Issuu

Thursday, 27 August, 2020 I 7 Muharram, 1442 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 58 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

PM direCts institutions to steP uP relief work in rain-hit karaChi g

Imran vows to stanD by the PeoPle of karachI; sInDh cm DIrects authorItIes to helP those stranDeD In theIr homes

ISLAMABAD sTaff rePorT

rIme minister Imran khan on wednesday directed the federal institutions to carry out relief operations to help out rain-hit people in karachi as heavy downpour brought life to a standstill in the port city. “the federal government will not leave the people of karachi alone,” said the prime minister as he appreciated the efforts of Pakistan army and national Disaster management authority (nDma) for carrying out relief activities in the city. heavy rain hit karachi on the third consecutive day, wednesday, inundating lowlying areas. the heaviest-hit areas included gulistan-e-Jauhar, gulshan-e-Iqbal, Defence, clifton, korangi, II chundrigar road, manzoor colony, hassan square, safari Park area, nursery, etc. the rain system still hovers over karachi, said met office. business and social life remained disrupted due to

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

294,193

LAST UPDATED AT 10:07 AM ON AUGUST 26, 2020 DAY'S DEATH TOLL: NEW CASES:

RECOVERED:

482

DEATHS:

278,939 6,267 SINDH:

128,676

PUNJAB:

96,466

KP:

BALOCHISTAN:

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

35,831

PakIstan army, nDma contInue rescue oPeratIons as heavy DownPour brIngs Port cIty to a stanDstIll

the rain. the electricity in many areas of the city was suspended soon after the rain. rainwater remained accumulated in areas of surjani town, Dada bhoy colony, yousuf goth, safoora goth, manzoor colony, lyari, and others. the work was going on on the banks of malir river to stop rainwater overflow as it had already flooded some areas of Quaidabad. the met office confirmed to a local news agency that the 90-year record of the monsoon downpour had been broken after 345mm downpour was recorded at karachi’s Paf faisal base in august this year, making it the wettest month since 1931. meanwhile, federal minister for Planning and Development asad umar said that he reviewed the plan for clearing karachi nullahs/river beds. the work on cleaning karachi sewage drains will start from next month after the approval of the plan. “reviewed nDma plan for clearing nullahs/ river beds & solve problem of karachi drowning every time it rains heavily. Inshal-

Coronavirus in

12,664

2,265/2,745 15,546

lah will have plan approved and work started in sep. completion in 1 year. largest tax-paying city of Pakistan deserves better than what it is facing today,” he tweeted. sindh chief minister syed murad ali shah also visited different rain-hit areas in karachi and directed to speed up the water drainage system. During the visit, the cm ordered the karachi commissioner to help those stranded in their houses in madina town, yar muhammad goth, malir, and sukkur nullah due to rainwater and provide them with food and other things. “will not leave the people alone in this time of need,” he pledged. Pakistan army and Pakistan rangers sindh dedicated 70 relief and rescue teams to assist the civil administration of karachi in providing relief to the people in rain-induced flood-hit areas. the crisis teams gave prompt attention towards shifting several belongings endangered by the floods from Quaidabad and other closeby areas to safer places through army engineer boats. according to an Inter-services Public relations (IsPr) press release, heavy rains in karachi, owing to its current sixth monsoon spell, have adversely affected many localities. It further said that the situation is getting aggravated as causeways, bypass, and main thoroughfares have been affected due to severe flooding in malir riverbank owing to the overflow of lath and thado dams in the suburbs after a heavy downpour in kirthar range. to address the situation, Pakistan army engineers were said to have developed 200 meters long and four feet high barrier, a makeshift arrangement to avoid flooding of m9, ensuring proper regulation of water. moreover, three different teams of Pakistan army engineers were deployed along the mehran drain to avert its spillover and ensure that the k-electric grid station remains uninundated.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Pulwama attack: Pakistan rejects India’s ‘charge sheet’ ISLAMABAD TLTP

Pakistan on wednesday categorically rejected the so-called “charge sheet” by India’s national Investigation agency (nIa), which mischievously attempted to implicate Pakistan in the Pulwama attack that killed over 40 troops in Indian occupied kashmir (Iok) last year. “the fabrications in the reported ‘charge sheet’ are patently designed to further the bJP’s anti-Pakistan rhetoric and its narrow domestic political interests,” the foreign office (fo) said in a statement. at the outset, Pakistan rejected India’s baseless allegations and expressed readiness to extend cooperation on the basis of any actionable information. “India failed to provide any credible evidence for its invective and has instead been using the attack for its malicious propaganda campaign against Pakistan,” the statement added. the fo said that the timing of the Pulwama attack, just two months before the lok sabha elections in India, and the fact that explosives used in the attack were collected from inside the Iok, and the key accused persons in the attack have already been killed by Indian forces, raise too many questions. “the world knows well as to who benefited the most from Pulwama attack and drew electoral dividends,” it stated. It should be recalled that Indian military aircraft engaged in belligerent action against Pakistan on february 26, 2019. the Indian misadventure was effectively

PM reiterates Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing ties with Afghanistan ISLAMABAD aPP

Prime minister Imran khan on wednesday, during a phone call with afghan high council for national reconciliation chairman Dr abdullah abdullah, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further deepen these brotherly ties and enhance cooperation in all fields. according to the Pm office’s media wing, the prime minister emphasised importance of Pakistan-afghanistan bilateral relations, which are based on commonalities of faith and culture, shared history, and fraternal bonds between the two peoples. highlighting Pakistan’s positive contribution to the afghan peace process, the premier stressed that the afghan leaders must seize this historic opportunity to achieve an inclusive political settlement, contributing to durable peace, security and prosperity in afghanistan. “Pakistan looks forward to the commencement of intraafghan negotiations at the earliest,” the press release quoted the prime minister as saying. he underlined his longstanding belief that there was no military solution to the con-

flict in afghanistan and that a negotiated political settlement was the only way forward. the prime minister extended best wishes to Dr abdullah as the chairman of the high council for national reconciliation and expressed the hope that the council would successfully achieve its objectives. he also reiterated the invitation to Dr abdullah to visit Pakistan at the earliest to share perspectives on advancing the afghan peace process and forging closer ties between the two countries. PAKISTAN PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE FOR AFGHAN PEACE: seperately, special assistant to Prime minister on national security moeed yusuf said that Pakistan was playing important role whole-

heartedly for afghan peace dialogue process success. talking to a private news channel on wednesday, he said that Pakistan has always expressed clear stance at afghan from which we will never step back, he added. he termed the recent taliban negotiators visit of Pakistan to talk afghan peace as a symbol of sincerity of Pakistan. the special assistant said that united states has always appreciated Pakistan’s role for peaceful afghan dialogue and believed that afghan peace was not possible without Pakistan. on the other hand, he added, India never wanted peace in afghanistan because such peace will demolish Indian nefarious designs. he stated that Pakistan always expressed a clear stance that usage of afghan border against the country will never be tolerated. he further said that India was making propaganda against Pakistan by using afghanistan with the help of media, but now it is the time that afghan internal forces would decide the future of afghanistan. meanwhile Pakistan is striving for holding talks among various afghan groups, he added.

countered by the Pakistan air force, which resulted in the downing of two Indian warplanes and capture of an Indian pilot. Despite India’s provocations, the Indian pilot was released by Pakistan as a peace gesture. “In response to a paper shared by the Indian government following the Pulwama attack, Pakistan constituted a high-level investigation team to examine its contents,” the fo said. the statement said that as the information provided by India was incomplete, patchy and unsubstantiated, Pakistan shared two aides-memoire, seeking further information and supporting evidence from India. India has been unable to provide any corroboration of its unfounded allegations, it added. “India cannot mislead the world community with its motivated propaganda. Indian allegations against Pakistan seek to divert attention from India’s state-terrorism in IIoJk, grave human rights violations of the kashmiri people under Indian occupation, and the rss-bJP regime’s mishandling of domestic issues,” it further stated. Pakistan has been forewarning the international community about India’s use of “false flag” operation and possible ill-conceived misadventure. “with the approaching state elections in India, the rss-bJP ploy of raising the Pakistan bogey again for making electoral gains is palpable. we warn the world community again to be cognisant of its dangerous consequences for peace and security in the region,” the statement further said.

more inside

PM vows to make subsidy system transparent, well-targeted STORY ON PAGE 02

opp opposing fatfrelated laws over failure of getting nro, says adviser STORY ON BACK PAGE

IHC disposes of petition challenging PM's aide's appointment STORY ON PAGE 03

Pakistan’s global stature elevated for firm stance on peace, progress: fm

STORY ON BACK PAGE

Thursday, 27 Augsut, 2020

NEWS

PM vows to Make subsidy systeM transParent, well-targeted ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

RIME Minister Imran Khan has said that it is the foremost duty and top priority of the government to enable the weak and poverty-stricken segments of society to meet their basic requirements. Presiding over a meeting on Wednesday, the prime minister said that the government is striving to ensure the subsidy system functions more effectively, transparently and well-targeted. He further said that all-out measures are being taken to make the system more transparent, effective and targeted. The premier directed to ensure effective utilisation of subsidies to give maximum relief to lower-income segments of the society. He maintained that fulfilling the requirements of poverty-stricken people is the government’s top priority. Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar,

SAYS PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS TOP PRIORITY OF GOVT National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) chairman and finance secretary and other officials were present in the meeting. Earlier on July 20, stressing the need for reforms in the ‘subsidy system’, PM Imran had directed to ensure that the benefit of subsidies reached only the poor and needy people. Meanwhile, talking to Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari on Wednesday, the premier said that protection of human rights is the top priority of the present government and every possible effort will be made in this regard. He said civilised societies are recognized by ensuring the protection of human rights. The minister for human rights also presented a report on the situation of women prisoners in jails and recommendations for providing relief to them. The prime minister was informed that

a Child Protection Centre is being set up in the federal capital for the protection of children. The center will provide education, psychological support and other facilities to the deserving children. He was also told that work is also underway to set up special courts for children. PM Imran was briefed about shelters for women and measures taken to protect the rights of transgenders. The Minister for Human Rights also presented the ministry's two-year performance report to the prime minister. PM DECIDES TO INCREASE WHEAT SUPPORT PRICE: PM Imran has decided to provide the maximum benefit of crops to the farmers by increasing support price for wheat producers. In a meeting of the Price Control Committee, presided over by the premier, on Wednesday, it was decided to extend the maximum benefit of crops to the farmers by hiking support prices for wheat produc-

PM forms committee to promote tourism ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

ers for the coming year. The meeting also mulled over recommendations and steps to control the inflation in prices of essential items across the nation. It also briefed the PM on the provincial status of the efforts made to ensure the same. The meeting laid out the assessment report prepared by Tiger Force on sugar prices charged across the country. The PM took notice of the discrepancies and directed the committee to ensure official price lists are hanging on the utility, grocery stores across the country. According to the reports, the cost of wheat production jumped to Rs1,349 per 40kg in Punjab and Rs1,315 per 40kg in Sindh. Whereas the amount they were previously paid against this was a mere Rs1300 which discouraged them to grow wheat and contribute to fulfilling the country’s requirement. However, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in March set the support prices to Rs1400 per 40kg. The new support prices have not been revealed yet.

Sindh govt blaming Centre to hush up its own incompetence: Faraz ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz said on Wednesday that the Sindh government was responsible for the plight of Karachiites after recent rains but it was blaming the federal government to cover up its own incompetence and inefficiency. Addressing a press conference along with Minister for Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam, he said that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was politicising the natural disaster issues --- coronavirus, locust and now recent rains. The PPP, which has been ruling Sindh for the past over one decade, was responsible for the sorry state of affairs of Karachi, he added. He said that they claimed to transform Larkana into Karachi, but they converted Karachi into Larkana. They were given over Rs14 trillion by the federal government during the past 10 years but they spent nothing for the alleviation of poverty and improvement of health and education facilities in the province, he added.

Ml-1 project tender to be issued by end of this month: minister RAWALPINDI

PPI

Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has said the tender for Main Line One (ML-1) railway project will be issued by the end of this month. Addressing a ceremony on Wednesday, he said that railway tracks are going to be updated in the country after 150 years. The minister said that the previous governments did not take any steps to improve railways. He said that education has been a priority of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. He added that the government plans to establish another university in Rawalpindi.

TLTP

Over 50 Pakistanis, majority females, get Chevening scholarship 2020- 21 ISLAMABAD Over 50 Pakistanis have been awarded the Chevening scholarship 2020-21 to study a fully-funded one-year master’s programme at the top universities in the United Kingdom (UK). According to a press release issued by the British High Commission, Islamabad, on Wednesday, this is a record year for Chevening Pakistan - for the first time in the history of the scholarship programme, more than half of the 53 selected scholars are female. Out of 58 per cent of the selected female scholars, 10 per cent of them are from Baluchistan. The number of fe-

three terrorists arrested in Charsadda; explosives recovered CHARSADDA

on many issues. He further said that the opposition was trying to instigate the people against the incumbent government but they would fail in their nefarious designs. Earlier, Faraz said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was worried about high prices of edible items in the country and personally monitoring the steps being taken to give relief to the poor. He said that the PM has been chairing high-level meetings and issuing directives to bring prices of essential items down. The minister said that hoarding was one of the main reasons for raise in wheat flour prices and the government would take strong action against such elements who fleece the poor for their own benefit. He said that such elements did hoard big quantities of commodities and created an artificial shortage of the commodity which resulted in the shooting of the prices. He further said that the government has taken concrete steps to counter the hoarding and the import of wheat was one major initiative so that the consumers could get the commodity at affordable rates.

He also said that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, instead of taking steps to save Karachi people from the deluge, were just blaming the federal government. One could judge the situation of rural Sindh by the plight of the people of urban areas, he added. Faraz said that the performance of the opposition parties in the Parliament was before the nation as they gave priority to self-interest over national interest by voting against Financial Action Task Force (FATF) legislation. To a question, he said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif had been given permission to go abroad for medical treatment but he made a mockery of the law and indulged in political activities, rather than getting treatment. He said that the government would avail all legal options to bring Nawaz back to face the law of the land. He said that the opposition parties were united only on the issue of protecting plundered national wealth, otherwise they had different agendas. He added that the meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman ended in a fiasco and Bilawal and Shahbaz were divergent

Prime Minister Imran Khan has constituted a committee to "steer the country towards becoming the fastest growing tourism destination", his office said on Wednesday. The National Coordination Committee on Tourism (NCCT) will seek to raise the competitiveness of the tourism industry and "maximise utilisation of Pakistan's natural, cultural, historical, archeological, religious and geographical tourist assets for employment creation, poverty reduction, sustained economic growth, social inclusion and quality of life improvement". Minister of State on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari will be the committee's convener, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a series of tweets. Bukhari will head the committee whose members comprise of chief secretaries of the ministries of industry and production, religious affairs, aviation, interior, communication, defence and climate change. The deputy governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), managing director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and all chief secretaries/additional chief secretaries are members of the committee.

male scholars has increased by 20 per cent up from 38 per cent last year. Chevening Pakistan received over 3,500 applications for the academic year 2020-21 and conducted over 230 interviews to select the best and the brightest scholars from across all provinces of Pakistan. These selected scholars are mid-career professionals in a range of diverse fields including law, the development sector, education/special education, medicine, judiciary, bureaucracy, law enforcement, customs, taxation and revenue, communications, cyber security and more. To ensure diversity and inclusion, scholars are represented from across Pakistan including a female scholar with special needs who is a banker by profession.

Foiling a terror bid, local police apprehended three terrorists of a banned outfit from Shab Qadar area of Charsadda on Wednesday. The district police office (DPO) Charsadda, while talking to media, said that the terrorists were arrested by the police when they were planning to carry out terror activities in the area for which a suicide bomber was prepared to attack police station Shabqadar and police mobile vans. Explosives and three hand grenades were also recovered on the information given by nabbed terrorists, said the DPO. Initial investigation revealed that one of the terrorists was in contact with a commander of a banned outfit in Afghanistan. “Sims of Afghanistan were also recovered from custody of arrested terrorists”, the DPO said. All three terrorists were handed over to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) for further investigations. Earlier, in the month of June, the CTD of police had claimed to have killed four alleged terrorists during an encounter near Torkham border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The CTD officials conducted a raid at a house in Mattani village on a tip-off about the presence of criminal elements in the area.

Floods destroy 38 houses in Chitral CHITRAL TLTP

The flash floods after heavy rainfall have damaged 38 houses in Chitral. According to Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the relief operation is underway to rescue people stuck in the flood affected areas. The PDMA has also provided relief equipment to the district administration of Chitral. The district administration has cleared and opened the Naran Road for traffic.

India searching for good strategy as Pakistan manages to flatten Covid-19 curve YAWAR ABBAS Despite ending its lockdown early and when Pakistan managed to flatten the Covid-19 curve, many international organisations and publications have expressed concerns over sharp increasing virus cases in India due to feeble strategy of Modi’s government. Acknowledging Pakistan’s strategy against Corona “Aljazeera” reported “Pakistan wins rare, fragile success against novel coronavirus. South Asian nation of 200 million seems to have won the fight against Covid-19.” It added six months after registering its first case, however, active cases in Pakistan are continuing to steadily decline, with the number of deaths recorded in a day often down to single digits. Several factors – including the phased implementation of lockdowns, effective hospital case management and treatment protocols and demographic and cultural factors – may have interacted to help achieve the outcome, Pakistani doctors and epidemiologists told Aljazeera. “The

tougher question is why, and the answer to this is the million-dollar question. We are not seeing that huge explosion that we had anticipated,” says Dr Faisal Mahmood, head of infectious diseases at Karachi’s Aga Khan University Hospital, the country’s largest research hospital. “The data was coming in, they were being collated and there were numerous agencies, with army and civilians both, working on keeping the cases low,” he says. “The government of Pakistan reopened the economy in phases and in doing so achieved the impossible by flattening the curve,” hailing Pakistan’s move against the virus in its report “The Diplomat”- the premier international current-affairs magazine for the Asia-Pacific region claimed. It further reported, in May, Pakistan appeared to be on the edge of a devastating Covid-19 outbreak. The government defied all norms by deciding to lift its lockdown at a time when the country was recording a daily average of over 5,000 cases, with local transmission accounting for at least 90 percent of the spread.

By mid-August, the global Covid-19 tally crossed 23 million, with over 810,000 deaths. Pakistan’s numbers remained relatively low, at around 292,000 infections and over 6,200 deaths in a population of 220.4 million. While the world recorded more than 4 million infections and over 200,000 deaths in the past three weeks, Pakistan contributed around 12,000 cases and less than 250 deaths to that tally, it added. Contrary to this situation as of August 18, India has officially recorded more than 2.7 million cases of Covid-19, putting it third in the world behind the U.S. and Brazil. “But India is on track to overtake them both. I fully expect that at some point, unless things really change course, India will have more cases than any other place in the world,” “Time” magazine reported while quoting Dr. Ashish Jha, director of Harvard’s Global Health Institute, who further added with a population of 1.3 billion, “there is a lot of room for exponential growth.” The magazine reported that the pandemic has already reshaped India beyond imagination. Its economy,

which was faltering even before the lockdown, the International Monetary Fund now predicts it will shrink by 4.5 per cent this year. Many of the hundreds of millions of people lifted out of extreme poverty by decades of growth are now at risk in more ways than one. It claimed that large numbers had left their villages in recent years for new opportunities in India’s metropolises. But many have been left destitute by the lockdown. Gaps in India’s welfare system meant millions of internal migrant workers couldn’t get government welfare payments or food. Hundreds died, and many more burned through the meager savings they had built up over years of work. As the virus shows no sign of slowing, economists are worried about how India can recover—and what happens to the poorest in the meantime. “The best-case scenario is two years of very deep economic decline,” says Jayati Ghosh, chair of the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. “There are at least 100 million people just above the poverty line.

Thursday, 27 August, 2020

NEWS

iHC disPoses oF Petition CHallenging PM's aide's aPPointMent ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

HE Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday rejected a petition challenging the appointment of Mirza Shahzad Akbar as a special assistant to the prime minister on accountability and interior, observing it is the "exclusive prerogative" of the government's head to appoint anyone as his adviser. The high court chief justice was hearing a petition which challenged Akbar’s appointment as a special assistant. The petition urged the court to declare the appointment null and void,

arguing that Supreme Court (SC) Judge Justice Qazi Faez Isa had also questioned Akbar’s credentials and his appointment. Akbar was the special assistant to the prime minister on accountability but was last month appointed as an adviser with the same portfolio. In the nine-page verdict, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah noticed that the Constitution allows the president to appoint no more than five advisers on the advice of the prime minister. "The prime minister may tender advice to the president to appoint not more than five advisers," the judgement read. Prime Minister Imran Khan currently has five advisers and 14 special assistants in

Punjab imposes ‘micro smart’ lockdown in more localities LAHORE INP

The Punjab government on Wednesday imposed “micro smart lockdowns” in more localities of six cities of Punjab to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. According to the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, small localities in Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Gujrat, Attock, and Sialkot have been sealed for 14 days after they reported coronavirus cases.Lahore’s more neighbourhoods, including PIA Society, Jauhar Town, Clifton Town, Nishat Colony and Wahid Road, and Ravi River Saeed Park, have also been locked down. Gujranwala’s areas that have been put under micro smart lockdown are Qudratabad, Galli Shah Suleman, Fareed Town, Ali Park Street No 1, Fareed Town, whereas, the areas sealed in the garrison city include Mahmoodabad, RDA Colony, Liaquat Bagh, Nawababad, Jameelabad, and Wah Cantt. Gujrat’s Chak Chichian, Muhalla Hayat Nabi, Chak Kotli Bachar, and others have been sealed while Islam Colony, Latifabad, Kotli Loharan, Muhalla Moti Masjid, and Model Town of Sialkot have locked down.

his cabinet. "The president is empowered under Article 93 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 to appoint, on the advice of the prime minister, not more than five advisers," it said. "A court cannot substitute its own opinion with that of the prime minister and the matter thus falls outside the ambit of justiciability". Justice Minallah also noted that the petitioner did not present any record that would prove Akbar's interference in the affairs of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). While addressing the petitioner's argument that Akbar "was not eligible" to

sit in the meetings of the federal cabinet or the parliament, the high court chief justice said that advisers "have a right to speak and otherwise take part of either house [...] but is not entitled to vote". The ruling added that an adviser is not part of the federal cabinet and is not entitled to attend its meetings "except when required to do so by the prime minister and, that too, pursuant to a special invitation". It also observed that an adviser is not "authorised" to act as the government's spokesperson. Regarding Akbar's position as the chairman of the Assets Recovery Unit (ARU), the IHC verdict said that the matter has been challenged in the Supreme Court and a "detailed judgement in the matter is awaited". "It is, therefore, obvious that propriety requires this court to exercise restraint to the extent of the aforementioned appointment," the high court ruled.

Govt to bring back Nawaz Sharif through legal course: Senator Faisal ISLAMABAD APP

Senator Faisal Javed on Wednesday stated in the Senate that government will bring back Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan through legal course. Speaking in the Senate, he said that Nawaz went abroad on medical grounds with the permission of court and guarantee of his brother Shehbaz Sharif. He gave details of the facilities of health sector provided by the government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), including the Sehat cards for whole population of the province, added that needy patient's family could now get Rs1 million every year for medical treatment. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had everything in Pakistan, adding that Imran got his medical treatment in Pakistan and sold his flat in London and brought back money to the country through official banking channels. The society could only move forward when there was equality among people, he stressed. Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed urged for implementing a national policy to promote sports which was a unifier for the country and utilised talents of youngsters. Mushahid suggested building up of a national sports museum to highlight the achievements of Pakistan sportsmen who made huge achievements in the fields of cricket, hockey, squash, snooker, kabbadi and other games. Senator Jehanzeb Jamaldini drew attention towards the closure of National Bank's (NB) regional branch in Sibi and asked for its opening as people of the area were facing difficulties after the closure. Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani referred the matter to the relevant standing committee.

Senator Manzoor Kakar urged the opposition to support the government and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism. He called for government intervention to increase facilities for education of low-income sections of society. Senator Aurangzeb Orakzai raised the issue of non-provision of funds for the rehabilitation of tribesmen affected during operations against militants. On the suggestion of Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, the chair assured that a parliamentary committee will be formed to resolve issues of people in tribal districts of KP. The committee will play the role of a bridge among the parliament and the federal and provincial governments. Senator Nauman Wazir Khattak stressed on the making of energy efficient electric appliances like fans to save thousands of megawatts of electricity in summer months. Senator Raza Rabbani criticised the proposed antimoney laundering bill because of a provision asking businesses to report about their customers otherwise they will be liable for legal action. Senator Mushahidullah and Senator Ghous Khan Niazi of PML-N said that unnecessary statements should be avoided on the health of political leadership. Later before proroguing the session, Chairman Sanjrani read a ruling with respect to two bills titled The Islamabad Capital Territory Waqf Properties Bill, 2020, and The AntiMoney Laundering (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020, as passed by the National Assembly (NA) on August 24 and then placed before the Senate on August 25. The Senate rejected both the bills on Tuesday as the opposition did not agree to their passage. The chairman ruled that the proceedings of the house for these two bills during the Senate sitting were strictly in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012.

Solid government policy for newspapers in the making, says Faraz SAPM BAJWA MAINTAINS ATTENTION WILL BE PAID TO RESOLVE ISSUES OF LOCAL NEWSPAPERS ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

A delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) led by its President Arif Nizami met Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Lieutenant General (r) Asim Saleem Bajwa separately in the federal capital on Wednesday. The delegation discussed in detail the freedom of press and other issues faced by the newspapers in the country. Faraz noted that the freedom of press and democracy go hand in hand and reiterated that the government was interested in resolving the issues

of all middle-and-small-scale and regional newspapers. He declared that a solid policy in consultation with all the stakeholders including the CPNE will be formulated for the purpose. He reiterated that the PTI government deeply believed in the freedom of press and that it had taken no steps to coerce the media. Faraz stressed that the premier had given him the portfolio of information minister not to put pressure on the media. He said the prime minister had directed him to clear all the dues of the media and resolve its issues. He asked the members of the delegation to inform him in case they felt any pressure on media.

Earlier, CPNE President Arif Nizami said that the media in the country was confronted with direct and indirect pressures over freedom of press due to which it was facing financial constraints among other issues. He said that the arrest and pre-trial detention of Jang and Geo owner Mir Shakeelur Rehman had added to the tension. The CPNE demanded of the government to announce a new advertising policy in light of the recommendations forwarded by all the stakeholders. Federal Information Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani and Principal Information Officer Shahera Shahid told the delegation that payments for advertisements released in April 2020, according to which 85 per cent of the sum would be given directly to the newspapers, had started.

The delegation stressed on the need to make the process faster and transparent. In a separate meeting with SAPM Bajwa, the delegation was informed that the government had no policy to ignore the large-scale or medium, or regional media. He assured the delegation that the government would focus on the issues of the regional media. The meeting also agreed to devise a just and transparent system in consultation with the CPNE and all other stakeholders for the distribution of advertisements. The CPNE delegation included Secretary General Dr Jabbar Khattak, Sardar Khan Niazi, Irshad Ahmad Arif, Anwar Sajidi, Dr Hafiz Sanaullah Khan, Ayaz Khan, Kazim Khan, Ijazul Haq, Tahir Farooq, Ghulam Nabi Chandio, Abdur Rehman Mangrio and Yousuf Nizami.

Court questions delay in reference against PMl-n leader ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

An accountability court of Islamabad on Wednesday adjourned the hearing in Narowal sports complex case against PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal till September 22. Accountability judge Muhammad Bashir also accepted a petition seeking permission to attend the hearing through the counsel until the filing of the reference from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). During the hearing, the defense slammed the agency, saying it has failed to timely file a reference despite arresting his client in December last. He said the NAB chief also failed to justify the delay in the filing of the reference.

First wife to be paid 'Haq Meher' if husband remarries without consent: sC ISLAMABAD INP

The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday ruled that a husband must pay Haq Meher to his first wife if he marries a second time without her consent, regardless of its time of payment. The apex court issued a written decision in a case of second marriage without permission. Muhammad Jamil, a resident of Peshawar, had remarried without getting his first wife's permission. The Peshawar High Court (PHC) had ordered Jamil to pay the Haq Meher immediately. He filed an appeal against the verdict in top court but it was dismissed and the SC upheld the decision of high court, ordering the petitioner to immediately pay Haq Meher to his first wife.

Former sindh CM syed Qaim ali shah's son passes away KHAIRPUR: Former Sindh Chief Minister and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader Syed Qaim Ali Shah s eldest son has passed away. Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, who was undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Karachi due to a long illness has died. Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Syeda Nafisa Shah reached Khairpur. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari, incumbent Sindh CM Syed Murad Ali Shah and Manzoor Hussain Wassan expressed grief over telephone from Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Nafisa Shah. INP

Thursday, 27 August, 2020

NEWS

PAKiStAN BeLieveS iN PArLiAMeNt SuPreMACy For StroNg deMoCrACy, BuzdAr teLLS iPu PreSideNt LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

UNJAB Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Wednesday said that Pakistan fully believes in the supremacy of the parliament for strengthening democracy and stresses the importance of dialogue for maintaining peace, development and solution of conflicts. The chief minister was talking to President Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Gabriela Cuevas Barron who called on him in the provincial capital. Different matters including the promotion of institutional collaboration were dis-

cussed during the meeting. The chief minister extended felicitations to Gabriela for completing 130 years of the IPU forum while she appreciated the effective anti-corona strategy employed by the Punjab CM. Buzdar also commended the services rendered by the IPU president for the supremacy of the institution of the parliament. The chief minister apprised that the Punjab government has taken unprecedented steps for the welfare of the people. The government has planned a new city near Ravi River to overcome the city pollution and to raise the level of underground water. For this purpose, an autonomous body has been established, the CM further informed.

Four dead in traffic accident on LahoreFaisalabad Motorway FAISALABAD INP

Four people were killed and seven others seriously injured in a tragic traffic accident on Lahore Motorway in Faisalabad. Multiple vehicles collided due to rain on the motorway near Faisalabad in the vicinity of Chak No 278 GB. Four passengers died on the spot while seven others were shifted to a nearby hospital in critical condition. According to rescue officials, the accident possibly took place due to the vehicles losing control because of over speeding in the rain. However, medical facilities are being provided to the injured to save their lives.

Sindh govt forms committee to keep a close watch on SBCA KARACHI INP

The Sindh government has formed a committee to review the Sindh Building Control Authority's (SBCA) affairs and monitor the issuance of permits for construction of high-rises and approval of maps by it. The committee has been constituted with approval of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. A notification to this effect has been issued. According to the notification, the local government secretary will head the committee comprising nine members. It has been tasked to review and monitor the authority's matters, including grant of permits for high-rises and approval of maps by the SBCA. The body will ensure that funds set aside for parks, playgrounds, and housing societies are utilised appropriately besides putting forth proposals for conserving heritage sites and bringing amendments to building and services rules. Under the notification, the committee is required to implement the directives of the Supreme Court (SC) and Sindh High Court (SHC) with regard to buildings and their laws as well as monitor whether or not SBCA officers are discharging their duty properly and whether they are following instructions they are given by it.

The chief minister pointed out that minorities enjoy unprecedented religious freedom and the budget has been sufficiently increased for their welfare. On the other side, the anticorona strategy, steered by Prime Minister Imran Khan, has yielded positive results and the government was successful in overcoming this virus in Punjab, the CM added. Meanwhile, steps have been taken to open educational institutions from the next month as line departments have played a commendable role in combating this hazard. The CM further apprised that 13 special economic zones are being set up adding that work has started on two special economic zones (SEZs) and the foundation stone of 3rd SEZ will be laid in Bahawalpur soon. The

government has devised a plan to provide facilities to the people at their doorsteps and the southern Punjab secretariat has also been set up. It enjoys administrative as well as financial autonomy, he said. He said that the secretaries of different departments will perform their duties in the southern Punjab secretariat and the people will not have to travel to Lahore for the solution of their problems. He regretted that the past governments had not done anything in this regard but the incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has given due attention to the development of backward areas. The CM further stated that the Punjab government has made maximum legislation

WB to provide $450m for development of KP energy sector

in the public interest and added that investors are provided best services under one window. Punjab will be made a hub of tourism and industry, the CM added. “The Punjab government is working for public welfare through the best policy and I am happy to visit Lahore,” she said. Consistency in contacts is necessary to promote the bilateral relations, observed the IPU president. The CM also hosted a luncheon in the honour of Gabriela and other members of her delegation including member parliament of Mexican Congress Jose Ignacio Sanches, Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi and others. Provincial Ministers Raja Basharat, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Alam and others were also present on the occasion.

Punjab CM approves construction of 10 new shelter homes in Lahore LAHORE

PESHAWAR APP

The World Bank (WB) has agreed to provide financial assistance of $450 million for initiating two hydel power projects in Swat that would generate 254 megawatts of electricity. This was agreed in a high-level meeting attended by World Bank Senior Energy Specialist Muhammad Saqib, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s Adviser on Energy Himayat Ullah Khan, Secretary Energy Muhammad Zubair, PEDO Chief Executive Naeem Khan, Gabral Power Project Project Director Syed Aziz Ahmad and concerned officials, said a press release issued on Wednesday. The meeting was told that World Bank in collaboration with International Development Association and

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development prepared a financial package of Rs786 million dollars under Hydro and Renewable Energy Development Programme for KP. The package includes construction of 88 MW Gabral Kalam Hydro Power Project and 157 MW Madayan Hydro Power Project, feasibility and design of new solar and hydel power projects. The meeting after thorough discussion agreed on financial assistance of Rs450 million dollars for the programme and said that final approval would be taken in the next meeting of WB Board of Directors. Speaking on the occasion, the CM’s adviser termed financial assistance from world financial institutions a good omen and said that it would not only strengthen provincial economy but would also help new employment opportunities.

PPI

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has approved construction of ten new Panahgahs (shelter homes) in Lahore for the homeless people sleeping on the streets. He accorded this approval in Lahore on Wednesday while chairing a meeting to review the measures to further improve facilities for helpless class in Panagahs. He also gave in principle approval to set up Panagah Authority in the province.

Next Karachi mayor to be from MQM-P, claims Waseem Akhtar KARACHI

President directs HESCO to pay compensation within 30 days ISLAMABAD APP

President Dr Arif Alvi Wednesday expressed dismay over the undue delay in payment of compensation by an electricity distribution company to a complainant on account of electrocution of his wife and son eight years ago, and directed reparation within 30 days. The president regretted the delay in payment of compensation by Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and said that the agency must comply with the order of the Wafaqi Mohtasib and pay compensation within 30 days to the complainant. President Alvi also directed an internal inquiry into the reasons of delay and submission of the report to Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat within 30 days. The wife and son of complainant Muhammad Umer Siddiqui, resident of Latifabad, Hyderabad lost their lives as a result of electrocution due to breakage of 11 KV High Tension Line on September 8, 2012. The complainant, Muhammad Umer had applied to HESCO for compensation, however on receiving no

response, approached the Wafaqi Mohtasib for relief in the matter. The agency admitted before the Wafaqi Mohtasib that the accident occurred as a result of its negligence and case for payment of compensation had already been forwarded to its board of directors for compensation. During the proceedings, the representative of HESCO, Deputy Manager Ali Khan Jamali, undertook to get approval for the payment of death compensation within a period of 60-days. On his assurance, the Mohtasib closed further investigation in the matter, with the advice to the Agency to make payment of 'death compensation' to the complainant within due course of time on May 7, 2019. HESCO neither filed a review petition, before the Wafaqi Mohtasib, nor challenged the Representation within the stipulated 30-day period. However, it did file a petition after seven-months on December 4, 2019, but was rejected as being time-barred by the Mohtasib. The agency later filed a representation with President Alvi on March 12 but was dismissed with the direction to hold an internal inquiry for delay and that the Agency must comply with the order of the Wafaqi Mohtasib and give compensation within 30 days.

Shehbaz to face disqualification if Nawaz doesn’t return: Chohan LAHORE INP

Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan on Wednesday said that Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif took “Wturn” by speaking lies about former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s return. While addressing the media in Lahore, the provincial information minister said that the whole world knew that Shahbaz had guaranteed Nawaz’s return from abroad once his treatment was over. “Shehbaz Sharif should be ready for disqualification in case if Nawaz does not return back to the country,” Chohan said, adding that PML-N president had guaranteed Nawaz’s return after eight weeks as ordered by Lahore High Court (LHC). “Shehbaz Sharif is a liar and cheater after he

lied that he did not guarantee Nawaz Sharif’s return. The whole world knew that Shahbaz had guaranteed Nawaz Sharif’s return as he had submitted a draft of the undertaking to the Lahore High Court (LHC) about Nawaz Sharif ’s return after eight weeks,” he added. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday had said that it is up to the government to bring back the former prime minister to the country. Chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, he had said that the PML-N supreme leader should be repatriated without delay and issued directives for the authorities concerned to review legal aspects of the matter. Reportedly, the meeting took stock of the country’s overall political and economic situation, Nawaz’s extradition as well as PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz’s recent political activities.

INP

Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar on Wednesday defended his four-year performance and said that the next mayor from the city would also belong to Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). He blamed the provincial authorities for the current situation of the city and said that their incompetence has brought the city to that situation. "Other provinces are developing while Karachi is neglected during the incumbent provincial government's tenure," he said while inaugurating a park in North Nazimabad area. He said that the MQM-P will again grab the mayor Karachi slot as people would once again vote for kite, an election symbol of the party, in the next local bodies polls. While responding to queries as to why he did not resign when not allowed to work properly, the mayor said that if he had resigned then the city would not have witnessed even some of the development works that were completed in his tenure. He hoped that Prime Minister Imran Khan would take the issues faced by the city seriously. "Every political party wants to occupy this city," he said.

Thursday, 27 August, 2020

NEWS

SBP rAiSeS rS634.8BN froM T-Bill, PiB AucTioN KARACHI

MEIRYUM ALI

HE State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reported that the government raised a collective amount of Rs634.8 billion from the auction of Pakistan Market Treasury Bills (T-bills), and floating-rate Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs), with both auctions held on Wednesday. Specifically, the government raised Rs547.8 billion through T-bills, against the auction target of Rs450 billion, and Rs87 billion through the sale of floating-rate PIBs. The SBP conducted the auction for the sale of 3-

month, 6-month and 12-month T-bills and received bids amounting to over Rs1 trillion. Bids worth Rs363.2 billion were received for 3-month T-bills, Rs358.8 billion for 6-month T-bills, while 12month government papers fetched bids amounting to Rs280.5 billion. Of the received bids, the federal government raised Rs257.7 billion for 3-months, Rs203.4 billion for 6months and Rs64.5 billion for 12-months. The total acceptance in the auction, including noncompetitive bids, was Rs547.8 billion. The cut-off yield for 3-month bids was at 7.15 per cent, or an increase of 16 basis points from the last auction

held on August 12. The yield for 6-month bids also increased by 15 basis points to 7.18 per cent. The yield for 12-month bids remained unchanged at 7.3 per cent. Bidding was mostly concentrated in shorter term Tbills, mimicking the trend at the beginning of this year of investing in short term papers over long term papers. Meanwhile, in PIBs, out of the Rs128.6 billion for the 3-year PIB, SBP accepted Rs75.9 billion. For 5-year PIB, the central bank accepted Rs5.3 billion out of Rs49.3 billion, whereas it accepted Rs5 billion for 10-year PIB, out of Rs39.5 billion. The next auction date for both T-bills and PIBs-floating rate is set for September 9.

‘Appointment of Finance Division oﬃcer as AGPs external auditor poses conflict of interest’ ISLAMABAD SHAHZAD PARACHA

The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) on Wednesday said that it never never declined its audit, however the audit has to be conducted by an independent officer as prescribed in the law. Earlier, some officers of Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service had filed a writ petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and challenged the amendment of Auditor General’s Ordinance, 2001 in Finance Act, 2015. The petitioners told the

court that appointment of an officer of the Finance Division as external auditor of AGP involves conflict of interest after which the court issued a prohibitive order. According to reports, AGP has sent a reply to the Finance Division pertaining to an audit of the department saying that its audit has to be conducted by an independent officer as prescribed in the law. The AGP also asked the Finance Division to avoid impolite language in any communication in the future. The AGP believes in the

accountability of public institutions and has always expressed its willingness to get its sanctions to expenditure audited as required under section 19A of the AGP Ordinance, 2001, the letter read. The letter further stated that the interpretation of the constitutional petition pertaining to the legal status of AGP offered by the Law Division is not consistent with the constitution. The AGP is not governed under the provisions of Article 170 (2) of the constitution.

PM directs institutions to step up relief work in rain-hit Karachi ContInueD on pAge 01 Equal attention in this context was also paid towards the protection of Saadi Town and Malir Cantonment, with relief and rescue teams actively engaged in shifting people to safer places and providing them with adequate shelter. Immediate de-watering was ensured in flooded areas of Gulshan e Hadeed, DHA, Gizri, Keamari, North Karachi, Nazimabad, Saddar, Landhi, Airport area, University Road, Saadi Town, Quaidabad, Yousaf Goth, Gulistan e Jauhar and those around PAF – Faisal, PAF – Masroor. Pakistan Army personnel also distributed cooked meals among the evacuated people belonging to worst-hit areas of the metropolis.

NAB summons Hanif Abbasi tomorrow in SBP corruption case LAHORE: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former member of National Assembly (MNA) Hanif Abbasi on Thursday. According to details, the PML-N leader has been summoned by the anticorruption watchdog in a case pertaining to Sports Board Punjab corruption. He was given a questionnaire comprising 20 questions by the anti-graft body, however, he failed to satisfy the investigation team with his answers as he gave incomplete answers to these questions. INP

Bank Alfalah’s half-year profit falls 8.4pc YoY to Rs5.8bn KARACHI MEIRYUM ALI

Bank Alfalah Limited on Tuesday released its financial results for the half-year ended June 30, 2020 announcing an 8.4 per cent reduction in profit after tax to Rs5.8 billion compared to Rs6.3 billion in the corresponding period of last year. The bank’s earnings per share (EPS) clocked in at Rs3.25, which is a decrease from the Rs3.56 during the same period of last year. Specifically, in the second quarter of the year, the bank recorded an EPS of Rs1.62, which is

a fall of 8.5 per cent year-on-year. The bank’s net interest income grew 10 per cent year-on-year to Rs11.6 billion in the second quarter. In a statement issued to the press, the bank said this was due to higher average earning assets, along with better balance sheet management. Non-interest income in the second quarter grew 54 per cent YoY to Rs4.2 billion. That surge was driven by gains of Rs1.8 billion from the sale of securities in the second quarter. Fee income declined 28 per cent to Rs1.3 billion, while dividend income and income from foreign exchange dealing increased by 17 per cent

KP’s goods carrier association raises concerns over rent hike, raids peSHAWAR STAFF REPORT

Office bearers of Khyber Paktunkhwa’s (KP) local goods carrier association on Wednesday voiced concerns over unprecedented increase in the rents and unwarranted raids by the Customs Intelligence Department. The issues were raised by a delegation of Peshawar Carrier Association, which met with Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Engineer Maqsood Anwar Pervaiz. Members of the delegation raised concerns over exorbitant hike of up to 800 per cent in the rent of addas, harassment by police officials and raids by the Customs Intelligence Department on the pretext of examining documents. SCCI president asked the provincial government and its relevant subordinate institutions to reconsider the hike in rent and resolve issues faced by goods carriers on a priority basis. Sources further said that the Chinese firm has no prior experience of developing economic zones.

CMYK

and 21 per cent to Rs110 million and 953 million, respectively. The gross yield of the bank stood at 48.1 per cent in the second quarter, compared to 45.5 per cent in the previous quarter and 50.3 per cent in the same period of last year. The bank’s deposits stand at Rs808 billion, while advances stand at Rs537.5 billion. Furthermore, the banks Current Account Savings Account (CASA) ratio stands at 81.25 per cent, while the gross advances to deposits ratio stands at 66.5 per cent. At the close of the half year, the bank’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 17.67 per cent.

Thursday, 27 August, 2020

06 COMMENT

The burden the people have to carry

As CPEC enters a new phase Need for coordination and planning

iTH the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at the cusp of launching its second phase, the two countries have agreed to elevate the MoU on industrial cooperation into a framework agreement focusing on SEZs development, B2B relations and joint ventures as core elements of industrial cooperation under the $60b CPEC project. The action plan conceived for CPEC’s second phase includes relocation of Chinese industries into Pakistan, public private partnerships for business prospects and creation of vocational training and employment opportunities. The government had played the leading role in the first phase of CPEC. The second phase calls for an enhanced role for industrialists and businessmen. The government would act only as a facilitator, focusing on devising effective policies, laws and efficient infrastructure. The PTi government’s past performance in completing infrastructure projects or lawmaking does not however inspire much confidence. nine SEZs were to be set up to boost productivity and increase exports. The PTi administration has however failed to display the required efficiency. So far progress has been reported only on the development of four Economic Zones. while the government knows that the SEZ’s would create tens of thousands of jobs, little thinking has gone into how skilled manpower is to be made available. lack of investment in technical and vocational training has seriously affected labour skills. Consequently a vast majority of Pakistani workers currently employed in CPEC projects comprises manual labour. Pakistan is a federation and the CPEC projects are being implemented in all provinces, AJK and gilgitBaltistan that are ruled by different parties. This necessitates an understanding over the projects between all political parties. The PTi leadership however has little taste for taking the opposition parties on board. This has led the Chinese Communist Party to engage directly with various political parties in Pakistan at the provincial and federal level to cultivate a better understanding of CPEC’s vision and priorities. The process has culminated in the establishment of a CPEC Political Parties Joint Consultation Mechanism. Unless urgent reforms are undertaken for promoting transparency, coordination and planning, the grand CPEC opportunity could shrink to a much smaller venture compared to the one visualised initially as a megaproject with transformational potential.

Things are getting worse

Dr FariD a Malik

nwillingly the people of Pakistan have to carry the entire burden of the non-performing state. in a high school civics class we were taught that there were three essential pillars required to support the edifice of statehood: legislature, Executive and Judiciary. For effective governance each has a role to play. As the legislative branch consists of the representatives of the people, it is supposed to legislate and govern through the institutional framework. in a parliamentary democracy like ours, while heading the executive, the Prime Minister (PM) with his Cabinet sits in Parliament and is answerable for the performance of the government. with a legislature full of corrupt members, a nonfunctioning bureaucracy, overwhelmed judiciary, a large Army with its own priorities and family controlled structureless political parties, the job of the PM is not easy but at the end of the day the entire burden falls on the shoulders of the people of the islamic Republic of Pakistan. For years the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has been asking all the major political parties (PTi, PMl(n), PPP) for accounts of the funds received, which all of them have been evading, mainly because of poor bookkeeping. Pakistan started off well with an elected legislature of able and honest members. with the influx of refugees the focus shifted on their settlement while the colonial institutions were allowed to function without the major reforms needed for a democratic state. Unfortunately the pendulum swung the other way. First Baboo ghu-

Taliban in town Result not known

Indo-US mutual understanding and Modi Government

OREign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has warned a delegation of the Taliban Peace Commission of spoilers, while stressing that the peace accord with the USA must be implemented in full. while meeting them on Tuesday at the Foreign Ministry in islamabad, he said that the next step in the agreement, the intra-Afghan talks, must begin. There is logic in what he said, for one of the main obstacles, the release of many Taliban captives, has now been accepted by the Kabul government, and now, to bring about a lasting peace in the region, it is essential that the next step be taken, and there be an intra-Afghan dialogue. Thus the reference to spoilers should be taken to include the Kabul government, which has been loudly skeptical about the deal. However, the Commission should bear in mind that the Taliban has in its ranks those who feel that a military solution is possible; something which Mr Qureshi rejected, saying that Prime Minister imran Khan also said it was not. Then there are elements that have drifted to the islamic State, who take the most radical stand, and refuse to have any negotiations with the Americans. The Commission must also keep in mind that they might have all of that labour for nothing, because US President Donald Trump might do as he did before, which is to throw away the deal. The Taliban must remember that Mr Trump needs a deal by november, in time for his election. However, the Taliban might prefer to see who the new President is, for the consequences of handing Mr Trump the diplomatic triumph he seeks, only to find Mr Joe Biden is the new President, are unpredictable. However, as Mr Qureshi stressed, Pakistan also wants a lasting settlement in Afghanistan so that the entire region might enjoy the benefits of the peace that this would bring. it would be well if the Taliban were to keep in mind that it is not just one country which will find peace, but the entire region. if Mr Trump is willing to be a partner in peace, neither the Taliban nor the Kabul government should hang back.

How relations developed after the fall of the USSR Dr rajkuMar Singh

n recent decades, the USA has proved itself as a dependable friend of india and on the basis of the present, more gestures and actions are expected in future. Although there is a record of very good indo-US relations in preand post-independence eras but like relations with other countries, new Delhi’s political exchange with washington witnessed ups and downs caused by regional and global factors. in the pre-independence period the USA remained a supporter of india’s freedom and indian political leaders were on friendly terms with American leaders and public as well. in the initial years after independence, they initiated relations with mutual understanding and respect. By the time india got independence, world politics already revolved around two groups led by the USA and USSR. The Cold war that began as world war ii ended created an environment of competition, tension, proxy war, rivalry and propaganda war between the two superpowers, which also formed their military alliances, nATO and the warsaw Pact. it was a tough decision for countries of the world, especially for those of Asia and Africa which ad gained freedom recently or were on the verge of getting itm which to join. washington had thought of making india its new partner in the region against the USSR. new Delhi’s decision not to join any camp and remain non-aligned, no doubt, hurt US sentiment as well as interests in the region. Being disappointed from india it made Pakistan a strategic ally in Asia. in 1954, the USA made Pakistan a member of the Central Treaty Organisation (CEnTO)it formed for the security of the region. it hurt both india’s sentiment and its security perceptions. in response, it began to improve its relations and understandings with the USSR to counter the US-Pakistan nexus and protect india’s security against any threat. in a further development, in 1961, india became a founding member of the non-Aligned Movement in which a large number of countries from Asia and Africa

Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

Umar Aziz

Asher John

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Deputy Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

lam Muhammad ( gamma ) managed to become the no meaningful reforms are discussed. instead of lisgovernor general, replacing the stalwart of the Pak- tening to each other’s viewpoints there are walkouts istan Movement Khawaja nazimuddin, followed by and hooting matches. The only area of common iniskander Mirza and finally Ayub Khan who packed up terest are across-the-board increase in salaries and the entire legislative branch of the state. like the Clock perks. in 72 years there has been only one credible Tower of Faisalabad, the general and later Field Mar- election in 1970, which led to the dismemberment of shal decided on a uni-pillar state built around him. in Quaid’s Pakistan. Since then 12 electoral exercises his empire only he ruled while everyone else was a have been disputed, including the one in 2018. Ayub “Darbari”, and those who dissented were taken to the Khan’s mess was cleaned up by the electected government that followed ( 1971 to 1977 ) but it proved dungeons of the lahore Fort and tortured. in order to fill in the gap he created a toothless leg- to be shortlived, to be replaced by Zia’s Dark Ages ( islature indirectly elected through an Electoral College 1977 to 1988 ) and his repeat of the same process of called Basic Democrats ( BD Members ), 40,000 in political manipulation leading to another King’s Party each wing. The judiciary was mostly compliant with a (the PMl-n). Pakistan has not been the same since few judges who had spine. His debt-driven economic July 1977. nawaz Sharif’s desire to become Ameerul-Momineen resulted in model which favoured the the Musharraf misadvenselected few, was a disasture which brought Pakter for the many. Today istan into direct line of the burden of debt is unbearable and the largest Time is running out for the toiling fire of the Taliban and yet another King’s Party (the budget item. For the size masses of the republic. The PMl-Q) was formed of our economy the under the leadership of Armed Forces are too burdened common man can no the Chaudhrys of gujrat. large, that is why the Pakistan generates elected government opted longer sustain this load. Human one of the world’s costlifor the nuclear option. i remember the words of fatigue has set in. Unless a major est power based on imported Furnace Oil Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, “we change of approach is adopted together with out-of-reach will build the bomb even imported liquefied natuif we have to eat grass”, the future holds no promise for ral gas (lng). The burthat is what we have been doing since then. with the the poor, suffering and struggling den of power and fuel has rendered our industry ongoing war on terror, the people of the republic non-competitive. Finally size of the Army cannot the China-Pakistan Ecobe reduced but now that nomic Corridor (CPEC) nuclear Deterrence has has come to the rescue been attained, the prowith several hydel projgramme can be scaled back and put under financial audit. The non-performing ects together with coal-based power generation based administrative machinery is another big drain to be fol- on local reserves. Mining has finally started at the huge lowed with a huge pension bill that has crossed the tril- Thar deposit (175 billion tons). it is poised to be the lion-rupee mark annually. The four education energy future of the country which will significantly departments combined employ around one million lower the burden on the national exchequer. in addition teachers, some of whom show up to only to power generation this black gold can be used to procollect salaries. Out of the Rs 7.3 trillion budget esti- duce gas, fertilizers and several other useful products. Time is running out for the toiling masses of the mated for the current year there is hardly any money left for meaningful human development after interest republic. The burdened common man can no longer payments on debt, defence, pensions, corruption and sustain this load. Human fatigue has set in. Unless a the salaries and perks of civil servants. it does not end major change of approach is adopted the future holds here, then comes the grease money or gratification to no promise for the poor, suffering and struggling people of the republic. get anything done. Today the islamic Republic of Pakistan is not fiDr Farid A Malik is ex-Chairman, Pakistan nancially viable. The status quo is deeply entrenched. Even the Constitution is not followed in letter and Science Foundation. He can be contacted at: spirit. Parliament has become a debating club where fmaliks@hotmail.com.

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

joined hands. Soon it took the form of a movement without aligning itself with either of the two. Although, the movement harmed both blocs, it was more pinching for the USA because newly independent states are adopting democratic system of government for which the USA stands. This is why the USA became a critic of both india and nAM for reasons best known to all. For the time to come, india no longer remained a strategic or political partner of the USA in the region. That position had already been taken over by Pakistan. Confusion and misunderstanding between the two did not stop here and a fresh phase commenced when the nixon administration of America supported Pakistan in 1971 in its war against india. Although, in 1963 after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, its next president, lyndon B. Johnson, sought to maintain with india a good relation to counter Communist China, he also emphasized strengthening relations with Pakistan. However, when the country was under Richard nixon indo-US relations and understandings went to the lowest because he not only established close relations with Pakistan but also made it strong militarily and economically. He pleaded that as under indira gandhi india was leaning towards the USSR, his actions were justified. Further, he also considered Pakistan and China important for countering indo-Soviet ties in the region. The USA was again unhappy with india in 1974 when it exploded its first nuclear device “Smiling Buddha”, but it did not stop the shipment of enriched uranium for the Tarapur nuclear power plant. in between disappointments, for a very short period the indo-US relations saw a ray of hope during the rule of the Janata Party which took over at new Delhi in March 1977 under the leadership of Morarji Desai. in January 1980, the Congress Party under the premiership of indira gandhi assumed power in india and remain in power in the years to come. All the global and regional groups, alliances and inter-state relations collapsed at the close of 1980s when the disintegration of the USSR appeared imminent. it also ceased to be a superpower which affected all kinds of relations among nations across the world.

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in the changed scenario the USA remained the sole superpower. Therefore, in the 1990s indian foreign policy adapted to the unipolar world and began close ties with the USA. The USA also tried to accommodate indian policymakers and some understandings developed on regional and global issues. After the USSR ceased to be a superpower, many experts and scholars considered China as the emerging superpower which could challenge US hegemony in future. in addition, Chinese growth in all sectors, especially in economy and technology, was also of concern for the USA. in the context, to contain Chinese power and influence at reginal and global levels, the USA wanted to come on good terms with new Delhi, which motivated the US government and policymakers to change their attitude. But it all failed to get a favour for india when it exploded nuclear devices in May 1998 and the USA imposed several sanctions. But the lost understanding was regained some years later and in the premiership of Dr. Manmohan Singh (2004-2014) the two countries signed several defence agreements including the historic nuclear matters. The the BJP-led coalition, called national Democratic Alliance, which took over in May 2014, under the premiership of narendra Modi inherited a positive and prospective understanding in its relations with the USA. it was considered by many as a period of confidence building measures in which india and America share an extensive and expanding cultural, strategic, military and economic relationship. Earlier, indo-US relations received a major boost in 2008 when they signed the US-india Civil nuclear Agreement which was marked as a proof of a high level of understanding. Especially after coming of the new government and india’s marked growth in economy, information and communication technology, engineering, and the medical sectors, they have come closer because of larger national interests and strategic considerations. To make the relations more profitable and expanding it to a new height, frequent official visits have been undertaken by the Heads of State and government from both sides. Their visits and mutual discussions at new Delhi and washington have resulted in a consensus on several regional and global issues. They agreed to counter an aggressive and assertive China and implement measures to combat terrorism wherever possible worldwide. Their cooperation and understanding in various fields are reaching towards a peak day by day. Dr Rajkumar Singh is head of the political science department of the B.N.Mandal University, Madhepura, Bihar, India and can be reached at rajkumarsinghpg@gmail.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

Thursday, 27 August, 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

Injustice

China’s string of pearls What about India’s necklace of diamonds? aMjeD jaaveD

host of indian generals, politicians and China-centered media gurus claimed that China was out to alter the status quo ante. Planet-lab-imagery `corroborated’ exhibited pre-incursion and post-incursion positions. india’s Maj gen g.g. Dwivedi said, “it is part of China’s ‘nibble-andnegotiate’ policy. Their grand aim is to ensure that india does not build infrastructure along the lAC, change the status of ladakh, cozy up to the US and join the anti-China chorus caused by covid19. it is their way of attaining a political goal with military might while gaining more territory in the process.’’ He added. “we used to patrol up till Hot Springs and so did they. The ladakh Scouts controlled the galwan valley and did not encounter any problems either’. His troops learned of Chinese patrols from graffiti on the rocks that read ‘This is China’. indian troops retaliated by scribbling ‘This is india’ on the rocks. He interpreted China’s current belligerence as a reaction to ` india’s recent actions of reorganising Kashmir and ladakh and improving infrastructure in the region, Dwivedi clarified, “it [China] has high stakes in PoK [Azad Kashmir] as the CPEC traverses it, and it is also the site of the proposed $9 billion Diamer-Bhasha Dam.’’ China’s aim is to `dominate Durbuk-DBO road, strengthen its position in the Fingers area, halt the construction of link roads in galwan-Pangong Tso [salt lake] and negotiate de-escalation on its terms’ Chinese media insisted that it is india, not China, who overstepped line of Actual Control. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao lijian, reiterated China’s blaming the indian troops for the incident. india alleged, “An analysis of high-resolution satellite images of the Pangong Tso area in ladakh shows that not only have the Chinese changed the status quo at the Fingers, the mountain spurs along the lake, but also built `substantial’ structures in the contested region of the line of Actual Control’. The hills protrude into the lake like fingers and are numbered 1 to 8 from west to east. According to india, the lAC lies at Finger 8, but China points to Finger 4. The May 27 images by Planet labs show dozens of new structures, most likely tents, that have come up between Finger 8 and Finger 4 on the north bank of Pangong Tso, one of the main points of contention in the current standoff.” However, the Chinese view was confirmed by prime minister narender Modi. while addressing the all-party conference, Modi said, “neither have they [Chinese] intruded into our border nor has any post been taken over by them [China]. He added, “no one can take even an ‘inch of the land.” The media had alleged that former foreign secretary Shyam Saran in his 2013 report had stated that China had taken over 640 kilometers of ladakh territory. But, this allegation was rebutted not only by Saran himself but also by former defence minister AK Antony. Even `The indian army denied that ladakh had shrunk. Change in the river course was cited as a reason for the loss of 500-1,500 meters of land annually. india is unhappy at China’s unflinching support to Pakistan and Belt-Road initiative assistance and construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam. At US behest, india is flexing muscle at China. Since 1962, india has been building bridges and constructing roads in the disputed border areas.

Coupled with improved road links, india states are modernizing their navies. As a US proxy, india is building a ‘necklace constructed many air bases and airfields in forward locations. Following the galwan melee, of Diamonds’. This is a China encirclement india alerted its forward airfields and moved its strategy. india is expanding its naval bases and fighters/bombers there. Even the indian CAS also improving relations with strategically undertook whirlwind tours of forward fields, in- placed countries to suffocate China. india’s Strategic Bases include: (a) Changi cluding leh. Russia is upgrading the existing fleet of the Su-30 MKi to match Chinese Su-35 naval Base, Singapore: in 2018, Prime Minister Modi signed an agreement with Singapore, givand J-31 fighter jets. Five fly-away Rafale aircraft, with india- ing direct access to it to the indian navy. while specific enhancements, have landed at Ambala, sailing through the South China Sea, the indian and 31 more are on their way. The Rafale jets navy can refuel and rearm its ships through this will be based at Ambala Air Base and Hasimara base. (b) Sabang Port, indonesia: in 2018, india got military access to it. it is right at the entrance Air Base in west Bengal. india is developing Andaman and nicobar of Malacca Strait. This strait is one of the world’s islands as a strategic outpost to monitor Chinese famous chokepoints. Much trade and crude oil naval activity in the Eastern indian Ocean. it has goes to China through it. (c) Duqm Port, Oman: set up an integrated surveillance network there. in 2018, india got another military access here String of pearls, in geostrategic jargon, after Sabang Port in indonesia. it is on the southeastern seaboard of refers to the Strait Oman. The port faof Malacca, Sri cilitates india’s lanka, Pakistan, the crude imports from Maldives, the Strait India’s provocations may the Persian gulf. of Hormuz and SoThis indian facility malia and includes inadvertently lead to a war is located right beBangladesh and tween the two imMyanmar, in Chiagainst China. India’s frenzied portant Chinese nese strategy. The emergence of the war preparations are a source of pearls, Djibouti in Africa and gwadar String of Pearls is serious concern to China. The in Pakistan. (d) Asbelieved to be sumption island, China’s growing USA is unlikely to contribute Seychelles: in 2015, geopolitical influindia and Seychelles ence through consoldiers in such an eventuality. agreed to develop certed efforts to Some of China’s diamonds are the naval base here. increase access to This gives military ports and airfields, weary of India’s pugnacity. For access to india. This expand and modbase is of strategic ernise military instance, Bangladesh is getting importance to india forces. closer to China. Bangladesh is as China desperately But, the USA wants to increase its has over 800 naval unhappy at India’s nonpresence in Africa bases while China through the Marhas only two, Momcompliance with the Teesta River itime Silk Route. (e) basa and Djibouti, Chabahar Port, iran: aside from controAccord, and the anti-Muslim in 2016, Modi versial Hambantota (Bangladeshi) Citizenship signed an agreement (Sri lanka). yet, the to build it. india reUS propaganda is Amendment Act neged on a promise that China is setting to complete it under up bases along the US pressure. iran sea lanes from the had to replace her Middle East to the South China Sea, with the dual objectives of with China. (f) new naval bases are being developed in Mongolia in the Asia-Africa growth protecting energy and strategic interests. Doubtless the USA is the dominant super- Corridor (AAgC) with Japan. india is maintaining good relations with power in the indo-Pacific region. Majority of the littoral states, including india. Australia, Taiwan, Vietnam and has so far sold Brahmos Missile Vietnam, the Philippines, South Korea are under and four patrol boats to it. Bangladesh and nepal are slipping out of india’s influence, but Bhutan US influence. The USA has powerful naval bases at Diego is in india’s grip. india scuttled China’s claim garcia, Busen, guyan island, yongson and Ok- over the Sakteng wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan. india’s provocations may inadvertently lead inawa.The USA has stationed its littoral combat ships at Singapore besides accessing facilities of to a war against China. india’s frenzied war preparations are a source of serious concern to Vietnamese port Cam Ranh Bay. The US has terminated special treatment China. The USA is unlikely to contribute soldiers agreements with Hong Kong in response to in such an eventuality. Some of China’s diamonds China’s `actions to deny freedom to the people are weary of india’s pugnacity. For instance, Bangladesh is getting closer to China. Bangladesh of Hong Kong’. The USA is rousing China’s dormant mar- is unhappy at india’s non-compliance with the itime disputes over some islands in the region. in Teesta River Accord, and the anti-Muslim East China Sea, there is dispute between China (Bangladeshi) Citizenship Amendment Act. and Japan over the Diaoyu and Senkaku islands. Amjed Jaaved is a freelance journalist, has The USA assures China’s rivals it would be their `security provider’ in need. The region’s served in the Pakistan government for 39 years major stakeholders are the USA, China, Australia, and holds degrees in economics, business administration, and law. He can be reached at the ASEAn countries, Japan and South Korea. To block China’s ascendancy, all littoral amjedjaaved@gmail.com.

in Balochistan, the biggest province of Pakistan, peace is seen nowhere but a fairy tale of bloodshed, ignorance, injustice, suffering, torturing, disaparance, murdering and oppressing the dreams of innocent souls. Because we are living in a country where innocent flowers like Hayat are brutally gunned down in front of their parents and then described as a ‘mistake’. in Balochistan, it is very rigorous for a middle class family to get education. Hayat was one such student who had tough challenges in getting education. He was also the first from his family to getting out of the city for the higher education. Even though, he experienced part time jobs just to collect some money and spend them on his education. He was the student of final year of Physiology in Karachi University and had lots of dreams and ambitions for his coming future. According to one of his friends, Hayat told him he felt so bad and so unfair that his parents work day in and day out in farms to send him money for his education. He was preparing to become a CSP officer so as to help his family and society in the coming time. He had high dreams and burned midnight oil to make his parents proud and live in peace, but those eight bullets vanished everything once and forever for him, his family and nation. it wrenches every heart pondering at how brutally he was beaten, tied up, dragged to the road and that too in front of his aged parents. And then the eight bullets ended a brave story. it was the Frontier Corps who gunned Hayat down; they are said to be our protectors but we are actually under their threats. Despite all the crime they did with Hayat and his family, they considered it as a ‘mistake’. On that day, they did not only murder Hayat, but all his ambitions and wishes including the hopes of his parents and nation. They were all troubled under the feet of the miscreants at that very moment. However, it is not first such incident in Balochistan. According to a report, in 2010 a woman died when the Frontier Corps opened up firing somewhere in Balochistan. Same as in Hayat’s case, they labelled it as a mistake. After her in 2011, the innocent Zubair and Murad, two brothers, suffered the same and were killed by the Frontier Corps. Thousands of other educated youths of Balochistan are yet missing; a great number of them are secretly murdered and buried in shape of mass grave. For how long do we have to bear the mistakes of them and forgive them for their intentional murders? The Holy Quran [Surah Madhia] indicates that whosoever kills an innocent life, it is as if he has killed whole of the humanity. Observing the indication around us, humanity has been murdered. Sadly, our so-called media, instead of giving coverage to the issues of Balochistan, hides the reality and folds it down to silence. How long can we turn a blind eye towards the reality? Frontier Corps are crossing all the heights of atrocities by killing the innocent Baloch mercilessly. Educated youths are caged and murdered without any fault. i wonder if the state gives them the duty to protect the citizens or murder them. if the higher authorities do not look towards the issues today, blood bath will continue without any fear of law for longer and longer. Thus, the work of Frontier Corps is on borders, then what are they are doing inside the cities? They should be shifted to the borders so that Baloch people get back to peaceful days. DurDana ShakEEl TurbaT kEch

Education for girls EDUCATiOn is the basic right to every human beyond the gender, caste, or cultures. Despite being the part of Pakistan’s constitution to provide education to every female, around 65% women are deprived from this fundamental right. lack of education among the women is a big issue as they play a vital role for economical and social policy. The discrimination in educational sectors begins from home when parents limit the daughter to domestic duties. Henceforth, it’s really necessary to conduct awareness campaigns and the education minister is requested to step up the efforts to provide quality and equal education for girls. afroz MJ TurbaT

Democracy in danger UnFORTUnATEly, real democracy never could take roots in Pakistan. Shortly after the birth of Pakistan, senior leaders were removed from power without any justification or democratic process. in the nwFP (now KPK), Dr. Khan Sahib, in Punjab nawab Mamdot, and in Sindh Ayub Khoro’s governments were toppled without any reason. This undemocratic tradition got momentum at hands of conspirators and aspiring dictators who wished for the system to fail. This led to a most detestable system of changing governments under made-up charges. This created a new breed of politicians who thrived on conspiracies and drew power and inspiration from undemocratic powers. These leaders, instead of holding unity to think collectively for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, were busy overthrowing existing governments. This most detestable and the undesirable tradition of toppling existing governments was adopted by the new breed of politicians in the name of democracy. However, eventually, their conspiracies would always create space for a dictator. After the exit of general (retd) Parvez Musharaf from power, the PPP and the PMln ruled the country alternatively for a long time but failed to strengthen the democratic system. They failed to bring power to people by giving them political and economic freedom and the right to express themselves freely. The undemocratic traditions of weakening the system while the parties sing songs of democracy still goes on. we are now at a point where people have become completely fed up with the drama we have in the name of democracy. i am afraid if our politicians don’t mend their way immediately and work for the betterment of people to bring them real benefits of a democratic system, we might lose it forever. raJa ShafaaTullah ISlaMabaD

Thursday, 27 August, 2020

08 WORLD VIEW

The backlash againsT brazil’s poliTicized miliTary IN AN INTERVIEW WITH ESTADÃO NEWSPAPER EARLIER THIS MONTH, THE FIVE-TERM CONGRESSMAN ARGUED THAT IT WAS “IMPORTANT TO SEPARATE THE STATE AND THE GOVERNMENT. THE ARMED FORCES ARE IN THE STATE. POLICY MAKERS, MINISTERS, THE PRESIDENT ARE IN GOVERNMENT. IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE CLEAR THAT THERE IS A WALL” AmericAs QuArterly

oLIVEr ST UEnKEL

RoWING concern in Brazil’s legislature, judiciary and civil society about the number of active-duty and reserve members of the military embedded in the Bolsonaro government has led Rodrigo Maia, president of Brazil’s lower house of Congress, to call for a rule that would limit the role of the armed forces in government. In an interview with Estadão newspaper earlier this month, the five-term congressman argued that it was “important to separate the state and the government. the armed forces are in the state. Policy makers, ministers, the president are in government. It is important to make clear that there is a wall.” the number of military men in Jair Bolsonaro’s government is indeed staggering. according to a recent assessment commissioned by Brazil’s Federal Court of accounts, known by its initials tCU in Portuguese, 6,157 military men and women (roughly split between active-duty and reserve) are currently serving in the Bolsonaro administration. that’s more than twice as many as under former President Michel temer, and even more than at any point during the military dictatorship between 1964 and 1985. the vice president is also a reserve general, and 10 of 23 Cabinet positions are held by either current or former military figures.

Maia is not the first political leader to speak out against the creeping militarization of politics. the situation has led Luiz Roberto Barroso, a Supreme Court justice, to draw parallels to Venezuela, where the armed forces also slowly assumed key political positions, bluntly stating that Brazil’s government was experiencing a “Chávezization.” Former health Minister Luiz henrique Mandetta, who was sacked by Bolsonaro in april after refusing to toe the president’s line of minimizing the public health crisis, recently warned that the government’s response to the pandemic has been led by an active-duty general who was responsible for overseeing military operations in the western amazon region, without any previous experience in public health. Militarization had diminished the health ministry, which now employs over 1,200 military personnel, Mandetta said. In a similar vein, Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes argued that the fact that General Eduardo Pazuello was serving as interim health minister in the midst of the worst pandemic in a century, which has claimed over 100,000 lives in Brazil, was “terrible for the armed forces’ reputation,” adding provocatively that “the military is associating itself with genocide.” the accusation led to a fierce reaction by both the defense minister, General Fernando azevedo, and Brazil’s vice president, General hamilton Mourão, who said the justice had gone “too far.” Yet even they cannot deny that blurring the line between the armed forces and government creates un-

certainty among civilians: Does an active-duty general who also happens to be the interim health minister speak on behalf of the ministry or on behalf of the armed forces? Does criticizing Pazuello imply attacking the armed forces? By proposing an actual rule and a specific date by which it would be valid, Maia is the first to structure a public debate that could generate momentum without directly confronting the military leaders currently occupying numerous key positions in the government, with whom he needs to maintain a productive working relationship. Maia, known for his pragmatism and conciliatory style, suggests that active-duty military officials should be banned from occupying government positions starting with the next incoming administration, in January 2023, thus providing enough time for presidential candidates planning to challenge Bolsonaro to embrace the idea. While most criticism of the military’s growing political power comes from civilians, Maia’s proposal paradoxically finds relevant support among some generals — such as former minister Carlos alberto Santos Cruz — who are increasingly aware that the armed forces’ highly visible role in the Bolsonaro government may damage their reputation. after all, the armed forces have been, along with churches, the most respected institution in Brazil since redemocratization. Yet that very reputation of moral rectitude and technical expertise rested on their above-the-fray approach to politics and preference for staying out of

the public limelight. another area under public scrutiny is environmental protection, where Vice President Mourão has been tasked with reducing deforestation in the amazon region — a near-impossible mission considering that the president’s core supporters include illegal loggers, ranchers and miners who are unlikely to forget Bolsonaro’s campaign promise to weaken environmental regulation. as Folha de São Paulo columnist Celso Rocha de Barros shrewdly observed, “the military seems to have thought they would enjoy the benefits of being in government without [paying the price].” Indeed, torn between assuming greater control and seeking to dissociate themselves from the government, the generals increasingly realize they have been lulled in by Bolsonaro. a law that would require members of the military to leave active duty prior to accepting positions in government would no doubt help assuage concerns that a possible Bolsonaro second term would consolidate the administration’s de facto status as a military government. Indeed, the large number of active-duty generals advising the president has made Bolsonaro’s threats against the Supreme Court sound even more dangerous, especially after they have repeatedly chosen not to publicly reject the president’s authoritarian rhetoric. In this sense, Maia’s proposal can be understood as an attempt to safeguard Brazil’s democracy from the creeping militarization that was a key element of the erosion of democracy in Venezuela. Will Maia’s proposal succeed? after growing pressure from fellow generals, Bolsonaro’s Secretary of Government Staff Luiz Eduardo Ramos decided to retire from active duty in July. Pazuello, on the other hand, has ignored calls to do the same, and continues to enjoy the president’s strong backing. In the same way, thousands of active-duty members of the military who also enjoy the benefits of being in government are unlikely to support giving up their privileges. a key determinant of whether the proposal can succeed is whether other opposition leaders are willing to publicly support it. In any case, Maia’s important initiative is set to help take an ongoing debate about whether Brazil’s armed forces have accumulated too much political power to a new, possibly more consequential level. Oliver Stuenkel is a contributing columnist for Americas Quarterly and teaches International Relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in São Paulo. He is the author of The BRICS and the Future of Global Order (2015) and Post-Western World: How Emerging Powers Are Remaking Global Order (2016).

The monopoly on racial wealth AN EXCERPT FROM RADIO HOST THOM HARTMANN’S NEW BOOK LOOKS AT WHY WHITE GUYS HAVE IT MADE

Progressive

Thom harTmann

hat is not a just government, nor is property secure under it, where arbitrary restrictions, exemptions, and monopolies deny to part of its citizens that free use of their faculties, and free choice of their occupations, which not only constitute their property in the general sense of the word; but are their means of acquiring property strictly so called. (James Madison, Property, March 29, 1792) While the monopolization of wealth and political power by giant corporations and billionaires has reached crisis proportions in this country, the monopolization of middle-class wealth by white people—particularly white men—is also a crisis that keeps our country unequal and out of balance. My mother’s family came to this country in the late 1600s from Wales and settled in Massachusetts. they did well over the generations; there are still places in that state named after the family, and since the early 1700s it’s a safe bet (looking at genealogical records my mom painstakingly compiled for decades) they were literate and educated. So it was only natural that Mom would go to college and graduate magna cum laude; her family was white. My dad’s parents came to america from Grimstad, Norway, in 1917 and settled first in Chicago and then in northern Michigan. they were literate and educated, and by the 1930s they owned their own home in northern Michigan. My dad went to college for a few years on the GI Bill before dropping out because Mom got pregnant with me; he later bought a home with a loan made possible by the GI Bill. his family was white. By the time I came along, my parents had benefited from centuries of education and wealth-building directed almost exclusively to white people. that’s not to say we were wealthy; my mom’s family lost everything in the Great Depression, and, in part because of that, her father

died of a heart attack in his thirties when she was thirteen years old. My grandmother raised her alone, working as the town clerk in Charlevoix, Michigan. My dad’s father was a craftsman—a cabinetmaker— and made fine furniture, including, according to family lore, a piece that’s in the White house. But Dad only inherited from them his education and outlook: until I was five or six years old, he made a living selling Rexair vacuum cleaners and World Book Encyclopedias door-todoor, and we lived in a tiny two-room house in the poor part of downtown Lansing before he got a good union job in a tool-and-die shop that catapulted us into the suburban middle class. I tell this history to illustrate that it’s a fairly common one for white americans. those of us descended from Europeans have almost always had at least a baseline of literacy and the generation-to-generation transmission of a sort of cultural wealth going back centuries that gave us an edge over african americans and nonwhite hispanics. We also benefited from centuries of laws and policies in this nation that nakedly favored white people, even long after the end of both slavery and Jim Crow. My dad could go to college on the GI Bill and buy a house with its help, but of the first 67,000 mortgages that the GI Bill made possible, as Jamiles Lartey wrote for the Guardian, “fewer than 100 were taken out by non-white people.” this is particularly critical because home equity represents the vast majority of wealth held by middle-class and working-class families in america. the house Dad bought when I was six for $13,000 in south Lansing was in an all-white neighborhood. Most of the other dads in the neighborhood were also World War II vets like him and probably bought their houses the same way he did. and even if an african american family had succeeded in buying a home in our lower-

middle-class neighborhood, they may not have lasted long before being harassed out of their new house. I went to a brand-new school (the entire subdivision, including the school, was built in 1957, the year we moved in, on what had previously been cornfields) and got a first-rate education. an education system funded largely by property taxes did, in the 1950s and today, what it was designed to do in the late 1800s and early 1900s as public schools spread across the country: keep prosperous neighborhoods prosperous for future generations through good education, while letting poorer neighborhoods—particularly those where Black people lived—basically rot. While Democratic Keynesian economics put into place by FDR in the 1930s created the middle class intentionally, it was also intentionally a white middle class, with numerous guard-rails to keep it that way. the institutional barriers to people of color building wealth through education or home ownership did not vanish with the Civil Rights act in the 1960s; as recently as 2012, Wells Fargo pleaded guilty to pushing Black and hispanic families into exploding subprime mortgages while steering white families into traditional fixed-rate thirtyyear mortgages. During the era from the 1930s to the 1980s, FDR’s New Deal economic policies of unionization and high progressive taxes kept wealth inequality at bay; the middle class actually grew their wealth and income faster than the top 1 percent did. and when the sixties and seventies came along and many of the entry barriers that Blacks and hispanics had previously faced began to fall (particularly in government hiring, which is nearly 20 percent of the economy), the middle class began to grow beyond just white people. Chicago School libertarian trickle-down Reaganomics (particularly his war on unions and his tax cuts for corporations and the ultrarich) put an end to all that: they halted the growth of wealth and income for working people and erased the gains of minority families who were just beginning to emerge into the middle class but didn’t yet have multigenerational education or wealth to fall back on.

the wealth monopoly in america isn’t just the concentration of money in the hands of the top 1 percent; it’s also the concentration of wealth among white people. those Reaganomics policies that america has been groaning under since 1981—even through two Democratic presidential administrations—continue to push people of colour underwater. Referencing a 2017 study by the Economic Policy Institute, a headline in the Guardian summarizes the entire crisis in a single sentence: “Median wealth of Black americans ‘will fall to zero by 2053’ warns new report.” It’s not just white people who have seized almost all working- and middle-class wealth; it’s largely white men. While Black men faced huge barriers to education, housing, and good jobs up to and through the 1970s (and still do, albeit less explicitly), so did white women (albeit less severely). Prior to the early 1970s, women couldn’t get a credit card without their husband’s signature, pretty much regardless of their wealth or income. Women weren’t allowed to serve on a jury in most states until the mid-1970s, and possession of birth control—even for married women—was illegal in some states until 1965, when the U.S. Supreme Court, in Griswold v. Connecticut, struck down that state’s law criminalizing the possession of condoms, diaphragms, and birth control pills even for married couples in their own homes. Women had a separate area in the help wanted section of the newspaper, and getting pregnant (or even married, for jobs like flight attendant or waitress) was a firing offense. Ivy League and military colleges were almost entirely all male until the 1970s (not to mention all white), and in 1963, white working women earned 59 cents for every dollar earned by white men (the ratios were similar across races). Much good work was done by civil rights and women’s rights legislation in the 1960s and 1970s, but conservative white men have continued to block the Equal Rights amendment, which simply says, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex,” since it was first written by alice Paul and introduced to Congress in 1923. “Conservative” men have blocked it every year for generations. While the top 1 percent now owns more wealth than the entire bottom 90 percent, the 61 percent of america that is made up of non-hispanic white people owns the majority of middle-class wealth: for every $100 in wealth held by white families, Black families have $5.04. It’s hard to find a clear gender breakout of that white wealth, but it’s safe to say the majority of it is held by the roughly 30 percent of americans who are white men. these racial- and gender-based monopolies of wealth in america keep down women and nonwhites, while producing a significant drag on the economic and cultural vitality of our nation.

Thursday, 27 August, 2020

bUsiness 09 corporate corner CDA asked to drain rain water iSLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) has tasked the engineering wing to supervise the drainage of water that has gathered as a result of rains. The engineering wing of the authority has been directed to ensure immediate drainage of water during and after the monsoon rains. In line with the instructions of the CDA management, Roads Directorate (North), Road Directorate (South), Markets and Road Maintenance Directorate and other concerned formations of the authority along with other concerned departments remained busy in draining water accumulated due to heavy rainfall on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning in Islamabad. Press release

Askari Bank organises Green Day LAHORE: Over 500 Askari Bank branches across155 cities in the country on Wednesday participated in a plantation drive and distributed plants and created awareness for a greener Pakistan. Government officials, Askari Bank customers and the general public actively participated in the campaign and appreciated the banks efforts. Press release

Soneri Bank announces Rs1.1bn half yearly profit KARAcHi: Soneri Bank Limited on Wednesday released its condensed interim financial statements for the half year ended 30 June 2020 announcing a profit before tax (PBT) of Rs1,931 million and profit after tax (PAT) of Rs1,129 million compared to Rs1,633 million PBT and Rs975 million PAT in the same period of last year. The Bank’s Earnings per Share (EPS) was recorded at Rs1.0243 per share for the current reporting period, as compared to Re0.8844 for the comparative prior period. Profit before provisions and taxation was reported at Rs2,960 million for 1H2020, indicating an impressive growth of 207 per cent from the level of Rs964 million for the corresponding prior period. The bank’s net advances portfolio stood at Rs198,542 million as at 30 June 2020, 3 per cent lower than 2019 year end level. Nonperforming loans decreased from Rs10,903 million on 31 December 2019 to Rs10,682 million on 30 June 2020. Net investments witnessed a volumetric increase of Rs47,761 million or 27 per cent from the year end balance of Rs177,056 million, ending at Rs224,817 million as at 30 June 2020. Press release

No electrocutions in Karachi due to company infrastructure, says KE KARAcHi: K-Electric on Wednesday expressed grief over the electrocution incidents reported in Karachi during the ongoing monsoon spell adding that electrocution had not occurred due to company infrastructure. The company said that it has been regularly sending out precautionary and safety messages regarding rains for the wellbeing of the citizens. The organization however shared its utmost concerns regarding the four electrocution incidents reported on August 25 adding that all the four reported incidents occurred due to damaged wires inside premises, and streetlight poles. While sympathising with the affected families the K-Electric spokesperson clarified that no electrocutions happened due to KE’s infrastructure. Press release

‘No water puddles in Bahria Town Karachi despite heavy downpour’ KARAcHi: Bahria Town Karachi on Wednesday said that despite heavy rains in Karachi no water puddles or overflowing gutters were seen in its vicinity. The company said that it was able to drain out water completely and no power supply interruptions were caused due to the rain. Due to brilliant town planning, modern draining system, 24/7 power supply, rain in Bahria Town Karachi is not a problem but a blessing, the company said. Bahria Town Karachi, being a conscientious organization, has always opted for preservation and responsible use of resources. For this very reason, a 24/7 Sewerage Treatment Plant has long been established to make the gray water reusable for construction and horticultural needs and conserve the fresh water. Furthermore, Bahria Town has also constructed 12 dams to collect and preserve rain and storm water. During the recent downpour, these dams have the capacity to store 167.6 million gallons of water. This is testament to their efforts to not only effectively utilize natural resources but also conserve them. Due to its brilliant town planning and modern infrastructure, the model city of Bahria Town Karachi remained unaffected by the heavy rain. All services remained uninterrupted and residents went about their daily activities as usual whether at the schools, offices, hospitals, parks, Cinegold cinema, Danzoo or at the Carnival. So whether it’s the rainy season or any other, Bahria Town is the right place for all weathers. Press release

NESPAK ranked among top global firms in US’s ENR Magazine LAHORE: NESPAK on Wednesday said that it has been ranked this year on ENR Magazine Top Global Construction Management companies list. The ranking has been published in the latest issue of the magazine and communicated to the NESPAK management with a congratulatory note. NESPAK has been ranked 13th among the top 20 non-US firms in total global construction management and programme management category. Currently, NESPAK is playing a lead role in providing consultancy services for the construction of Mohmand Dam and Diamer Basha Dam while also providing engineering services in seven other countries. Press release

SToCKS GAiN 569PTS AMiD hoPES of iNvESTMENT fRoM ovERSEAS PAKiSTANiS LAHORE

sTaFF rePOrT

HE Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) KSE 100 index on Wednesday, closed higher by 569.77 points at 40,862.59 points. Meanwhile, the KMI 30 index added 748.87 points on Wednesday and closed the day at 65,478.37 points while the KSE All Share index appreciated by 299.09 points before settling at 28,565.37 points. According to a report published by Capital Stake, Wednesday was a busy day at the PSX as investors waited for important financial results to be announced. Indices headed north from the word go while volumes remained decent. According to the report, excitement at the PSX was also fueled by media reports that Pakistan plan’s to allow non-resident Pakistanis to open

digital accounts starting next week to allow the diaspora to invest in one of Asia’s best-performing stock markets, buy government debt and conduct basic banking services. Overall market volumes fell slightly from 535.04 million shares in the last session to 507.74 million shares. Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL 1.55 per cent) turned out as top traded scrip with a volume of 48.95 million shares, followed by Hascol Petroleum Limited (HASCOL -1.00 per cent) and Kot Addu Power Company Limited (KAPCO +6.52 per cent). The scrips had 36.05 million shares and 18.55 million shares traded, respectively. Sectors driving the KSE 100 index north included the banking sector (203.39 points), oil and gas exploration sector (85.65 points) and the fertilizer sector (55.15 points). Company-wise, banking players Habib Bank Limited (123.45 points), MCB Bank Limited (61.42

points) and United Bank Limited (48.37 points) were top points contributors. The banking sector gathered 1.48 per cent in its cumulative market capitalization. MCB Bank Limited (3.18 per cent), Habib Bank Limited (5.88 per cent), Meezan Bank Limited (1.38 per cent) and United Bank Limited (3.55 per cent) all closed in green. Century Paper and Board Mills Limited (CEPB +7.50 per cent) announced an Earning per Share (EPS) of Rs10.35 for FY20 as compared to Rs5.80 in FY19 along with final cash dividend of Rs1.50. International Steels Limited (ISL +1.19 per cent) declared an EPS of Rs1.14 for FY20 (Rs 6.12 FY19). Similarly, Attock Cement (Pakistan) Limited (ACPL -2.19 per cent) announced an EPS of Rs8.06 for FY20 as compared to Rs15.09 during the last year. The company also announced a final cash dividend of Rs3.50. Another

FBR approves Audit Policy-2019 ISLAMABAD sTaFF rePOrT

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Wednesday approved the Audit Policy, 2019 pertaining to the year 2018. The Audit Policy, 2019 will apply to people or classes of people falling under all or any of the three domestic Federal Tax Statutes which include the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, Sales Tax Act 1990, and Federal Excise Act 2005. The FBR said that the criteria for selection of cases for the tax year 2018 would be done through a scientific approach for which a software named “Risk Based Audit Management System” (RAMS) has been designed and put in place. The FBR said that this will enable it to focus on cases with the maximum number of non-compliant taxpayers while facilitating compliant taxpayers and building confidence in the audit system. According to the FBR, the tax board will shortly conduct a computer ballot by applying risk based pa-

rameters for the selection of 0.76 per cent cases for audit out of the total filers. For sales tax and federal excise duty, the FBR would select 1.67 per cent and 5.65 per cent cases respectively for audit out of the total filers after exclusions for tax periods corresponding to accounting period adopted for the purpose of returns of Income Tax for the year 2018. In order to facilitate the taxpayers, FBR has approved certain categories of the taxpayers to be excluded from selection which include those already under investigations by FBR Intelligence and Investigations Wing and all cases where income chargeable to tax under the head salary and pension exceeds 50 per cent of taxable income, except for cases having business income. Directors of companies do not qualify for such an exclusion. The FBR said that the parameters defined for selection of cases for audit are confidential and shall not be disclosed. Pakistan Plans to Tap Pockets of Citizens Overseas to Boost Reserves

Urea oﬀtake increases 24pc YoY to 574,000 tonnes in July LAHORE Hassan naqvi

The urea offtake increased 24 percent year-over-year (YoY) in July to 574,000 tonnes but declined 51 per cent month-over-month (MoM), according to the data released by the National Fertilizer Development Centre (NFDC). The sequential decline in offtake is a result of high base effect. The farmers had delayed their purchase decision in May this year in the anticipation of subsidy on urea. Moreover, the budgetary announcements included punitive action for selling urea to unregistered dealers (initially with effect from July 2020) which resulted in pre-buying in June this year. According to Senior Research Analyst at AKD Securities Limited Ailia Naeem, the increase was witnessed across the board on YoY basis, except for Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC) which had urea offtake down 37 per cent YoY. Engro Fertilizers Limited (EFERT) led the growth accounting for ap-

proximately 60 per cent of the month’s urea offtake. Ailia maintained that with EFERT’s [Engro Fertilizers] inventory having normalised to approximately 120,000 tonnes vs. hitting a high of 600,000 tonnes during the year, the company was quick to increase urea price by Rs25 per bag in early August, to make up for a comparatively higher decline of Rs400 per bag in urea price as compared to Rs160 per bag cost reduction benefit post GIDC [Gas Infrastructure Development Cess] elimination. The senior research analyst added that the price hike may result in normalization of EFERT’s offtake in coming months. On cumulative basis, the urea offtake remained flattish YoY, clocking in at 3.2 million MT for 7MCY20. She said that dismal offtake in the month of July this year has made FFC to lag on cumulative basis, whereas Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited (FATIMA) and Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Limited (FFBL) led the pack. She further shared that the

seasonality effect results in higher DAP offtake: DAP offtake for July increased 41 per cent to 247,000 MT, due to onset of Rabi season. On cumulative basis, FFBL remained at the forefront, with DAP offtake up 18 per cent YoY in 7MCY20. On the recent GIDC decision by the Supreme Court, Ailia predicted that FFC, EFERT, FATIMA and FFBL may be able to pay approximately 70 per cent, 45 per cent, 30 per cent and 20 per cent overdue GIDC payables through existing short term investments and cashflow. She added that AKD Securities highlight FFC as the top pick in Fertilizer sector due to: (i) best liquidity situation as aforementioned and (ii) healthy EBITDA generation, which will enable the company to sustain its D/Y north of 11 percent in CY20. She opined that the worst affected Fertilizer players include FFBL, with food subsidiaries already causing a drain on company’s liquidity. Engro Fertilizer and Fatima Fertilizer may be adversely affected if GIDC is also collected on concessionary gas.

member of Attock group, Attock Petroleum Limited (APL +3.52 per cent) declared an EPS of Rs10.13 for FY20 as compared to Rs39.79 for FY19. Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL +1.55 per cent) in a notification announced that the company’s pipelines were severely damaged due to unusual heavy rains in Karachi. Rainwater washed away a portion of the Piles Bridge carrying intra-city oil pipelines of the Company which connects Keamari Terminal to the refinery at Korangi Creek for transportation of crude oil. The company said that it is accessing the situation so that magnitude of damage can be ascertained. Global equity markets also saw a positive trend on Wednesday while crude oil prices declined with the price of WTI crude oil falling by 0.42 per cent to $43.17 while the price of brent crude oil dipped by 0.26 per cent to $46.17.

Cement exports fall 9.77pc to $22.925m during July ISLAMABAD aPP

The exports of cement witnessed a decrease of 9.77 per cent to $22.925 million during July 2020 compared to the exports of $25.407 million during July 2019, according to a report released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Meanwhile, on a month-on-month basis, the exports of cement grew by 35.35 per cent during July 2020 compared to the exports of $16.937 million in June 2020, the PBS data revealed. Pakistan’s trade deficit during the first month of the current fiscal year fell 7.72 per cent compared to the corresponding period of last year. The trade deficit during July 2020 was recorded at $1.686 billion compared to the deficit of $1.827 million in July 2019, the data revealed. During the month under review, exports from the country increased by 6.10 per cent, from $1.886 billion last year to $2.001 billion during the current year. On the other hand, imports witnessed a decline of 0.70 per cent falling from $3.713 billion last year to $3.687 billion this year.

Govt looks towards overseas Pakistanis to boost reserves MONITORING REPORT The Pakistani government is looking to attract funds from its diaspora through bonds or deposits in a bid to boost its foreign exchange reserves. According to reports, non-resident Pakistanis will soon be able to open digital accounts from next week which will allow them to invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), buy government debt and carry out basic banking functions. According to a report published in Bloomberg, the opening of the digital accounts will be facilitated by eight domestic banks. Non residents Pakistanis will be able to deposit either Pakistani rupees or US dollars in these accounts. Remittances from non resident Pakistanis are an important source for foreing exchange for the country. Foreign remittances for Pakistan stood at $23 billion during FY20 which was higher than the $21 billion export revenue the country earned during that period. Earlier in 2013, India adopted a similar strategy by using a discounted swap window to attract inflows of around $34 billion from its overseas citizens. The country also used its diaspora to attract foreign exchange in 1998 and 2000 to ease pressure on its local currency.

PM assures maximum facilitation for exporters ISLAMABAD aPP

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that the government is committed to extending all possible facilitation to exporters in order to increase the country’s exports. Talking to a delegation of leading exporters from poultry, rice, fruits, information technology, pharmaceuticals and textile sectors, the prime minister stressed

the need for a greater focus aimed at increasing the country’s services-related exports. The prime minister mentioned that exports play a critical role towards creating jobs and employment opportunities for the young workforce. He expressed satisfaction that Pakistan’s economy is moving in the right direction with a current account surplus recorded in July 2020 and growth in exports despite the global economic slump caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

CMYK

The prime minister noted that in order to promote the process of industrialization in the country and to make Pakistan’s products competitive in the global market, the government has either eliminated or significantly reduced duties on hundreds of tariff lines involving raw material for the local industry. He further said that the system of refunds has been streamlined to resolve liquidity issues of the exporters and the industrialists.

"The government is vigorously pursuing ‘Make in Pakistan’ policy, to promote export-led industrialization in the country and our efforts in the last two years have been to further this objective through various interventions particularly in ease-of-doing-business," he said. The Prime Minister reiterated that the momentum of increase in exports can only be maintained through increased focus on product and geographical diversification.

Thursday, 27 August, 2020

10 FOREIGN NEWS China contributes $1m to UN relief agency's food programme in Gaza RAMALLAH APP

China on Wednesday contributed $1 million to the food programme of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip. In a press statement sent to Xinhua, the UNRWA said that the release of the contribution followed the signing of an agreement between Guo Wei, director of China's Office to the State of Palestine, and Marc Lassouaoui, a senior official of the UNRWA, on Tuesday. The UNRWA hailed the contribution as generous support from the Chinese government, expressing gratitude for the financial support for the Palestinian people in Gaza. This is the third time that the Chinese government has donated to the UNRWA, after contributing 2.35 million dollars in 2018 and 1 million dollars in 2019, both of which were allocated to mitigate the effects of food insecurity among Palestinian refugee families in Gaza. Guo said that China will continue to "firmly support the just cause of Palestine and support the work of the UNRWA. "China has called on the international community to provide more support and assistance to Palestine refugees through the UNRWA, according to Guo. For his part, Lassouaoui voiced his appreciation of China's efforts, saying China's contribution, which has been "very strong and steadfast," will offer great assistance to many Gazans in need of food. The Hamas-run government in Gaza has imposed a lockdown on the coastal enclave after recording new Covid-19 cases inside the strip. "This new contribution ensures the health and safety of Palestine refugees, through a new food distribution modality, which uses door-to-door home delivery to avoid crowding at pick up locations and reduce the risk of spreading the virus," the UNRWA said. Due to the strangling blockade on the enclave by Israel since 2007, many Palestinians in Gaza suffer from poverty, unemployment and instability.

Melania Trump offers sympathy on Covid-19, racial suffering in convention speech US First lady Melania Trump urged voters to re-elect her husband during an impassioned speech to the Republican National Convention on Tuesday that offered sympathy for victims of the coronavirus pandemic and a plea for racial understanding. On the second day of the convention with 70 days to go until the Nov. 3 election, the speech’s warm tone was out of step with a Republican gathering that featured harsh rhetoric about Democratic challenger Joe Biden and sometimes apocalyptic warnings about the dangers of Democratic governance. “I don’t want to use this precious time attacking the other side because, as we saw last week, that kind of talk only serves to divide the country further,” Melania Trump told a crowd seated in the White House’s Rose Garden, including her husband, President Donald Trump, in the front row. In a speech aimed at disaffected suburban women voters who have abandoned Donald Trump, the first lady acknowledged the pain of the coronavirus pandemic in a way few other speakers at the Republican convention have. AGENCIES

'PolishiNG The GUN': ChiNA-Us TeNsioNs rAise TAiwAN CoNFliCT FeArs

UMEROUS Chinese and U.S. military exercises, Taiwan missiles tracking Chinese fighters and plummeting China-U.S. ties make for a heady cocktail of tension that is raising fears of conflict touched off by a crisis over Taiwan. In the last three weeks, China has announced four separate exercises along its coast, from the Bohai Gulf in the north to the East and Yellow Seas and South China Sea, along with other exercises it said were aimed at “the current security situation across the Taiwan Strait”. Meanwhile Taiwan, claimed by China as its “sacred” territory, said its surface-to-air missiles had tracked approaching Chinese fighters - details Taiwan does not normally give - as U.S. Health Secretary Alex Azar was visiting the island this month. Addressing the Chinese exercises, Taiwan’s defence ministry said on Tuesday the closer Chinese jets get to the island the “more actively” Taipei would respond, though it would “not escalate conflict” nor “trigger an incident”. The United States sent another warship through the Taiwan Strait this month, a few days after a U.S. carrier

group conducted an exercise in the disputed South China Sea, and this week China complained a U.S. spy plane had observed Chinese live-fire exercises. Chinese military expert Ni Lexiong, a retired professor at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, said it was very rare and possibly the first time multiple Chinese exercises were taking place at the same time. “By simultaneously conducting drills in the three seas, it means China is testing its ability to fight enemies coming from three directions at the same time - for example from Taiwan, from Japan and from the U.S. from the south,” he said. “Historically, frequent drills are a clear predictor of war.” ‘DISMAY AND CONCERN’: Taiwanbased security and diplomatic sources say the chances of “firing off a shot while polishing the gun” - a Chinese saying for an accidental encounter setting off a broader conflict - are rising mainly because of increased U.S. and Chinese military activity in the region. “Neither side wants to start a conflict. The fundamentals have not changed much,” said a Western diplomat looking into military activities across the Taiwan Strait.

“But the frequent activities do increase the chances of an accidental conflict,” the diplomat said. China’s defence ministry and its Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to requests for comment, and neither did the Pentagon nor U.S. State Department. China’s foreign ministry said in statement sent to Reuters: “We have the determination and capability to stop any activities aimed at separating Taiwan from China”. A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that China was becoming more assertive and more aggressive in the region and there was concern its military could miscalculate, leading to unexpected consequences. “This is an issue that is broader than Taiwan and broader than just the United States,” the official said. “I would argue that there are many like-minded countries in the region that are viewing with dismay and increasing concern the trend lines coming out of Beijing.” ‘TO THE LAST SOLDIER’: The Trump administration has been taking an escalating array of measures against China in the run-up to the U.S. presidential election, adding to the uncertainty. A hypothetical scenario spelled out in

India to hold national college tests despite surging virus infections More than 2 million Indian students will sit for admission tests to medical and engineering schools next week, the government said on Wednesday, despite growing concern that the move could fuel a jump in coronavirus infections. India reported more than 60,000 infections, maintaining the world’s highest singleday caseload since August 7, a Reuters tally showed. With 3.2 million cases, it ranks after the United States and Brazil, though its 59,449 deaths are far fewer. Now the government is pushing for a return to normalcy to lessen the economic pain, after having imposed a strict early lockdown of

India’s 1.3 billion people in March. “We are very mindful of the safety of our students, we will take full precautions,” Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal told state radio, adding that the tests had to be held to ensure students did not lose a year. Already twice postponed this year, the tests will be spread over several days and held at more centres than usual, to ensure there is no crowding. But many students have to travel long distances and there was a risk of infections, said the AllIndia Students’ Union, a leftist group that represents university stu-

dents. It urged students to wear black armbands and join online protests to put pressure on the government to delay the tests until infections fall. Swedish climate activist Greta Thurnberg also waded into the dispute, urging a postponement. “It’s deeply unfair that students of India are asked to sit national exams during the COVID-19 pandemic and while millions have also been impacted by the extreme floods,” Thurnberg said on Twitter on Tuesday. Parts of eastern India are also struggling with floods caused by annual monsoon rains. AGENCIES

Davos meeting delayed to summer 2021 on Covid-19 fears: WEF ZURICH: The 2021 Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) summit of business leaders and politicians has been called off for January due to the coronavirus pandemic, with organisers planning to reschedule the event to sometime early next summer. “The advice from experts is that we cannot (host the event) safely in January,” WEF said on Wednesday in a statement. The confab in the Swiss Alps that has hosted rival heads of state including US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in recent years has been held in the Swiss ski resort of Davos since 1971. WEF, which takes over the ski resort of Davos for about a week each year, has branded itself as the world’s top venue for the business and political elite to meet and discuss the challenges of globalisation. The group said the decision to delay this year’s edition “was not taken easily, since the need for global leaders to come together to design a common recovery path and shape the ‘Great Reset’ in the post-Covid-19 era is so urgent.” AGENCIES

a recent essay by James Winnefeld, a former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Michael Morrell, former acting director of the Central Intelligence Agency, has made the rounds in Taiwan security circles. In their suggested sequence of events, set out in the Proceedings of the U.S. Naval Institute, a disputed U.S. election gives China the opportunity to move on Taiwan while Washington and the world are distracted. In Taiwan, President Tsai Ing-wen has responded to the tension with pledges to defend the island. She and her government have denounced as scaremongering and kowtowing to Beijing a campaign this month by former president Ma Ying-jeou, who held a landmark meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, to warn that Taiwan is courting disaster by needling China and would not last long in a war. Still, Taiwan has been keen to show its teeth. Its defence ministry this month issued two slickly produced videos showing missiles being fired and F-16s in the air to demonstrate their resolve to defend the island. “Dare to fight, and fight to the last soldier,” the ministry said in a caption for the latest video, released on Sunday. AGENCIES

Flash floods kill more than 70 in Afghanistan A violent flash flood killed more than 70 people and destroyed hundreds of homes just north of Afghanistan’s capital on Wednesday, officials said. The floods swept through Parwan province, which borders Kabul, in the early hours of the morning, washing away men, women and children and destroying 300 homes, according to Ministry of Disaster Management spokesman Tamim Azimi. Rescuers searched through mud throughout the day for bodies, with the confirmed death toll at 72, and at least 90 injured, Azimi added. Floods had also swept through eight other northern provinces, killing two in Maidan Wardak and two in Nangahar, according to the Ministry of Disaster Management spokesman, who added that climate change was exacerbating the amount of flooding hitting the country. A spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani said on Twitter that his office had instructed authorities to provide emergency disaster relief to survivors, adding the floods were causing severe financial losses. The disaster comes as the war-torn nation already faces a sinking economy due to the coronavirus pandemic and as violence continues despite the United States attempting to usher peace talks between the Afghan government and insurgent Taliban. AGENCIES

Thursday, 27 August, 2020

SPORTS 11

azhar ali rises in icc test rankings after 17th century KARACHI

PPI

AKISTAN Test skipper Azhar Ali has improved his rankings in the latest Test player rankings, which were released on Wednesday. Azhar, who started the Test in 34th position, has jumped 11 places to become Pakistan’s second highest-ranked batsman after Babar Azam, who has retained his fifth position. Azhar come into the third Test with scores of 0, 18 and 20, and carried his bat for 141, which was his 17th Test century in 81 matches. His efforts were unable to save Pakistan from a follow-on, but his side managed to earn a respectable draw as the series ended 1-0 in England’s favour. Babar Azam scored 11 and 63 not out in the third Southampton Test, but has stayed in fifth position on 797 points. The list is headed by Steve Smith of Australia (911 points), followed by Virat Kohli (886), Marnus Labuschagne (827) and Kane Williamson (812).

Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who was adjudged Pakistan’s player of the series, has gained three places and is now in 72nd position. Rizwan scored 53 and added 138 runs for the sixth wicket with Azhar in Pakistan’s first innings score of 273. Pakistan batsmen slipping in the latest ICC rankings are Asad Shafiq (26th), Shan Masood (29th), Abid Ali (59th), while Fawad Alam is outside the top-100. In the bowling table, Mohammad Abbas has dropped out of the top-10 after sliding five places to share 13th position with India’s Mohammad Shami. The fast bowler, however, has remained Pakistan’s highest-ranked Test bowler. Wrist spinner Yasir Shah, who took two for 173, has also slipped one place to 23rd spot, Shaheen Shah Afridi has stayed in 33rd spot and Naseem has dropped to 57th position. James Anderson, who dismissed Azhar to become the first fast bowler to capture 600 Test wickets, has moved up to eighth in the list, which is headed by Pat Cummins and followed by Stuart Broad, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee and Jason Holder.

djokovic rolls on at Western and southern open, andy murray eliminated

chris Woakes praises shan masood for his ton in first test

Quitting captaincy never crossed my mind, says azhar LONDON: Test skipper Azhar Ali came in for criticism over his form and leadership during their 1-0 series defeat in England but the 35-year-old said the thought of stepping down as captain never entered his mind. Pakistan dominated much of the opening Test in Manchester but England pulled off a memorable three-wicket victory by riding a 139-run sixth-wicket partnership between Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes. The hosts' dramatic win proved decisive as the next two matches ended in draws. Pace great Wasim Akram was among those who felt Azhar's passive captaincy allowed Woakes and Buttler to snatch victory in Manchester. “There were tough times when we lost the first Test, and it was blamed entirely on me,” Azhar told a virtual media conference when asked if he considered stepping down as captain following the criticism. “It was not easy but I focused only on how we could turn the series around, with my own performance and performance from the entire team. No such thought was in my consideration.” After managing 0, 18 and 20 in the first two Tests, Azhar scored an unbeaten 141 in the drawn third match, though it was not enough to avoid the follow-on. “The first Test match cost us, of course. If we'd won that match, we'd be sitting here as series winners,” the top-order batsman said. “The disappointment will remain because [...] we missed our opportunity. Credit goes to England for performing well under pressure.” The teams will clash in a threematch Twenty20 series in Manchester from Friday. AGENCIES

Pakistan will be tough to beat during next few years: Michael Vaughan

Top seed Novak Djokovic made quick work of Tennys Sandgren at the Western and Southern Open, never dropping serve en route to a 6-2, 64 win over the American, while big-serving Milos Raonic enjoyed a straight-sets win over Andy Murray. Djokovic broke Sandgren three times to reach the quarterfinals and extended his win-loss record to 20-0 this year. "All in all it was just a great performance," said the Serb. "I felt better and I played better than I did last night. Everything is going in the right direction." Sandgren's hapless plight was summed up during an exchange in the first set when he turned his back to the net to signal he had surrendered a point as Djokovic readied an overhead smash. Djokovic's thunderbolt smash came down anyway, however, knocking the racket out of the American's hand. An apologetic Djokovic immediately held up his hand while a bemused Sandgren leaned over to pick up his racket. Next up for Djokovic is German Jan-Lennard Struff, who outlasted David Goffin 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 earlier on Tuesday. Murray had an impressive win over fifth seed Alexander Zverev on Monday but never found his rhythm against Raonic. The Canadian dominated on serve, firing 10 aces and winning almost 90% of his first-serve points, to advance to the quarter-finals 6-2, 6-2 in a raininterrupted match that marked his first win over the Briton since 2014 at Indian Wells. Defending champion Daniil Medvedev looked sharp in his stress-free 6-3, 6-3 dismantling of qualifier Aljaz Bedene to reach the quarterfinals. The Russian did not face a break point and committed just nine unforced errors in the 68-minute contest in hot and humid conditions. Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated John Isner 7-6(2), 76(4) and Reilly Opelka beat sixth seed Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 7-6(4). Roberto Bautista Agut and Filip Krajinovic also advanced. AGENCIES

ISLAMABAD APP

Former England Skipper Michael Vaughan said Pakistan would be a tough side to beat in Test cricket, during the next few years, saying the Greenshirts were on the up in the longest format of the game. England claimed the three-match Test series, against Pakistan by 1-0, after winning the first Test in Manchester by three wickets, with the last two matches in Southampton, both, drawn due to bad weather. Vaughan said Pakistan were on the up in the longest format of the game. “I think Pakistan are a side, which over the next two to three years, are going to compete against everyone as they have got pretty much everything covered,”

Vaughan said while talking to Cricbuzz as quoted by cricketpakistan.com.pk. “They might have lost the series. They should have won it, especially when you think back to Manchester. But they are a side who are on the up in Test match cricket,” he said. He also heaped praise on Pakistan’s batsmen, especially wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, middle-order batsman Babar Azam and skipper Azhar Ali. “I love Rizwan, I think he is a fighter and a really good wicketkeeper-batsman. Babar Azam is high class and right out of the top draw. I think Azhar Ali’s century in the third Test will do him a world of good as the captain,” he said. He also spoke highly of Pakistan’s young pace attack, which includes the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi and

Naseem Shah. “In that bowling attack, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah, in particular, are two young quicks who I’m sure, over the next few years, will cause bit of a chaos,” he said. Babar Azam would lead Pakistan in the three-match Twenty20 series against England, which begins on Friday (August 28) with all three games to be played at Old Trafford in Manchester. Pakistan squad includes Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz.

KARACHI: England all-rounder Chris Woakes praised Pakistan opener Shan Masood for his career-best 156 in the first innings of the first Test. “We played U19 cricket together back in 2007 which now seems a lifetime ago. I was pleased for you to see you get 150 but not for me as I had to bowl all those overs,” Woakes told Shan. Shan and Woakes came together for a chat on the final day of the three-match Test series, which the host eventually won 1-0. The two reviewed the competitive nature of the series, discussed the challenges of the bio-secure environment and the return of international cricket in Pakistan with the prospects of an England tour to the country. When Shan told Woakes about the positives of the return of cricket in Pakistan and the hosting of the entire HBL Pakistan Super League season five in the country, Woakes said, “Pakistan is a beautiful country and I have heard great stories about how passionate the fans are. I hope Test tours take place more frequently in the country.” Woakes, who led hosts to a victory in a closely-fought contest at Old Trafford, told Shan that the Test series between the two teams was a competitive one and quality of cricket was of the highest order. The two concurred the presence of fans would have made the series even more memorable. “This series was also hugely competitive and we [England] had to work extra hard to overcome the challenge,” the England all-rounder said. “Pakistan had a 10-year unbeaten record [in England] and we saw in the series how competitive it was especially since, you guys always seem to adapt very well to the conditions which most of the foreign teams touring here find as a challenge. “Pakistan have always had great support in England. I am sure the crowd would have enjoyed the Old Trafford Test as the match deserved a crowd. It would have been great to have banter between fans and to have live noise.” To a question by Woakes about Pakistan team management, Shan stated the presence of legendary former cricketers headed by Misbah-ul-Haq worked collectively on improving the players’ performances while focusing on technical and mental strengths along with the weaknesses of players. “I have a long association with Younis Khan. To score a hundred in his first match as the batting consultant of the team was a very special moment for me as he has been a mentor and coach to me for a very long time. I have played a lot of cricket under him at the first-class level. “Waqar Younis has worked extremely hard with the young pace attack led by Naseem and Shaheen. He even made me bowl a lot of overs in nets sessions and I also ended up bowling in the Southampton Tests. PPI

I can reach 700-wicket mark, says Anderson AGENCIES James Anderson is far from being done after becoming the first pacer to amass 600 Test wickets and he sees no reason why he can't enter the 700-club alongside Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan even though he has hit 38. Anderson is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests and reached the 600-wicket milestone by dismissing Pakistan captain Azhar Ali in the third Test here on Tuesday. Indian spin great Anil Kumble has 619 wickets to his name behind Muralitharan (800) and Warne (708). Speaking after the drawn game, the 38-year-old made his intentions clear. "I've chatted to Joe about this a little bit and he has said he would like me to be in Australia (for the

Ashes next year). I don't see any reason why I can't be. I'm working hard on my fitness all the time. I'm working hard on my game," he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. "I didn't bowl as well as I'd have liked for the whole summer. But in this Test I was really on it and I feel like I've still got stuff to offer this team. As long as I still feel like that I think I'll keep going. I don't think I've won my last Test matches as an England cricketer yet. Can I reach 700? Why not?" Anderson claimed his 29th five-wicket haul in the third Test and only the great Richard Hadlee has more among seam bowlers. He said his hunger to perform has not diminished and that is what keeps him going. "We're still in the Test championship. There are still series ahead of us and Test matches to win. That's all I'm

really interested in. I still love turning up every day at training, putting in the hard yards and being in the dressing room with the lads trying to forge a win for England. "That's all I've really ever bothered about and what I'll keep trying to do. I'll keep working hard in the gym and keeping myself available for selection. "There will be decisions along the way with the selectors and coach and captain around how the team moves forward but as long as they want me around I'll keep working hard and try to prove I'm good enough to play in this team," he said. Talking about his 600 wickets, Anderson added: "I have worked really hard with my skills over the years and I am fortunate enough that I get to do it at the top level playing for my country.

Messi on the market but only Europe's richest and most ambitious need apply MADRID APP

If Lionel Messi's mind is made up to leave Barcelona, the question turns to where he goes next. His priority has always been to be part of a "winning project" at Camp Nou but his latest season was not only devoid of trophies, it was defined by chaos and ended in humiliation. Messi has not asked for a transfer to put his feet up for the final years of his career. This is a considered move aimed at bolstering his successes, and in one competition in particular. The Champions League has become his obsession, which puts all of Europe's superclubs in contention and eliminates the less intensive, or more romantic, options, at least for now. A fairytale return to Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, a project-build Stateside in the MLS or even a challenge at an aspiring

European team in the mould of Diego Maradona's time at Napoli, will all become more likely once Messi is out of Barcelona. But that is not likely to be his next step. Instead, Messi wants titles and a club he believes in again. There will be no shortage of clubs pining for arguably the greatest player of all time but once they have done the sums, particularly in the heat of the coronavirus crisis, only a few will be able to make the numbers work. On the back of their Champions League triumph, Bayern Munich are the pre-eminent force in Europe but they are unlikely to be able to afford Messi, aged 33, and with a base salary of around 60 million euros per year. The same goes for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, as well as Juventus, who remain restricted by the enormous outlay needed to sign Cristiano Ronaldo two years ago. Perhaps Ronaldo's transfer, which is yet to deliver Juve the European success they hoped

it would, might even make some of Messi's potential suitors nervous. Madrid, meanwhile, would love nothing more than to prize Messi from their rivals - and they have tried before but even if Messi wants to leave Barca, he is not out to burn his reputation and legacy. WEALTHIEST LEFT STANDING: Only the wealthiest are left standing but would the history of Manchester United or the upward momentum of Frank Lampard's Chelsea be enough to persuade Messi? In recent seasons, neither has lasted in the Premier League's title race, let alone been serious contenders in the Champions League. Those able both to afford Messi, and convince him, may only be Paris SaintGermain and Manchester City, with Inter Milan a third option. City would appear favourites but the club have always trodden carefully around the prospect of Messi. Their sporting staff, including coach Pep Guardiola, sporting di-

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rector Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano, all have connections with Barcelona they are keen to respect. If City could be seen to be offering a safe haven for Messi's desire to go, rather than snatching him away, it would surely be an opportunity they could not pass up. Messi could propel them in the Champions League and launch the City brand, so important to the club's Abu Dhabi owners, to a different level. For PSG, whose frustration in Europe has been comparable to City's, even if they broke new ground by reaching last weekend's final, Messi would also represent a seismic addition to the Qatari project. A Neymar-Messi-Kylian Mbappe front three would not be a difficult sell. Inter's pitch would be more personal, given Messi's father Jorge has reportedly bought a house close to the club's offices while the Italian outfit have fostered close relations with the Messi family for years.

With Antonio Conte as coach and ambitious Chinese owners, Messi might be drawn to Inter, where the tax regulations would be less punitive and the disapproval less pronounced, given the club's history and tradition. None of the options are without risk. Of the leading trio, only Inter have ever won the Champions League but even that was in 2010. Success is not guaranteed for club or player, with Messi enduring an injury-interrupted season himself last term. Staying at Barcelona remains a possibility, particularly if under-pressure president Josep Maria Bartomeu decides to resign. But despite calls from fans and rival candidates, there is no suggestion yet that Bartomeu is considering his position. Bartomeu's new sporting director Ramon Planes said on Wednesday the club "would have to fight" to ensure the relationship between Barcelona and Messi continues. It may be too late.

Thursday, 27 August, 2020

PRAyER TIMINGS

NEWS

opp opposIng fatf-related laws over faIlUre of gettIng nro, says advIser ISLAMABAD

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DVISER to the Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Mirza Shahzad Akbar said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) were opposing the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-related laws after failure of getting a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). Responding to a tweet by PPP Senator Sherry Rehman, he said that she was trying to mislead the people, adding that there was no change in the FATF-related laws related to power of arrest, and making an offense

cognizable was not draconian, hundreds of offenses were cognizable under law. He said that PPP and PML-N opposed the FATF-related bills simply for not getting an NRO, (a reference of granting amnesty to politicians and other individuals by former president Pervez Musharraf in 2007, by quashing various corruption and criminal cases against them so they could return to the country and engage in the democratic process). He also said that each and every requirement of FATF was in written form and both opposition parties were quite well versed with this reality. “So let’s stop lie and misleading people. They have been misled for long enough. Nation also knows opposition's

Chinese black-listed firm likely to win development bid for dhabeji seZ: sources ISLAMABAD GHULAM ABBAS

While the Sindh government inches closer to finalising the bidding process for the development of Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), sources suggest that a blacklisted Chinese firm is likely to win the bid. According to the sources only two companies have been shortlisted for the project while normally at least three companies are shortlisted. Sources further suggested that China Harbour Engineering Company, which is a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company is most likely to be selected for the project. According to reports, China Harbour Engineering Company has previously been blacklisted by the World Bank and various countries.

oil holds near five-month high on Us output cuts, virus concern weighs LONDON AGENCIES

Oil held near $46 a barrel on Wednesday, close to its highest since March, lifted by US producers shutting most of their offshore Gulf of Mexico output ahead of Hurricane Laura and a report showing a drop in US crude inventories. Renewed worries over the Covid19 pandemic, which has squeezed demand and sent prices to record lows in April, capped gains after reports this week of patients being re-infected, raising concerns about future immunity. Brent crude LCOc1 slipped 6 cents, or 0.1 per cent, to $45.80 a barrel by 1230 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 fell 16 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to $43.19. Both benchmarks settled at a five-month high on Tuesday. “Oil traders will be preoccupied with the hurricane today,” said Tamas Varga of broker PVM. “Once the danger passes, demand considerations will come into focus again.” The US energy industry was preparing on Tuesday for a major hurricane strike. Producers shut 1.56 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude output, representing 84 per cent of the Gulf of Mexico’s offshore production and close to the 90 per cent outage that Hurricane Katrina brought 15 years ago. “We do see some support on the back of hurricane activity,” Dutch bank ABN AMRO said in a report. “The threat of being infected by the Covid-19 virus threatens a further recovery in oil demand.” Oil was also boosted on Tuesday by US and Chinese officials reaffirming their commitment to a Phase 1 trade deal. Further support came from American Petroleum Institute figures showing US crude stocks fell more than expected. A record oil output cut by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia has helped to lift Brent from April’s 21-year low below $16. The US government’s Energy Information Administration report at 1430 GMT will be in focus to see if it confirms the API figures.

track record of people friendly laws made under their regimes like POCA [Prevention of Corruption Act],” he added. Sherry had said that the bills were opposed in the Senate because powers to arrest without warrants were being given to police and investigators. This was neither required by FATF nor was it defensible in any form of even the most illiberal democracy, she had added. On Tuesday, the opposition-dominated Senate had rejected two significant FATF-related bills, jeopardising the government’s efforts to get off the grey list of the money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog ahead of a crucial meeting. The bills — the Anti-Money Laundering (Second Amendment) Bill and the Islamabad

Capital Territory (ICT) Waqf Properties Bill — which the National Assembly (NA) had approved on Monday were blocked through a voice vote after Leader of the House Shahzad Waseem, a Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) leader, refused to tender an apology for his remarks made against the opposition leaders last week. The bills will now be taken up for voting at a joint session of parliament. The development drew a strong reaction from Prime Minister Imran Khan who accused the opposition of attempting to save their illgotten wealth. “As accountability noose has tightened, the opposition [leaders] have become desperate to save their corrupt money by trying

Pakistan’s global stature elevated for firm stance on peace, progress: FM ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday said Pakistan’s stature in the comity of nations was elevated due to its perseverance in pursuit of the principles of peace, progress, security and stability. The foreign minister, in a tweet, shared a video clip highlighting twoyear diplomatic success of the country with focus on strengthening ties with other countries for socioeconomic development and ensuring peace. The video gave glimpses of key diplomatic achievements including effective highlighting of Kashmir issue at international fora with thrice discussed at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), debt relief announced by global economic bodies on call of Prime Minister Imran Khan and countering of India’s efforts to isolate Pakistan. A major diplomatic success in-

cluded visits of world leaders to Pakistan, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohamad bin Salman, UAE Crown Prince Zayed Al Nahyan, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad alThani, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince Wiliams and Kate Middleton, Queen Maxima of Netherlands besides UNGA President Maria Fernanda Espinosa and President-elect Volkan Bozkir. Other areas included transformation of relations with China into economic partnership with important targets achieved in Phase-II of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) & Sino-Pak Free Trade Agreement, establishment of Pak-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council and $10 billion agreement signed with Russia on laying 1,500 km offshore gas pipeline. Prime Minister Imran Khan’s key role in negotiating peace deal between the United States and Afghan Taliban

and diffusing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Pakistan’s re-election to governing councils of Asia Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information Management & Statistical Institute for Asia and Pacific for 20192022 and Strategic Engagement Plan inked with European Union worth Euro 13 million, are other achievements. The long list of Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements also include the return of international sports to Pakistan, opening of Kartarpur Corridor to honour longstanding desire of Sikh community, release of 8,608 Pakistani prisoners from foreign jails and reinforcement of regulations on illicit financial flows. Launch of e-visa for citizens of 175 countries, visa on arrival for 50 countries in tourist category and 95 countries in business category and selection of Pakistan as host for World Tourism Forum 2021 also make the country get a positive global recognition.

Pakistan, Russia likely to decide fate of 1,100km North South Gas Pipeline next month ISLAMABAD AHMAD AHMADANI

Pakistan and Russia may take important decisions during the next month for the transportation of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) from Karachi to Lahore by setting up a 1,100 kilometer (km) North South Gas Pipeline (NSGP). According to sources, a decisive meeting between Pakistan and officials from the Russian Federation is likely to be held during September 2020. The meeting will take important decisions regarding the NSGP project. Sources further said that an agreement for the construction of the NSGP can possibly be inked between the two countries if Russia accepts Pakistan’s proposal to reduce the cost of the proj-

ect and awards the project to Gazprom, a Russian energy company, in partnership with Pakistani companies. Sources added that a meeting recently held under the chair of Prime Minister Imran Khan has raised reservations over Russia nominating ETK company for the laying of the NSGP. According to sources, Pakistan has informed the Russian Federation regarding its reservations over ETK’s weak business credentials and ability to carry out a project as big as NSGP. However, the Russian side has disputed Pakistan’s claims while various business interest groups in Pakistan have also been lobbying in favour of ETK. Sources also informed that the Petroleum Division had proposed three financing options for the NSGP project which includes full funding of NSGP through

the Rs418 billion already collected under Gas Infrastructure Development Surcharge (GIDS) without Russian financing or the apportionment of financing through GIDC and Russian Federation. Phase-I of NSGP is to be completed by December 2022 and phase-II is to be complete by December 2023. Existing pipelines connecting Karachi with Lahore for the transportation of RLNG have been fully utilised. Sources said that Pakistan has recently allowed setting up of more Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) terminals at Karachi to meet growing gas demands of the country. An agreement between Pakistan and Russia was signed on October 16, 2015 for the development of the NSGP having a transmission capacity of 1.2 Billion Cubic Feet per Day (BCFD) from Karachi to Lahore.

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to […] sabotage Pak efforts to exit [the] FATF grey list,” the premier had said in a series of strong-worded tweets. Standing by his stance, Waseem had insisted that he had only narrated facts. “Everyone knows the people who are facing money-laundering charges and appearing in the courts,” he had said on the floor as the House witnessed a pandemonium. The Paris-based watchdog put Pakistan on the grey list in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The country has introduced a series of administrative and legislative measures during the past two years, fulfilling 14 of the 27point criteria required by the body. To make progress on the remaining 13 points and avoid downgrading to the blacklist, the government would have to demonstrate effectiveness in a multitude of areas for compliance, including action against illegal money or value transfer services (MVTS), measures to enhance investigation of potential terror financing, transforming seminaries into schools and health units into official establishments among other steps.

IndIan antI-Caa protest organIser arrested for Involvement In delhI rIots Police in India's capital arrested Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Sharjeel Imam, who was previously involved in organising protests against the country's contentious citizenship law, in connection with the deadly riots that rocked New Delhi in February, it emerged on Wednesday. At least 50 people were killed in Delhi's worst communal violence in decades in February, over two-thirds of them from India's Muslim minority. Mosques were burnt and vandalised along with Hindu-owned shops and at least 15 Hindus were killed. According to The Indian Express, Imam was arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and was brought back to Delhi from Assam on Sunday on a production warrant. Before being moved, Imam was already in police custody at Guwahati jail for comments made against the citizenship law last year, the report said, adding that he had also tested positive for Covid-19 on July 21. Besides Delhi, police in UP, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have booked Imam on charges of sedition. He had already been arrested in two cases of violence at a Delhi university, for instigating and abetting the riots by making an inflammatory speech, according to the report. On July 25, Delhi police had charged the JNU student with sedition before a Delhi court for allegedly inciting people to indulge in activities detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of the country. The police had made the allegations in its charge sheet filed before the court in a case related to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) earlier this year, NDTV reported. "He is accused of delivering seditious speeches and inciting a particular section of community to indulge in unlawful activities, detrimental to sovereignty and integrity of the nation," the charge sheet said. "In the garb of protesting against the CAA, he exhorted people of a particular community to block the highways leading to the major cities and resort to 'chakka jam', thereby disrupting normal life," it added. It further alleged that Imam openly defied the Constitution and called it a "fascist" document. Imam shot to prominence when he helped to organise a mass sit-in in New Delhi, one of the many rallies staged over more than a month against India's citizenship law that the protesters said discriminated against Muslims. AGENCIES

Alibaba puts India investment plan on hold amid China tensions NEW DELHI/HONG KONG AGENCIES

China’s Alibaba Group has put on hold plans to invest in Indian companies, two sources aware of the plans told Reuters, amid souring business relations and rising political tension between the two nations after a clash on their Himalayan border. Alibaba, which has fuelled the growth of several Indian start-ups, will not put in fresh funds to expand its investments in the country for at least six months, the sources said. However, there are no plans to reduce its stakes or exit investments, they added. The sources declined to be identified as the talks are private. Alibaba did not respond to a request for comment. The Chinese conglomerate and its affiliates Alibaba Capital Partners and Ant Group have invested more than $2 billion in Indian companies since 2015 and participated

in funding rounds of at least another $1.8 billion, according to data from PitchBook, which tracks private market financing. Hitting the brakes could slow fundraising plans for some of Alibaba’s investee companies in India, which include payments platform Paytm, restaurant aggregator and food delivery service Zomato, and e-grocer BigBasket. Ant Group, which is preparing for an IPO, on Tuesday called out the challenges it faces in India. In its IPO filing, Ant said a change in foreign investment rules in India had led to a “further evaluation of the timing” of its additional investment in Zomato. Ant also said it counted Paytm owner One97 Communications, in which it has a 30 per cent stake, as an associate or joint venture partner over which it has “significant influence”. India, in April, put investments from China and other bordering countries under greater scrutiny to prevent opportunistic takeovers amid the Covid-19 pandemic. However, a border clash in June, in which 20 Indian

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soldiers were killed, escalated tensions, and India imposed stricter curbs on Chinese goods and businesses amid calls for boycotts. “Alibaba and a few others have put on hold their India investment plans for six months and they are hoping that things would cool off a bit after that,” said one of the sources. “No one is planning to put their stakes in Indian ventures on the block given the market condition and the fact that there aren’t many buyers,” the person said. Indian start-ups are heavily funded by Chinese investors such as Alibaba and Tencent. Bankers have previously said they were looking to bolster their presence in the country with an aim to grow their revenues outside China. There is a lot of interest from European and US-based investors to fill the gap left by the Chinese, said Arjun Sinha, partner at Indian law firm, AP & Partners. “Deal making, however, may take slightly longer as these will be new relationships as opposed to further funding rounds,” said Sinha.