EpaperISB_22-1-13

Thursday, 13 January, 2022 i 9 Jamadi-al-sani, 1443 i Rs 15.00 i Vol Xii no 196 i 12 Pages i islamabad edition

Pakistan rePorts over 2,000 fresh CoviD-19 Cases as fifth wave intensifies

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AkISTAN reported over 2,000 fresh COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, resulting in the highest daily tally since September 23 as the highly transmissible Omicron variant intensifies across the country.

According to details, a total of 2,074 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours compared to 2,233 recorded on September 23.

Fatalities also rose to double digits for the first time since December 21 when 10 deaths were confirmed.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the positivity rate increased to 4.7 per cent. The number of active cases rose to over 20,000 while 628 patients were in critical care.

The counTRywiDe bReakDown DuRing The lasT 24 houRs: n Sindh: 1,402 cases, 9 deaths n Punjab: 445 cases, 2 deaths n Islamabad: 165 cases n khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 52 cases, 2 deaths n Azad Jammu and kashmir: 7 cases

Balochistan: 3 cases Gilgit-Baltistan did not confirm any new infections or deaths.

As per the NCOC data, a worrying increase in city-wise positivity rates was also noted. karachi, which is emerging as the epicentre during the current wave, recorded a positivity rate of 20.22pc, followed by Mirpur at 10pc. The positivity rate in Lahore was recorded at 7.15pc while Islamabad and Rawalpindi’s were 4.56pc and 4.06pc, respectively. n

CONFIRMED CASES:

1,309,248

LAST UPDATED AT 8:34 AM ON JANUARY 12, 2022

13

2,074

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

1,259,699 28,987 SINDH:

PUNJAB:

490,010

448,924

KPK:

BALOCHISTAN:

181,842

33,664

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

34,715/10,433

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

President Arif Alvi has fully recovered after he tested positive for COVID-19 about six days ago. The president announced he tested negative for the virus because of the grace of Allah. “With the grace of Allah, Al Rahman Al Raheem [and] Al Shafee, and with your prayers, which I believe always have an effect, I have come out of COVID19 Omicron version, and have tested negative. Alhamdulillah,” Alvi wrote on Twitter.

On January 6, the president tested positive for the virus second time after having a sore throat. Shedding light on his condition, he had said: “I have tested [positive] for COVID again. Had a sore throat since 4-5 days [and] was getting better. Felt mildly feverish for a few hours two nights ago. No other symptoms.” The president earlier tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2021. news desk

Pakistan

NEW CASES:

karachi is lagging in the vaccination effort, however, as it emerged on Tuesday that over 40pc of the population was still waiting for their first dose of vaccine. According to health department officials, the vaccination target was not being met as planned and 90pc of the patients currently being treated in the Covid-19 wards were unvaccinated.

Realising the growing number of Covid cases, Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho chaired a meeting on Tuesday to share her concern over the fact that a significant number of people had not received their first dose yet.

The meeting decided a series of steps to make the vaccination campaign effective and that action would be taken against wedding halls, shopping malls and factories violating standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The meeting also decided that a doorto-door vaccination micro-plan would be made to vaccinate people, particularly housewives, at home for which lady health workers would be hired. The first phase of the drive would cover karachi, Sukkur and Larkana and the second would cover karachi again, Hyderabad and Shaheed Benazirabad.

Earlier in November, Umar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan had sounded the alarm, saying that the arrival of the Omicron variant was inevitable and a matter of time. news desk

President Alvi recovers from COVID-19 Omicron variant

Coronavirus in

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

Fawad says ‘usman Mirza, shahrukh Jatoi cases are a challenge for justice system’

109,660

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday stated that it is the state’s duty to bring high-profile cases of Usman Mirza, Sharukh Jatoi and the Lahore-Sialkot motorway gangrape to a logical conclusion.

He further stated that such cases are more like “challenges for the justice system” The minister took to his Twitter to question as to “why aren’t these cases being heard on the daily basis,” while adding that “the prosecution and the court should fulfil their responsibility” It is pertinent to note that the minister’s statement came as a response to a tweet of media person Maria Memon in which she said the state should be the plaintiff in such cases because “the whole society has been psychologically affected by the terror of this incident!”

Memon was referring to the report published yesterday, which mentioned that the victims in the couple harassment case retracted their statement against the accused, including the main suspect Usman Mirza.

As per the details, the couple in their written affidavit told the trial court that they did not want to pursue the case against Mirza and co-accused Hafiz Ataur Rehman, Adaras Qayyum Butt, Rehan, Umar Bilal Marwat, Mohib Bangash and Farhan Shaheen.

On the retraction of the statement, journalist Rauf klasra claimed in a tweet that according to police sources, a deal of more than Rs10m was made for reconciliation between the defendant and the prosecution.

“All the hard work of the police has been turned upside down,” he added.

It is pertinent to note that in

PDM to finalise long march plan on January 25: Fazlur Rehman ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said on Wednesday said that the opposition alliance would finalise its plan to take out long march towards federal capital on January 25 in a special sitting of the alliance.

Addressing a press conference, flanked by the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif, Fazl said: “We don’t give Prime Minister Imran khan and his government the right to re-colonise an independent state.”

Shedding light on the agenda of the meeting which is to be held on January 25, he said that the anti-government alliance parties are considering options for “the immediate dismissal of the incumbent government.”

He also asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should not make itself “controversial,” adding that the commission “should not be enslaved.”

The JUI chief said that the long march announced against the government has become inevitable and the

July last year, the accused had been booked and chargesheeted after they were arrested for stripping the couple naked, torturing them in Sector E-11 of Islamabad and later uploading their video on social media.

Separately, on Monday it was reported that Shahrukh Jatoi, the murder convict of the 2012 Shahzeb murder case, was living a “lavish life” on the upper floor of a little-known private hospital in karachi’s Gizri area on the pretext of medical treatment.

His presence at the hospital was only known through a leaked video. Following the release of the video, the jail authorities moved Shahrukh back to the prison.

Home department sources stated that a senior official of the Sindh government played a role in transferring the murder convict from prison to hospital under the guise of medical treatment. news desk

more inside

state would pursue prosecution after couple retracts sexual assault claim: MP STORY ON PAGE 02

PDM will march towards the capital on March 23 in a bid to oust the PTI-led government.

He, however, added that the long march plan will be finalised during the all-party session scheduled to be held on January 25.

“The government does not realise the grievances of the common man,” he said, adding that the “entire nation will participate in this anti-government march.”

“We appeal the coalition parties of the government to think in the national interest of Pakistan and about common

people,” Fazl said, adding that the PDM wants to keep Pakistan’s have a “free economy.”

Speaking on the occasion, the PML-N president said that in the 74-year history of Pakistan, “the PTI government is the most incompetent one to ever come to power,” adding that the country is undergoing the “most difficult period.”

Shahbaz mentioned that during his meeting with Fazl, both of them also discussed the no-confidence motion and this issue will be further highlighted in the meeting later this month.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

eCommerce to enhance exports, strengthen digital economy: SAPM Aon Abbas STORY ON PAGE 03

PM khan lauds isi’s efforts for national security, stability STORY ON BACK PAGE

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Thursday, 13 January, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

murree entry ban extended until next week ISLAMABAD MoNItorINg rePort

The administration of Murree extended on Wednesday the restriction on tourists entering the hilltown until January 17. Electricity was still out in several remote towns, and the communication network remained down after the scenic mountainous town experienced the worst snow blizzard in its history. The government has cleared snow from the main routes and the process of returning vehicles to owners will soon start. Last week, at least 21 people died after heavy snow trapped them in their vehicles. As many as 1,000 vehicles became stranded as would-be tourists rushed to view the winter snowfall in the hilltop town.

Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said the crisis had been caused by the number of people travelling to the town. More than 100,000 cars had arrived in the colonial-era town in recent days.

fBr seeks rs4bn for meeting targets under prr ISLAMABAD Shahzad Paracha

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has sought funds amounting to Rs4 billion from the Finance Division in order to meet the disbursement linked indicator targets under the Pakistan Raises Revenue (PRR) Program. Earlier, the Finance Division had allocated a total budget of Rs28.8 billion for the FY 2021-22 against FBR’s demand of Rs37 billion. However, according to sources, budgetary constraints are proving to be an impediment in achieving revenue targets for FBR. The board aims to use the additional funds to strengthen its enforcement drive through various initiatives such as establishing inland revenue enforcement network, point of sales, track and trace and border management initiatives to curtail instances of smuggling.

State would purSue proSecution after couple retractS Sexual aSSault claim: mp ISLAMABAD

t

Staff rePort

HE state would pursue prosecution in a case involving a couple who died an earlier claim they were subjected to sexual harassment by a local influential and his accomplices in an apartment in the E-11 sector of Islamabad in September, an official said Wednesday.

A police probe into the incident — videos of which went viral on social media — revealed the victims were forced to perform sex in front of members of the gang, and the young woman was tortured to perform a nude dance and recorded.

However, in a twisted turn of events, the woman, who was scheduled to testify and cross-examined before a trial court

against the principal suspect Usman Mirza on Tuesday, sought permanent exemption from the case, maintaining she could neither pursue the case nor want to appear in person before the court.

She also refused to identify the accused and claimed she saw them for the first time in the police station.

Today, Barrister Maleeka Bokhari, an MP of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice, said the state would pursue the matter “irrespective of recent developments”.

“Irrefutable video [and] forensic evidence on record- anyone harassing [and] stripping a woman must face the full force of the law,” tweeted the MP. In this regard, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Law and Justice to decide the future course of action, she added.

Ombudsman intervenes for recruitments under Rule 17-A LAHORE Staff rePort

On the orders of Punjab Ombudsman retired Major Azam Suleman Khan, plaintiffs from Lahore, Mianwali, and Khanewal districts were provided employment in various government departments under the Rule 17-A of the Punjab Civil Servants (Appointment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 1974.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, a spokesman for the ombudsman office explained that one Mohammad Ahmad Raza of Lahore was recruited in grade three in the Lahore office of Government Printing Press.

Similarly, one Farhat Abbas from Mianwali was given the job of a junior

clerk in BPS-11 in district education authority while one Mohammad Yar of Kabirwala tehsil of Khanewal district has been hired as naib qasid in the Deputy Commissioner’s Office.

Alongside, the spokesman added that executive engineer buildings division Khanewal has awarded the job of junior clerk to one Mohammad Saqib under rule 17-A on the orders of the ombudsman’s office.

Meanwhile, the issue of release of starting salary to one Hasnain Aslam, who was recruited as naib qasid in Building Department under rule 17-A, has also been resolved after the intervention of the ombudsman office and the Office of Accountant General has released the money, the spokesman said.

New mechanism to facilitate INGOs working in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD aPP

The Ministry of Interior introduced an elaborate mechanism to facilitate the relief efforts of international non-government organisations (INGOs) operating in Afghanistan.

This was disclosed during the meeting of the Afghanistan Inter-Ministerial Coordination Cell (AICC) Wednesday chaired by National Security Adviser (NSA) Moeed Yusuf. The officials from the Ministry of Interior informed the meeting the main objective of the measures was to facilitate the humanitarian efforts in the war-torn nation and both new groups, as well as those already registered, will benefit from it.

An INGO applying for registration would now be required to submit a credentials verification letter from

the concerned embassy, proof of registration in the country of origin, and source of funding along with local residence address and details of its designated staff.

A scrutiny committee will complete the process within three weeks.

Similarly, the process of issuance of visas has been made less cumbersome and time-consuming. Duration for processing visa requests has been reduced to 10 days and entry visas for INGO or international organisations’ staff wanting to work for assistance in Afghanistan will be issued without security clearance.

Yusuf appreciated the initiative and said it would immensely help the humanitarian assistance efforts for the people of Afghanistan. The meeting was attended by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministries of Commerce, Planning and Finance, Federal Board of Revenue, and Higher Education Commission.

Summary for new chief justice appointment sent to presidency ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

The Ministry of Law and Justice prepared a summary recommending the appointment of Justice Umar Ata Bandial as new chief justice of the Supreme Court as the incumbent top judge Gulzar Ahmed is due to retire on February 1. The Law and Justice secretary has forwarded it to the office of President Arif Alvi for his approval of the appointment. After his approval, the ministry will issue a notification confirming Justice Bandial’s appointment. The change in command takes place on the principle of seniority in which the puisne judge becomes the chief justice. Neither the executive nor any other office has any authority in such appointments in the Supreme Court as well as the high courts. The president merely okays the requisite notification. Justice Ahmad will attain superannuation at the age of 65 on February 1 and Justice Bandial will succeed him and take the oath to the office on the next day.

Quake hits Gwadar, surrounding towns QUETTA INP

Earthquake tremors measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale were felt in Gwadar and adjoining towns, National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) said on Wednesday. The quake had a depth of 25 kilometres and its epicentre was the ocean near Gwadar shore. People came out of their homes in panic and started reciting verses from the Quran. No loss of life and property was reported from any part of Gwadar. Last, tremors were also felt on December 25 in Quetta and other towns of Balochistan.

Thursday, 13 January, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

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e commerce to enhance exportS, StrenGthen diGital economy: Sapm aon aBBaS GOVT TO LAUNCH WEB PORTAL, VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY DEDICATED TO ECOMMERCE THIS YEAR

S

AzIz BUnERI

PECIAL Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on eCommerce, Senator Aon Abbas Wednesday said that the federal cabinet had approved the first-ever eCommerce policy framework.

Speaking at a seminar on eCommerce organised by the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Senator Abbas said that eCommerce will help increase exports and strengthen the digital economy, as well as become a prime source of employment for youth in the country.

Former and present SCCI office bearers as well as high-ranking government officials, traders, exporters, importers, presidents of different bazaars, and officials representing

different departments were present during the seminar.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan, under his vision of promoting the digital economy, will inaugurate an eCommerce web portal in February,” Abbas said. The newly appointed SAPM on eCommerce also revealed that a one of its kind eCommerce virtual university will also be set up in the country, which will begin operations in July this year.

Senator Aon Abbas said that according to rough estimates, the value of the domestic eCommerce industry rose to $4 billion, while cross-border digital trade amounted to Rs60 billion in the last year. He claimed that approximately $340 billion worth of eCommerce activities were being conducted across the country.

The SAPM further apprised that presently, there were around 1.1 to 1.2 million freelancers working in the country, contributing about $1.5 towards remittances.

Elaborating on the practical measures that the present government plans to implement to promote eCommerce, Senator Abbas said that the government will focus on improving postal services, value-chain, track and trace and banking systems. “Prime Minister Imran Khan envisions a system which ensures smooth transportation of shipments and products when an eCommerce entrepreneur or a consumer is sitting at home,” the senator added.

Emphasising the need for a simple, speedy, and accredited system, he said that the government was taking concrete steps to remove all hurdles and problems impeding the smooth functioning of eCommerce and internet businesses.

The session especially highlighted the significance of eCommerce for helping alleviate the youth by providing them the opportunity to contribute to the economy using digital means. Senator Abbas also

announced that special training programmes for the youth will help them utilise their skills and capabilities that remain untapped owing to a lack of opportunities.

Tashkent Declaration saved Pakistan, India from further destruction LAHORE aNadolu ageNcy

On the 55th anniversary of the landmark Tashkent Declaration, which formally ended the 1965 war between Pakistan and India, political and security experts reckon the agreement that saved the two longtime rivals from further deaths and economic destruction. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Munawar Hussain Panhwar, an assistant professor of international relations at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, said that objectively, the declaration saved the two nations from further destruction in addition to protecting their economic structures. But, he added, the widespread opinion is usually not based on objectivity, which subsequently resulted in political costs.

The 17-day war that began September 6, 1965, was an escalation of irregular fighting that started on Kashmir, a sore point since Partition in 1947.

The war eventually ended with a draw, following a peace agreement brokered by the then-prime minister of the now-defunct Soviet Union in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Panhwar said although the two sides agreed to a cease-fire on September 23 on the intervention of the world powers, there were fair chances of further escalation.

“It was the Tashkent treaty that contained the possible escalations, and maintained peace between the two neighbours, at least for a time being,” he said,

referring to another full-fledged war in 1971 that ended in the creation of Bangladesh. The treaty announced January 10, 1966, after week-long deliberations, bound the two sides to pull back their forces to the pre-conflict positions in an attempt to avert escalations.

UNEXPECTEDLY LONG WAR: Miscalculations about the length of the war and economic constraints forced the two neighbours, mainly India, to accept the cease-fire and subsequently sign the treaty, according to Panhwar.

“India, which had a four-time bigger army and economy than Pakistan, did not expect that the war would go that long. According to the Indian army’s calculations, one week was enough to force Pakistani forces to surrender but it did not happen,” he said.

Citing the 1962 India-China war to support his argument, Panhwar underlined, “Sino-India war had weakened the Indian economy that could prompt societal cohesiveness. This developed apprehension among political elites of India that their political career and image could be jeopardized if war continues with Pakistan.”A long war with Pakistan was neither economically sustainable nor politically affordable for India, he added. For Pakistan, it was that the “definition of the situation” that was not objective and in accordance with the practical steps that Islamabad had taken in terms of war preparedness and its repercussions. Sumit Ganguly, a professor of political science at Indiana University in the US, opined that the 1965 war was reaching a stalemate and the

Indians were not averse to seeing it stop.

“China was not a neutral player as it was supporting Pakistan. In the West, only the US had sufficient influence and the (President Lyndon B.) Johnson’s administration was tired of both India and Pakistan.

This gave the Soviets an opportunity to step into the breach,” Ganguly told Anadolu Agency, explaining why the Soviet Union, and not US and China had to broker the treaty. Supporting Ganguly’s opinion, Panhwar said: “China and the United States could not come forward and broker the cease-fire as during the Cold War in the 1960s there was specific cooperation between the former Soviet Union and the US because of the detent policy.”

Moreover, he added, the Sino-US rapprochement was also materialized with the help of Pakistan in the early 1970s. “Therefore, the US and China let the Soviets broker the deal. Secondly, at that time, Russia had good relations with both the countries.”

PEACE PROSPECTS STILL LOW: Frank O’Donnell, an expert in South Asian foreign policy and fellow with Washington-based Stimson Center think tank, sees the prospects for settling a string of lingering disputes between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, mainly Jammu and Kashmir a distant dream. “As we approach the anniversary of the Tashkent Declaration formally ending the 1965 India-Pakistan war, the prospects for settling the underlying India-Pakistan disputes — or even starting a good-faith negotiation process toward this end — appear as remote as ever,” O’ Donnell told Anadolu Agency.

Advertisers spend on TV, digital media lags behind ISLAMABAD ahtaSaM ahMad

Advertisers in Pakistan spent Rs34 billion on TV advertisements compared to Rs16.8 billion on digital media in FY 2020-21, according to a fact file published on Wednesday by Aurora.

According to the report, Pakistan’s media industry’s total ad spend increased 29 per cent from Rs58.6 billion in FY 2019-2020 to Rs75.64 billion in 2020-21.

TV maintained its position as the most preferable platform for advertisers receiving Rs34 billion in advertising revenue, an increase of Rs8 billion from previous year, followed by digital and print media which received Rs16.8 billion and Rs12.44 billion in advertising revenue respectively.

Moreover, contrary to popular belief, growth in advertising revenue for TV which grew 30.8 per cent Year on Year (YoY) outperformed growth in advertising revenue for digital media which

grew by 23 per cent YoY. Amongst TV channels, GEO Group and ARY Group both had their news and entertainment channels ranked among the top five.

The other channel in the top five was HUM TV. On the digital front, Facebook remained the go to platform for advertisers as it maintained its top position followed by Google and Youtube.

Similarly, Jang Group received the biggest share of print media advertising revenue amounting to Rs3.32 billion, followed by Dawn and Daily Express which grossed Rs1.36 billion and Rs1.2 billion respectively.

On the advertisers side, the Government of Pakistan along with the provincial governments were the biggest advertisers in FY 202021. In the private sector, FMCG producers led the way with Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, P&G, Nestle & Glaxosmithkline making it to the top five private sector advertisers.

According to the senator, internet businesses are presently worth $20 trillion across the world. “Out of the total, around $4 to 5 trillion is in China,” he added.

meeting of education ministers on thursday ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood summoned a key meeting of Inter-Provincial Education Ministers on January 13. Reports citing sources suggest the participants will review the situation of educational institutions amid increasing cases of coronavirus across the country. The members are expected to take important decisions during the meeting. The meeting comes as authorities warned of a fifth wave of infections and made preparations to try to contain the fastspreading Omicron variant. “There is clear evidence now of a beginning of another Covid wave which has been expected for the last few weeks,” Asad Umar, the minister in charge of supervising anti-Covid-19 operations, wrote on Twitter in December. About 70 million people in Pakistan, or 32 percent of the population, have had two vaccine doses. The government authorised booster doses for citizens over the age of 30 from Monday. Children over the age of 12 are being offered vaccinations at their schools. The government of Sindh is working on a strategy to contain the variant, which has included a partial lockdown of a Karachi neighbourhood after about a dozen Omicron cases were detected in a family.

Thursday, 13 January, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

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NEWS

PTDC launChes new bus serviCe To boosT Tourism

i

N a bid to promote tourism, the Punjab Tourism Department Corporation (PTDC) has launched a bus service running from Lahore to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, and various other places of religious and historic significance across South Punjab.

As per the details, the newly launched bus service will take one day to tour Kartarpur, while the remaining places will be covered in a period of three days.

Tourists visiting the area believe that opening doors to religious tourism and increasing access to places of historical significance is a wonderful idea.

“This will help project the historical and cultural heritage of Punjab to the world,” opined one tourist. According to the tourism secretary, a bus service for Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Hassan Abdal, and Kasur is also to be started in the second phase of the programme.

It is pertinent to note that the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation had also organised a tour, via its bus service,

for journalists and local tour operators to vist the said religious places.

The first destination of the tour was the city of Multan, which is home to the shrines of Shah Shams Sabzwari, Hazrat Bahauddin Zakaria, and Hazrat Shah Rukn Alam, and Hussain Agahi Bazaar.

While the itinerary for the second day in-

cluded visiting the city’s blue-pottery factories and the ancient, royal mosque in Bahawalpur, which is known as the city of nawabs. While on the third day, a visit was arranged to the Nawab family’s graveyard in Ahmadpur Sharqiya and the historic fort of Dravidian.

Speaking in the regard, PTDC’s

zonal officer in Multan Misbah Ahmed, said that tourists have been flowing in non-stop ever since the initiation of the programme, and appear most excited to vist the fort of Derawar as the Cholistan Jeep Rally ends here.

“TDCP has built resorts here which will be handed over in the next few months after completion. In addition to that, we have also built the Tent City here, and like the Cholistan Jeep Rally, the tourist bus service will now be a regular feature for South Punjab. Accommodation, food, and transport will also be provided to the tourists as per their wishes,” he stated.

Local historian Mohsin Faraz lauded the provincial government’s initiative by stating that initiatives like such can open new avenues of development and prosperity in Punjab.

“This is a region with a wealth of history and culture and promoting tourism here will let the world experience and appreciate all that South Punjab has to offer,” he expressed. news desk

FesCo sanctions rs570 million for purchase of new vehicles The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) Board of Directors (BODs) has sanctioned Rs570 million for purchase of new operational vehicles. The decision has been taken during a board meeting held at FESCO Headquarters. which was chaired by Syed Husnain Haider. During the meeting, it was discussed that the FESCO spends a huge amount on the maintenance of its vehicles yet the staff has been facing problems in redressing the consumer’s complaints. On this BOD decided to replace its current vehicles. Syed Hussain Haider said as per the decision made by the company 66 trucks, 34 single cabins and 35 Shahzor loader mini trucks are being purchased on an immediate basis. FESCO CEO Bashir Ahmed has directed the department concerned to expedite the purchase process and hoped that a new fleet of vehicles will be inducted as soon as its delivery was made. He said the new operation vehicles will particularly help in gearing up maintenance work in far-flung areas of Darya Khan, Bhakkar, Mianwali as well as GSC and other directorates. As per the details, the old redundant and obsolete vehicles will be replaced for the instant redressal of consumers’ complaints. news desk

JI sit-in turns into family outing in Karachi KARACHI anadolu agency

Citizens decry deteriorating traffic conditions in capital Increased vehicular traffic and prolonged congestion on roads due to the absence of a proper transport system is becoming a nuisance in the federal capital, as the citizens remain stranded for hours on the busiest thoroughfares of the metropolis during peak hours. Lack of an efficient and safe public transport facility has eclipsed the capital’s beauty despite the efforts being carried out by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to make the city beautiful again, said Akram Shah, a G-7/1 resident. “Traffic jams have become a daily nuisance, and nobody wants to witness Islamabad’s beautification being stuck in traffic,” he said. “It seems that the city’s rush hours have extended manifold.” Shah regretted that the behaviour and attitude of the so-called local transport conductors was discourteous. “I once travelled from Aapbara market to Faizabad. The van conductor not only misbehaved with me, but also forced me to sit in an already full and congested van,” he said. It is again women, children and the old who are the most vulnerable and are left at the mercy of the unaccommodating local transport. A young girl Masooma recalled how a conductor misguided her to get on board when she intended to go in the opposite direction. She further said that overcrowding in public transport was a major concern, and that many females including her avoided travelling in such poor facilitating modes of transport in the capital. “The women are mostly offered the front seat with the driver, and people are stuffed into the vehicle like chickens, which is unethical and deplorable,” complained a frequent traveller. Shahid Udas highlighted that majority of the public transport in the city was not user friendly for differently-abled people.

A few transgender people have also reported facing humiliation and negligence at the hands of the local transporters. Another girl, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told APP how a van driver continuously harassed her throughout the journey. app

Children are enjoying the jumping castle and groups of women are crowding around the make-shift food stalls to taste local delicacies, while men are enjoying a poetry gathering.

At the first sight, it all appears to be a usual family outing, but in contrast, it is a protest sit-in outside the provincial assembly in Karachi.

Over the past 10 days, hundreds of protesters loyal to Jamaat-i-Islami have been protesting despite cold weather, against a local government law passed by the Sindh Assembly, which according to the opposition parties, has stripped the district governments of several key financial and administrative powers.

Attired in jackets and warm shawls, men remain at the sit-in during the day and at night, whereas the women supporters along with their children visit the site after the sunset and stay there till late at night.

“It’s a lengthy struggle, therefore we have tried to make it (sit-in) a family affair to reduce the conventional stress and boredom during such events,” Salman Shaikh, one of the organisers, told Anadolu Agency.

The day begins with morning prayer, followed by

Quran class and study circle. Special events, like poetry contests, drawing competitions, and swings are arranged for adults and children on Saturdays and Sundays.

In a corner, an open kitchen is established to prepare meals for the participants, whereas many part-time visitors bring food with them.

“I along with my wife and (two) children have been visiting the sit-in every alternate day. Many other families from our neighbourhood also visit here,” Atiq Ahmad, a JI worker from the city’s northern district, told Anadolu Agency. “In fact, we (families) had a one-dish party today,” Ahmad said, smiling.

The law, which was passed late last month, has invited ire from the opposition parties, which accuse the PPP of managing the constituencies in a manner, whereby it can clinch a majority of seats in the local government polls in Karachi.

The opposition also demands direct elections for the mayors in the province in line with other provinces.

Ethnic fault linEs: The JI’s campaign for the rights of Karachi has not gone down well with the centre-left PPP, which has been ruling Sindh for the third consecutive term, and some nationalists, who see the move as “ethnicity-based.”

Sindh has a long history of ethnic confrontation,

mainly between the local Sindhis and the Urdu-speaking muhajirs, or immigrants, who had migrated from India at the time of independence in 1947.

Home to over 18 million people, and the nation’s commercial capital, Karachi is the largest city of Urduspeaking population.

The city had long been a stomping ground of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), an ethnic group that claims to represent the Urdu-speaking population but has also been accused of operating as an organised gang through the use of violence and intimidation.

The party gradually lost its control over Karachi following a stiff response by the state in 2016 after its activists stormed television stations, clashed with police and shouted anti-state slogans following an anti-Pakistan speech by their leader Altaf Hussain, who has been in self-exile in London for last 24 years.

In the 2018 elections, the party could win only four out of 23 National Assembly seats from Karachi. The majority of seats were clinched by the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) party of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Nonetheless, unimpressive handling of the economy by the PTI and soaring inflation have created a political gap in Karachi, propelling all political parties, including the JI to grab the opportunity.

Shehryar Afridi asks overseas Pakistanis to lobby for Kashmir dispute in host countries ISLAMABAD staff report

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Shehryar Khan Afridi Wednesday urged overseas Pakistanis to become ambassadors of Kashmir and lobby in their respective host countries for Kashmir dispute.

He expressed these views while addressing participants of the first-ever Overseas Pakistanis Convention 2022.

The event was held under the aegis of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir in collaboration with the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation (OPGF) and Graana.com.

“Future belongs to Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan is working hard to revive the country’s economy but it would take some time to clear the 70 year’s mess.

Shehryar Afridi said that for the first time in history of Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis had been hosted by the government and help resolve their problems.

He said that all the stakeholders were one to support and facilitate the oversee Pakistanis irrespective of their political leaning.

He said that officials from all the government departments attended the Overseas Pakistanis Convention to help resolve their issues.

He said that the participation of federal ministers and government officials

reflects the commitment of the government for overseas Pakistanis.

Addressing the audience, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib said that Shehryar Afridi has always been active to facilitate the Overseas Pakistanis and resolve their issues.

He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has made sure that the issues of Overseas Pakistanis like registering their votes, succession certificates, getting their ID cards and passport is resolved in hours.

He said that the Overseas Pakistanis had got Roshan Digital Accounts of US$

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3 billion within days of its launching.

He said that the government had created social safety network to help the poor meet challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has a special vision to facilitate the Overseas Pakistanis.

He said that the PTI government is committed to facilitating the overseas Pakistanis who are one of assets of the country. Dr Maham Malik, a young overseas Pakistani, shared her views as a

youth living abroad.

Dr Abdullah Riar, General Secretary of the PTI Overseas Pakistanis chapter, shared his views on PTI’s role in boosting and organising Overseas Pakistanis.

He said that price hike was a global phenomenon and Prime Minister Imran Khan was working days in and days out to help the country pull out of economic crunch situation. He said the image of Pakistan has been transformed for better over the past three years.

Chairman Emarat group and Graana.com Shafique Akbar said that OPVS is the most advanced system to online verify land to help property business.

He said that Pakistan could become fastest developing country in world if overseas Pakistanis come and invest on Pakistan. He said that US$ 25 billion dollars has been invested in Pakistan. He urged overseas Pakistanis to replicate good experiences they learnt overseas.

Senior Hurriyat leader Ghulam Mohammad Safi said that genuine struggle for right of self determination cannot be confused with terrorism. He lauded Chairman Kashmir Committee Shehryar Khan Afridi for raising awareness on Kashmir among overseas Pakistanis.

Senior officials of State Bank, SECP, Nadra, FBR, Passport, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and others briefed the overseas Pakistanis on steps taken by the PTI government to facilitate Pakistanis living abroad.

Thursday, 13 January, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

Govt, SBP DeciDe to Ban cRyPtocuRRencieS, SHc tolD KaracHi

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staff report

report submitted to the Sindh High Court on Wednesday, said that the State Bank of Pakistan and the federal government have decided to ban the use of all cryptocurrencies.

The SHC has been hearing a case about digital currencies. On October 20, the Sindh High Court told the federal government to regulate cryptocurrencies within three months.

The court directed the government to form a committee headed by the federal secretary of finance to determine the legal status of cryptocurrencies. The court had instructed the authorities to come up with a report on the use of

cryptocurrencies. The report said that cryptocurrency is illegal and could not be used for trade. The report names at least eleven countries, including China and Saudi Arabia, that have banned cryptocurrencies.

The report also refers to the recent investigation by the FIA against crypto exchanges such as Binance and OctaFx and the risk these exchanges posed for the investors. The Sindh High Court has ordered that the report be sent to the finance and law ministries for a final decision on the legal status of the cryptocurrencies.

The law and finance ministries will determine if a ban against cryptocurrencies would be within the ambit of the Constitution. The would also work out a legal framework.

A two-member bench headed by Justice

Karim Khan Agha heard the case. The SBP Deputy Governor Seema Kamil submitted the 38-page report recommending that cryptocurrencies be declared illegal.

The report says that cryptocurrency is a virtual business that could be used to finance acts of terrorism and to launder money.

The court said that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other agencies would continue to act according to their rules.

It urged the court to ban the “unauthorized operations” of cryptocurrency exchanges and impose penalties against them “as some other countries have done.”

Petitioner Waqar Zaka pleaded with the court that cryptocurrencies be declared legal as a large number of Pakistanis were interested in them.

Overseas Pakistanis will get their due role in national life: Ayyub Afridi iSLamaBad pr

Advisor to the Prime Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Muhammad Ayub Afridi said that under the able and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister of Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis will get their due role in national life and their knowledge, expertise and their exposure will be utilized for nation building.

While addressing students, teachers and other guests at Oath taking of students council and prize distribution ceremony at OPF Girls College, F-8/2, Islamabad, the Advisor said that every nation needs to nurture its children in a conducive environment and develop them with the best available resources. In this regard, providing quality education to children of overseas Pakistanis is

one of the topmost priorities of the present government. He said that establishment of OPF educational institutions is aimed to cater educational needs of children of overseas Pakistanis.

The Advisor said that we are trying our level best to come up to the expectations of Prime Minister

PDM to finalise long march plan on January 25: Fazlur Rehman continued from page 01 Shedding light on the “mini-budget”, he said that a new wave of inflation will be seen because of the supplementary finance bill presented by the government. “We will fully oppose the cruel measure and the mini-budget proposed by the government in the Parliament,” he reiterated. Shahbaz further added that surprisingly, the government is “prioritising the interests and agendas of international institutions over the interests of Pakistani citizens.” “We haven’t seen a more incompetent, emaciated, and corrupt government in the history of Pakistan,” Shahbaz asserted. Endorsing his views, Fazl added that PDM will become the “voice of the common man against rising inflation.” “We believe that the people will directly fight for their rights,” the PDM chief said, adding that this long march will be a “revolutionary step in the history of Pakistan.” He also added that the PDM will observe solidarity with the people of the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) on February 5.

of Pakistan and all efforts are being made to facilitate overseas Pakistanis in all walks of life and we will leave no stone unturned to provide services and support to overseas Pakistanis. He said that OPF is playing a significant role in providing quality education to the children of overseas Pakistanis

and general public throughout Pakistan. Especially, OPF Girls College Islamabad is doing exemplary work in female education and has achieved recognition as a distinguished institution.

Afridi said that in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development is striving hard to extend maximum facilities and assistance to Pakistani expatriates residing across the world. Due to the keen interest of the present government in the betterment and wellbeing of overseas Pakistanis, the environment for taking courageous steps to bring overseas Pakistanis into the mainstream has never been more conducive.

Earlier, the Advisor took oath from newly elected members of Students Council and distributed prizes among the position holders.

Pakistan reports over 2,000 fresh COVID-19 cases as fifth wave intensifies continued from page 01 Pakistan had subsequently placed a complete ban on Nov 27 on travel from six south African countries — South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia — and Hong Kong in the wake of the variant’s discovery.

This travel ban was later extended to nine more countries — Croatia, Hungary, Netherlands, Ukraine, Ireland, Slovenia, Vietnam, Poland and Zimbabwe.

It is pertinent to note that on Tuesday, Pakistan passed the milestone of administering at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to over 100 million people.

“Of these [100m people], nearly 75m are fully vaccinated, which is 33pc of total population and 49pc of eligible population. Work is not complete yet. Need to keep the momentum going,” an NCOC

statement had stated.

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar had announced the achievement and asked the masses to get themselves vaccinated at the earliest.

Sugar, electronics, textile, auto sectors biggest defaulters of banks KaracHi staff report

Sugar industry, electronics, textile and auto sectors are the biggest defaulters of banks in Pakistan.

According to the data issued by the State Bank of Pakistan, Contrary to the government claim of rebound in industrial output, a number of industries in sectors including leading automobile and sugar have defaulted on paying off debt owed to banks in the quarter

ended September 30, 2021.

However, overall non-performing loans (NPLs) decreased to 8.8 percent during July-September 2021 compared to 9.9 percent in the same quarter of last year, the central bank reported.

The default cases remained high in the quarter despite the offer of a scheme to banks’ clients to get their loans deferred and rescheduled for one year or for a longer time period to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The non-performing loans of the sugar sector decreased from 29.1 percent to 29.1 percent on a year-on-year basis in the aforementioned quarter. The NPFs of the electronics sector decreased from 23.5 percent to 17.8 percent while those of the textile sector came down from 14.3 percent to 10.1 percent. Similarly, the financial institutions’ non-performing loans came down from 4.9 percent to 4.4 percent.

According to the Ministry of

Finance, the trends in high frequency indicators also indicates economic recovery as car production and sale increased by 87.7 percent and 80.5 percent respectively, during July-September FY2022, while tractor production and sale increased by 11.3 and 12.1 percent respectively.

The ministry said that domestic cement dispatches increased by 3.92 percent to 11.279 million tonnes during July-September FY2022 (10.853 MT last year).

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NEWS

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Total PARCO Pakistan Limited partners for a Road Safety Coalition in Pakistan TOTAL PARCO Pakistan Limited achieved a major milestone by being part of the Road Safety Coalition Charter with International Road Federation (IRF). The signing was attended by the founding members of the charter -Total PARCO Pakistan Limited, Toyota Indus Motor, Unilever, Coca Cola, Shell Pakistan, PARCO Pearl Gas Limited, Engro Fertilizer & Niaz Malik Consultancy. TOTAL PARCO Pakistan Limited CEO Mr. Mehmet Celepoglu stated “TOTAL PARCO Pakistan Limited is devoted to take all possible steps for sustainable development. Creating shared efforts for Road Safety is the need of the hour and as a responsible energy company our responsiveness to industry needs to be in line with the global best practices which will help us with joined forces move closer to our dream of safer mobility and better organization of roads safety in Pakistan.” TOTAL PARCO Pakistan Limited believes that such initiatives align perfectly with the core belief of road safety and the prevention of human accidents and loss on roads. pr

AMBASSADOR OF OMAN CALLS ON IIUI PRESIDENT Sheikh Mohammed bin Omar bin Ahmed Al Marhoon, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman called on Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, President, International Islamic University (IIU).

In the meeting matters pertaining to educational cooperation and mutual interest were discussed. During the meeting President IIUI said that the university is ready for educational cooperation and reiterated his resolve that IIUI would keep disseminating messages of peace and promotion of knowledge. He said that IIUI is keen to expand its educational ties with all institutions of the World, especially with the varsities of Islamic World. He also told the Ambassador regarding recent

MoUs of IIUI, while, he also briefed him about the faculties and departments of the University. Ambassador appreciated role of IIUI in promotion of education and said that International Islamic University Islamabad is one of the prestigious institutions of Muslim world On the occasion, both officials agreed to take further steps for expanding mutual cooperation. pr

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Thursday, 13 January, 2022

06 COMMENT

Lahore versus Rawalpindi Political Parties

Need to discourage illegal constructions Whether by civilians or those in khaki

Lahore has always been popular

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eGLiGenCe, connivance or both on the part of successive governments have led the building mafia to occupy state land, construct shanties and sell them to the urban poor leading to the creation of slums. the more enterprising conmen occupied state land in choice localities, built multistoried luxury housing units and sold them to gullible middle class buyers. Despite periodic attempts to reclaim the state land, slums as well as high rise structures on busy roads have continued to appear in big cities, particularly in Karachi. more recently the supreme Court warned that encroachments and occupation of state land was not acceptable. Following the orders, the Karachi administration gave the squatters a deadline and when it ended bulldozed the slums leaving thousands homeless. the supreme Court also ordered the demolition of the 15-storey nasla tower for encroaching on a city area meant for a service road. A similar order was issued against the under-construction tejori heights which was being built on railway land. it is unfortunate that the malaise has crept into a highly disciplined force also. hopefully a timely notice by the judiciary would discourage its spread. Last week the ihC declared illegal the navy’s sailing club and farmhouses constructed on the national Park land and ordered their demolition. it also issued directions to initiate criminal proceedings against a former naval chief and other officials for approving the illegal constructions.

On tuesday the Court ordered the Capital authorities to seal off monal Restaurant and take control of the margalla Greens Golf Club built on encroached land, also declaring illegal the military’s claim to 8,000 acres of the margalla hills national Park. the Court ordered that the national Park is a protected area and there can be no activity in it.

As the verdict put it, illegal occupation of chunks of national Park and construction of structures there compromise the professionalism, integrity and cohesion of the Armed Forces while on the other they weaken the civilian institutions. What is more these acts damage the relationship of the Armed Forces with the people and the society. it would be anomalous and unjust to punish one category of squatters while rewarding the other. As the verdict put it, “the armed forces should not be controversial in any way. it is not in the public interest.”

Dr FariD a Malik

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hiLe Lahore is the brain centre of the country, Rawalpindi was recognised as a garrison city. though i was born and raised in Lahore, i also spent considerable time in Rawalpindi. there were stark differences between the two places. Before the first usurper moved the capital near the GhQ (General headquarters.) the city had a few good bakeries, decorated tongas and malangs frOmhazrat Bari imam who roamed in Raja Bazar carrying huge green flags. Rawalpindi was my second home as my father’s family decided to live there after migration from Ludhiana in east Punjab after the partition of the indian subcontinent in 1947. Both families hailed from Kashmir. One migrated to Lahore and the other to Ludhiana in the later part of the 19th century. the Khalifa family of Lahore gained prominence from the scholarily activities of my mother’s uncle, the wllknown islaimic scholar Dr Khalifa Abdul hakim who was a close friend and contemporary of Dr muhammad iqbal. Double migration of my paternal family had a heavy toll on them, first east Punjab and then the newly created state of Pakistan, as a consequence they decided to go back to their roots in the valley.

As Rawalpindi was closer to Kohala they decided to settle there, hoping to resettle in Kashmir. even the sufi traditions of the two cities remain very different. Lahore is called ‘Data ki nagri’. On thursday is Qawali night at the shrine, which continues to inspire the people of the city. Kashf-ulMahjoob, the book written by Ali hajveri, stands out as masterpiece of sufi thought. in Rawalpindi there i saw these malangs’ roaming around and the Sains (special persons with sprituality), some of whom were scary and even vi-

The economic situation as a whole The PTI must stop cherrypicking the data

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Rime minister imran Khan showed he was an optimist at the 14th international summit of Chambers, when he said the economy was showing signs of a turnaround, because the inflation figure for December was lower than that for november. he continued with his mantra, which consists of two parts: there isn’t any inflation, which is just an opposition scare, and any inflation has been caused by the rise in global commodity prices. mr Khan’s cherrypicking of the statistical evidence is to say the least, problematic. A leader needs to be realistic when making economic decisions. if he is out of touch with the on-ground situation, then his decisions are going to be bad. surely mr Khan has someone among his economic team who could tell him that a single swallow does not a summer make, and a dip in the monthly inflation figure does not represent an improvement in the economic situation, not unless it is taken with other economic benchmarks, such as the current account deficit. the World Bank prediction of Pakistan’s GDP growth this year is 3.4 percent, which is at best anaemic, even keeping the covid19 pandemic in mind, and downright disastrous. it is certainly not the rate of an economy on the path to recovery. mr Khan himself identified boosting exports and tax collection as important indicators. Boosting exports is not the matter of removing a few hurdles as mr Khan seems to think it is. As for tax collection, the government’s record has been patchy, and whatever measures it has taken have usually backfired or have been rendered ineffective. mr Khan continues to try and win the support of the business community, even though the demand is that it be allowed to get away with tax theft. it is true that some of that reluctance to pay taxes is because of a feeling that the government does not provide the services it should, but the government has made only cosmetic directions in this area. mr Khan can be selective about the data he picks to show his economic performance as adequate, but whether the voter agrees or not, is another matter.

Sparing the rod works better

M. ilyas kalhoro

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unishment of children is common in home and at school. the resort to it is made to ensure development or elimination of certain behaviour in minors. the punishment used is mainly of three types: (1) presenting something undesirable after a behaviour, for instance, chastising, shouting or hitting; (2) taking away something positive after a behaviour, examples are taking away a privilege or isolating from an activity; (3) requiring a child to perform some undesirable and unwanted task, such as making him clean up the mess created by him or making him do sit-ups or standing with hands up. the most obnoxious punishment usually resorted to here is of physical kind. in september 2019, hunain Bilal, a 10th class student in a private school at Lahore, was tortured to death by his teacher for not memorising a lesson. in september 2018, muhammad hussain, a nine-year-old student, was beaten to death by his madrasah teacher. in

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partition of the indian subcontinent, Lahore had the unique distinction of being the place of birth of the first genuine political party of the country which then took on the Rawalpindi sarkari League called the Pakistan muslim League (Convention). interestingly the PmL (Con) was also launched in Lahore through the newly created muslim League house on Davis Road but it was concieved in the Garrison City where even the sufi traditions were not as people-friendly as compared to the City of intellect. it did not end here, the list of Rawalpindi Parties is long (PmL-n, PmL-Q, mQm, mmA etc) to name the important ones which all played negative roles in our democratic struggle.the PmL*Q) even offered to elect the dictator in uniform as President of the republic, perhaps the first such anti-democracy act in human history. then in April 1996, imran Khan (iK) a son of the city who was revered for winning the Cricket World Cup in 1992, decided to open his political innings with the launch of the Pakistan tehreek-e-insaf (Pti).

Known for his resilience, the Kaptaan struggled for political survival till the two mainstream parties (PPP and PmL-n) lost popularity due to massive corruption and poor governance. in October 2011, iK emerged as a third political option in the barren arena of politics. his entry brought freshness into the stale air around. Lahore had done it again. Another genuine political entity had emerged to take on the Rawalpindi Party called PmL(n). in 1970 it was PPP versus PmL(Con) while in 2013 it was Pti versus PmL(n) or in other words Lahore versus Rawalpindi in a credible free and fair election Lahore has always come ahead but with our history of forced mandates Rawalpindi parties have succeeded which have now become a menace for our democratic dispensation.

As poitics demands mind and vision, the city of intellect is better qualified for this challenge, Rawalpindi the garrison city is best suited to fortify our borders.

In a credible free and fair election Lahore has always come ahead but with our history of forced mandates Rawalpindi parties have succeeded which have now become a menace for our democratic dispensation. As poitics demands mind and vision, the city of intellect is better qualified for this challenge, Rawalpindi the garrison city is best suited to fortify our borders.

Corporal punishment as a means of child discipline

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

olent at times. sain mirchu was one of them who used to beat up people, last year i discovered his shrine in islamabad close to the Kashmir highway. i am glad my late mother who hailed from Lahore was able to convince my father to settle down here, the city of intellect and depth. With her sufi leanings we regularily visited the shrine of Data sahib but during our visits to Rawalpindi we went to see sain mirchu and later sain mira. Both were totally different experiences. my dose of spirituality was more serene in Lahore, while in Rawalpindi i was always on my toes to run away from the blows of the sains. it was more of love here and fear there. Perhaps the same is reflected in the conduct of the political parties launced at the two places. interestingly the Red Light Area of Lahore is called heera mandi (Diamond market) while in Rawalpindi it is named Kasai Gali (Butcher Lane).

While still in school, we the students of the first born free generation of Pakistan decided to take on the first dictator of the country. One afternoon in november 1967 i saw a huge gathering at the YmCA hall on the mall where we went for daily games. With my badminton racket in hand i ventured into the hall. the dashing ex-Foreign minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (ZAB) was addressing a very charged crowd. he had come to launch his movement against the usurper under the banner of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). it was the start of a new political journey. ‘islamic socialism’,, his message was loud and clear. the term had been introduced by a son of the city, Dr Khailfa Abdul hakim, in his classic book Islam and Communism. ZAB further simplified his message into Roti, Kapra aur Makan which was widely understood by the masses. earlier mian ifhtikar-ud-Din, another proud son of the city led the left of centre progressive political group within the All india muslim League. he had also started the Progressive Paper’s Limited (PPL) which published The Pakistan Times in english and Imroze in urdu. the change-minded progressives and the youth joined the new political entity in droves. After the

June 2017 an 11-year-old girl in Gilgit succumbed to the wounds inflicted by her teacher in a government school. there are many such examples where physical punishment has resulted in the death of minors.

Corporal punishment is against the spirit of the united nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), whose articles 19, 28(2) and 37 are contrary to it. Article 19 of the convention says “states Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation.....” the physical kind of punishment is also violation of Article 14 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which promotes the dignity of all citizens. the parents and teachers believe punishment makes a child change his behaviour in a lasting way.

But the research on the matter tells something different and opposite. A new study published this year in the Journal of Pediatrics has revealed that kids who are spanked have behavioral issues similar to children who have been neglected and abused. And the researchers are making a call for change. it is believed by experts that while punishment may surely have an immediate effect, it is not enduring. in other words, for the time being the child changes his behaviour, but the change is not lasting. child who is disinclined to doing his or her homework , if chastised or beaten, will surely do his or herchomework at the time to escape the further punishment , but this will not create in him any enduring interest in doing homework . similarly, if a child does not talk with elders politely, the act of punishing him or her on it will not help in creating lasting respect for elders in his or her mind. the punishment produces negative effects on a child. it produces negative reactions in the child. this includes crying, arguing or even striking a parent or a teacher. Another effect on the child is consolidated feelings of distancing himself or herself, physically and psychologically, from the person who punishes- whether a parent or a teacher. Besides,

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The writer is ex-Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation. He can be contacted at: fmaliks@hotmail.com.

punishment increases in a child aggressive behaviour, or she may retaliate by hitting the punisher. moreover, the punishment technique models behaviour that the child tends to use with his peers. if a child is shouted at, he or she uses shouting with his or her peers, and if is beaten, he or she learns resorting to hitting when with peers. instead of spanking, better discipline strategies can be formed to transform the conduct of children. it will be very productive to use praise as a tool for influencing child behaviour. if a minor does something good he or she should be praised for it. Praising one in the presence of other children, will also produce a stimulating effect on the rest for adopting the admired behaviour. the rebuke and criticism of wrong habits and activities can make children disinclined to these. they will, by and large, remain tend not to display such conduct or adopt such habits that are reprimanded.

Children often become rude when they think that they are not given a chance to express their feelings and are not being listened to. speaking with them with a gentle tone of voice and conveying to them the realization that they are listened and honoured can make them turn around their rough and rude attitude to a good and liked one.

Rewarding is another helpful tool for shaping conduct of children. An incentive can prompt one to shed off misbehaviour and exhibit the attitude for which it is promised. ignoring mild misbehaviour can prove more effective than spanking. snatching a certain privilege for time being may also be a useful tactic. For example if a child watches television or plays a game more than the prescribed time, he or she can be deprived of the television and the game for 24 hours. next time the minor will think against indulging himself or herself in the activity more than the designated time.

Children are to be treated with honour and respect so that they could retain their dignity and selfrespect. there is a dire need of educating parents and teachers on how to influence the behaviour of children without turning to corporal kind of punishment. several laws, such as Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Bill 2014, have been formulated that prohibit physical torture of children and specify punishments for such acts. Yet, the proper implementation of these laws seems a distant dream.

The writer is an educator and an academic researcher , based in Larkana, and can be reached at m.ilyas.kalhoro.mi@gmail.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

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Thursday, 13 January, 2022

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

Job market in Pakistan

How can OIC improve the security situation in South Asia?

There are two major humanitarian crises: the Rohingya and the Afghans saMina akhter

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FteR World War i, the Ottoman empire and the Caliphate fell apart, leaving a void. Consequently, the glory of once mighty Golden Age of islam started to fade away- the Golden era when muslim Ummah or the entire muslim community was at the pinnacle of intellectual and leadership supremacy. After a few decades the vacuum which was created after the demise of Caliphate was fulfilled by formation of the biggest organization for upholding and maintaining the dignity, independence and rights of the entire muslim community. this institution formalized the unity of the then muslim world under the banner pf the Organization of islamic Cooperation, or OiC. this 57-member organization appeared as a unified platform to safeguard muslims and protect the interests of the muslim world and promote peace and security. since its birth, the OiC’s role as a guardian for the muslim community has been commendable. On the other hand, the centre for global geopolitics has been shifted to south Asia in 21st century. that is why the OiC should put extra focus on the security condition of muslim countries in south Asia, especially Afghanistan and Bangladesh. however, the nature of the crisis of these two countries are opposite in nature: Afghanistan witnessing dire humanitarian and economic downfall and Bangladesh hosting the world’s biggest refugee camp. in these conditions, OiC is expected to play a strong role to overcome the plight. the looming catastrophe in Afghanistan has been exacerbated to an unprecedented degree, with 55 of the population facing hunger, and lack of shelter and other social services. more than 23 million are facing acute hunger, 9 million children are malnourished, and 3.5 million are forcibly displaced. this country was already reeling through drought as a result of never-ending conflicts and its crisis seems to escalate in the severe cold of the winter season. With freezing temperatures expected to drop by minus 25°C, millions of people might be exposed to threats of starvation, famine, winter diseases and most unfortunate deaths. even experts say that hunger and poverty following the taliban takeover seems to kill more Afghans this winter alone than all the violence did during the past two decades. in the very first place, the OiC, also “the collective voice of the muslim world” should immediately collect aid from muslim countries and distribute it among the Afghans. At the 17th extraordinary meeting of the OiC, the member states agreed to launch humanitarian assistance for this worst crisis-hit country.

Pakistan is to be thanked for hosting this vital session. now, the OiC should coordinate relief from other countries and distribute it among Afghans. Also, the OiC should make contact with the taliban on a regular basis to

administer the equal and proper distribution of relief materials. the most essential responsibility of the OiC is now to use its influence over the taliban regime to make them agree on building an inclusive government, that has “the full, equal and meaningful participation of women” and upholds human rights. the taliban should acknowledge the necessity of educating its women and involvement of women in decision making for the welfare of the nation. By respecting the basic human rights, the taliban could prevent the refugee exodus from Afghanistan. the OiC should also play a key role in making the taliban cooperate with the international bodies and aid agencies to ensure proper distribution of the relief goods among the people. Additionally, it should cooperate with other agencies, like the united nations, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank to help diplomats and envoys restart working in Afghanistan.

Another area OiC can contribute in reforming Afghanistan is to make the taliban realize the worth of education for everyone.

OiC should pressurize the taliban to make a curriculum for assuring education for everyone and develop the standard for it.

What the taliban need right now is to find an immediate political solution to combat the crisis and reform the economy.

Last but not the least, the OiC should push the taliban to ensure that terrorism and drug trafficking should not spill over to neighbouring countries. most importantly, if taliban want to be recognized, at first they should exhibit some qualities and worthiness of being recognized. the OiC should use its leverage on them to qualify themselves for engaging with the rest of the world. meanwhile, ever since Bangladesh welcomed the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees from myanmar, she has been paying the price of her generosity. Despite many diplomatic efforts, the repatriation of Rohingya people has been lingering for quite long. the exodus of Rohingya refugees from myanmar to Bangladesh created

numerous strategic, economic and environmental issues as Bangladesh is already an over-populated nation. nevertheless, Bangladesh continues to generously host the world’s largest and growing refugee settlement despite the huge burden on economy, food management, its limited resources and other circumstances. even Bangladesh planned to relocate some of the Rohingyas to Bhashanchar to ensure better living standard for them through the Ashrayan 3 Project through its own financing.

With the backing of OiC, Gambia, an OiC member, volunteered to file a case against myanmar at the international Court of Justice (iCJ) for the alleged genocide of the Rohingya in november, 2019. On January 23, 2020, the iCJ unanimously passed a resolution on protection of Rohingya refugees, preventing acts on genocide and killings. On the other hand, OiC countries commenced its fund-raising campaign in December 2020 and could donate $1.2 million to Bangladesh. All in all, OiC’s support in resolving the crisis has been commendable.

But myanmar should face continued pressure till the successful repatriation of millions of Rohingya refugees to myanmar.

Apparently, OiC has contributed a lot but there is still a long way to go. in recent times the Rohingya refugee crisis and repatriation are not getting much attention as the focus shifted to other issues, such asAfghanistan security issues and the global environment crisis. the OiC should make sure that the Rohingya crisis never loses attention on international agencies.

Bangladesh has always been an obedient member of the OiC, and promptly responded to the resolution of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan at the OiC’s 17th extraordinary meeting with an announcement of providing aid through food and medical support. As pledged, the OiC should show solidarity with Bangladesh apart from playing a pivotal role in the Afghanistan crisis to improve the security situation in south Asia.

But Myanmar should face continued pressure till the successful repatriation of millions of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.

Apparently, OIC has contributed a lot but there is still a long way to go. In recent times the Rohingya refugee crisis and repatriation are not getting much attention as the focus shifted to other issues, such as- Afghanistan security issues and the global environment crisis.

The OIC should make sure that the Rohingya crisis never loses attention on international agencies

The writer is a freelance columnist

the real estate sector has shown greater progress in Pakistan, becoming a major contributor to the economic growth of the country, by making money, assets, and eventually, empires.

Over the recent years, builders, construction companies, developers, realtors, and renters, etc. have accumulated greater wealth. We see many housing societies appearing now and then, there are plenty of tV commercials poking around in entertainment hours alluring customers to get their dream houses and fulfil their lifestyle wishes. While construction companies have made a mark as a full-grown industry, the real estate sector still lags behind in forming the image and persona of a trusted entity. there is a huge space for job generation; like any other organisation, a real estate office at the very basic requires, human Resources, Finance, marketing, sales and management staff to be operating. We see many realtors managing in the minimum capacity with small offices and hardly one assistant, while dealing with major chunks of the market.

AAA Associates, working in the same market, becoming the forerunners in providing secure jobs. employees are streamlined with a proper pay structure and benefits. AAA Associates office holds a horizontal hierarchy with departments and teams working to follow the company’s vision with laid out goals and objectives, keeping clarity, precision, and efficiency. AAA associates have generated around 400 to 500 jobs in many working departments and businesses; jobs from executive-level to team managers and office help including janitors and teaboys.

Creating jobs in the real estate sector is not only good for the community in which we are operating but also is beneficial for the government as it ensures transparency and generates revenues.

MARYAM NAWAZ KAYANI ISlAMAbAd

Harassment of girls on roads ROAD harassment is a structure of sexual harassment that comprises undesirable remarks, motions, honking, wolf-whistling, catcalling, openness, following, constant lewd gestures, and contact by outsiders in open regions. unfortunately, it is an exceptionally normal peculiarity in Lahore, experienced by females independent of their age and dress. they are ladies and they are out and about; that is enough for them to be harassed. there are numerous ladies who don’t consider gazing, heckling, undesirable remarks, and rough signals a type of provocation. it shows how normal these things have become on the side of the road in Pakistan.

Commonly, in any case, this verbal provocation turns physical.

Whatever sort of harassment it transforms into, the casualty likes to keep quiet, imagining that it will besmirch their family name assuming they reveal or report the episode. many let these episodes go in light of the fact that, obviously, they don’t have the foggiest idea about the individual and they don’t have confirmation. in spite of the ladies being appropriately covered or not they’re being whistled and harassed while being headed to school, school, colleges or work environments. it’s all a result of the shortfall of rigid road provocation laws in the country that has disturbed the circumstance. the government ought to guarantee the severe implementation of laws to control the danger of road harassment so our little girls and sisters have a good sense of security in the city. to keep away from this assuming anybody is viewed as engaged with road provocation he ought to be totally rebuffed. in addition, female police faculty ought to be sent at police posts and grumbling cells ought to be set up at all business communities and outside instructive organizations with the goal that ladies can hold up protests at the earliest opportunity. the concerned authorities are therefore requested to look into this matter without further delay and take suitable steps to solve the problem.

MAHAM TARIQ lAHORE

Investment in skills PAKistAn faces many financial issues which makes its power weaker on international levels. it has a number of opportunities. the only thing to overcome this crisis is the need for true leadership and dedication. Pakistan is the fifth largest country in the world in terms of population and 34th in terms of area. unfortunately, resources are scarce and problems are many. it is natural for people to have problems wherever they live. But the rate of problems in Pakistan is increasing day by day. there are many reasons behind this. the economy is at the forefront of all the difficulties that Pakistan is going through today. Weak economies have a direct impact on the people and the common man.

After 2020, we have seen how the world has gone through a transition in all aspects of life in terms of health, education, financing or in short in everything. We have noticed how our daily operations have changed.

Likewise, financial opportunities are present particularly in online mediums. now banks, other financial institutes have changed their functions into apps. similarly, anyone can earn something if he or she has any skill. this phenomenon is called investment in skills. We bet you didn’t hear your skills as an investment opportunity. if you have any skill, make use of it. Polish your skill sets and earn decent returns in no time. nowadays we hear a lot about freelancing, online job opportunities, online training, online learning and many more all these are the best sources to earn and to growth financially. the options are unlimited, all you need to do is identify your skillset and the things you love doing and earn through them. investment in skill is the best option for our youth to become financially independent and stable. it provides the best medium to showcase their talent and skill in a certain field. here we take an example of freelancing, in freelancing people or more specifically freelancers are self-employed people who provide services to multiple clients and earn money. they can set their own schedules, run their businesses and most importantly they have flexible lifestyles. so, to earn and sustain life investment in skills is very important and it is the best platform for our youth. in the context of the Pakistani market, we see numerous individuals especially youth who are unemployed. therefore, concept of investment in skills is the easiest and fair medium to earn. this method is more efficient and effective, it also gives us a sense of fairness in terms of work. One feature of this method is that anyone can invest in skills; it has no age limitations, no certification restriction. if you have any talent you can easily get an opportunity.

AZRAH bANO ANd SHAMEEN bAIg ISlAMAbAd

08 WORLD VIEW 13th January 22_Layout 1 1/12/2022 9:49 PM Page 1

Thursday, 13 Janauary, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

the search for stabIlIty In afghanIstan

foreign affairs Kamran BoKhari

t

He U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan last summer troubled many neighboring countries that had grown used to the United States doing the heavy lifting in the region. With the Taliban ensconced in Kabul, militant networks will likely expand, and insecurity could radiate across Afghanistan’s borders. That prospect remains a cause for disquiet in as many as a dozen states. Afghanistan’s largest neighbors, Iran and Pakistan, however, are the two countries that have the most influence in the country—and the most at stake.

Their long borders with Afghanistan combined with historical ethnic, linguistic, and cultural ties have allowed Iran and Pakistan to play significant roles in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. By contrast, none of the three neighboring Central Asian states or China, which also border landlocked Afghanistan, have the same level of influence in the country. China is counting on both Iran and Pakistan to manage a Taliban-dominated Afghanistan, and the Arab Gulf states are relying on Pakistan to ensure that their interests in the country are served. In the aftermath of the U.S. departure, Iran and Pakistan will be the main competitors shaping the future of a Taliban-run Afghanistan.

The end of the long epoch of direct great-power interventions in Afghanistan has left a dangerous void. Despite their many differences, Iran and Pakistan both seek stability and security in a country that has been in a state of war for two generations. Their interests have often diverged or come into direct conflict in Afghanistan, but now they will be forced to cooperate in ways that they have not in the past.

Iran and Pakistan need the Taliban to build a government that can maintain a modicum of stability and keep the so-called Islamic State, also known as ISIS, and other transnational jihadi actors in check. Having neutralized the ISIS threat on its western flank in Iraq only recently, Iran does not want to see the jihadis grow in strength on its eastern flank. Pakistan fears ISIS activities in Afghanistan might galvanize militants within its own borders. The Taliban may now dominate Afghanistan militarily, but the movement is very far from establishing effective governance across the country, never mind a viable economy in the absence of international recognition of its regime. In these circumstances, ISIS could gain ground. The militant group and other transnational jihadi forces will benefit from the Taliban’s struggle to balance the pragmatism necessary to govern with their core ideological commitments. Should the Taliban moderate their behavior, they could lose many of their members to more radical groups.

The Taliban’s reconquest of Afghanistan comes at a time when both Iran and Pakistan are experiencing turmoil at home. Pakistan faces its deepest economic troubles since independence, with inflation rising exponentially and the country seeking to negotiate yet another loan deal with the International Monetary Fund, all exacerbated by unprecedented tensions between the military establishment and civilian leaders. Similarly, after four decades, Tehran’s clerical regime is in the midst of a major transition from a moderate to a more hard-line president and faces the looming question of who will succeed the ailing supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran is also experiencing a great deal of financial pain due to international sanctions. If Afghanistan begins exporting unrest, refugees, and militancy, it will only make matters worse for both countries.

Afghanistan also represents a major gateway for Iran and Pakistan to Central Asia, especially in terms of energy and trade routes. They are eager to tap into China’s regional connectivity efforts through the vast infrastructure program known as the Belt and Road Initiative.

China’s largest BRI project is the China-Pakistan economic Corridor, which runs through areas near the Afghan border and is vulnerable to strikes from Pakistani Taliban rebels as well as Baluch separatist militants. Pakistan is trying to get the Afghan Taliban to crack down on Baluch rebel outfits operating out of Afghanistan, but the new rulers in Kabul are unlikely to rein in their Pakistani Taliban counterparts, who enjoy sanctuary on the Afghan side of the border. As a result, the insecurity radiating out of Afghanistan threatens Chinese plans in Pakistan. Likewise, the Iranians are hoping that a new

CAN IRAN AND PAKISTAN MANAGE THE TALIBAN’S EMIRATE? nuclear deal will allow the Chinese to move ahead with their plans to extend the BRI to their country. Iran and Pakistan therefore have a shared interest in a stable Afghanistan, which both countries realize is not likely to emerge anytime soon. But such stability may become more likely if Iran and Pakistan coordinate and cooperate more than they compete in Afghanistan.

BETWEEN THE PLAINS AND THE PLATEAU: For centuries, states that arose in the Persian plateau to Afghanistan’s west and those centered in the plains of Punjab to the country’s east have vied over its territory.

The modern nation-states of Iran and Pakistan are just the latest actors to be locked into this dynamic. In this contest, Pakistan enjoys a geographic and cultural advantage over Iran. Its border with Afghanistan is nearly three times as long as Iran’s border with Afghanistan, allowing Pakistan more scope to influence events in the landlocked country. Iran has traditionally maintained ties to Afghanistan’s various minorities (including the Tajik, the Uzbek, the Hazara, the Turkmen, the Aimak, and the Baluch communities) and benefited from the fact that the country’s lingua franca is Dari (the Afghan variant of Persian), which allows Tehran to cultivate deep ties with not just these minority groups but also the Pashtuns. Islamabad, on the other hand, has principally exerted influence in its western neighbor via the Pashtuns, who are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan and make up as much as 45 percent of the population. Pashtuns form nearly a fifth of Pakistan’s population.

In the 1990s, Pakistani support for the Taliban, which is a predominantly Pashtun group, demonstrated the power of this connection. Four years after Islamist factions toppled the communist government in Kabul in 1992, the Taliban emerged as the most powerful militia in the Afghan battle space and won the backing of Pakistan. Pakistani support helped the Taliban establish their first regime in 1996. even after the United States unseated the Taliban in 2001, Islamabad continued to support the group.

The Taliban remain Afghanistan’s largest political movement, able to recover from their defeat in 2001 to reclaim the country. Iran, on the other hand, bet on losing horses in Afghanistan. In the 1990s, it supported a coalition of smaller, weaker groups opposed to the Taliban and largely drawn from communities inclined to ally with Tehran, such as the Tajiks and the Shiite Hazaras.

This anti-Taliban camp never formed a political vanguard that could compete with the Taliban and has remained splintered along ethnic lines.

This history would suggest that Kabul’s new masters would ally closely with Islamabad and spurn Tehran. But the geopolitical landscape in the country has changed tremendously in the 20 years since the United States toppled the Taliban’s first emirate in 2001. Pakistan does not have the same sway over the Taliban as it did in the 1990s. The Taliban themselves are no longer a solely Pashtun phenomenon; indeed, they have made significant inroads into the ethnic minority communities, which in great part explains how the militant group swiftly took over areas in the country’s north in early August 2021.

In the past 15 years, Iran also developed relations with elements of the Taliban insurgency, recognizing that the militants remained too powerful and important to ignore.

PLAYING BOTH SIDES: Certainly, Iran has come a long way from 2001, when it provided intelligence support to the United States and helped its northern Alliance partners oust the Taliban from power. Relations between Iran and the United States deteriorated precipitously thereafter amid disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program and Washington’s involvement in Iraq. The Iranians began cultivating ties to the Taliban sometime around 2005. By 2009, the Quds Force, the overseas operations arm of Iran’s elite military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was supplying weapons to Taliban insurgents.

Tehran worked with Taliban figures such as the former military commanders Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir

IRAN AND PAKISTAN WILL HAVE THE MOST INFLUENCE ON WHATEVER OUTCOME EMERGES IN TALIBAN-RUN AFGHANISTAN. GREAT POWERS SUCH AS CHINA AND RUSSIA WILL RELY ON THEIR BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH TEHRAN AND ISLAMABAD TO TRY TO ENSURE THAT THE UNCERTAINTY IN AFGHANISTAN DOES NOT UPSET THEIR STRATEGIC PLANS and Mullah Ibrahim Sadr and the late Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour, who was killed in a 2016 U.S. drone strike minutes after his vehicle crossed into Pakistan from Iran. At the same time, Iran maintained ties to the minority groups as well as lines of support to the U.S.-backed regime in Kabul, supplying it with bags of cash worth over $1 million annually.

Pakistan, for its part, also tried to build ties with other forces in Afghanistan. It first reached out to the Kabul government and anti-Taliban factions some 15 years ago. These overtures were not always warmly received; long-time opponents of the Taliban remained deeply mistrustful of Islamabad. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s attempt to cooperate with the U.S. war effort resulted in the loss of its monopoly of influence over the Taliban.

By the mid-2010s, the Taliban had not only cultivated ties to Iran but also begun negotiations with Washington, established a political office in Qatar, and pursued relations with other powers such as China, Russia, Turkey, european states, and others. Islamabad still had the most extensive connections to the Afghan insurgent movement, however, especially with the Haqqani faction based in eastern Afghanistan and the old Quetta Shura that represents the Taliban’s original heartland in the country’s south.

RELUCTANT COOPERATION: During the era of the Taliban insurgency, Iran and Pakistan were content to maintain channels of communication and support with both the government in Kabul and the militants. But now with the Taliban in power and opposition forces largely crushed, Tehran and Islamabad face a situation that they were likely not prepared for. How do they ensure that those whom they helped wage an insurgency will now govern in a manner that does not lead to wider insecurity and threaten their respective national interests?

Iran and Pakistan realize they must cooperate in managing the security situation in Afghanistan. The formation of the Taliban’s interim government suggests a degree of coordination between the two countries. The initial cabinet that the Taliban unveiled was dominated by militant leaders close to Pakistan. But within a few days, and after some conversations between Iranian and Pakistani officials on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Dushanbe in September 2021, figures from minority communities with close ties to Iran were placed in key portfolios.

Zakir and Sadr became deputy ministers of defense and interior, respectively. Haji nooruddin Azizi, a Tajik from Panjshir Province, became minister of commerce.

The Commerce Ministry (trade between Afghanistan and Iran is greater than that between Afghanistan and Pakistan) also got Haji Mohammad Bashir, an Uzbek trader from Baghlan, as deputy minister and Haji Mohammad Azim Sultanzada, another Uzbek merchant from Sar-ePul, as second deputy minister. Mohammad Hassan Ghiasi, a Shiite Hazara physician, became deputy health minister. Through these very symbolic appointments, the Taliban hope to achieve two goals. First, on the domestic front, the Taliban government is trying to convince minority communities that they will be represented in the provisional authority and in a future government. Second, the ruling Islamist movement seeks to signal to the international community that it is responsive to calls for an inclusive government.

These negotiated cabinet appointments, however critical, are not the only means by which the Iranians and

the Pakistanis are cooperating to manage the extremely fluid situation in Afghanistan. Iran’s most senior military commander, Major-General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri (who as joint armed forces chief of staff oversees both the IRGC and Tehran’s regular military forces), led a delegation to Islamabad in mid-October. In meetings with their Pakistani counterparts, Bagheri and the other visiting Iranian generals discussed at length how to work with the Taliban regime to manage both countries’ shared security concerns.

Despite these attempts at cooperation, Iran and Pakistan cannot help but be wary of each another. Tehran worries about Islamabad’s close ties to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab emirates. It fears that the Saudis and the emiratis will leverage those relations to create problems for Iran. The Gulf states could try to counter Iranian moves in the Arab world by fomenting trouble for Iran in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Pakistan remains deeply concerned about its archrival India aligning more closely with Iran. Iranian and Indian interests in Afghanistan, namely the shared desire to ensure that Sunni Islamists hostile to Tehran and new Delhi are not able to operate freely in the country, have long overlapped. Together with Russia, Iran and India cooperated significantly in the 1990s to support the northern Alliance, the anti-Taliban coalition. Although China and Pakistan did not attend a regional conference on Afghanistan in november organized by India’s national Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Iran’s national security chief Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani (along with counterparts from the Central Asian states and Russia) did. But the U.S. exit from Afghanistan and the subsequent implosion of the internationally backed Afghan state have created a huge strategic problem for India. With the Taliban now in control in Kabul, new Delhi has lost its influence in Afghanistan; working with Iran could provide India with alternative access to the country.

For decades, Afghanistan represented a shared strategic backyard for Iran and Pakistan. The Pakistanis have long sought a friendly government on their western flank so they could focus on their main geopolitical adversary to the east, India. For the Iranians, the Arab world to the west has traditionally been their priority and Afghanistan only a secondary arena. But the dramatic collapse of the internationally backed Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has granted Afghanistan a considerably more important role in the national security strategies of both neighbors.

Iran and Pakistan will have the most influence on whatever outcome emerges in Taliban-run Afghanistan.

Great powers such as China and Russia will rely on their bilateral relations with Tehran and Islamabad to try to ensure that the uncertainty in Afghanistan does not upset their strategic plans for Central and South Asia. Assuming Afghanistan eventually achieves some semblance of stability, both the Iranians and the Pakistanis will seek to leverage their influence to enhance their economic interests in the country and in the region. But for the foreseeable future, both will be struggling to make sure that the anarchic piece of geopolitical real estate between them does not undermine their national security.

KAMRAN BOKHARI is Director of Analytical Development at the Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy and a National Security and Foreign Policy Specialist at the University of Ottawa’s Professional Development Institute.

IndIa’s polItIcal partIes have a feudal approach In a republIc Times of india Editorial

I

n the five states that will elect new assemblies over the next few weeks, the Covid vaccination certificate will not carry Prime Minister narendra Modi’s picture. A similar practice was followed in 2021 during the assembly elections.

Altering the vaccination certificate during assembly elections forefronts the fuzzy line of demarcation between instruments of the state and the political executive. In a republic where the political executive draws its authority on the back of a popular mandate, there needs to be a clear line of demarcation between the state and a political party in power. This is missing in India where successive governments both at the Centre and states have intentionally diluted the

line of demarcation.

One way it shows up is in the manner in which provision of public services is framed. nothing is free, be it vaccines or electricity. It is paid for by the taxpayer, which now includes almost every Indian household because of the scope of indirect taxes such as GST. How an incumbent government wants to spend a taxpayer’s money is a matter of fiscal policy and it can span anything from MSP for

some farmers to bailouts for struggling telecom companies.

Fiscal policy can never satisfy all constituencies because it involves choices. But what it is not is a free provision of goods or services. nothing is free for a society and the bill has to be paid by the taxpayer.

That India’s political parties frame it as a gift only showcases their feudal way of thinking. 21st century India is a republic and not a medieval state.

Thursday, 13 January, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS corporate corner Spotify and Coke Studio Pakistan partner to celebrate the nation’s voices through an official destination

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DuBAI ISlAmIC BANk & TPl lIFE TAkAFul SIgN mou FoR BANkATAkAFul DISTRIBuTIoN ThRough BANk’S TouChPoINTS KARACHI

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pr

UBAI Islamic Bank and TPL Life Takaful signed a MoU whereby customers will be offered unique BancaTakaful plans that will be distributed through the Bank’s distribution channels & customer touchpoints such as Branches, Call Centre & Digital Channels.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Junaid Ahmed CEO, Dubai Islamic Bank and Mr. Ali Jameel CEO, TPL Corporation at a ceremony held at Dubai Islamic Bank’s Head Office in Karachi.

The ceremony was to commemorate the partnership aimed at expanding BancaTakaful collaboration in the market. Both the entities will work cohesively to further explore other avenues of business.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Junaid Ahmed – CEO, Dubai Islamic Bank said that “Dubai Islamic Bank is at the forefront of offering innovative Shariah compliant products and services to cater to our customers’ needs.

TPL Life Takaful will be an important addition to our existing product suite which will allow customers to go for Shariah compliant Life Takaful products. Being the World’s First Islamic

Bank, we are investing in an everchanging Digital environment where we are focusing on enhancing customer experience in shape of - Banking on the Go!” Mr. Ali Jameel – CEO, TPL Corp said, “We are pleased to expand our 15 years-long business relationship with Dubai Islamic Bank through this new partnership. TPL Corp with its diverse portfolio continues to serve Dubai Islamic Bank’s customers with Innovative products and technological solutions. This signing will further enable consumers to access cutting-edge value propositions through the bank’s branches & Digi-

tal Channels. Dubai Islamic Bank offers a wide range of Shariah compliant products through its 235 branches across 70 cities nationwide.

TPL Life Insurance offers an extensive suite of life and health insurance solutions to address a range of segments including corporate, retail, micro-health, and e-commerce digital consumers. Its life, health insurance, and savings solutions ensure complete protection for customers giving them access to better healthcare, securing their dreams for the future, and providing a financial cushion for any unforeseen life event, accident, or illness.

Future Summit gets underway in Karachi ISLAMABAD: The world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service joins forces with the sound of the nation, Coke Studio Pakistan, to launch an official Coke Studio: Pakistan destination dedicated to 2022’s muchawaited music show. Under this partnership, Spotify is now the official music streaming partner for Coke Studio Pakistan this year. With this inked in, the artists of Coke Studio Pakistan will have a place to share their music with Spotify’s 381 million users and connect with a global audience across 184 markets. Starting today, Spotify will be home to an immersive musical experience celebrating Season 14 of Coke Studio Pakistan coupled with all previous seasons. Available for Free and Premium users on mobile and desktop Spotify app, the collaboration between the two music culture powerhouses brings users the content they love, making it easier than ever to listen to their favorite tracks from the wildly popular format. The destination features a variety of playlists including: Coke Studio Pakistan, Women of: Coke Studio Pakistan, Best of: Coke Studio Fusion, Best of: Coke Studio Sufi, Best of: Coke Studio Pakistan and more. Khan FM, Artists and Label Partnerships for Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Spotify said, “We are extremely excited to be a partner on the journey of Coke Studio Pakistan’s latest season.

Coke Studio is a household name across Pakistan and has cultivated the love for different genres at a regional level year after year. As their official music streaming partner, we look forward to creating a memorable and enhanced listening experience for our Pakistani and South Asian listeners as they browse through our collaborative destination.” Fahad Ashraf, VP Coca-Cola Pakistan and Afghanistan said: “This season, Coke Studio is coming back in a brand new avatar, celebrating Pakistani culture synced with Gen-Z. pr

Chairman FBR Appreciates IREN’s Commendable Performance Building further on its momentum to maximize tax compliance, Federal Board of Revenue’s Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN) Squads, have seized 80,446,800 illegal cigarettes worth Rs. 195,674,652 involving duties and taxes of Rs. 156,135,055 in the six months of FY 2021-22. Likewise, during the month of December, 2021, IREN has seized non duty/ tax paid cigarettes of Rs. 17,714,915 (approximately 6,315,300 sticks) resulting in detection of evasion of duties and taxes worth Rs. 13,229,790. It is pertinent to mention that IREN was established in September, 2019 with a Chief Coordinator, Central Field Coordinator and seven regional enforcement hubs all across Pakistan. It was tasked to conduct raids and seizures on the counterfeit and non-duty paid cigarettes. As a part of ongoing crackdown against illicit cigarette trade country-wide, all IREN hubs have intensified their operations against businesses dealing in non-duty paid and counterfeit cigarettes to save national exchequer from revenue loss.

Moreover, IREN has also been entrusted to ensure its enforcement in entire supply chain of Sugar Sector. For this purpose, the Chief Coordinator IREN and his Regional Enforcement Squads across Pakistan are geared to conduct raids and ensure seizures on the non-tax paid sugar stocks which move out of the factory premises/warehouses without tax stamps. As a result, IREN Squads have intensified their operations in every nook and corner of the country, against the non-compliant supply chain operators dealing in sugar sector in order to maximize revenue potential. Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed, Chairman FBR/Secretary Revenue Division has appreciated the performance of IREN Squads and announced cash reward for those officers who conducted successful raids. He stated that Track & Trace system coupled with IREN’s valiant drive would help overcome the menace of non-tax paid goods in the market and there promote a culture of tax compliance. pr

KARACHI pr

Nutshell Group and Martin Dow Group hosted the 5th edition of Pakistan’s largest corporate event ‘The Future Summit’ with at a local hotel.

Governor of Sindh, Imran Ismail addressing the Future Summit lauded the working of SBP under the leadership of Dr Reza Baqir. Referring to the government decision to not go for lockdown during coronavirus pandemic the governor said, "Whatever decision Imran Khan takes, at first it seems to be unrealistic or incorrect but later it proves to be right in all the aspects.”

Governor State Bank Of Pakistan, Dr Reza Baqir while addressing to The Future Summit said “it's a moment of great pride for Pakistan that it has been able to control Covid very successfully. We have been able to keep the number of new cases, number of deaths and the positivity ratio per million at a very low level When compared with some of our neighboring countries and global averages. .”

Dr. Reza Baqir appreciated the efforts of NCOC (National Command and Control Center) and the initiative of Ehsaas Cash Program which played a vital role in providing cash transfers to the poor in a timely and targeted manner during Covid pandemic. Governor SBP also said that amid the coronavirus pandemic, the World Bank, ADB and other international

financial institutions have also praised the initiative of Ehsaas Cash Program.

Highlighting the economic dimension of the successes during Covid, Governor Baqir elaborated that despite the coronavirus surge, Pakistan’s Debt to GDP ratio declined during the last two years as compared to other countries where the same ratio increased due to fiscal spending. SBP Governor said that the gross foreign exchange reserves increased significantly to over US$17.7 billion at end December 2021, which were US$7.3

billion at end June 2019. Dr. Baqir emphasized that the strengthened economic fundamentals, as demonstrated by the reduced debt-to-GDP ratio and higher gross reserves, will help sustain the balance of payments through the current cycle of escalated global commodity prices. Adding further he said that these successes became possible due to the proactive management by the economic managers of the country right from the top level of Prime Minister to Finance Minister and other organizations including the SBP.

National Science Technology, Innovation Policy will provide a master plan and guiding light: Shibli Faraz Federal Minister for Science and Technology Senator Shibli Faraz held an interactive session with the Beat Reporters in Ministry of Science and Technology.

During the interactive Session various questions asked by Beat Reporters were addressed. Federal Minister highlighted the role that Science and Technology plays in the economy and betterment of Country. Federal Minister emphasized that Ministry of Science and Technology is working using all the capabilities to fulfill her responsibilities and is paving its way towards Technological Innovation and Prosperity.

One of main area of discussion was approval of National Science and Technology Innovation Policy by Cabinet Yesterday. “National Science Technology and Innovation Policy will provide

a master plan and guiding light. This policy will provide alignment, cohe-

sion and harmony amongst all Science and Technology related activities and

initiatives in the country”, said Federal Minister for Science and Technology.

Federal Minister highlighted the initiatives taken by Ministry and timelines achieved so far. The updates on pertinent programs like STEM and HEMP project were shared. Future plans about launch of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) for primary level students was discussed which will contribute towards cognitive development of students.

Minister responded to questions asked by the Beat Reporters. He encouraged contribution and role of Journalists in fulfilling their duties.

Session ended on a positive note of having more frequent interactive sessions in future to enhance the mutual communication. pr

Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri visited different Institutes of National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad ISLAMABAD: Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Convener National Coordination Committee (NCC) on Agriculture Transformation Plan visited different institutes of National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad.

Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman, PARC given comprehensive briefing about Research finding of PARC and impact on Agriculture Productivity. He also highlighted the technologies developed by PARC. Chairman, PARC briefed about Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) lab in NIGAB. In the meeting senior management & scientists of PARC participated and

responded various queries of Dr. Suleri on Agriculture R&D. Honorable guest took keen interest in recent varieties developed by PARC (Banana & RICE) and how these varieties are rapidly disseminated to the end user/

farmers. Dr. Abid Qaiyum informed PARC senior management about Government priorities on Agriculture R&D while highlighting various recommendations of Agriculture Transformation Plan. He also stressed

PARC to extensively highlight its research finding at National level. He visited the Aeroponic Potato seed production facility at NARC where Korean and Pakistani Scientist elaborated the technology. Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri also visited the Bio Resource Conservation facility at genes bank, NARC and Livestock Research Station where he was briefed about new technologies in livestock breed improvement, fisheries and Angora Rabbitory. He appreciated the work done by PARC scientists in Animal reproduction and Genome based breeding in crops. pr

Thursday, 13 January, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

10 FOREIGN NEWS

China, Kuwait to intensify efforts for five-year Cooperation plan C nEWs DEsK

HINA and Kuwait on Wednesday agreed to strengthen the docking of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Kuwait’s Vision 2035 and intensify efforts to make a five-year plan on bilateral cooperation. The consensus was reached during talks between Wang Yi, Chinese state councilor and foreign minister, and Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s foreign minister and minister of state for cabinet affairs, who is in China at Wang’s invitation.

Proposed by China in 2013, the BRI comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and

Africa along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on agriculture and food security and expand cooperation in high-tech fields such as new energy, 5G telecommunications and smart cities.

They also agreed to continue to fight the Covid-19 pandemic together and deepen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as health, education, youth affairs, local affairs and sports.

Wang Yi meets with Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, January 12, 2022. /Chinese Foreign Ministry Wang described Kuwait as one of the friendliest countries to China, noting that Kuwait was the first Gulf Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with

China and sign a deal with China on BRI cooperation. He expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s friendly policy to China and its support for China’s efforts in defending its sovereignty, security and development interests.

China will continue to regard Kuwait as a reliable partner and support the country’s legitimate concerns, he added.

The Kuwaiti foreign minister said his country appreciates China’s longstanding support and sincere help, and stressed that Kuwait cherishes its friendship and cooperation with China.

Kuwait supports China’s just position on safeguarding its interests, and opposes the politicization of human rights issues and interference in China’s internal affairs, he added. China and Kuwait established diplomatic ties in March 1971.

india test-fires ‘advanced’ supersonic cruise missile

Taliban increase payment in wheat as economic crisis deepens KabUL ReuteRs

The Taliban administration said on Tuesday it was expanding its ‘food for work’ programme, in which it uses donated wheat to pay thousands of public sector employees instead of cash as a financial crisis intensifies.

Wheat, largely donated by India to the previous US-backed Kabul government, is being used to pay 40,000 workers 10kg of wheat per day for working five hours a day, agriculture officials told a news conference.

The scheme, which has largely paid labourers on public works programmes in Kabul, will be expanded around the country, they said.

“We are ready to help our people as much as we can,” said Fazel Bari Fazli, deputy minister of administration and finance at the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Taliban administration has already received an additional 18 tonnes of wheat from Pakistan with a promise of 37 tonnes more and is in negotiation with India for 55 tonnes, according to Fazli.

“We have lots of plans for food for

work program,” he said. It was not clear how much of the donated wheat would be used as direct humanitarian aid and how much to pay workers.

The expanding program underlines the growing conundrum faced by the Taliban administration as cash in the country dries up and could raise questions among donors over the use of humanitarian aid for government purposes while strict restrictions remain on financial flows into the country.

International sanctions on Taliban members, frozen central bank assets and the sudden drop off in international assis-

tance that once formed the backbone of the economy has left the Taliban government with limited government finances and a growing economic crisis.

Humanitarian aid has continued as foreign governments attempt to prevent millions from starving, but is designed to bypass Afghan government channels and is mostly distributed by international multilateral institutions. UN agencies on Tuesday asked donors for $4.4 billion in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan in 2022, calling the funds an “essential stop gap” to ensure the country’s future.

Wang Yi calls on China, Turkey to improve mutual trust and support Mian abrar Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called on China and Turkey to improve mutual trust

and support each other so as to jointly advance the sound development of bilateral ties.

Wang made the remarks while meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Wuxi,

east China’s Jiangsu Province.

During the meeting, Wang spoke highly of the development trend of the bilateral ties. Noting that last year marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Wang stressed that China and Turkey, as strategic partners, should stay committed to enhancing mutual trust and support.

He hopes that both sides support each other in safeguarding their national sovereignty, security and development interests, abide by the basic norms of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, avoid participating in any international activities that target each other, and enhance communication on issues that have understanding differences.

Highlighting that Turkey was the first country to sign a document with China on cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Wang hailed the huge potential of trade between the two

nEW DELHi AnAdolu Agency

sides. He called on the two sides to make use of the currency swap agreement and expand cooperation in areas such as new energy, 5G and big data. China is also ready to increase imports from Turkey, Wang pledged. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) greets Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Wuxi, east China’s Jiangsu Province, January 12, 2022. /Chinese Foreign Ministry Cavusoglu, for his part, expressed happiness over the sound development of the bilateral ties.

He spoke highly of the economic and trade cooperation, and connectivity between the two sides.

Turkey is ready to advance cooperation on nuclear power with China, Cavusoglu added.

The Turkish foreign minister reiterated his opposition to politicizing sports events, and wished China a successful Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues of common concern. Wang said China recognized Turkey’s unique role in regional and international affairs, and called for coordination with Turkey to jointly safeguard true multilateralism. Wang also elaborated on China’s stance on the submarine cooperation between the U.S., UK and Australia, saying the move will increase the risk of nuclear proliferation and start a new regional arms race.

China is ready to work with all countries to safeguard the international system of nuclear nonproliferation, the Chinese foreign minister said.

India has test-fired a naval variant of the supersonic cruise missile, the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said on Tuesday. “Advanced sea to sea variant of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise missile was tested from INS Visakhapatnam (destroyer) today. The missile hit the designated target ship precisely,” the DRDO said on Twitter. The Indian navy termed the test-firing of the “extended-range” BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from INS Visakhapatnam, the country’s newest indigenously-built guided-missile destroyer a “twin achievement.” Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the launch of the missile reconfirmed the robustness of the Indian navy’s “mission readiness.”

Auction of Muslim women on Indian app shows tech weaponised for abuse nEW DELHi ReuteRs

Six months ago, pilot Hana Khan saw her picture on an app that appeared to be auctioning scores of Muslim women in India. The app was quickly taken down, no one was charged, and the issue shelved — until a similar app popped up on New Year’s Day. Khan was not on the new app called Bulli Bai — a slur for Muslim women — that was hawking activists, journalists, an actor, politicians and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai as maids.

Amid growing outrage, the app was taken down, and four suspects — including a 20-year-old radicalised man suspected of masterminding the app — arrested last week. The fake auctions that were shared widely on social media are just the latest examples of how technology is being used — often with ease, speed and little expense — to put women at risk through online abuse, theft of privacy or sexual exploitation. For Muslim women in India who are often abused online, it is an everyday risk, even as they use social media to call out hatred and discrimination against their minority community.

Thursday, 13 January, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

SPORTS 11

China unveils squaD for 2022 afC Women’s asian Cup

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agENcIES

EVERAL returning veterans have been named by China in a 23member squad to travel to India for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup which starts next week. China have been preparing for the tournament in a training camp since last December, under new head coach Shui Qingxia. The Chinese side will travel to India on January 15, five days before the tournament begins.

Compared to China’s roster for the Tokyo Olympics, several veterans have re-

turned to the squad, including Li Ying, Zhao Lina and Li Jiayue.

The team showcases a mix of experience and energy, ranging in age from 20 (Zhang Linyan) to 32 (Zhang Rui), said the coach.

“Thanks for this opportunity. I will accept this challenge and try my best to complete our mission and live up to expectations,” said experienced forward Li Ying, who returns after an absence of two years. China have been drawn in Group A along with Chinese Taipei, Iran and hosts India.

Group B consists of Australia, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, while defending champions Japan sit in Group C along

police drop Yasir’s name from fir of teenage girl’s rape NEwS DESk Islamabad police on Wednesday dropped Pakistan Test cricketer Yasir Shah’s name from the first information report (FIR) of a rape case filed at Shalimar Police Station after the complainant withdrew her allegations against him, according to a news outlet.

Last month, the police had named Yasir in the case for allegedly aiding in rape and harassment of a 14-year-old girl. “The victim admitted that Yasir Shah’s name was included in the FIR due to misrepresentation,” said the supplementary report prepared by the concerned police station.

“Yasir Shah has nothing to do with the alleged rape case,” police said.

Meanwhile, a trial court in the federal capital rejected the request of Farhan for pre-arrest bail.

After the court’s decision, the accused fled from the courtroom and officials were unable to arrest him.

Later in the day, Yasir said: “The truth has been prevailed. Alhamdulillah! The harassment case against me has been dismissed with the support and prayers of my fans, family and PCB. It would not have been possible without their trust.

I am the representative of Pakistan, whoever tries to defame me is defaming the country.”

He added that only the haters of the country could stoop so low and indulge in levelling such allegations for personal interests.

“I’m also in the process of filing a case for defamation against the ones who are involved in this,” he further said.

Djokovic admits ‘errors’ in urgent fight to avoid deportation MELBOURNE AFP

Novak Djokovic on Wednesday admitted “errors” in his travel papers and in his behaviour after a claimed coronavirus infection as he battled to stay in Australia and fight for a record 21st Grand Slam. The world number one said his team had offered fresh information to the Australian government, which is pondering whether to cancel his visa, again, and throw him out of the country. “We are living in challenging times in a global pandemic and sometimes these mistakes can occur,” the unvaccinated 34-year-old said in a statement released as he practiced on the courts of the Australian Open, which starts Monday. The Serbian star flew into Melbourne a week ago claiming a vaccine exemption because of a positive PCR test result on December 16. Border agents rejected his exemption saying a recent infection did not qualify, tore up his visa and placed him in a detention centre. But the vaccine-sceptic Djokovic’s high-powered legal team dramatically overturned the visa decision in court on Monday on a procedural matter related to his airport interview. Now, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke says he is considering cancelling the visa another time, as fresh doubts emerge.

Djokovic, a nine-time Australian Open champion, described reports about his post-infection outings in Serbia as “misinformation”. On the day after his positive test in Serbia, Djokovic appeared at a youth tennis event and at a ceremony to honour him with stamps bearing his image, both apparently without a mask.

Djokovic, who made no mention of the stamp ceremony, said he only received the PRC test result after attending the children’s tennis event.

But he admitted that he also went ahead with an interview and photoshoot with French sports newspaper L’Equipe on December 18. “I felt obliged to go ahead and conduct the L’Equipe interview as I didn’t want to let the journalist down but did ensure I socially distanced and wore a mask except when my photograph was being taken,” he said.

with South Korea, Vietnam and Myanmar.

The top five teams excluding Australia will qualify directly for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

China’s 23-woman roster is as follows: Head coacH: SHui Qingxia Goalkeepers: Zhu Yu, Xu Huan, Zhao Lina; Defenders: Wang Xiaoxue, Yao Lingwei, Li Mengwen, Li Jiayue, Gao Chen, Lou Jiahui, Li Ying; Midfielders: Yao Wei, Ma Jun, Liu Yanqiu, Wu Chengshu, Yang lina, Zhang Xin, Xiao Yuyi, Wang Yanwen, Zhang Rui, Tang Jiali; Forwards: Wang Shuang, Wang Shanshan, Zhang Linyan.

Gauff beats Kostyuk, five Americans in Adelaide quarters aDELaIDE ReuteRs

Coco Gauff battled to a 6-3 5-7 6-3 win over unseeded Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk at the Adelaide International 2 WTA tournament on Wednesday to join four other Americans in the quarter-finals.

Madison Keys, Alison Riske, Madison Brengle and Lauren Davis also won their respective matches in the round of 16 earlier in the day to book their spots in the quarter-finals which will take place on Thursday.

Gauff, who pushed world number one Ash Barty before losing their second-round meeting in the Adelaide International 1 event last week, raced ahead 4-1 in the opening set against Kostyuk before grabbing the early lead in the match.

Kostyuk raced to 5-3 in the second set and wasted three set points to allow Gauff to draw level, but dragged the clash into a decider when the third seed sent a forehand wide.

A decisive break in the seventh game of the third set gave Gauff the upper hand again and she held her nerve to prevail.

Earlier, former U.S. Open runner-up Keys hardly broke a sweat in her 6-1 6-3 demolition of Czech Tereza Martincova while Riske was equally ruthless as she powered past Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine by a similar scoreline.

Brengle downed Swede Rebecca Peterson 6-3 6-2 while Davis was made to work hard by Jasmine Paolini before coming away with a 4-6 6-4 6-4 win.

Former French Open runner-up Marketa Vondrousova surrendered a match point against unseeded Croatian Ana Konjuh who completed a 4-6 6-2 7-6(3) victory in an epic Centre Court battle that lasted two

hours and 21 minutes.

In the men’s event, local hope Thanasi Kokkinakis withstood a barrage that included 23 aces from American John Isner before sealing a 6-7(5) 7-6(5) 7-6(4) victory over the second seed to reach the last eight.

Russian third seed Karen Khachanov overcame an early wobble to beat Italian Gianluca Mager 7-5 6-3.

China realizes goal to engage 300m people in winter sports, survey shows Staff REpORt China’s goal of engaging 300 million people in winter sports has been achieved, according to data in a survey released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China on Wednesday.

According to the survey, over 346 million Chinese people have participated in winter sports since 2015 when Beijing successfully won the bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics together with co-host city Zhangjiakou.

Accounting for the biggest percentage are youths aged between 18 and 30, as 82 million people fall in this category, exceeding 37 percent of the total number.

“Leisure” and “fitness and health” were two of the main reasons given for participating in winter sports, accounting for 70.35 percent and 15.38 percent, respectively.

Public enthusiasm for winter sports has been boosted by a boom in the construction of facilities.

China now has 654 standard ice rinks, an increase of 317 percent from 2015. The number of indoor and outdoor ski resorts has reached 803, up from 568 in 2015.

Meanwhile, as shown in the survey, 254 million winter sports-related trips were made in China in 2021, while a rise to 305 million is expected from the current winter season, as the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics is boosting enthusiasm for winter sports tourism.

An Awesome Foursome Star studded line up back Global Soccer Ventures (GSV) to promote a football revolution in Pakistan pRESS RELEaSE Global Soccer Ventures (GSV) has enlisted star-studded glitz and glamour in full throttle to revolutionize football in Pakistan. The move comes after Michael Owen unveiled the national talent hunt drive, it was announced last week following a global virtual conference which includes plans for the flagship soccer city in Karachi with NED University in collaboration with Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive under Special Assistant to Prime Minister, Usman Dar. The awesome foursome lineup includes Mahira Khan, Ahad Raza Mir, Bilal Ashraf, and Mushk Kaleem. The celebrity prowess has come together to become Pakistan football’s official mouthpiece for the largest private commercial enterprise GSV and with a collective mission to re-ignite football all over Pakistan.

Mahira Khan, the queen of Pakistan’s silver screen is no stranger to breaking new boundaries having starred in Bollywood blockbuster Raees with Shahrukh Khan in 2017. Mahira now turns her attention to pushing all boundaries to make way for football Mahira Khan said, “It is a great privilege to be part of a whole new sports legacy with football. The football landscape is literally being constructed by GSV and it is a testament to their persistence and resilience to making it a success for Pakistan. Football needs attention as a matter of priority in Men’s and Women’s football in Pakistan being my area of greater interest. I am part of this vision and fully vested in GSV’s BIG idea. I look forward to contributing towards its success so I call on all budding football players to sign up now for the trials”.

Ahad Raza Mir, the powerhouse Actor. This critically acclaimed actor’s performances have won him awards across the globe, in film, television, and theatre, making him one of the most recognizable faces of our industry.

Having a strong affinity for football and its power of connecting people, Ahad Raza Mir joins the formidable lineup.

Ahad is taking the reins of football in Pakistan to unravel a new legacy with football in Pakistan with GSV. Ahad Raza Mir, said, “I believe in the power of the youth, and being part of this initiative gives me a strong sense of pride.

Now I wish to create a new legacy for the youth through football in Pakistan. GSV has the vision and the strategy to take Pakistan’s football to new heights. I sincerely look forward to being part of creating history in Pakistan with football – so make sure you register for the trials and secure your future in Europe”.

Mushk Kaleem, Pakistan’s fashion sensation stunned Italy in Milan Fashion Week (MFW) on the catwalk and now GSV has installed Kaleem to promote its football strategy in Pakistan. Kaleem will inject new dynamics into football with football at the heart of her assertive and vocal opinions.

Kaleem said, “Football is a glamorous sport so I connected instantly with GSV’s vision designed to rejuvenate football in Pakistan. For me it’s more than just football, it’s about the entire nation being empowered to get involved with the forgotten sport and regardless of what you do and where you come from so, Pakistan embraces yourself”.

Bilal Ashraf, film actor and director, a superstar sensation with several blockbusters like Superstar, Janaan, and Rangreza to his name is fanatical about

football. Bilal wants the world’s most popular game to succeed in Pakistan and visited Chelsea FC to discuss the future of football in Pakistan.

Bilal Ashraf said, “This is a huge step in the right direction for Pakistan. My sole energy and passion scream out to develop football in Pakistan so we have nothing less to shout about other than #FootballHoga, register, go, and trial to showcase your talent at the UEFA-inspired program being delivered nationwide for the first time ever in Pakistan”.

Yasir Mahmood, Group Chairman of GSV said, “I feel football has just come alive with the world of glamour, film, and

sports coming forward to take control of the football. This is the penultimate art of collaboration in Pakistan’s football”.

Zabe Khan, CEO of GSV said, “I am really excited by the level of support from the film and television celebrities turning their attention to football. GSV has added a new dimension to football with the tinsel town of Pakistan carrying the beacon of light offering a bright future for football in Pakistan”.

Pakistan your time has come so let’s football and register at your nearest trial center here www.globalsoccerventures.com/#/players/register

Thursday, 13 January, 2022

prayer timings

NEWS

PM KHAN lAUdS ISI’S effoRtS foR NAtIoNAl SeCURIty, StABIlIty ISLAMABAD

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staff report

RIME Minister Imran Khan Wednesday lauded the efforts of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for national security, stability and prosperity.

The premier expressed these remarks during his visit to the ISI Secretariat in Islamabad along with key federal ministers.

According to a statement issued by the PM Office (PMO), Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa was also present on the occasion. Director General ISI Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum welcomed the dignitaries.

IHC declares plea filed by Rana Shamim’s relatives ‘non-maintainable’

A comprehensive briefing followed by a discussion on national security and regional dynamics with a focus on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan was held.

PM Imran Khan appreciated the efforts of the country’s premier spy agency for national security, stability and prosperity and expressed satisfaction over the professional preparedness of the ISI to safeguard Pakistan’s national interest.

It merits mention that PM Imran Khan, senior cabinet members and the three services chiefs had visited the ISI headquarters in September last year and were given a briefing on the evolving regional security situation, with a particular focus on Afghanistan.

Long-standing border dispute over Diamer-Bhasha dam resolved

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared a plea ‘non-maintainable’ which sought disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, for making defamatory statements against former Gilgit-Baltistan judge Rana Shamim. “The plea pertained to defamation proceedings against the PTI leaders but the petitioners, grandchildren and daughter-in-law of Shamim were not the affected party in the case”, stated the IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah.

Justice Minallah further stated that Rana Shamim himself did not become party to the said petition. The IHC CJ said as per the petitioners’ lawyer, Ahmed Hassan Rana – also Rana Shamim’s son, they did not ask Shamim before filing the plea. It is pertinent to note that earlier this week, the plea filed by the family of the exjudge sought disqualification of Senator Faisal Vawda and Fawad Chaudhry, State Information Minister Farrukh Habib and PTI leader Sadaqat Abbasi as members of parliament. The petitioners had requested the court to issue a restraining order to prevent media from conducting a “character assassination” of Shamim until the verdict in contempt of court case. The petitioner has made the Ministry of Law, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) chairman, Vawda, Fawad, Abbasi, Habib, former attorney general Anwar Mansoor Khan, news anchorpersons Kashif Abbasi, Waseem Badami, managing director of a local channel, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Supreme Court of Appeal Registrar, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto University of Law registrar, and Punjab advocate general a party to the case. As per the details of the petition, Vawda made baseless allegations and used insulting language in a private TV channel’s programme on November 15, 2021. It had stated that Vawda, Chaudhry, Sadaqat Abbasi, and Habib made allegations against Shamim on various TV shows. It had also sought punishment for the said anchorpersons for violating PEMRA’s code of conduct. news desk

FAJR SUNRISE

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Imran welcomes UN aid appeal for Afghanistan ISLAMABAD staff report

Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday welcomed a “largest-ever” appeal by the United Nations of $4.4 billion in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan in 2022 to ensure the nation’s future after a period of turmoil marked by the Taliban’s seizure of power and a hasty US exit.

The world body said the appeal, which amounts to nearly a quarter of Afghanistan’s GDP, is the largest ever sought for a single country and is triple the figure it received in 2021 when the US-backed government collapsed.

Responding to the development, the prime minister said the initiative was the outcome of a special meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) nations Pakistan hosted in December.

In a tweet, he reiterated his earlier appeals to the international community to prevent the looming humanitarian crisis in the war-ravaged nation.

“We welcome this UN initiative which has followed Pak-initiated special OIC FMs [meeting’s] pledged support.

I have been making this appeal to int[ernational] community to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan where the [people] have suffered ravages of 40 [years] of conflict,” Khan said.

The abrupt withdrawal of foreign aid in 2021 following the Taliban victory in August left Afghanistan’s fragile economy on the brink of collapse, with food prices rising rapidly and causing widespread hunger.

Western sanctions aimed at the Taliban also prevented the passage of basic supplies of food and medicine, although this has since eased after exemptions were passed by the UN Security Council (UNSC) and Washington in December.

“Without this being funded, there won’t be a future […] we need this to be done otherwise there will be outflow, there will be suffering,” UN aid chief Martin Griffiths told reporters in Geneva.

But Griffiths warned “this is a stop-gap, an absolutely essential stopgap measure that we are putting in front of the international community today”.

NAB closed Malam Jabba Inquiry in violation of court order: PHC PESHAWAR news desk

The long-standing border dispute over the multibillion-dollar Diamer-Bhasha dam land site between two tribes of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) has finally been resolved.

It is pertinent to note that in this regard, a ceremony has been held on Tuesday in which the decision has been announced by ThorHerban grand jirga.

Addressing the ceremony, Wapda chairman expressed his gratitude to the grand Jirga for finding a settlement. He also appreciated the tedious efforts made by the civil administrations of G-B and KP for facilitating the Jirga.

Earlier, the chairman also visited various sites of Diamer Basha Dam to review progress on the project.

The sites included diversion tunnels, diversion canal and exca-

vation at abutments of the dam.

Prime Minister Imran Khan while welcoming the settlement of the decades-old territorial dispute as a major development, stated that this recent development will allow smooth and timely completion of the dam.

“It will also pave way for the settlement of boundary dispute between Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the premier said on Twitter and described the settlement as “historic development and good news”.

It merits mention that the 26member grand jirga was constituted in 2019 to resolve the thorny issue of the boundary dispute between the two tribes and was fully facilitated by the civil administrations of G-B and K-P as well as Wapda.

As per the details, cheques worth about Rs400 million were also distributed to the affectees of

the 2014 clash that broke out between the two tribes, which claimed many lives and inflicted damage to properties.

It is pertinent to mention here that the disputed land was hampering the project’s progress.

The boundary dispute had deepened with the passage of time, with both tribes refusing to budge from their stance. Both tribes had claimed ownership of a piece of land spanning over eight kilometres in the Gandlo Nala area.

Although a one-member commission was constituted to find a solution to the dispute in the past, the two sides had rejected its findings.

The former chief justice of Pakistan (CJP), Saqib Nisar, had also taken notice of the land dispute when he took the initiative to raise funds for the project and asked the ruling PTI to try for an out-of-court settlement of the issue. news desk

Peshawar High Court Wednesday remarked that the bench did not direct National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to close its inquiry into the Malam Jabba scandal. A two-member bench of the Peshawar High Court comprising Justice Rohul Amin and Justice Ijaz Anwar during the hearing of the cases of Malam Jabba, Billion Tree Tsunami and Bank of Khyber was informed

by Advocate Ali Gohar Durrani that despite repeated notices, the NAB has not yet submitted its reports.

Deputy Prosecutor NAB Azeem Dad told the court that the Billion Tree Tsunami Report is almost ready and will be submitted soon, while the Bank of Khyber will also submit the report. Justice Rohul Amin remarked that the court had ordered to submit three reports. He said that the court did not order closure of any inquiry but NAB has closed Malam Jabba inquiry. Justice Rohul Amin said that the court had ordered that this issue was between two departments and they should sit down and resolve it and report may be submitted with the bench.

He said rather than following the court order, the NAB closed the Malam Jabba inquiry. The court directed NAB to submit comprehensive reports of Malam Jabba, Billion Tree Tsunami and Bank of Khyber Inquiries and adjourned the hearing till January 26.

Mini-budget would have negative impact on public: Bilawal ISLAMABAD staff report

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Wednesday said the socalled mini-budget tabled in the National Assembly by the government would have a negative impact on the public.

Participating in the debate on the Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2021, aimed at amending laws relating to taxes and duties, Bhutto said the opposition benches urged treasury from day one to sit together and evolve consensus and initiate dialogue on the economy.

He said it was unfortunate the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government did not respond positively to the offer.

“Opposition leader in the National Assembly had offered national economic dialogue and national economic policy, while Asif Ali Zardari had also offered dialogue on the economy,” he recalled.

He regretted that suggestions presented by the opposition had not been included in the budget passed in June last year.

Bhutto said it would have left a better impact if the suggestion of opposition parties had been presented before the International Monitoring Fund (IMF).

He claimed that during the last three years, inflation, unemployment and poverty had increased, and disagreed with the government’s point of view the economy was growing despite all odds.

He recalled when the budget was passed, the government had assured there would be no mini-budget in the fiscal year 2021-22.

He also criticised the government for ending the tax exemption in what he called the proposed mini-budget.

“The common people will bear the impact of these measures.”

He asked the government to devise policies keeping in view the interest of the common people and opposed the proposed

taxation on the use of cellular phone services, mobile phones, laptops and other items being used by the common people.

With the passage of the bill, he said the farming community would have to pay 17 percent taxes on the items related to the agriculture sector, which was unfortunate.

Bhutto said the farmers were in difficult conditions and it was the responsibility of the government to facilitate them.

The PPP chairman said it was also unfair to tax donations and charity items. He also disagreed with the stance of the government that Pakistan was the most inexpensive country in the region.

He also questioned why the government had imposed taxes on solar energy systems when climate change was the most pressing issue that Pakistan was facing.

During the PPP tenure, he said Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was launched to provide financial assistance to downtrodden segments of the society, be-

sides it increased compensation of civil servants by 125 percent.

He also suggested the government to increase the salary of government employees by 100 percent, keeping in view the increased inflation.

He also asked the federal government to increase the minimum wage of the labourers as was done by the Sindh government.

Bhutto said it would have been much better if the funds allocated for health cards should have been utilised for the up-gradation of the government hospitals.

Earlier, Abdul Akbar Chitrali of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) said the government while passing the budget had given the commitment there would be no minibudget in the coming months.

He feared the supplementary finance bill would open a floodgate of inflation, and suggested the government to withdraw it and take all possible measures to provide relief to the people.

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

After the speech of Bhutto, Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar was given the floor

by Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri to respond but he was interrupted by Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif who wanted to speak on a point of order.

Sharif said he still hasn’t finished his yesterday’s speech in the National Assembly wherein he had raised some questions about the condition of the economy which were not responded to by the Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar.

Later on, Azhar was given the floor again, but this time Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MP Rana Sanaullah interrupted the proceeding, saying that an important debate was being held and the Minister for Finance was not present.

“So, as a protest, I point out the quorum.”

Upon which, the deputy speaker ordered for the members’ count that led to the adjournment of the House until meeting the quorum in due course of time.