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Thursday, 10 March, 2022 I 6 Shaʽban, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 251 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

I’m comIng aFter you, Imran tells ZardarI g

PM Khan also wins suPPort of MQM-P, GDa leaDers

KARACHI

staff rport

acinG arguably the biggest challenge of his political career in the form of the no-trust vote, the prime minister put Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairperson asif ali Zardari on his radar, saying the former president was his “next target”. addressing party workers and supporters at Governor house in Karachi, where had gone to meet the leadership of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), a member of the ruling coalition, imran Khan told Zardari that his “time has come”. the no-confidence motion the opposition parties moved against him would be the “political death” of the joint opposition, he added. “the gang of dacoit is shaking [in fear], the opposition is now stuck and the kaptaan has made preparations for when they fail. i will go after them […] i will not spare them,” said Khan.

Khan said that he was waiting for the “gang of robbers” as they were claiming after “every two months” that the government would be leaving. “i was thinking somehow their necks come in my hand,” said the prime minister, adding he wanted the opposition to submit the motion. he said the opposition has become “trapped” after submitting the motion, adding he has planned his moves for the future and will not stop once he “wins” the backing of the national assembly. he said he was busy for the past three-and-a-half-year in “stabilising the country amid various disruptions”, warning the opposition that it should now brace for his response. “i was thinking of somehow getting hold of their neck […] the God has finally listened to my prayer and they submitted the moton. now they have been trapped and their no-confidence move is going to rebound on them.” he said his counter plan for the opposition was also “ready”.

Prime Minister Khan said that Pti leaders have successfully held the huqooq-i-sindh march and the support of the people of sindh made it clear that they want change now. Khan said it is time to get rid of elements who have destroyed the province of sindh. he said the country is going in the right direction and we have gone through every challenge, including the coronavirus crisis, and provided relief to our people. he specially mentioned the collection of record taxes in the current financial year and said because of this, we have provided relief through a record reduction in the petrol and diesel prices. the prime minister also mentioned the country has witnessed a remarkable increase in exports, remittances and in the production of major crops. he said we have also stood strong during the afghanistan crisis and will overcome the problems that are bound to come forward due to the ukraine crisis. Khan said the federal government is working on a development package for Karachi to resolve its longstanding problems. he congratulated the people of Karachi for the Green line bus rapid transit service and Karachi circular railway (Kcr) on which work is underway. imran Khan said that the “Zardari mafia” destroyed the country, especially the province of sindh, while fazl urrehman has also made billions in dirty money. he vowed to bring back the looted money and bring the electricity prices further down. he said Pakistan suffered greatly by taking sides and lost more than 80 thousand people, both forces and civilians, in the us-led war on terror (wot). the prime minister said it was high time that Pakistan was acknowledged for its role.

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IMF taken in loop over cuts in Petroleum, Power prices, says Tarin IslAmAbAd staff report

finance Minister shaukat tarin on wednesday said that the government has held discussions with the international Monetary fund (iMf) over a recent relief package that was announced by the PM Khan. “we conversed only about what was necessary,” tarin said during a media interaction here on wednesday. he added that Pakistan was neither increasing its fiscal deficit nor taking any loans to provide relief to the people. he said the government had announced subsidies due to improvement in revenues of late. the finance minister explained that for the package, the government extracted some amount from ehsaas Programme allocations and the covid-19 budget, adding that “we also had dividends from state-owned enterprises”. he said there were multiple areas from where the government gathered finances to formulate the relief package. “i do not think they [iMf] should have any problem with that,” the minister insisted. he said it was not a concern of the iMf but “it is the responsibility of the government to apprise them of such decisions including the looming politi-

cal instability as well.” he also dispelled an impression that the relief package was announced for “political reasons,” saying the government was cognisant of burgeoning prices and hence it decided to formulate a plan to provide relief to the masses. the minister said the government also discussed with china their investment plans and future roadmap for Pakistan. “we sought their support in sectors including industries, agriculture, it sector and trade.” he underlined that the government had also asked china to commence projects built under the china-Pakistan economic corridor. “it will help us economically.” he maintained that Pakistan could not move forward without undertaking industrialisation. the minister reiterated that Pakistan’s economy was moving in the right direction. “inflation in January had reached 13pc and it has now dropped to 12.2pc last month.” he also said the foreign investors were considerably satisfied with measures taken by the government for facilitation of businesses, however, “they have sought a little more improvement as well, which we are working on.”

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Thursday, 10 March, 2022 | IsLAMABAD

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PaKistan needs local software develoPment to regulate cloud services ISLAMABAD

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HE largest IT solution provider in the country has said that Pakistan has to focus on local software development, but for that the country has to facilitate the international companies by having consistency of policies. “The excellent human resource usually moves out of the country either seeking jobs or to work as self-employed,” Saqib Ahmed, managing director System Analysis Program Development (SAP) said. Talking to the media here on Wednesday, Mr Ahmed said that there was a strong voice across the world regarding laws that regulate the Cloud services.

The cloud service is taking a predominant role in our modern world, and the businesses are acquiring their services instead of maintaining their own data centers and incorporating it with their IT operations. SAP is a German multinational software corporation that develops enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations. However, Mr Ahmed said that various geo-political crises were creating new challenges for the cloud businesses. “The demand was rising that the cloud service providers and the data center operators have to apply the laws of the country that has placed its data instead of the laws of the host country, to ensure that any war like situation would not affect their data,” he

Hajj Policy 2022 to be unveiled after agreement with saudi govt: official ISLAMABAD

said. Like many countries in the world, the relevant authorities in Pakistan too keep a watch on the employees and top management of the companies that maintain data, of public and private sector entities. Pakistan had also requested SAP to shift the data of Pakistani companies from the Gulf region to China, as there were many Indian nationals at key positions in the Gulf region. Currently, more than 90 percent of the public and private sectors in Pakistan are using SAP solutions for streamlining their operations. SAP has more than 230 million cloud users, more than 100 IT solutions covering all business functions.

Women rally despite attempts to shut down Aurat March LAHORE MonitoRing RepoRt

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The Hajj Policy 2022 would be unveiled after singing an agreement with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, an official of Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said on Wednesday. The official said that it is good news for all Muslims that the Saudi government has opened Hajj for foreign pilgrims across the world after twoyear hiatus. He said the Hajj policy would be designed as per revised pilgrims’ quota, which is expected to be announced soon by the Saudi government. He said the ministry is taking all anticipatory measures for smooth operation of Hajj. He said the ministry has floated tenders for the procurement of 40,000 doses each of Meningococcal (Meningitis ACYW-135) and Quadrivalent / Tetravalent Seasonal Influenza vaccines. It has also invited expression of interest from the scheduled banks to collect applications of the intending pilgrims for Hajj, the official said, adding that talks are underway with private airlines for the transportation of the pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and back to Pakistan. Earlier, the ministry had issued a public alert, urging the intending pilgrims not to submit their hard-earned money to any private Hajj tour operator until the Hajj Policy 2022 is officially announced. After taking notice of public complaints, it had said that some private tour operators are garnering money from intending pilgrims but it has not authorised any individuals, banks, Hajj group organisers or agents to receive Hajj applications and collect money on behalf of the ministry. The ministry had urged the masses to be careful of fraudsters, who are deceiving them in the name of Hajj.

Patwar Khanas in 36 districts, 145 tehsils of Punjab shifted to govt buildings: Babar Hayat LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Senior Member Board of Punjab Babar Hayat Tarar has said that Patwar Khanas in 36 districts and 145 tehsils across the province have been shifted in government buildings. These Patwar Khanas were being adorned with state-of-the-art digital facilities in the style of Dhai Marakaz Malls to give maximum benefits to the general public. This was stated by him while presiding over a meeting in his office here on Wednesday. Secretary Revenue Ashfaq Ahmed Chaudhry, Director Punjab Land Record Authority Nadeem Abbas Bhangu, Deputy Secretary Roman Barwana and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Lahore Tauqeer Ilyas Cheema attended the meeting. The meeting was informed that 163 Patwar Khanas of Lahore district have been shifted to government buildings and Computers have also been provided in these Patwar Khanas. Babar Hayat Tarar said that the Board of Revenue mission is to provide transparent revenue services in 36 districts of the province. He directed the administration to start government services in the remaining 15 under construction Patwar Khanas of district Lahore by completing this month. The senior member Board of Revenue said that Patwar Khanas of Lahore district would be linked with the modern cadastre system. In this way, all the information related to revenue would be available at one click of a button, which will help in keeping the revenue records in a systematic manner as well as facilitating the public and completely preventing revenue fraud, he added.

Around 2,000 women rallied Tuesday in Lahore despite efforts to bar the protest and withdraw security for an event frequently the target of violence. Rallies on International Women’s Day have received backlash since they were embraced four years ago in deeply conservative and patriarchal Pakistan. Critics accuse rights activists of

promoting liberal Western values and disrespecting religious and cultural mores. On Tuesday, dozens of events marking International Women’s Day — known as the Aurat March in Pakistan — were held across the country. Non-violent counter-protests, dubbed “hijab marches”, were also staged by women from conservative religious groups in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad where participants called for the preservation of Islamic values. In Lahore, city authorities

“But the government has to consider the results of such policies and international companies will invest to develop IT solutions in Pakistan,” he added. “The authorities have to understand that talent is not an issue in Pakistan – but lack of opportunity is the real issue.” According to him, as part of its plans for 2022, SAP has announced plans to leverage cloud computing technology in Pakistan in line with its mission to support and accelerate digital transformation in the country. SAP’s cloud offerings enable companies to optimize their end-to-end processes and innovate with new capabilities in the cloud while reducing operating costs, improving productivity, and unlocking new opportunities for growth.

A Cloud based solution helps organizations to save in financial terms, reduce human error, and allows for better streamlining and coordination, compared to a noncloud-based solution. Regarding development of IT based solutions in the country, he said that the government has to focus on local software development and be proactive. “The two essentials are consistency of policies regarding taxation and other facilitations, as the IT sector has seen tax waiver – imposition of taxes and waiver again, this confuses the international players,” he said. The second important step needed to be taken by the government and the state bank was an easy method to make payments to vendors abroad and repatriate profits.

urged organisers to cancel the rally over safety concerns and threatened to not provide security. Following a legal challenge, the Lahore High Court ruled the event could go ahead and authorities agreed to provide protection. The women marched through the streets in a jovial atmosphere, chanting slogans such as “Give respect to women” and “End the patriarchy”. They were guarded by riot police — and greeted by a small band of men chanting “end this obscenity”. Student Sairah Khan, 23, cited recent high-profile cases of brutal violence against women “without consequences” for her attendance. In Karachi, around 1,000 women gathered in a festival atmosphere with organisers conducting security checks as police stood by idly. “We have only one slogan: equal wages, protection and peace,” one woman chanted from a stage. In Islamabad, around 200 women rallied outside the city’s press club. “We have come to raise our voices and highlight our issues,” said student Fatima Shahzad. They were outmatched by more than 400 counter-protesters from extremist religious parties. But organiser Farzana Bari pledged “we will continue to assert ourselves”. “These are the women who refused to bow down,” she told AFP.

details of three militants involved in Peshawar mosque attack emerge PESHAWAR inp

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has identified three terrorists who masterminded the Peshawar attack that resulted in the deaths of 62 people. According to details shared by CTD, a militant, Abdul Wahid alias Ghazi Usman, was involved in the terror act. “Abdul Wahid has been involved in multiple terror acts including direct involvement in Peshawar blast, murders of ASI Imtiaz Alam and Satnam Singh,” it said. Another terrorist part of the network has been identified as Muzaffar Shah alias Khalid, who was previously involved in multiple target killings. “The third terrorist has also been identified as was killed in an operation Silence last night,” the CTD said and added that all three of them are involved in the Peshawar attack. Two days back, law enforcement authorities (LEAs) identified the suicide attacker and one of the handlers involved in the suicide attack at a Peshawar mosque. According to sources privy to the development, the suicide bomber has been identified with his alias of Abdullah as he frequently used to change his name. They further shared that data and the picture of one of the handlers have also been found and he is being identified as Hasan Shah, a resident of the Jamrud area of Khyber district. “Around four teams of CTD are currently in tribal districts to arrest the handler,” they said.

Buzdar meets 40 MPAs in a day to help cement grip on power LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Amid moves by Jahangir Tareen group, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar held a meeting with more than 40 MPAs on Wednesday during which matters pertaining to political situation and progress on development projects came under discussion. Assembly members reposed their full trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan and CM Usman Buzdar. Expressing his views on the occasion, Usman Buzdar said that opposition parties want to create political anarchy in the country. He regretted that by creating political instability colossal damage is being done to the strengthening economy. He emphasized that we are all soldiers of PM Imran Khan and would steadfastly foil every nefarious design of the opposition. He lambasted that the agenda of opposition to create political unrest in the country is witness to the masses. He denounced that three and a half years record of opposition as contrary to the national interests. He regretted that opposition by indulging into negative politics has dam-

aged the national interests. It does not tantamount to patriotism to work against the interests of Pakistan, he added. The chief minister stressed that PM Imran Khan has always given first and foremost priority to the interests of Pakistan. He disclosed that the motive behind opposition parties negative politics is to conceal their loot and plunder. He categorically remarked that the opposition would face defeat after facing successive failures. CM stated that PTI is united under the dynamic leadership of PM Imran Khan and we would collectively foil all conspiracies to create fissures in the ranks of PTI. He deplored that those indulging into politics of disunity would gain nothing in the prevailing conditions. He vowed that the dreams of opposition would never be fulfilled. “Assembly members are my colleagues, always gave them due respect and have resolved the genuine work of elected representatives on priority basis”, he remarked. He highlighted that the PTI governmen has set a new example of public service during its three and a half years tenure. He informed that not a single

scandal of PTI has come to surface while tales of corruption used to come to light every passing day in the past. Usman Buzdar remarked that the continuity of meetings with the elected representatives will continue. He deplored that the negative politics of the opposition is poisonous for the country and the nation. The masses have nothing to do with the politics of unrest, he added. The nation would never forget the opposition for creating political anarchy in the country, he maintained. “We were united, are united and will remain so in future as well”, he vowed. “My doors are open for all of you. We will not do injustice to anyone and politics of revenge is not our practice and your genuine grievances will be redressed”, he stated. He remarked that the name of our party is ‘Tehreek-e-Insaf’ and we believe in adhering to justice. The respect of Assembly members is my honour. The conspiratorial elements failed earlier and their designs would not succeed in future as well, he emphasized. The chief minister stated that we always gave answer to criticism by doing politics of service and would continue to

do so. Provincial Ministers and Assembly Members while talking with Chief Minister Usman Buzdar categorically expressed their full trust in his leadership. “You are our Chief Minister and we are united under your leadership”, they remarked. Those who met with CM included Provincial Ministers Mian Khalid Mahmood, Asad Khokhar, Khayal Ahmad Kastro, Syed Saeedul Hassan Shah, Shaukat Lalika, Hashim Jawan Bakht, Yasir Humayun, Adviser Hanif Pitafi, Members Punjab Assembly Khuram Khan Laghari, Ahmed Shah Khagga, Mian Muhammad Akhtar Hayat, Ch. Liaqat Ali, Saleem Sarwar Jora, Ch. Amjad Mahmood Chaudhry, Iftikhar Gondal, Fateh Khaliq Bandiyal, Maj. (R) Muhammad Latasab Satti, Sardar Ahmad Ali Dreshak, Sardar Mohyuddin Khosa, Sardar Javed Khan Lund, Syed Sabtain Raza, Nazir Chohan, Shakeel Shahid, Umer Farooq, Ali Akhtar, Saeed Ahmad, Khurram Ijaz, Umer Aftab, Talat Naqvi, Syeda Sonia Ali, Raza Shah, Mahindar Pal Singh and others. Chief Whip Punjab Assembly, MPA Syed Abbas Shah were also present on this occasion.

Thursday, 10 March, 2022 | IsLAMABAD

Petroleum division’s dg tenders resignation due to ‘arrogance of BaBus’ ISLAMABAD

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HE Director General (DG) (Liquefied Natural Gas/Liquefied Petroleum Gas) of the Petroleum Division has tendered resignation from the service on account of alleged ‘non-conducive working environment.’ According to the details, DG (LNG/LPG) Nawaz Ahmad Virk submitted resignation from the service on March 7, 2022 and forwarded the copy of his resignation to the Secretary Petroleum, Secretary Establishment Division & Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister for its early acceptance. Nawaz Ahmad, in his resignation, stated that he had decided to tender resignation due to “the arrogant attitude” of the top bureaucrats and their “inhuman treatment towards subordinate officers”. Moreover, the DG said in his resignation that tolerance for logic and acceptance of reasoning

was missing in attitude of the top babus while salary and compensation was not commensurate with his skills, efforts and responsibilities.

He said that continuous effort demanded workload without adequate human resources and administrative support, while no legal, financial and commercial

professionals were employed to deal with very innovative and knowledge demanding LNG supply chain. He said that these “major

reasons became the basis for submission of resignation from service”. He said that lack of permanent officers (deputed from other departments as a stopgap arrangement without relevant knowledge and expertise) and lack of required equipment that constantly impede efficient disposal of official work. “After 21 years of work experience (nearly 20 years in government service), the undersigned has no option but to submit resignation from service to get rid of stressful working environment [to help] avoid facing any such shouting behaviour from senior bureaucrats in future and protect my dignity as an honest and highly educated professional,” said a copy of resignation of the DG (LNG/LPG), Petroleum Division. A spokesman of the petroleum division was also contacted to get the stance of the petroleum division, however, he did not respond over the resignation.

Justice Faez Isa lauds Asma Jahangir’s courage during London seminar NEWS DESk Supreme Court’s Justice Qazi Faez Isa has said that the late human rights champion Asma Jahangir was a “trailblazer” who “achieved great things for Pakistan’s civil society and judiciary” while setting the highest of benchmarks in her field. Justice Isa was addressing a large number of students as the guest of honour at the “Asma Jahangir Lecture 2022 — the role of the judiciary in upholding democratic

rights and processes” at the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). Dr Martin Lau and Asma Jahangir’s daughter Sulema Jahangir also spoke at the event. The judge spoke at length about various aspects of Pakistani law and how Asma Jahangir changed the landscape of the country’s politics and judiciary through her relentless struggle for the rights of the voiceless and the marginalised and how she showed extreme courage and character. “We must acknowledge women like

Asma Jahangir. She was a great trouble maker and judges were terrified of her. I say this in appreciation of her,” said the SC judge who visited London specially to pay tribute to Asma. “Jahangir set an example for all when she demonstrated that tyranny is not insurmountable and judiciary is a vehicle to secure fundamental rights of all.” Justice Isa answered the questions of students and interacted with them at length. ‘She stood up for everyone’ Speaking at the occasion, Sulema Jahangir said her mother stood up for the

human rights of everyone regardless of their affiliations or personalities. She said Asma strongly believed in freedom of expression and would have condemned the strict penalties introduced to free speech through the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Sulema said that today, Pakistan was passing through one of the darkest phases of its history because of censorship and persecution of political opponents in the name of accountability. She commented that lawyers wish to see much-needed reforms in the courts.

Women MPs sponsored 35pc parliamentary business during 2021-22 NEWS DESk Women parliamentarians accounted for nearly 35 percent of parliamentary agenda during 2021-22 – 38 percent in the National Assembly and 25 percent in the Senate, according to the Annual Women Parliamentarians Performance Report 2022 released by F ree and Fair Election Network (Fafen) on the occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8).

The report said this year’s contribution by women parliamentarians is their highest annual contribution since the 15th National Assembly took oath in 2018 as they had sponsored 33 percent parliamentary agenda in 2018-19 and 2019-20 each, and 28 percent in 2020-21. Each woman MNA attended 65 of the National Assembly sittings against male MNAs’ average of 52 sittings. Similarly, a woman senator attended an average of 42 Senate sittings against their male counterparts’ aver-

age of 38 sittings. On average, each woman MNA contributed 10 agenda items to the assembly’s Orders of the Day against five by a male MNA. Similarly, each woman senator contributed nine agenda items to the upper house’s Orders of the Day against an average of seven by each male senator. All women parliamentarians – except four MNAs and one senator – actively participated in their respective house’s proceedings.

PIA flight brings back 232 nationals from Ukraine ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

A special flight of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Wednesday brought back 232 Pakistan nationals from Poland’s capital of Warsaw. The flight PK-7788 landed at Islamabad International Airport, carrying 232 people who were stuck in Warsaw due to the Ukraine crisis. On March 4, Noel Israel Khokhar, Pakistan’s ambassador in Kyiv, had said that as many as 1,470 students were evacuated from Ukraine. Sharing details of the evacuation of people from Ukraine, he had said two students are on the Hungary border and will be evacuated as soon as possible. The envoy had said the embassy has safely evacuated 98 per cent of the people from Ukraine. “Now only those few (around 30) Pakistanis are left in Ukraine

who are stuck in areas of intense fight,” he added. Earlier on March 5, Pakistan had called for de-escalation in Ukraine and underscored the need for a diplomatic solution in accordance with the relevant multilateral agreements, international law, and provisions of the UN Charter. In a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had underlined Pakistan’s concern about the latest situation in Ukraine. FM Qureshi had emphasised that the safe and swift return of Pakistani citizens from Ukraine remained the government’s topmost priority and requested the Russian government’s assistance and facilitation in this regard. The Russian foreign minister had assured of full support on this account.

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indian man likely to meet his family in Pakistan after 74 years NEWS DESk Two brothers – Muhammad Siddique and Habib Khan – were separated during the 1947 cleaving of the Indian subcontinent. Siddiqiue, 80, lives in Pakistan’s Faisalabad while Habib, 78, is in India. Earlier in January, a video of them meeting for the first time in 75 years at the visa-free Kartarpur Corridor, had gone viral on the internet. According to a news outlet, the Pakistan High Commission has now issued a formal visa for Khan to come and meet his family in Pakistan. “We are now waiting for the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs to furnish an NOC for Habib to cross the AttariWagah border,” said Siddique. According to an agreement, which was drafted between Pakistan and India in 2012, senior citizens above the age of 65 can secure travel visas to cross the border via the Attari-Wagah pipeline.

23,000 Kashmiri women widowed since 1989: mushaal APP Peace and Culture Organisation Chairperson Mushaal Hussein Mullick on Tuesday said some 675 Kashmiri women were killed from January 2021 till date and around 23,000 had been widowed since 1989 in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Mushaal, in a message on International Women’s Day, said India was a murderer and a usurper, and the sufferings and miseries of the Kashmiri people would only end when the last Indian soldier left the IIOJK. India, she added, had been trampling every right of the Kashmiris since illegally and forcibly occupying the Jammu & Kashmir. She said the Kashmiri people, who had rejected revocation of articles 370 and 35-A of the Indian Constitution, were forced to live in a situation where they even could not breathe freely. The Modi regime had imposed countless sanctions and restrictions in the valley under the draconian Public Safety Act, she added.

Thursday, 10 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

InauGuratIon of KaraChI ShauKat Khanum In 2023: Imran KARACHI

staff RepoRt

RIME Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said the Karachi branch of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital will be opened by the end of 2023. In a Twitter post, the prime minister shared pictures of the construction site and said the charitable facility will be

bigger than its counterparts in Lahore and Peshawar. “SKMT [Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust] Karachi is on schedule to open end of next year. It will be bigger than SKMT Peshawar and Lahore,” he wrote. Khan further said the hospital will be equipped with the latest state of the art machines. It is pertinent to mention here the prime minister broke ground for the hospital, located in the Defence Hous-

ing Authority (DHA) neighbourhood of the metropolis, in 2016. Khan set up the hospital and research centre, in Lahore, in memory of his mother Shaukat Khanum, who died of cancer in 1985. Until recently, it was the only cancer hospital in Pakistan and is also linked to Bradford. The trust managing the facility has established a number of hospitals, laboratories, and research centres across Pakistan.

NCOC daily update: 758 new cases, six deaths from Covid-19

ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

Pakistan confirmed 758 new Covid19 cases and six more deaths over the past 24 hours, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said on Wednesday. The NCOC said the overall tally of Covid-19 cases has risen to 1,516,150, including 1,467,868 recoveries. The number of active

cases has dropped to 17,995 in the country, including 722 patients in critical condition. According to the NCOC data, six more people died from Covid-19 during the period, bringing the death toll to 30,287. Sindh is the most affected province in terms of the number of cases, with 570,688 infections, followed by Punjab which has reported 503,128 cases so far.

Aleem leaves for UK to meet Tareen ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MP Abdul Aleem Khan left for the United Kingdom to meet estranged party leader Jahangir Tareen who is undergoing medical treatment in London. Khan took a flight from Islamabad International Airport to London on Wednesday morning. The focus of the meeting will be the evolving political situation and his contacts with the legislators. On Monday, Khan, a former Punjab minister and a close aide of the prime minister, announced joining the group of MPs led by Tareen. In his press talk, Khan stated that Tareen had played a massive part in the party’s rise to power and the posse had held a meeting to send the message that he had not been “forgotten”. He also lamented the fact that Tareen was later sidelined. “Many people [within the party] do not understand why this happened. All those people who worked for Naya Pakistan alongside the prime minister, why were they ignored? There is no answer for this,” he said. staff RepoRt

Police search for man suspected of killing baby daughter LAHORE: Police are hunting for a man suspected of shooting dead his seven-day-old baby girl because he wanted his first-born to be a boy. The baby named Jannat, which means heaven in Urdu, was shot multiple times on Monday, police in Mianwali and a relative of the baby said. “A baby girl was born […] Shahzaib Khan was infuriated,” Hidayatullah Khan, an uncle of the baby’s mother, told Reuters, referring to the father. Police said the autopsy found that Jannat had been hit by five bullets and was killed instantly. “We are trying to arrest the accused who is still at large,” police officer Hayatullah Khan said. The murder has sparked public outrage, especially after pictures were posted on social media of the baby moments after the shooting, and later of her funeral. “And still they ask what are women’s rights? Why [do] we need women’s rights? Why is women’s day celebrated?” said Twitter user Fatima Suhail. “Why was she denied the right to live?” Human rights groups say girls and women face regular violence for a variety of reasons in Pakistan, which sits three spots above the bottom of the World Economic Forum’s 2021 gender Gap Index. Female infanticide is also widespread, rights groups say. Over the last two years, a majority of the more than 500 bodies of infants found dumped in Karachi were girls, according to Faisal Edhi, head of the largest social welfare charity group in the city. ReuteRs

ECP summons Swati for violating election code during KP LG polls ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has summoned Minister for Railways Azam Swati for reportedly taking part in the campaign for a candidate of the Mansehra city council in the second phase of local government polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The election monitoring body has also summoned the candidate, Kamal Saleem Swati. They are directed to turn up before the district election commissioner at 11:00 am on Friday. Besides, the ECP took notice of panaflex banners and wall chalking in Swat, Shangla, Lower Dir, and Chitral. The commission also halted the disbursement of cash handouts under the Ehsaas programme in Upper Dir until the conclusion of the local government elections. The ECP has decided to formulate a new code of conduct for the upcoming local government and 2023 general elections. It convened a meeting that was attended by representatives of political parties. PPP’s Farhatullah Babar, PML-N’s Ahsan Iqbal, Farrukh Habib of PTI, Zahid Hamid and Taj Haider attended the meeting with the ECP officials. It was decided to prepare a new code of conduct for General Election 2023 and local bodies’ election.

Pakistan highlights plight of women in occupied Kashmir at UN UNITED NATIONS app

Pakistan put the spotlight on the plight of women in Kashmir under the occupation of Indian forces during a United Nations Security Council debate on women’s rights, and urged the world body not to overlook their desperate situation. Addressing the Security Council, Ambassador Munir Akram noted the references made to the plight of women and girls affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as also for the protection of females’ rights in post-conflict Afghanistan but regretted the continuing violence against women in occupied Kashmir gets much less attention during the 15-member bloc’s debates. The envoy stressed the need for addressing in “a holistic, effective and non-discriminatory manner” the challenges in numerous situations of conflict where women and girls are endangered, and their fundamental rights violated. In this regard, Ambassador Akram said: “Less visible in the Council’s debates is the ongoing violence against women and girls in occupied Jammu and Kashmir where there is

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documented evidence of rape and sexual violence being used as a weapon of war against thousands of women and girls.” Their plight, he said, should not continue to be ignored. “We must overcome double standards in all UN processes including in the Security Council,” the envoy added. His remarks on Kashmir evoked a protest from an Indian diplomat, Sneha Dubey, who harped on the same old tune that the disputed region is an integral part of India. At the outset of his speech, Ambassador Akram told the meeting, which coincided with International Women’s Day, that Pakistani women have played and continue to play an important role in every walk of life. “Pakistani women have served as Prime Minister, Speaker of the National Assembly, Leader of the Opposition, Cabinet Ministers, Judges, Army officers, fighter pilots. 20 percent of our diplomats are women and rising,” he said, adding Pakistan has deployed 450 women peacekeepers and their ratio in its contingents is also growing. The envoy also agreed with the need to implement the four pillars of WPS (women, peace and security) agenda and ensure

women’s participation in relief and recovery activities in post-conflict settings. Countries affected by conflict need technical support within a culturally sensitive framework in full respect for state sovereignty and national ownership, he said. Opening the debate, the top UN official for the empowerment of women, Sima Bahous, said that equal economic empowerment between the sexes would yield huge dividends for peacebuilding efforts, as she and other experts highlighted the need for increased international efforts on meaningful inclusion, regardless of gender. “We have the blueprint and the business case to support women’s economic inclusion; what we need is political will to pursue it,” said Bahous, Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). Investing in women’s economic empowerment has a beneficial impact on both peace and prosperity, she underscored. Conversely, exclusion and discrimination — along with outmoded gender stereotypes — work to keep women out of a variety of spheres, including those related to jobs and technologies.

Thursday, 10 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS AIOU announces results of MPhil, MSc, and BS programs ISLAMABAD: Allama Iqbal Open (AIOU) has announced results of the programs offered in semester autumn 2021 including MPhil, MSc, and BS programs. According to the details, results have been announced for MSc in Physics and Statistics as well as BS in Physics, Chemistry, Microbiology, Botany, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics. Furthermore, results of MPhil in Arabic, Islamic Studies, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry, Teacher Education and Elementary Teacher Education are also included in the list of announced results. Controller of Examinations, AIOU Dr Muhammad Ajmal informed that results have been uploaded in the respective CMS accounts of the students which can be accessed by following the URL ‘enrollment.aiou.edu.pk’. Username and password details have already been provided to the students to access their accounts. The students may click examination →grade title→ view grade →my grade to access their results. pr

IMF taken in loop over cuts in Petroleum, Power prices, says Tarin continued from page 01 Tarin was of the view that the government had controlled inflation “very well” if disturbances caused by international inflationary pressure were kept aside. Responding to another question, Tarin said Prime Minister Imran Khan should not have reacted “publicly” against the European Union in his recent speech where he lambasted the bloc’s ambassadors for their “undiplomatic” statement asking Pakistan to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. As per the details, the PM, while speaking during a public rally in Vehari last week, had questioned if the EU had called out India for its actions in occupied Kashmir, which went against international law. The premier was referring to a letter penned by 23 EU envoys last week, urging Pakistan “to join them in condemning Russia’s actions [in Ukraine] and to voice support for upholding the UN Charter and the founding principles of international law”. “Has anyone of you severed trade relations with India or objected to its unlawful actions,” the PM asked EU representatives, adding, “are we slaves and act according to your wishes.” Objecting to that press release, the Foreign Office had said: “We took note of that and in a subsequent meeting with a group of ambassadors, we expressed our concern about that because it was not the way diplomacy should be practised”. In response to a question by a journalist who asked if the PM’s comments could have a negative impact on Pakistan’s trade with the bloc, the finance minister said, “I don’t think we should worry about what they [EU] will do.” Tarin recalled that the EU representatives had sent a letter to Pakistan, asking it to vote against Russia, adding that “our prime minister just shared his sentiments on it”. He recalled that the EU had remained silent on India’s violations of UN resolutions and international law and that “Pakistan had just abstained from voting [in the UNGA session on Russia].” Defending the premier for his remarks, Tarin said they [the EU] should not tell Pakistan what to do and that it was the right of the prime minister to protect his country and its prestige. “He just reacted publicly, which may be, he should not have done,” the minister added. He maintained that Pakistan had an independent foreign policy which stipulated that no country should violate the other’s sovereignty and that disputes be settled peacefu

SC to form larger bench to hear petitions against merger of FATA into KP iSLamaBad app

The Supreme Court on Wednesday decided to form a larger bench to hear petitions against the 25th Amendment regarding the merger of tribal districts (formerly FATA) into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). A three-member SC bench, comprising Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Ayesha A Malik, heard the case filed by Malik Anwarullah Khan. During the course of proceedings, the bench remarked that the petitioner has raised the question of not changing the status of federal units as enshrined in the Constitution. The bench asked that what are the powers and limits of the parliament regarding amendments in the Constitution? Attorney General for Pakistan Khalid Jawed Khan said it is important to determine the extent to which parliament can amend the constitution.

BrITISh MPS Urge BOrIS JOhnSOn TO SPeAK On hUMAn rIghTS VIOlATIOnS By IndIA In IIOJK London

Mian abrar

EVERAL British lawmakers have urged United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Mr Boris Johnson to speak about human rights violations including violation of women’s rights in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIoJK). The British MPs joined a delegation of Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK at 10 Downing Street to submit a petition and submitted it at PM’s Office. The petition, signed by British parliamentarians and the general public, includes reports prepared by various

independent and non-governmental international organizations on the violence perpetrated by Indian occupying forces on Kashmiri women and urges Boris government to use its influence to halt Indian genocide of Kashmiris. British lawmakers including Afzal Khan, Liam Byrne, Imran Hussain, Paul Blomfield, Gill Furniss, Muhammad Yasin, Khalid Mehmood, Tahir Ali and Yasmin Qureshi joined Kashmiri delegation led by Fahim Kayani, President Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK, besides Rehana Ali, Sheni Hamid and Soraya Boyd and Raja Muhammad Azad. March 08 is observed as International Women’s Day every year and today members of Tehreek-e-Kashmir

(TeK) UK gathered outside Johnson’s office in London to urge the UK to raise the issue of India’s illegal occupation of Kashmir which has resulted in mass violation of women’s rights in IIoJK. “Every day, Indian occupying forces violate the dignity of our daughters, sisters and mothers in IIOJK,” said Fahim Kayani, president of TeK UK. Kayani said the presence of one million Indian troops in a foreign territory i.e. IIoJK is itself violation of all human and fundamental rights of that territory. “No one can forget the painful night of Feb. 23 1991 when wild Indian forces raided Kunan village of Kupwara district and committed mass rape.

“It only happens in IIoJK that no one has been persecuted for such dastardly acts,” Kayani said. “IIoJK is graveyard of Indian military’s claims of being a disciplinary force.” “Indian forces have committed innumerable cases of molestation and other anti-women acts. This occupying force has turned in to a beast that is engaged in mass acts of violence against Kashmiri women,” Kayani said. British lawmakers called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to use his good offices and hold India accountable. “The UK has the power and influence to halt Indian actions in Kashmir and allow Kashmiris to decide their political fate,” they said.

Punjab government announces new pension, retirement scheme LaHore shahab OMer

The Punjab government has announced new government recruitment in accordance with new retirement and new pension rules whereas a new pension scheme will also be introduced in this regard. According to details, a meeting was organized by the Punjab Ministry of Finance regarding pension reforms, which was chaired by Provincial Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht whereas Secretary Finance Punjab Iftikhar Amjad, President Bank of Punjab Zafar Masood, General Manager (GM) Pension Fund Syed Shahnawaz Nadir Shah also attended the meeting. During the meeting, the GM Pension Fund informed that government employees could not leave before 25 years of service or 55 years of age however, no employment limit will be fixed for beneficiaries of the proposed scheme for new recruits. The GM further informed

that in the current scheme, no pension concession has been allocated for the employees who have resigned with less than ten years of service. “For new recruits, employees’ pensions will depend on their accumulated balance. Similarly, a fund will be set up in partnership with the Punjab government

and government employees for the payment of monthly pension in the new pension scheme and a large portion of the partnership fund will be paid by the government,” he added. Meanwhile, addressing the meeting, the provincial minister said that new recruitment in Punjab would be in accordance with new retirement and pension laws and the new model pension scheme would be applicable to all future government employees. “The new rules will also play an important role in bridging the gaps in the existing pension scheme. The prevailing pension scheme is causing a steady increase in the burden on the provincial budget and rising pension costs are affecting the health, education and social sectors”. “It is necessary to review the existing pension system for providing basic necessities of life to the people and for development works. According to the new rules, the pay scales of government employees will also be reviewed,” he concluded.

I’m coming after you, Imran tells Zardari continued from page 01 The prime minister said the WoT resulted in the internal displacement of 3.5 million people in the tribal belt, regretting that the sacrifices were not acknowledged by the world. “Therefore, we will be partners in peace […] but will not take sides in a war,” he asserted. On the other hand, he pointed out Zardari and deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif during the 10 years of their governments at the Centre did not condemn over 400 drone strikes on Pakistan’s soil. “They did not utter a single word against the drone attacks because they worship those [Western] countries as their ill-gotten wealth is parked there,” he said. “They will never protect our national interest”. Khan said Islamabad will not take sides in global conflicts again and will do what is in our interest and best for our nation only.

Imran meets MQM, GDA leadership, wins their support Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting with the leadership of Muttahida Qaumi MovementPakistan (MQM-P), a member of the ruling coalition, as Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the party extended its “full support” to the premier. The meeting came a day after opposition parties moved a no-confidence motion seeking the ouster of the prime minister. In a press talk following the meeting, Qureshi said Khan and the party discussed the political situation in the country. The two parties, MQM-P and the PTI, “are partners and will continue to support each other,” said Qureshi. During the meeting, the prime minister formulated and finalised his strategy to fight the no-trust vote, he added. “MQM has assured to lent its full support to Khan. It did not

present any demands,” claimed the foreign minister. “MQM-P did not share its grievances or made any [political] demands, including the opening of its offices […] including its Nine Zero headquarters and Khurshid Memorial Secretariat,” he said. The offices were sealed following an incendiary speech of party founder Altaf Hussain in 2016. Khan arrived in Karachi on a day-long visit to hold meetings with the members of the ruling coalition from Sindh. The prime minister was received by leaders of the PTI and MQM-P on his arrival at the latter’s temporary headquarters in the Bahadurabad neighbourhood. He was accompanied by Qureshi, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar, and Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi. Khan also met with Pir Pagara and assured full support to the GDA.

Islamabad ATC reserves verdict on PTV attack case An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Wednesday reserved the verdict on the PTV attack case as it accepted a plea filed by President Arif Alvi wherein he requested the bench to set aside presidential immunity granted to him by the constitution. Alvi along with other PTI leaders was nominated in the case under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 during the government of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for allegedly attacking the buildings of the PTV and parliament. However, despite the ending of the immunity, President Alvi skipped today’s hearing. PTI leaders Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Aleem Khan and Jahangir Khan Tarin also skipped the hearing seeking exemption from the judge. During the hearing, the prosecutor said the case against the PTI leaders was “political” and the prosecution supported the acquittal pleas filed by the politicians. The presiding judge responded that then there was no need to hear arguments in the case. Subsequently, the court reserved the verdict in the case which will be announced on March 15. On August 31, 2014, in an attempt to topple the then PML-N government, the PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers had marched towards the Prime Minister House and the police were ordered to thwart their march. Subsequent clashes between the protesters and law enforcers resulted in the deaths of three PAT workers. Hundreds of others, including both demonstrators and policemen, were wounded. PTI Chairman Imran Khan, PAT leader Tahirul Qadri and others along with hundreds of protesters had briefly seized and shut down the state broadcaster on September 1, 2014. The protesters had stormed the PTV headquarters on Constitution Avenue and transmission of the PTV News and PTV World was cut off for almost 30 minutes. Later, army troops had cleared the buildings and transmission was restored. news desk

China demands answers from US about ‘26 biolabs in Ukraine’ iStanBuL news desk

China asked Washington on Tuesday to release “relevant details as soon as possible” regarding alleged US biological laboratories in Ukraine. “According to the data released by the US itself, the US has 26 biological laboratories and other related facilities in Ukraine which has indeed attracted great attention,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian

said at a media briefing in Beijing. A similar claim was made Sunday by Russian Defence Ministry that there was “evidence of a US-financed military biological programme developed in Ukraine.” Moscow said the lab was “revealed during Russia’s special operation in that country.” “All dangerous viruses in Ukraine must be stored in these laboratories. All research activities are led by the US. No information is allowed to be disclosed without the permission of the US side,” claimed Zhao, accord-

ing to a transcription of the news conference. He claimed the Pentagon “has absolute control” over these alleged labs. Russia’s war on Ukraine has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow, and spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia. The West has also imposed biting export restrictions on key technologies that are now prohibited from being sent to Russia. At least 406 civilians have been killed and 801 injured in Ukraine since the begin-

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ning of the war, according to UN figures. But the international body has maintained that conditions on the ground have made it “difficult to verify” the true number of casualties. As many as two million people have fled to neighbouring countries, according to the UN Refugee Agency. “Under the current situation, we call on all parties concerned to ensure the safety of these laboratories, starting from the health and safety of people in Ukraine and surrounding areas and around the world,” said Zhao.

“In particular, the US, as the party that knows these laboratories best, should announce the relevant details as soon as possible, including which viruses have been stored and which research has been carried out,” he said. “The revelation of the US bio-military activity in Ukraine is just the tip of the iceberg.” “The US Department of Defence controls 336 biological laboratories in 30 countries around the world under the names of ‘cooperating to reduce biosecurity risks and strengthening global public health,’” Zhao added.

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Thursday, 10 March, 2022

06 COMMENT

What moves the bureaucracy in Punjab?

Countering the no-confidence move Imran Khan’s dilemma

Getting rid of the deadwood

ITh the establishment apparently becoming neutral, Prime Minister Imran Khan has to depend on his own political skills to foil the opposition’s no-confidence move. The opposition parties have joined hands on a single point of making the move successful under the slogan of ‘now or never.’ What adds to the PM’s problems is how to ensure the support of the government allies as well as the PTI dissidents before the no-trust move. While Mr Khan has assured Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar that he would retain the office till the end of the PTI’s tenure, Jahangir Tareen’s group will have no talks with the government till he is replaced. The PML(Q) has warned the PM against appointing Aleem Khan as the new Punjab CM. In case Imran Khan appoints Ch Pervez elahi CM, the Tareen group is likely to part ways with him. Meanwhile the PML(Q) continues to change its posture in line with the evolving scenario. earlier it had assured the PM that it would stand by him through thick and thin. Now PML(Q) leaders have made it known that in case of a large number of PTI MNAs voting against the PM, it might not remain possible for the PML(Q) to oppose the no-confidence move. Mr Khan’s first ever visit to the MQM(P)’s Bahadurabad office as PM amounted to eating humble pie but turned out to be fruitless. The claim by PM’s Office regarding the MQM(P) assuring him of full support was contradicted by MQM(P) leader Amir Khan who said no discussion took place on the no-confidence motion and while his party was an ally of the government, “our options are open”. Meanwhile at the end of the PPP’s 10-day long Awami March, Bilwal Bhutto Zardari announced that the no-trust motion was a democratic move and warned all facilitators and supporters of the PTI government not to interfere in politics to save the puppet PM. On Wednesday the Rupee plummeted to all-time low of 178.6 against the dollar while the PSX fell below the 43,000-point level amid political and geopolitical uncertainties. Under the circumstances it is all the more necessary on the part of the government, opposition and establishment to act strictly according to the Constitution for an early resolution of the no-confidence move and a return to normalcy.

Dr FariD a Malik

INALLy, I have an answer to the above question. yesterday I was sitting next to one of the policy heavyweights of Pakistan Muslim League (N). During the conversation I asked him about the total lack of performance of the bureaucracy in the largest province of the republic. Without a wink of an eye, he said, It is the same setup that produced results under Shahbaz Sharif”. “yes, but the bureaucrats only move with incentives or personal favours, not otherwise.” I was stumped by his answer, “There is nothing wrong with that.” Being a child of the real Muslim League that won freedom for us, I was both shocked and sad by this attitude. My father, the Tehreek-e-Pakistan Gold Medalist, believed that corruption was a pandemic that must be fought with full force. At times I got scared when he slapped clerks or overturned desks of junior officers who demanded illegal gratification for his genuine work. Those were good days, by and large honesty prevailed, corruption was curtailed. The senior officers provided relief to the public. In his later years when he lost his physical strength, he used the power of pen and law. he went down fighting till the end. When I took over from where he had left, there were about 20 court cases mainly covering executive abuse. Today, the entire bureaucracy in Punjab has been rendered non-functional. Conflict of interest, personal benefits, gratification has become a way of life. There is a Persian saying “ Uzar az gunah badtar az gunah “ (The means for a sin is worse than the sin). No won-

Sibi terror attack The law enforcing agencies don’t seem to have the capacity to handle terrorists

MUHaMMaD ali alVi

he tables have turned. The magic figure of 172 required to unseat the Prime Minister is reached and a new setup is underway. This is what the opposition is predicting and hoping for. According to reports, the opposition parties have reached a consensus on snap polls and decided about the interim Premier in case the no-confidence move is successful in ousting the Prime Minister. This is not the first time the opposition is up in arms to topple the incumbent government. Nor the first time the opposition is united and committed to a mutual cause. In 2019, the PDM gave an ultimatum to the PTI government to resign and quit by 31 January 2020 and threatened the government with a Long March in case of refusal. But ultimately, the PDM movement could not pose a considerable threat to the government and was forced to postpone its planned long March because of not having a concrete plan of action and internal rifts among its ranks. Till the very day the joint opposition has nothing concrete on its back to create a considerable threat for the government, many experts argue. Despite the fact that the opposition has intensified its effort and claims to have completed the number game to send the government packing, there are some key questions that still require answers. The PTI government and its allies have 193 seats in the Punjab Assembly while the opposition’s collective number stands at 172. Similarly, the opposition’s tally in the National Assembly is 163 while the

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

After getting rid of the ‘Sharif Dirty Laundry’ some fresh recruitment in senior positions may be required through lateral entry, strictly on open merit.

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

The no-confidence motion is by no means a foregone conclusion

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

M. A. Niazi

hore high Court (LhC) in the name of my old man. Luckily his friend and a senior lawyer, Malik Akbar, was still alive. I approached Malik Sahib to find out the details of the case which came up for hearing after a decade. While he briefed me about the writ, he advised me to let it pass. The case originated from an information about property tax evaluation of our family house in Shadman. While the land size of our and the house next door was the same, their building size was double while the tax was half. The department refused to provide any justification as they claimed it was their sole discretion. Dissatisfied with the reply a writ was filed in the LhC. Over the years with his battles against corrupt practices, he had developed legal acumen to prepare his own cases. Malik Akbar just presented them in the court. On refusal of Malik Sahib, I decided to appear myself. The court gave a patient hearing and agreed with my father’s contention that the taxpayer had the right to know the basis of property evaluation. It was his victory for the people of the new land for which he had struggled. A massive operation clean-up has to be launched against the ‘Sharif Bureaucracy’ to weed out this ‘Corruption Pandemic’. Omer Rasool, the current Director General of the Civil Services Academy, is doing his best to highlight the oath that every graduating civil servant has to take but what will come of them when they report to their tainted seniors? A re-chartered NCOC must go over all the cases of out-of-turn promotions, the blue-eyed bureaucrats who enjoyed perks and power much beyond their stipulated allocation. Most of them are still holding important, powerful positions both in Punjab and Islamabad and continue to deny genuine relief to the public. After getting rid of the ‘Sharif Dirty Laundry’ some fresh recruitment in senior positions may be required through lateral entry, strictly on open merit. The Bureaucracy has to follow rules and regulations with utmost honesty and neutrality in the best interests of the state. It is time to go after the menace of ‘Sharif Bureaucracy’ for merit to prevail in the land of the pure, as it used to be.

The tables have turned?

he attack by terrorists in Sibi ended with the killing of seven law enforcement personnel and the injuring of 22 more, as the passage of the President’s motorcade meant that the main target was kept safe. While the nation may congratulate itself that the country’s President is unharmed, the attempt shows that the decision to hold the Sibi Mela, and that the President, was due to inaugurate it, was known to the terrorists. Balochistan is in the grip of two different strands of terrorism, one by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and the other the Balochistan Liberation Army. Apart from there being signs of these two organisations cooperating, the Islamic State-Khorasaan Province has also begun its activity, with the horrific blast on March 4 in Peshawar. There seems to be a general lack of capacity of the law enforcing agencies to handle this threat. The multiplicity of threats may be one reason why the terrorists have got the apparent freedom to act. The Sibi blast may be an illustration of the problem. The security personnel were only able to save the President by sacrificing a large number of people not because they could foil the attack and capture the terrorists before they could explode their device. The attack could only be described as a failure because the President escaped. The loss of seven persons is a failure, probably of intelligence. The assumption that a Taliban victory in Afghanistan would end this terrorism doesn’t seem valid. The Afghan Taliban have refused to hand over TTP cadres on Afghan soil who are wanted by the Pakistan government. In other words, they are providing terrorist’s sanctuary. Perhaps this is not the best time to be having a political crisis, as the intelligence-gathering agencies might be distracted by the threat to the government, when there is an even more serious threat to the state. If the state is not protected, there will be none of the playing of little games that the agencies have indulged, apparently to the detriment to deal with real threats. Talking has proved ineffective, now is the time to take the threat seriously.

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

der this ‘Sharif Bureaucracy’ in Punjab does not move. Merit is a virtue of the past. All brands of Muslim Leagues are the biggest farce of our times. While the members of All India Muslim League (AIML) built the new land, the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) has destroyed it. What used to be a sin, has now become a virtue for these ‘Nouveau Leaguers’. yes, in the private sector incentives are provided for good performance but not under the table or against the public interest. There is a clear divide between incentive and corruption, and by and large merit must prevail. Accountability has to be built in. No wonder, convictions are not taking place as the rules of the game have changed. The bar, bench and the executive have all teamed up for individual gains. If the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has to be saved then this ‘ Corruption Pandemic’ has to be confronted with full force, like the founding fathers did. Now that the coronavirus pandemic’ is almost over, the NCOC (National Command and Operation Centre) should be tasked to go after the even deadlier ‘corruption pandemic’. A slight change of team may be required. Dr Faisal Sultan, the force behind the successful fight against the coronavirus can return to Shaukat Khanum where he is needed, while a Management Guru could replace him in the new crusade. Recently, the Anti-Corruption establishment (ACe) in Punjab issued an advertisement to report cases of ‘chai panni Corruption which is rampant, but I think the ailment is much beyond that. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), ACe, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have all failed to contain this pandemic that threatens our very existence. The bureaucracy has now been commercialized, the rule being ‘No payment no service’. The public is made to suffer. every time a senior officer is approached for relief the standard answer is “File a writ in the high Court”. half of the civil litigation originates from ‘executive Abuse’ together with a very high financial and time toll. I think beating and punching as practised by my father was more effective in controlling this high handedness. years later, after I had settled all my father’s court cases, we received a notice from the La-

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

government along with its allies have 178 votes. In 2021, Imran khan won a vote of confidence from the lower house of the Parliament following a defeat on a Senate seat and secured 178 votes which assured that the majority of the members in the National Assembly have trust in his leadership. When the opposition insists that it has completed the number game and is hundred percent sure of the success of the no-confidence motion it means that something has changed in one year. The opposition requires 8-10 lawmakers to change their loyalties. It is interesting to note that the opposition claims to have more than these numbers and even more interesting is the fact that these numbers are said to be other than the government’s allies. So, the lawmakers are among the PTI ranks who will change their loyalties. But, what changed in one year? Are those members not impressed with the performance of the government they are part of? But, many analysts are of the view that Pakistan has fared well at both the national and International levels in the last year. In the domestic context, despite inflation, Pakistan’s economy is showing signs of improvement. In the International context, Pakistan’s role has been admired by the world amid the post-drawdown scenario in Afghanistan. And, many praise Pakistan for its stance of having relations with all countries based on mutual respect and equality. But what makes those lawmakers change their loyalties? There are speculations of a deal between some PTI lawmakers and the PDM. For tickets, lucrative incentives and other privileges. If this is the case, will it have a lasting impact on the running of democracy in Pakistan? Will it be a move in a forward or backward direction? The stance taken by the PDM is that it is the demand of the inflation-hit people to get rid of the PTI

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

government. But, these types of events do not justify these claims. The understanding shown by all opposition parties to overthrow the PTI government, despite all the differences, is rare. But, did we see any sort of understanding between the government and the opposition for crucial issues? Deliberations on important reforms? Mostly not. Both the government and the opposition have remained egoistic in asserting their point of view. For PDM and the PPP, the no-confidence motion will not be a piece of cake as if it fails, despite all the claims, they will be left with no option but to wait for the government to complete its term. And the planned long March on 23rd march would be a useless exercise. So things are not as bright for the opposition as it pretends. Turning towards the PTI government, the situation does not look bright as well. In Punjab, the Aleem Khan group has joined the Tareen group which means that they have a fair bit of strength in their hand and their decision will be a deciding factor in Punjab. The neglected group will make its decision once a no-confidence motion is tabled. So resentment is there. The first no-confidence motion was tabled in 1782 and since then more than 100 Prime Ministers and Presidents have been ousted through such moves. In Pakistan, only two Prime Ministers have faced a vote of no-confidence and on both occasions, the Prime Ministers weathered the storm. It will be playing in the mind of the opposition and if it manages to oust the Prime Minister, it will be the first experience in Pakistan and it will not be easy. Lastly, if the PTI government is ousted and it still manages to win back in the next elections, the usual tiff between the govt and the opposition will continue for another 5 years without constructive outcomes.

The first no-confidence motion was tabled in 1782 and since then more than 100 Prime Ministers and Presidents have been ousted through such moves.

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

The writer is freelance columnist

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

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Thursday, 10 March, 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

Looking back on 2021

Iran and Pakistan mustn’t provide weapons to the Myanmar Junta Providing weapons for use on Rohingya and pro-democracy protesters JoHn rozario

he USA and other nations, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, have already announced banning military exports to Myanmar. even the UNO has been urging all countries to impose an arms embargo. When some Western and european countries are trying to penalize the Myanmar Junta by imposing sanctions on arms selling over massive human rights violations in Myanmar, it is a cause of frustration that Russia and China have been providing the weapons to the Myanmar Junta. But it is more surprising that Iran and Pakistan have also started arms business with the Junta. Myanmar continues to buy large quantities of arms despite sanctions imposed by various countries, including the european Union and the USA. Myanmar’s military continues to buy weapons Due to its geographical location and its importance as an arms market; the country is also receiving concessions on arms purchases from various governments. While the West has not sold arms to Myanmar, other businesses are doing well. The Myanmar Junta wants to buy air-to-surface missiles from Pakistan for JF-17 fighter jets. A high-level delegation from Pakistan’s Defence Ministry paid a secret visit to Myanmar in September last year to discuss arms sales. The two countries discussed naval weapons, including advanced weapons technology, and aircraft repair and maintenance. The 10-member Pakistani delegation met the Myanmar Defencve Minister and discussed verbally the sale of upgraded JF-17 (Block-3) aircraft and air-to-surface missiles. Concerns are growing between the two neighbours over such an unannounced visit. Because they fear that the defence relationship between the two countries is being established not by their own will but under the direction of China. Myanmar and Pakistan will further enhance their defence cooperation in the future. On the other hand, Iran is providing weapons and technology to Myanmar’s military. The flight of an authorized Iranian airline with Revolutionary Guards on board to Myanmar has sparked speculation of secret military-to-military cooperation. The recent landings of planes owned by Iranian cargo airline Kesham Fars Air could be aimed at supplying weapons, including guided missiles. An Iranian delegation that landed in Myanmar on January 13 was on its second or third visit since the junta’s seizing power through a military coup on 1 February 2021. Myanmar, devastated by sanctions, is looking for new ways to buy arms. And so the country’s junta government is sending a delegation of top officials to Pakistan ahead of a possible arms deal. On 1 February 2021, a military coup led by Army Chief Min Aung hlaing took place in Myanmar. In response, the West imposed strict sanctions on the country’s top officials and their affiliates. The current junta government in Myan-

mar has overthrown a democratically elected government and established military rule. According to The Economic Times, the Southeast Asian country wants to buy 60mm and 81mm mortars, as well as M-79 grenade launchers and heavy machine guns, from Pakistan. According to the report, Myanmar has also expressed interest in purchasing air-to-surface missiles from Pakistan for JF-17 fighter jets. Due to sanctions, Naypyidaw is unable to buy these missiles directly from China, so the weapons will come through Pakistan. In 2015, Myanmar bought the JF-17 Thunder, a joint venture between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation of China. The 2017 violence against Rohingya Muslims sparked tensions between Myanmar and Pakistan. As Myanmar accused Pakistan of aiding and abetting radical Rohingya groups. There are also allegations that Pakistan is sponsoring some Arakanese groups with weapons and training. even after such a hostile relationship, their meeting without any announcement raised many questions. Needless to say, in recent times, defence ties are growing continuously between Pakistan and Myanmar. Myanmar and Pakistan are strengthening their strategic ties covertly. however, after the military coup by the junta government last year, the West imposed sanctions on Myanmar, which further improved relations with Pakistan. When the USA and other countries announced a halt to military equipment exports to Myanmar, Pakistan and Iran’s growing defence ties with it would be really inappropriate at this time. Bangladesh’s state minister for foreign affairs Shariar Alam visited Tehran in August 2021 for the inauguration of the new President of Iran, Ibrahim Raisi. Palestine and the Rohingya were the main topics of discussion during his talks with Iranian leaders. Iran assued. Shariar that Iran would always stand with Bangladesh n the Rohingya issue. Iran always claimed that Iran is always vocal for the persecuted Muslim communities in the world. The Tehran government appears to be abandoning its policy position on the Rohingya by supplying arms to the Myanmar junta. has Iran the moral right to provide the weapons to the Myanmar Junta for paving the way of committing genocide? The international community, including Bangladesh, should seek

clarification from Tehran on this issue. The international community and regional countries should be concerned that Myanmar’s junta is taking up arms from China, Russia, India, Pakistan and Iran. Russia, China and Pakistan are helping the junta to expand its air force. It has expanded its navy with the help of India and China As for Pakistan, it is also vocal about the rights of Kashmiri and Palestinian Muslims. On the one hand, Pakistan calls for resolution of the Rohingya crisis and denounces the military coup, on the other hand, it gives weapons to the junta. So, the question is how can Pakistan provide weapons to the Myanmar Junta.? Is only business interest pushing Pakistan and Iran to provide the weapons? Being Muslim-majority countries, they always talk in favour of persecuted Muslim groups in the world, on the other hand, they provide weapons to the Myanmarese junta to kill an another Muslim groups (the Rohingya). Myanmar’s military is oppressing the people. Rohingya had genocide commmitted against them. These weapons are not only being used to suppress the Rohingyas but also other groups such as Chin, protestors who are protesting peacefully against the 2021 military coup, journalists, and others. It is a clear pretence and mockery of human rights. Iran and Pakistan are doing wrong to put weapons in the hands of the Myanmar junta. They are also the partners of human rights violators in Myanmar. There is no moral ground to support the Junta. Other businesses are all going on there. All this is not preventing businesses from operating there. Why aren’t the Western countries watching these? Why is the international community so silent in this regard? It must address the issue. Delaying the issue can cause more devastation in Myanmar. In response to the military coup in Myanmar and to prevent the junta government from resorting to renewed repression, the international community including Pakistan and Iran, should implement of a hardcore global arms embargo on the country.

There is no moral ground to support the Junta. Other businesses are all going on there. All this is not preventing businesses from operating there. Why aren’t the Western countries watching these? Why is the international community so silent in this regard? It must address the issue. Delaying the issue can cause more devastation in Myanmar.

The writer is based in Karnataka, India, and has completed a master’s degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University in International Relations. He can be reached at johnrojariojnu@gmail.com

ThIS year was a period with many tumultuous events, starting from politics to the economic realms of the country. The current reign of the PTI has faced unprecedented incidents that preclude the party from implementing its core policies. The commencement government misrepresented and showed allures in the economy’s context and persuaded people about the developments that the preceding governments failed to attain in their election campaign. People witnessed hollow promises. The amalgamation of the government’s internal disagreements, inability and the outburst of covid-19 in the last twelve months, which sets a sturdy barrier against the government’s policy and country’s upliftment, casts a rickety warp and woof of the country’s business. In this respect, the PTI’s government is losing its popularity in the public’s eyes. This will cause dethroning of governments which we can conveniently observe in general elections. The level of disillusionment is so severe that the people of Pakistan will not make an effort to test Imran Khan’s government. Moreover, it is likewise challenging to take advantage of this political uncertainty for the traditional parties like PML-N and PPP, as they failed to secure the trust of their voters. In such a state of affairs, the religious parties succeed in asserting their authority, and it seems that the lurking forces are keen to bring a clerical party to power. In that case, the situation would be more precarious as things go. The people will have to adhere to a religious ideology that will restrict one’s perception, suppress their thoughts, and live in hypocrisy that ultimately sharpens the tooth of fundamentalism in the country. Again, we are expected to see the continuing episodes of the tug of war between the governmental organs this year. It is the regular practice in our country to subjugate the rights of one another for political gains, which incorporates the inconsistent attitude of public servants in the legislature and the controversial judgments, videos, and affidavits by honourable judges. Allegedly we have left the 2021 year back. however, we are stuck in the past decades by following the exact mechanism and echoing the same mistakes individually and nationwide. To make this new year a new year, we all need moral ambitiousness wanting to correct our activities. A sharp resolution implies that we are not a victim fated by circumstances and owned by luck but an individual who can make choices not to rehash the same mistake. NAZIM KHAN KARACHI

Stealing electricity WIRe hooking for electricity and not paying bills on time is one of the major causes of electricity consumption or less production of electricity in the country. The Imran Khan government took action against this crime after the PTI came into the government. however, after one year of that action, the government is still unable to control the wire hookers just because the wire hookers said that they are poor and the taxes per unit are increasing due to which they have to pay the bill in thousands of rupees, which is difficult for them. The impact of this, however, is that then there is load shedding in vulnerable areas, especially in rural areas due to the wire hookers. The innocent people protest against the government that they are not being provided electricity while they pay their electricity bill on time. As a result of that, people who pay their bills on time are resorting to wire hooking and this number is increasing day by day. The government should reduce heavy taxes per unit, arrest groups of people involved in wire hooking and bring new strict laws against those who are not paying their electricity bills on time. MOHAMMAD ABDULLAH ISLAMABAD

Frozen Food INNOvATION has always been a key driver of long-term economic development and structural transformation. It entails the advancement of new design and ways to solve problems, their commercialization, and subsequent dissemination across the economy and culture. For the business, the consumer, or the manufacturer, innovation must add value. Consumers benefit from innovation in the form of higher-quality, better-value items, more effective service, and a greater standard of life. It is inferred that the current rate of innovation exceeds all human expectations. Who would have guessed a few years ago that you would be able to thaw frozen products like meat in a matter of minutes, cutting cooking time in half? Anyone who cooks at home on a regular basis understands that defrosting frozen foods might create a problem in ones meal preparations. The most common irritants are frozen chicken as well as other raw meats like mutton of beef. Furthermore, one can all surely agree that the situation frequently goes something like: one returns home only to discover that he or she forgotten to take out the meat from the freezer before leaving the house, allowing it to defrost till she arrived. As a result, one ends up ordering takeout or preparing scrambled eggs at home. In older times, our mothers or grandmothers never used defrosting tray hence they used to naturally defrost the meat without putting it into the microwave. This kitchen tool expedites the time-consuming thawing procedure, allowing you to get meal on the plate in no time. Recently, defrosting tray would solve this problem and thaw something out of the freezer anytime safely and quickly. It is pretty close to natural thawing working 3 -5 times faster which will depend upon the type of item being defrosted like poultry, red meat or fish takes more time to defrost than vegetables or fruits. The difficulty with thawing a meat for an extended period of time that it could become a food safety danger. At room temperature, germs that can cause food poisoning multiply quickly. As a result, by the time the meat has thawed, it would be full with harmful germs. Thankfully, you already have the ideal gadget used to defrost frozen foods. Is known as refrigerator! It’s also simple to use. Simply the frozen meats could be transferred from the freezer to refrigerator the night before it is supposed to be cooked. By the next day, it’ll be thawed. Less chances of getting food poisoning if the fridge cools more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the highest limit for inhibiting the development of foodborne bacteria. JANNAT UMAR LAHORE

08 WORLD VIEW 10th March 22_Layout 1 3/9/2022 10:35 PM Page 1

Thursday, 10 March, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

The posT-ideology poliTician FOR TODAY’S POLITICIANS, POWER IS THE ESSENCE OF LIFE. IDEOLOGY, POLITICAL COMMITMENT AND LOYALTY ARE VARIABLES

inDian exPRess p raMan

hIS year’s assembly elections have signalled two significant political undercurrents. The first has been the ugly display of post-ideology politics marked by endless cross-party defections. What has happened during the election season has been an extension of the massive exodus of fortune seekers whose only concern is the host party’s ability to provide “ticket” and “tekka” or election ticket and position. As per an Association for democratic Reforms (AdR) report, 443 MLAs and MPs had quit their parties and re-contested on their host party’s ticket between 2016 and 2020. If one includes those who did not re-contest, the figure will be higher. In Goa, 60 per cent of the MLAs changed parties. Punjab MLA Balvinder Singh Laddi switched parties four times in two months. Within days after joining TMC, Sushmita dev was made a Rajya Sabha member. The BJP rewarded 10 of 16 Congress defectors in Karnataka with ministerships. A dozen Congress-NCP defectors were in the first list of BJP candidates in Maharashtra polls — another sign of the bargain for power and quid pro quo. In Maharashtra, where

hopes are fading for a BJP return, many BJP leaders have joined the Shiv Sena. hours after Amit Shah’s visit in February last year, seven BJP councillors joined the Sena and six others later. West Bengal had a spate of defections from the Trinamool Congress to the BJP, including four ministers and 13 MLAs. Most of them scurried back after Mamata Banerjee retained power. For today’s politicians, power is the essence of life. Ideology, political commitment and loyalty are variables. The party system that existed until a decade back is under challenge. It is more like business executives seeking better career options. It has become purely transactional. Karnataka deputy speaker Anand Mamani has put the post-ideology politician’s mindset in black and white. he threatened to resign if he is not made a minister. Another BJP MLA warned that unless he was given the chairmanship of a better board or corporation, he will quit. Last October, a BJP minister and his MLA son in Uttarakhand joined the Congress because the son was denied a ticket. The crisis of confidence is so acute that the AAP got legal affidavits of loyalty signed by all its Goa candidates and photographed in the presence of party chief Arvind Kejriwal. The Congress took all its 37 Goa candidates for a loyalty oath “in the name of God” at a temple, church and mosque and later got a signed legal affidavit. A similar oath was administered in Manipur. Apparently, all this is intended to thwart post-poll defections. defec-

tion-induced regime changes happened in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, MP, Assam and Tripura. There have been two other concomitant developments. The first is the narrowing of distinction between political parties — in working style, personalised party control and political postures. The second is the ideological and policy compromises to suit the imperatives of power. Watch how Uddhav Thackeray has so well diluted Shiv Sena’s aggressive hindutva to accommodate his secular allies like Sharad Pawar. Amarinder Singh dumped secularism days after meeting Amit Shah. Kejriwal has been more ardently pandering to deshbhakti and majoritarian religiosity than Thackeray. The other undercurrent that went unnoticed was the introduction of tele-surveys to decide CM nominees. The AAP in Punjab was the first to experiment with it. The party contacted over 21.59 lakh people on a dedicated mobile number. Respondents were asked to record their voices and send a text message or WhatsApp the name of their candidate. The survey found Bhagwant Singh Mann enjoyed the highest amount of support and everyone in AAP accepted it. This prompted the Congress to conduct its own tele-survey through interactive voice response calls. This was to make it transparent. Apart from contacting 1.5 crore people from the general public, the party’s coordinators sought the views of all Congress MPs, MLAs and block, district and PCC leaders. The outcome showed Charanjit

Welcome to the end of Western dominance WE ARE NO LONGER IN THE AGE OF LIBERAL DEMOCRACY’S INEVITABLE TRIUMPH. INSTEAD, WE ARE LIVING IN A NEW MULTIPOLAR WORLD OF IDEOLOGICAL TURBULENCE IN WHICH THE WEST IS NOT THE MAIN PLAYER el esPeCTaDoR/WoRlDCRunCh Juan ManuEl ospina

he 75 years that have followed the end of World War II have turned into an epoch of complexity. For the West, these were the years of the United States’ consolidation as undisputed international leader at europe’s expense. Today, we are witnessing the old powers of the east returning to the fore. There is China, the imperial survivor of the ages, and post-Soviet Russia, divided as always between its east and west, like the twoheaded eagle of its emperors. It has two souls and two constituent realities, Asiatic and european, that would marry the legacy of the Cossacks of its plains and Mongols of the steppes with european civilization. That is as con-

tradictory as the return of a greater Russia, fearful of ideological competition from the former superpowers, and breathing life into a declining NATO with the invasion of Ukraine. A NEW MULTIPOLAR WORLD: history and Russia (with its particular social personality) play a central role in events in this time of confusion and change. We are no longer in the bipolar world of the superpowers, with its ideologies and Manichaean narratives that shared one goal: to control and dominate. We face the multipolar stage raised by a new contender approaching the pinnacle of its power: China, that imperial state reaping the rewards of its patience and strategic vision. Beside it are Vladimir Putin’s Russia, faintly nostalgic of its imperial past, and a United States that has barely managed to hide, or even overcome, its original sin of slavery. It is a his-

torical reality that belies its soul and social structure, as Trump, the last president, unwittingly revealed. In those 70 years the world had the United Nations, which wasn’t a world government but a collective system of coordination and intervention. For the first 30 years, it carried weight under the West’s decisive leadership. Meanwhile countries of the east, from the Koreas to Vietnam, China and Malaysia, left semifeudal conditions to join a distant, and alien, modernity. They did so through social convulsions that were often bloody and violent. Those were years of liberation wars and new republics emerging from the rubble of european colonial empires. A DISGRACED COSMOPOLITAN ORDER: The West lived in a happy combination of prosperity and democracy that almost became synonymous with itself.

Years later, with the fall of Soviet socialism, there was even talk, naively and not without a dose of arrogance, of the end of history. But what we have seen is not the end of history but the end of the West’s triumph and its dominance. The West has entered turbulence a mere few years after the end of Soviet communism. It was led this way by a combination of political, institutional, economic and financial crises provoked in part by the unchecked power — and shenanigans — of global finance. In reaction to the failures of a disgraced cosmopolitan order, vigorous, if not angry, nationalist projects have returned to reclaim power from international institutions. CHINA RISING: The temptation now is to seek to rectify the hand history that has been unfairly dealt, disregarding the dynamism and possibilities of current realities. Beware the obsession with gazing back at the past, lest it turn the present into a Biblical pillar of salt. NATO no longer exists as it did. The United States is mired in unresolved domestic conflicts. Russia is in the grip of nostalgia even as it slides to become a lesser power, feeling unsafe in a world it cannot control. europe must act out Charles de Gaulle’s dream of escaping American tutelage and embrace an eager Ukraine. And at the top, China is determined to make its way as a prosperous and respected power, cured of past fears and humiliations, and free of all ties beyond its control — even with Russia. Welcome to a multidimensional, multipolar world that is reshaping the West from main player to just one of the players.

Russian sanctions demand increase in oil production Manila TiMes Editorial

he economic sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russia in response to the brutal invasion of Ukraine are having a significant negative impact, but even this early there is a growing sense that they will be ineffective in actually stopping the war. Fortunately, there is an obvious solution, but the challenge is getting the US and its key allies such as Germany to accept and follow through with it. The sanctions are flawed because they have been carefully designed to avoid hindering Russia’s ability to continue selling its abundant oil and gas supplies — Russia is the world’s second-largest petroleum producer — to the rest of the world. european countries are particularly sensitive because they rely on Russia for somewhere between one-third and one-half of their energy needs. Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine did result in the high-profile suspension of the planned Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline connecting Russia and Germany, but otherwise the flow of oil and gas has been largely unhindered, even through pipelines passing through the active war zone in Ukraine. however, the start of the war and the imposition of sanctions, even though these did not substantially impact

Russia’s petroleum production and deliveries, had the effect of causing world petroleum prices to skyrocket. We are already all too familiar with that unwelcome effect here in the Philippines, even though it is fair to say that the Philippines has virtually no practical stake in the war in eastern europe. The high fuel prices for everyone around the world puts the sustainability of the sanctions at risk, because there is good reason to worry that countries that are on board with them now will not be able to absorb the punishment to their own economies for long. At the same time, the high oil prices, and the careful avoidance of imposing sanctions on that part of Russia’s economy, has simply played into Vladimir Putin’s hands. The other sanctions on Russia are creating serious problems, but the bonanza in earnings from oil and gas production — although those earnings are currently more difficult to collect — makes it possible for Russia to withstand the effects of being otherwise economically isolated. The clear objective of sanctions is to make it so economically and politically destructive for Russia that it is forced to stop its invasion of Ukraine and withdraw, while at the same time minimizing collateral damage to the rest of the world’s economy. Achieving one part of the objective without the other is unacceptable; as things stand now, the current sanctions may not achieve either. We believe the solution already put forward by many analysts and experts is the correct course of ac-

tion, and should be implemented immediately. First, the Western leadership should provide price relief to the rest of the world — and undercut the unintended advantage Russia is enjoying — by encouraging a massive increase in petroleum production elsewhere. Second, with alternatives to supplies from Russia made available in that manner, the sanctions should be extended to cut Russia off from the world market. The US is the world’s largest petroleum producer, and so can lead the effort by ramping up its own production. In addition, the US and its allies can work with the OPeC nations and Iran to encourage more production on their part. Iran has long been isolated from most of the world market due to sanctions related to its nuclear program, but some accommodations can be made for the sake of a larger goal. Venezuela, which is also an OPeC member and a large-scale petroleum producer, should be an exception to these efforts, however. Venezuela, which has been prevented from selling its oil due to sanctions against its brutal leftist regime, is one of only five countries (the others are Belarus, North Korea, eritrea and Cuba) to openly support Russia’s invasion, and thus should not be rewarded for it by even a temporary easing of its sanctions. If, however, the rest of the petroleum-producing world can cooperate, Venezuela’s participation in the effort to bring Russia to heel and protect the world economy should not be necessary.

Singh Channi enjoyed more support. The findings were so compelling that Navjot Singh Siddhu also accepted them. The tele-survey may not be totally foolproof. But it certainly marks a departure from the system of delhi bosses imposing their favourites on the elected MLAs. For the first time, party ranks have forced the high command to adopt a democratic procedure. This comes in the backdrop of a decade of sharp decline in internal democracy across political parties. Organisational bodies were made dormant. Internal discussions and seeking MLAs’ preferences were seen as signs of “weak” leadership. In Uttarakhand, CMs were changed three times in four months. Tirath Singh Rawat was CM for just 116 days. In September, Vijay Rupani was suddenly removed as Gujarat CM and was replaced by a junior loyalist, much to the chagrin of deputy CM Nitin Patel. even the Karnataka strong man B S Yediyurappa was not spared. The urge to be assertive was so strong that even the Rahul-Priyanka team began replacing the Congress CMs. In September, it was Amarinder Singh. The Chhattisgarh CM had to make three delhi visits with his MLAs to escape the axe. even the fairly stable Rajasthan CM was on the hit list. Clearly, democratic procedures like tele-survey are unlikely to gain traction. Raman, a senior journalist, is the author of Tryst with Strong Leader Populism.

Biden’s Russian oil Ban Will Be painful, BuT necessaRy The ban means that US oil dollars won’t fund Russia’s brutal violence in Ukraine ChiCago sun-TiMes Editorial

ReSIdeNT Joe Biden did the right thing Tuesday in banning the U.S. importation of Russian oil, coal and liquefied natural gas in the wake of that country’s unwarranted invasion of Ukraine. The ban means that U.S. oil dollars won’t fund Russia’s violence in Ukraine. “Americans have rallied to support the Ukrainian people and made it clear we will not be part of subsidizing [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s war,” Biden said in a speech. An energy ban, along with other tough sanctions already imposed, are the morally right moves to make to counter Putin’s unprovoked aggression, which has sent over a million Ukrainians fleeing as refugees. The energy ban came on the same day that Mcdonald’s shuttered hundreds of stores in Russia, while Starbuck’s and other American companies paused business operations there too. PUTTING THE SCREWS ON RUSSIA’S ECONOMY: Of course, Biden’s energy ban alone won’t immediately bring Russia to its knees, or to the bargaining table to negotiate peace. That’s because only 3% of U.S. crude oil imports come from Russia. In addition, Russian oil accounts for just 1% of the crude oil processed by U.S. refineries, according to the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, a trade association. Russia won’t feel the ban’s impact all at once, either. Biden’s act immediately stops new purchases of Russian energy, but buyers with existing contracts have 45 days to stop deliveries. Still, the ban, along with other economic sanctions levied against Russia by the U.S. and the international community since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, further complicates Putin’s ability to fund his senseless war and maintain a viable Russian economy over the long term. “The Russian ruble is now down by 50% since Putin announced his war,” Biden said. “One ruble is now worth less than one American penny.” The oil ban tightens the economic screws a little more. Undoubtedly, U.S. gasoline and energy consumers — who are already weathering sudden and historic price hikes right now — will feel the pain of this move. Chicago gasoline prices, already flirting at $5.00 a gallon for regular fuel, will surely rise even more now. Biden did warn oil companies not to price-gouge, although we suspect the horse might be out of the barn on that one. But even as consumers make sacrifices, we believe most Americans recognize that Biden took a necessary step to let Putin know, yet again, that he and Russia will pay a substantial economic price for launching a senseless war.

Thursday, 10 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

corporate corner Problem-solving for the Future: ke launches the 7/11+ Innovation challenge KARACHI: As a forward-looking power utility, K-Electric focuses on innovating to provide its customers with quality service over and above the provision of reliable supply of electricity. In today’s rapidly evolving world, successful companies are leveraging technology to increase their agility and adaptability. In support of this vision, KE has launched the 7/11+ Innovation Challenge, inviting members of academia, researchers, and startups to join the utility in addressing the challenges of tomorrow. The Innovation Challenge will revolve around UN SDG 7 and SDG 11 – affordable energy for all and creating sustainable cities and communities respectively. pr

TPl Trakker and Telenor Pakistan join hands to strengthen IoT connectivity Infrastructure

MusHaHId calls For dIPloMaTIc soluTIon To russIa-ukraIne conFlIcT

N a seminar organized by Indian Ocean Study Centre (IOSC), a constituent body of National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) to study and analyze the ‘Russia – Ukraine Conflict - Implications for Region and Beyond’, on 8 March, the Chief guest, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed emphasized the need for diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine, calling for de-escalation and adherence to the fundamental principles of UN Charter. He was of the opinion that Pakistan should continue to keep communication channels with Russia, USA, and Ukraine intact. The government stance that continued military conflict, will have its adverse economic impact on developing countries and urgent need of ceasefire and de-escalation was supported. In the beginning, Vice Admiral (Retd) Abdul Aleem, Director General NIMA welcomed all the worthy speakers & participants and highlighted the significance of the seminar at this point of time when the conflict

situation is changing rapidly. Cdre (Retd) Babar Bilal Haider Director IOSC (Indian Ocean Study Centre) moderated the seminar. Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi delivered key note speech and underlined the diplomatic aspect of conflict. He was of the opinion, that present conflict is certainly the failure of diplomacy. However, military conflict doesn’t provide any reasonable solution but ulti-

mately diplomacy and negotiation are the key to peace. While deliberating on the military aspects of the conflict, Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Asif Malik, who has served as Defense attaché in Russia and accredited to Ukraine and Belarus was of the view that Russia is following a well-planned war strategy and to have minimum collateral damages and give time for negotiations.

KARACHI pr Shell Tameer and IoBM collaborate to strengthen women entrepreneurship in Pakistan. In the picture Habib Haider, Head of corporate relations Shell Pakistan; Shaista Ayesha, CEO Seed Ventures; Talib S. Karim, President IoBM; Dr Imran Batada, CTO and Director CIT IoBM at the end of panel discussion on Gender Equality for a Sustainable Future’ held at IOBM. pr

Meezan Bank launches ‘Meezan Mobile Tap & Go’ – Mobile-based contactless Payments for its customers KARACHI: Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s first and largest Islamic bank, has recently introduced mobile-based contactless payment service for its customers through its Mobile Banking App. Based on the Near Field Communications (NFC) technology, the service, named – ‘Meezan Mobile Tap & Go’ enables customers to pay by simply tapping their NFC enabled Android smartphones at POS (Point of Sale) machines of merchant outlets with NFC capability. Mobile based contactless payments are among the most secure modes of payments available today since they use the tokenization technology because of which the Card number is not revealed at the time of making the payment. Additionally, the payment requires the phone to be unlocked at the POS machine (card payment machine), which is just like entering the PIN when paying through a physical card. pr

“Power with safety” drive of nePra aims to achieve zero incidents in power sector: chairman nePra As part of its “Power with Safety” drive, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) in collaboration with Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) today held a roll-out ceremony of pocket-sized “Line Staff Safety Handbook”. The ceremony was attended by a large number of power sector professionals especially the line staff from distribution companies besides NEPRA officials. NEPRA and FESCO has jointly designed and developed this pocket-sized “Safety Handbook” in Urdu language. The handbook covers most of the safety requirements, which will be carried-out by the DISCOs line staff in their pockets while on duty and will serve as a quick reference while facing any potential safety hazard. Chairman NEPRA, Mr. Tauseef H. Farooqi in his keynote address told the participants that protection of workers’ lives is one of the main goal of NEPRA’s drive of “Power with Safety”. pr

Air Marshal Farhat Hussain, President CASS discussed in detail the modern trends in Air Warfare employed by Russia in present conflict. He emphasized that Air Superiority in any conflict is a key for successful ground and naval operations. Russian Airforce gained ascendency over Ukraine air space right from the beginning. However, operations are being executed with minimum collateral damages. Naval Aspects of the conflict were dwelled upon by Vice Admiral (Retd) Abdul Aleem Director General NIMA. He presented the prevalent naval environment in Black Sea, and surrounding areas. He also underlined that Russian Black Sea Fleet operations were in sync with land and air forces.A large number of invitees including government, military serving and retired officials, academia, maritime experts, and scholars from think tanks actively participated in the seminar. In the end, Vice Admiral (Retd) Abdul Aleem HI(M), Director General NIMA thanked the speakers, guests, participants and the NIMA staff. pr

‘Fly Jinnah’, Pakistan’s new low-cost carrier, unveils its visual brand identity

KARACHI: TPL Trakker has recently partnered with Telenor Pakistan to exclusively provide state of the art IoT solutions and services to strengthen domestic connectivity infrastructure in Pakistan. Pakistan’s data and telecommunications infrastructure is rapidly transforming to enable seamless connectivity and provision of disturbance-free services to customers. By the end of last year, Pakistan’s telecom sector witnessed a growth of 189 million cellular subscribers, 108 million 3G/4G subscribers and 110 million broadband subscribers. Telenor Pakistan owns over 26% market share, the second largest according to PTA. pr

The Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation signed a MoU with Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) to establish two Dean’ chairs funded through an endowment worth PKR 400 million. Pictured here is Bard Foundation’s Member Board of Governor Mehreen Dawood and LUMS Vice-chancellor Dr. Arshad Ahmad. pr

Master Changan Motors commences the first-ever ‘RHD Global Premiere’ launch for Oshan X7 in Pakistan KARACHI pr

Master Changan Motors Limited, Pakistan’s disruptive automotive brand, has announced the launch of its SUV - Changan Oshan X7 at the ‘RHD Global Premier’ today. This is the first time in the history of Pakistan that a RHD model is launched before any other country in the world. The CEO of Master Changan Motors Limited, Danial Malik revealed the SUV and announced the details during a press conference in Karachi, featuring a digital stream with an exuberant set.

The digital stream was also broadcast at nationwide dealerships and by Changan partner outlets around the world. The Changan Oshan X7 will be the first Euro 6 vehicle made in the country and demonstrates the company's

resolve towards a cleaner Pakistan. The Master Chagan plant is the most environmentally friendly in the auto industry, with 30% supported by solar power; this is set to increase to over 60% in the middle of this year.

Naval Chief visits Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ISLAMABAD pr

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi is on official visit to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the visit, the Naval Chief called on Military Advisor to Minister of Defence Maj Gen Talal Abdullah Al- Otaibi and Commander Royal Saudi Naval Forces Vice Admiral Fahad Bin Abdullah Al Ghofaily. The Naval Chief also witnessed World Defence Show organized by MoD KSA and called-on Commander US NAVCENT Vice Admiral Brad Cooper. During separate meetings with Military Leadership of KSA and Cdr US NAVCENT matters of mutual interest including bilateral defence collaboration and maritime security in the region were discussed. The Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan Navy’s instrumental contributions for ensuring maritime security and stability in the region including Regional Maritime Security Patrols and participation, as well as leadership of multina-

Fly Jinnah, Pakistan’s new low-cost carrier, today announced the reveal of its visual brand identity. ‘Fly Jinnah’s’ visual brand identity, with its brand name abbreviation ‘FJ’, has adopted the vibrant red as its main colour to reflect the young and modern spirit of the airline while the logo and brand identity consisting of its unique font and round shaped symbol reflects motion and continuity. Its brand values are Ambition – offering customers true value and connecting communities across the globe; Sincerity – honesty and willingness to achieve and grow while striving to improve; and Inventiveness – crafting creative solutions while remaining focused, practical, and efficient. Inspired by the logo and the brand ethos, ‘Fly Jinnah’s’ aircraft livery reflects a modern airline that is aspiring, energetic, and constantly on the move. ‘Fly Jinnah’, incorporated in Pakistan as an entity that is majority owned by Pakistani citizens who are also sponsors of one of Pakistan’s leading and most diversified business conglomerates, the Lakson Group, is the fourth private national airline of Pakistan, established to contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy by creating new jobs and supporting core sectors such as tourism and hospitality.

Blue Band Bharenge Hum Bharega Pakistan 21-day breakfast challenge To kick start their social mission campaign “Bharenge Hum, Bharega Pakistan 21-day breakfast challenge”, Blue Band held an event at Nishat hotel on [date]. The main goal of this campaign was to highlight the malnutrition concerns in our country which lead to stunted growth as well as the importance of breakfast in children. Malnutrition in Pakistan is a genuine concern as 4 out of 5 children suffer from stunted growth. This is due to lack of nutrition and therefore the children have low height and their brains and muscle are underdeveloped. The Blue Band campaign aims to reduce this concern by encouraging the importance of a well-balanced breakfast that provides the nutrients required for healthy growth. pr

ITP continues crackdown against violators, amateur drivers tional naval task forces within ambit of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The dignitaries appreciated Pakistan Navy initiatives in support of collaborative maritime security in the region and acknowledged significance of strong bilateral defence collaboration. It is expected that visit of the Naval Chief will further augment and expand defence ties between the two countries in general and navies in particular.

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has been continuing a crackdown against the violators so as to ensure safety of life and property of the road-users and flow of traffic. All the zonal in-charges have been given directions to come hard on the road-users found without driving license. According to the SSP (Traffic) Mazhar Iqbal, the crackdown would ensure road discipline. He asked all the in-charges to deal with the traffic violators politely. He also asked the Incharge ITP Education Team to give awareness to the road-users about road safety and traffic laws so that the roadusers avoid accidents. He also appealed to the citizens not to let anyone come on road without having driving licence. pr

Thursday, 10 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

10 FORIGEN NEWS

Exit polls show lEE, Yoon in dEad hEat in south KorEa’s prEsidEntial ElEction SeoUL MiAn AbrAr

oUTH Korean ruling party candidate Lee Jaemyung and main opposition candidate Yoon Sukyeol are in a dead heat after voting ended in Wednesday’s presidential election, two exit polls showed, according to Yonhap news agency. A joint poll conducted by broadcasters KBS, MBC and SBS showed Yoon edging out Lee by winning 48.4 percent of the votes versus Lee’s 47.8 percent. A separate poll by broadcaster JTBC showed Lee leading Yoon 48.4 percent to 47.7 percent.

Nearly 34 million, or more than 76 percent, of the country’s 44 million eligible voters cast ballots after a bitter campaign to pick the leader. The winning candidate must tackle challenges such as the effects of South Korea’s worst wave of CoVID-19 infections, growing inequality and surging home prices. Lee, the standard-bearer of the ruling Democratic Party, and Yoon, from the conservative main opposition People Power Party, are vying to succeed incumbent President Moon Jae-in, who is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election. Polls have officially closed in the election, South Korea’s National Election Commission said late Wednesday.

agencieS

Israel’s president heads to Turkey in bid to rebuild ties teL aViV AFP

Israel’s president heads to Turkey Wednesday to meet his counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the first visit by an Israeli head of state since 2007, as the countries seek to mend fractured ties. President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Ankara and Istanbul was in the making weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine, but the conflict could feature at the talks, with both Israel and Turkey playing mediation roles in recent days. But bilateral issues are likely to dominate following more than a decade of diplomatic rupture between the Jewish state and majority Muslim Turkey, a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause. Those issues include gas sales to Europe, a topic that has acquired added urgency amid the Ukraine conflict. Relations froze after the death of 10 civilians following an Israeli raid on the Turkish Mavi Marmara ship, part of a flotilla trying to breach an embargo by car-

rying aid into the Gaza Strip in 2010. A 2016 reconciliation agreement that saw the return of ambassadors all but collapsed in 2018 in the wake of border clashes with Gaza, that saw dozens of Palestinians killed. Turkey recalled its diplomats and ordered Israel’s envoy out of the country. Israel ‘not the needy side’ In recent months, however, the countries have sought a rapprochement. Israel’s presidency is traditionally a ceremonial post but Herzog, a veteran of the left-wing Labor party, has taken on a highprofile diplomatic role. Erdogan and Herzog have spoken several times since Herzog’s inauguration in July. Israeli leaders were wary of Turkey’s outreach. But Erdogan’s move to secure the release of an Israeli couple arrested in Istanbul in November on espionage charges proved a “turning point,” said Gallia Lindenstrauss of Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies. The matter “generated dialogue between

the Israeli and Turkish side, and essentially opened the opportunity for improved relations,” said Lindenstrauss, a senior researcher and Turkey expert. Following the 2010 crisis, Israel created a strategic alliance with Greece and Cyprus, two states with long-standing acrimony towards Erdogan’s Turkey, holding in recent years regular trilateral meetings and conducting joint military drills. The trio were part of the “East Mediterranean Gas Forum” established in 2019 with other states, including Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian territories — without Turkey. In 2020, Israel, Greece and Cyprus signed the EastMed deal for a pipeline to ship gas from the eastern Mediterranean to Europe, triggering objections from Ankara. The United States has since also raised concern about the project, citing possible issues over its “commercial viability.” For Turkey, that frustration over its exclusion from the gas talks — as well as an internal economic crisis, and a more con-

russia’s lavrov to hold talks with ukrainian counterpart in turkey

frontational US administration since President Joe Biden’s election — has pushed Ankara closer to Israel, Lindenstrauss said. And the US-brokered Abraham Accords, which saw Israel strike normalisation agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, and re-establish ties with Morocco, have made it clear that this time Israel “is not the needy side of the equation” with Turkey, she told AFP. Ukraine, Greece, cyprUs: Israeli officials have said that Herzog and Erdogan may discuss prospects of exporting Israeli gas to Europe through Turkey, a notion raised by Erdogan in January, amid fears of impaired supply following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also stepped into the role as a Russia-Ukraine mediator at the weekend, meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin for three hours on Saturday, and speaking to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky three times in a day.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will travel to Turkey on Wednesday for talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba, the TASS news agency cited the Russian foreign ministry as saying. The meeting was to take place on the sidelines of a summit being hosted by Turkey, a Nato member nation, but no further details were announced. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces were bolstering defences in key cities today as Russia’s advance faltered amid fierce resistance in some areas, the general staff of Ukraine’s armed forces said, while the strategic port city of Mariupol remained encircled as a humanitarian crisis grew. Across the country, thousands of people are thought to have been killed, both civilians and soldiers, in nearly two weeks of fighting. Russian forces have seen their advances stopped in certain areas including around Kyiv by fiercer resistance than expected from the Ukrainians. Ukraine’s general staff said in a statement that it was building up defences in cities in the north, south and east and that forces around Kyiv are resisting the Russian offensive with unspecified strikes and holding the line. In the northern city of Chernihiv, Russian forces are placing military equipment among residential buildings and on farms, the Ukrainian general staff said. And in the south, it said Russians dressed in civilian clothes are advancing on the city of Mykolaiv. Ukrainians urged to take ‘bomb shelters’: In Kyiv, back-to-back air alerts on Wednesday morning urged residents to get to bomb shelters as quickly as possible over fears of incoming Russian missiles. An allclear was given for each alert soon afterward.

China warns U.S. against harming its rights, interests over Ukraine Staff RepoRt China on Wednesday urged the United States to take its concerns seriously when dealing with the Ukraine issue and relations with Russia, warning against any move that could harm Chinese rights and interests. Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the remarks in response to a question about White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki’s comments on Western sanctions against Russia. Psaki said on Monday that the U.S. has means to “take steps” if China does not abide by the sanctions. “Sanctions are never fundamentally effective means to solve problems,” Zhao said at a regular press briefing. “China firmly opposes all forms of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction by the United States.” China will take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals, he said. The U.S. and other Western countries imposed a series of sanctions on Moscow after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine on February 24. The White House said on Tuesday that U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order banning imports of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas and coal to the U.S., while the European Commission published plans to cut EU dependency on Russian gas by twothirds this year and end its reliance on Russian supplies of the fuel “well before 2030.”

PID (I) 6324/21

Thursday, 10 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

MCC bans use of saLIva to shIne baLL, ‘Mankad’ no Longer unfaIr pLay LONDON

ReuteRs

RICKETERS will not be allowed to use saliva to shine the ball while the rarely used but entirely permissible “Mankad” method of dismissing batters will not be listed under unfair play in new laws approved by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Cricketers have used the age-old method of shining one side of the ball with saliva and sweat to help bowlers generate more movement in the air as it travels towards batters. The new laws make permanent a ban on applying saliva to the ball due to health reasons, implemented when men’s cricket resumed after a Covid-19 suspension in July 2020. The MCC said it found through research that the ban over this period had little or no impact on the amount of swing that bowlers were getting. Polishing the ball with sweat will still be permitted. “The new laws will not permit the use of saliva on the ball, which also removes any grey areas of fielders eating sugary sweets to alter their saliva to apply to the ball,” the MCC said in a statement. “Using saliva will be treated the same way as any other unfair methods of changing the condition of the ball.”

The Lord’s-based MCC, the sole authority on the laws of cricket since it was founded in 1787, said that the changes would be effective October 1. The “Mankad” dismissal involves a bowler choosing to whip off the bails when a non-striker steps out of the crease instead

of completing his delivery to the batter on strike. While legal, the dismissal, named after India bowler Vinoo Mankad who ran out Australia’s Bill Brown in similar fashion in 1947, has been considered against the spirit of the game. The MCC said that although the word-

ing of the law would remain the same, it would move from Law 41 (Unfair play) to Law 38 (Run out). In other changes, the MCC said when a batter is out caught, the new player in will come in at the end the striker was at and face the next ball unless it is the end of an over.

Pat Cummins to go with two spinners in remaining Test matches NEws DEsk In the wake of a disappointing end of the Rawalpindi Test match largely due to a flat pitch, Australia may go for two spinners for the remainder of the Test series. In a post-Test media conference on Tuesday, Australian skipper Pat Cummins suggested using two spinners in the series. The best strategy ahead now is to include two spinners for the rest of the series, Cummins said. “Though it would hardly have made any difference on this placid pitch, the best way forward now is to include two spinners for the rest of the series, Cummins added. “Which two spinners to play would be decided once we see the pitch at the National Stadium for the second Test.” The Australian media, however, has reported that spinner Mitchell Swepson is likely to make his debut in the Karachi Test. Cummins stated that the pitch was unsuitable for bowlers.”Draw looked like the only possibility on a pitch where there

was nothing for the bowlers.” One positive coming out of the Test, Cummins said, was the batting practise his leading batters got. “Majority of the Australian batters

stayed long at the wicket, having good look at the wicket and conditions they will be facing for the rest of the series.” He said that it was never a traditional Pindi pitch. “What we have learned and

seen, the pitch here was not the one this stadium is known for.” Cummins did not agree with the opinion that Lyon would be low in confidence as he failed to impress. “He is an experienced bowler, knowing when to get into the top groove. The next Test will be a new beginning for the bowler.” He praised the Pindi spectators as respectful and the ones that kept the Test lively. “Crowd played its part. Good supportive crowd, we have got throughout. That is great to see such a noisy and lively crowd.” Cummins also had a word of praise for Pakistan batters, saying that they made the most of the opportunities coming their way. “After winning the toss, they made the best of the opportunity, scoring big. The same thing happened in the second innings. The two openers scored centuries to fully utilise the nature of the pitch.” He said that drawing as an outcome was a fair conclusion. “We are not worried about the draw. It was a fair outcome in the end.”

Djokovic added to Indian Wells draw, unclear he can enter US: organisers NEw YORk ReuteRs

Indian Wells organisers said that world number two Novak Djokovic had been placed in the tournament’s draw but it was unclear if the Serbian would be permitted to enter the United States. The 20-time Grand Slam winner has refused to obtain a Covid-19 vaccine and previously said he was prepared to miss tournaments as a consequence. “Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw today. We are currently in communication with his team,” Indian Wells organisers wrote on Twitter. “However, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) approval to enter the country.” The Indian Wells men’s draw on Tuesday showed he had a first-round bye. The CDC website as of March 3 indicated non-US citizens who are not immigrants must show proof of vaccination against Covid-19 in order to travel by air to the United States. Djokovic was unable to compete at the Australian Open after immigration author-

ities detained him on Jan. 6, prompting a legal rollercoaster ride over the country’s Covid-19 entry rules that led to the cancellation of his visa later that month. The California tournament, often referred to as tennis’ “fifth major,” is expected to welcome a full house after it was cancelled in 2020 and moved to October last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The women’s first-round begins Wednesday while the men’s starts Thursday.With former world number one Roger Federer out of the tournament as he recovers from knee surgery and Djokovic previously presumed absent, Spaniard Rafa Nadal was widely favoured to pick up his fourth Indian Wells title and a men’s record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title at the French Open after winning the Australian Open in January. Djokovic most recently competed in Dubai in February, where Czech Jiri Vesely stunned him in the quarter-finals. The loss meant that he would lose his world number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev, who claimed his maiden major title in Flushing Meadows in September and is the top seed at Indian Wells. France loosened Covid-19 restrictions earlier this month, with vaccine

passports no longer mandatory as of March 14, opening the door for the 34-

CMYK

year-old to mount a title defence at Roland Garros beginning May.

SPORTS 11

bayern blast into Champions League quarters MUNICH AFP

Robert Lewandowski scored a record-breaking 11-minute hat-trick to send Bayern Munich sailing into the Champions League quarter-finals with a 7-1 win at home to Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday. The Polish striker had three goals to his name by the 23rd minute – the earliest anyone has ever completed a hattrick in a Champions League game – as Bayern shook off their early nerves to crush Salzburg. “This was definitely a statement from us, and it gives us hope that there is more like this to come,” Bayern captain Manuel Neuer told Amazon Prime after his side reached the last eight for a record 20th time. Austrian champions Salzburg had held Bayern to a 1-1 draw in the first leg, but their hopes of an upset in Munich were left in tatters when Lewandowski scored a tap-in and two penalties to send Bayern on their way to a famous victory. With just ten minutes and 27 seconds between Lewandowski’s first and third goals, it was the fastest of the six hat-tricks the Pole has now scored in the Champions League. “We knew we had to attack the box early today and get Lewy into the game, because he is so hard to defend against,” said Thomas Mueller. “We all knew how important this game was today. If we had been knocked out, it would have been a very sad next three months for us,” he added. Bayern started with an attack-heavy 3-5-2, but they looked nervy at the back and there were chances at both ends in the opening minutes. Lewandowski forced a sharp save from Philipp Koehn with the first attack of the game, while Nicolas Capaldo was denied at the other end by a brilliant block from Kingsley Coman. Lewandowski gratefully tucked away a penalty to give Bayern the lead on 12 minutes after he was brought down by Maximilian Woeber in the box. Initially, the lead didn’t seem to calm Bayern’s nerves, and Salzburg almost equalised as Nicolas Seiwald fizzed a fierce shot over the bar at the other end. But Lewandowski was in a predatory mood, and he soon added two more to complete his hattrick and put the tie beyond the Austrian side. Having smashed a second penalty into the bottom corner to double the lead, he added a third on the counter-attack, chasing a loose ball over the line after a one-on-one with Koehn.

Liverpool edge through despite Inter defeat LIVERPOOL AFP

Mohamed Salah admitted Liverpool might have suffered from complacency as they crept into a fourth Champions League quarter-final in five years despite a rare 1-0 defeat at Anfield to Inter Milan on Tuesday. The Italian champions were unable to scale the mountain they had to climb after losing the first leg 2-0 at home three weeks ago despite Lautaro Martinez’s sensational strike into the top corner just after the hour mark. Alexis Sanchez’s red card shortly afterwards punctured any Inter momentum and Liverpool comfortably held out with the extra man despite slipping to just a third defeat in 44 games in all competitions this season. The Reds had been on a 12-game winning run to keep alive their hopes of a historic quadruple of trophies. After lifting the League Cup last month, Jurgen Klopp’s men are now into the last eight of both the Champions League and FA Cup and have a game in hand to cut Manchester City’s six-point lead at the top of the Premier League. And Salah hopes they can learn from a rare off night in front of goal as they failed to score for just the fourth time this season. “We lost the game and maybe that will give us a push,” said the Egyptian, who hit the post twice in the second half with glorious chances. “Maybe in the back of our minds we were overconfident. It’s a good game for us to learn from.” Inter were left to rue conceding two late goals in Milan three weeks ago after they had enjoyed the better of the game for much of the first leg. “We’ve got to this stage for the first time in 10 years. We played against the strongest team in Europe in this time & were their equals,” said Inter boss Simone Inzaghi. “Sometimes it just takes a single episode to change the course of a game.” The Italian champions again controlled the first half, but Liverpool had the better chances as Joel Matip crashed a header off the bar before, from the resulting corner, Virgil Van Dijk’s goalbound effort was deflected wide.

Thursday, 10 March, 2022

prayer tiMings

NEWS

COAS, ChINeSe ChArgé d’AffAIreS dISCuSS PrOgreSS ON CPeC, regIONAL SeCurIty, defeNCe COLLAbOrAtION

6:04

7:27

news desk

HIEF of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa was called on by Chinese Charge d’ Affairs to Pakistan Ms Pang Chunxue at GHQ, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday. According to the military’s media wing, during the meeting of Chinese Charge d’ Affairs to Pakistan with the Army Chief, matters of mutual interest, defence collaboration, progress on CPEC and regional security were discussed in detail. COAS General Bajwa said that Pakistan values China’s role in global and regional affairs and we look forward to enhance our bilateral relationship. He reiterated that all regional countries need to work collectively for enduring peace and stability. The visiting dignitary thanked COAS for special measures taken for provision of safe and secure environment to CPEC projects in Pakistan and efforts to-

PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat has expressed his desire to mend ties with PML-N, sources said Wednesday, as the political tensions increase after the Opposition’s no-confidence motion move. The joint Opposition had, a day earlier, filed a noconfidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, accusing him of mismanaging the economy and poor governance. Following this, the Opposition has claimed that it has the backing of a majority of National Assembly lawmakers, while the government is confident of defeating the notrust motion. The PML-Q president — whose party is an ally of the PTI government in Punjab and the Centre — expressed the desire during a meeting with PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari today and his separate meeting with Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, sources told Geo News. He also hoped that PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif would move on and forget the invitation he sent to the PML-Q leader, sources said. Shahbaz had invited Shujaat to dinner last week, but the PML-Q did not attend it. Shujaat, according to sources, also told Zardari that he was ready to accept PPP’s conditions for electing a new chief minister in Punjab. At this, Zardari told the PML-Q president that he was too late and that they had to look for other options after the party did not take a clear stance, sources said. Zardari stressed that PML-Q accepted the dinner invitation of PML-N, but did not attend the dinner, which was against political ethics. “But since I respect you, I will speak to PML-N on your behalf.” Separately, sources told Geo News that after this, Fazl to Shahbaz about the important development and now it is expected that PML-Q and PML-N’s top brass would meet soon. Last month, after a 14-year hiatus, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz met PML-Q’s Chaudhry brothers — allies of the PTIled government — at their residence, where he sought their support for the Opposition’s bid to oust the government. Monitoring report

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA 3:36

KARACHI

Mian abrar

PML-Q ready to mend ties with PML-N amid no-confidence motion threat: report

ZUHR 12:21

6:37

Nisar Khuhro wins election on vacant Senate seat

RAWALPINDI

FAJR SUNRISE 5:14

wards regional stability. She also expressed satisfaction over progress on

CPEC and ensured to play her role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

Shehbaz Sharif calls on JI’s Sirajul Haq to seek support to oust PM Imran

National Assembly Opposition Leader and head of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shehbaz Sharif called on Jamaat-eIslami chief Sirajul Haq on Wednesday to seek his party’s support to oust the premier, a day after the submission of a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan. It is pertinent to note that the opposition has 162 lawmakers in the National Assembly whereas to oust the prime minister, they require 172 votes. The government and its allies currently hold 179 seats in the lower house. During the meeting at the residence of Mian Aslam in Islamabad, Shehbaz, on behalf of the joint opposition, requested the JI chief to support the no-trust vote for the sake of 220 million Pakistanis. He stated that the PTI govern-

ment has made the lives of the people hell, adding that the ruling party’s mandate was bogus. Shehbaz said the opposition will also make efforts to woo PTI lawmakers. “We will remove the government through a constitutional process and go to people to seek a fresh mandate,” the PML-N chief added. Siraj also chided the government over high taxation and hyperinflation. The JI chief said the government has even taxed “every drop of water and morsel of bread”. He further stated that the no-confidence motion against the premier was a constitutional process, adding that the JI will decide on the no-trust move against the premier after meeting the party leadership. Meanwhile, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar while talking to media in Lahore, urged the political

parties to refrain from horse-trading ahead of the no-trust vote. He said every party should accept whatever will be the outcome of the no-confidence motion. Speaking about the disgruntled PTI politicians Jahangir Khan Tarin and Aleem Khan, Sarwar said both politicians immensely served the party and the leadership should talk to them to allay their reservations. “Political parties are like a family and it is the job of the top leadership to keep the party intact, else it damages the party,” Sarwar added. He further revealed that the CM Usman Buzdar will remain the CM as long as he has the support of the prime minister, the PTI and its allies. He said it was the prerogative of the prime minister to appoint the chief minister in the province. news desk

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Nisar Khuhro on Wednesday won a by-election for a Senate seat from Sindh that had fallen vacant after the disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Vawda, according to unofficial results. The polling started in the Sindh Assembly building and continued until 4pm without any break. Though PTI’s Agha Arsalan had filed nomination papers for the by-election, the ruling party and its allies in the federal government had announced to boycott the election. However, despite the boycott, two PTI MPAs voted for Khuhro in the election. Khuhro won the seat after bagging 99 votes out of 101. Shortly after the announcement of Khuhro’s win, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took to his Twitter handle to congratulate the party member. “Congratulations, Senator elect, Nisar Ahmad Khuhro,” he wrote. Earlier in February, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had disqualified Vawda as a lawmaker after it was found that he had concealed his US nationality while submitting his nomination papers to the returning officer to take part in 2018 general elections.

IS suicide bomber of Peshawar mosque was Afghan: police ISLAMABAD: An Islamic State (IS) suicide bomber who killed 64 people at a Shi’ite mosque in Peshawar last week was an Afghan exile who returned home to train for the attack, police said Wednesday. There have been warnings Afghanistan could become a recruiting ground and staging post for militants since the Taliban returned to power last year following the hasty withdrawal of US-led forces. The Taliban have pledged they will not allow Afghan soil to be used to plot attacks on other nations, but last month the UN Security Council said “terrorist groups enjoy greater freedom there than at any time in recent history”. Two senior police officials told AFP the suicide bomber responsible for Friday’s blast had prepared the attack in Afghanistan. It was claimed by IS, whose Islamic State-Khorasan affiliate has been active for years in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The officials said the attacker was an Afghan national in his 30s who moved to Pakistan with his family decades ago. “The bomber went to Afghanistan, trained there and returned without informing his family,” one of the senior police officials told AFP. “Islamic State-Khorasan is becoming a strong threat for us, they are operating from Afghanistan but they have sleeping cells here,” he added. Taliban officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Police said they had killed three “facilitators” of the attack in an overnight operation, and arrested 20 others suspected of involvement. IS also claimed responsibility for what it said was a suicide blast on Tuesday that killed seven paramilitary troops near a site in the Sibi district of Balochistan where the president had visited less than half an hour earlier. Since the Taliban’s return to power, Islamabad has acted as a key broker between the hardliners and the international community. Pakistan was one of just three nations to officially recognise their first regime from 1996 to 2001. afp

Fawad urges NA speaker to wrap up no-confidence motion against the PM, to end political chaos Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday urged the speaker of the National Assembly to convene a session of the lower house “as soon as possible” in order to “wrap up” the opposition’s no-confidence motion against the prime minister. He went on to add that the country was not in a position to afford political chaos for a long time. It is pertinent to note that the opposition on Tuesday had submitted in the National Assembly Secretariat a no-confidence motion against the prime minister and also requisitioned the National Assembly because it is not in session currently. After this requisition, the speaker has a maximum of 14 days to summon the session, which means he must call the lower house in session by March 22. Chaudhry, while addressing a presser in Islamabad, claimed that the PTI had the support of at least 184 lawmakers in the National Assembly — sufficient to doom the opposition’s motion. “I challenge the opposition to bring the motion to House if they have 172 numbers,” the minister said as he addressed a press con-

ference alongside Energy Minister Hammad Azhar in Islamabad. He further stated that the government would not hold any talks with the opposition, adding that “we tried to talk to them on electoral reforms and other matters of public interest but they did not respond to us”. Chaudhry added that the fading popularity of the PPP and the PML-N, the two main opposition parties, due to their corruption would result in their downfall. He went on to criticize PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif for saying that one of the reasons behind the no-trust move was the premier’s recent criticism of the European Union in Mailsi. “Is the EU your relative?” Chaudhry questioned as he explained that relationships between countries are based on national interests and Pakistan’s interests would have to be considered above the EU’s or any others. He went on to state that no Pakistani leader since Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had pursued an independent foreign policy save for Prime Minister Imran Khan. He shut the door of any negotiations with the opposition, declaring that “we will deal

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

with them as is done with criminals.” Questioned on whether the allies still stood with the government, Chaudhry said “good meetings” were held with them and they were with the “strong government”. “Matters are in super control and you will see more clearly in the next one to two days,” he added. Meanwhile, Azhar said the opposition was not able to tolerate the economic feats of the PTI government. “Despite all the crisis, Pakistan is progressing and we are being seen as a model for development.” He said Pakistan’s current growth rate stood at 5.5pc even amid “all the challenges at hand”. The energy minister said the political commotion being caused by the opposition was also an attack on the economy, adding “the opposition is also trying to shake the confidence of investors who are quite optimistic about Pakistan’s future.” He maintained that PM Imran would emerge even stronger in the next two weeks, insisting that he “enjoys the complete support of people”. news desk