EpaperKHI_22-2-27

Sunday, 27 february, 2022 i 25 Rajab, 1443 i Rs 15.00 i Vol Xii no 240 i 12 Pages i Karachi Edition

Shehbaz, Mengal diScuSS notruSt Move againSt govt

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AkiStAn Muslim League-nawaz President Shehbaz Sharif said Saturday that the PDM has decided in principle to bring a no-confidence motion against government.

Speaking to media after his meeting with Balochistan national Party Mengal (BnP-M) leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal at his Model town residence in Lahore, Shehbaz said he talked to the BnP-M

chief on the no-trust move against the Pti-led government.

He said the level of corruption has crossed all boundaries and the opposition is trying hard to make the no-trust move against the government successful.

On the matter of granting rights to small provinces, Shehbaz said the PMLn believes that the federal government should protect their rights, adding that Punjab should come forward and em-

brace the smaller provinces. talking on the occasion, Mengal said he held talks with Shehbaz on the issue of no-confidence motion, adding that it is necessary to get rid of this government, which has brought disaster instead of ‘change’. the Baloch leader said that they are all part of the PDM. He rued that Balochistan has been ignored and the biggest problem of the province is missing persons. “if someone has done something wrong, he should be produced before the court,” he said.

Earlier, Mengal was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival at the place of Shehbaz.

Both the leaders held discussion on the current political situation, inflation, unemployment, economic crisis and other grave problems being faced by public. they also talked about the planned no-trust motion against the government, which they believe is the demand of the nation. they exchanged views on the future strategy of opposition in order to exert more pressure on the government which is already facing a full frontal assault by the opposition in the shape of long marches and looming no-trust motion. Staff RepoRt

Sanjarani urges Elahi to keep coalition government intact LAHORE Staff RepoRt

Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjarani Saturday called on senior leader of the ruling coalition party, PML-Q, Chaudhry Pervez Elahi and urged him to keep the coalition government intact. According to sources, the meeting between Sadiq Sanjarani and Pervez Elahi in Lahore lasted for an hour and a half.

According to sources, in the context of the meetings of the opposition leadership with the PML-Q leadership, Sadiq Sanjarani said that all eyes were on the PML-Q. “Our eyes and the eyes of the nation are fixed on you. Mr. Chaudhry please think and keep the coalition government intact,” the sources quoted the Senate Chairman as saying.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

PM Khan likely to take the nation into confidence on impact of global inflation ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister imran khan is likely to make an address to the nation soon to shed light on the impact of global inflation on Pakistan’s economy.

According to well placed sources, the premier’s address will be in the context of the effects of global inflation on Pakistan. However, the sources say the exact time of the address to the nation is yet to be finalised. the sources further added that geopolitical tensions in the wake of the Ukraine-Russian conflict could have an impact on the global as well as inflation in Pakistan.

“During the last one week, oil and wheat prices in the international market have surged by 12-15%; meanwhile global insurance companies have raised war surcharges on shipping companies,” the sources said.

they warned that the ongoing geopolitical situation could lead to a new wave of inflation around the world.

PM SuMMonS SESSion of EconoMic tEaM: Meanwhile, Prime Minister imran khan has summoned an important session of the economic team before his address to the nation, citing sources. the Prime Minister imran khan will chair the session of the economic team at Bani Gala today. the economic team will give a briefing to the premier regarding the current scenario.

After holding consultations, PM khan will address the nation. the economic team members have been directed by the Prime Minister Office (PMO) to stay in islamabad. the premier is likely to address the nation in view of the expected impacts of global inflation on Pakistan.

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Sunday, 27 February, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS

PIA to evAcuAte PAkIstAn students from ukrAIne AmId russIA AssAult iSLAMABAD/KYiV

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Staff RepoRt

HE Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has arranged a series of flights to usher students stranded in Ukraine out of the war-hit European country, the airline said Saturday, days after Russian forces mounted a mass assault by land, air and sea on the former Soviet republic.

The first two flights would leave tomorrow for Poland, it tweeted. While Pakistan Today could not immediately confirm that the flights will be carried out from which city, reports citing diplomatic sources said the students have been told to gather in the western city of Ternopil to cross into Poland through a land border crossing from where they will be flown to Pakistan via PIA jets.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has also warned airlines to avoid flying over Ukraine and exercise “extreme caution” in airspace within 100 nautical miles (185 kilometres) of the Belarus-Ukraine and Russia-Ukraine borders.

At the time of the attack, some 3,000 students were studying in educational institutions across Ukraine, said Noel Israel Khokhar, Pakistan’s ambassador in Kyiv, in a voice message shared on Twitter.

A “bulk of them” have been evacuated and only “500-600 are left and […] in the process of being evacuated”, Khokhar said.

“All Pakistanis are safe and we are trying to guide them under the difficult situation,” he added, pointing to the closure of flights, banking apparatus and unavailability of transport and fuel.

A total of 62 people, including 21 members and

family of the mission, have been evacuated. Another batch of 59 people was on the crossing between Ukraine and Poland. A third group of 79 people — which included 67 students as well — was on its way to the land border crossing.

Another 104 students were arriving from Kharkiv by train while 20 others were being evacuated from Kyiv on a bus arranged by the embassy, Khokhar said.

In a related development, the embassy in Bucharest, the capital of neighbouring Romania, has established a dedicated hotline that is providing round-the-clock guidance to stranded Pakistan nationals.

Information about border crossing points and visas is being shared on social media accounts of the missions.

People were also being guided separately, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

In coordination with the Romanian Ministry of

Oil prices expected to increase from March 1 Monitoring report After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the prices of petroleum products in Pakistan are likely to surge by up to Rs9.59 per litre from March 1, 2022, according to media reports.

On February 16, the crude oil price stood at $94 per

barrel in the international market. As Russia launched an attack on its neighbour, the price of oil crossed $100 a barrel for the first time since 2014 with Brent crude touching $105 on Thursday. With the beginning of war, European nations and the United States have slapped stringent sanctions on Russia. Industry experts are of the view that during the current post-Covid economic

recovery, Russia wants to enhance its revenue from the oil market with the help of Ukrainian oil.

However, they say the US will try to limit Russia’s earnings by taking aggressive measures aimed at pushing down oil prices in the global market.

The US has huge shale oil reserves but it is far more expensive than crude oil. Still, Washington may

Foreign Affairs, arrangements have been made for the immediate issuance of visas, further onward transit and medical assistance, while accommodation arrangements had also been made in the capital, the APP added.

Facilitation is also being provided for further transit to those who intend to fly to Pakistan or any destination of their preference.

Meanwhile, the government has called on Pakistan nationals to find shelter or if possible to attempt to leave the country by land, after Ukraine shut its airspace and evacuation flights were suspended.

PIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Arshad Malik spoke to Khokhar on Friday to discuss “various options to recover our students” from Ukraine.

In a tweet, Malik observed the “airspace is closed but [the airline is] working out various options […] we shall find a way”.

The nation’s diplomatic mission in Ukraine has so far evacuated 35 students from Pakistan enrolled in various universities across the European nation while 65 are still stuck in the northeast city of Kharkiv are expected to be rescued today.

ANXIOUS PARENTS SEEK GOVERNMENT HELP: Amid fear that the tension between Russia and Ukraine could further escalate, anxious parents of students in Ukraine are appealing to the authorities to push for the evacuation of their children. try to flood the global market with shale oil in a bid to bring prices down and dent Russia’s revenue, experts say. As an alternative, the US will try to reverse Iranian sanctions and open its oil market to slash crude prices to $65 per barrel. If no option works and the ongoing situation continues, the prices of crude oil may soar to $125 per barrel in the global market, they say. “Such a development may push prices of local petroleum products to over Rs200 per litre,” an expert said. The price of petrol may go up

by Rs9.59 to Rs169.45 per litre.

Sunday, 27 February, 2022 | KARACHI

PAf’s operation swift retort – feb 27 continues to haunt IAf

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SHAfeK KoreSHe

HREE years after the downing of two Indian Air Force aircraft and capture of one pilot, the IAF is yet to recover from the humiliation at the hands of a far smaller adversary – the PAF which exposed to the world the inherent military weakness of a “nuclear-armed” India.

The Indian botched attempt to strike deep inside Pakistan following a false flag operation at Pulwama, and counter strike by the PAF on Feb 27 established its military and technological superiority, shattering to pieces the myth of Indian military might.

On 14 February 2019, a young Kashmiri boy, resenting Indian oppression of Kashmiri people, drove a vehicle packed with explosives into a convoy of 78 buses carrying Indian paramilitary police in Pulwama, killing 40 CRPF personnel. Moments after the attack the Indian media and government immediately blamed Pakistan before even the start of any investigation.

Prime Minister Khan promised to conduct an investigation, provided Delhi could provide any “actionable evidence.” He however also warned that Pakistan would “retaliate” if attacked. Nevertheless, the Indians opted to carry out an airstrike across the border on an imaginary terrorist training camp on the Pakistani side INdIAN MILITARy PLANS STRIKE AcROSS bORdER – cOdE NAME “bANdAR” The Indian authorities code-named the attack on Balakot as “Operation Bandar” to minimize the chances of leaking the news. The word “Bandar” was chosen because monkeys enjoy a sacred place in the Hindu religion and this refers to a tale in the religious myths of Hinduism where Hanuman – a deity who shows resemblance to the monkey – secretly entered Lanka and burned it to the ground.

FEb 26, 2019 – IAF STRIKES INSIdE PAKISTAN NEAR bALAKOT The Indian Air Force launched an aerial strike near ‘Balakot’ On Feb 26, 2019, targeting a religious seminary that India described as a militant camp, and claimed killing more than 300 terrorists but without sharing any shred of evidence to corroborate the claims.

The well-rehearsed operation involving 20 Mirage 2000 aircrafts carrying Spice 2000 and Crystal Maze missiles had the support of Air Borne Early Warning systems. They failed to deliver their payload on the target despite practising on the simulator and pre-fed coordinates on the bombs.

According to Hindustan Times on February 26, 2019 at 3.45am the then Air Chief BS Dhanoa made a telephone call to National Security Adviser Ajit Doval

on a secure fixed-line network and said “Bandar mara gaya” – “The monkey has been killed,” but at the end of the day, the reality proved that they just made a monkey of themselves.

Following the strike Prime Minister Imran Khan in a hard-hitting statement categorically said “India has committed uncalled-for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing …

Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan to remain prepared for all eventualities.”

The Indian aircraft dropped their payload near a hillside, killing one crow and damaging a few precious pine trees, an act which prompted Prime Minister Imran Khan to repeatedly say that he was very hurt, as trees were very close to his heart.

Military attache’ and foreign media also later visited the site and also went to the nearby madrassa of local village children, who were lucky enough to escape the Indian recklessness.

India claimed that its air force had managed to kill more than 300 terrorists while Pakistan but several international observers negated the claim as there were no casualties and the bombs had clearly missed the target, which in fact was not a terrorist camp, but an ordinary religious school, for the village children.

“The Pakistanis are bound to react, conventionally and not through a proxy like a militant group,” Rahul Bedi, an analyst at the London-based Jane’s Information Group told the New York Times. “Where they react and when is something that only Pakistanis know.” The newspaper pointed out that in the run-up to Indian elections this spring, and with Modi facing a fierce reelection fight, voters have demanded that New Delhi respond to the Kashmir attack with force against Pakistan.

“What they hit is speculation for now,” Bedi said.

“This is more political symbolism than anything else.

Mr. Modi had to show some demonstrable action on India’s part, ahead of elections.”

FEb 27, 2019 – PAF cARRIES OUT

Archbishop Canterbury arrives on three-day visit LAHORE: The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby landed at Lahore Airport on a three-day visit to Pakistan early Saturday night.

Special Representative of the Prime Minister (SRPM) for Interfaith-Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi accompanied by President of the Church of Pakistan Bishop Azad Marshal received the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Allama Iqbal International Airport. During his three-day visit, the Archbishop of Canterbury is scheduled to meet President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, foreign minister and various religious and political leaders. The Archbishop

will also visit Grand Jamia Mosque Bahria Town.

Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council and SRPM for Interfaith-Harmony and Middle East Allama Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi and President of the Church of Pakistan Bishop Azad Marshall will host a dinner to the visiting Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

Tahir Ashrafi said the Archbishop of Canterbury is a spiritual leader of the Christian community, and is respected and loved all over the world. He said the people and the government of Pakistan welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury, as his visit would promote interfaith harmony in Pakistan. Staff RepoRt

OPERATION SwIFT RETORT In response, Pakistan Air Force launched a counterstrike on Feb 27, 2019, intended primarily to demonstrate Pakistan’s resolve. The strike was carefully crafted to avoid casualties on the ground.

ALSO REAd: “PAKISTAN SHALL RESPONd AT THE TIME ANd PLAcE OF ITS cHOOSING”: NSc During the short aerial encounter that followed, PAF shot down two IAF aircraft and captured one of the pilots. The debris of the SU-30 fell in IOK and its pilot was killed, while the MiG-21 pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, whose aircraft fell on the Pakistan side was captured alive.

The success of the Pakistan Air Force in Operation Swift Retort against a far bigger adversary is now observed as a “Surprise Day” every year.

Wing Commander Abhinandan; moments after capture by the Pakistan Army – File Photo Hours later the jittery Indian Air Force IAF shot down its own Mi-17 helicopter with SPYDER air defense system killing six Air Force personnel and one civilian. India claimed that one of its Mig-21s shot down Pakistan’s F-16 aircraft which was also refuted by the influential Foreign Policy magazine based on interviews with the US Department of Defence (DoD) officials who verified that no F-16 was missing from the Pakistani inventory. According to the magazine, Pakistan invited the US to physically count its F-16 planes after the incident as part of an end-user agreement signed when the foreign military sale was finalized.

Some of the aircraft were not immediately available for inspection due to the conflict, so it took US personnel several weeks to account for all of the jets, one US official said.

But now the count has been completed, and “all aircraft were present and accounted for,” the official said.” While the Indian so-called surgical strike was being touted by India as a great success and declared as a ‘new norm’, but on the other hand, India’s senior leadership blamed the failure on the non-availability of aircraft like Rafale, which according to them would have changed the outcome of Balakot crisis.

Even the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi admitted the failure of his Air Force and while speaking at the India Today event said “Today, all of India is saying that if we had the Rafale, then the result would have been different.” Pakistan’s response was intended to deter war and establish nuclear deterrence, the success of which could be gauged by the fact that India could not move up the escalation ladder and backed down. of one Indian pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

NEWS

Pak, Afghan commerce ministers to meet at torkham border today App A high-powered delegation led by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce & Industry Abdul Razak Dawood is scheduled to meet Afghan Minister of Commerce and his team at Torkham border on February 28. This was informed during the meeting of Afghanistan InterMinisterial Coordination Cell (AICC), said a press release issued here. The two delegations will visit the Torkham border to witness cross border movement of pedestrians and vehicles. The scheduled meeting will discuss various important matters related to smooth movement of people and patients across the border, issuance of temporary admission documents, increase in timings of border crossing points, establishment of joint border infrastructure, training of Afghan nominees for trade related capacity building courses and smooth crossing of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. Time frame for reinitiating the stalled Torkham-Jalalabad road project and start of luxury bus service between Peshawar-Jalalabad and Quetta-Kandahar will also be part of discussion.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced a package of Rs5 billion to assist Afghanistan in addressing the impending humanitarian and economic crisis. Under the package several initiatives have been taken by AICC including supply of lifesaving medicines and technical assistance for restoration and functioning of hospitals. In addition to the PM’s relief package, Pakistan is also sending relief goods and food supplies to Afghanistan on a daily basis. Recently, a delegation of Afghan chambers also visited Pakistan and held discussions with the business community to explore trade opportunities between the two countries.

lahore woman gang-raped LAHore Staff RepoRt

A woman was subjected to gang rape by a group of three men in the Badian Road neighbourhood of Lahore on Saturday, police said. The victim, a resident of the neighbourhood on the outskirts of the metropolis, was travelling in a rickshaw, which broke down midway. The suspects were passing by in a car when they saw the woman sitting alone in the broken rickshaw. They pulled over and forced her into their vehicle where all three subjected her to sexual assault. After molesting her, they left her on the road. The woman registered a complaint against the suspects at a nearby police station. The office of the Punjab police chief has taken notice of the incident and sought a report from the concerned officials.

Suspect in murder of Karachi journalist arrested: minister KArACHi Staff RepoRt

The police arrested a key suspect in the murder of a Karachi-based journalist, Sindh Minister for Information Saeed Ghani said on Saturday. Thieves on a motorcycle shot and killed Athar Mateen, a TV producer who worked for the PTI announces 33news channel, when he member core committee SAMAA tried to ram them with his car to prevent a street robbery last week.

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf The development was also (PTI), after approval from confirmed by Mateen’s brother, Tariq PM Imran Khan, announced Mateen, who told the channel that its core committee and finalised the names of 33 party members on Saturday.

According to the formal notification, Imran Khan, being the party chairperson, will head the core committee.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Asad Umar, Amir Mehmood Kayani, Fawad Chaudhry, Pervez Khattak and Shafqat Mehmood are members of the committee. Other members of the committee include Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Imran Ismail, Asad Qaiser, Saifullah Niazi, Qasim Khan Suri, Ali Amin Gandapur, Ali Zaidi, Hamad Azhar, Mahmood Khan, Shireen Mazari, Usman Buzdar, Chaudhry Sarwar, Ejaz Chaudhry, Murad Saeed, Mian Mahmood Rasheed, Sarwar Khan, Amir Dogar, Azam Swati, Atif Khan, Fazal Khan, Shah Farman, Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Haleem Adil Sheikh, Babar Awan and Firdous Shamim Naqvi. NewS DeSk

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officials had informed him that the other suspect would also be arrested soon. The police have obtained technical details about the case which will be shared later, he said.

Several suspects have already been taken into custody, some of them from as far away as Balochistan, on suspicion of their involvement in the murder.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had condemned the “brutal murder” and expressed sorrows with the grieved family. He had directed law enforcement to take every possible step to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Sunday, 27 February, 2022 | KARACHI

04 NEWS

PAinteR Reviving ARt in PeshAwAR PESHAWAR

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AnAdolu Agency

ESHAWAR is known as Pakistan’s city of flowers. But over the years it has seen brutal militant attacks.

The world was shocked when terrorists attacked the army public school on December 16, 2014, and killed 134 students. But that is not the real face of this city. Before the wave of terror, it was known as the city of arts, music, and culture.

Many famous poets, including Rehman baba, Khushal Khan Khattak, and Raza Hamdani were born in Peshawar.

“Our history is rich in culture. We had the tradition to sit together in the evenings and enjoy our evening kehwa (hot drink) with our friends and rabab, (a musical instrument), but when terrorism hit us, all of these sources of entertainment were snatched from us,” said Ali Sajid, a Peshawar-based painter and visual artist.

“I was not good in studies but I was brilliant in arts and thanks to my fine arts teacher in the school, I pursued my career in this. When I went to Singapore, I took classes from Zhu Hong. He is a great artist.

FBR asked to fix minimum income limit for tax deduction from daily wagers’ salaries LAHORE stAff RepoRt

A temporary employee of the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation had earlier filed a complaint with the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) against deduction of 17.5 percent income tax from his gross salary despite availability of basic exemption to the salaried government servants. While responding to the FTO, the FBR had informed that the daily wagers do not fall in the category of salaried persons and they cannot be categorised as exempted employees. The tax from such employees has to be deducted.

However, in his recommendations, the FTO has now noted that regular, temporary and daily wages appointments are different forms of employment and the law does not create any distinction among them, adding that daily wagers cannot be excluded from the ambit of employment. In his findings, the FTO held that FBR’s treatment of the instant case is against the dictates of law and excessive tax deductions from the wages of a lowpaid temporary employee of PBC tantamount to maladministration. The FTO recommended to the FBR chairman to ensure that low-paid employees of PBC and other such organisations are not burdened with excessive tax deductions at withholding stage. He further directed the concerned RTO to process the instant case on priority basis and under relevant legal provisions, so as to save the complainant from grave hardship. He desired that FBR should issue necessary clarification for all, so as to safeguard the low-paid employees against excessive deductions.

I learned the art of watercolour from him. I have also worked with a group named Urban Sketchers in Japan. From there, I have started doing live paintings of buildings and nature,” he told Anadolu Agency.

Sajid, who has traveled to nearly 22 countries, left Pakistan in 2006 to learn more about the arts and returned to his hometown to teach children in 2014.

He is now an assistant professor in the architecture department at the City University of Science and Technology in Peshawar.

He arranged a special class for his students for World Painters Day which is celebrated on February 27, where he will be taking them to the streets and will do a live painting to create awareness about the arts for the residents of Peshawar.

“I moved back when the security situation got better. Here I saw that there are no art galleries in my own city, not even on the government level and this was a very dangerous thing for the youngsters. Then I decided to start my own studio and teach kids the art of creating masterpieces on canvass.

I started taking my students out in the field and we will be doing that on World Painters Day also,” said Sajid.

UndeRstanding the psychology of coloURs: All the colours in the world have their specific psychology and ef-

fect on the human mind and artists have to learn that before creating art, said Sajid.

“If you are just painting without learning

PML-Q’s demand for Punjab CM’s slot puts Opposition’s no-trust move in a jeopardy ISLAMABAD stAff RepoRt

PML-Q has asked the Opposition for the Punjab CM’s post, if they wish to have the party’s support in the no-trust motion against the PTI-led government.

As per the sources, the chief minister’s slot was mentioned in the charter of demands presented by the PML-Q leaders to PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari.

Sources further revealed that the PML-Q has told the Opposition that they would not “settle for anything less than the chief minister’s slot.”

The officials further shared that the PML-Q has informed the Opposition that they are against the idea of holding countrywide fresh elections.

However, they have suggested that fresh polls may be held for the National Assembly but the term for the provincial legislatures should be completed They added that the PML-Q has assured them that if the Opposition supports them in getting the CM Punjab’s post, they would make sure that the notrust move in Punjab and National Assembly sails through. The sources went on to add that Zardari has shared the

PML-Q’s “charter of demands” with the PML-N after which the party has called a meeting of their leaders to discuss the PML-Q proposal.

It is pertinent to note that earlier this week, sources had reported that the PPP and JUI-F have already put up an option to offer Punjab’s chief ministership to PTI’s close aide PML-Q on the table before PML-N. PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had put forward the proposal when they met PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif at his residence.

“JUI-F and PPP have proposed the name of Pervaiz Elahi for Punjab chief minister to muster PML-Q support while the leadership of both parties were persuading PML-N on this matter,” the sources had said back then.

However, PML-N sources say that the party has not agreed on the name of PML-Q leader Pervaiz Elahi for Punjab’s chief minister portfolio.

The PML-Q shared their demands with PPP Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari who has had a couple of meetings with Ch Pervaiz Elahi and other party leaders in the last few days.

Sources had said that the proposal

will be discussed with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and then he will make the final decision in this regard.

Earlier this month, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Fazl had announced the Opposition alliance had unanimously decided to move a no-confidence motion against the incumbent PTI government.

Since the announcement, the Opposition has started contacting the allies of the PTI government and disgruntled members of the ruling party.

Three main Opposition leaders Zardari, Fazl, and Shahbaz have held multiple meetings on the issue.

As per the sources, the PML-N wants to bring the no-confidence motion directly against Prime Minister Imran Khan while the PPP wants to bring the no-trust move against the National Assembly speaker and Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

It merits mention that the Opposition parties have 162 members and they require 10 more votes to make the noconfidence motion a success in the National Assembly.

The Punjab Assembly, the PML-N has 165 members and PPP has seven members. On the other hand, the PMLQ has 10 members.

the impact of the colours then you are not an artist and then you should just paint for yourself and take it as a hobby,” he said.

“Do not put that out for the public. It is very important to understand the psychology of the colours because if you do not do that you can put your audience into mental stress.” aRt as theRapy: According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is a kind of therapy that integrates mental health and human services by using “active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience.” Even just Looking at a piece of art can also help one deal with mental illness.

“When people come to me with severe depression or any other mental illness and show their interest in art, i.e. sketching, painting, working with clay, carving, sculpting, doodling and scribbling or colouring, I take them closer to their interest, step by step, while doing the therapy for their illness,” Kiran Sajid, a Peshawar-based psychologist, told Anadolu Agency.

“And in many cases, people get better in just days rather than months or years.”

‘Khojaly genocide’ in Azerbaijan was crime against humanity: ministers ISLAMABAD AnAdolu Agency

Members of the federal cabinet called the “Khojaly genocide” in Azerbaijan in 1992 a historical crime against humanity. Speaking at a seminar on the 30th anniversary of the genocide that was organised by MUSLIM Institute, a think tank, and the Azerbaijan embassy in Islamabad, Minister for Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam and Minister for Economic Affairs Omar Ayub Khan said Pakistan always stood with Baku against the illegal actions of Armenia.

“Pakistan and Azerbaijan are two brotherly Islamic countries which are closely related to each other in the spirit of Islam,” Imam said in a statement issued by the MUSLIM Institute. Khan said relations between the two countries are based on mutual trust and Pakistan has always given full moral and diplomatic support to Azerbaijan without any interest in the war caused by Armenia’s illegal occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh. “Pakistan has always supported the principle stance of Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh, that’s why Pakistan has not recognised Armenia to date. This position of Pakistan is in fact in line with the ideas of Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” he said. The seminar was also attended by the Turkish Ambassador in Pakistan Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov, MUSLIM Institute chairman Sahibzada Sultan and Quaid-e-Azam University Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Ali Shah.

Russia vetoes US-backed resolution on Ukraine as India, China, UAE abstain UNITED NATIONS ReuteRs

Russia vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution on Friday that would have deplored Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, while China abstained from the vote – a move Western countries view as a win for showing Russia’s international isolation.

The United Arab Emirates and India also abstained from the vote on the US-drafted text. The remaining 11 council members voted in favour. The draft resolution is now expected to be taken up by the 193-member UN General Assembly. “We are united behind Ukraine and its people, despite a reckless, irresponsible permanent member of the Security Council abusing its power to attack its neighbour and subvert the UN and our international system,” US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said after Russia cast its veto. Russia is a Security Council veto power, along with the United States, China, France and Britain.

China’s abstention comes just weeks

after Beijing and Moscow declared a “no limits” partnership, backing each other over standoffs on Ukraine and Taiwan with a promise to collaborate more against the West. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia thanked the Security Council members who did not support the draft, which he described as anti-Russian.

“Your draft resolution is nothing other than yet another brutal, inhumane move in this Ukrainian chessboard,” Nebenzia said after the vote. There was a rare round of applause in the Security Council chamber after Ukraine’s UN Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya held a moment of silence during his statement to remember those killed.

“I’m not surprised that Russia voted against. Russia is keen on continuing its Nazi-style course of action,” he said.

‘Russia isolated’: The UN vote was delayed two hours for last minute negotiations by the United States and others to win China’s abstention, diplomats said.

The council softened the language in its resolution to say it “deplores” Russia’s “ag-

gression against Ukraine” from “condemns,” while a reference to Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which deals with sanctions and authorisation of force, was removed along with a reference to “the president”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine as the UN Security Council met in New York late on Wednesday to try

and defuse weeks of mounting tensions.

“Make no mistake. Russia is isolated. It has no support for the invasion of Ukraine,” Britain’s UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward told the council after the vote.

The draft Security Council resolution demanded that Russia “immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine” and “immedi-

ately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders”. The draft also demanded that Russia reverse its recognition of two separatist states in eastern Ukraine as independent. “It is a matter of regret that the path of diplomacy was given up. We must return to it. For all these reasons India has chosen to abstain on this resolution,” India’s UN Ambassador TS Tirumurti told the council.

UAE Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh said her country supported the draft resolution’s emphasis on abiding by international law and the UN Charter and was committed to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of all UN member states.

Standing outside the Security Council chamber, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: “We must never give up.”

“It is important to remember that the UN is not just the chamber behind me. It is tens of thousands of women and men around the world,” he said. “Standing, delivering, extending a lifeline of hope.”

Sunday, 27 February, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS

PTI sTArTs mArch AgAInsT sIndh govT from ghoTkI T

corporate corner

Mr. Azam Khan Swati, Minister of Railways, and Mr. Farrukh Habib, State Minister for Information & Broadcasting, graced the award ceremony as Mari Petroleum bags four awards at 14th international NFEH CSR Summit & Awards 2022. pr

which is their democratic right.

They said they are being stopped from hoisting flags in different areas of Sindh while the PPP government is using police to intimidate their workers.

Qureshi said that PPP is already suffering from fear and anxiety while Zaidi said PPP is the first party to bring terrorism in politics.

He said that the march is to raise the voice for the rights of the downtrodden people, who are victims of the provincial government’s corruption

HE Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) began its GhotkiKarachi march against Sindh government on Saturday. The march, titled Haqooq-i-Sindh March, has been organised by the PTI to protest the alleged bad governance of the PPP government in the province.

Addressing the participants, Federal Ministers Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Ali Zaidi and others said they are raising voice of oppressed people of Sindh,

and bad governance.

He said the provincial government is responsible for increasing street crimes, tribal clashes and killings and incidents of harassment at the educational institutions.

MPA Hakeem Adil Shaikh, PTI Sindh General Secretary Mubeen Jatoi and others also spoke on the occasion.

According to the schedule shared by the PTI, the participants of the march will pass through Shikarpur, Kashmore and Jacobabad on Sunday

Chinese businesses in Pakistan committed to corporate social responsibility: minister ISLAMABAD Monitoring report

Salman A. Siddiqui, Head of Corporate Communications of Sui Southern Gas Company, receives the CSR Award at NFEH Int'l Summit from Farrukh Habib, Minister of State for Information. pr

k-Electric announces financial results for the first half year fY 2022 KARACHI: During the six months period ended 31 December 2021, the units sent out increased by 2.4% over the same period last year affirming growth in the city’s appetite for electricity. Further, continued investment in the utility’s infrastructure enabled the company to reduce transmission and distribution losses by 1.9% points. As a result, Company’s gross profit witnessed 11% increase over the same period last year.

However, corresponding increase in net profit of the Company could not be witnessed due to devaluation of the Pakistani Rupee in the international market and an increase in impairment loss against trade debts. The increase in impairment loss against trade debts was a result of higher electricity prices coupled with general inflation adversely affecting the customers’ propensity to pay. Despite challenging circumstances, the Company continued its effort to improve collection rate and the Company’s collection rate improved by 3.3% to 94.9%. pr

Lyari cylinder explosion injures seven KARACHI inp

A gas cylinder exploded at a residential building in the Lyari town of Karachi, wounding seven people including women and children. Police said the incident occurred at the Bihar Colony neighbourhood in Lyari in the early hours of Saturday. “The injured have been shifted to Civil Hospital for treatment,” it said. Incidents of cylinder explosions in the city have been reported frequently and led to human and material losses.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib said the Chinese-funded companies operating in Pakistan are strongly committed to corporate social responsibility.

Chinese-funded corporations, including those working on projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), are playing a very responsible role in bringing about sustainable social, environmental and economic benefits for the welfare of the people of Pakistan, Habib said while attending the 14th Annual Corporate Social Responsibility

Summit.

“The projects under CPEC are promoting the green development of the country […] The state-ofthe-art infrastructure and energy projects give impetus to the economic growth of Pakistan,” the state minister told Xinhua, adding the early completion of the CPEC projects is the foremost priority of the government.

On the occasion, the National Forum for Environment and Health also gave awards related to corporate social responsibility to dozens of corporations including several Chinese-funded companies.

Li Hui, chief representative of China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Co., Ltd. to Pak-

Sanjarani urges Elahi to keep coalition government intact ContInueD fRoM pAge 01 During the meeting, Sadiq Sanjarani and the delegation accompanying him also inquired about the well-being of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.

Sanjrani further said that Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain is a seasoned politician who has a keen eye on the situation and hoped that he would find a way out of the current situation. During the discussion, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said that the people have given five years’ mandate to the government and his party will not allow parliamentary traditions to be trampled. The PML-Q leader added that the consultation process and meetings continue as part of the political process. He assured Sadiq Sanjarani that the decision would be taken after deliberation and consultation with his parliamentary party.

Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi also said that every democratic government has the right to be allowed to complete the period given for the service of the people. He said that elections look good on time and in the current political situation, the national interest is paramount. The PMLQ leader said that the political environment in the country is changing day by day and his party wanted practical steps to be taken to provide immediate relief to the people.

Militant killed in North Waziristan operation: ISPR ISLAMABAD StAff report

Security forces Saturday killed a militant in the North Waziristan district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) they conducted against the reported presence of terror outfits there.

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, the offensive was carried out in the Spinwam town of North Waziristan.

“During intense exchange of fire, one terrorist was killed,” the military’s media wing said, adding that weapon and ammunition were also recovered from his possession.

The slain militant was involved in attacks

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on security forces, the statement shared. It said the locals appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to the army in its bid to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the border town.

The attacks came a day after clashes between the security forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan killed two people and wounded several in the border region.

The forces started exchanging fire in a dispute over the setting up of a military check post in a southwestern border area that divides Chaman and Spin Boldak districts, three security officials told Reuters.

Both sides blamed each other for starting the clashes that later spread to several nearby villages.

“It is regrettable that the Pakistani security officials first opened the fire,” Afghan Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a tweet.

Two civilians were killed and 22 wounded on the Afghan side, a local Taliban spokesman Mohammad Asif Hakimi said.

Five Taliban soldiers were also wounded, he said.

Pakistan Army has stepped up security operations along the Afghan border in recent weeks after a spate of militant attacks.

Afghanistan-based militant factions have martyred at least 14 soldiers in attacks over the past month.

The Taliban have denied Afghan territory was used to stage the attacks.

CMYK

istan, which is a subsidiary of the State Grid Corporation of China that invested and constructed the MatiariLahore high-voltage direct current transmission project under CPEC, told Xinhua that winning awards related to corporate social responsibility highlighted the recognition that the project has received.

The transmission project has been devoted to corporate social responsibility and donated a large amount of rice and flour to the locals and helped the people to fight Covid-19 through the provision of masks and medicine, he said, adding the project also planted over 50,000 trees in eastern Punjab province during the last year to protect the environment.

and move towards Qambar-Shahdadkot on February 28. They will pass through Khairpur, Naushero Feroze and Nawabshah on March 1 and reach Sanghar and Mirpurkhas on March 2.

The march will pass through Umerkot, Tharparkar and Badin on March 3 and reach Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar and Matiari on March 4. In the final leg of the march, the participants will reach Hyderabad on March 5 and the march will culminate on March 6 in Karachi. newS deSk

Taliban move to evacuate Afghans from Ukraine The Taliban-led interim government in Afghanistan on Saturday said it was working to evacuate Afghan nationals from crisis-hit Ukraine. The government “is concerned for the safety of Afghan citizens and students in Ukraine, and is utilising all available facilities and communication channels to safeguard its citizens and evacuate them to safety,” said Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the interim Afghan Foreign Ministry. Balkhi said the Taliban government “is in close contact with several regional governments and international organisations in this regard”.

Several countries are evacuating citizens from Ukraine as Moscow’s military intervention entered its third day on Saturday, with the latest reports indicating clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces in the capital Kyiv. AnAdolu Agency

06-07 Comments 27 February 2022_Layout 1 2/26/2022 11:29 PM Page 1

Sunday, 27 February, 2022

06 COMMENT

Whither the PLO?

Political parties and judiciary

Israel hasalways opposed the PLO

Taking political matters to courts

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FTeR the restoration of independent judges in 2009, the superior judiciary emerged as a powerful institution that over the next decade would issue rulings against all government departments and functionaries. The emboldened judiciary however ended up weakening democracy in Pakistan. Instead of giving space to political leadership, top judges frequently gave them a tough time on different issues. Two prime ministers and about three dozen parliamentar5ans were meanwhile disqualified on various charges.

Keeping in view the context, the observations of the Iislamabad high Court while dismissing the petitions of the PML(n) and PPP against the amendments in PeCA come as a positive development. The court maintained that political parties represented the people and were expected to resolve their disputes in Parliament instead of unnecessarily involving the judiciary.

The petition by the PFUJ was entertained by the court because the media body had no other forum for seeking remedy. The political parties instead have Parliament which is empowered even to amend the Constitution. The PML(n) and PPP could contest the amendments in the ordinance within Parliament since they enjoyed a significant representation there. The verdict pointed out that either of the two houses of Parliament is empowered to disapprove the ordinance through a resolution.

One hopes that the judgment would deter political parties from seeking short cuts instead of setting their house in order. By taking to courts disputes that can be resolved through a better performance in Parliament, the parties surrender their turf to the judiciary. They also weaken Parliament in the process while allowing flaws in parties’ working to continue to persist. One such weakness is to ignore party loyalists and award Senate tickets to super rich but unreliable individuals, leading to a situation the opposition faces in the Senate, where despite being in a majority it has lost twice in voting. Similarly using courts to punish political opponents instead of defeating them in elections brings credit neither to political parties nor courts. The practice needs to be abandoned.

Dr James J. Zogby

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hen it comes to the Palestine Liberation Organization, there's good news and bad news. The bad news is that the PLO is near dead. The cause of death is yet to be determined— either old age or self-inflicted wounds. The good news is that the Palestinian people’s quest for national selfidentity and self-determination remains very much alive and well.

A bit of history: The PLO was created to embody the Palestinian people’s right to national independence and self-determination. Israel has always hated the PLO and, almost from the organization's inception, they waged an intense propaganda campaign against the group. Israel projected it as a terrorist entity, a disruptive agent of the USSR, and, when the PLO was embraced by the non-Aligned Movement, Israel drew on a colonial era racist trope describing it as the uncivilized peoples of the world confronting civilized democracies.

In fact, Israel's main objection to the PLO, in the words of their leaders, was not "terrorism." Rather, it was because the PLO represented the Palestinian national identity and recognition of it meant accepting the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

This was an issue in 1975, when Israel extracted a US pledge not to engage with the PLO in exchange for Israel's acceptance of a US-brokered Israel-egyptSyria disengagement plan. That "no-talk" pledge hampered US diplomacy for 17 years. It cost Un Ambassador Andrew Young his job when it was revealed that he met with the PLO's Un representative in new York. Legislation was passed prohibiting the PLO from operating an office or even visiting the USA. Members of Congress were threatened and/or denounced for speaking with the PLO. This Israeli rejection of the PLO and Palestinian self-identity even complicated US efforts to organize the Madrid Peace Conference. The Israelis only

Hindus officers’ promotion A welcome move, and in the right direction

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ne of the most unfortunate realities in Pakistan is the additional layer of an extremist mindset, hatred and acts of terrorism against minorities.

For decades, non-Muslim communities have not only been victims of violence but have also been deprived of opportunities in terms of advancing in their careers, both in the public and private sectors. In a first, two officers in the Pakistan Army belonging to the hindu minority community have been promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel, which is therefore a welcome development that should continue unabated and be expanded to include other minorities as well. Such promotions are heartening for junior officer belonging to minority communities as it boosts their confidence, ensuring to them that promotions are a possibility and enabling them to strive for similar success.

Pakistan has a treasured history of officers belonging to minorities contributing to the country’s defenses.The Pakistan Air Force for example has produced war heroes like Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry, Squadron Leader Peter Christy and Wing Commander Mervyn Leslie Middlecoat, who are a few examples of Christians who put their lives on the line in service of the country during the 1965 and 1971 wars. The significance of these promotions become all the more relevant and amplified when one considers the plight of minorities in India where a fascist BJP government is pursuing what can only be described as a genocide of Indian Muslims. It is practically unimaginable that in present day India a Muslim officer in the Indian Army would even be considered for a promotion, let alone secure one. That this reality does now stem from a lack of competent Muslim officers in the Indian army, rather a palpable fear of consequences that would have to be faced if such a consideration was even made.

This move towards increased inclusivity by the Pakistan Army should also serve as a reminder to the nation in general that while Pakistan may be an Islamic Republic, a significant number of the population accounts for religious minorities who are afforded the same rights and privileges under the constitution.

Dr shoaib baloch

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T is the failure of diplomacy. It is the failure of extended deterrence. It is the failure of collective security. It is the failure of the UnO. It is the failure of International Law. It is the failure of liberal hegemony. It is the failure of liberal internationalism and institutionalism. Ukraine is robbed of its sovereignty, and the world sits and watches!

In this anarchic world, every state must protect itself. no state comes to the rescue when the cost of alignment is huge or interests are non-identical. What states pursue or endorse or involve in are largely the dictates of national interests.

The false promises of liberalism remain unfulfilled. It has failed to cultivate durable peace. It has failed to tame great powers from pursuing the power struggle. It has failed to make states observe the International Law in its true spirit. It has failed to provide collective security to a ‘threatened’ state. It has dug its own grave to be buried in when it has made false promises to the world after its heroic triumph at the end of the Cold War by ignoring ubiquitous power politics. The myth of liberal triumphalism is debunked as states have started to pursue a realistic foreign policy.

The 9/11 incident has finally burst the bubble of global security. national security has superseded global security. The security of the world’s most powerful country was challenged. It has delineated that the importance of national security is far greater than that of global security. Threats always hover over states— no matter from where it comes or by whom it will be. nothing has diluted the importance of national

Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

The writer is President, Arab American Institute.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine shows that power politricsw is triumphant

Arif Nizami (Late)

M. A. Niazi

To resuscitate the national movement, it is imperative that it be reconstituted from the bottom up. Our polling shows that Palestinians want unity. But the unity they need cannot be based on the mere coalescing of two ossified self-serving entities. New life can only come by empowering Palestinian civil society.

That means elections— open, fair, and free

Realism is back

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

agreed to attend on the condition that the Palestinian participants were not members of the PLO and would be present only as part of the Jordanian delegation.

The negotiations that followed Madrid were awkward, at best, leading to 11 failed rounds of talks. The impasse was broken when some Israeli and PLO representatives took it upon themselves to negotiate outside the constraints of the Madrid Process. The agreement they reached was later accepted by both the Israeli government and the PLO. In it, the PLO affirmed its recognition of Israel's right to exist and Israel recognized the PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinian people.

Tragically, Oslo turned out to be a trap. While on three separate occasions the Palestinians reaffirmed their recognition of Israel's right to exist, it became clear that Israel never intended to move beyond its pre-Oslo position that Palestinians should expect no more than "limited autonomy" under Israeli control.

During the next three decades, Israel tightened its domination of Palestinian life, including: seizing more land, expanding its colonial outposts in occupied lands, and exercising increased repressive control over the Palestinian economy, resources, and freedom of movement.

During this same time, the Palestinians took disastrous steps that have proved fatal to their PLO. They merged the PLO with the Oslo-created Palestinian Authority, thereby effectively cutting off the organization from the Palestinian diaspora. They subordinated the PA to Israeli domination of their economy and internal security, relying on Israeli goodwill and the whims of the international community. In the process, the PA became a supplicant for funds and a dependent.

The emergence of potent factions outside of the traditional PLO framework— hamas and Islamic Jihad, the competing Islamic movements in Palestine— have only complicated this deterioration. Their rejection of the terms of Oslo and their penchant for acts of self-destructive violence against civilians— whether past use of suicide bombers or more recent launching of missiles into Israel— have tightened Israel's strangulation of Gaza and deepened the divide within the Palestinian polity, rendering the PLO even less representative of the Palestinian people.

Today, the PA and hamas run parallel organiza-

tions— one in the West Bank, the other in Gaza. Both use funds— derived from taxation or external donors— to provide limited services and to fuel an extensive patronage system that rewards operatives.

While outsiders and even some Palestinians suggested that corruption was the reason that hamas defeated Fatah, the group that dominated the PA and PLO, in the 2006 elections in Gaza, polling we conducted back then revealed a different story. Respondents told us that both groups were equally corrupt.

The reason voters said they supported hamas was because Fatah had been in office for a decade and nothing had changed. It was a classic "throw the old guys out and give the new guys a chance."

Once elected, however, hamas refused to assume the responsibility of governance, preferring to remain the "resistance," and more disaster followed. here we are a decade and a half later. The Palestine Central Committee, the nominal governing body of the once vibrant PLO, has just convened. By all accounts the meeting was farcical. Many boycotted, others were absent because they had been expelled by the PA head, Mahmoud Abbas. Being a patronage system, attendees ratified whatever they were told to ratify, and hollow resolutions were passed denouncing Israel and advocating "international legitimacy" and the right to have a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. It was the last gasp of breath for a moribund institution.

It is tragic that the once respected national liberation movement has devolved into two competing unrepresentative leaderships, the PA and hamas, both of whom appear more focused on their survival and retaining "control" of their occupied fiefdoms. On the other hand, it is inspiring to witness how Palestinians, across the occupied lands and in Israel, are daily courageously confronting the occupation, mainly using the techniques of civil disobedience. In the wake of the decay and demise of the organization that once led Palestinians, it is the resilience and determination of the people that, in the words of the poet Tawfiq Zayyad ensures that the Palestinians and their just demands will remain "like a cactus thorn in the throat" of Israel.

To resuscitate the national movement, it is imperative that it be reconstituted from the bottom up. Our polling shows that Palestinians want unity. But the unity they need cannot be based on the mere coalescing of two ossified self-serving entities. new life can only come by empowering Palestinian civil society.

That means elections— open, fair, and free.

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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interests, power politics and national security. Globalization has tried to erase national identities and nationalism in order to make the world a global village.

But it was chained and shown its place. Brexit, for example, has dealt a blow to the idea of regionalism.

Similarly, the Covid-19 pandemic has shown the primacy of statism as realism always contends that the state is the primary actor in the international system. Almost all states have shut their boundaries to restrict movement of people and goods. It signifies that states are still relevant and primary actors in world politics. no agency dares challenge the primacy of states; and states are numerous small gods in international politics.

Liberalism has failed to estimate its limits. It has claimed a pyrrhic victory. It has claimed to offer solutions to global problems. But it has failed to do so.

It succumbs to its illusions. The problems of power politics, security and national interests will never be ironed out through utopian ideals. Realism always warns the world that power struggle in an anarchic international environment is the main reason for war.

Today, Ukraine is left at the mercy of liberalism.

For realists, if Ukraine had developed a formidable defence and relied solely on its own strength, it would have not been invaded by its powerful neighbour. neither nATO, nor the USA (or even the UnO) averted the challenge to its sovereignty from Russia.

To be brief, the Ukraine crisis is nothing, but all the failures enumerated in the prelude.

To understand Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the theory of realism must be allowed to diagnose the real problem. It is power politics! The USA has withdrawn from Afghanistan; nATO has become jobless.

The threat to existing hegemonic power appears to be emanating from the Indo-Pacific region. China is branded as the ‘revisionist’ power and the major ‘strategic competitor’ of the USA. The USA woos al-

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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lies to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region.

In the transatlantic region, nATO appears to be irrelevant. The european countries have cultivated deep economic relations with China and Russia.

China is the major trade partner of the european countries while Russia generously quenches their energy thirst. The commercial intercourse of the european states with China and Russia has increased the fear of the USA. Both China and Russia are determined to dislodge the USA from europe and deprive it of its vast sphere of influence in the region.

The USA has attempted to rally around democracies— the USA and european democracies— against the axis of autocrats— China, Russia, Iran and north Korea. The european countries have shown minimal interest to get sucked into the evolving US-China competition as it will grossly hurt their economies. On the other hand, the nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Russia and Germany has also increased cooperation between both countries. It has alarmed the USA because greater Russia-Germany cooperation will reduce its influence in europe. Russia is trying to evict the USA from europe through its energy supply and cooperation.

This fear has obliged the USA to make nATO again relevant in the post-Afghanistan security order. nATO is to be given its next assignment; the creation of an environment of insecurity is deemed necessary.

Making Ukraine a nATO member was a calculated strategy to incite Russia to invade it. As a consequence, europe faces insecurity from Russia and the nATO will not become obsolete. has the Ukraine crisis been induced to make nATO relevant?

The writer is a strategic affairs and foreign policy analyst.

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

06-07 Comments 27 February 2022_Layout 1 2/26/2022 11:29 PM Page 2

Sunday, 27 February, 2022

COMMENT 07 Editor’s mail Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan.

E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

Economic Stability In a changing world order, national security has become a debatable phenomenon because of its dynamic nature and globalization. It is extremely important for nations, including Pakistan, to evolve and proclaim their strategies to strengthen their national security covering all aspects of them.

Pakistan has also announced the new national Security Policy 20222026, by taking into account the perspectives of across the board national security, economic stability and military security. Geo-strategically, Pakistan has threats mostly from its borders, emanating mostly from India. hence a vigorous military infrastructure has become the need of the hour for Pakistan, undoubtedly Pakistan has had to maintain security equilibrium at home as well as at borders since its creation. It is indeed a big hike that citizens along with economic rehabilitation have been termed as a polestar of nSP. examining the remarkable transformation of economic prosperity by the eU, most recently China and Vietnam placed the economy at the core of their national policy and have opened new routes for their people and raised the height of their citizens. Pakistan’s economy has been suffering from several fundamental problems, as it suffers from debt, low accumulation, low productivity and low-value addition. national security and economic growth go hand in hand.

SYEDA HADIA BAKHTAWAR, NANKANA SAHIB

Quality Management System

The question of SBP autonomy There are good thingts about autonomy imran yasin

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n 1 July1948, Pakistan’s GovernorGeneral, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, ordered the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to regulate banknotes’ issuance and hold foreign exchange reserves in order to enhance monetary stability in the country. The SBP was granted the authority to guarantee financial stability and full use of the country’s economic assets. This gave Pakistan independence from the Reserve Bank of India and was an important first step to secure monetary stability. however, the SBP did not enjoy total independence from the other government wings since then.

A significant improvement in the economic situation of those countries has been noticed wh5ch have given full autonomy to their central banks. Before we get into the core of the independence debate, it is important to consider the role of a central bank. The autonomy of the central bank and the independence of monetary policy are the same things expressed differently.

An autonomous institution is self-governing, and it has the ability to perform several functions without the intervention of any external authority.

Globally, the legal characteristics of independence as stated in the charter of the central bank are grouped into four segments: • The appointment and dismissal of the central bank’s governor and other terms of office • Policy formulation and arbitration of monetary policy issues between the executive branch and the central bank, as well as the central bank’s intervention in the budget process • The objective(s) of the central bank • The authority of the central bank is to impose lending restraints on the public sector.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Amendment Bill 2021 is a major bone of contention between the IMF and the Government of Pakistan. Pakistan is on its 23rd IMF program0e, and the IMF has yet to realize that its demands are not being completely met by Pakistan. As part of the IMF’s loan renewal, the current requirement is that the SBP should be granted autonomy.

The SBP was given autonomy in 1994 in some aspects as part of the financial sector reforms and operated under the State Bank of Pakistan Act 1956. The State Bank of Pakistan Act 1956, the Banks nationalization Act 1974, and the Banking Companies Ordinance 1962 were amended in 1997. n 2012 and 2015, more adjustments were made to make the SBP self-sufficient. none of these resulted in gaining full autonomy status by the SBP.

Following the financial problems across the world in 2008 and 2009, central bank independence has received much interest. Central bank independence has been further enhanced by the need to avoid and minimize panics in the capital markets. Theoretically, this independence is justified by the idea that an independent central bank is a mechanism to solve the problem of temporal consistency: the only fear 5s that policymakers, in the future, may violate a policy promise made today.

Supporters of autonomy believe that it was the central banks’ innovation and effectiveness in monetary policy that helped avoid massive financial losses and economic collapse. Furthermore, they point out the global effectiveness of central bank-driven anti-inflationary programmes. In both developed and developing nations, research finds a negative relation between inflation and central bank independence. In simple terms, nations with autonomous central banks have lower inflation than ones without such independence. The autonomy granted to the SBP would free it from the political interferences and pressures that the central bank has faced throughout its existence.

In developing countries, the situation becomes more challenging, where the central bank’s job involves numerous objectives in addition to price stability, such as growth, employment, and financial inclusion. The favourable way to achieve these objectives for the federal, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as the central banks, is to work collaboratively.

As a result, coordination of fiscal and monetary policy becomes crucial in obtaining the expected objectives. Therefore, it is a preferred strategy to design a structure in which the central bank is not just independent of the government but also autonomous within itself.

This signifies that elected political representatives set aims for economic growth, inflation, unemployment, and other economic factors in consultation with the central bank, but the latter retains operational autonomy and

the liberty to choose the relevant tools to meet certain requirements, especially in the areas of inflation, exchange rates, rate of interest and so on.

The proposed SBP independence legislation would boost the efficiency of the central bank’s operations and strengthen its governance. It will allow the Bank to appoint its directors and members of the monetary policy committee according to its own will. The independence will result in the bank not working to meet the political agenda of the current regime enforced through the Ministry of Finance, but to achieve non-partisan economic goals.

Thus, there is a fundamental contradiction between policy efficiency and policymakers’ legitimacy. The unpleasant tension that pervades interactions between finance ministers and central banks throughout the world is a symptom of this struggle. economic policies have distributional effects, with winners and losers, and elected politicians want to make sure that their followers and constituencies benefit the most, while the central bank wants to make sure that the advantages and losses are distributed evenly across the world.

Those who oppose autonomy are worried about the legitimacy of decisions made by a panel of technical experts who are not elected. Consumers, producers, investors, businesses, and families are all impacted differently by the policies of the central bank. They can't hold central bankers liable for their actions. As a result, central banks dominated by technocrats lack political legitimacy in their actions.

The SBP Act would save the country from the spending spree typical of a political regime reaching the end of its tenure. Such spending sprees are inflationary and hinder the central bank’s price stability function. Given the IMF’s demand for independence to be given the SBP, especially now that the loan disbursements are contingent upon prior actions, it would not be a bad idea to embrace the SBP Act in its current form.

The SBP Act would save the country from the spending spree typical of a political regime reaching the end of its tenure. Such spending sprees are inflationary and hinder the central bank’s price stability function.

Given the IMF’s demand for independence to be given the SBP, especially now that the loan disbursements are contingent upon prior actions, it would not be a bad idea to embrace the SBP Act in its current form.

The writer is freelance columnist

PAKISTAn, being a third world country, faces many ups and downs.

There is a lack of political stability in the country. In addition to that, escalating political chaos, endless ethnic violence, social tensions, and an uncertain economy are all reasons that hamper the growth of the country. To some extent, most of these concerns are linked, indirectly due to poor quality, biased, and fragmented education system.

There is a lack of consideration, lack of public understanding, and illiteracy, all of which are worsened by an inadequate educational system. In Pakistan, the essential function of education has indeed been overlooked, resulting in stunted progress of the country.

The problems that we see in the education sector of Pakistan are due to numerous reasons which include; lack of sufficient budget, lack of implementation of policy, faulty examination system, below par education infrastructure, poor quality faculty, lack of implementation of educational policies, unmotivated education, low student registration, outdated syllabus and teaching methods, poor management and supervision of the entire system, lack of standardization, and lack of skills, all these and many more are potential problems that affected the quality of education system of Pakistan.

Approximately one-third of primary school-aged children are out of school, and 42 percent of the population (age 10 and over) is illiterate.

In order for the education sector to be successful in its responsibility, it is essential that they implement the quality management system in all areas of educational institutions. They should implement the following recommendations; education sectors should have a policy and processes in place so that the quality and standards are assured. The organization should have an overall proper evaluation and tracking system which makes sure that the entire institution’s process and individuals in it are following the rules. In addition to that students should be evaluated according to documented criteria, rules, and processes that are followed consistently. Procedures should be in place to ensure that staff engaging in classroom instruction are knowledgeable and skilful to do so. Within academic institutes, a research culture should be developed. For proper, effective management of academic courses and extracurricular activities of the institution, the institutions should make sure they gather, evaluate, and use the evaluated data for the benefit and improvement of the organisation. Many countries are taking lead amongst nations because of their effective educational systems.

They enjoy their freedom while simultaneously being economically and politically free. however, Pakistan’s educational system has failed to play an effective role in nation-building. This aspect has contributed to the rise of dissatisfaction in Pakistani society.

HANYA NAEEM, LAHoRE.

Royalty for Academia and Alumni Representation in Governing Bodies SADISM in academia is real. It is like Cancer slowly damaging the body from within. When the benefactors see their beneficiaries growing bigger and stronger, both socially and financially, they start comparing their progress & achievements with that of their beneficiaries. It’s just not the teaching faculty but also the support staff that unconsciously and very slowly drifts towards the dark side. For quality education, highly motivated teaching and support staff is critically required.

In the light of this, it is proposed that a database of teachers, staff, and students be maintained whereby the contribution of each teacher and staff in the development of a student is recorded so that a minimalistic percentage of these students' earnings be given to their teachers and staff members as monthly royalty in the future. Secondly, in furtherance of the objectives of creating a knowledge-based society and a knowledge-driven economy in Pakistan, all universities must have (their own) Alumni in the Governing Bodies. Alumni can help a great deal in enriching the academic experience of the student body and become their role models. They can help in their recruitment efforts and further academic pursuits within or outside Pakistan. It is important to mention here that it is in the personal interest of all Alumni to see their Alma Mater grow and prosper as they are judged and ranked in a society based on the reputation and perception of their university. The development of a positive perception of their respective universities in their social and professional circles will add great value to their profile and image. hence, it is a win-win model for both universities and their Alumni to meaningfully engage with each other and work closely to improve the ranking and reputation of their universities both locally and internationally. hence it is humbly proposed that all Universities and Schools in Pakistan may be directed to have at least 50% representation from the Alumni Body in their Governing bodies. Also, the Governing Bodies of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary education (BISe) should have at least 50% representation from universities, where these students have to be consumed so that they can keep a check on the quality of education at the grassroots level.

BuRHAN RASooL NEW YoRK

Sunday, 27 February, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

Why PuTin WenT To WaR “ONE CAN SAY WITH GOOD REASON AND CONFIDENCE THAT THE WHOLE SO-CALLED WESTERN BLOC FORMED BY THE UNITED STATES IN ITS OWN IMAGE AND LIKENESS IS, IN ITS ENTIRETY, THE VERY SAME ’EMPIRE OF LIES’” ConsorTium news

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Joe Lauria

USSIAn President Vladimir Putin said in a TV address Thursday morning that the goal of Russia’s military operation was not to take control of Ukraine, but to “demilitarize” and “denazify” the country. Moments after he spoke, explosions were heard in several Ukrainian cities.

The Russian Defense Ministry said these were “precision” attacks against Ukrainian military installations and that civilians were not being targeted. It said Ukraine’s air force on the ground and its air defenses had been destroyed.

The Ukrainian government, which declared a state of emergency and broke off diplomatic relations with Russia, said an invasion was underway and that Russia had landed forces at the port city of Odessa, on Ukraine’s Black Sea coast, as well as entering from Belarus in the north.

It said it had killed 50 Russian troops and shot down six Russian fighter jets, which Russia denied.

Putin said one of the operation’s aims was to arrest certain people in Ukraine, likely the neo-nazis who burned dozens of unarmed people alive in a building in Odessa in 2014. In his speech Monday, Putin said Moscow knows who they are.

Russia said it aims to destroy neo-nazi brigades, such as Right Sector and the Azov Battalion.

Putin said the aim was not to occupy Ukraine, but he gave no indication when Russia might leave. It could be over quickly if Russia’s objectives are met. But war has its own logic and often lays waste to military plans. The BBC reported that according to Ukrainian authorities 50 civilians have been killed so far. President Joe Biden is certain how this will turn out.“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” Biden said Wednesday night. “Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable.”

DIMINISHING RUSSIA Biden is to make a televised address after he coordinates a response to Russia’s military action in Ukraine with the G7 and nATO. Biden said he will announce a new package of economic sanctions against Russia, in addition to those imposed on Monday, but reiterated that U.S. and nATO forces would not become involved.

According to TASS, Russia’s news agency, the eU said it intends to weaken “Russia’s economic base and the country’s capacity to modernize.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson even hinted at British military involvement. “Our mission is clear,” he said.

“Diplomatically, politically, economically and eventually militarily this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must

end in failure.”

In a White house readout after the last phone call between Biden and Putin this month, Biden said Russia would be “diminished” if it invades, a longstanding U.S. goal.

In addition to the sanctions, Russia has faced widespread condemnation from most of the world, expressed at United nations meetings this week, including an emergency session of the Security Council on Wednesday night. Several nations spoke in melodramatic tones about the military operation changing global security. Many of those nations supported the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

On Monday, Putin said he would send Russian “peacekeepers” into Lugansk and Donetsk, which he recognized as states independent from Ukraine. The West denounced it as an invasion, triggering the first round of sanctions against Russia.

Putin said the Russian troops were sent in to protect ethnic Russians, many of whom have now fled for safety over the border to Russia.

COMBAT IN DONBASS Fierce fighting was reported Thursday along the line of separation between Ukrainian forces and militias from Donetsk and Lugansk. It is not clear to what extent Russian forces are taking part in the Donbass battle and if the aim is to capture all of the two breakaway provinces.

Both had voted for independence from Ukraine in 2014 after a coup overthrew the elected president Viktor Yanukovych.

The new Ukrainian government then launched a war against the provinces to crush their bid for independence, a war that is still going on eight years later at the cost of 14,000 lives. neo-nazi groups, such as Right Sector and the Azov Battalion, who revere the World War II Ukrainian fascist leader Stepan Bandera, took part in the coup as well as in the ongoing war against Lugansk and Donetsk.

A MATTER OF ‘LIFE OR DEATH’ The Russian military action follows demands made in December by Russia to the U.S. and nATO in the form of treaty proposals that would require Ukraine and Georgia not to join nATO; U.S. missiles in Poland and Romania to be removed; and nATO deployments to eastern europe reversed. The U.S. and nATO rejected the proposals and instead sent more nATO forces to eastern europe and have been heavily arming Ukraine.

In his address on Thursday morning, Putin said the military operation he was launching was a “question of life or death” for Russia, referring to nATO’s expansion east since the late 1990s. he said:“For the United States and its allies, it is a policy of containing Russia, with obvious geopolitical dividends. For our country, it is a matter of life and death, a matter of our historical future as a nation.

This is not an exaggeration; this is a fact.

It is not only a very real threat to our interests but to the very existence of our state and to its sovereignty. It is the red line which we have spoken about on nu-

merous occasions. They have crossed it.”

In his 3,350-word speech, Putin laid out in full detail the reasons he decided to take military action and what he hopes it will achieve. The speech is a devastating critique of U.S. policy toward Russia over the past 30 years, which no doubt will fall on deaf ears in Washington.

Western media is so far ignoring the speech or superficially dismissing it. But it has to be carefully studied if anyone is interested in understanding why Russia launched this military operation. Just calling Putin “hitler,” as nancy Pelosi did Wednesday night, won’t do. hitler in fact features in Putin’s address. For instance, addressing the Ukrainian military, Putin said: “Your fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers did not fight the nazi occupiers and did not defend our common Motherland to allow today’s neo-nazis to seize power in Ukraine. You swore the oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people and not to the junta, the people’s adversary which is plundering Ukraine and humiliating the Ukrainian people.” he linked the nazis’ invasion of Russia to nATO’s threat today, saying this time there would be no appeasement: “Of course, this situation begs a question: what next, what are we to expect? If history is any guide, we know that in 1940 and early 1941 the Soviet Union went to great lengths to prevent war or at least delay its outbreak. To this end, the USSR sought not to provoke the potential aggressor until the very end by refraining or postponing the most urgent and obvious preparations it had to make to defend itself from an imminent attack. When it finally acted, it was too late.

As a result, the country was not prepared to counter the invasion by nazi Germany, which attacked our Motherland on June 22, 1941, without declaring war. The country stopped the enemy and went on to defeat it, but this came at a tremendous cost. The attempt to appease the aggressor ahead of the Great Patriotic War proved to be a mistake which came at a high cost for our people. In the first months after the hostilities broke out, we lost vast territories of strategic importance, as well as millions of lives. We will not make this mistake the second time. We have no right to do so.”

Putin said the existential threat from nATO’s expansion was the main reason for military action: “Our biggest concerns and worries, [are] the fundamental threats which irresponsible Western politicians created for Russia consistently, rudely and unceremoniously from year to year. I am referring to the eastward expansion of nATO, which is moving its military infrastructure ever closer to the Russian border.

It is a fact that over the past 30 years we have been patiently trying to come to an agreement with the leading nATO countries regarding the principles of equal and indivisible security in europe. In response to our proposals, we invariably faced either cynical deception and lies or attempts at pressure and blackmail, while

the north Atlantic alliance continued to expand despite our protests and concerns.

Its military machine is moving and, as I said, is approaching our very border.

Why is this happening? Where did this insolent manner of talking down from the height of their exceptionalism, infallibility and all-permissiveness come from?

What is the explanation for this contemptuous and disdainful attitude to our interests and absolutely legitimate demands?”

Putin called the Americans “conartists” for lying about nATO expansion. he referred to: “promises not to expand nATO eastwards even by an inch. To reiterate: they have deceived us, or, to put it simply, they have played us. Sure, one often hears that politics is a dirty business.

It could be, but it shouldn’t be as dirty as it is now, not to such an extent. This type of con-artist behaviour is contrary not only to the principles of international relations but also and above all to the generally accepted norms of morality and ethics.”

Putin said Russia had long wanted to cooperate with the West. “Those who aspire to global dominance have publicly designated Russia as their enemy. They did so with impunity. Make no mistake, they had no reason to act this way,” he said.

COLD WAR TRIUMPHALISM & ITS CONSEQUENCES Putin said the collapse of the Soviet Union had led to a redivision of the world and a change to international law and norms. new rules were needed but instead of achieving this “professionally, smoothly, patiently, and with due regard and respect for the interests of all states … we saw a state of euphoria created by the feeling of absolute superiority, a kind of modern absolutism coupled with the low cultural standards and arrogance of those who formulated and pushed through decisions that suited only themselves.”

Putin then said this “absolutism,” with the Soviet Union no longer as a barrier, led to unchecked U.S. aggression, starting with nATO’s bombing of Serbia in 1999, the 2003 invasion of Iraq and U.S. involvement in Syria. Russia has been taking note of the destruction Washington has wrought, even as it seems whitewashed from American minds.

“First a bloody military operation was waged against Belgrade, without the Un Security Council’s sanction but with combat aircraft and missiles used in the heart of europe.

The bombing of peaceful cities and vital infrastructure went on for several weeks. I have to recall these facts, because some Western colleagues prefer to forget them, and when we mentioned the event, they prefer to avoid speaking about international law.

Then came the turn of Iraq, Libya and Syria. The illegal use of military power against Libya and the distortion of all the Un Security Council decisions on Libya ruined the state, created a huge seat of international terrorism, and pushed the country towards a humanitarian catastrophe, into the vortex of a civil war, which

Darkness in Chandigarh

T

Tribune, india

he power outage in Chandigarh, resulting from the three-day strike call by employees of the UT electricity Department, has caused untold misery to the residents and businesses in the Union Territory. The Constitution guarantees the citizens of India the right to protest peacefully, but the present instance is not just a regular strike, in which employees merely stop working: With different parts of the city

HARASSMENT OF RESIDENTS THROUGH CRIMINAL SABOTAGE losing power on Monday night, right at the onset of the strike, it seems to be a clear case of sabotage.

In other words, someone pulled the plug. Indeed, the sabotage theory is substantiated by the detection of snapped power cables in various parts of the city — and there being no outage in the locality housing a large number of electricity

Department employees.

Power unions are protesting against the privatisation of power in the UT, a decision taken by the Central Government in 2020. Ironically, the VVIPs of the city — such as the Governor, a representative of the Central Government — have been spared. By harassing the residents of the city, the striking employees have crossed

a red line. Businesses and industry have already reported losses running into over a hundred crore rupees, hospitals have had to cancel surgeries and prioritise patients for treatment, patients receiving treatment at home have had to go without medical procedures, there has been chaos at the non-functional traffic signals, and water supply has been affected.

has continued there for years. The tragedy, which was created for hundreds of thousands and even millions of people not only in Libya but in the whole region, has led to a large-scale exodus from the Middle east and north Africa to europe.

A similar fate was also prepared for Syria. The combat operations conducted by the Western coalition in that country without the Syrian government’s approval or Un Security Council’s sanction can only be defined as aggression and intervention.

But the example that stands apart from the above events is, of course, the invasion of Iraq without any legal grounds.

They used the pretext of allegedly reliable information available in the United States about the presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. To prove that allegation, the US Secretary of State held up a vial with white powder, publicly, for the whole world to see, assuring the international community that it was a chemical warfare agent created in Iraq.

It later turned out that all of that was a fake and a sham, and that Iraq did not have any chemical weapons. Incredible and shocking but true. We witnessed lies made at the highest state level and voiced from the high Un rostrum. As a result we see a tremendous loss in human life, damage, destruction, and a colossal upsurge of terrorism.

Overall, it appears that nearly everywhere, in many regions of the world where the United States brought its law and order, this created bloody, non-healing wounds and the curse of international terrorism and extremism.”

Putin said over the past days “nATO leadership has been blunt in its statements that they need to accelerate and step up efforts to bring the alliance’s infrastructure closer to Russia’s borders. In other words, they have been toughening their position.

We cannot stay idle and passively observe these developments.

This would be an absolutely irresponsible thing to do for us.”Ukraine, he said, had essentially become a de-facto nATO member posing the greatest threat to Russia.

“Any further expansion of the north Atlantic alliance’s infrastructure or the ongoing efforts to gain a military foothold of the Ukrainian territory are unacceptable for us. Of course, the question is not about nATO itself. It merely serves as a tool of US foreign policy. The problem is that in territories adjacent to Russia, which I have to note is our historical land, a hostile “anti-Russia” is taking shape. Fully controlled from the outside, it is doing everything to attract nATO armed forces and obtain cutting-edge weapons.”

A PARTING SHOT AT EUROPEAN VASSALS Putin also blasted America’s european allies for not having the strength of principle or the moral fiber to stand up to Washington. he said: “The United States is still a great country and a system-forming power. All its satellites not only humbly and obediently say yes to and parrot it at the slightest pretext but also imitate its behaviour and enthusiastically accept the rules it is offering them. Therefore, one can say with good reason and confidence that the whole so-called Western bloc formed by the United States in its own image and likeness is, in its entirety, the very same ’empire of lies.’”

Joe Lauria is editor-in-chief of Consortium News and a former U.N. correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, and numerous other newspapers.

All this over a Central Government decision in which the residents of the city have no say.

The need to privatise the profit-making UT electricity Department, the fate of its employees — and its assets, worth thousands of crores of rupees — should have been a matter of public debate. Instead, a horrible blackout was inflicted on the UT. The Chandigarh Administration cannot be absolved of blame in the matter — it invoked the essential Services Maintenance Act and asked the Army for help only after the strike had crippled the city.

It had been aware of the call for strike for over two weeks but when it did begin, the administration was caught completely unprepared.

Sunday, 27 February, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS Infinix launches ZERO 5G featuring 6nm 5G Master Processor and Uni-Curve design LAHORE: Infinix has launched its first premier 5G smartphone, ZERO 5G, delivering the benefits of 5G – such as higher speeds, seamless connection, faster downloads and greater coverage more accessible than ever before. The smartphone is integrated with a 6nm MediaTek’s Dimensity 900 master processor for high-performance gaming, a uni-curve design for a sleek look and feel, a 48MP AI Triple camera with 30x ultra-zoom for crisp close-ups of distant objects, a 6.78'' FHD+ ultra-smooth display with 120Hz Refresh Rate and 240Hz Touch Sample Rate for lower latency and immediate responsiveness and a 5000mAh with 33W quick charge technology to power users through their entire day. “Infinix is setting a strong course in today’s fast-growing marketplace and providing innovative, yet high-performance 5G technology that is more attainable to users through the new ZERO 5G smartphone,” stated Charles Ding, Deputy Product Director of Infinix Mobility. pr

IMC declares 10.18 billion Profit after tax for First Half FY21-22 The Board of Directors of Indus Motor Company (IMC) met on February 24, 2022 to review, evaluate and announce the company’s financial and operating performance for the half year ended December 31, 2021. The Company’s net sales turnover for the half year ended on December 31, 2021, increased to Rs.135.18 billion, as compared to Rs. 79.65 billion, for the corresponding period last year, while profit after tax have also increased to Rs. 10.18 billion as against Rs. 4.80 billion, achieved in the same period last year. The net profit for the six months have increased mainly due to higher CKD and CBU volumes and increase in other income due to higher fund size on account of increase in customer advances.

The overall market share of IMC in the overall market stood at approximately 20.4% for the half year ended December 31, 2021. Moreover, the combined sales of Locally produced vehicles and Completely Built-up Units (CBU) of the Company increased by 46.5% to 38,632 units against 26,362 units sold in the same period last year. pr

Cnergyico Wins Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2022 ISLAMABAD: Cnergyico Pk Limited (formerly Byco Petroleum), one of Pakistan’s biggest vertically integrated petroleum companies, has been presented with an award for its services in the field of corporate social responsibility by the National Forum for Environment & Health in a ceremony held in Islamabad yesterday. Mr. Khawaja Siraj-ud-din Athar, Senior Manager - Commercial, at Cnergyico received the award. Cnergyico has been given the country’s most prestigious CSR award in recognition of its outstanding environmental and sustainability initiatives, including tree plantation drives. Cnergyico was one of the first major Pakistani companies to start planting trees using the innovative Miyawaki Method of reforestation. Over the past years, the company has planted thousands of trees in Balochistan near its oil refinery and in Karachi. Cnergyico has also sponsored the development of an urban forest in Karachi. pr

Meezan Bank disburses Rs. 1 billion under Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan - Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (PMKJ-YES) KARACHI: Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank, also became the first and only Islamic bank to disburse Rs. 1 billion under Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan - Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (PMKJ-YES) for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Mr. Usman Dar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs and Mr. Haleem Adil Sheikh, Member of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh graced the ceremony hosted by Mr. Irfan Siddiqui, Founding President & CEO – Meezan Bank and Mr. Ariful Islam, Deputy CEO – Meezan Bank at the Bank’s Head Office located in Karachi. The event was also attended by the PMKJ-YES teams and senior management of the Bank. PMKJ – YES will allow access to Islamic finance to those SMEs who, despite being credit-worthy, are unable to avail financing due to various documentary and collateral related issues. pr

TPL Corp Honors Pakistan’s Leading Athletes with Life Insurance KARACHI: TPL Corp, Pakistan’s leading conglomerate, invited some of the nation’s most illustrious athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds to reward them with Life Insurance. This is the first step in TPL’s collaboration with these young sportspeople to work towards the development of sports in the country. These individuals included Mahoor Shahzad, the Women's Singles Champion at the 2017 Pakistan International tournament; Shehroze Kashif, the youngest climber in the world to summit K2 and Mount Everest, Hajra Khan, Captain of Pakistan Women’s National Football Team and Talha Talib, Pakistan’s first Bronze medal winner at the World Weightlifting Championship. pr

09

SHOPS In CAPITAL CITY’S UPSCALE AREA RAId FInEd FOR USInG And SELLInG POLYTHEnE BAGS ISLAMABAD

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pr

huge quantity of the environmentally-damaging polythene bags has been confiscated during raids on various food outlets, shops and marts in theF-6 sector of Islamabad, according to a press release issued here on Friday from the Ministry of Climate Change. Spelling out details about the raid, Senior Joint Secretary at the Ministry Syed Mujtaba Hussain, said that a fine of Rs 40,000 was imposed on various shops, selling their products and edible food items in polythene bags in the crowded Markaz area of the said locality.

The raid was conducted jointly by a team comprising officials of the Climate Change Ministry, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and the area police confiscated polythene bags measuring several kilograms, the Ministry official said while talking to media during the raid.

The Senior Joint Secretary said that a plan has been formulated, under which the anti-polythene bag law enforcement teams are being sent time to time in rural and urban localities of the federal capital the city to monitor, raid and fine shops,

vendors, manufacturers, sellers and consumers involved in use, sale and manufacturing of polythene bags.

“While efforts have been beefed up for stricter enforcement of ban on use, sale and manufacturing of polythene bags in the capital city and surrounding areas, no one is being spared and fined when found violating the ban,” he told media, adding that the ban enforcement teams were now regularly visiting market places, stores, malls, other public places and manufacturing sites in the capital for stern action and monitoring of implementation of the ban on polythene bags. The senior Ministry official Syed Mujtaba Hussain told the media that not only customers but also shopkeepers, sellers and manufacturers of

the environmentally-damaging polythene bags are being fined during the raids and warned to halt use, sale and manufacturing of polythene bags at all levels or face punitive action in a more stringent way if caught again in possession of the banned polythene bags.

Lauding the role of the enforcement teams and particularly strong support from the office of the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Mr. Hamza Shafqaat, the official added that without their untiring efforts and interest, enforcement of the ban could not have been possible.

Meanwhile, he urged the business community and general public to support the government’ efforts to rid the capital city of polythene bags for the sake of environmental protection and public

health. Deputy Director of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Sadia Munawar said that under the ongoing campaign against the use of polythene bags, wholesalers are being fined up to Rs.100, 000, shopkeepers Rs.10, 000 and consumers up to Rs. 5,000 for first-time violations. The fine increases with repeated violations, she added.

She underlined the unprecedented importance of the role of the general public in getting cities and towns free from polythene bags. The Pak-EPA official Sadia Munawar said, “Unless people show responsibility and commitment towards environment protection, all efforts aimed at tackling the menace of polythene bags, major cause of environmental degradation, will be in vain. Deputy Director(Chemical) at the Climate Change Ministry Dr. Zaigham Abbas, said wide spread use of polythene bags had aggravated the issue which is one of the main causes of poor public health.

“As polythene bags are nonbiodegradable, they take years to decompose,” he highlighted.

Dr. Zaigham Abbas maintained that these bags contribute to a lot of waste, which keeps collecting over the years.

Plastic takes thousands of years to break down and decompose. It remains in the land which contributes to the rising problem of land pollution, he added.

NAVTTC imparts quality training under “Prime Minister’s Skill for All Program” in Youth: Shafqat Mahmood NUST honours its partners in nation building

The certificate distribution ceremony under Prime Minister’s Skill for All-Hunarmand Pakistan Program was held in University of the Punjab. Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood was the chief guest. Chairman NAVTTC, Syed Javed Hassan, Vice Chancellor University of Punjab, Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar and Director General NAVTTC Punjab Mr. Mujeeb-ur-Rehman welcomed the chief guest. Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood appreciated the efforts of the NAVTTC to impart quality training in advanced and demand driven trades among youth under the Prime Minister’s Hunarmand Programme. “The NAVTTC’s initiatives under the umbrella of the Prime Minister’s Hunarmand Pakistan Programme

will not only change the TVET landscape in Pakistan by bringing it on par with international standards but also enhance the employability of our youth in the international market thus increasing the image of Pakistani skilled workers worldwide and giving huge boost in foreign remittances,” Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training said. The minister appreciated the efforts of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and University of Punjab to impart high-tech training among youth in accordance with the vision of the government.

The Minister interacted with youth while distributing certificates and they lauded the training facilities and the course modules.

Chairman NAVTTC, Syed Javed Hassan said that we are fo-

cused on imparting quality training to our youth which is the only way to guarantee maximum employability to our TVET graduates. Most trainees imparted training had already been recruited by high profile organizations even before their training concluded. "This is a testament to the success of the Prime Minister’s Skills for All Program, which aims to increase the number of country's skilled workforce," he added. Vice Chancellor University of Punjab, Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar appreciated NAVTTC training programmes in Punjab University and emphasized the significance of skill training programs for youth.

The certificates in various categories including cyber security, internet of things, graphic designing, digital marketing etc. were distributed among the successful candidates. pr

Ehsaas 8171 SMS Registration service reopens ISLAMABAD pr

The Ehsaas 8171 SMS service to register low-income families for Ehsaas Rashan Riayat programme is reopening tomorrow. “Keeping in view the keen interest of people, we have decided to reopen the Ehsaas 8171 SMS service so that more deserving families can benefit from the Rashan Riayat programme of Ehsaas”, said Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM. Families with monthly income less than Rs.

50,000 can enroll themselves by simply sending their CNIC to 8171.

Only one member of an applicant family whose mobile number is issued on his own Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) can register his family through 8171.

“The formal roll out of the programme in partnership with National Bank of Pakistan is just on the anvil. In this regard, all arrangements are ready”, stated Dr. Sania.

Till the portal closed on Jan 26, 2022, under the first phase of registration, 19.5 million applications

were received out of which 9.3 million unique families were identified.

Eligibility of these families is currently being verified through “Ehsaas Survey Registry and Data Analytics” and some have already started receiving eligibility messages from 8171 confirming their eligibility and are starting to utilize the Ehsaas Rashan subsidy. Under the programme, 30% targeted subsidy will be granted on monthly basis to 20 million eligible families on the purchase of flour, pulses, cooking oil or ghee.

ISLAMABAD: The National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) celebrated the multitudinal impact of its friends and partners in nation building through the landmark NUST Endowment for Educational Development (NEED) initiative. The ambitious programme is aimed at making NUST accessible to deserving students from low-income backgrounds, and is bolstered by the university’s own resources and external funding. Arranged at the picturesque NUST campus in Islamabad, the exclusive celebratory event was attended by industrialists, academicians and distinguished individuals from different walks of life, who have been the backbone of this initiative since its commencement in the year 2015. In addition, an overwhelming number of NUST partners virtually participated in the event from across the globe. In his remarks, Lt Gen (Retd) Javed Mahmood Bukhari, Rector NUST, said that today we have gathered at NUST to celebrate and pay tribute to our partners, who have been generous in supporting financially challenged students to pursue their cherished academic goals at Pakistan’s finest seat of higher learning.

He highlighted that despite the fact that NUST has a very affordable fee structure as compared to other reputed national universities, over 50% of student populace, who manage to get enrolled at NUST purely on the basis of merit, hail from lower-income households. It is that segment of the society, he maintained, that we are tapping with the courtesy and unstinting support of philanthropists and friends of NUST. He said that we are committed to continuing with that legacy with the support of our esteemed partners. Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Asghar, former Rector NUST, also gave a comprehensive presentation on Azme-Aalishan – Education is the Path to Nation Building. He emphasised that universities ought to develop mechanisms of civic engagement that teach practical wisdom for constructive social change.

He also praised the industry for realising their social responsibility and partnering for a progressive Pakistan. Dr Rizwan Riaz, NUST Pro-Rector Research, Innovation & Commercialisation, thanked the donors for recognising the true potential of NUST students and helping their dreams become a reality. The honourable guests dearly appreciated NUST for honouring them and pledged to contribute further towards fostering educational equity. pr

Sunday, 27 February, 2022 | KARACHI

10 FOREIGN NEWS

RUssiA sAys UKRAine PRoLonging confLict by RefUsing tALKs The aSSociaTeD PreSS

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HE Kremlin on Saturday accused Ukraine of prolonging the military conflict by refusing to negotiate as Russia pressed on with its invasion of the pro-Western country.

“In connection with the expected negotiations, the Russian president yesterday afternoon ordered the suspension of the advance of the main forces of the Russian Federation,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a conference call.

“Since the Ukrainian side refused to negotiate, the advance of

the Russian forces resumed this afternoon.”

On Friday, as Moscow’s forces approached Kyiv, the Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin was ready to send a delegation for talks to Belarus, where Russia has stationed thousands of troops. It is one of the places from where Ukraine says it is being attacked.

A few hours later, Putin called on the Ukrainian army to overthrow the country’s leadership whom he described as “terrorists” and “a gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had repeatedly called for

Afghan students return to Kabul University, but with restrictions The aSSociaTeD PreSS Kabul University, among Afghanistan’s oldest and most revered institutions of higher education, reopened on Saturday six months after the Taliban retook the country. There were new restrictions in place, however, including gender segregation and mandatory Islamic dress. Dozens of female students, all wearing the hijab, lined up outside the university gate. They were eager to resume classes abruptly cut short in the wake of the Taliban’s August takeover. Taliban stood guard at the campus’s three entrances. Most of the students said they didn’t know what to expect but were surprised to discover they could resume regular coursework and advance in their chosen fields of study. The university largely follows the US liberal arts model. The music department was the only discipline cancelled for both males and females, returning students told The Associated Press. The Taliban did not respond to AP requests for comment. “There have been no changes made to the syllabus,” said Bahija Aman, 21, a third-year anthropology major.

“The instructors are the same in my classes.” “I am happy they have finally let us return to university,” she added. Aman has spent the last six months at home. Her textbooks are neatly piled on her desk, where she has spent most of her time keeping up with her studies. As a top student, she was determined to keep her rank when universities reopened, she said. She hopes to graduate and eventually earn a doctorate, all in Afghanistan.

Once attended by 22,000 students, the much-anticipated opening was a quiet affair. There were no public announcements from the Taliban government and media requests to enter the premises were denied. A statement on the university’s official Facebook page this week announced that students would return to classes on Saturday and that classes would adhere to religious and cultural values. Like most public universities, Kabul University had closed in the immediate aftermath of the Taliban takeover. The issue of whether women would be able to return without restrictions has been a key concern of the international community. Many feared the Taliban would bar females as happened during the group’s previous rule from 1996-2001. The Taliban have said they don’t object to education for women but require classes to be segregated and based on Islamic principles as they understand them. Some public universities reopened earlier this month in the provinces of Lagham, Nangarhar, Kandahar, Nimroz, Farah and Helmand. Despite the lack of a formal ban, girls in grade seven and up have effectively been barred from going to school in most of the country since the Taliban’s takeover six months ago. The Taliban have said girls will be able to return to school by late March. Access to education is a key demand of the international community, and the Taliban have blamed delays on lack of adequate space, especially in cities, to accommodate segregated schooling The new restrictions were spelt out by instructors to the Saturday morning cohort of female students. They were to wear the hijab and could not bring smartphones to the university premises. Male students attend courses in the afternoon. But little else appears to have changed.

Kabul University posted a list of vacancies earlier this month on its Facebook page, including positions in the departments of art, public policy, literature, media and communications, and political science. For Aman, the restrictions are a small concession to make. “I am loyal to the rule of law, I will follow it. But I hope there won’t be more changes.”

talks with the Russian leader during a weeks-long diplomatic push in which Western countries tried to deter Putin from launching an attack.

As Russian troops closed in on Kyiv on Friday, Zelensky issued a new statement urging talks.

“I would like to address the President of the Russian Federation once again. Fighting is going on all over Ukraine. Let’s sit down at the negotiating table to stop the deaths of people,” he said.

Ukraine said it was ready for talks including on neutral status regarding the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), Ukrainian pres-

idential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak told Reuters on Friday. “If talks are possible, they should be held. If in Moscow they say they want to hold talks, including on neutral status, we are not afraid of this,” he said via a text message. “We can talk about that as well.” The Kremlin on Saturday also said that Russia had “seriously prepared” for the international sanctions, which it said it had “predicted”.

“Measures are being taken immediately to minimise damage to all sectors of our economy,” Peskov said.

Russia has been hit by a barrage of Western sanctions after Putin announced his operation in Ukraine in

the early hours of Thursday.

198 ukrainians killed, over 1000 injured sinCe offensive: A total of 198 people have been killed and over 1,000 injured since the Russian offensive started before dawn on Thursday with massive air and missile strikes and troops forging into Ukraine from the north, east and south.

“Unfortunately, according to operative data, at the hands of the invaders we have 198 dead, including 3 children, 1,115 wounded, including 33 children,” Ukraine Health Minister Viktor Liashko wrote on Facebook. His statement did not make clear whether the total figure included both military and civilians.

Ukraine conflict: India’s Russia stance perturbs US WaShinGTon afp

The United States has approached the Indian government overt its stance towards the Russian invasion of Ukraine and abstention in UNSC voting against Moscow. New Delhi has yet to clearly condemn Russia’s assault that has disturbed Washington.

“We continue to engage with the Indians,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters.

Ukraine-Russia latest updates: Loud blasts heard in east Ukrainian city of Kharkiv – witness On Thursday, when asked about the issue by a reporter, President Joe Biden admitted: “We haven’t resolved that completely.”

In telephone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra

Modi called for an “immediate cessation of violence,” his office said — but he did not explicitly condemn Moscow’s military operation.

Xi stresses firm adherence to China’s path of human rights development Mian abrar Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed unswerving adherence to China’s path of human rights development.

Xi made the remarks while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Friday.

Xi called for more efforts to pay attention to, respect and safeguard human rights, and better advance the development of China’s human rights causes as the country has embarked on a new journey to fully build a modern socialist China.

China’s progress in human rights development: To respect and protect human rights is a persistent pursuit of the CPC, Xi stressed.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC has continued to make the respect for and protection of human rights an important agenda of national governance, and has prompted historic achievements in China’s human rights cause, Xi said.

The problem of absolute poverty has been solved, whole-process people’s democracy further developed, social equity and justice firmly safeguarded, and the world’s largest education, social security and healthcare systems established, Xi said, highlighting some of the progress in human rights development.

China has effectively combated COVID19 to protect the health and safety of the people to the greatest extent possible. China maintains that all ethnic groups are equal, respects people’s religious beliefs, and safeguards the lawful rights and interests of people of all ethnic groups, Xi said.

China has ensured long-term social stability. It is the only major country in the world that has consecutively formulated and enforced four national human rights action plans. It also actively participates in global governance on human rights, Xi added.

In the practice of advancing the cause of human rights, China has blazed a path of human rights development that is consistent with the trend of the times and suits the nation’s conditions, Xi stressed.

Xi noted six main features of China’s development of human rights: upholding the Party’s leadership, respecting the people’s prin-

India has historically had close ties with Russia, and Moscow is a major supplier of arms to the South Asian nation.

On Friday, India abstained during a UN Security Council vote over a resolution stating that the group of countries “deplores in the strongest terms” Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine and which would have demanded the immediate withdrawal of its troops.

Despite months of effort by Washington to consolidate its alliances in the Asia-Pacific region, Biden has yet to completely win New Delhi over to his promise of making Putin a “pariah on the international stage.”

The Biden administration is particularly keen to breathe new life into the so-called diplomatic “Quad” — Australia, India, Japan and the United States — to blunt China’s expanding power in the region.

Pakistani, Kashmiri Diaspora playing vital role in basic development of UK: Lord Afzal iSLaMabaD Staff RepoRt

cipal position, proceeding from national realities, upholding the rights to subsistence and development as the primary and basic human rights, safeguarding human rights in accordance with the law, and participating in global governance on human rights.

The features are also experience that should be further upheld and developed in the context of new practices, Xi said. promoting global human rights governanCe: Xi stressed the need to actively promote global human rights governance, pushing it toward a more fair, just, reasonable and inclusive direction.

He called for championing the common values of all mankind and upholding the principles of equality and mutual trust, inclusiveness and mutual learning, cooperation and mutual benefits, and common development.

“We should actively participate in the United Nations human rights affairs, and play a constructive role in international human rights exchanges and cooperation with other countries, especially with developing countries,” Xi said.

Xi stressed that to evaluate whether a country has human rights, it cannot be judged by the standards of other countries, let alone engage in double standards, or even use human rights as a political tool to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Chaudhry Muhammad Afzal has said that Pakistani and Kashmiri Diaspora is playing a vital role in the basic development of the United Kingdom (UK). Chaudhry Muhammad Afzal addressing at the Pakistan Sweet Home in Islamabad on Saturday, said the laws in the UK are very strict and not everyone can get out of the way but only the one who works hard and develops the example without any impediment. “I am the living example before you. Birmingham is the largest council in Britain and I was elected its first Muslim member in 1982. The UK is the land of opportunities where an honest and hardworking can touch the heights of career,” Lord Mayor of Birmingham Afzal added. He said man can make progress with hard work and dedication. “I am very happy to be in Pakistan Sweet Home and I have realised that the future of Pakistan is in safe hands,” he maintained.

Telling about his struggle, Lord Mayor of Birmingham said, when h entered politics for the first time, he was elected a councilor and was accepted by everyone as he had come with the power of the vote. There is no culture of advocacy in the UK. There is a strong justice system. Speaking on the occasion, Birmingham Councilor Raja Ayaz said that the tendency of charity is very high in England. He said he remembers once when the news of the flood in Pakistan was received, people rushed to the mosques where it was announced and submitted 80,000 pounds. “In the future, I will also ask Zamrud Khan to come to the UK to raise funds for the little angels of Pakistan Sweet Home.” On the occasion, the Chairman JKSM Altaf Bhat said that the children of Pakistan Sweet Home have always stood for their brothers and sisters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Chairman Pakistan Sweet Homes Zamrud Khan has made sure the Kashmir issue is not forgotten by arranging demonstrations and rallies with us. Bhat further said that children of Pakistan Sweet Home should play their role in exposing Indian atrocities in IIOJ&K through the internet by tagging international organizations and asking them why children of IIOJ&K are being denied basic human rights. Chairman Pakistan Sweet Home Khan gave a brief introduction and achievements of Sweet Home to the guests, which was lauded by the participants. The reception cum dinner was hosted by Chairman JKSM Bhat and Chairman Pakistan Sweet Home Zamrud Khan.

Sunday, 27 February, 2022 | KARACHI

SPORTS 11

LAHoRe QALAnDARS HeAD CoACH AQIB JAveD CReDITS SHAHeen AFRIDI FoR BRIngIng eneRgy To TeAM stAff REpORt

L

AHORE Qalandars head coach Aqib Javed has credited skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi for bringing energy to the team after his team advanced to the final of the ongoing seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“Captain Shaheen Afridi has a hand in bringing energy to the team.

Even if I am not with the team, I would be confident as Shaheen is leading the team,” said the former Pakistani fast bowler.

Aqib said that he is delighted that Qalandars have reached the finals of the PSL.

“Every player in the team knows his role and plays accordingly. Both Harris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi have separate importance in the Qalandars team”, Aqib added.

“I am sure that the team will fight till the last ball in the final. It will be a good final,” assured the coach.

Javed was not available to the Qalandars in the two play-offs and is likely to miss the grand final too as he has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Qalandars coach is currently isolating himself.

“I am feeling better than before, and I only had a cold. I did not have severe symptoms of COIVD. I am completing the necessary isolation,” Aqib said about his illness. sameeN raNa assures faNs lahore will fight till eNd: Qalandars Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Sameen Rana promised the fans that the Lahore will fight till the last ball to secure their maiden title.

“Lahore Qalandars team will not disappoint fans even in final, and the players will fight till the last ball of the final. The players are proud that they gave happiness not only to Lahore fans but to the whole of Pakistan,” Sameen Rana said.

Rana said that winning and losing are part of the game, and Lahore Qalandars will give happiness to the people of Lahore.

The COO gave credit to Shaheen and Haris for lifting up the team with their talent and energy.

Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans will lock horns in the final of the ongoing seventh edition of the PSL at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, February 27.

Shahid Afridi praises Shaheen for ‘great display of captaincy’ LAHORE StAFF rePort

Hasan, Faheem doubtful for Australia series due to fitness issues: report NEws DEsK The Pakistan cricket team management is worried about its cricketers’ fitness issues ahead of the upcoming Australia Test series, schedule to start from March 04, Geo News reported on Saturday. According to the report, bowler Hassan Ali and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf have not recovered fully from injuries and their participation in the Rawalpindi Test is doubtful. Moreover, Mohammad Nawaz has already been ruled out of the series due to an injury. The team’s management expressed fears that the out-of-form players may be ruled out of the three-match series if their fitness is not improved in the next two to three days. “A fitness review will be done by the management,” the report said. squads: Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imamul-Haq, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, and Zahid Mahmood. australia: Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, and David Warner.

HBL PSL: Rashid reacts to reports about his availability for final NEws DEsK The final of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 between Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans is scheduled to be played on Sunday. On February 20, Lahore Qalandars’ Rashid Khan had left the tournament to join his national squad for their ODI and T20I series against Bangladesh. He had received a befitting farewell from his Lahore Qalandars’ teammates. Recently, reports were circulating on media that Rashid would be available for his PSL team in the final clash of the league. However, reacting to the reports, the star player has now clarified that he would not be available due to the “national duty”. Taking to Twitter, Rashid Khan said: ”It would’ve been great to be part of Lahore Qalandars and play alongside lads in the PSL T20 final.” “I won’t be able to make it for the finals due to national duty which is always a first priority,” he added. He extended best wishes for Lahore Qalandars. Rashid has been sensational for the Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Qalandars in the PSL 2022, taking 13 wickets in nine matches.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi Friday lauded Lahore Qalandars’ skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi for a “great display of captaincy” after the home reached the final of the Pakistan Super League’s seventh edition.

On Friday, David Wiese’s last-over heroics at the Gaddafi Stadium against Islamabad United took Lahore Qalandars to a six-run victory in the second eliminator of the tournament.

The do-or-die match between the two sides was a staggering see-saw battle as both were unwilling to give up till the very end, as fans witnessed one of the most scintillating contests in the history of PSL. Taking to Twitter, Boom Boom Afridi posted photos of him watching the match between Lahore Qalandars and Is-

lamabad United along with his friends.

“Today I witnessed one of the best matches in the PSL history. Congratulations Lahore Qalandars on a well deserved win!” he said.

Afridi also hailed Shaheen’s captaincy throughout the PSL 7 and wished good luck to the finalists.

“Great display of captaincy by Shaheen throughout the tournament. Good luck to both of the finalist teams,” he wrote.

Defending champion Multan Sultans and Lahore Qalandars will lock horns on Sunday for PSL 7 title.

In December, Shahid Afridi had said that Shaheen Afridi did not pay heed to his advice regarding accepting the leadership role.

Afridi, speaking during a programme on a private television channel, had said: “I had advised Shaheen to wait for a year or two before accepting captaincy so that

he can focus more on his bowling. But since he is also an Afridi, he didn’t listen to me.” “Having said that, I’m happy that

Klopp urges Liverpool to seize their chance in League Cup final against Chelsea LONDON AFP

Jurgen Klopp wants Liverpool to take a step towards immortality when they target the first trophy in their historic quadruple bid in Sunday’s League Cup final against Chelsea.

Klopp’s side are chasing silverware in all four major competitions after closing the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to three points.

The Reds have made it to their first domestic cup final since 2016, are on course for the Champions League quarter-finals after a last 16 first-leg win at Inter Milan and host Norwich in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday. Klopp has already delivered Champions League glory in 2019 and a long-awaited Premier League title in 2020, but the German knows only sustained success will see his group ranked alongside the club’s 1970s and 1980s legends.

“We all know that in the moment the people are really happy,” Klopp said.

“But in 20 years if you want to talk about this team, I would not be surprised if people would then say if we don’t win anything any more, ‘Yeah they were good, but they should have won more’.

“That’s why we should try now to win a few things.

And the next chance, the best chance we have this weekend, is against Chelsea when it’s really tricky.”

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson believes victory at Wembley would be the perfect springboard for even greater success in the final weeks of the season. No English club has ever won the top four trophies available in a single campaign and Henderson said: “It is a big moment. To get a trophy so early on in the season can give the squad a big boost.”

Henderson is the only survivor from Liverpool’s last domestic final victory in 2012 when he helped his team beat Cardiff on penalties to clinch the League Cup. “We want to use it as a platform to give us a big confidence boost going towards the business end of the season,” he added.

‘No hard feeliNgs’: Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has been ruled out after missing the last two games with a groin injury, but Diogo Jota could feature following ankle ligament damage.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel’s biggest decision once again involves Romelu Lukaku after he

dropped the troubled Belgian striker for the midweek Champions League win against Lille.

Lukaku has scored just 10 goals since his clubrecord £97 million ($131 million) move from Inter Milan last year and expressed unhappiness with the way he was being used by Tuchel earlier this season.

The 28-year-old had only seven touches in his most recent appearance against Crystal Palace, the lowest by a Premier League player since 2003-04, with Kai Havertz scoring in an impressive display as his replacement against Lille. Publicly at least, Tuchel is putting Lukaku’s recent struggles down to mental and physical tiredness. “He is an important player, there is a lot of focus on him, but if you allow yourself to zoom out a little bit you can see he played a lot of matches from the start for us,” Tuchel said.

“Once you play for Chelsea you accept the team goes first. That’s why there are no hard feelings. We can only achieve our goals together.”

Tuchel could start England right-back Reece James, who has been sidelined since December with a hamstring injury and is debating whether Edouard Mendy or Kepa Arrizabalaga will feature in goal.

“Kepa did fantastic in the period where we had to be without Edou. I cannot get sentimental about it. I have to do what is best for the team,” Tuchel said.

Chelsea have proved masters of cup competitions since Tuchel took charge in January 2021, winning last season’s Champions League, while lifting the Club World Cup and European Super Cup this term.

he has decided to accept this responsibility and I hope that he proves me wrong,” the former skipper had said.

TPL Corp Honors Pakistan’s Leading Athletes with Life Insurance KARACHI Pr

TPL Corp, Pakistan’s leading conglomerate, invited some of the nation’s most illustrious athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds to reward them with Life Insurance. This is the first step in TPL’s collaboration with these young sportspeople to work towards the development of sports in the country.

These individuals included MahoorShahzad, the Women's Singles Champion at the 2017 Pakistan International tournament; ShehrozeKashif, the youngest climber in the world to summit K2 and Mount Everest, Hajra Khan, Captain of Pakistan Women’s National Football Team and TalhaTalib, Pakistan’s first Bronze medal winner at the World Weightlifting Championship.

Major boost for Multan Sultans as Tim David recovers from Covid-19 LAHORE StAFF rePort

Multan Sultans will get a boost ahead of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) final against Lahore Qalandars as their all-rounder Tim David has rejoined the camp. Lahore Qalandars are seeking their maiden PSL title as they take on defending champions Multan Sultans in the final in Lahore on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium. Multan had suffered a massive blow ahead of their qualifier match against Lahore Qalandars earlier this week when their top-performing all-rounder had tested positive for COVID-19.

But now he has finally recovered and will be available for the final. Sultans have played like champions from the beginning of PSL 7 in Karachi a month ago. They created a PSL record by winning nine out of 10 round matches and are in red-hot form heading into the final. Sultans reached their second successive final with a 28-run win over Qalandars in the Qualifier on Wednesday, while Qalandars reached their second final in three years after a thrilling victory against Islamabad United on Friday evening, which undoubtedly has warmed the hearts of their huge Lahore fan base.

Sunday, 27 February, 2022

pRAyeR timings

NEWS

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

5:49

12:46

4:01

7:05

6:27

7:44

No-TRUST move: BilAwAl SAyS PPP ReAdy To ‘SACRifiCe’ Pm’S SeAT foR Pml-N

P

PP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that his party is ready to support PML-N’s candidate for the prime minister’s slot if the opposition is able to oust the incumbent government through no-trust motion. Addressing a press conference in Karachi on Saturday, Bilawal said in a democracy, anyone having the majority, can decide who becomes the

next prime minister. “PML-N clearly has the majority and PPP and other opposition parties are ready to sacrifice the prime minister’s seat for them,” he said, stressing the major stakeholder should announce its candidate for the office.

“We plan on not repeating the mistakes we did in the past,” he added.

He said that his party has decided to launch a “democratic attack” against the

Buzdar, Rasheed discuss ‘negative politics’ of opposition LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar met on Saturday with Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed. During the meeting, the two discussed progress on development projects and the ongoing political situation. They also condemned the politics being practised by the opposition parties. They further expressed determination to befittingly deal with the negative aims of the opposition.

On the occasion, the chief minister said the attitude of opposition parties is dangerous for the development of the country. stAff RepoRt

ATC issues arrest warrants for former Karachi mayor in 2015 case KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Saturday issued arrest warrants for former Karachi mayor and Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Waseem Akhtar in a case pertaining to the provision of shelter and medical treatment to militants. The court issued bailable warrants for the MQM-P leader over his absence from the hearing. The court adjourned the case until March 12. Akhtar, former Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) minister Asim Hussain, Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) founder Anis Qaimkhani and Rauf Siddiqui of MQM-P have been nominated in the case registered at the North Nazimabad police station in 2015. According to the case, registered on the complaint of the Rangers, Hussain treated and harboured suspected terrorists and militants at the North Nazimabad and Clifton branches of his Ziauddin Hospital at the request of some MQM and PPP leaders.

Hussain was suspected to have done this on instructions of Akhtar, Siddiqui, Qaimkhani and a PPP MP Qadir Patel. stAff RepoRt

government and urged the other opposition parties to adopt a unified stance of ousting the incumbent PTI-led administration.

He also advised PTI’s allies, especially the MQM-P, to join hands with the anti-government movement as the PPP is all set to begin its “awami march” from Karachi to Islamabad on Sunday.

“However, if Prime Minister Imran Khan decides to resign voluntarily, then

there won’t be a need to hold the long march,” he said. Speaking about PTI’s Sindh Huqooq March, he said that the PTI leaders say that they have come out for the rights of the people of the province and hence, kick-started their march from Ghotki; however, they are the ones who did not give the farmers their due share of urea.

“The people of Sindh will respond accordingly,” he said.

After two years’ hiatus, PM Khan speaks to Tareen ISLAMABAD: In his first direct contact with disgruntled Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen in over two years, the prime minister rang up business magnate and former confidante who left for London in an air ambulance for medical treatment.

Tareen, who per media reports has not been feeling well since the last week, spent three days in a hospital in Lahore for ulcer treatment. In the British capital, he will undergo a thorough medical checkup. Imran Khan, who called Tareen before his departure,

also prayed for his swift recovery.

Tareen returned home from the Lahore hospital, where he was taken to Saturday, on Tuesday. Doctors had advised him to take complete rest.

The sugar baron who is facing a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) probe in the 2020 sugar scandal has appeared in the limelight following his overtures to the opposition in relation to the latter’s proposed no-confidence vote against the government.

Reports citing people with knowledge of the developments claimed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz

(PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Fazlur Rehman had held secret meetings with him.

Tareen claims to have the support of over three dozen provincial and federal MPs and his tilt towards opposition could jeopardise the government’s fragile position in the National Assembly.

TAREEN, NAWAz MEETING: Meanwhile, PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah dismissed rumours that Tareen is travelling to London to hold a meeting with party supremo Nawaz Sharif. stAff RepoRt

Pakistan records drop in active coronavirus cases The data released by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has showed a steep drop in active coronavirus cases in Pakistan – from 105,675 cases reported on February 1 to 37, 212 on Saturday.

According to the NCOC, 1,207 new infections were detected out of total 53,625 tests conducted during the last 24 hours countrywide. The new cases took Pakistan’s overall case count to 1,507,657 and dropped Covid-19 positivity ratio to 2.75 percent.

However, 14 more people lost their lives to the deadly virus during the last 24 hours, which placed the number of total deaths since the pandemic at 30,153.

Moreover, 25,313 people recovered from the infection during the last 24 hours. Earlier on Tuesday, the NCOC relaxed some of the general curbs enforced in the country, irrespective of the city-wise coronavirus positivity rates, after witnessing a decreasing trend of coronavirus countrywide. Moreover, the forum also agreed to remove Karachi, Hyderabad and Peshawar from the list of cities, where it earlier had decided to keep restrictions in place. The cities still having Covid-19 positivity rate higher than 10 percent are Gilgit, Muzaffarabad and Mardan. news Desk

US Congressional Briefing calls Karnataka hijab ban ‘mass sexual harassment’ WASHINGTON: Panelists at a Congressional Briefing criticised the interim order of the High Court in the Indian state of Karnataka banning the hijab in schools, forcing young Muslim women to risk harassment or even expulsion if they continue to wear the hijab as per their constitutional right. Indian-American, activist a former official with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Sumaiya Zama, said, what is happening right now in India in front of the entire world is mass sexual harassment. The High Court order banning hijab was “humiliating, infantilizing and patronising. Zama said, “Indian Muslim women are being told what they can and cannot wear by men and by institutions. The consent of thousands of women is being violated as they are told to strip pieces of clothing that they do not wish to remove.” Zama, who wore hijab at the briefing, said women “should get to choose what we wear or don’t wear… Our silence on efforts to ban the hijab in India means the approval of the violation of Indian Muslim women’s bodily autonomy.” There was “nothing progressive” about restricting women and girls from access to education, forcing women and girls to remove their clothing against their will, and “hounding and harassing women and girls on the street as they try to attend to their colleges and schools.” Agencies

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