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Wednesday, 9 March, 2022 I 5 Shaʽban, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 250 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition

OppOsitiOn subMits nO-trust MOtiOn against pM khan

Imran says attempts to dethrone him won’t succeed ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

ISLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

embers of the opposition in the National Assembly on Tuesday submitted a noconfidence motion against the prime minister. Officials of the National Assembly secretariat confirmed that opposition members had submitted the motion. Pakistan muslim League-Nawaz (PmL-N) Information secretary marriyum Aurangzeb said National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser was not present in his office which is why the document was submitted with the secretariat. The confirmation from Aurangzeb came after a delegation of opposition mPs, including rana sanaullah Khan, sardar Ayaz sadiq, marriyum Aurangzeb, and shazia marri had reached Parliament House in Islamabad. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) mP syed Naveed Qamar said the motion, which calls for the requisition of a National Assembly session, had signatures of more than 100 mPs. The rules of business state that in order for a session to be requisi-

tioned to vote on a no-confidence motion, signatures from at least 68 mPs are required. The three parties — PmL-N, PPP and the muttahida majlis-i-Amal (mmA), a union of far-right parties including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) — combined have 154 seats in the National Assembly. Overall, the ruling coalition is supported by 176 mPs whereas the opposition enjoys the backing of 162 legislators. In order to make the no-confidence motion successful, the opposition requires the support of 172 mPs. After the filing of the motion, speaker Qaiser has between three to seven days to summon a session of the House to conduct voting. The opposition parties, seeking to oust Imran Khan, decided to move the no-confidence vote during a meeting of the PmL-N parliamentary party on monday. The decision was made by party president shahbaz sharif. The participants of the meeting were also directed to remain in Islamabad for at least three weeks, it said. The mPs were warned their absence during the

motion “won’t be tolerated”. since its inception in september 2020, at the peak of the coronavirus crisis, the Pakistan Democratic movement (PDm), a coalition of 11 political parties, has been staging public rallies across the country to ramp up pressure on the government of Imran Khan. In February, PDm president Fazlur rehman announced the opposition alliance has decided to move the motion against Khan and would contact the government’s allies in the Centre for this purpose. “All component parties in the PDm have agreed on bringing a no-confidence motion against these illegitimate rulers and contacting the government’s allies in this regard,” he had said. some political observers also believe the opposition is optimistic that a change in the Us presidency in January 2021, with Joe biden replacing President Donald Trump, could benefit their cause. Democrats, historically, have backed civilian supremacy in Pakistan. but regardless of who sits in the White House, the political situation in Pakistan is likely to remain volatile and unstable.

Prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday expressed confidence all “designs and attempts made by the gang of corrupt politicians” against the government of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party will not succeed in fulfilling their purpose. Using the game of cricket as a metaphor, the prime minister said a captain is always ready to counter the attacks of his opponent team. “Whatever planning these corrupt [politicians] have done, I am ready to foil their attempts [to dislodge the government],” he said while addressing an event in connection with International Women’s Day at Fatima Jinnah Women University in rawalpindi. Khan reiterated that he was committed to the “war against corrupt politicians” he had waged. He said Pakistan, on the occasion of its creation in 1947 was envisioned as a country with a rule of law and vowed he would not give any relief to the corrupt political elite who had plundered the exchequer. “Once again, I’m making it loud and clear I won’t extend the gang of thieves and dacoits any relief in the

form of an NrO-like (national reconciliation ordinance) concession,” he said. He observed that a “powerful thief” was more detrimental to the country for blatantly quashing the sanctity of rule of law. In a thinly-veiled reference to deposed prime minister Nawaz shareef, Khan said certain corrupt politicians in possession of the luxury apartments in the city of London were refusing to surrender before the law. The prime minister said his government would be remembered for the historic steps taken for the empowerment of women in Pakistan. He recalled that Islam gave inheritance rights to women 1,500 years ago, however, regretted that a large population in Pakistan was denying the same to their women. Khan said his government made amendments in inheritance laws to ensure women’s ownership of property. He urged the students to raise awareness among women to get a realisation about their rights. He emphasised the role of educated women in the refinement of society and recalled how his mother helped him grow in life.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

Wednesday, 9 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

CAN OPPOSItION get the mAgIC NUmber tO De-thrONe Pm KhAN? Islamabad

Naveed Miraj

FTER weeks of furor, the cat is finally out of the bag and the opposition has submitted the no trust motion against PM Imran Khan. Political temperature has reached its zenith with the opposition’s move. The opposition parties are claiming to have the support of requisite numbers for the success of no confidence motion, which if happens, Imran Khan will become the first PM in the country’s history to have been ousted by such a move. It is now obviously a game of numbers and the day

Xi extends condolences to Alvi over Peshawar blast bEIJING/Islamabad Staff report

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent late Monday a message of condolence to his Pakistan counterpart, Arif Alvi, over the attack on a mosque in Peshawar. In his message, Jinping said he was shocked to learn of the deadly blast on Friday which killed at least 63 people and injured nearly 200. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, the president expressed deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy to the injured and the bereaved families. Beijing strongly condemns the terrorist attack and firmly supports the efforts of the Pakistan government and people to combat terrorism, maintain national stability and protect people’s lives, he said. On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also sent a message of condolence to Prime Minister Imran Khan over the attack. The police investigators said on Saturday that they had identified the suicide bomber and the network behind the deadly blast. The security officials said that the name was an alias and that they had identified the attacker and his family. Muhammad Ali Saif, a special assistant to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, said at a news conference over the weekend that “the rest of the network will be exposed in the next 48 hours.” He declined to share more details, citing operational sensitivities.

PIA sends plane to evacuate 300 who fled Ukraine violence Islamabad Staff report

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) sent an aircraft to Poland on Tuesday to evacuate more than 300 Pakistanis who escaped fighting in Ukraine. A statement issued by a PIA official said most of them are students. Abdullah Khan said flight PK-7788, a Boeing 777, flew out of Lahore in the morning and was going to reach Warsaw in the next few hours. “The special flight will bring back over 300 Pakistani nationals and land in Islamabad,” he informed. Khan said the plane was sent to Poland on the instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). Pakistan has so far resisted Western pressure to condemn Moscow, instead advocating dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis. Islamabad has argued that it needs to step back from global bloc politics to improve ties with all countries, including Russia, and to tackle its own domestic economic challenges. Prime Minister Imran Khan and his government found themselves in the spotlight after he went ahead with a long-planned visit to Moscow in late February as fears of an attack were growing, and met Vladimir Putin a few hours after the Russian president had ordered his troops into Ukraine.

Pakistan Navy And Anti Narcotics Force Seized Drugs In A Joint Operation KaraCHI pr

In an intelligence based joint sea operation, Pakistan Navy and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) seized approximately 1000 Kgs drugs at North Arabian Sea. The drugs valued at approximately 247 Million Rupees. The seized drugs were subsequently handed over to Anti-Narcotics Force for further legal proceedings.The successful execution of Anti-Narcotics joint Operation is a strong demonstration of Pakistan Navy’s resolve to deter and disrupt illegal activities in maritime zones of Pakistan. Pakistan Navy is vigilant to counter any illegal activity along the coast line and at sea. Pakistan Navy will continue to fulfill its national responsibilities with highest level of commitment and dedication.

of voting will determine the winner and the loser. The government has a lead of sixteen members over the opposition. At present, the party position in the National Assembly is that the ruling PTI has 155 seats, MQM-Pakistan 7, PML (Q) 5, Balochistan Awami Party 5, Grand Democratic Alliance 3 and one each by Awami Muslim League, JWP and independent. This takes the tally of treasury benches to 178. On the other hand, the opposition has 163 seats in the lower including 84 PML (N), PPPP 56, MMA 15, BNP 4, ANP 1 and three independents. One of the opposition MNAs, Ali Wazir, is currently incarcerated and it is yet to be seen whether or not the Speaker issues

his production order on the day of voting. In the house of 342, onus rests with the opposition parties to show the support of 172 members on the day of voting. The opposition requires the support of another nine to ten members to achieve the objective. Whilst the opposition parties are claiming to have won support of sufficient number of PTI’s members in exchange of certain promises, sources within the government told Daily Times that they are in contact with the estranged members both in the lower house as well as the Punjab Assembly to foil the no confidence motion. Counting the contributions made by Jahangir Tareen for the formation of PTI’s government in the

center and Punjab, they were confident that Tareen will stay on the side of PM Khan at this critical juncture instead of betraying him. “We were and will remain part of the PTI’s struggle to rid the country of the political leadership of vested interests.” The PTI sources said the no confidence motion will face defeat much to the humiliation and embarrassment of the opposition and PM Imran Khan will emerge extraordinarily stronger from this situation. Political analysts also believe that any sitting government has at its disposal various options and tactics to undermine such moves. They said it won’t be surprising if some members of the opposition parties go missing or could not make it to the lower house on the day of voting. The speaker can also delay the summoning of session for up to fourteen days, providing sufficient time to the government to win back the estranged members as well as secure support of some rival members. Whilst the opposition itself is admitting that the establishment is neutral, this game of numbers is now only between the captain who is known for his fighting spirit and the political gurus who are famous for wheeling and dealing. Game on hai.

Energy Minister discusses avenues of cooperation with UAE Islamabad pr

The Ambassador of UAE to Pakistan H.E. Hamad Obaid Ibrahim called on the Federal Minister of Energy Mr. Hammad Azhar here today.Minister Hammad Azhar welcomed the interest of UAE government to reach a comprehensive economic agreement with Pakistan on the lines of FTA and ensured his full support for this positive development in the historic UAE-Pakistan bilateral relations. Such an agreement will not only pave way for G2G initiatives but also help create a conducive environment for the business community.The Ambassador

appreciated the efforts of Pakistan in successfully hosting the Australian cricket team after 24 years. He further

expressed his good wishes for the upcoming OIC meeting in Islamabad.The Minister lauded the long-standing relations of both the countries and reiterated the resolve of this government to further strengthen them. In this regard, the upcoming visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan to UAE is of utmost importance. The Ambassador expressed his high hopes for this visit and expectations of concluding important MoUs and agreements. Both parties exchanged views on the current geopolitical scenario and rising oil prices in the global market. The world over inflation and deteriorating conflict situation is a matter of worry for all the countries.

New Mechanism to Allow ‘Temporary Registration’ of Overseas Pakistanis’ Mobile Devices Launching Soon Islamabad pr

Islamabad: Dr. Shireen Mazari, Federal Minister for Human Rights addressing the launching ceremony of National Gender Policy Framework here in Ministry of Planning Development & Special Initiatives. It was held in connection with International Women's Day, 2022. pr

Power suspension schedules for 9th march 2022 pr 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 March 09th, From 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM Khanna-2, Ufone, PTCL, SES, Fazal Ghee, SHS, Industrial 1,2&3, Ittehad Foundry, International School, Ward Telecom, PTN, Siddique Steel, PTV-2, Rehara, PHA-1, Bahria Enclave,

Bhara Kahu, Kaliyal, Gulshanabad, Dhok Noor, 502 Workshop, Adiyala, Askari-14, Humayun, Humayun-1, Taxila, Haji Shah, Teen Meela, Mianwala, Chhaji Mar, Azeem Shaheed, Mathial, Kasran, Race Course, Askari-XI, Misriyal Road, Iqbal Road, Feeders From 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM NCI, Toba, Lilla Town, Ahmedabad, Sanghui Feeders, From 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM, Khanna Dak, Burma, Tramri, Sohdran Road, ISI, Bahria, Al-Noor Colony, Waheedabad, Lehtar Road Feeders From 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM, CBC-3, GBHP2, Channel 1,2,3&4, Shah Dir, Shafi Chauhan

Feeders, From 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM, Beirut Gala Darbar Mahi Thoti, Khoi Ratta City, Charhui Express, Dana Behal, Charhui Dungi, Siri, City, Kariala, Dandroot, Dabsi, Dudot ,Mujhan, Chario Feeders, From 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Industrial-1, Crystal Board-2, F-2, Siraj Steel Feeders, From 12:00 Noon to 04:00 PM, Industrial2feeder 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.

Hareem ordered to surrender before FIA in money laundering case KaraCHI Staff report

Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday gave a social media celebrity until April 18 to join a money-laundering investigation initiated against her by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). A two-judge bench of the high court warned it would withdraw its injunction that restrained the agency from arresting Hareem Shah if she failed to return to the country from abroad and face the probe. During the hearing, her counsel submitted a medical certificate, composed in the Turkish language, to the court. He said Shah is undergoing treatment in Turkey and has been advised by her doctors to rest for the next few days. She is unwell and may take up to 20 days to return, he added. Justice Mohammad Iqbal Kalhoro directed the

counsel to have the certificate translated into English and then submit it before the court for perusal. The court expressed annoyance over Hareem Shah’s objectionable remarks about the law enforcement agencies (LEAs). “Foul language was used on social media,” Justice Kalhoro noted. At this, the lawyer said his client had already apologised for her remarks. The bench said the woman travelled from England to Turkey instead of returning home to face the probe. “Tell us the final date when she will appear before the FIA?” the court asked the lawyer, to which the latter replied she be granted a month’s time. “We had ordered Hareem Shah to surrender, but she didn’t,” the court noted, adding: “She flouted the court order.” The court warned Shah would be granted no more concession and the previous order would be withdrawn if she doesn’t appear before the agency until April 18.

To address the issues faced by overseas Pakistanis/foreigners with regards to mobile registration, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has developed a new mechanism to allow ‘temporary registration’ of handsets belonging to overseas Pakistanis/Foreigners visiting Pakistan for a short duration. PTA is in process of developing and testing the system to ensure robustness and technical functionality. This mechanism will be made available soon. Further details will be available on PTA website: www.pta.gov.pk once the mechanism is live. Under new mechanism, mobile devices shall be allowed to work for up to 120 days without any taxes/duties. The applicant must apply for ‘temporary registration’ by entering their credentials and device IMEIs via PTA’s Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). PTA will connect this system with FIA’s Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) for passport number validation as well as with mobile operators for validation of mobile number SIM belonging to the applicant.

International Women’s Day pr Ministry of Maritime Affairs pays recognition to the women around the world on this special occasion of International Women’s Day 2022. As the day is celebrated to recognize the achievements of women in social, economic, cultural and political sphere and to raise awareness on gender equality that particularly is the theme for this year’s observance.Ministry encourages the immense contributions made by the women of Pakistan at both national and international platforms. The women in Pakistan have immense potential for contributing to the advancement and development of the nation. Pakistan fully supports the gender equality and provides ease of access to resources to its people regardless of gender. Ministry would like to praise the women working for the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and acknowledge the hard work and devotion they put to achieve its objectives. The Ministry is ensuring participation of women to reduce gender gap, as for the first time in history of Pakistan a woman participated in Port Security Force at Karachi Port Trust.As rightly said by the Founder of Our Nation; “No nation can ever be worthy of its existence that cannot take its women along with the men. No struggle can ever succeed without women participating side by side with men. There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen.

Wednesday, 9 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

NO trUSt mOve: rUPee PlUmmetS tO All-tIme lOW OF 178.61 AgAINSt USD KaraCHI

Staff report

AKISTANI rupee plunged to alltime lowest level of 178.61 against the US dollar on Tuesday. The State Bank of Pakistan said in a statement that the dollar opened at Rs178.13 in the interbank market and closed

at Rs178.61 after shedding 48 paisas (-0.27 percent). Earlier, the rupee’s lowest level against the US dollar was 178.24, which was recorded on December 29, 2021. The rupee witnessed a trading range of 65 paisas during the session, showing the intraday high bid of 178.65 and low offer of 178.10. Within the open market, the rupee was traded at 178/179 per dollar against

177.50/178.50 per dollar a day earlier. On the other hand, the US Dollar Index, which gauges the greenback against a basket of its main competitors, extended the rally further by 0.33 percent to reach 99.24. The acute upside in the greenback remains well and sound for the fourth session in a row and reached levels last traded back in May 2020. The US dollar has continued to

strengthen as global liquidity conditions deteriorate and energy prices have spiked again. A combination of elevated upside volatility in energy prices, equity underperformance and liquidity concerns continue to push investors seeking safety towards the greenback. Overall, the rupee shed Rs1.11 against the American currency during the last two

No Trust Move: What happens next? mIaN abrar While the entire opposition leadership submitted a no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan with the National Assembly Secretariat on Tuesday, it would be important for readers to understand what happens next. For a no-confidence motion to be successful, the opposition would require support of a simple majority — 172 of the total 342 members — in the lower house of parliament. The opposition claims they have the numbers required to oust PM Khan. Former prime minister Abbasi said that to reach the number of 172, a total of

162 members would be provided by opposition parties and one by the Jamaat-i-Islami. He added that two members of the ruling party were “openly against’ it, leaving a gap of seven votes. “The numbers we have are […] much more than that,” he said. Process of a no-trust vote: For a vote of no-confidence against the prime minister, 20 per cent of the total MNAs, which means 68 members, have to sign a requisition request for a session of the National Assembly during which the motion will be voted on. According to Article 54 of the

Oil prices remain elevated as Russia warns to cut Europe gas supplies Islamabad

Constitution, the NA speaker has a maximum of 14 days to summon a session of the house following the requisition. After the session has been called, the NA secretary will circulate the notice to members and the resolution of a vote of no-confidence will be moved on the next working day. From the day the resolution is moved, it “shall not be voted upon before the expiry of three days, or later than seven days,” according to the rules of procedure. A vote of no-confidence against the prime minister is conducted by an open vote by division.

When the session takes place, bells will be rung to inform any parliamentarians that may be outside the assembly hall to come inside, and then the gates are closed. Those who are for the motion exit from one gate and those against the motion exit from another gate. As they exit, the count begins. Once the hall is emptied, the counting is completed and everyone re-enters the hall. Afterwards, the speaker announces the result. If the vote of no-confidence is successful, the speaker submits the result to the president in writing and the secretary issues a notification to be gazetted.

Pakistan, US relaunch TIFA to promote trade, investment: Wilson

tLtp

Islamabad

Oil prices remained elevated on Tuesday after hitting a 14-year high a day earlier, as Russia has warned that it retains the option to cut natural gas supplies to Europe if the US and its EU allies ban its crude imports. As of 1300 hours GMT, Brent, the international benchmark for two-thirds of the world’s oil, gained $3.02 (+2.45 percent) to reach 126.23 a barrel. Brent hit the mark of $139.13 a barrel a day earlier before settling lower. Brent had hit a record high of $147.02 on July 11, 2008. The West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the main oil benchmark for North America, reached $121.73 a barrel, up by $2.33 (+1.95 percent). The contract hit $130.50 a barrel a day earlier. WTI had soared to its highest level of $146.90 on July 11, 2008 amid the global financial crisis. The price for Opec Basket was recorded at $113.15 a barrel with a decrease of 3.34 percent, Arab Light was available at $124.83 a barrel with an increase of 1 percent and the price of Russian Sokol jumped to $114.64 a barrel with 0.38 percent increase.

ageNcieS

Pakistan and the United States (US) have relaunched the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) process to promote trade and investment for the benefit of both the countries. Assistant US Trade Representative (AUSTR) for South and Central Asia, Christopher Wilson said this in a virtual press talk with a selected group of journalists on Tuesday. “We succeeded in re-launching the TIFA… we feel quite satisfied,” Wilson said. He said that a number of challenges in the relationship and difficulties that needed to be overcome were discussed in the meetings. “There was a very positive dynamic in the discussion,” he remarked. He said the purpose of their visit to Islamabad was to principally cover some meetings related to the TIFA mechanism that the US had negotiated with Pakistan some years ago. The mechanism provides a structure to both the governments to engage in future trade and investment. He was of the view that there had not been much

PSX falls below 43,000 level amid political, geopolitical uncertainties KaraCHI tLtp

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed another bearish session on Tuesday amid political and geopolitical uncertainties, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index losing 388.62 points (-0.90 percent) to close at 42,878.35 points. The index has shed around 1,673 points during the last two sessions. The PSX opened on a negative note on Tuesday but it switched between the red and green territories for most part of the session. However, the last hour trading witnessed huge selling pressure, which brought the benchmark index below the psychological level of 43,000. The index moved in the red territory as international crude oil prices remained elevated due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which dented the investors’ confidence. Moreover, the Pakistani rupee plunged to an all-time lowest level of 178.61 against the US dollar during the day. Again, the gold prices surged to their highest level since August 2020 after breaching the $2,000 psychological mark. Meanwhile, the opposition parties submitted the noconfidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the National Assembly. A total of 86 lawmakers from the opposition parties signed the no-confidence motion, which also dented the market sentiment. The KSE-100 Index moved in a range of 638.19 points, showing an intraday low of 42,788.53 points and a high of 43,426.72 points. Among other indices, the KSE All Share Index

shed 247.21 points (-0.83 percent) to close at 29,670.24 points, while KMI All Share Islamic Index shed 210.56 points (-0.97 percent) to close at 21,483.18 points. A total of 348 companies traded shares in the stock exchange, out of them shares of 106 closed up, shares of 221 closed down while shares of 21 companies remained unchanged. Out of 91 traded companies in the KSE-100 Index, 20 closed up and 68 closed down and three remained unchanged. The overall market volumes decreased by 10.77 million to 226.11 million shares. Total volumes traded for the KSE-100 Index decreased by 11.84 million to 93 million shares. The number of total trades increased by 130 to 114,116, while the value traded decreased by Rs1.09 billion to Rs7.12 billion. Overall, market capitalisation decreased by Rs61.52 billion. Among scrips, TPL topped the volumes with 17.36 million shares, followed by UNITY (17.19 million) and GGL (16.9 million). Stocks that contributed significantly to the volumes included TPL, UNITY, GGL, TRG and TPLP, which formed over 35 percent of total volumes. In terms of rupee, RMPL remained the top gainer and witnessed an increase of Rs200 (1.7 percent) per share, closing at Rs11,999. The share price of RMPL climbed up for the 11th straight session. The runner-up was SFL, the share price of which climbed up by Rs56.76 (6.89 percent) to Rs880.01. NESTLE remained the top loser in terms of rupee and witnessed a decrease of Rs140 (2.53 percent) per share, closing at Rs5,400, followed by BATA, the share price of which declined by Rs57.51 (2.67 percent) to close at Rs2,092.49 per share.

activity under the TIFA for several years, so it was important to revive and effectively relaunch the process. Wilson said, during the meetings, issues related to trade, market access, workers’ rights and regulatory practices were discussed. He said, both sides felt these meetings to be productive and realized the importance of relaunching the TIFA process, which has a lot of value for both the governments. He expressed the hope that this process would be sustained at AUSTR level and potentially at the level of trade ministers of both the countries. To a question, he said, Pakistan had been beneficiary of the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). He said since the GSP expired, neither Pakistan nor any other trading partner of the US was receiving those trade preferences. He said the US congress was currently considering the reauthorization and renewal of the GSP programme. To a question, he said the current discussions were completely focused on trade and economic issues and there was no political discussion. “I just want to underscore that our visit was for reinforcing the trade and economic dimension of the relationship between US and Pakistan,” Christopher added.

days, while the local unit devalued by 21.18 during the ongoing fiscal year 2021-22 and Rs2.16 during the current year 2022. According to experts, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has pushed commodity prices to their record historic high level. Given the rising commodity prices, the soaring import bill has badly hit the current account balance of Pakistan which created a spell of depreciation around the rupee. They said that higher dollar’s demand for oil payment may further deteriorate the rupee value. They said that the deteriorating situation between Russia and Ukraine has badly hit the currency markets as well. They said that political uncertainty at the domestic front has also hurt local unity’s stability in the interbank.

NePrA celebrates International Women’s Day- 2022 pr NEPRA celebrated the Women’s Day-2022 under the theme “Power with Equality” at NEPRA Tower, Islamabad. The event was attended by NEPRA female employees, Chairman NEPRA, Mr. Tauseef H. Farooqi, Member NEPRA, Mr. Rehmatullah Baloch and Heads of the Departments. Mrs. Erum Tauseef, wife of Chairman NEPRA was Chief Guest of the event. The event was addressed by Mrs. Erum Tauseef and Mr. Tauseef H. Farooqi; who highlighted that sustainable development cannot be achieved without equal participation by both the genders. The speakers also appreciated the contributions and dynamic role of NEPRA women and encouraged them to contribute heroically in the sustainable future of the power sector. A cake-cutting ceremony to acknowledge their contributions was also held at the end.

Fazl discusses no trust move with Chaudhry Shujaat Islamabad Staff report

A PML-Q delegation led by its president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain called on JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence in Islamabad on Tuesday. Both the leaders agreed to hold consultations on the no-confidence motion and the prevailing political situation of the country, said an official statement issued by the JUI-F. The meeting comes as opposition parties earlier today submitted no-confidence motion in National Assembly against Prime Minister Imran Khan. Federal Minister for Housing Tariq Bashir Cheema and PML-Q leader Chaudhry Salik Hussian were also present in the meeting. PML-Q, which is a key ally of PTI both at Centre and in Punjab, last week assured the ruling PTI of its support against opposition attempts to oust Prime Minister Imran. The assurance was given after PM Imran visited the residence of the PML-Q chief in a bid to woo its ally. The PML-Q leadership had assured Prime Minister Imran that the opposition’s no-confidence motion plans were nothing more than a “myth”.

Wednesday, 9 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

04 NEWS

PrEsIdEnt AlvI unvEIls 75tH IndEPEndEnCE dAy lOgO

APP

RESIDENT Dr Arif Alvi Monday stressed the need to create comprehensive awareness among the young generation about different aspects of the independence movement through various mediums of information. The president was addressing a ceremony after unveiling a logo for the upcoming 75th Independence Day celebrations at the President House. The president lauded the efforts of Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry and the ministry for the launch of the logo and other preparations to mark the diamond jubilee celebrations of the country. The president said the logo would be reminiscent of Pakistan’s chequered history and the achievements made during the last 75 years. He said the people of Pakistan had endured hard times, but over the last few

years, the country had made “huge strides in different sectors”. Alvi observed that India with its antiMuslim policies, genocide and suppression of other minorities had vindicated the ‘twonation theory’. Khushwant Singh in his book “End of India” had already predicted the destruction of India with its tyrannical policies targeting minorities, he added. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal had separated their ways after realizing the hidden intentions of the Hindu leadership, he said, adding the young generations of the country should be made aware of different untold events of the historic freedom movement. “Pakistan was created in a democratic manner,” he said. The president said machinations and conspiracies were hatched against the newly created country and through a plan, and access to Kashmir was provided to India

IHC issues notices to federal govt over petitions against PECA ordinance NEwS DESk The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has given notices to the federal government on petitions against Section 20 of the ordinance amending the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, and sought the record of pending complaints from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The attorney general has also been issued a notice and has been summoned on March 10 for assistance. At the request of the Journalists Defense Committee, the court sought a report from the FIA on the pending complaints under section 20 of the PECA ordinance and asked the FIA to inform the court about the processing of the case under the said law. The two petitions, combined with other cases, will be heard on March 10.

Pakistan committed to protection of women’s rights: Foreign Office

through Gurdaspur. The Muslims of Indo-Pak had gone through tumultuous periods in their struggle for the creation of a separate homeland and rendered huge sacrifices, he added. Alluding to the Indian Illegally Occu-

pied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Alvi said Pakistan had entrusted the United Nations to resolve the issue and reiterated that Pakistan would continue its efforts till resolution of the Kashmir issue. Expressing his optimism, he said that the

country was progressing on the right path and the people should be apprised of these factors so that they could get further confidence. The president said Pakistan was at the cusp of becoming a developed country. ‘Effort to highlight history’: Speaking on the occasion, Fawad Chaudhry said that the ministry in collaborations with other ministries had chalked out comprehensive programmes to celebrate the 75th Independence Day of the country in a befitting manner. He said the foreign ministers from the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), foreign representatives and ambassadors from the European Union countries would attend the 23rd March celebrations. The minister said the launch of the logo was a part of these preparations to highlight the history of Pakistan, different events, achievements and noted contributions by various personalities in different realms of life.

Academic conference examines geopolitical situation after fall of Kabul LAHORE Staff RepoRt

An international affairs conference titled “International Conference on Fall of Kabul: An Eastern IR Perspective” was organised by the Department of Political Science of Forman Christian College University on Monday. Chaired by Dr Samantha Cook, a senior lecturer of foreign policy at the University of Gloucestershire, United Kingdom, the conference was moderated by Head of Department Dr Shakila Sindhu, Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Younis, and Assistant Professor Dr Mudassir Farooqi. Delivering the keynote address, Dr Cooke discussed the geopolitical situation, and the issues confronting the region, especially in the aftermath of the

Afghan Taliban’s establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, following their takeover of Kabul. Other researchers also presented their papers at the conference, discussing terrorism and political violence, the Fall of Kabul, the current Taliban regime, and the war on terrorism. Presenting his paper, one researcher spoke about the ways propaganda continues to thrive in cyberspace and stressed the need for a robust security infrastructure that caters to the demands of the digital sphere. Another researcher spoke about Pakistan’s National Action Plan (NAP), drawing a comparison between the objectives and their implementation. The attendees were apprised about historical facts surrounding the situation and were offered various perspectives to

look at the current situation. The analyses presented by the speakers added to the wide-ranging discourse on the matter. Others commented on Pakistan’s National Security Policy (NSP), issues

with defining terrorism academically and practically, and the involvement of women in terrorist activities. The conference was attended by people from different walks of life.

ISLAMABAD app

Pakistan is fully committed to the promotion and protection of women’s rights, both nationally and internationally, the Foreign Office said Tuesday. In a message on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the FO said that through various policy measures and legislation, Pakistan continued to make utmost efforts for women empowerment and their equal participation for building an inclusive society. “The government will continue to fulfil its obligations under Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action as well as United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 and its related targets,” it said. The FO said the foundations of Pakistan were laid on the contributions of men and women alike. “Our Constitution and legal framework provide guarantees for equal participation by women in all spheres of life including, social, economic and political”, it said. The FO said Pakistan paid tribute to the women around the world whose resilience, sacrifices and efforts have made it possible for humankind to progress and build a better future for all. No society or nation can succeed and achieve sustainable development without the realisation of gender equality and women empowerment, it said. The FO said the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic was only possible by creating inclusive political systems, workforce, economies and societies. Women from Pakistan have contributed immensely to national development and progress, it said. “We are proud that today Pakistani women participate in every facet of public life.

NCOC daily update: Daily Covid infections drop below 500 after two months ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The daily new Covid-19 cases have dropped below 500 after more than two months, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said on Tuesday.

The data from the NCOC showed the country registered 378 cases on Monday, the first time since December 29, 2021, when 482 patients were confirmed. According to the NCOC, the overall tally of Covid-19 cases has risen to 1,515,392, including

1,455,765 recoveries. The number of active cases has dropped to 29,346 in the country, including 778 in critical condition. According to the NCOC data, nine more people died from Covid-19 on Monday, bringing the death toll to 30,281.

UNSC bid of India, allies is for power, not to promote world peace: Akram UNITED NATIONS app

Reaffirming its firm opposition to additional permanent seats in an enlarged United Nations Security Council, Pakistan told a United Nations panel Monday that those seeking permanent membership of the 15-nation bloc were doing so for power and privilege, not by the desire, to promote international peace and security. Speaking during the resumed Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) aimed at reforming the Security Council, Ambassador Munir Akram said the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group was “not prepared” to accept the insistence by Group of Four — India, Brazil, Germany and Japan — for the creation of additional permanent membership for individual states. On its part, the UfC, which is led by Italy and Pakistan, has been campaigning for a more non-permanent seat on the council to make it more efficient and representative. The Security Council is currently composed of five permanent members — UK, China, France, Russia and the United States — and 10 non-permanent members elected to serve for two years. “If progress is to be made in the IGN process through such informal consultations, the essential requirement is greater flexibility in the positions of all parties – not innovations in this process,” the envoy said, adding the UfC has displayed the greatest flexibility and offered to modulate its position in attempts to promote consensus on the Council reform. As regards UfC’s rationale for opposing the concept of permanent membership, Ambassador Akram said it violates the UN Charter principle of sovereign

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equality. “Most of us were not founding members (of UN). We did not contribute to the designation of 5 permanent members in the Charter. We cannot now agree to expand this inequality by creating additional permanent members and accepting a status which is less than for sovereign state,” he added. Pointing out the primary reason for the Security Council’s frequent failure to respond effectively to conflicts is the inability of its permanent members to agree on decisive action, the envoy said adding more will multiply the Council’s paralysis. The UfC’s proposal to add 11 non-permanent members will reduce inequality and enlarge the voice and influence of those States which are not involved in great power rivalries. “This will add dynamism to

the work of the Security Council.” Also, Ambassador Akram said, the addition of six permanent members, as proposed by G-4, would reduce the prospects for “equitable representation”. While 11 States would be “permanently” represented on the Council, the other 182 member states will have to compete for election to the remaining 15 seats on the Council. The “balance” of power and influence would be even more heavily tilted towards the permanent members contradicting the objectives of equity, democracy and representation. Referring to the argument advanced by the aspirants of a seat on UN’s high table, that their permanent membership would reflect “current realities” and that they are the most capable to contribute to promoting world peace, the Pakistani envoy said that those can change. “I do not think that any of these aspirants have covered themselves with glory in contributing to international peace and security in the current crisis,” Ambassador Akram said, referring to the situation in Ukraine. He added that most of them are or want to become members of alliances led by one or more of the existing permanent members. “Their desire for permanent membership is driven, not by the desire to promote international peace and security, but by narrow ambition for power and privilege,” he added. “The ambitions of at least some of these aspirants do not match their capacity or inclinations to contribute to the maintenance and promotion of peace and security even as non-permanent members of the Council,” the envoy said. “What ‘legitimacy’ would their permanent presence bring to the Council”, he asked.

Wednesday, 9 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS

PakIStaN URGeS INt’l commUNItY to exPReSS SolIDaRItY WIth oPPReSSeD WomeN oF IIoJk Int’l Women’s Day: National Gender Policy Framework introduced to ’empower’ women news desk Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiative, on the occasion of International Women’s Day launched the National Gender Policy Framework that seeks to empower Pakistan women through a “structured framework”. As per the planning ministry, “The provision of enabling environment is prerequisite for equal participation of women in economic activity that is a linchpin in the three growth strategy and SDGs.” It is pertinent to note that the policy framework was launched by Planning Minister Asad Umar who was accompanied by Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari, Inter-Provincial Coordination Minister Fehmida Mirza, PM’s aide Dr Sania Nishtar, Lt General Nigar Johar, and others. During the ceremony, Umar said the framework launched by the government aimed to translate “honest intent” into an “integrated actionable programme”. He further said that the government would also address challenges faced by women in the education sector. “Enrollment of girls in schools is very low as compared to boys and the dropout rate is increasing with each passing day,” Umar added. He added that there was a need to implement the laws that ensure gender equality as women cannot work to their full potential if they don’t feel protected. The minister also talked about the participation of women in politics, calling it an equally important challenge. He said there was a need to engage more women in politics and a strong local government system was a prerequisite to making such change. He concluded by noting that women were “immensely contributing in different walks of life”. He said they were playing an important role in the economic activity which needed to be recognised. Umar further said the women health workers also played a pivotal role in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic that struck the world in Dec 2019.

Imran says attempts to dethrone him won’t succeed continued from page 01 The prime minister mentioned his government was providing an increased number of scholarships and stipends to women than men with a ratio of 60-40 percent. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem said Islam provided rights to women including ownership of property. He said during four years of the PTI government, structural amendments were made in laws relating to women to avoid delay in the dispensation of justice. Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said his efforts in the ’90s led to the establishment of the institution as the nation’s first dedicated women university, besides opening up several schools for girls. He announced the donation of his residence, the historic prePartition Lal Haveli in Rawalpindi, to be turned into an educational facility for women. Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice Maleeka Bokhari said the government was focusing on ensuring the rights of women, including their economic empowerment. She urged the students of the facility to raise awareness about the campaign regarding the protection of women’s property rights and help the victim in applying to case of denial of her such rights. A documentary film highlighting the importance of the inheritance rights of women was screened on the occasion.

news desk

AKISTAN on Tuesday expressed solidarity with the oppressed women of IIOJK, while urging the international community to hold India accountable for its human rights abuses and violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar’s statement came on the occasion of International Women’s Day being observed across the world today (Tuesday). “Women in the occupied territory have been enduring egregious human rights abuse, including sexual violence, rape and molestation for over seven decades,” the spokesperson said in a statement, adding that Pakistan ex-

pressed its solidarity with the oppressed women of the besieged valley. “These crimes had been extensively documented by the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and various UN Special Procedures Mandate Holders,” he said. Earlier, it was reported that continuous monitoring and a balanced approach would ensure the protection of the human rights of Muslim communities, which was the “shared responsibility” of the Muslim nations, experts said. “Protecting rights and identities of [vulnerable] Muslim communities need a very balanced approach so that their religious and cultural rights and dignity is preserved,” said El Habib Bourane, director of Muslim Communities and Minorities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Ukraine-Russia conflict: PIA plane leaves for Poland to evacuate stranded Pakistanis A chartered Pakistan International Airline (PIA) plane left for Poland to to repatriate Pakistanis stranded in Warsaw due to the UkraineRussia conflict, announced the national carrier in a tweet. “PIA, in coordination with Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Government of Pakistan, has dispatched a special repatriation flight to Warsaw, Poland to bring back stranded countrymen from war-hit Ukraine,” tweeted the airline after the plane had departed from Pakistan. PIA said that PK7788, the flight number, will return to Islamabad with the stranded Pak-

istanis today. The plane is expected to land at 10 am local time in Warsaw and will bring around 300 Pakistanis home who were displaced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. When the crisis began on February 24, there were around 7,000 Pakistanis in Ukraine (community 4,000, students 3,000), the majority of whom had already departed the country on the advise of the Pakistan Embassy. According to the Pakistani mission to the UN, since February 24, the Pakistani embassy in Ukraine has evacuated 1,525 Pakistanis to neighbouring

Poland, Romania and Hungary. RUSSIA InvASIon: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two which has created 1.7 million refugees, a raft of sanctions on Moscow, and fears of wider conflict as the West pours military aid into Ukraine. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a “special operation” that it says is not designed to occupy territory but to destroy its southern neighbour’s military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists. app

Upping diversity pledges, govt vows conducive environment for women isLamaBad staff report

As people all over the world celebrated International Women’s Day with a spirit of solidarity and fortitude, Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari Tuesday said the government has taken various measures to create a conducive environment for women. Addressing the launching ceremony of the National Gender Policy Framework at the Ministry of Planning and Development, Mazari said her ministry only speaks of women’s rights. The policy, launched by the Planning Division, is aimed at providing a structured mechanism with defined objectives for improving the lives of women

and providing them with equal opportunities to excel in a professional sphere, according to a government handout. The framework has been put in place in pursuance of a strong commitment to ensuring equal rights for women across the country, the press statement said. Mazari said the legislation has been enacted for the rights and protection of women and children across the country. She said the government has a responsibility to protect the rights of its people. The minister said that the government has taken steps to address the issues facing women. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said the framework was essential to pro-

vide equal opportunities to all segments of society, particularly women, to prosper and progress. “This framework converts that honest intent into an integrated actionable programme.” He said Pakistan also faced a challenge on the education front. “Enrollment of girls in schools is very low as compared to boys and the dropout rate is increasing with each passing day,” he added. Umar said his ministry was also working on a governance mechanism to address shortcomings in the system. He pointed out that the criteria for performance appraisals in organisations were designed in a way that did not take into consideration areas where women could perform better.

Bombing in Sibi leaves four martyred, 28 wounded: police QUETTA: A bomb exploded Tuesday near a government building in Sibi city of Balochistan, leaving at least four martyred and 28 wounded, police said. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Wazir Murree, a local police official, said rescuers transported the dead and wounded to hospitals, where an emergency had been declared. He provided no further details and only said some of those listed as wounded were in critical condition. Local media said the blast happened near an open area where an annual cultural show was being held. The bombing happened hours after President Arif Alvi attended the festival in Sibi. Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo strongly condemned the blast and directed the authorities to provide the best possible aid to the injured. He vowed to thwart “all conspiracies” and directed law enforcement agencies to arrest those involved in the attack. Condemning the attack ANP Chief Asfandyar Wali Khan said that a series of terrorist acts is a wake-up call for the government. He said that ANP had repeatedly demanded full implementation of the National Action Plan. “Action must be taken against terrorists without any discrimination,” he said. “They have repeatedly shown that terrorist groups have re-organized. Serious and concrete steps should be taken to avoid further destruction and bloodshed.” Monitoring report

Qureshi, Wang Yi discuss ways, means for resolution of RussiaUkraine conflict ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday held telephonic conversation with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and discussed situation in Afghanistan, Ukraine crisis and other matters of mutual interest. The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral ties and exchanged views on the regional and global situation, the foreign office said in a statement. “State Councillor Wang Yi conveyed his condolences on the loss of precious lives in the cowardly terrorist attack in Peshawar and sympathies with the families of the victims,” it added. FM Qureshi underlined that the terrorist act was an attack on the peace-loving people of Pakistan who had rendered tremendous sacrifices to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from Pakistan. He shared the resolve of the government to continue its unrelenting counter-terrorism efforts and bringing the perpetrators to justice. staff report

SC gives directive to de-seal Monal Restaurant in Islamabad The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave directive to de-seal Islamabad’s Monal Restaurant, while suspending the January 11 Islamabad High Court order of sealing and taking over possession of the restaurant situated in the Margalla Hills. The SC order was issued by a threemember bench headed by Justice Ijazul Ahsan. Earlier on January 11, the IHC ordered capital authorities to seal Monal Restaurant and take control of the Margalla Greens Golf Club built on encroached land. The court had also declared the military’s claim to 8,000 acres of Margalla Hills National Park illegal. The Monal Group of Companies had subsequently challenged the IHC verdict in the top court, urging it to revoke the high

court orders. At the hearing today, Justice Ahsan questioned whether the IHC had issued a signed order to seal the restaurant. In response, the counsel of the restaurant, Makhdom Ali Khan, stated that a certified copy of the IHC’s brief order was available with him. He said an intra-court appeal had been fixed, but the case was dismissed before hearing. The SC questioned how the restaurant could be sealed before issuance of the written orders from the court. “The Islamabad Wild Life Management Board (IWMB), which sealed the restaurant, was not even a party to the case,” Justice Ahsan pointed out. “Principally there is no order of the IHC

available for sealing the restaurant, while verbal orders have no legal or constitutional standing,” Justice Mazahir Naqvi, another judge on the bench, said. Justice Ahsan said other restaurants had apparently been served a notice before being sealed. “However, this was not the case with the Monal Restaurant.” The judge asked the IWMB lawyer about the number of restaurants sealed by his board. “Gloria Jeans Cafe and La Montana have been issued notices so far,” the lawyer said. Justice Naqvi resented the action against Monal Restaurant and asked: “Is it a monarchy that the emperor issued the decree and it was implemented before it was signed?” The court then issued directions to the

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authorities to de-seal the restaurant. In its petition, the restaurant had pleaded before the apex court that the high court, while exercising suo motu powers, had ordered the Capital Development Authority chairman and the IWMB to take over the possession of the restaurant and seal the premises when none of the parties had sought such a direction thus seriously prejudicing the fundamental rights of the petitioner. The petition had contended that the Monal Group of Companies employed 650 individuals and as a result of the high court order, the employees and their families were suffering. It is pertinent to note that earlier on November 9, the IHC had blamed several au-

thorities for being complacent about the destruction of Margalla Hills National Park and the wildlife sanctuary. The court had also ordered a survey to be carried out on the damage and a report to be submitted. In the same month, the court had also asked the attorney general for Pakistan to explain if Messers Remount, the veterinary and farms directorate of the General Headquarters, could legally own or manage state land within the protected area of the national park. The question arose when Monal Group of Companies pleaded that before the expiry of its lease agreement with the Capital Development Authority on Aug 31, 2021, the company had entered into a fresh agreement with Remount.

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06 COMMENT

Where are we heading?

International Women’s Day State must do better

IP service to women’s rights was routinely paid yesterday by various political leaders from both the government and opposition on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Pakistan’s ruling parties continue to allow acts of grievous injustice against women like karo kari, wattasatta, honour killings and forced marriages to settle blood feuds continue to flourish. Women are gangraped at the orders of jirgas, raped to settle old scores with rivals, disfigured through acid attacks for rejecting a suitor and killed by in-laws through contrived accidents for bringing less than the demanded dowry. Yesterday’s unimaginable and horrific act of sheer brutality whereby a father shot dead his firstborn seven-day-old infant for being a girl rather than a boy just goes to show how deep-rooted this hatred for women is, that it would drive a father to commit such a heinous crime. harassment in workplaces is not unusual. Under pressure from backward elements in certain constituencies, political parties sign secret pacts to stop women from casting votes. The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) continues to oppose the bill against domestic violence while it has allowed husbands to ‘lightly beat’ wives who defy them, recommended abolition of co-education, endorsed under-age marriage and ruled out DNA as primary evidence in rape cases. It was a duty of the lawmakers during the democratic spells and of military rulers who had usurped power to make laws and ensure their application to abolish primitive customs, traditions and practices that have turned women not only into unequal citizens but also victims of heinous crimes. Major politicians have themselves been involved in misogynist remarks. Sheikh Rasheed, Khawaja Asif, Fazl-ur-Rehman and Amir Liaquat are just a handful of the lot. Women in modern history have got equal rights only through a resolute display of power. They got the right to vote through a painful and protracted struggle by the brave suffragettes in the developed democracies— 1918 in Britain, as late as 1945 in France. The ‘Aurat March’, which began in Karachi in 2018 on International Women’s Day, continues to be held each year despite opposition from the typical misogynistic regressive mindset that has been allowed to exist and grow by an unjust system. New laws need to be passed while some old ones need to be amended to make the country a safer place for women where they have equal rights. Passing legislation however is only part of the battle, its implementation is also crucial.

Why is an unsupported accusation thought enough to take a life

MuhaMMad Shahjahan MeMon

OB lynching has become an ugly reality in Pakistan. The recent past has witnessed a considerable surge in the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan. This has once again sent a very wrong message, that the state is incapable of providing a sense of security to its citizens and reinforces the fact that there is impunity on the part of state officials. Besides, it also reflects growing mistrust between state institutions and individuals. One view posits that many people do not trust the system, particularly the police and judiciary. Resultantly, they resort to mob justice. Another view speculates that such unhealthy practice is done for material gains and to settle the score since no pragmatic verification mechanism is in place in blasphemy cases; mere3y one allegation of blasphemy is deemed sufficient to take a precious life as unfortunately, nobody dares to question when it comes to the matter of belief The holy Quran encourages verification and what we do is crystal clear. As the Quran says “O you who believe! If some transgressor brings you news (that requires taking action), verify it carefully (before you believe and act upon it), lest you harm a people in ignorance and then become regretful for what you have done.” (49:6) Another verse delineates the worth of the individual. It says “whoever saves a life

Divider at home, arbitrator abroad

group of 22 envoys to Pakistan transgressed diplomatic norms by penning a joint statement and posting it on the social media platforms, urging Pakistan to condemn Russian action in Ukraine. The matter was duly taken up by the Foreign Office, which called a group of ambassadors to convey to them that it was not the right approach to conduct diplomacy. Some of the european envoys who shared the joint statement on twitter later deleted it. Keeping in view the sensitivity of Pakistan’s relations with the eU, the issue should have ended there. But it didn’t. Taking a more aggressive tone than diplomatically mandated, Prime Minister Imran Khan called out the eU countries at a public meeting in a way reminiscent of the way he addresses his political opponents in Pakistan. he was later taken to task on the issue by the opposition and perhaps then was briefed by advisers that this was not the way to settle differences with other countries. To compensate for the indiscretion, Mr Khan took up the matter with eU Council President Charles Michel on Monday, expressed concern over the evolving situation in Ukraine and was agreeable to Islamabad playing a facilitating role to reach a diplomatic solution. This seems odd. how can a person promote understanding between two countries at war, keeping in view that he has encouraged polarization in his own country and consistently refused to enter into a working relationship with opposition parties, and even declined to observe the minimum social norms like shaking hands with leaders of other parties, including his own coalition partners? Mr Khan, who is keen to be seen as a mediator, has proved himself to be incapable of controlling dissensions in his own party, with the result that there is a rebellion-like situation in the PTI. One wonders if there is enough time to resolve an intricate international dispute while the opposition has already submitted a no-confidence motion against him with the National Assembly Secretariat? Again, in order to be a credible facilitator, one needs the confidence of both the contending parties. Are Russia and Ukraine willing to accept him as an a mediator? Will he succeed where the UN has failed?

WaShington Watch dr jaMeS j Zogby

he battle brewing among US liberals and progressives in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine brought flashbacks of debates that occurred in the aftermath of Saddam hussein’s invasion and occupation of Kuwait. I recall vividly how stunned I was by the brazenness and brutality of the Iraqi assault. I had visited Kuwait a few months earlier and had many friends there. My calls to them left me acutely aware of their anguish over the loss of their homes, businesses, and country. This fact and my firm belief that no powerful bully should be allowed to violate the rights of a sovereign nation led me to unequivocally condemn Iraq and support the Kuwaiti people’s right to self-determination. A few prominent Arab American intellectuals attacked my position on Kuwait. They were angered by the immediate support the USA had offered to Kuwait, charging that it reflected a US “double standard.” Palestine, they argued, had been occupied for decades and after years of harsh rule, land theft, and violations of international law, no such US condemnation had been forthcoming. All that was true, I countered, but was irrelevant to the matter at hand. This issue wasn’t the US’s double standard. It was about Kuwait. And while I, of course, supported the

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

The writer is freelance columnist

Just because Paelestinians are denied freedom doesn’t mean Ukrainians must be also

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

M. A. Niazi

The world looks at our law and order situation; enforcement and security situation. If we as Pakistani wish to see a prosperous Pakistan in terms of foreign investment, tourism, and above all recognition, we must strive for peace because there is a link between peace and prosperity.

About double standards

Imran and Ukraine war

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

is as though he had saved all mankind” (5:32). The real questions are: where are we heading as a society? Why are we becoming intolerant and violent? Why do we not verify the sources before taking the law into our hands despite being proclaimed to be Muslims? Why there is not a culture of verification before taking an individual’s life? The answer is: our state has miserably failed to safeguard an individual’s life and liberty as well as the provision of justice. As we see there is hardly respect for and the implementation of laws in a country like Pakistan. One should wonder: how long wil episodes like lynching continue? Such developments show measures taken by the state are not bearing the desirable fruit and prove ineffective. Some analysts are of the view that some state officials backed extremist elements in the past and continue to support their ulterior motives. Such trends are a by-product of such practices and the result is clear. Mischievous elements know how to hijack laws, exploit rules for their vested interests and paralyze the system. Given the state’s apathy or incapacity, malicious factions act almost with impunity. The heinous incidents and the likes of Mian Chunnu and Sialkot are the results. Such incidents are followed by the usual condemnation on the part of state officials and religious clerics. however, there is negligible progress as far as pragmatic approaches to avert such untoward incidents are concerned. Their condemnation and promises hardly deters such elements and the incidents. There is growing mistrust between state institutions and citizens. Part of the reason could be an inefficient police investigation and corrupt elements

within the system; backing of such elements and the ineffective role of Ulema. Where is the role of Ulema in this context? how effectively they played their role is an open secret. As the religious authorities, they should step in and help prevent the exploitation and misuse of relevant laws from the malicious elements. All stakeholders including religious, political and intelligentsia have the responsibility to think beyond their myopically framed ulterior motives for the larger interests of the country. Moreover, culprits exploit loopholes of the legal system and easily get acquitted to repeat the same heinous acts. In the context of a violent mob, perpetrators know they will not be charged. Such repeated incidents tarnish Pakistan’s image in the comity of the nations. The recent surge in mob justice is extremely menacing and upsetting. If left unchecked, it can take many innocent lives and consequently tear society apart. extremism has been deeply ingrained in our social fabric to an extent that the state fails to mitigate its negative impacts. The failed justice system and governance are completely structural issues of Pakistan. Our system requires fundamental and speedy reforms. The world looks at our law and order situation; enforcement and security situation. If we as Pakistani wish to see a prosperous Pakistan in terms of foreign investment, tourism, and above all recognition, we must strive for peace because there is a link between peace and prosperity. Sociologists must contemplate why such incidents reportedly increase. It is the need of the hour to inculcate human rights in curriculum and safeguard life, sanctity and property of every citizen regardless of their religious, sectarianism or ethnic affiliation.

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Palestinian right to self-determination, I refused to have a double standard myself— by denying that same right to the Kuwaiti people. This issue of double standards is playing out once again today, albeit in a more dramatic and multi-layered way. I’ve heard from a few individuals who have criticized my support for Ukraine because, in their view, that cause is tarnished by US support for Ukraine and, of course, US double standards. But what is at issue here isn’t the USA or NATO. It’s about the Ukrainian people facing down a brutal assault on their country and their independence. This is not to dismiss the reality of the double standards on display by US political leaders, the mainstream media and commentators who apparently have no self-awareness as they put their antiArab bigotry and/or hypocrisy on full display. examples abound: 1. It passed without comment in the US press when an Israeli government official denounced the Russian invasion as a “grave violation of the international order,” while another expressed his government’s support for Ukraine’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty”— as if Israel has ever respected these concepts. They have invaded and occupied Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and egypt, justifying their actions using the same “security” argument claimed by the Russians. 2. early in the invasion, there were two short film clips that went viral on various social media platforms. One showed a little child playing and then being incinerated by an aerial bombardment. The other featured a little girl hitting a soldier, twice her size, shouting at him that he should go back to his country. Both the child victim and the girl were presented as Ukrainians, while the killer bomb and the soldier were claimed to be Russian. Neither was the case. The first was a Palestinian killed in an Israeli air assault in Gaza, and the second was a Palestinian girl, Ahed Tamimi, who was later arrested for striking an Israeli soldier. In the same vein, on the day that American TV outlets were showing “heroic” Ukrainians stockpiling Molotov cocktails for use against the Russian invaders, a 14-year-old Palestinian boy was shot dead for throwing a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli settler’s car. The obvious point was that it’s not what you do, but who you are that determines how you are to be seen. 3. Then there’s the matter of boycotts and sanctions— two effective non-violent means of con-

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fronting aggressors. Several US governors and state legislatures have rushed through bills and executive orders calling for boycotts of all Russian goods. These same states have passed legislation criminalizing boycotts against Israel. And while there is bipartisan consensus for sanctions against Russia because of its violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law, there is a comparable bipartisan consensus that such measures may never be taken against Israel despite its decades-long egregious violations of Palestinian rights and international law. Again, it appears that it’s not what you do, but who you are that is the deciding factor. 4. Then there’s the welcome that Ukrainian refugees have received from the same european countries that closed their doors in the face of refugees fleeing conflict in Middle eastern and African countries. Multiple media commentators and political leaders have “explained” that these refugees are “different”— “they have blue eyes” or “they’re civilized.” This is as racist as the xenophobic Trumpian effort to block Latin American and Muslim asylum seekers and refugees, while calling for more europeans. 5. Finally, there’s the USA’s insistence that in defending Ukraine, it is standing up for international law, human rights, and democracy— concepts which the USA has never applied to the securing the rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people. Behind each of these examples of clear double standards is racism. One group of people is more worthy of support than another; the rights of one group of people are sacrosanct, while others are expendable; one group of people may never be attacked or condemned even when they engage in patently criminal behaviour because their security is of greater import than the rights of the group they are oppressing. While these double standards are deplorable and must be combatted, they in no way negate the correctness and urgency of defending the rights of the Ukrainian people. My message is: Others may have double standards, but we can never allow ourselves to make our judgements based on the same evil logic of the double standards others may use to selectively determine who has rights and who does not. . The writer is President of the Arab American Institute

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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

Significance of mental health

Shifting UK-Bangladesh bilateral ties to strategic ties Both countries need what the other can give Mehjabin bhanu

YeARS ago, diplomatic relations were established between the UK and Bangladesh on February 4. The UK has played an important role in the history of Bangladesh. Before Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman set foot on the soil of independent Bangladesh, during his historic visit to the UK in January 1972, he forged a new friendship with the then British Prime Minister edward heath which accelerated Bangladesh’s recognition as an independent country. This historic visit has encouraged other Commonwealth countries to recognize Bangladesh as an independent country. With the establishment of a British high Commission in the capital of independent Bangladesh in 1972, the then Foreign Secretary of the UK Sir Alec Douglas-home visited Bangladesh. Since then, the UK has been a committed partner in Bangladesh’s research, healthcare, social development, disaster risk reduction, poverty alleviation, education improvement, life expectancy of women and children, and women’s empowerment. All this has helped in the significant progress of Bangladesh in the last 50 years. The UK has helped build the capacity of Bangladesh’s military, police, and government officials. Queen elizabeth II visited Bangladesh in 1973. During that visit, she traveled by train in Bangladesh to visit an ideal village 35 miles south of Dhaka. Over the past few decades, the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, Prime Ministers John Major, Tony Blair, and David Cameron visited Bangladesh to witness an emerging nation. Throughout this period, Bangladesh and the UK have worked together to tackle poverty, floods, and severe cyclones, and this has deepened the relationship between the two countries. The two-day first defense dialogue between Bangladesh and the UK continued at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment from March 2-3 which would provide an opportunity for extensive discussions on bilateral defense and military cooperation. A 24-member Bangladesh delegation led by Brigadier General hussain Muhammad Masihur Rahman, Director General of Operations and Planning of the Armed Forces, participated in the defense dialogue. Brigadier General Mohammad Mahabubur Rashid, Defense Attaché of the Bangladesh high Commission to the UK, took part in the dialogue as a guest. A five-member delegation led by Ms Trish Wilson, head of International Security at the UK Department of Defense, took part in the defense dialogue. his excellency Robert Charterson Dixon, high Commissioner of the UK to Dhaka was present on the occasion. The British high Commissioner in Dhaka, who took part in the dialogue, issued a statement. There, high Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dixon pointed out that the Indo-Pacific issue was also on the defense dialogue. According to the high Commissioner, both Britain and Bangladesh want a free, open, peaceful, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. “We are delighted to be able to launch the UK-Bangladesh Defense Dialogue,” he said in a statement. “During the independence of Bangladesh 50 years ago, the

foundation of our bilateral defense relations was laid, which has only gotten stronger day by day. The dialogue has provided an important opportunity for us to further develop and expand this relationship over the next 50 years. In it, we discussed peace and security. That’s why I’m happy. In the defense dialogue, we have identified many areas for our future and cooperation. These efforts will make important and much-needed contributions to global peace and security.” Meanwhile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said it was the first defense dialogue between Bangladesh and the UK that would allow for a broader discussion on bilateral defense and military cooperation. According to the ISPR, defense and security cooperation between Bangladesh and the UK are warm and intense. It was clear that the UK would continue to support the Bangladesh Armed Forces in defense development and training. every year, many members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces are trained at various institutions in the UK. The two countries’ armed forces have been working together on UN peacekeeping missions and the war on terror. The exchange of military visits of senior officials between the two countries is a unique example of military cooperation. According to ISPR, this is the first military dialogue between the two countries, which is a landmark event. It will accelerate defense and military cooperation on global and regional security, technology, defense equipment, disaster response, peacekeeping operations, etc., and defense cooperation in training, training, inspections, joint exercises and deployments, workshops, and so on. According to media reports, Robert Dixon, the UK’s high Commissioner to Dhaka, said earlier that the fighter jet eurofighter was a good investment to protect the country’s sovereignty. Again, modern technology ships like Offshore Trovas are effective vessels for the protection and extraction of marine resources of Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal. The high Commissioner added also that after the settlement of the maritime dispute of Bangladesh, protection of marine resources and development of the blue economy is very important in the Bay of Bengal. The UK is keen to supply these weapons of modern technology if Bangladesh wants. Calling for further strengthening of Bangladesh-UK bilateral relations, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh hasina said earlier, “It is time to rebuild Bangladesh-UK bilateral relations. We need to change our traditional approach to partnership.” The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a function titled ‘Bangladesh at 50: The Resilient Delta’ on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence at the British Parliament during her UK visits from November 3 to November 9. “Relations between the two countries should be truly strategic and co-operate in the areas of peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, maritime and air security,” she said. The Prime Minister welcomed the UK’s interest in partnerships in education, culture, research, and innovation. Sheikh hasina remarked that the role of the UK in resolving the Rohingya crisis is still important. She said, “Since August 2017, Bangladesh has stabilized the region by embracing the crisis on its own. But the security challenges in Cox’s Bazar are getting worse and worse. These challenges could soon spread beyond the borders to the region.” Recalling the responsibility of the in-

ternational community, Sheikh hasina said, “The international community has a responsibility to ensure the safe and dignified return of the Rohingya people to their motherland. Bangladesh would buy five warships from the UK, said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen at a virtual press conference from the UK on November 5. Dr Momen said the UK wanted to send some naval ships to Bangladesh. The final decision in this regard will be made later. But we agreed in principle to take five ships. Of these, three will be made in the UK and the other two will be made in Bangladesh.” According to the media reports, earlier, the Bangladesh Air Force purchased five C-130G Super hercules military transport aircraft from the Royal Air Force, three of which have already been handed over. At Cambridge, Marshall Aerospace and Defense Group is building two more aircraft. They will be handed over by April 2022. Bangladesh ranks 20th to 30th in world arms imports. China is still a major source of weapons and military equipment in the armed forces. Recently, Bangladesh is also importing some equipment from Turkey. Dhaka also brings equipment from Italy, Russia, the UK, the United States, France, and Germany. The defense ties between the Bangladesh-UK are growing. As a key member of NATO, the UK has experience in building weapons. Bangladesh has the defense capability and the UK is interested in Bangladesh’s Forces Goal 2030. The UK was the latest country to propose defense supplies to Bangladesh in the fourth strategic dialogue between the two countries in London on September 9. The defense dialogue was organized in order to create opportunities for broader discussions on bilateral defense and military issues, including deployments, defense supplies, and procurement. The UK wants ‘a structured discussion’ on defense issues. It is also important for Bangladesh to drastically increase the capacity of its armed forces for securing its borders, both land and maritime, and the airspace in line with the Forces Goal 2030. holding defense dialogues with the militaries of powerful countries is important for Bangladesh as security issues are becoming multidimensional with the inclusion of containing terrorism as well as violent extremism in the agenda, The defense dialogue could be considered as a major step forward in establishing multi-dimensional and strategic relations. The UK wants to see its presence in the Indo-Pacific on a larger scale and wants Bangladesh as a partner in the region. Bangladesh is currently the chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association which has further increased its importance. The UK has its own Indo-Pacific strategy. Through this dialogue, both sides got an opportunity to know each other’s views on the issue. Thus, the UK needs some alternative markets. The UK needs Bangladesh to sell its military gadgets. The recent Defense dialogue between France and Bangladesh is just an example to understand this. Bangladesh is one of the most affected countries due to climate change and the UK has always supported the issue of justification for overcoming the damage. Apart from this, London has been supporting Dhaka in various forums including the UN Security Council on the Rohingya issue. The dialogue could bring the UK and Bangladesh closer in the sector of security, trade, defense trade. The writer is freelance columnist

AWAReNeSS about the importance of mental health is increasing around the world. Both developed and developing countries are looking into ways to improve the mental health of a nation. Like many other countries, Pakistan is also facing a rise in mental health problems. Mental health problems in Pakistan have reached an appalling level in the past few decades. According to studies, about 50 million people are suffering from a mental disorder in Pakistan. These include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, Schizophrenia, alcohol misuse and post-traumatic disorders. These cases are increasing day by day due to increasing violence in Pakistani society and traumatic events experienced by individuals. There is also a high prevalence of mental health disorders among refugees from Afghanistan residing in Pakistan. The serious problem of drug addiction is also contributing to a disturbance in mental health. About four million people in Pakistan are drug addicts who are at persistent risk for increasing mental health problems in the country. It has been seen that dealing with a certain problem is more challenging in a developing country than in a developed country. The ratio of people experiencing mental health problems is almost the same in developing countries and developed countries or maybe more in developing countries due to lackings of infrastructure and chaotic political situations. Pakistan being a developing country is experiencing the same problems. In foreign countries, mental health issues are usually taken up by psychiatrists and professional psychologists who are hired on government expenses and treatment doesn’t become a hassle financially for patients. however, patients in Pakistan face many problems as their treatment is not sponsored by the government and is at the expense of the public. In view of this, the government should come forward and address this issue. Immediate steps for establishing mental health centres should be taken where professional psychologists and psychiatrists must be hired. People who are mentally ill and could not afford hospital fees should be sponsored by the government. There must be mental health awareness for people. It could happen only if the government take these problems seriously. MUSFIRA ALI LAHORE

Lack of Sui Gas BALOChISTAN is included in the world’s five major reserves of gold and copper. It also has the world’s major oil and gas reserves. Balochistan is also strategically significant, with 6.5 million Baloch people. It is, unfortunately, the most underdeveloped province of Pakistan, and Dera Bugti is one of the most underdeveloped parts of this province. In Dera Bugti is located Sui, the area which has come to be the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. Natural gas was discovered through the Sui gas field in 1925 and by 1955, this gas was being supplied to different parts of Pakistan. Being discovered in the Sui field, natural gas in Pakistan came to be called “Sui gas”. The two leading state-owned distribution gas companies in Pakistan go by the names Sui Southern Gas Company and Sui Northern Gas Company. It is important to note here that the first provinces to get supply from Sui gas were Punjab and Sindh. On the other hand, 60 years have elapsed since that discovery and yet Sui, the town which is a mere four miles from the gas discovery site, itself has no gas supply and people are forced to use wood and coal as fuel. even in the provincial capital of Balochistan, Quetta, Sui gas supply came at us in 1970. Then in 1990, hub was also provided gas supply because it had become an industrial area. Balochistan is a resource-rich province and the second-largest producer of natural gas in the country. It is unfortunate that in 1995, Balochistan produced almost 56 percent of Pakistan’s total output of natural gas, but by 2017 its contribution dropped to 22.7 percent, and the same year it consumed only 5.81 percent of the country’s total output. Currently, Balochistan, after Sindh, being the second-largest producer of gas in Pakistan, has much less consumption of natural gas along with KPK, on the other hand, Punjab has the highest consumption of natural gas. even Sui town, which is only four miles from the gas field, where around 800mmscf natural gas is produced daily from 87 completed wells, itself doesn’t have natural gas. The nonavailability of natural gas is creating myriad problems for people. As a result, this creates a negative impact in our ecosystem and increase decor gestation. NASIR ALAM KHUZDAR

Russia attacks Ukraine KYIV-exPLOSIONS from what Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called “horrific Russian rocket strikes” were heard in Ukraine’s capital on Friday morning amid unverified reports that the fighting had already reached the heart of Kyiv. Videos posted online showed what residents said were Russian tanks driving through their city, and gunfire and air raid sirens were heard in the capital. Appearing on television from an undisclosed location, Ukraine’s president warned the world that Vladimir Putin was attacking not only his country but waging “a war against europe,” and he said the west wasn’t doing enough to stop it. Ukrainian officials say they’re fighting on multiple fronts to repel a “full-scale invasion,” and President Joe Biden has accused Putin of choosing to carry out “a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.” Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov doubled down Friday on Putin’s claim that the invasion was necessary to demilitarize Ukraine’s Western-backed government, which the Kremlin has labelled a “Nazi cell”. Lavrov said after Ukraine was” liberated from this burden, Ukrainians will have the chance to freely choose their future. Reports say that people streamed into makeshift recruitment centres in Kyiv on Friday morning, saying they were ready to die to defend their city. One commander said thousands had reported for duty- very few of them with military experience. Guns were being distributed to those who showed up, and the commander said they were quickly running out. Ukraine’s president said at least 137 people were killed on the first day of Russia’s assault, and fighting reportedly reached downtown Kyiv, that was likely to rise quickly. NASIR ALAM KHUZDAR

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Wednesday, 9 March, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

The anTi-dollar axis RUSSIA AND CHINA WILL EXPEDITE INITIATIVES TO “DE-DOLLARIZE” THEIR ECONOMIES, BUILDING ALTERNATIVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND STRUCTURES THAT BOTH PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM SANCTIONS AND THREATEN THE U.S. DOLLAR’S STATUS AS THE WORLD’S DOMINANT CURRENCY Foreign aFFairs Zongyuan Zoe Liu and MihaeLa PaPa

USSIAN forces are now seizing territory across Ukraine, shelling military and civilian targets, and creeping closer to capturing the capital, Kyiv. The international response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion has been furious, and U.S. allies are united against the invasion. U.S. President Joe Biden has led the international community in slapping punitive sanctions on Russian elites and firms with the intention of crippling the Russian economy and forcing a change of course. But so far, these measures have failed to compel Russia to accept a cease-fire or to withdraw. The war is barely ten days old, and it remains to be seen what Putin will do if and when sanctions stoke greater public discontent in Russia. But these punitive sanctions may also backfire in another way. Biden’s flexing of American economic muscle will only embolden Russia and other U.S. rivals, notably China, to deprive the United States of the very power that makes sanctions so devastating. Russia and China will expedite initiatives to “de-dollarize” their economies, building alternative financial institutions and structures that both protect themselves from sanctions and threaten the U.S. dollar’s status as the world’s dominant currency. Without concerted action, the United States will struggle to reverse this movement and see the weakening of its global standing. The U.S. dollar’s preeminence in the global financial system, backed by vibrant U.S. markets and unmatched U.S. military strength, makes any sanctions imposed by Washington formidable. No other currencies, the euro and the yuan included, have come close to dethroning the dollar from its primary position in the global economy and in international financial markets. The dollar is the most widely held reserve currency in the world. It is the main invoicing currency in international trade and the leading currency across global financial institutions. It dominates global equity markets, commodities markets, development finance, bank deposits, and global corporate borrowing. In times of crisis, people around the world turn to the dollar as their first choice of a safehaven currency. U.S. sanctions effectively amputate the financial power of a foreign aggressor, preventing it from raising capital in global markets to bankroll its activities. Russia might be the most outspoken champion of throwing off the yoke of the dollar, but its agenda has great appeal among major powers. China’s commitment to diversifying its foreign exchange reserves, encouraging more transactions in yuan, and reforming the global currency system through changes in the International Monetary Fund further buttresses Russia’s strategy. Deteriorating U.S.-Chinese relations incentivize Beijing to join with Moscow in building a credible global financial system that excludes the United States. Such a system will attract countries under U.S. sanctions. It would even appeal to major U.S. allies who hope to promote their own currencies to the detriment of the dollar. When imposing sanctions, the Biden administration must not just consider how these measures will shape the war in Ukraine but also how they might transform the global financial system. THE DOLLAR YOKE: For at least a decade, Russian policymakers have been wary of the preeminence of the dollar. In 2012, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov expressed Russia’s concern about the dollar’s dominance in international trade. After the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the Obama administration expanded sanctions on Russia that targeted several large Russian banks, as well as energy companies, defense corporations, and wealthy supporters of Putin. The Russian government subsequently launched two critical pieces of financial infrastructure to fend off sanctions and preserve

Tribune, india

he Union Ministry of Women and Child Development has proposed a ban on the airing of advertisements promoting junk food and carbonated drinks during children’s programmes. The suggestion assumes significance in the light of the increase in obesity among children and the related health concerns. The ads tend to take advantage of the kids’ gullibility towards the often exaggerated ‘benefits’ portrayed in the commercials promoting foodstuff. That the National Family health Survey-5 in 2021 recorded the percentage of overweight children at 3.4 — up from 2.1 per cent seen in NFhS-4 — points to the weighty issue. Notably, a similar suggestion was made in 2018. The expert group constituted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to address the troubling foods containing fat, sugar and salt above permissibly

its financial autonomy if cut off from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication system, also known as SWIFT, which allows banks to send messages to one another. One was an independent national payment system that worked as a Russian alternative to payment platforms such as Visa and Mastercard. The other was a proprietary financial messaging system called the System for Transfer of Financial Messages, or SPFS, the Russian version of SWIFT. SPFS became fully operational in 2017, transmitting transaction messages in any currency. In December 2021, it had 38 foreign participants from nine countries. As of this March, SPFS has over 399 users, including more than 20 Belarusian banks, the Armenian Arshidbank, and the Kyrgyz Bank of Asia. Subsidiaries of large Russian banks in Germany and Switzerland, the two most important financial power hubs in europe, have access to SPFS. Russia is currently negotiating with China to join the system. This alternative financial infrastructure enables Russian corporations and individuals to retain some access, albeit limited, to global markets despite sanctions. Since 2018, the Bank of Russia has also substantially reduced the share of dollars in Russia’s foreign exchange reserves with purchases of gold, euros, and yuan. It also withdrew much of its reserves from U.S. Treasury bonds; between March and May 2018, the Bank of Russia reduced its holdings of U.S. Treasury securities from $96.1 billion to $14.9 billion. In early 2019, the bank cut its U.S. dollar holdings by $101 billion, over half of its existing assets. In 2021, after the Biden administration imposed new sanctions on Moscow, Russia announced its decision to completely remove dollar assets from its $186 billion National Wealth Fund, a major sovereign wealth fund. Since the beginning of his fourth presidential term in 2018, Putin pledged to defend Russia’s economic sovereignty against U.S. sanctions and prioritized policies that steered the country’s economy away from the dollar. he advocated for getting “free” of the dollar “burden” in the global oil trade and the Russian economy because the monopoly of the U.S. dollar was “unreliable” and “dangerous.” In October 2018, the Putin administration supported a plan designed to limit Russia’s exposure to future U.S. sanctions by using alternative currencies in international transactions. Since then, major Russian energy companies have stopped using the U.S. dollar. Gazprom Neft, Russia’s third-largest oil producer, sold all of its exports to China using yuan in 2015. Rosneft, Russia’s largest oil and gas company, switched all export contracts from U.S. dollars to euros in 2019. The euro has already replaced the dollar as the primary vehicle of trade between China and Russia. Data from the Bank of Russia reveals that by the end of 2020, more than 83 percent of Russian exports to China were settled in euros. Last month, Russia and China signed a 30-year contract in which they agreed to use euros in gas sales related to a new pipeline linking the countries that will become operational in the next two to three years. Russia is currently preparing to launch a statebacked cryptocurrency that can get around the dollar. Sanctioned Russian entities can trade directly with anybody willing to accept the digital ruble without first converting it into dollars, thereby completely bypassing the dollar-based system. According to a 2020 Bank of Russia consultation paper on the digital ruble, the government would invite non-banking financial institutions, such as exchanges and credit institutions, to join the digital ruble network. This setup could provide Russian banks with an alternative source of access to international liquidity and decrease their vulnerability to sanctions. A GROWING COALITION: Russia’s unilateral initiatives to escape the hold of the dollar may be defensive in nature, but it has also worked with other countries to chip away at the dollar’s dominance. These coalitions

IN 2019, IRAN AND RUSSIA CONNECTED THEIR FINANCIAL MESSAGING SYSTEMS, THEREBY BYPASSING SWIFT BY ALLOWING BANKS IN BOTH COUNTRIES TO SEND CROSS-BORDER TRANSACTION MESSAGES. RUSSIA AND TURKEY HAVE DISCUSSED USING THE RUBLE AND THE TURKISH LIRA IN CROSS-BORDER TRADE New Development Bank has raised funds in local currencies as part of its goal to “break away from the tyranny of hard currencies.” In 2020, SCO members underscored the importance of using national currencies in trade among one another and discussed the establishment of a development bank and development fund. Russia and China can use these forums to create a broad de-dollarization coalition with the promise of greater financial autonomy for all and reduced dependence on the dollar.

present a long-term threat to the dollar’s preeminent role in international commerce and, consequently, a challenge to U.S. global leadership. The shared desire to reduce dependence on the dollar has strengthened the relationship between Russia and China. Bilateral currency swaps between the two central banks helped Russia bypass U.S. sanctions in 2014 and facilitate bilateral trade and investment. In 2016, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev called for harmonizing the two countries’ national payment systems and discussed the prospect of launching a new Russia-China cross-border payment system for direct settlements in yuan and rubles. In 2018, Putin stated that Russia and China “confirmed their interest in using national currencies more actively in reciprocal payments.” In 2019, China upgraded its ties with Russia to a “comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era,” the highest level of China’s bilateral relations. Thereafter, Russia’s central bank invested $44 billion in yuan, increasing its share in Russia’s foreign exchange reserves from five to 15 percent in early 2019. Russia’s yuan holdings are about ten times the global average and account for nearly a quarter of global yuan reserves. In 2019, China and Russia signed a treaty that increases the use of their respective national currencies in cross-border trade to 50 percent. In 2021, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged China to work with Russia to reduce their dependence on the U.S. dollar and Western payment systems. The Russian government allowed Russia’s sovereign wealth fund to invest in yuan reserves and Chinese state bonds. Chinese policymakers hope that partnership with Russia will help broaden a yuan-based financial infrastructure, including a Chinese rival to SWIFT and a rival bank card payment system, thereby boosting the yuan’s status as a reserve currency and bolstering China’s financial autonomy. Putin seeks to expand such alternative financial infrastructure through Russia’s dealings with other countries. In 2019, Iran and Russia connected their financial messaging systems, thereby bypassing SWIFT by allowing banks in both countries to send cross-border transaction messages. Russia and Turkey have discussed using the ruble and the Turkish lira in cross-border trade. Russia introduced its version of SWIFT to banks in the eurasian economic Union (a partnership of five postSoviet states) and expressed interest in expanding it to countries in the Arab world and europe. Russia has tried to muster further support for de-dollarization in multilateral forums such as the BRICS grouping, which consists of Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. BRICS’

Junk food ads & kids IT SEEMED TO BE SATISFIED WITH THE PROMISE OF THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE ALLIANCE OF INDIA TO ‘VOLUNTARILY RESTRICT’ FOOD AND BEVERAGE ADVERTISEMENTS CONCERNING CHILDREN. MAJOR FOOD BUSINESSES ASSURED THEM TO REFRAIN FROM BROADCASTING ADS OF HIGH-FAT PRODUCTS ON CHILDREN’S CHANNELS healthy limits had then recommended that ads of such food items be prohibited during shows for children. But at that time, the clout of the multi-crore junk food indus-

try prevailed over the government. Responding to the apprehension expressed in the Lok Sabha about the longterm high health and economic costs, the government

REINFORCING THE DOLLAR: The Biden administration must consider this broader context as it determines how best to pressure Russia to withdraw from Ukraine. Additional stringent sanctions against Russia could help Ukraine in the short term but risk accelerating a broader de-dollarization movement that could in the long term fundamentally weaken U.S. global leadership. The United States should strengthen the U.S. dollarbased global financial system if it wants to preserve the foundation of U.S. hegemonic power and sustain the dollar’s service as a stable public good indispensable for global financial stability. The Biden administration can preserve the dollar’s global preeminence by easing tensions with China and encouraging China to use SWIFT rather than switching to alternative systems. The United States should not implement policies that would lead to financial decoupling with China. U.S. financial regulators should respond to the request from their Chinese counterparts to strengthen communication and cooperation on market regulations. U.S. officials should also encourage more Chinese firms to list on U.S. equity markets, which would incentivize China to support the stability of dollar-based global financial markets. The United States should weaken Russia’s core financial strength: the revenues it generates through oil and gas exports. U.S. energy cooperation with europe is crucial to reducing the eU’s dependence on Russian energy. To achieve this, the Biden administration should in the short term provide alternative energy supplies to its allies in europe and the Asia-Pacific region. In the medium to long term, the United States should also work with its allies to counter Russia’s nuclear power exports. Russia’s absolute dominance in the global nuclear energy exports market (it has 60 percent market share) lets it weaponize its control over nuclear power technology and fuel supplies in times of geopolitical tensions. Congress should strengthen the ability of the export-Import Bank of the United States to develop innovative public-private partnerships and provide more financial support to U.S. corporations in the nuclear energy exports market. Congress should also empower the Development Finance Corporation, the U.S. government’s development finance institution, to become a credible source of capital for emerging markets and lower- and middleincome countries. Development finance is an important but underutilized tool of economic statecraft. Russia has attempted to advance de-dollarization efforts through multilateral development institutions, and the United States must respond. Washington should raise the profile of the DFC and work with the development finance institutions of U.S. allies, such as the Japan Bank for International Corporation, to strengthen the role of the dollar and U.S. leadership in international development finance. A strong U.S. economy is the most effective and credible tool for countering adversaries seeking to undermine confidence in the dollar. Countries and companies comply with U.S. sanctions because they seek to retain access to U.S. markets, to the U.S. dollar, and to the broader U.S.-led global system. The U.S. government should be aware of the unintended consequences of its sanctions policy and find ways to undermine Russia and China’s de-dollarization partnership. If Washington fails to act, it will be in effect choosing to discard the mantle of its global leadership.

had sought to justify junking the proposal of banning junk food ads on TV. It seemed to be satisfied with the promise of the Food and Beverage Alliance of India to ‘voluntarily restrict’ food and beverage advertisements concerning children. Major food businesses assured them to refrain from broadcasting ads of high-fat products on children’s channels. however, the fact that the issue has been raised again is a pointer that it has not been addressed. The Covid-19 pandemic has hammered into us all the importance of fitness and robust immunity in warding off a disease. They are directly proportional to healthy eating and physical activity. There is a need to strike at the root and strictly regulate the production of unhealthy food items. Promote the advantages of consuming less sugar, salt and fat among children and aim for abhorrence to such ingredients. The widespread awareness of the harmful effects of colas is exemplary. While it is desirable to shield children from unhealthy influential material, banning ads is not enough.

Wednesday, 9 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

NEWS corporate corner careem celebrates women’s day

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2022 AurAt MArch 2022: these posters show whAt the woMen MArched for this yeAr

KARACHI: On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2022, Careem Pakistan released impactful data that showed the trends of women mobility on its platform. During 2016 - 2021, Careem has moved 4.3 million women taking 32 million rides and covering a distance of over 351 million kilometers. The platform also provides income opportunities to 1,685 female Captains across the country who have driven 595,535 rides. Careem released the data at an event hosted by its senior leadership for female journalists, Captains, care home agents and Colleagues to showcase its efforts to facilitate the progress for women in Pakistan. Careem also announced a 50% discount on women-owned restaurants on its Super App, to encourage more women entrepreneurs to join its platform during the entire month of March. PR

chinese cellular company leads ptA Qos rankings for Q4 2021

The Aurat March is held on March 8 (International Women’s Day) annually. Every year, it garners a lot of criticism from people on the internet who find a few posters at the march offensive. However, almost majority of the posters who fail to get the required attention are about women talking about their issues and demanding their rights. This year, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite posters from the march in Karachi. Here’s what people marched for this year. news desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s cellular and digital services frontrunner, Zong 4G, has been recognized as the most superior network of the country by Pakistan Telecom Authority’s (PTA) latest Quality of Service (QoS) survey (Q4), 2021. In the recent Quality of Service (QoS) survey carried out by PTA in 18 cities and nine motorways, highways, intercity roads across all four provinces to measure the performance of the services of Pakistani Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs). The survey gauged the CMO performances against the issued KPIs of voice, network coverage, SMS, and mobile broadband/data using a state-of-the-art automated QoS Monitoring and Benchmarking tool. PR

nBp earns profit after tax of pKr 28.0 Bn KARACHI: The Board of Directors of National Bank of Pakistan “NBP” “the Bank” met today to review the financial performance of the Bank and approve the audited financial statements of the Bank for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Board observed that during 2021 the Bank has delivered strong performance in pursuit of its vision to be the Nation’s leading bank enabling sustainable growth and inclusive development. Despite a civil penalty of PKR 9.8 Bn imposed on the US operations, the Bank reported profit before-tax of PKR 52.9 Bn and after tax profit closed at PKR 28.0 Bn. PR

Women employees of Eighteen pose for a picture with CEO, Tarek Hamdy, and General Manager Clubhouse, Marzena Mocko, during a dinner held to celebrate the female workforce of the organization on International Women’s Day. Focusing on this year’s theme of ‘breaking the bias’, Eighteen takes pride in not just being an equal-opportunity employer but also in ensuring that female voices are heard, their achievements are honored, and they are given equal opportunities to advance in the workplace. PR

SSGC organized a symposium to celebrate International Women’s Day at its head office auditorium. Group picture shows, SSGC’s Chairperson Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, MD Imran Maniar and Head of Corporate Communications Salman A. Siddiqui along with guest speakers Tara Uzra Dawood, Dr. Huma Baqai, Aliya Sarim Burney and Dr. Ayesha Abbas with some SSGC executives. PR

women’s day: nestlé pakistan conducts capacity building of women on ecotourism, waste management in peshawar ISLAMABAD: Nestlé Pakistan carried out a two-day training on ecotourism and sustainable waste management in Peshawar, under Travel Responsibly for Experiencing Ecotourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TREK) on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Under the TREK initiative, over 130 public and private sector participants have been trained in Swat, Galyat and Chitral. The initiative has also engaged the local communities through training and awareness sessions on nutrition and hygiene for school children. PR

foodpanda, the leading e-commerce platform, on account of Women’s Day, handed over e-bikes to its female riders. The company celebrated its female employees, vendor partners, riders and homechefs in an event in which Justice (R) Nasira Iqbal was invited as the Chief Guest. She handed over the bikes to female riders along with Muntaqa Peracha, interim CEO foodpanda, and Hassan Arshad, Principal Policy and Communication foodpanda. PR

philip Morris (pakistan) Limited announces financial results for the year ended december, 2021 KARACHI: Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL) posted a profit after tax of PKR 2,307 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to profit after tax of PKR 1,765 million for the same period prior year. The Company's net turnover during the same period stood at PKR 17,459 million reflecting an increase of 5.2% versus last year. PMPKL continued to extend its role for strengthening the economy through Company’s contribution to the National Exchequer, in the form of excise duty, sales tax, and other government levies, stood at PKR 26,673 million, with an increase of 14.8% vs. last year, reflecting 60.5% of the Gross Turnover. The tax-paying cigarette industry continues to face challenges due to the lack of a level playing field due to the tax evasion and violations under tobacco control laws by the non-tax paid illicit cigarette manufacturers. PR

Millat Tractors Limited celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March 2022 at its factory. To commemorate the invaluable role of women in our lives and Honor all the Committed and Dedicated Working Women. The occasion was graced by Mr. Mustafa Khan S/O Chairman Millat Group Mr. Sikandar Mustafa Khan. After Tilawate-Quran Pak, Mr. Azhar Noor General Manager – Marketing briefed the participants that although the tradition of celebrating Women’s day was initiated in Germany by a group of deprived women in 1911 yet Islam has already has provided towering examples of independent, courageous, professional and brave women who defied all the odds and did extraordinary this which liberated the women in terms of societal and financial independence, respect and honorable positions in the society. PR

EFU Life Assurance Ltd., the leading private life insurance provider in the country, has been conferred with ‘CSR Award 2022’ in the category of ‘Social Impact’ at the 11th Corporate Social Responsibility Summit & Awards, organized by The Professionals Network and Ethical Business Update (EBU). PR

An event was organized at Sui Northern Gas Head Office to mark International Women's Day. Chairperson Board of Directors Roohi Raees Khan was the Chief Guest. While addressing the participants, Chairperson BOD Roohi Raees Khan referred to Islamic history where noble women like Hazrat Khadija (RA) and Hazrat Fatima (RA) had significant roles in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and they were equally respected by the Prophet (PBUH). She also said that women of Pakistan have proved their mettle in all walks of life which shows that if provided with equal opportunities, women can excel in any field. PR

Wednesday, 9 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

10 FOREIGN NEWS

RussIa opens humanItaRIan coRRIdoRs foR people fleeIng ukRaIne

AgencIes

USSIA opened corridors on Tuesday to allow people to leave five Ukrainian cities: Cherhihiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol and the capital Kyiv, as well as Sumy. “From 10:00 MSK (0700 GMT) on March 8, 2022, the Russian Fed-

eration is declaring a ‘regime of silence’ and is ready to provide humanitarian corridors,” said a cell of the Russian Defense Ministry charged with humanitarian operations in Ukraine. It said the Ukrainian authorities had so far been “unable to ensure the functioning of humanitarian corridors,” noting that the situation in

ukraine parades captured Russian soldiers for cameras AFP The Ukrainian military has paraded captured Russian soldiers before the media and made them recite repentances for their invasion, prompting the Red Cross to warn prisoners must not be mistreated. Eyes red, faces gaunt and in some cases scratched, 10 young Russians in green fatigues were lined up before the press and cameras at an event attended by AFP on March 4. Some of them stared at their boots and avoided looking at the cameras, while others appeared more at ease. It was the second such act in a week organised by Ukraine’s SBU intelligence service. The Ukrainian defence ministry and the SBU did not respond to questions from AFP about their methods. Presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovich called in an online video for “humane treatment of prisoners”. He reminded viewers that Ukraine’s western partners were watchful on the subject. Blindfolded with tape, the soldiers were pushed along on single file, holding one another by the shoulders to keep from falling. They were then groomed and taken into a room where they were shown videos of Russian bombardments, while a Ukrainian officer named the cities being bombed. “Look what your army is doing,” the officer said. “They would tell your parents that you died on manoeuvres, not that you were here.” Each soldier then faced the cameras and stated his name, his unit and how he had entered Ukraine. Each said that he was voluntarily stepping up to condemn Russia’s invasion — using the same phrases as the other soldiers. Each soldier said he was being well treated and ended by calling on Russians not to believe their President Vladimir Putin’s “lies”. Russia has not reacted specifically to these appearances, but more generally its defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov on February 27 said Russian prisoners of war were facing “torture”. He compared them to victims of “the German Nazis and their henchmen”.

many Ukrainian cities “has deteriorated rapidly and has acquired the character of a humanitarian disaster.” The Russian Emergencies Ministry has delivered about 430 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the territory of Ukraine, the ministry’s press service told TASS on Tuesday. Ukraine started evacuating residents from the northeastern city of Sumy on Tuesday, Ukraine’s UNIAN news agency reported. “The first column started moving out of the city at 10:00 (0800 GMT),” the agency said. Dmytro Lunin, acting head of the military-civilian administration

of Poltava, a city in northeast Ukraine, said that 35 buses were sent to Sumy for the evacuation. “The convoy includes representatives of the Red Cross and doctors. We also sent 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid: food and medicine,” he said, noting that the Ukrainian side would observe a ceasefire to ensure the safety of civilians during the evacuation. The relaunch of the humanitarian corridors came after Russian and Ukrainian negotiators failed to achieve significant results during their third round of peace talks in Belarus on Monday. The Russian and Ukrainian for-

eign ministers are expected to meet in Turkey on Thursday. Refugees now at 2 million More than 2 million people have fled Ukraine since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict less than two weeks ago, according to the United Nations. “Today the outflow of refugees from Ukraine reaches 2 million people,” United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said in a tweet on Tuesday. Poland alone has received nearly half of all those fleeing Ukraine, with Tuesday’s figures showing that 1.2 million had crossed into the country in

China’s foreign service to help friends who better understand the CPC: Wang Yi BeIJIng Agencies

China’s foreign service will help foreign friends who better understand the Communist Party of China (CPC), State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday. In the run-up to the 20th National Congress of the CPC, China’s foreign service will continue to share stories about the CPC with the international community, Wang said, noting that this is an important responsibility of China’s foreign service. The CPC has gained more attention and recognition from the international community, Wang said. “More and more friends from around the world admire the great achievements of the Chinese peo-

ple under the leadership of the CPC. More and more countries hope to learn about the ‘secrets’ of the CPC’s success,” Wang said. China-Central Asia relations enjoy bright prospect of vibrant growth Wang Yi said China’s relations with five Central Asian countries, which are now at a golden age of 30, enjoy a bright prospect of vibrant growth. “A growing, prosperous, stable and dynamic Central Asia is in the common interest of China and other countries in the region,” Wang told a press conference. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the five Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

China will continue to follow the principles of mutual respect, good-neighborly friendship, solidarity in trying times and mutual benefit as it works with Central Asian countries to forge a strategic partnership featuring rich substance, fruitful results and enduring friendship and build a China-Central Asia community with a shared future, said Wang. To usher in another three decades of great achievements for China-Central Asia relations, China is willing to expand cooperation with the five countries in the fields of COVID-19 pandemic response, production capacity, energy, agriculture, humanity, digital economy and green development, according to Wang. China expects emerging markets, developing countries to become “pacesetters” in global governance

Wang Yi said China looks forward to seeing emerging markets and developing countries turning from “followers” to “forerunners” and even “pacesetters” in the race of global governance. BRICS countries play a pivotal role in promoting global governance, Wang said at a press conference. China will host the BRICS summit this year, and organize more than 160 activities, Wang said, adding that the country will deepen cooperation with BRICS countries to send hopes and confidence to global fight against COVID-19 and world economic recovery.

Russia warns on oil import ban as little progress is made at Ukraine talks AgencIes Fears of an energy war between Russia and the West grew on Tuesday after the United States pushed its allies to ban Russian oil imports as punishment for Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, where talks on humanitarian corridors made little progress. Russia warned it could stop the flow of gas through pipelines from Russia to Germany in response to Berlin’s decision last month to halt the opening of the controversial new Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Russia supplies 40 per cent of Europe’s gas.

“We have every right to take a matching decision and impose an embargo on gas pumping through the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline,” Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday. Novak also warned that oil prices could more than double to $300 a barrel if the United States and its allies banned imports of Russian oil, a crucial source of revenue after the country was effectively frozen out of Western financial markets. Analysts at Bank of America however said that if most of Russia’s oil exports were cut off there could be a

shortfall of five million barrels per day (bpd) or more, pushing prices as high as $200. Oil prices see-sawed near 14-year highs on Tuesday, with Brent crude futures up $1.06, or 0.9pc, at $124.27 a barrel at 0223 GMT, after trading as high as $125.19. US President Joe Biden held a video conference call with the leaders of France, Germany and Britain on Monday as he pushed for their support to ban Russian oil imports. But if need be, the United States was willing to move ahead without allies in Europe, two people familiar with the

China commends French, German eﬀorts to mediate the Ukrainian situation MIAn ABrAr China commends the efforts France and Germany have made to mediate the Ukrainian situation, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday while expressing China’s willingness to play a positive role on the issue. President Xi made the remarks during a video summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, exchanging views on the crisis in Ukraine, as well as the ties between China and Europe. Noting the current Ukrainian situation is worrisome, Xi said China is deeply grieved by the outbreak of war again on the European continent. Xi said China maintains that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter must be fully observed. He added the legitimate security concerns of all countries must also be taken seriously, and all efforts that are conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be supported. The Chinese president pointed out that the pressing task at the moment is to prevent the tense situation from escalating or even getting out of control. Xi stressed that China will stay in communication and coordination with France, Germany and the EU and, in light of the needs of the parties involved, work actively together with the international community. The Chinese president urged efforts to jointly support the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, and encourage the two sides to keep the momentum of negotiations, overcome difficulties, proceed with the talks and bring about peace. He also called for exercising maximum restraint to prevent a massive humanitarian crisis.

the past 13 days. Hungary meanwhile has taken in nearly 191,350 people, Slovakia 140,745 and Russia itself has seen 99,300 people cross over from Ukraine, the data showed. Moldova and Romania had each received over 82,000 refugees each, according to data gathered on Sunday, while over 210,000 people who fled into neighboring countries have already moved on to other European nations, UN refugee chief found. On Sunday, Grandi said the conflict in Ukraine was fueling Europe’s fastest growing refugee crisis since World War II.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a video summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Beijing, China, March 8, 2022. China has proposed a six-point initiative on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, and stands ready to provide Ukraine with further humanitarian aid supplies, he added. President Xi called on French and German leaders to work together to reduce the negative impact of the crisis, adding that relevant sanctions will affect global finance, energy, transportation and the stability of supply chains, and dampen the global economy that has already been ravaged by the pandemic. “This is in the interest of no one,” Xi noted. The Chinese president also stressed the necessity to actively advocate a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. Xi said China supports France and Germany in promoting a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework for the interests and lasting security of Europe by upholding its strategic autonomy, adding China will be pleased to see an equal-footed dialogue among the EU, Russia, the United States and NATO.

Macron and Scholz shared their assessment and positions on the current situation in Ukraine, saying that Europe is facing the worst crisis since World War II. Calling for giving peace a chance, the two leaders said France and Germany support reaching a settlement through negotiation. The two leaders also thanked China for its initiative on the humanitarian situation and said the two countries are ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China to promote talks for peace, and prevent further escalation of the situation that may worsen the humanitarian crisis. Promoting steady, sustained China-eu relations: Xi on Tuesday also urged China and EU to enhance dialogue, stay committed to cooperation, and promote steady and sustained progress of China-EU relations. He pointed out that the combined impact of major global changes and the pandemic, both unseen in a century, has brought multiple global challenges that need to be addressed through global cooperation. Noting China and the EU share much common understanding on promoting peace, seeking development and advancing cooperation, Xi said the two sides need to shoulder responsibility to bring more stability and certainty to a turbulent and fluid world. China’s development will create broader space for ChinaEU cooperation, Xi said, adding the two sides must, under the principle of mutual benefit, further deepen green and digital partnerships as well as practical cooperation in various fields. The two sides need to uphold multilateralism and advance major global agenda, the Chinese president stressed. President Macron and Chancellor Scholz congratulated China on its successful hosting of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games. Noting the world faces many challenges, they said each country acting on its own will only make things worse.

matter told Reuters. Many countries on the continent are heavily reliant on Russian energy. Russia’s invasion, the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two, has created 1.7 million refugees, a raft of sanctions on Moscow, and fears of wider conflict as the West pours military aid into Ukraine. Ukraine claims Russian general killed near Kharkiv Ukraine’s military intelligence said on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces killed a Russian general near the besieged city of Kharkiv, the second Russian senior commander to die in the invasion.

Iran will not back down on its red lines in nuclear talks, Raisi says DUBAI ReuteRs

Iran will not back down on its red lines in the nuclear talks with Western powers, President Ebrahim Raisi said on Tuesday, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. “The government pursues nuclear negotiations in full accordance with the principles and framework set by the Supreme Leader, it has not and will not back down on any of these red lines,” the Iranian president was quoted as saying. Negotiations to revive a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers have now reached their climax, with the talks’ coordinator Enrique Mora of the European Union saying that it is time for a political decision in the next few days. Iran has sought to remove all sanctions and it wants guarantees from the United States that it will not abandon the deal once more. Iran’s top negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani, returned to Tehran on Monday for consultations over the nuclear deal’s conclusion.

Wednesday, 9 March, 2022 | ISLAMABAD

SPORTS 11

AuStrAliA’S firSt tESt in PAkiStAn in 24 yEArS EndS in drAW

AFP

uSTRALIA’S first Test in Pakistan for nearly a quarter of a century ended in a draw on Tuesday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Opting to bat on run-filled surface, Pakistan had made 476-4 before declaring their first innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. By the time they bowled out Australia for 459 on the final day, the chances of any team winning the contest had evaporated. Pakistan decided to bat on allowing Imamul Haq, who went into

the match without a century in his previous 11 Tests, to score his second hundred of the contest. The bespectacled left-hander’s unbeaten 111 included seven boundaries and two sixes. Imam went on to win the man-of-the-match award. His opening partner Abdullah Shafique, who made 136 not out, also brought up his maiden Test century as Pakistan posted 252 for no loss in their second innings before the teams shook hands and left. A total of 1,187 runs were scored over five days and only 14 wickets fell in what Australia’s Steve Smith called a “pretty benign, dead

wicket” which risks censure from the game’s governing body. With draw looming as the only possible result, Australia captain Pat Cummins shielded his frontline quicks and used as many as nine bowlers in Pakistan’s second innings. Earlier, after the tourists began the final day on 449-7, Pakistan took 11 deliveries to claim the last three Australian wickets. Nauman Ali dismissed Cummins for eight, and both Mitchell Starc and Lyon fell lbw as Australia finished 17 runs behind Pakistan’s first innings total.

Each of Australia’s top four batsmen crossed the 50-mark but could not convert them into hundreds and the tourists lost their last six wickets for 52 runs. Left-arm spinner Nauman claimed a career-best 6-107 on a flat track where bowlers struggled for success. When Pakistan came out to bat for the second time in the match, Cummins saw no point in straining his pace attack on the unresponsive track. On Tuesday the pace trio of Cummins, Starc and Josh Hazlewood bowled a combined 16 out of their 77 overs.

Pakistan openers provide rare solid start against Australia RAWALPINDI staff RepoRt

Australia beats Pakistan by seven wickets at Women’s World Cup WELLINGTON

Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique amassed another century stand in batting-practise conditions as Pakistan’s first home Test against Australia in 24 years headed toward a tame draw in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. At tea, Pakistan were 191 without loss in their second innings, with Shafique just a single away from a maiden century and Haq 11 short of what could be his second ton of the Test. The home team leads by 208 runs after dismissing Australia for 459 in the morning session. Pakistan declared at 476-4 in their first innings. Australia are on their first tour of Pakistan since

1998, having previously refused to visit over security fears. With a draw assured on an unresponsive Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch, the Pakistan openers took the opportunity for batting practise ahead of the second Test in Karachi from March 12. In doing so, they became the first Pakistan pair to put on a century opening stand in both innings of a Test after teaming for 105 on Friday. Shafique has so far hit ten boundaries and a six while Haq — who scored a maiden Test hundred in the first innings — has so far hit seven boundaries and two sixes. Shoaib akhtar laudS tonS by Shafique, imam: As the openers, Imam-ul-Haq

and Abdullah Shafique, score their centuries in Pakistan’s first home Test against Australia, cricketers and fans have started praising the duo for their performance. Former player Shoaib Akhtar lauded left-handed batsman Imam for his double century and Shafique for his maiden Test century being played in Rawalpindi. Imam scored his second hundred on the fifth day of the Test and became the 10th Pakistani batsman to score a century in both innings of the Test. Imam and Shafique have set the record of being the first opening pair to establish a partnership of a hundred runs in both innings in over five decades. Here’s how fans reacted to their new record. Imam scored 111 runs while Shafique scored 136 runs.

the associateD pRess

Six-time world champion Australia swept aside Pakistan by seven wickets Tuesday to remain unbeaten after two group-stage matches at the Women’s Cricket World Cup. Pakistan scored 190-6 after being sent in to bat at Mount Maunganui and Australia surpassed that total in just under 35 overs. Australia’s run chase was set up by opener Alyssa Healy who made 72 from 79 balls. Ellyse Perry (26 not out) and Beth Mooney (23 not out) were at the crease when the winning runs were struck. For Pakistan, captain Bismah Maroof finished 78 not out, falling one run short of the highest score by a Pakistan player in a Women’s World Cup match. Maroof shared a 99-run partnership with Aliya Riaz, a fifthwicket record for Pakistan in one-day internationals. Riaz made 57. That simple synopsis of the match at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui doesn’t come close to encapsulating its significance on International Women’s Day. Australia has competed in every women’s World Cup since the first in 1973, winning in 1978, ’82, ’88, ’97, 2005 and ’13. It has produced some of the greatest players in the history of women’s cricket and entered the tournament as the favourite to win again. Cricket Australia recently announced measures to boost the base salary for women players to $65,000 Australian dollars ($48,000) and women’s cricket moves steadily toward pay parity with the men’s game. There was no formal women’s cricket in Pakistan until the 1990s when it began with the most tentative of footholds at the initiative of sisters Shaiza and Sharmeen Khan. As late as 1997 the Pakistan women’s team was denied permission to play on religious grounds. But the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) established a so-called Women’s Wing in 2005 and the women’s national team has since participated in four World Cups. With limited resources, it had won only two World Cup matches before the current tournament. Most of the current Pakistan team are at least semi-professional and the team’s coaches and support staff are full-time.

England still dangerous without Broad, Anderson: Windies coach Simmons LONDON ReuteRs

TCL — Pakistan’s No. 1 LED TV brand — has joined hands with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as the Associate Partner of the Pakistan National Cricket Team for the Pakistan vs Australia (Pak vsAus) series, commencing in Rawalpindi. pR

Autopsy shows Shane Warne died of natural causes: Thai police KOH SAMUI News Desk

An autopsy showed the death last week of Australian cricket great Shane Warne on an island in Thailand was due to natural causes, the Thai police said on Monday. Warne’s family had accepted the finding and his body would be transferred to Australian consular officials for return to the family, a deputy police spokesman said. “Today investigators received the autopsy result, in which the medical opinion is that the cause of death is natural,” Kissana Phathanacharoen said in a statement. “Investigators will summarise the autopsy result for prosecutors within the timeframe of the law.” Warne’s body would be flown to Australia on Tuesday, Police Lieutenant General Surachate Hakparn told a news conference. The senior police official ruled out

any foul play and said Warne died due to a suspected heart attack. The autopsy report showed Warne died of a “congenital disease”, Songyot Chayaninporamet, deputy director of Samui Hospital, told a news conference. “There is no COVID-19 infection and no sign of assault or murder,” Songyot added. Allan McKinnon, Australia’s ambassador to Thailand, who has been on Koh Samui since the day after Warne’s death, thanked authorities for their professionalism. “It was very important that this whole case be conducted very smoothly,” he said. Well-wishers left tributes of flowers, flags, an Australian sports shirt, a can of beans and a packet of cigarettes outside the villa on the northeast coast of Koh Samui where Warne was found unconscious. Warne, 52, one of the finest spin bowlers of all time, whose talent and

personality transcended the sport, died on Friday, spurring tributes, with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison calling him “one of our nation’s greatest

characters”. Tom Hall, who was staying at the same resort where Warne was found unconscious in his room, said there were “no unusual circumstances” surrounding the flamboyant former cricketer’s death. Hall, chief executive of website the Sporting News, said none of Warne’s travelling companions were aware of him visiting a doctor, though he had complained to a friend of “some chest pains and shortness of breath”. Earlier, Thai police said Warne also had asthma and some heart issues, citing information from his family. Australian media said Warne’s family funeral would be followed by a memorial service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) within two or three weeks. The Great Southern Stand at the MCG, where the spinner took his 700th wicket on Boxing Day 2006, will be renamed the S K Warne Stand.

England still have quality bowlers at their disposal despite the absence of fast bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson, West Indies head coach Phil Simmons said on Monday ahead of their three-Test series against England. Anderson and Broad, who have taken a combined 1,177 wickets in Test cricket, were not selected in England’s 16-player squad following a 4-0 Ashes drubbing in Australia, but Simmons called on his side to keep their guard up. “Everyone keeps harping on about the fact that there’s no Broad, no Anderson,” Simmons told a news conference. “Yes, England might not have the experience, but they have young fellas who are hungry to make their name. “That is something that you have to guard against. For me, you can’t be saying ‘that’s a big advantage’ because then you tend to get complacent and you get found out. There’s still some quality bowlers in there who we have to bat against.” West Indies flew home from their tour of India last month without a single victory, losing both the One-Day International (ODI) and T20 series 3-0 as their batters failed to impress. Simmons stressed the importance of getting good starts to innings, and said he hoped that the opening duo of Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell would be able to provide the team a decent platform to build upon. “I think the last time we beat England, the opening pair was Kraigg and Campbell, so let’s hope that’s a good omen for us,” Simmons said. “They bat well together. “We’ve been talking about getting a good start and making sure that we don’t leave it for the middle and lower order.” Simmons also provided an update on bowler Shannon Gabriel, who was ruled out of the initial squad because of a hamstring injury but has since trained with the team. “We had him here just so that we can see where he’s at. He’s a lot further on than I thought he was,” Simmons said. “He bowled well, and bowled with some pace. “We’ll see what happens over the next four or five days. This team was selected for the first Test, so we’ll see where he’s at and then we can make a decision on the second Test.” The first Test in Antigua begins on March 8 and will be followed by contests in Barbados (March 16-20) and Grenada (March 24-28). The three-match series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship.

Wednesday, 9 March, 2022

prayer tiMingS

NEWS

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

5:14

12:21

3:36

6:37

6:04

7:27

Seven TerroriSTS killed during operaTion in TurBaT RAWALPINDI

criminate fire onto security forces,” said the statement. “Seven Terrorists including Commanders Hasil Doda and Washdil have been killed in ensuing heavy exchange of fire. These terrorists were involved in recent firing and attacks on security forces in Makran Division,” the statement added. In addition, a significant cache of arms and ammunition has also been recovered which was intended to be used in terrorist activities. “Operations to eliminate such perpetrators of terrorist acts in Pakistan will continue and they will not be allowed to sabotage peace, stability and progress of Balochistan,” the handout concluded.

Staff report

ECURITy forces Tuesday killed seven terrorists during an operation against miscreants in Gorchop, Turbat. “Based on information of presence of a Terrorists’ Hideout in general area Gorchop, Turbat, Balochistan, Security Forces conducted IBO today to apprehend externally sponsored enemies of peace in Balochistan,” said a handout issued by the ISPR. “Once the troops started clearance operation in the area, Terrorists tried to escape from their camp and opened indis-

Tareen group to pursue ‘Minus Buzdar’ strategy

Usman Buzdar in hot waters as party seniors want him sacked ISLAMABAD Mian abrar

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar is in hot waters as few senior ministers of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government have also advised Prime Minister Imran Khan to remove Buzdar and appoint a new face to run Punjab affairs. The development came after Usman Buzdar called on Prime Minister and submitted his resignation after Tareen group demanded his removal. Sources in the ruling party have informed Pakistan Today that Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak and Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar have advised premier to remove Buzdar who had become a heavy baggage for the PTI. The sources said that Punjab Governor Chaudhary Sarwar and Sindh Governor Imran Ismail also want to see Buzdar removed. PM gets list of susPected rebels: Meanwhile, sources have shared that PM Imran Khan has been given a list of MPs that may vote for the Opposition’s no-confidence motion. Officials, privy to the development, say that list has names of 28 MPs and has been made by a civilian institution. Sources also say that the government is keeping a watch on the 28 people and other MPs that are deemed “suspicious”. Officials say the list is mostly made up of people who had switched their loyalties towards PTI. According to sources,

the PM has tasked Pervez Khattak and Shah Mahmood Qureshi to win over the disgruntled MPs. buzdar Meets PM, subMits resignation: In a separate meeting with embattled Punjab’s Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Tuesday, PM Imran Khan rejected his resignation and asked him to continue working, sources said. “Buzdar presented his resignation to the prime minister during the meeting and told him that he is ready to step down if matters are settled through this,” sources said and added that Buzdar said he will stand by the party and the prime minister. The sources said that Buzdar told the

PM that he was thankful to him for appointing CM Punjab. “I am not greedy for any office,” he asserted. Meanwhile, Punjab government spokesperson Hasaan Khawar has rejected the reports claiming that the chief minister offered to resign and suggested appointing someone else in his place. The reports had earlier claimed that Buzdar was ready to resign in favour of PML-Q’s Pervaiz Elahi. Khawar said that Usman Bazdar has the full confidence of Prime Minister Imran Khan. “The chief minister did not say anything about giving the post to anyone. PTI is united under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan and will re-

main united, God willing.” nuMbers gaMe in Punjab asseMbly: In the Punjab Assembly, PTI and its allies have 198 members. Out of the 198, PTI has 183 MPAs, PML-Q 10, and four independent members. On the other hand, the Opposition has 173 MPAs in total. Out of the 173, PML-N has 165 MPAs, PPP seven and one independent MPA. Anyone who wishes to form the government needs to have the backing of at least 186 MPAs. If 20 MPAs of disgruntled PTI leader Jahangir Tareen join the Opposition then the Buzdar government can be sent packing. PM to Meet tareen grouP MeMbers: Separately, PM Imran Khan has summoned a meeting with the lawmakers from the Tareen group to listen to their reservations. The PM is also expected to meet former Punjab minister and disgruntled PTI leader Aleem Khan as well. The meeting is happening after Aleem decided to join the Jahangir Tareen group. Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, on the other hand, will meet with the prime minister to tell him more about the Tareen group’s grievances. “Aleem Khan, Tareen, and the rest of the friends are the party’s assets, and there doesn’t seem to be a compulsion or differences that [the party members] couldn’t come closer,” Ismail said. He expressed confidence that the situation would get better as all the matters would be resolved.

A group of lawmakers led by estranged PTI leader Jahangir Tareen announced on Tuesday that it would only move forward on a “Minus Buzdar” strategy. The announcement was another setback for the government and came as a delegation of senior opposition lawmakers submitted a no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan with the National Assembly Secretariat. Speaking to the media in Lahore, Punjab MPA Nauman Langrial said that Tareen was currently in London and was apprised of the current situation via video link. “During the meeting, we gave Tareen full authority to take decisions on behalf of the group,” he said, adding that different political parties had and were continuing to contact the group. “However, I want to make it clear that all members of the group are united on the stance that we will move forward on the minus Buzdar [strategy],” he said, reiterating that they would accept the decisions taken by Tareen. Langrial said that the group was also listening to things being said by the political parties getting in touch with them and updating Tareen about the developments. He said that an important meeting would be held tomorrow to take decisions regarding the group’s future under the current circumstances. “We will look at this evolving situation and will draft a plan.” When asked about possible candidates for the post of chief minister, the Punjab MPA asserted that the Tareen group was a “united front” and a “family”. “We know that all members of this group will accept the decisions taken by Tareen.” He also refused to comment on whether Aleem Khan — who had joined the group a day earlier — had been selected for the job, saying that the group was united under Tareen’s leadership. “We told Aleem Khan sahab the same, that if you are a part of this group then you will have to follow the decisions taken by Tareen.” When pressed about PML-Q’s Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as a possible nominee, he said: “Tareen has the right to take all decisions. We will follow whatever he says.” Concluding his press conference, he asserted that this was not a “rebellion”. “We are following a certain mandate and the people have certain expectations of us. We are not only thinking about the PTI, but also about the province.” Staff report

Treasury, Opposition vow to show power in no trust vote ISLAMABAD Staff report

With the formal submission of the no trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, both sides have accelerated their efforts to ensure maximum votes to win in the numbers’ game. While, the ruling PTI also stepped up efforts to foil opposition’s no-trust vote move against PM Imran. A meeting of ruling PTI leaders was held here with National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser in the chair. The ruling party members discussed the opposition’s no-confidence motion and overall political situation of the country. The meeting was attended by Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, federal ministers Fawad Chaudhry, Murad Saeed, minister of state Farrukh Habib, Senators Faisal Javed and Dr Shehzad Wasim among others. Later, a meeting was held at the PM’s House to review the situation. According to a statement issued by the ruling party, PTI and its allies were united to defeat opposition’s no-trust motion and MNAs will be approached for their support in this regard. On the other hand, after submitting the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in National Assembly Secretariat, major opposition leaders including PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari addressed the media

on Tuesday. “This government has inflicted unprecedented damage on country’s economy during its almost four years in power,” said Shehbaz at the start of the joint presser while explaining the reason as to why opposition submitted the no-confidence motion against PM Imran. “Inflation has touched historic highs… the lives of masses have been made miserable by ‘selected’ prime minister.” He also lashed out at the premier for publicly criticising the EU envoys at his recent address. “We have a huge trade balance with EU and America and premier’s address could damage it.” The PML-N president also rubbished the premier’s allegations that opposition’s attempt to topple his government was part of the “international conspiracy”. “I don’t think there could be a more stupid and illogical allegation than this,” he said. Speaking on the occasion, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who also heads the anti-government opposition alliance PDM, said, “He [PM Imran] tried to promote western agenda in Pakistan through NGOs… I had said earlier that he [Imran Khan] was agent of some foreign elements”. “We rejected the results of 2018 elections and termed them rigged… we did not compromise on our stance that the nation’s mandate was stolen.” The JUI-F chief said their movement against the “selected rulers” has vindicated their stance regarding the rigged elections.

He also agreed with Shehbaz’s view that the incumbent government has destroyed the country’s economy, saying that “this is the reason that no foreign investor is willing to invest in Pakistan”. “We are confident that this no-confidence motion will succeed and nation will soon get rid of these rulers.” Speaking on the occasion, former president Asif Ali Zardari said all opposition parties had agreed that no single party alone could steer the country out of the “crisis”. Responding to a question, he said he is confident that opposition parties have garnered support of more than 172 MNAs required to remove the premier. “Not only opposition but ruling PTI lawmakers are also fed up with their government because they have to contest elections and go back to their constituencies,” he added. While citing an example, Zardari said in the past despite lacking establishment’s support PPP foiled the no-trust move against its government. However, [then] president Farooq Leghari later dissolved the assemblies but we also curtailed the powers of the president,” he said while referring to the Article 58-2(b). Reacting to the development, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari wrote “democracy is the best revenge” on his official Twitter handle. govt vows to thwart oPPosition’s no trust Move: PTI leaders and federal ministers have vowed to thwart opposition’s attempt to oust Prime Minister

Imran Khan through no-confidence motion, which was submitted in the National Assembly Secretariat on Tuesday. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that filing no-trust motion was opposition parties’ constitutional right but added that the ruling party along with its coalition partners will defeat the opponents in the “political battle”. “Imran Khan is an elected prime minister who came into power through a huge public mandate in 2018 elections,” he maintained. FM Qureshi said he discussed the matter of no-confidence vote with the premier and it had been decided that the ruling party will make all-out efforts to foil the opposition’s move. Qureshi said he briefed the premier on opposition’s “ulterior motives” behind the no-trust move and claimed that he had “some information” regarding opposition’s movement which he said he would make public “very soon”. He also maintained that PTI allies including MQM-P, PML-Q and BAP will not support the opposition in the National Assembly, adding that the timing of presenting such a motion was “inappropriate”. “Opposition parties are fighting for their survival. Prime Minister Imran Khan cannot be pressured through such moves,” the statement quoted him as saying. In a tweet, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that PM Imran Khan “is the only political leader of the country”. “Let all political ‘dwarfs’ make joint ef-

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

forts… but they are doomed to fail,” he added. He also dispelled the notion of any internal rift within the ranks of PTI, saying in democracy everyone has the right to express his own point of view. Chairman Kashmir Committee Shehryar Khan Afridi in his tweet said, “[The] Opposition’s no trust vote against [PM Imran Khan] @ImranKhanPTI is no trust in IK’s policies of reform, revolution & saying no to imperialist powers who want to keep #Pakistan enslaved”. “I take pride in fact that PM Imran Khan has broken shackles of slavery & I stand by my leader thru thick, thin,” he added. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib said the opposition’s no-trust move against PM Imran would meet an “exemplary defeat”. In a tweet, he said, a trio of opposition parties’ leaders including Asif Ali Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Shehbaz Sharif were out to protect their “looted money”. Farrukh said the masses knew as to how the trio became billionaires after ruthlessly “plundering” the national wealth. PM’s aide on political communication Shehbaz Gill “welcomed” the opposition’s move to submit no-confidence motion in the lower house of parliament. “[PM] Imran Khan’s message to his nation is that he will fight… [and] will never give NRO to these thieves. Khan is ready to compete and will defeat them [opposition]… the whole nation stands with Khan,” he wrote on his official Twitter handle.