EpaperKHI_21-12-18

Saturday, 18 December, 2021 I 13 Jamadi-al-Awwal, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 170 I 12 Pages I Karachi Edition

Qureshi warns against militants’ regrouping if world abandons afghanistan

ISLAMABAD

f

staff CorrespoNDeNt

OrEIGN minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi warned on Friday saying groups such as Al-Qaeda and Deash will get advantage of the Afghan crisis.

Delegates for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) special session on Afghanistan started to arrive in Islamabad from Saturday (today).

The 17th Extraordinary Session of the OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers was called by Saudi Arabia and will be hosted by Islamabad on Dec. 19. The meeting’s focus is on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where the economy plunged into free fall in midAugust when the Taliban took control as US-led foreign troops withdrew after 20

years of presence.

Concerns over the unchecked presence of extremist groups on Afghan soil have been raised since the beginning of the US withdrawal, but last week the head of the US Central Command said it was clear that Al-Qaeda is attempting to rebuild its presence inside Afghanistan, which was the base from which it planned the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks against the US. “The likes of Al-Qaeda and Daesh will get advantage of the crisis and will increase their footprints in Afghanistan,” Qureshi told reporters during a press briefing.

The Taliban takeover prompted the US and other donors to cut off financial aid on which Afghanistan became dependent during 20 years of war, and froze $9.5 billion in Afghan central bank

Coronavirus in

pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

1,290,214

assets, isolating the country from the global financial system and paralyzing its banks.

UN agencies say nearly 23 million people — about 55 percent of the Afghan population — are now facing extreme levels of hunger, with 9 million at risk of famine.

“If we do not act now this will become the largest humanitarian crisis in the world,” Qureshi said. “All you have invested in Afghanistan in last 20 years in education, and other sectors will be ruined. The gains the world has made will evaporate.”

According to Arab News, as delegates for the OIC meeting started to arrive in Islamabad, including the organization’s secretary general Hissein Brahim Taha and Islamic Development Bank president Muhammad Sulaiman AlJasser, Qureshi said US Special representative for Afghanistan Tom West has also confirmed his participation.

“That gives US an opportunity of assessing the situation right sitting next door,” he said, adding that he had also discussed the unfreezing of the Afghan central bank assets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who cited “certain legal issues” hindering the release of funds.

“I think within those legal issues there is still a cushion of around $2 billion which is not tied to that legal issue. By releasing those $2 billion US can ease immediate sufferings of Afghan people, so what we are saying is they should consider that,” Qureshi said. “rebooting the banking system would be a big step in the direction of economic stability that is the immediate step that is required.” He added that Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is also scheduled to attend the OIC meeting, which will give the international community an opportunity to express their concerns and expectations directly to the Taliban.

US recognises Pakistan’s efforts to counter terrorism in 2020 The annual US report on terrorism has recognised Pakistan’s efforts in 2020 to counter terror financing and restrain Indian-backed militant groups from conducting attacks in Pakistan.

In the report, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Pakistan has made some important contributions to the Afghan peace process, such as encouraging the Taliban to adopt peace and reduce violence and making more progress toward completing its Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Action Plan in 2020.

However, the report stated that Pakistan did not fulfil all of the Action Plan’s elements and remained on the FATF’s “grey list”.

Despite acknowledging Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism in the region, the report claimed that terrorist groups continued to conduct attacks against Pakistani military and civilian targets in 2020.

Although Pakistan’s national action plan calls for ensuring that no armed militias are allowed to function in the country, several UN- and U.S.-designated terrorist groups that focus on attacks outside the country continued to operate from Pakistani soil in 2020, the report claimed, adding that the government and military acted inconsistently with respect to terrorist safe havens throughout the country. “Authorities did not take sufficient action to dismantle certain terrorist groups,” it stated.

Appreciating Pakistan’s constructive and active role in the International Atomic Energy Agency-hosted meetings and in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, the report noted: “Pakistan is committed to combating the trafficking of items that could contribute to the development of WMDs and their delivery systems.”

In a chapter titled “Support for Pakistan,” the report stated that the US urges Pakistan to dismantle terrorist groups within its territory while acknowledging Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan and broader regional security.

“The United States cooperates

Pakistan to enhance mutually beneficial multi-domain relations with EU: COAS

NEW CASES:

6

301

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

1,251,914 28,849 SINDH:

PUNJAB:

478,564

444,032

KPK:

BALOCHISTAN:

180,825

33,540

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

34,627/10,428

108,198

more inside

Oil prices head for weekly loss on Omicron coronavirus uncertainty STORY ON PAGE 02

LAST UPDATED AT 10:29 AM ON DECEMBER 16, 2021

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

with Pakistan on counterterrorism operations, which has helped Pakistan reclaim parts of the country previously held by militant groups,” it reported, while claiming that designated terrorist groups continue to conduct attacks against Pakistani military and civilian targets.

“While Pakistan has taken some action against these designated terrorist organisations, some externally focused terrorist groups continue to find safe haven in Pakistan,” the report stated.

The chapter in the report further noted that the US has supported civilian law enforcement and the rule of law to help Pakistan disrupt transnational organised crime and terrorist networks and provide security and justice for Pakistani citizens.

The emphasis on sustainable development and capacity-building, and on leveraging trade and private sector investment where possible, encourages partnership and a long-term positive impact on the Pakistani people, the report stated. People-to-people exchanges, which largely shifted to virtual exchanges during COVID-19, helped promote mutual understanding and bilateral ties, it added.

In a section about USAID Basic Education in Muslim-majority countries, the reports revealed that $5.2 million was allocated to Pakistan.

“USAID activities expanded access to quality basic education for all, particularly for marginalised and vulnerable populations,” it noted. News Desk

ISLAMABAD staff CorrespoNDeNt

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar on Friday said that Pakistan valued its relations with European Union (EU) countries and earnestly look forward to enhance mutually beneficial multi-domain relations based on common interests, the military said in a statement.

According to Inter-Services Public relations (ISPr), the army chief expressed these remarks during a meeting with Czech republic Ambassador in Pakistan Tomas Smetanka at Gen-

eral Headquarter (GHQ) in rawalpindi. During the meeting, the ISPr said, matters of mutual interest, regional security, current situation in Afghanistan and measures for collaboration in extending direly needed humanitarian assistance to Afghans were discussed.

The COAS said that Pakistan valued its relations with EU countries. “We earnestly look forward to enhance mutually beneficial multi-domain relations based on common interests.”

The ISPr said that the visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in Afghan situation, efforts for

regional stability and pledged to play his part for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

On November 19, Speaker of the Council of representatives of Bahrain Fawzia Bint Abdullah Zainal called on the army chief and discussed the Afghan security situation besides matters of mutual interest.

During the meeting, the COAS reiterated the need for global convergence on Afghanistan to avoid humanitarian crises and coordinated efforts for the economic uplift of the Afghan people.

Central bank ready for a policy rate pause, Baqir says STORY ON PAGE 03

Shahzad Akbar accuses Shehbaz Sharif as ‘ring leader of moneylaundering gang’ STORY ON BACK PAGE

02

Saturday, 18 December, 2021 | KARACHI

NEWS

Oil PriceS HeaD fOr weekly lOSS On OmicrOn cOrOnaviruS uncertainty SInGAPORE

O

Agencies

IL prices dipped on Friday, putting the market on track for a narrow weekly loss, as surging cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant raised fears new curbs may hit fuel demand, while a weaker dollar supported commodity markets broadly.

Brent crude futures fell 59 cents, or 0.8%, to $74.43 a barrel at 0707 GMT while

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures dropped 67 cents, or 0.9%, to $71.71 a barrel. Brent is headed for a 1% loss this week, while WTI is poised to finish the week nearly flat.

“Look at what’s happening with Omicron – that’s a negative which people are trying to digest,” said Commonwealth Bank commodities analyst Vivek Dhar. “Are we going to be in line for some new restrictions?

That’s what the market’s trying digest.”

In Denmark, South Africa and the

United Kingdom, the number of new Omicron cases has been doubling every two days. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Thursday warned the government may impose further curbs to limit the spread of Omicron.

In the United States, the rapid spread of the Omicron variant has led some companies to pause plans to get workers back into offices.

“Messages of caution and warnings of a worsening COVID wave are starting to ring

louder with the approach of the year-end holiday season, dampening market sentiment,” said Vandana Hari, energy analyst at Vanda Insights. “Crude may remain in a holding pattern, albeit with plenty of price volatility around the mean, in holiday-thinned trading over the next couple of weeks.”

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and allies, together known as OPEC+, have said they could meet ahead of their scheduled Jan. 4 meeting if changes in the demand outlook

warrant a review of their plan to add 400,000 barrels per day of supply in January.

But despite the Omicron threats to demand, Goldman Sachs said on Friday the new variant has had a limited impact on mobility or oil demand, adding it expects oil consumption to hit record highs in 2022 and 2023.

Oil prices have also retreated from multi-year highs earlier in the fourth quarter on improved supplies.

“Supply tightness is easing with a monthly addition of 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) from OPEC+ and US oil output of 11.7 million bpd,” ANZ Bank said in a note on Friday.

Benchmark Brent and WTI both gained around 2% on Thursday, buoyed by record US implied demand and a weaker US dollar as the Bank of England surprised markets with a rate hike, taking a more hawkish stance than the Federal Reserve.

Tiger Global backs Pakistan’s CreditBook in $11m round KARACHI TAimoor HAssAn

Students in Punjab to observe winter vacations from Dec 23 LAHORE sTAff rePorT

Minister for Education Punjab Murad Raas on Friday announced that the winter vacations for schools — public and private — across the province would be observed from December 23 to January 6, 2022. The education minister, while announcing the schedule, also advised the masses to get vaccinated and follow government-mandated standard operating procedures (SOPs), as the new coronavirus variant Omicron has also emerged in Pakistan. Pakistan confirmed its first case of the new variant on Monday — in a patient who had no travel history. Hours before Raas’ announcement, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) had finally decided January 3, 2022, as the date for the commencement of winter vacations of the educational institutions across the country.

The date was finalised Friday during a meeting of the NCOC, headed by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and NCOC chief Asad Umar, held to review the rescheduling of winter vacations. Last week, the Government of Sindh had announced winter vacations for schools and colleges — public and private — across the province from December 20 till January 1, 2022.

Digital bookkeeping startup Fintech startup CreditBook today announced it has closed a $11 million pre-Series A round led by US-based Tiger Global and UK-based firstminute capital.

This marks the first investment for both funds in the country. Previous investors include Better Tomorrow Ventures, who led the earlier round, VentureSouq, Ratio Ventures and i2i Ventures also took part in the current round. Angel investors who participated in the new and oversubscribed round include Julian Shapiro, Turner Novak, Sriram Krishnan, and operators from companies such as AirBnB, Microsoft, Robinhood and Lazada.

An internal document shared by the startup confirms that the amount raised was $11 million.

Since its launch in June 2020, CreditBook claims to have become the leading digital bookkeeping solution amongst small business owners in the country.

Prior to this, scores of small businesses remained entirely reliant on paper- based bookkeeping for business management.

Today, the startup claims their application is being used in over 400 towns and cities, with a 10x increase in transacting users on the platform over the previous

year, signalling strong product-led growth. The company continues to expand on its existing offerings that include cash flow management, reporting and repayment reminders, and is gearing up to enable entrepreneurs further with the provision of financial services.

“Pakistan remains one of the world’s most financially excluded countries in terms of equality of access to products, services and payment infrastructure, but things are changing rapidly,” read a statement from the startup. “Since the pandemic, the country of 220 million people has seen an uptick in the adoption of digital financial services. Mobile money transactions have grown from approximately 800,000 per day to 2 million transactions per day and over 60% of the population is under 30 years of age, which makes the population of Pakistan one of the youngest in the world, and highly receptive to digital financial innovation.”

Iman Jamall, co-founder of CreditBook, who is one amongst a handful of female founders in the country, said: “Financial products and services have been designed in a way that overlooks the needs of small and medium sized businesses, but now technological and demographic trends are reinforcing each other in a positive manner. That’s what makes CreditBook’s timing so relevant.”

“For many, this is their first business management

Weekly inflation surges 0.55pc as pulses, electricity prices rise ISLAMABAD TLTP

The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) based weekly inflation surged 0.55 percent, after going down for three weeks in a row.

According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Friday, the SPI-based weekly inflation for the week ended on December 16, 2021 for the combined consumption group witnessed o.55 percent increase, while it went 19.49 per cent up on a year-on-year (YoY) basis.

According to the PBS, the combined index was at 168.16 on December 16 as compared to 167.24 on December 9, while the index was recorded at 140.73 a year ago on December 17.

During the week under review, out of 51 items, prices of 17 (33.34%) items increased, prices of (29.41%) items decreased, and prices of 19 (37.25%) items remained stable.

The SPI for the current week recorded an increase in the prices of food items including pulse Masoor (4.11%), salt (3.70%), pulse gram (2.08%), bananas (1.69%), mustard oil (1.35%), pulse Mash (1.32%), and non-food items including electricity for Q1 (10.37%) and washing soap (1.23%), with joint impact of (1.55%) into the overall SPI for combined

group of (0.55%).

On the other hand, a decrease was observed in the prices of potatoes (15.52%), tomatoes (12.65%), chicken (5.94%), onions (3.94%), diesel (3.48%), petrol (3.40%), eggs (1.69%), gur (1.34%), sugar (1.29%), chilies powdered (0.57%), beef (0.54%), pulse Moong (0.37%), rice basmati broken (0.20%), mutton (0.15%) and wheat flour (0.04%).

According to the PBS data, the year on year trend depicts an overall increase of 19.49%, with increase in electricity for Q1 (83.95%), LPG (65.26%), cooking oil 5-litre (60.37%), vegetable ghee 1-kg (57.56%), vegetable ghee 2.5-kg (55.62%), mustard oil (55.60%), washing soap (45.75%), petrol (35.42%), chillies powdered (32.24%), pulse Masoor (29.52%) and diesel (26.72%), while major decrease was observed in the prices of onions (28.72%), pulse Moong (24.87%), chicken (16.09%), tomatoes (14.76%), potatoes (14.58%) and eggs (9.86%). On a yearly basis, analysis of SPI change across different income segments showed that SPI increased across all quantiles ranging between 17.59 percent and 21.42 percent. Yearly inflation for the lowest income group increased by 21.42 percent while the highest income group recorded an increase of 19.46 percent.

World must respond to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan TASnIM ASLAM The international community is slowly waking up to the grave humanitarian crisis and looming economic collapse in Afghanistan.

In an unprecedented joint op-ed, eleven prominent US former ambassadors and generals have urged the US to vigorously join efforts to help the Afghan people as they believe it to be America’s ‘reputational interest and moral responsibility’. They have called on the Biden Administration to, inter-alia, bring forward, in consultation with its allies, tangible proposals to stabilize Afghan economy.

The Guardian, in a recent editorial, has put it very poignantly that by invading Afghanistan, Britain and the US began a fight they could not finish. By leaving in a panic, they precipitated another disaster. If they are to prevent a third catastrophe, they must hurry to the aid of the starving Afghan people – immediately, generously and without further prevarication.

There were early warnings by Pakistan, the

tool. Once they see an improvement in their cash flows, they come back to us with a sense of confidence, often searching for new ways to grow their business through the app. The connection between finance and welfare doesn’t seem out of reach anymore,” she added.

According to the company’s estimates, it is planning to address an estimated $45 billion unmet financing gap for small businesses. CreditBook will use the fresh funds to strengthen its team, focus on value added features for cash flow management, and position itself as a leading financial service provider for small business owners.

John Curtius, partner at Tiger Global Management, said, “We are excited to partner with CreditBook and make Tiger Global’s first investment into Pakistan. The investment is a testament to the incredible traction and vision demonstrated by the team.”

“What we’re building is really a one-stop solution for entrepreneurs to improve their financial outcomes in multiple areas of life. This vision can only be achieved if we build it alongside some of the brightest people around the world. As a remote first organisation, we’ve already been successful in attracting good talent and we will continue to focus on creating a culture for people to thrive,” said Hasib Malik, CEO and cofounder of CreditBook.

United Nations and relief organisations about the danger of a humanitarian catastrophe. On December 3, the UNHCR issued a very somber alert that ‘hunger in the country has reached truly unprecedented levels.

Nearly 28 million people, 66% of the population, are facing extreme levels of hunger, which will be exacerbated by the harsh winter conditions. The World Health Organization has warned that more than 1 million Afghan children under the age of five will die of starvation this winter. Another 2.2 million will suffer acute malnutrition unless urgent action is taken.

Earlier at the High-level Ministerial Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan, the UNSG warned that the people of Afghanistan were facing the collapse of an entire country – all at once with spiralling poverty rate and basic public services close to collapse.

Foreign assistance, which amounted to 75% of all public spending, has been halted.

The freezing of $9.5bn of Afghan assets by the

US Treasury and IMF, coupled with the second drought in less than four years, has pushed Afghanistan further to the brink of a disaster. The emergency aid being provided by some countries, including Pakistan and UN agencies is insufficient to mitigate the enormous humanitarian emergency and to stabilize the Afghan economy and prevent the essential services from collapse.

The gravity of the situation must override the reluctance of western countries to legitimize the Taliban government on the purported grounds of rights of women and absence of inclusive government.

What is at stake here is the most fundamental right of the most vulnerable segments of society – their right to life. Time and again, the man-made disasters have proved the futility of arbitrary sanctions and policy of what becomes collective punishment. Ultimate victims of such coercive measures are the citizens for whose welfare and rights these measures are ostensibly imposed.

A critical mass of opposition to the policy

of revenge and retaliation by the West, which essentially targets Afghan people, is yet to coagulate. If the current situation is allowed to prolong, the US and its Western allies will be responsible for the loss of more innocent Afghan lives in yet another illegal and immoral attempt at regime change – so would be the rest of the international community as passive bystanders.

Pakistan has consistently called for lifting of the unjustified freeze on Afghanistan’s assets. On December 11, the US Treasury Department allowed Afghans living abroad to transfer money to relatives in Afghanistan with the caveat that the money should only be for personal purposes and not for trade. This is a small step in the right direction.

The importance of the OIC decision to hold an extra-ordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers on Afghanistan on 19th December cannot be overemphasized. Pakistan, with most at stake in case Afghanistan implodes, is hosting the meeting. The OIC member States have yet to play any substantial role in alleviating the miseries of the Afghan people. Islamabad conference offers OIC the platform to take lead in forging a broader consensus on urgent and medium-term

Hammad rejects media reports on ‘possibility’ of fuel shortage ISLAMABAD APP

Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar on Friday rejected media reports about ‘possibility’ of any fuel shortage in the country, saying sufficient stocks of petroleum products were available to meet consumers’ needs. “Contrary to media reports, there is no possibility of shortage of petroleum products as at present the country has 27 days of diesel and 28 days of petrol reserves, which are at the highest level as compared to last many years,” he tweeted. In addition to the available stocks, Hammad said fresh cargoes of petrol were being received at the ports.

measures that are required to pull the people of Afghanistan from the precipice. The fact that P5, UN agencies, IFIs have been invited, makes the Islamabad Session all the more significant.

The Extraordinary CFM is not a donor’s conference. It is, nonetheless, a chance for countries to measure up to their responsibility to commit urgent and uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to starving Afghans.

The conference must find innovative ways to sidestep the political agenda and focus on formulating longer term international assistance strategy to revitalize Afghan economy. It will be an opportunity to chart out a course of action that not only prevents loss of more Afghan lives but also sets a direction to generate self-reliance in Afghan economy.

The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative Deborah Lyons has aptly said: “to abandon the Afghan people now would be a historic mistake — a mistake that has been made before with tragic consequences,”.

Islamabad Extraordinary Session must send this message loud and clear.

The author is former Ambassador and former spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Saturday, 18 December, 2021 | KARACHI

Central bank ready for a PoliCy rate Pause, baqir says

s

NewS DeSk

TATE Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Reza Baqir has said that the central bank will pause interest-rate increases to preserve economic recovery after delivering Asia’s boldest hikes since September.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Baqir said, “We are going to take a pause to first look at the effects of the tightening we have already done…

Fiscal policy has been very complementary and is also withdrawing

stimulus so a coordinated macroeconomic response, we think, will be number one to sustain recovery and keep inflation broadly in check.”

A wider current-account deficit, faster inflation and stronger economic growth are factors that could get the State Bank of Pakistan to resume its rate hike journey, he said. Despite the rate increases, Baqir expects the economy to grow 5% in fiscal year ending June, after expanding 4% a year ago.

The SBP has raised rates by a cumulative 275 basis points in three moves since September to tame the

Pakistan likely to add container ships to fleet to facilitate trade amid global logistics crisis

region’s fastest inflation and check a larger-than-anticipated gap of $5 billion in the November print of current account — the broadest measure of trade. That’s taken a toll on the rupee, which has been the worst performer for the past six months among 13 Asian currencies tracked by Bloomberg. The pressure on the rupee is going to dwindle once demand drops, Baqir said.

Baqir said the extent of the weakening has been “overstated” and the pressure on the rupee will ease as demand for the dollar falls in the local market “The recent weakening of the rupee, which is about

10% since this calendar year, overstates the extent of the weakening because we transition from a fixed exchange rate to a market-based exchange rate system in June 2019,” he said.

He believed that this economic recovery and the global developments including recoveries around the world, and supply chain disruption have caused a sharp hike in global commodity prices which has pushed up current account deficit as well as inflation in Pakistan.

“We estimate the 60 to 70% increase in current account deficit is due to the global commodity prices,” he stated.

Three-day holiday in Capital but no suspension of mobile services

kARACHI Staff report

State-owned shipping enterprise is planning to add two container vessels to its fleet to facilitate foreign trade at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has had a negative impact on global maritime activities, Arab News reported. Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) currently operates six tankers and five bulk carriers which transport dry consignments and liquid cargoes globally. The exporters have also complained about the international logistics crisis which has disrupted the global supply chain due to a shortage of containers, as the situation has significantly increased freight costs around the world. “We are working to increase the fleet strength by adding two container ships,” Captain Anwar Shah, acting chairman and member of the PNSC board of directors said. “The purchase of ships will be done through a tendering process under the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority rules. It may take some time, but it will be done.” Shah did not give an exact timeframe for the induction of container ships, saying it depended on the procurement process. The exporters have sought the government’s intervention under the present circumstances, saying that shipping lines have increased their freight costs by over 1500 percent.

“The container we got for $80 about a year ago is now available for $1300 for shipments to China,” Muhammad Anwar Mianoor, senior vice chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, said.

“Shipping lines are taking out empty containers from Pakistan and sending them to Bangladesh and India despite the presence of cargo in Pakistan,” he continued, adding: “The government must step in to control the situation by taking appropriate policy measures.” Last week, Mahmood Moulvi, special assistant to the prime minister on maritime affairs, announced to launch container shipping services to mitigate the impact of the global supply chain crisis after meeting with rice exporters. “We want the PNSC to step forward and start the service by boosting its fleet,” he said. Experts said, however, the purchase of container vessels would not be the right move at this point due to their escalating prices. “Container ships are extremely expensive at the moment due to their dearth,” MA Rajpar, former chairman of the Pakistan Ship’s Agents Association expressed.

NewS DeSk Mobile services will not be suspended during the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit, which will be held in Islamabad for three days from December 17–19, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed announced Friday.

The OIC’s Extraordinary Session of Foreign Ministers will start on December 17.

Meanwhile, the federal capital will also enjoy a three-day weekend from Saturday to Monday, the Islamabad deputy commissioner tweeted shortly after Rasheed presser.

In a statement to the media, the interior minister stated that the “historic” OIC summit on Afghanistan will be held in Parliament, and informed that security arrangements had been made with the assistance of the Pakistan Army and other security agencies.

However, he said that the interior ministry and chief commissioner of police have decided not to suspend mobile services in the city during the OIC Conference.

The interior minister expressed

regret for the inconvenience caused to those entering and exiting the Red Zone as a result of the security arrangements.

Earlier, the Ministry of Interior, in a notification, said that mobile phone services will be blocked from the Islamabad Airport to the Red Zone. The ministry said it had sent a letter to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in this regard.

Sheikh Rasheed said that the conference of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will convene for the first time in 41 years under Prime Minister Imran Khan’s leadership.

In relation to Afghanistan, the interior minister stated that the crisis is posing a humanitarian catastrophe.

He remarked that the OIC Foreign Ministers’ Conference will play a meaningful role in resolving the crisis.

Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had announced that Pakistan will host an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Addressing a press conference, the minister highlighted that the

Despite rising inflation, PTI has won majority by-polls since 2018 ISLAMABAD Staff CorreSpondent

Despite skyrocketing price hike and inflation, the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has managed to win majority seats in by-elections held for National and Provincial Assembly seats since year 2018 while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party have followed.

From October 2018 to date, by elections have been held on 64 national and provincial assembly seats across the country, of which the PTI has won 21 by-elections held since general elections in year 2018, followed by its rival, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which has won 17 constituencies. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), meanwhile, has taken 11 seats.

How have political parties changed their fortunes in by-polls since the 2018 general

election?

Even though the PTI outdid other political parties in by-polls, a closer look at each province shows that the ruling party only managed to put up an impressive show in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it is currently in power.

In fact, in the northern province, the PTI not only secured seven by-polls out of the total 13 held, it was also able to snatch an extra three for itself which had gone to other parties in the July 2018 national polls.

However, it did lose five constituencies to other political parties in the province as well.

How have political parties changed their fortunes in by-polls since the 2018 general election?

In Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous and hotly-contested province, where the PTI is also in power, the PML-N edged out the PTI.

objective behind the extraordinary session is to highlight the need for urgent assistance and mobilisation of resources to avert a humanitarian crisis and economic collapse in wartorn Afghanistan.

“If we don’t pay timely attention, half of Afghanistan’s population (22.8 million people) can face food shortage while 3.2 million children may face malnutrition,” Qureshi said, adding that this is the magnitude which “we and the world should understand”.

He said: “Considering the gravity of the situation, Pakistan has made an effort and moved ahead to host the international event realising that, if not addressed timely, the situation would have dire consequences for Afghanistan, its neighbours as well as the whole region.”

Pakistan is the founding member of the OIC, the OIC Assistant secretary-general said on Thursday, adding that the country played a very important role for the solidarity of the Muslim Ummah, and its offer to host this meeting was a clear testimony to its commitment to Islamic solidarity.

“Pakistan is also committed to regional security and international security,” he added.

Inflation and unemployment have surged in Afghanistan, and international aid that made up 75% of the previous US-backed government’s budget has completely dried up.

The Taliban seized power on August 15 after ousting the previous US-backed government, as Washington hurriedly withdrew its troops from the country after a 20year war.

The Taliban’s previous regime was toppled in a US-led invasion after the 9/11 attacks in the United States that were carried out by AlQaeda.

How have political parties changed their fortunes in by-polls since the 2018 general election?

Here, the PML-N came out on top with the most constituencies under its belt.

Out of the 29 national and provincial constituencies which were up for grabs in the by-polls held in Punjab, the PML-N was successful in 14, while the PTI won 10. Not only that, the PML-N also managed to flip three constituencies which had been won by the ruling party in the general election 2018, while the PTI only managed to snatch two constituencies from the PML-N. There were no surprises in Sindh either.

The results of the by-polls were similar to those of the 2018 general polls.

How have political parties changed their fortunes in by-polls since the 2018 general election?

Out of the 16 national and provincial constituencies in Sindh, where voters cast their ballots again, the PPP retained its 11 constituencies, while the PTI retained its three.

There was only one seat that flipped from the PTI to PPP. Meanwhile, none of the seats in Balochistan changed hands.

NEWS

03

Winter vacations in schools to start from Jan 3: nCoC NewS DeSk The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Friday announced that winter vacations in educational institutions will start from January 3, 2022. In a tweet, the NCOC said that during today’s NCOC session, it was decided that winter vacations in educational institutions will start from January 3, 2022, except in areas affected by extreme weather conditions or smog. It further said that the provincial governments will issue notifications of winter break schedule accordingly. According to a news outlet, the forum said that the new variant of coronavirus, Omicron, is rapidly spreading in the world and the decision of winter break has been taken to speed up the process of vaccination among the people. “Parents are urged to get their children vaccinated at the earliest to protect them and those around them,” it said. “Complete vaccination offers the highest protection against the disease.” It is pertinent to mention that the Sindh government has already announced winter holidays in all educational institutions. As per the decision taken by the Sindh education department’s steering committee, schools and colleges in the province will remain closed for winter vacations from December 20 till January 1, 2022,

facebook named as worst company of the year New YORk agenCieS

Facebook, recently rebranded as Meta, is the world’s ‘worst company’ of 2021, a survey by Yahoo Finance has found. More than 1,500 respondents of an open-ended survey on Yahoo Finance on December 4 were given dozens of alternatives to choose from, but Facebook beat them all. It received 50% more votes as the year’s worst company than the second-place finisher, Chinese ecommerce giant Alibaba. Some respondents complained about Facebook’s censorship, while others blasted the platform for failing to deal with misinformation, especially regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. Some even criticized Facebook for “undermining democracy worldwide” and contributing to the rise of far-right extremism. Many blamed the company’s photo-sharing app, Instagram, for the effects it has on the mental health of young people.

Outrage was sparked earlier this year after internal documents leaked by a whistleblower revealed that Facebook’s owners knew Instagram affected teenagers’ self-esteem, but didn’t address the problem, allegedly for the sake of profit. Facebook has been in hot water on more than one occasion this year – while having to deal with allegations from the leak, it has also faced several antitrust probes. No wonder the firm decided to rebrand. The company has not yet responded to a request for comment, Yahoo Finance said. On a positive note, nearly 30% of the respondents said Facebook/Meta could still save itself.

Among the ways that people suggested were: “acknowledging and apologizing for what it did” and donating a “sizable amount” of its profits to a foundation to help reverse the harm caused to minors. Some saw the Meta rebranding as a promising step towards making Facebook more ‘interesting’ and ‘different’. Also, investors who took part in the survey said Facebook could draw less ire and more public commitment if it could grow its stock price. It is currently up 22% year-to-date, but still down around 13% from its high in September. Apart from Meta/Facebook, respondents took aim at Alibaba, as many lost money amid the firm’s 50% drop in market price this year. They also lashed out at electric car maker Tesla – not for the stock price, which has soared, but for failing to deliver on promises with products it rolled out but has never produced, as well as lashing out at CEO Elon Musk and his cult-like following.

Saturday, 18 December, 2021 | KARACHI

04 NEWS

PM dirEcTS To SEnd food MiniSTry’S iSSuE To nAB ISLAMABAD

A

ghulAm AbbAs

S the apex committee on Afghanistan, Afghanistan InterMinisterial Coordination Cell (AICC) had taken notice of disruption of trade via Torkham border for negligence of Ministry of Food Security and Research, Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly directed authorities concerned to send the issue of malpractices at the ministry to National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

According to reliable sources, during a meeting on Afghanistan related issues held recently, the premier, when he came to know about malpractice in Department of Plant Protection (DPP), an attached depart-

ment of food ministry, has directed to send the matter to NAB. However, when contacted Secretary Ministry of Food Security and Research (MoF&SR) only said that minutes of the said meeting was awaited. He, however, did not share further details.

As per the sources National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yusuf informed the Prime Minister that there was monopoly of one company which deals in fumigation of all importing/exporting items in the country and a mafia ruling the department. The advisor had noticed the same when he tried to know reasons behind a halt in trade at Afghan border.

As per details, the Ministry of Food Security and Research (MoF&SR) has allegedly been aiding monopoly of a

particular blue-eyed company by awarding it the contract for importing methyl bromide, which is used for fumigation, in violation of rules while others are discouraged to participate in the business.

The issue was raised during a recent meeting of the AICC, which was reportedly chaired by National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yusuf. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Advisor on Finance Shaukat Tarin, along with other senior civil and military officers also attended the meeting.

Importers of cotton from Central Asia had denied paying higher fees being charged by the private fumigating company as they complained that it had been given free hand to charge whatever rate it wanted for fumigating a container.

Sources said that the fumigation company, Adeel Pesticides, was charging over Rs45,000 per container for fumigation whereas the cost should be between Rs5,000 to Rs10,000.

“Importers denied paying the huge amount for fumigation before entering Pakistan, resulting in a halt of imports from Afghanistan which included goods such as cotton from Central Asian countries.

As per documents available with this scribe, while taking serious notice of the situation at the Afghan border, the AICC has asked MoFS&R to take action against the monopoly of the said company.

The ministry was also asked to brief the apex committee about allocation of import rights of methyl bromide along with a brief on the grant of contracts awarded to

companies for fumigation and the procedure of fixing rates for the process.

Earlier in September, Ahmad and Kamran Traders (Pvt.) had written a letter alleging large scale corruption in the country’s agricultural sector with the connivance of officials in the DPP and MoFS&R to the Prime Minister office, NAB, FIA and other ministries concerned.

“There is only one company, National Chemicals, importing methyl bromide from the USA. Though there are 54 fumigation companies that are registered with the DPP, only their sister fumigation companies namely Adeel Pesticides, Pak Pansy, Pest Management Pentagon Fumigation Services, and Tahir Fumigation Expert are importing and exporting fumigating goods and charging sky high rates,” the letter had stated.

Documents seen by Profit state that a ‘mafia’, which controls all operations, remains unharmed even after complaints registered by trade bodies including the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and other trade associations while importers and exporters of agriculture items are allegedly grilled and harassed on a daily basis by DPP staff both at seaports.

Tarin assures car dealers of resolving issues, providing maximum support ISLAMABAD stAff RepoRt

Pakistan, Germany ink agreement worth Euro 13.5 million for Billion Tree Afforestation Support Program ISLAMABAD stAff RepoRt

Ministry of Economic Affairs, Pakistan and KfW Development Bank of Germany on Friday signed a financing agreement for Billion Tree Afforestation Support Program under Phase-1. A handout issued by EAD states that Secretary Economic Affairs Division Mian Asad Hayaud Din and Country Director, KfW Sebastian Jacobi signed the agreement in Islamabad.

Government of Germany, through the KfW Development Bank, will provide a grant of Euro 13.5 million to the Government of Pakistan for the project.

With the funds provided by the German Government, KfW Development Bank will support the efforts of government of Pakistan to reduce the impacts of climate change by planting 10 Billion Trees, introducing best practices on native and invasive plant species, training on firefighting techniques and provision of equipment, and women / youth engagement and empowerment. The project will result in a clean and green environment through reduction in carbon emissions and also bring about socioeconomic benefits to local communities. While addressing on the occasion, Sebastian Jacobi, CD KfW stated that KfW is actively supporting the government of Pakistan in the Energy and Climate Sector with an active portfolio of more than Euro 300 million. KfW has provided funding for construction and rehabilitation of three hydropower projects, construction of power substations, installation of micro-hydel power plants, and also providing microfinancing for solarization of the homes in off-grid areas. These efforts will result in bringing sustainable and lasting positive impact in the lives of the deserving communities in the country and help mitigate the risks of climate change. Mian Asad Hayaud Din, Secretary, Economic Affairs Division expressed gratitude to the Government of Germany for supporting the flagship project of the Government of Pakistan. He further highlighted that the Government of Pakistan has set ambitious targets to mitigate the impact of climate change. In this regard, continued support of Germany is highly commendable. These investments will lead to a better and healthy future for the generations to come.

The Government of Germany is also considering providing another Euro 20 million for the next phase of the project. Together, these investments will result in sustainable forest management by the government institutions and create jobs especially for women and youth. The signing of this agreement coincides with the celebrations for 60 years of development cooperation between the two countries.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin has assured the All Pakistan Car Dealers and Importers Association of providing maximum support and resolving their issues.

The advisor on Friday held a meeting with Chairman All Pakistan APDA Mian Shoaib Ahmed at the Finance Division.

Chairman APDA apprised the Adviser that car dealers and importers in Pakistan are facing various problems especially related to imports of cars and sought support of the government to address these issues.

The Adviser Shaukat Tarin appreciated the contribution of car dealers in the economic progress of the country and said that the government is very supportive of adopting all measures that can boost economic activity, generate employment and help in expansion of business activity in the country.

The Adviser to the Prime Minister Shaukat Tarin listened to their is-

sues keenly and assured the delegation to provide maximum support to them and resolve their issues. He also stressed the delegation to contribute maximum for the economic stability and growth of the country.

In the conclusion, Chairman APDA thanked the Adviser for providing support and addressing their issues.

Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood, Secretary Commerce, Member FBR and senior officers attended the meeting.

Afghanistan slashes Pakistan’s citrus tariff to relieve traders on both sides PESHAWAR Agencies

The Afghan government, in an effort to provide relief to the fruit traders on both sides of the border, revised the tariff on Pakistani citrus, reducing it to Rs10 from Rs33 per kilogramme, the Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce Industry (PAJCCI) said. PAJCCI Chairman Zubair Motiwala appreciated the efforts of PAJCCI co-president Khan Jan Alokozai, who along with the Afghan union of fresh fruit traders, met the Afghan minister for industry and commerce and the Ministry of Finance to solicit the Afghan government’s support in resolving the issue on an urgent basis.

Last week PAJCCI held a stakeholders meeting with Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the issue of held citrus consignments and high tariff impacting the trade, striving to bring it to limelight for immediate resolution to save businesses from loss.

Adoption of Pakistan-sponsored resolution for self determination at UNGA a ray of hope for Kashmiris: FO ISLAMABAD

serves to preserve the legitimacy of the freedom struggle of peoples under colonial and foreign occupation,” it said. The FO said the adoption of the resolution of-

stAff RepoRt

The Foreign Office said on Friday that the adoption of a Pakistan-sponsored resolution by consensus at the United Nations General Assembly will provide the people of Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) “a hope in their just struggle for self-determination and freedom from Indian oppression and occupation”.

The Pakistan-sponsored resolution entitled “Universal Realization of the Right of the Peoples to SelfDetermination” was adopted by consensus by the United Nations General Assembly in New York. It was co-sponsored by 72 countries from all regions.

“The resolution unequivocally supports the right of self-determination for all peoples under subjugation, alien domination, and foreign occupation,” the FO said. This includes the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The FO said that due to the universal character of the right to self-determination and its continued applicability in situations of foreign occupation and intervention, the resolution secured the support of all UN member states.

“This annual affirmation by the General Assembly

CMYK

fered hope that destinies would be decided in accordance with the principles of justice enshrined in the UN Charter, UN resolutions, and international law.

Saturday, 18 December, 2021 | KARACHI

NEWS

RahmaTUllIl alamIN aUThORITy TO hElP RESOlvE ISSUES, aCqUaINT yOUTh ON SEERaT: Pm ISLAMABAD

P

staff rePort

RIME Minister Imran Khan has said the Rahmatullil Alamin Authority to help in provision of guidance for application of Seeratun Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him) in practical lives besides resolution of the related issues.

Chairing the maiden meeting of the international advisory board of the Authority here on Friday, he said the body would also acquaint the youth with the Seeratun Nabi (PBUH) so that they could implement it in their lives.

Premier Imran Khan said the Rahmatullil Alamin Authority would also point out and bridge the gap regarding the Seeratun Nabi (PBUH) in the society

Jaffer Business Systems provided solution at multiple branches of Bank Islami helping to reduce security threats

KARACHI: Jaffer Business Systems has successfully implemented Ivanti Security Controls Patch Management (for Endpoint Manager Software) at multiple branches of Bank Islami Pakistan Limited.

The project was successfully delivered before the committed timelines. A project closure sign-off document was signed by Mr. Wajid Ali Khan, General Manager JBS and Mr Muhammad Adnan Siddiqui, Head of Information Technology, Bank Islami Pakistan Limited. There are several benefits associated with it as it not only helps to enhance the visibility and transparency of the IT environment to meet the security compliance as per standards but also increases efficiency by collecting information of hardware and software inventory from our computers. With its unified and automated prevention and detection in place, it groups computers together, provides valuable quantifiable data and reporting tools and makes it easy to navigate and troubleshoot. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Wajid Ali Khan, General Manager JBS said ‘Data is the nerve center of today’s business. In today’s world, collecting data is easy but maintaining and protecting data from cyber-attacks and other threats is vital for smooth functioning of the organization. I am confident that solution provided by us will support Bank Islami to provide seamless service to its customers in a safe and secured environment. He further said ‘’The software tool provided by us can consistently detect security updates, threats, viruses and gaps and remediate thousands of client systems with the help of patches without compromising on network or user productivity’ Expressing his views on this development, Mr. Muhammad Adnan Siddiqui, Head of Information Technology, Bank Islami Pakistan Limited said being a leading Islamic Bank, we were seeking a complete solution to automate, prevent, detect and respond to vulnerabilities, in order to simplify security and streamline productivity of our organization. After a detailed POC’s of various solutions offered by different partners BankIslami selected the Patch Management Solution for Enterprise and Desktop environment, named Ivanti Security controls. Ivanti has provided us that capability by automating the patching process on enterprise and desktop environment. The business objective was accomplished as with the help of Ivanti, we have managed and controlled vulnerabilities associated to our Bank’s Infrastructure while increasing productivity of our technical team. “I would also like to acknowledge the excellent professional services provided by JBS in the implementation of the solution. As a result, the solution was implemented well before the given timelines.”. Pr

and suggest the resolution of the issues through research.

The meeting was briefed on the short and long-term strategy of the Authority, progress achieved so far, and inclusion of the different aspects of Seeratun Nabi (PBUH) in the educational curriculum.

Moreover, the suggestions for holding the first-ever international ceremony of the Authority were also put forward.

PM Imran Khan instructed for swift execution of the discussed measures and their implementation within the defined timeframe. Chairman of the Authority Professor Ijaz Akram, Dr Anis Ahmed, Dr Khalid Masood, and senior officers attended the meeting. Dr Attaur Rehman, Dr Joseph Lumbard, Dr Usman Bakar, Barrister Nudrat Majid, and Dr Basit Koshul joined via video link.

UNICEF and Telenor Pakistan hand over Digital Birth Registration system to Sindh government to scale across the province KARACHI: Leveraging innovation in technology, Telenor Pakistan and UNICEF have handed over the Digital Birth Registration (DBR) system to the Sindh Government. After its successful launch and implementation in 3 pilot districts, the local government in Sindh is now all set to take over the Digital Birth Registration project and scale it across the province. The project transfer took place at an event in Karachi, attended by officials from Telenor Pakistan and UNICEF along with Sindh Government officials. Designed with the goal of birth registration for kids under the age of 17, with special focus on children under 5 years of age, the Digital Birth Registration system since its inception in 2016 has already helped recognize the identities of approximately 1.8 million children across Pakistan. The DBR project ensures that every child gets their basic right of identity which would lead to give them better access to education, healthcare, and basic human rights. Together, UNICEF and Telenor Pakistan have facilitated the creation of easy to access, convenient and real time mechanisms bringing birth registration to the doorstep in far flung, hard to reach area; thus, reducing the high opportunity cost and time incurred by the parents. This successful public-private partnership model has shaped regional collaboration in technology and best-practice sharing for the achievement of universal birth registration for children across South Asia. Commenting on the development, Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan said, “Birth registration is the fundamental right of every child and is a legal proof of their existence. Every life registered through the DBR platform takes the nation another step closer to the fulfillment of the country’s development goals, and even more importantly, plays a vital role in mitigating the effects of inequalities and socio-economic disparities. Today, we are advancing towards the realization of an inclusive digital society faster than ever.” While speaking on the opportunity to scale the DBR system, he further added, “Together with UNICEF, we are proud to have paved the way for our provincial government to do crucial work in uplifting and empowering communities across Pakistan.” “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is rooted in universal rights and inclusive development and is driven by the key principle of “leaving no one behind….” This is also embodied in target 16.9 of the Sustainable Development Goals which says: “By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration”. A birth registration certificate, as a legal document with proof of age, helps to prevent violations of the rights of the child, including such phenomena as child labour, the recruitment and use of child soldier, early marriage, trafficking, and statelessness. Birth registration is important for girl child for protection from the early marriage and the enforcement of laws that set a minimum age for marriage.”

Commented Clara Dube, Chief Field Office Sindh. Present at the ceremony, Zainab Hussain Siddiqui, VP Sustainability and Partnerships at Telenor Group said, “Digital Birth Registration started out as an idea of how we could use technology to give children their fundamental right to an identity. Today the project is set to take on a larger scale, helping more children access their right to a future. This progress has been possible thanks to strong collaboration with our global partner UNICEF and the support and engagement of relevant government agencies. It is a great example of the positive impact we can create together by using technology for social good.” The upscaling of the DBR project shall ultimately contribute to universal birth registration for children in Pakistan; an obligation that Pakistan upholds under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the government’s commitment under the Asia Pacific Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Regional Action Framework. The Digital Birth Registration project will also help Pakistan in fulfilling its commitment of fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals (16.9), particularly those relating to children. Pr

Govt to hold first overseas Pakistanis convention on Dec 23 LAHORe: The first ‘Overseas Global Convention’ of overseas Pakistanis living around the world will be held at Governor’s House on December 23.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will address the overseas Pakistanis in the convention while overseas Pakistanis from all over the world, including Europe, will attend the convention.

Overseas Pakistani Commission Punjab Vice Chairman Syed Makhdoom Tariq Ul Hassan on Thursday met Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar and discussed with him preparations for

the convention, steps taken to address the issues of overseas Pakistanis, and other issues. The convention will also be addressed

by Sarwar, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and Hassan.

Overseas Pakistanis from around the world, including Europe, United States and United Kingdom, have been invited to attend the convention.

During the meeting, the governor said that the role played by overseas Pakistanis in Pakistan’s development and prosperity could not be described in words. The federal and Punjab governments

under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan are working 24 hours to resolve the problems of overseas Pakistanis and any kind of oppression and injustice against overseas Pakistanis would not be tolerated, he added.

Sarwar said the PTI government has also fulfilled its promise to give the right to vote to overseas Pakistanis and the government would ensure that overseas Pakistanis cast their votes in the next general elections, for which full cooperation would be made with the Election Commission of Pakistan. aPP

Sialkot incident: 33 more suspects remanded in police custody An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Gujranwala on Friday handed 33 more suspects over to police on 17-day physical remand in the Sialkot lynching case.

Earlier on December 3, a mob comprising hundreds of people had tortured Priyantha Kumara, a 49-year-old Sri Lankan national, to death and burnt his body. A first information report (FIR) was registered against hundreds of unidentified men.

Scores have since been arrested and are facing investigation.

On Friday, the court approved 17-day

physical remand of the suspects after the police produced the suspects in court amid tight security and requested their physical remand for investigation.

The court directed the police to produce them on the completion of their remand on January 3.

According to Express Tribune, Malik Adnan, who had tried to save the life of Kumara, will be added to the list of witnesses by the prosecution in the case.

The news outlet quoted its sources as saying that Adnan will be a key prosecution witness and the challan, including

videos and important documents, in the case will be submitted in the first week of January, 2022. It is pertinent to mention that the suspects will be tried inside prison due to security reasons.

Last week, the Punjab government and prosecution team had decided to conduct the jail trail of the high-profile case due to security concerns.

The decision was reached during a meeting of government functionaries and the prosecution team to maintain law and order situation and avoid any untoward incident, they had said.

CMYK

The jail management was also instructed to make all the arrangements for the jail trail.

IncIdent: The incident had seen widespread outrage and condemnation across Pakistan with politicians, scholars and civil society members calling for swift punishment to be meted out to the perpetrators. Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a tweet, had said: “I am overseeing the investigations & let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law. news desk

05

corporate corner Bike Rides made Safe with Customers’ life Insurance

KARACHI: Considering the high rate of motorbike accidents and the road safety situation in the country, the widely popular ride-hailing service, Bykea, is now offering insurance coverage to all its customers if they meet any unfortunate road accident while using its service. According to research, bikes are five times more likely to meet accidents than a normal four-wheel vehicle, making the rider and the passenger vulnerable to lifethreatening injuries. The insurance offered by Bykea in partnership with the State Life of Pakistan covers hospital charges, injury-treatment charges, and compensates the bereaved families in case of human lives lost. The Bykea users now have the option to pay a nominal amount on each bike taxi trip to get themselves an insurance cover of PKR 25,000 for hospitalization and injuries. In case, the accident results in a tragic death or causes permanent disability to the user, his/her next of kin will be eligible to receive PKR 400,000 in lieu of the life insurance cover. Rafiq Malik, Chief Operating Officer, Bykea, said, “We are constantly trying to provide access to services leveraging technology for the middle class in Pakistan. We feel our partnership with State Life of Pakistan is a first in offering coverage to the most vulnerable on the roads in Pakistan and we hope that in the odd instances of road accidents, our customers are covered when traveling using our platform.” Shoaib Javed Hussain, Chairperson, State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan at the occasion said, “This is truly a first in Pakistan of digital and protection innovation, providing social protection to working Pakistanis at a nominal price.

State Life’s endeavor and vision is to transform health, life, and financial protection in Pakistan; to enable Pakistanis to achieve life goals with the confidence that State Life protects them and their families. This is the first and important step in achieving that vision through true product and tech innovation.” “As someone who is the sole breadwinner of his family and barely manages to make ends meet, I am thankful to Bykea for introducing the customers’ protection. God forbid, if something happens to me, at least I know my family will be taken care of,” says 37-year-old Shabbir Ahmed, a resident of Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Pr

Eatachi Expands Integration with bSecure to enable Online Payments For The Food and Beverage Industry

KARACHI: Today a pioneer in providing Online Ordering Systems for the Food and Beverage Industry, Eatachi, announced expanded integration with the leading payment gateway enabler bSecure.

Together Eatachi and bSecure will offer increased capabilities for the Eatachi platform. As restaurants and eateries look to facilitate food enthusiasts by providing online payment options, integration with bSecure will help the Food and Beverage industry access fully deployed ordering systems in a matter of minutes. COVID19 and the lockdowns that followed have altered consumer behaviors radically. These changes have increased online ordering by 200% in the past 2 years. By paying online, people at home, feel more comfortable and safer during the pandemic, and this capability also insures businesses from, order to delivery. However, it must be noted that Cash on Delivery is still the norm in the Food and Beverage Industry and therefore, we have tailored our new feature-set for this requirement.

With bSecure restaurants on Eatachi don’t need to arrange their own delivery operations and can now utilize our 3rd party delivery platforms such as Bykea with Cash on Delivery (COD). Eatachi aims to simplify automation and make it more accessible for the local Food and Beverage Industry. Pr

06-07 Comments - 18th December 2021_Layout 1 12/18/2021 1:03 AM Page 1

Saturday, 18 December, 2021

06 COMMENT

US Negotiations with Taliban: Consequences and Side Effects

“Gwadar Ko Haq Do” Port city still faces serious problems

T

he 31-day protest by the people of Gwadar is over after successful negotiations leading to an 11point agreement with the government. This is good for Gwadar, good for Balochistan and good for Pakistan. The protest saw tens of thousands of people, including women and children, march on the main roads and streets of Gwadar in support of their movement. A protest of this scale representing such multiplicity has been rare in the province The major issues raised by the protesters included an end to the entry of fishing trawlers in Balochistan’s territorial waters, removal of unnecessary checkposts and easing of trade with Iran. The demands have been raised over many years at different forums, including Parliament, but have gone unheard. As Balochistan Chief Minister put it, "these are all legitimate demands," a stand that the provincial government has taken all along while holding talks with the protesters.

A well-entrenched and powerful vested interest has stood in the way of the acceptance of the demands. When those required to stop the entry of illegal trawlers continue to look the other way as outsiders deprive the local fishermen of billions of rupees worth of catch, there has to be a reason, graft being presumably the foremost.

Border trade is to be handed back to the district administration by the Frontier Constabulary, thus redressing another grievance. If the protesters didn’t like the FC’s control, there must have been some reason. In accordance with another agreement unnecessary checkposts of the FC would be abolished. There have been complaints that at times FC personnel humiliated local people by misusing their authority.

Powerful people and institutions have been forced to discontinue their age-old malpractices under the pressure of the “Gwadar Ko haq Do” protest. Will they not try to revert to old practices once the movement has ended?

Arrangements have been agreed upon to ensure the implementation of the reforms. It remains to be seen if these prove sustainable.

The powerful month long protest in Gwadar should be a wake-up call for Islamabad. People in the port city which holds great strategic and economic significance for Pakistan still face serious problems including the acute shortage of water and power. These have to be urgently resolved before another movement rocks the city.

Dr rajkumar Singh

T

hey ruled the country from 1996 to 2001, and their regime ended with the start of decisive American war against the terror groups of Afghanistan in search of Osama bin Laden, a culprit of the incident of 9/11.

As a consequence, the USA ruled the country through the puppet governments formed in between the period and gave a neck-to-neck fight to Taliban terrors who emerged around 2005-2006 and took arms against the forces of the Afghan government, forces of America and its NATO partners.

Gradually, over the years of fighting intensely, the Taliban group began to adopt the way earlier used by the insurgents of Iraq war including suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices which gave the opposite camp frustration, destruction and casualties at large. In the fighting which started in 2009 took fresh surge on both sides and in next six or seven years several important Taliban leaders were killed in the war, leaving the haqqani network to take the charge of Taliban from 2016 onwards, and its leader, Sirajuddin began to serve as the deputy leader of Taliban. The new group erected several obstructions in the smooth functioning of the Afghan Central government and as a result, the central authority of Afghanistan sought reconciliation with the Tal-

Mr Khan’s expenses Ch Fawad’s statement fraught with irony

I

N view of the PTI’s dismal record of pursuing cases in court, confidence is not generated by Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry’s announcement that a defamation suit would be filed against Justice (retd.)

Wajihuddin Ahmed, the former PTI stalwart, for claiming that the expenses of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Bani Gala residence, of Rs 500,000 a month, were met by estranged party leader Jahangir Khan Tareen. ever since Mr Ahmad made the claim on Tuesday, there has been a constant buzz about the claim, even though Mr Tarin has denied it categorically. Mr Chaudhry said that channels telecasting the news without confirmation would also face cases, though he did not make it clear whether there could be criminal prosecution, in addition to the civil suits.

Mr Chaudhry did not mention whether any action would be taken against those officials, who had announced, without any confirmation as court conviction provides, that opposition figures were guilty of corruption. Mr Chaudhry should be aware that his vouching for Mr Khan’s honesty, while it may earn a few brownie points from his boss, was not very convincing. his saying that Mr Khan had not looted the national exchequer might be true, but misses the point that is not what he is supposed to have done. he has alleged to have regularly received money from someone who is supposedly a leading member of the sugar mafia which caused a precipitous rise in the price of the commodity. Mr Khan has often said when the government makes bad economic decision, that is a sign of corruption. Certain decisions enabled the sugar mafia, Mr Tarin among them, to make a pile. Mr Ahmad has pointed out a smoking gun, which links Mr Khan even more closely to the sugar mafia than merely Mr Taren using his private plane to deliver independent MNAs for the formation of the PTI government.

Mr Chaudhry, Mr Khan and anyone in the PTI have every right to approach the courts, but should also recognize that others too have a right to do so. however, there should be also be a recognition that, just as Mr Khan’s emotions have been hurt by an unfair accusation, so would all those his government has made them appear before the NAB, the sole evidence against them being a PTI claim.

hiDayat ullah

A

FTeR introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Registration of Citizen’s Act by Modi regime in 2019, relations between Bangladesh and India are not good because the CAA has affected many Indian resident Bengalis and the Bangladeshi government has shown its grievances over it, while large scale protests have also occurred in Bangladesh against the Modi regime. Pakistan should take advantage and fill the space by conducting cordial relations with Bangladesh. Simultaneously, Pakistan should recognize and manifest the sacrifices of Bengali Muslims in the creation of Pakistan. The current government is endeavoring to develop these friendly relations, but in a very slow and insignificant manner. This needs to be expedited, while the internal policies should be made with clear lessons from history.

BengaL had a major roLe in creating Pakistan On December 16, 1971, Pakistan disintegrated. east Pakistan emerged as an autonomous and independent State. Bengali Muslims had played a significant role in the Pakistan Movement and even the Muslim League was founded in Dhaka, Bengal.

The Pakistan Movement commenced from Dhaka, the majority of the leaders of the Muslim League were Bengalis and the presenter of the Pakistan Resolution was also a Bengali. Great leaders from Bengal 0ncluded Nawab Sir Saleemullah Bahdur (first interim president of all India Muslim league), hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy (prime minister of Pakistan 1956-1957) A. K Fazlul haq Sher- e Bengal, presenter of Lahore resolution, played crucial roles in the creation of Pakistan.

During the Pakistan movement in 1937 ‘QuaidI-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah appealed to the Muslims of Bengal to organize and establish solidarity and unity amongst the Muslims of India as they represented more than one-third of the Muslims all over the country and it was up to them to give an earnest lead to the rest of the Muslims. Muslims of Bengal proved the expectations of the Quaid and played the

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

support to the people of the country and favoured all help on humanitarian grounds.

As an initial step, the transitional government fully formed in September showed its inclination towards making some changes and opened boys schools, but at the same time also reinstituted brutal criminal punishments. Further, afterwards, the Taliban appeared not to make any change in its earlier attitude and continued its atrocities and attacks on all important issues of rights of women, women at work, rights of minorities. Recently, a senior UN high Commissioner for Refugees has expressed his anxiety over the rapid migration of Afghan people under Taliban in neighbouring countries and urged the Islamic emirate as well as the international community to find a solution of this humanitarian crisis at the earliest as large-scale migration of people would also create problems in the neighbouring nations.

Now, the forces of the USA and its allied power have gone and the war with them is over, after their withdrawal the worst has arrived in every walk of life beginning with a number of atrocities on women and girls who used to be an easy prey of Taliban terrorists.

In addition, the withdrawal brought a discontinuation and a stop of humanitarian foreign aid and put the economy of the country in a fragile stage, leaving millions of people facing hunger and starvation. In fact, the economy of the country, for long remained dependent on foreign aid that has now disappeared.

As a result of this, household goods are largely put on roadside for sale across Kabul and a significant number of people who were comfortable in leading their life are bound to remain hungry due to scarcity of various kinds. In the circumstances, those families are most affected whose bread-earners were women as they have been told not to work outside the house. even the essential commodities of day-to-day life are not being provided to the people and salaries of employees are not paid due to scarcity of cash in Afghan banks. Several foreign funds including the US dollars have been frozen with the coming of the new Taliban rule, making the situation the worst in the history of Afghanistan.

The writer is head of the political science department and dean of the Social Sciences faculty of the B.N.Mandal University, Madhepura, Bihar, India. He can be reached at rajkumarsinghpg@gmail.com

Fall of Dhaka and our past, present and the future

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

iban, but this group considered the Government of Afghanistan as illegitimate and wished to negotiate with the foreign power, the USA. They started meeting in 2018.

At the regional level there are some countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab emirates and Pakistan which have maintained diplomatic relations with both the USA and the Taliban and they came forward to settle a negotiation between them to establish peace and security in the area. In the talks held initially, while US tried to reconcile the interests of Taliban as well as the Federal government of Afghanistan, Taliban was focused and concentrated first on negotiating peace terms with the US government, although, side by side as a result of discussions with the Federal government of Kabul, by July 2019, the general principles of negotiations with Taliban were ready which paved the way for final agreement between the two in February 2020.

Under the signed agreement, 14 months withdrawal deadline was fixed by the USA, and in exchange, Taliban assured Washington not to attack US forces and also prevent other militant groups like, alQaeda, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). As per other mentioned conditions, the US needed convincing the Federal government of Afghanistan over the release of some terrorists which took some more months to materialize and in further negotiations, although the USA reiterated its commitment to withdraw its forces but up to September 2021 and not May 2021. By the time the Taliban became confident about expelling the US and its allied forces and its withdrawal date approached near, under their next strategy the Taliban began capturing the Afghan territories one by one and till May-June it succeeded in controlling a large part of Afghan’s land, while in rest of provinces its campaign remained on, progressing day by day.

Taking advantage of the weaknesses of the Afghan government and army the Taliban took control over almost the whole of Afghanistan in midAugust and formed its government there to run the country like 1996. With their coming to power the Taliban faced the problem of its recognition domestically as well as globally because almost all countries of the world have refused to extend their recognition to the Taliban-dominated ruling party of Afghanistan, although, they all sought continued

I

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

I

lead role for the Muslims.

Ironically, after the partition of India circumstances rapidly changed due to various harsh and irrational policies which eventually led to the fall of Dhaka. Interestingly, it was the first time in the history of the world that a majority got separated from a minority. There were several reasons behind the disintegration of Pakistan and no single institution or person can be held responsible for this irremediably tragic event. every year military and civilian Institutions remember this tragic event and shed some crocodile tears. Intellectuals write and speak about it, and lamentable and woeful songs are sung over it.

Civilized and visionary leaders and nations do not just keep such tragic events in songs for specific days, but learn from such incidents and mark weaknesses by revisiting both sides of their history, in order to make better future strategies and to never repeat the mistakes again. Unfortunately, our stance on the 1971 national disaster is very vague and ambiguous, and till today, we have failed to explain the facts of this incident before the nation. Our policy-makers do not identify and address the reasons of the east Pakistan Crisis, and our youth can only wonder in mind or settle for guesses on this issue. Why have our policy makers not been able to unveil the facts before the nation till today? Are we not going to repeat the same mistakes?

Today one can look around and find that all the causes which east Pakistan was facing prior to 1971 are still existing today as well with varying intensities: identity, language and racial crises, deprivation of basic citizen and other rights, abductions, mistreatments, extra-judicial killings, influence-peddling, frauds, neglection and sidelining, embezzlement and nepotism, the consequent separatist movements, Indian interventions, political repression and unethical and insane politics. Mismanagement, exploitation of resources and sidelining of local people are the elements which had produced the separation movement of Bengalis. Masses are not satisfied with civil-military policies, and almost all policies are elite-centric.

People are deprived of basic human needs, corruption and nepotism has been penetrated in our political system, and the extrajudicial killings and missing persons’ issues are on peak, and there is no voice for marginalized communities. Keeping this dismal continuation of the state of affairs in view, the ultimate

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

I

Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

I

message of the Fall of Dhaka is to ultimately eradicate these issues, promote national unity and harmony, and to save Pakistan from any further damage or disintegration.

Along with this, our policy makers must also recognize the emerging status of Bangladesh particularly in the context of the economy. economically, Bangladesh is not the same country as it was 20 or 30 years back. It is the second largest economy in South Asia, ranks as the world’s 33rd largest economy in nominal terms and 31st largest by purchasing power.

It is the need of the hour that Pakistan should decrease her relational anxiety with Bangladesh, improve and normalize diplomatic relations, promote bilateral trade and sign trade and strategic agreements.

As Pakistan is facing serious economic crises which are getting worse day by day, if not resolved Pakistan would be in a complete disaster in upcoming years.

The only way to improve and strengthen the economy is trade. In the context of our neighbours, Pakistan has trade relations with China,but despite multiple calls

by Pakistan, India has not been convinced to conduct trade relations with Pakistan. The only state in the region competing with India is Bangladesh. Our policymakers must keep in consideration formulating long-term trade policies with Bangladesh, which would help Pakistan to uplift its economy.

After introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Registration of Citizen’s Act

by Modi regime in 2019, relations between Bangladesh and India are not good because the CAA has affected many Indian resident Bengalis and the Bangladeshi government has shown its grievances over it, while large scale protests have also occurred in Bangladesh against the Modi regime. Pakistan should take advantage and fill the space by conducting cordial relations with Bangladesh. Simultaneously, Pakistan should recognize and manifest the sacrifices of Bengali Muslims in the creation of Pakistan. The current government is endeavoring to develop these friendly relations, but in a very slow and insignificant manner. This needs to be expedited, while the internal policies should be made with clear lessons from history.

The writer can hidayatesaazai@gmail.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

be

reached

at

06-07 Comments - 18th December 2021_Layout 1 12/18/2021 1:03 AM Page 2

Saturday, 18 December, 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

Yet another farce ONe gets sick of the loud babblings about holding the local body elections via electronic voting machines (eVMs). The federal and all provincial governments were not willing to hold the local government elections. They were only forced to do so under the order of the supreme court.

Given a choice, federal and provincial governments have no interest in empowering people through grassroots elections. They thrive by denying the people their democratic rights. They use the funds for local bodies to hoodwink people and are not willing to pass the funds to local governments.

What the PTI did in Punjab — that is passing laws about local body elections without consulting with opposition parties — the PPP did the same in Sindh. The PPP and other opposition parties are crying foul against the PTIled federal government while the PTI’s Sindh chapter and other opposition parties in the province are doing the same against the PPP. This is a plain mockery of the system and making a fool out of people who are already suffering immensely due to inflation and rising unemployment. however, federal ministers, chief ministers and provincial ministers are busy mudslinging each other. They need to avoid washing their dirty laundry in the public and focus on problems they are elected to solve.

Raja Shafaatullah Islamabad

Human rights conundrum

BrI vs B3W race for economic hegemony

muhammaD ali memon

T

he Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a transcontinental long-term policy-oriented investment programme unveiled in 2013 by China's President Xi Jinping.

Until 2016 it was known as OBOR– One Belt One Road. According to BRI's official outline, its main aim is to link Asia, europe, and Africa: by setting up all-dimensional, multitiered, and composite connectivity networks– consisting of land (Road) and sea (Belt) routes– to realize diversified, independent, balanced, and sustainable development in the BRI countries.

The Belt and Road Initiative comprises 2600 projects with a combined value of $3.7 trillion spanning 140 countries that encapsulate 40 percent of the world's population and together represent more than a third of the world's GDP. The mega project combines two initiatives: • a) The land-based Silk Road economic Belt, comprising of six development corridors (CPeC is one of them) • b) The 21st-century Maritime Silk Road.

Intergovernmental policy coordination, unimpeded trade, facilities connectivity, financial integration coupled with collective economic growth, and people-to-people bonds are the proclaimed goals of the BRI. It is the most expensive and extensive operational infrastructure project in history ( according to Al-Jazeera).

The investment is predominantly in the energy sector, oil and gas sector, Special economic Zones (SeZs), and agriculture. The prime objectives of China from the BRI are: quicker and shorter access to the market, an alternative trade route system for the world and China, the development of western China, collective regional economic growth, reducing China’s dependency on the west, and widening the sphere of its political clout through economic diplomacy coupled with the socio-cultural expansion of Confucianism.

Through BRI, China is trying to create a 'web of interdependence'. Once states get trapped in China's dependency syndrome, there is then a leveraging geo-strategic cum geopolitical impact. Not to the West's liking is China exporting its version of economic development which is contrary to the West's vision through democratic reforms.

At a G7-summit in June 2021, the West set out its plan with a spiffy abbreviation- B3W (Build Back Better World); the West pitched it as a "values-driven, high-standard, and transparent infrastructure partnership led by major democracies". The acclaimed hallmark of the B3W is its economic viability, alignment with the Paris Agreement, environmental and social sustainability, and compliance with international standards, laws and regulations. Moreover, it is the largest (on-paper) investment project in the history of the modern world, accounting for a $40 trillion global infrastructure initiative focusing on climate health, health security, digital technology, gender equality, market development, and clean energy. The initiative manifests the Blue Dot Network, which aims to create a global network through lending-based financing to build roads, bridges, airports, ports, and power plants. Out of the total investment of $40 trillion, the first phase will incorporate $7 trillion by 2035. Keeping in mind the economic size of B3W countries, ceteris paribus, it can undermine the BRI in Asia, Africa, and the Middle east, but not in the foreseeable future.

Will BRI and B3W contradict or complement each other? The BRI's paramount focus is on infrastructure development and economic connectivity through reliable sea and land trade routes: whereas the B3W focuses on the human development index-(hDI) based investments, such as in education, health, and women development programmes. economic power projection through aids and foreign investments aligns with USA's hamiltonian diplomatic vision, inspired by Alexander hamilton; it vies to see USA progress as an economic power, contrary to the Jacksonian notion of focusing only on military might.

On the other hand, the Chinese dragon (or BRI) manifests the moral principle of "Peaceful Rise and Development", which denies the realist solution and pursues liberal pursuit for any contemporary issue, envisaging collective growth through win-win politics. Although both the initiatives fall in line with their respective manifestoes, what gives BRI an upper edge is its tangible operational existence vis-à-vis the B3W's mere on-paper existence without even a detailed financial-cum-operational plan.

The rising rivalry between the two economic giants will provide more opportunities and diversified options for developing countries. The USA and the west will have to realize that it will not be possible for countries to roll back BRI owing to long-term binding deals with the Chinese government. eventually, both parties will have to be content with competitive co-existence in the global arena. Once the BRI and the B3W start to complement, rather than contradict, each other, much-needed contours

of economic partnerships will unlock envisaging a win-win situation for the US, China, and their respective allies.

What is analogous in the BRI and the B3W is that both are predominantly loan-based projects. Although BRI has a portion of FDIs cum BOT model projects, B3W will incorporate some aid, but loans at commercial rates will contribute a significant chunk of total investments.

That's where the problem starts, and the developing bloc needs to sit back and ponder it before getting entangled in a vicious cycle of economic dependence. The BRI initiative has faced harsh criticism by the USA, which considers the initiative akin to economic imperialism: but the subsequent announcement of B3W will also bring the USA under the sardonic eye of investment analysts. The loans might give China and the USA too much power and influence over the countries they help financially. The states might opt for unsustainable loans to pursue these infrastructure projects; subsequently, when the countries experience financial quandary, China and USA will have the leverage to extend their political and strategic clout, compromising upon the indebted states' sovereignty, and making them vulnerable to exploitation.

This concept is in line with economic imperialism. Its practice is known as neo-neo colonialism based upon a dependent state's monetary and political control leaving it with no other rational choice to barter with the lender but to align its domestic and foreign policy with the lender's interest to the detriment of its national interest. The critics label it "debt-trap diplomacy."

Moreover, the loan agreements under the umbrella of the BRI include security provisions, such as the "cross-default clause" and the "stabilization clause". To be at a competitive par with China in mustering geo-strategic and geoeconomic-cum-geopolitical gains, the B3W also might include such clauses that might turn into a nightmare for dependent states.

The cross-default clause will imply that if a state defaults on its BRI loan, it will automatically default on B3W's loans, giving the lenders a right to demand immediate debt payment. On the other hand, the stabilization clause shields foreign investors from political risks and subsequent adverse legislative or regulatory changes in host states by making any new laws inapplicable to the investment project. The foreseeable harmony of interest between the stakeholders of the BRI and the B3W might entangle the developing world further into the complexly woven fabric of dependency. higher the dependence, higher the vulnerability, and higher the imperial outreach of powerful states.

The foreseeable harmony of interest between the stakeholders of the BRI and the B3W might entangle the developing world further into the complexly woven fabric of dependency. Higher the dependence, higher the vulnerability, and higher the imperial outreach of powerful states

The writer is freelance columnist

IN 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted ‘human Rights Day’ and the Universal Declaration of human Rights (UDhR). The Rights embodied in the UDhR forms most democracies globally and countries recognise them, at least principally. human rights are intrinsic and reflect the minimum standard necessary for people to live with dignity. however, the actual situation is distant from the ideals envisioned in the declaration. Unfortunately, after seven decades of declaration of human rights at the UN, the world is witnessing a violation of human rights more than ever. Global inequities, the proliferation of armed conflicts and violence, democracy deficits, and weak institutions are some of the major hurdles. The violations have been further exacerbated because of economic inequality and climate change. From the state’s point of view, rulers lack the political will and the courage to implement the key principles of UDhR. Discrimination is rampant and curbs on free speech are becoming normal. The power to question public authority for poor treatment is violated in the guise of national interests. In authoritarian regimes, torture and political imprisonments, often without trials, are commonplace.

People around the world are being stripped of from key values of society such as fairness, equality and respect. Given the complexity of the problem, individuals, civil society, human rights organisations and watchdogs need an effective multilateral approach to raise awareness through public seminars, debates, campaigns and advertisements. They must exert pressure on those in power. To raise awareness amongst the people, public demonstrations should be staged around the world to draw attention towards the rampant human rights violations.

Hamza Razaq Lakki Marwata

Telemetry system A few days ago, the Prime Minister was briefed on the water level in rivers in Pakistan. he was also informed that India is building dams to divert the water flow, while Pakistan has failed to do so and will suffer from water shortages soon. Strangely enough, the Prime Minister was not informed that to be able to counter India’s scheme of diverting water, Pakistan needs proof of water diversion instead of dams.

This proof can only come from ‘Telemetry systems’ to measure the flow of water in rivers from India. The decision to install a telemetry system was issued in 2007, but due to unbeknownst reasons, the project was delayed for several years. Little progress was made during this time for e.g. telemetry systems on the mountain rivers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (and other river canals of the province have been installed and are operational. Besides, telemetry systems on Punjab and Sindh canals have also been installed and operational. Although the Prime Minister has ordered the installation of telemetry measuring systems on rivers coming from India as a priority, the project is still in its preliminary stages and Wapda claims that the project will take 30 months to complete.

The project needs to be undertaken urgently and finished within a year.

Otherwise, our water supply will be affected substantially. Perhaps, the government should seek assistance from foreign countries with expertise in the area to speed up the installation process. Once the telemetry river monitoring systems are installed, the water flow from India should be monitored and any shortfalls should be contested legally. Similarly, help from regional bodies and international organisations must be taken to increase pressure on India to stop diverting the flow of our water. The Pakistani government must also raise the issue of potential ecological and environmental damage being caused by artificial water shortages. Water shortage can be the reason for the next war between our two nations.

SHaHRyaR KHan BaSEER PESHawaR

rising hypertensive patients

Medical science says the systolic blood pressure of a healthy person should be 80 and below while the diastolic range is 120 and below Lifestyle, eating habits, genes, activity level and smoking are major contributing factors for blood pressure to remain in the normal range. I was told by a GP at Whipps Cross hospital London that the blood pressure of a smoker remains 5 degrees above in both ranges, the upper and lower in my recent visit to the UK on a routine medical check-up. Whipps Cross University hospital is one of the major hospitals of London and was among the few visited by Prime Minister of UK, Mr Boris Johnson himself in days when corona was at its peak. It means that over time the heart has to struggle to beat and pump blood to the rest of the body. Arteries narrow down as nicotine sticks to the walls of minor blood vessels making it difficult for blood to make its way down to organs.I’m sharing this information so that those who smoke at least try to realize that smoking ultimately leads to an early death via sudden cardiac arrest or stroke. Don’t kill yourself with your hands. Life is a blessing by Almighty. Live for your families, children, yourself and your motherland instead of leaving your kids as orphans at an early age when they need you the most.

SHaHZaD LODHI Rawalpindi

08 WORLD VIEW 18th December 21_Layout 1 12/17/2021 11:48 PM Page 1

Saturday, 18 December, 2021

08 WORLD VIEW

AfghAnistAn is About to collApse. here’s WhAt the us must Do About it

John F. camPbEll, ryan crocKEr

richard olson, david PEtraEus

atlantic council

t

HE alarm bells are sounding. the United Nations, the World Bank, the international Monetary Fund, and the donor community have all been warning of the humanitarian catastrophe emerging with the imminent collapse of the afghan economy. the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces from the country, which led to the disintegration of the islamic Republic of afghanistan and the taliban takeover, has been followed by the cutoff of most external assistance and the freezing of most of afghanistan’s monetary reserves, thereby eliminating 40 percent of the country’s gross domestic product and 75 percent of the government’s budget. the banking system is on the verge of collapse as well, and the currency (the afghani) is losing value rapidly. add to this a prolonged drought, a raging COViD-19 pandemic, and the disintegration of government services. the United Nations Development Program has warned that “afghanistan teeters on the brink of universal poverty,” with as much as 97 percent of the population in danger of falling below the poverty line by mid-2022. the World Food Program estimates that only 5 percent of afghan households have sufficient food to eat each day and predicts that afghanistan is poised to become the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. the UN’s humanitarian chief laments that afghanistan’s

JamEs cunningham, JamEs dobbins

hugo llorEns, P. michaEl mcKinlEy,

John nicholson, ronald E. nEumann,

economy is unraveling “before our eyes.” the international community is gearing up to provide increased humanitarian assistance to afghanistan, and the World Bank is releasing some funds to support this effort. But more help is needed to stave off disaster. in addition to food and afghanistan Earl anthony WaynE medicine, needs a stable medium of exchange and a functioning banking system to avoid experiencing widespread economic and governance failure.

Health professionals, teachers, and other essential workers need to be paid if the most basic functions of the state are to be maintained. Ordinary afghans deserve access to their own funds, now frozen in banks wary of U.S. and international sanctions and the potential collapse of the afghan financial system. afghans abroad need the financial mechanisms to send remittances to their relatives, some of whom are being left behind by cumbersome U.S. rules on who qualifies for refugee and immigrant status. the Biden administration, like other donors to afghanistan, is rightly reluctant to do anything that helps the taliban impose its repressive rule on the country, underscored by recent reports of extrajudicial killings and disappearances. Nevertheless, discussions are underway in Washington and elsewhere to explore various means of stabilizing the afghan currency and averting the collapse of the banking system without providing the taliban with discretionary resources that could be used for nefarious purposes. Good ideas for how to do so are available, including proposals by former U.S. ambassadors, USaiD directors, and World Bank officials, among others. Because any scheme along these lines will be very controversial, and no system of controls will be perfect, what is needed is the courage to act. the longer decisions are postponed, the more difficult it will become to prevent the looming humanitarian catastrophe in the

country and the deaths of many afghans.

During the past twenty years, all of us have led american diplomatic and military efforts to support the emergence of a more modern, prosperous, and democratic afghanistan. We are much more than dissatisfied with the results, and many of us disagreed with the U.S. decision to withdraw from the country. We believe the United States and its allies can and should be working in a more concerted manner both behind the scenes and publicly to send clear messages to taliban leaders relating to core issues like counterterrorism cooperation, broadening nontaliban representation within the government, and upholding the basic rights of women, people of all ethnic groups, notably minorities, and afghans closely associated with the United States and other partners. Our personal experience has also left us with indelible respect and affection for the millions of afghans who joined in this enterprise—fighting, teaching, voting, ministering to the sick, sending their children to school, running for office, founding new businesses, and building the freest and most vibrant media environment in Central asia.

We believe the United States has a reputational interest and a moral obligation in vigorously joining efforts to help the afghan people preserve at least some of the social and economic gains made over the last twenty years. We believe that ways to do so can be found, while erecting barriers to assistance being diverted to purposes other than those for which it is intended. afghan civil society continues to exist, and it is important that the United States and other international donors continue to work with it. We therefore recommend that the Biden administration expedite its consideration of these issues and, working in close coordination with key allies, come forward with tangible proposals to help stabilize the afghan economy for discussion with other donors and ultimately presentation to the taliban. Delay will only fuel more death and suffering.

General John F. Campbell (U.S. army, retired) is the former commander of NatO’s international Security assistance Force and of U.S. Forces afghanistan. ambassador Ryan Crocker was the U.S. ambassador to afghanistan (2011-2012). He was also the U.S. am-

bassador to iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait, and Lebanon. ambassador James Cunningham was the U.S. ambassador and deputy representative to the United Nations (1999-2004), U.S. ambassador to israel (2008-11), and U.S. deputy ambassador and ambassador to afghanistan (2011-2014). ambassador James Dobbins was the U.S. special envoy for afghanistan (2001-2002) and special representative for afghanistan and Pakistan (2013-2014), as well as the assistant secretary of state for Europe and ambassador to the European Community. ambassador Hugo Llorens was the U.S. assistant chief of mission in afghanistan (2012-2013) and special charge d’affaires (2016-2017), as well as the U.S. ambassador to Honduras. ambassador P. Michael McKinley was the U.S. deputy ambassador and ambassador to afghanistan (2013-2016), as well as the U.S. ambassador to Peru, Colombia, and Brazil.

General John Nicholson (U.S. army, retired) is the former commander of the NatO Resolute Support Mission and of U.S. Forces afghanistan. ambassador Ronald E. Neumann was the U.S. ambassador to afghanistan (2005-2007) as well as the U.S. ambassador to algeria and Bahrain. ambassador Richard Olson was the U.S. special representative for afghanistan and Pakistan (2015-2016), the U.S. ambassador to Pakistan (2012-2015), and the coordinating director for development in Kabul (20112012). He previously served as the U.S. ambassador to the United arab Emirates.

General David Petraeus (U.S. army, retired) is the former commander of U.S. Central Command, the former commander of the international Security assistance Force in afghanistan, and the former director of the Central intelligence agency. ambassador Earl anthony Wayne was the U.S. deputy ambassador and coordinating director for development in Kabul (2009-2011) and worked on afghan reconstruction as the assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs. He was also the U.S. ambassador to Mexico and argentina.

Defining propaganda and ideology 3 Quarks Daily

W

JosEPh shiEbEr

ait … that’s not Jesse Owens! Within the last few weeks, a high ranking official within the municipal government in Philadelphia resigned for making anti-Semitic remarks. among those remarks, apparently, was the claim that the Holocaust film Schindler’s List was “Jewish propaganda.” it’s probably a sign that i’ve been thinking about these issues for too long, but my first thought was, why is it an insult to call something propaganda? What’s wrong with propaganda? the term “propaganda” itself stems only from the 17th century, when the Catholic Church formed the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide, a committee of cardinals responsible for the Church’s efforts to proselytize non-believers. the use of the term as a denotation for a strategy for influencing public opinion, however, only really exploded at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, as journalism became professionalized. it was then that practitioners, theorists and politicians began to reflect on the ways in which governments and other organizations could use media outlets to shape public opinion.

Here, for example, is the Google Ngram viewer of “propaganda” from 1600 to 2016: although the term is less than 400 years old, the phenomenon of propaganda is far older. the pyramids of Egypt, to take one example, are propagandistic, attesting to the power of

the Pharaohs who could enslave thousands of people to erect them. So are the coins stamped with the likenesses of the Roman emperors and circulated throughout the Mediterranean.

Given its ubiquity as a phenomenon, it is surprising how meager the theoretical discussion of propaganda actually is. although there was a surge in works attempting to treat propaganda as a subject of academic inquiry in the first half of the 20th century, since then there have been comparatively few studies of propaganda, apart from largely historical assessments.

Such a lack of sustained investigation would perhaps be more understandable if the glut of early 20th century work had led to widespread agreement about the nature of propaganda. However, scholars were unable to come to agreement – even about the definition of propaganda itself.

On the one hand, many theorists suggested that propaganda is, by its very definition, of negative social value. For example, the eminent psychologist and theorist of propaganda Leonard Doob defined propaganda as “the attempt to affect the personalities and to control the behavior of individuals toward ends considered unscientific or of doubtful value in a society at a given time.” Bertrand Russell suggests that the motive of propaganda “is not the dissemination of knowledge but the generating of some kind of party feeling … in the service of one party to any dispute.” alex Carey has suggested that propaganda is intended to “close [minds] to the possibility of any conclusion but one.”

Edward Bernays suggested that “the only difference between ‘propaganda’ and ‘education,’ really, is the point of view. the advocacy of what we believe in is education. the advocacy of what we do not believe is propaganda.” Finally, the noted propaganda theorist and historian J. Michael Sproule has defined propaganda as representing “the work of large organizations or groups to win

over the public for special interests through a massive orchestration of attractive conclusions packaged to conceal both their persuasive purpose and lack of sound supporting reasons.” in contrast with those more pejorative definitions of propaganda, other theorists have attempted to give a more neutral definition of propaganda. the film theorist (not the philosopher) Richard taylor, for example, has defined propaganda as “the attempt to influence the public opinions of an audience through the transmission of ideas and values.” Howard Lasswell suggested that “propaganda is concerned with the management of opinions and attitudes by the direct manipulation of social suggestion.” Jacques Ellul — in Randal Marlin’s loose translation — defined propaganda as a “means of gaining power by the psychological manipulation of groups or masses, or of using this power with the support of the masses.”

One way, then, in which propaganda definitions have failed to align concerns the extent to which those definitions are negative – emphasizing misinformation, for example, or deception, as a requirement for propaganda – or neutral. a second way in which definitions have differed is the extent to which they emphasize linguistic communication as an essential medium for propaganda. those definitions that exclusively focus on language as the medium of propaganda are clearly deficient, since it ought to be obvious – if only from the examples of the pyramids or the Roman imperial coins with which i began this discussion – that propaganda encompasses non-linguistic phenomena. the political scientist and propaganda specialist Bruce L. Smith emphasized this, in noting that propaganda involves “symbols (words, gestures, banners, monuments, music, clothing, insignia, hairstyles, designs on coins and postage stamps, and so forth).”

i’ve just suggested that there are good reasons to prefer definitions of propaganda that do not limit their focus exclusively to linguistic communication. there also seem to me to be good reasons to prefer neutral definitions of propaganda to explicitly negative ones. in particular, it ought to be possible to identify a piece of artwork, a radio broadcast, or a poster, for example, as propagandistic without having first to pass judgment on the rightness of the cause for which that artwork, broadcast, or poster was produced or the truth of its message.

With these considerations in mind, my definition of propaganda is as follows: Propaganda involves the orchestrated attempt to affect beliefs, attitudes, or actions regarding a matter of public concern using methods that are designed to influence the public in ways that bypass reflective thought.

Not all forms of social influence on matters of public concern that bypass reflective thought are propagandistic. the other important phenomenon to consider is that of ideology. as in the case of propaganda, considering the importance of ideology as a phenomenon, it is surprising how little agreement there is concerning its definition. indeed, it’s surprising how few theorists have even attempted a definition. to see the difference between propaganda and ideology, consider this 1950’s German advertisement for laundry detergent: the goal of the creator of this piece of advertising, of course, is to sell Sunil detergent. the messages that the advertisement conveys, however, go far beyond merely, “Buy Sunil.” the German text reads, “‘Many thanks, Mom!’ – to honor her today everyone has dressed so finely. this gleaming white looks so festive! it shows so clearly how much Mom cares about good housekeeping.” the messages conveyed by the idyllic family image, underscored by the text, are unmistakable – that the wife is responsible

for the home, that the love of her children and husband are contingent on her being a good caregiver, that the cleanliness of her children’s and her husband’s clothes is a reflection on her worth. in other words, while the advertisement is explicitly selling laundry detergent, it is implicitly selling patriarchy and heteronormativity. though not a piece of propaganda, it is a vehicle of ideology. to appreciate this, recall this quote from Betty Friedan’s 1963 work, the Feminine Mystique, about how the interest of the editors of so-called “women’s” magazines is “in selling them the things that interest advertisers— appliances, detergents, lipstick. today, the deciding voice on most of these magazines is cast by men. Women often carry out the formulas, women edit the housewife ‘service’ departments, but the formulas themselves, which have dictated the new housewife image, are the product of men’s minds.” as Friedan also notes, the underlying ideological message of these advertisements is not an explicit goal of the marketers. “i am sure the … assorted directors of all the companies that make detergents and electric mixers, and red stoves with rounded corners, and synthetic furs, and waxes, and hair coloring … never sat down around a mahogany conference table in a board room on Madison avenue or Wall Street and voted on a motion: ‘Gentlemen, i move, in the interests of all, that we begin a concerted fifty-billion-dollar campaign to stop this dangerous movement of american women out of the home. We’ve got to keep them housewives, and let’s not forget it.’”

This suggests a definition of ideology that highlights the ways in which ideology operates without being explicitly intended.

With this in mind, my definition of ideology is as follows: Ideology involves symbols, concepts or broader social mechanisms or structures that, in ways not explicitly intended by the creators of those symbols, concepts or mechanisms, promote particular political, economic or social interests through effects that typically bypass or go undetected by reflective thought.

Saturday, 18 December, 2021 | KARACHI

NEWS corporate corner Syed Fakhar Imam inaugurates Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Laboratory

ISLAMABAD: Food Security is a global challenge and in order to feed the ever-growing global population (expected to be 10 billion in 2050), the use of modern technique like genomics, biotechnology and speed breeding in agriculture is inevitable. Next Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS) is pre-requisite for genomics to be implemented in agriculture.

This was said by Syed Fakhar Imam Federal Minister for M/o National Food Security & Research on the occasion of One Day Seminar on “Next Generation DNA Sequencing & Inauguration of NGS Lab” at National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology at NARC, Islamabad on 15th December 2021. Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali Chairman PARC and other scientists / researchers attended the ceremony.

Addressing the audiences, Minister said that installation of NGS facility at NIGAB is a paradigm shift towards eliciting use of the modern genomic techniques in agricultural productivity enhancement in Pakistan. He lauded the efforts of Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali in establishing state of the art National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB). Minister emphasized the need to adopt modern breeding techniques for per acre yield increase of Pakistani crop such as sugarcane, wheat, maize, rice and cotton. He gave an overview of agricultural progress made by neighboring countries specifically China. Over the years China has made a tremendous progress in establishing genomics and biotechnology-based breeding institutes.

Unfortunately, Pakistan is lagging behind in adopting modern breeding. It is the need of the hour to show commitment with assigned work and with the country as well. He was of the view that in order to harness the true benefits of genomics and biotechnology in agriculture, training of scientists at world famous institutes is also desirable. He advised the students and researchers to get trainings from international institutes from China and other countries which have developed advanced breeding techniques, for the uplift of Pakistani institutes in these techniques. The good quality and scientifically skillful human resource is the key to success. While adding his remarks, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali Chairman PARC told that Next Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS) will significantly contribute the uplift of agricultural biotechnology and genomics through genomic selection and genome based breeding by design approaches. Pr

LCBDDA Announces Apprentice Program for Young Graduates LAHORE: Lahore Central Business District Development Authority (LCBDDA) also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab) announces the country’s most unique graduate development program for young graduates and through this apprentice program, the youth can transform themselves into certified professionals. In this fiscal year only, there will be hundreds of apprentices placed in different batches and top performers from each batch will be given permanent slots, based on their respective performances. The program will offer 12 soft skill training programs and 10 hard skill training programs which includes personal and professional skill development courses. It is a great step in a new direction, providing an innovative approach in developing practical solutions for a better employment breakthroughs for the youth. Announcing “The Apprentice” program at Lahore College Women University, Dr. Shahbaz Gill – Special Assistant to PM on Political Communication said, “Prime Minister Mr. Imran Khan believes in developing institutions, in Lahore only, the Central Business District (CBD Punjab) and RUDA are developing institutions that are in tune with modern requirements which will create millions of jobs and I promise, to give jobs to female students of Lahore College in these institutions”. In this regard, The CBD Punjab HR team will soon initiate a Job Fair and interview female students of Lahore College for the said program.

Taking about this Apprentice Program CEO of LCBDDA – Imran Amin said: “This program will help the youth of Punjab to choose their professional fields by going through focused skill based training session for a better prospect. LCBDDA urges young graduates to register themselves in this program to get professional training relevant to their field of interest and create better employment working opportunities ahead.” Through this program, equal opportunities will be ensured for both male and female top performers which will lead them towards a permanent job placement and it will also give the youth of Punjab, the confidence and the experience to work in a professional environment. Pr

09

SOuTH KOREA DONATES 10,000 HAND SANITIzERS TO MINISTRY OF CLIMATE CHANGE ISLAMABAD

T

Mian abrar

He Republic of Korea has supported the Government of Pakistan’s response in controlling the outbreak and spread of COVID-19.

The Korean government has already provided oxygen concentrator, Ventilators, and RATs (Rapid Antigen Test) worth USD 300,000 to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). KOICA Alumni Association of Pakistan (KAAP) has provided 40 beds, 50 wheelchairs, and 50 stretchers in AJK, KPK, and Islamabad.

To mitigate the impact of COVID19 and strengthen the hygiene response system of Pakistan, the KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) Pakistan Office handed over 10,000 hand sanitizers to the Ministry Of Climate Change (MoCC).

The purpose of providing hand sanitizer to the Ministry is to prevent the spread of infections and decrease the risk of sickness among employees, which will help in creating a safe work environment.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea said that Korean Government has been supporting Pakistan in the fight against Coronavirus because public health is the essential and fundamen-

Khusro Bakhtyar urges Japanese companies to help localisation in automobile sector ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar on Friday met the newly-appointed Ambassador of Japan Wada Mitsuhiro.

During the meeting, both shared the key areas of cooperation in industrial sector and modernisation of local engineering industry.

The Minister discussed the business opportunities for Japanese Automobiles companies under frame work of new automobile policy focusing on localisation and making the auto sector export-oriented. He invited the Japanese

auto companies to explore potential of exporting auto parts to other countries.

He said that these incremental steps would revolutionized the automobile industry of the country by connecting it to global supply chain & distribution channels.

Furthermore, the Minister apprised the Ambassador on Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy. He said that new policy has started bearing fruit now and Pakistan’s existing economic environment provides excellent opportunity for Japanese companies to investment in mobile phone manufacturing. staff rePort

ECC approves 8% Ehsaas Rashan Commission for Kiryana retailers ISLAMABAD: Today, ECC approved 8% Ehsaas Rashan commission for Kiryana retailers.

“Part of the Ehsaas Rashan Riayat design, the 8% special commission for Kiryana retailers is absolutely in accordance with the global best practices”, said Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM. Adding further, she commented, “This specialized incentive will also encourage the Kiryana retailers to help the government disburse subsidy in Rashan Riayat programme.” Empowering Kiryana retailers, the Ehsaas Rashan commission will also enable them to shift from cash-based transactions to electronic dealings, open their bank accounts, install small internet enabled devices and compensate for additional time spent on processing. According to an official statement, Karyana retailers will also benefit from lucky draws every quarter winning— cars, motorcycles, mobile phones and various other prizes and this will be linked to their performance as well. National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) is the executing partner of the government for Ehsaas Rashan Riayat programme.

Currently, the Ehsaas Rashan portal (https://ehsaasrashan.pass.gov.pk/) is open to register Kiryana retailers of all scales countrywide. It is mandatory for the Karyana retailers to have a bank account. Those without bank accounts are being facilitated to open their bank accounts in the nearest branches of NBP. Families can register through 8171. Once registered, the Karyana stores will also be physically verified. They will go through all checks mandated by State Bank of Pakistan including CNIC verification by NADRA, SIM ownership authentication by PMD/PTA, all banking checks (AMI, KYC) and biometric verification. Once they clear the authentication process, the Kiryana merchants will be authorized to disburse the subsidy to eligible families through the mobile Point of Sale’ (mPOS) App in their cell phones. Ehsaas Rashan Riayat has been introduced in line with PM’s vision to uplift the poorest segments of society. The programme is funded jointly by the federal and provincial governments of Punjab, KP, AJK and GB. The Ehsaas Rashan covers wheat flour, pulses, cooking oil and ghee. The Rs. 120 billion programme will serve 20 million families through a network of Ehsaas Rashan enabled Kiryana stores.

Each eligible family will be given a monthly subsidy of Rs. 1,000. Pr

tal basis for inclusive development.

KOICA is also implementing the project with MoCC for enhancing Water Quality Monitoring System to Achieve SDG 6 in Pakistan for USD 7.4 Million which is currently under implementation.

The major stakeholders of the project are MoCC (Ministry of Climate Change), PHeD (Public Health engineering Department), Punjab & KPK, PCRWR (Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources).

Capt. (R) Sikander Qayyum, Secretary MoCC has thanked the South Korean Government for its continued support towards the government of Pakistan’s efforts in overcoming COVID19. Mr. Seokwoong Yang (Country Director KOICA) Mr. Irfan Tariq (DG environment), Dr. Saima Shafique (WASH Cell Coordinator), and Mr. Lee heungsu (Deputy Country Director KOICA) attended the ceremony.

Honda Atlas Cars installed drinking water pumps in Government School Boys Campus at Manga Mandi, Lahore

LAHORE: Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited has always tried to improve the living conditions of the people residing in the surroundings of its factory premises. In addition to arranging free medical camps every quarter and renovation of schools, Honda recently installed deep-bored water pumps in Government School Boys Campus at Manga Mandi, Lahore on December 10, 2021. Clean water is becoming scarce in the area and Government School Boys Campus does not have access to clean drinking water. The contaminated water is the main cause of many diseases and children in the school were deprived of this basic necessity and were always at risk of getting diseases. It is our social responsibility to ensure that Honda is actively playing a massive role in contributing towards the betterment of the society by taking the necessary steps to ensure that clean drinking water is accessible to everyone. The company took initiative and installed deep-bored water pumps in Government School Boys Campus at Manga Mandi, Lahore. Pr

FFC represented as member of PSX ESG Task Force

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN HELD AT PAF HOSPITAL ISLAMABAD PAF Hospital arranged an awareness campaign at PAF Complex, Islamabad with an aim to educate the womenfolk regarding breast cancer. First lady Begum Samina Alvi, was the Chief Guest at the occasion. On her arrival, Begum Marium Baber President Pakistan Air Force Women Association (PAFWA) received the chief guest at the event.

Speaking at the occasion, Begum Samina Alvi emphasized that there was a dire need to support needy people who were fighting against Breast Cancer. She further said that it would not only help in early diagnosis of the Cancer but also break taboos attached with the disease.

She appreciated the role of PAF in creating awareness through free medical camps and setting up clinics in far flung areas of the country. She also congratulated PAF Hospital Islamabad on successful arrangement of campaign and measures taken by the hospital to check the disease. Earlier, Begum Marium Baber, President Pakistan Air Force Women Association, in her opening remarks, underscored the importance of awareness about breast cancer. She highlighted that PAF was committed to support the government in creating awareness among womenfolk and had established state-of-the-art clinics for treatment of the disease in Shorkot, Jacobabad, and Mianwali. Pr

Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) was invited by Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson ESG taskforce to attend the seminar on ‘ESG integration into Investing’ jointly hosted by CFA Society Pakistan and Pakistan Stock Exchange at the PSX Auditorium, Karachi. The session highlighted ESG related initiatives, integration into the business (investment process) and consequent longterm risk-adjusted returns, in line with the ESG principles. FFC is among top stock blue chip companies honoured by PSX as member for ESG Task Force. Syed Imran Rizvi, Head of Shares Department represented FFC on the occasion. He proposed implementation of new integrated ESG code for listed companies and design of ESG index on the basis of Free Float Market Capitalization, in lines with KSE 100 index. Pr

Saturday, 18 December, 2021 | KARACHI

10 FOREIGN NEWS

XI JINpINg StreSSeS eXpeDItINg DeVelOpmeNt Of uNIfIeD NAtIONAl mArKet

C

Agencies

HINESE President Xi Jinping on Friday stressed efforts to expedite the development of a unified national market. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while presiding over the 23rd meeting of the central committee for deepening overall reform.

He highlighted the importance of balancing the relationship between govern-

ment and the market when developing a socialist market economy to let the market play the decisive role in allocating resources while allowing the government to better perform its functions.

The Chinese president urged the country to speed up market reform, saying to build a new development paradigm, the country needs to accelerate the construction of an efficiently regulated, open, unified domestic market with fair competition.

He also called for building a unified market system and regulation to promote orderly and free flow of economic factors.

President Xi stressed the importance of enhancing the efficacy of government oversight.

He also vowed to protect the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises and the safety of people’s lives and property in accordance with the law.

The country should adhere to the direction of cultivating high-caliber personnel and building world-class universities, Xi added.

The ethics of science and technology is the code of values we must abide, Xi said, while calling for ensuring the use of science and technology for the greater good.

Taliban prepare new Afghan budget without foreign aid North Korea bans its citizens from laughing for 11 days Agencies North Korea has restricted its citizens from laughing or showing any signs of happiness for 11 days to commemorate the 10th death anniversary of their leader, Kim Jongil, The Hindustan Times reported. The publication cited a news story by Radio Free Asia to confirm the ban which quoted a citizen as saying that all leisure activities, including laughing, drinking, and grocery shopping, have been banned during the mourning period. The practice is not new as such restrictions have been imposed before too. Per the report, an anonymous North Korean citizen said that “many people who were caught drinking or drunk during the restriction were arrested and treated as ideological criminals, and were never seen again.” This is not all about this bizarre practice because people aren’t allowed to celebrate birthdays, cry, or mourn even if someone passes away. If someone dies during the mourning period, their funerals take place after the mourning period is over. Generally, this mourning period continues for 10 days every year on the anniversary, but this year, it will go on for 11 days. Kim Jong Il ruled North Korea for 17 years until his death in December 2011, passing on power to his son. Three generations of the Kim family have ruled the country since 1948. North Koreans are taught from birth to revere Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, and all adults wear badges depicting one or both men.

South Africa says vaccines, prior infection help mildness of COVID cases JOHAnnesBURg

AFP Afghanistan’s finance ministry under the Taliban government has prepared a draft national budget that, for the first time in two decades, is funded without foreign aid, a spokesman said.

It comes as the country is mired in an economic crisis and faces a looming humanitarian catastrophe that the United Nations (UN) has called an “avalanche of hunger”.

abroad.

The 2021 budget, put together by the previous administration under guidance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), projected a deficit despite 219 billion Afghanis ($2.7 billion at the time) in aid and grants and 217 billion from domestic revenue.

At that time, the exchange rate was around 80 Afghanis to the dollar, but the local currency has been hammered since the Taliban’s return, particularly in the past week, slumping to 130 on Monday before recovering on Friday to around 100.

Haqmal accepted that public servants are still owed several months of wages, saying “we are trying our best” to make good on overdue pay by year-end.

He warned, however, a new pay scale had also been prepared.

The new government’s revenue department said last month that it had collected 26 billion Afghanis in the previous two-and-a-half-months, including 13 billion in customs duties.

It also announced a new Islamic tax to fund aid projects for poor people and orphans.

An Afghan economist, who asked not to be named, said on Friday the new budget would likely end up being only a quarter of that for 2021.

“The Taliban are saying they have more transparency at the border crossings,” meaning fewer goods dodge duties than previously, this economist told AFP. But, he said, even if true, maximum revenues would only be about 100 billion Afghanis because the intensifying recession will shrink the tax take to a far greater extent.

Russia lays out security demands and calls for ‘clean sheet’ in ties with West MOscOW NeWs Desk

Web Desk

South Africa’s health minister said on Friday that the government believed that vaccines and high levels of prior COVID-19 infection were helping to keep disease milder in a wave driven by the Omicron variant. There have been early anecdotal accounts suggesting that Omicron is causing less severe illness than previous variants in South Africa but scientists say it is too early to draw firm conclusions. The country reported a record number of daily infections earlier this week. “We believe that it might not necessarily just be that Omicron is less virulent, but … coverage of vaccination (and) … natural immunity of people who have already had contact with the virus is also adding to the protection,” Health Minister Joe Phaahla told a news conference. “That’s why we are seeing mild illness.” South Africa has given 44% of its adult population at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, more than many African countries but well short of the government’s yearend target. But among the over-50s vaccination coverage levels are over 60%. Addressing the same news conference, Michelle Groome from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said there had been an uptick in COVID-19 hospital admissions and deaths.

“Starting to see a slight increase in deaths nationally, but once again this level is very much lower even than the baseline period we were seeing between the second and third waves,” said Groome, who heads the NICD’s division of public health, surveillance and response. Waasila Jassat, a public health specialist at the NICD, estimated that of the COVID-19 related deaths that had happened in hospitals since mid-November more than half of the people who had died had co-morbidities, or tended to be old, and “a fair proportion of them were admitted for other reasons and died from other causes”.

Finance ministry spokesman Ahmad Wali Haqmal did not disclose the size of the draft budget — which runs until December 2022 — but told AFP it would go to the cabinet for approval before being published.

“We are trying to finance it from our domestic revenues — and we believe we can,” he told state television in an interview shared on Twitter.

Global donors suspended financial aid when the Taliban seized power in August and Western powers also froze access to billions of dollars in assets held

Russia on Friday laid out an array of security guarantees it wants from the West including promises to give up any military activity in Ukraine and eastern Europe and not to expand the NATO military alliance further.

The demands, spelt out by Moscow in full for the first time, form a package that Russia says is an essential requirement for lowering tensions in Europe and defusing the crisis over Ukraine.

But they contain elements – such as an effective Russian veto on NATO membership for Ukraine – that the West has already ruled out.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters Russia and West must start from a clean sheet in rebuilding relations.

“The line pursued by the United States and NATO over recent years to aggressively escalate the security situation is absolutely unacceptable and extremely dangerous,” he said.

“Washington and its NATO allies should immediately stop regular hostile actions against our country, including unscheduled exercises, dangerous rapprochements and manoeuvres of military ships and planes, and stop the military development of Ukrainian territory.”

Ryabkov told reporters that Russia was not willing to put up with the current

situation any more.

He urged the United States to take the proposals seriously and come up with a constructive response.

Ryabkov said Russia was ready to start talks as soon as Saturday, with Geneva as a possible venue, and its negotiating team was ready.

But Interfax news agency quoted

him earlier as saying the United States and NATO were so far rejecting the ideas and their response was not encouraging.

TROOP BUILD-UP: Moscow handed over its proposals to the United States this week amid soaring tensions over a build-up of Russian troops near Ukraine.

Western countries have warned Russia may be about to launch a new attack on

Ukraine, something Moscow has denied.

Russia says it is responding to what it sees as threats to its own security from Ukraine’s increasingly close relations with NATO and aspirations to join the alliance.

RIA news agency summarised the key points of Moscow’s proposals as: n To rule out further NATO expansion and Ukraine’s accession to the alliance n Not to deploy additional troops and weapons outside the countries in which they were in May 1997 (before any Eastern European countries joined the alliance) – except in exceptional cases with the consent of Russia and NATO members n To abandon any NATO military activities in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia n Not to deploy intermediate and shorter-range missiles where they can hit the territory of the other side n Not to conduct exercises with more than one military brigade in an agreed border zone, and to regularly exchange information about military exercises n To confirm that the parties do not consider each other as adversaries, and agree to resolve all disputes peacefully and refrain from the use of force n To commit not to create conditions that might be perceived as a threat by the other party n To create hotlines for emergency contacts.

Saturday, 18 December, 2021 | KARACHI

SPORTS 11

PCB alloWs fRanChIses to InduCt MoRe PlayeRs foR Psl-7 LAHORe

t

stAff RepoRt

HE Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allowed Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises to induct more players into the squad for the tournament’s seventh edition.

The board has allowed the franchises to move the cap up from 18 to 20 players, while the two additions should either be domestic or a combination of domestic and foreign, sources said.

However, the franchises will not be allowed to induct two foreign players.

The selection of the additional players will be done next month, just days before the league begins — on January 27. The PSL draft took place last week.

The decision was taken after the PSL franchises had requested the PCB to increase the team players, given the uncertainty due to the current coronavirus situation, sources said.

Pakistan Cricket Board also aims to increase the importance of domestic players

through the decision, the sources added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the ODI series between Pakistan and West Indies — scheduled from Dec 18-22 — was postponed after several West Indies players tested positive for COVID-19 during the three-match T20 series.

After the announcement, PCB Chief Operating Office Salman Naseer said that although there was “no breach of the biosecure bubble at all,” but the board had become extra cautious for Pakistan Super League.

Rizwan surpasses Guptill to become the best T20I hitter in 2021 News Desk

West Indies team will again arrive in Pakistan in June 2022: Ramiz News Desk Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja on Thursday said that a full-fledged West Indies team will again arrive in the country for ODI series in June, 2022. Earlier, the PCB and Cricket West Indies had decided to postpone the ODI series, that was scheduled to begin in Karachi on Saturday, due to confirmation of Covid cases in the touring party’s camp. On Thursday, the PCB chairman also praised the Pakistan team and the opening pair of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam as the Men in Green chased down 208 in the final T20I against West Indies, the highest-ever by Pakistan in the history of this format. “Very impressive record chase tonight. Self-belief and calmness was at the heart of that feat!. Great year for Rizwan and he doesn’t have a bad partner in Babar too. Pity about the rescheduling of the ODI series but we will have a full fledged fit West Indies team for that June encounter,” he tweeted.

Pak vs WI: Rizwan credits Misbah and co for successful run kARACHI News Desk

Pakistan’s flamboyant batter Muhammad Rizwan has said that it was due to the previous management headed by Misbah-ul-Haq that he has been able to achieve numerous records in the year 2021.

Speaking after Pakistan’s win over West Indies in the third T20I on Thursday – the last T20I of the year, Rizwan said that Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Shahid Aslam, and captain Babar Azam empowered him by allowing him to bat at his ideal position. “I give credit to the previous management. They allowed me to play at a position that suits me, and when I got the opportunity, I felt better as it helped me score so many runs throughout the year,” he said after becoming the first man to score 2,000 T20 runs in a calendar year. Rizwan also claimed the record of most century partnerships in T20Is, six with Babar Azam, after 158 runs opening stand between the two. The wicketkeeper batter said that when you’re playing with a top batter, things become so easy for you. “When you’ve world number one as your batting partner, then you shouldn’t be worried about other things – you just have to focus on what you’ve to offer and apply your best,” Rizwan said. “The best thing between us is our communication and our approach towards the target. We target various elements when we are batting together and keep the scoreboard moving according to that which make things easy for us,” he added. He also praised his captain and said that Babar Azam’s attitude has played an important role in keeping the team united. “A captain always has an important role in the team. Babar is humble as captain and plays an important part in keeping the team united,” he said. Meanwhile, Rizwan’s captain and opening partner Babar Azam praised the wicket-keeper batter from Peshawar by terming him "not only a good cricketer but also a very nice human being".

Mohammad Rizwan has had a golden year in T20 international cricket in 2021 and there are no surprise that most records from the calendar year also belong to the man of the moment.

After becoming the only player in T20 history to cross the 2,000-runs mark, Rizwan has now surpassed Kiwi opener Martin Guptill to become the best hitter in T20Is in 2021.

Martin Guptill held the record for most sixes in 2021 with 41. However, this was surpassed by Rizwan following his matchwinning knock against West Indies in the third and final T20I of the series.

Rizwan, who scored 87 from just 45 deliveries, hit three sixes during the innings which took lifted him to the first spot.

Here is the list for most T20I sixes in 2021:

1. M. Rizwan – 42 sixes, 119 fours 2. Martin Guptil – 41 sixes, 53 fours 3. Evin Lewis – 37 sixes, 42 fours

4. Nicholas Pooran – 32 sixes, 31 fours 5. Aiden Markram – 27 sixes, 44 fours 6. Jos Buttler – 26 sixes, 49 fours

7. Rohit Sharma – 23 sixes, 39 fours 8. Mitchell Marsh – 23 sixes, 59 fours 9. Dinesh Nakrani – 21 sixes, 22 fours 10. Glenn Phillips – 20 sixes, 17 fours In addition to this, Mohammad Rizwan is also the first player in T20I to hit over 100 boundaries in a calendar year, which is another record that belongs to him now to showcase his remarkable 2021 performances.

Rizwan also proved himself to be the best T20 batsman across the globe. The previous record for most runs scored in a calendar year was held by West Indian Chris Gayle.

But now Rizwan and Babar have surpassed Gayle with their phenomenal performances.

Here are the leading runscorers in T20s: 1. Mohammad Rizwan – 2,036 runs (2021) 2. Babar Azam – 1,779 runs (2021) 3. Chris Gayle – 1,665 runs (2015) 4. Virat Kohli – 1,614 runs (2016) 5. Babar Azam – 1,607 runs (2019)

Smith and bowlers put Australia in box seat against England ADeLAIDe AgeNcies

Australia declared their first innings on 473-9 and then reduced England to 17-2 after a near-flawless evening session to take charge of the day-night second Ashes Test on Friday.

Stand-in skipper Steve Smith fell agonisingly short of his hundred but Alex Carey smashed 51 and lowerorder batsmen Michael Neser and Mitchell Starc produced breezy cameos before they declared their innings.

England lost both their openers cheaply before bad weather brought the second day’s play to an early close at the Adelaide Oval.

England captain Joe Root was batting on five and Dawid Malan on one with the tourists facing an uphill task to stay alive in the pink-ball contest.

Earlier, England brought out the big guns, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, to open the bowling on a hot and overcast day. Australia began cautiously with Marnus Labuschagne finally clinching his sixth test century after 54 balls in the nervous nineties.

Two balls later, it looked all over as the 27-year-old was caught behind but television footage showed bowler Ollie Robinson’s foot was fractionally over the crease and

the batsman, who had been dropped twice during his knock, was recalled.

One run later, however, Robinson had his revenge, trapping Labuschagne lbw for 103 off 305 balls.

Travis Head made 18 before Joe Root bowled him and Ben Stokes claimed his second wicket when he pegged back the off-stump of Cameron Green (two).

Carey got his fifty but Smith, leading the side in the absence of Pat Cummins who missed the test having been a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case, fell lbw to James Anderson after a patient 93.

It was an enthralling post-tea spell, more T20 than Test cricket, for the crowd who had sat through a largely slow and predictable two days.

Michael Neser, on his test debut, blasted 35 off 24 balls while Starc remained not out after a run-a-ball 39.

The onslaught meant that England openers Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed took to the field with a previously-dulled crowd now whipped into a frenzy.

Australia fielded aggressively against both batsmen with four slips and just one player on the boundary.

Burns (four) fell first, to Starc, with Smith taking the catch at second slip. Neser made it a session to remember by clinching his maiden test wicket, as Hameed (six) was caught by Starc at mid on.

PCB introduces position of ‘Power hitting’ coach LAHORe web Desk

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started looking for new coaches for the National High-Performance Center (NHPC) with the introduction of Power Hitting Coach. In this relation, the cricket board on Friday posted advertisements for the High Performance Coach as well as batting, bowling, fielding and power-hitting coaches, who, among other qualifications, must boast a minimum experience of five years. The High Performance Coach will be required to provide integrated and holistic coaching support to the players across all formats and levels, including life and mental preparedness.

He will also be responsible for identifying talent and defining objectives for individual players that would facilitate excellence and augmentation in the players’ game, personalities and leadership, following in the PCB’s vision, Philosophy and approach.

The batting, bowling, fielding and power-hitting coaches, among other qualifications, will lead the PCB’s development programmes. They will also be responsible for identifying objectives for individual players within their areas of responsibilities that would facilitate excellence and augmentation in skills enhancements. While advertisements for the national team coaches will be posted in due course, last date for submission of applications for five the National High Performance Centre coaches is 17 January 2022. The shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel of experts before the candidates are finalised.

Saturday, 18 December, 2021

prayer timings

NEWS

ShAhzAd AkbAR ACCuSES ShEhbAz ShARIF AS ‘RIng lEAdER OF MOnEylAundERIng gAng’ LAHORE

A

news desk

dvisor to the Prime Minister on Accountability and interior Barrister shahzad Akbar said Friday PML-N President shahbaz sharif is the “ring leader of a money-laundering gang”. shahbaz and his son, Hamza shahbaz, are involved in corruption and laundering rs16 billion in the ramzan sugar Mills case, he said while addressing a press conference.

The challan submitted by the Federal investigation Agency (FiA) against the

two members of the sharif family — shahbaz and Hamza — in the ramzan sugar Mills money-laundering case consisted of more than 4,000 documents and 100 witnesses, he said. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) also found shahbaz involved in money-laundering, and according to the FiA charge-sheet, he was the “mastermind of the money-laundering group,” Akbar said.

He said the modus operandi used in the Hudaibiya Paper Mills case was again used in the ramzan sugar Mills scam, adding that shahbaz got relief in the Hudaibiya Paper Mills case on “technical grounds, not on merit”.

Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi gets position as Federal Ombudsman

Akbar said billions of rupees were laundered through the accounts of lowwage employees of the ramzan sugar Mills and that shahbaz opened 28 ”benamidar” accounts to launder money between 2008 and 2018 when he was the chief minister of Punjab.

The PM’s adviser said salary certificates of those employees were part of the bank record under the “know your customer (KYC)” regime. He added that the employees also confessed during an investigation that the bank accounts were opened in their names and the cheque books and other belongings were taken from them. He claimed account opening

was a condition after getting a job at the sugar mill.

Akbar said the amount of rs16 billion was deposited in the accounts by karyana merchants, schoolteachers, hardware shops, auto-parts dealers, chicken suppliers, etc.

He added that the FiA came to know from the account holders during the investigation that none of them paid anything to the sharif group.

The same method to launder money was also used in sindh. The salaries of the employees varied between rs 5,000 and 30,000, however, the transactions in the accounts were worth billions of rupees.

ECC approves launch of ETCSP worth over Rs106 billion

ISLAMABAD: Federal government on Friday appointed Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi as Federal ombudsman.

The Ministry of Law and Justice has issued a notification in this regard after the approval of the President of Pakistan dr Arif Alvi. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi has been appointed as a Federal ombudsman for four years. it is pertinent to mention that Ejaz emerged to be the successor of syed Tahir shahbaz, who previously hold the office of Federal ombudsman. staff report

Islamabad to repatriate illegal Afghan nationals ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday decided to repatriate Afghan and other foreign nationals, who are staying illegally in Pakistan. sources disclosed that recently Prime Minister imran Khan has discussed the current situation in the neighbouring country, Afghanistan during a meeting where a decision has been taken to repatriate 300,000 illegal Afghan immigrants to their homeland. sources further said that the Afghan nationals whose visas have expired will be given three months’ time to go return to their country. The high-level meeting attended by the top civil and military leadership decided that Pakistan cannot further bear the burden of Afghan nationals and they have to go back to their homeland.

Earlier, Pakistan’s top civil, military leadership led by Prime Minister imran Khan had agreed upon providing all-out assistance to Afghanistan on a humanitarian basis to save the country from any humanitarian disaster. The decision was made in the apex committee meeting headed by Prime Minister imran Khan and attended by Chief of Army staff (CoAs) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, federal ministers, and other senior civil and military leadership. The meeting had agreed that the isolation of Afghanistan by global countries could lead to a disaster and hoped that the world would not repeat the act of isolating the country. staff report

ISLAMABAD staff report

The Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet on Friday approved Launch of the Ehsaas Targeted Commodity subsidy Program (ETCsP) of the Poverty Alleviation & social safety (PAss) division worth over 106 billion rupees for the period of six months starting from January next year.

The approval was granted at ECC meeting which met in islamabad today with Minister for Economic Affairs omar Ayub Khan in the chair. The programme includes subsidy for Beneficiaries, incentive for Kiryana stores and other operation expenditure. According to the Kiryana incentive scheme, target Kiryana stores are located in com-

munities with average monthly income of less than 30,000 rupees per family. during the meeting it was informed that in pursuance of the Cabinet decisions, extensive efforts were undertaken including field visits, market surveys, and meetings with local shop owners / Tajir Associations in dozens of cities across the country. in addition, wide ranking consultations were held with relevant provincial and federal stakeholders. resultantly, the Program design document has been amended to ensure compliance with the Cabinet decisions and address the concerns of stakeholders. Further, the PAss division and National Bank of Pakistan have also started mobilization efforts for beneficiaries and

merchants registration. in order to implement this program, the PAss division will enter into an MoU with NBP for this purpose and will reimburse all relevant costs incurred by NBP on a monthly basis subject to an independent audit and authorization by the Program steering Committee.

The PAss division will hire one of the top accounting firms as an external auditor to review all transactions (subsidy and vendor payments) processed on monthly basis; The three items covered under the program are essential commodities with inelastic demand, therefore, adoption of local prices will be allowed for the disbursement of the fixed per unit subsidy.

According to the Kiryana incentive scheme, target Kiryana stores are located in communities with average monthly income of less than rs. 30,000 per family.

Hence, 8% of subsidy value as incentive for Kiryana stores (rs. 12 / transaction, assuming average transaction value of rs. 500) will be allowed.

After due deliberations, the ECC of the Cabinet approved the summary of the PAss division for launching of the ETCsP. Meanwhile, sAPM dr sania Nishtar, in a statement, said that Kiryana retailers will be entitled of eight percent special commission, which will also encourage the Kiryana retailers to help the government disburse subsidy in rashan riayat programme.

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

5:45

12:25

3:24

7:05

5:44

7:05

PM restrains cabinet from showing reaction over Wajihuddin’s statement ISLAMABAD staff Correspondent

Prime Minister imran Khan on Friday restrained his cabinet from reacting to the statements of a former PTi member and retired Justice Wajihuddin Ahmed who recently claimed that PM’s monthly household expenses were borne by now-estranged PTi leader Jahangir Tareen. sources disclosed that during a meeting, the allegations of Justice retired Wajihuddin were also discussed where PM Khan made it clear that his expenditure were not in millions. The leaders of opposition parties looted the national exchequer and there should be more talk on this.” He suggested the ministers not waste time talking about such things. it is pertinent to mention that two days ago Federal Minister for information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad has been reported saying a defamation case was being filed against justice (retd) Wajihuddin Ahmad for leveling baseless allegations against Prime Minister imran Khan and also notices were being sent to Tv channels, which made part of their drives his allegations without verification. Wajihuddin, who had resigned from the PTi back in 2016 revealed that Jahangir Khan Tareen initially gave funds worth rs3 million per month which was later increased to rs5 million per month.

ATC sentences four accused in Perween Rahman case An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi on Friday awarded life imprisonment on two counts to four accused in the murder case of renowned rights activist Perween rahman, who was shot dead in the metropolis in 2013. Five people had been charged in the high-profile murder case, namely Abdul raheem swati and his son Mohammad imran swati, and three co-accused – Ayaz shamzai alias swati, Amjad Hussain Khan and Ahmed Khan alias Pappu Kashmiri. The judge of the ATC-vii sentenced Abdul raheem swati, Ahmed Khan, Amjad Hussain Khan and Ayaz swati to life imprisonment. All five of the accused were fined rs200,000. The fifth accused, imran swati, was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined an additional rs200,000. The court had reserved its verdict on october 15 after the court had recorded the evidence and final arguments in the eight-year-long trial. However, the pronouncement of the verdict was postponed after the prosecutor had moved an application on oct 28 for framing an amended charge against the accused for hatching a conspiracy to kill rahman. The court had dismissed the application on Nov 25. news desk

Foreign diplomats arrive to attend extraordinary OIC summit on Afghanistan ISLAMABAD staff report

Foreign diplomats and foreign ministers have started to arrive here in the federal capital to attend the extraordinary oiC summit on Afghanistan. in this regard, saudi delegates reached islamabad on Friday to attend an extraordinary session of the organisation of islamic Cooperation (oiC) Council of Foreign Ministers, scheduled to take place on december 19, to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.

The moot was proposed by saudi Arabia last month, following which Pakistan had welcomed the move and offered to host the session. A delegation, comprising saudi Arabia’s Afghan affairs department head Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin saud al-Kabir and Prince Jiluwi bin Turki, arrived in islamabad on Friday morning. The delegates were received by saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin said Al Malki and senior officials from the Foreign office (Fo). separately, the Fo also welcomed islamic development Bank (idB) President dr Mohammed bin sulaiman Al Jasser.

Upon reaching islamabad, the idB president commended Pakistan bringing

oiC countries at one platform for stability in Afghanistan. speaking to state-run radio Pakistan at islamabad international Airport, he acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts for extending “every possible assistance to Afghanistan”.

All oiC countries held Pakistan’s contribution in this regard in high esteem, Al Jasser said, adding that the participation of oiC ministers in the upcoming conference is an expression of their resolve for peace in Afghanistan. oiC secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha had reached also islamabad on Thursday night to attend the summit. He was welcomed by Minister of state for information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib.

Taha had said on the occasion that the oiC session would provide an opportunity to Muslim countries to discuss ways to help Afghan people, who are facing a looming humanitarian crisis.

According to radio Pakistan, he said it is high time that Muslim countries consider ways to help their Afghan brethren at this critical time.

He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating the evacuation of foreigners from Afghanistan after the Taliban seized power

in Kabul and expressed the hope that islamabad would continue to play a positive role in helping the people of Afghanistan.

The oiC secretary general met Foreign Minister shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday, with the latter tweeting: “A pleasure to welcome oiC secretary General H.E Hissein Brahim Taha to Pakistan. i look forward to working closely for the success of the 17th Extraordinary session of the CFM on Afghanistan.” Earlier in the day, the foreign minister also held a meeting with media persons to discuss the oiC summit.

He said in a tweet that he has held a “very constructive session with people from Pakistan’s media fraternity, discussing the upcoming 17th extraordinary session of the oiC Council of Foreign Ministers”.

“Together we must draw the world’s attention to act on the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan,” Qureshi asserted.

He told media persons that the Afghan delegation attending the moot would be led

by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Us special representative for Afghanistan Thomas West would also attend the summit.

The foreign minister said the world must not abandon Afghanistan, warning that if a humanitarian crisis is not averted in the war-

torn country, its economy would collapse.

He further stated that in case of a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the country’s neighbours, including Pakistan, and European Union states would have to prepare for another influx of refugees.

Qureshi said Pakistan is playing its role in providing assistance to Afghanistan and urging other countries to do the same. in this regard, he highlighted that 75 percent of Afghanistan’s budgetary requirements are met via external support and now that Afghan assets have been frozen, the world needs to revisit its approach.

“Why should Afghan women and children suffer?” he remarked.

He added that the Afghan government is ready to reopen schools in the country but lacks resources to pay salaries to its employees.

“We are expecting some financial support from oiC member states,” he added.

Qureshi announced that a meeting of Troika Plus – comprising Pakistan, China, russia and the United states – P5 countries and Germany, Japan, italy and Australia would also be held in islamabad to discuss the Afghan situation.

A formal announcement for the oiC moot was made by Foreign Minister Qureshi

on december 4, who had said that the purpose of the summit is to avert a humanitarian crisis rearing its head in Afghanistan following the Us withdrawal.

Addressing a press conference, he had said the session would draw world leaders’ attention towards the fact that a lack of prompt response would lead to food shortages for some 22.8 million people and affect about 3.2 million children with malnutrition in Afghanistan. He had added that the conference would help mobilise resources to support Afghanistan.

The foreign minister had said the upcoming extraordinary session of the oiC is being held in Pakistan after a gap of 41 years, for which the special representatives of P5 countries, vice-president of European Union, and representatives of relevant UN agencies and the World Bank have also been invited.

“Germany, Japan, Canada and Australia have also been invited to help develop an international consensus on bringing Afghanistan out of crisis,” he had said.

The foreign minister had further stated that Pakistan would invite a high-level delegation from Afghanistan so that they could engage and be engaged by the world leaders to know about ground realities.

Published by Arif Nizami at Plot No 66-C, 1st Floor, 21st Commercial Street, Phase-II (Extension), DHA Karachi and printed at Ibn-e-Hassan Printing Press, Hockey Stadium, Karachi, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 021-35381208-9. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk