EpaperKHI_21-01-28

Thursday, 28 January, 2021 I 14 Jamadi-ul-Sani, 1442 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XI No 210 I 12 Pages I Karachi Edition

Pakistan to start coronavirus vaccination drive next week g

asad says hundreds of vaccination centres will adMinister coronavirus vaccine

ISLAMABAD

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staff report

ederal Minister for planning asad umar said on wednesday that hundreds of vaccination centres will begin administering the vaccine to healthcare and frontline workers from next week.

Making the announcement on twitter, the minister said that a “system for vaccination is in place. hundreds of vaccination centres in the country will be administering covid vaccine”. “insha’allah, the vaccination of frontline health workers will start next week,” he added. the national command and operations centre (ncoc) earlier today finalised the national coronavirus vaccination strategy as the country expects the first shipment of a chinese vaccine by the coming sunday. the government has approved three covid-19 vaccines, including russia’s sputnik-v, china’s sinopharm and uk’s oxford-astrazeneca, for emergency use in the country.

a step-by-step guide of ncoc’s plan to get the coronavirus vaccine is given below: in the first step, at-risk citizens, including frontline healthcare workers, will send their computerised national identity card (cnic) numbers to 1166 through sMs or use national immunisation Management system (niMs) website for registration. after necessary verification, designated avc (adult vaccine centre) (based on “present address” and pin code will be sent to the citizen through sMs). if the designated avc is outside the current tehsil of the citizen, he/she can change the designated health facility by visiting niMs web portal or by calling 1166 helpline within 5 days of receipt of the first sMs. upon availability of vaccine at the designated vaccination centre, sMs will be sent to the citizen to obtain an appointment date for vaccine administration. after successful registration, the citizen will visit avc on date of appointment along with original cnic and received piB code. the vaccination

coronavirus in

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

537,477

Defence Ministry accuses former ISI chief of interacting with RAW since 2008 g

staff will verify the cnic and pin code. after successful verification, the citizen will be vaccinated. upon vaccine administration, vaccination staff will enter the details in niMs and confirmation message will be sent to the citizen through sMs. the citizen will stay in avc for 30 minutes for the post-inoculation monitoring. in the last step, a real-time dashboard for the federal, provincial and district health department will be generated automatically. in this regard, special assistant to the prime Minister (sapM) on national health services dr faisal sultan has said that so far 400,000 health workers have been registered for vaccination. participating in an online workshop pertaining to health, he said that china has gifted half-million doses of the vaccine to pakistan, which will be made available to the people free of cost. the special assistant said that in the first phase, frontline health workers will be vaccinated, while in the second phase, senior citizens will be administered with anti-pandemic medicine. dr faisal stressed the need for adhering to precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the covid-19 pandemic. he urged the media to play its due role in creating awareness in this regard.

Meanwhile, the ncoc has decided that all remaining educational institutions, particularly primary and middle schools as well as universities, shall resume classes from february 1. the forum, after a detailed discussion with all stakeholders on wednesday, decided that students in karachi, hyderabad, lahore and peshawar would attend classes with 50 per cent strength on alternate days. the ncoc session was chaired by federal Minister for planning, development and special initiatives asad umar along with ncoc national coordinator lieutenant general hamood uz zaman khan.

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opposing a request seeking reMoval of gen durrani's naMe froM the ecl, the defence Ministry has stated the retired general had Been 'interacting with hostile eleMents' ISLAMABAD Mian abrar

in a shocking revelation, the Ministry of defence has accused the country’s former spymaster lt general (r) asad durrani of ‘interacting’ with the enemy’s intelligence agency, research & analysis wing (r&aw), since 2008. gen durrani, who is among a few spymasters who headed both of interservices intelligence (isi) and Military intelligence (Mi) as director-general, had challenged placement of his name on no-fly list in the islamabad high court (ihc) in 2019. durrani has come under scrutiny after co-authoring a book, titled ‘the spy chronicles: raw, isi and the illusion of peace’, with amarjit singh dulat, the former head of india’s spy agency raw, in 2018. following the book’s publication, the Mi had written to the interior Ministry to put durrani’s name on the ecl and the same was done in May 2018. in its para-wise comments submitted in response to durrani’s petition in the ihc on wednesday, the defence Ministry said that the former isi chief’s name was placed on the no-fly list for “his involvement in anti-state activities”. opposing a request seeking removal of gen durrani’s name from the exit control list (ecl), the defence Ministry has stated the retired general officer had been “interacting with hostile elements”, including indian intelligence agency raw, since 2008 and was likely to be involved in future publications against the interest of pakistan. it said that a perusal of the book the spy chronicles revealed that it contained “certain contents concern-

Malaysian court releases PIA plane grounded over lease dispute g

Malaysian authorities seized the Boeing 777 aircraft on January 15 after a court allowed an application By the plane's lessor to keep it grounded pending the outcoMe of a $14 Million lease dispute with pia in a uk court

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

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NEW CASES:

1,563 DEATHS:

492,207 11,450 SINDH:

PUNJAB:

242,793

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65,953

18,765

8,877/4,903 40,972

a Malaysian court on wednesday ordered the immediate release of a pakistan international airlines (pia) aircraft that was held in capital kuala lumpur nearly two weeks ago due to a British court case over the jet’s lease.

Malaysian authorities seized the Boeing 777 aircraft on January 15 after a court allowed an application by the plane’s lessor, peregrine aviation charlie limited, to keep it grounded pending the outcome of a $14 million lease dispute with pia in a united kingdom court. at the time, the national flag carrier had called the decision by the Malaysian court “onesided” and said it had caused “inconvenience to the passengers who had already boarded the plane”. the kuala lumpur high court ordered the immediate release of the plane after both sides said they had reached an amicable settlement to the dispute, involving two planes leased to

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more inside

Universities are free to conduct online exams, says HEC STORY ON BACK PAGE

18 years on, key accused admits to ‘minor role’ in daniel pearl’s beheading

ISLAMABAD agencies

LAST UPDATED AT 8:14 AM ON JANUARY 27, 2021

ing [the] national security of pakistan, being in contravention of the provisions of the official secrets acts, 1923”. “it is further highlighted that there are [a] number of such publications on the way, supported by hostile elements which contain content to create misperception, confusions, question marks against the top leadership circles at country level and to target the common people,” reads the ministry’s response. it added that gen durrani had been “affiliated/interacting with hostile elements especially indian raw since 2008”, saying although he had submitted an affidavit “committing to refrain from such activities” to the government, the same had still not been seen “in tangible terms”. according to the ministry’s reply, rule 2(c) of the exit from pakistan (control) rules, 2010, authorised the federal government to prohibit a person from exiting pakistan for a foreign destination if the said person is involved in “‘acts of terrorism or its conspiracy’, ‘heinous crimes’ and ‘threatening national security'”.

STORY ON PAGE 03

pia, according to a lawyer representing the airline. “peregrine has agreed to withdraw its suit against piac (pakistan international airlines corporation) and for the injunction orders to be set aside,” said pia counsel kwan will sen. “with this, the two Boeing aircraft operated by piac would be released with immediate effect.” the two jets were leased to pia by dublin-based aercap, the world’s largest aircraft lessor, in 2015.

they are part of a portfolio that aercap sold to peregrine aviation co ltd, an investment unit of ncB capital, the brokerage arm of national commercial Bank sJsc, in 2018. aercap, which continued as part of the agreement to provide lease management services to peregrine, has declined to make any comment on the case. lawyers representing peregrine did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

COAS for enhanced defence cooperation with Jordan's forces STORY ON BACK PAGE

economy stabilised due to effective governance: faraz STORY ON PAGE 03

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Thursday, 28 January, 2021

NEWS

IMrAn 'PerSonAlly MonITored' KHoKHAr PAlAce'S deMolITIon, MAryAM clAIMS ISLAMABAD

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STAFF REPORT

AyS after the Punjab government demolished several structures around the houses of the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) leader Afzal Khokhar and his relatives, party's Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday claimed Prime Minister Imran Khan himself monitored the process.

The district administration and Lahore police on Sunday demolished several structures including residences of the politician's relatives, a market, back walls, and shanties temporarily made by the workers and retrieved 206,910 square feet of "occupied land".

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday, while directing the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to immediately vacate the site, restrained the district government from further demolishing the estate and other properties, directing both sides to approach the civil court for the resolution of the dispute. Addressing the media after arriving at the family's estate to express her sympathies, Maryam said: "I have come to know that this person whose name is Imran Khan, sat down and personally monitored the operation."

The measure, she claimed, had come after attempts to pressurise the Khokhar brothers and holders of political office in the party.

"They were pressurised. In every party

PPP to 'use all constitutional options against the government': Ashraf NEWS DESK Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf stated on Wednesday that the party wishes to "use all constitutional options against the government", and that it would try to convince the other member parties of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to come on board with the idea of the no-confidence motion. "Some parties are on board [with] a no-confidence motion but some have reservations which will be resolved by sitting together. We have the PDM forum where we will present our [suggestion] and will listen to them (the opposing parties)," he said while talking to a local news outlet. The PPP leader added that using this motion against the incumbent premier is the "democratic option", adding that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had a small majority in Punjab and the Centre. Ashraf further claimed that democracy had been endangered due to the actions of the ruling party. Last week, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had called for bringing a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Larkana Industrial Estate on Friday, Bilawal had said that the no-confidence motion will be much more effective than the ongoing Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) rallies. “Even 10 rallies will not yield the kind of results as a strategy meeting over a cup of tea which is sure to cause the government to break a sweat,” he had said. He had further added that he will speak to the opposition parties to “strike” in the assembly. “The democratic way to send this incompetent, illegal, unqualified prime minister is through a no-confidence motion,” the PPP chairman had said on the occasion. After the announcement, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal had rejected the proposal, asking Bilawal to discuss the matter with the opposition parties.

demonstration [against the PTI government], they were told to differ from the position of the party leadership or leave the party and cease participation in activities," Maryam said. They were also "threatened," she added.

However, when the leaders refused to abandon the party leadership and Nawaz Sharif, this action was carried out against them, she said.

Condemning the demolition of the structure, Maryam said that the PML-N "stands united" in the face of "injustice and revenge." By refusing to abandon Sharif's cause, she said, the party, for the first time in its history, had refused to "bow down before injustice" and the incumbent government. "This is a historic failure which Imran Khan and his supporters had

to face," said Maryam, adding the PMLN's roots were entrenched deeply into the "nation and the whole of Pakistan".

In contrast, she said, the "PTI has no such thing, it is a one-man show and when that person [Imran Khan] weakens, then this party will shatter and scatter."

Maryam claimed in the next general elections, "no one will be ready to take a ticket of the PTI and you will see that they can't do a demonstration or go amongst the people [...] the upcoming events for them should compel them to look at their own party and leave the PML-N." The operation was condemned by the PML-N as an action to punish supporters of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the umbrella alliance of the opposition parties.

PML-N will contest Senate polls to stop PTI from securing majority: Iqbal ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Days after Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) announced to take part in the upcoming Senate elections, senior party leader Ahsan Iqbal said that the party will do so to restrain the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government from securing a supermajority in the House.

Speaking to media outside an accountability court in Islamabad, the former minister said that the PML-N does not believe in "leaving the field open for the PTI".

He observed that if the PML-N did not contest elections, the government will obtain a two-thirds majority and "change the face of the Constitution." "[PML-N] will take part in Senate elections and will stop the PTI from obtaining a two-thirds majority," he said, claiming that if the PTI managed to secure the majority, it may do away with the 18th Amendment and impose a presidential system on the country.

"They [PTI] can take the country towards a presidential system," he claimed. "We will take part in the Senate [elections] as the Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) central point is to stop the government's conspiracies."

He said that the PDM had obtained success in its endeavours against the government, alleging the prime minister's panicked state was proof of their success.

Iqbal warned a "decisive long march" to Islamabad from the PDM platform will sweep away the government when the time comes.

"Every minister of the PTI is involved in the worse form of corruption," he said. "Be it the sugar, wheat, or utility store corruption. Each minister, on the one hand, talks about honesty and on the other hand, is busy looting the country."

The former minister said that NAB was a "oneeyed body", adding that it was looking the other way when it came to the ruling party's corruption.

Iqbal rejected a minister's claim of him embezzling Rs70 billion from China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, adding that whatever money that contractors had received from Chinese companies, was paid directly to the contractors. "It is due to these irresponsible statements that the CPEC has become controversial around the world," he said.

Iqbal said that the PTI government had taken more loans so far than the five years of PML-N government, adding that the incumbent government still had not executed any development projects.

China, Pakistan launch online agro-industrial platform to boost cooperation ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

China and Pakistan launched an online platform to collect and display information and achievements of agricultural and industrial cooperation between the two countries, aiming at enhancing bilateral cooperation under the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the two sectors.

The China-Pakistan Agricultural and Industrial Cooperation Information Platform is expected to organise business forums, business delegations and other activities to promote exchanges and cooperation in the field of agriculture and industry and advance business-to-business cooperation between the two countries.

During an online launching ceremony, CPEC

Authority chairman retired Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa said that the agro-industrial cooperation between the two countries under CPEC will play a vital role in expanding and multiplying bilateral economic relations.

Agriculture is the mainstay of Pakistan's economy which contributes some 18 percent of the GDP, employs a very large number of people, and is highly essential for the country's food security and export potential, Bajwa said.

"Pakistan fully realises its agricultural potential, and the incumbent government has been making fundamental reforms in the agricultural sector," the chairman said, adding that the Chinese experience, which is massively acknowledged worldwide, will be very helpful in adding value to Pakistan's agriculture and contribute to the

prosperity of the people.

Talking about industrial cooperation, he said that multiple preferred special economic zones under CPEC are being set up in all the provinces to give impetus to industrialisation in the country.

On the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong welcomed the establishment of the platform, saying it will enhance in-depth exchanges and cooperation between scientific research institutions, associations, organizations and industrial and agricultural enterprises of the two countries.

"We stand ready to join hands with the Pakistani government and people to enhance our all-weather strategic partnership and achieve high-quality development," Nong said.

Health secretary directed to provide medical reports to Shehbaz LAHORE STAFF REPORT

An accountability court in Lahore on Wednesday ordered the Punjab health secretary to provide medical reports to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and National Assembly Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif. Judge Jawadul Hassan issued a written verdict on Sharif’s petition seeking the formation of a medical board. According to the decision, Sharif's personal doctors Professor Dr Arif Khan, Dr Aqeel Bari and Dr Tahir Nasar have been included in the medical board. Sharif’s plea said that he is suffering from a brain tumor and cancer due to which he needs his medical reports. The court cannot ignore the appeal as per law, the judge stated. Earlier, during the hearing in the money laundering case, Sharif submitted an appreciation letter of the Chinese counsel general in the court on which a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor raised objections.

Turkish agency sets up medical facility in Karachi AGENCIES A state-owned aid agency of Turkey has opened a medical facility for surgeries of children born with cleft lip and palate in Pakistan. The specialised operation theater has been set up at Al Mustafa Medical Center -- a charity hospital run by a local NGO -- in Karachi, Anadolu Agency reported. Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency's (TIKA) coordinator Ibrahim Katirci, founder of the charity Haji Muhammad Hanif Tayyab and Sindh Governor Imran Ismail inaugurated the facility. The facility, according to a statement from TIKA, will perform up to 1,000 surgeries annually. Addressing the ceremony, Ismail thanked TIKA and the Turkish government for setting up the stateof-the-art facility for needy children.

Pakistan-Turkey friendship, he noted, is exemplary and will keep on flourishing in the days to come. Katirci, in his remarks, said the establishment of the medical facility is aimed at enabling the children born with cleft lip and palate a chance to live a normal life. Tayyab also thanked TIKA and the Turkish government for their contribution to "this noble cause."

PM takes allies into confidence over important decisions ISLAMABAD TLTP

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the opposition is not a threat to the ruling government and that its anti-government movement is also in a shambles. The prime minister said this on Wednesday while chairing a parliamentary meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and allied parties, wherein he took the parties into confidence regarding important government’s decisions.

"The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is practically over. They have used their full force in their rallies and have known that the people are not with them," the premier observed. He further stated that the opposition wanted to trap the ruling party in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), but has ended up trapping itself. "Don't worry, the opposition is not a problem for us," PM Khan added. On the Broadsheet issue, PM Imran stated that a commission had been formed that would also fully investigate the Surrey Palace and Hudaibiya Paper Mill cases.

Thursday, 28 January, 2021

NEWS

03

18 yeaRs on, key accused admits to 'minoR Role' in daniel PeaRl's beheadinG AGENCIES

accepts his guilt but asks that his sentence may be reduced, he added.

In the letter, Sheikh writes that his role in the matter was a relatively minor one, which does not warrant the death sentence. A copy of the letter was obtained by the AP. Sheikh also admits to knowing who killed Pearl and alleges it was another militant, Atta-ur-Rahman, alias Naeem Bokhari, who has since been executed in connection with an attack on a paramilitary base in Karachi.

In the letter, dated July 25, 2019 and stamped with the seal of the SHC, Sheikh asks that he be given an opportunity to "clarify my actual role in this matter so that my sentence may be reduced accordingly to one which is consistent with the requirement of justice".

However, Sheikh's lawyer, Mehmood A Sheikh, insisted that his client wrote the letter under duress and that he did not know or have any connection to Pearl.

The lawyer, who is not related to Sheikh, said his client described the conditions in his prison as worse than the life of an animal and wrote the letter in an

FTER 18 years of denial, the main accused, convicted and later acquitted, in the 2002 beheading of American journalist Daniel Pearl has told a court he played a "minor” role in the killing, the Pearl family lawyer said on Wednesday.

A letter handwritten by Ahmad Saeed Omar Sheikh in 2019, in which he admits limited involvement in the killing of the Wall Street Journal reporter, was submitted to the Supreme Court nearly two weeks ago. It wasn't until Wednesday that Sheikh's lawyers confirmed their client wrote it.

Nowhere in the three-page letter addressed to the Sindh High Court (SHC) did the British-born Sheikh elaborate or say exactly what his allegedly minor role in Pearl's slaying involved.

Daniel Pearl, 38, was doing research on religious extremism in Karachi when he was abducted in January 2002. A graphic video showing his decapitation was delivered to the US consulate a month later.

Subsequently, Omar was arrested in 2002 and sentenced

to death by a trial court.

In its April 2, 2020, order, the SHC had overturned the conviction of Omar Sheikh for killing the South Asia bureau chief of The Wall Street Journal. The SHC had also acquitted three other men namely Fahad Naseem, Sheikh Adil and Salman Saqib, who had been earlier sentenced to life imprisonment by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi.

Subsequently, the Sindh government as well as the parents of Pearl had filed separate appeals against the SHC's order in the Supreme Court.

On Wednesday, the Pearls' family attorney, Faisal Siddiqi, called Sheikh's confirmation that he wrote the letter a dramatic development and demanded that the conviction and the death sentence for Sheikh be reinstated.

"This is very, very important because for the last 18 years, the position of Omar Saeed Sheikh was that he did not know Danny Pearl, he never met Danny Pearl,” Siddiqi told The Associated Press. "He had taken a position of complete ignorance regarding this case, but now in a hand-written letter, he has admitted to at least a limited role.” He has not asked that he be acquitted. He

economy stabilised due to effective governance: Faraz

Govt will not create hurdles in PDM long march, says minister

a

NEWS DESK Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz has said that the economy stands stabilized as a result of effective policies of the government.

Talking to the media persons in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said that the benefits of improvement in economic indicators will soon reach the masses. The information minister maintained that inflation has been brought down to single-digit values and that the prices of essential commodities are coming down. He added that the country's remittances and exports have increased whilst the imports have decreased. He further said that the large scale manufacturing is also witnessing a major growth. Faraz said that the efforts of the ruling party have brought the current account deficit to zero, adding that, for a few months, it had even remained positive. The country's foreign exchange reserves have also improved, he said. The information minister said that the opposition alliance, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), is resorting to negative propaganda on the issue of loans taken by the present government. He said that Rs6 trillion were used to pay back the past loans and the interest on them. He added that Rs1.2 trillion had provided to support different sectors, especially the disadvantaged segments of the society in the wake of breakout Covid-19. "The PDM set various different goals for itself but it has been failing terribly on all of them," Faraz said. When asked about the upcoming Senate elections, the information minister said that the government believes in holding the exercise in the most transparent manner.

Pakistan Railways faces a loss of up to Rs130m after ticket systems crash NEWS DESK After the ticket reservation system for Pakistan Railways broke down, the ministry is at risk of facing a loss of up to Rs130 million, it emerged on Wednesday. According to details, the issue has not been rectified as of the time of filling and has now persisted for over 24 hours. There so far has been no official word on the situation. The issue has created a distressing situation for the passengers, some of whom have ended up in a scuffle or have been forced to travel without a ticket. Earlier on January 23, Railways Minister Azam Khan Swati had said that the government has devised a strategy to bring the Pakistan Railways out from losses. He said that the department will seek experts’ opinion with regard to upgrading the basic structure of Pakistan Railway, adding that it is the government’s topmost priority to provide suitable working facilities to the employees of the railways’ department. Swati asked the workers’ union to work for the development of railways and avoid what he called “blackmailing the officers” for personal gains. “Hopefully, the workers will get more facilities, such as buildings, hospitals, and educational institutions, in the near future,” he added. Swati said that railways’ assets would not be sold, vowing that illegally occupied lands of railways would be retrieved at the earliest.

ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Wednesday said that the government will not create any hurdles in the way of the proposed long march of the opposition alliance to Islamabad to oust the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led coalition from the office.

"The opposition has the right to come to Islamabad, there will be no obstacle in their way," the minister said while talking to an English daily. "That's how a democracy works."

When asked about the consultation between Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Cochairperson Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim-League (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif to remove the government, Rasheed said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has backtracked from its original agenda, adding the alliance does not have a "clear

strategy."

"Even two members of the JUI-F are preparing to take part in the by-election for the national and provincial assemblies, while the party prepares for the [upcoming] Senate elections [in March]," he said.

"Their plan is to launch the march in a month or a month-and-a-half time, but [my advice to them is] they may do so now [if they wish so]," he added.

The minister said that the recent PDM protest in front of the offices of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in Islamabad was a "flop show".

Regarding the Broadsheet episode, he said that it will turn into an important case for the country in the coming days. "It is going to become Panama two for the country," he said.

In a press talk last week, Ahmed said: "After this [ECP protest], whatever small worry we had [about the long march] has dissipated. We did not even shut the metro bus service; that is [the level of your] political strength."

SC issues notice to NAB chief in Zardari’s petition for transfer of cases ISLAMABAD Staff rePort

The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday served a notice to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chief Justice (r) Javed Iqbal in a petition filed by former president and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari seeking transfer of graft references against him from the Islamabad accounta¬bility court to any other accountability court in Karachi.

The cases include fake bank accounts reference, Park Lane estate reference, Thatta water supply reference and Toshakhana reference.

A three-judge bench presided

over by Justice Umar Ata Bandial heard the petition filed by Zardari's counsel Farooq H Naek. “We have to review the circumstances under which the Supreme Court ordered to file the reference in Islamabad [accountability court]”, the bench said.

The judge also referred to a 2019 apex court judgment wherein it had ordered the transfer of all cases related to fake bank accounts scam from Karachi to Islamabad.

Naek observed under the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999, it is a legal right of a suspect to apply for transfer of cases and cannot be revoked through a court order.

Justice Bandial remarked the verdict mentioned several allegations which

led to the case being filed in Islamabad. At this, Naek requested the court to ask NAB if those allegations were still valid.

“NAB files reference in Islamabad on court's order,” Justice Bandial responded, asking if references against Zardari have ever been filed in Islamabad before. At this, the defense said the cases were filed in Lahore and Rawalpindi and one was heard in Attock fort.

“Zardari has been acquitted in all cases in the past,” he added. Giving notice to chairman NAB, the apex court adjourned the proceedings for a month. The court also issued notices to all the accused including Zardari’s sister Faryal Talpur.

attempt to get a hearing, not make an admission of guilt.

He wanted to be able to be heard, the lawyer said.

The appeal is expected to wrap up this week, said Siddiqi, the Pearl family attorney. He said he expects a quick decision after Sheikh's admission of involvement, even in a minor capacity, in Pearl's death.

“This changes everything,” he said of the letter.

Sheikh was convicted of helping lure Pearl to a meeting in Karachi, during which he was kidnapped.

Pearl was investigating the link between militants and Richard C Reid, dubbed the 'Shoe Bomber' after trying to blow up a flight from Paris to Miami with explosives hidden in his shoes.

Sheikh was sentenced to death and three other suspects were sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the plot. The acquittal last April stunned the US government, Pearl's family and journalism advocacy groups.

Last month, acting US Attorney General Jeffery Rosen warned that the US would not let Sheikh go free, saying if those efforts do not succeed, the United States stands ready to take custody of Omar Sheikh to stand trial in America.

Govt allows export companies to establish branch offices abroad ISLAMABAD Shahzad Paracha

The federal government has allowed exportoriented companies to establish branch offices abroad, it was learnt on Wednesday. Sources said that the Economic Coordination Committee had approved a policy on ‘Equity Investment Abroad by Residents’ during its last meeting, following which the export-oriented companies can now establish subsidiary/branch office abroad. The Finance Division had proposed that exporters may be allowed to remit up to 10pc of their average annual export earnings of the last three calendar years or $100,000, whichever is higher, during a calendar year to establish subsidiaries/branch offices abroad without prior approval of the SBP. “This establishment of subsidiary/branch offices abroad will enable export-oriented companies to play a vital role in capturing more export orders, as international buyers prefer dealing with subsidiaries and representative offices in their countries,” it opined. Similarly, the forum approved the establishment of holding companies abroad by residents to raise capital. “To facilitate resident companies, especially venture capital and startup firms, in raising capital from abroad, it is proposed that ‘holding company (holdco) and operating company (opco)’ structure may be introduced in the policy, whereby a resident opco can remit funds of up to $10,000 to incorporate is holdco abroad without prior approval of the SBP,” the Finance Division summary stated. “This will enable companies, especially fintech and startup firms, already operating in Pakistan, to channelize foreign investment in the country by establishing holding companies abroad.” Moreover, the ECC also allowed resident individuals to make investment abroad.“As per the existing policy, resident individuals can invest in listed securities abroad after approval of the SBP,” the summary stated. “It is proposed that authorized dealers (banks) may be allowed to remit up to maximum of $25,000 in a calendar year on behalf of resident individuals for acquisition of listed securities abroad without SBP’s approval.”

Pakistan reaffirms cooperation to prevent conflict ISLAMABAD tLtP

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday reaffirmed Islamabad's commitment to multilateral cooperation for preserving peace, preventing conflict and realising the sustainable development goals (SDGs), Radio Pakistan reported.

Addressing a virtual high-level replenishment conference held for the United Nations secretary general’s peacebuilding fund, he also announced a token contribution of $25,000 for the fund.

“The pledge underscores Pakistan’s

longstanding political, human and financial commitment to UN’s endeavours in peacekeeping and peacebuilding,” he said.

The foreign minister said as a major troop and police-contributing country, Pakistan took pride in its rich UN peacekeeping history.

“Over the last 60 years, Pakistan's peacekeepers have represented the blue flag in 46 UN Missions across four continents of the world,” he said.

Separately, speaking to the media at Parliament House, Qureshi rejected any possibility of holding bilateral trade with

India until the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. “Kashmir is not an internal issue of India but an internationally recognised dispute,” the foreign minsiter asserted, adding Pakistan had raised the issue of occupied Kashmir at international fora, including the UN. Regarding Afghanistan, Qureshi said there was no military solution to the Afghan issue and comprehensive dialogue was the only way forward.

“Priorities of the new US administration are in line with our vision we will continue to work for peace with it,” he said.

Thursday, 28 January, 2021

04 NEWS PM stresses for expediting development projects in KP ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has stressed for expediting the development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and said that he would personally visit the province to review the progress on the projects. The prime minister expressed these views while talking to KP Governor Shah Farman, who called on him Wednesday. During the meeting, the governor briefed the prime minister about the olive cultivation, Billion Tree Honey and Billion Tree Dried Fruit projects in the province. He also briefed the prime minister on reforms in the administration of universities in the province. INP

Man sentenced to death for raping daughter’s friend KARACHI: A session’s court on Wednesday sentenced a man to death in a 2018 rape case. The court found Wali Mohammad guilty of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in a Karachi neighbourhood and handed him death sentence. The court also directed the convict to pay a fine of Rs500,000. The judge observed that the convict’s act created terror and a sense of fear in the society. According to police, the convict had sexually assaulted his daughter’s friend within the jurisdiction of Manghopir police station in 2018. The victim had gone to her friend’s house for studies. The victim girl’s father said his daughter is still reeling from the trauma. “She gets scared even I go close to her,” he said. The FIR of the incident was registered at the Manghopir police station. INP

SHC seeks written statement from Centre in islands case KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday summoned the additional attorney general (AAG) to appear before the court with a written statement in the next hearing of the petition, filed by Shahab Osto against the Pakistan Islands Development Authority Ordinance 2020. Earlier, the AAG informed the bench that the ordinance has already lapsed by January 3, which was promulgated by the federal government on September 22 last year. “The ordinance has expired but the government has signed various agreements in this respect,” the petitioner said.

“The federal government has signed an agreement with the Netherlands for a desalination plant for Bundal island.” For the time being the matter has come to an end. It could be considered again if a new ordinance come into force, the court said before adjourning the case till February 17. The ordinance was challenged by Shahab with the plea that federal territory in the sea starts after 12 nautical miles and Bundal and Buddo islands are the properties of the province as they fall under the limit of 12 nautical miles. TLTP

Centre forms panel to monitor Karachi Transformation Plan ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Wednesday formed a 10-member monitoring committee to remove obstacles and review progress on various initiatives being taken under the Karachi Transformation Plan. According to a notification issued by the federal government, the committee will be chaired by Planning Commission’s Deputy Chairman Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan whereas the chairmen of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and the secretaries of finance, water resources, planning division, economic affairs, railways and others would be members of the committee. The committee will also ensure timely provision of funds for the projects and it will assist the authorities in implementing the projects.

It is pertinent to mention that Prime Minister Imran Khan had announced an ambitious Rs1.1 trillion package for the development of Karachi in September last year and established a coordination and implementation committee led

by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. TLTP

BaKHTawar'S wedding: Bilawal exPreSSeS graTiTude To well-wiSHerS P

AKISTAN People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday expressed gratitude to people, who had sent him congratulatory messages for his sister Bakhtawar Bhutto’s wedding.

Bakhtawar is all set to get married on January 29 and 30.

Bilawal said that they have invited a minimal number of guests to the wedding due to coronavirus pandemic. "We feel sorry for not being able to invite many important personalities," the PPP chairman said.

He added that the Bhutto family will also arrange celebrations in other cities of the country, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Larkana, where friends, dignitaries, and members of the party will be invited.

FAZL, MARYAM NOT INVITED Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had revealed on Tuesday that he is not invited to the wedding.

Responding to a question about his participation in the wedding, he had said, "Whose marriage? I have not been invited to the wedding of Zardari Sahab’s daughter. I have no idea who is attending the wedding."

Similarly, PML-N leader Mohammad Zubair had said on Tuesday that the party’s vice-president Maryam Nawaz will not attend the wedding ceremony either.

“Maryam Nawaz will not be able to attend Bakhtawar’s wedding due to other engagements,” Zubair had told a newspaper.

However, it was not clear whether she has been invited or not.

WEDDING SCHEDULE The schedule of Bakhtawar's wedding with the UAEbased businessman Mahmood Chaudhry was released by the Bilawal House last week.

Her nikkah will be held on January 29 while the Barat is scheduled for January 30. Nearly 300 guests have been invited by the Bhutto family.

The spokesman said that Bilawal will suspend his political activities for a week to participate in the wedding.

Bakhtawar’s engagement ceremony was held at Bilawal House, Karachi on November 27 last year. A limited number of people–including the city's bigwigs, business magnates, politicians, and lawyers–were invited to the event.

WHO IS THE GROOM? According to PPP's media cell, Mahmood is the son

of Mohammad Younas Choudhary and Begum Suriya Choudhary and manages a diversified business. The fam-

ily hails from an old town of Lahore. Mahmood was born in the city of Abu Dhabi on July 28, 1988. NEWS DESK

PL&DD completes project to enhance unit productivity of livestock ALAHORE SHAHAB OMER

The Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department (PL&DD) has completed a project to enhance unit productivity of livestock and guide the farmers through modern communication.

According to documents, the project titled ‘Strengthening of Communication and Extension Networking at Division Level in Punjab’ was approved with the cost Rs90 million and gestation period of 12 months.

The project was aimed at strengthening and establishing fully equipped information and publicity cell at each division of the province for publication of literature, conducting farmers’ trainings and preparation of documentary films, holding 36 events in 140 tehsils of 36 districts of the province, enhanc-

ing unit productivity of livestock, promoting knowledge sharing among the stakeholders and dissemination of livestock activities.

According to sources, the costing of project was not based on need based assessment as the project was approved at a total cost of Rs90 million, whereas

Rs6.8 million were surrendered and Rs78.072 million were utilized against the released amount.

PL&DD Director Communication Dr Asif Rafiq talked to Pakistan Today and said as many as 35 fairs regarding animal beauty, milking, breeds, dog racing, camel dancing, cats and birds were held.

“We conducted 1,834 trainings of farmers and as many as 1585 short documentaries were displayed in schools.

Famers’ awareness regarding modern technology is the key to attain optimum productivity level. In this era of information, there is a need to adopt the latest techniques of communication and extension. There is also a dire need to educate the livestock farmers and growers and make them realize to take livestock as their core business on a commercial basis rather than operating at subsistence level,” he added.

Lessons from Indian e-commerce market MEHWISH ASLAM Although Pakistan and India have different infrastructure and regulations, yet the overview of Indian e-commerce sector can serve as a case study when applied to Pakistan.

The Indian Times has reported that the digital payment market in India accounted for almost Rs2,162 trillion during 2019-20.

The current mobile payment users in India are almost 160 million, which will increase

five times by the year 2025 to reach the 800 million target.

When talking about statistics in Pakistan, the internet banking users are around 3,983,235 while the mobile phone banking users are around 8,451,997.

There is still considerable amount of potential as both markets are in the developing stage.

Even a small number of phone banking users in Pakistan were able to bring about a

23 per cent increase in volume and 25 per cent increase in value since the number of ebanking transactions increased.

When we talk about many factors that fuel the retail market growth in India, we reflect on the internet penetration in the country as it increased and led to more international retailers starting operations in India. The share of the organised retail market is expected to increase from 12 per cent (2017) to 25

per cent (2021). Flagship initiatives and initiatives like Start-up India and Digital India were made to boost the ecommerce market and make digital payment a way of life in India.

Pakistan’s statistics are quite promising, however, there is still much we can learn from the Indian market to boost our growth in e-commerce. Pakistan needs to welcome all businesses, big or small, reduce paperwork and COD transactions to promote dig-

ital payments, connect the offline with the online (O2O), and build customer services and warehousing solutions to get benefits from the rise of social commerce and increase in technology hubs, which promote entrepreneurship.

Most consumers are now open to online payments as they trust online shops and believe that they will get what they order. This is a perfect time for a dependable e-commerce business.

Thursday, 28 January, 2021

WoRk on CASA-1000 TRAnSMiSSion Line pRojeCT CoMMenCeS

e

NEWS DESK

NeRgy Minister Omar Ayub Khan and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) President Dr Bandar Hajjar on Wednesday inaugurated the construction of the 113-kilometre electricity transmission lines from Pak-Afghan border to Nowshera under the South Asia Central Asia Regional Trade and Transmission Project (CASA-1000) in a virtual event.

Speaking on the occasion, the energy minister appreciated the efforts of member countries and support of all sponsoring partners for financing the

construction of power transmission lines infrastructure in Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan under the CASA-1000 project.

He said that the project will support economic integration among four participating countries, through establishment of regional electricity connection and creation of an integrated electricity market. It will also positively contribute towards energy security since the energy mix of Pakistan has been strengthened through substantial amount of cross-border import & export of electricity.

“CASA-1000 Project is not only a transformative development in the eco-

nomic and power sectors of Central Asia and South Asia, but it is an inspiring model of how such development change can be best accomplished,” the energy minister elaborated. He informed the participants that Pakistan has embarked upon tapping the huge indigenous potential of renewable energy.

The minister said that Pakistan’s new Renewable energy Policy would bring opportunities for investors, adding that the government had set ambitious targets to introduce 25pc renewable energy by 2025, and 30pc by the end of 2030, including 40pc share of hydel power generation into the energy mix of the

country. Addressing the online event, the IsDB president said that the CASA-1000 Project would bolster economic benefits and regional integration for member countries.

CASA-1000 Project is a 1,270km power transmission line that exports excess hydropower generated in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan. Transmission components under the project are being financed by IsDB, World Bank, european Investment Bank, european Bank for Reconstruction & Development, UK’s Department for International Development, and USAID at a total cost of $1.17 billion.

Govt mulls revival of Pakistan Central Cotton Committee ISLAMABAD TLTP

The government on Wednesday discussed the revival of the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC).

This was done during the meeting to discuss ways and means to enhance cotton production in the country. The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Syed Fakhar Imam.

The meeting was informed that the use of biotechnology and genetic engineering is necessary

HMB fined Rs59.5m for violating AML/CFT guidelines KARACHI NEWS DESK

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs59.516 million on Habib Metropolitan Bank (HMB) on account of violation of its guidelines pertaining to AntiMoney Laundering and Combating Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT). A notification issued by the central bank said that in addition to penal action, HMB has been advised to conduct an internal inquiry on breaches of regulatory instructions and take disciplinary action against the delinquent officials. Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the SBP said with a view to further align AML/CFT regulations with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, it has decided to amend some provisions of the regulations. These amendments will provide further clarity on the implementation of AML/CFT requirements by SBP, the notification read.

using international support, whereas the importance of research was also empahsised for the revival of cotton. It was highlighted that cotton is an important crop whereas seven per cent of edible oil in Pakistan is produced by cotton. Further, problems such as competency of staff, funds, and yields, as well as issues of pests and pesticides were discussed while keeping the farmers’ cost of production and sale in consideration.

The Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) has reminded the government that the cost of production is to be reduced and a minimum support price has to be set up.

Defence Ministry accuses former ISI chief of interacting with RAW since 2008 CONtINuED fROM pAgE 01 Moreover, it says Articles 15 and 19 of the Constitution clearly stated that the “freedom of movement and freedom of speech are subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by [the] law in the public interest and integrity, security or defence of Pakistan”.

The Defence Ministry stated that gen Durrani’s name could not be removed from eCL “at this stage” because inquiries being conducted against him were being finalised. It said that the former ISI chief wanted to travel abroad with the intention of participating in international conferences, forums and talks which will have “serious national security implications as evident from the recently published book ‘Honour Among Spies'” — which was also authored by Durrani and published “through Indian publishers/RAW supported elements”.

According to the Defence Ministry, “the petitioner also appeared on social media on October 12 and 13, 2020, and expressed his views which of course cannot be well received by any patriotic citizen”.

‘Crazy and evil’: Bill Gates surprised by pandemic conspiracies LONDON AGENCIES

Microsoft co-founder turned philanthropist Bill gates says he has been taken aback by the volume of “crazy” and “evil” conspiracy theories about him spreading on social media during the Covid-19 pandemic, but said he would like to explore what is behind them.

In an interview with Reuters, gates said the millions of online posts and “crazy conspiracy theories” about him and about top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci had likely taken hold in part because of the combination of a frightening viral pandemic and the rise of social media.

“Nobody would have predicted that I and Dr Fauci would be so prominent in these really evil theories,” gates said.

“I’m very surprised by that. I hope it goes away.”

PKI President Khalid Khokhar suggested that taxes and duty need to be levied on imported cotton to promote local farmers. “The marketing mechanism needs to be revamped as well,” he added. Islamic University Bahawalpur (IUB) Professor Dr Iqbal Bandesha cautioned that cotton should not be sowed before mid-May to avoid monsoon damage. Towards the end of the meeting, a representative of the PCCC said, “Cotton is changing, we should change too.”

Syed Fakhar Imam agreed, terming the year 2021 as a make or break year for Pakistan’s cotton.

gates, a billionaire who stepped down as chairman of Microsoft Corp in 2014, has through his philanthropic Bill and Melinda gates Foundation committed at least $1.75 billion to the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

That includes support for some makers of vaccines, diagnostics and potential treatments. Since the pandemic began a year ago, millions of conspiracies have spread over the Internet, fuelling misinformation about the coronavirus, its origins and the motives of those working to fight it.

They include claims that Fauci and gates created the pandemic to try and control people, that they want to profit from the virus’ spread, and that they want to use vaccines to insert trackable microchips into people.

“But do people really believe that stuff?,” gates asked.

“We’re really going to have to get educated about this over the

next year and understand .. how does it change peoples’ behaviour and how should we have minimized this?”

EXCITED ABOUT BIDEN: gates praised Fauci and Francis Collins, head of the US National Institutes of Health, as “smart” and “wonderful people”, and said he looked forward to seeing them able to work effectively and speak the truth under the new administration of President Joe Biden.

During former President Donald Trump’s handling of the pandemic, gates said, it had “sometimes felt like they were the only sane people in the US government.” “I’m excited about the team that Biden has picked” to tackle the health crisis, gates said. gates said he was also pleased that under Biden, the United States has rejoined the World Health Organization, and “that he’s appointed smart people, and the fact that Dr Fauci won’t be suppressed.”

While noting that gen Durrani had remained part of the army for 32 years and served on important and sensitive positions, the ministry said that “it was inappropriate of his stature to co-author a book that too with [an] ex-Indian RAW chief and Indian journalist on matters concerning the national security of the country”.

“Hence, a sufficient cause for placing the petitioner’s name on eCL [exists],” the response added.

The ministry said after gen Durrani’s book was evaluated from a “security perspective”, it was confirmed by the Court of Inquiry that it contained contents “which were against the interests of Pakistan”.

The ministry asserted that no fundamental right of the petitioner had been infringed by the placement of his name on the no-fly list, saying: “If a citizen, which includes a person performing function[s] in connection with the affairs of the state, does not obey the constitutional commands, then he is not performing his obligation imposed by the Constitution.” gen Durrani’s petition is expected to be taken up again by the IHC in the second week of February.

In February 2019, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Army had announced that the former ISI chief had been found guilty of violating the military’s code of conduct and a court of inquiry was ordered against him for writing the book. A military court subsequently stripped him of his pension and other postretirement benefits. gen Durrani then challenged that order before the Lahore High Court. In October 2020, he informed the LHC that the government had restored his pension.

NEWS

05

Uk offers support for development of green industry in pakistan LAHORE STAFF REPORT

Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh has said that Islamabad is looking to further deepen trade and economic linkages between Pakistan and Britain while highlighting that the country is pursuing a broad-based economic reform agenda to achieve export-led growth. He said this during a meeting with British High Commissioner Christian Turner, who had called on the federal minister at the Finance Division on Wednesday. The British high commissioner was accompanied by the Head of Development Annabel gerry on the occasion. Opportunities for green financing were discussed to promote collective efforts against the challenges posed by climate change. Christian Turner offered all possible help in strengthening Pakistan’s efforts for the development of the green industry.

pakistan to start coronavirus vaccination drive next week CONtINuED fROM pAgE 01 Federal Minister for education Shafqat Mehmood also attended the meeting, whereas the provincial health minister of Sindh and chief secretaries of all federating units joined the meeting through video-link. The forum has decided to reopen the education sector with strict recommendations of staggered classes for three days a week in the urban centres, in light of the higher coronavirus positivity ratio reported there. However, universities would resume operations as per the usual schedule. The forum was informed that, globally, the disease trend had witnessed a hike after the complete reopening of the education sector, therefore the approach to cut down the attendance on a given day would help in reducing the resurgence of the contagion. It was also informed that vaccination centres have been established all across the country, wherein staff training and other arrangements have been completed to kick-start coronavirus inoculation. While the schools are reopening, the need for caution is still high as the coronavirus claimed 74 more lives while another 1,563 people tested positive for the deadly disease during the past 24 hours across the country. According to the NCOC, 1,563 new infections surfaced after 41,285 samples were tested. The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country has soared to 537,477 while the countrywide death toll jumped to 11,450. There are a total of 33,820 active cases. Since the first Covid-19 case was detected in the country almost a year back, Sindh has reported a total of 242,793 infections, Punjab 155,214, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) 65,953, Balochistan 18,765, Islamabad 40,972, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) 8,877, and gilgit-Baltistan (gB) 4,903. Meanwhile, the Sindh health department has set up 14 vaccination centres in the province. Of the 14 vaccination centres, nine have been established in Karachi, including two each in the South, east and Central districts, and one each in the Korangi, Malir and West districts. The other districts where the vaccination centres have been set up include Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah and Hyderabad. Trained staff have been deployed at these centres equipped with all the necessary equipment and appliances, including refrigerators. The Sindh government has already earmarked funds to the tune of Rs1.5 billion for the vaccine procurement and is in contact with Chinese, British and Russian firms to buy as many doses of Covid-19 jabs as possible. The first batch of the vaccine is likely to reach Karachi on February 1, while the first phase of vaccination that will see jabs injected into healthcare workers’ arms will begin in the first week of the month. More than 100 million Covid-19 cases have now been recorded worldwide. The United States, which passed 25 million confirmed cases last weekend, remains the country with the largest outbreak — and the largest death toll of over 420,000.

Thursday, 28 January, 2021

06 COMMENT

Protection of Law

Broadsheet Enquiry Commission A genuine probe or witch hunt?

The legal system needs reform

W

hAt Prime Minister imran Khan desires most is neither justice nor recovery of the country’s looted wealth. he is fully focused instead on conducting the media trial of his political opponents. Over time this has become a political compulsion as he has nothing to show as an achievement despite a peaceful tenure and the full backing of those who matter. Prices of essential commodities have in cases doubled compared to the PML(N) tenure, and power and gas charges continue to increase. instead of providing jobs to the unemployed, millions more have lost employment while those still working are unable to feed their families on account of inflation. Under the circumstances the unending accountability hype looks like an attempt aimed at diverting the people’s attention from their miserable plight. if the National reconciliation Ordinance (NrO) granted amnesty to politicians, political workers and bureaucrats who were accused of corruption, there was a need to try Gen (rtd) Pervez Musharraf who signed the Ordinance in 2007 this was all the more justified because Musharraf had earlier used NAB to prepare corruption cases against numerous politicians in the opposition while declaring those who joined the King’s Party clean. if Pakistan has been made to pay $28.7 million in damages to Broadsheet, those under Musharraf who signed the faulty agreement in June 2000 and rescinded it three years later, are to be held responsible and put on trial.

Finding that Broadsheet award had nothing new with which to indict former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Pti government has appointed a one-man commission comprising former Supreme Court judge Mr Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed. Citing his affiliation with the NAB at the time when the agreement with Broadsheet was signed, the Pti and PPP have objected to his appointment on grounds of “conflict of interest”. that he was a member of the bench that sentenced Mian Nawaz Sharif in the Panama Papers case also calls into question his neutrality. the commission is also supposed to probe 20 years of corruption in 45 days by taking up the Swiss cases, Surrey Mansion, and the hudaibiya Paper Mills case which has already been thrown out by the Supreme Court. Yet another new exercise in the media trial of his opponents might provide a modicum of solace to the PM, but will neither bring back looted wealth nor allay the suffering among the masses caused by economic hardships.

Dr FariD a Malik

T

he legal framework was enacted for the advancement of civilization. Laws are required to provide equal protection for the weak and the powerful. recently a lot has been written about the ‘Law of the Jungle’. enlightened scholars now believe that the Animal Kingdom follows strict codes of conduct while the humans violate rules. recently i saw an animal post saying, “Please do not litter our habitat.” Animals hunt their prey only to meet their needs, they do not kill the entire herd. there is no hoarding or storage for days to come unless required by severe weather conditions. the principle of ‘Might is right’ prevails but with very little misuse compared to the humans. in the so called advanced society that we live in, ‘Protection of Law’ does not exist for the common man.

On the lower end of Shahrae Quaid where the Aiwan-e-Adal is located there is no bell that the aggrieved party can ring to get justice. About three centuries ago Mughal ruler Nur-ud-Din Muhammad Salim known as Shehanshah Jahangir who lays buried in the city made himself available to respond to injustices committed in his kingdom. he dispensed justice not as a Judge but as a Chief executive Officer of the country. Our courts today are overwhelmed with cases emanating from executive abuse, easily correctable in the administrative domain. Accused are put behind bars through faulty investigation by the law enforcement agencies. it takes decades for the law courts to finally understand the violation of rules committed by the prosecution. Some unfortunate innocent souls die

CPEC woes Projects need attention

A tale of two decades

t

he present government cuts a poor figure on its progress on the China-Pakistan economic Corridor, and it hoped that the decision to ginger up the concerned ministries, taken by a special Cabinet committee, would get something done. however, it is perhaps a commentary on how things are going, that the Cabinet has to take such notice, especially since the project has moved beyond its initial stages to a second phase. however, the Cabinet Committee has still to complete the work necessary for holding of the joint meeting to the joint committee of Pakistan and China. the delay in CPeC Projects had meant a delay in operationalizing it at a time when the covid-19 pandemic has meant that the Pakistani economy had badly needed the jobs that CPeC was going to create. it was especially noteworthy that CPeC was about to enter the phase of developing industries, which would have meant the creation of a huge number of jobs. however, the delays that the government is perpetuating, contrasts with the performance of the previous government, which it never tires of castigating. the performance of the previous government can be gauged from the effusive letter by an outgoing Chinese consul general to Shehbaz Sharif, currently Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, for his efficiency as Punjab Chief Minister. Mr Sharif’s enthusiasm as the head of a provincial government was not central to CPeC contrasts with his successors, not just in Punjab but also other provinces. the suspicion naturally arises whether this neglect is the result of a reluctance to put in the necessary hard work, a desire to please the USA in its ongoing confrontation with China, or just plain incompetence. the Pti started off by a PM’s adviser spouting off about the CPeC, and the COAS having to intervene to assure China of Pakistan’s continued commitment to the CPeC. however, one of the main reassurances for China, the CPeC Authority, has been given such a low priority that its enabling statute expired more than a year ago, and the necessary Act has not yet been passed. the passage of that law would indicate the government’s firmness of intent.

Discourses, delusions, denouements

Dr WajiD Hussain

E

ither we know how to live or we seek how to live. either way, we experience, learn and move on. Yet, either way, determinism continues to control our experiences. the contemporary world has enslaved us more than ever and today we stand susceptible, more than ever, to fall victim to a contrived reality based on facts manoeuvred in the name of opinions, which have shut our consciousness so discursively (within established discourse) that we seldom bother to explore what lies out there extra-discursively. What’s more: some contrivances are so colossal that they control subsequent events exactly the way a whirl spins the entire site around. thus have rolled past our centuries and we have constantly been carried away under a willing suspension of disbelief. the renaissance of the 16th and 17th century swept the entire epoch under its exuberance. the 18th century and part of 19th century elapsed under the enlightenment paradigm. the War megalomania in the first decades of the 20th century ripped that period into an utter wasteland that left a legacy of despondency which we are still trying to recover from.

What is even worse, our solution-oriented approach is itself fallacious. the dominant intellectual paradigms of our age, such as postmodern thinking, which shape our worldview, do identify the issue by explaining that our identities are socio-discursively constructed. Yet, such intellectual perspectives utterly fail to explore what transcends extra-discursive reality. the mayhem that the first two decades of our century have witnessed has all been about such subtle construction and reconstruction of delusionary iden-

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the courts for a long drawn unending legal battle.

After the death of my reform-oriented father, i inherited about 20 court cases one of thembein regarding Property tax. After receiving a notice to deposit tax which was twice the amount of his next-door neighbour, he approached the department to learn the basis during their incarceration for the crimes of others. of the assessment, which was refused. he then filed Perhaps the police force is the weakest link in our a writ petition which came up for hearing after 18 legal framework. Over the years the thana Culture years. During this period he passed away, luckily his has been destroyed, not improved. the assigned force lawyer Malik Akbar was still around so i approached is required to live within the premises for which they him. he briefed me about the case but advised me to are issued beds and trunks. All police stations had let go as my old man was no longer alive. i decided messes for the staff. interestingly while these in- to appear in the case myself. the department was house arrangements no longer exist, there is a mobile sheepishly present there with its lawyer. On my invan that delivers hot meals to the assigned staff on sistence that the right of the assessed must be recogoutside duty. the Station house Officer (ShO) has nized to know the basis of the assessment, the no control over the off-duty personnel who then in- officials were ordered to submit in writing. dulge in all kinds of illegal activities.

Written law can perhaps adjudicate most criminal today the force should be renamed as Police in- and civil litigation, but cannot deal with executive corporated as there is a pay-forservice mechanism in abuses which are rampant in our colonial system of place with no chain of command. From the constable governance. For legal protection to be effective together posted at the gate to the ShO, everyone is an island with the dispensation of justice, the accountability of of authority answerable to no the executive should be inone. the high command can house through Administrative issue directives only as a reCourts headed by serving or quest. People are reluctant to retired Chief executives who go to the police stations to Instead of providing protection understand management and lodge complaints, so most mismanagement practices. to the public, the law seems crimes are not even reported. the Armed Forces have their After the Lawyers Moveown internal accountability and ineffective unprotected ment of 2007, the courts have mechanism and so does the not been the same. instead of judiciary, it is only the execuitself. The legislators have to presenting legal points the side which is allowed to rise to the challenge of putting tive Black Coats rely more on hide behind delays due to muscle power, which is the prevalent judicial accountathe house back to order total anti-thesis of the rule of bility of administrative inlaw. People of the islamic refringements. public of Pakistan were used there was a time in the to dealing with Wardi (unland of the pure when the form) and Afsargardi (officers’ contumely), now they Chief executives exercised control over their departto face Vakilgardi (lawyers’ contumely) as well. Judges ments and provided relief to the general public, but are intimidated in court rooms, in the lower judiciary that mode no longer exists. Most heads of Departsome have been manhandled as well. even the police ment now act as helpless Post Offices who forward is afraid of entering the courts. Last year a mob of Black the complaints to their subordinates and for them it Coats attacked the Punjab institute of Cardiology (PiC) is the end of the story. on Jail road. i am sure the inmates of the Mental hosOn follow-up or reminder, the public is directed pital must have been seriously concerned with the in- to get in touch with the concerned staff against whom sanity being practiced next door by the legal the grievance has been filed in the first case. instead practitioners. the judiciary today faces serious man- of providing protection to the public, the law seems agement challenges which have to be resolved to re- unprotected and ineffective itself. the legislators store order and then be in a position to dispense justice. have to rise to the challenge of putting the house back in the original constitution of 1973 clause 212 to order. Constitution needs a major revamp to was enacted for the establishment of Administrative cleanse it of the martial law amendments. PeopleCourts to administer accountability to contain exec- friendly legislation is the need of the hour to move utive abuse. Unfortunately in 1979, through second away from the Jungle that we find ourselves in today. amendment it was removed by the dictatorial regime in connivance with the bureaucracy. Since then the Dr Farid A Malik is ex-Chairman, Pakistan exploitation of the public continues unabated as a Science Foundation. He can be contacted at: consequence of which the people have to approach fmaliks@hotmail.com.

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tities that prevailed unreasonably long before they re- actions against the indian disinformation network are crucial for in-time disruption of any such lobbying in sulted in their denouements. the tone-setting event for the first two decades future. Otherwise, it would mean that european Union was 9/11 which the world powers manoeuvred in institutions have no issue with foreign interference. imran Khan, whose bold and steadfast statements such a way that its powerful trailing repercussions left for us the capacity of no alternative truths to be ex- have provoked grim memes on social media, has alplored. the event cast its ‘dark shadows’ globally and legedly triggered, through his exaggerated rhetoric, impacted the Middle east immensely. Yet, this delu- sweeped by references to “fascism”, Modi’s move on sion did crack finally. the delusion took 15 years to the Occupied Kashmir and, thus, led us to a setback reach its denouement and the denouement cracked in the Kashmir cause. this narrative has, especially, with Blair’s confession about Britain’s wrong deci- been sold well by our opposition. the previous governsion of its military involvement did seem to showcase ment in iraq and bloated the case skilfully by sweeprevelation that how the uning the bilateral tensions derground reality can be so under the carpet. this, it difficult to be layered out.

This new denouement not did by inviting Modi, his this denouement, which officials and other private occurred through a report only seems to prove Khan’s businessmen once in a authored by Sir John Chilcot narrative as triumphant and, while, or resorting to backand which surprisingly took door diplomacy. more time than British miliso, significantly covers the Yet, this has proved to tary involvement in iraq, prevalent national upheavals, be yet another delusion. Aphorribly revealed how the parently, we did face the invasion had been sold on a especially the struggling music because of the typimisguiding rhetoric and the cal imran Khan rhetoric. terribly insufficient preparaeconomy, with a sort of Yet, on broader spectrum, tions for the repercussions patriotic tranquillity Khan’s self-proclaimed viled iraq to an irreparable dission, which has so far been aster, killing millions. And hilarious for the opposition that proved how the largest and entertaining for the symbols of justice for us can public, finally did its trick. be so delusionary.

Simultaneously, india had also been deluding the his “fascist” reiterations have deconstructed a deluworld through its disinformation network. the so- sion that the previous government seems to have called secular state used a two-pronged scheme to failed to figure out. this new denouement not only seems to prove spread the influence through its malign media tactics.

First, its non-governmental organisations kept lobby- Khan’s narrative as triumphant and, so, significantly ing consistently and systematically at the UNhrC. covers the prevalent national upheavals, especially Second, it manoeuvred its deluding op-eds for the struggling economy, with a sort of patriotic tranpseudo-outlets such as the EU Chronicle. Surpris- quillity; it suffices to shake international institutions, ingly, this discourse served india for almost 15 years. including even the United Nations, and warns them Just imagine what colossal contribution it must have to be extraordinarily careful in discerning such subtle made in misleading the international institutions and delusions that are always lurking there to vitiate their sanctity. creating global conditions in its favour. this delusion reaches its denouement at the hand The writer is Assistant Professor, Social Sciences of Alexandre Alaphilippe, executive director of eU DisinfoLab, who thinks this delusion an embarrassing fail- at SZABIST, Islamabad, and can be reached at ure of our international institutions and also asserts that hussain@szabist-isb.edu.pk

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Thursday, 28 January, 2021

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

Gross overpopulation

Kashmir and passivity of the world powers resolutions of the United Nations Commission for india and Pakistan (UNCiP) adopted on 13 August 1948 and 5 January 1949. the impression that the United Nations is inthese are not resolutions in the routine sense vidiously selective about the application of of the term. their provisions were negotiated in the principles of human rights and democ- detail by the UN Commission with india and Pakracy. there is a glaring contrast between the istan and it was only after the consent of both Govoutcry over the massacres in certain areas, ernments was explicitly obtained that they were on the one side, and the official silence (bar- endorsed by the Security Council. they thus conring some faint murmurs of disapproval) stitute a binding and solemn international agreeover the killing and maiming of a vastly ment about the settlement of the Kashmir dispute. greater number of civilians in Kashmir and We Kashmiris are dismayed by the lack of the systematic violation of the 1949 Geneva action by the world powers to help stop the carConvention. nage in Kashmir and by their virtual indifference 4. it is a paradoxical case of the United Nations to the situation in our land. the disparity between being deactivated and rendered unable to ad- their inaction and their repeated assertion that the dress a situation to which it had devoted a protection of human rights and encouragement number of resolutions and in which it had of democratic solutions are their major foreign established a presence, though with a limited policy goals is hard for us to understand. Nevermandate. the United Nations Military Ob- theless, we still have confidence that they will reservers Group in india and Pakistan (UN- alize that what is at stake in the dispute is not MOGiP) is one of only the survival of the the oldest peacepeople of Kashmir , but keeping operations peace in the populous of the UN; the region of South Asia force is stationed The resolution of the dispute and also the basis of a in Kashmir to obcivilized worldview. will bring unparalleled serve the ceaseCurrently the policy fire between india honour to the one who helps of world powers has led and Pakistan. the indian Government to achieve it. That honour 5. Kashmir is the to believe that all it only international needs is some political could be of President Joseph dispute where the maneuvering to dissisolution of the R. Biden if he gets involved in pate foreign concern conflict, the right over the appalling situaresolving the Kashmir to self-determination in Kashmir. Dr tion, was sugSyed Nazir Gilani said dispute. His involvement gested by the it best: “We should pull should not be seen to favour down the heavens and parties themselves, india and Pakistan. roof of the United NaIndia or Pakistan, but to 6. Kashmir is the tions, alert our friends only region which all over the world, point advance the cause of shares its borders out that the notification freedom, democracy and with three nuclear on 35A was a serious vipowers of the olation of UN resoluhuman rights world─ india, tions on Kashmir, a Pakistan & China. violation of the agreethe potential of ment between Governnuclear war has alment of india with the ways been there between india and Pak- people of Kashmir and a violation of the agreeistan, and now because of the Chinese ments between india and Pakistan.” element that potential is now real. the unWithout reservation, it can be said that if certainty over Kashmir will not only lead anybody becomes instrumental in resolving the india and Pakistan to disaster, but it will Kashmir dispute─ the bone of contention bealso destroy any possibility of bringing tween the two very potentially dangerous counpeace and stability to Afghanistan. tries─ deserves not only the Nobel Peace Prize All these peculiarities of the Kashmir situa- but also a special place in history. the resolution tion become more baffling in view of the fact of the dispute will bring unparalleled honour to that the mediatory initiative which would halt the one who helps to achieve it. that honour the violations of human rights and set the stage could be of President Joseph r. Biden if he gets for a solution would entail no deployment of involved in resolving the Kashmir dispute. his United Nations forces, no financial outlays and involvement should not be seen to favour india no adversarial relations with india. orPakistan, but to advance the cause of freedom, in this context, the following considerations democracy and human rights. are most pertinent for an assessment of the disBiden is on record to have said during his elecpute by the world powers. tion camaign: “in Kashmir, the indian government When the Kashmir dispute erupted in 1947- should take all necessary steps to restore rights for 1948, the USA, Great Britain, China, France, all the people of Kashmir.” And vice President KaCanada, Argentina, Belgium and Columbia mala harris went one step further, “We have to rechampioned the stand that the future status of mind Kashmiris that they are not alone in the Kashmir must be determined in accordance with world.” Let us keep reminding Biden Administrathe wishes and aspirations of the people of the tion that after all a promise is a promise. territory. the USA was a principal sponsor of the resolution # 47 which was adopted by the SecuDr. Fai is the Secretary General of rity Council on 21 April 1948 and which was Washington-based World Kashmir Awareness based on that unchallenged principle. the basic and can be reached at: 1-202-607formula for settlement was incorporated in the 6435 or gnfai2003@yahoo.com

India should honour its Republic Day by obeying the UN

Dr GHulaM nabi Fai “Kashmiris are not enemies of India nor do they hold any grudge against its inhabitants. We are desirous of a strong India and Pakistan and it is only possible when the Kashmir issue is resolved to pave the way for peace, prosperity and development in the region.” ─ Syed Ali Geelani, Veteran leader of Jammu & Kashmir “It is never too late to defend the right of self-determination and UN jurisprudence on Kashmir.” Dr. Syed Nazir Gilani, President, JKCHR

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N india’s republic Day, the people of Jammu and Kashmir extend their warm felicitation to the people of india. it is on January 26 that india celebrates its republic Day to honor the date on which the indian Constitution came into force. Kashmiris, however, voice deep regret over betrayal by te indian Government─ not the people of india─ of her high-minded ideals in Kashmir that marked its entry into the family of nations after long years under the British raj: shocking human rights violations, contempt for international law and binding self-determination resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. the Kashmir question is one of the oldest unresolved international problems pending on the agenda of the Security Council.. there are certain characteristics of the situation in Kashmir, which distinguish it from all other deplorable human rights situations around the world.

1. it prevails in what is recognized─ under international law─ as a disputed territory. According to the international agreements between india and Pakistan, negotiated by the United Nations and endorsed by the Security Council, the territory’s status is to be determined by the free vote of its people under U.N. supervision.

2. it represents a Government’s repression, not of a secessionist or separatist movement, but of an uprising against foreign occupation, an occupation that was expected to end under determinations made by the United Nations. the Kashmiris are not, and cannot be called, separatists because they cannot secede from a country to which they have never acceded in the first place.

3. it has been met with studied unconcern by the United Nations. this has given a sense of total impunity to india. it has also created

OverPOPULAtiON remains a fretful l crisis that the world faces, rendering it some tough challenges. however, Pakistan is among the most overpopulated countries in the world which troubles the already vociferous country. Pakistan remains the 5th most populous country in the world. the rate of population increment is 1.2 percent per year, which means the population will double in the coming years. As the United Nations reported that Pakistan’s population will rise up to 400 millions by 2050. even now, overpopulation in Pakistan is a major issue, so the negative consequences of a large population will significantly worsen with the anticipated population increment. hence, the overpopulation is resulting in unemployment that is a huge threat that Pakistan faces as it is becoming difficult to adjust such a huge population of economic agents. According to the latest estimate, the rate of unemployment in Pakistan is 5.6 percent. As the unemployment rate of a country represents the share of people without a job in the country’s labour force. Unemployed persons among them are those who are able or willing to work, but cannot due to lack of opportunities. Unemployment often leads to separation, low self-esteem, family breakdown, depression, etc. the root cause giving birth and leading to unemployment is poverty. the studies show that poverty is among the leading causes of overpopulation and unemployment. the growing ratio of jobless people brings several people to hunger. it also can have inter-generational impacts. the unemployed may not have the capacity to provide quality schooling to children. Nevertheless, education itself is not even affordable for many a family in Pakistan. the waving effects of unemployment are widely spread.

As the exploding population needs more facilities like food, health, security, water but most of the population dies in hunger and due to unemployment in the country. the remaining population establish crimes in the society that create many other issues in the country. each year the population increases but the authorities do not increase the salaries and do not provide enough job opportunities to the public. resultantly, half of the population remain unemployed in the country and many of the students quit their education due to high fees. Unemployment is destroying the lives of our youths. it is leading the kids to get into dangerous drugs which is an even harder curse_ not only for the kids but for their families as well. internationally, the countries focus more on controlling their population and creating more and more opportunities for employment so that their people live a happy and prosperous life. they prepare to kill the fatal curses like poverty, street crimes, illiteracy, unemployment, etc. their governments resign when they feel they are failed to produce benefits for their people, but things are opposite in Pakistan. Suggestively, for controlling unemployment the first main thing to reduce unemployment in Pakistan is the proper planning by the government of Pakistan and providing enough jobs to the people. they ought to spend more to have more jobs in the county. the education system of Pakistan should be equal and well-managed. every student should get quality of education. Most of the people in Pakistan complain that most jobs are sold to rich people. that is why poor students do not get opportunities to raise themselves in the world.

Ahmed UmAr LAhore

Gas issue in Pakistan GAS issue Pakistan is in the grip of gas crisis these days. Consecutive gas outages have made citizen’s lives miserable. Domestic customers are being forced to cook on wood or purchase LPG, which is very expensive. the situation in Karachi is grimmer than other cities. Most people live in apartments here. they cannot use wood stoves for cooking purposes.

Compulsorily, they have to buy expensive LPG. the poor are in great trouble owing to ongoing suspension of gas. On the other hand, the industrialists in the mega city are also furious, as the recent gas issue is pushing their industries towards closure. the closure of industries means to snatch employment from the people associated with them. As per a news, Pakistan is facing gas shortfall of around 1,700 mmcfd these days. the gas utility firms are supplied a cumulative 4,300 mmcfd as compared to aggregated demand of 6,500 mmcfd. Authorities concerned must take on this issue and make emergent arrangements of gas for domestic customers as well as the industries. Otherwise, the situation will get worse for citizens and the government would hardly tackle it.

NAeem Ur rehmAAN ShAAiq KArAchi

Mistakes “WheN you can no longer laugh at yourself, it is the time for others to laugh at you,” said thomas Szasz. But to err is human. there is no human living in the world without committing a mistake in life. however, one of the life lessons is, your best teacher is your last mistake. A mistake can teach, guide and show you the correct path if you heed to it. But it can shatter you when repeated and made a habit. When you laugh at your mistakes, people will never get the chance to laugh at you. But you will become the jest of every discussion if you don’t realize your mistakes. As it is said, committing a mistake is not a mistake but repeating a mistake is blunder. especially, in the learning process, there is no better tool than the mistake to learn from.

When you master your mistake, you will become perfect one day. You will improve and enhance after mastering a mistake. the mistakes will teach you which the path is not and make your way clear for you. to look it from other angles, you commit various mistakes in the life: some fade away by the time.

Some last till your last breath. And some perpetuate. Committing a mistake first time in life is evitable but the same second time is your choice. Always keep in mind if you are repeating the same mistake then you are choosing to do so. that is not considered a mistake but a choice of yours. A choice is made by decision of mind. And get to know, it is the worst decision when a person chooses to commit a mistake. Choosing to commit a mistake becomes a habit gradually. And that’s going to drag you towards the evil.

When you choose to do it, it soon becomes a part of your life. As it becomes of part of your life your conscience will die within you. You never regret doing it. Your conscience will make you regret the first time you commit a mistake. When the mistake becomes the part of life thereafter it zips its mouth. the time it zips its mouth beware you have become an addict of your mistake. Abstain from the work which for your conscience blames you. that will be the wisest decision ever; else your choice to commit the mistake will make it a habit and it will make you repent one day.

JehANgir JAmeeL TUrbAT

Thursday, 28 January, 2021

08 WORLD VIEW

US Strategy in Syria haS failed WASHINGTON MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT CAN’T BUILD A STATE

Foreign AFFAirs

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RobERt S FoRD

uRInG his four years in office, u.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly promised to get the united States out of the nation-building business. Long-term u.S. efforts to reconstruct and stabilize postconflict societies, he argued, were misguided and doomed to fail. And for the most part, Trump delivered: he cut troop numbers in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he scaled back democracy-promotion funding by nearly $1 billion during his time in office.

But the Trump administration departed from its nonation-building policy to pursue one long-shot effort— in Syria. The united States tried to use military force and financial pressure to compel Syrian President Bashar alAssad to accept major constitutional reforms and a Kurdish autonomous zone in the country’s northeast. under u.S. supervision, that region developed into a semistate with its own army, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and an entrenched bureaucracy—dominated by the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection units (YPG) and its political arm, the Democratic union Party (PYD).

After six years and roughly $2.6 billion, this statelet is America’s baby, raised under u.S. military protection and shielded from hostile neighbors. unable to support itself, the autonomous zone will remain dependent on u.S. resources for the foreseeable future. An open-ended commitment of this kind is not what the united States needs, however. Syria has never been a major u.S. national security issue, and American interests there have always been limited to preventing the conflict from threatening Washington’s more important concerns elsewhere. Current u.S. policy does little to accomplish that central goal.

It has also not secured political reform in Damascus, restored stability to the country, and dealt with the remnants of the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. President Joe Biden would do well to change tack—withdrawing the hundreds of u.S. soldiers currently deployed to Syria and relying on Russia and Turkey to contain ISIS. Ostensibly, u.S. strategy in northeastern Syria is designed to mop up the last vestiges of ISIS, denying the group a safe haven from which to launch attacks. Although a years-long international military campaign largely destroyed the terrorist group, its remaining members still carry out sporadic low-level attacks in Syria and Iraq. American support for the SDF, and its Kurdish YPG core, is supposed to help these groups contain ISIS with minimal outside help

and without the need for a full-scale u.S. deployment.

Although politically appealing, this strategy is deeply flawed. The united States’ Syrian Kurdish allies have exacerbated long-standing regional tensions between Arabs and Kurds. Among Arab communities in particular, there is widespread frustration over Kurdish political dominance—enabled by the united States—and Kurdish control of local oil fields. Arab residents have also protested the SDF’s alleged administrative corruption, heavy-handed counterterrorist operations, and conscription practices. For their part, Kurdish forces have carried out car bomb attacks against Arab towns under Turkish military control. In such an environment, fraught with ethnic tensions and tribal disputes, ISIS can operate with the tacit acceptance of local communities and recruit from their disaffected ranks. The united States will always confront this problem if its policies favor a Kurdish-dominated statelet in eastern Syria. u.S. strategy has another, more fundamental defect: ISIS is not contained to the areas under u.S. and SDF control. The terrorist group also operates in a zone loosely controlled by the Syrian government and its allies, including Russia and Iran, that extends almost 200 miles west of the euphrates River. If the goal is to prevent ISIS from reconstituting itself or using Syria as a launching pad for attacks elsewhere, then limiting u.S. deployments to the country’s eastern quarter doesn’t solve that problem. nor does sanctioning the Assad government—repulsive though it is—since doing so only leaves Syrian government forces with fewer resources to fight the extremist group.

The current u.S. approach also lacks an achievable endgame. Without u.S. diplomatic and military cover, the YPG and SDF would likely face a two- or three-front war against both Turkey and the Syrian government that would draw their fighters away from the battle against ISIS. To prevent that outcome, while still backing Kurdish forces, the united States will have to remain in eastern Syria indefinitely. If Russia, Turkey, Iran, or the Syrian government chooses to increase military pressure on u.S. forces or the nascent Kurdish statelet, the united States will be forced to throw ever more resources at the problem. Such was the case when Russian military units began harassing u.S. patrols in the summer of 2020— and the united States Central Command dispatched new lightly armored units as a deterrent. This dynamic is likely to get worse in the coming years.

RELYING ON RUSSIA AND TURKEY: Given these flaws in Trump’s Syria policy, the new administration needs a different approach—one that successfully contains ISIS without committing the u.S. military to another forever war. Instead of maintaining the current u.S. strategy, the Biden team, with its newfound emphasis on diplomacy, should rely more heavily on Russia and

Turkey. unpleasant as it sounds, acknowledging these two countries’ interests in Syria might produce better results.

Russia is a far from perfect partner, but its support for Assad makes it the right force to take over the counterISIS fight. Moscow is committed to ensuring the Syrian government’s survival, and a resurgent ISIS (potentially financed by Syrian oil fields seized from the SDF) would seriously threaten Assad. To capitalize on this narrow strip of common ground, the Biden administration should strike a deal that delegates to Moscow counter-ISIS missions on both sides of the euphrates. This would inevitably require an increased Russian military footprint in eastern Syria, and the united States would need to negotiate a phased withdrawal of its forces and a timeline for a transition from u.S. to Russian control. handing off responsibility for counter-ISIS missions in eastern Syria, however, will not eliminate the need to prevent the terrorist group from using Syria as a base to attack u.S. allies or interests. To mitigate that threat, the united States must convince Turkey to secure its southern border. Much like Moscow, Ankara has clear incentives to cooperate; ISIS has launched terror attacks inside Turkey, too. Completely sealing off a nearly 600-milelong border will be difficult, however, so Washington will have to provide Turkey with technological and intelligence support to monitor terrorist traffic. Such an effort will require intense cooperation, and the Turks were hard to deal with even before u.S. support for the YPG, which Turkey considers a terrorist group, helped tank relations. But cooperation will be easier once the united States is no longer directly assisting Kurdish forces.

Turkey’s primary objective is to stop these groups from establishing an autonomous entity in Syria.

THE RIGHT ROLLOUT: Biden must avoid surprising the united States’ Kurdish partners with this new strategy; his administration should inform them early about impending u.S. steps. The SDF and YPG have been good partners in the fight against ISIS, and the Russians would be wise to continue working with them under a new arrangement. Moscow has experience in this area: the Russians created, equipped, and currently oversee the “Fifth Corps” of pro-Damascus fighters that conduct missions around the country. In conjunction with the Syrian government, Moscow could create a new “Sixth Corps” composed of SDF members under Russian command.

Separately, the PYD and YPG will have to negotiate with Damascus over the political status of the territory they control. The PYD’s long-standing relationship with the Syrian government can facilitate this process. In 2012, the group struck a deal with Assad to take control of northeastern cities as the Syrian army withdrew, and its communities never endured government bombing campaigns such as those that targeted homs, Aleppo, and suburban Damascus. now, the YPG and PYD should build on this legacy to secure equal citizenship and property rights for their communities—protections long denied to many Syrian Kurds. Although such an arrangement won’t constitute full autonomy in a federal Syria, it would be a

significant improvement over the prewar status quo.

Still, there will undoubtedly be howls of protest from u.S. politicians and analysts who insist that Washington owes the YPG and SDF much more. But despite valuable Kurdish assistance in the fight against ISIS, the united States does not owe these groups an indefinite military umbrella at substantial taxpayer expense. The united States’ national interest is to contain terrorist threats, not guarantee the shape of governance in eastern Syria.

RECOGNISING US LIMITS: ultimately, the Biden administration needs to be realistic about the united States’ ability to extract political concessions in Syria. u.S. officials, myself included, long sought reforms from Assad’s government—with little success. For its part, the Trump administration tried using financial sanctions and control over Syria’s oil fields to compel Damascus to change its behavior. Assad hardly budged. Damascus excels at stringing along negotiations, and the un talks in Geneva that Washington has pinned its hopes on are stalemated. For Assad and his clique, the conflict is a zerosum game in which demands for reform or autonomy inevitably lead to instability, challenges to their control, or unwelcome calls for accountability. Thus, the regime fights on under the painful assumption that reform will shorten its lifespan. u.S. or SDF control of small northeastern oil fields won’t change that calculation.

Other analysts claim that a u.S. withdrawal would give Iran and Russia free rein in Syria. That argument ignores both countries’ decades-long political and military links with Damascus—ties that u.S. pressure is unlikely to weaken. Russia and Syria have maintained a close relationship since the Cold War, and Russian advisers operated in the country well before the current conflict began in 2011. Iran’s presence is similarly longstanding: when I was the u.S. ambassador in Syria ten years ago, u.S. diplomats shared an apartment building with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members. There have been Revolutionary Guard military facilities in Syria for almost 20 years. Occasional small u.S. patrols in eastern Syria won’t alter either of these bilateral relationships, and they won’t be able to block Iranian missile shipments into the country—something the Israeli air force is already doing effectively.

Biden could, of course, maintain the Trump administration’s strategy. But doing so would mean wasting billions of dollars while exacerbating intercommunal tensions and failing to contain ISIS. The united States has limited objectives in Syria that should cost Washington far less; whatever cash it wants to spend should go to the enormous refugee problem. Better to let Russia and Turkey secure their national interests by taking on the antiISIS burden. ultimately, such bargains are the essence of diplomacy—working on specific problems, even with unsavory partners, to achieve limited but mutual goals.

ROBERT S. FORD is a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute and Kissinger Senior Fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. From 2011 to 2014, he served as U.S. Ambassador to Syria.

long before farmers’ tractor parade, Babri Masjid movement also waded into republic day row THE NON-OBSERVANCE AND/OR BOYCOTT CALL OF REPUBLIC DAY BY A COALITION OF MUSLIM ORGANISATIONS IN 1987 CAN’T BE COMPARED WITH THE FARMERS’ TRACTOR PARADE OF 2021. BUT THERE IS A LINK

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HILAL AHMED

he ‘tractor parade’ led by the protesting farmers on the occasion of Republic Day symbolises how these historic national events can also be observed without directly adhering to the State-sponsored official celebrations and rituals. But this is not the first time the idea of protest has got entangled with the Republic Day events. Much before the farmers, the Babri Masjid Movement Coordination Committee had triggered a national debate in 1987 when it made a call to mount its protest on the symbolism of the day.

The farmers’ parade, to quote Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav, aims to celebrate the Gana (the people), and not the Tantra (government), so as to realise the true meaning of Ganatantra (the Republic).

This symbolic attempt to regain the alternative meanings of Ganatantra has a unique postcolonial story.

The call given by the Babri Masjid Movement Coordination Committee (BMMCC) — a coalition of Muslim organisations to restore the status of Babri Masjid — has been one of the most curious episodes of this alternative story of Ganatantra. The BMMCC called upon “the Mus-

lim community not to participate in or associate themselves with the observance of the Republic Day on 26 January 1987, except those individuals who are on official duty”. (Muslim India, Vol. 50) An All India Conference on Babri Masjid was organised in Delhi on 21-22 December 1986. This conference issued an overarching document — Delhi Declaration — that came out with a four-point radical agenda: (a) the non-observance of the Republic Day call; (b) an all-India Bandh on 1 February 1987; (c) a rally on 30 March 1987; and if all these fail, (d) a direct march to Ayodhya. (Muslim India, 50, p. 59-60) There was an inherent confusion in this declaration.

The idea of non-participation in this appeal was not very clear. It could have two possible meanings. First, the non-participation of Muslims could possibly be understood as a kind of ‘deliberate action’ to register their grievances. Second, the non-participation could also be perceived as an act of boycott or rejection. In this sense, it might be seen as an act to challenge the authority of the State.

The mainstream media, particularly the english print media, further increased this confusion. In most of the Delhi-based newspapers, the original text of the Delhi Declaration or its broad overview were not published.

Instead, the political programme, particularly the radical measures adopted by the BMMCC, was given adequate coverage. Interestingly, the non-participation call was described as the boycott of Republic Day. The news of a ‘boycott call’ provoked all the major political forces in India. The call was criticised, condemned and rejected primarily on the ground of ‘India’s unity and integrity’. The sympathisers of the Babri Masjid agitation also disapproved of this move and requested the BMMCC to withdraw it. The Congress (I), BJP, CPI, and VhP officially condemned this call. The Janata Party and

the CPI(M) asked the BMMCC to review its decisions and requested it to abandon its agitational programme.

The CPI (ML-Santosh Rana) was the only political front that supported the BMMCC and asked others to join this call. (Muslim India 50, pp. 93-94) The most interesting condemnation of this ‘boycott call’ came from the ‘concerned citizens’: writers, intellectuals, journalists, artists, who prefer to call themselves ‘non-political’. The statement noted: “on these occasions…our people should not be drawn into any controversy of partisan politics, sectarian polemics or conflict with government and administration…any attempt to abridge their importance or vitiate their significance is politically unwise, legally impermissible, nationally injurious and morally reprehensible’. (Muslim India, 50, pp.63-64) This lucidly written statement does not differentiate between the ‘partisan politics’ of any kind and the ‘conflict with government and administration’. It implies that any kind of disagreement as well as conflict with the government and administration on these occasions could not be tolerated. In this sense, this statement seems to suggest that any attempt to challenge the given dominant State version of India’s heritage and its political legacy are not acceptable.

The BMMCC also contributed to the debate. It came out with an equally well-articulated argument. In a statement titled Call not against State but against Government and violator of Constitution issued on 11 January 1987, the BMMCC clarified the distinction between the term ‘boycott’ and ‘non-observance’. The statement noted: “a boycott call would imply obstruction, resistance and mobilization, while non-participation or non-association is a voluntary act of sacrifice and self-imposed deprivation…The call of non-participation is not against the State but against the government; it is no illegal or un-

constitutional in any sense of the term; it is neither unethical nor anti-national; it is not an act of treason or rebellion or revolt; it does not constitute any disrespect to the Constitution or to the Republic. The call is against those elements, who violate the Constitution and against a government, which fails to defend and protect the Constitution”. (Muslim India 50, p. 61) This statement offered a ‘democratic’ explanation to the radical strategy adopted by the coalition. It also suggested a creative re-reading of the constitutional provisions. By adhering to the inherent democraticconstitutional, an attempt was made to question the actual functioning of the government. This intellectual explanation did not have any impact. The media kept on describing the call as a ‘boycott of Republic Day’.

The sympathisers of the Babri Masjid agitation started pressuring the BMMCC to withdraw the call. even on 22 January 1987, then-President Giani Zail Singh made a formal appeal to the BMMCC to participate in the official celebration of the Republic Day. (Muslim India 51, p. 141) By that time, the BMMCC had achieved its objective, at least symbolically. It had influenced the political system to recognise the ‘restoration of the Babri Masjid’ as a national issue.

Thus, finally, on 25 January 1987, just one day before the Republic Day, the call was withdrawn. The non-observance and/or the boycott call of 1987 cannot be compared with the farmers’ parade of 2021. however, one thing is common that links these two episodes — how to commemorate the Republic Day, politically. These two agitations remind us that the dominant official imagination of India, its past and its authentic people can be challenged, opposed and even rejected while celebrating the political values of our Constitution.

The author is Associate Professor, CSDS, New Delhi.

Thursday, 28 January, 2021

BUSINESS 09 mArkEt DAIly

Bull run continues as index gains 170 points KARACHI STAFF REPORT

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained buoyant for the third day of the rollover week with investors lapping up shares mainly on cement and refinery sectors. Global equity markets, on the other hand, showed a negative trend, whereas crude oil prices inched up from the previous close; WTI crude oil price appreciating 0.70pc to $52.98 while Brent crude price rising 0.74pc to $56.05 (As at 3:51pm PST). "Key decisions to be taken in today's ECC meeting kept the interest alive at the bourse, with technology, cement and refinery stocks contributing significantly," a report issued by Arif Habib Ltd read. "Overall, the index gained over 400 points intraday, but profit booking in E&P and banking sectors brought the net gains to around 170 points by the end."

MARKET SUMMARY: Reminiscent of the first two sessions of the week, the benchmark KSE-100 Index remained in the green throughout the day, recording its intraday high at 46,698.33 after accumulating 410.95 points. It settled higher by 170.75 points at 46,458.13.

Among other indices, the KMI-30 Index gathered 400.25 points to end at 74,008.61, while the KSE All Share Index added 111.27 points, closing at 19,370.27. The overall market volumes inched up from 603.23 million shares in the previous session to 610.63 million shares. Average traded value also increased from $166.9 million to $180.6 million. Azgard Nine Ltd (ANL +0.56pc), Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Ltd (PIBTL +1.92pc) and TRG Pakistan Ltd (TRG +6.40pc) led the volume chart, exchanging 40.21 million, 39.63 million and 37.01 million shares, respectively. Sectors that kept the benchmark index in green included technology & communication (+71.03 points), cement (+64.70 points) and oil & gas exploration (+28.51 points). TRG Pakistan Ltd (TRG +68.61 points), Mari Petroleum Company Ltd (MARI +30.61 points) and Lucky Cement Ltd (+18.74 points) remained the top contributors. Adding 3.13pc to its cumulative market capitalization, the refinery sector ended as the session's top performer, with Attock Refinery Ltd (ATRL 2.00pc), Pakistan Refinery Ltd (PRL 3.27pc) and Byco Petroleum Pakistan Ltd (BYCO 1.13pc) posting decent gains. On the financial side, Hinopak Motors Ltd (HINO +3.04pc) announced earnings per share of Rs1.23 for 3QFY21 (Rs25.77 last year); Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Ltd (HCAR +1.93pc) declared an EPS of Rs5.26 for 3QFY21 (Rs0.29 last year); whereas Bank AL Habib Ltd (BAHL -2.62pc) reported an EPS of Rs16.03 for FY20 (Rs10.05 in FY19).

FPCCI laments hike in cement, steel prices KARACHI INP

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) has deplored the unusual hike in cement and steel prices, urging the government to safeguard the advantages envisioned in the prime minister's initiative for the construction sector. In a statement issued on Wednesday, FPCCI Vice President Nasir Khan raised concerns over the sharp increase in cement and steel prices, saying that this would nullify the incentives offered by the government under its fixed tax regime for the construction industry. He said cement and steel were the main raw materials for the construction industry, highlighting that the price of cement has surged Rs500–Rs700 per bag, whereas that of steel prices has jumped to Rs145,000 per tonne.

"This will have a negative impact on the prime minister's low-cost housing scheme, besides damaging the government's efforts to strengthen the national economy." Khan said the unusual hike in cement and steel prices was totally unjustified as most of the raw materials were locally available. He urged the government to waive at least for three months custom duties on the import of cement and steel so that benefits of the fixed tax regime could be availed.

PAkIstAn FInALLy gRAnts gI tAg to BAsmAtI to Contest IndIAn CAse In eU ISLAMABAD

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GHULAM ABBAS

FTER formally opposing the Indian application for exclusive Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Basmati rice, Pakistan has finally registered the aromatic rice variety as its GI product in order to protect the commodity in the international market.

GI, an intellectual property, is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

GIs are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products, among others. Following the speedy approval of GI rules recently, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) had applied for GI tag of Basmati at Intellectual Property Organization (IPO)-Pakistan, which is now the GI Registry.

After the Indian application appeared in the European Union’s (EU) official magazine, the process of approving GI rules in the country was expedited to object Indian claims and contest the case in the EU.

According to IPO Pakistan Chairman Mujeed Ahmed, TDAP has been granted Basmati rice GI tag by the GI Registry (IPO). The approval of GI rules and the subsequent registration of Basmati under the country's GI law would help Pakistan contest Indian claim of exclusive rights, he added.

Meanwhile, as per an official, unlike India, Pakistan in its application submitted to the EU has not claimed exclusive rights of Basmati as the same variety of rice is grown in India and some other countries.

"We have only opposed the Indian claim, which is baseless and against the ground reality. This is why even the State of Madhya Pradesh in India has also opposed the country’s GI tagging for Basmati and is contesting the move in Indian Supreme Court," said the official. Like Pakistan, Nepal has also claimed the GI right on Basmati paddy in the EU, in response to India seeking an approval to receive GI certification for the same from the political and economic union of 27 member countries.

Nepal claims that Basmati rice has been in production in the South Asian region, including Nepal, for ages. However, Nepal does not grow fine rice or

basmati rice in large volumes and the growing demand for fine rice is met through imports from India.

Earlier this month, Pakistan had approved the long-awaited GI rules in a fast move after the country was caught unaware when India applied for an exclusive GI tag to Basmati rice in the EU in September 2020. Pakistan was also facing registration issues regarding domestic products in the international market as local items were not protected through the GI law.

As per the approved rules, at least 79 products, including Basmati Rice, Khanpur Khwa, Bahawalpur Chunri, Bhakkar Karna Oil, Khewra Pink Salt, Chitrali Embroidery, Hunza Apricot, Sukkur Dates etc., have been protected through the GI law.

“GI identifies agricultural, natural and manufactured goods originating, manufactured or produced in a territory, region or locality as determined by the country, where a given quality, reputation, characteristics, ingredients or components are essentially attributable to its geographical origin,” the rules stated. “In case of manufactured goods, the production, processing or preparation of the specified product takes place in a certain territory, region or locality.”

ADB endorses five-year partnership strategy for Pakistan The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has endorsed a five-year "country partnership strategy" for Pakistan to help restore the country's struggling economy.

The strategy, according to the bank's Director General for Central and West Asia Eugene Zhukov, plans to help restore economic stability and growth in order to create jobs and expand economic opportunities in Pakistan, which is struggling to overcome the coronavirus pandemic.

The pandemic has interrupted the macroeconomic recovery in Pakistan, resulting in a sharp contraction in growth, a rise in public expenditures, and a loosening of monetary policy to mitigate the health and economic impacts.

The five-year (2021-2025) plan is aligned with Pakistan’s

development vision, ADB’s Strategy 2030, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

"The ADB’s assistance over the next five years prioritizes support for three interlinked pillars: improving economic management, building resilience through human capital development and social protection, and boosting competitiveness and private sector development," Zhukov said in a statement on Wednesday.

The bank, he further said, will continue to help improve the energy sector through reforms and sovereign and nonsovereign investments.

Under the partnership strategy, he added, the bank will expand investments and help accelerate reforms in secondary education and technical and vocational education and training.

To boost competitiveness and private sector development, the ADB will also focus on building livable cities, promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency, and investing in rural infrastructure.

“The government has expressed its strong commitment to the ongoing International Monetary Fund Extended Fund Facility program,” said Xiaohong Yang, the bank's country director for Pakistan.

“The CPS [country partnership strategy] places a strong focus on combining reforms with physical and social investments to improve sustainability and generate lasting development impact," he added.

In September last, the bank approved a $300-million loan to help strengthen Pakistan's ailing finance sector. NEWS DESK

IHC accepts petition challenging mandatory online filing of tax appeals ISLAMABAD INP

A single bench of Islamabad High Court (IHC), comprising Justice Aamer Farooq, on Wednesday accepted a petition challenging the FBR’s decision regarding the introduction of mandatory online filing of tax appeals and summoned the respondents to clarify their position.

The Federal Board of Revenue, through SRO Notification No. 1315(I)/2020, had amended the income tax rules and introduced online filing of an appeal before the commissioner Appeals from January 1, which resulted in panic among taxpayers.

After the orders, a local company challenged the decision though Syed Muhammad Abbas Bukhari and termed the decision illegal, illogical and a violation of taxpayer rights.

Bukhari, in his arguments, said that all taxpayers

are not in a position to comply with the new system, which is “faulty and full of viruses”, while the form is incomplete and the system does not issue a receipt to many people despite the acceptance of their appeals.

"Many taxpayers are unable to file online appeals while there was no place to mention the stay order," he maintained, adding that FBR has started issuing recovery notices to those who have failed to file petitions within the given time.

Bukhari said that online filing is a good move towards digitisation but it should have been initiated after removing bugs from the system and improving the submission form. "Manual filings should not be disallowed completely as many taxpayers lack the facility to file appeals online," he said.

After hearing the arguments, the court barred FBR from recovering disputed tax amounts and summoned the federal law enforcement agency's software developer and other officials on February 15.

Bank AL Habib's profit rises 59pc to Rs17.8bn in 2020 The Board of Directors of Bank AL Habib Limited met on Wednesday to review and announce the bank's financial results for the year ended 31 December 2020, and proposed a 45pc cash dividend. The bank, in the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic, recorded a solid growth in terms of both balance sheet size and annual profit. According to financial results, the bank's profit after tax was recorded at Rs17.81 billion i.e. an increase of 59.48pc compared to the corresponding period last year. The bank's profit before tax was recorded at Rs28.58 billion, showing a growth of 50.34pc compared to last year, driven by markup income as well as fees and commission income translating into an earning per share of Rs16.03 per share against Rs10.05 in 2019. Net markup income increased by 39.90pc as compared to last year, bringing it to Rs57.62 billion, reflecting the bank’s success in maintaining sustainable growth. Despite challenging conditions, pressure on the country's trade and free online offerings during the pandemic, the bank managed to increase its fee and commission income by 9.60pc as compared to last year. Total assets reached Rs1.52 trillion, an increase of 17.20pc as compared to 31 December 2019. Loans and advances grew 4.42pc to Rs510.25 billion whilst the investments increased 30.51pc to reach Rs764.94 billion, leading to overall growth in the total assets. Due to the ban's sound risk management practices and prudent financing strategy, the NPL ratio was recorded at 1.41pc. NEWS DESK

Excessive power generation capacity troubles once energy-starved Pakistan After spending decades tackling power shortages, Pakistan is now faced with a new and unfamiliar problem of "excessive electricity generation capacity", Bloomberg has reported.

After having a large number of coal and natural gas-fired plants built - most financed under the Belt and Road Initiative, launched

by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 within a short span of time, Pakistan found its power supply to have been flipped to a surplus last year.

According to Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Energy Tabish Gauhar, the country is set to have as much as 50pc excessive electricity by 2023.

However, having excessive electricity spells trouble for Pakistan since the government is the sole buyer of electricity and also has to pay producers even when they don’t generate.

According to the SAPM, the government is holding talks with producers to end the existing agreement and lower their tariffs and asked them to delay the start of new projects to help tackle this issue. The government is also trying to convince industries to switch to electricity from gas.

“We have a lot of expensive electricity and that is a burden,” Gauhar said.

While the recent surplus is a welcome

change after years of shortages that resulted in load-shedding for much of the day across the country and also rendering exporters unable to meet orders, it comes with two problems.

The first is a creaking network, and the second is the need to supply cheaper power while keeping emissions in check.

“Pakistan has overcapacity, yet it still has power shortages because of the unreliability of the grid,” said Simon Nicholas, an analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis. “They haven’t invested in the grid the same way they’ve invested in power plants,” he said.

Last month, Pakistan plunged into total

CMYK

darkness as the National Transmission and Despatch Company’s (NTDC) power system encountered a major breakdown due to the tripping of Guddu Thermal Power Plant at around midnight.

While the new plants have also boosted coal generation to a record fifth of the power mix, Pakistan plans to increase the share of wind and solar to 30%, while another 30% will be generated from river-run dams.

In a deal to reduce future tariffs, the government will pay private power producers Rs450 billion in overdue electricity bills.

The government targets to pay 40pc of that bill by the end of February, with the sec-

ond payment slated before December, Gauhar said. A third of the payment will be made in cash, with the rest in fixed income instruments, he added.

About eight gigawatts worth of government-owned power plants will also have tariffs reduced. Pakistan also plans to negotiate lower tariffs for mining and power generation at the Thar coalfield, the SAPM was quoted as saying.

The government aims to delay about 10 gigawatts worth of planned power projects, including coal and wind plants, since there won’t be any need for them next year, Gauhar added. NEWS DESK

Thursday, 28 January, 2021

10 FOREIGN NEWS un report accuses yemen government of money-laundering, houthis of taking state revenue NEW YORK AGENCIES

Biden lays out plans to comBat racism, says america is 'ready to change' WASHINGTON

Independent UN sanctions monitors accused Yemen’s government, in a report seen on Tuesday, of moneylaundering and corruption “that adversely affected access to adequate food supplies” and said the Houthi group collected at least $1.8 billion in state revenue in 2019 to help fund its war effort. The annual report to the UN Security Council on the implementation of international sanctions on Yemen coincides with UN officials saying that the country is on the verge of a large-scale famine with millions of civilians at risk.

The monitors said Saudi Arabia deposited $2 billion with the Central Bank of Yemen in January 2018 under a development and reconstruction programme. The money was intended to fund credit to buy commodities - such as rice, sugar, milk and flour - to strengthen food security and stabilize domestic prices. The UN investigation found that Yemen’s Central Bank broke its foreign exchange rules, manipulated the foreign exchange market and “laundered a substantial part of the Saudi deposit in a sophisticated money-laundering scheme” that saw traders receive a $423 million windfall. “The $423 million is public money, which has been illegally transferred to private corporations. Documents provided by the Central Bank of Yemen fail to explain why they adopted such a destructive strategy,” according to the UN report. The monitors said they view it as “an act of money-laundering and corruption perpetrated by government institutions, in this case the Central Bank of Yemen and the Government of Yemen, in collusion with well-placed businesses and political personalities, to the benefit of a select group of privileged traders and businessmen.” Yemen’s government and the Central Bank did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the accusations. The UN report said that in areas controlled by the Houthis the group was collecting taxes and other state revenue needed to pay government salaries and provide basic services to citizens. It estimates the Houthis diverted at least $1.8 billion in 2019, “a large portion” of which was used to fund their war effort. The Houthis did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the accusations in the UN report. A Saudi Arabia-led military coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015, backing government forces fighting the Houthis in a war widely seen as a proxy conflict between US ally Saudi Arabia and Iran. UN officials are trying to revive peace talks to end the war as Yemen’s suffering is also worsened by an economic collapse and the Covid-19 pandemic. The UN monitors reported “there is a growing body of evidence that shows that individuals or entities within the Islamic Republic of Iran are engaged in sending weapons and weapons components to the Houthis” in violation of a UN arms embargo. Iran denies such support for the Houthis.

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AGENCIES

RESIDENT Joe Biden on Tuesday issued a firm call to heal America's racial divide, taking several steps and promising more to confront racism and inequality that he said has plagued the United States for far too long.

Racial tensions simmered during the turbulent four-year presidency of Donald Trump and Biden noted that the January 6 siege of the Capitol by Trump supporters was carried out by "thugs, insurrectionists, political extremists and white supremacists." But Biden said he believes the vast majority of Americans believe in equality.

"We've never fully lived up to the founding principles of this nation - to state the obvious - that all people are created equal and have a right to be treated equally throughout their lives," Biden said in remarks at the White House. "And it's time to act now, not only because it's the right thing to do, but because if we do we'll all be better

off for it." Biden took executive action on four fronts: curbing the US government's use of private prisons, bolstering anti-discrimination enforcement in housing, underscoring a commitment to Native American tribal sovereignty and condemning discrimination against Asian Americans and Americans of Pacific Island descent he said has risen during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Democratic president has sought to roll back some of the policies of his Republican predecessor and deliver on racial justice reforms he promised during the election campaign.

Critics accused Trump of pursuing policies built around "white grievance" in a nation where the white population is declining by percentage.

Black voters proved critical to Biden first in winning his party's presidential nomination and then in defeating Trump in the November 3 election.

The United States, still feeling the legacy of slavery which ended in the mid-19th century, was rocked by protests against racism and police brutality in many cities last year in response to incidents including the death of Black man George Floyd in Min-

neapolis police custody in May 2020.

On the day he took office last week, Biden signed an executive order establishing a government-wide initiative to address racial inequity and systemic racism in federal policies, laws and programmes.

'I PROMISE YOU' On Tuesday Biden said in the coming weeks he would reaffirm a federal "commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and accessibility."

"Again, I'm not promising we can end it tomorrow, but I promise you we're going to continue to make progress to eliminate systemic racism, and every branch of the White House and the federal government is going to be part of that effort," Biden said.

Biden said his order directing the Justice Department not to renew its contracts with privately operated criminal detention facilities is intended to ultimately end the department's use of private prisons. The order did not address contracts for private prisons by the Department of Homeland Security, which uses such facilities to detain immigrants who are in the country illegally.

Biden described the move as the first step to "stop corporations from profiting" off of incarcerating inmates, and said it was "just the beginning of my administration's plan to address systemic problems in our criminal justice system."

Biden called for restoring and expanding the landmark Voting Rights Act even as many states pursue Republican-backed measures that Democrats have said are intended to suppress voting rights. Trump after the election made false claims of widespread voting fraud and irregularities as part of his failed effort to overturn Biden's victory.

Biden said there is "a battle for the soul of this nation.""And the simple truth is: our soul will be troubled as long as systemic racism is allowed to persist. We can't eliminate it. It's not going to be overnight. We can't eliminate everything, but it's corrosive, it's destructive and it's costly."

The Biden administration's newly announced fair-housing policy will require the Department of Housing and Urban Development to study and counteract the racially discriminatory impacts of previous policies.

India top court suspends ruling on man who molested girl after outcry NEW DELHI AGENCIES

India’s top court on Wednesday suspended a lower court’s ruling reducing the punishment for a man who groped a girl after the verdict sparked an outcry in a country where crimes against women have become politically contentious.

Rights groups and politicians had warned that the lower court’s decision could undermine efforts to crack down on assaults on girls and women in India, which in 2018 introduced the death penalty for rapes of girls under the age of 12.

The High Court of Bombay last week punished

the man, convicted of pressing the breasts of a 12year-old girl through her clothes, under a less-stringent penal code instead of a 2012 law protecting children from sexual offences, as there was no “skin to skin (contact) with sexual intent without penetration”. A High Court judge had ordered a one-year jail term for the man instead of three years he was ordered by another court under the 2012 law.

The chief justice of India, in a hearing in New Delhi, issued a notice to the state government of Maharashtra, where the incident occurred in 2016, and permitted the attorney-general to file an appeal against the ruling. “We stay the order and issue notice,” Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde said.

The National Commission for Protection of

Child Rights had earlier urged Maharashtra to appeal against the initial court verdict. The rape, torture and murder of a 23-year-old student on a bus in New Delhi in 2013 sparked an outcry and big protests.

The attack prompted India to enact tough laws against sexual violence, including the death penalty for rape in some cases, but implementation has been poor and attacks have shown no sign of letting up. Four men convicted of the 2013 attack were hanged last year.

At 148,185 cases, India reported a 7.3 per cent increase in crimes against children in 2019 from a year earlier, according to the most recent government data.

Global tally of Covid-19 cases surpasses 100 million as new strains emerge LONDON AGENCIES

More than 100 million Covid-19 cases have now been recorded worldwide, according to a tally on Tuesday, as newly-inaugurated President Joe Biden pledged to ramp up the United States' struggling vaccine programme. The number of cases, compiled from data provided by national health agencies, represents just a fraction of the real infections as the coronavirus has spread around the globe. The United States, which passed 25 million confirmed cases last weekend, remains the country with the largest outbreak -- and the largest death toll of over 420,000. Biden is seeking to turn around the fight against the virus, which took a ferocious grip on the country during Donald Trump's presidency when the risks were downplayed and officials gave mixed messages on mask-wearing and socialising.

Biden said vaccinating the entire US population was a daunting challenge, and the program inherited from the Trump administration "was in worse shape than we anticipated or expected."

"This is a war-time undertaking. It's not hyperbole," he said, announcing the US was buying an additional 200 million doses and will have enough to vaccinate 300 million Americans -- virtually the entire population -- by early fall.

In another day of grim milestones, Britain surged past 100,000 Covid-19 deaths, and other European nations looked to tighten their borders, hoping to keep out new, more transmissible virus strains.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was "hard to compute" the loss felt by British

families after his country became the first European country to surpass 100,000 Covid19 deaths.

But he said his government, which faced criticism over its initial response to the outbreak, "did everything that we could to minimise suffering and minimise loss of life."

'DRASTIC MEASURES' The UK has struggled to counter a brutal third wave blamed on a new variant that emerged there before Christmas before spreading to dozens

of countries around the world.

Neighbouring Ireland said Tuesday it would enact mandatory travel quarantines for the first time, as well extending its third national lockdown until March 5.

Among other European nations looking to strengthen border controls was Germany, which said it is considering almost completely halting flights into the country.

"The danger from the numerous virus mutations forces us to consider drastic meas-

ures," Interior Minister Horst Seehofer told the Bild newspaper.

Iceland meanwhile started to issue vaccination certificates to ease travel for those who have had both required doses.

The new measures came as anger rises over grinding anti-coronavirus restrictions, with the Netherlands rocked by nightly riots since it imposed a curfew on Saturday.

More than 400 people were arrested after the worst unrest to hit the country in four decades, but the Dutch government said it would not back down.

"You don't capitulate to people who smash shop windows," Dutch Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra said, calling the rioters "scum." Israeli police also clashed with protesters, arresting 14 people after ultra-Orthodox Jews demonstrated against lockdown measures. With the global death toll at 2.1 million, the world has looked to vaccines to break the gloom, but bickering over access to doses has intensified.

Tensions have in particular mounted between the European Union and pharmaceutical firms over delays to deliveries.

"Europe invested billions to help develop the world's first Covid-19 vaccines," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told the virtual World Economic Forum (WEF). "And now, the companies must deliver. They must honour their obligations."

'VACCINE NATIONALISM' Europe's vaccination campaign stumbled after BritishSwedish drugs company AstraZeneca warned it would not be able to meet promised targets on EU shipments -- a week after US group Pfizer said it was also delaying delivery volumes.

AstraZeneca's CEO insisted Tuesday

that the company was not selling vaccines ordered by the EU to other countries at a profit.

The widening gap for vaccine supplies between rich and poor countries led both South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to lash out at "vaccine nationalism."

Ramaphosa told the WEF that low- and middle-income countries were being shouldered aside by wealthier nations able to acquire "up to four times what their population needs." The row over access to vaccines at the WEF -- normally held at the Swiss ski resort of Davos -- comes as the pandemic compounds economic inequality.

Despite Lebanon being under one of the world's strictest lockdowns, fatherof-six Omar Qarhani said he was still selling vegetables on the side of a road in Tripoli because he is desperate to support his family.

"I'm not scared of corona -- what scares me is being in need and poverty," he said.

Brazil banned flights from South Africa -- both countries have their own new variants -- while virus deaths in Mexico passed the 150,000 mark on Monday just a day after President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he tested positive.

The IMF now predicts a "cumulative output loss" of $22 trillion -- the equivalent of the entire US economy -- over 2020-25.

Nevertheless, optimism that vaccines will bring the pandemic under control and allow economic activity to resume, coupled with stimulus in major economies, boosted the IMF's growth forecast this year to 5.5 per cent.

Thursday, 28 January, 2021

SPORTS 11

FAwAD AlAM Century leADS PAkIStAn tO 308-8 AgAInSt SOuth AFrICA

Cricket Australia confirms Indian players racially abused cANBERRA: A Cricket Australia (CA) probe on Wednesday concluded Indian players were racially abused during the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but cleared six people who were kicked out of the stadium. Cricket chiefs and New South Wales police launched investigations after fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah complained about being targeted while they fielded by the boundary ropes on day three of the clash this month. The following day, the play was halted for close to 10 minutes when Siraj ran from the fine leg boundary towards the umpires, pointing into the crowd. Six men were removed from their seats, but they have now been cleared. “CA confirms that members of the Indian cricket team were subjected to racial abuse,” the governing body’s integrity chief Sean Carroll said in a statement. “CA’s own investigation into the matter remains open, with CCTV footage, ticketing data and interviews with spectators still being analysed in an attempt to locate those responsible.” But it added: “CA’s investigation concluded that the spectators filmed and/or photographed by media in the Brewongle Stand concourse at the conclusion of the 86th over on day four of the Test did not engage in racist behaviour.” The tense four-Test series, which India won 2-1, was marred by the allegations, with veteran India spinner Ravi Ashwin saying it was not the first time there had been issues in Sydney.

“It’s definitely not acceptable in this day and age […] we must make sure it doesn’t happen again,” he said. Cricket Australia issued an apology to India at the time and said anyone found guilty of abuse would face consequences, including bans, other sanctions and referral to police. The findings have been forwarded to the International Cricket Council, while NSW Police’s investigation is continuing. AGENCIES

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AGENCIES

AWAD Alam’s third Test century put Pakistan in charge on the second day of the first Test against South Africa on Wednesday. The 35-year-old Alam hit nine fours and two sixes in a patient 109 off 245 balls, compiled in just under six hours, to help his team reach 308-8 at stumps.

Faheem Ashraf also scored a fluent 64 off 84 balls as Pakistan opened up a firstinnings lead of 88 runs on a slow wicket.

He and Alam shared a stand of 102 for the seventh wicket.

Debutant Nauman Ali was 6 not out and Hasan Ali, who was bowled by Keshav Maharaj off a no-ball late in the day, was unbeaten on 11.

Alam, who bats in an unorthodox style and exposes all three stumps to the bowler, was out in the last session when he flicked a ball from Lungi Ngidi (2-55) straight to mid-wicket. "I am feeling out of this world at the moment, it was a very good innings because the team needed it the most," Alam said. "I think we can put South Africa under more pressure if we manage to add 20-30 more runs tomorrow [Thursday] because the pitch looks like quite slow and double-paced."

Pakistan was in trouble overnight on 33-4 after South Africa had been skittled out for 220 on an eventful first day when 14 wickets fell on an uneven wicket.

But Alam showed lots of determination to keep the Proteas at bay. The home team went close to dismissing him for 35 just before lunch when Dean Elgar failed to hold onto a sharp low catch in the slips.

PAKISTAN 308 FOR 8 (FAWAD 109, FAHEEM 64, RABADA 2-45, NGIDI 2-55) LEAD SOUTH AFRICA 220 BY 88 RUNS

Alam had long been ignored by Pakistan after scoring a debut Test hundred against Sri Lanka in 2009.

He finally got his chance against England last year and the left-handed batsman made his second Test century, 11 years after his first, against New Zealand last

month. On Wednesday, Alam shared a 94run, fifth-wicket stand with Azhar Ali (51) before his partner was caught behind off left-arm spinner Maharaj (2-71). Mohammad Rizwan then made 33 until he was removed by Ngidi.

Alam reached his century by lofting

Maharaj, who shared the new ball with Kagiso Rabada (2-45), over long on for his second six. Ashraf, who smashed Rabada for two boundaries in an over with the new ball, was dismissed when he dragged a full delivery from Anrich Nortje (2-84) onto the stumps.

Tim Paine retained as skipper for Tests in South Africa SYDNEY AGENCIES

Matthew Wade was axed Wednesday for Australia’s Test series in South Africa after failing to fire against India, while underpressure Tim Paine retained the captaincy.

Wade played all four games in the tense 2-1 home summer series loss to India, including two as makeshift opener in place of the injured David Warner.

But he managed just 173 from his eight innings, with some rash shots ultimately costing him his place in the side and seeing him replaced by Alex Carey as back-up wicketkeeper. Instead, Wade will join Australia’s Twenty20 squad on their tour of New Zealand as vice-captain to the out-ofform Aaron Finch.

Australia are due to play three Tests in South Africa. The tour was originally scheduled for February and March, but the dates have yet to be locked in due to concerns over coronavirus.

Cricket Australia Wednesday reiterated

its commitment to making the trip, with the Tests expected to take place in March or April. The five-game T20 tour of New Zealand runs from February 22 to March 7, clashing with South Africa, meaning a host of players including Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins were not available.

Wade was the main casualty from the India series, with the squad otherwise much the same. Uncapped bowlers Sean Abbott, Michael Neser, and Mitchell Swepson are again included, with fellow quick Mark Steketee and Carey the only newcomers. Carey’s inclusion was seen as significant, with the 29-year-old, who has excelled for Australia in limited overs internationals, tipped as a potential successor as captain to Paine, 36.

Paine had a sub-par series against India, particularly the last two Tests when he dropped a slew of chances and came under fire over his bowling changes, field placings and decisions on when to declare.

He was also fined for an expletiveladen rant at an umpire and forced to apol-

ogise after an ugly verbal tirade at India’s Ravi Ashwin, all of which put his captaincy under the microscope.

‘WIDE OF THE MARK’: But National Selector Trevor Hohns insisted Paine was still the right man for the job.

“Tim Paine was excellent at number seven against India and as a batsman, wicketkeeper and captain still has much to offer in the Test arena,” he said. Cricket Australia’s National Teams chief Ben Oliver also gave Paine his backing.

“Tim has the support of the team, the coach and everyone else at Cricket Australia and the result of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series has done nothing to diminish that,” he said. “After a series that attracted so much global interest, it was inevitable there’d be scrutiny. But some of the commentary surrounding Tim and his position as Test captain has been wide of the mark.”

The absence of several T20 regulars opened the door for some fresh faces to make the trip to New Zealand, with three uncapped players in the squad including

teenage leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha. The other rookies are opener and gloveman Josh Philippe and fast bowler Riley Meredith.

Paceman Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff and spinner Ashton Agar make their return to Australian colours after lengthy injury layoffs.

TEsT squAD FOR sOuTH AFRIcA: Tim Paine (captain), Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.

T20 squAD FOR NEW ZEAlAND: Aaron Finch (captain), Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, D’Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

Shakib, Mehidy, Stirling move up in ODI rankings DuBAI: Bangladesh offspinner Mehidy Hasan and Ireland batsman Paul Stirling have made notable gains in the ODI rankings for bowlers and batsmen, respectively, after the latest round of bilateral engagements. Shakib Al Hasan, who returned to international cricket after a one-year ban during Bangladesh's series against West Indies, also moved up two places to No. 13 among bowlers. Mehidy, who was the highest wickettaker against West Indies with seven strikes including a career-best 4 for 25 in the second ODI - has climbed up nine spots to No. 4, while Stirling's three centuries in his last five ODIs against the UAE and Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi helped him rise eight steps to No. 20 among batsmen. His 131 not out against UAE was followed by scores of 128 and 118 against Afghanistan, though all three knocks came in losses. Shakib, meanwhile, was just behind Mehidy with six wickets against West Indies - four of which came in the first ODI. In other gains for Bangladesh, left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman - who also claimed six wickets in the three matches - has jumped 11 spots to No. 8 among bowlers, while wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, captain Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah and Mohammad Saifuddin also made slight gains in the charts. Though West Indies comprehensively lost all three ODIs against Bangladesh, Alzarri Joseph moved up by 11 places up to No. 34 among bowlers. AGENCIES

Manchester City thump West Brom to go top, Arsenal turn tables on Southampton LONDON AGENCIES

Manchester City thrashed West Brom 5-0 to move back top of the Premier League on Tuesday as Arsenal aided their push towards the European places with a 3-1 win at Southampton.

City have now won 11 consecutive games since West Brom earned a shock 1-1 draw at the Etihad last month.

Pep Guardiola’s men have hit top form since and did not miss the presence of the injured Kevin De Bruyne in blowing away the Baggies by scoring four goals before half-time. Ilkay Gundogan opened the floodgates by curling home from the edge of the box before Joao Cancelo’s controversial strike doubled City’s lead.

The West Brom defence was distracted by a wrongly raised offside flag before the Portuguese full-back found the net, but the goal stood after a VAR review.

Gundogan then took his tally to seven goals in his

last eight league games before Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling rounded off the scoring.

“There’s not really a secret,” Gundogan said of his scoring streak. “I’m just in the right spaces at the right moment. I’m in a bit more of an offensive role, if I get the chance close to the box I try to make the right decisions.” West Brom have now conceded 17 goals in Sam Allardyce’s four home games in charge as they remain second bottom of the table, six points off safety.

ARsENAl ON THE RIsE: Guardiola’s former assistant Mikel Arteta is also enjoying a fine run of form as Arsenal have taken 16 from the last possible 18 points.

The Gunners avenged their FA Cup to Southampton at the weekend despite falling behind after three minutes to Stuart Armstrong’s sweet strike.

Nicolas Pepe quickly levelled before Bukayo Saka rounded Alex McCarthy and slotted home to give the visitors at half-time lead.

“I think we were good from the start. We conceded

CMYK

a goal from a corner but responded straight away,” said Arteta. “It showed a lot of intelligent and resilience from the team in the way they managed the game.”

Alexandre Lacazette sealed a vital three points 18 minutes from time as Arsenal moved up to eighth and within five points of the top four.

WEsT HAM GO FOuRTH: West Ham occupy the fourth Champions League place as Tomas Soucek scored twice in a 3-2 win at Crystal Palace.

The Hammers suffered an early setback when Wilfried Zaha put Palace in front after just three minutes.

But the stronger mentality that David Moyes has lauded in West Ham this season showed as Soucek struck twice in 16 minutes to turn the game around.

Only Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes has scored more Premier League goals from midfield than the Czech since he joined from Slavia Prague a year ago.

Craig Dawson headed in Jarrod Bowen’s corner 25 minutes from time to make it 3-1 before Michy Bat-

shuayi scored a late consolation for Palace.

A sixth consecutive win in all competitions takes Moyes’s men above Liverpool in the table and Jurgen Klopp’s struggling Reds will be wary of their trip to the London Stadium on Sunday.

At the other end of the table, Newcastle lost 2-1 at home to Leeds to stretch their winless run to 11 games.

“This league is demanding and cruel at times,” said beleaguered Magpies boss Steve Bruce.

Raphinha slotted home Rodrigo’s cut-back to give Marcelo Bielsa’s men a deserved half-time lead.

Miguel Almiron levelled with Newcastle’s first goal for five games early in the second half, but parity lasted only four minutes before Jack Harrison’s sensational finish with the outside of his left foot claimed all three points for the visitors.

Newcastle have a seven-point cushion over the bottom three, but have now played two games more than Fulham in 18th.

Thursday, 28 January, 2021

prayer timings

NEWS

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

5:36

12:14

3:07

7:01

5:27

6:52

UnIverSItIeS Are free tO COndUCt OnlIne exAmS, SAyS HeC

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AKING notice of concerns raised by students of some universities that their exams should be conducted online, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Wednesday allowed universities to conduct exams, either on-campus or online based on their capacity.

“HEC advises universities to conduct exams based on their capacity and need for fair assessment,” reads the statement issued by HEC. The decision was taken in a meeting attended by vice-chancellors of all the provinces and regions. The meeting reviewed apprehensions of students carefully keeping in view the difficulties brought about by the pandemic and opening of universities from February 01, 2021.

“HEC already allowed universities to use their discretion to conduct exams, either on-campus or online as long as the chosen mode provides a fair assessment of students’ performance,” the statement added.

“The universities should take stock of their “exam readiness”, i.e., technological readiness, managerial capacity, and the announced policy, and choose the best possible mode of assessment,” it further added.

The HEC in a press release said that online exams “either can be used if the universities administer ‘Open Book Exams’ or establish an invigilation system in a supervised environment”.

The statement further reads that universities will also have to use Turnitin to check the similarity index with Web and the answers of other students. Further, a viva/oral exam may be integrated into the assessment where necessary. “On-campus exams can be used only under strict compliance with all Covid-19 health and safety protocols. Universities may also have to organize makeup classes for two weeks in case students consider the course coverage to be deficient,” according to a statement.

The HEC said that all students in a single course will be examined in the same mode i.e., either on-line or on-campus. “Since March 2020, HEC has been continuously monitoring the pandemic situation and coordinated with the universities to minimize academic disruption and continue online education with quality safeguards,” read the press release.

Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood expressed happiness over HEC’s decision.

“This paves the way for them to devise the right

SHAFQAT EXPRESSES HAPPINESS OVER HEC'S DECISION procedures quickly to do so. Education standards must be kept up. Work hard students and wish you the best,” the minister wrote on Twitter.

The decision from the HEC came after days-long protests by students in several cities, especially in Lahore where they turned violent earlier this week.

Students had been protesting for a week now say they attended online classes throughout the last year due to the pandemic and wanted to be examined under virtual conditions also.

They also claim universities had not completed the syllabi of different courses but now the institute’s administrations were pressing for exams.

The protesting students also called for a reduction in tuition fees since they did not attend classes in person and said that boarding schools should not be charging for lodging or meals.

Earlier on Wednesday, Shafqat announced that the

country will adopt the Single National Curriculum (SNC) from the next academic year, which will begin from August 2021.

The announcement was made through the official Twitter account of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, wherein the ministry stated that it has developed the SNC with consultation from the relevant stakeholders for grades pre-1 to 5 and that this “shall be followed by all public and private schools across the country from next academic year”.

According to the ministry, under the directives from the federal minister for education, the new year “would start now in August 2021 due to extension in examination dates to be held in May/June and also prolonged school closures in the academic year of 2020”.

Furthermore, the ministry said that a letter was sent to all provincial and area governments regarding the Textbook Policy under the unified curriculum.

It stated that publishers are “allowed to develop these textbooks aligned with SLOs prescribed by SNC” and that they will require a no-objection certificate (NOC) by the provincial textbook boards so that they may “check any inclusion of anti-Pakistan, antireligion, and any other hate material”. news desk

Police book hundreds of varsity students for ‘vandalism’, ‘arson’ outside campus LAHORE: Punjab police on Wednesday registered a first information report (FIR) against hundreds of students on charges of vandalism and arson during a protest outside a university in the city’s Johar Town neighbourhood a day earlier. Part of a series of nationwide protests seeking online assessments instead of on-campus exams due to the coronavirus pandemic, hundred of students enrolled in a private university had staged a demonstration outside the premises when the security baton-charged the participants, injuring many. Subsequently, a contingent of the police arrived on the scene and arrested as many as 94 students.

The complaint lodged at the Nawab Town police station nominated the 94 arrested and declared hundreds of their peers as unidentified under sections 452, 506-B, and 270 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The accused will now be presented in a local court. In an initial statement, the police said it identified the suspects through CCTV footage, social media posts, and electronic media reports. An official said the prime suspect, Zubair Siddiqui, Lahore president of Progressive Students’ Collective (PSC), a student organisation, had incited the protesters to “attack” the building and was responsible for stone-pelting on the security staff. staff report

Indian farmers back at protest camp after deep challenge to Modi NEW DELHI agencies

Tens of thousands of farmers who stormed the historic Red Fort on India’s Republic Day were again camped outside the capital Wednesday after the most volatile day of their two-month standoff left one protester dead and more than 80 police officers injured.

The protests demanding the repeal of new agricultural laws have grown into a rebellion that is rattling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. On Tuesday, more than 10,000 tractors and thousands of more people on foot or horseback tried to advance into the capital, shoving aside barricades and buses blocking their path and at times met by police using tear gas and water cannons.

Their brief takeover of the 17th century fort, which was the palace of Mughal emperors, played out live on Indian news channels. The farmers, some carrying ceremonial swords, ropes, and sticks, overwhelmed police. In a profoundly symbolic challenge to Modi’s Hindu-nationalist government, the protesters who stormed Red Fort hoisted a

Sikh religious flag.

“The situation is normal now. The protesters have left the streets of the capital,″ New Delhi police officer Anto Alphonse said Wednesday morning.

Most New Delhi roads were reopened to vehicles by midnight Tuesday, hours after the protest organiser, Samyukt Kisan Morcha, or United Farmers’ Front, called off the tractor march and accused two outside groups of sabotage by infiltrating their otherwise peaceful movement.

“Even if it was a sabotage, we can’t escape responsibility,” said Yogendra Yadav, a protest leader.

He didn’t say whether the protesters will go ahead with another march planned for February 1 when the Modi government is scheduled to present the annual budget in Parliament.

Yadav said frustration had built up among the protesting farmers and “how do you control it if the government is not serious about what they have been demanding for two months.”

Tuesday’s escalation overshadowed Republic Day celebrations, including the annual military parade that was already scaled back because of the coro-

navirus pandemic. Authorities shut some metro train stations, and mobile internet service was suspended in some parts of the capital, a frequent tactic of the government to thwart protests.

The farmers — many of them Sikhs from Punjab and Haryana states — tried to march into New Delhi in November but were stopped by police. Since then, unfazed by the winter cold and frequent rains, they have hunkered down at the edge of the city and threatened to besiege it if the farm laws are not repealed.

Neeraja Choudhury, a political analyst, said the government failed to anticipate what was coming and prepare for it adequately. “If the farmers are agitated overall India, you can’t dismiss the protests as some opposition inciting the farmers.”

The police statement said 86 personnel injured in clashes with farmers.

Several of them jumped into a deep dry drain in the fort area to escape the protesters who outnumbered them at several places.

Police said one protester died after his tractor overturned, but farmers said he was shot. Several bloodied protesters could be seen in television footage.

Police said the protesting farmers broke away from the approved protest routes and resorted to “violence and vandalism.” Eight buses and 17 private vehicles were damaged, said police, who filed four cases over vandalism against the protesters.

The government insists the agricultural laws passed by Parliament in September will benefit farmers and boost production through private investment.

But the farmers fear it will turn agricultural corporate and leave them behind.

The government has offered to suspend the laws for 18 months, but the farmers want nothing less than a full repeal.

Since returning to power for a second term, Modi’s government has been rocked by several convulsions. The pandemic sent India’s already-teetering economy into its first-ever recession, social strife has widened and his government has been questioned over its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2019, the year that witnessed the first major protests against his administration, a diverse coalition of groups rallied against a contentious new citizenship law that they said discriminated against Muslims.

COAS for enhanced defence cooperation with Jordan forces RAWALPINDI staff report

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that Pakistan values its brotherly relations with Jordan and Pakistan Army looks forward to enhanced defence and security cooperation with Jordan Armed Forces.

The army chief said this while talking to Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Jordan Armed Forces Major General Yousef Ahmed Al-Hnaity, who called on him on Wednesday, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). During the meeting matters of mutual and professional interest and regional security situation were discussed. The visiting dignitary appreciated the professionalism of Pakistan Army and its continuous efforts for regional peace and stability, said the ISPR. Later, Major General Yousef Ahmed AlHnaity, who is on official visit to Pakistan, called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza at Joint Staff Headquarters. According to the ISPR, matters of bilateral professional interest and further strengthening of security and defence cooperation between the two countries were discussed during the meeting. Both sides also deliberated upon the prevailing international and regional security environment. Major General Yousef Ahmed Al-Hnaity lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in fight against terrorism. Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned out tri-service contingent presented ‘Guard of Honour’ to the visiting dignitary.

US cites ‘moral imperative’ to develop AI weapons as Pakistan calls for ban WASHINGTON agencies

The United States should not agree to ban the use or development of autonomous weapons powered by artificial intelligence (AI) software, a government-appointed panel said in a draft report for Congress. 30 countries, including Pakistan, want a ban, according to the coalition’s website, and a United Nations body has held meetings on the systems since at least 2014. The panel, led by former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt, on Tuesday concluded two days of public discussion about how the world’s biggest military power should consider AI for national security and technological advancement. Its vice chairman Robert Work, a former deputy secretary of defense, said autonomous weapons are expected to make fewer mistakes than humans do in battle, leading to reduced casualties or skirmishes caused by target misidentification. “It is a moral imperative to at least pursue this hypothesis,” he said. The discussion waded into a controversial frontier of human rights and warfare. For about eight years, a coalition of nongovernmental organizations has pushed for a treaty banning “killer robots,” saying human control is necessary to judge attacks’ proportionality and assign blame for war crimes.

While autonomous weapon capabilities are decades old, concern has mounted with the development of AI to power such systems, along with research finding biases in AI and examples of the software’s abuse. The US panel, called the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, in meetings this week acknowledged the risks of autonomous weapons. A member from Microsoft Corp for instance warned of pressure to build machines that react quickly, which could escalate conflicts.

‘Bigger than winning World Cup’: Nepali climber on first winter ascent of K2 KATHMANDU agencies

A team of Nepali climbers that made the first winter summit of K2, the world’s second tallest peak, arrived back in the country to a heroes’ welcome on Tuesday from crowds of well-wishers.

The 10 men, who climbed the 8,611 meter (28,251 foot) K2 peak on January 16, attributed their success to team spirit and a resolve to raise their country’s pride.

The mountain, that straddles the Pak-

istan-China border, was first climbed in 1954 but had never been summitted in the winter.

“We succeeded in our effort because we worked as a team,” Nirmal Purja, the climbing leader, said at a public function to welcome them back. “If we unite we conquer […] if we are divided we fall,” he added.

He said the K2 ascent was a huge achievement for all climbers to celebrate. “It is bigger than winning the World Cup.” Purja, 37, also holds the record of climbing the world’s 14 highest mountains in the shortest time of six months and one week.

Fans and families placed colorful Buddhist prayer scarves on the climbers’ shoulders on their arrival at Nepal’s only international airport in Katmandu.

“With the success, we made our country proud even by risking our own lives,” Purja told reporters at the airport before they were driven around the temple-studded city in an open truck.

All except one of the group are Sherpas, an ethnic group known for their climbing skills more commonly known as support workers for foreign expeditions.

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