EpaperISB_22-3-13

Sunday, 13 March, 2022 I 9 Shaʽban, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 254 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

rAsheed, Moonis trAde bArbs As CrACks within CoAlition govt widen g

rashEEd calls out pEoplE "blackMailing" pM iMran khan aMid no trust MovE

g

Moonis Elahi rEsponds, says hE rEspEcts rashEEd but asks hiM not to forgEt his past

ISLAMABAD staff report

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s political temperature gets heated ahead of no trust Motion tabled by the joint opposition against prime Minister imran khan, the coalition partners have come face to face to settle political scores. in a new twist to the cracks widening within the ruling coalition, Minister for interior sheikh rasheed ahmed and Minister for Water resources Moonis Elahi traded barbs on saturday. talking to media in Quetta, rasheed accused Elahi’s party – pMl-Q – of “blackmailing” the government for punjab’s chief minister slot in return for support during the opposition’s no-confidence motion against prime Minister imran khan. “the opposition’s no-confidence motion will fail and prime Minister imran khan will complete five years….. i stand like a rock with imran khan. i am not responsible for anyone else. i am not like those people with five [seats in the na] and who are blackmailing [the government] for the province’s chief ministry,” he said in the context of punjab’s politics. responding to this, pMl-Q leader Elahi hit back at rasheed, alleging that he “used to take money from the party’s elders during his student life”. according to media reports, the pMlQ has asked the prime minister to announce punjab assembly speaker chaudhry parvez Elahi the replacement

of punjab chief Minister sardar usman buzdar before calling the session of the national assembly to take up the opposition’s no-confidence motion as the party will then announce its open support for the premier during the no-trust vote in the lower house. according to sources privy to the ongoing talks between the pti and pMl-Q, the chaudhrys of gujrat have urged the prime minister to announce chaudhry parvez Elahi the replacement of chief Minister usman buzdar before calling the session of the national assembly to take up the opposition’s no-trust motion. the demand is despite the party holding just five seats in the lower house. “the pMl-Q leadership has conveyed

CoronAvirus in

PAkistAn

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to the prime minister to announce punjab assembly speaker parvez Elahi as the punjab chief minister forthwith as this will help save the pti government in punjab in the face of ‘rebellion’ by the [Jahangir] tareen group,” the sources quoted chaudhrys telling the govt delegation led by information Minister fawad chaudhry. “also the pMl-Q will announce its open support for the premier and use its clout to scuttle the opposition’s move in the centre,” the source added. “if the premier does not take a timely decision with regard to nominating parvez Elahi for the punjab chief minister’s slot, the pMl-Q is free to explore other options,” the sources maintained.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Pakistan demands joint probe into Indian missile incident pakistan on saturday said that the grave nature of india’s accidental firing of a missile has raised several fundamental questions regarding security protocols and technical safeguards against the accidental or unauthorised launch of missiles in a nuclearized environment. in a press release, the foreign office spokesperson said: “the indian decision to hold an internal court of inquiry is not sufficient since the missile ended up in pakistani territory. pakistan demands a joint probe to accurately establish the facts surrounding the incident.” he said that the whole incident indicates many loopholes and technical lapses of serious nature in india’s handling of the strategic weapons. “pakistan, therefore, calls upon the international community to take serious notice of this incident of grave nature in a nuclearized environment and play its due role in promoting strategic stability in the region,” he said. the spokesperson said that pakistan has taken note of the press statement by the indian press information bureau’s defence Wing, regretting the “accidental firing” of the indian origin missile into pakistani territory on March 9 due to “technical malfunction” and an-

PTI has finalised strategy to deal with no-confidence motion: Asad Umar Minister for planning and development asad umar on saturday said that the pakistan tehreek-i-insaf (pti) has finalised its strategy to deal with the opposition’s no-confidence motion and the ruling party will disclose it on time. talking to a private news channel, he said the opposition leaders are just playing ‘noconfidence’ game just to protect their vested interest and they are only wasting the government’s time to drag attention on other matters. he said the day of no-confidence vote will be remarkable as all the coalition groups will be standing and supporting openly the incumbent government. he said that there is no truth in the reports regarding change in the punjab government, adding that unfortunately, all speculations are circulating on media outlets. he said that prime Minister imran khan is the only authority to take any decision about any political change in the province, adding that pakistan Muslim league-Quaid (pMl-Q) has not put any condition on the government about the replacement of punjab chief minister.

nouncing a decision to hold an internal court of inquiry. “given the short distances and response times, any misinterpretation by the other side could lead to countermeasures in self-defence with grave consequences,” he added. the spokesperson demanded explanation from the indian side over certain questions arising out of the grave incident. he said such a serious matter cannot be addressed with the simplistic explanation offered by the indian authorities, adding that some of the questions that need to be answered include: • india must explain the measures and procedures in place to prevent accidental missile launches and the particular circumstances of this incident.

• india needs to clearly explain the type and specifications of the missile that fell in pakistani territory.

• india also needs to explain the flight path/ trajectory of the accidentally launched missile and how it ultimately turned and entered pakistan?

• Was the missile equipped with self-destruct mechanism? Why did it fail to actualize?

• are indian missiles kept primed for launch even under routine maintenance? news desk

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

more inside

need to follow teachings of saints, sufis who promoted love, brotherhood: president STORY ON PAGE 02

IMF asks govt to provide clarification on industrial package STORY ON PAGE 03

he further stated that pti has decided to organise a large public meeting in the federal capital one day before the noconfidence vote. on the other hand, Minister for information and broadcasting chaudhry fawad hussain said that the opposition’s illplanned no-confidence motion has stirred up ‘bitterness’ in

politics. in a tweet, the minister said that democracy is not a system of extreme divisions but is based on political consensus. “it is not difficult to fight, but reconciliation is difficult later”, he said, adding that politics should not be so divisive that it becomes difficult to talk to each other. news desk

petition seeking registration of fir against pM for ‘threatening’ Zardari filed in court STORY ON BACK PAGE

Elahi to make decision on future political course along with MQM, BAP STORY ON BACK PAGE

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Sunday, 13 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

Need to Follow teaChiNgS oF SaiNtS, SuFiS who pRomoted loVe, bRotheRhood: pReSideNt ISLAMABAD

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Staff RepoRt

RESIDENT Dr Arif Alvi has said that we need to follow the teachings of saints and Sufis who always advocated the cause of humanity and promoted love, brotherhood, mutual respect and unity among Muslims.

The saints had rendered great services for the reformation of society by educating and guiding the Muslims about Islamic values and propagating the message of Islam throughout the world, he added.

Dr. Arif Alvi remarked this while talking to the visiting Sajjada Nasheen of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Shah Gillani of Baghdad, Sheikh Syed Khalid Abdul Qadir Mansoor Al-Gillani, who along with the members of

Remittances increased 2pc at $2.2bn in February FY22 MonItorIng rePort According to data shared by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) remittances from Overseas Pakistanis stood at $2.2 billion in February 2022, this figure is 2 per cent higher compared to January 2022. The data shows that despite fewer working days in February as compared to January on a month-on-month basis remittances increased by 2 per cent and fell by 2.7 per cent on a year-on-year basis. During the first eight months (JulyFeb) of the current fiscal year, the SBP said remittances grew by 7.6 per cent to $20.1 billion compared to the same period of last year. The data showed the inflows from Saudi Arabia were at $558 million, United Arab Emirates (UAE) $387 million, United Kingdom $319 million and United States of America $210 million.

Faisal Vawda: SC fixes plea against disqualification for hearing ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The Supreme Court (SC) on Saturday has fixed the plea of PTI’s Faisal Vawda against his lifetime disqualification by the ECP from holding a public office for a hearing.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ayesha Malik will take up the plea on March 15. Vawda filed a petition in the Supreme Court under Article 185 (3) of the Constitution for leave to appeal against the order of the Election Commission of Pakistan dated February 9 and a judgment of the Islamabad High Court dated February 16, 2022. An ECP bench, led by Chief Election Commissioner Faisal Sultan Raja, had disqualified Vawda for concealing his dual nationality with a direction to return the salary and other benefits he had received as a minister and a National Assembly member within two months. He was also de-notified as a senator.

his delegation, called on him, at Aiwan-eSadr on Saturday. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, the Ambassador of Iraq to Pakistan Hamid Abbas Laftah, and senior officials of the Government attended the meeting.

Welcoming the delegation, the President highlighted the contributions of Ulema and Sufis in spreading the message of Islam in the world, particularly in Central and South Asia. He added that Hazrat Abdul Qadir Shah Gillani upheld high moral values throughout his life and reformed the society in the light of the Quran and Sunnah during the difficult time of Islamic history.

President Alvi further highlighted that today’s society was facing many challenges such as moral degradation, extremism and fake news, and religious leaders needed to

address these issues in their sermons and speeches. He informed the delegation that the Government and religious leaders from various schools of thought had been making efforts to promote religious tolerance, mutual respect and inter-faith harmony in the country. He emphasized the need for promoting unity among the Muslim countries to effectively overcome the challenge of Islamophobia.

The President lauded the welfare works being undertaken by the Sajjada Nasheen of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Shah Gillani. Later, he hosted a state banquet in honour of the visiting delegation.

Sheikh Syed Khalid Abdul Qadir Mansoor Al-Gillani thanked the President for his hospitality and warm welcome. He also invited the President to visit Baghdad.

DG revises allocation of condensate to refineries AhMAD AhMADAnI Petroleum Division’s Directorate General (DG) Oil has revised allocation of condensate produced from Kunnar Pasaki Deep (KPD) to refineries.

In addition Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has been directed to submit a draft Condensate Sale Agreement (COSA) for approval of the competent authority.

DG Oil, in a letter dated March 11, 2022 to Managing Directors (MDs) of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Enar Petroleum Refining Facility (EPRF), Pak-Arab Refinery Limited, Cnergyico Pakistan Limited and National Refinery Limited, said that the he (DG Oil) has been

pleased to revise allocation of 2,000 barrels per day (bpd) condensate produced from KPD. According to revised allocation of 2,000 bpd condensate of KPD to the

refineries, 500 bpd of condensate will be supplied to NRL, 966 bpd condensate to EPRF and 534 bpd condensate to PARCO. The DG Oil, in his letter to MDs of

refineries, also said that the pricing mechanism given in the relevant Petroleum Concession Agreement (PCA) will be adopted for pricing KPD condensate and applicable government discount, windfall levy to be deposited in the government account.

“Furthermore, OGDCL is requested to submit a draft Condensate Sale Agreement (COSA) for approval of the competent authority which should be in line with relevant PCA and model COSA approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet,” said the letter.

It is pertinent to mention that the OGDCL was previously supplying 666 bpd condensate to NRL, 334 bpd condensate to PARCO and 1,000 bpd condensate to BYCO out of the total 2,000 bpd condensate from KPD field.

FBR Chairman holds weekly E-Kachehri APP Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman and Secretary Revenue Division on Friday hold weekly EKachehri to address the complaints and concerns of taxpayers.

As a sequel to E-Kachehries held regularly to comply with the directions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Chairman FBR held yet another weekly E-Kachehri at FBR Headquarters, said a press release issued here.

This was in continuation of holding weekly EKachehri by the Chairman FBR after he decided to hold it on every Friday in order to expedite redressal of grievances of taxpayers.

He listened to the complaints of the taxpayers and issued on-spot directions for immediate resolution of complaints.

He also advised the taxpayers to visit their nearest RTO and collectorate of customs for redressal of any problem confronted by them.

The Chairman FBR appreciated the suggestions put forth by the taxpayers and assured them that their valued input would be duly considered for formulation of tax policies and initiatives for taxpayers’ facilitation.

He reaffirmed that FBR was making all out efforts to facilitate the taxpayers.

The Chairman FBR has already issued directions to all field formations for according top priority to the grievances and concerns of all taxpayers, particularly,

related to females and those belonging to remote and marginalized areas of Pakistan.

Needless to add that the weekly E-Kachehri being held by Chairman FBR on regular basis is not only contributing significantly to the timely redressal of the grievances of taxpayers but it is also aimed at keeping

a strong check on the performance of the field formations.

The Chairman FBR has already instructed all field formations to resolve the outstanding issues of taxpayers and made it clear that any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated.

No-confidence motion: Opposition holds joint meeting on Monday ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Days after submitting requisition for no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, the joint opposition has summoned a consultative meeting on Monday.

Sources privy to the development said that the meeting of the opposition parties will be held at the residence of Leader of Opposition in National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif.

A dinner will be given to the opposition leaders in the meeting.

Sources further said that Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chairman and JUI-F chief Malana Fazlur Rehman, and Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former president and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Balochistan National Party (BNP) Sardar Akhtar Mengal and other opposition leaders will attend the meeting.

The meeting will formulate a strategy regarding the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan and contacts with the ruling coalition parties will also be reviewed.

The meeting will also discuss the police raids on Parliament Lodges and the situation after the torture and arrest of MNAs.

Sunday, 13 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

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imF aSkS goVt to pRoVide ClaRiFiCatioN oN iNduStRial paCkage

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ShAhzAD PArAchA

HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has sought clarification from Pakistan on the announced industrial package.

Finance Secretary Hamid Yaqoob on a query informed that the review is still going on and IMF is fine with December numbers.

They are seeking clarifications about the package and hopefully the review will complete sometime next week, he added.

The government and IMF started negotiations on the ongoing seventh review of the $6 billion Extended Fund Facility

program on March 4, 2022.

Sources said that the government has shared details with the IMF in regards to slashing of Rs5 per unit electricity price and its financial implications.

The financial implications of the Prime Minister’s electricity package would be Rs115 billion on account of Rs5 per unit cut in tariff and Rs21.47 billion on account of fuel impact.

The reduction of Rs5 per unit in tariff for residential and commercial consumers would entail Rs16.20 billion for DICSOs in the month of March 2022 and Rs2.91 billion for K-electric while fuel impact for DISCOs

is estimated at Rs10.22 billion and K-electric impact of Rs0.08 billion.

Similarly, DISCOs impact on account of tariff for the month of April is projected at Rs21.75 billion and K electric at Rs3.74 billion while fuel impact was estimated at Rs6.27 billion for DISCO and zero for Kelectric. Sources said that prime minister package has also been worked out on the assumptions of coal prices at $232/MT while RLNG prices at $15 MMBTU for the month of March followed by $17 MMBTU for April, $16 MMBTU for May and $15 MMBTU for June 2022.

Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA)

projections have been made on the assumptions that crude oil prices would be at $95 per barrel and at an exchange rate of Rs180, sources added.

In addition the gap for FCA subsidy for DISCO is Rs2.86 per kWh for March 2022, Rs190 per kWh for April, Rs0.26 per kWh for May and Rs0.55 for June 2022 while subsidy gap of K-electric was Rs0.21 for March 2022 and Rs1.15 for May 2022.

The government also informed the IMF that the finance ministry will release the subsidy amount as advance in the beginning of each month divided in four equal installments worth Rs34 billion.

IHC moved against acquittal of Zahir’s parents in Noor Mukadam case ISLAMABAD INp

A petition was filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday against the acquittal of nine accused, including Zahir Jaffer’s parents, in the Noor Mukadam murder case.

The plea was filed on behalf of Shaukat Mukadam, challenging the

acquittal of Zahir’s parents Zakir Jaffer and Ismat Adamjee and domestic helper Jamil in the murder case.

The appeal also challenged the acquittal of six Therapy Works employees, including its CEO Tahir Zahoor. The petitioner pleaded to the court that digital evidence is present against all accused, therefore, they should be punished in accordance with

the law.

“The acquittal decision of the trial court is against the law,” the appeal stated. On February 24, Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani had sentenced Zahir Jaffer to death for the murder of Noor Mukadam. The judge had also found him guilty of rape and awarded him 25 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs200,000.

Zahir’s two employees, Mohammad Iftikhar and Mohammad Jan, were sentenced to 10 years in jail, while Zahir’s parents and Therapy Works employees were acquitted.

Noor Mukadam, 27, daughter of former ambassador Shaukat Mukadam, was found brutally murdered at a residence in Islamabad’s upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20, 2021.

Opposition to target CM Buzdar after removing PM Imran: Khursheed Shah ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

PPP leader Khursheed Shah has said the joint Opposition would shift their target towards the Punjab chief minister and speaker after removing the incumbent prime minister from his office.

“After the no-confidence motion [is passed] against PM Imran Khan, we will shift our focus towards Chief Minister Punjab [Usman Buzdar] and speaker [Pervaiz Elahi],” the veteran politician said while speaking to journalists in Islamabad on Saturday.

The former Opposition leader in the National Assembly also told journalists that after CM Punjab, it would be President Arif Alvi’s turn — as,

according to sources, they plan on impeaching him as well.

“Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani is also trying to persuade his party [Balochistan Awami Party] members to support the Opposition’s no-confidence move,” the PPP leader said.

Parallel to this, BAP President Jam Kamal Khan had told Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed that his party can make decisions for themselves.

The interior minister had earlier in the day said the BAP — an ally of the PTI in Balochistan and Punjab — would stand by PM Imran Khan in face of the Opposition’s no-confidence motion.

The Opposition parties moved a noconfidence motion seeking the ouster of PM Imran Khan on March 8, accusing

him of mismanaging the economy and poor governance.

After submitting the no-confidence motion in the NA Secretariat, the

Opposition is trying to woo the PTI allies in supporting its no-trust move, while the government has ramped up efforts of retaining its allies.

PTI to gather one million people in Capital’s D-Chowk

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided

to hold a large rally of supporters and has tasked PTI leaders to gather one million people in the Federal Capital for the purpose, sources said Saturday.

The decision came after the prime minister met members of the Parliament from Rawalpindi, Chakwal, and Islamabad, sources said and assigned the

task of hosting the rally to PTI’s Islamabad chapter.

Sources said the massive rally will be held a day before the no-confidence motion session takes place, a date for which has not been decided yet.

The prime minister, while speaking to the lawmakers, said any member of the National Assembly who crosses the floor and betrays the government during the session on the no-confidence motion would face legal action.

“We will defeat the Opposition’s noconfidence motion,” sources quoted the prime minister as saying.

The political activities have rapidly increased in the country, with the Opposition holding repeated meetings with government allies to support their no-trust motion. Meanwhile, the PTI is wooing its allies in a bid to foil the noconfidence motion.

The Opposition parties moved a noconfidence motion seeking the ouster of PM Imran Khan on March 8, accusing him of mismanaging the economy and poor governance.

After submitting the no-confidence motion in the NA Secretariat, the Opposition is trying to woo the PTI allies in supporting its no-trust move, while the government has ramped up the efforts of retaining its allies.

The finance minister Shaukat Tarin in a media briefing informed that the government announced the subsidies on the back of improved revenue collection.

The IMF should not have problems with the relief package, as Pakistan was neither increasing its fiscal deficit nor taking any loans to provide relief to the people, he added.

It is pertinent to note that Prime Minister Imran Khan on February 28, 2022 announced reduction of prices of petroleum products by Rs10 per litre, cut in electricity price by Rs5 per unit, and a targeted tax amnesty scheme for the industrial sector.

Govt continuously bringing reforms: Tarin ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance Shaukat Tarin on Saturday said that the financial sector is stable enough and the government is continuously bringing reforms in different sectors. Talking to a new channel, he said that “we are working on sustainable growth, which will boost up to 6 percent further. He said several reforms have been made in industrialisation, housing and agricultural sectors, adding that the Kamyab Jawan Programme, Health Card Scheme, and Ehsaas programmes are result of government’s efforts. He narrated that the government is trying to maintain balance among upper, middle and lower classes by making these programmes so that everybody can take benefit from economic growth. He said the price of oil was increased overall, but “we are paying Rs1.2 trillion subsidy”. Although the fuel rates need to be increased, yet the government has decreased the prices to facilitate the people. He said that the structural reforms will provide good results for economy in long term. app

Sunday, 13 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

04

NEWS

RussIa seeKs IndIan InvesTMenT In ITs OIl and Gas secTOR NEW DELHI

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agencies

USSIA has urged India to deepen its investments in the sanction-hit country’s oil and gas sector, and is keen on expanding the sales networks of Russian companies in Asia’s thirdlargest economy.

Russia’s economy faces its deepest crisis since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, as the West imposes severe sanctions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Some western allies have encouraged India to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine, after New Delhi abstained from voting against Moscow, a longstanding arms supplier, at the United Nations.

“Russia’s oil and petroleum prod-

uct exports to India have approached $1 billion, and there are clear opportunities to increase this figure,” said Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, according to a statement shared

by Russia’s embassy in India late on Friday.

“We are interested in further attracting Indian investment to the Russian oil and gas sector and expanding

Russian companies’ sales networks in India,” Novak told Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri.

The United States this week banned Russian oil imports and Britain said it will phase them out by year end, decisions expected to further disrupt the global energy market, where Russia is the second-largest exporter of crude.

Indian state-run companies hold stakes in Russian oil and gas fields, while Russian entities including Rosneft own a majority stake in Indian refiner Nayara Energy. Some Indian companies also buy Russian oil.

Russia expects both countries to continue cooperation on civilian nuclear power, including building new units at a nuclear power plant in the south Indian town of Kudankulam, Novak said.

Martyrdom of four unarmed youth by Indian troops in IIOJK condemnable: Tanveer Ilyas ISLAMABAD staff report

China releases full text of government work report ISLAMABAD Mian abrar

Two robbers killed in Gujrat shootout GUJRAT staff report

Law enforcing agencies have killed two robbers while two more managed to escape.

According to police sources, 17 cases of robbery were registered against the robbers who were killed in encounters in limits of various Police Stations.

Four armed robbers were busy in robbing the passers-by near Bhola Jalaluddin village in Saddar Lala Musa area. On information, Police launched operation but the robbers managed to escape on two Motorcycles.

Police blocked road near Taranwala to arrest the robbers. As soon as the robbers reached near the police check post, they started firing indiscriminately on police. The police party retaliated the fire, killing two robbers while two others escaped on motorcycles.

SHO Sadar Lala Musa Inspector Sarfraz Ahmed had also set up a roadblock near Karnana village. The killed accused, who was later identified as Bilal Hassan son of Matiullah, resident of Mandi Bahauddin.

The two accused Amanullah and Bilal Hassan were wanted by different police stations in 17 incidents of robbery. Police seized two motorcycles and recovered jewelery, cash and weapons from the spot and started investigation.

Meanwhile, a search operation is being carried out by setting up roadblocks across the district to search for the absconding accused.

The Report on the Work of the Government was released in full on Saturday. The government work report was delivered by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on behalf of the State Council at the fifth session of the 13th National People’s Congress on March 5, and was adopted on March 11.

Full TexT: RepoRT on The WoRk oF The GoveRnmenT The report comprises three parts: I. A Review of Our Work in 2021 II. Overall Requirements and Policy Orientation for Economic and Social Development in 2022 III. Major Tasks for 2022 Noting that 2021 was a milestone in the history of the Communist Party of China and the country, the report points out that facing complicated and challenging circumstances in and outside of China, as well as many risks and challenges, people throughout the country worked hard as one, responded to COVID-19 and pursued economic and social development in a well-coordinated way, accomplished the main targets and tasks for the year, got the 14th Five-Year Plan off to a good start, and once again secured new and major achievements in the country’s development.

The RepoRT pRoposes The main pRojecTed TaRGeTs FoR developmenT in 2022 as FolloWs: – GDP growth of around 5.5 percent – Over 11 million new urban jobs

– Surveyed urban unemployment rate of no more than 5.5 percent – CPI increase of around 3 percent – Growth in personal income that is basically in step with economic growth – Steady increases in both the volume and quality of imports and exports – Basic equilibrium in the balance of payments – Grain output of over 650 million metric tons – Further improvement in the environment – Continued reduction in the discharge of major pollutants – Energy consumption per unit of GDP to be assessed with appropriate flexibility within the framework of the 14th Five-Year Plan; and the exclusion of newly added renewable energy and coal, petroleum, and natural gas consumed as raw materials in the total amount of energy consumption iT also lisTs The FolloWinG majoR Tasks FoR 2022: – Achieving stable macroeconomic

performance and keeping major economic indicators within the appropriate range – Keeping the operations of market entities stable and maintaining job security by strengthening macro policies – Steadfastly deepening reform to strengthen market vitality and internal momentum for development – Further implementing the innovation-driven development strategy and strengthening the foundation of the real economy – Expanding domestic demand and promoting coordinated regional development and new urbanization – Boosting agricultural production and promoting all-around rural revitalization – Pursuing higher-standard opening up and promoting stable growth of foreign trade and investment – Continuing to improve the environment and promoting green and low-carbon development – Ensuring and improving people’s well-being and promoting better and new ways of conducting social governance

President Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Senior Most Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas has strongly condemned the martyring of four unarmed youth by Indian troops in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu (IIOJK).

He termed the recent incidents as worst example of state terrorism.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, he said that siege of unarmed Kashmiris by the occupied forces was the worst violation of human rights and the international organizations should take the notice of the massacre of vulnerable Kashmiris.

Sardar Tanveer Ilyas said that the Indian forces martyred the four defenseless youth during its actions in Pulwama, Ganderbal and Handwara areas of the occupied valley and mobile and internet services was kept suspended during the operation. He said that the Indian forces through its brutal conduct can’t suppress the voice and courage of the Kashmiri people.

He was of the view that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently ruling in India has set worst examples of war crimes and crossed all limits of violations of human rights through massacre of unarmed Kashmiris. However, despite their brutalities, struggle of Kashmiris for their selfdetermination right was gaining power with each passing day, he added.

The PTI AJK President further stated that sacrifices rendered by the Kashmiris during the freedom movement were a sacred trust and they would not be let to go in vain.

He said that the Indian forces deployed in Occupied Kashmir were serving as terrorist organization and engaged in genocide of impeccable Kashmiris.

The Senior Most Minister said that PM Imran Khan was playing role of ambassador of Kashmiris and every countrymen supports the struggled of their Kashmiri brethren for a noble cause.

He said that Kashmir was the jugular vein of Pakistan and both can’t be separated of each other. He also urged the United Nations (UN) to end its silence over Kashmir issue and play its due role.

Tanveer Ilyas said that Indian PM Narendra Modi was following in his ego and has adopted path of aggressiveness which was a major threat to the stability and peace of the region.

The country which claims to be champion of democracy was reluctant to give due to rights to Kashmiris and engaged in their genocide, he said adding but no the day was not far away when Kashmiris would succeed to get their right of self-determination and independence.

The PTI AJK President said that despite all tactics including brutalities and sanctions, the Kashmiri people would not give up their inborn right and would continue their struggle till achievement of the goals.

Siraj urges PM to showcase Govt performance instead of verbal attacks on opponents LAHORE staff report

Emir Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Sirajul Haq has asked Prime Minister Imran Khan to inform the people about performance of PTI government instead of unleashing verbal attacks on political opponents.

He said that the language being used by the government and main opposition side could not be allowed in any civilized society.

Talking to members of Islami Jamiat Talba (IJT) Majlise Shura at Mansoorah on Saturday, Sirajul Haq also demanded the government lift ban on student unions. He said the PTI government destroyed the education sector along with other sectors in three and half years. He said the PTI failed to provide equal education system to the

CMYK

country.

The door of education, he said, was almost closed for poor children due to massive increase in fee and increase in poverty ratio. The past governments, he said, were equally responsible to the plight of masses.

JI naib emir Rashid Naseem and IJT Nazim-e-Aaala Shakeel Ahmed were also present on occasion.

Sirajul Haq said the prime minister had openly violated the Election Commission rules by holding a public meeting in Lower Dir amid the local government elections in KPK. The prime minister, he said, on one side cited examples of rule of law in the west but on the other side he (PM) himself was violating the country’s constitution.

He said the laws were only effective against the poor while rich and power-

ful were always defied them. The PTI slogan to introduce across the board accountability and bringing powerful under the law proved pack of lies, he said, adding the present government was the protector of status quo.

Reiterating his demand for the fresh poll in the elections, the JI chief said the country could not go ahead by changing only the faces. The people should stand for their right which the ruling elite never bothered to provide them, he said.

Sirajul Haq said the JI was struggling for bringing real change and the welfare of the people was epicenter of its efforts. The JI’s 101 sit-in movement, he said, will continue until the achievement of its objective to transform Pakistan into real welfare Islamic state.

Sunday, 13 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

Rasheed, Moonis trade barbs as cracks within coalition govt widen continued from page 01 GOVT CAN SUMMON ARMY: Speaking in the backdrop of Thursday’s police operation against JUI-F’s uniformed volunteer force – Ansarul Islam –in Parliament Lodges, Rasheed said no private militia would be allowed to interfere in Islamabad. He said that the government has decided to hand over the security of Parliament and Parliament Lodges to FC and Rangers so that there could be no law and order mishap, adding that the government can also call in the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution in critical situations. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan would win the next general election on the basis of performance, adding that “we have to move towards reconciliation because the opposition would not succeed in its no-trust motion”. He advised the opposition that general elections are only one year away and it is better to prepare for the general elections. “The opposition leaders should show restraint and tolerance, as otherwise they will remain in line for 10 years,” he added.

Pakistan demands joint probe into Indian missile incident continued from page 01 • Why did India fail to immediately inform Pakistan about the accidental launch of the missile and waited to acknowledge it till after Pakistan announced the incident and sought clarification?

• Given the profound level of incompetence, India needs to explain if the missile was indeed handled by its armed forces or some rogue elements?

Earlier on Friday, the Indian defence ministry, in a statement, had said: “On March 9, 2022, in the course of routine maintenance, a technical malfunction led to the accidental firing of a missile.”

“The Government of India has taken a serious view and ordered a high-level Court of Enquiry,” it had added. “It is learnt that the missile landed in an area of Pakistan. While the incident is deeply regrettable, it is also a matter of relief that there has been no loss of life due to the accident,” it had further said.

Gift of immovable property to minor son cannot be revoked: SC

05

MOST PROvIdeS eSCaPe ROuTe TO ITS OffICIal alleGedly INvOlved IN CORRuPTION iSLamaBad

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Ghulam abbas

HE Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has sent its official on forced leave while punitive actions are likely to be taken against others after completion of a departmental inquiry against officials involved in financial and administrative irregularities and corruption cases.

As per a letter issued on February 25, 2022, the MoST, in light of factfinding inquiry committee, has sent Ali Muhammad Bukhari, Deputy Director Finance of Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) on leave for 90 days.

However, insiders believe that the ministry, by sending him on leave, has actually given a safe passage to the official, who is alleged to be involved in a mega scandal of suspicious transactions worth over a billion rupees.

“The official may soon leave the country as he has been involved in a mega financial corruption in an attached department of the ministry which may unmask high ups in the ministry and former heads of the organization who equally benefited from the

financial irregularities,” an official informed this scribe, requesting anonymity, adding that this official means saving the skin of many high ups in the ministry both serving and retired.

Following audit reports about the massive financial irregularities and illegal appointments at the PSQCA, the MoST had constituted a committee to probe into the matter. The committee comprising of MoST Chief Finance and Accounts Officer Shazad Naim and Assistant Accounts Officer (F&A) Adeel Ahmad, was constituted for conducting an inquiry regarding financial and administrative mismanagement allegedly committed by Ali Muhammad Bukhari.

Apart from the financial irregularities, Bukhari was also alleged to get his two sisters, one brother and one niece appointed in the PSQCA. Besides, the committee will also investigate the authenticity of the degrees of his relatives hired in PSQCA as well as alleged financial and administrative mismanagement of Bukhari himself.

It may be recalled that Profit [Pakistan Today] had earlier published a report regarding an audit of the PSQCA accounts wherein the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) had found massive irregularities in the author-

ity’s finance department.

As per available documents, Bukhari has made over 55 suspicious transactions worth millions of rupees from 2014 to 2017 from various accounts of NBP, for reportedly PSQCA Investment purpose. The transactions were suspicious and made in cash mode which is itself against the GFR rules and violation of government directives.

Apart from the suspicious transactions, Bukhari, who served in the finance department of PSQCA from 2008 to 2022, was also alleged in financial irregularities regarding reinvestment worth billions of rupees in various branches of NBP in term deposit receipts (TDRs).

Interestingly, Bukhari, despite being a government official, is chief editor of a daily (urdu) based in Karachi and also holds the position of chairman of Bukhari Welfare Organization.

According to insiders, though the said official has been sent on leave but he has still not handed over the official records and information to his subordinates despite the fact that the Deputy Director (Finance)/Ex-DDO /custodian of all Investment Fund and record, Finance Wing, PSQCA, has been serving the government organization as a

Drawing and Disbursing Officer from January 1, 2008 to February 28, 2022.

Despite repeated attempts of both landline telephone and WhatsApp numbers (apparently seen/noticed by him), Bukhari did not respond to queries seeking answers.

Apart from Bukhari, the MoST had also initiated a departmental inquiry against secretary PSQCA, who has been sitting at the post for over a decade now.

As per documents available with Profit, the ministry had issued a charge sheet against PSQCA Secretary Ghulam Umar Kazi (BS-19) on November 16, 2021 while constituting a threemember inquiry committee to probe allegations against him.

Kazi, who is considered the most influential official at PSQCA, was successfully retained during the governments of PPP and PML-N despite various inquiries held regarding corruption, irregularities at NAB and FIA. He managed to hold the key post in the authority despite repeated directions by parliamentary committees to suspend officials of PSQCA facing inquiries.

Interestingly, the ministry, despite the completion of another fact finding committee report, has not taken any action against Secretary PSQCA so far.

PML-N’s former senator wanted by anti-graft body arrested from Karachi airport

iSLamaBad staff report

The Supreme Court has ruled that under Islamic law the gift of immovable property by a father in favour of his minor son could not be revoked.

The court also noted that no transfer of possession is required in case of a gift by a father to his minor child or by a guardian to his ward while maintaining that sections 123 and 129 of the Transfer of Property Act did not apply to the hiba (gift) envisioned under the Muslim law.

A three-judge bench of the apex court led by Justice Sajjad Ali Shah adjudicated a question regarding whether a gift of immovable property conveyed by a donor (father/natural guardian) under the Islamic law in favour of a minor child (donee) in the year 1952 could have been revoked by the father in 1970 (almost after 18 years) despite handing over the possession of the property which was accepted by the real mother on behalf of such minor.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, while authoring the 12-page judgment, observed that when the donor and the donee are related within the prohibited degree, a gift made cannot be revoked.

The judgment also said that if at the time of conveying a gift the donee was minor, the acceptance of gift could be made by his or her guardian and predominantly for the reason of the minority of donee alone, the factum of a gift made by his natural guardian does not cease to exist but remains valid on fulfilment of all ingredients of valid gift.

“A minor donee may not have the capacity to understand the legal consequences as in this case where the donee was only five years of age when his father put into words the gift but minor was a person in existence and thus he was a competent donee.”

“According to all schools of thoughts under the Muslim law, a father has been recognized and acknowledged as the natural guardian of his child though, in the case in hand, the donor was father and gift was accepted by real mother of donee on his behalf.

Govt set to shutdown NCOC after successful handling of Covid-19 KaracHi staff report

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Friday detained Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former senator Chaudhry Tanvir Khan from Karachi airport on the complaint of Punjab’s anticorruption department.

Punjab’s anti-corruption department had been conducting raids to arrest the PML-N leader after registering a case against him for allegedly grabbing government lands. According to the anti-corruption agency, Tanvir

carried out illegal constructions on occupied lands which caused loss of billions of rupees to the national exchequer.

According to the sources, the former PML-N senator was taken into custody at Jinnah International Airport while he was “trying to escape to Dubai” via a foreign airline. The former lawmaker’s name was also included in the watch list and the case was registered against him in Rawalpindi.

The accused was handed over to Punjab’s anti-corruption department on Saturday, according to officials.

In 2020, the Rawalpindi De-

velopment Authority (RDA) and revenue department sealed the Walayat Complex, a plaza owned by Tanvir.

The revenue department along with RDA officials in a joint operation had sealed various plazas and marquees of the Walayat Complex. The wall of Tanveer’s house was also demolished during the operation.

Chaudhry Tanveer at the time had said the district administration took action on holiday without any prior notice, which according to him was “an ample proof of the fact that it was political victimisation”.

The government has decided to shut down the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination Dr Faisal Sultan has said.

NCOC was established by the government as a nerve centre to synergise and articulate a unified national effort against COVID-19, and to implement the decisions of the National Coordination Committee in 2020 when the deadly virus started spreading globally.

According to Dr Faisal Sultan, the prime minister is expected to formally announce the shutting down of the NCOC by the end of next month.

He said that the responsibilities of the NCOC will be carried out by the National Institute of Health. A monument will be installed to celebrate the success of the country in its fight against coronavirus in the last two years.

According to the Health Ministry, March 27 will mark the 2nd anniversary of the establishment of the NCOC.

Sialkot lynching case: ATC indicts 89 accused of murdering Kumara An anti-terrorism court on Saturday indicted 89 individuals accused of lynching 49-yearold Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumara Diyawadanage in Sialkot over blasphemy allegations last year.

Kumara was lynched by a mob comprising hundreds of protesters, including the employees of the factory he was the manager of, on December 3. The mob had tortured him to death and later burnt his body. A first information report was registered against 900 workers of Rajco Industries on the ap-

plication of Uggoki Station House Officer Armaghan Maqt under sections 302, 297, 201, 427, 431, 157, 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code and 7 and 11WW of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Scores of suspects were arrested in the following days.

The incident saw widespread outrage and condemnation across Pakistan with politicians, scholars and civil society members calling for swift punishment to be meted out to the perpetrators.

ATC judge Natasha Naseem presided

over the case’s hearing today in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat jail and summoned 14 prosecution witnesses on Monday. All of the accused pleaded not guilty.

Five prosecutors, including Senior Special Prosecutor Abdul Rauf Wattoo, appeared in jail today for the trial in which challans were also distributed among the accused. Wattoo told media that 40 witnesses have been made part of the challan by the prosecution.

According to the challan, the videos, digital evidence, DNA evidence, forensic ev-

cmYK

idence, eyewitnesses, including Kumara’s colleague who had tried to save him from the mob, were made part of the investigation.

It stated that footage from 10 digital video recorders in the factory was sent for forensic analysis, while the accused were traced via videos from social media and footage recovered from the mobile phones of 56 accused.

It said their crime was unforgivable and called for the strictest of punishment to be meted out.

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Sunday, 13 March, 2022

06 COMMENT

Pressure, pressure and pressure the Myanmar’s military

Need to abide by rules of game Power politics is not jihad

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EMPERs are rising among political leaders and workers on account of the abusive language about opponents used by the Prime Minister. He has called them three stooges, showbiz, Diesel and Dakoo. the opposition leaders have so far avoided paying back in the same coin though some of the second-tier opposition leaders have begun to respond in the same language. Jacking up the confrontation level the PM has called upon his workers to gather at Islamabad’s D-Chowk on the day the no-confidence motion is presented for vote in the National Assembly. this is intended to pressurize the PtI dissidents with an aim of stopping them from voting against the PM. Mr Imran Khan feels constrained by the checks and balances introduced in democracies to stop the rulers from turning into autocrats. the latest example is the changes in electoral rules brought through an ordinance removing the bar on public office holders visiting the area of any local council during a specified period before the Local Bodies election. Defying the ECP’s embargo, Mr Khan visited lower Dir, accompanied by the KP CM and several federal ministers, to influence the elections. He had been specifically notified not to visit Lower Dir till the end of the elections.

Mr Khan wants all institutions and govt departments to act in line with his orders. soon after IsPR clarified that the Army has nothing to do with politics, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry claimed that the Constitution mandates Army to stand by the government. Mr Khan went a step further by declaring that he was not doing politics but jihad and that humans either sided with the good or the evil, and only animals remained neutral." this has led the higher judiciary and legal fraternity to come out in support of the Constitution. A supreme Court bench ruled against the promulgation of excessive ordinances to run the government, observing that an ordinance could only be issued when circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action and when neither senate nor National Assembly is in session.

Meanwhile, lawyers top organizations are holding a joint meeting on Wednesday next week to devise a strategy to protect the Constitution. there is a need on the part of the PM to respect the checks and balances, avoid frequent recourse to ordinances and act strictly in line with the Constitution. He should concentrate on bringing down the political temperature and give priority to resolving the common man’s problems.

It is not impossible to tame Myanmar’s military Kyaw Min

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ust over a year ago, General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the armed forces, ousted the NLD government led by Aung san suu Kyi on allegations of electoral fraud. Democrats in Myanmar have been calling for the Civil Disobedience Movement’s (CDM) noncooperation against the olive government since 2 February 2021.

Although the spring Revolution was a peaceful non-cooperation movement, it was heavily attacked by the military. After various sections of the society, including the youth, formed a resistance, the atrocities of the Army started increasing. the remnants of the urban movement spread all over Myanmar. At least 1500 civilians have been killed by Myanmar's military in the past year. In retaliation, the People’s Defence Force, the military wing of the National unity Government, known as the Alternative Government, demanded the killing of 3000 soldiers.

Bloody clashes between Myanmar's military and various armed groups continue to escalate. On the other hand, in 2017, the then uN human rights chief called Myanmar's "clearance operation" against the Rohingya a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” since the military junta took power a year ago, many young people have been fighting for their lives against the military. the combination of the level of violence and the attacks suggests that the conflict is slowly turning into a civil war.

Despite international condemnation of Myanmar's military atrocities against the Rohingya, it has failed to stop arms sales to the country. In addition, various countries have maintained trade relations with the country. China, Russia, India, south Korea, North Korea, Israel, ukraine, and the Philippines have been pushing for a lasting solution to the Rohingya problem, while also providing arms to Myanmar.

Myanmar's military, with the help of its civilian allies, continues to use brutal violence and torture against its own citizens. It has not stopped here. It has refused to accept democratic reforms, staged coups to seize power, violently suppressed pro-democracy

Trouble with the IMF Relief package has clearly not gone down well

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LtHOuGH the relief package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan was widely lauded and welcomed by the inflation-stricken population, there was always going to be pushback from the International Monetary Fund (IMF); not immediately but eventually nonetheless. two weeks after the announcement of subsidies that saw petrol prices being slashed by Rs 10 per litre and electricity tariffs by Rs 5 per unit rather than being raised by the same amount owing to higher international oil prices, the IMF has expressed its displeasure, postponing the conclusion of talks on the seventh review of the $6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF). that the IMF has termed the government’s relief package a “principle deviation” and labeled its attitude as a “one step forward, two step back” approach, should cause concern for the ruling party. It took close to two years of negotiations, key policy changes and passing of controversial legislation to restart the suspended programme, after which a much-need tranche of $1 billion was received. the IMF’s concerns that the government’s decision will have serious budgetary implications are valid as the relief will cost several hundred billion rupees and is supposedly to be paid indirectly by taxpayers.

At the same time, the war in ukraine is having disastrous effects on global oil prices as many countries are ‘self-sanctioning’ by not fulfilling their energy need through Russia. OPEC has so far not increased supply to meet that gap in demand, thereby pushing prices upwards.

In this uncertain and volatile backdrop, Pakistan’s financial condition can worsen quite rapidly if prices surge to unsustainable levels and the subsidy is kept in place. It cannot be ruled out entirely that some of IMF’s discontentment stems from Islamabad’s recent diplomatic tussle with the West, especially the usA and Eu, over the position the latter has taken on ukraine. Nevertheless, it is up to the present economic managers not to put at stake the economic wellbeing of the country for political gains. the PtI government must not forget that the recently released National security Policy was penned by it and it directly correlates economic prosperity to better national security.

If that is still the belief then they should make all out efforts to ensure no major damage is done to the economy through their own actions.

Bangladesh-Sri Lanka ties are important for the whole region, not just each other PathiK hasan

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ARCH 4, 2021, marked the 50 years of Bangladesh-sri Lanka bilateral ties. On the eve of Bangladesh's independence, on 4 March 1972, sri Lanka officially recognized Bangladesh. the early recognition by sri Lanka provided the newly emergent country with much-valued support. since then, Bangladesh and sri Lanka have been enjoying cordial bonds of friendship based on our historical linkages, mutual respect, multiple commonalities and spirit of good neighbourliness. sri Lanka has been a prominent name in world politics since the post-colonial period. Despite itshuge potential, educated and hardworking manpower, some internal problems have repeatedly stumbled upon the country. At present, the country with a population of 21.8 million has a GDP of $60 billion, an annual growth rate of 7.5 percent and a per capita income of $3,852 (2019). Growth is expected to recover to 3.4 percent in 2021. After the end of years of bloody civil war in 2009, the country's policymakers are focusing on economic and infrastructural development. sri Lanka is on track with two of Asia's emerging economies, China and India.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa came to Dhaka as an invited guest on the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence and the centenary of the great founder of Bangladesh’s independence Bangabandhu sheikh Mujibur Rahman on behalf of the country's people in March 2021. sri Lanka and Bangladesh are important members of sAARC, BIMstEC and the Commonwealth. Now is the time to strengthen bilateral relations in the new geopolitical realities of south Asia.

However, the priority sectors for cooperation between the two countries are agriculture, tourism, trade, investment, banking, information technology and education. Bangladesh is currently negotiating a ‘Preferential trade Agreement’ (PtA) with sri Lanka.

Bhutan also has a ‘Preferential trade Agreement’ (PtA) with Bangladesh. Bhutan and Bangladesh signed the ‘Preferential trade Agreement’ in December 2006. People of Bangladesh and Bhutan are ben-

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

The army has become reckless since the military coup. Efforts must be made around the world to stop them. The most obvious and peaceful way to do this is to take measures to prevent the army from raising money and weapons

The writer, originally from Myanmar, now lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and can be reached at kyawminmandalay55@gmail.com

50 years of Fraternal Ties

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

protests, escalated civil war with armed ethnic groups, and continued to suppress freedom of speech and civil rights.

Even so, in the last four years, the trade relations of many developed countries with Myanmar have improved. International support for the Rohingya has also declined. If the world continues to give Myanmar free rein for human rights violations in the interests of trade, what does that mean for global justice and the moral responsibility of the international community?

Economic and arms embargoes must be imposed to put effective pressure on Myanmar. It is not enough just to impose sanctions on a few military officers or companies. At the same time, the major regional powers need to play a stronger role in ensuring that Myanmar takes responsibility for its own actions. the Rohingya crisis was created by Myanmar and its solution is in Myanmar. Voluntarily, Rohingyas want to return to their homes with full civil rights, but Myanmar has not yet created a conducive environment for Rohingyas to return. Myanmar's military is still wreaking havoc there. the international community must put pressure on Myanmar to create a conducive environment. the situation is bound to improve if the international community imposes arms and economic sanctions on the country. For this, the uN security Council or the international community should take appropriate action.

Myanmar's military is killing civilians in the state of Karen, using them as human shields,, which amounts to a war crime, according to the international human rights group Fortify Rights. this information has been highlighted in a report published by this organization recently. the group called on AsEAN member states to

adhere to the uN security Council's arms embargo to ban arms and technology sales to Myanmar's military.

A clear and concise initiative is needed to force the Myanmar military to reconsider its response to attacks on civilians. the security Council requested that in addition to the International Atomic Energy Agency's ongoing inspections in Myanmar, it monitor Myanmar's compliance with "the steps required by the IAEA Board. “ so, Myanmar must be pressured to resolve the crisis and allow the Rohingya to return to their homes in Myanmar voluntarily, with full dignity and civil rights. to that end, the international community should impose arms embargoes and economic sanctions on Myanmar. the uN security Council or the countries themselves, can impose sanctions. the international community needs to impose sanctions on Myanmar's military. All should consider imposing sanctions on businesses linked to Myanmar's military. sanctions imposed by the usA, the uK, and Canada on Myanmar's institutions are a positive step.

Other countries need to take similar steps. the army has become reckless since the military coup. Efforts must be made around the world to stop them. the most obvious and peaceful way to do this is to take measures to prevent the army from raising money and weapons.

Only putting pressure, pressure, and pressure on Myanmar’s military can compel the junta to abide by the international customary law and restore democracy. the world community including AsEAN must pressure and teach the Myanmar military how to respect all ethnic groups.

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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efitting from it. Now a huge number of Bangladeshi products are open in Bhutan. Bangladesh apparel, medicine, goods are being exported and Bhutanese fresh foods are being imported now. the door opens up. the signing of the PtA with sri Lanka will boost trade relations between the two countries and will be part of history. About 25,000 sri Lankans are working in Bangladesh. Most of them work in the readymade garments sector. the two countries can work together to create mid-level skilled officers in the readymade garments sector. sri Lanka’s textile and Apparel Institute already has an agreement with Bangladesh’s BGME Fashion Institute in Chittagong. sri Lanka has also achieved world-class technological advancement in banking and the stock market.

Bangladesh has a trade deficit with sri Lanka.

Bangladesh has a demand for medicines, paper and cement in sri Lanka. 45 sri Lankan companies have invested $300 million (in the garment sector) in Bangladesh. On the other hand, Bangladeshis have invested only $20 million in the sri Lankan pharmaceutical sector. the higher education sector can be one of the most important sectors of cooperation between the two countries. sri Lanka's higher education is worldclass. It has increased the reliance on technology in education. It is successful in establishing vocational colleges. sri Lanka is also very successful in jobbased technology education. there is talk of increasing cooperation among foreign service academics. A joint study on Indian Ocean security strategy could be conducted between the Bandaranaike Center for International studies and the Bangladesh Institute of International and strategic studies.

In addition, the two countries will benefit from the consensus on the issue of climate change as well as joint research in the production of agricultural seeds suitable for the changing climate. the two countries can work together to meet the ‘sustainable Development Goals (sDG) targets by 2030.

Now Bangladesh is going to be a full member of the Colombo security Conclave. Bangladesh, sri Lanka and other regional countries can work closely to ensure maritime cooperation.

Incumbent Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is an influential sri Lankan politician. He had earlier

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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visited Bangladesh in 2011 as President. World politics is gradually shifting to the Asia-Pacific region.

Bangladesh and sri Lanka have joined the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project proposed by China. Although sri Lanka is debating China's debt, Bangladesh is taking a balance. the India-Japan-Australia QuAD has been set up against China's BRI project. this is the message that south Asia is going to be the battleground for the conflict of the superpowers in the coming days. sri Lanka and Bangladesh both saw the incidents of the Easter Church attack in 2019 and the Holy Artisan attack in 2016 respectively. Bangladesh is now considered a role model of counter-terrorism around the whole world. Bangladesh and sri Lanka both can work in this regard because this is a threat to sustainable development. tourism and tackling covid-19 can be the common sectors to serve the mutual interest.

Recently, the President of Maldives said that Bangladesh and Maldives can work together to establish a peaceful and trade-friendly Indian Ocean region. sri Lanka could also be an important partner in this regard. In these circumstances, Bangladesh will need the experience, support and consensus of countries like sri Lanka to remain steadfast in its separate foreign policy in the spirit of 'friendship to all, malice to none' (Principle of Bangladesh’s foreign policy).

Bangladesh faces and bears the burden of Rohingya refugees who are the citizens of Myanmar. they were displaced by their own government in 2017. Bangladesh has sheltered them temporarily.

Now it is high time to repatriate them to their homeland Rakhine in Myanmar. the sri Lanka government can support Bangladesh in this regard. sri Lanka can support Bangladesh at every common international form to pressurize Myanmar in favour of repatriation. sri Lanka was one of the proponents of the nonaligned bloc that took place in world politics in the middle of the last century through the Bandung Conference, outside the us and soviet domination. Neutral alliances of smaller countries are once again becoming important in the tug of war between the major superpowers in the region. therefore, there is no alternative to building a sustainable bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and sri Lanka to meet the challenges of future world politics. this bilateral relationship could lead to future alliance neutrality in the region.

The writer can be pathikhasan1141@gmail.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

reached

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Sunday, 13 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

Sky-rocketing fuel prices and inflation tHE rise in fuel prices means augmentation in prices of everything which make difficult to, survival of every person. Almost, inflation goes so high and the state fails to keep control of unnecessarily high increasing of prices. taking from food items, milk, travelling expenses, buying clothes, medicines, electricity bills, buying electrical appliances, construction related material and so on but the average middle-class families have same monetary resources with huge addition of towering prices. this shows current government could not fulfil its promises of taking back looted money, stolen by the corrupt mafias. truth is that the common person knows nothing about corruption and stashed away money. It is not their headache. they only vote to have government which brings prosperity, affordable prices of things, employment opportunities, quality education, better health facilities, proper sewage infrastructure and better recreational activities to live a happy life. unfortunately, people voted for change, in New Pakistan but they are in a pensive mood that old Pakistan was better to live in so far.

ARSALAN ALI SHIKARPUR

The Pandemic and lessons learnt

Ukraine Crisis Mirrors the Changing World petence to be the global leader despite President Biden's claims that “America is back.” While some analysts state that China has agreed to some extent the whole of Europe seemed frag- Russian aggression, if it were true, the former mented, divided, and rudderless to Mr. Putin be- may want to see whether the usA prefers princause of their dependency syndrome on the ciple stand or realist policy. China finds it prousA. When the usA included all East Euro- foundly difficult to hedge its bets by siding with pean countries in NAtO, Russia was in a posi- the Kremlin because it has a checkered history tion to object to it and Europe always listened to with the latter. the ussR did everything for the us’s dictates. But as the Game theory sug- Mongolian separation and supported separatist gests, the game doesn’t end because today’s los- movements in western China in the past. Addiers can be tomorrow’s winners, as the Kremlin tionally, Beijing has good relations with has virtually shown in ukraine. ukraine.

Mr. Putin, apart from his legitimate concerns the Russian President seems to have calcuover ukraine, had started a sphere of influence lated all the odds and till now is playing with quite some time ago by his peacekeeping forces confidence. What he hasn’t realized is that invain Kazakhstan and moving to another region of sion doesn’t come with as heavy a price as the south Caucasus, and then manipulating elec- aftereffects do. Granted that Moscow can avert tions in Belarus. While his demand of not grant- a total economic collapse, thanks to its almost ing Eu membership to ukraine is indisputable, $660 billion reserves, the issues are more coma promise not to deploy weapons in the east of plicated.

Europe comes as a deal killer. Worse, his plan From Vietnam to Afghanistan and Iraq, the hasn’t gone as exusA faced failure pected because not after failure given that only the Eu but also it had no real rivals.

Germany, which deEven a ragtag group pends on Russia for its like the taliban Although Russia is an autocratic energy needs, has put brought the supersanctions on Russia country where Mr Putin gets 96 power to its knees. and broken the taboo. ukraine is a dynamic percent votes, domestic As a result, the ruble country with its own has plunged 30 peropposition to the prevailing war economy, history nacent owing to higher and intelcannot be ignored. Already 3500 tionalism, sanctions. Although lectual contribution. three banks of Russia Russians have been arrested; the the ukrainian Presihave been stripped of dent has brought unity sWIFt, which is a situation is increasingly going in his country and his world banking transapproval rates have against the status quo in Russia. action system, if Rusreached 92 percent sia invades Kyiv, After a rule of almost 25 years, from just 25 percent there will be a risk of two weeks ago. For Putin hasn’t lived up to his getting out of the Russians coping with world banking system promises and the youth are the domestic opposithat can make the tion will be in for a refeeling the heat of the whole state collapse . ally trying time. the While the usA is West can arm the local deteriorating situation.

Indeed, deeply concerned groups, which in efPresident Putin doesn’t want a with the melting situfect can pose a potent ation in ukraine, the threat for the Russhooting war.

Therefore he has fact is that it cannot sians. pick a shooting war agreed to talks with the Although Russia with Moscow. the is an autocratic counUkrainians, but now he has to reasons are varying try where Mr Putin from strategic and doshow flexibility and leadership gets 96 percent votes, mestic to the changing opposition because neither Russia nor the domestic global dynamics. to the prevailing war Much more like the world is ready for another conflict cannot be ignored. second World War in Already 3500 Ruswhich the former had sians have been arto choose between rested; the situation is Fascism and Commuincreasingly going nism, today the usA can either focus on against the status quo in Russia. After a rule of Moscow or Beijing and it’s patently obvious that almost 25 years, Putin hasn’t lived up to his the usA has already rendered its western-laden promises and the youth are feeling the heat of obsession obsolete. But nevertheless, the cost the deteriorating situation. Indeed, President of letting Putin augment his sphere of influence Putin doesn’t want a shooting war. therefore seems too heavy. he has agreed to talks with the ukrainians, but For a start, the ukraine crisis can be a test now he has to show flexibility and leadership for the receding relevance of us dominance. Be- because neither Russia nor the world is ready ginning with the embarrassing withdrawal from for another conflict.

Afghanistan to chaotic handling of the pandemic, the usA has shown all signs of incomThe writer is a freelance columnist

US weakness and Russian fears have been key naziM Uddin

T

HOsE who have watched Money Heist, the famous cable show, can make sense of the prevailing crisis in ukraine. In Money Heist, the professor, the main character, with his calculated, cautious, sophisticated, and surprising plan does the unthinkable, or ratherthe unbelievable.

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to have trodden the same path— not once or twice but thrice, despite his weak state power.

First, he attacked Georgia, then annexed Crimea, and has now declared the two breakaway states to be Russian; President Putin seems to have calculated all the rewards and risks and has gone ahead with the plan in spite of the inherent risks. Only time will tell whether his risks are worth the price he may have to pay.

While M. Putin deserves the blame for inviting the inevitable war, the west shares a big portion of the blame because his unending concerns over Russian security went unanswered. the National Atlantic treaty Organization (NAtO) which evokes the Cold War memory never became irrelevant after its purpose— to defeat the ussR— was no more. Worse, NAtO expanded its membership from Poland to Lithuania and Latvia, which was, of course, against the unwritten agreement between the Eu and Mikhail Gorbachev. Russia showed its discomfort at NAtO expansion and its fear that one-day ukraine will be part of the alliance. this situation is much more similar to the Cuban Missile Crisis in which the soviet union wished to supply a nuclear arsenal to Cuba, but the usA went bonkers.

For a sober intellectual, the past seems not only quite disturbing but embarrassing as well.

During the Cold War, regime change was a new normal. the usA could crush the opposition and install a puppet leader anywhere in the world from Iran to Cuba to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Its war crimes in Latin America, East timor, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and other parts of the world speak volumes about human rights and other hypocritical ideas the usA media bandies about now. One only has to read Noam Chomsky and Christopher Hitchen’s book on Henry Kissinger to understand how the usA killed people like flies who came in its way.

Even Donald trump in Bill O'Reilly’s show admitted that the usA cannot be called innocent— “there are a lot of killers. You think our country's so innocent?” the fact is that it’s been almost four years since the usA lost its unipolar moment altogether. the prevailing pandemic further precipitated its declining power. Add to these the cultural wars wreaking havoc on the us and western societies. today, the usA has two competitors— China, a peer competitor, and Russia, which is not that significant for obvious reasons. since 2014, the usA has lost interest in Europe and focused on Asia, which is called the Asia Pivot. As a result, NAtO, the Eu, and to

tHE coronavirus broke out in late 2019 and spread throughout the world within a few months. there is no known cure for those infected with this virus and for more than a year we did not have a vaccine to curb this deadly pandemic. the only way to stop or at least slow down the pandemic was to follow precautionary measures such as wearing a mask and observing social distancing.

In countries where precautionary measures were followed/imposed strictly, there were fewer deaths as compared to those that ignored them. Once vaccine became available it helped curb the virus. However, countries with high vaccine hesitancy were not very successful in stopping the virus. Many countries suffered high deaths during the first and second or even third or fourth waves of this pandemic. Our country fared very well in dealing with this pandemic. Credit goes to the government for enforcing sOPs and running a successful vaccination campaign. Also, the opposition and the public deserve commendation for standing by the government in dealing with this virus. these measures saved us from high death rates during the multiple waves of virus spread as compared to other countries in the region and the world.

While we should feel happy and proud for doing a good job, we must not let the guard down too soon. Following precaution for a little more to ensure that the pandemic does not strike back would be a sensible thing to do. Also, one big lesson to learn is that if we have the will and work together, we can defeat any calamity, be it coronavirus, dengue, or economic abyss.

All we need is the will to work hard with honesty and unity. I hope and pray that our government and the opposition work through all issues the way we handled the Corona pandemic.

RAJA SHAFAATULLAH ISLAMABAD

Water Tanks HuB is one of the most populous cities of Balochistan which is also an industrialized city. However, it seems that despite all this, the city is deprived of essential facilities like water, gas, effective traffic management etc. there is one issue, of water tankers, that has been highlighted so many times but seems incomplete. to explain, tankers are the part of transportation which fetch water from canals and rivers to homes. Firstly, they charge a lot of money for one tank. they charge one thousand and sometimes more than that just for water. In our area, Daro Hotel tankers supply water in front of the Gatroon factory which is awkward for the public due to the disturbance created because of the shifts of this company. the generators used are extremely loud, because of which hearing power can be affected. the small road which is used by the public to cross from Gatroon is good for nothing and it is full of dirty water. In addition, it looks like a sewerage system. If it rains, the water doesn’t dry for months. the government needs to take some concrete measures to control these issues.

NAVEED FAZAL HUB

Ukraine Crisis tHE crisis in ukraine should be resolved peacefully and the Russian concerns of threats to their security can be resolved in the manner like the Cuban Missile crisis was. If only ukraine had retained their nuclear capability as a Defense strategy and not bought NAtO assurances and guarantees, today they could have avoided loss of lives. there is only one guarantee for the sovereignty of any nation and that is their own defence capability.

It is very unfortunate that the uN Charter and sovereignty of independent states, who are members of the united Nations has been violated so often by powerful nuclear power states on one pretext or another. While regime change in sovereign countries should occur through domestic legal procedures, major super Powers have been resorting to covert interventions and even through invasion, reviving the colonial heritage of redrawing internationally recognized state boundaries to achieve their strategic goals. We have seen such interventions in Iraq, syria, Libya etc. with colossal fatalities and displacement of millions of innocent citizens.

In 1962, President Kennedy cited Monroe’s Doctrine (MD) to justify the us confrontation with the soviet union over the installation of ballistic missiles on a sovereign country Cuba, with their consent. What followed was a negotiated removal of these missiles by the soviet union with a quid-pro-quo removal of missiles installed in turkey. CIA director Robert Gates defended the Contra operation in 1984 citing MD. While President Obama’s secretary of state told Organization of American states in November 2013 that “era of the Monroe Doctrine is over”, the same was revived in August 2017 by President trump when he talked of the possibility of military intervention in Venezuela. He again reiterated his commitment to MD, while addressing the 73rd uN General Assembly in 2018 to achieve what is their perception of strengthening democracy.

MALIK TARIQ ALI, LAHoRE

08 WORLD VIEW 13 March 2022_Layout 1 3/12/2022 9:15 PM Page 1

Sunday, 13 March, 2022

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WORLD VIEW

War can be ended, buT peace Would be Tough for ukraine To sWalloW DEFEATING PUTIN IN LONG RUN MEANS ACCEPTING FACESAVING RUSSIAN ‘VICTORY’ IN IMMEDIATE TERM

IrIsh TImes

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Gerard Toal

UssIA’s invasion of Ukraine has shaken the world and unleashed geopolitical nightmares. Already the war has produced the fastest and largest refugee crisis in europe since the second World War. More than 2½ million Ukrainian refugees have fled the country, half of whom are reportedly children. The United Nations expects at least two million more. This is to say nothing of the large number of internally displaced people who have fled the fighting. every day of war in Ukraine is another day of death and destruction for Ukrainians: thousands have already died.

Russian president Vladimir Putin’s war has sucked his military into a quagmire, with an estimated two to four thousand soldiers killed already. Wars of indiscriminate destruction approved by Putin in Chechnya and syria inform how Russia now fights in Ukraine. Thus, Russia targets people it claims are part of its nation and destroys cities it considers central to its history. such are the contradictions of Putin’s rescue fantasy in Ukraine: destruction in the name of

salvation. horrible as this is, there are even worse scenarios, much worse. The invasion could spread into Moldova. A few days after Belarus served as a staging ground for Russia’s drive to seize Kyiv, President Lukashenko appeared on Belarussian television instructing his military in front of a map showing Russian lines of attack from the Ukrainian port city of Odessa into Transnistria, a Russian supported separatist region within Moldova.

This move is logical if Putin’s goal is to redraw post-soviet space by force, gathering historic Russian lands into a new 21st century Russian empire. The vision is radical, to create by military force a new “Russian world” buffer zone comprising a Ukrainian puppet state, Lukashenko ’s Belarus, and “independent” separatist statelets like Transnistria and the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. Those that actively resist this imperial project are to be killed and driven out. Territories without troubling people: this is Putin’s cartographic fantasy in Russia’s near abroad.

The war, of course, could also spread into Nato member states. This possibility is heightened by the brutality of the invasion.

The urge within Nato states to intervene is overwhelming.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s plea for a no-fly zone, for fighter jets, advanced lethal weaponry, and punitive sanctions against the Russian economy, are understandable but they are calls for a wider war, for Nato to come to the rescue. escalation entrepreneurs are everywhere in the West striking righteous hawkish poses.

Nuclear weapons were part of Russia’s war rhetoric from the start. Military escalation

involving Nato will consolidate Putin’s paranoia. Already he has described the West’s economic sanctions as an “act of war” against Russia. It is never a good idea to back an embattled dictator into a corner, especially one with an arsenal of nuclear missiles at his disposal.

The war must be stopped, and quickly.

To do so requires that Ukraine’s government, and its friends in the West, face a difficult paradox. To defeat Putin in the long run requires accepting a face-saving Russian victory in Ukraine in the immediate term. The outlines of a negotiated settlement, with Russia and Ukraine as the main parties, and the european Union, Nato and other actors as supporting stakeholders, are broadly visible. here are some of its potential terms. *Russia and Ukraine sign a treaty of neutrality. In return for Ukraine committing to become a neutral state with a defensive military, Russia supports Ukraine’s bid for membership in the european Union as a neutral state, like Ireland, Austria and Finland. The eU, for its part, commits itself to accelerate the membership process for Ukraine in return for it radically restructuring its legal and economic governance structures to address endemic corruption and state capture. *Russia and Ukraine agree to allow the United Nations establish and administer selfdetermination referendums in Crimea and the Donbas to decide the territorial destiny of these disputed regions. Those displaced from these areas by violence should be allowed to vote alongside current residents. Those who lost property should be fully compensated.

The Donbas referendum should be held on the territory of the pre-war Donetsk and

Luhansk regions and allow three status options: returning to Ukraine; independence; or joining Russia. Russia and Ukraine would commit to respect results of the referendums and to allow dual citizenship and an open border regime in these areas. *Ukraine commits to dissolve any farright armed groups on its territory. It also commits to refrain from any official state glorification of Ukrainian fighters involved in mass killing events during the second World War. Russia and Ukraine commit to commemorate events in their joint history with tolerance and respect for the views of the other. *In a phased process, contingent on positive progress on the points above, the United states and the eU agree to drop sanctions against the Russian economy. *Nato and the Russian Federation commit to negotiate a new military security order in europe. This would involve a series of arms control treaties governing the deployment of conventional military forces, shortand medium-range nuclear weapons, military aircraft, naval forces and cyber capabilities. It would also involve an explicit freeze on geopolitical competition over the six countries located in between Russia and the eU: Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Georgia; Moldova; and Ukraine. Nato’s open door, in other words, needs to be firmly shut towards these states.

These proposals address the alleged security concerns expressed by Putin and involve painful compromise on the part of Ukraine, other neighbouring states of Russia and euro-Atlantic institutions.

The brutality and violence of the war, however, has made compromise much more difficult. Faced, like other invading crusaders, with his illusions exposed by reality, Putin has chosen to double down. The day after the invasion he branded Ukraine’s leadership a “gang of drug addicts and neo-

Nazis”. Radicalised by resentments and social isolation, Putin is in a dark place emotionally, an embattled leader with a messiah complex and nuclear weapons. A week into the war he told French president emmanuel Macron he still wanted to control all of Ukraine and to “de-Nazify” it to the end.

By contrast, the courage and sacrifice of ordinary Ukrainians under fire has been admirable and deeply moving. President Zelenskiy’s leadership is brave and inspiring.

Through adept use of communication technologies, he has rallied euro-Atlantic opinion and power to Ukraine’s side. But he risks becoming escalator-in-chief for a greater war that cannot be won.

The emotional wave of support for Ukraine across europe and north America has largely brought out the best in us. Passionate commitment to Ukraine, however, makes compromise more difficult to accept. Those inflating the crisis as a showdown between democracy and autocracy are making a negotiated settlement harder too. Why not meet the moment, escalate the stakes, and push for civilisational victory over this tyrant? Why not, in effect, roll the nuclear dice?

We need to be clear about the dangers of such thinking. Crusades and civilizational struggles are enduring features of human history. But ever since 1945, nuclear weapons are also part of that history.

Attractive as “good vs evil” thinking is right now, it is the enemy of de-escalation and the ugly compromises needed to give this war’s victims a good enough peace, an opportunity to return home quickly, to mourn, and rebuild.

Russia has already lost Ukraine and will not recover economically until Putin departs.

Dark uncertain days lie ahead there. This criminal war has changed europe and the world. It has revealed with clarity what needs to be done on collective security, democratic resilience, and energy transition. Its consequences will be with us for decades.

The price of peace in Ukraine will be high but higher still is the price of its endurance and escalation. ending the war is paramount.

We build from there.

Gerard Toal is Professor of Government and International Affairs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Whom to believe on Ukraine: Biden, Putin, or Nikolai Gogol?

PUTIN AFTER ALL IS NOT DOING IN UKRAINE ANYTHING THE US HAS NOT ALREADY DONE IN AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, SOMALIA AND SO MANY OTHER PLACES AROUND THE GLOBE

Al JAzeerA

T

Hamid dabasHi

hese days, the speed with which globalised calamities hit the news cycle is vertiginous. We were just learning how to cope with the calamities of Donald Trump’s presidency when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the ground running. The pandemic was still causing havoc around the globe when environmental calamities peaked to frightful dimensions. We had just watched Adam McKay’s apocalyptic black comedy Don’t Look Up (2021) to have a full satirical grasp on our pending climate predicament, when suddenly the headlines became thicker and scarier, warning us that Vladimir Putin was about to invade Ukraine.

Believe it or not, just around that time, I was invited to Moscow for the launch of a new Russian translation of edward said’s Orientalism. In the end, I opted to join the gathering via zoom because of the COVID19 travel restrictions my university had introduced and other obligations that required me to remain in New York. had I travelled to Moscow, I would likely still be stranded there due to President Joe Biden’s decision to close Us skies to Russian aircraft in response to the all-out invasion Putin launched on February 24. Two weeks on, the Russian army is still in Ukraine, fighting its way towards Kyiv.

But to what end? What is this war going to achieve amid a looming climate crisis, a still raging pandemic and massive waves of displacement, famine, death and destruction al-

ready devastating the world, from Afghanistan and Yemen to ethiopia and Myanmar? This reigniting of the nineteenthcentury Russian imperial anxieties two decades into the environmental calamities of the twenty-first century really does not make any sense.

‘A PLAGUE ON BOTH YOUR HOUSES’ so how can we keep our heads above the smoke and breathe an air of sanity? Personally, I always reach for the same security blanket – enduring works of art, masterpieces of world literature and music – whenever I feel as if the world is spiralling uncontrollably towards Armageddon.

Indeed, if I have to go under, I would rather do so while listening to shostakovich and Bach, reading Gogol and hafez, and looking at el Greco and Behzad, with my worn-out copies of YV Mudimbe’s Invention of Africa and Gadamer’s Truth and Method by my bedside.

Today, turning to art is perhaps the only way to sustain inner sanity in an insane world. Over the first two weeks of the Ukraine-Russia war, the propaganda warfare between the United states and Russia has reached a feverish pitch. The habitual liberal Russophobia in the Us has been exacerbated by the Trumpian right’s growing admiration for Putin. As Tucker Carlson of Fox News reached new lows in his efforts to defend Putin and his invasion, and the usual suspects at The New York Times started banging the drums of war, we had to seek cover from both liberal Russophobia and conservative declarations of love for a strongman they think can help them restore white supremacy in the Us. The key to remaining sane today is being able to condemn Russia’s bold and vulgar act of military aggression against Ukraine without being sucked into the Anglo-American world’s pathological love-hate relationship with Putin. It is, of course, not easy to ignore “the West’s” obsession with Putin and exaggeration of his villainy.

When people ranging from seasoned

American idiot Thomas Friedman to Israeli best-selling author Yuval Noah harari come together to argue Putin’s adventurism in Ukraine is unlike anything we have seen before and is a turning point in human history, it is hard not to bury your head in your pillow and wonder where have these people been over the last two decades of Us military thuggery around the globe.

Putin after all is not doing in Ukraine anything the Us has not already done in Afghanistan, Iraq, somalia and so many other places around the globe – he is simply doing what he is doing not in Asia, Africa or Latin America, but in europe. same military thuggery, different bucket. “Plague on both your houses,” as the Bard famously put it. Why should innocent people in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq, or Yemen pay for imperial arrogance under any flag?

‘WE ALL COME OUT FROM GOGOL’S ‘OVERCOAT’ Back to my survival toolkit. In my teenage years, I feasted on Russian and American literature – and never had any taste for european literature bar a few exceptions. Among the towering luminaries of my youthful fascination with Russian literature was and remains the glorious novelist Nikolai Gogol (1809-52). My fascination with him started when I read the Persian translation of his Dead souls. I became so fascinated with him that I even translated into Persian one of his masterpieces, The Diary of a Madman (which I never dared to publish because I don’t know Russian and felt inadequate doing the translation only from its english translation – in a country where we were blessed with Iranian translators of Russian sources with native fluency over both languages). For the longest time I had no clue that Gogol was in fact Ukrainian by birth, but Russian by literary culture. And I only remembered this factoid when I found myself listening to Biden and Putin both trying to convince their respective audiences into accepting as fact their own brand of gibberish about the war in Ukraine.

As I watched the two presidents battle

for the world’s attention, I couldn’t help but think an entirely different map of the region would emerge if we were to pay attention not to warmongering politicians but to literary history that reveals the inanity of invasion of one country by another.

Consider Gogol’s Taras Bulba (1835), an epic tale chronicling the lives of Cossack warriors. The novel tells the story of an ageing Cossack, Taras Bulba, and his two sons, the younger of which falls in love with a Polish woman. eventually, that son is captured and shot by his own father. In 1842, Gogol published a second version of this novel in which Russian nationalist themes are more evident. scholars of Russian literature tell us how this second version of Gogol’s epic novel is actually “the transformation of a Ukrainian tale into a Russian novel” marking the “association of the Cossack and the Russian soul”.

BORN IN UKRAINE, WROTE IN RUSSIAN, READ BY THE WORLD In an essay they published in 2017, Giorgi Lomsadze and Nikoloz Bezhanishvili offered us a glimpse into the centrality of Gogol in the Ukrainian-Russian borderline of culture and identity. “Born in Ukraine, made famous in Russia, Gogol embodies both the ties that bind the two countries and the differences that set them apart.

As their relations deteriorated, the question of Gogol’s national affiliation repeatedly appeared on a list of matters disputed by Ukraine and Russia.”

What is at stake here? Gogol crossed the borders between his native Ukraine and his literary homeland Russia with ease, grace, and enduring blessing for both his homelands. When at the age of 20 he moved from Ukraine to Russia, he brought the gift of his native homeland to a literary promised land. he joined the ranks of Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, and Turgenev, placing Russian literature on an unrivalled pedestal.

But Gogol was not beholden to Russia either, as he became an iconic literary powerhouse satirising the ruling monarchy. Did any Russian thug tell Gogol, “Go back to where you came from”, as American thugs

regularly tell anyone who points out the terror of white supremacist racism in this country? Quite the contrary. “We all came out from Gogol’s Overcoat,” none other than Fyodor Dostoyevsky is reported to have said of one of Gogol’s masterpieces.

In an earlier essay in 2009, Tom Parfitt had detailed the Russian-Ukrainian rivalries in claiming Gogol all for themselves. “First, it was politics, then it was gas. Now the protracted antagonism between Russia and Ukraine is taking on a literary tinge, as the bickering neighbours vie for the legacy of Nikolai Gogol on the 200th anniversary of his birth.” But as Russia and Ukraine waged a battle to claim the literary glory of Gogol, people around the world who are neither Russian nor Ukrainian have an equal if not more legitimate love and admiration for Gogol not based on the place of his birth or the language of his literary output, but for the quintessence of his wit, wisdom, and sublime sense of humour.

From the vestiges of the Russian empire emerged the soviet Union, and from the relics of the soviet Union survived Russia. Now the traumatic memories of two grand empires, one tsarist, the other communist, haunt Russia’s image of itself. The military follies of Putin in Ukraine are neither the beginning of anything nor the end of something else.

Under Putin, Russia has been active in its own back yard in Chechnya with brutal precision and then in syria supporting a violent thug on his bloody throne with expanded global ambitions. Neither the jingoism of Russian nationalism, nor the inanities of American pundits thinking this invasion is yet another turn for “the end of history” and civilisation, nor indeed the ghastly european racism once again on full display privileging Ukrainian refugees over millions of others, is the real issue here.

Ceasing to follow the propaganda machinery of Russia and the Us, the world would be much better off turning to Gogol, a Ukrainian master of Russian literature, and in the liminal space he crafts in his superior literary heritage, thinking where the real borders lie between civilisation and barbarities.

Hamid Dabashi is the Hagop Kevorkian Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature at Columbia University.

Sunday, 13 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

corporate corner Power suspension schedules for today

09

PEUGEOT Officially laUnchEs OPEraTiOns in PakisTan FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME, PEUGEOT LAUNCHES OPERATIONS IN PAKISTAN THROUGH ITS EXCLUSIVE PARTNER LUCKY MOTOR CORPORATION

THE FIRST STEP OF THE PARTNERSHIP WILL BEGIN WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LOCALLY BUILT PEUGEOT 2008

Karachi According to Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)’s spokesman, System Maintenance/Development Work is in process. Therefore power supply of below mentioned feeders/areas will be temporary suspended as per given schedule: On 13th March, From 09:00 am to 2:00 pm, State Bank, Makkah Chowk, MSF, Topi Pump, Murree Brewery, Bostan Road, Jhanda, Rawalpindi-III, CNC, VIP, Humayun Road Feeders, From 10:00 am From 04:00 pm, NCI, Toba, Lilla Town, Ahmedabad, Sanghui Feeders, From 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, F-8, F-8/2, C Club, PAF-2, Bahria University, PAF Hospital, Taxila, Sher Shah Suri, Haro, Bohi Ghar, BOC, HMC 3, R / Poulc, Salar Gah, SSD Wah (Army Brigade), Beirut, Nimble, Captain Muhammad Akram Shaheed, Shahpur, Abdullahpur, CWO, Jalalpur Sharif feeders and 132 KV PAC camera grid station (consumer grid) and surroundings will remain off. IESCO management apologizes to its esteemed customers for the power outage. If the work is completed ahead of time, the power supply can be restored even before the scheduled time. pr

Traffic police intensifies campaign against smoke emitting vehicles ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has intensified campaign against smoke emitting vehicles for purpose of environment protection Mobile squads of ITP have been formed to implement the campaign against the smokeemitting vehicles.

These squads would patrol in various areas and to fine those vehicles involved in noise pollution and emitting smoke. SSP (Traffic) Rai Mazhar Iqbal said that ITP is also working against smoke emitting vehicles and special squads would work to check environmental pollution. He said that purpose of this campaign is not to take punitive measure against anyone but to ensure road safety and discipline by making citizens more law abiding.

He said that special squads of ITP has been constituted as per directions of IGP Islamabad Muhammad Ahsan Younis to conduct regular checking and fining vehicles involved in creating noise pollution or other environmental pollution in the city. The purpose of this whole practice is to end noise pollution in the city, the SSP maintained.

He said ITP would also engage students of various schools and colleges to create awareness among the citizens to avoid from noise or other environmental pollution. pr

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pr

uROPEAN automotive manufacturer, PEuGEOT, has officially launched operations in Pakistan for the first time in its distinguished history with its exclusive partner Lucky Motor Corporation. The partnership commenced with the opening of eight 3S dealerships in six cities, as well as a state-of-the-art facility for the assembly of cars in Pakistan.

Lucky Motor Corporation is a subsidiary of the Yunus Brothers Group, and has a legacy spanning over five decades, thanks to its robust and aggressive approach gaining considerable market share in the Pakistani automotive industry, and setting new benchmarks in terms of product offering & customer service. With the introduction of PEuGEOT, the company now aims to provide the best mobility solutions the European Brand can offer its customers.

PEuGEOT is an inventive brand that has been a pioneer in the automotive industry for over 211 years guided by its brand values; Allure, Emotion and Excellence, which represent sharp design, intuitive driving pleasure and uncompromising quality. With its entry into Pakistan, these values will be upheld as the brand strives to provide the market with the latest innovations and mobility solutions.

Linda Jackson, CEO of the PEuGEOT Brand, said: “We are delighted with this partnership and what it means for the Pakistani market. This will be the first time a European car is assembled in Pakistan and we are excited to work with Lucky Motors to support employment, localization and the local automotive industry in the country. Internationalization is a key focus for PEuGEOT, with the B and C segment

SuV growth representing a great opportunity for us. This is also bolstered by the evolution of the legislation of the country towards electrification which is in line with our own strategy.”

Samir Cherfan, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa Region, Stellantis, said: “We are excited to embark on this journey in Pakistan with our new partner, Lucky Motor Corporation. We see tremendous potential and opportunity for PEuGEOT in Pakistan, and are looking forward to serving customers in this exciting market.

I would like to also take this occasion to thank Mr Muhammad Ali Tabba and Mr Asif Rizvi for making this partnership possible and I am looking forward to witnessing the growth of both parties in the country.”

Asif Rizvi, Cheif Executive Officer, Lucky Motors Company, said : “Lucky Motors is set to change the automotive landscape of Pakistan by introducing Peugeot, the first locally

made European brand in the country.

We are very excited to partner with Peugeot and look forward to being associated with Stellantis, a company that strongly believes in futuristic mobility solutions.

Pakistan, with its 220 million population, offers a great opportunity for someone to come in and disrupt the automotive market. And we have no doubt that the Stellantis with its 14 brand portfolio, will be the one to do so. Lucky Motors is proud to become the first company in Pakistan to have multi-brand manufacturing and dealers. We are delighted to embark on this adventure, bringing with it the best automotive solutions, while also making meaningful contributions and investments that will support economic and social development in Pakistan.”

The first step of this ongoing commitment to the Pakistani customer will begin with the introduction of the PEuGEOT 2008. The lauded 2008 has

been a success story for the brand since its development and stands apart in the compact SuV segment with its distinctive design, advanced technology and efficient powertrains. It also benefits from The PEuGEOT i-Cockpit, which features a stimulating interior design along with a state-of-the-art digital cluster and touchscreen that amplifies any driving experience. With 26 international prizes, including the Red Dot Design Award, and its perceived quality and value, the 2008 is the perfect model for Pakistani families.

The e-2008 will be the next model launched, giving customers the freedom to choose between a 100% electric and a thermic version, thanks to the Multi Energy platform CMP. Together, with support from PEuGEOT, Lucky Motors Corporation will assemble various models locally at state-of-the-art facilities, and is currently exploring opportunities to distribute multiple models by early next year.

KE honors organizations serving Karachi at 2nd KHI awards Karachi pr

The Governor House in Karachi was host to a special celebration to honor the organizations which make Karachi a vibrant and thriving city with their social welfare contribution - the closing ceremony of KE’s 2nd KHI Awards, an initiative endorsed by NEPRA and launched in collaboration with #IAmKarachi. 40 winners from across 13 diverse categories – from Heritage & Culture to Sports, Social Service to Safety, and more - were recognized for their efforts in driving societal change in Karachi as part of their core mission. The chief guest of the event as Governor Sindh Imran Ismail, while Chairman NEPRA Tauseef H. Farooqi, and Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Minister of State & Chairman of Board of Investment (BOI) were guests of honor for the event.

Following the pandemic, businesses across the globe were faced with increased risk and instability regardless of their size, but the utility observed that the sector most affected was the one tasked with addressing societal problems. While new initiatives primarily focused on food security, improved hygiene, and securing livelihood, many actors addressing pertinent challenges beyond these areas were left out of the mix. The KHI Awards addresses this problem by providing an equitable and impartial avenue through which winners are awarded grants of PKR 40 million in the form of rebates on electricity bills.

While highlighting the importance of Karachi, Governor Sindh Imran Ismail stated the Karachi’s dynamism is a key driver of national growth, and we must all play our role to continue enriching its vibrancy. He further said that the federal government had taken series of initiatives for the overall development of Karachi. “In addition to Green-

40 winners from across 13 diverse categories – from Heritage & Culture to Sports, Social Service to Safety, and more - were recognized for their efforts in driving societal change in Karachi as part of their core mission.

line BRT service, federal government pays special focus on development of the port city to overcome related challenges faced by the citizens”, he added.

Appreciating the KHI Awards, he said that Karachi Awards has emerged as a perfect forum for encouragement for the organizations working to uplift the society at large.

While lauding other initiatives of the power utility he further said “Another project of KElectric that needs to be encouraged is Roshni Baji, through which women are empowered by becoming safety ambassadors and going door to door for electrical safety awareness.” He also stressed upon other or-

ganisations to come up with similar initiatives to provide relief to the community and to bring betterment to the society.

Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Minister of State & Chairman BOI during his address at the event said, “We must appreciate K-Electric as it honors those organizations today which are playing a critical role in bringing betterment to the city and remain committed to making it more livable and sustainable.

Karachi being the economic hub of the country has tremendous potential to attract further foreign investment, improved state of the city however, remains a pre-requisite. Therefore, we need to make collective efforts to

address this city’s challenges and prioritize its progress on every fronts.”

Chairman NEPRA Tauseef H. Farooqi congratulated the winners and appreciated KE’s initiative. Addressing the audience, he said, “It is commendable to see that KE is finding innovative ways to take ownership of the communities it serves. We have to understand that creating meaningful relationships with customers and the environment is necessary to drive sustainable progress. This is why NEPRA introduced the ‘Power with Prosperity’ vision to galvanize the power sector, and we have seen sizable investment and job creation across Pakistan through

CSR efforts.”

Launched in December 2021, the 2nd edition of the awards saw hundreds of applications that were screened through an extensive and rigorous evaluation process. An independent jury of 15 members, including notable names like Shehzad Roy, Sidra Iqbal, Jehan Ara, and others, led Saad Amanullah Khan, founder and current president of #IAmKarachi. EY Ford Rhodes Chartered Accountants, a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited, served as the Official Award Auditors, overseeing the process and ensuring impartiality.

Saad Amanullah Khan, President of the KHI Awards jury, was also delighted at the event, stating, “It has been a pleasure to be part of the KHI Awards for the second year running. Not only did we receive a higher number of applications this year compared to last, the quality and innovation of the projects proposed by the applicants also demonstrate the commitment they have towards Karachi. We are very pleased to present this year’s winners who are impacting millions of people with their services and look forward to growing the KHI Awards further.”

Chief Executive Officer K-Electric Moonis Alvi was also elated at the occasion, stating, “At KE, we believe in going beyond the provision of power to Karachi; we are committed to building great societies. For cities like Karachi, this is not a simple task and requires the contribution of hundreds of large and small organizations working around the clock. With the KHI Awards, we want to extend our support and create a platform that can lead the change in this megalopolis we call home. I am grateful to our auditors and our jury members for ensuring transparency and credibility in the process, and the Honorable Governor Sindh and Chairman NEPRA for joining us in this celebration.”

Sunday, 13 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

10 FOREIGN NEWS

FIghtIng rages outsIde KyIv LViV

C

ReuteRs

ONFLICT raged northwest of Kyiv on Saturday and other cities were encircled, with Ukrainian officials saying heavy shelling and threats of Russian air attacks were endangering attempted evacuations.

Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk had said the government planned to use agreed humanitarian corridors out of the besieged southern port city of Mariupol as well as towns and villages in the regions of Kyiv, Sumy and some other areas.

But the governor of the Kyiv region said fighting and threats of Russian air attacks were continuing during evacuation attempts and the

Donetsk region’s governor said constant shelling was complicating bringing aid into Mariupol.

Air raid sirens blared across most Ukrainian cities on Saturday morning urging people to seek shelters, local media reported.

The bombardment has trapped thousands of people in besieged cities and sent 2.5 million Ukrainians fleeing to neighbouring countries.

The exhausted-looking governor of Chernihiv, around 150 km northeast of Kyiv, gave a video update in front of the ruins of its Ukraine Hotel, which he said had been hit on Saturday. “There is no such hotel anymore,” Viacheslav Chaus said, wiping tears from his eyes. “But Ukraine itself still exists, and it will prevail.”

Russian rocket attacks destroyed

a Ukrainian airbase and hit an ammunition depot near the town of Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region on Saturday morning, Interfax Ukraine quoted Vasylkiv Mayor Natalia Balasynovych as saying.

Moscow has denied targeting civilians what it calls a special operation to demilitarise Ukraine and unseat leaders it refers to as neo-Nazis.

It has not responded to Ukrainian challenges to provide evidence.

Ukraine said it expected a new wave of attacks on the regions around the capital Kyiv, the country’s second city Kharkiv and Donbass in the east, where Russian-backed separatists have expanded their control.

Britain’s defence ministry said on Friday that Russian forces could launch an offensive on the capital Kyiv in a few days. In an update on

Iran ready to supply oil for world market: official Staff RepoRt The head of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) said Friday that Iran is fully prepared and ready to supply oil the world market needs and stabilize the prices, the official news agency IRNA reported. The Iranian government has made every effort to regain and increase the country’s oil share globally, Mohsen Khojasteh Mehr, the CEO of NIOC, told IRNA. “Necessary measures are being taken for the sanctions and post-sanctions time” for Iran to return to the world market, he was quoted as saying. Iran’s position in supplying the world with oil is special, he said, adding that European refiners are confident that the Islamic republic is a sustainable supplier. “At the NIOC, we are ready to meet the needs of the European companies, along with other companies,” Mehr said. Iran’s oil industry and its exports have been under U.S. unilateral sanctions since 2018, when the former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and reinstated sanctions against the country.

Saturday, it said fighting northwest of the capital continued, with the bulk of Russian ground forces 25 km (16 miles) from the centre.

The cities of Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Sumy and Mariupol remained encircled under heavy Russian shelling, it said.

SanctionS: Efforts to isolate Russia economically have stepped up, with the United States imposing new sanctions on senior Kremlin officials and Russian oligarchs on Friday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would on Saturday suspend Moscow’s privileged trade and economic treatment, crack down on its use of crypto-assets, and ban the import of iron and steel goods from Russia, as well as the export of luxury goods in the other direction.

Moscow said on Saturday the European Union would end up paying at least three times more for oil, gas and electricity. “I believe the European Union would not benefit from this – we have more durable supplies and stronger nerves,” Russian foreign ministry official Nikolai Kobrinets told Interfax.

As the Russian invasion entered its third week, its forces kept up their bombardment of cities across the country on Friday. Satellite images

showed them firing artillery as they advanced on Kyiv.

As hundreds sheltered in metro stations in Kharkiv, Nastya, a young girl lying on a makeshift bed on the floor of a train carriage, said she had been there for over a week, unable to move around much and ill with a virus.

“I’m scared for my home, for the homes of my friends, very scared for the whole country, and scared for myself of course,” she said.

Chinese premier explains policies amid economic pressure, Ukraine crisis agencieS Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday briefed reporters on China’s policies to grow its economy amid a prolonged pandemic and the country’s stance on the Ukraine crisis and its relations with the United States.

Li answered 13 questions at a press conference in Beijing after the closing of the fifth session of the 13th National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature.

More than half of the questions focused on Beijing’s approaches to address economic and social challenges brought or exacerbated by COVID-19. ‘ambitiouS’ growth target: China has set its economic growth target at around 5.5 percent for 2022, which Li described as “ambitious,” given the new downward pressure faced by the world’s second-largest economy.

An increase of around 5.5 percent on the basis of a gross domestic product (GDP) of over 110 trillion yuan (about $17.4

trillion) would generate the amount of output equivalent to the size of a medium economy, he said.

China will increase government spending and extend tax and fee cuts to enable steady growth, said the premier. He expressed confidence that the economy will be able to overcome difficulties and achieve major development objectives this year.

He underscored efforts made by the Chinese government to streamline administration, delegate power and improve regulation and services in recent years, vowing to spur the vitality of market entities through reforms.

China will continue to make its COVID-19 response more scientific and targeted based on the epidemic situation and new developments and features of the virus, he said.

Commenting on the latest resurgence of COVID-19 in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), he urged the HKSAR government to assume primary responsibility in

China’s top legislature adopts development plan, closes annual session agencieS Chinese lawmakers on Friday approved a decision on the quota and election of deputies to the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and two methods for Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions to elect deputies to the 14th NPC, at the closing meeting of China’s annual legislative session. The fifth session of the 13th NPC, China’s top legislature, concluded on Friday after a seven-day gathering. President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Lawmakers approved resolutions on the government work report, and the work reports of the NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate. They also approved the 2022 plan for national economic and social development and the central budget for 2022, and adopted an amendment to the Organic Law of the Local People’s Congresses and Local People’s Governments. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said the outcomes of the session showed new and major achievements in the cause of the Communist Party of China and the country on the journey of comprehensively building a modern socialist country. Li stressed the importance of upholding and improving the people’s congress system, upholding the Party’s overall leadership and adhering to the idea that all the state’s power belongs to the people. Exercising power and performing duty in accordance with the law and modernizing China’s governance system and capacity also help the NPC and its Standing Committee make new progress, he added. Li praised the work of the deputies to the 13th NPC and called on them to continue to conscientiously perform their duties. He highlighted the need to continue improving the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics, developing a wholeprocess people’s democracy and comprehensively improving the quality of NPC’s work.

containing the virus and reaffirmed the central government’s full support for the fight. china to play poSitive role for peace in ukraine: China supports all efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis by peaceful means, and is willing to work with the international community to play a positive role for an early return of peace in the country, Li said.

Russia and Ukraine have held three rounds of peace talks and a meeting between their foreign ministers since Moscow launched a “special military operation” in Ukraine on February 24, without achieving any major breakthrough. Li called for utmost efforts to support Russia and Ukraine in overcoming difficulties to carry forward ceasefire negotiations. He stressed that the pressing task now is to prevent tension from escalating or even getting out of control.

China has provided Ukraine with humanitarian assistance and will continue to do so, he added.

The Red Cross Society of

China sent the first batch of humanitarian aid supplies worth 5 million yuan (about $791,000) to Ukraine earlier this week.

Calling the current situation in Ukraine “disconcerting,” Li reiterated China’s stance that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter should be fully observed, and the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously. china, u.S. competition Should be healthy: Li said China-U.S. cooperation benefits both countries and the world, calling for more dialogue and communication between the two sides.

China and the U.S. are both permanent members of the UN Security Council, and are the world’s largest developing country and developed country respectively, he noted, adding that tackling global challenges requires joint efforts and cooperation of both countries.

Sunday, 13 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

SPORTS 11

KHAwAJA’s ton tAKes Ausies to 251-3 in 2nd test in KArACHi KaRaCHI

u

Staff RepoRt

SMAN Khawaja smashed his 11th test hundred and forged a 159-run partnership with Steve Smith to power Australia to 251 for three on the opening day of the second test against Pakistan on Saturday.

Islamabad-born Khawaja had

fallen agonisingly short of a hundred in the opening test in Rawalpindi where he top-scored for his side with a breezy 97.

The elegant left-hander made amends in Karachi where he shelved the reverse sweep and made an unbeaten 127, which included 13 fours and a six.

Smith made 72 before falling to Hasan Ali in the penultimate over

of the day.

Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon had yet to open his account.

“It would’ve been nice to have Smith there at the end too but we had a good partnership,” Khawaja said.

“We’ve still got plenty of batting to come.

“It started to reverse in the second session and made it tough to score against the pace bowlers.”

Earlier, Australia got off to a strong start after Pat Cummins elected to bat on a dry surface at the National Stadium.

Khawaja looked in sublime touch and scored freely on the leg-

side after being fed regularly on his pad.

His opening partner David Warner was less convincing, though, surviving a couple of LBW appeals and getting hit on his shoulder by a short delivery from Hasan Ali. Warner hit Sajid Khan for a six to bring up Australia’s 50 in the 11th over.

Sajid conceded two more sixes in his fourth over, prompting Pakistan captain Babar Azam to take the spinner out of the attack.

Seamer Faheem Ashraf broke the 82-run opening stand with a back of a length delivery that Warner, who

made 36, could only edge to Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps.

Pakistan tasted a second success soon afterwards when Sajid ran out Marnus Labuschagne for a duck with a direct throw from mid-off.

Khawaja and Smith steadied the ship batting through the second session.

Khawaja took a single off Nauman Ali to bring up his third hundred in four tests since his recall in January after more than two years’ absence.

Pakistan spinners resorted to a negative line after tea, bowling way down the leg side, to stem the run

flow and the batsmen were happy to just pad them away.

“In the last session, they bowled pretty leg side and had some negative plans to see if we’d play some shots,” Khawaja said.

“We decided not to and didn’t want to give them any free wickets.”

Smith, who made 78 in Rawalpindi, once again failed to convert his fifty into a hundred and edged Hasan for Faheem to take a low one-handed catch at second slip.

Leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson makes his test debut, joining Lyon in Australia’s two-man spin attack with Josh Hazlewood sitting out.

FIFA ban on Pakistan Football Federation to be lifted soon KaRaCHI Staff RepoRt

The crisis in Pakistan’s football may finally be over as FIFA’s appointed Normalization Committee has regained control of the headquarters of the Pakistan Football Federation—the FIFA House.

This action will also pave the way for FIFA to lift the suspension imposed on the Pakistan Football Federation last year. Haroon Malik, the chairman of FIFA’s appointed Normalization Committee, announced on Twitter that the NC has regained control of Football House.

“Congratulations to the football family on the return of Football House. The FIFA NC recognises and lauds the con-

tributions of Dr Fehmida Mirza in achieving this momentous milestone. We thank the entire football family for their support. It is now time to move forward together,” he said.

“I would personally express my gratitude to the members of the NC – Shahid Khokhar, Haris Azmat, and Saud Hashimi – for their steadfast and untiring efforts in the face of adversity. I am proud of you. To FIFA for their ongoing support and efforts, we are grateful,” “Onwards! Get ready everyone – time for Kick-Off. ” Haroon wrote in a series of Tweets posted on Saturday morning.

The PFF office was taken over by Ashfaq Hussain and co. in March last year. The group won the court-ordered

PFF elections in 2018 but was not recognised by FIFA. They had ousted FIFA’s appointed Normalisation Committee in an alleged “hostile takeover,” which also led to Pakistan’s suspension from FIFA. FIFA has stated that the suspension will only be lifted when total control of Pakistan football is given back to the Normalization Committee.

The Ashfaq group had, however, vacated the office in November, but it was then taken over by the Punjab revenue department. The matter was resolved earlier last week after a series of meetings between football officials, the Punjab government and federal minister Fahmida Mirza.

The normalisation committee is

likely to resume its day-to-day affairs from PFF headquarters on Monday.

Haroon told Geo News that this is great news for the Pakistan football fraternity to start their day with. He confirmed that, following the development, Pakistan’s suspension from FIFA will be lifted.

“This will end our isolation from global football and we will see our footballers back in action very soon,” Haroon said.

According to sources, the NC has already prepared an 8-month-long roadmap for the process of elections in the Pakistan Football Federation, and the process will start later this month, which will be supervised by the government of Pakistan.

Women WC: India trash West Indies, Pakistan sit at bottom of points table Staff RepoRt

Aqib Javed slams PCB for adopting a ‘draw mentality’ Staff RepoRt Former pacer Aqib Javed Saturday slammed the “draw mentality” and said that spectators will stop coming to the stadiums if PCB management makes dead pitches just so they don’t lose in their backyard. Earlier, it was reported that the PCB and Pakistan team management opted for a flat deck in the first Test match against Australia. Pakistan batted for the majority of the first Test match in a rain-affected game which ended in a draw. “Fear never lets you win and if we approach the games from the perspective that we don’t lose and continue to make dead pitches then spectators will stop watching us. You simply cannot win if you make decisions based on fear of failure. The captain needs to be brave and should not play for personal milestones,” Aqib said. He further claimed that you cannot suddenly bring seam movement, bounce, or conventional swing in the National Stadium Karachi pitch. The only option left is to curate a pitch that favors the spinners. “Australia only has one main spinner while we have two mature spinners; we should take advantage of that. If we are even scared of playing on turning wickets then that is something shocking,” Aqib concluded.

India unleashed a powerhouse batting performance to crush the West Indies by 155 runs in Hamilton on Saturday and revive their Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign.

Centuries for Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur anchored record-breaking innings of 317-8 before India’s spinners skittled the West Indies for 162.

The total was India’s highest at a Women’s World Cup and the best by any team so far at this year’s tournament, surpassing the 310 posted by Australia against England.

Mandhana and Kaur’s 184-run partnership was also a record for India at a Women’s World Cup. Mandhana made 123 off 119 balls, while Kaur scored 109 from 107.

The win gives India a huge morale boost and keeps them in the running for a semi-final spot after a lacklustre loss to New Zealand last Thursday.

It also continues India’s dominant record against the West Indies at World Cups, giving them a 7-0 record over the Caribbean team at the one-day showcase.

But the West Indies entered the match as the surprise package of this year’s tournament, with upset wins over hosts New Zealand and defending champions England.

India won the toss and elected to bat, starting aggressively and clearly intent on avoiding the slow scoring that cost them dearly against New Zealand.

“We realised we hadn’t made a good start in the last game and we really wanted to come out on a positive note,” Mandhana said.

“It’s all about momentum and we discussed keeping the momentum high from the first over.”

Yastika Bhatia smashed 19 runs off the first two overs and was given a life on 20 when Aaliyah Alleyne missed a catch.

Shakera Selman made no mistake when she caught and bowled Bhatia for 20, helping slow the run rate.

India were 125-3 at the mid-way point in the innings when Mandhana and Kaur stepped up the run rate.

Mandhana’s second ODI century included 13 fours and two sixes, while Kaur’s fourth ODI ton included 10 fours and two sixes.

The West Indies took a flurry of wickets late in the innings but by then the damage had been done.

They made a promising start to the run chase, racing to 81 without loss after 10 overs.

But after openers Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews were dismissed for 62 and 43, India managed to take wickets regularly and reduced the West Indies to 6-140 after 25 overs.

Zaheer Abbas inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame Staff RepoRt Zaheer Abbas, one of the most stylish and elegant batters to ever play this great sport, was formally inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame on Saturday when he received his commemorative cap and plaque from the PCB Chief Executive Faisal Hasnain during lunch break of the second cricket Test between Pakistan and Australia at the National Stadium on Saturday. Zaheer is the third PCB Hall of Famer after Fazal Mahmood and Wasim Akram to be formally inducted, with the remaining five inductions to take place in due course.

Zaheer Abbas on the occasion said, “I feel humbled to have been recognised in such a respectful and honourable manner by my parent organisation at my home ground, during play of my favourite format of the game and in front of passionate cricket fans, who have also played an integral part throughout my cricketing career. “It has been a privilege to have represented Pakistan for nearly two decades and contribute in the national side’s growth in terms of stature and reputation.

It was a delight to play with and against some of the alltime greats in an era when cricket regulations and playing conditions were not as stringent as today. Of course, the opportunities were also limited as compared to today, but the rewards, appreciation and acknowledgement was always extremely high and satisfying. “Cricket has moved on from my playing days but it still remains a gentleman’s game. It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to see that this beautiful sport remains in the safe and capable hands of modern day elite cricketers who, day in day out, give their very best in striving to continue to enhance the standard of this sport and in doing so, attract, inspire and motivate younger generation of cricketers. “I am pleased to see a full-strength Australia side play at the National Stadium after 24 long years. I have been part of some great Tests against Australia and I hope that with this tour, the rivalry between two proud nations will revive which, in turn, will only help cricket become stronger. “I want to thank the PCB, my family, friends and all my contemporaries who supported me in this memorable journey and helped me perform for this great country as well as my national, domestic and England teams.” Faisal Hasnain said on the occasion, “On behalf of the PCB and Pakistan cricket fans, I want to congratulate Zaheer Abbas on his induction into the PCB Hall of Fame. Zaheer Abbas is not only a Pakistan icon, but a highly respected and admired world figure who made cricket proud wherever he played”.

Prize Distribution Ceremony of 16th Shah Khan Ski Cup & National Biathlon Championship- 2022 held at Paf Ski Resort Naltar pR Prize distribution ceremony of 16th Shah Khan Ski Cup & National Biathlon Championship-2022 was held at PAF Ski Resort, Naltar. Brigadier (Retd) Syed Kausar Hussain, Director Operations & Plans National Logistic Cell was the chief guest at the occasion. The ceremony was also attended by Air Cdre Javed Iqbal, SASO Federal Air Command and other distinguished guests.

Addressing the ceremony, the chief guest appreciated the efforts of PAF and WSFP for the promotion of winter sports in Pakistan. He also congratulated all stakeholders for successfully holding the mega event.

Pakistan Air Force clinched the winners trophy of 16th Shah Khan Ski Cup. PAF skiers proved their dominance as they clinched 02 medals in the 16th Shah Khan Alpine

Ski Cup. In Slalom category, Zakir Hussain of Civil Aviation won the Gold, Ubaid Ullah of PAF earned Silver while Sep Hamza of Pak Army won Bronze medals. In the Giant Slalom category L/NK Shakeem of Pak Army won Gold while Zakir Hussain of Civil Aviation and Shah Zaman of PAF won Silver & Bronze medals respectively.

In National Biathlon Championship Alam Maqsood of Gilgit Baltistan won Gold while Khan Ishaque of Gilgit Baltistan Scouts won Silver and Shah Noran of Pak Army won Bronze medals.

26 national skiers from all over the country participated in the much-awaited winter sports, which are conducted each year in the magnificent Naltar ski resort under the auspices of PAF and Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan. Teams of PAF, Pak Army, GB Scouts, Islamabad and Civil Aviation Authority participated in the mega event.

Pakistan Air Force and Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan jointly arrange these events each year in a bid to promote winter sports in the country and sports tourism in snowy mountains of Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Sunday, 13 March, 2022

prayer timiNgs

NEWS

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

5:01

12:18

3:41

6:23

6:13

7:36

PetitioN seekiNg registrAtioN oF Fir AgAiNst PM For ‘threAteNiNg’ ZArdAri FiLed iN court

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NEWS DESk

district court on Saturday sought a reply from SHO Islmapura on a petition seeking registration of FIR against Prime Minister Imran Khan for ‘threatening’ former president Asif Ali Zardari, according to a news outlet.

Adeel Yaqoob filed the petition after the police, according to him, did not register FIR against the premier on his complaint.

The petitioner stated in the court that the respondent

SHO was legally bound to register a case in accordance with law under the provision of Section 154 Cr.P.C and police rules, but the respondent has violated the aforesaid mandatory provisions and is entitled to be penalized and treated in accordance with the law.

The petitioner prayed that he ‘heard’ PM Imran saying in a public gathering that “Mr Zardari you are at the aim of my gun”, which is tantamount to a threat of dire consequences.

“PM Khan caused anarchy in public through this statement,” the petitioner added.

However, the judge sought a reply from the SHO on the petition.

Earlier on Wednesday, while addressing his party workers at the Governor House in Karachi, Imran had turned his “guns” on Zardari and said that the former president is his first target.

He had warned the joint opposition that the no-trust motion filed against him would sound the death knell for them. He had assured his supporters and allies that he has plans for his political rivals after defeating their political game.

Elahi to make decision on future political course along with MQM, BAP LAHORE staff report

In the midst of rising political tensions in the country, PML-Q convened a consultative meeting on Saturday in Lahore to address the present scenario in Punjab.

Senior members of the PML-Q attended the meeting, according to sources, where the activities of the Tareen group were also discussed.

During the meeting, participants

Four terrorists killed during operations in North Waziristan

concluded that no PTI ally is pleased with the federal government’s performance and that the PML-Q will have to make its own political decision shortly. Sources said PML-Q leader Pervez Elahi has taken other government allies under his wings and has committed to making decisions in collaboration with them. the meeting also discussed that it was not too late to take sides before they were left with nowhere to stand.

According to sources, Chaudhry

Shujaat was also unsatisfied with the federal government’s performance.

“We will make decisions taking into consideration the national interest and political future,” the sources quoted Elahi as saying, adding that other participants of the meeting expressed their concerns over the nonfulfillment of promises in Punjab.

Government allies are likely to make a big announcement at a joint press conference in the next two to three days, sources added.

ISLAMABAD staff report

Security forces Saturday conducted two Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) on reported presence of terrorists in general area Maddi Khel and Bobar Gap in North Waziristan District.

According to the ISPR, four terrorists were killed during intense exchange of fire. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists. The killed terrorists remained actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces. Locals of the area appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the area.

Legal fraternity to devise strategy to protect country’s constitutional system The legal fraternity has called a joint meeting of its bar councils on Wednesday in the wake of the “growing political unrest” in the country, a news outlet reported on Saturday. According to the report, Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Muhammad Ahsan Bhoon and Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) Vice Chairman Hafeezur Rehman Chaudhry have decided to convene a joint meeting of representative bodies of federal and provincial bar councils as well as the high court associations. The meeting will discuss the prevailing political situation and devise a strategy to protect and strengthen the constitutional and democratic system of the country. Invitations have been sent to all bar councils and high court bar associations at the federal and provincial level. The office-bearers of the said bar councils and bar associations have also been requested to ensure their presence in the larger interest of the Constitution of Pakistan and the democratic process. News Desk

US rushes weapons into Ukraine despite proliferation concerns WASHINGTON ageNcies

The United States and NATO are shipping weapons into Ukraine at break-neck speed, including highly sensitive items such as shoulderfired missiles called Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems (MANPADS) that can take down aircraft.

The Western arms deliveries, another one of which is expected to arrive in the coming hours, have been vital to enabling Ukrainians to fight the invading Russians forces far more effectively and fiercely than US intelligence expected.

But moving those amounts of weaponry into the largest conflict in Europe since World War Two carries with it risks that some could fall into the wrong hands — a possibility the West has considered.

“Frankly, we believe that risk is worth taking right now because the Ukrainians are fighting so skilfully with the tools at their disposal and they’re using them so creatively,” a senior US defence official said on Friday when asked about that danger.

Highly portable missiles such as Stinger surface-to-air missiles — which are a type of MANPAD — can help win wars, but in the past they have also been lost, sold, or wound up in the arsenals of extremist groups.

For example, hundreds of Stingers supplied by the United States were seen as key to helping mujahideen rebels drive Soviet forces

out of Afghanistan in a conflict that spanned the 1980s and 1990s.

But the United States subsequently spent years trying to recover unused MANPADS from that country and from other conflict zones around the world.

In a Pentagon-financed study in 2019, the RAND Corp think-tank estimated that upwards of 60 civilian aircraft have been hit by MANPADS since the 1970s, killing more than 1,000 civilians. As of 2019, 57 nonstate armed groups were confirmed to possess or suspected to possess MANPADS. Russia was “far and away the single largest exporter of MANPADS”, RAND Corp said, with more than 10,000 systems sold between 2010 and 2018 to countries including Iraq, Venezuela, Kazakhstan, Qatar, and Libya.

The United States and NATO have not disclosed how many MANPADS have been transferred to Ukraine since the start of the invasion, which is now in its third week.

So far, Russia has not targeted Western weapons convoys headed into Ukraine and the senior US defence official said the United States had not seen any Western-supplied inventory falling into Russian hands.

But that could change.

At a Friday meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu talked about potential future seizures of Western-made Javelin anti-tank weapons and Stingers. They should be handed to Russian-backed forces in the breakaway Donbass region of eastern Ukraine, he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly backed the idea.

MQM to support no-trust move if opposition accepts its demands: Wasim Akhtar ISLAMABAD staff report

Former mayor of Karachi and MQM-Pakistan leader Wasim Akhtar has said that despite the passage of three and a half years, Prime Minister Imran Khan cannot meet our demands and added that they would support opposition in no-trust move if the PML-N and Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl can guarantee the approval of our demands Talking to a private TV channel, Wasim Akhtar, replying to a question regarding the meeting of MQM with former President Asif Ali Zardari after Prime Minister Imran Khan, said that the meeting with the former president was good.

The former mayor of Karachi said that they discussed the issues facing Sindh and Karachi in the last 14 years and also talked about the issues facing the people including the atrocities committed against MQM as a political party.

Wasim Akhtar said that the issues discussed with the PPP co-chairman did not include their personal interests but these are the issues of the people of Sindh. He said “We do not want ministries but to solve the problems of the people.”

Asked if he did not expect the government to deliver, he said that if that were the case, he would have said this in the last meeting, and those who came to him would have mentioned that we would implement these recommendations but he did not say anything.

On the demands made during the Prime Minister’s visit to Karachi regarding the no-confidence motion and the province, the former mayor said that when the plan was finalized with PTI, all the demands were made. How many times should these demands be repeated?

He said that if the government had agreed to implement the demands, they would have talked about it when they came, if the demands were to be met, they would have done so in three and a half years.

In response to a question, Wasim Akhtar said that many issues related to this are under consideration in the party. The solution will take time, but the problem of time will also have to be dealt with. The MQM leader said that the PML-Q could be consulted before taking any decision on the no-confidence motion, but they would have to take the initiative. He said that an offer has been made to the Chaudhry brothers by the opposition, but no such offer has been made by the government. There is an impression that the PML-Q is angry with the government while the MQM has also expressed its anger many times.

PTI to emerge stronger from current situation: PM Imran Khan ISLAMABAD staff report

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the government is fully aware of the concerns of the people and is taking all possible steps to save the people from the negative effects of inflation.

Members of National Assembly including Shaukat Ali, Sher Ali, Arbab Raja, Khurram Shehzad, Ali Nawaz Awan, Rashid Shafiq, Mansoor Hayat Khan, Zulfiqar Ali Khan, Kanwal Shozaib, Begum Shaheen Saifullah Toro, Nafisa Inayatullah Khattak, Noorin Farooq Ibrahim, Former Member

National Assembly Chaudhry Ashfaq, Haji Younis Ali Ansari, Mian Kashif Ashfaq met the prime minister.

During the meeting, Imran Khan directed the parliamentarians to mobilize the workers at the grass root level to ensure success in the local body elections.

On this occasion, he said that the successful economic policies of the government have strengthened the legacy of the bankrupt economy.

The premier went on to say that the country s economy is on the path of sustainable growth and asked the lawmakers to strengthen connection with the people

PM Imran also urged the parliamentarians to spread awareness about various government schemes for socio-economic development.

“The government is fully aware of the concerns of the people and is taking all possible steps to protect the people from the negative effects of global inflation,” he said and added the government seeks targeted subsidies and efforts to create more jobs for young people.

He said that the government was trying its best to reduce the negative effects of inflation by creating an investor friendly environment.

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