EpaperISB_2020-07-16

CMYK

Thursday, 16 July, 2020 I 24 Dhū al-Qa‘dah, 1441 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 18 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

Will build ‘biggest dam’ in Country’s history, imran voWs g

pm kickstarts construction of mucH-delayed diamerbHasHa dam; dam to become operational in 2028

g

says project will generate jobs for people of gilgitbaltistan; vows to build more water reservoirs on rivers

ISLAMABAD StAff report

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rime minister imran khan has vowed to build the “biggest dam” in the country’s history as he kicked off construction of the much-delayed diamer-bhasha dam on wednesday. a joint venture of china power and frontier works organisation (fwo), the eight million acre-feet (maf) reservoir with 272metre height will be the tallest roller compact concrete (rcc) dam in the world. it will have a spillway, 14 gates and five outlets for flushing out silt. the project with a total financial outlay of about rs1,406.5bn would be completed in 2028. addressing a public gathering in chilas, gilgit-baltistan, the prime minister said that the dam will also benefit the people of gb.

He vowed that with this project, the government was going towards building the “biggest dam in pakistan’s history”. “this will be our third big dam. china has made around 5,000 big dams, but have a total of about 80,000 dams. from this, you can gauge the massive mistakes we have made in the past [by not building new reservoirs],” he said. “the decision to build this dam was taken 50 years ago. there can be no better site for constructing a dam, it is a natural dam. forty, fifty years ago this was decided, and work on the project has begun today. this is one of the biggest reasons why we haven’t progressed,” pm imran observed.

He stressed that nations only progress when they think of the future and when they invest in their resources, uplifting those segments of society that have been left behind. “the decisions made in the ’90s to generate electricity using imported furnace oil affected our current account deficit. when there is pressure on foreign exchange, [the country’s] economic con-

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ditions start deteriorating.” the premier maintained that the government will now move towards building more dams on rivers, which will lessen pressure on foreign exchange and allow the country to generate its own fuel.

He added that generating electricity from water instead of furnace oil or coal will also prevent negatively impacting global warming and climate change. “the benefits are dual. we won’t have to import fuel and it won’t affect our climate negatively.” imran said that the project would also generate job opportunities for people living in the region. “i am familiar with gb and have visited chilas on multiple occasions in the past 30 years. i am well aware of how much the area depends on tourism and how much they need tourism during the summer months.” in a tweet earlier in the day, lt gen (r) asim saleem bajwa, special assistant to the prime minister on information, said that the project will generate 4,500mw of hydel power and provide at least 16,000 jobs. the premier said that he will speak to the gb chief minister to prepare standard operating procedures (sops) for resurrecting the tourism industry that has been severely im-

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

257,125

NEW CASES:

67

2,165

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

SINDH:

PUNJAB:

172,810 5,417

108,913

88,045

KP:

BALOCHISTAN:

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

31,217

Hammad azHar rejects privatisation rumors, says bidding for psm joint venture will be Held later tHis year GHULAM ABBAS

Coronavirus in

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

steel mills to be run as a joint venture with private sector, says minister

11,239

1,688/1,708 14,315

pacted by the covid-19 pandemic. “we can learn from the world, tourism is slowly resuming. it won’t be the same as it was before the pandemic hit, but we can start opening it slowly and start developing sops for it,” he said, adding that help will also be extended by the national command and control centre (ncoc) in this regard. imran added that the project was a huge opportunity for the people of chilas and gb. addressing the people of gb, he said: “we didn’t increase your budget out of obligation. it is our government’s policy to prioritise those areas that have been left behind. “thus far, our development has been restricted to a few cities. we will be left behind until we spend on uplifting less-developed areas.” therefore, the government is investing in gb, merged districts and balochistan, he said. He concluded his speech by congratulating the people of gb. “time will prove that this dam will change the fortune of the people of gb, especially those living in chilas.” earlier in the day, imran had visited the site of the dam along with chief of the army staff (coas) gen Qamar javed bajwa and minister for water resources faisal vawda, where they were briefed on the mega project.

federal minister for industries and production Hammad azhar on wednesday rejected rumors regarding privatisation of pakistan steel mills (psm) and said that the steel mill will be run in collaboration with private partners. while briefing the senate’s standing committee on industries and production, azhar clarified that psm has not been privatised and that bidding for a joint venture will be held later this year. the minister for industries and production further said that out of the 12 international companies which expressed interest in psm, six companies have already visited the steel mills. azhar said that some lands belonging to the steel mills were being leased out, adding that big decisions needed to be taken in order to make psm self-reliant.

He further informed that in 2008 pakistan steel mills had a fund of rs10 billion, after which sales began to drop due to low steel prices in the world market. He said that while sales of psm were dropping, 4,500 steel mills employees were made

caa clears 96 pakistani pilots, says media ‘misconstrued’ dubious license issue KARACHI StAff report

the civil aviation authority (caa) on wednesday announced it has verified and cleared the licences of almost 96 pilots out of the 104 names it received from various foreign counterparts and international airlines. in a letter to the director for air traffic control services at oman’s public authority for civil aviation (paca), mubarak saleh al-gheilani, caa director-general Hassan nasir jamy said it was crucial “to clarify that all cpl / atpl pilot licences issued by the pakistan civil aviation authority (pcaa) are genuine and validly issued”. “none of the pilot licenses are fake, rather the matter has been misconstrued and incorrectly highlighted in the media / social media,” jamy’s letter read further. “[the pcaa] has already verified/cleared 96 pakistani pilots out of 104 names received from various civil aviation authorities / foreign airlines (uae / gaca, vietnam airlines, bahrain air, civil aviation malaysia, Hong kong civil aviation department and turkish airlines)”. in his letter, the top caa official apprised his omani counter-

part of the licence verification process of pakistani pilots working in foreign airlines. stressing that all licences issued to pilots by the caa were certified and genuine, he noted that some international airlines had sought verification of 104 pakistani pilots, of whom eight were yet to be cleared. in the forensic scrutiny, the caa official stressed, some discrepancies had arisen during the computerised examination of licensing process, leading the body to ground the suspected pilots and take them off from flying duties. the ‘suspect’ pilots have been asked to defend their licences in accordance with the pakistan civil aviation rules, 1994. “all this was done keeping in view the highest concerns about air safety all over the world, and also to ensure that questions raised in respect of an identified class of pilots does not prejudice hundreds of pakistani pilots flying aircraft most professionally and safely within and outside pakistan,” jamy’s letter added further. a day prior, the caa had cleared the licences of 18 pakistani pilots working for oman’s salamair after the gulf nation’s civil aviation authority requested

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verification. pilots cleared by the caa included captains fawad shahab, sheikh saifullah, mohammad bilal malik, mohammad javed, mohammad rashid, muhammad athar iqbal, muhammad asif, farhan khan, babar sultan, farrukh bhatti, sajjad malik, zia-ul-Haq, natasha sultan, abbas rizvi, omar jafar, and three others. separately, the caa had also cleared three pakistani pilots associated with the Hong kong airlines after it asked for clearance of their licenses.

‘NO PILOT POSSESSES DUBIOUS ATPL’: meanwhile, the pakistan airlines pilots association (palpa) has said that no pilot in pakistan possesses dubious airline transport pilot license (atpl). “our point of view got vindicated once again after the director general (dg) pakistan civil aviation authority (caa) conveyed to the dg caa of oman in a letter that none of the pilots in pakistan possesses dubious atpl licenses,” said the pilots association. the palpa said that the letter quoted that none of the licenses is dubious and shows that the matter was not handled in an amicable manner.

permanent in 2010 which added to its financial burden. in 2010, average production of psm dropped to around 40 per cent, which later further dropped to just six per cent. the psm was shut down by the pakistan muslim league nawaz (pmln) government in 2015, said azhar. azhar said that while the psm remained non operational, working and retired employees kept receiving billions of rupees in salaries and pensions for a period of five years. the minister further said that the root cause of psm’s problems is the high number of employees and the fact that it has not expanded to its potential.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Trump wants to buy Roosevelt Hotel, PIA tells privatisation panel STORY ON PAGE 03

more inside

KE chief says crisis could have been averted if govt had approved 700MW plant in 2016 STORY ON PAGE 03

sbp tasks banks to increase housing, construction financing STORY ON PAGE 09

SNGPL seeks federal govt’s help as gas crisis worsens in Punjab STORY ON BACK PAGE

iran says bri, cpec beneficial for regional development STORY ON BACK PAGE

02

Thursday, 16 July, 2020

NEWS

CABle operAtorS reACh ‘underStAndIng’ wIth Ke, CAll off StrIKe KARACHI

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STAFF REPORT

HE deadlock between cable operators and K-Electric (KE) was finally resolved on Wednesday after both parties reached an “understanding” after several days of back and forth.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Karachi Commissioner Iftikhar Shallwani, Pakistan Cable Operators Association Chairman Khalid Arain thanked the commissioner and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) chairman for their assistance.

“Today the differences between cable operators and the power utility have been resolved. During today’s meeting, the KE representative assured us that our wires will not be cut,” he said, adding that the two parties will work on an agreement in the coming days.

He added that they were also working on a “common corridor” for which work

had begun in Defence and will start soon in the rest of the city. “We will play our part in making the city beautiful, this work will begin soon. I hope the issues between cable operators and KE don’t arise again and our wires are not cut without notice.”

He added that after being assured by KE representative Amir Zia, cable opera-

tors were calling off the strike. “Today’s strike from 6pm to 12pm has been called off and we are hopeful that the need for this will not arise again.” He also took the opportunity to apologise to consumers that were caught in the middle of the row. “If you faced any difficulties, then please accept our apology.”

On Tuesday, the residents of five major cities of Sindh, including Karachi, experienced a three-hour suspension of cable television service as operators continued their protest against the power utility. In a press conference on Monday, the cable operators’ representatives had claimed that KE had cut cable and internet wires without prior warning, as it held cable operators responsible for the deaths caused during last year’s rains due to electrocution.

Meanwhile, KE had denied the allegations of cutting cable/internet wires, saying that it had only removed those “which had posed an immediate threat to safety”. They had accused cable operators of failing to shift their wires underground despite making commitments.

The first day of the strike saw TV and internet services being impacted in Karachi for two hours from 7pm to 9pm. On the second day, the strike was expanded to Karachi, Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Sukkur and Larkana after the first meeting with the commissioner didn’t bear fruit.

IHC issues notices to poultry feed companies in plea against CCP inquiry ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday resumed hearing of a petition against the Competition Commission of Pakistan’s (CCP’s) inquiry and show-cause notices issued to poultry feed companies.

The CCP inquiry in 2010 had stated that the poultry feed companies were involved in unsubstantiated price hike of day-old chicks and poultry feed.

During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel, Aitzaz Ahsan, concluded his arguments via video link. Arguments by the attorney general of Pakistan will be presented on Friday. Earlier, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah had ordered in the hearing for June 30. He remarked that the stay order in the case was given on October 16, 2010. The poultry feed companies had been given ample time to prepare arguments whereas the facility of video link has also been provided. IHC expects all respondents to submit written arguments. Attorney general of Pakistan would also give arguments before the court on behalf of the federal gov-

SCBA files review plea against verdict in Justice Isa case SC INDICTS CLERIC FOR HURLING THREATS AT JUSTICE ISA ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Wednesday filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against its verdict in the presidential reference against Justice Qazi Faez Isa. In its petition, the association sought the expunging of seven paragraphs, ranging from 3 to 11, of the decision announced last month. President Dr Arif Alvi, the federal government and Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) have been made respondents in the petition. The apex court last month had quashed the reference against Justice Qazi Faez Isa, which accused the judge of being in possession of multiple undeclared properties in the name of his wife and children in the United Kingdom, terming it “invalid”. Seven of the 10 judges on the bench had also ordered the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to seek explanations from the judge’s wife, Sarina Isa, and children on the nature and source of funding for three properties in their names in the United Kingdom and submit a report to the SC registrar.

SC INDICTS CLERIC: Meanwhile, the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday indicted Rawalpindi-based cleric Agha Iftikharuddin Mirza for hurling threats and abuses at Justice Qazi Faez Isa and other judges of the superior courts in a video lecture that went viral on social media last month. A two-judge bench consisting of Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Ijazul Ahsan granted Mirza a week to respond to the charges. Justice Ahmad in June had taken suo motu notice of the video containing derogatory, contemptuous and scandalous language against the judiciary, specifically Justice Isa. Subsequently, Mirza filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, tendering unconditional apology and claiming that in a “private meeting” he “unintentionally” uttered some words against honourable judges.

ernment. The court has been hearing the case daily whereas, in the past, several judges had presided it.

Twenty companies from Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan and Chakwal had filed an application in 2010 regarding poultry feed.

They had challenged the CCP’s inquiry of July 8, 2010, in the context of poultry feed through their thenlawyer Hafeezud-Din Pirzada and the show cause notices issued on October 26 and October 28, 2010.

The court was asked to annul and declare the Companies Competition Act 2010, Competition Ordinance 2010, Competition Ordinance 2009 and Competition Ordinance 2007, illegal.

The court was also prayed upon that all the decisions and orders made against the petitioners by the act and the ordinances should be declared null and void and no action should be taken in the context of show cause notice.

The CCP’s inquiry, conducted the inquiry under Section 37 of the Commission Act 2010 in the light of media reports, found poultry companies in violation of Section 4 (1) of the Ordinance.

Some places of PPA in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad were sealed on May 24 and 25, 2010 as part of the inquiry.

The inquiry report termed the allegations of reducing competition in the poultry feed market as unconstitutional.

A reply was sought from the poultry companies within 14 days. They were summoned on November 23, 2010, but the high court suspended these show cause notices and stayed the proceedings. However, now the proceedings are expected to be completed in the next few days.

SC issues contempt notice to journalist over ‘derogatory’ tweet ISLAMABAD INP

The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday initiated contempt proceedings against Islamabad-based journalist Matiullah Jan over his alleged derogatory tweet against the court and its judges.

The president of the Supreme Court Bar Association has been asked to assist the court in the case.

A three-member bench, headed

by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, will hold the hearing next week. The other two members of the bench are Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Ijazul Ahsan. Referring to one of Jan’s tweet, the court said the journalist reportedly insulted the court and its judges in his July 10 tweet.

In his tweet, the journalist had criticised seven judges of a 10-member bench after they announced their verdict on a petition against the presidential reference against Justice Qazi

Faiz Isa. In the verdict, the seven judges ordered the Federal Bureau of Revenue to probe the properties owned

by Justice Isa’s wife and children in the UK. It is extremely necessary to “completely listen” to the [side] of the journalist, Matiullah Jan was heard saying in a video posted on Twitter Wednesday morning. He added that the court should issue a judgement on the matter.

Ali Zaidi asks Bilawal to disclose ‘unverified, hand-written’ will of Benazir NEWS DESK Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi on Wednesday asked Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to make the will of his deceased mother and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, public. “One “unverified” secret hand written statement of BB shaheed, presented as her will, was suffice enough for them to fool the nation, take over People’s Party, win the elections and destroy the land of Lal Shahbaz for 12+ yrs. Time to disclose all,” he tweeted. Zaidi and PPP leaders have locked horns in the wake of the release of Uzair Baloch’s JIT report. On July 11, he tweeted a video of Lyari gang war head Uzair Baloch’s friend Habib Jan Baloch and said: “Crime & politics have gone hand in hand. Mafia Don Asif Zardari & his henchman Qadir Patel exposed yet again by Habib Jan who was once, in the middle of it all.”Prior to that, he had shared a clip from PPP leader Nabil Gabol’s 2016 interview. “Dig a little and you’ll find a lot of evidence! Here is @Nabilgabol on July 31st, 2016 live on ARY openly stating that Sindh Police is refusing to sign the Uzair Baloch JIT reports,” he wrote in Twitter post.

Sindh extends detention of accused in daniel pearl murder KARACHI: The Sindh Home Department on Wednesday extended the detention order of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, the prime suspect in the 2002 kidnapping and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, and three other suspects for another three months. In April, the Sindh High Court (SHC) had overturned the murder conviction of all four suspects — the other three being Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil, and Salman Saqib who were earlier sentenced to life in prison — including British-born Sheikh, saying the murder charges against him were not proven. The home department said that the accused have been detained under Article 11EEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, fearing the accused may form a new militant network if released from prison. The Supreme Court last month had refused the Sindh government’s request to suspend the SHC verdict to acquit the suspects. It also refused to immediately hear the appeal and instead said to hear it on Sept 25. STAFF REPORT

fIA arrests suspected Indian spy on terror charges KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Wednesday arrested a suspect for his alleged involvement in targetted killings and bombings at the behest of Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). According to FIA, the suspect, identified as Zafar Khan, is a staffer at the Karachi Fire Department. As per details, Khan had been in India for 14 months where he received training to make bombs and use modern weapons. The agency also arrested two more suspects who are money changers by profession and part of RAW’s sleeper cell in Karachi. STAFF REPORT

NA committee directs FBR to expedite tax refund process ISLAMABAD APP

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs on Wednesday directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to accelerate the procedure of tax refunds in order to facilitate the business community.

The committee, which met here under the chairmanship of Member National Assembly (MNA) Faiz Ullah, was briefed by FBR Member (Inland Revenue) Dr Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed regarding the refunds issued by the FBR in respect of Income Tax and Sales Tax. Ashfaq Ahmed also shared the details of the refunds issued to exporters during the current fiscal year.

The committee expressed its satisfac-

tion on the presentation given by the FBR member.

Meanwhile, the FBR member briefed the committee regarding the expected collection of revenues towards achieving the revenue targets set by the government in the Budget 2020-21.

The committee, while appreciating FBR’s efforts, directed it to furnish the details of refunds that were pending before 2014.

The committee further recommended that a special package should be provided to the families of 31 FBR officials who died recently, during service, due to Covid-19. The committee also directed the FBR chairman to provide further incentives to FBR employees.

Ministry of Finance Additional Secretary Sohail Rajput informed the committee regarding the reason for delay in the formation of Zarai Taraqiati Bank

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Limited’s (ZTBL) board. He said that the proposed nominations were sent to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for necessary actions including security clearance since the last two months, however no response has been received from the SBP as of yet.

The committee expressed its displeasure on the procedural delays by the SBP and directed the Ministry of Finance additional secretary to intervene and submit a summary for the formation of the board before the prime minister.

During the meeting, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Dr Sania Nishter briefed the committee about the Ehsaas Programme launched by the government for the distribution of funds to vulnerable families in Pakistan, during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

She informed that through the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Project 16.9 million families would be provided with a one time payment of Rs12,000 per family.

She also shed light on international practices pertaining to cash transfer programmes and said that unconditional cash transfer programmes have a much lower cost per beneficiary compared to in kind or food distribution programmes.

The committee assured Sania Nisther of its full cooperation regarding the Ehsaas Programme.

The committee members expressed their concerns regarding the functioning of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) and unanimously decided that an exclusive meeting would be called to discuss the subsidy given by the USC to the common people and the Rs50 billion package allocated to USC by the government.

Thursday, 16 July, 2020

NEWS

03

trump wAntS to Buy rooSevelt hotel, pIA tellS prIvAtISAtIon pAnel PML-N’S KHAWAJA ASIF OPPOSES PRIVATISATION OF ANY ENTITY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

PIA OFFICIAL SAYS HOTEL WILL BE LEASED ON LONG-TERM BASIS ISLAMABAD

A

STAFF REPORT

SENIOR Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) official on Wednesday informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Privatisation that US President Donald Trump has shown interest in buying the Roosevelt hotel, located in New York’s Manhattan borough.

At the outset of the meeting, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Asif inquired from PIA officials whether anyone had shown interest in buying the property. He then noted that Trump had wanted to purchase it.

At this, PIA Investment Limited Managing Director Najeeb Sami disclosed that the American president “is still showing interest in Roosevelt”.

Trump already owns seven luxury hotels and several resorts and clubs in a number of major cities across the US.

In his briefing to the committee, Sami said that Roosevelt is a three-star hotel which had been profitable for 99 years. However, the hotel suffered a loss of $1.5 million last year, the official added. He said it was not profitable for PIA to run the entire hotel on its own and it should, therefore, be replaced with offices and hotels.

“It has been decided to give Roosevelt hotel on lease on a long-term basis,” Sami told the lawmakers.

Earlier this month, the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) had decided against selling off the Roosevelt and to run it through a joint venture instead. The CCoP had directed the Privatisation Commission to appoint a financial adviser to start the process for the transaction in light of a report by accounting firm Deloitte from July 2019 which recommended that “the highest and best use of the Roosevelt Hotel property is to redevelop the site into a mixed-use [prop-

etihad Airways to resume flights from pakistan on thursday

erty] (through joint venture) of primarily an office tower over retail and condominium.” Asif said although his party did not oppose privatisation “at all”, this wasn’t a suitable time to privatise any entity because the coronavirus pandemic has caused market prices of almost everything to fall.

He said the rights of employees should be protected whenever privatisation is carried out and they should be provided enough funds to start their own businesses. People who own real-estate businesses abroad should not be made part of the body deciding the hotel’s fate as it could lead to corruption, Asif added.

The PML-N lawmaker observed that PIA itself could not be privatised in the current circumstances either. He acknowledged that it was a “mistake” on PML-N’s part that it remained unable to privatise the national flag carrier during its tenure. Privatisation Minister Muhammad Mian Soomro

informed the committee that various options were currently being looked into regarding the fate of the Roosevelt, adding that a financial adviser will take the decision regarding leasing out the hotel.

The PIA-owned 19-storey hotel with 1,025 rooms plus allied facilities in New York is considered a valuable property that also carries cultural significance for Pakistan. It has remained in the news for the last several years over its proposed auction. However, the management of PIA in the past had always rejected the claims of auction, etc.

The hotel was acquired by PIA Investment Limited on lease during the year 1979 with an option to purchase the property. The airline had purchased the hotel for $36.5 million against a demand of $59.5m by contesting a lawsuit against the owner in 1999. The Roosevelt has been managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts since 1997.

Nishtar Medical University VC dies of coronavirus

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Etihad Airways has announced the resumption of flights from Pakistan from Thursday. “Starting from July 16, you can travel from Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore via Abu Dhabi to worldwide destinations.

Our planes will be landing at more than 50 destinations in July and August, connecting the world through our home in Abu Dhabi,” said a message sent by the airline to its customers. The airline, however, reminded the passengers travelling from Pakistan to complete a Covid-19 PCR test from Chugtai Lab only, a maximum 96 hours ahead of travel and be able to present a negative test result report before they fly from Pakistan to the UAE.The airline will operate 12 flights a week, of which seven flights will be operated from Lahore, two from Islamabad and three flights from Karachi. The airline has already been flying passengers from UAE to Pakistan. Regular flight operations had been suspended in Pakistan on March 21 due to coronavirus pandemic. Emirates airline and Pakistan International Airlines have already started regular flight operation to and from Pakistan early this month. “We recommend you arrive at the airport check-in 3 hours prior to departure. Please ensure you wear a face mask and gloves at all times, observe social distancing and use hand sanitiser regularly. Remember to bring your negative PCR test certificate and ICA approval with you,” the airline advised its passengers.

pKr to hover around rs163 against uSd in 2020: fitch NEWS DESK Fitch Solutions has predicted that the value of Pakistani Rupee will remain at an average of Rs163 against the US Dollar in 2020. "The Pakistani Rupee has weakened by 7.1pc since January," Fitch Ratings noted in a report issued on Wednesday. The agency attributed this stability to the support extended by international partners, which helped Pakistan boost its reserves. It is evident from the fact that Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves rose by 65pc to $12 billion in the fiscal year 2019-20, compared to $7.3 billion in the previous year. This rise in reserves will help Pakistan ease pressures from external financing.

Pakistan's annual trade loss has also reduced by $8.6 billion. Imports fell to their lowest level in nine years after the country raised duties and adopted

ANOTHER KARACHI DOCTOR SUCCUMBS TO COVID-19 LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Vice Chancellor of Multan’s Nishtar Medical University Dr Mustafa Kamal Pasha died of coronavirus on Wednesday. He was on a ventilator since July 6. Dr Pasha, 61, tested positive for Covid-19 last month and was admitted to Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology.

An epitome of selflessness, Dr Pasha had transferred and assigned himself to the coronavirus ward of the Nishtar Hospital as the number of positive cases had started to shoot up, APP reported. Foreign Minister

Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed grief over Dr Pasha’s death, saying he was “heart-stricken”.

“Professor Dr Mustafa Kamal Pasha became a victim of the coronavirus while fighting against it,” he said, adding that the services of the deceased will always be remembered. The foreign minister prayed for the soul of the deceased and extended condolences to the family.

The University of Health Sciences, Lahore, also issued a condolence statement over the doctor’s death, saying that Dr Pasha “lost his life as a frontline soldier in the war against Covid-19”.

KARACHI K-Electric's chief executive Moonis Alvi on Wednesday said that if the government had approved a new 700MW power plant back in 2016, Karachi's power supply would have been better, as he apologised to people for the persistent load shedding in Karachi.

"In 2016, the power plant project had a setback due to technical reasons," he said, explaining that the power utility company was asked to focus on power generation using the local variant of coal, whereas the "system" was designed for the use of imported coal.

"It takes two-and-a-half to three years to set up a new power plant, Alvi added.

He said that nonetheless, the company's system had "improved" in the last three years.

Acknowledging the woes of Karachiites, he said that indeed, the city is facing prolonged load shedding as the demand for power "increases" in the current season.

"Even the exempted areas are facing power outages," he noted, adding that the company also suffers losses due to load shedding in exempted areas.

The chief executive said however that "faults" must not be considered load shedding and that no power cuts took place between March 20 and May 28 when a lockdown was in place.

He said that due to the coronavirus, a lot of meter readings were not done.

Alvi said that the company has 1,800 feeders and 26,000 transformers installed. He said that the existing copper wire infrastructure is being replaced across the country with aluminum wiring and the cop-

ISLAMABAD TLTP

A total of 172,810 patients have so far recovered from coronavirus across the country, bringing down the number of total active Covid-19 cases in the country to 77,573. According to the latest statistics issued by the National Command and Operation Centre on Wednesday, 2,165 new coronavirus cases were reported in the country during the last 24 hours taking the tally to 255,768. A total of 67 more patients died of the virus during the last 24 hours taking the death toll to 5,386. The total reported cases include 107,773 in Sindh, 88,045 in Punjab, 31,001 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 11,239 in Balochistan, 14,315 in Islamabad, 1,708 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 1,688 in Azad Kashmir. Around 21,749 corona tests were carried out during the aforementioned period including 9,972 in Sindh, 7,175 in Punjab, 1,575 in KP, 2,333 in ICT, 305 in Balochistan, 69 in GB and 320 in AJK. There is no patient on ventilator in AJK & Balochistan.

According to NCOC, 339 ventilators are occupied across Pakistan out of 1,825 ventilators allocated for Covid-19 patients.

Meanwhile, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Younis Soomro, succumbed to coronavirus in Karachi. He had contracted the virus while serving patients and died while receiving treatment at a private hospital. According to the Pakistan Medical Association general secretary, Dr Soomro was working at Ziauddin Hospital’s orthopaedic department and also remained affiliated with several national and international symposiums as well as Dow University of Medical Sciences. Young Doctors Association (YDA) chairperson Dr Omar Sultan and its members offered their condolences over his demise.

According to YDA, over 100 doctors have lost their lives to Covid-19 while serving on the frontlines.

KE chief says crisis could have been averted if govt had approved 700MW plant in 2016 STAFF REPORT

Active Covid-19 cases reduce to 77,573, death toll reaches 5,386

per wires sold were shown in the company books.

Talking about the cable operators strike against the power utility, he claimed that the company had not cut any cable in the last 15-18 days. This is in stark contrast to claims by cable operators a day earlier where they said cable wires where being "constantly" cut by the power utility.

Shedding light on KE's arrears, Alvi said that the Sindh and federal government owed KE a sum of Rs237 billion, while the water board had to pay KE over Rs30 billion.

Meanwhile, talking about the company's loans he said that KE owed Rs160 billion to several organisations, and that it had taken a loan of Rs85 billion from banks.

"K-Electric has sold electricity worth Rs280 billion in 2019," Alvi added.

Court to indict Zardari in water supply reference via video link ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

An accountability court on Wednesday decided to indict former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari in the Thatta water supply reference via video link. The court on Tuesday had announced to indict him in the reference, which is an offshoot of the mega fake bank accounts case, on August 4. As the hearing resumed on Wednesday, the counsel for Zardari informed the court that the former president has excused himself from appearing in person due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. To which, Accountability Judge Azam Khan decided to conduct the future hearings through video link and directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to make necessary arrangements in this regard.

Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing till Aug 4, summoning Zardari and the other accused on the next hearing.

04

Thursday, 16 July, 2020

NEWS

Pakistan on way to success through digital economy, education: President alvi ISLAMABAD

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APP

ReSIDenT Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday said that Pakistan had immense potential in the field of digital economy and digital education, stressing the importance of fast data communication modes to explore vast opportunities in such areas.

“Pakistan has high prospects in making strides in digital economy, digital education and digital finance and is heading in right direction to cope with the challenges during current pandemic,” the president said in

his address at the contract signing of high-speed mobile broadband projects in Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur districts, here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

He said the highway to success was all about information gathering based upon internet and making it accessible for people and added that the new life pattern during the coronavirus pandemic demanded digitalised systems in areas particularly trade, commerce, education and health.

He lauded the Ministry of education for adopting new modes of teaching through television to address the challenges faced by stu-

dents residing in towns with either low-speed internet or with no access.

The president said Pakistan was proud to launch its first public-sector Virtual University in 2004, offering education at relatively low rates as compared to physically attending institutions that had several other overheads.

He said e-commerce and e-trade could prove a stimulus towards expansion of economy due to fast financial transactions.

Dr Alvi said State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) was working to launch digital payment system across the country in October, expressing con-

fidence that the step would boost business across the board, including of small companies.

He also said that software, being top of the value-addition chain, could prove as effective marketing tool for products and mentioned the country’s 30 percent improvement in software development scenario whereas access to information through digitalisation would also provide a platform for women who could thrive economically.

He said digital information could also eliminate ‘elite capture’ of resources and quoted the book ‘Capital and Ideology’ by French economist Thomas Piketty who defined education and health as two top areas of such notorious culture.

He said Pakistan through reforms was resisting the elite capture, however India on the contrary, was reported with high inequality during 2014 to 2018, as mentioned by the

icci asks govt to setup water treatment plants ISLAMABAD: Business community of the federal capital on Wednesday demanded of the government to take immediate steps to set up sewage treatment plants in the city to reduce water pollution. They said that government had planned to set up four sewage treatment plants in Islamabad at an estimated cost of Rs.2 billion, but despite a lapse of ten years, no progress has been made on this project. Senior Vice President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) in a statement said that water sewage plant setup in Sector I-9 Islamabad was also non-functional so it should be made functional immediately so that the wastewater that was flowing to various streams could be treated for beneficial use.

Tahir Abbasi said that currently only two water treatment plants were available in Islamabad, but were unable to supply the required water to the citizens due to low capacity. He said that supply of clean drinking water in Islamabad was a serious issue while citizens were facing acute water shortage in various parts of the city. APP

igP directs islamabad police to continue stern action against land mafia ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muhammad Aamir Zulfiqar Khan has directed the Islamabad Police to continue strict action against those who have illegally occupied properties and are involved in harassing people to grab their lands. He issued the directives while chairing a meeting held on Wednesday to review the performance of Islamabad police against land mafia. The meeting was attended among others by DIG (Operations) Waqar Uddin Syed, AIG (Special Branch) Muhammad Suleman, SSP (CTD) Syed Mustafa Tanveer, AIG (Operations) Haroon Joya, Additional SP Farhat Abbass Kazmi, SP (CTD) Farooq Amjad Butar and all Zonal SPs. INP

French economist with full supporting data.

The president stressed proper Right-of-Way policies for the broadband and mobile companies to effectively sort out matters related to installation of signal towers at people’s land.

He said that the internet could be best used for improving skilled economy and mentioned that as Pakistan re-

quired one million nurses in health sector, online training courses could be a great option instead of brick and mortar education.

Thursday, 16 July, 2020

DeManD for ceMent, Steel likely to Surge aS govt aiMS to revive conStruction activity LAHORE

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EXPERTS BELIEVE CEMENT, STEEL SECTORS’ PROFITS WILL INCREASE BY UP TO 6PC IN FY21

HASSAN NAQVI

HE demand for cement, steel, tiles and other allied commodities is likely to increase as the federal government is aiming to revive the economic activities affected by the coronavirus pandemic through housing and construction sectors.

In this regard, the banks have been asked to allocate 5pc of their advance portfolio for the construction sector, while the government intends to provide Rs300,000 per unit subsidy to the first 100,000 units built under Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme. This will be conjoined by low rate financing of 5pc and 7pc for 5 and 10-marla houses, respectively.

According to Topline Securities, banks' current exposure to the construction sector is 2pc of the overall credit to the private sector and 1pc of the overall advances.

"The government's directive is expected to increase liquidity towards the construction sector by Rs300-350bn," it predicted. "We expect further details from SBP on how this scheme will materialize; we take cue from SBP's earlier financing facility for Low-Cost Housing for Special Segments. The borrower rate for SBP refinance was 5pc, which included the bank's spread of up to 4pc."

Topline maintained the key risk for the banking sector remains implementation for foreclosure laws, as banks still remain reluctant to lend to the housing

sector, even after the favourable decision by the Lahore High Court on this matter.

"Based on the back of envelope working, assuming 3pc spread, banks can earn an additional 3-5pc, unadjusted for risk," Topline stated.

It estimated an additional cement demand of 1 million tonnes (2pc of overall sales) and steel rebar demand of 150,000 tonnes (2-3pc of overall sales).

"Our base case assumption for cement sales growth is already 7.5pc for FY21, which already incorporates developments pertaining to the construction package," it stated.

Meanwhile, talking to Profit, Azam Faruque, Chairman of the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), said that he is also trying to get the details. "If this is implemented effectively, there will be a significant increase in demand for all construction materials and allied products."

Faruque maintained that it is difficult to put a figure on it as this will depend on a number of factors such as how quickly loans are approved, the number of people or developers are applying, the legal formalities such as title deed scrutiny etc.

He added that another important development is how quickly the government releases funds for dams and how quickly WAPDA can utilize these funds.

"So maybe 1pc increase in demand or maybe more but it is difficult to say," Faruque said.

However, according to Topline Securities, this additional demand can increase cement and steel sector (rebar) profits in the range of 4-6pc.

Pakistan Association of Large Steel Producers (PALSP) Secretary-General Syed Wajid Iqbal Bukhari said that there is no doubt that if all the promised houses are built, it will generate demand for steel sector "but I think there is some doubt as to how successful this project will be because the target demographic for this housing scheme may not have the income to put up a down payment or even afford the house".

Bukhari added for the basic construction of a 100 square yard house, the cost will be minimum Rs1.5 million so a 20pc down payment would be Rs300,000. If no down payment and financed over 5 years, yearly payment will be Rs300,000.

He maintained that most people in the target demographic probably don’t make more than 40,000 per household per month in salary.

"I think if household income is at least Rs100,000 per month this may be feasible. Also, will the banks be able to finance such people who don't have assets in their name and are vulnerable job

career positions?" Bukhari asked.

Talking to this scribe, National Tiles and Ceramics Limited (NTCL) Chairman Agha Tajjamul Hussain said that the demand for domestic tiles is expected to increase by at least 35-45pc as NPHP progresses because people stopped importing tiles since the government had increased the duties on importing tiles (customs duty 20pc, regulatory duty 45pc, additional customs duty 7pc, sales tax 17pc, additional sales tax 3pc, income tax 6pc and anti-dumping duty 36pc).

Secondly, the rupee depreciated against the dollar due to which people also stopped importing tiles from China.

Hussain recalled that while announcing the package for the construction sector, Prime Minister Imran Khan had said that the government would not ask the source of income from people who would invest in the construction sector. This will attract a lot of investment in the housing and construction sectors and tiles are one of the essential products used in the construction of buildings and houses, he added.

“So, the demand for local tiles is likely to increase without a shred of doubt,” Hussain added.

It is pertinent to mention that over 28pc of the market is taken over by imported tiles, mainly from China. European and other producers have only a fraction of the market, which is estimated to be below one per cent. Smuggled Iranian ceramic tiles constitute a little more than 13pc of the market and the rest of the market is shared by local producers.

Google faces off against the Joker malware and loses again

SINGAPORE BABAR KHAN JAVED

Google has removed 11 applications from the Play Store which were infected with malware that invisibly subscribes victims to premium services without their knowledge.

Going by the name Joker, the malware adapts to hide in the essential information file every Android app is required to have.

Aviran Hazum, a researcher at Check Point, told Profit that the Joker malware has evolved to hide malicious code inside what’s called the Android Manifest file of a legitimate application. “Every application must have an Android Manifest file in its root directory,” he said.

“The manifest file provides essential information about an application, such as name, icon, and permissions, to the Android system, which the system must have before it can run any of the application's code. This way, the malware does not need to access command and control, which is a computer [that is] controlled by a cyber-criminal used to send commands to systems compromised by malware, to download the payload, the portion of the malware which performs the malicious action.”

Hazum said that the protections created

by Google for the Play Store are not enough, adding that his team was able to detect numerous cases of Joker uploads on a weekly basis to Google Play, all of which were downloaded by unsuspecting users.

He added that despite Google’s investment in adding Play Store protections, the malware is tricky to detect and that stakeholders should fully expect Joker to adapt again to countermeasures taken.

Instead of waiting for a researcher to find vulnerabilities after application users have been compromised, application publishers have the option to employ ethical hackers that will find gaps for a bug bounty.

Ethical hackers are the reason malware success has slowed down in the past decade due to changes in the InfoSec industry, with some of the best hackers being security engi-

neers that help companies improve their security posture by penetration testing for free.

Yet, with the success of ethical hackers in finding gaps in a site, application, or digital distribution services, the negative stigma surrounding the term hacker creates hesitation in adopting security powered by hackers.

“What started in the darkest underbelly of the internet has turned into a force for good, first as a respectable hobby and as something that talented people could do on the side,” said John Baker, a solutions engineering manager and bug bounty advisor for HackerOne. “But now it is so much more than that -it’s a professional calling: hackers, pentesters and security researchers who are trusted and respected and providing a valuable service for us all.”

In a poll conducted by HackerOne, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) shared the top three challenges faced when adopting hacker-powered security: the scarcity of resources to find vulnerabilities, the reluctance to trust remote hackers as compared to the pen-test surveyors that they hire on-site in their office, and the prospect of slowing down the flow of work which may stifle innovation.

Speaking to Profit, Baker shared that if Agile and DevOps practices continue to be implemented without the corresponding changes to security practices, the pace of development in their organisation outstrips the security team’s resources.

“83 per cent of CISOs see security vulnerabilities as a significant threat to their organization, 45 per cent of CISOs admit pen-testing does not provide sufficient results to keep up in the face of development, [and] only 12 per cent believe that the pen-test is sufficient,” said Baker.

“There is a limit to how many security professionals an organisation can hire on the team. However, when you garner the power of the hacker community, it immediately brings more eyes to your assets. Every five minutes, a hacker reports a vulnerability on the HackerOne platform. In 77 per cent of our programmes, hackers find the first vulnera-

bility in less than 24 hours after the initial launch.”

Baker told Profit that several HackerOne customers have detailed how implementing hacker-powered security saved them an average of almost $400,000 over a period of three years, which reduced internal security and application development efforts.

He said that a big reason for this is that bug bounty programmes take a ‘pay for results’ approach instead of a ‘pay for effort’ model. In this way, efforts are not duplicated just for the sake of compliance reporting.

“57 per cent of [the] CISOs [we polled] would rather accept the risks of security vulnerabilities than to invite unknown hackers to fix them,” said Baker.

“Only 26 per cent of CISOs are willing to accept bug submissions from the entire hacking community. 54 per cent of CISOs would not be comfortable accepting bug submissions from hackers with a criminal past. If you receive a vulnerability report today through email or LinkedIn or Twitter, you may wonder, ‘who is the sender?’ - it’s just an email address, usually associated with a Gmail account. Maybe the English language isn’t perfect. Then you wonder, how seriously should I take this?”

Daily data breaches and vulnerabilities exploited are not uncommon in the news.

Putting a property on the internet will result in thousands of attacks, regardless of whether a bug bounty programme is inviting it or otherwise.

Smart companies are proactive, such as Sony, which announced its bug bounty programme in June for the Playstation - months ahead of the launch for the latest version of the console.

Sean Yeoh, an engineering lead at Assetnote, recently earned a $3,000 in bug bounty from Microsoft after discovering a mechanism to take over Microsoft Azure DevOps accounts using just one click.

Sam Curry, a security researcher, was awarded $4,000 by Starbucks for exposing a security flaw in the back-end web infrastructure that could have potentially leaked the records of up to 100 million customers of the coffee chain.

“With bug bounty, testing is continuous, ongoing, and mirrors the software development lifecycle,” said Baker.

“Data from bug bounty programmes can help aid innovation, speed up processes, and give development teams a better handle on what vulnerabilities are likely to be introduced; therefore speeding up successful delivery rather than slowing it down.”

This is why companies such as Spotify and Shopify use hacker-powered security to help aid innovation and inform development teams on what vulnerabilities are likely to be introduced. There is no faster way to find vulnerabilities than working with ethical hackers and compensating accordingly for the results.

NEWS

05

Steel Mills to be run as a joint venture with private sector, says minister continued on page 01 “out of 19,000 acres owned by pSM, the pSM plant is established on just 1,700 acres of land. there is a lot of room for expansion,” he said adding that pSM’s deficit was more than Rs225 billion. the minister further informed that pakistan’s steel consumption stands at seven million tonnes adding that despite several steel mills being operational in the country pakistan still imports iron and steel products to fulfill its demand. the committee was informed that in 1973, 19,013 acres of land were purchased for pSM. out of the 19,013 acres, 10,273 acres were used to set up plant and other allied services while 8,071 acres were allotted for steel mills township. in addition to that an industrial park has been established on 1,049 acres of land. Senator Sirajul Haq urged that instead of privatising pSM, the state owned entity should be made viable and a chief executive officer (ceo) should be appointed for it at the earliest. He also urged the government to restructure the utility bills of pSM. Meanwhile, pSM former chairman Senator abdul Qayyum suggested that some of pSM’s land should be sold to clear its debt. during the meeting, committee members expressed dismay over the government’s handling of the steel mills and demanded that the issues faced by retired employees of the steel mills should be resolved at the earliest.

Obituary – Nadeem A Mumtaz

LAHORE ABDULLAH NIAZI

The owner of Lahore’s iconic Fazaldin & Sons pharmacy on Mall Road and a stalwart of the city’s modern social milieu, Nadeem A Mumtaz, passed away of Covid-19 related complications early on Wednesday morning, a day after his birthday. May his soul rest in peace.

Nadeem Mumtaz was a well-respected presence in different circles of Lahore, with deep-rooted ties and friendships in every corner of the city. His passing was met with an outpouring of grief and condolences from friends, family, and the many people whose lives he affected in his lifetime.

His family migrated from India after the Partition in 1947, after which his grandfather set up a pharmacy that would become Fazaldin & Sons on Mall Road, the city’s most famous drug store. Nadeem Mumtaz embraced Lahore completely, going to Punjab University where he would meet his future wife, Qudsia Mumtaz.

The couple would go on to have five sons, with whom they would build a home and live the remainder of their lives in Garden Town.

A well-known lover of the arts and the finer things in life, he was also a prodigious foodie, equally comfortable eating high-end as he was exploring more traditional Lahori cuisine. Full of infectious charm, good wit, and joy, he famously dressed true to himself, in vibrant colours with his bold waistcoats remembered fondly by those who knew him.

Perhaps most noticeable in the grief and condolences that followed his passing have been the acknowledgements of his charitable and helpful nature. Known for going out of his way for anyone that came to him for any assistance, his kindness was a hallmark of who he was as a person.

From opening his pharmacy at odd hours or going far and wide trying to acquire unavailable medicines people needed, his helpfulness will not be forgotten.

Charitable and big-hearted, he was known for never turning any requests down, and for not having the word no in his vocabulary.

Nadeem Mumtaz and Qudsia were a prominent and sociable couple that stayed connected with their vast network of friends and associates. He was of the now quickly dwindling generation of Pakistanis that were supposed to build this country. A gentleman of the old school, his love for life and people was constantly complimented by his empathy, grace, humility and kindness.

Nadeem A Mumtaz cut a mighty figure, one whose loss is the country’s.

With his passing marking an ever darkening moment in where we stand as a country. His five sons have the heavy duty of carrying on their father’s legacy, but for now, the city of Lahore has become a little less kinder and brighter.

Thursday, 16 July, 2020

06 COMMENT

Era of immoral politics

Hike in sugar and wheat prices

Consequences of ill-advised actions?

The ouster of Bhutto led to an era of immoral politics

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HILE the sugarcane crushing season entered its peak in January this year, retail prices of sugar suddenly jacked up, indicating more increase in the price in days to come. By the next month, there were protests in the media all over the country concerning the unusual hike in the sugar price. This was natural as the common man was already feeling the pinch on account of the rise in the price of flour. A section of the media attributed the price hike to the government’s decisions to export both sugar and wheat under the pressure of influential lobbies in the PTI. The PM’s announcement to set up a sugar inquiry commission was dismissed by his critics as a ruse to deflect criticism.

The inquiry commission’s report was made public in May but sugar mill owners sought relief from the Sind High Court and Islamabad High Court. On Tuesday the Supreme Court gave a nod to the federal government to proceed against sugar mill owners in accordance with the recommendations of the sugar inquiry commission.

While the powerful agencies have all along been at the beck and call of the PM and the SC is also allowing the PTI government to take any action considered necessary, nothing stands in the PM’s way to retrieve the promises made to the common man regarding bringing down the prices of sugar and flour. There is however a problem.

Earlier the PM ordered reduction in the petroleum prices only to find the commodity disappearing from the market. The government being forced to raise the price, petrol became immediately available. This gave birth to the perception that the PM is unable to understand the laws of supply and demand that determine prices in a free-market economy. Perhaps he allowed the export of sugar and wheat to earn much-needed dollars, as revealed

by Advisor to PM Razak Dawood to the sugar inquiry commission, and when the untimely decision pushed up the prices it started causing political damage for which the PM put the blame on mafias, cartels and hoarders. If prices remain where they are the whole exercise of setting up a commission and promises of action against sugar barons and hoarders would be considered no more than politicking.

Dr FariD a Malik

5

July 1977 invokes a lot of bad memories.

It was the start of the Zia Dark Ages whose lasting product has been the Sharifs of Lahore together with their sidekicks. Unfortunately it also kicked in a new era of ‘ Immoral Politics ‘ which was unheard of in the land of the pure. Despite Ayub Khan’s onslaught on politicians in 1958 through his infamous EBDO (Elected Bodies Disqualification Ordinance) politics remained clean and within moral limits.

The 1970 elections were credible but resulted in the break-up of the Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan. An ‘ Awami ‘ or democratic era kicked in. The establishment was in clear retreat, civilian authority had been established. First the 1972 interim constitution and then the 1973 permanent version was unanimously passed by the truly elected representatives of the people. While the charismatic Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the leader of the government, the equally impressive Abdul Wali Khan was heading the opposition benches.

The level of debate and legislation was outstanding.

Despite external pressures, ZAB’s popularity was on the rise. The title of Quaid-e-Awam was bestowed upon him. At the peak of his political career ZAB was tricked by the ‘establishment in retreat’, into holding national elections ahead of time in March 1977.

The day after the dissolution of the assemblies a political alliance called PNA (Pakistan National Alliance) was announced to challenge the PPP. It was a one-on-one direct contest. ZAB was clearly

Shock for Karachi State must make sure its writ runs

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Pakistan must be wary of Indian hostility to the CPEC MuhaMMaD Sohail ahMeD

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HE Indian move to annex Kashmir in August 2019 was a big leap to prepare to disconnect the land link between China and Pakistan. The obvious outcome of such a move would result in cutting the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor and dumping the initiative of china for regional peace, stability and the economic well-being of the region, particularly Pakistan.

After being a target of security challenges one after the other for the last 70 years in the form of three wars and limited action in Kargil, Pakistan has been a turf for foreign powers’ tussle such as the wars in Afghanistan, with post-9/11 operations followed by US defeat and pull-out agreement with Taliban leaders. The new US Cold War doctrine calls for a significant role for India to counter China and retain US influence in the region after its forces leave Afghanistan under agreement with the Taliban.

It is now the desire of the USA to destabilize the region afresh for which it emboldened India to initiate the annexation of Kashmir. Since Pakistan did not initiate any military action against India, it further emboldened it to prepare for an attack on the CPEC route. The area that it selected was the Galwan region linked to Daulat Baig region in Ladakh, Kashmir.

Previously, the area had no airport which was prepared soon after the August 5 annexation and completed on war footing. Similarly, a wide road has been constructed to link Ladakh for troops transportation.

India has also annexed Ladakh as a Union territory and delinked its previous status as part of Kashmir. The indifference of the world community to the violation of UN security council resolution can be judged from the fact that India has been elected as a temporary member of the Security Council. This situation has further emboldened the Indian establishment. Therefore, after changing the map of India displaying the region as union territory, the Army build-up started to take place, transforming it from a battalion-size unit to a brigade-size entity. The objective of all this preparation was to launch strike on China Pakistan link road passing a few kilometres from this position. The region of Ladakh has a strategic point where the presence of three countries combine as Line of Control and as Line of Actual Control/Contact. With this threat emanating, full preparations in swing and build-up of air and land forces, it was necessary to control the heights in the region which overlook the Indian road moving to-

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

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.

Preempting Indian attack on CPEC

HOUGH it seemed that federal Planning Minister Asad Umar`s word had no meaning, as his firm commitment at the weekend, that there would be no more unscheduled loadshedding in Karachi, proved useless, as Tuesday saw more episodes in the country’s largest metropolis of the light going. However, the government must now realize that it may no longer be that simple to give orders to an entity that has been privatized.

K-Electric is now in private hands, and thus not obedient any more to the federal government, but to its shareholders.

However, one of the effects of privatization of an electricity distribution company should not be that an entire area is held hostage. It does not do much for optics that the major shareholder of K-Electric, Abraaj Group, has significant debts to pay back that it incurred on other transactions and the group’s founder Arif Naqvi, who is in jail in the UK, and fighting extradition to the USA is considered not only a close friend of Prime Minister Imran Khan but, as alleged by the PPP, also bankrolled the PTI’s election campaign. That K-Electric is up for sale and the Shanghai Electric Company renewed its interest two weeks back in buying Abraaj Group’s shares also raises questions about the timing of the ongoing electricity crisis. The sanctity of private property is not supposed to prevent such a transaction, but the inability of the government to prevent loadshedding in areas where losses are being incurred indicates that the writ of the state does not cover utilities after they have been privatized. The K-Electric example is being watched closely by all those interested in buying other distribution companies, as it is being noted how far it is possible for the government to order around a private company.

The privatisation was supposed to allow the bringing of private-sector management efficiencies to commercial enterprises. The realization that what was being provided was a social good, seems missing. The social good, in the shape of K-Electric poles and distribution networks, have also been used by cable operators and Internet Service Providers that the former keeps disconnecting. The government has little or no control over either side, both being in the private sector, and can seemingly do little more than what it has done so far to help them resolve the issue, which is to do nothing but wring its hands impotently when it is not issuing peremptory orders all know will be ignored.

Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

leading, a few constituencies were disputed. The election results were rejected by the opposition and a movement was started to topple the elected government. The establishment was waiting in the wings, and the rest is history, as they say. The political gains of the democratic period (1971 to 1977) had to be neutralized. Civilian institutions came under attack. The 1985 partyless elections proved to be the last nail in the coffin of ‘Moral Politics’. PPP, the largest political party of that time, boycotted the electoral process, leaving the field open for political novices like Nawaz Sharif. There was no looking back, first as Finance Minister and then Chief Minister Mian Sahib took control of the largest province of the country. With those elections came the pandemic of ‘ Immoral Politics’. Plots and perks were doled out to workers as bait. Public records were destroyed to annex properties. It was free for all. A ‘Darbari System’ was introduced by Abba Ji to win over support of the bureaucracy. While the agencies kept preparing dossiers the President looked the other way. Finally when the dictator was blown in the air, Benazir Bhutto came into power in 1988 but under very tough conditions that she had to accept, when she resisted a vote of no-confidence was moved against her. A camp of MNAs was established at Chhanga Manga to ensure success of the move but it failed.

Finally came the dismissal of the elected government of Benazir in 1990. To keep her out of power the IJI (Islami Jamhoori Ittehad) was cobbled up by the establishment, quite like the PNA of the 1970s.

Mian Sahib now moved from the province to take control of the country to spread his brand of ‘Immoral Politics’ all over the land of the pure. When Ghulam Ishaq Khan tried to contain him, Mian Sahib rebelled against his mentors and creators. When his government was dismissed it was restored by the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Nasim Hasan Shah. Now it was one-on-one conflict between the President and the Prime Minister. Fearing anarchy, the COAS, Gen Waheed Kakar, intervened and both were sent packing to save the federation.

The elections that followed in 1995, Benazir came back into power but this time the ‘Immoral Wisdom’ of Zardari prevailed. The PPP followed in the footsteps of Mian Sahib. After the murder of Murtaza Bhutto who was a critic of the Zardari ways, serious

differences emerged between the President, Farooq Leghari, and Benazir. Mr Leghari dismissed the government of his own party and promised across-theboard accountability but caved in to pressure. Mian Sahib was back with an absolute majority. The ‘Immoral Brigade’ struck back with a vengeance. First the Supreme Court of Pakistan was attacked followed by the early retirement of the Army Chief, and then the President came under their fire. Mian Sahib now wanted to be declared Amir-ul-Momineen. The PPP majority in the Senate led by Comrade Aitzaz Ahsan stopped the bill from becoming law. It was a narrow miss for the Caliph of Pakistan. Mian Sahib did not give up, he then tried to send another COAS home before his time but in the process lost his government.

Then came the NROs, driven by COAS Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kiani, that brought both the parties back into the mainstream to take turns through their brand of ‘ Immoral Politics’. In 2008 it was the PPP’s turn and in 2013 the PML(N)’s.

Judge Bashir was hearing the corruption cases against Mian Sahib; fearing adverse judgement Mian Sahib first started softening Arshad Malik the other Judge in the circuit. When the evidence had been gathered against the Judge, an application was moved to transfer the case to his court. When complete relief was denied the entire incriminating evidence was released to the press. Then started the charade of Mian Sahib’s platelet count. While in Lahore an hourly update was released to the press whereas in London secrecy prevails.

To save Pakistan, this era of ‘ Immoral Politics ‘ has to come to an end, as it can no longer continue.

Almost all civilian institutions have been rendered non-functional. The common good has become uncommon. Mafias run the show to their advantage while public is made to suffer. Without political cleansing the bureaucracy will continue to stall all attempts at reforms. Conviction through common law courts is almost impossible, the cases can drag on forever. In his narcotics case Rana Sanaullah has already taken three adjournments. Shahbaz Sharif has been able to dodge NAB appearance through mob pressure on courts. Common law assumes moral behaviour which is missing amongst this Immoral Political lot.

Delay is their only defence which they have so far successfully employed. As time passes patience is running out. Another ‘Political Corona’ could be in the making, which even the face masks will not be able to stop, It is called ‘Bloody Revolution’. Three of them took place in the 20th century ( Bolshevik, Chinese, Iranian ).

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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wards the CPEC. Any aggression could be countered historically Kashmir was always linked to those areas from Galwan valley. In a brilliant move the Chinese which constitute Pakistan. The state of Kashmir was military managed to occupy this position to avert an spread up to Jhelum in Pakistan. The Pir Punjal range attack on the CPEC. Indian forces tried to take over a is a natural boundary between the Indian mainland and camp from the Chinese Army through a surprise at- Kashmir. in the recent years India has tried to overcome tack. This was spearheaded by a colonel. As the night this problem through erecting railway infrastructure and fell, the Chinese Army launched a counter attack using wider roads. The problem of funds was solved through batons mounted with iron spikes. This resulted in 22 World Bank funding for the Indian Railways to upgrade Indian casualties. The response from the Chinese was its mainland infrastructure. The profits earned from Ininnovative, forceful, and controlled, blended with an dian Railways was spent on Kashmir occupied territory inbuilt demoralizing effect on the Indian Army. The and for own railway infrastructure the loan was used. nature of injuries will keep them from mounting such Therefore, illegal occupation has been making India assaults in future. The world media as usual is search- bleed economically. This episode also highlights the ining for a crispy story of escalation but to no avail as direct cooperation of the World Bank.

The harsh climate makes the maintenance of road China has introduced controlled aggression or the neginfrastructure expensive, ative conventional rung, a labor intensive and tiring reverse of the escalation for both the state adminladder, and yet it has obistration and the Army. tained its objectives.

Since the terrain is Pakistan needs to The harsh climate makes the mountainous, there are keep a watchful eye on maintenance of road infrastructure numerous bridges that any build-up of forces on get washed away by the Indian side on the expensive, labor intensive and flash floods. Old bridges Line of Control. The Chican’t take the weight of nese concept of arming tiring for both the state heavy machinery moving troops need to be studied. administration and the Army. Since for military purposes. In CPEC defense brigades a recent accident a bridge should be trained to fight the terrain is mountainous, there collapsed along with hand to hand, using manheavy machinery. ual tools like batons, are numerous bridges that get Air assets have been samurai gear or even inused to mobilize troops capacitating agents. The washed away by flash floods. but it has always weight lessons from the Kargil limitation, is weather decampaign call for having pendent and expensive. rations like dates and History of conflicts manual weapons like bayonets and batons, besides pushing tools to dis- are replete with the situations where long logistic lines, aggressive weather, hegemonic deployments, lodge enemy from the mountains into oblivion.

Due to casualties in the Galwan valley, Indian absence of public/local support and continuous stressmorale at tactical level will further dwindle due to co- ful environment have resulted in defeat of the occurona casualties at national level which stands at over pation forces and humiliating withdrawal. The world 20,000, while its political leadership continues to has recently witnessed an example in Afghanistan. alienate minorities. One recent step by the Indian Similar environment in Kashmir, for an army pitched government is to open 270 shops in Kashmir for on two fronts in addition to the internal front, hints at liquor sale. The local population has taken strong ex- the situation of a sinking ship that ultimately sinks ception to this decision. These challenges for the In- under its own weight. Pakistan must remain well predian troops will further worsen the situation as they pared both militarily and diplomatically to counter any would not find motivation to fight in a region whose aggressive moves to safeguard its interests such as population is alienated politically and religiously. The CPEC and the Muslims of Kashmir. basic question any soldier deployed in the region is Muhammad Sohail Ahmed retired as a going to ask is why he should fight.

Another challenge for India is very long logistic Commodore from the Pakistan Navy. He can be lines. This is a penalty which the nature has imposed as reached at msohailyz@gmail.com

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Thursday, 16 July, 2020

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

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

Educational institutes or harassment centers?

The real accession of Kashmir against the myth A tale of two accessions aMjeD jaaveD

E

ACH year, on 19 July the Kashmiri on both sides of Line of Control and across the world observe the Accession to Pakistan Day. On this day, they renew their pledge to continue the struggle for freedom from Indian occupation.

On this day in 1947, All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference passed a resolution for Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan at the residence of Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan in Srinagar.

The historic resolution recalled that the Kashmiri’s future was inextricably linked with Pakistan because of geographical, cultural and economic relation with Pakistan. The resolution epitomized ethos of millions of Kashmiri Muslims whose hearts throbbed with people of Pakistan. This is the first unequivocal resolution by the Kashmiris aligning their future with Pakistan. It is enshrined in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Constitution also.

The second `accession’ is touted by India was in a mythical `instrument of accession’ signed by the maharajah of Kashmir with India on 26 October 1947.

By scrapping the disputed state’s special status, India itself torn the `instrument’ to shreds.

The cartographic annexation of the state (August 5) not only violates the terms of ‘accession’ in the so-called ‘instrument’, but also violates United Nations resolutions and the Simla Accord.

The ‘Instrument of Accession’ was signed before Article 370 came into being. As such, it is the foundation of the state’s special status.

Former chief minister of the state, Omar Abdullah, called revocation of the special status “a total betrayal of the trust that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had reposed in India when the State `acceded’ to it in 1947”.

The removal of special status without consulting the people of the disputed state amounts to compromising the State’s autonomy that was fundamental to the ‘accession’.

Faizan Mustafa, vice chancellor of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, Hyderabad, India, pointed out, “This is a unilateral withdrawal of a promise that was fundamental to Jammu and Kashmir’s relation to India”.

Equivocal accession: The‘Instrument’ of Accession is void for several reasons. The Independence Act required intention of accession to be absolute and crystal-clear. But, a stray glance at the ‘Instrument’ would make it clear that it is equivocal. The ‘Instrument’ expresses ‘intention to set up an interim government and to ask Sheikh Abdullah to carry the responsibilities’ with the Maharajah’s prime minister. The last sentence in the ‘Instrument’ is ‘In haste and with kind regards’. Handwritten corrections on the text of the ‘Instrument’ speak volubly about the wavering state of the maharajah’s mind. The instrument, extracted under coercion and duress, is untenable under law.

UN’s admonition on `accession’ farce: The subsequent accession resolution, passed by occupied Kashmir’s ‘constituent assembly’, is also void. This resolution violates the Security Council’s resolutions forbidding India from going

it as Indian territory on our maps. The value of ahead with the accession farce.

Aware of India’s intention to get the ‘Instru- foreign maps depends on their provenance, ment of Accession’ rubber-stamped by the pup- whether in a work of learning or otherwise. pet assembly, the Security Council passed two Maps in periodicals or books published after a resolutions. Security Council Resolution 9 of 30 dispute has arisen do not affect either side’s case; March 1951 and affirmative Resolution 122 of only the mental balance of some Indian officials, 24 March 1957 outlaw accession or any other which is precarious even at the best of times. It action to change status of the Jammu and Kash- is puerile to stamp warnings on issues of foreign magazines. Readers abroad do not enjoy the mir state.

Renowned journalist Alastair Lamb also re- benefit of the warning, any way.’

Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A was gards the Instrument of Accession, ‘signed’ by the maharajah of Kashmir on October 26, 1947, not Narendra Modi’s overnight exploit. It is as fraudulent. He argues that the maharajah was rooted in India’s perfidious lip-service to the travelling by road to Jammu (a distance of over plebiscite promise.

Barkha Dutt recalls (This Unquiet Land, p.

350 km). How could he sign the instrument while running for his life? There is no evidence 154) `In a 1948 speech to the United Nations, of any contact between him and the Indian emis- Sheikh Abdullah… made a blistering defence of the accession to India…: “I had thought all along saries on 26 October 1947.

Actually, it was on October 27, that the Ma- that the world had got rid of Hitlers…but what harajah as informed by M.C. Mahajan and V.P. is happening in my poor country I am convinced Menon (who had flown into Srinagar) that an In- that they have transmigrated their souls into Pakstrument of Accession is being fabricated in New istan…I refuse to accept Pakistan as a party in Delhi. Obviously, the maharajah could not have the affairs of Jammu and Kashmir”.

Dutt says he “began to talk about the possisigned the instrument earlier than October 27. bility of independThe instrument ent Kashmir… remains null and .Soon after he void, even if the Machanged his stance harajah did sign it.

The reason, as The Instrument of Accession does he was jailed and dismissed from ofpointed out by Lamb not exist. The ‘accession’ of the fice and was not is that the ‘signature’ able to lead the state was obtained under disputed state, through a for another twenty coercion. He points out Indian troops resolution of the puppet assembly, years’.

‘Accession’ was had already arrived is null and void. This ‘resolution’ a myth. Actually, at and secured SriIndia marched its nagar airfield during violates the Security Council’s troops into Kashmir the middle of Octowithout Maharajah’s ber 1947. On Octodirective, forbidding India from permission _ an act ber 26, a further of aggression. Histoairlift took place. taking any unilateral action. rian Alastair Lamb India never showed Pakistan should amend its history says Mountbatten the original ‘Instruwanted India not to ment’ at any internatextbooks to incorporate the intervene militarily tional forum. In without first getting 1995, the Indian auMuslim Conference resolution an ‘instrument of acthorities reported the cession’ from Maoriginal document harajah Hari Singh. as lost or stolen.

Not doing so would This further clouds amount to intervening in the internal affairs of the docment’s authenticity.

India took Kashmir issue to the UN in 1948 what was to all intents and purposes an independunder Article 35 of Chapter VI (Pacific Settle- ent State in the throes of civil conflict. But, India ment of Disputes), not under Chapter VII which did not heed his advice. Lamb says ‘timing of the relates to acts of aggression. Obviously, it knew alleged Instrument of Accession undoubtedly afKashmir was a disputed state, with the issue of fected its legitimacy’. He adds ‘If in fact it took its accession to India or Pakistan still unresolved. place after the Indian intervention, then it could By amending its maps, India has included well be argued that it was either done under Indian not only Azad Kashmir but also Gilgit Baltistan duress or to regularise an Indian fait accompli’.

The Instrument of Accession does not exist. within Indian Territory. Pakistan’s Parliament should enact maps to re-stress that Jammu and The ‘accession’ of the disputed state, through a Kashmir State is disputed. These maps should resolution of the puppet assembly, is null and void. This ‘resolution’ violates the Security be widely available and distributed.

This Indian aggression to include disputed Council’s directive, forbidding India from taking territories within Indian Union is puerile. AG any unilateral action. Pakistan should amend its Noorani rightly points out; ‘Maps are not docu- history textbooks to incorporate the Muslim ments of title. They are of evidentiary value, de- Conference resolution. pending on the circumstances. Published over Amjed Jaaved is a freelance journalist, has time as a matter of course and with consistency, they provide good evidence. If they conflict with served in the Pakistan government for 39 years the state’s claims, they can constitute an admis- and holds degrees in economics, business sion. Published to create evidence, they are administration, and law. He can be reached at worthless. You cannot claim Mexico by showing amjedjaaved@gmail.com.

AS it’s witnessed by everyone that recent cases of harassment are reported by the students of educational institutes, either from the students of schools, colleges or universities.

Recently, two such cases came into limelight. In one of the cases, a foreign student studying at University of Karachi was harassed by the officials of the respective department. Furthermore, she was also threatened when she opened up about this issue in front of the media. The other case is related with the students of Lahore grammar school, in which some school students raise their voices against the school administration and teachers, stating that their teachers had tried to harass them and upon complaining this issue to the higher school officials, none of the concerned authorities listened to them and ignored this issue.

After a week or two, 3 school teachers were fired from their job who were found guilty of the allegations, on the other hand, the students of LGS also figured out Omair Rana, a famous TV artist, as an accused one, who was working as a teacher of art.

Previously, the educational institutes were considered as a place where parents sent their children fearlessly, but now the situation has changed and the educational institutes are losing their real identity. It’s my due request to all those in authority to take strict actions against all these culprits, and not show any mercy and sympathy against the accused ones.

MUHAMMAD ZUBAIR SIDDIQUI KARAcHI

Prisoners release EARLIER this year on February 29,2020, the United States and the Taliban signed an agreement intended to be the first step toward an intraAfghan peace deal after more than 18 years of conflict. Some important provisions of deal were US Commitments to withdraw its troops within 14 months, a Taliban agreed to prevent Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups from using Afghan territory against United states and its partners, and a promise was made by both sides to support intra-afghan peace process.

The main part to the agreement was releasing the prisoners by Afghan government on immediate basis. But Kabul remains reluctant to do so, by claiming some of them as dangerous militants or guilty of some serious crimes, and it becomes the main hurdle to the peace deal. under the agreement the Afghan government was committed to release up to 5000 prisoners. but so far just 4,400 prisoners have been released by Kabul and around 600 by the Taliban. The progress to peace process remains standstill, therefore US must involve herself to get the issue resolved.

SAnAUllAH KHAwAR lAHoRE

The Second wave and Eid-ul Azha THE Eid-ul Azha sacrifice has a multi-billion economy of its own as along with being the instrumental religious and cultural event in Pakistan. It is a source of livelihood for the major stakeholders including butchers, livestock traders and the tanning industry. However, in these testing times, it is necessary to look at real facts on ground and mold our old economic and religious practices in accordance with the novel coronavirus.

Primarily, it is important that the authorities curtail the gatherings in livestock markets where people and the animals converge every year. It is because medical health care workers and doctors have seriously warned us of the gravity of the aftermath if the situation goes out of hand. The cases might spike and on the top of that the second wave would create mass havoc and irrevocable damage with repercussions beyond comprehension.

Although the National Command and Operation Center has allowed the presence of small livestock markets on the outskirts of the cities with strict SOPs in practice, such a balance between economic and religious priorities with precautions to fight the virus remain a workable solution on paper only. It is undeniable that SOPs are widely flouted in the livestock markets. Nonetheless, as people have great cultural and religious affiliations with this occasion, it is imperative that authorities should enforce strict SOPs so that those rushing to the livestock markets do bot end up being the spreaders of the virus as they return to their neighborhoods. Moreover, children should be kept away from these mandis and instead of whole brigades going to select an animal, one person is enough. While there is much prudence and wisdom in collective sacrifice to minimize the hovering threat of the second, blood spilling and qurbani in neighborhoods should be curtailed to prevent situation going out of hand and ensure hygiene. After all, we all expect a sooner return to our halted activities and life to resume in its normal course.

HADIA MUKHtAR KARAcHI

Problems in system OUR Criminal Justice system of Pakistan is standing on its three poles; investigation, arrest and judiciary. These organs are interdependent on one another and can’t be enforced unless they work simultaneously with one other.

In Pakistan, police are more extensively detested and untrusted institutions that are filled with corruption; as per public survey.

Carelessness and malfeasance of police have encouraged the crimes and offences which cause people unrest and uncomfortable to live.

Judicial system of Pakistan is having millions of cases unconcluded that are alarming in delaying justice. On the part of police, it lacks un-to-date investigation techniques unlike collection of evidence, production of witnesses, limitless adjournments of the court, dozens of cases are assigned to a single investigation officer and above all expenses of investigation are borne from their own salary therefore drawbacks are axiomatic.

Umpteen policies are in existence, yet unfortunately, null implementation on it. It is high time that concerned authorities must lend their attentive ears to such perilous factors that really require focus; in future law enforcers and policymakers should work together to detect the shortcomings over which they can work and the government should emphasize on police, to be honest, and sincere with its duties, finally thus remedial measures can improve our criminal justice system of Pakistan.

SHAfI AHMED KHowAjA jAtI SUjAwAl

Thursday, 16 July, 2020

08 WORLD VIEW House DeMocrAts, working witH Liz cHeney, restrict truMp’s pLAnneD witHDrAwAL of troops froM AfgHAnistAn AnD gerMAny SHORTLY AFTER WHITE HOUSE WITHDRAWAL PLANS WERE REPORTED, ANONYMOUS INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS LEAKED A SERIES OF CLAIMS TO THE NEW YORK TIMES REGARDING “BOUNTIES” ALLEGEDLY BEING PAID BY RUSSIA TO TALIBAN FIGHTERS TO KILL US TROOPS

interCept

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GlEnn GrEEnwald

HE US military has been fighting in afghanistan for almost nineteen years. House Democrats, working in tandem with key prowar GOP lawmakers such as Rep. Liz Cheney, are ensuring that continues. The House armed Services Committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of an amendment — jointly sponsored by Democratic Congressman Jason Crow of Colorado and Congresswoman Cheney of Wyoming — prohibiting the expenditure of monies to reduce the number of U.S. troops deployed in afghanistan below 8,000 without a series of conditions first being met.

The imposed conditions are by no means trivial: for these troop reductions from afghanistan to be allowed, the Defense Department must be able to certify, among other things, that leaving afghanistan “will not increase the risk for the expansion of existing or formation of new terrorist safe havens inside afghanistan” and “will not compromise or otherwise negatively affect the ongoing United States counter terrorism mission against the Islamic State, al Qaeda, and associated forces.”

The Crow/Cheney amendment to the national Defense authorization act (nDaa) passed by a vote of 4511. The nDaa was then unanimously approved by the Committee by a vote of 56-0. It authorizes $740.5 billion in military spending — roughly three times more than

the world’s second-highest spender, China.

President Trump throughout the year has insisted that the Pentagon present plans for withdrawing all troops from afghanistan prior to the end of 2020. Last week, reports indicated that “the Trump administration is close to finalizing a decision to withdraw more than 4,000 troops from afghanistan by the fall.” Trump’s plan “would reduce the number of troops from 8,600 to 4,500 and would be the lowest number since the very earliest days of the war in afghanistan, which began in 2001.”

In February, Trump announced an agreement with the Taliban to end the war completely.

Shortly after those White House withdrawal plans were reported, anonymous intelligence officials leaked a series of claims to the new york Times regarding “bounties” allegedly being paid by Russia to Taliban fighters to kill U.S. troops. Those leaks emboldened opposition to troop withdrawal from afghanistan on the ground that it would be capitulating to Russian treachery.

It was that new york Times leak that Liz Cheney, along with GOP Congressman Mac Thornberry, cited in a joint statement on Monday to suggest troop withdrawal would be precipitous: “after today’s briefing with senior White House officials, we remain concerned about Russian activity in afghanistan, including reports that they have targeted U.S. forces. It has been clear for some time that Russia does not wish us well in afghanistan. We believe it is important to vigorously pursue any information related to Russia or any other country targeting our forces.

Congress has no more important obligation than providing for the security of our nation and ensuring our forces have the resources they need. We anticipate further briefings on this issue in the coming days.”

The Crow/Cheney amendment impeding Trump’s withdrawal plan asserted that “a rapid military drawdown and a lack of United States commitment to the security and stability of afghanistan would undermine diplomatic efforts for peace” (only the U.S. could malign a troop withdrawal plan after a 19 year-old war as “rapid”). Their amendment also claims that “the current agreement between the United States and the Taliban does not provide for the appropriate protections for vulnerable populations, does not create conditions for the rejection of violence and prevention of terrorist safe havens, and does not represent a realistic diplomatic solution, based on verifiable facts and conditions on the ground, that provides for long-term stability” The nDaa that was approved by the Committee also imposed restrictions on Trump’s plan to withdraw troops from Germany. Trump’s plan called for the removal of roughly 9,500 troops from German soil, reducing the number of U.S. troops in this extremely prosperous and rich European nation from 34,500 to 25,000. But by an overwhelming vote of 49-7, the armed Service Committee approved an amendment to the nDaa that “bans the administration from lowering troop levels below current levels until 180 days after Pentagon leaders present a plan to Congress and certify it will not harm U.S. or allied interests.”

Just as she did with afghanistan, Congresswoman Cheney, to oppose this troop removal from Germany, cited — along with her Democratic Committee colleagues — the threat of Russia, now the all-purpose rationale for continuing endless U.S. imperialism and war, just as it was during the first Cold War: Meanwhile, the leading Democrat who joined Cheney to oppose troop

withdrawal from Germany, Congressman Ruben Gallego of arizona, also cited “increasing Russian aggression” to argue that “it is more important than ever that our naTO allies and partners remain confident about the United States’ commitment.” For decades, the perceived threat from Moscow was the leading instrument used to justify endless U.S. imperialism, and even now that Russia is little more than what journalist Vincent Bevins today called “a minor power in Eastern Europe,” it still somehow occupies this same crucial role in the U.S. imagination and militaristic discourse.

Opposition to troop withdrawal in both afghanistan and Germany was not unanimous. There were elements of the progressive left and the pro-Trump right who supported these withdrawals. On Twitter, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, the former co-chair of the Sanders campaign, and GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, traded mutual support and vows to work together to defeat the Crow/Cheney amendment: But this left-right anti-war coalition is no match for the war machine composed of the establishment wings of both parties and the military and intelligence community that continue to use selective, illegal leaks to sabotage any plans to reduce the U.S. military presence around the world. That the Democrats have spent a full decade desperately recruiting former military and intelligence officials to serve as their Congressional candidates (both Congressman Crow, Liz Cheney’s co-sponsor on the afghanistan amendment, and the anti-German-troopwithdrawal Congressman Gallego, are both Iraq War veterans) has only made the party even more militaristic.

Combined with the fact that Democrats are increasingly merging with and being led by the Bush-era neocons and other Bush/Cheney operatives in creating such jingoistic and militaristic messaging campaigns as the beloved-by-liberals Lincoln Project, and that Biden is clearly trying to run to Trump’s right on foreign policy with ads accusing him of being too soft on China and linking him to Castro and Chavez, the picture is clear. It should come as absolutely no surprise that House Democrats are finding common cause with Liz Cheney and other GOP warmongers to block any efforts to reduce even moderately the footprint of the U.S. military in the world or its decades-long posture of endless war.

Why Peter Beinart's call for a The realities of a one-state solution misses the mark Covid-19 vaccine Middle east eye

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lana tatour

FEW days ago, Peter Beinart published a pair of articles in the new york Times and Jewish Currents, calling for one binational state based on equality between Jews and Palestinians.

The endorsement of a one-state solution by Beinart - a staunch liberal Zionist who once advocated a two-state solution - has sent shockwaves through liberal circles and beyond. But while this is a welcome intervention, the main problem with Beinart’s argument is his focus on the occupation that has been ongoing since 1967 and the collapse of the Oslo process.

Beinart’s prognosis fails to identify what the problem really is: not 1967, but rather 1948 and Zionism itself as a settler-colonial, racial project.

'PERMISSION TO NARRATE': as many have commented, Beinart is simply saying what Palestinians have said for decades. Palestinian intellectuals, activists and academics such as Edward Said, Joseph Massad, Diana Buttu, noura Erakat, Lila Farsakh, yousef Munayyer and ali abunimah, to name a few, have long advocated for one democratic state in which both Palestinians and Jews can live in equality. yet, their calls did not get the attention that Beinart is now receiving, showing that Palestinians are still fighting for what Said called “the permission to narrate”. The erasure of Palestinian voices from the conversation reveals the racism that renders Palestinian voices less intelligible than white Jewish voices in liberal circuits of power. as Professor Saree Makdisi noted on Twitter: “For years, Palestinians have been saying what @PeterBeinart recently said; after overcoming mountains of obstacles to get our pieces published in major newspapers, none of us got the instant attention Beinart did, not because we are less articulate - but because of who we are.”

Beinart’s call also reflects historical amnesia. The call for one state was an explicit political objective of the Palestinian national movement. In his famous Un speech in 1974, former Palestinian leader yasser arafat stated: “We are struggling so that Jews, Christians and Muslims may live in equality, enjoying the same rights and assuming the same duties, free from racial or religious discrimination.” It was not Palestinians who introduced the logic of racial separation between Jews and Palestinians in Palestine that Beinart asks to fix; it was Zionism.

REMAKING LIBERAL ZIONISM: In his plea for Israel-Palestine to be also a “Jewish home” (whatever that might mean), Beinart also seems to forget that historically, Palestine was home to its Jewish native population, as it was to its Muslim and Christian population and its other ethnic minorities. The Palestinian national movement always distinguished between Jews native to Palestine and Jewish settlers. It is Zionism that erased this distinction.

Beinart’s pieces further the conversation on the one-

state solution and the failure of the two-state solution.

But we need to ask: on what grounds is Beinart advancing the one-state solution?

His pieces indicate that he remains a committed Zionist. His support for a single state is not the result of him abandoning Zionism, but rather due to an ambition to remake liberal Zionism into something that true liberal Zionists, like himself, can live with. as he writes: “It is time for liberal Zionists to abandon the goal of Jewish-Palestinian separation and embrace the goal of Jewish-Palestinian equality. This doesn’t require abandoning Zionism. It requires reviving an understanding of it that has largely been forgotten.”

In his call for a one-state solution, Beinart tries to have his cake and eat it too. He attempts to adopt a progressive position in favour of equality, while erasing the nakba and sustaining the legitimacy of Zionism. Beinart remains loyal to the classic liberal Zionist position that considers the colonisation of Palestine in 1948 and the nakba as legitimate, while labelling 1967 as a threat to the project of a moral Jewish state in Palestine. Basically, for Beinart, it is the failure of the Oslo accords to result in two states that makes the one-state solution necessary - not the correction of historical injustice.

ADDRESSING THE ROOT CAUSE: Since colonisation is deemed superfluous in his analysis, the quest for equal rights between Jews and Palestinians, rather than decolonisation, guides his support for one state. Beinart writes: “Many of the political movements from the last century that spoke in the language of national independence - from algeria’s national Liberation Front to the Vietcong - have faded as models. But the demand for equality … retains enormous moral power.”

Beinart is clearly more comfortable with the language of liberal equality than he is with anti-colonial vocabulary. His framing of the one-state solution as an issue of equality is not merely a matter of pragmatism, or an attempt to speak to a large international audience in the West. It is a profound ideological refusal to reckon with Zionism as a racial and settler-colonial ideology.

Equality is important. There is a reason why even the most basic demands for equality are perceived by the Israeli state as a threat. But inequality never exists in a vacuum; in Palestine, it is the product of Zionist racial and colonial logic, which renders Jews superior to Palestinians. Equality as a liberal framework can only get us so far if we do not address the root cause of inequality: Zionism. as Palestinians have been saying all along, a democratic, inclusive single state is the way forward. But the one-state solution cannot be based only on demands for equality, as Beinart suggests. The road to equality runs through a profound process of decolonisation and deracialisation.

Lana Tatour is the Ibrahim Abu-Lughod Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Palestine Studies at Columbia University.

SINCE EFFECTIVE MASS IMMUNIZATION IS NOT IMMINENT, WE MUST DEAL WITH THE PROSPECT OF CONTINUED COVID INFECTION

City Journal

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Jonathan M EllEn

any hope that at least one of the Covid19 vaccine trials underway will prove successful by late fall, blazing a path to developing a vaccine by winter and containment of the virus by next summer.

The goal is to conduct mass immunizations of the population, getting enough people protected to prevent community spread of the infection.

While it’s possible that those most at risk—healthcare workers, first responders, and nursing-home residents—may receive the vaccine in time to reduce hospitalizations, protect hospitals from being overwhelmed, and avert many deaths by early next year, it’s probably overly optimistic to expect mass immunization in that time frame. While multiple Covid-prevention vaccine trials are planned or already underway, only one of the Covid-targeted vaccines, the so-called Oxford vaccine, has started its final human trial phase (with its first enrollment on May 28).

Two of the trial’s primary goals are protection from infection for six months and no observed serious side effects. The Oxford vaccine investigators estimate that 10,000 participants would be needed to demonstrate that the vaccine works. With the declining amount of virus in the U.K., where the trial was being conducted, they needed to add study sites in Brazil and South africa, where the disease is more common. Recruitment started in these countries at the end of June.

Even with quick enrollment, it’s easy to see that the evidence required by the Food and Drug administration for vaccine approval may not be ready until January 2021. a national Institutes of Health trial of the Oxford vaccine, with 30,000 participants, will start in the U.S. in august but will probably not show results until early spring. Other vaccines, including the Moderna Rna vaccine, will not begin recruitment for its final human-trial phase until late July, again pushing possible approval into next year.

Even after a vaccine has been approved, producing

it in mass quantities takes time. One potential strategy for speeding up availability is to start production before FDa approval, though private industry is hesitant to take that risk. To this end, the U.S. government, as part of its Operation Warp Speed initiative, along with other national and international nongovernmental organizations, is paying for preapproval mass production of the most promising vaccines, including the Oxford vaccine. The hope is that enough vaccine will be available for mass immunization when approval is granted, but supply-chain problems could arise that would delay that goal.

Even with a ready supply of an approved and effective vaccine, mass vaccination can’t happen without broad popular acceptance. Based on the nation’s experience with annual influenza immunization, this will be a challenge. For the 2018–2019 flu season, vaccination coverage among adults was only 45.3 percent.

Considering that only six months of data would exist, at best, for any Covid vaccine by January 2021, it’s likely that uptake will be lower than the influenza number because people will be more cautious about trying the new vaccine. a low uptake, combined with the FDa’s statement that the vaccine needs to protect only 50 percent of those immunized, suggests that only 25 percent of the population may be protected—a level inadequate to stop community spread of Covid. Moreover, this calculation assumes that efforts to immunize people en masse will roll out quickly and efficiently.

It’s reasonable to conclude that we may see continued outbreaks for more than one to two years, despite feverish efforts to develop a vaccine. as such, the U.S. needs to come to terms with a stubborn reality regarding Covid-19: namely, that the virus may persist into the foreseeable future. Given the consequences of many of the mitigation efforts on mental health, unemployment, education, and the economy, america needs to reckon honestly, and apolitically, with what science tells us about the virus—who is getting infected and what we can do to prevent infection, absent a vaccine.

We shouldn’t use the hope of a vaccine to delay this discussion. The vaccine will come when it comes.

Jonathan Ellen, M.D., is a pediatrician, an epidemiologist, public-health academician, and the former CEO of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

Thursday, 16 July, 2020

BUSINESS 09

KP CM BrEaKS ground for 257-aCrE Jalozai EConoMiC zonE

CORPORATE CORNER

PESHAWAR

ISLAMABAD: TCL has launched a new and extended line of 2020 QLED TVs on 12th July to expand its technological horizons. The 2020 new range consists of 3 models – C815, C716, and P715, which are available in a size range varying from 43 to 65 inches. PRESS RElEASE

SBP tasks banks to increase housing, construction financing Banks have Been asked to increase their housing and construction loan portfolios to at least 5pc of their private sector credit KARACHI APP

In order to promote housing and construction activities in the country, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided to set a mandatory target for banks so as to extend mortgage loans and financing for developers and builders. "The banks will be required to increase their housing and construction loan portfolios to at least 5pc of their private sector credit by the end of December 2021," said a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to the central bank, due to significant shortages in meeting the annual additional demand for housing facilities, a huge shortfall of housing units had accumulated over the years in the country. "Filling this gap is important to improve the quality of living conditions of common people, and the construction of housing, with linkages to dozens of allied industries, offers a substantial potential to boost economic activities in the country.” This, however, requires a considerable amount of financing. In Pakistan, bank financing for mortgages and housing construction is less than one per cent of GDP, which is one of the lowest in the region. Banks have remained reluctant over the years to extend mortgage financing for various reasons. Keeping in view the need for housing and its contribution to the economy, the government is aiming to increase the number of housing units manifold in the coming years and has recently announced several measures including commitment to removing hurdles in mortgage and construction financing. To play its due role in enhancing financing to the housing and construction of building activities, SBP is also taking several measures in consultation with key stakeholders.

A high-level steering committee, under the chairmanship of the SBP governor and with representation from Naya Pakistan Housing Development Authority, banks and other stakeholders, is meeting every week to resolve issues and follow up on decisions to promote mortgage and construction financing, especially for NAPHDA projects. The steering committee has five sub-committees dedicated for various work streams with multiple operational level groups working at a fast pace. In today’s announcement, while issuing mandatory targets, banks have been asked to gear up appropriately by developing their infrastructure and capacity to meet these targets. SBP has instructed banks to present a concrete action plan to SBP, within 15 working days, containing quarterly targets, development of products, media campaigns, development of technology infrastructure, and capacity building of staff, among other areas. Banks have also been directed to report data of approvals and disbursements against the targets on a monthly basis starting from September 2020.

K

AZIZ BUNERI

HYBER Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan formally performed the groundbreaking of Jalozai Economic Zone on Wednesday. "A game-changer for the area, the 257-acre Jalozai Economic Zone, which is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), will facilitate around 50,000 direct and indirect jobs with expected private sector investment of Rs8 billion," said a statement issued on Wednesday.

"Being in the proximity of the provincial capital and adjacent to the engineering university campus and new housing scheme, the economic zone offers promising potential to the private investors and entrepreneurs who either intend to expand their existing businesses or to come up with new startups. " Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony as chief guest, CM Mahmood Khan termed the development of Jalozai EZ “highly important and a dire need of the hour”, as it would not only create employment opportunities in the area but would also boost economic and industrial activities in the region.

"The provincial government is taking result-oriented measures to promote economic activities in the province with an aim to provide maximum employment opportunities to the people badly affected due

'With expected private sector investment of rs8Bn, the economic zone Will provide around 50,000 direct and indirect joBs' to the prevailing corona situation," the CM remarked.

"We will soon announce the inauguration of other economic zones as well, including those planned in Chitral, DI Khan, Hattar etc."

The CM informed that work on the groundbreaking of the flagship Rashakai Economic Zone was in the final stages, and that its ceremony would soon be performed by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"The promotion of housing and construction sectors is among the top priorities of the PTI government and as per the vision of PM Imran Khan, concerted efforts are being made under a well-devised plan to extend maximum facilitation to private sector investors."

Khan further informed that the provincial government had recently approved amendments in the relevant rules and regulations to make the cumbersome process of private investment easier, adding that the provincial government would provide locally pro-

ogra notifies hike in rlng prices ISLAMABAD AHMAD AHMADANI

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Wednesday increased prices of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) on networks of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) for the month of July.

The new price of the imported RLNG for the SSGC system has gone up by $0.39 per Million British Thermal Unit (mmbtu) to $6.67 per mmbtu from its earlier level of $6.2716 mmbtu in June.

Similarly, the price of imported the RLNG for the SNGPL

system has been increased by $0.34 per mmbtu to $6.4750 per mmbtu from its earlier level of $6.1284 mmbtu in June.

According to sources, the notified hike in the RLNG prices would add insult to the injuries of the masses, who are already suffering due to high inflation.

They said that the increase would ultimately increase the perunit price of electricity, as RLNG is a major contributor to power generation.

According to a notification issued by OGRA , determination of RLNG weighted average sale prices for the month of July, 2020 has been done by the regulator in

accordance with federal government decision regarding 'RLNG Allocation, Pricing, and Associated Matters' and advice from the Ministry of Energy regarding weighted average sale price.

The new weighted average sale prices of RLNG was computed based on the basis of data provided by Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pakistan Energy Limited (PLL), as six of the nine RLNG cargoes for July were imported by PSO and the rest were imported by PLL. New prices also include LNG terminal charges, transmission losses, port charges and margins of importers.

Rahat Kaunain Hassan assumes charge as CCP chairperson ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Rahat Kaunain Hassan, the newly appointed chairperson of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), has assumed the charge of her office after the federal government issued a notification of her appointment as the Member and Chairperson of CCP for a three-year term.

Hassan studied Law at King’s College London and also possesses an LLM degree, said a statement issued by CCP on Wednesday. She has over 25 years of experience including over eight years in public service.

For the last seven years, she has been in private practice, as Senior Partner of an Islamabadbased law firm.

She was also a member of the

Audit Oversight Board, Independent Director/Chairperson at Pakistan LNG Limited and has held independent directorships including on the boards of Pakistan Stock Exchange and various other listed companies.

Hassan served as one of the founding members of CCP from 2007 to 2010, and as its chairperson from 2010 to 2013. She has authored, co-authored most of the seminal orders passed by CCP, including those that resulted in breaking the most pernicious of cartels.

"During her term, the CCP witnessed peak enforcement against cartels and other anti-competitive practices taking the amount of penalty imposed from Rs7 billion to over Rs26 billion," the CCP statement read.

She was instrumental in the establishment of the Office of

Fair Trading within CCP and has authored numerous position papers, guidelines, policy notes on important issues of competition law and policy.

Earlier, she has also served as General Counsel/Executive Director at the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) in 2001.

Under her leadership, the CCP was twice nominated/shortlisted among top five agencies for GCR Enforcement ‘Agency of the year Award’ out of 42 agencies in the region of Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa, by the Global Competition Review.

It may be noted that Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Hafeez Shaikh was the country’s finance minister during Rahat Kaunain’s 2010-13 tenure as CCP chairperson.

duced electricity to industrial units on cheaper rates through the newly introduced wheeling system to attract more investment.

"Due to the availability of labour at local level, industries like pharmaceutical, food processing, construction, marble, granite, food packaging and furniture will benefit from investment in the new economic zone," the CM opined.

Responding to the allegations and criticism of opposition parties against the provincial government, Mahmood khan challenged them to carry out an inquiry into any mega project of the provincial government by any investigating agency of their choice, saying that the provincial government would come out clean every time.

“Those who are enjoying power in a particular province for the last 15 year, have rendered the province into ruins, and we advise them to focus their attention on the well being of their people.”

The well placed Jalozai Economic Zone is connected to federal capital through M-1 Motorway, Torkham and Azakhel Dry Port which adds to its strategic strength. Industrial products from the Jalozi EZ could find themselves in high demand areas like Afghanistan, Central Asia, China and urban centres in the region. So far, around 400 applications have been received from private sector entrepreneurs for investment in the economic zone.

MARKET DAILY

KSE-100 slips 66 points as 13-day winning streak ends KARACHI STAFF REPORT

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) broke its 13session long winning streak on Wednesday, with the KSE-100 Index failing to capitalize on early gains amid profit booking. According to analysts, indices moved within a narrow range while volumes contracted from the last session following the news reports of extension in the lockdown period in various parts of the country. Global equities markets, on the other hand, display a positive trend, mainly on the back of a rise in crude oil prices; WTI crude oil price surged 1.37pc to $40.84 while Brent Crude price appreciated by 1.14pc to $43.39.

MARKET SUMMARY: The benchmark KSE-100 Index remained volatile throughout the day, touching its intraday high at 36,891.98 (+146.76 points) and intraday low at 36,638.07 (-107.15 points). It settled lower by 66.19 points at 36,679.03. Among other indices, the KMI-30 Index lost 143.24 points to end at 59,062.80, whereas the KSE All Share Index gained 31.88 points, closing at 26,189.08. Of the total scrips, 134 advanced and 188 declined. The overall market volumes declined from 466.24 million shares in the previous session to 328.15 million shares (30pc). Average traded value also declined by 23pc, from $109.5 million to $84.9 million. Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited (MLCF +2.68pc), Pak Elektron Limited (PAEL +0.07pc) and Unity Foods Limited (UNITY -2.33pc) led the volume chart, exchange 33.10 million, 27.11 million and 21.79 million shares, respectively. Sectors that dragged the KSE-100 Index south included oil & gas marketing (31.86 points), investment banking (-25.05 points) and fertilizer (-24.65 points). Among the companies, Dawood Hercules Corporation Limited (DAWH 21.46 points), Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Ltd (SNGP -20.96 points) and Millat Tractors Ltd (MTL -16.18 points) dented the index the most. Shedding 1.51pc from its total market capitalization, the oil & gas marketing sector turned out to be the biggest loser of the day, with Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC -4.02pc), Hascol Petroleum Limited (HASCOL -0.35pc) and Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSO -0.52pc) ending in the red.

Currency devaluation, uncertain regulatory environment may threaten FDI: OICCI ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) President Haroon Rashid has urged the government to address emerging challenges like currency devaluation and uncertain regulatory environment to attract additional Foriegn Direct Investment (FDI).

“OICCI members believe in Pakistan and have always been the leading economic contributors to the country, however we need to take note of emerging challenges, like cur-

rency devaluation, that are affecting the ability of OICCI members to attract additional investment,” said the OICCI president.

“There is also growing concerns among our members regarding the uncertain regulatory and operating environment which, if not addressed, could threaten the attractiveness of Pakistan as a destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),” he added.

The OICCI which includes 200 foreign investors in Pakistan, released the consolidated financial contribution of its members, according to which OICCI members contributed Rs1.2 trillion in tax revenue and in-

vested $3 billion in the country in 2019.

“We are very proud that in the past twelve months, OICCI members contributed over Rs1.2 trillion, or Rs5 billion each working day, towards the tax revenue of Pakistan, which is approximately one third of the total tax collection in the country,” said the OICCI president.

He highlighted that during 2019 two OICCI members paid taxes in excess of Rs100 billion each.

The five sectors contributing over 80 per cent of the tax revenue from OICCI members include energy, tobacco, FMCG and food, telecommunication and banking.

“With an asset base of $120 billion, OICCI members maintain their position as the leading foreign investors in Pakistan during 2019 with new investments of over $3 billion mainly in the energy, telecom and chemicals sectors,” said OICCI Secretary General M Abdul Aleem. OICCI members, during the past eight years have invested $16 billion, largely in the energy, telecom, chemicals, food, FMCG and banking sectors.

Besides the monetary contribution, OICCI members also play a leading role in the transfer of technology, digital transformation, introduction of latest inventions and

sharing of best practices in the field of manufacturing operations, supply chain and marketing of internationally renowned brands.

Moreover, OICCI members are the largest contributor towards the social sector.

During 2019. OICCI members contributed Rs5.5 billion to social initiatives, benefiting 58 million people throughout the country.

The OICCI secretary general expressed hope that the authorities will proactively and in a structured manner engage with OICCI members in the policy formulation and implementation process for better management of the economic challenges faced by the country.

Thursday, 16 July, 2020

10 FOREIGN NEWS

Trump signs bill To sTrip Hong Kong of preferenTial TreaTmenT SAYS HE PERSONALLY BADGERED US ALLIES INTO DITCHING HUAWEI WASHINGTON

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AGENCIES

S President Donald Trump has signed legislation, which according to him, would punish Beijing for “oppressive acts” in Hong Kong and an executive order ending all preferential treatment for the territory, including special trade arrangements.

Trump announced the signing of the Hong Kong Autonomy Act during a press conference on Tuesday, a law he said will sanction Chinese individuals and organizations involved in “extinguishing Hong Kong’s freedom.”

The bill is joined by a new executive order stripping Hong Kong of its special status, with Trump saying the territory “will now be treated the same as mainland China – no special privileges, no special economic treatment, and no export of sensitive technologies.” The president noted that this would mean one less competitor for the US. He used most of his televised address from the Rose Garden to attack his rival

in the November election, former Vice President Joe Biden, alleging that he and Barack Obama allowed Beijing to take advantage of the United States.

“Joe Biden supported China’s entry into the World Trade Organization, one of the greatest geopolitical and economic disasters in world history,” Trump said, insisting the former VP had given ‘gifts’ to the Chinese Communist Party.

Trump said he was the driving force behind the ultimatum to Washington’s allies: ‘ban China’s telecom company Huawei from their 5G networks or face the prospect of no more business with the US.’ “We convinced many countries, and I did this myself for the most part, not to

use Huawei,” Trump said.

The Chinese telecommunications giant has vehemently denied Trump’s allegations that it was taking orders from Beijing. In response, the US president doubled down, saying that he sees Huawei as a “big security risk.”

Those US allies who would have dared to defy Washington on the issue faced a choice, Trump said: either to allow Huawei into their 5G markets, or cut off business ties with the US. Trump specifically mentioned the UK, which was the latest country to crumble under the US pressure. While the British government initially greenlighted a limited Huawei role in the country’s 5G

launch, it has faced mounting pressure from Washington to reverse its decision.

London eventually did so earlier on Tuesday, announcing that local telecoms companies would be banned from purchasing the Chinese firm’s equipment by the end of this year. Huawei is set to be fully destangled from the British 5G network by 2027, when local providers must get rid of all their Huawei gear. rump also brought up Italy as another apparent example of the successful US arm-twisting. While Rome has not yet announced its final decision on Huawei’s participation in its own 5G roll-out, there have been reports that it is considering excluding the firm from the endeavour.

The Trump administration has been on a global offensive against the Chinese telecommunications behemoth since 2019, when it banned the US government from buying technology directly from several Chinese companies, including Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision, Hytera, and Dahua. Most recently, it has been reported that the US is eyeing to tighten the restrictions, with a rule that would prevent any firm using products from the five tech firms.

Both the new bill and the accompanying executive order come as tensions mount between Washington and Beijing, with the Trump administration stepping up a rhetorical and policy offensive against China in recent months.

Google faces $5bn lawsuit over tracking users' activities CALIFORNIA AGENCIES

Google and its parent company Alphabet Inc have been accused of pervasively – and illegally – tracking the activities of millions of people even when they turn tracking off in a lawsuit demanding $5 billion in damages.

Filed with a US district court in San Jose

on Tuesday, the complaint states that Google has violated the American federal wiretap law and the California privacy law by collecting information about what people look at in the news, search for online or do in their mobile apps – even when they turn off tracking in their account settings or switch browsers to private mode.

The lawsuit filed by Boies Schiller Flexner, a law firm representing several indi-

vidual consumers acting “on behalf of all other similarly situated,” alleges that the data collection is facilitated through Google’s Firebase – software used for storing app data and sending notifications and ads – which operates invisibly to the app users. It is the second complaint brought by the firm since June, with the first similarly accusing Google of dire privacy violations, even when users turned on private browsing settings.

Trump administration reverses course on barring foreign students NEW YORK/WASHINGTON: In a stunning reversal of policy, the Trump administration on Tuesday abandoned a plan that would have forced out tens of thousands of foreign students following widespread condemnation of the move and pressure from colleges and major businesses. US officials announced last week that international students at schools that had moved to online-only classes due to the coronavirus pandemic would have to leave the country if they were unable to transfer to a college with at least some in-person instruction. The government said it would drop the plan amid a legal challenge brought by universities. AGENCIES

Covid-19 may cost property, casualty insurance $80bn: moody’s NEW YORK AGENCIES

Moody’s Investors Service believes that the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industry loss impact from the global Covid-19 pandemic will be somewhere in the range from $50 billion to $80bn, which is around the middle of current estimates. The overall P&C market impact from coronavirus related losses is likely to only be the equivalent of a midsized catastrophe industry loss event, the rating agency said . “We see the industry as resilient overall, and believe it will be able to absorb the impact of the pandemic, leaving its capital broadly intact,” explained Christian Badorff, a Vice President and Senior Analyst at Moody’s. “The most severe long-term impact will likely be continued pressure on the sector’s investment returns due to a further fall in interest rates and an expected increase in corporate defaults.” The majority of the Covid-19 loss hit is expected to fall to event cancellation, business interruption and travel insurance policies, Moody’s explained, while some P&C insurers will also see benefits as an expected sharp decline in motor insurance claims will offset some of the pandemic claims burden. While the coronavirus pandemic will hurt the profits of insurance and reinsurance companies, Moody’s expects this will be manageable. Commenting on the European insurance industry specifically, Moody’s said it “is resilient overall and will be able to absorb the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.” In fact, the most significant impact is expected to be the ongoing pressure caused by lower-for-longer interest rates, with life insurers more exposed than the P&C industry here. But overall, the rating agency sees the pandemic as an earnings rather than a capital event.

Thursday, 16 July, 2020

SPORTS 11

PCB’s new ethiCs Code takes aiM at ConfliCt of interest Lahore

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Agencies

HE PCB has introduced a clear-cut code of ethics which could have far-reaching effects on various employees. Its ramifications are likely to be felt by the likes of , head coach and chief selector of the men’s senior team, , head of the women’s wing, and even , a member of the cricket committee. The move comes as a result of increasing scrutiny on multiple roles held by various stakeholders, and the potential conflicts of interest in those roles.

The scope of the code extends beyond identifying roles solely within PCB, covering officials working for the PCB in any capacity, including those involved in any business activity outside of the board, either directly or through family members. Under the new code, all employees must share these details with the board. Then, based on the information provided, the PCB could call upon ethics officers Salman Naseer (who is the board COO) and Areeba Khalil (from the

PCB’s legal department) to conduct further investigation.

While the PCB is comfortable with Misbah’s dual role as head coach and chief selector of the men’s senior team, his role as head coach of PSL franchise Islamabad United, already under a , could be affected.

Misbah is on a one-year contract with the franchise, but the new code allows PCB to prevent that from continuing. Misbah’s predecessor, Mickey Arthur, who was not only head coach of Pakistan but also PSL franchise Karachi Kings, faced from other franchises during his tenure.

Mumtaz, meanwhile, holds three roles within PCB, as head of women’s cricket, chief selector of the women’s team, as well as a place on the board’s cricket committee.

But it was her PSL commentary stint which raised eyebrows, as well as the spectre of similar conflicts in the early 2000s, when Ramiz Raja and Aamer Sohail worked as TV commentators, while they were the board’s CEO and chief selector, respectively. In another such instance, in 2003, then PCB chairman, retired Gen Tauqir Zia from the

position, after accusations that his son played for Pakistan due to his influence.

Akram is on the PCB’s and is also the president at the Karachi Kings franchise. He is also a shareholder and director at Cricingif since March 2018 (joined the PCB’s cricket committee seven months later), a website that holds the digital rights of the PSL. That partnership is currently under a cloud, but as per the original terms of the deal, Cricingif hold those rights until the conclusion of the 2021 season. Since Ehsan Mani took over as PCB chairman in September 2018, he has spoken about the importance of forming a uniform policy to deal with the issue of conflict of interest. A limited version of the code has always been in place but it had applied mostly to the Board of Governors.

The latest 27-page ethics code essentially covers every single official within the PCB and PSL, whether on a contractual basis or full-time employment. Each official, according to the document is bound to comply with this code ‘whether or not he is asked to sign such acknowledgement and whether or not he signs the acknowledgment if

Shan Masood ready to turn the tables in England

Lahore Agencies

Despite England’s loss to West Indies in , Pakistan opener remains wary of England’s fast-bowling depth ahead of his side’s three-Test series next month. He thinks James Anderson, in particular, will continue to be a big threat.

“Jimmy Anderson is a world-class bowler,” Masood said during a video conference. “By achievements, he’s perhaps the No. 1 fast bowler in the world right now. He carries a threat, of course, and several other England bowlers carry a threat. England’s resource depth is very good. They had few very good bowlers sitting on the bench [during the opening Test], particularly pacers.”

Masood has good reason to be respectful of Anderson. The Pakistan opener has struggled against no other bowler quite as much; in the three Tests that Anderson and Masood have both played, the 37-year-old Englishman has dismissed him in all six innings. His last England tour was particularly unhappy, with Masood managing just 71 runs in four innings; Anderson nicked him off in all four innings.

But that was long ago. Back then, Masood was something of a journeyman in international cricket, drifting into the side from time to time without ever being able to quite nail down a place. Now, he’s among the first names on the team sheet, and as far as personal career fortunes go, few will have enjoyed as dramatic a turnaround as the 30-year old in the past 18 months.

Destined, seemingly, to be a backup opener on the tour of South Africa in 2018-19, Masood was called up for the Boxing Day Test after a late injury to Haris Sohail. Until then, he had played in just 12 of the 45 Tests Pakistan took part in since his debut, and those 12 came across five different stints. He averaged just 23.54 in that time.

That was the Masood that Anderson had tormented over the years. The Masood of today who walks - no, struts out to open for Pakistan has averaged a smidge under 45 since that Boxing Day Test, and hasn’t missed any of the eight Test Pakistan have played in that period.

Masood has put the past very much where it belongs, and it was a point he didn’t shy away from making.

“You learn from the past and the mistakes you made then, but you also learn not to become fixated on the past,” he said. “You should also know when to move on. Things have changed from 2016. The mistakes we’ve made before we have to learn from, but we have to react to the needs of today. Nothing is constant, and I want to live in the present.

“We have had a fantastic opportunity to prepare. We spent 14 days in Worcester and are going to spend another three weeks in Derby. There’s no need to put myself under extra pressure to say I need to prove this thing or the other. Practice is going well and I understand my game. The outcome isn’t controllable, but I can put in my best effort and keep my attitude positive.

“But while coming here early has

allowed us to acclimatise, there is no substitute for match time. In that sense, England have an advantage. But the basics don’t change; we have to figure out how to get 20 wickets, and how to score 300-400 runs in an innings. So our primary focus has to be on our preparations. We have a few advantages too, in that we can analyse their performances and work on their weaknesses. These things balance each other out.”

He lavished praise on interim batting coach , who has joined the side in England, calling him the greatest Test batsman in Pakistan history, and said everyone, including the bowlers, were eager to learn off him.

It shouldn’t, perhaps, be surprising that Younis’ arrival brings back fond personal memories for Masood. Despite a frustrating first few years with the national side where he couldn’t quite nail his place down, one of his cricketing highlights took place while Younis was at the other end. It was 2015, and a , with Pakistan requiring an improbable 377 for victory against the hosts. But having lost two wickets early, Masood would stick around with the current batting coach, striking up a 242-run partnership en route to scoring 125 as Pakistan stormed to a stunning win with seven wickets to spare.

“Younis’s stature is inarguable and his arrival makes a huge difference,” Masood said. “He’s Pakistan’s greatest Test batsman and all batsmen in the side are eager to interact with him and draw on his experiences. The way the guys were playing in Worcester, be it in the nets or the scenario matches, he worked with everyone.

“He even works hard with our bowlers on their batting because in Test cricket, the runs they provide from the lower order are crucial too. Fifty or 60 runs added there could turn the tide of a Test match. We’re having two sessions a day, morning and evening. There’s been a hugely positive impact and we’re looking forward to learning more from him.” He did caution against slipping into thinking England weren’t quite as strong as was believed before the first Test against West Indies. “We shouldn’t undermine England,” he warned. “This was the same top four that went to South Africa and won a series there. They’re playing at home and they’ll have experience of playing there regardless of whether or not they’ve played international cricket.

“But we have our own strengths, too. If you’re talking about our spinners, we have a world-class spinner in Yasir Shah. Alongside him, we have an allrounder and an able backup in Shadab Khan. So we have more than enough resources if the situation comes down to needing a spinner to lead.”

CMYK

asked’. The issue has cropped up regularly in Pakistan cricket over the years. In 2013, for example, while Misbah was captain, he was by the then head of PCB Najam Sethi on Sethi’s own TV show on Geo News, one of Pakistan’s most-watched TV channels.

Only months earlier, one of the network’s channels had also been awarded the to Pakistan’s series against Sri Lanka. At the time, Sethi dismissed accusations of a conflict by claiming that the bidding process was fair and had been carried out by a neutral, independent arbitrator - Mani, in fact.

Not that long go, PCB removed their then-chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq from

the PSL player draft committee because of a potential conflict of interest since he was involved with a talent-hunt programme run by one of the tournament’s franchises, Lahore Qalandars. Tauseef Ahmed, who was also part of the national selection committee while also being Islamabad United’s spin coach, was also left out of the PSL draft committee.

Under the new code, all employees will be asked to submit a declaration form to the ethics officers. The information will be used to assess whether the declared interests constitute an appreciable real, potential or apparent conflict of interest.

Hashim Amla comes out in support of Black Lives Matter

Johannesburg Agencies

Hashim Amla, the former South Africa captain, is the latest cricketer to come out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, posting on Instagram of the “delusions” of those who believe in one race being superior to the other. He also registered his backing of fast bowler , thanking him and others who have “stood up for just causes in their own way”. “... The imagined superiority of whites over blacks or blacks over whites, or one nationality over another, is simply delusional. Yes, that’s right - nothing but delusional,” Amla wrote. “However many of us, including myself, have bore the brunt of these delusions and have crazy stories to tell which is why it makes it even more admirable to see exceptional youngsters like @lungingidi doing his bit to represent us all. Thank you brother and all those who stand up for just causes in their own way - publicly and privately.”

Amla’s post comes a day after 31 prominent current and former South African players of colour in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter

movement and Ngidi. The letter’s signatories included , , and . The letter was in response to events stemming from that he hoped South Africa’s players would join the rest of the world in “making a stand” in support of Black Lives Matter. He was criticised by former players , , and for not being equally vocal about the murders of mostly white farmers in the country. The South African Cricketers’ Association in support of Ngidi, and CSA also made it clear that it was behind the Black Lives Matter movement.

Since then, several players of colour have begun telling their stories on social media, including , who called the South African system “”.

Amla said while he agreed that all lives matter, people with darker skins have “had the worst of it”. “There are oppressed people here in this country and the world over, of all colours and walks of life, cricket included. However, the darker skinned people have had the worst of it.

Some may convince themselves otherwise but you have to ask yourself - are those who know the same as those who don’t know?

“I stand with all those who are oppressed.

And I stand with @lungingidi (again).”

Mashrafe Mortaza recovers from Covid-19 Dhaka: Former Bangladesh captain confirmed on Tuesday that he is Covid-19 negative. His wife Sumona Haque, however, continues to test positive.

Mortaza, who is also a Member of Parliament representing the ruling Awami League party, was three weeks ago, on June 20. “I heard the results of the test this evening, which is negative,” Mortaza wrote on his Facebook page. “I am thankful to everyone who prayed for me, was beside us and showed concern during this time. But my wife is still Covid-19 positive after two weeks of being diagnosed. She is doing well. Keep her in your prayers. “I got treatment at home. To those who are affected, stay positive. Keep faith in Allah and abide by the rules. Together we will keep fighting the virus.” and , who also tested positive three weeks ago, have also recovered after undergoing treatment at home. Agencies

Thursday, 16 July, 2020

PRAyER TIMINGS

NEWS

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

3:28

12:14

5:11

5:08

7:19

8:59

ECC dirECTS FOOd miNiSTry TO imPOrT whEaT, ENSurE avaiLabiLiTy aT aFFOrdabLE PriCES ISLAMABAD

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SHAHZAD PARACHA

HE Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet on Wednesday directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to accelerate efforts for the procurement of imported wheat.

The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh while chairing a meeting of the ECC at the Prime Minister’s (PM) Office also directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to ensure the availability of wheat and flour at affordable prices in the country throughout the year.

The ECC also directed the food ministry to hold meetings with the major wheat importers and come up with proposals indicating the expected price of imported wheat and whether the government will need to provide subsidy to keep prices stable in the domestic markets.

SNGPL seeks federal govt’s help as gas crisis worsens in Punjab ISLAMABAD

The food ministry informed ECC that provincial governments and Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) have already achieved 79 per cent of their procurement targets and that more than 120 importers have so far expressed interest in importing wheat.

The ECC directed the food ministry to extend the requested facilitation to importers, including waivers of different taxes and duties so that provincial governments, Trade Corporation of Pakistan and PASSCO can import wheat on an urgent basis to avoid shortages.

The ECC also allowed Asian Development Bank (ADB) to issue Pakistani rupee linked offshore bonds for international investors subject to completion of all formalities. The programme, according to the recommendation of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), shall be restricted to a maximum of $200 million. The local currency proceeds of the bonds will be used for financing long term infrastructure and energy

projects in Pakistan.

Moreover, the ECC also allowed the Finance Division to release Rs1 billion to

Iran says BRI, CPEC beneficial for regional development

AHMAD AHMADANI

The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has sought federal government's help to resolve the ongoing gas crisis in Punjab, as complaints regarding low pressure of gas and tripping of power plants are on the rise across the province. According to sources, the gas crisis in Punjab has emerged due to consumption of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) by the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) from SNGPL's share. This has reduced the current system pack of SNGPL, which is resulting in the shortage of gas and tripping of power plants. Sources said that SNGPL has now sought the federal government’s help to resolve the gas crisis by ensuring the required supplies, as the company, under the prevalent circumstances, is unable to meet the demand of consumers, especially power plants. According to sources, the SNGPL has already sent a letter to the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), asking it to advise SSGC to immediately stop the retention of RLNG volumes, besides ensuring planned supplies of RLNG from both LNG terminals so that smooth operation of the system is ensured and demand of the power sector may be met. Sources said the current system pack is approximately 3,690mmcfd, which is far below than the required limit of 4,300mmcfd.

SSGC for undertaking gas supply to localities and villages falling within a five kilometre (km) radius of gas fields in

ENVOY DEFENDS DECISION TO DROP INDIA FROM KEY CHAHBAHAR PORT PROJECT ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Iran on Wednesday threw its weight behind the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as well as its flagship project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a day after reports emerged that Tehran had dropped India from a key project linked to Chahbahar Port.

In a statement, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Seyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini said the BRI and CPEC were beneficial for the regional development, particularly for China, Iran and Pakistan. Without explicitly mentioning India by name, the Iranian envoy defended his country’s recent decision to drop India from a key Chahbahar port project by saying “when some foreign governments found reluctant in their relations with Iran and need other’s permission for their even normal interactions, for

sure they won’t be capable of planning and implementing such longterm cooperation contracts.”

Hosseini was all in praise for BRI and CPEC in an unprecedented move suggesting a major shift in Iran’s foreign policy. “Undoubtedly, Belt-Road initiative and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor are suitable platforms for the development of regional cooperation, especially for the three countries of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China, which can be a unique model of development not only for us, but as a model of cooperation for other countries in our region,” the Iranian ambassador said.

His statement came amid reports that Iran dropped India from key Chahbahar to Zahedan railway project and started the project from its own resources. India media claimed that India was kicked out from the project

after Iran entered a massive 25-year $400 billion strategic partnership deal with China.

But the Iranian ambassador dismissed the Indian media claims saying the 25-year deal was a public document, contrary to reports in the media.

“This cooperation is a very public issue and even in the sixth paragraph of the joint statement published during the Chinese president’s visit to Iran in 2016, the parties explicitly expressed their desire to conclude a comprehensive document for 25 years of cooperation,” the top Iranian diplomat said.

He said baseless rumours are being spread about China-Iran cooperation, like in the case of CPEC, by some western officials and the media with an intentional focus on the secret nature of this cooperation. “The Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with its constitutional principles, faces no barrier in concluding comprehensive and long-term agreements with countries in the East and the West,” the ambassador said.

The statement is significant and highlights the apparent shift taking place in the region.

Hopes pinned on US vaccine as millions remain under lockdown around the world NEW YORK AGENCIES

Millions of people went into new lockdowns Tuesday as novel coronavirus cases surged, but in one sign of hope, a US firm said it would soon start final-stage human trials for a possible COVID-19 vaccine.

Massachusetts-based Moderna will begin the trials later this month after promising early results.

With countries and cities across the globe reimposing restrictions in the face of new outbreaks of the disease, infections in India have continued to soar.

The country of 1.3 billion people had been easing its lockdown to lessen the economic impact — particularly on vast numbers of poor Indians who lost their jobs. Almost 24,000 Indian deaths have now been recorded, according to health ministry figures that many experts say underplay the severity of the situation.

Bangalore, home to more than 13 million people, has emerged as a new global hotspot. Firms in the city´s lifeblood IT sector handling the back-office operations of dozens of global corporations can continue operating, but with only half the staff allowed on premises.

Transport is banned except for emergencies, and only shops selling essential items are allowed to open.

“I do not want to take chances… I am stocking up for two weeks,” said Mangala, a housewife, as she joined a long queue to buy provisions. In the United States, the announcement of possible progress towards a vaccine came as results were published from the first stage of Moderna´s vaccine trial, which showed the first 45 participants all developed antibodies to the virus.

Moderna is considered to be in a leading position in the race to find a vaccine against the coronavirus, which

has infected more than 13.2 million people and killed 570,000. The last-stage trials are scheduled to run through October 2022, with researchers expecting preliminary results well before then.

NO RETURN TO ‘NORMAL’: But “there will be no return to the ´old normal´ for the foreseeable future,” World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday, warning that without governments adopting a comprehensive strategy, the situation would get “worse and worse and worse.” In England, face masks will become compulsory in shops and supermarkets from next week, the health secretary said Tuesday in a U-turn on previous policy.

Face masks have been mandatory on public transport across the country since June 15, and Scotland has already made the coverings compulsory for shoppers.

After overseeing drastically downscaled Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron also said he would like to make masks mandatory in enclosed public spaces. “We have indications that (the outbreak) is accelerating a bit,” he said.

Macron´s comments come as doctors have warned of a potential second wave of infections, which could again overwhelm hospitals and require new lockdowns that could further hammer the economy.

But Disneyland Paris will begin a “phased reopening” on Wednesday, with visitor numbers limited via a new online reservation system to ensure social distancing. In the United States on Tuesday, the hard-hit state of Florida posted a record number of deaths for a 24-hour period at 132. Nationwide, more than 63,262 new infections and 850 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours.

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

order to comply with the decision of the Supreme Court.

The ECC also allowed equity investment outside Pakistan, amounting to Saudi Riyal 22.5 million undertaken by Eastern Products Limited. On this occasion ECC also approved an increase in the limit for investments abroad from $5 million to $10 million, subject to approval by the SBP, beyond which permission will have to be sought from the ECC. For the implementation of the E-office Programme, the ECC directed the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to withdraw complaints against LMKR. It also directed the FIA to withdraw all inquiries pertaining to projects of LMKR subject to fulfillment of agreement clauses.

Additionally, five development projects in the north west industrial zone and south west industrial zone at Port Qasim Authority were also approved by the ECC.

Pakistan stands by Turkey against FETO threat ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Pakistan continues to stand by Turkey and is taking all possible steps to support Turkey’s efforts to address the threat posed by Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation (FETO). In his message addressed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the premier, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, expressed solidarity with Turkey on its ‘Democracy and National Unity Day’ marked on July 15 to honour the martyrs of 2016. “Four years ago, on this day, the Turkish people displayed their characteristic resilience and legendary bravery to defy the forces of darkness targeting Turkey’s peace and stability as well as its democratic institutions,” PM Imran said. The saga of human courage and determination witnessed on 15 July 2016 was indeed an inspiration for millions across the globe and would be remembered in the annals of history, he added. “Symbolising the same spirit that motivated our forefathers not to hesitate from making any sacrifice for their Turkish brethren a century ago, there was spontaneous outburst of support and solidarity for Turkey on 15 July 2016,” he said. He recalled that the entire Pakistani nation spoke with one voice against the attempt to undermine Turkey’s peace, democracy and march towards prosperity, saying: “We join the people of Turkey in honouring the martyrs and supporting their families”. APP