Issuu

Thursday, 30 July, 2020 I 8 Dhul-Hijjah, 1441 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 32 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

PM’s aides tania aidrus and dr Zafar MirZa sent PaCking g

sAPM ON digiTAl PAkisTAN TANiA Adrus wAs MAde TO sigN resigNATiON leTTer by PM’s PriNciPAl secreTAry AZAM khAN

PM’s Aide ON heAlTh dr ZAFAr MirZA AlsO ‘quiTs’ Over criTicisM ON duAl NATiONAliTy

sOurces clAiM bOTh sAPMs hAd FAiled TO deFeNd TheMselves AgAiNsT chArges OF cONFlicT OF iNTeresT, drug Price hike, resPecTively

ISLAMABAD staff report

ANiA Aidrus, special assistant to the prime minister on e-governance and head of the much-touted digital Pakistan vision initiative, and sAPM on health dr Zafar Mirza on wednesday announced to resign from her post citing recent criticism leveled against them and the government due to their dual nationality. however, informed sources claimed that both sAPMs were forced to step down from their positions due to a host of reasons. Two notifications issued by the cabinet divi-

sion said Prime Minister imran khan had accepted both Aidrus and Mirza’s resignations. sharing her resignation letter on Twitter, Tania wrote, “criticism levied towards the state as a consequence of my citizenship status is clouding the purpose of digital Pakistan. in the greater public interest, i have submitted my resignation from the sAPM role. i will continue to serve my country and the PM’s vision to my best ability.” Tania left her job of 12 years at google where she served in various leadership roles, her last one being “director, Product, Payments for Next billion users”, to join Prime Minister imran khan’s digital Pakistan initiative in February, and was appointed

Coronavirus in

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

277,063

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

NEW CASES:

1,063

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

SINDH:

PUNJAB:

244,883 5,915

120,052

92,452

KP:

BALOCHISTAN:

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

33,845

11,654

2,055/2,042 14,963

sAPM for the same purpose. Pakistan Today has learnt that this resignation was on the cards for close to two months, which is when Jahangir khan Tareen was practically ousted from the party due to the sugar crisis probe and was the one who arranged the first meeting between Aidrus and PM imran last year that materialised into the latter’s vision for ‘digital Pakistan’. sources privy to the development said that PM’s Principal secretary Azam khan invited the former sAPM to his office this morning, where PM’s Adviser on Accountability barrister Mirza shahzad Akbar was also present. There she was asked to sign the resignation letter. when Tania protested and asked to speak to the prime minister, she was told that this resignation was not optional, that she had to sign it and the PM would not be able to speak to her. Therefore, while the letter points to criticism on Aidrus’s foreign nationality being the chief reason for her resignation, the actual motives behind her removal are much different. As confirmed by Federal Minister for science and Technology Fawad chaudhry in an interview, infighting within the PTi between Jahangir Tareen, Asad umar and shah Mahmood qureshi restricted the party from performing well. Tareen’s attempt to limit the role of the bureaucracy in federal government business was reportedly fiercely opposed by Azam khan. The sugar crisis probe provided an opportunity for an ‘anti-Tareen camp’ to push him out of the party.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

NA approves two FATF-related bills amid Opp’s ruckus ISLAMABAD staff report

The government on wednesday managed to get two Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-related bills– the Anti-terrorism (Amendment) bill, 2020 and the united Nations (security council) (Amendment) bill, 2020 — passed by the National Assembly (NA) amidst protests by the opposition. The bills, moved by PM’s Adviser on Parliamentary Affairs dr babar Awan, were passed amid the opposition members’ sloganeering against Foreign Minister shah Mahmood qureshi’s speech in the assembly on Tuesday in which he had explained the deadlock between the government and the opposition over a number of legislations. The noisy protest led the NA speaker to suspend proceedings on three occasions: twice when qureshi refused to speak amid the opposition’s slogans and once soon after the passage of the bills. in his remarks, Pakistan Muslim league-Nawaz (PMl-N) MNA khawaja Asif said he was speaking to present the opposition’s point of view on the foreign minister’s speech. he said qureshi disclosed the details of an informal meeting between the government and opposition members held at the speaker’s residence. “Nine members of the 25member special parliamentary committee were having an informal meeting to discuss legislation

Opp wants to ‘wheel and deal’ for personal interests, says info minister ISLAMABAD staff report

Federal Minister for information shibli Faraz on wednesday said that the opposition parties want to “wheel and deal” for personal interests but the government would not give the “culprits” any sort of concession under the National reconciliation Ordinance (NrO). “The opposition wants to bargain for personal interests. it is not possible that they have us close the jails and facilitate them with NrOs. After eid, the opposition’s bubble will burst,” the minister said. Talking to media on the occasion, Faraz said that the focus of the PTi-led government is on the real problems of the people. he said the “rule of merit” is the hallmark of the incumbent government. “The PTi team is united under the leadership of Prime Minister imran khan; if PTi does not have imran khan then PTi is nothing,” the minister asserted. he said that under the governance of “Naya Pakistan”, there will only be politics of honesty and integrity and that the best judges of the government’s performance are the people of Pakistan.

on FATF and NAb (National Accountability bureau). The issue was to go back to the main committee, but the foreign minister disclosed the details on the floor of the house which was against ethics and norms,” Asif added. he said qureshi had “crossed all the limits by disclosing details [of the meeting] which should have been kept secret” because the minister “wanted to do politics”. “he (qureshi) tried to give the impression that the opposition was only interested in NAb laws and not FATF. There was no need to bring these things on the record,” the PMl-N lawmaker said. he criticised qureshi for not disclosing before the lower house that the two sides had, in fact, reached consensus on the two FATF-related bills on Tuesday. “The opposition only wanted to stop the political use of the laws … we cannot allow 90 days’ detention under the pretext of economic terrorism,” he said, explaining why the two sides had disagreed on other FATF-related legislation on Tuesday. “in the past, those who made the wrong laws, they themselves became their victim,” Asif said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Govt tables ordinances related to FATF, Jadhav in Senate STORY ON PAGE 03

more inside

Muslims begin downsized Hajj amid coronavirus pandemic STORY ON BACK PAGE

government convenes joint session today to get key bills passed Faraz said that the words “minus one” are an invention of the opposition and that “Naya Pakistan” is progressing forward under the leadership of Prime Minister imran khan. lambasting PPP chairman bilawal bhutto-Zardari for placing personal gains over national interests, the information minister said: “bilawal bhutto took over sindh and has made his national party a regional party.” The information minister had called on Punjab chief Minister usman buzdar earlier in the day to discuss issues of mutual interest, the political situation, and media strategy along with measures to provide relief to the people and public welfare schemes. On the other hand, buzdar

said that the performance of the government in the last two years was much better than the last 30 years and the media has played an eminent role to bring the government’s initiatives to the notice of the people. he said that the previous tradition of misusing national resources has been eradicated as non-discriminatory accountability of corrupt elements will guarantee the development and prosperity of Pakistan. buzdar further said that the alliance of opposition parties was only for the protection of personal interests and under the guise of All Party conference (APc) the opposition parties were unsuccessfully trying to hide “the stains of their corruption”.

STORY ON PAGE 03

Blasphemy accused gunned down inside Peshawar courtroom STORY ON PAGE 03

PM imran says centre will take all possible steps to resolve karachi's issues STORY ON PAGE 02

Thursday, 30 July, 2020

newS

PM IMran says Centre wIll take all PossIble stePs to resolve karaChI Issues ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

RIMe Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that the federal government would not leave the people of Karachi alone in this difficult situation, assuring that the government would take all possible steps to resolve the problems facing the residents. During the meeting, also attended by Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail apprised the prime minister of the situation after the recent rains in Karachi. Imran Khan sought to submit a detailed review report from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on the condition of storm drains in Karachi. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Imran also chaired a review meeting on issues related to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially in the energy sector and the progress made in the development process in the integrated areas. The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Asad Umar, energy Omar Ayub Khan, the governor and chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa besides the federal and provincial officials of the departments concerned. Issues related to implementation of wheeling regime in the energy sector, KP’s representation on the boards of relevant agencies, payment of net hydel profits, proposed amendment to the Power Generation Policy and implementation of the Chashma Right Bank Canal project were considered. Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said that development of inte-

two former nbP officials turn approvers against Zardari in Park lane case ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

grated areas was one of the top priorities of the government. He added that timely release of funds allocated for the establishment of infrastructure in the integrated areas would be ensured. Regarding the implementation of the whaling regime and its benefits to the industrial sector, the prime minister directed the National electric Power Regulatory Authority (NePRA) to resolve all issues related to the implementation of the wheeling regime as soon as possible in consultation with the stakeholders. He also directed for ensuring the K-P’s representation on the boards of directors of

Soldier martyred in Bajaur cross-border attack RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT

A soldier was martyred in a terrorist attack on a Pakistan Army checkpoint in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)

said on Wednesday. Suspected militants from across the Afganistan border opened fire on the post as a result of which Lance Naik Samiullah lost his life. The army gave the attackers a befitting response, the ISPR statement added.

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz visited Pakistan Today Editor Arif Nizami at his residence on Wednesday.

energy-related institutions. About the net hydel profits payments, Imran directed the energy and finance ministries, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the provincial government to work out the procedures. Referring to the proposed amendment to the Power Generation Policy, 2015, the prime minister directed that the matter should be considered in the Cabinet Committee on energy. About the Chashma Right Bank Canal project, Imran directed that the feasibility of this important project for the socio-economic development of the province, espe-

cially the agricultural sector, should be completed in six months so that the progress on the project could be achieved. Separately, he was talking to members of the National Assembly belonging to the southern Punjab, Imran said that the government was taking steps to empower the people of southern Punjab so that their problems were resolved at their doorsteps. The prime minister directed for constituting a committee, headed by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, which would meet the Punjab chief minister and discuss the issues related to administrative affairs of the province.

Current Opp 'most responsible' one in country's history, Shehbaz says LAHORE

traders charging higher prices ahead of eid: FaFen

STAFF REPORT

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has said the present opposition is the most responsible in the history of the country. Shehbaz made these remarks during a video conference with British High Commissioner to Pakistan Christian Turner in which the two discussed various issues of mutual interest. Speaking about the current political atmosphere in the country, Shehbaz said the present opposition was the most responsible one in the country’s history and was playing a constructive role. “The welfare of the people should be the government’s top priority. The current economic challenges are worrisome but the opposition will continue to fulfill its constitutional responsibility,” the PML-N leader remarked.

Shehbaz added that his party [PML-N] successfully defeated the monster of terrorism, solved the energy crisis. “This is the time to move forward, not confront one another,” he said. Turner praised Shehbaz’s performance and said that the Department for International Development (DFID) and British assistance projects were completed [during PML-N’s tenure]. He added that despite the coronavirus pandemic, the UK is committed about its development programmes in Pakistan and would continue to work towards common development goals.

Pakistan eﬀectively fights Covid-19 with technology ISLAMABAD APP

When many countries in the world are reporting thousands of cases a day, Pakistan seems little to worry about this pandemic as on Wednesday the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) reported only 1,879 patients admitted to 734 hospitals across the country. As per latest daily, more than 245,000 patients recovered so far across Pakistan making it a significant count while only 227 ventilators have been occupied across the country out of 1,859 vents allocated for Covid-19. All this was made possible due to improving testing capacity as 1,909,846 tests have been conducted so far with 21,256 tests in just last 24 hours. Only 936 new cases were reported across the country during last 24 hours while 21,256 tests were conducted in a day. Pakistan had move away from the past practice of normal manual level of tackling the pandemic to technology evidence-based method as this model had worked well in China. Terming the Pakistan’s early success in controlling Covid-19, as ‘crushing the curve’, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza, who has resigned from the post earlier on Wednesday, said: “Alhamdulillah, we have the lowest number of deaths in Pakistan due to Covid-19 in last three months.” He added: “We had a peak of 153 deaths on June 20

Two senior officials of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) have turned approvers against former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Asif Ali Zardari in the Park Lane estate reference, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) informed an accountability court on Wednesday. The anti-graft bureau has accused Zardari of misusing his authority in his capacity as president through approving loans for companies allegedly possessed/held by him. He is accused of causing a loss of Rs4 billion to the national exchequer. Syed Ali Raza and Syed Qamar Hussain, former president and former head of the credit committee, respectively, have come forward against the former president. In his statement, Raza claimed that Zardari had directed him to “take good care” of Omni Group chief Anwar Majeed. According to him, Zardari used to ask him to issue funds to his favourite companies. The approvers further claimed that Abdul Ghani Majeed, another suspect in the case, used to deliver Zardari’s instructions to them. Zardari, however, has challenged the bureau’s jurisdiction in the case. He said that the case falls within the ambit of the banking ordinance and must be heard by banking courts. According to PPP leader Barrister Latif Khosa, suspects turning approvers against politicians is not something new. “It happens every time there is no solid evidence against the accused person. It happened with Zulfikar Bhutto too,” he said.

ISLAMABAD: Free and Fair election Network (FAFeN) issued its Weekly Price Monitor which pointed out that with eidul Azha around the corner, traders across the country are charging high prices to customers shopping for everyday commodities in complete disregard of the officially notified prices. The Monitor highlighted that the official prices of mutton, beef, and chicken lacked enforcement in more than a third of the surveyed districts across Pakistan. Routine vegetables including potatoes, onions, and tomatoes were sold at higher than officially notified prices in half of the regions. Moreover, wheat flour was sold at a price higher than notified in a quarter of the districts while sugar was sold at a higher price in a third of the areas. This Weekly Price Monitor comprises a market survey of the prices of 15 essential groceries conducted on Thursday, July 23, 2020, in 43 cities out of which 14 cities are in Punjab, 12 each in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and five in Sindh. A comparison among market prices noted during the last two weeks showed a changing trend in the market prices of essential commodities. STAFF REPORT:

IhC seeks reply from federal govt over nonappointment of Caa DG

and in last 24 hours we had just 20 deaths. This is 87% reduction in Covid-19 related deaths. Due to the government’s effective strategy the cases of coronavirus are decreasing and the situation is improving in the country.” Pakistan relied on technology and understanding. Its decision making was based on information and reliable data of NCOC. The practice of data collection, correlation, collation and informed decisions making helped in containment efforts. “Our strategy was based on speedy testing, contact

tracing and isolation, ensuring services to admitted patients and observing shortages and immediately addressing these shortages through use of domestic technology,” an official at the Health Ministry said. The NCOC moved scientifically and identified top 30 cities as Covid-19 hotspots with max Infected using auto trace and NITB maps. At an average 3-8 million population with 10-30% of infected people remained under 300500 smart lockdowns (SLDs) on rolling basis since adoption of this policy in entire country.

CMYK

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday ordered the federal government to submit its clarification within 10 days for the non-appointment of director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah released a three-page written order to the federal government regarding the vacant position of CAA DG. The order was released while hearing a petition related to the allegations of dubious licences and restoration of suspended pilots. The order read that DG CAA was an important position which was vacant for the last two years, whereas, the additional charge of the post was given to the CAA secretary. The high court issued notices to all parties. STAFF REPORT

Thursday, 30 July, 2020

Govt Convenes joInt sessIon toDay to Get key bIlls PasseD ISLAMABAD

MIAN ABRAR

eARING that it would fail in getting a key legislation related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) approved from the Senate, the federal government has summoned a joint session of parliament on Thursday to get the bills passed. President Dr Arif Alvi has summoned the joint session at 3pm while the Senate would meet in the morning. A source told Pakistan Today that Prime Minister Imran Khan would chair a lunch meeting at 1pm and all the ruling coalition members have been asked to attend the joint session. The source said that following the failure of the negotiations between the

treasury and the opposition benches over

Govt tables ordinances related to FatF, jadhav in senate

the key legislations, the government has

Blasphemy accused gunned down inside Peshawar courtroom

ISLAMABAD

PESHAWAR

STAFF REPORT

The federal government on Wednesday tabled ordinances related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision on the trial of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav before the Senate. Federal Law Minister Senator Farogh Naseem laid six ordinances before the Upper House for approval including the International Court of Justice (Review and Reconsideration) Ordinance, 2020; Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020; Public-Private Partnership Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020; Corporate Restructuring Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 and Companies (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2020. Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Farogh Naseem said that the ICJ decision on Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav was 80 per cent in favour of the country. “I want to appreciate PML-N for accepting the jurisdiction of the ICJ in the Jadhav case,” he said. He asked the opposition parties to support the government on the FATF bills and said that even anti-money laundering body had also expressed its satisfaction over the draft of legislation prepared by them.

An elderly man was killed during the hearing of a blasphemy case against him at the Peshawar Judicial Complex on Wednesday. A case had been registered against the deceased under blasphemy laws. The accused was brought to court from Peshawar Central Jail. “During the hearing of the case, the complainant said that the accused was an Ahmadi and asked him to recite the Kalima-e-Tayyaba,” according to a lawyer who was present in the courtroom at the time of the incident. He added that the complainant then fired at the elderly man and killed him. The judicial complex is situated in a high-security zone on the main Khyber Road in the cantonment area where the provincial assembly building, the Peshawar High Court, chief minister’s secretariat and Governor House are also situated. Security at the main gate and inside the judicial complex is also high. Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Mohammad Ali Gandapur and SSP (operations) Mansoor Aman visited the courtroom where the man was killed. Gandapur said the shooter was “arrested on the

tiger Force volunteers can register via mobile app for plantation drive: Dar ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar announced on Wednesday that volunteers will fully participate in the tree plantation drive on Tiger Force Day on August 9 and a mobile application will be launched to streamline the registrations of the volunteers. Talking to a private news channel, Dar said that it has been decided to increase the number of volunteers in the volunteer force and registration in this regard would open in the next few days through a mobile application for maximum participation in the tree plantation drive. He said that under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the incumbent government is taking steps to make a clean and green Pakistan. and the youngsters can play an effective role to save Pakistan from the effects of climate change by planting trees. Dar said that students can spread awareness about protecting the environment through social media platforms. “We have to sustainably utilise our resources for future generations,” he said. He also said that the volunteers will plant one million saplings across the country on August 9, and invited all civilians, legislators, ministers, and officials to participate in the plantation drive. The special assistant said that the forest department will identify the sites for tree plantation, and the volunteers, in collaboration with the district administration, will plant the saplings. APP

decided to get the bills passed in a joint session. The source said that though the government would try to get these bills passed in the Senate but it didn’t enjoy majority in the Upper House and hence it was decided to convene a joint session to get the key legislation passed. The source added that the opposition parties had put 35 demands to the government for its support to the key legislation which the government believes were aimed at a safe passage for the opposition leaders who had been sentenced in corruption cases. Hence the source said the government rejected the opposition demands and decided to get the bills passed in joint sitting of the parliament. National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar would chair the joint session.

spot”. “At the moment we have little information but we have started investigation into the killing,” the CCPO said. Aman added that the weapon has also been recovered. Police shifted the body of the deceased, a resident of Board Bazaar, to the Khyber Medical University for post-mortem. Police said a first information report (FIR) had been registered against the deceased in 2018. According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that the deceased belong to the Ahmadi community and “befriended him on Facebook” and in subsequent conversations, claimed that he was the “fourteenth Mujaddid”. “He then invited me to have a discussion with him at a mall in the city where he started talking about his belief,” the complainant said in the FIR, going on to make more allegations. The deceased was charged under Section 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), Section 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), Section 295-B (defiling etc. of the Holy Quran), Section 295-C (use of derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad PBUH) and Section 298 (uttering words etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Activists protest bill prohibiting publication of 'objectionable' material LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Human rights activists have expressed “grave concern” over the passage of the Tahaffuz-e-Bunyade-Islam Bill, 2020, which empowers the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) to inspect any printing press, publication house or book store and confiscate any book, before or after printing, which it deems to be anti-religion. In a letter addressed to the member of Punjab Assembly, the activists, which include Barrister Nighad Dad among others, have said that the “vesting of such immense arbitrary and unilateral power in a single bureaucrat is in breach of even those reasonable restrictions that can be imposed on the right to freedom of expression under the Constitution”. The letter notes that “due to the ambiguous wording of the bill, there are bound to be major problems with respect to its application, specifically relating to discriminatory application of this power, which

will inevitably lead to violations of Article 25 of the Constitution.” “For example, the bill prohibits the printing and publication of ‘objectionable material’ and prevents publishers, editors and translators from printing or publishing said material, without defining what constitutes ‘objectionable material’.” “As such, there is no legal certainty through which citizens of Pakistan can definitively regulate their conduct in accordance with the provisions of this bill.” The activists maintain that if the DGPR is allowed to arbitrarily confiscate publications, “there are no checks and balances against discriminatory or prejudicial treatment, nor is there any criteria by which the same can be prevented”. According to the letter, the bill additionally empowers the DGPR to refuse permission to import, print or publish a book “if it is prejudicial to the national interest, culture, religious and sectarian harmony”. The activists noted that “these are not lawful restrictions on the right to freedom of expression

under the Constitution”. “In fact, even if they were listed grounds contained in Article 19, restrictions on the right to expression must comply with the three-part test contained in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Pakistan has been a State Party since 23 June 2010,” they say. “The powers of confiscation provided for in the bill are violative of Article 10-A of the Constitution. The Bill does not provide for a right to hearing prior to confiscation, which is violative of the principle of audi alteram partem.” The letter further notes that the bill is also in breach of Article 19A of the constitution, which protects the right to access to information. “The concepts of [the] glory of Islam, national interest, culture and religious and sectarian harmony cannot be allowed to be misused and become a tool for whimsical, arbitrary, subjective, unstructured, dictatorial or unreasonable censorship and control of publications,” it states.

newS

Casual attitude of Pakistanis towards Covid-19 cause of concern: aku researchers KARACHI: Aga Khan University (AKU) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong posted a study according to which one in six Pakistani adults believe that they and their families are safe from Covid-19 even if they take no preventive measures. Pakistani researchers conducted an online survey of 1,406 adults across Pakistan over the first two weeks of May 2020 and compared the results with a similar study in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is widely regarded as a success story for the containment of Covid-19. It has seen just 2,770 cases and 22 deaths in six months without imposing a lockdown, despite being a part of China, the country where the virus is said to have originated. In contrast, the data collected in May showed Pakistan’s rate of infections per 100,000 people at 137 against Hong Kong’s 33 while Pakistan’s fatality rate per 100,000 was also three times higher at 21 despite imposing wide-ranging lockdowns across the country. The study found that Pakistanis were less concerned about Covid-19’s complications and felt they were more likely to survive the virus than those surveyed in Hong Kong.. Only 41 percent of Pakistanis rated Covid-19 symptoms as being very severe or severe compared to 97 percent of respondents in Hong Kong. Similarly, nearly seven out of ten Pakistanis or 68 percent believed they had a high or very high chance of surviving the disease against just 36 percent of respondents from Hong Kong. Such perceptions about the risk of contracting Covid-19 and its complications contribute to preventive behavior such as wearing face masks, which are almost universally worn in Hong Kong. Pakistanis were also less likely to seek out information on preventive measures and how to detect Covid-19 symptoms than their counterparts in Hong Kong. “The casual attitude of literate Pakistanis towards preventive measures and the risk of contracting the disease is concerning,” said Professor Fauziah Rabbani, the study’s principal investigator and associate vice provost for research at Aga Khan University. “We need to be more cautious and attentive to preventive measures especially during the eid holidays so that we can continue to contain the disease.” Compared to Hong Kong, Pakistan is much more trusting of its government. Nearly eight out of 10 Pakistanis, or 79 percent, rate government information as being very reliable compared with just 16 percent of people in Hong Kong “In Hong Kong citizens took charge of the pandemic as they did not trust the government,” Professor Rabbani said. “Pakistanis are fortunate to have proactive government campaigns about mask use and physical distancing but remain reluctant to follow these measures.” Researchers also analyzed the data by gender to assess differing perceptions about Covid19 between Pakistani men and women. In general, Pakistani men had a lower risk perception of Covid-19 compared to women. PPI

Thursday, 30 July, 2020

NEWS

ReliGious scholARs, Activists deMAnd RecoveRy oF occuPied lAnd ARound BiBi PAK dAMAn shRine LAHORE SHAHAB OMER

Religious scholars and social activists have expressed concern over the ongoing renovation at the holy shrine of Bibi Pak Daman, and have demanded that the authorities should recover the illegally occupied land around the premises. They protested outside the Lahore Press Club and held a press conference to push forward their demands. Dr Ehsanur Rehman the president of Hubullah Welfare Society, along with Allama Hafiz Kazim Raza Naqvi, the head of Quran and Ahl al-Bayt Mission, Allam Muhammad Hussain Akbar, the head of Munhaj-ul-Hussain, and others jointly briefed the media about the issue. Dr Rehman said, “We strongly protest the ongoing construction of the holy shrine of Bibi Ruqayyah bint Ali (SA) by Punjab Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department with mala fide intention and ulterior motives.” He said that in 2010, Dr Asma Mamdot, the then MNA of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) passed a resolution for the construction of the holy shrine, and the area was specified to be 72 kanals. The

said project was approved for 135 kanals of land by the Punjab and federal government and funds were allocated for PC1 of the first phase of 35 kanals, and the design of the project was made by renowned architect Syed Hassan Raza, he added. Dr Rehman said that with the connivance of corrupt officials of the Auqaf Department and some political figures, the commercial and residential plots of the holy shrine are still under the illegal occupation of different people. “Now the Auqaf Department has appointed Nayyar Ali Dada as the architect for a new design without any logical reason and has shelved the previously-approved design of Syed Hassan Raza,” he added. He said that the efforts for expansion of the holy shrine were sabotaged for 14 years and replaced by a mini project on the existing insufficient area to white wash the issue for corrupt motives. He added that the design by Nayyar Ali Dada is not only unimpressive but it also appears like a Hindu temple, whereas the design of Syed Hassan Raza is eye-catching and attracts the hearts of people. He further said that Nayyar Ali Dada’s design reduces the area of the holy shrine and does not even cover the holy graves and is too small in terms of capacity to cater to the needs of millions of devotees who visit the holy shrine every year.

“When approved projects exist, then why are they starting a new design and project? In view of the above, the Shia and Sunni sects altogether reject and disapprove the ongoing construction of the holy shrine and the demand the construction of the first phase of 35 kanals, in addition to the over 72 kanals which take the total area to 135 kanals, as approved by the Punjab Assembly in 2010,” Dr Rehman said. He said that all Shias and Sunnis request the prime minister and Punjab chief minister to personally intervene at the earliest to stop the renovation of the holy shrine, warning that failure to do so would prompt them to protest on roads all across Pakistan. Later, talking to Pakistan Today, former MNA Asma Mamdot said that according to revenue records, the land of the holy shrine was more than 135 kanals. “We tried our best to resolve this issue but corrupt officials and malicious rulers could not solve this problem and this is why I left the PML-N. The prime minister personally wants this issue to be resolved and he is fully aware of the importance of the holy shrine but in the meantime, some people are deliberately misleading him. We do not accept Nayyar Ali Dada’s design,” she said. “The prime minister himself should investigate the matter and the land of the holy shrine should be recovered and its renovation should be in accordance with the previously-approved design.”

500 new vehicles provided to police stations LAHORE: As per directions of Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Shoaib Dastgir, a plenary session was held at central police office with respect to provision of 500 new vehicles for police stations which was presided by Addl IG (Logistics & Procurement) Ali Amir Malik whereas Lahore CCPO, all RPOs and DPOs of the province participated through video-link. DIG Tele Akbar Nasir Khan and SSP (MT) Motor Transport Asad Sarfaraz Khan were also present in the session. SSP MT Khan briefed the officers about devised formula of distribution of vehicles among police stations and told that distribution mechanism of new vehicles among police stations of districts has been executed by keeping in view crime rate, proportion of population, area of police station, geography and already existing condition of vehicles fleet in district whereas with the induction of these new vehicles in fleet of districts, current proportion of 30 per cent of vehicles shall be enhanced to 59 per cent. Addl IG (Logistics & Procurement) Malik said that all officers should send their recommendations and suggestions with respect to distribution formula of vehicles to logistics branch at Central Police Office within one week. STAFF REPORT

Peshawar high-rise to cost Rs15bn: Amjad PESHAWAR TLTP

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Minister for Housing, Dr Amjad Ali has said that high-rise apartments in Nishtarabad area of the provincial capital would be built on 36 kanals of land at a cost of around Rs15 billion. He was briefing media persons here on Wednesday after KP Housing Department inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) for the construction of 20 plus floors high-rise residential apartments in Nishtarabad. The minister said that the first four flours of the high-rise building would be dedicated for commercial purposes, while the fifth floor would be reserved for government offices. He stated that residential apartments would be constructed on the rest of the floors. The housing minister said that on the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the provincial government has a special focus on the housing sector in the province, and work on various housing schemes has been expedited. He said that with robust work on housing sector would help the economy to grow in the province, and affordable housing units would be constructed for the low-income strata of the society. The provincial minister said that the high-rise is one of the mega projects of the provincial government, under which the first ever 20 plus high-rise building would be constructed in Peshawar. Earlier, the MoU was signed by Secretary Housing KP Daud Khan and Director General FGEHA Waseem Hayat Bajwa here at Civil Secretariat on Wednesday. The MOU signing ceremony was also attended by Minister Housing Dr Amjad Ali, DG Provincial Housing Authority Imran Wazir, FGEHA Director Staff Fayaz Gill, and Director Coordination Adnan Dayar. According to MOU, the FGEHA would provide technical and managerial assistance and support in respect of the planning, execution, designing, engineering, construction, supervision and marketing of residential apartments.

Govt had released funds for preventing rain emergencies, says Murad KARACHI PPI

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday said that the provincial government had released Rs463 million to meet emergency requirements such as cleaning of storm-water drains to prevent flooding during the monsoon season. In a statement issued from the CM House, the chief minister said that the provincial government released Rs200 million on July 17 as a special grant-in-aid for critical emergency actions. The purpose of the sum is to mitigate monsoon risk under the Solid Waste Emergency & Efficiency Programme (SWEEP) throughout Karachi, and it is placed at the disposal of secretary local government, he added. CM Murad said that the provincial government also released Rs229 million on July 2 for cleaning of nullahs and related monsoon expenditures in different districts of the province. “Out of the total Rs229 million, Rs30 million were given to Karachi commissioner for rain emergency measures,” he said, adding that Rs70 million were assigned to the Hyderabad commissioner, Rs20 million to Larakana commissioner, Rs31 million to Mirpurkhas commissioner, Rs38 million to Shaheed Benazirabad commissioner, Rs40 million to Sukkur commissioner and Rs4 million for cleanliness/de-silting of Saddi Town/Mehran drain. He further said that the provincial government is releasing another Rs90 million to Karachi commissioner for rain emergency-related works. The chief minister said that the impression being given by some persons that the funds had not been released is wrong and unfounded. “We have been investing in the city for rain emergencies, cleaning of drains, and other such works,” he said, adding that the flooded drains would be lined, their culverts would be improved, and all choking points and historical bottlenecks would be repaired under World Bank (WB) projects for the smooth flow of rainwater.

Flour millers call of their strike in KP PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Flour Mills Association on Wednesday decided to call off their strike after the acceptance of their demands by the provincial Food Ministry. Food Minister Qalandar Khan Lodhi met a delegation of the association at his office. Food Department Secretary Khushal Khan and Director Zubair Ahmed were also present on the occasion. The minister said that the ministry has accepted the demands which were resolvable up to the departmental level and were in the best interest of the people. However, he added, if the department’s conditions are not met, the authorities could reconsider their decision. Lodhi also said that the demands that are still unresolved up to the level/jurisdiction of the food department, will be forwarded to the relevant forums. The members of the association apologised for their strike without a written notice. STAFF REPORT

Thursday, 30 July, 2020

NEWS

Food mInIstry approves Four treatment plants to boost mango export to Iran ISLAMABAD

GHULAM ABBAS

AKInG serious notice of the complaints filed by the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), the Ministry of national Food Security and Research on Wednesday approved four Hot Water Treatment (HWT) plants to facilitate export of mangoes to Iran. According to officials, PFVA had earlier complained regarding the six disapproved HWT Plants for export of mangoes to Iran, prompting the food ministry to issue necessary directives for the approval of four HWT plants that meet standards required by the European Union (EU). The two remaining plants will also be approved after an inspection

due in the next week. Earlier in the last week of June, PFVA had written a letter to the food ministry pointing out gross negligence by the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) in the approval process of the six HWT plants which process mangoes for export to Iran. The PFVA had highlighted the negative impact of this negligence on the country’s exports and on the huge investment made in the country’s mango industry. The food ministry had conducted a video conference on Saturday in which the owners of the disapproved HWT plants spelled out their grievances while the office bearers of PFVA apprised the Ministry of national Food Security and Research Secretary Omer Hamid Khan of problems and difficulties encountered by the plant's owners and members of the PFVA as a result of a delay in the ap-

Irate man kills sister, youth over Karo-Kari HINGORJO PPI

An irate man shot dead his sister and a youngster over a charge of the notorious tradition of KaroKari on Wednesday. Accused Mohammad Hanif Hingorjo shot dead his sister Hajran Hingorjo and Rafique Hingorjo after levelling the blame of Karo-Kari on them in village Jumoon Hingorjo. The bodies were shifted to a local hospital for medico-legal formalities and later handed over to the heirs. The accused surrendered himself to the police after committing the crime. The police have registered the case and started further investigation into the incident. Tension gripped the village after the incident.

proval of these plants by the DPP. According to a PFVA official, the federal secretary after hearing concerns regarding the pending approval of the six HWT plants, issued a directive for approval of four HWT plants which meet standards of EU countries, without further inspection. The four approved HWT plants include plant belonging to Iftekhar & Co, AZZ traders HWT processing and packhouse facility, RMC HWT plant and Dhillon HWT plant. The two remaining plants include plants belonging to M Abdullah M Owais and Millat trading company. The remaining two plants will be inspected by the DPP during the next wee and will be approved to process mangoes for export to Iran provided that they have corrected deficiencies pointed out during

the last inspection conducted by the DPP It was also decided to conduct a forensic audit of the past three to five years through the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to expose elements creating barriers and using delaying tactics in the process of approval of additional HWT plants in order to maintain monopoly of a few existing HWT plants. The federal secretary also urged to reshuffle officers and staff of the DPP involved in inspection of HWT plants. According to officials at the food ministry, DPP director general has been issued directives to develop a simplified procedure of inspection and approval process within a week. The DPP director general was also instructed to provide equal opportunities to all approved HWT plants and curb discriminatory attitude of the DPP that favours selected HWT plants.

NA approves two FATF-related bills amid Opp’s ruckus cONtINuED ON pAGE 01 The speaker then gave Qureshi the floor three or four times to respond to Asif, but the minister refused to speak due to the opposition’s protest. The speaker and the deputy speaker asked him to continue his speech, but he said he would do so when there was silence and order in the House. Instead of Qureshi, federal minister Murad Saeed responded to the opposition, accusing it of attempting to seek relief from the government for their alleged corruption. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan will not give any such “nRO” [national Reconciliation Ordinance].

Law Minister naseem Faroqgh, while talking to media on Tuesday, had confirmed the deadlock in discussions between the government and the opposition and said the FATF-related legislation had to be passed before August 6 as it was a requirement for removing Pakistan from the ‘grey list’. He declared that the government would introduce the bills on its own before the deadline. OPP LOOKS TO SENATE: Later in the day, PML-n president and leader of the opposition in the national Assembly Shehbaz Sharif reached out to PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Jamiat Ulemai-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman via phone to discuss

the future course of action. The three leaders decided to constitute a committee comprising senators from the joint opposition to deliberate the FATF-related legislation and ensure it is in the “country’s best interests”. On Tuesday, Bilawal held backto-back meetings with Rehman and Shehbaz in Lahore, ahead of the opposition’s multi-party conference (MPC) scheduled to be held after Eidul Azha. Addressing the media after the meetings, Bilawal had said that all opposition parties were “on one page” in their movement against the PTI government, which he alleged had become a “hazard” for the country.

PEC, AGP at loggerheads over audit matter LAHORE SHAHZAD PARACHA

The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) are at loggerheads over the matter of audit. Sources said that PEC is still refusing to get its accounts audited directly from the AGP whereas earlier, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had accepted PEC’s request for letting a private firm conducting its audit on the condition that the report must be endorsed by the AGP to which the PEC had agreed. However, later the PEC had the accounts audit conducted by a private firm in this regard and dispatched the report to the Federal Audit Director General (DG) for endorsement but he did not accept it saying that his involment in the matter would be against the rules as the council is a government statutory body whose parent ministry is the Ministry of Science and Technology, meaning that it clearly falls under the AGP’s audit jurisdiction. As the AGP is a responsible institution and liable to

conduct an audit of all departments that fall under the government of Pakistan, the PEC must also observe the rules as everyone else and provide the AGP access to all its accounts for an audit. On the other hand, PEC has also written a letter to PAC chairman with regard to the functions of powers of AGP in relation to PEC accounts. The letter stated that it was unanimously decided in the PAC meeting in February, 2020, that the PEC, having been established under the Act of parliament, should present its statement audited by a chartered accountant firm before the AGP for certification and compliance. “The PEC submitted its audit report to the Ministry of Science and Technology with regard to compliance on PAC directions,” the letter further stated, adding that the minutes of the PAC meeting issued did not clearly capture the decision that was made, therefore, PEC submitted its observations on the draft minutes of the meeting in March 2020. The PEC has requested the PAC chairman to revise the decision in this regard.

pm’s aides tania aidrus and dr Zafar mirza sent packing cONtINuED ON pAGE 01 Rumours of difficulties between Tania and CEO of national Information Technology Board (nITB) Shabahat Ali Shah are also not unheard of. Sources privy to the progress of Digital Pakistan revealed that there was an expectation from Tania that she would arrange funding from international donors such as World Bank for Digital Pakistan but no such deals were ever finalised. These reasons also contributed to her being removed. Last month, Pakistan Today published a report in which the role and status of a non-profit organisation by the name of “Digital Pakistan Foundation” (DPF) was questioned as it had on its board Tania Aidrus, Jahangir Khan Tareen and Careem CEO Mudassar Sheikha. That the company was registered as a separate entity with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) exactly one week prior to her appointment as the SAPM, raised concerns of a conflict of interest as the DPF was created to compliment the Digital Pakistan Initiative (DPI) that would come directly under the Prime Minister’s Office, headed by Tania Aidrus. According to a report by ARY, Tania was unable to satisfy the PM on the role and circumstances under which the DPF was created and was therefore removed from her SAPM role. Pakistan Today made repeated attempts to contact Tania Aidrus and Mirza Shahzad Akbar for comment but failed to get any response. MIRZA QUITS OVER ‘NEGATIVE’ CRITICISM: Shortly after Aidrus announced her resignation, SAPM Dr Zafar Mirza took to Twitter to do the same. He said that he had come to Pakistan on the personal invitation of the premier after leaving the World Health Organisation (WHO). “I worked hard and honestly. It was a privilege to serve Pakistan. I am satisfied that I leave at a time when Covid-19 has declined in Pakistan as a result of a grand national effort,” Mirza said. He added that he had made the decision over the “negative discussion about the role of SAPMs and criticism of the government”. “Pakistani people deserve better healthcare. I have worked sincerely to contribute to this cause. Pakistan will Insha’Allah emerge out of Covid-19 with a stronger healthcare system.” It has yet to be confirmed whether the premier has accepted the two resignations. However, according to reports, Dr Mirza was also forced to step down from his position. Sources claimed that Dr Mirza was facing an inquiry regarding the import of medicines and a recent hike in the price of drugs. “The health official could not satisfy regarding the price hike and had reportedly said that he was not directly responsible for it,” the sources said. “The prime minister has launched an inquiry into this,” they added, noting that Dr Mirza had earlier offered to quit but was told to resign on Wednesday. According to the sources, the performance of other special assistants and advisers is also being examined and action would be taken after the review is complete.

minister advocates for prisoners’ rights during jail visit ALEEM KHAN DONATES 500 FRUIT TREES TO KOT LAKHPAT JAIL LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Moot stresses close liaison between Pakistan, China’s Fujian province ISLAMABAD TLTP

Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) in collaboration with Department of Commerce of Fujian province of China organised the Fujian–Pakistan Two-Way Trade Online Promotion Conference’ on Wednesday. The conference focused on promoting direct business linkages between entrepreneurs from Pakistan and China’s Fujian province to further enhance bilateral trade and explore joint ventures in potential areas of mutual interest between the two countries. ICCI President Muhammad Ahmed Waheed while addressing the conference said that organizing such video conferences between the private sectors of both countries is important to explore prospects for business match makings and trade promotion, especially at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has severely restricted international travel. Huang Dezhi, Deputy Director General of the Department of Commerce of Fujian province, in his address said that Pakistan and China are strategic partners and the leadership of both countries is determined to further strengthen economic ties. He said that China’s Fujian province wants to diversify cooperation with

CMYK

Pakistan to further expand bilateral trade. He said that CPEC is creating new opportunities for long-term cooperation between the two countries and added that Fujian is ready for increased industrial cooperation with Pakistan with technology transfer to further develop its industrial sector. Speaking on the occasion, Consul General of Pakistan in Guangzhou Dr Diyar Khan, said that organising online conferences between the entrepreneurs of Pakistan and Fujian in post-Covid-19 scenario is a good initiative to explore bilateral trade. He said Fujian is a gateway for South East China and Pakistan can achieve beneficial results for its economy by strengthening cooperation with it. He said Pak-Fujian bilateral trade stands at around $1 billion, which can be further enhanced by more efforts from both sides. He said that China-Pakistan Joint Business and Investment Council should be activated to further strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries. Former ICCI senior vice president Muhammad Shakeel Munir, highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s marble and granite sector and stressed that Chinese investors should explore joint ventures and investment in Pakistan to produce value added finished marble products that have great potential for exports around the world.

Punjab Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan on Wednesday visited the Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore and said that prisoners should be given all facilities, including medical care. During the visit, he also planted a tree as part of the ongoing plantation drive and announced that he would donate another 500 fruit trees for the jail. The provincial minister, along with senior officers, visited different parts of the jail and witnessed development projects completed by the Abdul Aleem Khan Foundation. He directed the additional chief secretary (home) and inspector general (prisons) to expedite the process of upgrading other prisons in the province in the same manner as the Kot Lakhpat Jail. He said that new barracks for inmates should be constructed wherever space is available, adding that in order to improve the condition of the jails, it was necessary to deviate from the traditional methods. “There is a need to work expeditiously on the basis of human sympathy for prison reforms,” he observed. The provincial minister said that the development work worth crores of rupees has been completed by Abdul Aleem Khan Foundation in Kot Lakhpat Jail purely for the sake of human compassion and alleviation of the plight of prisoners. He also held detailed discussions with the additional chief secretary (home) and other senior officers, including inspector general (prisons) and about plans for upgrading various jails of the province. He also said that special care arrangements should be made for the mentally handicapped prisoners in the jails. “Standard medical treatment facilities should also be provided to sick prisoners,” he said. After inspecting parts of the jail, he met with the prisoners and inquired about their wellbeing.

Thursday, 30 July, 2020

06 COMMENT

Is bureaucracy stalling change?

An atypical Leader of the Opposition Waiting for the government to fall under its own weight

The civil service must be reformed

He opposition has failed to make use of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s continuous failures caused by incompetence. The opposition alliance which was forged soon after the 2018 elections received a setback when Ms Maryam Nawaz suddenly became silent after getting bail in November and Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif accompanied his brother to London. During his absence, differences arose within the PML(N) leadership over support to the cOaS extension bill. When Mr Shehbaz Sharif returned in March after a four month absence, many developed expectations that he would play the role expected from the Leader of the Opposition. Instead, he advised people to maintain a distance from one another and try to stay at home. The opposition parties look up to the PML(N) because it has a large vote bank in Punjab and is in a position to mobilise the largest province of the country. The problem with Mr Sharif is that he is hesitant to confront the establishment. However, four months of his silent diplomacy have failed to produce any result. The opposition parties meanwhile have not gone beyond criticizing the government in Parliament or boycotting the National assembly sessions at times. The budget has been passed but the government is still unwilling to accommodate any of the opposition’s several objections to the NaB Ordinance among other issues. The sentiment against the PTI administration is on the rise in the general public on account of its failures to deliver, as shown by opinion polls. unless the opposition is willing to lead the people, public anger could take forms that may not be conducive to public peace. During their joint press conference the PPP chairman and PML(N) President agreed that the PTI government had become a hazard for the country. There was however no word about the course to be taken for the change of government. It was decided instead to hold a meeting of the opposition’s rehbar committee after the eid which would call an aPc after preparing its agenda. The way Mr Sharif tried to shift the burden of leadership onto Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during the press briefing indicates reluctance in him to go against the wishes of the establishment.

Dr FariD a Malik

ureaucracy is defined as “the art of making the possible impossible “. Indeed bureaucrats are the biggest impediment to change. Most parties, including the country’s founding political party, the revered all-India Muslim League (aIML) underestimated their inertia. Most decisions are taken on the files which they control. While elected governments have to face the wrath of the people for lack of performance, they go scot free. I was once invited to the civil Services academy on Walton road to talk about Total Quality Management (TQM ). as customer orientation is the basis of quality management, my focus has always been on their satisfaction. The purpose of paperwork and documentation is to satisfy customers, not the bosses. Dissatisfied customers means poor management. During discussion I was blamed for being rather harsh with this important pillar of the state. as a student of management, my answer was simple, those who control the files and set the tone of decision making carry 80-90 percent of the responsibility. Got a very strange reply, “as our powers are unlimited the politicians exploit us “. I advised them to initiate policy changes to rationalize their authority which they were unwilling to do. In other words they wanted to have their cake and eat it too when they so desired. at the time of Partition, Pakistan inherited the royal colonial bureaucracy that worked under the Viceroy who was appointed by the British Parliament. While they worked in the best interests of the crown, service to people was not on their agenda as their final controlling authority was in London. In the initial years, the spirit of freedom was alive, and everyone tried his best. Though the aIML had no experience of governance but with its honesty of purpose it could get the job done, and the bureaucracy was not an impediment to misguide them. Leaders like Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy who had experience of running governments and had local following, were kept at bay mainly because they came from the eastern Wing. The first major attempt at reforms was carried out in

FATF and NAB delays Tying the legislation together may be costly

He federal government is finding it an uphill task to get the eight bills required by the Financial action Task Force (FaTF) passed by Parliament after it rejected all the amendments proposed by the opposition in the NaB Ordinance. The government needs both pieces of legislation badly, and for them it needs opposition cooperation, because it lacks a majority in the Senate. Passing the eight bills that would bring it in line with the FaaTF’s action plan is essential, and for the legislation to fail because the government has tied the bills to the NaB Ordinance amendments would have only made sense if the government was on speaking terms with the opposition. For it to dismiss all the amendments as an attempt to escape accountability may put the country in the awkward position of being blacklisted by FaTF, which would mean being cut off from the global financial markets at a time when the covid-19 pandemic has made them more vital than ever before. The government needs the NaB Ordinance amended if it is to preserve the protections it gave bureaucrats and businessmen, because it has already re-promulgated the relevant ordinance once already, and further re-promulgations could well run afoul of the courts. Ironically, the government is looking at promulgating the legal changes required by FaTF as ordinances. What view it might take of legislation which will lapse in months is not known, but it is unlikely that India would pass up such an opportunity of doing down Pakistan. The strangest part of the whole episode is the time the government took. The FaTF action Plan compliance was due in april, but was postponed because of the pandemic. The legislation would not have taken place in time for that. even now, the deadlines have moved to august, for the asia-Pacific group meeting, and to October for the plenary. But for that deadline to be met, the government must negotiate meaningfully with the opposition, rather than take a high hand as it is doing at present. It must remember that if the opposition wants relief from NaB, it is the government which needs all this legislation.

The quest for sea-based nuclear deterrence SyeD Daniyal ali

He main motive of the deterrence is to create a threat to deter others from offending. It is considered an art to convince others not to do certain acts. The cold war introduced the concept of deterrence with nuclear weapons. after that, nuclear weapons and striking capabilities advancement were perceived as a great threat in the opposite camp. In response, counter-capabilities were adopted by the others. In the post-cold War era, the game of nuclear deterrence can be seen in the asia region. It can be observed in the context of the emergence of new nuclear states, India, Pakistan and china. These three nuclear states have matured and advanced in terms of nuclear weapons, and its delivery system and control and command establishment. Since the creation of India and Pakistan, both states are engaged in three major wars. These armed conflicts continue to hold forth the risk of war. There are still unresolved conflicts, which include Kashmir, Siachen and the water disputes. In 1998 both states conducted nuclear tests, and after becoming nuclear states both raised many questions related to the security concerns in South asia. Both states developed their nuclear thinking. In recent times, both states are focusing on their naval advancement. India started spending money on the sea-based missile capabilities; Pakistan followed the same trail for counter0capability. In the next decade, South asia will emerge as a theatre of a sea-based nuclear-weapon deterrence. India and Pakistan both have a strategic and central position in the Indian Ocean region, especially their interest in the sea-based nuclear deterrence. Both states have national, economic and security concerns within the Indian Ocean region. If the shores of both states are not protected, then there is no means of industrial development, political stability and no commercial growth. Many questions arise about the logic of sea-based

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pabilities with sea-based nuclear programmes, that ensures that both will able to survive an initial nuclear strike and still be able to retaliate with a nuclear attack deterrence: The seapower concept is not a new one; to inflict maximum damage. One view is that it will the influence of seapower affects the wealth and create stability in the South asia region because the strength of the states. especially in war, issues related Pakistan rationale for developing naval nuclear capato the control of the sea, and the skilful use of the sea, bilities is to attain second-strike capability against cannot be neglected or ignored by any state. Some India, providing its strategic depth and creating nuclear great strategist highlighted the importance of deterrence. But the fact cannot be neglected that it is seapower; most famous and renowned, Mahan and an entirely new technology for both states. Pakistan is corbett wrote about the war strategies. In recent time, buying six submarines equipped with the Babur from both strategists’ maritime china for sea-based detheories are being impleterrence, but the deal still mented by all the states in in progress. Whereas different manners, as all India’s Arihant also has a Any aggressive action by India are focusing on the conlot of operational issues: trol of lines of communiaside from the reactor against Pakistan is surely going cation, and the primacy fuel issue, secondly its of politics in war, primarange is not satisfactory. It to elicit a matching response. rily focusing on their is not able to attack the Pakistan and India are both maritime advancements. major cities of Pakistan But the advancement like Islamabad and Lanuclear powers and military of nuclear weapons has hore, and hardly it will increased the importance able to target Karachi. confrontation between them could of the sea-based nuclear Same is the case of the deterrence. according to chinese submarines for have horrible consequences not the assumption of realism, akistan, range issues still only for this region but the entire create a lot of limitations survival is the most critical factor of any state. The on them. They are also world. In that event their own Indian Ocean region is noisy like many russian essential for India and submarines, so Pakistan strategic, political and Pakistan strategically, would have to adopt the commercial interests would be after showing its naval adbastion strategy. convenvancement provides the tional submarines are less jeopardized best opportunity to create noisy than nuclear subsea-based deterrence. marines. Both states can Pakistan’s and be victims of c3 (comIndia’s sea-based nuclear mand, control and comprogrammes might be at a nascent stage. Pakistan de- munication) issues. The possibility cannot be ignored veloped sea-based nuclear capability with diesel-elec- that submarines might lose contact with their bases. tric submarine-launched cruise missile Babur and Then will submarine officers be free to make their own India has launched its first nuclear submarine, INS decision on the use of nuclear weapons? Such issues Arihant, which has changed the strategic position of will only lead towards enhancing the “fog of war”. the Indian Ocean. as both states have availed the second-strike caSyed Daniyal Ali is a freelance columnist

Sea-based nuclear capabilities of India and Pakistan compared

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

the early 1960s by the formation of the cornelius from the Ittefaq Group, and abba Ji went his way commission. The members solicited public inputs in with his three sons leaving his brothers behind to rust. open sessions conducted at the yMca Hall on the combing corruption with state power, abba Ji was Mall. Before their findings could be announced and able to build his empire. For the needed compliance implemented the two bureaucrat members leaked the of the bureaucracy,he introduced a ‘Darbari System’ decisions, thus building resistance to change. Some of through which he could bestow benefits to those who these recommendations for reforms in the civil admin- complied and favoured his interests while those who istration were incorporated in uK by the Justice did not were sidetracked. The colonial spiritless bureaucracy that we inFullerton commission. In the early 1970s, the elected government of herited has now been turned into a rent-seeking apZulfiqar ali Bhutto (ZaB) introduced the current paratus which only functions when personal interests grade structure (Grades 1 to 22) together with the lat- are involved. as change is not in their interest, it is being deliberately eral entry of muchstalled. With poor governeeded technocrats. ZaB nance and weak regulakept the files moving, tory mechanisms, the and delays were not allowed. The common For real change to take place the blame falls on the elected representatives. It is not good became important. bureaucracy has to be on board. only the political arena When the Police in that needs a massive NWFP (now KPK) and This blatant pay for service clean-up, the ‘BureauPunjab resisted change crats of the Darbar’ have by going on strike, they system is disgraceful. Lack of to be sorted out too. were served an ultimaaccountability and absence of Without customer orientum to return within 48 tation no system can dehours or face dismissal. SOPs has rendered the liver. under the 1973 Major reforms were carconstitution, promotions ried out in the passport administrative system nonto Grade 21 and 22 are application process tofunctional. Within the current year the prerogative of the gether with the introducPrime Minister, which tion of National Identity major reforms have to be must continue but forcards. The People’s Govmalized and opened up ernmentof Bhutto lived introduced to redress the for lateral entry of qualiup to its name by looking fied technocrats through after their welfare. But it grievances of the public, those the Federal Public Servwas short-lived. On 5 who cannot buy their way ice commission. The reJuly 1977, the Zia Dark cently introduced ages engulfed the counthrough. Patience of the suffering 20-year performance retry. For purposes of legitimacy a third-rate masses in running out, the writing view is a positive step. Pension payments have political leadership was is on the wall to be read, and become unbearable. also imposed on the naWhile the retirees should tion. While the ayub era blinders will not help be covered but the curImmoral Politicians were rent system of lifelong mostly knocked out by pensions should be the 1970 free and fair stopped from the next inelections, the Zia-era political creations continue to haunt the nation till today. duction. a system of gratuity and provident fund Mian Muhammad Sharif, also known as abba Ji, should be introduced to lessen the burden on the nahad built his foundry business together with his broth- tional exchequer. For real change to take place the bureaucracy has ers by the name of Ittefaq Group. Success at all costs was the motto of this outfit. It is alleged that the two to be on board. This blatant pay for service system is raw materials (scrap, electricity) needed to produce disgraceful. Lack of accountability and absence of iron and steel were obtained clandestinely. In the SOPs has rendered the administrative system non1960s, while the Batala engineering company of functional. Within the current year major reforms have c.M. Latif established a state-of-the-art foundry and to be introduced to redress the grievances of the pubengineering works at Kot Lakhpat, the Ittefaq Group lic, those who cannot buy their way through. Patience managed to establish a low-level foundry where even of the suffering masses in running out, the writing is cow dung was used for mould making. Both were na- on the wall to be read, and blinders will not help. tionalized in the 1970s. The Sharifs were able to get Dr Farid A Malik is ex-Chairman, Pakistan their business back with the blessings of Zia, their political mentor. Then abba Ji manoeuvred to get polit- Science Foundation. He can be contacted at: ical power for the family. The Sharif Group emerged fmaliks@hotmail.com.

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Thursday, 30 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

Platitudnal challenges We all have a certain self confirming beliefs which nearly resistor us to see the actual beauty of a culture or a person. these self confirming beliefs are called prejudice and those are the root cause of all the stereotypical conflicts we possess in our society. For example, a person has an imaginary perception of something that he or she has never seen or experience, these perceptual information received constantly will build an image in our mind unconsciously. Depending upon these images if good then it's ok but if it's Biased negatively with stereotypical thinking then we will end up having cases like George Floyd. Now if we observed closely in our beloved country Pakistan, we might find that we stereotype every second person in our country. either as an unintentional Joke or intentionally making fun of a particular caste or nation, these are those beliefs working in background. Not only this at a certain find this typical perceptions can cause violence in caste or a certain sect. It can spread hatred and trust issues not only on domestic level but on national level also. In a diverse country like Pakistan, Pakistani people should be aware of this stupid self confirming beliefs and get rid of those by communicating and engaging with the people of different culture and caste and by doing this, we will overcome this hurdle called platitudinal conflicts. Mian aizaz ahMEd MiroKhan

Stop this!

After the pandemic is over Covid-19 has been a disaster, but there have been some benefits Dr ayeSha aShraF

He covid-19 pandemic has become the only super power on the face of earth since December 2019, as the deadly virus has so far affected one-third of the entire world population. undoubtedly the current health situation has initiated a worldwide uniform concern in terms of restoring the environmental cleanliness, personal hygiene and discipline by taking precautionary measures. The preventive strategies include maximum social distancing, disinfecting homes and work places with chemical sprays, use of preventive kits, screening equipment, ventilators, gloves, face masks, movement control order and a worldwide lockdown. Before discussing the by-products of this ongoing global medical health emergency, there are some sad facts that need to be remembered. as it is already known to all that the coronavirus has killed thousands of human beings across the world, and even today, the numbers are rapidly multiplying. It has proved to be the most serious catastrophe after World War Two that has crushed the world’s economic system besides creating certain other interruptions on a huge scale. Other than killing a vast number of people, it has jammed all the activities related to politics, education and business, among others. Many segments of the society, including the lower class, has suffered a lot who cannot afford to take even a single day off in order to survive in a hand-to-mouth life. Moreover such downtrodden people cannot afford to use sanitizers or wear protective face masks. However, despite these mentioned issues there is still a ray of hope at the end of the tunnel, and the hopes are high that soon we will get rid of this deadly beast. Now setting aside these major problems, one can still try to look for the best in the worst by keeping the morale high and also by focusing on the lessons that we may learn from this situation. First of all, the social distancing policy as per the official instructions in order to curb the rapid spread of this disease is not devoid of any positive lesson. In fact it has come up with many advantages, such as us getting more time to spend with our families, be it our parents or spouses, and the opportunity to enjoy healthy homemade food. We are saving more money and time due to minimum mobility outside our houses. However in this solitude of staying back with families, we can go back to the habit of reading books or watching movies. In this way, in fact we do experience a spirit of oneness with our parents, partners or kids that was, otherwise, lost due to the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. This pathogen has allowed us to enjoy the reality of relationships by living close to them instead of taking help from digital platforms and gadgets. Moreover, these unusual off-days can also feed our mind with some enriching self-introspection or soul searching. By the time the virus vanishes, it is likely to transform the individual from arrogant to polite, selfish to selfless, careless to careful and from senseless to sensible. In the post-corona scenario it can be hoped that a man will no more care to feed his ego,

rather now he will be taking care of his near and tain healthy living place for all. Similarly, a vital lesson amid the corona dear ones. along with this spiritual impact, there is also a visible and positive change regarding combat is related to the government disaster the habits of taking care of personal hygiene that management and disease control system Both in turn contributes for the well-being of the need serious attention to face the occurrence of whole society. It has united the otherwise di- any such natural disaster in future. There is a vided nationalities and religious sections as now dire need to formulate effective teams of exthe developed countries are offering spiritual, perts to face these kinds of challenges, includemotional, medical and monetary help to the ing the best scientists, leaders, doctors and academicians. The government needs to proneedy nations. Surprisingly, this novel coronavirus is being vide the crew with enough financial and moral discussed from the perspective of conspiracy support so that they can perform useful expertheories, with bio-terrorism as one of them. iments to invent some cure for such deadly There are different schools of thought, either viral diseases. Moreover they can be asked to blaming the uSa for artificially making the work on their research-based projects in collabvirus in its hidden labs or calling it the “china oration with global experts from highly advirus”. Whatever the case, we are witnessing vanced and experienced countries such as the uK, the uSa and that irreversible dischina. aster is being expeanother issue rienced by all worth mentioning, countries. This One can predict the positive was that during the blame game is crelockdown of educaating a panic in the impact of this life-changing tional institutes, as society that is an faced by many acaun-needed addition troubling pandemic: to create a demicians as well to already existing more humane world as well as an as the students, is problems. Strong related to the online self-evaluation is exemplary safe environment to live teaching system as needed along with unity of action get in. Covid-19, irrespective of its fatal it has proved to be a bigger challenge rid of this curse inaffects, in many ways, is to be due to sheer lack of stead of spreading training and skill. this chaos. taken as food for thought that From now onwards, It is a pleasing fact that, despite imparts few much needed lessons the universities, colleges and being divided on to remember forever. In addition to schools should give many religious, ecoa regular training nomic and political a personal rejuvenation, it makes on how to use onissues, various naline medium for tions seem to be on the man realize the sensitive teaching in order to the same page rekeep the education garding their fight nature of his status as being a system fluent and against this deadly mere mortal being. It also connects smooth, in any situthreat. The countries ation. need to realize they us with the Almighty God in the The positive must ut aside all role of media needs their prevailing conform of begging and prayers to be appreciated for flicts to make this the provision of planet a safer and constant guidance healthier place to about the necessary live. The racists and bigots should introspect for a moment and see health measures, in every nook and corner of the that if this covid-19 follows a particular class, country. Last but not the least, the supremely acrace, caste, race, nationality or religion? This has tive role of various professionals including docindeed united opposing nations in combat tors, paramedical staff, hospital cleaners, against it and they need to keep in mind that the security guards, rangers, army and police have more united they are against this common chal- instantly proved their worth in the battle against this monster. lenge, the higher their chances of victory. One can predict the positive impact of this Likewise, this fatal virus also teaches us to be charitable towards those sections of society life-changing troubling pandemic: to create a which need us now. They should be taken care more humane world as well as an exemplary of, by providing them with enough rations, safe environment to live in. covid-19, irrespecmedical care and a constant emotional support. tive of its fatal affects, in many ways, is to be One other significant outcome of this tragedy taken as food for thought that imparts few is, it has kept the public away from polluting the much needed lessons to remember forever. In air, water and land in the form of excessive pic- addition to a personal rejuvenation, it makes nics, vacations or frequent visits to eating-out the man realize the sensitive nature of his status points. Moreover the chemical factories, due to as being a mere mortal being. It also connects a continuous shutdown have not used excessive us with the almighty God in the form of begelectricity, nor emitted any hazardous gas for a ging and prayers. month. This spirit of minimalism has to be susDr Ayesha Ashraf is a freelance columnist tained in the post-pandemic scenario to main-

ZuLIFKar aLI BHuTTO is still considered as one of the greatest statesmen the Subcontinent has ever produced. In the era of ayub Khan he served as the foriegn minister where he proved his mettle by delivering an all time effective speech over kashmir issue which still hands in the minds of hindu extremists. after the setback that the country faced on 16 december 1971 it was Mr Bhutto who took all necessary steps for reviving the lost esteem of the nation in the eyes of the international community. He is credited for giving the concord constitution of 1973 to this country. It was Mr Bhutto whose geniusness got released 90 thousand war prisoners as this event is termed as a diplomatic defeat in the history of india. He was also the pioneer of Pakistan's Nuclear project. This project is the only reason which has put an unceasing fear in the hearts of our enemies. The act of humiliating this great leader by MNa alamgir Khan is gut-wrenching and condemnetry too. KaMran KaMi LahorE

Indo-China face-off cHINa is obviously of paramount importance to India's foreign policy. china's every move is scrutinized by Indians, and every issue with china magnified. china is the first benchmark for India's aspiration to be a global power. India and china are engaged in economic and strategic competition in South asia and beyond. The two countries are stuck in a classic "security dilemma". Whenever one attempts to consolidate its position near the border, the other side views it as a security threat. In addition, the involvement of third party, such as the uS's efforts to entice India into its new cold war with china, has made the situation more complex and difficult to handle. India and china are engaged in economic and strategic competition in South asia and beyond. The two countries are stuck in a classic "security dilemma". Whenever one attempts to consolidate its position near the border, the other side views it as a security threat. In addition, the involvement of third party, such as the uS's efforts to entice India into its new cold war with china, has made the situation more complex and difficult to handle. To counter Western bias notion towards china, Beijing has launched the "Tell the china story" campaign globally. India is finding it unattractive, how can china present it effectively to the world? These factors will not disappear anytime soon. a certain degree of rivalry is expected, challenge for Indian and chinese leaders is how to maximize their common interests and maintain cooperation in times of adversity. Shafi ahMEd Khowaja jati SujawaL

Karachi rain IN today's moonsoon and torrential rain Karachi city is the most affected sector . The seasonal wind and heavy showers have been putting Karachi's residents in hot water . However, at least three people have lost their lives when moderate heavy rain in Karachi made by roads flooded and river like structures and the situation could have been more worse in upcoming time at the season of moonsoon. Do you know the city of lights (Karachi) is blessed with more than dozen natural drain that used to flow during rains . But very luckily there was shortage of actions at the accurate time as many people were in the flooded water and sinking. The condition of Karachi is the most terrifying in these following days . and ignorantly the MNa and MPa are disappeared to solve these issues very soon as the residents can face a plethora of problems. BarKatuLLah turBat

Tanker mafia TaNKer mafia is playing with the sentiments of Karachi locals. everything about this business is illegal: the boreholes dug without permission, the trucks operating without permits, the water sold without testing or treatment. Bosses arrange buyers, labor fills tankers, the police look the other way, and the muscle makes sure that everybody is silent about this. The mafia defends its work as a community service, but there is a much darker picture of Karachi’s water industry. The government has made some efforts to stop illegal water pumping and sales, but to no avail. The mafia is not a unified, organized syndicate and thus cannot be eliminated by catching and punishing a few big players. The economics of the illegal water business are straightforward: tanker bosses buy water from the men who steal it and tanker owners then sell the water directly to locals at an elevated price. Shafi ahMEd Khowaja jati SujawaL

Thursday, 30 July, 2020

08 WORLD VIEW Is the Us dollar losIng Its cloUt as the world's reserve cUrrency? AMERICA’S SQUANDERING OF ITS GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AND ITS RAPIDLY DETERIORATING PUBLIC FINANCES PROVIDE NO REASON FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD TO MAINTAIN THE FAITH [IN ITS ECONOMY] sydney morninG Herald

stephen BaRtholomeusz

HE US dollar has crashed nearly 9 per cent since March amid fears that a confluence of circumstances, exacerbated by the Trump administration's bungled response to the coronavirus pandemic, could lead to a permanent downgrading of the greenback’s status as the world’s reserve currency. The flip side of the US dollar’s devaluation has been a near 25 per cent spike in the value of the Australian dollar since its sub-58 US cent lows in March, but what’s occurring is far more of a US dollar story than one driven by particular perceptions of Australia’s economic condition. The US dollar is, according to Bloomberg, on track to experience its worst July in a decade after reaching levels last plumbed more than two years ago against a basket of its major trading partners’ currencies. As the US dollar has tumbled, the value of precious metals has soared. The gold price, which historically has had an inverse correlation with the dollar, hit a record of more than $US2000 an ounce on Monday as risk-averse investors fled the traditional safe haven of US Treasury securities. In essence, what’s occurring is a loss of faith in the US economy, its political sys-

tem, its competency and in its commitment to the post-war role it has played in the world’s affairs. The pandemic, after three and a half years of the chaos of the Trump administration, is a major factor in the dollar’s decline and in the emerging market concern that it might not be a short-term development. Trump has completely mismanaged the crisis, with the virus still spreading across the US amid a cacophony of mixed and often misleading messages delivered by his administration. The looming presidential election is, of course, a significant factor. The pandemic has also fed into and exacerbated a dramatic deterioration in America’s public finances. After a federal budget deficit of almost $US1 trillion ($1.4 trillion) last financial year (as Trump’s tax cuts and spending flowed through) the $US1.9 trillion of the initial response to the pandemic and the extra $US1 trillion or so now being contemplated will swell the deficit to around $US4 trillion, or close to 20 per cent of America's GDP. Relative to the GDP, the country's public debt will almost certainly top 100 per cent for the first time since the Second World War, when it peaked at 106 per cent. ULTRA-CHEAP MONEY: The dramatic structural deterioration in America’s fiscal settings has added to the concern that the US is debasing its currency. In response to the

A small example of how to save the world

african arGuments Roelie KloppeRs

When it comes to biodiversity, South Africa offers some cautionary tales. The country is the world’s third most biodiverse – containing, fully or partially, three of the earth’s 36 biodiversity hotspots – yet it has lost more than 18% of its natural habit and nearly half its terrestrial ecosystems are threatened. However, South Africa also offers some invaluable lessons in how biodiversity can be protected. For that tale, we should look to the Gumbi, a small clan of Zulu-speaking people in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Their story underscores the wisdom of conserving large areas of biodiversity and, in the words of the Gumbi leadership, finding ways to “share life with nature”. Here’s what they did. In 2005, the South African government returned 20,000 hectares to the Gumbi. In the 1960s, the apartheid government had seized this land and forced most of the community to vacate. Upon getting it back, the chief and his council decided to re-settle on only a quarter of it. They set aside the remaining three-quarters for conservation. Much of this protected land – called Somkhanda – had been degraded by overgrazing. It was therefore only marginally suited for agriculture but was ideally suited for a game reserve after some minimal restoration. Somkhanda became the first community-owned reserve under the Protected Areas Management Act, meaning the land was committed to be used for conservation for the foreseeable future. Many Gumbi gained employment in the initial land restoration process. Now, many have jobs as game rangers, trail guides, lodge receptionists, chefs, drivers and anti-poaching staff. In addition, the community has benefited from increased access to water and game meat as well as from having a place where their children can learn about biology, ecology and the wonders of the world. The reserve also protects the Gumbi people’s cultural heritage – including their sa-

cred sites – and offers travellers, explorers, students and tourists a space to reflect, relax and experience the power of the natural world. Somkhanda provides a roadmap not just for protecting nature but for benefiting the local community, especially where land is not suited to agriculture and where conservation is the best form of development. Restoration employs large numbers of people in South Africa, demonstrating the potential for the “green economy” to scale up. And it can lead to increased tourism, an industry that directly accounts for R139 billion ($8.3 billion) annually or 2.8% of real GDP. FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL LIVING CREATURES: In 2021, 196 governments will meet in Kunming, China, to discuss global biodiversity. At the 2010 meeting, they set the target of conserving 17% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. That goal has almost been reached, though at the same time, we have also seen increasing biodiversity loss and more ecosystems come under threat. The Kunming conference is an opportunity for a renewed global commitment. The Campaign For Nature, led by Gabon, France and Costa Rica, is calling on world governments to commit to conserving 30% of Earth’s biodiversity by 2030. This global goal ensures that responsibility for solving this crisis is shared by all countries while allowing them to pursue different approaches. It also supports the objectives of the Paris Accord on Climate Change. Currently, only 8.48% of South Africa’s land is under some form of conservation. But it could achieve the 30% goal by replicating the Gumbi people’s approach of restoring degraded lands and building up the green economy. The government has already set a goal of transforming 10 million hectares of marginal agricultural land into wildlife areas, which would represent an additional 8.3% of the country’s landmass. But South Africa contains much more land that has been degraded through intensive livestock grazing and the spread of invasive alien plants. Involving communities in the restoration of these areas will not only restore biodiversity but create much needed jobs. A thriving natural world is intertwined with human health and well-being. We have a real opportunity to commit to the conservation of our irreplaceable biodiversity, not just for the benefit of people, but for all living creatures we share this world with. To save ourselves and our planet, we must follow the Gumbi’s example and find a way to share life with nature. Roelie Kloppers is the CEO of WILDLANDS Conservation Trust, South Africa.

pandemic the Fed has cut US interest rates to almost zero and hosed the US financial system with $US3 trillion of liquidity and ultra-cheap credit. US 10-year Treasury bonds yield only 0.58 per cent and two-year securities return 0.14 per cent. It is clear from the central bank's signalling that rates will remain at negligible levels for years and that the Fed is open to keeping them low even if inflation is rekindled. The US rate structure has removed most of the positive yield arbitrage it previously enjoyed relative to other major bond markets, wiping out the carry trades that enabled hedge funds to borrow in Europe and Japan to invest in US Treasuries. Where at the height of the global panicky response to the pandemic capital poured into the US Treasury market, it has more recently poured out. Goldman Sachs went as far as to question the reserve status of the dollar, which accounts for more than 60 per cent of the world’s foreign exchange reserves. The vast majority of world trade is invoiced in US dollars. There is significant benefit to the US economy --lower interest rates and unlimited access the world’s savings pools – from that reserve status. THE TRUMP FACTOR: The Trump administration has frittered away some of the under-pinning of that “exorbitant privilege,”

as it was once described, by abandoning America’s post-war position of leadership in the West. Its trade wars on China and its allies under the “America First” banner, its assaults on the post-war global institutions it played the key role in creating and the incoherent and volatile nature of its policies towards the rest of the world, along with the sheer weirdness of the Trump years, have undermined faith in its sophistication, competence and integrity, while the escalation and spread of the hostilities with China are another destabilising factor. In the past there have been few safe haven alternatives to the US bond market. Europe has been divided and dysfunctional since the global financial crisis, Japan has had three decades of economic winter and there have been sizeable interest rate differentials between the US and their financial systems. That is changing. It isn’t surprising that the yen has strengthened in recent months as the yield gap has narrowed and it became clear that the country has weathered the pandemic far better than the US. SAFER HAVENS: Europe, also emerging from the pandemic, has experienced a surge in the value of the euro relative to the US dollar, with the euro appreciating nearly 10 per cent from its March lows. There has been

a particular spike in recent weeks as the agreement to create the €750 billion ($1.2 trillion) recovery fund created, for the first time, a pool of debt backed by all the European Union’s member states. Europe has a far smaller bond market than the US – its companies fund themselves from the banking system – but the recovery fund will create a much deeper pool of bonds with far stronger creditworthiness and a direct alternative to US Treasuries. China, of course, has been promoting its own currency, including a digital version. The renminbi has also strengthened significantly since it became evident that China was emerging from the pandemic ahead of most other economies. The loss of the US dollar’s prestige not only offers an opportunity to others, but it could threaten other segments of the US economy and financial system. If America can’t rely on its safe haven status to attract funds, then its ballooning borrowing requirements and dearth of domestic savings relative to that requirement may result in the market forcing higher interest rates on the US than might otherwise be the case, regardless of what the Fed does. There is traditionally an inverse correlation between the dollar and the US stockmarket, but the US market has been inflated by the global search for positive returns in the low-rate post-financial crisis environment and the general perception of the US as a financial safe haven. The US is vulnerable to any loss of foreign investor confidence in its economy and markets. Sadly, America’s squandering of its global leadership and its rapidly deteriorating public finances provide no reason for the rest of the world to maintain the faith. Stephen is one of Australia’s most respected business journalists. He was most recently co-founder and associate editor of the Business Spectator website and an associate editor and senior columnist at The Australian.

Modi's Covid-19 policies make clear that in India some lives matter more than others DRACONIAN GOVERNMENT RESPONSES TO THE PANDEMIC HAVE MERELY SERVED TO WIDEN INDIA’S CLASS, CASTE, GENDER AND RELIGIOUS DIVIDES

Guardian Jayati Ghosh

In February, 12-year-old Jamlo Makdam left her home in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh to work as a farm labourer in the chilli fields of Telangana, earning 200 rupees (about £2) a day. But on the morning of 23 March, she – along with hundreds of million others across the country – suddenly discovered that they were not allowed to work. The prime minister, Narendra Modi, had announced India’s draconian lockdown the previous evening, stopping all economic activity, even all movement, with just four hours’ notice. No public transport, no people allowed on roads, no shops or workplaces open; and no chance of livelihood for the 450 million or so informal workers in India who have no legal or social protections. For a while, the young girl lived off the wages she had been saving up to take home. But in a few weeks the money had run out, and without any compensation in the form of food or cash transfers, she and her friends were on the verge of starvation. Desperate, they began the long trek home, walking 150km over three days and nights through forests and fields, avoiding the highways where they could be stopped and punished by police simply for daring to be out on the road. But on 18 April, dehydrated and malnourished, Jamlo collapsed and died, just a few hours away from her home. Jamlo became another statistic in the ever-increasing number of “lockdown deaths”, now estimated to be nearly a thousand, resulting from the brutal state response to Covid-19 that has both created a humanitarian catastrophe and failed to stop the relentless surge of the disease. In India, dealing with the pandemic has never really been about lives versus livelihoods: it was, and continues to be, about lives versus lives, with some lives being much cheaper than others. India has been a world leader in economic disparities and social discrim-

ination for a while; the pandemic policy response brought this upfront while introducing newer, even more unsavoury, elements. The disease entered India through those who had travelled abroad – the top 2% of the population. But the poor have had to suffer disproportionately because of it – and now, increasingly, are being blamed for its spread. Centuries-old practices concerning pollution, purity and stigma that were part of castebased hierarchical Hinduism have been repurposed as “social distancing”, with health concerns justifying crudely discriminatory behaviour. Elite and middle-class attitudes have been disgraceful: hypocritically banging plates to celebrate health workers, but then stigmatising them as sources of infection and not caring to ensure pay or protection for the worst-paid frontline workers in community health and sanitation. If societal responses have been lacking, government responses have been even worse. (States like Kerala are honourable exceptions.) The central government’s approach to public health has been miserly, incompetent and insensitive. Containment policies copied from China and Europe display no recognition of the lived reality of much of India’s population. Social – more accurately physical – distancing can’t be done by people in crowded and congested homes with five or more people living in one room. Frequent handwashing is a luxury when access to clean water is limited, and it must be collected through lengthy, arduous journeys made by women and girls. But officialdom has seen no need to adjust these guidelines or make it possible for poor people to achieve them. And treatment for the infected varies hugely according to income: public hospitals are overcrowded and overstretched; private ones charge stratospheric rates. The official attitude to the estimated 100 million or more rural-urban migrants who build India’s towns and cities and provide their services was even more telling. Early into the lockdown, special repatriation flights were arranged for Indians stranded abroad. But internal migrants got no such relief for

two months; they were deprived of their right to livelihood but only – and rarely – received the most paltry compensation. When, in desperation, they travelled on handcarts, containers and cement mixers or simply walked hundreds of kilometres to get home, they faced beatings, detention, being sprayed with disinfectant, even being killed on rail tracks where they slept thinking that no trains were allowed. The arbitrary dusk-to-dawn nationwide curfews (with no public health rationale) forced them to walk in the blazing heat. When special train services for such migrants were finally started, nearly two months into lockdown, impoverished workers had to congregate in stations in large numbers to get tickets, expose themselves to infection and then pay full fares. Conditions on these trains were often so appalling, with delayed journeys in intense heat without food and water provision, that in just 10 days in May, 80 people died on board. India’s public distribution system, which currently holds nearly 100 million tonnes of food grain stocks, could have been used to feed the newly hungry. But only small amounts have been released for free distribution even as evidence of starvation grows, and this parsimony has been compounded by the obscenity of selling some food stocks to convert into ethanol for making hand sanitisers. Meanwhile, the single-minded focus on Covid-19 means that other health concerns of the poor are ignored or given less attention. Tuberculosis has been the biggest killer of the poor in India, but many TB patients have not received treatment. Immunisation of children has suffered and hospital births have fallen by 40%. There are many other ways that policy responses to Covid-19 have intensified existing inequalities of class, caste, and gender and even religion. Despite this, poll numbers do not appear to show much of a drop in support for Modi and the opposition (including political parties, trade unions and social movements) does not seem have made much headway. Is the current apparently passive, fatalistic attitude of the oppressed millions the sign of a new subjugation – or simply a lull before the storm? Jayati Ghosh is professor of economics at Jawaharlal Nehru university, New Delhi.

Thursday, 30 July, 2020

BUSINESS 09

CORPORATE CORNER Nestlé Pakistan’s sales rise to Rs58.4bn in 1HCY20 LAHORE: Nestlé Pakistan Limited recorded sales of Rs58.4 billion for the period January-June 2020, an increase of 1pc compared to the same period last year despite the unprecedented circumstances caused by the Covid-19 outbreak. The company recorded net profit of Rs3.9 billion, a decline of 13.3pc compared to the same period last year due to higher input costs and additional expenses on account of Covid-19. The company benefited from its diversified product portfolio which helped to offset a sharp decline in demand for some of the products which were severely impacted due to the ongoing situation. Further the Company ensured the availability of products throughout this period to meet consumer needs while ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of its employees. press release

GovT PlANs To sell 10PC sHARes oF oGDCl, oTHeR PeTRoleUM CoMPANies ISLAMABAD INp

RIvATISATION Minister Muhammadmian Somroo on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Privatisation Commission Board to discuss matters pertaining to the divestment of government shares in Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL) and Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL). During the meeting, which was attended PC board members Etrat Hus-

sain Rizvi, Zafar Iqbal Sobani, Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, Khurram Shehzad, Engr MA Jabbar and Naseer Akhtar, the participants mulled an option to sell 10pc shares of OGDCL (instead of 7pc decided earlier) after reviewing the market situation and a request from the petroleum ministry. It also decided to sell around 10pc shares of PPL in the capital market, however, it delayed the process citing the current declines. Meanwhile, the board considered the legal and other impending issues in the privatisation of Pakistan Engineer-

ing Company Ltd (PECO) and deferred further action till 20th August, keeping in view the commitments of resolution of MOI&P on 22 July meeting that was co-chaired by industries & production and privatization ministers. It also approved the sale of the Jinnah Convention Centre for commercial purposes. The land alongside the convention centre could also be used for the same. Moreover, the board also gave due consideration to the recent stability of crude oil prices in international mar kets, its share price trends of OGDCL and

Pakistan's olive oil producers prepare to enter global market: report ISLAMABAD KARACHI: Bank Alfalah and National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT) announced their strategic collaboration on NIFT’s digital financial services platform “NIFT ePay”, which is an industry first, enabling bank accounts for e-commerce across the banking industry. press release

Power generation reaches record high of 23,116MW, says Asad Umar BUSINESS DESK Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms and Special Initiatives Asad Umar on Wednesday said that power generation in the country reached a record high of 23,116 Megawatts (MW) on Tuesday. The minister said that the peak in electricity generation was 2,300MW higher than the earlier peak achieved prior to Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf’s (PTI) government. “Yesterday a new record was created for power generation in the country. Peak generation achieved around 3pm was 23,116 MW. For comparison the highest generation level achieved prior to PTI government was 20,811 MW on July 24, 2018. The peak yesterday was 2,300 MW higher,” said Asad Umar in a tweet. Earlier on July 6, Asad Umar had said that the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) produced the highest ever hydel electricity in 2019-20 with an increase of 20 per cent, compared to the previous year. In a tweet, the minister said that massive hydel capacity increase is taking place with Dasu, Mohmand and DiamerBhasha dams being built. “We need to rely on local renewable energy instead of expensive imported thermal fuels,” he added. On June 25, Prime Minister Imran Khan had witnessed the agreement signing ceremony of 1,124 MW Kohala hydropower project which would be completed at a cost of $2.5 billion.

‘Govt to set up 24 electric vehicle charging stations across country’ ISLAMABAD TlTp

Federal Minister for Energy Omar Ayub Khan on Wednesday said that the government is taking steps to control environmental pollution and that 24 electric vehicle charging stations will soon be set up in the country. He said the government is taking various initiatives for development in the energy sector.

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Pakistani olive oil producers are preparing to enter the global market as 27.5 million olive trees on more than 30,000 acres of land have been planted. The plantation extends through Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan, Islamabad and Azad Kashmir, said a report published by Gwadar Pro on Wednesday. Pakistan has 10 million-acre suitable land for olive plantation, almost double than Spain, which is currently the largest olive oil producer in the world. With an increase in the area under cultivation, Pakistan is passing through a silent revolution in olive oil production. The sector is rapidly moving the country towards self-reliance by introducing Pakistan's national brand under the name of 'Pak Olive' by 2021. According to the report, the Pakistan Olive Oil Council will be established under the Ministry

of National Food Security and Research to suggest policy measures for the promotion of olive oil in the country. Muhammad Tariq, director of Pak Olive, said within the 2019-20 season, the estimated olive oil production capacity in Pakistan will reach approximately 1,400 tonnes. By the year 2027, production is expected to reach 16,000 tonnes. The government also plans to issue certifications for the marketing and branding of olive oil for the private sector. The project targets plantations of over 50,000 acres in the country by 2022. The available potential area for olive cultivation is about 10 million acres in Punjab, particularly the Pothwar region, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and erstwhile Fata, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. According to the report, by 2024, the value of oil olive production would increase to Rs1.727 billion. "In KP, over a million olive

plants are being grown on an area of 9,391 acres, engaging 768 farmers. Thus, by 2024, the country will have about 3 million fruitbearing olive plants producing roughly 1,415 tonnes of olive oil with an estimated value of Rs4.416 billion." Olive oil processing mills have been established by both public and private sectors in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan. In all, nine plants have been established in Pakistan for oil extracting. Eight out of nine plants are already operational and one will be functional by October. According to an expert, olive plants would help mitigate the effects of climate change. They also provide permanent crop cover that not only saves land from erosion and further degradation but also minimize silt load to downstream water reservoirs. Olive orchards require less water, fertilisers, pesticides and fuel energy as compared to other major annual oilseed crops.

Govt urged to take pragmatic steps for development of small industries PESHAWAR sTaFF repOrT

The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has urged the government to take pragmatic steps for the development of small and mediumscale industries. The demand was raised by SCCI President Engr Maqsood Anwar Pervaiz during a luncheon hosted in the honour of former industries secretary and incumbent Secretary for Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement, Aamir Latif, at the chamber house on Wednesday. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (KPEZDMC) CEO Javed Iqbal Khattak, KP Board of Investment & Trade CEO Hassan Daud Butt, Bank of Khyber’s Head of Islamic Banking Atif Hanif, Small Industries Development Board Managing Director Ghazanfar Ali and former FPCCI vice president Iftikhar Ahmad were also present on the occasion. The participants of the meeting praised the serv-

ices of former industry secretary Aamir Latif and expressed hope that the decisions taken under his leadership would help accelerate the process of industrialisation in the province. Maqsood Pervaiz urged the local government to exempt Small Industrial Estate (Peshawar) and Jamrud Industrial Estate from property tax. He also demanded the supply of electricity to all industrial estates on wheeling charges. "The government should take proactive measures for the improvement of small industrial infrastructure and resolve issues being confronted by owners of small manufacturing units. Besides establishing new economic zones, the government should also take steps for the provision of facilities in the existing industrial estates," he stated. Speaking on the occasion, Aamir Latif noted that the small-scale manufacturing industries have played a vital role in economic development and employment generation, adding that provision of facilities to them was among the topmost priorities of the KP government.

higher dividend yield ratio. It approved a few directions/guiding rules for transaction manager(s) under Part vII & Article (35) of the PC Ordinance. The guidelines will help transaction consultants in carrying out their responsibilities in a better manner. The board was also informed about the status of appointment/hiring of financial advisers on part of the Ministry of Privatization and in the light of the cabinet's decision. Soomro directed the board members to complete the subject transactions on time so as to avoid unnecessary delays.

Telecom infrastructure ready to support 5G networks: PTA chief ISLAMABAD TlTp

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Maj Gen (r) Amir Azeem Bajwa has said that the country's telecom infrastructure is ready to support 5G networks and services across the country. The PTA chairman said this while addressing the virtual SAMENA Telecommunications Council Leaders' Summit, which was attended by telecom leaders and experts from Pakistan and across the world. The conference reviewed plans for unleashing the potential of 5G networks to boost economies and societies in a post-Covid-19 environment. IT and Telecommunication Secretary Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui and Huawei Pakistan CEO Mark Meng also graced the event, which was hosted by Huawei for the seventh consecutive year. Speaking on the occasion, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui said, "Crisis presents both danger and opportunity. Let’s focus on opportunities in the current pandemic and develop the ICT sector as the true key technology enabler for digital harmony, connectivity and cooperation among all sectors of society." Mark Meng, CEO of Huawei Pakistan, stated that Huawei would support the government’s Digital Pakistan initiative to move towards a diversified knowledge-based economy with the latest technologies like 5G, AI, and Internet of Things and unlock new avenues of growth and innovation. Bocar ABA, CEO of SAMENA Telecommunications Council, said, "We are increasingly witnessing progressiveness across Pakistan’s ICT policy and regulatory landscape.” He deemed it necessary for 5G preparations to be accelerated in the country with the hopes of achieving “digital inclusion” at all levels of society. The summit also explored how ICT stakeholders can work together with industry verticals to turn their vision into reality at the local and regional level. Participants reviewed 5G ecosystem cooperation in the Middle East and Pakistan, and how 5G paired with complementary technologies such as cloud, AI and can create new industry applications. Better integration of AI into the public health response was also spotlighted.

Gold imports fall 12pc in FY20 ISLAMABAD app

Imports of gold into the country decreased by 12.01 per cent to $11.627 million during the fiscal year 2019-20 (FY20) as compared to imports of gold of $13.214 million in the previous year. According to the latest data published by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country imported 275 kilogramme (kg) of gold during the period under review compared to imports of 335kg during the last year, showing a decrease of 17.91 per cent.

MARKET DAILY

PSX sustains bullish momentum amid soaring volumes KARACHI sTaFF repOrT

Bulls maintained their grip on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) for the third consecutive session on Wednesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index crossing the 39,000-mark intraday amid soaring volumes. Global equity markets, on the other hand, displayed a mixed pattern, whereas crude oil prices increased from the previous close; WTI crude price rising 1.05pc to $41.47 while Brent crude oil price surged 1.17pc to $44.12. "The market opened on a positive note but profit booking in banking, steel, chemi-

DESPITE PRE-EID PROFIT BOOKING, KSE-100 ENDS HIGHER BY 209 POINTS AT 38,836.27 cal and fertiliser sectors -- ahead of Eid -dragged the benchmark index lower by the end of the session," said a report issued by Arif Habib Ltd. "Among exploration & production companies, PPL sustained selling pressure amid high volumes." In line with the recent trend, the KSE100 Index remained in the green throughout the day, registering its intraday high at 39,124.33 after accumulating 497.06 points.

It settled higher by 209.00 points at 38,836.27. Among other indices, the KMI-30 Index gained 693.36 points to close at 62,326.73, while the KSE All Share Index added 83.11 points, ending at 27,336.53. Of the total traded shares, 169 advanced and 162 declined. The overall market volumes jumped from 393.10 million shares in the previous session to 508.22 million shares. Average

CMYK

traded value also increased by 30pc, from $97.1 million to $126.3 million. K-Electric Limited (KEL +9.69pc), Pak Elektron Limited (PAEL +3.38pc) and TRG Pakistan Limited (TRG +1.29pc) led the volume chart, exchanging 73.29 million, 35.32 million and 30.78 million shares, respectively. Sectors that drove the index north included cement (62.43 points), power generation & distribution (58.81 points) and oil & gas exploration (49.18 points). Among the companies, Hub Power Company Ltd (HUBC 31.53 points), Lucky Cement Ltd (LUCK 27.57 points) and K-Electric Ltd (KEL 19.26 points) remained the top contributors. Adding 4.13pc to its cumulative market

capitalization, the power generation & distribution sector emerged as the session's top gainer, with Hub Power Company Limited (HUBC 1.85pc), Kot Addu Power Company Limited (KAPCO 3.49pc) and Engro Powergen Qadirpur Limited (EPQL 1.13pc) posting decent gains. On the financial side, sugar players Shakarganj Ltd (SML -3.99pc) announced earnings per share of Rs-2.02 for the third quarter of FY20 (Rs2.17 in 3QFY19), Mehran Sugar Mills Ltd (MRNS -3.55pc) declared an EPS of Rs-0.70 for 3QFY20 (Rs4.16 last year), whereas Habib Sugar Mills Ltd (HABSM +0.38pc) posted an EPS of Rs3.08 for 3QFY20 (Rs2.54 last year).

Thursday, 30 July, 2020

10 FOREIGN NEWS

FloodS, coronAvIrUS hobble two oF IndIA'S pooreSt StAteS NEW DELHI

AGENCIES

lOODS caused by heavy monsoon rains in two of India’s poorest states have displaced or affected 8 million people and killed 111 since May, authorities said on Tuesday, at a time when coronavirus cases have swelled there. The Brahmaputra river in the northeastern state of Assam is flowing above the “danger level” in many places, while heavy rains that began this week in Bihar in the east will last until Wednesday, officials say. Since the start of the monsoon season on June 1, Assam has received 15 percent more rainfall than a 50-year average and Bihar 47 percent more, according to the

country’s weather department. The floods in Assam, where at least nine one-horned rhinos have drowned in an inundated national park, have so far af-

Anger in India after lower-caste woman's body taken off funeral pyre LUCKNOW: The body of a lower-caste Dalit woman was taken off a funeral pyre in India by a group of upper-caste men who said she could not be cremated on communal land, police said on Tuesday, a case that prompted angry calls for an end to caste discrimination. The funeral was being held in northern Uttar Pradesh state last week when about 200 men stopped the cremation going ahead, saying the site was not meant for lower-caste villagers, police and the woman’s husband said. “My family and I […] begged them to let us perform the last rites but no one listened to us. The police were also called but nothing was done,” said Rahul Bajaniya, the woman’s husband. “We had to take the body to a different cremation ground, which is about four kilometers (2.5 miles) away, and perform the last rites there,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation from Kakarpura village, which lies close to the Taj Mahal. Bajaniya said caste discrimination in the village was so entrenched that people from higher castes “even object to us when we fetch water from the (community) hand-pump”. An online video showing men removing firewood from the pyre as a body lay on the ground had been viewed nearly 200,000 times by Tuesday. Kumari Mayawati, a Dalit political leader in Uttar Pradesh, described the case as “most shameful and most condemnable” in a tweet. “In this casteist and most disgusting incident, a high-level inquiry should be done by the […] government and the culprits should be given harshest punishment so that such an incident is not repeated in the state,” she said. B.S. Veer Kumar, the local deputy police superintendent, said his team could not take any action unless the woman’s family filed an official complaint. AGENCIES

fected 5.7 million people, more than 45,000 of whom are still sheltered in makeshift relief centres. In Bihar, floods have stranded more

than 2.4 million people, with around 12,800 staying in government shelters, complicating efforts by officials to enforce social distancing measures to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus in the state. It has so far reported more than 41,000 infections, with 255 deaths from the COVID-19 disease, straining health resources in the state. “The number of COVID patients in Bihar is higher than expected,” Naveen Chandra Prasad, the state’s director-inchief of public health, told Reuters. “Floods and COVID are a combined problem for us.” Assam, meanwhile, is preparing for a peak in coronavirus infections in mid-September. It has so far reported more than 33,500 cases, with 86 deaths.

US Republicans worry China might use TikTok to meddle in election WASHINGTON: A group of top Republican U.S. Senators on Tuesday ramped up pressure on TikTok, asking the Trump administration to assess the threat that the popular Chinese-owned video sharing app might meddle in US elections. In a letter dated Tuesday, Marco Rubio, Tom Cotton and other lawmakers cited alleged censorship by TikTok of sensitive content, including a video critical of China’s treatment of its Uighur minority, as well as alleged attempts by Beijing to manipulate political discussions on social media apps. “We are greatly concerned that the (Chinese Communist Party) could use its control over TikTok to distort or manipulate (political) conversations to sow discord among Americans

and to achieve its preferred political outcomes,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to the Office of Director of National Intelligence (ODHI), the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A spokesperson for the company said that TikTok, though not a “go-to” for political news, was “proactively investing to safeguard our app” and taking cues from the experience of peers during the last election. “TikTok already has a strict policy against disinformation, and we don’t accept political ads,” the person said, adding that content and moderation policies are led by a California-based team and aren’t “influenced by any foreign government”.

The FBI and DHS did not respond to requests for comment while an ODNI official confirmed receipt of the letter and said “we will respond accordingly.” Chinese foreign spokesman Wang Wenbin, speaking at a daily news conference in Beijing on Wednesday, said that China has no interest in the U.S. election and urged certain people in the United States to stop “suppressing” Chinese companies. The US lawmakers, joined by Republicans Ted Cruz, Joni Ernst Thom Tilis, Kevin Cramer and Rick Scott, asked the officials to say whether Beijing could amplify certain political views and conduct influence operations through the popular app, which is owned by Beijing ByteDance Technology Co. AGENCIES

More than 50pc coronavirus patients on ventilators died: German study BERLIN: One in five patients hospitalised in Germany over the coronavirus succumbed to the disease, with the fatality rate rising to 53% for those who received ventilation, a study showed Wednesday. Data of 10,000 patients admitted to 930 German hospitals between February 26 and April 19 were analysed by the German Interdisciplinary Association of Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, the Technical University of Berlin and AOK health insurance group´s research arm WIdO. Hospitalised male patients had a higher mortality rate than women, with 25pc compared to 19pc. Older patients were also significantly more vulnerable, as 27 percent of patients in their 70s died while 38% of those above 80 years old failed to pull through. “These high mortality rates clearly show that a relatively high number of patients with a very serious course of disease were treated in hospitals,” said Juergen Klauber, director of WIdO. AGENCIES

Iran holds annual Gulf drill amid rising tensions with US DUBAI AGENCIES

Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards launched a military drill in the Gulf on Tuesday, Iranian state television reported, at a time of high tension between Tehran and Washington. The US military said the drill had caused two bases with American troops in the region to go on heightened alert and said Tehran’s missile launches were irresponsible. There have been periodic confrontations in the Gulf in recent years between the Guards and the US military, which has accused the Guards’ navy of sending fast-attack boats to harass US warships as they pass the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran, which opposes the presence of US and Western navies in the Gulf, holds annual naval war games in phases in the strategic waterway, the conduit for some 30% of all crude and other oil liquids traded by sea. “The final stage of the drill called ‘Great Prophet 14’ with the participation of the Guards Navy and Air Force has started in the areas of land, air, sea and space in […] the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf,” Iran’s state TV reported. The Guards, in a statement quoted by the semiofficial Fars news agency, said its naval and air forces would use “missile, UAV and radar units” in the drill. In a statement, the US military’s Central Command said Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates were put on a heightened alert status out of an abundance of caution because an initial assessment showed a potential threat. “The incident lasted for a matter of minutes, and an all-clear was declared after the threat indicator had passed,” the military statement said. Satellite images published on Monday showed Iran has moved a mock-up US aircraft carrier to the Strait, suggesting it will use the fake vessel for target practice in war games there. Commander Rebecca Rebarich, the spokeswoman for the US Navy’s Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet, said the US military was “always watchful of this type of irresponsible and reckless behaviour by Iran in the vicinity of busy international waterways.” But she said that “this exercise has not disrupted coalition operations in the area nor had any impacts to the free flow of commerce in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters.” Tensions have spiked between Iran and the United States since 2018 when US President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with six powers and reimposed sanctions that have sharply lowered Tehran’s oil exports. The Guards in April said Tehran would destroy US warships if Iran’s security is threatened in the Gulf. Iranian officials have repeatedly threatened to block Hormuz if Iran is not able to export oil or if its nuclear sites are attacked.

Russia claims it will approve Covid-19 vaccine soon NEWS DESK Russia claims it is on track to become the first in the world to approve a COVID-19 vaccine, in less than two weeks. However, concerns about its safety, effectiveness, and over whether the country has cut essential corners in development remain unclear, CNN reported on Wednesday. According to the news report, the Russian officials are working towards a date of August 10 or earlier for approval of the vaccine, which has been prepared by the Moscow-based Gamaleya Institute and will be approved for public use, with frontline healthcare workers getting it first. Referring to the successful 1957 launch of the world’s first satellite by the Soviet Union, Head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund Kirill Dmitriev said: “It’s a Sputnik moment. Americans were surprised when they heard Sputnik’s beeping. It’s the same with this vaccine. Russia will have got there first.” However, concerns surrounding the effec-

tiveness and safety of the potential vaccine have been raised as no scientific data to support the claims has been released. “Critics say the country’s push for a vaccine comes amid political pressure from the

Kremlin, which is keen to portray Russia as a global scientific force,” notes the report. “There are also wide concerns the human testing of the vaccine is incomplete,” the report highlighted. Given that dozens of vaccine trials are underway around the world and a small number are in large-scale efficacy trials, most developers have cautioned that much work remains before their vaccines can be approved and can be rolled out for public use. While some global vaccines have entered the third phase of trials, the Russian vaccine is yet to complete its second phase, which the developers plan to complete by August 3. Moreover, the Russian scientists aspire to conduct the third phase of testing in parallel with the vaccination of the medical workers. The vaccine has been quick to develop because it is a modified version of one already created to fight against other diseases. That’s the approach being taken in many other countries and by other companies, claimed the Russian scientists.

Thursday, 30 July, 2020

SPORTS 11

UMAr AkMAl’S SUSPEnSIon rEdUcEd To 18 MonThS froM 3 yEArS LAHORE

APP

MAR Akmal's three-year ban has been reduced by one-and-a-half years by an independent adjudicator, retired Supreme Court judge, Faqir Mohammad Khokhar. The batsman attended the hearing in person in Lahore, and with the reduced ban, he will remain suspended effectively from February 2020 till August 2021. Akmal said he might appeal again to try and get it "reduced further." Akmal had been banned from all representative cricket in April this year after he failed to report details of corrupt approaches made to him ahead of this year's PSL. He did accept then that the incidents which formed the basis of the two charges pressed against him by the PCB had taken place, but pointed out that the circumstances were such that

they did not merit reporting to the board. Each charge carried a three-year ban which were running concurrently. In May, Akmal filed an official appeal against the ban, challenging the length of the sanction and hoping to get it reduced. His appeal was based on the narrative that players who had fallen foul in a similar manner to Akmal previously were handed far lighter sanctions, with Mohammad Irfan banned in 2017 for six months, and Mohammad Nawaz given a two-month ban. But it had emerged that he had been handed the stifferthan-expected penalty for failing to show sufficient remorse. "I am thankful to the judge for listening to my lawyers properly," Akmal said after the hearing. "I will decide about the remaining sentence and try to get it reduced further. For now I am not satisfied and will consult my lawyers and family how to take this

UAE Team Emirates in new coronavirus scare in Spain

ahead. There are many players before me who made mistakes and just look at what they got and what I got. So all I say right now is thank you very much." Akmal initially did not contest the PCB charges, foregoing the right to plea his innocence. The case was directed to the chairman of the PCB's independent disciplinary panel who, after hearing both the PCB and Akmal handed down the three year ban. The judge Justice (retd) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan had observed that Akmal had failed to give any plausible explanation for not reporting the matter to the PCB's vigilance and anti-corruption departments and was in breach of article 2.4.4, and was deemed to have engaged in corrupt conduct under the anti-corruption code of the PCB. Akmal had attended that hearing without a lawyer, presenting his case himself. Should he wish to appeal against the reduced ban, Akmal's recourse would have

to be the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland. After Akmal had been banned for three years in April, the PCB counsel had said he was satisfied with the verdict, indicating the penalties for breaching the anti-corruption code needed to be made stiffer. "This threeyear ban on the basis of non-reporting is considered appropriate," he had said. "The PCB

First youth baseball academy will be inaugurated in Okara LAHORE APP

PARIS AGENCIES

UAE Team Emirates have withdrawn three of their cyclists from the Tour of Burgos as a precautionary measure after the trio had been in contact with someone outside the race who tested positive for coronavirus. The team were previously in the spotlight in late February when the last two stages of the UAE Tour were scrapped, with two of the outfit's stars testing positive for the virus and being quarantined. The three riders who failed to show up at the starting line for stage two in Spain on Wednesday are Sebastian Molano, Cristian Munoz and Camilo Ardila. "The three Colombian athletes on Saturday had been in recent contact with a person who turned out to be positive for COVID-19 yesterday (Tuesday)," UAE Team Emirates said on their website. "Following the protocol of the team and the UCI, the three riders were isolated, sent home and will all undergo another test."

The Pakistan Baseball Federation will open its first youth baseball academy in Okara on August 9, 2020 after Eidul Adha. Syed Fakhar Ali Shah, President Pakistan Federation Baseball, said here on Wednesday that baseball is becoming one of the most popular sports in Pakistan. Baseball is being played at school, college and university level in the country and our national youth teams of various age categories are regularly participating in international competitions, including U-12, U-15 and U-18 teams, abroad. According to him, the federation had been working for the development of youth baseball in the country for the last ten years but the work of youth development has come to a standstill due to lack of baseball activities across the country due to ongoing corona pandemic. This year, Pakistan’s U-12 and U-18 teams will have to participate in the Asian Baseball Championships and if these events are further delayed or postponed due to Corona virus, the youth baseball will suffer a lot, he added. Syed Fakhr Ali Shah said that the issue was discussed with the Chairman

APP

The 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will feature the reintroduction of cricket in the form of an eight-team women’s competition, is set to commence exactly two years from today in Birmingham. The Commonwealth Games will be the latest in a series of major global sporting events in England in recent years, including the London Olympics 2012, the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. “Today marks exactly two years to go until the official opening ceremony for Birmingham 2022 and we’re on track with our plans to host a spectacular event which will not only put Birmingham and the West Midlands centre stage but will also be an integral part of the region’s recovery plan following the global pandemic, bringing jobs for local people and contracts for local businesses,” said Ian Reid, chief executive officer for Birmingham 2022, in a statement on Tuesday as reported by ICC on its website. Dame Louise Martin, president of the CWG Federation, said preparations for the marquee event, which will feature 71 countries and territories in all, are coming along smoothly. “Today marks two years to go to the Birm-

Stuart Broad sets sight on Pakistan after picking 500th Test wicket MANCHESTER AGENCIES

of the federation Shaukat Javed in a video link. “Shaukat Javed on this issue ordered to set up youth baseball academies in different cities of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan to keep youth busy in the game“, he said. Shaukat Javed further said that since baseball activities have been suspended due to the Covid-19 and camps of baseball are not being set up for the training of players, it would be better to set up baseball academies in different cities where young players will begin training under the watchful eyes of qualified coaches.

He said that after end of this epidemic when the new dates of the international baseball tournaments will be announced announced, we will have groups of trained players, from which we will select the best players to form our various teams to participate in the international events abroad. Shaukat Javed further said the first baseball academy in Okara will be set up under the supervision of Muhammad Hamood Lakhvi, Vice President of Pakistan Federation Baseball, who hails from Okara district.

Women cricket to make debut in 2022 Commonwealth Games ISLAMABAD

was asking for a stiffer sentence. It's high time that duration of the ban should be increased because it's very clear that players are not learning the lessons as much as they should have. So as far as the legal side is concerned, I am very satisfied as the duration of the ban is reasonable, justified and proportionate." There has been no comment yet from the PCB on today's ruling.

England pacer Stuart Broad is already raring to go against Pakistan after the bowler picked up his 500th Test wicket against West Indies on Tuesday. The 34-year-old paceman became only the seventh bowler to reach the milestone of 500 Test wickets as he helped England to a resounding 269-run victory over West Indies on Tuesday to win the third test at Old Trafford and clinch the series 2-1. He took 10 wickets in the test — for only the third time in his career — and was named man of the series despite his surprise omission from the first test in Southampton. “I’ve never really set any targets and I’ve learned a huge amount through my career, but what is pleasing me at the moment is that I feel so fresh and excited to play the game and I’ve done some technical work that makes me feel in a great rhythm,” he told Sky Sports. “Now I’m looking forward to a couple of days off outside the bio-secure environment but also looking forward to being back and playing against Pakistan.” Broad’s 500th wicket came at the start of the day when England rushed to try and dismiss the tourists because the threat of rain hung heavily overhead and there were intermittent stoppages.

Inter Milan want to sign Alexis Sanchez MILAN AGENCIES

Inter Milan want to sign Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez on a permanent deal. The Chile striker, 31, has impressed during his loan spell in Italy and scored his third goal in eight games during Saturday’s 3-0 win at Genoa. Sanchez was involved again on Tuesday night as Inter maintained their push to finish second in Serie A with a 2-0 win over Napoli.bInter have not finished in Serie A's top three since 2011. The player’s United contract – thought to be around £400,000 a week – is beyond Inter’s reach but Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not want to keep the former Barcelona forward for next season. United have been paying a sizeable portion of Sanchez’s wages since he moved to Italy last summer and the former Arsenal man’s contract is not due to expire until 2022. Any deal would almost certainly require some kind of pay off from United and a willingness by Sanchez to take a wage cut. There is uncertainty over how long the player will be permitted to be involved in Inter’s Europa League campaign. The BBC understands Sanchez will be available for the last-16 tie with Getafe on 5 August but with United also still in the competition, the existing deal would see the player then return to Old Trafford.

ingham 2022 Commonwealth Games,” she said. “It only feels like yesterday that the Commonwealth Games Federation awarded the city the right to stage the XXII edition of the competition, when in reality, that announcement was back in December 2017! “Birmingham and the West Midlands are making excellent progress towards staging a fantastic competition for athletes, fans and spectators, alike, across the Commonwealth.” The staging of cricket at a global event is expected to add impetus to the burgeoning popularity of the women’s game across the world. At the time of the announcement that cricket would be a part of CWG 2022, ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney had expressed excitement about the potential for increased visibility the event offers to women’s cricket. “Women’s cricket continues to go from strength to strength, and we are delighted and honoured the Commonwealth Games Associations voted to include Women’s T20 cricket at Birmingham 2022,” he said. “Fast and exciting, the T20 format is the perfect fit for the Commonwealth Games and offers another chance to showcase women’s cricket on the global stage as part of our ambitious plans to accelerate the growth of the game, whilst inspiring the next generation of cricketers.”

CMYK

Thursday, 30 July, 2020

PRAyER TImINGS

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MusliMs begin downsized Hajj aMid coronavirus PandeMic MAKKAH

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USLIM pilgrims on Wednesday began the annual Hajj, dramatically downsized this year as the Saudi hosts strive to prevent a coronavirus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage. The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam and a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime, is usually one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. But this year only up to 10,000 people already residing in the kingdom will participate in the ritual, a tiny fraction of the 2.5 million pilgrims from around the world that attended last year. “There are no security-related concerns in this pilgrimage, but (downsizing) is to protect pilgrims from the danger of the pandemic,” said Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi, Saudi Arabia’s director of public security. Pilgrims will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing during a series of religious rites that are completed over five days in the holy city of Mecca and its surroundings in western Saudi Arabia. Those selected to take part in the Hajj were subject to temperature checks and placed in quarantine as they began trickling into Makkah at the weekend. State media showed health workers sanitising their luggage, and some pilgrims reported being given electronic wristbands to allow authorities to monitor their whereabouts. Workers, clutching brooms and disinfectant, were

seen cleaning the area around the Kaaba, the structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque draped in gold-embroidered cloth towards which Muslims around the world pray. Hajj authorities have cordoned off the Kaaba this year, saying pilgrims will not be allowed to touch it, to limit the chances of infection. They also reported setting up multiple health facilities, mobile clinics and ambulances to cater to the pilgrims. The foreign press are barred from this year’s Hajj, usually a huge global media event, as the government tightens access to Mecca. Saudi authorities initially said only around 1,000 pilgrims residing in the kingdom would be permitted for the Hajj, but local media reports say as many as 10,000 will be allowed to take part. Some 70 percent of the pilgrims are foreigners residing in the kingdom, while the rest will be Saudi citizens, authorities said. All worshippers were required to be tested for coronavirus before arriving in Makkah and will also have to quarantine after the pilgrimage as the number of cases in the kingdom nears 270,000 – one of the largest outbreaks in the Middle East. They were given elaborate amenity kits that include sterilised pebbles for a stoning ritual, disinfectants, masks, a prayer rug and the ihram, a seamless white garment worn by pilgrims, according to a Hajj ministry programme document. “I did not expect, among millions of Muslims, to be blessed with approval,” Emirati pilgrim Abdullah alKathiri said in a video released by the Saudi media ministry. “It is an indescribable feeling… especially since it is my first pilgrimage.”

The Hajj ministry said non-Saudi residents of the kingdom from around 160 countries competed in the online selection process but it did not say how many people applied. Some disappointed applicants have complained that the government-run lottery was not clearly outlined and that no reason was given for their rejection. The Hajj ministry has fielded a deluge of anguished queries on Twitter from rejected applicants. But Hajj Minister Mohammad Benten insisted the process was transparent, telling the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya television that “health determinants” formed the basis of selection. Despite the pandemic, many pilgrims consider it safer to participate in this year’s ritual without the usual colossal crowds cramming into tiny religious sites, which make it a logistical nightmare and a health hazard. Even in a regular year, the Hajj leaves pilgrims exposed to a host of illnesses. The government scaled back the pilgrimage as it could be a major source of contagion, but the move will deepen the kingdom’s economic slump, analysts say. Saudi Arabia is already facing a sharp downturn in oil prices due to a collapse in global demand driven by national lockdowns, which triggered austerity measures, including the tripling of a value added tax and cuts to civil servants’ allowances. The virus has also battered pilgrimage-reliant businesses that support hundreds of thousands of jobs in Makkah, from travel agents to street barbers and souvenir shops. The Hajj and the year-round umrah pilgrimages together rake in some $12 billion annually.

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Parents of 38,000 children refuse polio vaccination in Karachi Parents of over 38,000 children refused to administer polio drops to their kids during the immunisation campaign in Karachi, a private news channel reported on Wednesday. According to the report, a meeting chaired by Sindh Minister for Health Azra Fazal Pechuhu was informed that the vaccination drive targeted over 250,000 children in 23 union councils of the metropolis. Initially, 38,000 refusals were reported during the polio campaign but later 20,000 children were vaccinated after their parents were persuaded, the meeting was briefed. It added that 18,700 children are yet to be administered polio drops during the drive. According to the report, the minister vowed to continue efforts until no child is left behind from the vaccination process. “We will persuade the parents at all cost,” she said while announcing the next anti-polio campaign in the city in August. It is pertinent to mention here that on July 27, it was reported that first polio immunization campaign in the country during Covid-19 pandemic has achieved desired results as 94 per cent of the targeted children were administered polio drops during the drive. “In the first phase, the vaccination campaign was carried out in Karachi, Faisalabad, Attock, South Waziristan, and Quetta areas of the country,” they said adding that special training was given to polio workers to avoid contracting Covid-19 during the campaign and maintaining social distancing. NEWS DESK

Two women among three injured in cross-LoC firing FO SUMMONS INDIAN DIPLOMAT OVER LATEST LOC CEASEFIRE VIOLATION ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Three civilians, including two women, were injured after Indian troops resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Rakhchikri Sector along the Line of Control, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday. “Indian Army troops initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation deliberately targeting civil population,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a tweet. “3 innocent civilians including 2 women, residents of Akhori village got injured. Pakistan Army troops responded effectively to Indian firing,” it added. Meanwhile, the Foreign Office summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register Pakistan’s strong protest over the ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces along the Line of Control (LoC) on July 28, resulting in serious injuries to three innocent civilians. “Due to indiscriminate and unprovoked firing by the Indian occupation forces in Rakhchikri Sector of the LoC, Farida Bibi, Alam Bibi and Safeer Noor Din, residents of Village Akhori, sustained serious injuries,” a statement issued by the FO said.

It further stated that the Indian occupation forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have been continuously targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-caliber mortars and automatic weapons. This year, India has committed 1,823 ceasefire violations to date, resulting in 14 martyrdoms and serious injuries to 138 innocent civilians. Condemning the Indian occupation forces’ deplorable practice of targeting innocent civilians, it was underscored that such senseless acts were in clear violation of the 2003 ceasefire understanding, and were also against all established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct. “These egregious violations of international law reflect consistent Indian attempts to escalate the situation along the LoC and are a threat to regional peace and security. It was added that by raising tensions along the LoC and the WB, India cannot divert attention from the grave human rights situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K),” it added. The Indian side was called upon to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Agreement; investigate this and other such incidents of deliberate ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the WB. The Indian side was also urged to allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.

US welcomes announcement of Afghan ceasefire during Eidul Azha KABUL AGENCIES

Top US officials on Wednesday hailed a three-day ceasefire proposed by the Taliban and agreed by Kabul, raising hopes that the long-delayed peace talks between the two foes could begin next week. The Taliban declared that the truce would start Friday, the first day of the Muslim festival of Eidul Azha, and continue for the duration of the religious holiday. The ceasefire offer, the second such truce proposal from the militants in just over two months, came soon after President Ashraf Ghani signalled progress in a contentious prisoner exchange that has delayed the start of peace talks. A top US official who negotiated a deal with the Taliban in February to help withdraw foreign forces from Afghanistan by May next year hailed the ceasefire offer. “We welcome the Taliban announcement of an Eid ceasefire and the Afghan government´s reciprocal announcement,” Zalmay Khalilzad said on Twitter on Wednesday. “Our hope is this Eid brings all Afghans together in understanding & mutual respect and one step closer to a sustainable peace.” The top US diplomat in Kabul, Ross Wilson, also voiced hope that the two sides would move quickly to the negotiating table. “Afghans deserve to celebrate the holiday in peace,” he wrote on Twitter late Tuesday. The Taliban proposed the ceasefire after Ghani said his government was ready for talks next week. “To demonstrate the government´s commitment to Published by Arif Nizami at Plot # 7, Al-Baber Centre, F/8 Markaz, Islamabad. Ph: 051-2204545. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk

peace, the Islamic Republic will soon complete the release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners,” Ghani told officials, referring to the number of insurgent inmates the government originally pledged to free under the auspices of the US-Taliban deal. “With this action, we look forward to the start of direct negotiations with the Taliban in a week´s time.” Ghani´s spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told AFP that Kabul would observe the ceasefire, but cautioned it did not go far enough. “The people of Afghanistan demand a lasting ceasefire and the start of direct talks between the Taliban and the government of Afghanistan,” Sediqqi said. HIGH DEATH TOLL: The Taliban had indicated last week that they too are prepared to negotiate after the Eid holidays, and on Tuesday they declared the ceasefire. Taliban military spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid ordered insurgents “to refrain from carrying out any operation against the enemy during the three days and nights of Eidul Azha so… our countrymen would spend the Eid with confidence and joy.” But any attack “by the enemy” would be met with force, he added. The latest truce is only the third official respite in Afghanistan´s conflict since the war started in 2001, with other ceasefires in June 2018 and May this year to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The truces prompted widespread relief across Afghanistan but were short-lived, with the insurgents returning to the fight straight afterwards to resume neardaily attacks.