EpaperISB_22-2-10 by Pakistan Today

Thursday, 10 February, 2022 I 8 Rajab, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 223 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

‘Dacoit opposition’ joineD hanDs to evaDe prison in graft cases: imran

Faisalabad app

RIME Minister Imran Khan said the “dacoit politicians” in the opposition benches who looted the exchequer when their respective parties were in the government ganged up fearing being caught in cases of mega corruption registered against them. “The opposition leaders who had earlier vowed to ‘tear up each other’s bellies to recover looted money’ have now joined hands before any verdict is announced on their pending corruption cases,” he said while addressing at the launch of Qaumi Sehat Card in Faisalabad. Khan said his undeterred stance against corruption had put the opposition in a haste to save the corrupt mafia. He accused former president Asif Ali Zardari of “bribing people to buy their loyalties”, observing “this is all happening through stolen money.” “This is a loud and clear message to all

corrupt leaders that I will continue to fight against them,” he said, adding the country could not prosper until the weak and powerful was treated equally before the law. He said he had joined the politics 25 years ago to wage a war against the corrupt and vowed to ensure rule of law in the country. He quoted a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) saying many earlier nations were destroyed where there was one law for the powerful and another for the weak. The prime minister said the foundation of prosperity and development of a nation was closely linked with rule of law. Khan said previous rulers used to travel abroad “even for the treatment of their cough”, but showed apathy towards the improvement of the health system for the people. Referring to the criticism of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari on the government’s healthcare scheme, he said his party in power in Sindh since 2008 remained incapable of bringing development in the province. “He [Bilawal] now says they will spend on

coronavirus in

pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

1,470,161

LAST UPDATED AT 8:41 AM ON FEBRUARY 9, 2022

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

NEW CASES:

4,253

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

1,354,298 29,601 SINDH:

PUNJAB:

554,012

491,518

KPK:

BALOCHISTAN:

205,505

34,910

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

41,068/10,987

132,161

hospitals rather than the health cards. But, who stopped them during their over 13year rule to take such steps for the facilitation of common man,” he questioned. He said such corrupt leaders looted money from the national exchequer and transferred it into benami accounts to hide their crimes. He said the healthcare programme was in line with the vision of the state of Medina that cared for the public. He said the programme was launched to accommodate the people in view of the expensive medical treatment that put an immense burden on them. He said the population ratio of doctors and nurses in Pakistan was very less compared with the rest of the world. The prime minister lauded Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Minister for Health Dr Yasmin Rashid and their team on the launch of the insurance scheme. He said besides providing health facilities to women, the government would also ensure their right of inheritance. About his recent visit to China, he said progress on industrialisation was in top focus under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and expressed confidence that it would boost trade activity in the country. Chief Minister Buzdar said around 1.5 million people of Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Chiniot would benefit from the programme. He said after its launch in Faisalabad Division, about 73 percent of households across Punjab would be able to claim the facility. Minister of State for Information Farrukh Habib said the card was a revolutionary programme providing free medical treatment facilities up to Rs1 million per family annually at selected public and private hospitals. Apart from Punjab, the programme has so far been launched in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Tharparkar, GilgitBaltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Will eliminate remnants of terrorists, their abettors, accomplices whatever the cost: COAS islamabad staff report

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has ensured peace and stability in the country by stating that the terrorists’ “desperate attempts for revival” won’t be allowed to succeed. It is pertinent to note that last week in Balochistan, security forces killed 20 terrorists in clearance operations after they attacked two security camps in Panjgur and Naushki districts of the province. Nine security personnel were martyred while repulsing the attacks, according to ISPR. “We will eliminate all remnants of terrorists, their abettors and accomplices whatever is the cost,” the army chief was quoted by the military’s media, the ISPR, as saying while presiding over the 247th Corps Commanders’ conference at GHQ on Wednesday. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Service Public Relations, the forum was given a comprehensive briefing on security situation in the country especially on recent terrorism-related

Vawda disqualified for concealing dual nationality islamabad staff report

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified Faisal Vawda as a member of the National Assembly after it found the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) senator concealed his American nationality at the time of contesting for a Lower House seat in the 2018 general elections. In a short order announced by the chief election commissioner Wednesday, the regulator also directed Vawda to return the pay and perks he received as a parliamentarian within two months. The ECP reserved its verdict on a set of petitions filed against the senator calling for his disqualification on December 23. Citing documents, a report published in The News in January 2020 claimed Vawda was a dual national at the time of filing his nomination papers to the commission to contest the NA-249 (Karachi West-II) seat. The report said he submitted his papers on June 11, 2018, which were approved a week later on June 18. But he applied for the renunciation of his nationality with the US consulate at Karachi four days later

incidents in Balochistan. The participants were apprised on the measures being undertaken to counter “hostile efforts to destabilise Pakistan”, it added. The COAS expressed satisfaction over operational preparedness of the formations and safeguards in place to thwart designs of inimical forces. “We have come a long way in our fight against terrorism. The armed forces, with the support of the nation, have conducted successful operations against terrorists of all hue and colour,” he was quoted as saying at the meeting. The COAS also paid tribute to the martyrs who gave ultimate sacrifice for the defence of the country while valiantly repulsing recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. COAS Bajwa also directed all formations to concentrate on maintaining high standards of basic military training to ensure effective execution of operations in conventional / sub-conventional domain.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

more inside

One hijab-clad girl exposed India’s politics, treatment of minorities: minister STORY ON PAGE 02

on June 22. He remained an American national even after the scrutiny of his papers was completed. The Supreme Court has ruled that candidates holding dual nationality are to submit a renunciation certificate of the foreign nationality along with their nomination papers. The petitions against Vawda were filed by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MP Qadir Mandokhail and two others in the ECP on January 21, 2020, calling for the parliamentarian’s disqualification. Later in 2020, a citizen, Dost Ali, also filed a similar petition against him, calling for his disqualification. Vawda resigned from his National Assembly seat in March last year hours before he

was elected to the Upper House. The verdict also withdrew the notification of his victory. It further said the vote Vawda cast in the Senate elections on March 10 as a member of the National Assembly was also “invalid”. Meanwhile, talking to media persons in Islamabad, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said Faisal Vawda would move the Supreme Court (SC) over the disqualification verdict against him by the ECP. He said Federal Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s brother, Umar Amin Gandapur, was also given a stay by the apex court yesterday. “There is no setback to the party. Faisal Vadwa will also move the SC in this regard,” he said.

Prime Minister to approve final CAD draft strategy STORY ON PAGE 03

Pakistan summons Indian envoy over hijab ban in Karnataka schools STORY ON BACK PAGE

Thursday, 10 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

One hijab-clad girl expOsed india’s pOlitics, treatment Of minOrities: minister ISLAMABAD

StAFF RePoRt

FTER a young headscarf-clad Muslim student was heckled and jeered at by a Hindu mob in the southwestern state of Karnataka, a minister said “one Muslim woman exposed” the politics and the treatment meted out to the largest religious minority in India. The video of Muskan, a second-year student at a local college, confronting the mob — members of which were carrying saffron shawls — and retaliating by shouting back Allah-o-Akbar (Allah is the greatest) went viral on social media.

The mob had gathered outside the college on Tuesday demanding a ban on what it called Islamic attire, including hijab and burqa, at the campus, the Indian Express reported. Muskan “effectively exposed the face of Indian extremism before the entire world,” said Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed while addressing a press conference in Islamabad. He said the increment in the salaries of security forces as announced by the prime minister will come into force from March. “I have also requested the prime minister to increase the pay of civil servants,” he said. Further speaking on the opposition’s plan to bring a no-confidence motion against

expanding Unsc only way to ensure equitable regional representation: pakistan UNIteD NAtIoNS APP

While firmly opposing additional permanent nations in the Security Council, Pakistan reaffirmed its call for equitable representation of regional groups on the 15-member United Nations body by adding more non-permanent seats to it. The 15-member Security Council, the most powerful UN body which can make mandatory decisions on war and peace, has five veto-bearing permanent members named when the United Nations was created in 1945. The permanent members are Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States. Ten other countries rotate for twoyear terms according to regions. A majority of UN members believe the Security Council is unrepresentative and dominated by industrial nations. “The regional distribution of 11-12 nonpermanent seats proposed by the UfC (Uniting for Consensus group led by Italy and Pakistan) would ensure ‘equitable representation’ of each region,” Ambassador Munir Akram said as the long-running Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) aimed at reforming the council resumed the process. “The reform of the Security Council should redress the existing imbalances in the regional representation — adding to the representation of the underrepresented regions and at least not adding to the representation of the over-represented regions,” the envoy said. “The UfC’s proposal — to add only non-permanent members, which are elected periodically by the General Assembly — is also more democratic,” he said, adding it was fundamentally different from that of Group of four — India, Brazil, Germany and Japan — whose members claim permanent seats as a matter of right — a right borne out of a sense of self-entitlement. He described the G-4 claim as contrary to not only the UN Charter’s precept of the sovereign equality of member states but also “undemocratic”. About references made to the “new realities” during the debate on Tuesday and the claims by some to be in the Security Council because they have greater “capacity” and willingness to contribute to international peace and security, Ambassador Akram said the contributions of small and medium nations have been much more sizable than the “self-interested positions and policies of those ambitious to achieve permanent membership”. He said: “Any state which stands in violation of the resolutions of the Security Council for over 50 years does not deserve to even claim the right to any membership on the Council.” Full-scale negotiations to reform the Security Council began in the General Assembly in February 2009 on five key areas — the categories of membership, the question of veto, regional representation, size of an enlarged Security Council, and working methods of the council and its relationship with the General Assembly. Despite a general agreement on enlarging the Council, as part of the UN reform process, member states remain divided over the details. In his remarks, Ambassador Akram said while the existence of permanent members and the veto was the underlying cause of the Security Council’s paralysis, the addition of members in the permanent category would reduce the number of seats available to the rest of the UN’s membership. “If six new permanent members are added, as has been proposed, this would leave only four to five additional seats for the rest of 182 members of the UN General Assembly from all 5 regions,” he said. “This would certainly not amount to the ‘equitable geographical representation’ prescribed in the title of the item under which we are exploring a reform of the Security Council.” The UfC, he said, was sensitive to and supportive of Africa’s legitimate quest to rectify the “historic injustice” against the continent, which has no permanent seat on the Security Council.

Imran Khan, Ahmed said any such attempt would be foiled just as recently opposition senators voted in favour of the State Bank autonomy legislation. “First take care of your lawmakers who could jump the ship on our signal,” he said, and added if the opposition benches had the guts to table a no-confidence motion, they would have done it on the first day Khan assumed office. “I even do not even see them coming to Islamabad [for the anti-inflation protest] on March 23,” he said. He said that the next two months are important in national politics as the interior minister of Iran will be visiting Pakistan on

February 14 while the prime minister will also be visiting Russia after a follow-up visit to China. He further shared the activity in the opposition’s ranks was owing to cases against Shehbaz Sharif and Hamza Shehbaz that are now moving towards their logical conclusion. Further speaking on Senator Faisal Vawda’s disqualification, he expressed hope the lawmaker would use his legal options and approach Supreme Court against the decision. Rasheed said the network of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offices were being expanded to the far-flung areas of the country. As many as 13 passport offices were being set up in

SC suspends PHC postponement of second phase of KP LG elections ISLAMABAD StAFF RePoRt

The Supreme Court on Wednesday suspended an order of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) postponing the second phase of the local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Ijaz ul-Ahsan and Justice Ayesha Malik heard the petition moved by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) against the order passed by the Abbottabad bench of the high court. A counsel for the ECP, in his arguments before the court, maintained the PHC announced its verdict without hearing their position on the matter. The notice issued on February 1 was received by the ECP the following and the court had already passed its orders, the lawyer added. Justice Malik said the bench should have listened to the commission before passing the

judgement. It is not established that weather conditions can affect the LG elections, the apex court bench remarked. Justice Ahsan wondered why the court was in such a rush to deliver the judgement? The Supreme Court after suspending the order of the PHC adjourned the further hearing of the case until February 14. On Tuesday, the ECP filed a plea in the SC for an early hearing of its plea against the order. Last week, the PHC suspended a notification for holding the second phase of elections and directed the province to hold it after the holy month of Ramadan. The PHC issued the directions while hearing petitions contending that various districts in the province would be shut by heavy snow in March, following which the voters would struggle to reach polling stations under severe cold and through snow-covered roads.

interior Sindh alone, he added. Similarly, he said a succession certificate would also be introduced in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Balochistan regions. Responding to a question, he said Pakistan enjoyed good relations with the Taliban government and the group won’t let anyone use Afghanistan’s soul against Pakistan. He said the police has started mobile service. To a query, the minister said corruption cases being pursued by NAB were pending before the courts for a long time. However, he expressed the hope that 70 mega cases would be settled before the coming general elections.

‘shuttlecock’ civil servant, moved five times in six months, moves court LAHoRe MonitoRing RePoRt

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday disposed of a petition filed by a Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) in the Housing Urban Development against his frequent transfers, by ordering the Punjab Chief Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal to decide the fate of his request in four-week time. The court gave these orders on the first day of the hearing of a petition filed by Muhammad Ashraf against his fifth transfer in six months, being shuttlecocked from one office to another. Iftikhar Ahmad Mian, who represented the petitioner, told the court his client has been shunted around on political grounds. He further said the petitioner had even approached the Punjab Services Tribunal but returned empty-handed. “And now when his appeal has finally been filed with the chief secretary, it, too, has not been decided as yet,” he said and added that therefore it was prayed to the court to order Afzal to rule on the application. Unless the application’s fate was decided, the authorities may be barred from executing the transfer order, he said.

India riled after big brands back occupied Kashmir on social media ISLAMABAD AFP

Pro-Kashmir social media posts by KFC, Hyundai and other global brands have sparked uproar in India, with diplomats saying the controversy had prompted an apology from a foreign government. Control of Kashmir has been contested between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947 and the nuclear-armed foes have fought two wars over the territory. Both countries regularly trade heated diplomatic barbs over the issue and Pakistan marks every February 5 as a national holiday in a gesture of solidarity with people living on the Indian-occupied side of the region. This year, several Pakistan-based social media properties connected to some of the world’s biggest corporate names used the occasion to proclaim their own messages of support, including several American fastfood chains and South Korea’s Hyundai. “Let us remember the sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers and stand in support as they continue to struggle for freedom,” a Twitter account associated with the automaker’s Pakistan operations posted on Sunday. India said Tuesday its ambassador to South Korea had immediately sought an explanation from Hyundai at its Seoul headquarters. Foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also spoke with his South Korean counterpart Chung Euiyong to convey “strong displeasure” over the phone, according to an Indian readout of the discussion. Chung “conveyed that they regretted the offence

caused to the people and Government of India by the social media post,” ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in a statement. Hyundai issued a statement to distance itself from the Twitter account, which it said was operated by a company partner. “We deeply regret any offense caused to the people of India by this unofficial social media activity,” it said

on Tuesday. Pakistan-based social media properties connected to Pizza Hut, KFC and Domino’s Pizza were among those also posting messages to mark the Kashmir holiday, prompting boycott calls among incensed Indian social media users. Some of the posts were later deleted and brands issued apologies.

Daily Covid-19 deaths hit four-month high ISLAMABAD StAff RepoRt Pakistan on Tuesday reported 50 deaths from coronavirus after a period of four months, increasing the overall death toll to 29,601, the National Command and

Operation Center (NCOC) said on Wednesday. Previously, the nation confirmed the death of 54 people in a single day on October 4, before the number of causalities and new cases started dropping. The NCOC, a department leading the campaign against

the pandemic, said that 4,253 cases were confirmed on Tuesday, up from 2,799 a day earlier, increasing the overall tally to 1.47 million including 1.35 million recoveries. According to the NCOC, 51,749 samples were tested for coronavirus, of which 4,253 returned positive, showing a

transmission rate of 8.2 percent as compared to Tuesday’s 5.34 percent. The number of active cases had dropped to 86,262 who are under treatment while the count of patients facing critical conditions has risen to 1,731.

Thursday, 10 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

prime minister tO apprOve final cad draft strategy GHULAM ABBAS Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives, Asad Umar on Tuesday directed the Planning Commission deputy chairman, Planning Development & Special Initiatives secretary and Government of Balochistan chief secretary to finalize the draft strategy on Command Area Development (CAD) in Southern Balochistan before submitting it to the prime minister for final approval. The minister said “Our top priority should be to generate employment

opportunities for the local people of Balochistan particularly the locals of Southern Balochistan through these water projects”. “All the relevant stakeholders are directed to sit together to finalize the draft strategy before the final approval from the Prime Minister,” said the minister. “These projects will have a positive impact on the lives of local people which must be the top priority,” he added. Water and Power Resources Secretary briefed the minister that 40 projects related to water are being executed in Balochistan

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has allowed 15 years’ extension of lease contract between Saindak Metals Limited (SML) and Metallurgical Construction Corporation (MCC) China for Saindak Copper Gold Project. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin presided over the ECC. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Division submitted a summary on 15 years’ extension of lease contract between SML and MCC China for Saindak Copper Gold Project. Reportedly, SML is a public sector company owned by the government of Pakistan and is engaged in managing affairs of Saindak Copper-Gold Project in District Chagai, Balochistan. The project was developed for local ore exploration, mining and processing to blister copper. The Federal Government has invested more than Rs29.234 billion in the project and it has been declared

pescO served property tax evasion notice by Kp tax department

an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) up till October 31, 2022. Reportedly, the operations of the project were entrusted to a state-owned entity MCC China under a lease contract with SML on November 30, 2001, awarded through an international bidding process. Subsequent to the approval of the Federal Cabinet, the contract was initially for a period of ten years starting October 2, 2002 along with a provision for extension on the mutually agreed terms. Thereafter with the approval of the Federal Cabinet, the contract period was twice extended in 2011 & 2017 for five years each time. Currently the contract is valid till October 31, 2022. The petroleum division informed the ECC that the mineral deposit of the project comprises three ore bodies south, north and east. The present project operations are based on south & north ore bodies (SOB & NOB), which are near depletion and development of east ore body (EOB) needs to be undertaken for continuance of the project beyond 2021/2022. After conducting exploration under the existing

contract, MCC submitted a feasibility study report for the development of EOB which has been examined by the SML’s Board of Directors and a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) comprising technical representatives of SML, Geological Survey of Pakistan, Government of Balochistan Evaluation Committee (TEC) and Petroleum Division along with external technical & financial experts. As a result of these, the development of EOB has been worked out to be a viable venture with mine service life of 20 years. MCC has requested for a fifteen years extension in the contract term beyond October, 2022 for development of EOB. Reportedly, the Government of Balochistan conveyed its concurrence to the extension and the Ministry of Law &Justice in its comments stated that the lease contract can be extended on the terms & conditions as mutually agreed by the parties. ECC after detailed discussion allowed the extension of lease contract and recommended reviewing financial aspects of the project annually.

Tarin asks ZTBL to provide relief to Thal farmers

AzIz BUNeRI

SHAHzAD pARAcHA

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Excise and Taxation Department has directed the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) to pay the property tax due within 72 hours otherwise its offices in Peshawar would be sealed. The Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO) Ejaz Khan has issued a final warning to PESCO, asking it to deposit Rs515 million in property tax within 72 hours. The department has also issued a formal letter to PESCO top officials in this regard. According to a letter issued by the ETO office, PESCO owes a total of Rs515 million in property tax arrears for the three offices in the provincial capital. The official letter warned that legal action will be taken, if the tax was not paid within 72 hours.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin has asked Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) to provide relief to the drought hit farmers of Thal region by waiving-off part of their loans. The Finance Minister on Wednesday held a meeting with Finance Division MNA Malik Muhammad Ehsan ullah Tiwana, National Food Security and Research Minister Syed Fakhar Imam and ZTBL President. Malik Muhammad Ehsan ullah Tiwana apprised the meeting on the problems and issues of the small farmers of Thal area who are severely affected by consistent drought and are unable to pay the agriculture loans. Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said that the present government is promoting agriculture and providing a number of incentives to the farmers for their support and better yields. He suggested insurance of crops for sustainable support of the farmers. The Finance Minister further assured of government’s

full support to the farmers and asked ZTBL to provide relief to the drought hit farmers of Thal region by waiving-off part of their loans as per policy. Malik Muhammad Ehsan ullah Tiwana MNA thanked the Finance Minister for his support and help to the drought hit farmers of Thal region.

FBR starts inquiry against Hareem Shah SHAHzAD pARAcHA The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has started an inquiry into Hareem Shah’s tax affairs. FBR; Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) Inland Revenue (IR) has directed Fizza Hussain alias Hareem Shah to appear in person before the deputy director on February 17, 2022. The I&I, IR of FBR has initiated an inquiry into tax affairs on the basis of credible information. “Now therefore, to examine you on oath and to record your statement on the basis of facts narrated above, you, Fizza Hussain are required under clause (b) of sub sector (1) of section 176 of the income tax ordinance, 2001 to appear in person before the deputy director on February 17, 2022.”

“In case of failure to comply with this notice, this office will be constrained to enforce your attendance under the powers vested u/s 176(4) of the income tax ordinance, 2001 read with section 32 of the code of the Civil Procedure, 1908 which is reproduced as under: The Court may compel the attendance

funded by the federal government with the estimated cost of Rs273 billion, while Rs29 billion are allocated in budget of 20212022. These projects will be completed in five years. The Secretary further informed that out of 40 projects, 10 water projects have been completed with the cost of Rs2 billion while few are underway and new projects were also added. During the meeting, he also proposed to engage the private sector so farmers of the local areas could be assisted through these projects.

ECC allows extension of lease for Saindak Copper Gold Project SHAHzAD pARAcHA

NEWS

of any person to whom a summon has been issued for that purpose may issue a warrant for his/her arrest…”“In addition, non-compliance to this summon may make you liable to prosecution u/s 191 read with section 199 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 and further proceedings may be initiated under Antimoney Laundering Act, 2010 on apparent predicate offense (s) committed by you,” read a statement issued by FBR. It is pertinent to note that the Sindh High Court has barred the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from taking action against Hareem Shah in a money laundering case. Earlier, FIA had asked the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to freeze all bank accounts held by Hareem and launched action against her social media accounts with the help of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

World bank disburses $3.4bn for 23 projects SHAHzAD pARAcHA The World Bank (WB) has disbursed $3.4 billion against the 23 projects worth $7.8 billion. World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine shared this with the Economic Affairs Division Minister Omar Ayub Khan, who chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress on different projects funded by the World Bank. WB Country Director, briefed the Minister that currently, 54 projects are being implemented under WB’s financing of $12.4 billion across the country. Out of 54 projects, 23 projects worth $7.8 billion are being implemented by the Federal Government against which $3.4 billion has been disbursed so far. During the meeting, projects related to the energy sector were given special focus including National Transmission Modernization Project, Tarbela Fourth Extension Hydropower Project and Dasu Hydropower Project. The Minister directed to expedite the implementation of Islamabad West Substation which is an important link to evacuate power from Dasu Hydropower Project. It was noted that the new security arrangements have been put in place and overall implementation progress of Dasu Hydropower Project has been improved as 11 major contracts amounting to $3 billion have been awarded including electro-mechanical works. The World Bank team informed the Minister that the National Immunization Support Project is heading toward its successful completion in June 2022. Second round of Third-Party Vaccination Immunization Coverage Survey will be conducted in April 2022, based on which funds can be disbursed for DLI related payments. Other projects including Pakistan Housing Finance (Additional Financing), Resilient Institutions to Sustainable Economy (RSE-II), National Health Support Program and Program for Affordable & Clean Energy (PACEII) were also discussed in the meeting. The Minister also directed the EAD officials to set up a project management unit in the division with the assistance of World Bank and Asian Development Bank for effective and efficient monitoring of the development projects. The Minister emphasized on designing a substantial program to track the outcomes of ongoing projects. The Minister further directed the relevant authorities to identify the critical path and set timelines for expeditious implementation of all the foreign-funded projects.

Thursday, 10 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

04 NEWS

FIA uneArths FrAud In CBr eChs, regIsters FIr AgAInst oFFICe BeArers oF soCIety IsLAMABAD

AhmAd AhmAdANI

EDERAL Investigation Agency (FIA) has unearthed an alleged fraud worth billions of rupees in the Central Board of Revenue Employees Cooperative Housing Society (CBR ECHS) and registered First Information Report (FIR) against the President and other officer bearers of the housing society. According to the sources, FIA Corporate Crime Circle Islamabad has registered an FIR against 16 suspects including the office bearers of CBR Employees Cooperative Housing Society and the land providers for allegedly executing agreements on exorbitant rates without considering the actual rate of the land of the locality, converting a residential plot into commercial plot without paying any conversion fee and release of payment to the land providers without taking over of the land etc. So far, the FIA has arrested Ch. Nazir

property dealer while an amount of Rs 368,483,162 is also outstanding against this property dealer as the land advances. Similarly, an amount of Rs 183,439,388 is still outstanding against another property dealer as the land advances. As per details, the management committee of CBR Employees Cooperative Housing Society signed a land agreement with a property dealer on 16-04-2013 for transfer of 1000 Kanals of land at Rs 4, 50,000 per Kanal within one year. However, the land provider provided only 685 Kanal land from 1000 Kanal land. Later, the management committee of CBR Employees Cooperative Housing Society signed another agreement with the same property dealer on 25-08-2014 for transfer of 2500Kanal land (including 685 Kanal of land already transferred vide previous agreement) in different Mouzas at different rates. Though the land provider could not transfer the said land within time period (02 years), however, the CBR Employees

Ahmed, Executive Member, (Ex-Secretary), and Rana Liaqat Ali (the land provider) while the FIA has been conducting raids to arrest the other accused and the accused are in hiding, said the sources. They added that the role of other accused will be thoroughly thrashed during the course of investigation into the matter by the FIA. According to sources of FIA, the office bearers of CBR Employees Cooperative Housing Society signed different land agreements with land providers from the year 2013 to 2019 and released the payments to the land providers without taking control of the total agreed land. The management committee of CBR Employees Cooperative Housing Society through alleged fraud, cheating, committed criminal breach of trust and have failed to safeguard the interest of the society members while the total loss incurred to Society funds so far is amounting to Rs 854.52 million, said the FIA sources. They added that a total amount of Rs 33, 93, 50,923 is still outstanding against a

Cooperative Housing Society transferred huge amount of Rs 91,18,07,986 to the property dealer against the transfer of 849 Kanal and 07 Marlas. Moreover, the CBR Employees Cooperative Housing Society signed a settlement agreement with the said property dealer on 07-05-2018 against the payments made to this property dealer for previous two agreements for transfer of 580 Kanal of land at different rates as per Mouzas. However, the land provider only provided 215 Kanal land and 07 Marla land against the settlement agreement. The CBR Employees Cooperative Housing Society later signed different land agreements with the same property dealer despite non fulfillment of the land provider in previous agreements. Moreover, an affiliation agreement was also signed between the property dealer and CBR for CBR Residencia on 25-08-2017 and the two year time was granted for procurement of land to possession of plots. So far, no land has been transferred in the

name of Society (CBR ECHS), said FIA. It added that as per Society record an amount of Rs 368,483,162 is outstanding against the said property dealer as land advances. It is also learnt from the FIA sources that the management committee of CBR Employees Cooperative Housing Society also signed an agreement with another property dealer on 14-03-2019 for provision of 500 Kanal land at Rs 6,75,000 per Kanal in the name of Society. A payment of Rs 19,87,50,000 has been received by land providers and only 23 Kanal and 13 Marla land was transferred in the name of Society (CBR ECHS). The Society also signed an agreement for provision of 2000 Kanal land at Rs 350,000 while the land provider transferred 266Kanal & 15 Marla land, said FIA sources. Despite repeated efforts to secure the stance of CBR ECHS, President, Central Board of Revenue Employees Cooperative Housing Society (CBR ECHS), Altaf Ahmad Bhatt did not respond till the filing of this story.

Ban on student unions causing ‘political drought’ in Pakistan kARACHI ANAdolu AgeNcy

Mahmood Ghaznavi recalls the campaigning for the 1982 students’ union elections at Karachi University when thousands of students would throng the university’s sprawling sports ground in support of their respective candidates on the last day of electioneering. It was the second-to-last election held at any educational institution in Pakistan before then-president Zia-ul-Haq slapped a blanket ban on students’ unions on February 9, 1984. The last elections for students’ unions were held in 1983. On the 38th anniversary of the ban, Ghaznavi, who was elected president of the students’ union at Karachi University in 1981-82, told Anadolu Agency the former military ruler’s move created a “political drought” in the country, allowing the ruling elite to create “test-tube babies” in politics. Before the ban, there were several students’ unionists who rose to prominence in politics, and some of them are now ministers or have positions in their respective parties. National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Minister for Information Technology Syed Amin ul-Haq, PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal, former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani and Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Ameer-ul-Azim are among them. Interestingly, lifting the ban on stu-

dents’ unions was included in the manifestos of all major political parties that ruled the country after Haq’s stint ended in 1988, but none of them put their words into action, except for once. In 1989, deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif was the chief minister of Punjab and held students’ union elections in the province, which were won by the rightwing Islami Jamiat-i-Talaba, while Sharif’s party’s students wing, the Muslim Students Federation, trailed far behind. And after that, no union elections were held. “Elections for students’ unions were just as important as general elections. It would reflect current political trends as well as the popularity of

governments,” said Ghaznavi, a former chairman of the Mass Communication Department at Karachi University and the only leader who has been elected twice as president of a students’ union. The student organisations, he recalled, would pick the “best” students to contest the elections based on their academic record, orientation skills, and overall reputation. Ameer-ulAzim, the president of the Jamiat at the University of Punjab in 1984, held a similar viewpoint. “Students’ unions would produce a whole lot of politicians who knew the art of contesting elections and administrative skills,” Azim told Anadolu Agency. “Unfortunately, this has not been the case since the ban,” he observed, adding that the entire top leadership of his Jamaat-

e-Islami party has emerged from student politics. ‘NURSERY OF DEMOCRACY’ TARGETED Tauseef Ahmed Khan, a former chairman of the Mass Communication Department at Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, believes the ban on students’ unions harmed political parties, which were captured by “businessmen” and “real estate agents” rather than trained leadership through unions. “Democracy was the prime target of military dictators, so they always targeted the nursery of democracy,” Khan, who served as an elected councillor in the 1978 students’ union of Karachi University, told Anadolu Agency. Referring to a popular student movement against the military rule of Gen. Ayub Khan in the 1960s, Khan argued that Gen. Haq was aware that students’ unions could pose a threat to his dictatorship, so he banned them. ‘NO EFFECTIVE BAN’ Echoing Khan’s views, Sardar Abdul Rahim, a former MP and president of the students’ union of Karachi University in 1975, chided the successive democratic governments for failing to hold students’ union elections. Following the end of the Haq regime, he believes, the ban in the country is no longer effective. It is just that there have been no elections in educational institutions in decades, according to Rahim. “It is highly regrettable that all of the major political parties that claim to be democratic have failed to hold students’ unions elections despite their repeated promises,” he said while talking to Anadolu Agency. The government of southern Sindh province announced last week that it will propose a bill in the provincial assembly to lift the ban on students’ unions.

security forces kill a terrorist in north Waziristan PesHAwAR StAff RePoRt

Security forces killed a terrorist during an exchange of fire in the Shewa area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) North Waziristan district on the night between February 8 and February 9, the military’s media affairs wing said on Wednesday. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the killed terrorist was identified as Irfan alias Abu Darda and weapons and ammunition were found in his possession.

MQM-P challenges delimitations of sindh Lg constituencies kARACHI INP

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) MP Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Wednesday, filed a petition against the delimitation process in the province in the Sindh High Court (SHC). Siddiqui accused Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of carrying out “biased” delimitations and said the Sindh government designed illegal towns.

FM Qureshi urges Indian Muslims to stand up for their rights News Desk Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday urged Indian Muslims to stand up for the protection of their fundamental rights in India. In a statement released today, the minister said that the persecution campaign against Muslims in the neighbouring country will not stop if the Muslim community remained silent. FM Qureshi strongly condemned the banning of the hijab at educational institutions in Karnataka, India. “India claims to be a champion of secularism and democracy, while, in fact, the Muslim citizens face restrictions on their attire,” the minister said. He added that the flag bearers of human rights should take notice and speak for the rights of Muslim girl students who are being deprived of their fundamental right to education. Qureshi mentioned that Prime Minister Imran Khan has

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repeatedly expressed deep concern over the growing trend of Islamophobia across the world. The minister stated that at the 47th meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers held in Niamey, Pakistan had not only raised its voice against Islamophobia but had also presented a unanimously adopted resolution. He informed that the upcoming 48th meeting of the OIC-CFM, which is scheduled to be held on March 2223 in Islamabad, will discuss the Palestine and Kashmir issues, Islamophobia and other challenges facing the Muslim world. He said the focus will also be laid on how to effectively use the OIC platform to protect the rights of Muslims. Qureshi’s statement comes a day after a video of a lone Burqa-wearing Muslim student, who was heckled by Hindu far-right goons in India’s southern Karnataka state, stirred outrage and triggered protests after some

schools in the state refused entry to female students wearing the hijab. “We will continue [our protests] because it [wearing a hijab] is a part of being a Muslim girl; They [friends from other communities] even supported us,” Muskan Khan who was heckled by the RSS goons told India’s NDTV. Calls across India for anti-Muslim violence – even genocide – are moving from the fringes to the mainstream, while Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his top leaders keep silent, warned a recent report published in The New York Times. “The hate speech is stoking communal tensions in India where small triggers have incited mass-death tragedies,” the report written by a team of Times’ reporters said, pointing out that Hindu monks’ agenda already resonates with increasingly emboldened vigilante groups.

Thursday, 10 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

PUNjAb govT diRECTs iNTRodUCiNg NEEd bAsEd PosTs iN govT dEPTTs LaHore

Zara Basharat Higgs,Head of Public P P Policy Program, P Pakistan, P TikTok and Syed Tajwar Hashmi, CFO, Zindagi Trust are present at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between TikTok and Zindagi Trust to work on creating awareness around safe usage of the internet. Fahad Khan, Head P Public P Policy/Govenment Relations, P Pakistan, TikTok and Faiq Ahmed, Senior Marketing and Resource Development Manager, Zindagi Trust were also present on the occasion. pr

the government-funded companies will be required to approve new positions before hiring. The recruitment ban notification will be reviewed while the recruitments for approved key seats will be exempted from the ban. The decisions were taken in the 75th meeting of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Finance and Development presided over by the Punjab Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim jawan Bakht. The other participants in the meeting included Provincial Minister for Industry and Commerce Mian Aslam Iqbal, Advisor to Chief Minister for Economic Affairs Dr. Salman Shah, Chief Secretary Punjab, Secretary Finance, Secretary Planning and Development Board and secretaries of relevant departments.

staff report

UNjAB government Wednesday instructed introducing of need based posts in the government departments and to make recruitment accordingly instead of recruiting on already unnecessary approved seats. The Finance Department and the Planning and Development Board will review the sanctioned seats in all government departments and ensure the needfulness and requirements of the seats. However, the profitable semi-government companies and authorities covering expenses from their own resources will be authorized to recruit as according to their requirements. But

The finance minister observed that vacant seats in government departments, companies and authorities have a negative impact on the performance of the institutions and it was important to ensure immediate recruitment for all such seats. In addition, there are a number of seats in government departments that have either been replaced by machines or are no longer required. Hashim jawan Bakht observed that it was better for the government to focus on their rationality and provide non-existent facilities instead of unnecessary recruitments to improve the performance of government departments, adapting to modern requirements instead of burdening the public exchequer with more recruitments for such seats. More than 10 demands were made

FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited announces Financial Results for FY 2021 Metro, the leading international wholesale company, in association with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), celebrated the win of its customers in the POS P P Prize Scheme with a simple but impressive event at the METRO Safari Outlet in Karachi. Seen in the picture is the Guest of IIonor, Mr. Abdul Shakoor Shaikh, Commissioner, Inland Revenue, RTO II, FBR, receiving Memento from Mr. Imran Shamim, Senior Manager Corporate Affairs, METRO P Pakistan in the presence of Mr. Aziz Ahmed Store Manager Satrgate Store METRO, Mr. Abdul Samee, Store Manager Safari Store METRO and Mr. Hameeddullah one of the winning customer. pr

Samrah Enterprises, the leading distribution company representing many international brands in Pakistan P has lived up to its name and has brought top American brands to P Pakistan in facilitation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a simple yet impressive ceremony held at Greenvalley Diplomatic Enclave Islamabad. pr

Packages Limited is awarded Platinum Approved Employer status by ACCA global KARACHI: Association of Chartered Certificated Accountants (ACCA) Pakistan has awarded Packages limited with platinum status for approved employer. The "ACCA Approved Employer Programme" recognizes employers' high standards of staff training and development." This recognition by the global body for professional accountants acknowledges Packages Limited's high standards of staff training and development and the organization's commitment to attracting and developing futureready talent and creating opportunities for the country's youth. Packages Limited will now get exclusive access to the ACCA's global network of leading employers and professionals, worldclass employer resources, and award-winning thought leadership as part of the recognition. pr

FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited (FCEPL) announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company reported revenue of PKR 52 billion, registering 18% growth versus last year. FCEPL recorded highest-ever volumes of Ice Cream and highestever revenue in Dairy and Ice Cream segments in 2021. This milestone was achieved by focusing on overall volume growth through expansion of distribution, greater brand penetration, mix improvement through value accretive brands and improving efficiencies across the value chain. These initiatives reflect FCEPL’s unwavering commitment towards enhancing access to nutrition for a healthier and food-secure Pakistan. Despite record inflation and rupee devaluation which led to a steep increase in commodity prices, the Company managed to offset the spikes and improve Gross Margin by 350bps versus last year, through several innovations and savings initiatives in the value chain. As a result, profit after tax improved by 10X compared to last year - PKR 1,804 million in 2021 vs PKR 177 million in 2020.

On September 8th, 2021, FrieslandCampina, celebrated its milestone 150-year anniversary of delivering superlative dairy products and nutritional excellence. In line with its commitment to the Nation, FCEPL partnered with the University of Education to launch a 6-month pilot School Milk Program with the aim to improve the nutritional status of thousands of children and enable them to take full advantage of the education provided to them. DAIRY AND BEVERAGES: The segment reported revenue of Rs. 46.9 billion, growing 16% compared to the same period last year. Olper’s led the growth in the segment while strengthening its position as the market leader through brand and trade investments, and expansion of retail footprint by 6,000+ outlets. Olper’s UHT Milk, Cream, Flavoured Milk and Tarrka Ghee also recorded double-digit growth. With a focus on improving accessibility and affordability, the Company launched the Olper’s Pouch at a price point of PKR 50 in Pakistan. Other recent launches include Olper’s Flavored Milk, Olper’s Full Cream Milk Powder (FCMP), Olper’s Cream, Olper’s Pro-Cal, Tarang Tea Whitening

Powder (TWP) and Tarang Elachi, all of which gained a healthy market share in a short timespan despite strong competition. The Company will continue to leverage FrieslandCampina’s global expertise, introduce new products and explore new channels to serve its customers effectively and efficiently. ICE CREAM AND FROZEN DESSERTS: The segment reported revenue of Rs. 5.22 billion, reflecting a growth of 42% versus last year. By investing in seasonal activities and festivities, introducing new products, consumer-focused campaigns and employing e-commerce channels to enhance product availability, the Company achieved its highest-ever volumes in the second half of the year. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: The financial performance of the company for the year ended December 31, 2021, is summarized below: FUTURE OUTLOOK: The business environment remains challenging amidst the resurgence of COVID–19 cases. Supply chain disruptions and dynamic consumer needs may affect the business’s ability to serve consumers effectively. However, the Company will continue to remain agile.

Will eliminate remnants of terrorists, their abettors, accomplices whatever the cost: COAS continued from page 01 The top military huddle took place a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan paid rich tributes to the martyrs of last week’s terrorist attacks on security camps in Naushki and Panjgur districts as well as the troops who repulsed the attempts, saying that the “entire nation is standing with them” and that their sacrifices and bravery would not go in vain. Addressing officers and jawans of the Frontier Corps and Pakistan Rangers in Naushki, Premier Imran vowed to give a befitting response to the terrorists who were trying in vain to hamper the pace of progress, particularly in Balochistan. “The Pakistani nation is very resilient and strong and no act of terror can deter them from moving forward.”

The PM was accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed. Army chief General Qamar and senior commanders were also present. The ISPR on Tuesday stated that a detailed briefing was given to the prime minister on the security situation in the area. In his interaction with troops, “the prime minister lauded the professionalism exhibited by the troops and appreciated the operational preparedness and bravery with which terrorists’ attacks were repulsed”. “The prime minister reiterated national resolve to support the armed forces in eliminating the remnants of terrorists trying to sabotage the development of Balochistan,” the military’s media wing concluded.

Friction erupts over promotions, appointments in Sindh public universities Friction between the Sindh government and teachers intensified on Wednesday after the former sought details of all appointments and promotions from 2019 till now from all public universities of the province including the University of Karachi. On the directives of Universities and Boards Secretary Mureed Rahimo, Section Officer Kamal Ahmed issued a three-page letter to the university officials today. The letter seeks details regarding whether the departments and institutes established in their respective universities were established after getting approval from relevant authorities.

Details of the initial approval of the recruitment syndicate have also been sought while details based on the grades of recruitments made during the last two years have also been sought and it has also been asked whether the recruitments during the last two years were advertised and whether interviews of them were conducted and written tests were taken from the candidates. It has also been asked whether the appointments were made on the basis of a decision by a regulatory authority or court. The letter also sought the minutes of selection boards and syndicates regarding the recruitment process.

The letter also asked for details about the student-teacher ratio, retired employees and transferred employees of their respective institutions. It is pertinent to note that the development came a day after the All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association’s (FAPUASA), an organisation of teachers’ representatives, announced a boycott of classes in all public universities across the province indefinitely. Earlier on Tuesday, FAPUASA had rejected the process of postponing the selection board meeting at the University of Karachi by the Sindh Universities and Boards Depart-

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ment’s Secretary Mureed Rahimo. “If the demands are not accepted immediately, a Black Day will be observed in all the universities of Sindh on Wednesday, while a complete boycott of academic activities will be held on Thursday and the next plan of action will be issued thereafter,” Dr Naik Mohammad, president of FAPUASA’s Sindh Chapter said. Others such as Shah Ali Al-Qadr supported Dr Naik’s stance, while addressing a press conference held at Karachi University, reiterated that no university would seek permission from the secretary or the selection board of the Sindh government. News Desk

by various departments in the meeting. The meeting approved recruitment in Safe City Authority on the request Home Department and Water Supply scheme for Tehsil Issa Khel of the irrigation department. The meeting also approved a supplementary budget of Rs 10.74 million for recruitment of psychology specialists for establishment of Psycho Socio Centers, and service charges of supplies of food to Ehsas programs. The agenda regarding construction of Rawalpindi Ring Road was postponed till the next meeting for further clarification while the agenda regarding procurement of number plates of Excise and Taxation Department was approved to be discussed in the Cabinet Committee.

The search for Pakistan’s best young stock investor – Registrations open for the 4th Trading Titans Competition The fourth season of KTrade Trading Titans - Pakistan’s most popular student Fantasy Stock Trading competition is starting from the 1st of March. Launched by KASB KTrade’s Pakistan’s leading stock brokerage, in this three-month competition, students will get the opportunity to develop their own stock portfolios and learn about investing and stock trading through the KTrade App. Students will get the experience of real life investing but through a risk-free, virtual trading platform. More than 2000 students, from over 30 universities have participated in the past three Trading Titans competitions. The winners have consistently outperformed the market and even experienced fund managers. The top three achievers have been from IBA Karachi, LUMS and IBA Sukker and many have ended up with job offers and careers in capital markets. In this competition the participants will be given a virtual portfolio of PKR 1 Million which they will need to manage through KTrade over 3 months. The top 20 students who manage to generate the highest return will be awards cash prizes along with a job placement offer with KTrade Securities Limited. KASB KTrade’s goal is to democratize access to financial investment and to help transform people’s lives by helping them make better financial decisions. Trading Titans offers this opportunity to search for Pakistan’s Best Stock Investor. Registrations are open until 1st of March on www.kasb.com/tradingtitan ‘KASB KAKTrade has always been a pioneer in creating financial literacy and has taken multiple initiatives to ensure everyone has access to the financial markets including students who are future of the country’ said Ali Farid Khawaja Chairman & Co Founder KTrade Securities. pr

Pakistani scientist selected to participate in UN biosecurity workshop RAWALPINDI: Dr Wasim Sajjad, an assistant professor at National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), has been selected to represent the university at a virtual United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop (BDW), which will be held in Geneva from February 16 to March 16. Dr Sajjad is a bio-safety and bio-security trainer, who recently completed his biosecurity champion fellowship from Health Security Partners USA. The workshop will bring together 30 young scientists from the global south who have been working on topics related to the BWC. app

06-07 Comments - 10th February 2022_Layout 1 2/9/2022 10:51 PM Page 1

Thursday, 10 February, 2022

06 COMMENT

The Mayor of Lahore: Arain or Kashmiri?

Insurgency in Balochistan Pakistan cannot aﬀord blunders

RIMe Minister Imran Khan did well to visit Naushki, meet the soldiers and ensure them that they enjoy the support of the whole nation. To suppress the insurgency in Balochistan Pakistan needs to avoid past mistakes. The insurgency has now entered a new and highly dangerous stage. Instead of the earlier hit-and-run attacks, this time there have been coordinated attacks on FC camps with sophisticated weapons. What is more, the terrorists seem to have no shortage of recruits and shelter. Two major blunders have led to the present situation. One, there has been a total reliance on use of force without any serious attempt to win over the population and isolate the terrorists. As a result the youth continues to be lured by the terrorists and there seems to be no shortage of recruits. The PM says the development of Balochistan is critical for the future of Pakistan. equally important is that the Baloch have a sense of ownership which comes when the developments come through their genuinely elected representatives rather than a selected administration imposed on them. A section of well-rooted and mainstreamed nationalist parties was ready to help to put an end to insurgency through talks if certain conditions were fulfilled but their offers were rejected. The second blunder was a miscalculation that a friendly Taliban government would not allow any terrorist group to launch attacks inside Pakistan. With the Taliban in power, terrorist attacks in Pakistan have in fact increased compared to the previous regime of Ashraf Ghani. The handlers of those who carried out attacks in Kech and Panjgur have been traced in Afghanistan and India. A report by a UN monitors team reveals that the TTP has between 3,000 and 5,000 fighters in Afghanistan. What is more, the network maintains close working relations with all major terrorist groups in the region. Afghanistan under the Taliban has thus become a potent threat to neghbouring countries and the region. There is a need to take up the issue at the conference of the immediate neighbours of Afghanistan being held in China next month and to collectively pressurize and assist the Afghan government to expel these groups from their country.

We are all Lahoris

Dr FariD a Malik

S the city of Lahore is gearing up for an epic electoral battle to directly elect the person to lead and revive the metropolis, old taboos have resurfaced again. Arain or Kashmiri? Neither, Lahore needs an honest able son of the soil to revive the glory of Datta Ki Nagri’ that has the unique distinction of producing six Nobel Laureates. The decline of the city started when Mayors were elected on the basis of ethnicity instead of credentials. The sufferings will end only when merit prevails. The 7.5 million voters have an opportunity for the first time to elect their leadership. The people who live here are ‘Lahoris’ , who should not be bracketed as Arain, Kashmiri, Jat or Gujjar or any other caste. Baba Bulleh Shah warned against trusting an Arain; “Wasa na Khain Arain Da” while there is also a very popular saying of Sheikh Saadi Sherazi who warned against three ethnic groups while choosing friends. The worst were the Afghans followed by Kumbohs and then Kashmiris: “ Awal Afghan Doem Kumboh Soem Badzat-e-Kashmiri “. As a race none of them stand out, individual credentials should carry more weight. The muncipality of Lahore was established in 1931. The Mayor operated from the historic Town hall (Th) building located at the lower end of the Mall Road surrounded by the Gol Bagh (Now Nasir Bagh). The Civil Secretariat, and MAO College are behind this historic seat of local power while Government College, Punjab University (Old Campus) and National College of Arts are located to the front. historically this has been the academic and administrative end of the city. Total length of this important road, the Mall, is about 8.3 km, the Mian Mir bridge connects with the Cantonment area which is

Vawda’s disqualification The ECP verdict casts a shadow on the PM himself

he disqualification of PTI Senator Faisal Vawda would not only cause the PTI embarrassment but cause it to lose a Senate seat, that too in a house balanced on a knife-edge. It also shows the kind of double standards which the PTI has been guilty of. Mr Vawda was disqualified for having, while contesting as an MNA in 2018, claimed to have given up his US citizenship, even though it transpires that he had done no such thing at the time he filed his nomination papers. he would have been disqualified as an MNA had he not resigned as a member, but he was then elected a Senator, apparently under the belief that having given up his US nationality, that would save him. however, as he had claimed to have given up his nationality, the eCP, on being petitioned in this regard, found that he was not sadiq and amin, and thus liable to lifetime disqualification from holding any public office. Mr Vawda’s expressions of violent views with respect to other parties may well have endeared him to his party’s leadership, for nothing else explains his getting the Senate ticket when his membership of the National Assembly was under threat. Mr Vawda’s MNA seat was subsequently won in the by-election by the PPP. Now, the Senate seat, being voted on alone, will be won by the PPP. Mr Vawda will thus have managed to lose his party two seats, one in each house. The PTI being so strong on accountability, should have got rid of Mr Vawda as soon as the trouble emerged, and not tried to rescue him by a method that has now blown up in his (and the PTI’s) face. Mr Vawda will probably go into appeal before the Supreme Court, so firm is his wish to be a parliamentarian. It would indeed be a pity if he was somehow to evade what seem to be clear constitutional provisions. Will this loss of face, and more importantly, of a Senate seat provoke some form of soul-searching among the leaders of the PTI? If it does not, it will not avert them from committing similar such blunders in the future.

What happened to Pakistan? HaFizur TalukDar

he valid question has been raised about why Pakistan lags behind Bangladesh. The issue is that there has been robust economic growth of Bangladesh despite its once being called a bottomless basket. Basically, all of us need to find out the real causes of the backwardness of Pakistan rather than of Bangladesh. Pakistani thinkers, media, and politicians should come up with solutions to this valid question. Let’s try to find out the answer. We know that Bangladesh was part of then Pakistan. Then it separated Pakistan through bloody liberation war. That is history. however, the age of Bangladesh is just 50 compared to Pakistan’s 74. So, it was easy to say that Pakistan should have gone ahead of Bangladesh. But Bangladesh is far ahead of Pakistan in many socio-economic indexes. There are many reasons for this. One of the strong reasons is the ‘Strong Leadership of Bangladesh’. Bangladesh has had the same leader for 18 years. Consistency is good for a country. Bangladesh PM Sheikh hasina Wazed tried her level best to move forward the country. She was committed to fulfilling her election manifesot in 2008. After a long vacuum, she showed interest in the implementation of her father’s cherished dream of ‘Golden Bengal’. She is committed to transforming the whole of Bangladesh into ‘Digital Bangladesh’ through her ‘Vision 2021’ and ‘Vision 2041’. Since its inception, Pakistan has needed a visionary leader who likes to show dreams and visions. Bangladesh got a visionary leader. For example, when PM Imran Khan was and is seeking a loan from either China or Saudi Arabia, the Bangladesh PM has established an example to lend Sri Lanka, Sudan, Somalia, Maldives. We can see the quondam aid seeker Bangladesh as a lending Bangladesh. On the other hand, defying the critics, PM hasina Wazed showed her bravery by starting the country’s mega projects. Now Bangladesh is reaping the benefits. Pakistan’s performance in the social sector is the

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

their city, finally the siege came to an end when the civilized world got the news. As Raashad had worked in Lahore in the decade of the 1960s and 1970s, he asked me a very embarrassing question; “What have you done to Lahore, which was once considered to be one of the finest cities of the world?” I had no answer, indeed we the first generation of Pakistan did fight to get rid of the first dictator but failed to protect our city Cities, countries, societies do come under attack from within as it happened in Sarajevo in the 20th century but it is the resilence of the people that saves them. Unfortunately we were unable to save our city from the greed of the land grabbers and the corrupt Mafia that took control of its administration, reducing the once powerful Town hall to a rubber stamp and archieve of ancient records of the city. Lahore belongs to its people, like the brave citizens of Sarajevo we have to fight for its revival and glory. Graveyards in parks are an honour but plazas are not, men go down fighting but do not surrender to the greed of the few. The tall buildings on usurped city land are the graveyards of the living. Indeed Lahore has fallen to the rogues mainly because of lack of city leadership. hopefully when the new directly elected Mayor takes control of the city and succeeds in reviving its glory, we the people of Lahore can stand tall and invite Raashad to come visit Lahore again, and maybe we can change his mind about our lapses of the past. Nations learn from history for course correction. It’s a question of grit, merit and abilities, not ethnicity. I am sure both within and outside the two predominant clans there are able individuals who can win Lahore back for us. There are no Arains or Kashmiris amongst us; we are all Lahoris and that’s the way it should be. In Punjabi they say; “Lahore Lahore Ay, Jinay Nahin Vekhia Oh Jamia Nahin” ( Lahore is Lahore; if you haven’t seen it you were not born ). It is not just an electoral contest, it is a call to arms, like Sarajevo, Lahore has several open spaces where the defenders can be buried with honour instead of living in the indignity of plazas and encroachments on its scared soil.

I am sure both within and outside the two predominant clans there are able individuals who can win Lahore back for us. There are no Arains or Kashmiris amongst us; we are all Lahoris and that’s the way it should be.

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

Why does Pakistan lag behind Bangladesh?’

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

run by the corrupt to the core Cantonment Board (CB). At the time of Partition in August 1947, corruption was relatively contained on this side of the bridge. While most departments operating in the CB area had a bad reputation (Controller Military Accounts, Military estate Services ) on the civilian side it was contained (Police, Revenue). As a child growing up in that area, I have good memories of the setup that ran the city till the decade of the 1960s and 1970s. Most services were available to the public. There was ownership of the city and its resources. The complaints section performed its duties reasonably well. Vaccination, mosquito sprays, garbage collection were regularly carried out. every morning when I walked to school located opposite the Lahore high Court (LhC), the roads were wiped and cleaned before dawn. Then the city grew, many departments were branched off, new towns and muncipalities were created, Th lost control of the once functional city. Since then it has been downhill for Lahore which the Quaid-eAzam termed as the heart of Pakistan (Pakistan ka Dil). Both the city and the country are now dependent on a damaged heart. With heartless people at the helm, the future does not augur well for the city and its people. About a decade ago I was on a consulting assignment to the historic city of Sarajevo in Bosnia. It was in this city where the assassination of the Crown Prince of the Austro-hungarian empire triggered the first World War . Mr Raashad, who was the branch administrative head, put Sarajevo under a construction company that had opened a branch office in Lahore, took me around. While going through the beautiful city, I observed a lot of fresh graves. Almost all open green spaces had been turned into graveyards.On inquiry, he told me about the fight that took place between the Christian Serb dominated Yugoslavian Army and the Muslim population of Sarajevo. One fine morning the Army decided to cross the river and take over the city similar to the ethnic cleansing in Spain in the 16th century and currently ongoing in India in the 21st. The city leadership decided to fight back and defend the city. A call to arms was given by the local leadership. Pitched battles took place between the ill-equipped Muslim youth on one side of the river and Marshal Tito’s trained soldiers on the other. Many young men fell while defending

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

most disappointing. It is thought that many children do not go to school while gender inequality is constantly increasing. It has the world’s highest infant mortality rate. In the current state of education and health services, 40 percent of children are stunted. But none of Pakistan’s political leaders seem worried! In fact, Pakistan has lagged behind due to social conditions. According to economists, the property system is such that all property is in the hands of a few. Those who are landlords are the owners of industries, banks, and insurance, import and export, and are the military and civil bureaucrats. As a result, Pakistan is divided into two classes, the rich and the poor. The middle class did not develop. Without a middle class, the market for industrial or agricultural products does not develop, nor an entrepreneurial class. Social mobility is not seen. This means democracy cannot be established, and even the slightest possible rule of the people does not last. Common people do not feel that they are citizens. So, Pakistan has a state, but no citizens. A country can be taken forward by its ordinary citizens, who are both producers and consumers. It goes without saying, women do not have rights. On the Gender Parity Index Bangladesh is 50th out of 153 and Pakistan is 151st. Starting from education, participation in action is very low. In Bangladesh, 36 percent of women participate in the labor market, in Pakistan only 25 percent do. In human resource development Bangladesh is 133rd and Pakistan 154th. The poverty rate in Bangladesh is 20.5 percent and in Pakistan 39.2 percent, life expectancy is 73 years in Bangladesh and 67.48 in Pakistan, the killing rate is 2.5 people per 100,000 in Bangladesh and 4.41 in Pakistan, while per capita income in Bangladesh is nearly $2500 than in Pakistan, it is $1500 or less. One dollar equals 85 takas,and Rs 174. Foreign exchange reserves are $46 billion in Bangladesh and $20.9 billion or so in Pakistan. But their population is 46 million more than Bangladesh’s. In 1971, the population of West Pakistan was 59.7 million and that of Bangladesh was 65.5 million. Today Bangladesh is 165 million and Pakistan is 220 million. The rate of contraceptive use in Bangladesh is 67 percent, while in Pakistan it is below 34.5 percent. Pakistan produces cotton and Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of gar-

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

ments. Why this situation in Pakistan? There can be many explanations, such as political, economic, social, cultural, even religious. Another major reason is the lack of education for girls. It has been said that ‘Pakistan did not educate its infant daughters!’ On the other hand, since 2008, Bangladesh’s female power has set an example by emphasizing women’s education and empowerment. Women are now dominating the country’s civil service, army, education system, and industry. When Pakistan is busy countering the horrific terrorist and separatist movements in Balochistan and KP, Bangladesh is busy developing its rural areas and infrastructure and promoting social safety net programmes amongst poor people. Bangladesh didn’t see a horrific terrorist attack after one in 2016. Bangladesh has a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, militancy and illegal drug peddling. Although Bangladesh is dominated by Bengalis, it has ensured the rights of all ethnic and religious groups. Bangladesh is enjoying communal harmony. Pakistan on the other hand is gifted with different ethnic groups trying to dominate each other. Bangladesh has established permanent peace in the country’s once problematic ‘Chittagong hill Tracts’ through the 1997 ChT Peace Accord. Bangladesh’s growth is very inclusive. Bangladesh focuses its attention from bottom to up in society. Bangladesh has ensured its tremendous engagement, enrollment, and involvement of all parts in the society such as the integration of autistics, marginalized, destitute, minors. Bangladesh sheltered more than a million Rohingya refugees. Bangladesh is dealing with the refugee issue properly despite limited resources. On the other hand, although Pakistan has sheltered a lot of Afghan refugees, it has been facing a challenge to deal with them. Pakistan has zero focus on developing heavy industry, creating an educated workforce, etc. because it would threaten the feudal elites’ source of income. Pakistan’s economy has faced an inexplicable amount of damage due to the War on Terror. It still hasn’t recovered, and the situation kept getting worse due to the destabilization of Afghanistan. The writer is a freelance columnist

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

06-07 Comments - 10th February 2022_Layout 1 2/9/2022 10:51 PM Page 2

Thursday, 10 February, 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

The decline of societal values

Challenges and prospect of Pakistan-US relations The relationship has not been entirely smooth

Dr rajkuMar SingH

FTeR the creation of Pakistan on account of division of the Indian Subcontinent, the USA was among the first nations to establish relations with Pakistan on 20 October 1947 and hoped it would remain an ally in South Asia, Central Asia and eastern europe for the time to come and serve US interests in these regions against the regional as well as global powers in the phase of global Cold War between the two superpowers and thereafter. As the USA itself was the most powerful and wealthy nation of the world, Islamabad viewed the country as its godfather in international politics and the first thing which Pakistan needed help in most, was its security threat from India. Initially, the USA fulfilled Pakistan’s security needs by supplying armaments and other equipment from time to time, but it failed to solely rely on Islamabad for its strategic interests, especially after 1962 when the People’s Republic of China emerged as a powerful nation in the region in comparison to India, while on the other the USA did not want anyway to hurt either India or for that matter China, a communist country, but began preferring India more than China to check Beijing’s influence in South Asia and beyond. On the other hand, viewing US calculations closely, Pakistan too began coming near China to counter its tense relations with India. Although the USA provided a huge amount, about $78.3 billion between 1948 and 2016 in the form of military aid, it never assumed Islamabad as its equal partner like others, and as a result, they both failed to establish their strategic and economic relations so far. It was a failure of Pakistan’s diplomacy with the USA, which focused on the security threat perception more than anything else, leaving their relations based on weak foundations even after seven decades of friendship and mutual understanding on a number of regional and global issues. In the then Pakistan there were two types of forces available in the country, pro-capitalist as well as pro-communist and while in eastern Pakistan, now Bangladesh, the majority of people were pro-USSR perhaps due to a fascination with socialism, in Western Pakistan most people liked capitalism because they saw the USSR as a supporter of India and so liked to be with the USA. Initially, for many years, the West part of

Pakistan remained dominant in politics as well as the administration, and ultimately the decision went in favour of the USA. In all the ways the USA liked Pakistan, supported the country in regional and global affairs and it became member of several alliances led by the USA, including SeATO and CeNTO. It all made Pakistan a reliable and trusted friend of the USA, always ready to serve US strategic interests. In this context, the efforts made by Liaquat Ali Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, to establish friendly relations with both superpowers of the time, was foiled by the military and the Foreign Office which pleaded that the USA would supply Pakistan military, technical and economic aid to the country in proportion to the help the USSR would offer to socialist India. In addition, the general people of Pakistan also liked the USA more than the USSR and, in line, a series of visits initiated on the part of Pakistan beginning with Prime Minister Khan’ s 23-day long visit to the USA in the first week of May 1950. In succession, many cabinet ministers, top officials and dignitaries of foreign office visited the USA, including the then Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Ayub Khan, who later became military dictator and instituted a strong pro-US lobby in the country. In an important development, in 1956, on the request of President Dwight eisenhower, Pakistan permitted the USA to lease the Badaber Air Station for the intelligence use of the US government and as a follow-up the latter had built an airstrip, command and control station. For serving US interests against the USR, the military regime was favoured most and this is why America focused on maintaining excellent ties with the military establishment in Pakistan. The India-China war of 1962, and IndiaPakistan wars of 1965 and 1971 brought a major perceptual change in the region and by the time against the close US-Pak relations and their rapprochement with China, India had also established a strong and durable relations with the USSR and in August 1971 it concluded a historic treaty to further safeguard its regional as well as global interests. however, in the context of PakUS relations, the most important event was the USSR’s takeover in Kabul at the close of 1979 which totally altered all calculations and changed the direction of their relations in many spheres. It was an open challenge to the su-

premacy of the USA in the region and in the war against the USSR, the USA used Pakistan to a large extent which made Pakistan’s society and politics focused on US interests. As a result, Pakistan became a tool in the hands of the US intelligence agency, the CIA, and began working to oust the USSR from the soil of Afghanistan. Pakistan prepared a multi-national group of Mujahideen and waged a guerilla war against the forces of the Soviet and Afghan governments. After a long war of one-decade, Soviet forces withdrew in 1989 and after a phase of anarchy, the pro-Pakistan rule of Taliban was installed in Kabul. The scope for strategic and economic relations between the two also minimised due to news about Pakistan’s nuclear development. From the day Pakistan began to serve US interests against the USSR in the region, the flow of US funds and other help multiplied in the country and, in response, it gave all promises to keep the terror groups under control and eradicate them forever, especially in post-9/11 periods and when the USA launched a decisive war in October 2001 against the terror, particularly to grab terror leader, Osama bin Laden, and end AlQaeda’s terror network in Afghanistan. Pakistan assured the USa fully of its support and the use of US funds for the purpose were released. The pro-Pakistan Taliban government, which assumed power in 1996, came to an end at the close of the year 2001 and a pro-US government was formed in Afghanistan, which began fighting with US and allied powers’ forces in Afghanistan. After several ups and downs in Pak-US relations and a trust deficit between them as well as Islamabad’s growing relations and understanding with the PRC, Donald Trump, having taken charge as US President in January 2017, began reviewing all things in perspective and finally decided to withdraw from Afghanistan following the conclusion of an understanding with terror groups and Government of Afghanistan. It left on 15 August 2021, with Taliban forces forming a government. Its open support by Pakistan, once again, has posed a challenge to the USA for the time being and years to come.

After several ups and downs in Pak-US relations and a trust deficit between them as well as Islamabad’s growing relations and understanding with the PRC, Donald Trump, having taken charge as US President in January 2017, began reviewing all things in perspective and finally decided to withdraw from Afghanistan following the conclusion of an understanding with terror groups and Government of Afghanistan.

The writer is presently Professor and Head, Department of Political Science and Dean of Social Sciences at B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura (Bihar), India. His 19 books have been published in addition to 900 articles in national and international journals and daily newspapers from 25 foreign countries.

BeING well into my nineties, have seen our society changing, unfortunately not for good. I remember that back in the early 1940s, I had to get up early in the morning to go to the high school in Kallar Syedan, which was five miles from my village. I used to make the journey to school and back on foot. Upon returning home, I would have to help with house chores and take animals out for grazing. On holidays, I would work with my cousins in the fields beside the chores I had to do on daily basis. We used to have enough wheat, maize, and other crops to meet our annual needs. People in the village lived like a community by helping each other in sowing/ harvesting the lands and never depended on outside help. Over time, we developed in many ways with efficient technology replacing people. While gradually people became more well-off, we as a society have become very selfish and individualistic. Instead of helping ourselves and others, we expect the government to do everything. Political parties instead of encouraging unity are dividing us by promoting hate and selfishness. Materialism has devoured our values and resources. Lands that were used for agriculture are being converted to realestate projects for the greed of money. This is reducing the lands that cater to our food needs. People are living beyond their means by either indulging in corruption or borrowing, which are both detrimental to them. Due to the greed for money, corruption is not even viewed as bad by society. Those having money by any means are respected. It is the job of our leaders to set examples through their behaviour that promote self-reliance, honesty, and dignity rather than self-promotion and lust for power. I have seen the values of our society deteriorate over the past 75 years. I hope and pray that we get the leadership that gets us out of this culture of hate and division and promotes unity, honesty, and self-reliance. RAJA SHAFAATULLAH ISLAmAbAd

Charter of economy OVeR the decades, our economy has not been able to produce the desired results in terms of reducing poverty and unemployment in the country. Besides this, our successive federal governments have not been able to get the country out of the menace of years old foreign borrowing/aid, due to their lack of a clear and defined strategy. The production of our agricultural and industrial sectors has also not been up to the mark due to various reasons and strategies adopted by the successive governments. Various taxation policies in the country have also remained a source of criticism from many a quarter. CPeC or no CPeC, more funds on education and health or defence, nationalized economy or privatized economy, direct taxation or indirect taxation, agricultural economy or industrial economy, foreign loans or selfreliance, more funds for human development or infrastructure development, more focus on foreign direct investment or local investment- all these are the questions, the answers of which vary from one political party to the other political party of the country. In other words, all the major political parties of our country are not on one page regarding the construction and the shape of our economy, looking at the ground reality and the present state of affairs of the same. There is a greater need than all our major political parties (including the party in power) to sit together with good intent and sincerity, for presenting the best economic model and strategy for the nation, to steer the country out of the present economic crisis. A charter of the economy should be signed by all the major political parties of the country, including the party in power. Within that charter, broader issues of our economy should be presented in detail besides agreeing on the strategy on how to work on these issues, for the possible short-term and long-term stability/recovery of our economy. This will give confidence to the ruling party, whereby it will face the least criticism from the opposition political parties, in the smooth running of its economic affairs. The need of the hour, therefore, is that all the affairs of our economy should be managed with consensus decisions by all the major political parties. It will give stability to our economy besides giving it a great boost. AbdUL SAmAd SAmO KARAcHI

Absurd American policy IT was the 2nd of July when the American forces fled from Afghanistan. They vacated the Bagram Airbase in the middle of the night. They left Afghanistan to fight for themselves against the Taliban. They left Afghanistan’s neighbours to undo the damage done by twenty years long and devastating war. Shortly after the US fled, the scenario in Afghanistan is worrisome and the situation is menacing as the Taliban claimed to occupy 85% of the territory. They control and contest all the border points along with Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China and now even Pakistan. Taliban’s latest gain is the border crossing of Spin Boldak, a long Afghan frontier with Pakistan. Although the Afghan government denies control of this border, security sources in Pakistan and international media claims the presence of the Taliban’s flag on this crucial border. The Taliban’s goal is one of strategic control, which involves encirclement of major cities, taking control of the borders, seizing drive forts, stopping the revenue from reaching the Afghan government and filling its own coffees. Spin Boldak is the Taliban’s biggest strategic gain so far. This border is strategic in a sense because at least 900 trucks cross this frontier daily, so the amount of revenue the Taliban commands is of immense importance. Secondly, Spin Boldak provides the Taliban direct access to the Pakistani province of Balochistan. The province of Balochistan is important because this is where the Taliban have their reserve partners and its top leadership. Another reason is that this province has a highway that connects with the Karachi port. The people of Afghanistan live with a legacy of war. every second is pregnant with anxiety, Chaos and uncertainty. Peace is a word unknown to the people of Afghanistan. every time the masses are in a state of dolour. Villages falling like play cards, people forced to migrate and what not. According to the statistics, more than 7000000 people are expected to take refuge in Pakistan. More than 1.4 million Afghan refugees already live in Pakistan. Analysts are of the view that Afghan refugees are also going to take refuge in europe. They are already the second-largest group of asylum seekers across the world. All thanks to the absurd American policies. It was under US president Jorge Washington bush that America invaded Afghanistan. his recent statement clearly depicts that the pullout of American troops was a mistake. AdEEL KHAN KASHmORE

08 WORLD VIEW 10th February 22_Layout 1 2/9/2022 9:44 PM Page 1

Thursday, 10 February, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

No, Russia will Not iNvade ukRaiNe A LARGE-SCALE MILITARY OPERATION DOES NOT FIT INTO MOSCOW’S COST-BENEFIT CALCULUS

al Jazeera HaRun YIlmaz

vER the past year, as Russia amassed troops along its border with Ukraine, there have been growing fears of an imminent invasion. A number of Western leaders have repeatedly warned of this possibility. Moscow has denied that it is making such plans, although it has not withdrawn its troops. Some observers have interpreted these Russian statements as untruthful and even accused the Russian authorities of preparing a false-flag operation. A closer examination of Russia’s geopolitical behaviour in the past two decades, however, demonstrates that its officials might not necessarily be trying to deceive the international community. A full-scale war in Ukraine does not really fit into how the Kremlin has used hard power in its geopolitical games. The examples of Georgia, Syria, Libya, and (so far) Ukraine, show that it pursues a cost-efficient policy. In each case, the Russian government has had a clear understanding of the risks on the ground. It has made a careful cost-benefit analysis and established clear and limited goals for the use of hard power. The cost-effective policy is a conscious choice because the Russian decision-makers know well that they do not have the means to maintain a large-scale war.

FROM GEORGIA TO SYRIA AND LIBYA: Russia, undoubtedly, made these cost calculations before the 2008 Georgia war, in which it intervened on the side of separatist forces in the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia against the Georgian government. Back then, the Russian forces did not really face a formidable adversary and were able to easily defeat the Georgian forces in South Ossetia in days. The Russian troops then crossed into Georgia proper, ransacked the city of Gori and halted. Once the limited goal of pushing back Georgian forces from South Ossetia and Abkhazia was achieved, Moscow was open to European mediation. The Russian troops could have completely cut Georgia in two, gained control of the precious transit oil and gas pipelines from Azerbaijan to Turkey, and paralysed the economy and political system. All these gains would have been valuable bargaining chips to force the Georgian government to recognise the independence of the separatist regions. Yet, the regional and global costs of these advancements would have been too high for Russia, so it stopped at a limited military operation. A similar calculation was made before the intervention in Syria to prop up Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2015. Moscow did not deploy a massive land force – as, for example, the US did in Afghanistan and Iraq – and instead limited its hard power to fighter jets, special forces, mercenaries, military advisers, and navy ships. In order to lower the risk further, the Russian diplomats engaged with various stakeholders, such as the US, Israel, and Turkey at different stages of the war. This engagement ensured that rebel forces were not supplied with anti-aircraft weapons, which guaranteed the air su-

premacy of Russian and Syrian forces. Russia’s extensive bombardment of areas under rebel control provided effective air cover for Syrian regime forces and enabled them to shift from defence to offence. In a matter of months, Damascus, backed by Russian and Iranian forces, was able to regain control of large swaths of territory and, in the following three years, forced rebels out of several strongholds and limited their presence to the northwest of the country. Russia achieved its goal – preserving alAssad’s regime – with minimal costs, both in terms of casualties and funding, and even made diplomatic gains against Western powers on the international scene. When it was invited to intervene in the Libyan conflict, Moscow made an even smaller commitment and still achieved a lot. The Russian involvement was limited to the deployment of Russian mercenaries and the supply of weapons to renegade General Khalifa Haftar, who controls the eastern part of the country. Although his offensive on the capital Tripoli eventually failed, Russia did not find itself on the losing side. In fact, it managed to position itself as a mediator between the Libyan government and Haftar and gained a prominent place on the negotiating table, along with other stakeholders, both Western and regional. MOSCOW’S CALCULATIONS IN UKRAINE: When Russia intervened in Ukraine in 2014, following the pro-democracy Maidan revolution against Ukrainian President viktor Yanukovych, it took a similar cost-effective approach. It did not launch a massive invasion of its much weaker neighbour. Instead, it deployed forces without insignia, while denying doing so, to the

Pegasus intelligence capabilities threaten state security

Jerusalem Post ODED REVIVI

tsunami is defined as “a series of several very long waves formed in the sea, usually due to an earthquake or subsurface landslide, which creates a sudden rise of the seabed.” The discovery of Pegasus surveillance is no doubt an “earthquake,” and the tsunami waves that are sure to follow must be addressed. The “first wave” concerns the breach of national security due to the exposure of intelligence-gathering capabilities. The “second wave” concerns broader civil rights and the rights of suspects. The latter will affect the work of police and their status in Israeli society. The earthquake we are experiencing has the potential to produce tidal waves that will endanger us all. Upon hearing of the Pegasus affair, our first tendency is to look within. We check our personal devices and encourage our friends to check theirs. We seek answers from the police, and we expect the government and the justice system to do an in-depth investigation. But this serious incident of surveillance using spyware also has an immediate impact on state security. The majority of those Israelis being monitored by the system were fearful even before they were fully aware of the system’s substantial capabilities. Now, however, the internal Israeli affair has publicized these capabilities for all to see. Not only do they have the ability to listen, but they can collect SMS and WhatsApp messages, retrieve deleted materials, and more. The enormous impact of this exposure on the Israeli intelligence world and the damage it does to our security must not be underestimated. The consequences demand that we appoint a national commission of inquiry. Every intelligence officer and each individual who trusts Israel to keep them safe must be bothered by the expected changes in our enemies’ behavior as a result of the various exposures.

The “policy of ambiguity” regarding Israel’s security capability has led to a tacit agreement with the US, which has even been accepted in Europe. Israel has achieved strategic goals by being deliberately ambiguous, casting doubt as to what we do or do not have. A few months ago, the Americans declared the NSO Group that created Pegasus as a factor that undermines national security. This decision was hidden below the radar due to the understanding that revealing Pegasus’s capacity would harm both American and Israeli national security. Now that the capabilities have been publicly displayed, it is not yet clear whether we have correctly internalized the magnitude of the problem. The tsunami that challenges our systems must be given the appropriate attention and the appropriate remedies. With regard to the violation of human rights and the rights of suspects, we have an opportunity to make changes. Time and time again we read about detainees being handcuffed unnecessarily, being prevented from going to the bathroom, or having their consultations with their lawyers documented. The alleged use of Pegasus against suspects and non-suspects requires dialogue about the ability to monitor routine police work and work on ongoing investigations. The police are facing harsh criticism. According to last week’s Israel Democracy Institute’s confidence index, only 29% of people trust in the police. Israel demands a good, strong police force. The challenges within Israeli society are great. Crime is on the rise, and we will not allow our streets to be vacated by the police. We must therefore create two committees, one that will investigate the use of Pegasus and the conduct of the police, and one that will create a national plan for police rehabilitation, altering how the police operate, strengthening the quality of the police force, and improving the way they interact with the public. Only then can we restore public trust in the police. Israeli society is experiencing an earthquake. If the rifts are not yet deep enough to bother us, then we must certainly be frightened by the fact that our police act as if they are part of a dark regime. All of us, elected officials and businessmen, those who lead social protests and those who interact with the police for any reason, must work to understand that this earthquake will have consequences. We must prepare ourselves and consider how we will rise up after the tsunami hits. Israelis deserve security from both external and domestic threats. The Israeli public deserves an ethical police force that adheres to the law and respects our rights. The writer is mayor of Efrat.

Crimean Peninsula, where the strategic military assets it wanted to secure were located – namely the headquarters and facilities of its Black Sea Fleet. It then undertook a relatively bloodless takeover of this Ukrainian territory by setting up a referendum and presenting the annexation of Crimea as fulfilling the “will of the people”. It did not go any further in trying to conquer Ukrainian territory. A fullscale war was not the method and the occupation of Kyiv was not the goal. Instead, to punish and subdue the new government in Kyiv, it set up separatist forces in the eastern part of the country, funded and armed them and sent some troops for support. It relied heavily on mercenaries and Russian soldiers not wearing insignia in order to deny its involvement and present the events on the ground as a spontaneous uprising. Thus, Moscow earned leverage over Ukraine at a minimum cost. Today, eight years after the start of the conflict, Russia is amassing a large number of troops along the border. Has it changed its approach? That is unlikely. Despite Western predictions of an imminent invasion, it is questionable that the intended target of the Russian military mobilisation is Ukraine. Moscow has not lost its leverage over Kyiv in the Donbas region, as it is nearly impossible for the Ukrainian army to end the separatist movement there while it enjoys Russian support. If the Kremlin wants to pressure the Ukrainian government, it could simply do so by escalating the conflict in the east, which does not necessitate a large deployment of Russian troops. In fact, just the large military presence along the border is already doing enough damage to Ukraine: severely undermining its economy. Furthermore, the Russian authorities do not see a threat emanating from a “democratic Ukraine”, as the Maidan by now has lost its appeal within Russian pro-democracy circles. Therefore, the amassing of troops along the Russia-Ukraine border is not targeting Kyiv, but the West. Moscow wants to force

Western countries to finally sit down for negotiations on issues of European security. And this strategy seems to be working. Since 1991, this is the first time the West has engaged seriously with Russia to discuss European security. Russian officials undoubtedly understand that Ukraine will not enter NATO, as there is no enthusiasm for it within the military organisation right now. What the Kremlin worries about is whether the US will deploy missiles or missile defence elements on Ukrainian soil. Moscow wants arrangements to be made on several issues, including halting the deployment of intermediate-range ballistic missiles in Europe and limiting military exercises in close proximity to Russian borders. On December 17, it put out a proposal outlining its demands to both NATO and the United States. SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Until the Kremlin feels that it has received the necessary security guarantees, it will likely continue to keep military pressure on the Ukraine border. It might deploy intermediate-range ballistic missiles in Belarus or even escalate in other hotspots in its immediate neighbourhood, such as Georgia. It may organise war games closer to Western Europe, as it did with recent naval exercises near Ireland. It could even show off military capabilities closer to US borders, by deploying hypersonic missiles on its submarines or setting up long-range missiles in venezuela, for example. All these measures, however, will fall within Russia’s cost-effective calculations. That means that a large-scale invasion or war is highly unlikely. Dr Harun Yilmaz is an academic researcher who writes extensively on Ukraine, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. He was previously a research fellow at Harvard University, British Academy, and lectured history of the Soviet Union under Stalin at Queen Mary University of London.

Meta might shut down instagram – and i’d be devastated. wouldn’t you? IndePendent FaIza SaqIb

ETA could potentially shut down Facebook and Instagram in Europe due to data transfer issues – and you’re probably wondering why this might be a big deal. Right? Just another day and another app that will eventually die down? Well… not quite. For some people, Instagram and other social media outlets are practically (or literally) a full-time job. Allow me to explain. According to Business of Apps statistics, Instagram generated an estimated revenue of $24 billion in 2020, and had more than 1 billion users. The growth of platforms like Instagram and Facebook comes from consumers, as well as a large community of creatives that utilise them as a form of income: from business owners who use ads to generate customers; to writers, photographers, influencers, YouTubers, and more – as well as your average, everyday user like me, for whom the apps are simply a way of life. I believe that the potential shutdown of such a large space could actually cause more harm than good – by isolating and disconnecting people, reducing small businesses and eliminating people’s outlets for creativity. Through images, captions and reels, we are able to dive into a completely different world, which –particularly during times like the pandemic – can be a vital and comforting form of escapism. I remember joining Instagram when I was a teenager, uploading silly selfies and finding ways to stay connected with family and friends. That platform eventually matured: I leaned into my passion for writing and found my own little community by interacting with other writers and attending events, which allowed me to develop my skills further. Poetry became a way for me to connect with fellow users, as well as those in the “modest fashion” realm: a community of fashion enthusiasts who love to express themselves through different garments (such as the hijab, or headscarves) that cover the skin for cultural and religious reasons, or simply personal preference. It gave me a chance to be myself; a raw (maybe even rare) occurrence that not many people feel when using social media. It feels good to be seen on a platform and accepted as a Muslim

woman – we’re so used to feeling invisible. Over the years, I have shared my poetry and self-portraits, and now have more than 30,000 followers. That has given me the opportunity to expand on my work as a writer and content creator, working with different fashion brands that cater to modest fashion and getting paid for the images that I create. My captions often centered around poetry, with the images reflecting on the words I write. My Instagram platform has also helped me grow in the media industry – it has become a sort of “virtual mini portfolio” of all the hard work I have done over the years. I was able to share my platform with recruiters and use it as a springboard to finding work. I’d also like to think that my platform is a small reflection of who I am – granted, it is a tiny fraction of my life, but it is still a part of me. To lose it all would be devastating. That’s not to say Instagram doesn’t have its downsides: with its (arguably toxic) selfie filters and distasteful beauty standards that often cloud these platforms. Social media use by those under the age of 18 (which has significantly increased) has been linked to depression and suicidality. According to Health Assured, younger people say that four out of five major social platforms “make their anxieties worse”. It clear that much more needs to be done to protect communities on these platforms, especially the younger generations. Major platforms such as Meta, formally known as Facebook, also need to do more in protecting its members from abuse, bullying and consider the safety of its members: it has come under fire for its lack of privacy in the past, as well as issues of censorship (or the lack thereof). But I strongly feel that we must also consider the good that is being done through these sites. Behind many of these platforms are real people, with real stories, who want to spread activism, positivity, truth and self belief. Choose love is just one of these examples: they are a non-profit organisation that aim to support and assist refugees who have been displaced globally. Their Instagram platform is filled with hopeful images as well as fundraising campaigns to help those in need. You may disagree, but I say, a world without Instagram and Facebook would be a very hard pill to swallow. Put simply: I’d miss it. Wouldn’t you?

Thursday, 10 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

POLiCE rEGiStErS AttEMPtED MurDEr CASE AGAinSt fOur COPS ISLAMABAD

Ambassador Of Switzerland Calls On Air Chief Ambassador of Switzerland Mr. Benedict de Cerjat called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force in his office on Wednesday. The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of PAF personnel and the exceptional progress made by PAF over the years, especially through indigenization. The Air Chief highlighted that both countries enjoy cordial relations and reiterated his resolve to further enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between the air forces of the two countries. Various matters of mutual interest and professional cooperation also came under discussion during the meeting. pr

Police to take stern action against motorists using LEDs, high beam lights ISLAMABAD: As per direction of IGP Islamabad Muhammad Ahsan Younis Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has decided to take strict action against those involved in using high beam lights and Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) during drive. Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Mazhar Iqbal said that as per direction of IGP Islamabad Muhammad Ahsan Younis decision has been made to ensure safe road environment in the city and avoid accidents. A Several vehicles had to face action during this drive having HID/LED lights while such lights were also impounded. Special squads have been constituted to check use of LED/HID by motorists while police pickets would be erected at important boulevards of the city including Expressway, Srinagar highway (Kashmir Highway), Margalla Road, IJP road, Murree Road, 7th Avenue and 9th avenue. Night shift in-charges will lead this campaign to check use of high beam lights and LED/HID lights while education wing will aware the people about risks involved in using these lights. ITP’s FM Radio 92.4 is also arranging special programs informing people about risks involved in using these lights. SSP (Traffic) has appealed the citizens to cooperate with police so that safe road environment can be ensured in the city. pr

Jazz’s cloud platform 'Garaj' to help businesses realize their full potential KARACHI: Aimed at facilitating enterprises to leverage technology and unleash their full business potential, Jazz has launched 'Garaj', a state-of-the-art cloud platform. The onshore cloud is a significant step forward in ensuring that data created in Pakistan is hosted within the country as well as a key enabler of Jazz’s digital operator strategy. With an investment of US$ 6 million planned in the next few years, 'Garaj' will enable businesses, public entities, academic institutions as well as local startups to further optimize their operational efficiency, capacity and accelerate their growth ambitions. The cloud services will be delivered from Jazz’s data center in Lahore and Jazz Digital Park, Pakistan’s largest TIA Rated-3 certified data center established with an investment of US$ 8 million. “Business innovation, today, requires powerful technology solutions,” said Syed Ali Naseer, Chief Business Officer, Jazz. “Garaj will enable a secure and affordable cloud experience as more businesses and government seek digitalization to capture efficiencies and reinvent their customer experience. Cloud solutions will allow for much needed cost and operational efficiencies, while delivering security and improving the ease of doing work.” Traditional IT infrastructures require in-house server hardware, software licenses, integration capabilities, and on ground employee support. pr

N attempted murder case has been registered against four cops of Eagle Squad on Wednesday allegedly involved in shooting and injuring a 10th grade student during an high alert following a robbery incident in Jhangi Syedan. The case was registered with Police Station (PS) Noon under sections 324/34 of PPC on complaint of Kamran Khan, the father of maimed student identified as Huzaifa Rahan, informed a police spokesman. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muhammad Ahsan Younas states capital believed in self-accountability with ensuring foolproof security and safety for the noble and innocent citizens.

According to him, SSP Operations Faisal Kamran, following directions of IGP Muhammad Ahsan Younas, conducted an inquiry into firing incident by police that left a youth Huzaifa injured. He mentioned police force was out on high alert in Noon area following a call received in Safe City that three suspects dacoits fled on a motorcycle after snatching valuables from a citizen on gunpoint. In the meanwhile, Eagle Sqauds spotted a speeding motorcycle with three persons on board and signaled the riders to stop for checking. However, the three riders sped up motorcycle in street where they fell down after being slipped due to over speed. “A boy having yellow bag on shoulders fled after seeing the cops coming towards while the cops fired two bullets

in the air and on earth to stop the fleeing boy,” he said adding that the cops managed to arrest two boys. “One of the two boys suffered bullet injury in thumb of the foot and was taken to hospital,” the spokesman said. Later on it was revealed during investigation that the three boys were returning home after attending tuition classes in an academy. He said it was mentioned in the inquiry report that the four cops violated SOP and committed error of judgment on which a case has been registered against them. Police would also resolve the case on merit, he said. Meanwhile, IG Islamabad Muhammad Ahsan Younas said that police are taking action against criminals besides providing protection to noble and innocent citizens. “Islamabad police are committed

Review Meeting on Privatisation Program

to shield the citizens and a total of 55 police officers and Jawans have embraced martyrdom in the line of duty whereas more than 40 other suffered bullet injuries,” he said. He advised the citizens to not hesitate in lodging complaints with Complaint Cell 1715 round the clock in case of any emergency as the top priority of police is to provide security to the citizens. On the other hand, IG Islamabad Muhammad Ahsan Younas, DIG Operations Awais Ahmed and SSP Operatons Muhammad Faisal Kamran paid a visit to PIMS and enquired about the health of the injured student. IGP met with the family and apologized to them for this unfortunate incident. Top cop of capital police also ensured the family of full support and cooperation in this regard.

Qatar Airways to resume scheduled services to Multan, its sixth destination in Pakistan DOHA pr

ISLAMABAD pr

Federal Minister for Privatisation Mohammedmian Soomro chaired a meeting to review the ongoing major transactions in Islamabad today. The newly appointed Chairman Privatisation Saleem Ahmed also attended.

Federal Minister and Chairman were briefed about the current status of Jinnah Convention Center (JCC), Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC), National Power Parks Management Company Limited (NPPMCL), Pak Re-insurance Company Limited (PRCL), Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), HBFCL and others.

Saleem Ahmed holds an extensive experience in banking and investment sectors at national and International level for more than a decade. The new Chairman was briefed about the status of major transactions along with the proposed timelines for the completion of these transactions.

IGP listens to public complaints at open court ISLAMABAD pr

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Muhammad Ahsan Younas while hearing public complaints during khuli kacheri directed all police officials to resolve the public complaints on priority. The IGP said that the purpose of holding these khuli kacheries is to resolve public issues immediately and purely on merit. The IGP while listening public complaints strictly directed all zonal officers to take immediate and strict action against land grabbers. “No one would be allowed to grab property of any citizen” he added. Islamabad police chief said that it is our prime responsibility to provide protection to the lives and property of the citizens and resolve their problems on priority. He said that citizens at `Open Court’ should be behaved in a respectful manner and their trust on police department to be won through resolving their issues. He said that interaction with people also ensures accountability of the policemen and

they should address public complaints on merit by considering them their own issues. He said that positive image of policemen should be ensured before them through unbiased approach towards anyone. The IGP hoped that interaction during `open kutcheries’ would help to promote friendly policing. Such interaction with citizens are aimed to promote community policing, resolve the issues of people at their door steps through merit and curb activities of anti-social elements, he added.

Qatar Airways scheduled flights to Multan International Airport, Pakistan, will resume on 22 February 2022, with a three weekly service and taking it to four weekly, effective 27 March 2022 after the airline temporarily suspended flying to Multan in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The route will be operated by Airbus A320 offering seats in Business Class and Economy Class. With the addition of three weekly flights to Multan, passengers can now enjoy seamless connectivity to over 140 destinations across the airline’s extensive global network via the best airport in the world, Hamad International Airport, including popular destinations across the Middle East, Europe and North America. The national carrier of the State of Qatar remains committed to Pakistan with the resumption of Multan, further bolstering global connectivity. Following the resumption, the airline will operate 66 weekly flights to and from six airports in Pakistan, serving more cities in Pakistan than any other full service global airline. Qatar Airways flight QR616, will depart from Hamad International Airport at 20:45, arriving at 02:00 the next day into Multan International Airport. Qatar Airways flight QR617, will depart from Multan International Airport at 03:25, and arrive into Hamad International Airport at 05:15. The new service will offer one stop connectivity to Pakistani communities in the Middle East, Europe and North America. A multiple awardwinning airline, Qatar Airways was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.

Japan, UNODC enhance counter-narcotics capacity of ANF Pakistan by installing prefabricated buildings and body scanners ISLAMABAD pr

At a joint inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry of Narcotics Control, Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Narcotics Control, in coordination with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under the Japan-funded Border Security Project, offered his gratitude to the Government of Japan for its continuous official development assistance in Pakistan, as an old-time friend and a strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region. The inauguration ceremony was focused on prefabricated buildings donated to the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, as well as body scanners which were already operational at the Multan, Sialkot, and Faisalabad International Airports. These facilities and equip-

ment have been provided to the ANF under a UNODC project funded by the Government of Japan, entitled ‘Strengthening bor-

der security against illicit drug trafficking and related transnational organized crime. The inauguration ceremony was at-

tended by His Excellency (H.E.) Mitsuhiro Wada, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pakistan, Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam, Federal Secretary Ministry of Narcotics Control, Dr. Jeremy Milsom, Representative of UNODC Country Office Pakistan (COPAK) and senior officials from the Ministry of Narcotics Control, ANF, the Embassy of Japan, and UNODC COPAK. While welcoming the delegates, Dr. Milsom thanked Federal Secretary Imam and Ambassador Wada for their presence at the gracious occasion and their understanding in conducting this important event at the Ministry following strict SOPs, due to the prevailing COVID situation in the country. He also recognized ANF’s whole-hearted counter-narcotics operations efforts and reiterated his utmost respect for all the ANF personnel who had laid down their precious lives in the fight against drugs and illicit

crime in various parts of the country. Dr. Milsom reiterated that “UNODC well recognizes ANF’s leading counter-narcotics role, and it will always remain our crucial partner in Pakistan. We also believe that multi-dimensional roles and cross-cutting mandates of various national stakeholders can be used as a force-multiplier, to address risks and challenges of drug trafficking in Pakistan”. Mr. Saqib Khan – Programme Officer (Border Management) of UNODC COPAK highlighted the specificity of the ANF prefabricated facilities and the three body-scanner, which have already been operationalized by the ANF. Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam, Federal Secretary Ministry of Narcotics Control, thanked the Embassy of Japan and UNODC COPAK for successfully implementing the capacity-building activities under the 5-year project that commenced in April 2016.

Thursday, 10 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

10 FOREIGN NEWS

JudIcIal Murder of afzal Guru Is questIon Mark for 'IndIan elIte’: sHeHryar afrIdI ISLAMABAD

StAFF RePoRt

HAIRMAN of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Shehryar Khan Afridi Wednesday said that the Judicial Murder of Kashmiri trader Afzal Guru is a question mark on the conscience of the so-called ‘secular Indian elite’ and the illegal hanging of Afzal Guru reflects that entire Indian elite is united in silencing the voices being raised for the freedom of people of Jammu and Kashmiri. Mr Afridi expressed these views on the 9th martyrdom anniversary of Afzal Guru while talking to a delegation of Kashmiri activists led by Dr. Mujahid Gilani, President of Kashmir Youth Alliance, here at the Parliament House. It merits mention here that Afzal Guru, a Kashmiri who was hanged on February 9,

2013 in India’s infamous Tihar jail after being charged with false and fabricated allegations of abetting the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001. Guru was arrested by the Congress government in December 2001despite having found innocent in the entire case. Indian police could not find any concrete evidence against Guru who was awarded capital Punishment by Indian judiciary just to appease the Indian extremists who were protesting to question the failure of Indian government arrest the real culprits of attack on Indian parliament. Shehryar Afridi said that the Indian Judiciary has become an extension of the extremist Hindutva regime and its judgements in Afzal Guru, Babri Masjid, Maqbool Bhat and other similar cases without any evidence have proved the fact. “Unfortunately, the judiciary and legal; fraternity in India are working hands in glove with the extremist Hindutva thugs.

The Hindutva extremists target the Kashmiri people and once they move courts, the saffron judiciary and lawyers fraternity work to provide legal cover to the oppression meted out to the Kashmiris and Muslims of India,” said Mr Afridi. Shehryar Afridi said that the verdict of Afzal Guru itself acknowledged the fact that there was only circumstantial evidence against Afzal Guru. “Under no law, anyone can be awarded capital punishment. The judgement was awarded to hang Mr Guru just to appease the Hindutva extremists of India. His body was never returned to his family and he was buried in a lone corner of the Tihar Jail. Guru’s execution was carried out in haste and without prior information to his family. Mass curfew and internet shutdown was enacted in the IIOJK (Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir) to stop people from coming out on the roads against the

unjust decision,” he said. Afridi said that the world also failed to act to the state oppression of India against Kashmiris though the Hanging of Azal Guru was condemned by Amnesty International and various other Human Rights Organizations who had termed the hanging as a new trend to executions in secrecy. Shehryar Afridi said that the hanging of Afzal Guru to satisfy the collective conscience of the people of India is a miscarriage of justice. “Afzal Guru was a non-violent Kashmiri making his bread and butter through business. He left behind a wife and a son who lost their respective husband and father to the unfair Indian injustice system,” he said. Afridi reiterated that the People of IIOJK are not the children of a lesser God and they should be given their fundamental rights. He maintained that the voices from IIOJK are being curbed and anyone who speaks for hu-

UN migration agency appeals for $589m to support Afghanistan, neighbouring countries GENEVA AnAdolu Agency

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) launched an international appeal Tuesday for more than $589 million to respond to the urgent humanitarian and protection needs of communities in Afghanistan and six neighbouring countries. The IOM, the UN agency dealing with migration, needs the money to assist more than 3.6 million crisisaffected persons and strengthen the communities’ resilience and recovery.

“The ongoing crisis in Afghanistan is intensifying humanitarian needs and increasing displacement risks both inside the country as well as across borders to countries in the region,” said Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations. The IOM’s revised Comprehensive Action Plan for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries says it builds on its expertise in responding to migration and displacement crises. “Nearly six months after the August 2021 political upheaval and resulting political transition, more than half of the Afghan population are now in need of humanitarian assistance, which is 30% more

than last year,” said Daniels. He said Afghanistan faces a real risk of systemic collapse and humanitarian catastrophe “as nearly all Afghans have now plunged into poverty.” When the IOM initially launched its plan for Afghanistan and neighbouring countries in September 2021, it said political, social and economic shocks in Afghanistan had reverberated across the country and the region. As a result, more than 700,000 Afghans were driven into displacement in 2021, adding to around 5.5 million people already in protracted displacement by mid-August 2021.

Taliban sniper becomes Afghan mayor AFP Strolling through the town of Maymana, the new mayor appears to inspire goodwill from war-weary constituents in the Afghan provincial capital. But Damullah Mohibullah Mowaffaq has a reputation as one of the top snipers in the ranks of the Taliban, until last summer waging war to take control of the country. Mowaffaq was made mayor of Maymana, capital of Faryab province in the far reaches of northwest Afghanistan, in November, three months after the Taliban ousted the Western-backed government and seized power. He rose to prominence as a fighter, but now his schedule is packed with the daily tasks of local government — unblocking sewers, planning roads, and smoothing over neighbourhood quarrels. Maymana mayor Damullah Mohibullah Mowaffaq monitoring workers as they clean a street in Maymana, capital of Afghanistan's northwestern Faryab province on January 17, 2022. — AFP Maymana mayor Damullah Mohibullah Mowaffaq monitoring workers as they clean a street in Maymana, capital of Afghanistan’s northwestern Faryab province on January 17, 2022. — AFP His switch reflects the broader transformation that the Taliban are undergoing, as the group grapples with administering territory.

Hindu pride and Muslim fears overshadow key Indian election AYODHYA AFP

Hindu worshippers from across India gather each morning to pray in Ayodhya, near where a historic mosque was torn down three decades ago by religious zealots — triggering inter-faith riots that killed thousands of people. The demolition of the centuries-old Babri Masjid shook the nation’s secular foundations and paved the way for the rise of Hindu nationalism as its dominant political force. Workers are now erecting a Hindu shrine where the mosque once stood, and Muslims fear a coming election in India’s most populous state could see such endeavours repeated elsewhere. “This is no ordinary temple,” Anil Mishra, a member of the trust overseeing the construction project, told AFP. “This is a national temple that carries the emotions and feelings of the masses.” In a cordoned-off area nearby, a crowd of devotees chant mantras to Ram, one of the most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon, who is said to have been born at the site thousands of years ago.

manity is arrested and charged under different draconian laws which have already been termed as black laws by International organizations. “The Judicial murder of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat are evidence that how Indian judiciary has become a slave to the Hindutva extremists”. Lauding the efforts of Kashmir Youth Alliance, Sherhyar Afridi said that it is mandatory for any nation to know and remember its heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of their nations. “It is a duty of all of us to commemorate the days related to Kashmir and Kashmiri Heroes and the youth needs to be taught about their heroes too. He said that a monument of Kashmiri Leadership of IIOJK and a museum of the Martyrs of Kashmir will be constructed in Islamabad to project the real voices of IIOJK,” concluded Mr Afridi.

abu dhabi gas blast raises jitters after recent drone, missile attacks AFP A gas explosion in downtown Abu Dhabi prompted a warning of a possible attack early on Wednesday following a series of recent drone and missile assaults by Yemeni rebels. The US embassy issued a security alert after the blast in a building on Hamdan Street just after midnight sent a fireball into the sky and set off a blaze. But emergency teams in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital “put out a fire caused by a gas cylinder explosion”, the official WAM news agency said. “The teams managed to control the situation after extinguishing the fire and safely vacating the residents,” it said. The report also urged the public to “follow the news from the UAE’s official authorities and to avoid spreading rumours and false information”. Unverified footage posted on social media showed an explosion at the top of a building and emergency services arriving in the busy street below as bystanders watched. The US embassy in Abu Dhabi had warned after the blast that “there are reports of a possible missile or drone strike having occurred” over the city. In a later statement, it cited the Emirati authorities’ notification that the blast was a gas cylinder explosion, saying it had an obligation to inform US citizens of potential threats. “Against the backdrop of recent security incidents, reports of audible and visible explosions in Abu Dhabi early this morning prompted the embassy to issue a security alert to American citizens and personnel,” the embassy said.

Thursday, 10 February, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

SPORTS 11

PCB ANNoUNCes TesT sqUAd foR AUsTRAliA seRies

NEws DEsk

HE Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its Test squad comprising 16 players and five reserves for the upcoming home series against Australia. According to PCB, three changes have been made to the national Test squad after the Bangladesh tour. “Pakistan cricket selectors today announced 16 players and five reserves for the three Tests against Australia, which will be played in Rawalpindi (4-8 March), Karachi (12-16 March) and Lahore (21-25 March),” a statement issued by the PCB said. The PCB stated that the Test cricketers who are not playing in the ongoing Pakistan Super League season 7 will gather in Karachi next Wednesday, February 16, to participate in a training camp at National Stadium Karachi.

It further said that Haris Rauf, who played in the Test series against South Africa and Zimbabwe in 2021, has re-joined the squad and replaces off-spinner Bilal Asif. Meanwhile, Shan Masood, who last played in the New Zealand Test series in 2020-21, has replaced Abid Ali since he is undergoing rehabilitation after being diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Moreover, Yasir Shah has been added to the reserve pool. Chief selector Muhammad Wasim said that they have opted for consistency for the crucial home series against Australia and made the changes only where necessary. He said that it is to give the boys confidence, reward them for their impressive performances in the longer version of the game in 2021 and continue to build the side for the future. “These are the best available, most talented and in-form players in the domestic circuit. I am confident they will put up an impressive performance against a formida-

Belarusian skier flees country after ban for political views BEIJING

PCB recalls Rauf, Masood for series against Australia LAHORE The AssociATed Press

Opening batter Shan Masood and fast bowler Haris Rauf have been recalled for Pakistan’s threeTest cricket series against Australia next month. Australia will be touring Pakistan for the first time since 1998 and will play Test matches at Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore before a limitedovers series involving three One-Day Internationals and a T20 international. Rauf was part of the squad that played against South Africa and Zimbabwe last year and has replaced off-spinner Bilal Asif. The left-handed Masood has impressed the selectors with his recent form in domestic firstclass cricket and has returned to the squad after last playing against New Zealand in the 2020-21 season. Masood has replaced Pakistan regular Test opener Abid Ali, who was ruled out of the series against Australia while he undergoes rehabilitation for a heart issue. “We have opted for consistency for the important home series against Australia and changes have only been made where absolutely necessary,” chief selector Mohammad Wasim said. “This is to give the (players) confidence, reward them for their impressive performances in the longer version of the game in 2021 and continue to build the side for the future.”

ble Australia side,” he added. Meanwhile, the PCB confirmed that Saqlain Mushtaq will continue as head coach for another 12 months, while it also announced the appointments of Shaun Tait as fast bowling coach for 12 months and Mohammad Yousuf as batting coach for the Australia series.

Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Saud Shakeel (Sindh) Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Shan Masood (Balochistan) Zahid Mahmood (Sindh) Reserves Kamran Ghulam (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab) Naseem Shah (Southern Punjab) Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh) Yasir Shah (Balochistan) PlayeR suPPoRT PeRsonnel: Mansoor Rana (manager), Saqlain Mushtaq (head coach), Shahid Aslam (assistant to head coach), Mohammad Yousuf (batting coach), Shaun Tait (bowling coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saaiman (trainer/strength and conditioning coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Emmad Ahmed Hameed (media

Aussie skipper Pat Cummins breaks silence on player revolt in Langer exit AFP

reuTers

A Belarusian cross-country skier has fled the country with her family because of fears of reprisals by authorities after she was barred from competition over the family’s political views, she and her father said. Darya Dolidovich and her family are now in Poland, where she hopes to continue training, Sergei Dolidovich, a seven-time Olympian cross-country skier who also coaches Darya, told Reuters in an interview by video call with his daughter on Tuesday. Reuters reported last month that 17year-old Darya was barred from competing for what Sergei and his daughter believe were his participation in street protests against the 2020 re-election of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that opponents said was fraudulent. Lukashenko has denied rigging the vote. “Darya has been stripped of her right to take part in competitions,” he said. “I don’t see the possibility of her continuing her career in Belarus.” “We could be accused of staging a demonstration and shouting (opposition) slogans, then just be sent to prison,” he said. “Three months ago, I couldn’t have imagined, even in a nightmare, that I would end up leaving my country.” The Dolidovich family’s departure comes a few days into the Beijing Winter Olympics, where the Belarusian national team is under scrutiny following the defection of sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya at the Tokyo Games last year. Darya, one of the country’s most promising junior cross-country skiers, said last month that the Belarus Ski Union deactivated her FIS code, an individual identifying number required for athletes to take part in competitions run by the International Ski Federation (FIS). The Belarus Ski Union told Dolidovich’s coaching staff that it deactivated her FIS code in December in response to a decision by the Belarus Cross-Country Skiing Federation, according to a January 31 letter reviewed by Reuters. The letter did not say why that decision was made.

TesT squad Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab) Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab) Azhar Ali (Central Punjab) Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab) Fawad Alam (Sindh) Haris Rauf (Northern) Hasan Ali (Central Punjab) Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan) Mohammad Nawaz (Northern) Nauman Ali (Northern)

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins on Wednesday denied that a player revolt over Justin Langer’s intense management style was behind the batting great’s shock resignation as men’s team coach. Cummins had been under pressure from former players to explain his role in Langer’s departure after the 51-year-old quit on Saturday following unsuccessful talks with Cricket Australia over a contract extension. The paceman broke his silence in a written statement, saying he was previously unable to comment as it would have put his team in an “impossible situation”. “I’d never do that,” he said. “I believe in respecting the sanctity of the change room and proper process.” Cummins had repeatedly refused to back Langer to stay in the job despite his success guiding Australia to an emphatic 4-0 Ashes victory over archrivals England and a maiden T20 World Cup title. Langer also overhauled the toxic Australian cricketing culture that led to the 2018 “Sandpaper-gate” ball-tampering scandal. Speculation had centred on Langer’s self-admitted tendency towards being “grumpy”, with reports suggesting Cummins had passed on concerns from himself and other players to Cricket Australia. But the skipper insisted “the players were OK with JL’s intensity” as it showed his commitment to the Australian cause. “Justin’s intensity drove a better team culture and higher team standards,” Cummins said in a statement. “These are significant Justin Langer legacies.” Instead, Cummins said there was a feeling in the dressing room that Australia needed “a new style of coaching and skill set” to build on the foundations laid by Langer. “(Cricket Australia) have made a brave call to transition, given the team has been winning,” he said. A number of high-profile ex-players including Langer’s former captain Ricky Ponting have expressed anger over his abrupt exit and questioned who in the current Australian setup contributed.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced that Saqlain Mushtaq will continue as head coach for another 12 months while former Australian paceman Shaun Tait has been appointed as fast bowling coach for a year. In addition, Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as the batting coach for the series with Australia. The Australian Test team will arrive in Pakistan on February 27. After isolating in Rawalpindi for one day, they will start practicing at Pindi Cricket Stadium for the first Test that will be held at the same venue from March 4 to 8. The Pakistani Test players, who are not participating in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2022, will assemble in Karachi on February 16 for a training camp that will be held at the National Stadium. This will be Australia’s first tour of Pakistan since 1998.

Man Utd frustrated in Burnley draw, Newcastle boost survival bid LONDON AFP

Cummins said former players had a right to speak out, but as the current Australian captain he also had a duty towards his teammates. “To all past players, I want to say this: just as you have always stuck up for your mates, I’m sticking up for mine,” he said.

PCB appoints Shaun Tait as new bowling coach for Australia tour NEws DEsk

and digital manager), Col (retd) Usman Anwari (security manager), Talha Ejaz (analyst) and Malang Ali (masseur). Cricket Australia announced an 18 member Test squad for its first Pakistan tour, starting March 4, in Rawalpindi. The PCB had earlier announced the details of Australia’s first tour of Pakistan since November, 1998. The tour will take place in March and April 2022 and will include three Tests, three One-Day Internationals, and one Twenty20 International. Karachi (3-7 March), Rawalpindi (1216 March), and Lahore (21-25 March) will host the Tests, while Lahore will host the four white-ball matches from 29 March to 5 April. The Tests will be part of the ICC World Test Championship, while the ODIs will be part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, a 13-team competition from which the top seven teams and hosts India will qualify directly for the 2023 event.

Manchester United dropped out of the Premier League’s top four after a damaging 11 draw against struggling Burnley, while Newcastle boosted their survival bid with a crucial 3-1 win against Everton on Tuesday. Ralf Rangnick’s side slipped down to fifth place after Jay Rodriguez cancelled out Paul Pogba’s opener at Turf Moor. West Ham moved up to fourth, one point ahead of United, after a 1-0 win against second bottom Watford at the London Stadium. But their match was overshadowed by David Moyes’ controversial decision to select Kurt Zouma just hours after the French defender was forced to apologise when a video emerged of him kicking and slapping his cat. With Cristiano Ronaldo left on the bench for 68 minutes, Manchester United were made to pay for not making more of a dominant first half after Pogba put them in front with a thunderous strike from the edge of the area in the 18th minute. United’s troubled season hit another bump in the road when they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship side Middlesbrough on penalties on Friday. The lessons from that defeat were not learned as again they had more than enough chances to kill the game before being punished for a slack piece of defending. Two minutes after the break, Wout Weghorst left Harry Maguire trailing and slipped in Rodriguez, who held off the United captain, to dink the ball beyond David De Gea. Burnley’s 11th draw in 20 league games this season was not enough to move them off the foot of the table. At St James’ Park, Newcastle fell behind to Jamaal Lascelles’ own goal in the first half. But, on a pulsating Tyneside evening, the Magpies had the perfect response as Mason Holgate’s own goal sparked a rousing revival. Ryan Fraser put Newcastle ahead after half-time and Kieran Trippier’s superb free-kick rounded off the hosts’ second successive win. Mired in the bottom three for most of the season, Newcastle finally have their heads above water as they battle to avoid sinking into the Championship. Unbeaten in four league games, Newcastle are one place and two points above the relegation zone. “It’s a big result for us. We are in a better place, but football has a way of twisting and turning, so we are not getting ahead of ourselves,” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said. Everton are now in serious danger and new boss Frank Lampard will have been left in no doubts about the size of the task facing him. Lampard’s first game in charge was a 4-1 win over Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday. But the honeymoon ended much quicker than the former Chelsea boss would have liked. Everton, who sent on new signings Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek as substitutes, have failed to win their last six league games and sit uncomfortably just one point above Newcastle. “It was a tough game to have as we have only been together for a week. We need to not let our heads drop. The work starts now,” Lampard said. Essex police have launched an investigation into Zouma’s treatment of his cat and West Ham condemned the incident, but Moyes said he picked him because he was “one of our better players”.

Thursday, 10 February, 2022

PRAyeR tiMings

NEWS

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

5:36

12:22

3:22

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PakIStan SuMMOnS IndIan envOy OveR HIJab ban In kaRnataka SCHOOlS

AKISTAN on Wednesday deplored the “reprehensible act” of banning Muslim students from wearing hijab in the Indian state of Karnataka and summoned the Indian envoy to convey Islamabad’s concerns. Students at a government-run high school in the Indian state were told not to wear hijabs last month, an edict that soon spread to other educational institutions in the state. A hijab-clad student was also heckled and jeered at by a mob of Hindutva supporters in Karnataka on Tuesday. In a statement issued today, the Foreign Office (FO) said that the Indian Charge d’Affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was conveyed the government’s “grave concern and condemnation on the deeply reprehensible act” of banning Muslim students from wearing hijab in Karnataka. “The Charge d’ Affaires was urged to convey to the government of India Pakistan’s extreme concern over the anti-hijab campaign, being spearheaded by RSS-BJP combine in Karnataka, which is part of its

larger exclusionist and majoritarian agenda aimed at dehumanising and demonising Muslim women,” the FO said. The Indian diplomat was also conveyed Pakistan’s concern that religious intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatisation and discrimination against Muslims was continuing unabated almost

Opposition can’t get required votes for no-confidence motion against govt: Rasheed

two years after the 2020 Delhi riots, which claimed the lives of 50 Muslims. “The government of Pakistan is also alarmed at the deafening silence of the BJP leadership and the absence of discernable action against Hindutva proponents openly calling for [the] genocide of Muslims at the recently held Dharam

Sansad in Haridwar, Uttarakhand,” the statement said, referring to calls for the mass killing of Muslims by Hindutva leaders in India. It was emphasised to the Indian envoy that the government of India must fulfil its responsibility to hold the perpetrators of harassment against women in Karnataka to account and take adequate measures to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Muslim women, the statement added. “He was further urged to impress upon the government of India to take immediate action against [the] perpetrators and abettors of anti-Muslim violence in [the] Indian states of Assam, Tripura, Gurugram and Uttarakhand and bring justice to the victims of [the] Delhi riots,” the FO said. Pakistan also called on the international community, including the United Nations and the organisation of Islamic Cooperation, to take notice of the “worrying level of Islamophobia in India” and prevail upon Indian authorities to prevent systematic human rights violations against minorities in the country. stAff RePoRt

Fazl, Shahbaz to discuss anti-govt measures

ISLAMABAD APP

Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Wednesday said the opposition is in hot water after Prime Minister Imran Khan conducted successful visit to China and the opposition cannot get required votes for no-confidence motion against the government. Talking to media persons, the minister said the opposition could not bring no-confidence motion against the government in last three and half years despite tall claims. The opposition cannot defeat the government and the establishment is completely neutral and standing with the elected government, he said. The minister said the next 50 days are very important in politics but Imran Khan would emerge more powerful and victorious. The PM is going to Russia on an important visit after 22 years, he added. He said the Iranian interior minister is also coming on February 14 while the Australian cricket team would also visit Pakistan after a long time for a series. Regarding the opposition’s long march, he said that he is not sure about the opposition’s long march on 23rd of the next month as PPP, PMLN and Maulana Fazalur Rehman have different politics. Rasheed said the network of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offices is being expanded to the far flung areas of the country. As many as 13 passport offices are being set up in interior Sindh, he added. Similarly, he said succession certificate would also be introduced in Azad Kashmir and Balochistan. The minister said that the government has decided 15 percent increase in the salaries of all civil armed forces including rangers, frontier constabulary, coast guard, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts with effect from March.

World urged to notice India’s ‘ghettoisation’ of Muslims ISLAMABAD APP

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday said depriving Muslim girls of education in India was a “grave violation” of fundamental human rights and urged the international community to take notice of the situation. “World must realise that this is part of Indian state plan of ghettoisation of Muslims,” he said in response to an incident of India’s Karnataka state where a mob of radical RSS supporters heckled a hijab-clad Muslim student. Qureshi said minorities in India continued to suffer mistreatment which was a matter of grave concern. He said India claimed a champion of secularism and democracy, while in fact, the Muslim citizens faced restrictions on their attire. Qureshi said Muslims in India had their own culture and civilization and must stand up for their basic human rights. He urged the sane and secular voices in India to raise their voice against the mistreatment of the Muslim minority. Qureshi mentioned that Prime Minister Imran Khan had repeatedly expressed deep concern over the growing trend of Islamophobia the world over. He said at the 47th meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Niamey, Pakistan not only raised its voice against the growing trend of Islamophobia but also presented a unanimously adopted resolution. The foreign minister said that the upcoming 48th meeting of the forum on March 22-23 in Islamabad would discuss the Palestine and Kashmir issues, Islamophobia, and other challenges facing the Muslim world. He said the focus would also be laid on how to effectively use the OIC platform to protect the rights of Muslims.

PHC asks Firdous, Fawad to visit Justice Seth’s grave and apologise

ISLAMABAD inP

Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) president and chief of his faction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Maulana Fazl ur-Rehman will call on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and National Assembly Leader Opposition Shahbaz Sharif on Friday. The meeting will be held at the Lahore residence of Sharif. During the meeting, Sharif will brief Rehman about his meeting with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-

chairman Asif Ali Zardari. The two leaders will also discuss the political situation in the country. Earlier on Saturday, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Zardari held a meeting with Sharif at his residence in Model Town. Talking to the media after the meeting, Sharif declared the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government failed to take the Kashmir dispute forward and no progress was made in the OIC meetings on the matter as well. Speaking on the occasion, Bilawal said the opposition is united

and will do everything constitutionally and legally possible to dislodge Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said that in the meeting, both parties shared their plans to dislodge the government. The PPP chairman said that the PML-N is going to ponder on our suggestions very soon, adding the government has made the lives of the people hell through historic poverty, inflation and unemployment. The PPP chairman also appreciated Sharif’s efforts to keep the opposition’s unity intact in the National Assembly.

Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry and Firdous Ashiq Awan on Wednesday submitted an apology in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) for making offensive remarks against the then PHC chief justice Waqar Seth who passed away in November 2020. It is pertinent to note that the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) leaders had made the remarks during a presser, after Justice Seth issued a judgment sentencing military dictator Pervez Musharraf to death. According to the statement of Justice Seth, Musharraf should be hanged publically and if he’s already dead then his corpse should be hanged at DChowk. As per the details, the PTI leaders appeared in the high court and submitted an unconditional apology to the court. Justice Roohul Amin said the PTI leaders should also visit the grave of the deceased judge and apologise to him. They should pray for his soul as well, the judge advised. “Allah also likes forgiveness, but the person whose feelings were hurt should be apologised to,” the judge said, telling them to go to his grave and tender their apology there. After visiting the grave, come to the court and submit a written reply, he said, adding that the court will issue its order after that. It merits mention that Law Minister Farogh Naseem, former attorney general Anwar Mansoor, and former accountability aide Shahzad Akbar have already submitted apologies in the court, pertaining to this case. news desk

China showers praises on PM Imran Khan for attending opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics ISLAMABAD MiAn AbRAR

China on Wednesday showered praises on Prime Minister Imran Khan for attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics Winter Games despite a boycott of the event by some western countries. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian, while speaking during a regular press conference, noted that the presence of the Pakistani leadership and athletes proved that the ‘iron-clad friendship’ between China and Pakistan has taken root in people’s hearts and these congenial relations ‘enjoy people’s support’ in both the countries. “We also highly appreciate Prime Minister Imran Khan’s attendance at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Winter

Games, Pakistani athletes’ participation in the Games, and great support of Pakistani people from all walks of life,” Zhao Lijian said. The spokesperson said that the visit and participation not only carries on the ‘fine tradition of mutual support’ between Islamabad and Beijing but also ‘reflects Pakistan’s determination to uphold the Olympic spirit and live up to the Olympic ideal’. “The opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games has presented China and Chinese culture to the world, fulfilled China’s commitment of hosting a ‘streamlined, safe and splendid’ Olympic Games, and demonstrated the vision that all countries form a community sharing the same future,” said the spokesperson. The Chinese foreign ministry’s comments comes days after Prime Minister

Imran Khan and his high-level delegation returned to Pakistan after concluding their four-day visit. The prime minister’s four-day visit included meetings with top Chinese leadership, the business community, the signing of several memoranda of understandings (MoUs), and attending the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics — as a sign of solidarity with Beijing. Before leaving for Pakistan, PM Imran Khan met President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People in Beijing — the first meeting of the two leaders since the prime minister’s visit to China in October 2019. The two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of Pakistan-China bilateral cooperation, while also exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, a PM Office statement said.

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