us”, he added. As an escape route, his government is dubbing the Sikhs “hooligans, anti-nationals or separatists”. The writeris a freelance columnist
Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk
Thursday, 24 December, 2020
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Securing institutions
The Benazir Doctrine Benazir provides guidance in these troubled times
MustaFa Baloch
O
N 3 July 1972, the Simla Accord” between Prime Minister of Pakistan Z.A Bhutto and his Indian counterpart Indira Gandhi that turned out be a triumph for the former, as he successfully negotiated for the return of Pakistani territory lost in Western wing during the 1971 war, and convinced Indira to repatriate 90,000 Pakistani POWs. All this with establishing Line of Control (Loc) in Kashmir, and resumption of trade. During this he was accompanied by his young daughter who silently observed all negotiation tactics of her father. She was hardly aware that 16 years later she would be talking oath as PM herself. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s struggle was not easy; she had to walk through a rough trail, her life was devoted to her father’s mission and she had to face multiple obstacles facing the patriarchal political system and merciless dictatorship of Zia. So what was the Benazir doctrine? It was bold but not vengeful!. It was anti-dictatorial but believed in strengthening the military and defense system of Pakistan. It advocated restoration of democracy while doing politics of inclusivity and co-existence in the region. She was a born leader exhibiting all the traits a leadership should have, something she inherited that started to reflect at Oxford with strong grasp on debate and later being elected as President of Oxford Union. She showed all the signs of leadership since student politics days with an impeccable debating and communication career. “I never chose politics, politics chose me” said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, something which Bilawal often quotes when asked how it feels to be in politics when he could have easily opted for a better and safer career. Mohtarma transformed the anger and anguish of her father’s loss into courage and determination, being a woman she had to face multiple challenges as all the responsibilities of the PPP almost unavoidably shifted on her shoulders She knew it wouldn’t be easy as the power corridors which didn’t spare her father won’t give her a walkover. Things got even harder as the years passed, soon she had to onboard one of the heaviest and most painful journeys of her life, that to bring back the dead body of her younger brother Shahnawaz Bhutto who died under mysterious circumstances in France. But her wisdom helped her in revamping the party as she gathered all
the hardships into her strength. The 28 year old Pakistan. Ironically some of these points are also daughter of Bhutto brought all the mainstream encompassed in the Charter of Democracy that parties on loop and formed the Movement for was led and formulated by Mohtarma in partnerRestoration of Democracy (MRD) against Zia. ship with all democratic forces back in year The MRD gave tough time to Zia especially in 2006. Still a dream ….. Today democracy is facing major turmoil in 1983, and when he got himself elected President Pakistan where a civilian tyrant is suppressing opin a dubious referendum. On her return to Pakistan on 10 April 1986 position, squeezing the economy and crushing the in Lahore she was welcomed by millions, in the economic wellbeing of a common Pakistani, biggest turnout in the history of Lahore. In 1988 topped by inept governance. One thing Imran she won the general elections, formed federal Khan must learn from history is that those who government and became the first woman Prime make peaceful revolution impossible, can make Minister of the Muslim world. When she came violent revolution inevitable. Today Pakistan is to power in 1988 after a prolonged struggle she anxiously seeking true leadership, someone with opted for smooth democracy as she never be- the stature and capabilities of Shaheed Benazir, lieved in revenge and personal vendetta against who could rescue the nation from the present dethe opposition which gave her and her party a funct democracy. The Pakistan Democratic hard time during the 11-year dictatorship of Zia- Movement (PDM) has challenged Imran Khan over his incompetence, ul haq. As a Prime revengeful and dictatoMinister she faced rial politics and seeks President Ghulam revival of genuine Ishaq Khan, another Revisiting the history is a democracy. PDM must Zia remnant, who from taking inspiration day one was intriguing need of the hour and if we do be from Shaheed Benazir against her elected govthat then there is only one who stood firm against ernment and was tyranny twice. The word openly supporting a way for stability and that is democracy is incomking’s party, the IJI, to rattle her regime and to adopt the Benazir Doctrine plete without her. She sacrificed her life for her ultimately using the infor a peaceful, non-polarized people, didn’t cut corfamous tool of Article ners and stayed the 58-2(b) for dissolving and economically stable course. She was a role her government on Pakistan where political model, an inspiration flimsy and concocted for all the young leaders allegations. dissent is faced in a out there; showing that When Pervez if you stay strong toMusharraf was calling democratic way keeping gether no matter how the shots she was in personal differences aside. difficult the situation, exile for the second the impossible can be time in her life while Today when Zia, Musharraf made possible. her husband was incarand Ishaq Khan are “Democracy is the cerated in Pakistan and best revenge” is one of her party was in oppoirrelevant, the Benazir her timeless quotes as sition, but she flew Prime Minister that back to her homeland Doctrine continues to be echoed during a Joint despite death threats by timeless and emerges as a session of US Conthe militants. Indeed just 17 years she was the force bebeacon of hope for a better, gress, after the historic Simla hind the revival of brighter and tolerant future Accord. A journey so democracy in Pakistan eventful, a statement twice. Being a woman that encapsulates the she did wonders in the journey she made for field of democracy, her iconic personality and charisma brought attention the larger interest of the country. She never reto Pakistan internationally. Above all she stands sorted to vengeful politics but rather believed in tall in the history as the only democratic leader inclusivity, something that’s still so pertinent now. She believed in an egalitarian Pakistan with who defeated two dictators. Looking at the current scenario, it is the need a balance between rich and poor. Today when of the hour to form a Truth and Reconciliation Pakistan is experiencing economic crunch and Commission to acknowledge victims of impris- political polarization Imran Khan is adding fuel onment, and politically motivated persecution and to the fire by political victimization, but can the accountability. The commission shall also exam- country afford this? Well, for that revisiting the ine and identify the causes and fix responsibility history is a need of the hour and if we do that then there is only one way for stability and that and make recommendations in this regard. NAB must be replaced with an independent is to adopt the Benazir Doctrine for a peaceful, accountability commission that should have zero non-polarized and economically stable Pakistan influence of the sitting government and should where political dissent is faced in a democratic investigate any malpractice impartially. Gover- way keeping personal differences aside. Today nance must be improved to help the common cit- when Zia, Musharraf and Ishaq Khan are irreleizen, by giving access to quality social services vant, the Benazir Doctrine continues to be timelike education, health, job generation, curbing less and emerges as a beacon of hope for a better, price hike, combating illegal redundancies, and brighter and tolerant future. cutting down lavish expenditure. Above are the The writer is a columnist and social activist few relevant and burning points which need to Twitter: MustafaBaloch_ be addressed today to bring political stability in
ADVISeR to the Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Barrister Mirza Shahzad Akbar Wednesday said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government would not allow anyone to disgrace the institutions. Senate Deputy Chairman Saleem Mandviwala should challenge the court’s order for forfeiture of his stock market shares at the relevant high court instead of targeting NAB, he said while talking to media. he said a member of parliament was not a sacred cow, adding that any parliamentarian could not use his official position for personal benefits. There is no immunity to any parliamentarian and Mandviwala should not had to misuse his official position for personal gains, the adviser said. he lamented that the opposition wanted to make the country banana republic. he said Senate Deputy Chairman Saleem Mandviwala had started targeting National Accountability Bureau (NAB) after instituting cases against him (Mandviwala), adding, the government would defend the anti-graft body in Senate during the ensuing session scheduled to be held on December 30. he said the PDM was formed after failure of opposition to get (NRO) National Reconciliation Ordinance. The main objective of the opposition was to seek NRO. The opposition wanted to get immunity from its corruption cases, he observed. The proposed amendments in the National Accountability Bureau ordinance by opposition were aimed at getting the immunity from their crimes which were not acceptable to the government. Responding to a question, he said as per agreement with United Kingdom, the transfer of convicted prisoners was possible among two countries. The UK government has assured considering the application of Pakistan to extradite Nawaz Sharif, whose visit visa application has already been expired. The visa of Nawaz who is convicted should be cancelled, the adviser opined. Responding to another question, he said the amount recovered by NAB was deposited straight in the national exchequer. Sohail ali Khan iSlamabad
Imran Khan’s regrets IMRAN KhAN’s admission that he came to power without doing necessary homework speaks volumes of his incompetance, inefficiciency and lack of good governance. As a result he has wasted two and a half years of the nation’s precious time by not taking timely correct decisions . I can not recall a single item that he can be proud of, which he has done to alleviate the condition of the poor masses and citizens of the country. Like so many other ailments for which he has been constantly blaming the previous government, let him pass on lack of doing the “homework” also to the previous government, as the people have become used to hear such utterances. May I ask the worthy PM what has he been doing in last 22 years before being installed as head of the government? I think he was living in a fantasy least bothered to know how a government is run. his rhetoric that he struggled all these years and the rosy picture and promises he made in election campaign for a better change have all proved false and betrayal to the nation. If one does not know his job, he should select good ministers, special assistants and advisors who can deliver. IK also failed on this account. I do not belong to any political party but I am pained to see the country going downhill in almost every field, be it the national economy, prices of essential food items & medicines and rising unemployment. I assure the readers that controlling circular debt and streamlining power sector function are beyond the capability of the government. We should forget about affordable cheaper power. EnginEEr rizwan bhutta lahorE
Jurisdiction of Supreme Court I believe that according to the Constitution of Pakistan, the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court extends across the length and breadth of this country and it is binding upon every resident to submit before them. The SCP has ordered that all Billboards installed, especially those at busy road crossings must be removed, and this constitutionally speaking, is applicable to the whole of Pakistan. Unfortunately, in practice, it seems there are three interpretations of the law in our country, namely- one for the powerful paid elite, one for the rich and third for common citizens of this country. even a PM can be prosecuted and removed from office if convicted for any illegality committed, but some whom he may have appointed and are on the payroll of national exchequer cannot be treated in a similar manner. Despite the judgment by the SCP to dismantle all such Billboards, they continue to exist in Karachi and Lahore cantonment areas, DhA, Bahria etc. and nobody dares to prosecute those responsible. Can somebody enlighten ordinary citizens like me, who think that all are equal before the law. Theodore Roosevelt once stated that, “No man is above the law, and no man is below it; Nor do we ask any man’s permission, when we ask him to obey it”. Our holy Quran and Prophet Muhammed PBUh also emphasized that all men/women are equal before the law. ali maliK tariq lahorE
Corruption in Pakistan eVeRy vital department in Pakistan is controlled by the “establishment”. The establishment is a network of key positions in almost all the departments in the country. This network provides support and safe backing to their “touts” to ensure that they remain in control. It is interesting to note that due to the international interference and manipulation, the very same people that we label as corrupt just some time ago, come back to govern us after a couple of years again and people welcome them with open arms. A common english saying goes as “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me”. This is probably also the main reason why the political process in Pakistan is not allowed to prosper. Soon after its inception the sincere and loyal politicians were removed from the main stream and only dummy agents and rubber stamps are put in place, while all the decisions are made outside the country. Necessary steps should be taken in this regard for a better Pakistan. HAMMAl NASeeR TuRBAT
Thursday, 24 December, 2020
08 WORLD VIEW
The CIA Is runnIng deATh squAds In AfghAnIsTAn tablishment who do passionately support the war are able to thwart political leaders who want a drawdown. Under both Barack Obama and donald Trump, presidential efforts to disengage from afghanistan and the larger Middle East were met with resistance from a foreign policy elite that sees any withdrawal as a humiliating defeat. Trump tried to resolve the contradiction between his desire to remove troops and the foreign policy elite’s commitment to the afghan war by loosening the rules of war. The thinking of the Trump administration was that by unleashing the military and intelligence agencies, it could subdue the Taliban—thus preparing the way for a drawdown of troops. Special priority was given to Cia-run covert operations using afghan paramilitaries, with the belief that this would lead to a more sustainable war that didn’t require american soldiers to participate in fighting. a report in The intercept, written by reporter andrew Quilty, documents the horrifying consequences of this policy: afghan paramilitary units, known as 01 and 02, have acted as death squads, launching raids against civilians that have turned into massacres. Many of these raids have attacked religious schools, the famous madrassas, leading to the death of children as young as 8 years old. according to Quilty, “Residents from four districts in Wardak—nerkh, Chak, Sayedabad, and daymirdad—spoke of a string of massacres, executions, mutilation,
cares. as intercept reporter Ryan Grim notes, “it’s been two days since this story was published, and the mainstream media has been largely silent on it. imagine if the media treated the My Lai massacre this way.” (in fact, the mainstream press sat on whistleblower Ron Ridenhour’s warnings about My Lai for a year before Seymour Hersh and the scruffy dispatch news Service finally broke the silence.) Grim also suggested that the Biden administration might want to bring justice to the perpetrators of these alleged war crimes. “One of the most outspoken proponents of bringing a fine legal eye to war has been avril Haines, who will be Joe Biden’s director of national intelligence,” Grim observes. “She’ll have the authority and the ability to discover who in the Cia was involved in these operations, and bring them to justice.” This is a forlorn hope given the Obama administration’s failure to go after war crimes committed by the Cia under George W. Bush. Further, Biden himself is ambiguous on afghanistan in a way that calls to mind Trump himself. as Quincy institute president andrew Bacevich noted in The nation earlier this month, Biden “wants to have it both ways” on the afghan war. Biden will occasionally say, “These ‘forever wars’ have to end,” but he will also say that america needs to keep a contingent of forces in afghanistan. as Bacevich observes, “Biden proposes to declare that the longest war in US history has ended, while simultaneously underwriting
REPORTS OF ATROCITIES SUPPORTED BY THE AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE AGENCY UNDERSCORE THE NEED TO END AMERICA’S LONGEST WAR
natIon, US
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Jeet Heer
HE war in afghanistan, now in its 19th year, is the longest and most intractable of america’s forever wars. There are now american soldiers fighting in afghanistan who were born after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the ostensible casus belli. The american public has long ago grown tired of the war. a YouGov poll conducted in July of 2020 showed that 46 percent of americans strongly supported withdrawing troops from afghanistan, with another 30 percent saying they “somewhat” approved of troop withdrawal. But this 76 percent majority is deceptive. Given the fact that america has a volunteer army and american casualties in afghanistan remain sporadic, this is not an issue that the public is passionate about. an inchoate dissatisfaction is compatible either with disengagement or just a lack of interest. Conversely, those in the national security es-
forced disappearances, attacks on medical facilities, and airstrikes targeting structures known to house civilians. The victims, according to these residents, were rarely Taliban. Yet the afghan unit and its american masters have never been publicly held accountable by either the afghan or U.S. governments.” These raids all involve afghan paramilitaries who are outside the control of the afghan government and working in conjunction with american handlers who provide high-tech aid and direction, Quilty reports. The units’ american Cia advisers go by pseudonyms or call signs rather than names. They not only train afghan unit members, but also choose their targets, which the americans call “jackpots”; issue detailed pre-mission briefings; and accompany afghan paramilitaries on the ground during raids. The afghans and americans are ferried to remote villages at night by american helicopters, and american assault aircraft hover overhead while they conduct their raids, providing lethal firepower that is sometimes directed at health clinics, madrassa dormitories, or civilian homes. despite providing detailed accounts of american-led war crimes, The intercept’s report has been met with near-silence from the american media. Jake Tapper of Cnn retweeted the article, but otherwise there is little indication that the american media
The ugly part of the $900 billion stimulus bill THE LATE ILLINOIS SEN. EVERETT DIRKSEN FAMOUSLY QUIPPED, "A BILLION HERE, A BILLION THERE, AND SOON ENOUGH YOU'RE TALKING REAL MONEY." NOW, WE TOSS AROUND THE TRILLIONS
Cnn
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Jeffrey D SacHS
HE new Covid-19 stimulus package will be a great relief for tens of millions of americans, but the process of getting to it exposed the need to overhaul our broken budget politics. Both parties have been at fault in creating a process that is chaotic, undemocratic and ultimately reckless. The late illinois Sen. Everett dirksen famously quipped, "a billion here, a billion there, and soon enough you're talking real money." now, we toss around the trillions. The new round of Covid-19 relief is estimated to cost around $900 billion. We don't really know the bottom line, as there has not yet been a budget "score" by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. But we do know Congress is agreeing to spend a vast sum, in this case roughly 4.4% of GdP (or over a quarter of the federal tax revenues for the year), without waiting for a nonpartisan estimate of the likely costs. Even more problematic? Congressional leaders have not sought or welcomed an open national deliberation about best uses of the stimulus funds. There should have been an effort through online congressional hearings to gauge the public's priorities regarding different kinds of outlays: help for the hungry and unemployed, support for health workers, additional funding for testing and tracing systems, financial backstopping for small businesses, and assistance to state and local governments which need to pay to keep teachers, firemen and policemen on the front lines. in fact, the public has never been formally informed about options and tradeoffs, and their sentiments have not been asked. The american people never heard the testimony of mayors, teachers, health professionals and other first responders, nor did we, as citizens, have the opportunity to engage with specific budget options as might have been
canvassed through opinion surveys. The same was true in March, when congressional leaders in the US Senate suddenly unveiled the terms of the first stimulus bill. an even vaster sum, around $1.7 trillion, or roughly 8.3% of GdP, was allotted without so much as a single congressional hearing or an opportunity for the public to deliberate. The combination of the stimulus spending and decline in tax revenues will push federal debt held by the public above 100% of GdP by 2021, the highest indebtedness since the end of World War ii. One might think that the rush to spending without the time to think was due to the unprecedented Covid-19 emergency, but in both March and now, Congress could surely have held hearings preceding both bills. There have been months of discussion about the second round of spending, in particular, but there has been no serious explanation to the public about the budgetary options and no readiness to engage through hearings with key stakeholders. Yes, politicians voiced their opinions, but they didn't listen to the public's opinions in any systematic manner. That's what congressional hearings, at the very least, could have allowed for. no doubt Trump's chaotic eruptions throughout the year have added greatly to the difficulties of a rational deliberation. Even this week, desperate aides were working feverishly to stop Trump from disrupting the current negotiations. But the crisis of fiscal policymaking runs deeper than Trump's presidency. after all, this isn't the first time the public has been kept in the dark on major budgetary actions voted on by Congress. When Barack Obama became President in early 2009, in the midst of the ongoing financial crisis, congressional House democrats quickly fashioned a stimulus bill of close to $800 billion behind closed doors, without inviting input from the Republicans and without congressional hearings. The stimulus eventually passed both houses of Congress, along party lines. When the federal government came close to shutting down at the end of 2012 as the government hit debt limits, negotiations between the White House and congressional leaders were again made behind closed doors, with the future of the US tax system at stake. The backroom negotiations made
permanent most of George W. Bush's "temporary tax cuts" that had been voted on a decade earlier, without adequate public debate or deliberations. The results of the cliffhanger negotiations were eventually announced to the expectant public, who were treated as bystanders rather than as citizens worthy of being engaged in the process. in 2017, in Trump's first year of office, the tax system was massively overhauled in a Republican tax package that was voted on abruptly, and then signed into law, without the benefit of public hearings, expert opinions or informed public deliberations. as Cnn reported, "The Senate voted on a tax bill that pretty much nobody has read," noting that the bill "was still being written, at times in cursive, on the night of the vote." in that case it was no wonder. Public opinion ran strongly against the gist of the Republican tax cuts, so the only way that the Republicans could enact it was to vote on it before allowing time for the nationwide opposition to get organized. The upshot is that we are squandering the benefits of deliberative democracy: assessing budgetary options, comparing them, debating the tradeoffs and then choosing among the options in an informed and rational manner. The two parties don't even try anymore to forge a public consensus on what we need to spend on and what we should tax. neither party seemingly assesses long-term spending needs, nor proposes a tax structure to align with those needs. With so much wealth flowing to the richest americans this year, we haven't yet called on them to help pay more of the bills. instead, we are coasting by with massive borrowing. interest rates are very low, and so it is easy to borrow and to service the debt. Yet such lucky conditions for massive federal borrowing could flip in future years. So, while i wholeheartedly subscribe to the new Covid-19 relief package, i object to the way we arrived at it and the way we are paying for it. i would feel better for today's young people, who will be servicing the public debt in the future, if we resolve to budget in a more serious and deliberative way in the future, including higher taxes on wealthy americans as part of the deal. Jeffrey D. Sachs is a professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
its perpetuation.” Biden’s support for a light military footprint could very easily lead him to the same position as Trump: using covert Cia operations to maintain american power in afghanistan with minimal use of uniformed troops. This is a recipe for more massacres. Writing in The Washington Post last month, veteran afghanistan analyst Carter Malkasian made a compelling case that the United States is facing a “stark choice” between “complete withdrawal by May or keeping 2,500 troops in place indefinitely to conduct counterterrorism operations and to try to prevent the collapse of the afghan government. There’s no doubt that withdrawal will spell the end of the afghan government that the United States has supported for 19 years.” Malkasian makes clear that the counterterrorism operations would merely be an exercise of staving off defeat, with no prospect of an end to the war. Given the enormous moral costs of this counterterrorism, unflinchingly described by The intercept, the argument for complete withdrawal becomes stronger. it’s likely that Biden will continue the policy of previous presidents of kicking the can down the road by using covert Cia operators to fend off defeat. But americans should have no illusions: That means perpetuation of horrific war crimes in a conflict that cannot be won. Jeet Heer is a national affairs correspondent at The Nation and the author of In Love with Art: Francoise Mouly’s Adventures in Comics with Art Spiegelman (2013) and Sweet Lechery: Reviews, Essays and Profiles (2014).
Modi is attacking India’s Muslims again THIS TIME WITH THE ‘LOVE JIHAD’ LAW
Independent
I
Peony Hirwani
ndia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in this world. We take pride in calling ourselves the biggest democratic nation that has so much to offer. However, recent laws passed by prime minister narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are letting the entire nation down. The most recent is a law passed in the state of Uttar Pradesh which prohibits so-called “love jihad”. Love jihad is a Hindu right-wing conspiracy theory that claims Muslim men are marrying non-Muslim women in order to convert them to islam. The new law, which gives the power to intervene in suspected cases, was agreed by the BJP led cabinet of Uttar Pradesh – the state that is home to the largest number of Muslims, in excess of 38 million. The idea first rose to national attention in india almost a decade ago and claims of “love jihad” conversions have spread throughout india and beyond, into Pakistan and even the United Kingdom. Saurav dutt, author and political analyst, said: “The term itself ‘love jihad’ is provocative and alarming. it signals that this is an organised and planned activity on the part of Muslim males; and this law anticipates and bottlenecks this conspiracy in terms of a game, one that is a strident and expansionist form of the Hindu faith that is now playing a kingmaker role in indian politics.” not only is this law islamophobic, via
politicians and the media, it is an attempt to turn the word “Muslim” into something “synonymous with deception and forced conversion”, concluded dutt. in december 2019, the Modi government also introduced the Citizenship amendment act – a bill that offers amnesty to non-Muslim illegal immigrants from three neighbouring majority Muslim countries – Bangladesh, afghanistan, and Pakistan. However, its introduction sparked violent conflict between religious groups, with critics claiming it is part of a BJP agenda to marginalise Muslim. For example, the party has been accused of failing to prosecute party allies involved in ruthless assaults on minorities and has ordered the extradition of Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar in spite of the dangers to their lives. The “love jihad” law is one of the most backward and hostile laws ever passed in my country. Even though the central government has already admitted in February it had no official records of any incidents of the “love jihad” practice, Uttar Pradesh’s chief minister Yogi adityanath said in a speech: “i warn those who conceal their identity and play with the honour of our sisters and daughters, if you don’t mend your ways, your final journey will begin.” This was essentially openly provoking aggression towards Muslims. “The law can only widen a chasm between communities that desperately needs to be broached with sensitivity and understanding. it wishes to destroy bridges instead of building them and dangerously gives legal credibility to fear and alarm that is a potentially apocalyptic combination in a country where violence and slaughter are not conversation starters but enders too,” said dutt. i personally haven’t spoken to one Muslim citizen in my country who doesn’t fear for his/her life. On a daily basis they are discriminated against and called terrorists in public. The Uttar Pradesh state government has described the new law as ensuring “justice for women”. But being a woman in this nation, i totally oppose their claims. This isn’t justice. it is a law which stirs up unfounded speculations and claims that are being placed above issues that are far more important for our country to tackle right now.
Thursday, 24 December, 2020
buSineSS 09
Norway to forge cooperation with Pakistan in renewable energy sector: envoy
Govt FAciLitAtEs Ev iNvEstoRs with mAssivE tAx ExEmPtioNs
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Pakistan Kjell Gunnar Eriksen on Wednesday appreciated the newly promulgated Renewable Energy Policy of Pakistan, expressing hope that his country would soon forge cooperation with Pakistan in the field of renewable energy. In a meeting with the Federal Energy Minister Omar Ayub Khan at his office in Islamabad, the ambassador apprised the minister of the ongoing Norwegian projects in the energy sector. Both sides deliberated upon the outlook of Pakistan's energy market and business opportunities in view of the newly approved Alternative Energy Policy. Speaking on the occasion, Omar Ayub Khan informed the envoy that Pakistan embarked upon taping the huge indigenous potential of renewable energy. He said the government has set an ambitious target to introduce 25pc renewable energy by 2025 and 30pc by end of 2030, besides 40pc share of hydel power generation into the energy mix of the country. The minister said that Pakistan’s new Renewable Energy Policy would bring opportunities for investors due to the transparent policies of the current government. He further informed that the government would induct renewable energy-based power plants through open and competitive bidding in a transparent manner. In addition, the government would encourage the transfer of technology in these projects, he added. The minister said that the government is focusing on the manufacturing and assembly of wind turbines and solar panels in Pakistan.
i
GHULAM ABBAS
N order to promote the use of electric vehicles in the country, the government has decided to offer massive tax exemptions to the owners of electric cars. As per the Ministry of Industries' summary related to Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy for four-wheelers, which was approved recently by the cabinet, only 1pc sales tax would be imposed for locally made EVs up to 50kwh, as well as light commercial vehicles up to 150kwh. Besides, the duty on the import of charging equipment has also been capped at 1pc. As per the summary, the Federal Excise Duty (FED) does not apply to EVs; the import of plant and machinery for manufacturing of EVs would be dutyfree. The government has also removed additional customs duty and accounting services and tax (AST) on the import of EVs. "Only 1pc tax will be imposed on the import of EV parts for the manufacturers. Apart from tax facilities, the government has also approved waiver of registration and annual renewal fee for EVs in Islam-
abad," documents available with this scribe read. It may be noted that the ECC had last week ratified the EV Policy for four-wheelers in order rationalise the costs of purchasing and manufacturing electric vehicles in Pakistan. The inter-ministerial committee constituted by the federal cabinet had finalized the proposals with regard to EV Policy. The proposed fiscal incentives shall remain in force till June 30, 2026. The EV policy for two-wheel and three-wheel electric vehicles had already been approved by the ECC. According to documents, individuals interested in EVs (2-3 wheelers and HCVs) may be facilitated through policy intervention which could not be covered in the EV Policy (2-3 wheelers and FICVs) approved by ECC in its meeting held on 10th June 2020. The waiver of additional custom duty and value added tax on imports of EV (2-3 wheelers and HCVs) in CBU condition is proposed till 30th June 2025. The policy for four-wheelers took time to be finalized due to its inherent complexities and long consultative process with existing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). EV technology is at a form-
FBR withdraws 5pc regulatory duty on cotton import
Provinces term NEPRA’s annual report ‘contradictory to ground realities’
ISLAMABAD TLTP
PESHAWAR AZIZ BUNERI
The governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan have termed the annual report of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) “contradictory to ground realities”, it was learnt on Wednesday. The provinces argued that the authority’s figures regarding supply and demand of electricity are “not based on facts”, and that the duration of load shedding in Sindh and Balochistan is much longer than the facts and figures provided by NEPRA. According to NEPRA’s report, the energy sector is burdened with a circular debt of Rs1,600 billion, mainly due to the issue of power theft. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, while submitting its objections on the NEPRA report for the year 2018-19 to the federal government, noted that there are several other issues that need to be addressed [by the authority] on priority, including an increase in hydropower generation and renewable energy projects. Similarly, distribution companies do not have an effective system to stop power theft, which puts extra burden on the consumers, it added. The KP government suggested that all distribution companies should come up with practical solutions to power theft in line with international standards, while the energy ministry should also focus more on hydropower generation. Expressing reservations over NEPRA figures, the Sindh government pointed out that the report showed an average of 2 to 3 hours of load shedding while in reality the province is facing 10 to 12 hours of load shedding. Meanwhile, the Balochistan government demanded an inquiry into the decline in energy production and distribution. It highlighted that the distribution companies have been facing losses for many years and NEPRA should monitor these distribution companies itself so that this deficit can be reduced. According to Power Division sources, the federal cabinet had recently approved the closure of 4,000MW of inefficient and inactive power plants, while the division will respond to the objections of the three provincial governments at the next meeting of the Common Interest Council.
ative stage and comparatively expensive viz-a-viz traditional fuel vehicles. Governments throughout the world are trying to make this technology affordable through different financial and fiscal incentives including disbursement of direct financial subsidy. Meanwhile, the federal cabinet, during its last week’s meeting, also approved the introduction of new taxes on the resale of new vehicles so as to discourage the black marketing of vehicles. According to documents, the unnecessarily long delivery time for vehicles by the manufacturers is a usual complaint. The system is exploited which results in additional payment known as "On Money" (premium) by the buyers. In order to discourage the practice of premium, additional withholding income tax has been approved on persons who buy locally manufactured cars from the OEMs and subsequently sell it within 90 days of delivery of vehicles. As per details, a tax of Rs50,000 has been fixed on sale of vehicles of up to 1,000CC. Similarly, Rs100,000 tax has been fixed for sale of vehicles between 1,000CC to 2,000CC, whereas Rs200,000 would be the tax for sale of 2,000CC and above.
HYDERABAD: People buying flour bags on subsidized rates from a mobile utility store set up by the Sindh government on Risala Road. PPI
CPPA recommends Rs1.52 per unit hike in power tariff ISLAMABAD AHMAD AHMADANI
The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) has recommended the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to approve a Rs1.52 per unit hike in power tariff under fuel cost adjustment (FCA) for the months of October and November 2020. According to NEPRA, the Central Power Purchasing Agency, on behalf of power distributing companies (DISCOs), has sought an increase in power prices, for which an online hearing would be held on 30th December, 2020. As per details, the CPPA has sought 57-paisa per unit hike for the month of October and 95paisa per unit increase for November 2020.
The power generation cost in October remained at Rs4.11 per unit while reference fuel cost for the said month was fixed at Rs3.75 per unit. Similarly, the cost of electricity production remained at Rs3.42 per unit in November while reference fuel cost was set at Rs2.48 per unit. Pursuant to Section 31 (7) of the NEPRA Act (XL of 1997) and the mechanism for monthly fuel price adjustment prescribed by the authority in the tariff determination of Ex-WAPDA DISCOs, NEPRA may on monthly basis make adjustments in the approved tariff on account of any variations in the fuel charges and policy guidelines. Based on the information provided by CPPA to NEPRA, a total 30.99pc electricity was produced with hydel sources in October
2020, whereas 18.70pc electricity was produced with coal, 0.06pc with high-speed diesel (HSD), 1.51pc with residual fuel oil (RFO), 11.18pc with gas, 27.83pc with re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG), 6.98pc with nuclear, 0.40pc electricity imported from Iran, 1.31pc with wind source, 0.23 with mixed source, 0.22pc with baggasse, and 0.59pc with solar energy. Likewise, a total of 30.99pc electricity was generated with hydel source in November 2020, whereas 18.70pc was produced with coal, 0.06pc with HSD, 1.51pc with RFO, 11.18pc with gas, 27.83pc with RLNG, 6.98pc with nuclear, 0.40pc imported from Iran, 0.23pc with mixed sources, 1.31pc with wind, 0.22pc with baggasse, and 0.59pc with solar energy.
In compliance with the government’s decision, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has withdrawn five per cent regulatory duty on the import of cotton yarn. The FBR issued SRO 1352(I)/2020 on Wednesday to amend SRO 680(I)/2019 dated June 28, 2019, to withdraw the regulatory duty on import of cotton yarn till June 30, 2021. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet in a meeting held on December 2 had approved the removal of regulatory duty on import of cotton yarn. The Ministry of Commerce had presented a proposal before the ECC in this regard.
Pact inked to procure 80 buses for Green Line project KARACHI TLTP
Pakistan has signed an agreement with a Chinese company for procurement of buses for Karachi’s Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) Green Line project. According to sources, an agreement has been signed with a Chinese company, which will provide 80 buses for the Green Line BRT and 20 buses for the Orange Line project. The buses are expected to reach Pakistan in the next five to six months. Government officials had earlier informed that the Green Line BRT project would be completed by mid-2021 to provide modern transport facilities to Karachi citizens. In November, Sindh Infrastructure Development Company Limited (SIDCL) had approved the purchase of buses for the Green Line BRT. According to the tender, 80 vehicles would be purchased at a cost of Rs3 billion. The 25-station BRT Green Line project, has a 24km-long route, which includes 12.7km elevated, 10.9km at grade, and 422 meters underground.
MARKET DAILY
Stocks add 180 points in volatile session KARACHI STAFF REPORT
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) endured a volatile session on Wednesday, with the swinging both ways in search of a clear direction before landing in the green. Equity markets around the world also turned their losses into gains, whereas crude oil prices inched up from the previous close; WTI crude price appreciating 0.17pc to $47.10 while Brent crude price rising 0.16pc to $50.16 (as at 3:22pm PST). "After shedding around 1,000 points in
the last three session, the stock market moved cautiously on Wednesday, taking cue from stability in international crude oil prices as well as renewed buying activity in the cement sector," a report issued by Arif Habib Ltd read. "Besides cement, investors opted for banks (HBL), oil & gas marketing (PSO), exploration & production (OGDC & PPL) and engineering/steel (ISL, INIL) sectors, thus helping the index stage a recovery." SUMMARY: The benchmark KSE-100 Index moved in a narrow range today, registering its intraday low at 42,852.79 (-54.15 points) and high at 43,216.16 (+309.22
points). It finally settled higher by 180.76 points at 43,087.70. Among other indices, the KMI-30 Index accumulated 427.49 points to end at 70,123.24, while the KSE All Share Index added 49.41 points, closing at 30,248.67. The overall market volumes contracted from 561.85 million shares in the previous session to 378.31 million shares (-33pc). Average traded value also declined by 22pc, from $140.9 million to $110.5 million. Pakistan Refinery Ltd (PRL +5.94pc), Maple Leaf Cement Factory Ltd (MLCF +4.82pc) and TRG Pakistan Ltd (TRG
CMYK
+2.31pc) led the volume chart, exchanging 26.93 million, 17.67 shares and 16.22 million shares, respectively. Sectors that kept the benchmark index afloat included cement (+79.50 points), banking (+21.32 points) and automobile assembling (+19.09 points). Among the companies, Maple Leaf Cement Factory Ltd (MLCF +20.70 points), Habib Bank Ltd (HBL +19.55 points) and Lucky Cement Ltd (LUCK +17.90 points) remained the top contributors. Adding 1.37pc to its cumulative market capitalization, the cement sector ended
as the session’s top performer, with LUCK (+0.92pc), DG Khan Cement Company Ltd (DGKC +1.62pc) and Fauji Cement Company Ltd (FCCL +1.40pc) posting decent gains. Meanwhile, in a notification to the exchange, the Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDC +0.42pc) informed that it has discovered gas and condensate from its exploratory well ‘Siab-1’ in District Kohat through a joint venture of Baratai Block comprising OGDC and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Oil & Gas Company Limited.
Thursday, 24 December, 2020
10 FOREIGN NEWS Israel to hold snap election, with Netanyahu facing new challenges TEL AVIV AGENCIES
Israel will hold a snap election in March after parliament failed on Tuesday to meet a deadline to pass a budget, triggering a ballot presenting new challenges for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Campaigning in Israel’s fourth parliamentary election in two years gets underway with Netanyahu facing public anger over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and while he is engaged in a corruption trial, the first against an Israeli prime minister. Israel’s longest-serving leader will also have to contend with a new rival from the right, Gideon Saar, a defector from Netanyahu’s Likud party. An opinion poll on Israel’s Kan public TV on Tuesday showed Saar drawing even with the prime minister. Netanyahu, who has denied any criminal wrongdoing, and the current defence minister, centrist politician Benny Gantz, established a unity government in May after three inconclusive elections held since April 2019. But they have been locked in a dispute over the passage of a national budget, the key to implementing a deal in which Gantz was to have taken over from Netanyahu in November 2021. A new election means that “rotation” will never happen. Some political analysts said Netanyahu had hoped to use the budget dispute to force an election that would get him out of the power-sharing deal with Gantz. But they said he had preferred a ballot in May or June, when a vaccination campaign now underway could bring him more voters. “If an election is forced upon us, I promise you that we will win,” Netanyahu said in a televised speech on Tuesday, blaming Gantz – who has plunged in the polls – for the early ballot. “Netanyahu is taking us to an election for the sole purpose of not entering the courtroom,” Gantz wrote on Twitter, alleging that Netanyahu hoped for a new government to promote legislation quashing legal proceedings against him. Netanyahu will remain prime minister until a new government is formed after the March election. Now 71, he first served in the post from 1996 to 1999 and has held the office since 2009. In his TV address, and effectively kicking off his campaign, Netanyahu said he had arranged for millions of doses of coronavirus vaccine to be delivered to Israel. He also hailed US-brokered diplomatic deals with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. Netanyahu enjoyed a close relationship with President Donald Trump, who made a number of pro-Israel moves during the previous elections. But with US President-elect Joe Biden set to take office in January, Netanyahu will lose a major campaign asset, said Reuven Hazan, a political scientist at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University.
Qatar minister calls for de-escalation of Gulf crisis, Gulf-Iran dialogue
Trump pardoNs 15 people INcludING BlackwaTer securITy coNTracTors BehINd 2007 IraQ 'massacre' WASHINGTON AGENCIES
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RESIDENT Donald Trump on Tuesday pardoned 15 people, including a pair of congressional Republicans who were strong and early supporters, a 2016 campaign official ensnared in the Russia probe and former government contractors convicted in a 2007 massacre in Baghdad. Trump’s actions in his final weeks in office show a president who is wielding his executive power to reward loyalists and others who he believes have been wronged by a legal system he sees as biased against him and his allies. Trump issued the pardons — not an unusual act for an outgoing president — even as he refused to publicly acknowledge his election loss to Democrat Joe Biden, who will be sworn in on January 20. Trump is likely to issue more pardons before then. He and his allies have discussed a range of other possibilities, including members of Trump’s family and his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani. Those pardoned on Tuesday included former Republican Reps. Duncan Hunter of California and Chris Collins of New York, two of the earliest GOP lawmakers to back Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Trump also commuted the sentences of five other people, including former Rep. Steve Stockman of Texas. Collins, the first member of Congress to endorse Trump to be president, was sentenced to two years and two months in federal prison after admitting he helped his son and others dodge $800,000 in stock market losses when he learned that a drug trial by a small pharmaceutical company had failed. Hunter was sentenced to 11 months in prison after pleading guilty to stealing campaign funds and spending the money on everything from outings with friends to his daughter’s birthday party. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the pardons for Hunter and Collins were granted after “the request of many members of Congress.” She noted that Hunter served the nation in the US Marines and saw combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
In the group announced Tuesday night were four former government contractors convicted in a 2007 massacre in Baghdad that left more a dozen Iraqi civilians dead and caused an international uproar over the use of private security guards in a war zone. Supporters of Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard, the former contractors at Blackwater Worldwide, had lobbied for pardons, arguing that the men had been excessively punished in an investigation and prosecution they said was tainted by problems and withheld exculpatory evidence. All four were serving lengthy prison sentences. The pardons reflected Trump’s apparent willingness to give the benefit of doubt to American service members and contractors when it comes to acts of violence in war zones against civilians. Last November, for instance, he pardoned a former US Army commando who was set to stand trial next year in the killing of a suspected Afghan bomb-maker and a former Army lieutenant convicted of murder for ordering his men to fire upon three Afghans. Trump also announced pardons for two people entangled in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. One was for 2016 campaign adviser George Papadopoulos, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about a conversation in which he learned that Russia had dirt on Trump’s Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. The president also pardoned Alex van der Zwaan, a Dutch lawyer who was sentenced to 30 days in prison for lying to investigators during the Mueller probe. Van der Zwaan and Papadopoulos are the third and fourth Russia investigation defendants granted clemency. By pardoning them, Trump once again took aim at Mueller’s inquiry and advanced a broader effort to undo the results of the investigation that yielded criminal charges against a halfdozen associates. The pardons drew criticism from top Democrats. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said the president was abusing his power. “Trump is doling out pardons, not on the basis of repentance, restitution or the interests of justice, but to reward his friends and political allies, to protect those who lie to cover up him, to shelter those guilty
of killing civilians, and to undermine an investigation that uncovered massive wrongdoing,” Schiff said. Last month, Trump pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who had twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, and months earlier commuted the sentence of another associate, Roger Stone, days before he was to report to prison. Trump has granted about 2 per cent of requested pardons in his single term in office — just 27 before Tuesday’s announcement. By comparison, Barack Obama granted 212 or 6 per cent, and George W. Bush granted about 7 per cent or 189. George H.W. Bush, another one-term president, granted 10 per cent of requests. Also among those pardoned by Trump was Phil Lyman, a Utah state representative who led an ATV protest through restricted federal lands. Lyman was serving as a Utah county commissioner in 2014 when he led about 50 ATV riders in a canyon home to Native American cliff dwellings that officials closed to motorized traffic. The ride occurred amid a sputtering movement in the West pushing back against federal control of large swaths of land and came in the wake of an armed confrontation Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy had with Bureau of Land Management over grazing fees. Lyman spent 10 days in prison and was ordered to pay nearly $96,000 in restitution. The Trump administration in 2017 lifted a ban on motorized vehicles in parts of the canyon but left restrictions in place through other areas where Lyman led his ride. Two former US Border Patrol agents were also pardoned, Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, convicted of shooting and wounding a Mexican drug smuggler near El Paso, Texas, in 2005. Others on the list included a Pittsburgh dentist who pleaded guilty to health care fraud, two women convicted of drug crimes, and Alfred Lee Crum, now 89, who pleaded guilty in 1952 when he was 19 to helping his wife’s uncle illegally distill moonshine. Crum served three years of probation and paid a $250 fine. The White House said Crum has maintained a clean record and a strong marriage for nearly 70 years, attended the same church for 60 years, raised four children, and regularly participated in charity fundraising events.
Turkey hopes to turn new page with US and EU in 2021, Erdogan says
DUBAI
ANKARA
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Qatar’s foreign minister has called for a de-escalation of tension in the Gulf region and for dialogue between Arab countries and Iran, Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and non-Gulf state Egypt severed diplomatic, trade and travel ties with Qatar in mid-2017 over accusations that Doha it supports terrorism, charges which Qatar denies. Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said the Gulf crisis should be resolved by dialogue, respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. Al-Thani also told Doha-based al Jazeera that talks to resolve the crisis were under way, with Saudi Arabia representing the other parties to the dispute. Riyadh said this month a solution was within reach.
President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey hopes to “turn a new page” in its ties with the United States and European Union, and that Ankara had been subjected to double standards by both its NATO ally Washington and the bloc. This month Washington sanctioned Turkey over its acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defences, and the EU also prepared punitive measures over Turkey’s dispute with members Greece and Cyprus over Mediterranean offshore rights. The bloc decided to postpone the measures until March. Speaking to lawmakers from his ruling AK Party, Erdogan said “artificial agendas” tested Turkey’s ties with
the EU and United States in 2020, but he hoped things would improve. “Turkey is facing double standards both over the eastern Mediterranean and the S-400s. We want to turn a new
page with the EU and United States in the new year,” Erdogan said. “We do not see our multilateral political, economic and military cooperation as an alternative to our
deep-rooted ties with the United States. And we wish for the EU to rid itself of the strategic blindness that is distancing Turkey from it,” he added. The US sanctions come at a delicate moment in the fraught relations between Ankara and Washington as Democratic President-elect Joe Biden gears up to take office on January 20, replacing Republican Donald Trump. Ankara has condemned the sanctions as “grave mistake” and said it expects Biden to be more constructive in solving issues between the allies, ranging from differences over Syria policy to the S-400s. On Wednesday, Erdogan said Turkey would not “bow down to the language of sanctions and blackmail”, but added that he believed Biden will show the “necessary importance” to Turkish-US ties.
Covid-19 vaccine stirs rare hesitation in nearly virus-free Singapore SINGAPORE AGENCIES
As Singapore prepares to roll out Covid19 vaccinations, its striking success in controlling the virus is making some question whether they should take the jabs. In a city-state where compliance with the authorities is generally high, some Singaporeans fear potential side effects – even if minimal – are not worth the risk when daily cases are almost zero and fatalities are among the world’s lowest. “Singapore is doing pretty well,” said Aishwarya Kris, who is in her 40s and does not want a shot. “I doubt the vaccine will help at all.” A poll by local newspaper The Straits Times in early December found that 48 per cent of respondents said they will get
a vaccine when it is available and 34 per cent will wait six to 12 months. But the government is keen to open more of the economy with the help of the vaccine in a country dependent on travel and trade and preparing to host the World Economic Forum’s annual gathering next year. “Singapore is a victim of its own success,” said Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious diseases expert at the city’s Mount Elizabeth Hospital. To show the vaccine is safe, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 68, said he and his colleagues would be among the early recipients of the shots. They will be free, voluntary and given first to healthcare workers and the elderly. The first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrived this week and Singa-
pore expects to have enough vaccines for all 5.7 million people by the third quarter of 2021. The first vaccines will be given to priority groups such as health workers in the next month or two, but it will be some time before it’s offered to the broader population, said Lawrence Wong, a minister who co-heads Singapore’s virus taskforce. “The roll-out to the Singapore population will also take place over several months, depending on factors such as the supply and delivery schedules of the vaccines,” he said. Many Singaporeans said they are ready to take the shots — not just to ward off infection but in hopes they can travel again. For others, it’s a civic duty. “I am the one in the family that goes
out daily to work, so it is the responsible thing to do,” said Jeff Tan, a 39-year-old photographer. Singapore acted swiftly after the first cases of the virus were reported and although it was blindsided by tens of thousands of cases in migrant workers’ dormitories, it has brought infections right down again. Singaporeans are generally accepting of vaccines, with a near 90 per cent uptake of major childhood jabs, said Hsu Li Yang at Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore. But there is concern about a new vaccine that uses novel technology and has had a rapid development and approval. Typically, vaccine acceptance takes time, he said.
Thursday, 24 December, 2020
SPORTS 11
ShAdAb KhAN RuLEd ouT oF FIRST NZ TEST duE To ThIgh INjuRy LAhOrE
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STAFF REPORT
LL-ROUNDER Shadab Khan became the third Pakistan player to be ruled out of their opening Test against New Zealand with injury, the country’s cricket board said on Wednesday. The 22-year-old spin bowling allrounder sustained a thigh injury during Tuesday’s final Twenty20 match in Napier. The Pakistan team has already lost skipper Babar Azam and opener Imam-Ul-Haq
due to thumb injuries. Both the players were also ruled out of the T20I series that ended on Tuesday. “Shadab will now undergo MRI scans in Tauranga on Thursday (today), following which a further update on the exact nature of the injury and time needed to return to competitive cricket will be provided,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement. Uncapped left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar has joined the Test squad from the Pakistan A team currently in Hamilton. "Zafar has joined the Test side from Hamilton where he
Ishant expects ‘bowler’s captain’ Rahane to fill India’s Kohli void
was preparing with the Pakistan Shaheens for Sunday’s T20 match against the Northern Knights," the PCB added. The first Test will start at Mount Maunganui from Saturday, while the second and final Test is scheduled in Christchurch from January 3. PAkIStAN SqUAD fOR fIRSt tESt: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, Yasir Shah and Zafar Gohar.
David Warner ruled out of second Test against India
NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Rahane is a “bowler’s captain” whose calm leadership will come in handy in India’s bid to bounce back in the four-Test series against Australia, seamer Ishant Sharma said. Regular skipper Virat Kohli left Australia to attend the birth of his first child after India’s eight-wicket humiliation in the series-opener in Adelaide inside three days. Unlike an often-animated Kohli, Rahane maintains a low profile on the field and the bowlers are likely to be consulted more in the last three Tests under him, said Ishant. “He is very confident and I must say he is a bowler’s captain,” the right-arm bowler, who missed the tour with a side strain injury, told a news website. “We have played so many times together. Whenever Virat is not there, he asks me ‘What kind of field you want? When you want to bowl? Do you want to go on (bowling)?” “He is a bowler’s captain. He is not someone who would say ‘do this or do that’.” The 32year-old quick said Rahane, who led India to Test victories against Australia and Afghanistan in the past, often acts as a conduit between the bowlers and Kohli. While it was nearly impossible to match Kohli’s energy on the field, Rahane’s composed presence could help India during pressure situations, Ishant said. “If there is a partnership growing and it is a flat phase when fielders are just going through their motions, one player’s energy level can change the scenario,” he said. AGENCIES
Australia opener David Warner will miss the second Test against India this week because he left a biosecure bubble to receive treatment for a groin injury that would have ruled him out of the match in any case, Cricket Australia said on Wednesday. Warner missed Australia’s eight-wicket victory over the tourists in the series opener last week but had been hopeful of being fit for the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, which starts on Saturday. Bowler Sean Abbott was also unable to rejoin the squad after leaving the Sydney bubble for treatment on a calf injury but he looked highly unlikely to force his way into the side after Australia dismissed India for 36 in their second innings in Adelaide. Both players had flown to Melbourne early ahead of state border closures following a Covid-19 outbreak in Sydney and will now rejoin the squad ahead of the third Test, which is scheduled to be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 7. “Cricket Australia’s bio-security protocols do not allow them to rejoin the squad in time for the Boxing Day Test,” Cricket Australia said in a
Atletico's Trippier banned for 10 weeks over betting rules breach: FA
Ex-players, managers push for further dementia review in Britain: report
LONDON: Atletico Madrid and England defender Kieran Trippier has been suspended for 10 weeks and fined 70,000 pounds ($94,052.00) following a breach of betting rules, the Football Association said on Wednesday. Trippier, 30, denied seven alleged breaches of FA Rule E8, which were said to occur in July 2018, and requested a personal hearing. “An independent regulatory commission was appointed to hear the case, with four of the alleged breaches found proven and three dismissed during a subsequent personal hearing,” the FA said in a statement. The suspension, which includes all football-related activity, began on Wednesday (today) following an application to world soccer’s governing body FIFA, the FA added. AGENCIES
SYDNEY AGENCIES
LONDON AGENCIES
A group of former soccer players and managers have sent letters to the government asking for another review into the links between heading the ball and dementia, British media reported. The letters, which were signed by former Tottenham Hotspur forward Vinny Samways and exHull City coach Phil Brown among others, reference research conducted by doctor Willie Stewart, which found that ex-footballers are three-and-a-half times likelier to die of degenerative brain injuries than the general public, Sky
statement. “Warner has not fully recovered from a groin injury suffered in the ODI Series against India and would not have been available for the second Test,” it said. “Abbott has recovered from a calf strain sustained during Australia A’s tour match against India and would have been available for selection for the Boxing Day Test.” The players will not be replaced in the squad for the Melbourne Test, making it likely that Australia will stick with the makeshift opening partnership of Joe Burns and Matthew Wade.
Sports said here. The letters call for dementia to be formally recognised as an industrial disease, clubs to limit heading at all levels including in the professional game and for the Football Association (FA) and players union to provide more funding for research. An identical letter, signed by a group of MPs, was sent to Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee chair Julian Knight. The issue of dementia in the professional game was sparked by the death of England’s Nobby Stiles in October and there have been growing calls for the issue of head injuries in sport to be given further attention.
England likely to tour Sri Lanka despite Covid-19 concerns COLOMBO: England’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka next month is likely to go ahead despite concerns about a highly infectious new coronavirus variant identified in Britain, according to a media report. Sri Lanka is among the countries which have banned commercial flights from Britain but Joe Root and his team mates are set to arrive by chartered flight to play the matches in Galle from January. 14, a news website said. “Yes, anxiety is high at this stage from everybody. But when you look at the scientific evidence, I do not think we should stop it,” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) physician Daminda Attanayake was quoted as saying by the website. “We might have to take extra precautions, but we do not need to stop the tour,” he added. Both the boards were scheduled to discuss the development in a meeting. SLC officials did not immediately reply to emails and messages seeking an update. England are scheduled to leave for Sri Lanka on January 2 and quarantine for three days in Hambantota before heading to Galle for the matches to be played behind closed doors. Part of the World Test Championship, the series was originally scheduled in March but had to be postponed following the Covid-19 pandemic. AGENCIES
No captaincy thoughts as Markram looks for reset in Test cricket JOHANNESBURG: Aiden Markram must first cement his place in the side before he can realise his dream of captaining South Africa, though the opening batsman feels refreshed ahead of a two-Test home series against Sri Lanka that starts on Boxing Day. Markram, 26, was earmarked early in his career as a future Test captain, but the poor form in a turbulent 18 months where he lost his place in the side means he is back to square one and looking to reignite his career. White-ball skipper Quinton de Kock has agreed to lead the Test team for the 2020-21 international season until a long-term appointment can be made, and Markram is concentrating only on scoring runs before thinking of anything else. “In terms of captaincy, it is something I really enjoy doing, but I have not put much focus on that,” Markram told reporters on Wednesday. “I am playing for my spot again, so for me to be thinking about the captaincy is certainly not on my radar. I have not been good enough over the past 18 months.” AGENCIES
Tottenham’s revival: another miracle by Judas AhmAD BiN TAhir Y being with me, I can help you explode”. This is what Jose Mourinho promised Harry Kane in Tottenham’s latest docuseries, All or Nothing. Since then, Kane has been involved in no less than 20 goals and assists in just 13 games. Tottenham are also hot on Liverpool’s tail, sitting at 2nd, just 3 points behind the league leaders. But to say the least, this is all very surprising. Despite of reaching the Champions League final under Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs had a dreadful run last season. Much was not expected when Jose took over just mid-season last year, but since the start of the 2020-21 season, Spurs have surprised everyone by mounting a strong title challenge. It is safe to say, they very much are in the race to win silverware, and that
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Jose Mourinho has been the mastermind behind the revival of a team that looked like it would slump like Arsenal. Spurs played a typical 4-2-3-1 formation under Mauricio, characterized by high intensity pressing, well-structured transitions and a defensive wall that was difficult to breach for most teams in the league. But, over a period of five seasons under Pochettino, the Tottenham stars failed to win a single trophy, and that brewed a narrative that no matter how well they play, silverware is not in Spurs’ fortune for some time. Gradually, the team lost its motivation. The intensity in pressing was lost, the general sharpness and desire to perform slowly dissipated away. This was partly due to personal issues and a loss of the dressing room for the management, but also because Pochettino was never a very motivating figure to begin win. Then in November, 2019 enters Jose Mourinho, the manager who wins trophies for fun, the man who managed the greatest Chelsea and Inter Milan teams in history. Who was better to revive a team that was presumably doomed to failure?
Mourinho transformed Spurs on a similar model that he employed at Porto, Chelsea and Inter. A hybrid of the Park the Bus tactic, electric counter attacks and individual brilliance, Mourinho’s 3-4-3 at Spurs has outdone itself. The team conveniently sits in its own half, allowing the opposition to pass the ball around in middle of the pitch and have as much possession as they like, but the players pounce on the ball with strength and confidence as the play enters the final third on the Spurs’ side of the pitch. An example of this is the 0-0 draw at Chelsea, who had 61 per cent of the possession and attempted 13 shots, none of which ended up in goal. Mourinho’s defense has always been hard to break, and they have conceded less than 1 goal per game on average this season. Instrumental to these statistics are the likes of Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who fulfill a Makelele-type role in Mourinho’s defensive blueprints. Noticeably, Hojbjerg has had insane recovery rates this season, and his expertise as a defensive midfielder have been compared to the likes of N’golo Kante. This midfield cover is essential for the counter attacking tactic, as the ball is not allowed to go
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too deep in the Tottenham half, but is rather quickly set in motion for the attack. But the defense is perhaps not the most notable feature of this Spurs side. Tottenham’s attack has been breathtaking to say the least. As soon as they get on the ball, the transition from one box to the other takes a mere 15-20 seconds. While the opposing team are caught hot on their heels, Mourinho’s men clinically slide the ball in the net. That has been the summary for most of their goals this season, the latest victim being the title defenders Liverpool themselves. This proficiency in counter-attacking play is centered around Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, who stand at an aggregate of 34 goals and assists in 13 Premier League games this season. They are backed by the likes of Lucas Moura and Steve Bergwijn, who are important accessories in Mourinho’s master plan. Spurs play skillfully with these personnel. Their attack is characterized by quick passes, incisive runs into spaces, and playing the ball diagonally so as to stretch the opposition. Near box, the ball is almost always fed either to Kane or Son, who finish clinically to give spurs the ad-
vantage in the game. Obviously, this plan has a flaw that could prove to be fatal. If either of Son or Kane get injured for several months, the entire counter-attacking system could fall apart. Even with the likes of Gareth Bale warming the bench, Mourinho needs a player in the January transfer window as a backup plan, or his team could be at risk of falling apart. Mourinho has found the right balance in defense and attack at Spurs, but perhaps his most important contribution to the squad has been the immense levels of motivation and confidence with which they play. This aspect of football was missing at Manchester United for Jose, but as is visible by their onthe-pitch performance and off-the-pitch attitude, spurs players are positive and have trust in their manager. Given all this, my money is still on Liverpool to win the Premier League, who seem a tad bit too strong for an evolving team like Tottenham. But the team building is strong and so they are likely to push themselves to their limit to finally win a trophy, and of course, who better to end the trophy-drought at Spurs than Judas himself?
Thursday, 24 December, 2020
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PAkIsTAn And AFGhAnIsTAn shoUld hAvE InTEGrATEd EConoMIEs, sAys PM’s AIdE ISLAMABAD
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STAFF REPORT
PECIAL Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning Dr Moeed Yusuf chaired a session of PakistanAfghanistan Track-II dialogue where the peace process in Afghanistan was discussed. An Afghan delegation arrived in Islam-
abad amidst signs of improving relations between the two countries. Dr Moeed said that Pakistan and Afghanistan are neighboring countries with shared interests. Pakistan has an unwavering belief that economic prosperity for both nations is interlinked, therefore, Dr Moeed affirmed Pakistan’s support for an economically thriving Afghanistan and reiterated Prime Minister Imran Khan’s belief that there is no military solution to the conflict in
Afghanistan. He mentioned that Pakistan is working on an economic security agenda which consists of three pillars: connectivity, development partnerships, and peace within the region and beyond. He said that peace in Afghanistan is vital for connectivity with Central Asia, from which both the countries will prosper. He highlighted the steps being taken by Pakistan to strengthen economic rela-
tions and people-to-people exchanges comprising of visa facilitation, enhancing trade, and assisting transit for the welfare of Afghan people by creating two border markets at Kurram and Chitral. The Afghan delegation appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan. The meeting conveyed a great deal of hope for further progress in trade relations and people-topeople contact between the two countries.
LAHORE: Visibility decreases due to fog and pollution in the provincial capital. Pictured here is a view of the Badshahi Mosque from the Greater Iqbal Park. ZUBAIR MEHFOOZ
Israel hopes for rapprochement with fifth Muslim country before Trump exit: minister Israel is working towards formalising relations with a fifth Muslim country during US President Donald Trump’s term, which ends next month, an Israeli government minister told Ynet TV on Wednesday. The White House has brokered rapprochements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco this year, with Morocco hosting an Israeli-US delegation on Tuesday to flesh out the upgrade in relations. Asked if a fifth country could sign up before Trump steps down on January 20, Israeli Regional Cooperation Minister Ofir Akunis told Ynet TV: “We are working in that direction.” “There will be an American announcement about another country that is going public with the normalisation of relations with Israel and, in essence, with the infrastructure for an accord — a peace accord,” he said. He declined to name the country but said there were two main candidates. One is in the Gulf, he said, giving Oman as a possibility while adding that Saudi Arabia is not. The other candidate, further to the east, is a “Muslim country that is not small” but is not Pakistan, Akunis said. Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country, said last week it would not recognise Israel as long as Palestinian statehood demands remain unmet. Palestinians fear the normalisation of ties with Israel by Arab states will weaken a long-standing pan-Arab position calling for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory and acceptance of Palestinian statehood in return for normal relations with Arab countries. AGENCIES
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
A day after a Baloch separatist was found dead in Toronto, the police on Wednesday concluded the probe into the incident, terming the death as “non-criminal”. The body of Karima Mehrab Baloch, 37, who went missing from her residence in Harbourfront, a neighbourhood in Toronto, on Sunday at about 3:00 pm, was found the following day near Toronto’s downtown waterfront. “It is currently being investigated as a non-criminal death and there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances,” Toronto police spokeswoman Caroline de Kloet said late Tuesday. “The circumstances have been investigated and officers have determined this to be a non-criminal death and no foul play is suspected,” Toronto Police tweeted. It said it was aware of “heightened
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UAE FM optimistic about end to GCC dispute ABU DHABI AGENCIES
There is a prevailing atmosphere in the region to solve the GCC crisis with possible talks on the cards to try to end the three-year rift between Qatar and its neighbours, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash said. “The political and social atmosphere in the Gulf is looking to end the Qatar crisis and for the best method to guarantee Doha’s commitment to any agreement that brings good for the region,” he said on Twitter. “But, the Qatari media seems adamant on undermining any agreement.” He described this as “a strange and difficult phenomenon to explain”. Dr Gargash did not specify which media outlets he was referring to but there has been significant speculation in Doha-based outlets in recent days about the content of a Gulf summit set for next month that is expected to look at ways to end the crisis. Kuwait announced last week that the sixmember Gulf Co-operation Council will meet on January 5 in Saudi Arabia, which has expressed its willingness to resolve the rift. The bloc brings together the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. In Moscow with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday, Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed Al Thani said there had been a breakthrough in talks for reconciliation in recent weeks and that the crisis could be solved through dialogue. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar in 2017, accusing Doha of support for extremists, its ties to Iran and interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbours. After severing ties, the four governments issued a list of 13 demands for Qatar, including the closure of broadcaster Al Jazeera. This month, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said a resolution of the Gulf diplomatic crisis was in sight, with all governments involved “on board” and a final agreement expected soon. Egypt and the UAE have since given their public support to the negotiations. The potential reconciliation comes as the region begins to look ahead at the incoming US administration of president-elect Joe Biden.
Death of Baloch separatist not suspicious: Toronto police community and media interest” surrounding the investigation of the incident. Baloch, the former spokesperson of the proscribed Azad wing of Balochistan Student Organisation (BSO), took asylum in Canada in 2016. The BSO-Azad is a breakaway faction of BSO and headed by militant Dr Allah Nazar. Just a few days ago, her name popped up in the EU Disinfo report on the Indian disinformation network against Pakistan which accused many resurrected, UN-accredited NGOs of giving the United Nations’ floor to Baloch separatists. On Tuesday, Toronto police offered
few details about her death. Mike Butt, a detective, said by phone: “It has been deemed a non-criminal incident.” “The death of activist #KarimaBaloch in Toronto, Canada is deeply shocking and must be immediately and effectively investigated. The perpetrators must be brought to justice without recourse to the death penalty,” Amnesty International South Asia said in a tweet. In a statement, Pakistan High Commission in Canada had said it approached the Canadian government to find out the cause of death.
In 2016, Baloch was named in the BBC’s annual list of 100 inspirational and influential women for her work as a campaigner. She left Pakistan in 2015 after terrorism charges were levelled against her for her involvement in what was said to be anti-state activities. According to another Baloch dissent, who has also taken up asylum in Toronto, after her mention in Indian Chronicles, the report on Indian network, Baloch had been receiving anonymous threats warning someone would send her a “Christmas gift” and “teach her a lesson”, BBC reported.
UK regulator fines Indian channel for airing ‘hate’ against Pakistan ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
A British broadcast regulator has fined an Indian channel, Republic Bharat, £20,000 for remarks made during a current affairs show that were “expressions of hatred” against Pakistan and its nationals. In a press statement, the Office of Communications, popularly known as Ofcom, said during an episode of firebrand anchor Arnab Goswami’s show, Poochta Hai Bharat, aired on September 6, 2019, the presenter and some of his guests held the view that all Pakistan nationals were “terrorists”. The statement observed Goswami, while addressing Pakistani citizens, had said: “We make scientists, you make terrorists.” “Comments made by the host and some of his guests that amounted to hate speech against Pakistani people and
derogatory and abusive treatment of Pakistani people. The content was also potentially offensive and was not sufficiently justified by the context,” the statement read. “We considered these statements to be expressions of hatred based on intolerance of Pakistani people based on their nationality alone, and that the broadcast of these statements spread, incited, promoted and justified such intolerance toward Pakistani people among viewers.” “We concluded that this was a serious breach of our rules which warranted the imposition of statutory sanctions. These include: a financial penalty of £20,000 […] a direction not to repeat the program; and a direction to broadcast a statement of our findings on a date – and in a form — to be determined by Ofcom.” Referring to statements by a retired Maj Gen of the Indian army, K. K. Sinha, who had been a guest on the programme, the regulator said: “[His remarks] clearly
threatened that the Indian military would attack Pakistani civilians in their homes, [and] were an expression of hatred and desire to kill by a figure of authority.” “In our view, the broadcast of these statements also promoted hatred and intolerance toward Pakistani people.” “We also noted that Pakistani contributors were repeatedly interrupted and afforded little time to make points which may potentially have provided challenge or context,” Ofcom said.
Published by Arif Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk