EpaperKHI_22-3-30

Wednesday, 30 March, 2022 i 26 Shaʽban, 1443 i rs 15.00 i vol Xii no 271 i 12 Pages i Karachi Edition

PM ready to share threatening letter on ‘foreign consPiracy’ with cJP ISLAMABAD

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staff report

rime minister imran Khan is ready to share a letter — that he claimed during the PTi’s march 27 rally contained evidence of a “foreign-funded conspiracy” to topple his government — with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, federal minister Asad Umar said on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference here alongside information minister Fawad Chaudhry, minister for Planning and Development Umar said he had seen the letter himself, adding that if someone had doubts, the prime minister is ready to share it with the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

“Obviously, it is the highest office of justice in Pakistan, it is a huge position that has respect in this country. Personally too,

the chief justice has a very good reputation. The prime minister said that […], if necessary, and for the people’s satisfaction, he is ready to present the letter to the chief justice of the Supreme Court.” in this regard, Chaudhry further clarified that it was not a “judicial function” of the CJP to review the contents of the letter. The letter would not be shared with him in the capacity of a judge of the SC, but as someone who held a high and respectable position in the country, he added.

“He is an elder in the country,” the minister said.

Umar said the letter was dated prior to the submission of the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly.

“This is a very worrying matter and it is important because this letter clearly mentions the no-confidence resolution. There is no ambiguity that the no-confidence

motion is being talked about.”

Umar further said the letter stated that if imran Khan remained the prime minister, it would lead to “horrific consequences”. moreover, the minister said, contents of the letter termed the ouster of Pm imran a “good result”.

He added that the “threat” Pm imran spoke about in relevance to the letter during his march 27 address “is directly linked to the no-confidence motion”.

Pm imran had said during his address: “Attempts are being made through foreign money to change the government in Pakistan. Our people are being used. mostly inadvertently, but some people are using money against us. We know from what places attempts are being to pressure us. We have been threatened in writing but we will not compromise on national interest.”

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Zardari challenges Elahi for CM Punjab slot as Saleh Bhotani joins opposition ranks ISLAMABAD Mian abrar

independent mNA from Balochistan mohammad Aslam Bhotani Tuesday decided to quit the ruling coalition and side with the Opposition ahead of the vote on the no-confidence motion against Prime minister imran Khan.

Addressing a press conference alongside Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and others, Aslam Bhotani said he has also joined the opposition alliance for the sake of Zardari. “i am hugely indebted to Zardari and i will go anywhere he will ask me,” he added.

The statement comes in the wake of a deal between the ruling PTi and the Punjab-based party wherein Prime minister imran Khan agreed to give the coveted slot of the Punjab chief minister to Pervaiz elahi in return for the support on the no-confidence motion submitted by the opposition.

PErvaiZ Elahi Can’t BECoME CM PunjaB: Asif Zardari on the occasion criticised the Pakistan muslim League-Quaid (PmL-Q) leadership for remaining a part of the ruling coalition and said Chaudhry Pervez elahi can never become the chief minister of Punjab as he lacks the required votes.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

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wednesday, 30 March, 2022 | KARACHI

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PM iSSUeS jUStiFicatioN to Sc oN reMarkS aboUt Nawaz wooiNg jUdiciary

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NewS DeSk

RIME Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday attempted to clarify his remarks regarding PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif wooing the judiciary, stating that they were made in the context of the 1997 attack on the apex court.

The premier’s response came during the hearing of a presidential reference seeking interpretation of Article 63-A of the Constitution, which is currently under way.

During yesterday’s hearing, the apex court had taken exception to the comments made by the premier during a public meeting in Punjab’s Kamalia city on Saturday where he had said that if Nawaz returned to the country, he would divide the judiciary, which, in fact, he had started doing, adding that the signs were visible.

Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel had regretted that the prime minister in his speech had alleged that attempts were being made to woo judges while Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel had wondered if the premier could restrain himself from “irresponsible” utterances.

During the hearing today, Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan presented the premier’s response. “The premier’s speech in Kamalia was brought up in court. I want to put forward the prime minister’s statement [in this regard] in front of you today.”

According to the AGP, PM Imran’s com-

ments were made in the context of the 1997 incident. On Nov 28, 1997, the SC was stormed while the court was in session with the chief justice and other judges hearing a case against Nawaz, the prime minister at the time.

The attorney general added that the prime minister had expressed his full confidence and trust in the judiciary.

The reference presents two interpretations of Article 63-A and requests the court to advise which of them should be followed.

According to the first interpretation, “khiyanat (dishonesty) by way of defections warrants no pre-emptive action save de-seating the member as per the prescribed procedure with no further restriction or curbs from seeking election afresh.”

While the second interpretation “visualises this provision as prophylactic, enshrining the constitutional goal of purifying the democratic process, inter alia, by rooting out the mischief of defection by creating deterrence, inter alia, by neutralising the effects of vitiated vote followed by lifelong disqualification for the member found involved in such constitutionally prohibited and morally reprehensible conduct.”

The development comes days after several PTI lawmakers, who had been ‘in hiding’ at the Sindh House in Islamabad, revealed themselves — proving that the opposition’s claims of having “won over” members of the ruling coalition were indeed true.

Helicopter crash leaves eight UN peacekeepers martyred including six Pakistanis ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

A helicopter crash in UN Mission Congo has left eight personnel martyred including six Pakistani officials. “Pakistan Aviation Unit is deployed in UN Mission Congo on peace keeping duties since 2011. On 29 Mar 22, while undertaking a reconnaissance mission in Congo, 1 PUMA Helicopter crashed,” say a statement issued by the ISPR. Per the statement, exact cause of crash is yet to be ascertained. The crash left eight UN peacekeepers on board including six Pakistanis Officers/soldiers martyred. Details of Pakistani troops includes Lt Col Asif Ali Awan, Pilot; Maj. Saad Nomani, Co Pilot; Maj Faizan Ali; N/Sub Sami Ullah Khan, Flight Engineer; Havaldar Muhammad Ismail, Crew Chief; an L/Hav Muhamad Jamil, Gunner. “Pakistan has always played a pivotal role as responsible member of the international community to help realize ideals of global peace and security through active sp in various UN Peacekeeping missions,” said the statement. “Our Peacekeepers have always distinguished themselves in executing challenging peacekeeping tasks in conflict prone areas through devotion and, if necessary, rendering supreme sacrifices”.

Saudi, Pakistani troops hold joint training exercise BAHAwALPUR Staff RepoRt

A joint training exercises between Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) and Pakistani troops culminated here at Khairpur Tamewali (KPT) on Tuesday. The training provided an excellent opportunity for the troops of both brotherly countries to enhance their tactical/ technical skills and professional abilities through mutual exchange of respective operational experiences. Both the countries have an unprecedented record of military cooperation and training and Saudi Royal Forces troops have been frequently training with their Pakistani counterparts in both the countries.a

Prime Minister Imran Khan and some cabinet ministers had earlier accused the opposition of indulging in horse-trading ahead of the crucial vote on the no-confidence resolution, disclosing that the capital’s Sindh House had become a centre for buying and purchasing members.

But while government members continued to claim that these dissidents had “sold their souls for money”, a number of TV channels that sent their teams into Sindh House to verify the claims were faced with nearly a dozen PTI members, who claimed that they had developed differences with the Imran Khan-led government and were going to vote in “accordance with their conscience”.

Subsequently, the government had decided to file a presidential reference for the interpretation of Article 63-A with Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry stating the top court would be asked about the “legal status of the vote of party members when they are clearly involved in horse-trading and change their loyalties in exchange for money”.

The presidential reference was filed under Article 186 which is related to the advisory jurisdiction of the SC. In the reference, President Dr Arif Alvi also asked the apex court whether a member who “engages in constitutionally prohibited and morally reprehensible act of defection” could claim the right to have his vote counted and given equal weightage or if there was a constitutional restriction to ex-

clude such “tainted” votes.

He also asked the court to elaborate whether a parliamentarian, who had been declared to have committed defection, would be disqualified for life.

“What other measures and steps can be undertaken within the existing constitutional and legal framework to curb, deter and eradicate the cancerous practice of defection, floor crossing and vote-buying?” the reference further asks.

“As happened on many occasions in past, the stage is yet again set for switching of political loyalties for all sorts of illegal and mala fide considerations including votebuying which by its very nature rarely leave admissible or traceable evidence,” the reference states.

It adds that some of the “presently defecting [MNAs] have even publicly admitted to defection in interviews to the media with evident pride and further commitment to stay engaged in this immoral trade”.

It cautions that unless horse-trading is eliminated, “a truly democratic polity shall forever remain an unfilled distant dream and ambition”.

“Owing to the weak interpretation of Article 63-A entailing no prolonged disqualification, such members first enrich themselves and then come back to remain available to the highest bidder in the next round perpetuating this cancer.”

According to Article 63-A of the Constitution, a parliamentarian can be disqualified on grounds of defection if

he “votes or abstains from voting in the House contrary to any direction issued by the parliamentary party to which he belongs, in relation to election of the prime minister or chief minister; or a vote of confidence or a vote of no-confidence; or a money bill or a Constitution (amendment) bill”.

The article says that the party head has to declare in writing that the MNA concerned has defected but before making the declaration, the party head will “provide such member with an opportunity to show cause as to why such declaration may not be made against him”.

After giving the member a chance to explain their reasons, the party head will forward the declaration to the speaker, who will forward it to the chief election commissioner (CEC). The CEC will then have 30 days to confirm the declaration. If confirmed by the CEC, the member “shall cease to be a member of the House and his seat shall become vacant”.

The government has already indicated that it will use Article 63-A to “crush” the no-confidence motion against PM Imran.

Earlier, Adviser to Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan had said that the intent of Article 63-A of the Constitution was to not allow lawmakers, who got the public’s votes and were elected in the name of the party leadership, to cross floor. “We will crush the no-confidence motion through the Constitution and the law,” he had claimed.

Elections should be held immediately after Haj: Sheikh Rashid NewS DeSk Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said on Tuesday that he wants “fair and transparent” elections to be called immediately after Haj 2022 and has advised Prime Minister Imran Khan to present a good federal budget for the fiscal year 2022-23.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he expressed three of his wishes — National Assembly members to vote in favour of the premier, the construction of Nala Lai, and elections before Haj. “I am pro early elections,” Rashid stressed. “The prime minister should present a good budget because oil and wheat prices are high across the globe, there’s IMF, FATF and so many other problems … Imran Khan should give a good budget and hold elections immediately after Haj.” The minister reiterated that the prime minister will “play till the last ball. I am standing with him.”

He said that international conspiracies were behind the attempt to oust Imran Khan.

“They will fail miserably,” he asserted, adding that he was waiting for Supreme Court’s decision on the presidential reference on Article 63-A. Talking about the noconfidence motion against Prime Minister Khan, Rashid revealed that voting on the resolution, which was tabled in the National Assembly (NA) on Monday, would take place on April 3. The debate on the resolution is set to begin on March 31.

On Tuesday, the minister said he hoped the opposition wouldn’t be able to complete 172 members on the day of voting. “Winning and losing is a part of politics but one thing which has been proven is that the public is with Imran Khan.

“Some people lose despite winning in politics,” he added. Rashid lauded PML-Q’s decision to stand with the government and said that an official notification confirm-

ing the resignation of CM Punjab Usman Buzdar would be issued after Imran Khan accepts it.

Responding to a question, he hoped the MQM would follow in the footsteps of PML-Q. “MQM’s decision holds a lot of weight.”

The minister revealed that the Islamabad police foiled an attack in the capital and arrested four “terrorists”. They have been identified as Muhammad Ismail, Muhammad Ismail, Zafran, and Muhammad Shehzad. One of the suspects, Raees, managed to flee, he said.

“These terrorists had impure intentions but Allah helped us,” he said, adding that he was optimistic everything on April 3, too, would go smoothly.

Rashid said that the four terrorists involved in the Kocha Risaldar blast — a suicide attack inside a Shia mosque in Peshawar that killed over 60 people — had been killed in an operation as well.

Pakistan leading global ecosystem restoration efforts: UNEP

Four terrorists killed, one arrested in Lakki Marwat ISLAMABA Staff RepoRt

AgeNcIeS The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) lauded Pakistan on Tuesday for its efforts to increase ecosystem restoration, saying the country was leading global efforts on this front with its Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project (TBTTP).

“Large scale restoration initiatives such as The Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project are central to Pakistan’s efforts to support the UN Decade and to increase ecosystem restoration,” said Dechen Tsering, UNEP’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, in a report published by the UNEP’s Stockholm 50+ website. Stockholm 50+ is an initiative by the UN to bring the global environmental community together in Stockholm, Sweden, for a major international environmental meeting on June 2 and 3 2022, the week of World Environment Day. The event will provide leaders with an opportunity to draw on 50 years of multilateral environmental action to achieve the bold and urgent measures needed to secure a better future on a healthy planet.

“We are at a point in history where we need to act, and Pakistan is leading on this important effort,” Tsering said. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Imran Khan shared the report on Twitter, expressing pride in his team for the achievement.

The TBTTP, which was launched by the premier in 2019, aimed to revive forests and wildlife resources in Pakistan and to improve the overall conservation of existing protected areas besides promoting eco-tourism, community engagement and cre-

ating jobs.

Under the project, 1.42 billion trees were planted between 2019 and December 2021, covering 1.36 million acres across almost 10,000 sites, according to the UNEP report.

The report revealed that Pakistan was one of the six countries most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change.

“Research by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) before the TBTTP project began found that that only around five per cent of the country has forest cover, against a global average of 31 per cent,” it stated.

Pakistan, the UNEP cautioned, was also susceptible to irregular monsoons, rapidly melting Himalayan glaciers and volatile occurrences such as floods and droughts. The events will, subsequently, increase food and water insecurity.

It added that between 1990 and 2014 Pakistan suffered a decline in its natural capital.

“It is worrying that we’ve seen declines in natural capital, including in Pakistan,” said UNEP’s Tsering. “But it is promising to see the steps that the country’s government is taking to turn things around, particularly with its restoration projects.” The TBTTP has been successful in addressing these concerns, the report highlighted. “[…] the government has committed to increasing its Protected Areas to 15 per cent by 2023. In 2018 they stood at 12 per cent; by mid-2021 they stood at 13.9 per cent.”

The project, additionally, was also expected to create jobs for almost 85,000 daily wagers.

In an intelligence-based operation (IBO), security forces Tuesday killed four terrorists in general area Sheri Khel, Lakki Marwat while one terrorist was arrested.

According to the ISPR, the Army and Police force conducted a joint Intelligence Based Operation on reported presence of terrorists in general area Sheri Khel, Lakki Marwat on night, 28/29 March 2022. “During intense exchange of fire, four terrorists got killed and one terrorist got apprehended. Killed terrorists have been identified as Terrorist Commander Sajid, Terrorist Aleem, Terrorist Aftab and Terrorist Fazal ur Rehman. Large quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the killed terrorists,” said the statement. According to the ISPR, the killed terrorists remained actively involved in kidnapping and terrorist activities against innocent civilians and security forces. These terrorists were also involved in shahadat of a FC soldier in Jan 22.Locals of the area appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the area.

wednesday, 30 March, 2022 | KARACHI

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oPPoSitioN aLLiaNce Seek coNSeNSUS over PUNjab cM caNdidate LAHORe

a

Shahab omeR

FTER the Prime Minister Imran Khan nominated Chaudhary Pervez Elahi as candidate of the ruling party for slot of Chief Minister of Punjab, the opposition alliance has also started considering the names of consensus candidates for the post of CM, Pakistan Today learnt.

Sources in the opposition alliance informed that consultations have begun on three names for the post of CM, including Abdul Aleem Khan, while the PML-N leadership in London also has positive contacts with Jahangir Tareen.

However, according to the same sources, the Tareen group sought time from the PMLN leadership for consultation while the opposition has claimed that Tareen would also support the opposition candidate.

On the other hand, when contacted, a senior member of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) said that Chaudhry has been nominated as CM of Punjab by the present government but in fact it would be difficult for the government to get him elected as CM. The Punjab Assembly has a house of 371 members while any party needs the support of 186 members to form a government.

In 2018, when Sardar Usman Buzdar was elected CM Punjab with 194 votes, the PML-Q had supported him with 10 votes in

return for which party president Pervez Elahi was nominated as the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly. At present, the position of PTI in the Punjab Assembly is that PTI has 183 members in the ruling coalition, PML-Q has 10 and Rah-e-Haq Party has one member while the PML-N has 165 members in the opposition alliance, the PPP has seven. In this regard, it is not at all difficult for Chaudhary to become the CM but now the situation is different from 2018.

However, when contacted to confirm this claim, PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira said that if Imran Khan’s own government is in danger then how can Chaudhry be made the CM by PM. “We have required numbers in the Na-

tional Assembly without the rebel members of the PTI. If Khan leaves the PM’s post, then it is not possible for Chaudhry to become the CM. The rebel members of PTI are not with him and the opposition will bring a consensus candidate in Punjab for the post of CM,” Kaira said.

However, when contacted, a PTI MPA speaking on condition of anonymity, informed this scribe that Chaudhry could face major challenges in holding the post of CM and one of the major challenges would be dealing with the divisions within the PTI. The lawmaker said that Tareen and Aleem groups may pose challenge to Elahi’s ambition as both have shown reservations against their party leadership.

Fish, meat valuing $583.067mn exported in 08 months APP Over 100,129 metric tons of fish, fish preparation, 50,414 metric tons of meat and meat products exported during first 08 months of current financial year as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year.

During the period from July-February, 2021-22, the exports of fish and fish products grew by 6.48 per cent, where as the exports of meat and meat preparations went up by 2.76 per cent respectively, according to data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. During the period under review about 458,501 metric tons of fish and fish preparations worth $362.202 million exported as against the exports of 736,542 metric tons valuing $339.848 million of same period last year, it added.

Meanwhile, in last 08 months of current financial year country earned $220.865 million by exporting about 50,414 metric tons of meat and meat products as compared the earning of $214.935 million of same period last year, it added. On month on month basis, the exports of above mentioned commodities also recorded 16.55 per cent and 10.56 per cent growth respectively in February, 2022 as against the same month of last year, the data reveled. During the month of February, 2022 about 14,300 metric tons of fish and fish products worth $35.901 million exported as compared the exports of 14,098 metric tons valuing $30.803 million of same month last year, it added.

On the other hand about 6,650 metric tons of meat and

meat products valuing $28.908 million also exported during the month under review as compared to exports of $26.147 million of same month last year.

It is worth mentioning here that over all food group exports from the country during first 08 months of current financial year increased by 20.33 per cent and reached to

$3.433 billion as against the exports of $2.853 billion of corresponding period of last year.

Meanwhile, food group imports into the country during the period under review also posted 20.24 per cent increase and reached to $6.426 billion as against the imports of $5.344 million of same period last year.

weekend to decide on PM’s fate ISLAMABAD NaveeD miRaj

The next weekend will clear all the mist and uncertainty currently surrounding the political arena about the future of Prime Minister Imran Khan as the National Assembly is all set to take up the no confidence motion by the weekend.

The no trust motion was tabled in the National Assembly on Monday. The house is all set to vote on it either on Saturday or Sunday. Well informed sources told this correspondent that the Speaker is bound by the rules to complete the process by Sunday. From the day the resolution is moved, ‘it shall not be voted upon before the expiry of three days, or later than seven days,” according to the rules of procedure.

A vote of no-confidence against the prime minister is

conducted by an open vote. The opposition requires the support of a simple majority i.e. 172 to make the no confidence resolution successful.

According to government sources, their MNAs or those not supporting the resolution will not turn up in the Assembly hall at the time of voting, saying it is the opposition which have to show the support of 172 members.

Prior to that, a fiery session of the National Assembly is expected to resume from tomorrow (Thursday) with both treasury and opposition benches coming face to face and trading barbs.

The treasury members will come out hard on turncoats as well as the opposition benches for ‘becoming part of the international conspiracy against the government’. The opposition benches on the other hand will criticize the government’s policies.

It merits mentioning here that no Prime Minister of the

Thai airways starts Pakistan operation after two years ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Thai Airways started its flight operation to Pakistan on Tuesday after a gap of two years as the airline’s first flight, TG349, with 208 passengers on board landed at Islamabad airport on Tuesday. Sources at the airport said the plane later flew back to Thailand carrying passengers. Recently, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed direct flights to Australia.

The approval was given by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority on the request of the PIA. Following the approval, Pakistan International Airline (PIA) has begun preparations for the direct flights to Australia, which would reduce travelling time by approximately one-third to and from down under.

Since there are no direct flights between Pakistan and Australia, it currently takes 34 to 35 hours to travel with stopovers, which increases travelling time for passengers.

country has been removed through a no confidence resolution in past. Such motions in the past were moved against Benazir Bhutto and Shaukat Aziz but both remained unsuccessful in ousting the sitting Prime Ministers.

At present, both the treasury and opposition benches are confident to outsmart each other on the no confidence resolution.

Whilst the PTI has managed to secure the support of PML-Q, Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) has thrown its weight behind the opposition parties. As Zubaida Jalal, Federal Minister for Defense Production, has refused to follow the party line, it is not yet clear whether all the remaining members of the BAP will turn up on the day of voting.

According to political analysts, the situation is so fluid and uncertain that the number game could turn in the favor

03

“The PML-Q had also issued statements in the past in which it was announced that Aleem would not be accepted as the CM of Punjab under any circumstances,” she said.

The MPA also believed that there was a huge gap between Aleem and Chaudhrys and Aleem thought that Chaudhrys had criticized him unnecessarily many times.

On the other hand, a member of PML-Q told Pakistan Today that challenges were in place but some matters were also in the favor of Chaudhry.

“Five members of PML-N had defected from their party in 2020. However, show cause notices were also issued to these members but they did not return to the party. Similarly, there is also a MPA of the PPP who has declared a coup against his party a long time ago.

Similarly, the PTI has also been claiming that several members of the PML-N have secretly joined them. If they come to the fore at the last moment, then there is a possibility of some reduction in the problems of Pervez Elahi. However, the sword of defection law may be hanging over these members,” he concluded.

Pda facing financial crisis, seeks rs400mn assistance AzIz BUNeRI The Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) is facing severe difficulties in carrying out its financial affairs and sought assistance of Rs400 million from government. According to PDA sources, the authority is responsible for several mega projects and so it is very important to resolve its administrative and financial crisis. According to sources, in the light of section 25-3 of the PDA Act 2017, the authority may seek help from the provincial government during the financial crisis and in this regard the KP government has allocated Rs400 million for PDA assistance in this year’s budget. According to sources the amount has been discussed in several meetings with the provincial minister for local government and chief minister, both the officials have assured the provision of funds after which PDA has now contacted the provincial government for Rs400 million so that the authority can meet its operational and development expenses.

‘Foreign plot’: Maryam warns PM against ‘playing with’ national security ISLAMABAD NewS DeSk

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz has come down hard on Prime Minister Imran Khan for claiming that foreign elements were behind opposition’s no-trust motion to topple his government. “Nawaz Sharif was thrice removed from the post of prime minister but he did not let national security to be harmed. He did not make false accusations against anyone,” she said in a series of tweets on her official Twitter handle on Tuesday. Her statement comes after Federal Minister Asad Umar on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Imran is willing to share the letter, which he claimed contained evidence of a “foreign-funded” conspiracy to topple his government, with Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial. In a press conference with Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, the planning minister said: “If anyone has any doubt, then the prime minister is ready to show this letter, he waved in front of the nation during the speech, to the chief justice of Pakistan since he is on an important position”.

Wednesday, 30 March, 2022 | KARACHI

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NEWS

Railways police return lost precious luggage to Somalian dual national LAHORE: Railways police Multan Division after slogging away found and returned the lost luggage of a The Somalian dual national.

The Somalian dual national passenger namely M. Ismail was traveling from Karachi to Faisalabad in Shah Hussain train. The passenger stepped down from train at Bahawalpur railways station in order to quench his thirst and failed to catch the train whereby losing his luggage with 3.75 lac rupees, passport and other valuables in it.

The passenger brought the mishap in to the knowledge of the railways police, who acting promptly on his report, found and returned the lost luggage to the passenger.

The passenger thanked and paid his best regards to railways police Multan. staff report

Buzdar says ‘will leave office after PM Imran accepts resignation’ Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Tuesday said he would leave office once his resignation is accepted by Prime Minister Imran Khan, vowing to stand by the premier for the greater good of the country.

The chief minister made these remarks in a series of tweets a day after submitting his resignation to PM Imran as the ruling PTI announced PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as its candidate for the post of the provincial chief executive. In exchange for the chief ministership, the PML-Q has agreed to put its weight behind the embattled prime minister, who is facing a no-trust move against him by the opposition.

The PML-Q is a crucial ally of the PTI government in Punjab and Centre, with 10 and five seats, respectively, and the Chaudhrys support to PM Imran Khan is being seen as a revival of his hopes to save his government in the face of the no-confidence motion.

“I have never been desirous of any position as ministries and positions do not last long,” Buzdar said, adding that that the interest of the country was dearer to him than his own self.

He said he would always stand by PM Imran in fulfilling his commitment to the nation for a “Naya Pakistan”.

“The party and commitment to the nation are always important,” the CM said.

Recalling the initiatives taken by his government, the chief minister stated the provincial government undertook various uplift projects including the construction of 11 new hospitals, 21 universities, four dams, more than 150 colleges, 10 special economic zones, 36 public service centres, renovation of road infrastructure, up-gradation of 27,000 schools, issuance of health cards and commencement of work on various other development projects.

Expressing contentment on serving the masses, Buzdar said every district of the province was given its due share in resources.

“We also implemented the manifesto of an Islamic welfare state,” he said.

ThRee SeMInaRy TeacheRS aRReSTed foR SlaughTeRIng foRMeR colleague During the argument, they stabbed her with a knife before slitting her throat, it added.

“The three accused ladies have so far disclosed that one of their relative , about a thirteen year old girl, had seen a dream last night that the Prophet PBUH had directed them that the victim had committed blasphemy against the Prophet and that the Prophet had ordered them to slaughter the victim,” the statement read.

The statement said that three of the women “materialised the dream seen by the fourth one” The police have arrested 24-year-old Umra Aman d/o Deen Badshah, 21-yearold Razia Hanfi d/o Allah Noor and 17year-old Aisha Nomani d/o Allah Noor.

The 13-year-old relative has also been arrested. The police have recovered the murder weapon and a register containing the details of the dream.

A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.

The women belong to the Mehsud tribe and hail from South Waziristan tribal district, he said, adding that their current residence was in DI Khan’s Anjumabad area.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN

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staff report

HREE female teachers of a seminary in Dera Ismail Khan were arrested on Tuesday for allegedly killing a former colleague after accusing her of blasphemy, according to District Police Officer (DPO) Najamul Hasnain.

The DPO told media the murder occurred early in the morning outside the Jamia Islamia Falahul Binaat. According to the first information report (FIR), when police reached the site of the crime, they found the victim lying in a pool of blood with her throat slashed.

Sharp objects were used in the attack on the victim, the FIR added.

DPO Hasnain said the suspects — aged 17, 21 and 24 respectively — killed the 21-year-old victim over “difference of opinion on religious issues” and allegations of blasphemy.

He said the victim was a follower of well-known religious scholar Maulana Tariq Jameel, which was not liked by the suspects.

The DPO quoted the suspects as say-

ing that a 13-year-old female relative of theirs “saw a dream last night” in which she found out about the alleged blasphemy committed by the victim and was subsequently “ordered to slaughter her”.

A register containing details of the dream has been recovered during the initial investigation, the DPO said, adding that the trio of suspects, along with their relative, have been arrested.

Police have arrested three female madrassa teachers, including a teenager,

and a fourth suspect — a 13-year-old girl.

The murder took place in Anjumabad area where the three suspects taught at Jamia Islamia Falahul Binaat seminary.

The victim was the colleague and also taught at the same madrassa.

The three women accosted the victim outside the seminary and accused her of being impressed by religious scholar Maulana Tariq Jameel and committing blasphemy, the statement issued from the DPO office said.

Senate Body on SAFRON discusses issues arising in merged districts ISLAMABAD staff report

The Senate Standing Committee on States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) on Tuesday discussed the issues faced by the merged tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Meeting of the Senate Body on SAFRON held at Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges under the chair of Senator Hilal-ur-Rehman discussed the point of public importance raised by Senator Hidayat Ullah regarding the problems arising in merged districts after merger.

Senator Hidayat Ullah informed the Committee that there is not even a single primary school in my district. He stated that without education to the children, eradication of terrorism is not possible in the erstwhile FATA. While discussing the implementation of commitments made by Federal Government for Fata, the officials of Ministry of Finance told the Committee that after the 25th Constitutional amendment, Ministry work is only to deliver funds to province and has nothing to do with its implementation. Chairman Committee said that the funds of FATA have been used against projects of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Senator Dost Muhammad Khan was of opinion that there should be separate account for Merged Districts.

However, the officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government briefed the Committee about the steps taken for

mainstreaming of Merged Districts.

Officials told that the KP government has utilized 100 p.c. of funds released

by Federal Government during last two years, which amounts to 95 Billion Rupees.

Senator Sania Nishter stated that these funds are quite enormous, but unfortunately KP government is not able to name even a single project which has been completed with these funds. Our problem is quality of implementation not money, she added. She suggested to direct the KP government to install biometrics machines in every school and DHQ hospital across the erstwhile FATA to curb ghost employees in different departments. She also recommended to hold Committee meeting in Peshawar, so that the Committee can practically observe the on ground prevailing situation.

Senator Hidayat Ullah also pointed out that Home Department of KP has mentioned in it’s report that work for the construction of Judicial Complex, jails and police stations has started but in reality the Home Department has not purchased land for these projects up till now.

The Chairman Committee showed displeasure on poor performance of KP government in addressing the issues of erstwhile FATA. Furthermore, the Committee has also taken up the matter of 3 p.c. share of every province in NFC for erstwhile FATA. Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives told the

Committee that neither Punjab nor KP province has paid its promised share for the development of erstwhile FATA. Additionally, the Committee discussed the merger status of Levies and Khasadar Force of FATA into KP Police.

The Secretary of Home Department (KP) informed the Committee that Arms, Ammunition, Service Card and uniform has been given to every Khasadar Force employee. The Chairman Committee Senator Hilal ur Rehman showed satisfaction over the efforts of KP police and advised to carry on the good work for the better-

ment of people of erstwhile FATA. The meeting was attended by Senator Anwar Lal Dean, Senator Bahramand Tangi, Senator Danesh Kumar, Senator Dost Muhammad Khan, Senator Gurdeep Singh, Senator Hidayat Ullah Khan, Senator Sania Nishter, Senator Shamim Afridi, Senator Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah, Secretary for Ministry of States and Frontier Regions and other senior officers of Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives and Home Department of KP as well.

Gill hits back at PML-N for “persistent targeting” of First Lady ISLAMABAD staff report

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill on Tuesday hit back at PML-N’s top leadership for their “persistent attacking and targeting” of First Lady Bushra Bibi in their political speeches.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Gill accused the PML-N of having a “history of maligning women — whether they are politicians or not — for their political motives”.

“You would remember how, through a helicopter, fake and objectionable pictures of Benazir Bhutto and her mother were thrown

by PML-N,” Gill claimed. “You would also remember the words used for Benazir Bhutto at gatherings in the 90s.”

He said that vilifying women was a common practice among PML-N leaders as he recalled the 2016 incident of Khawaja Asif’s

outburst against Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari as a case in point.

“It is unfortunate that in the last three years, these people [PML-N] have targeted the first lady,” the SAPM said. “What’s her crime? That she’s the nation’s daughter? that she’s a mother, a sister, a wife? Or that she is an ummati of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)?

“The first lady never indulges in any political activity nor holds the public office,” Gull said. “But time and again — whether it’s Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Safdar or any other male or female members of their party — multiple attacks have been made against the first lady.”

At the opposition alliance’s gathering in Islamabad on Monday, PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz had alleged that a Lahore-based woman named Farah was involved in taking bribes on behalf of the government for transfers and postings.

Referring to that allegation today, Gill acknowledged that the woman Maryam

spoke of was indeed a close aide of the first lady. “But she has nothing to do with politics. She isn’t a politician and doesn’t hold any public office either,” the SAPM said.

“By repeatedly mentioning Farah Bibi, Maryam targets the first lady in a bid to reach out to the prime minister. If you dare to … fight a political battle instead of indulging in cheap tactics.”

Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif, in an interview to a private TV channel, had claimed that witchcraft was being done at Bani Gala — Prime Minister Imran Khan’s private residence.

“Masses are deprived of food and children are yearning for milk, but tons of chicken is being burnt in Bani Gala for witchcraft,” he had said.

Gill criticised his namesake PML-N leader, saying that the people of Pakistan belonged to multiple faiths and beliefs. “We don’t talk about these things because it can harm religious harmony. You can’t bring up

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someone’s religious beliefs repeatedly and present it in a negative way.”

“You (PML-N leaders) are making these useless accusations because you don’t have

anything else to say. You should be ashamed of yourself,” Gill added, urging the media, politicians and public to condemn the use of such language.

Wednesday, 30 March, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS

corporate corner

CM APPOInts 16 COOrDInAtOrs, exPAnDs GB CABInet tO HIstOrIC 40 iSLamaBad

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Chief Executive Officer Zafar Zaman Ranjha and officers of Pakistan Railways in a group photo with the retired employees of Railways on March 29, 2022. pr

Salman A. Siddiqui, Head of Corporate Communications, SSGC seen inaugurating Dialyzer Reprocessing System machine, donated to Rehman Foundation by SSGC under its CSR initatives for providing free dialysis to the needy patients without any cost. Chairman Rehman Foundation Dr. Waqar Ahmed seen giving briefing of their free Dialysis Centre at the occasion. pr

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Ghulam abbas

NLIKE the claims of austerity move in the center, the ruling Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf (PTI) in Gilgit Baltistan is going to expand cabinet/number of public office holders to a historic size of 40 while facilitating elected and non-elected members of the party and its allies.

As per documents, Chief Minister GB Muhammad Khalid Khurshid, in exercise of powers conferred under provision of 39(B) (3) of GB Rules of Business 2009 amended 2022, has desired to initiate process of appointment of further six coordinators to the chief minister.

As per a notification issued on March 28, 2022, the chief secretary GB has been asked to complete process of appointing Muhammad Adeel Raza, Abdul Khaliq, Wazir Wilayat Ali, Ghulam Haider, Muzammil Hassan and Sajida Sadaqat as coordinators to CM. With the addition of six more coordinators the total number of coordinators to the chief minister has been

increased to 16 as there are already 10 coordinators including two media coordinators of the CM in Islamabad.

Earlier the GB government had amended rules of business to facilitate creation of posts of 10 coordinators. “It is notified for general information and compliance that the Governor GilgitBaltistan has been pleased to further amend rule 29(A) (3) amended in 2017 of the Gilgit-Baltistan Rules of Business, 2009 by inserting a new proviso i.e. after the word two special Coordinators to the Chief Minister GB the word “and ten Coordinators to the Chief Minister,” the notification said. The same rules are now being further amended to facilitate further six coordinators. As per the rules notified last time, the coordinators shall be appointed by the chief minister and shall hold the office during his pleasure. They shall be entitled to a salary equal to half of the salary of a special assistant to the chief minister.

The regional government, through amendment in rules had accommodated a coordinator of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), as it has appointed a special assistant from Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM) though the two parties have

no considerable vote banks in GB. The ruling party which formed the government in GB after the election has now enhanced the number of cabinet to 20 consisting 12 ministers, two advisers, five special assistants to the chief minister and the chief minister.

With the inclusion of 16 coordinators, the speaker, deputy speaker, focal person to chief minister and political secretary to CM, the total number of public office holders in GB becomes 40, extremely larger than the total number of members of the ruling party and its allies in Gilgit Baltistan Legislative Assembly which is 23. At least four parliamentary secretaries of the government also enjoy perks and privileges.

Interestingly this huge size of cabinet is formed to rule a 1.6 million populated region where only four to five members of the cabinet is enough to handle rule and run government affairs. As per the constitution, the Cabinet can have a maximum of 11 percent of the total strength of the parliament whereas each cabinet member must be a member of parliament.

If the same criterion is followed in GB, there could hardly be four members of cabinet including the chief

minister. However, through the Self Governance Ordinance of GB, 2009, introduced by Pakistan People’s Party in 2009, the size of GB cabinet was suggested to consist of nine members, which included the six ministers, two advisers and chief minister.

The PTI government in GB set records by expanding the cabinet/office holders to at least 40 members including chief minister which is 121 percent of the total number of GBLA (33) against the 11 percent set by the constitution of Pakistan.

According to a former federal secretary, the move of expanding the cabinet and facilitating more political figures would ultimately burden the limited budget of the area without any gain. With the increase in administration and employees related expenses, the expenditure on education and health sectors (including both development and non-development budget) were continuously reducing during the past few years. Though the ruling party has increased the non-development budget from Rs32 billion to Rs47 billion, the additional budget would help the deprived area in case the public money is spent in such non-productive areas.

PM ready to share threatening letter on ‘foreign conspiracy’ with CJP continued from page 01

Malik Farooq giving away shield to Rana Allah Rakha at ceremony of Damaan Housing Society Lahore. pr

Closing Ceremony of COVID-19 Immunization and Prevention program

KARACHI: Sehat Kahani, Pakistan’s leading National digital healthcare platform, aiming to democratize healthcare in the country for all using innovative tech solutions, organized a closing ceremony for its “COVID-19 Immunization and Prevention” program in Karachi. This programme was implemented under Stop The Spread project, in collaboration with Health Services Academy, Sindh Education Foundation, and UNDP and was supported

by The Coca-Cola Foundation.

This project was designed to increase awareness regarding safe COVID-19 vaccination across Sindh. 3,000 women healthcare workers were trained virtually on safe and effective immunization. Furthermore, vaccination drives were conducted across Sindh especially in underserved and hard to reach areas in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Sanghar and Thar with the help of the Sindh government to vaccinate thousands of beneficiaries . More than 150 vaccinators and health care workers were also trained on safe immunization via an in-person training session in Hyderabad prior to the vaccination drives. pr

Bank AL Habib declares 70% cash dividend The Annual General Meeting of Bank AL Habib Limited was held at its Registered Office in Multan on March 29, 2022.

The Shareholders approved the Annual Accounts for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Payment of 70% Cash Dividend (Final) was also approved.

Deposits of the Bank as on December 31, 2021 were Rs. 1.310 trillion and Profit after Tax was Rs. 18.702 billion. pr

Along similar lines, Umar said today that the letter also mentioned Pakistan’s foreign policy.

“So it is clear that … the foreign hand [involved in toppling the PTI government] and no-confidence motion are linked. These are not two separate things and we see a clear connection between them,” he added.

Umar said all contents of the letter could not be made public due to legal limitations.

When it was his turn to speak, Chaudhry mentioned incidents such as the killing of former prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan, the hanging of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the death of General Ziaul Haq in a plane crash.

So, he said, it was not the first time such efforts were being made to oust a prime minister in the country.

“And Imran Khan is a leader who doesn’t take calls from abroad … He has been warned in this letter of the consequences if he continues to practice politics in such a manner,” Chaudhry remarked.

Without naming anyone and in an apparent reference to opposition leaders, Umar also referred to the demands of sharing contents of the letter.

“They are asking why can’t we share the letter with them,” he said, adding that “national secrets are very sensitive in nature and there are clear laws with whom these could be shared”.

Umar then insisted that the letter was a “reality” and revealed that he had seen it.

“I bear witness to it,” he said.

Umar further said the letter had only been shared with the top civil and military leadership and a few members of the federal cabinet.

The minister further alleged that former prime minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif was one of the “characters” mentioned in the letter, which he said, revealed the conspiracy to topple the PTI government.

“He (Nawaz) is sitting in London and holding meetings abroad”, he said, adding that PM Imran would share details of these meetings when he would feel the need. Many of these meetings, he continued, were reported by the media, and “we are seeing a result of these meetings in the form of the no-confidence motion”.

Chaudhry claimed that Nawaz had also held meetings with Israeli diplomats.

“This is why I was saying that he should not be allowed to go abroad, because when such people go

Zardari challenges Elahi for CM Punjab slot as Saleh Bhotani joins opposition ranks

continued from page 01 Zardari said the opposition had invited the PML-Q to become part of their movement to ‘save Pakistan’ but due to its shortsightedness, the Punjab-based party went to the other side.

“Pervaiz Elahi can never become the chief minister of Punjab as he doesn’t have the required votes,” he said, adding that the change of heart by the Chaudhrys was perplexing. He said the next chief minister will be from the opposition as it has the required number in the

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province.

In response to a question, Zardari said he was relieved by the fact that the establishment “was neutral”.

Speaking on the occasion, PPP Chairperson Bilawal said it was the habit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to level false accusations and added the opposition has more than enough numbers to dislodge Imran Khan. He said the PPP wanted to have “long-lasting relations with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P)” for the uplift of Karachi.

abroad they become a stooge, a weapon of the international establishment,” he said.

Umar further said the senior leadership of the Pakistan Democratic Movement was also aware of “how the contents of the letter are linked to the noconfidence motion”.

“While speaking to our MNAs and media persons, they used to say that ‘all matters have been settled’, and so they obviously know how it is connected to the no-trust motion,” the minister said.

However, he went on, “I believe that the majority of lawmakers in the NA, including those from the opposition, are unaware of the other elements behind the no-confidence motion.”

“I am sure they will not become part of a measure that poses a threat to the country and because of which Pakistan’s sovereignty and freedom are disgraced,” Umar said. “Until now, they were unaware.

But I am sure that now, after being made aware of the bigger picture, […] they will make decisions in light of these facts.”

Chaudhry further said no one in the media had the letter.

“Anyone claiming to have the letter is lying,” he said.

HBL in collaboration with SBP, hosts first RACC meeting, as a champion bank for Balochistan HBL as the designated champion bank for Balochistan hosted the first meeting of the Regional Agricultural Coordination Committee (RACC) in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The meeting was held in Quetta on 25 March 2022.

Muhammad Aurangzeb, President and CEO – HBL led the meeting, and it was attended by Noor Ahmed – Director, Agriculture, Credit and Microfinance Department – SBP, and Amjad Ali Imran Chief Manager – SBP BSC – Quetta, senior executives from the Government of Balochistan, SBP, HBL, other banks operative in the province, as well as the farming community also attended the session.

The RACC meeting

was focused around developing a comprehensive framework to address the agricultural outreach challenges in the underserved areas of Balochistan.

The committee will work towards devising strategies, focused on serving the farmers and enhancing financial inclusion amongst the rural masses in the province.

Muhammad Aurangzeb, President and CEO – HBL, commenting on the occasion said, “SBP has designated HBL the Champion Bank for Balochistan to lead the industry in improving access to finance for the farmers in the province. The bank is playing an active role in enhancing credit outreach for the province through capacity building, farmer literacy programs as well as tailored agricultural finance products. pr

06-07 Comments - 30th March 2022_Layout 1 3/29/2022 10:29 PM Page 1

Wednesday, 30 March, 2022

06 COMMENT

Are we structurally handicapped?

Terrorist threats Need to secure Pak-Iran border

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HE national Assembly was told on Monday that anti-Pakistan terror outfits are regrouping in Balochistan via the iranian province of sistan and Balochistan. The information was provided in response to a query posed by a PPP MnA from sindh. Any uptick in terrorist activity in Balochistan would naturally worry people in the neighbouring provinces. Acts of terrorism

by Baloch insurgent groups have already increased. Early this year one of these groups claimed responsibility for a terrorist attack in Lahore also. instead of the earlier hit and run methods, the insurgent groups have lately launched gun-and-bomb suicide attacks on FC camps in Panjgur and nushki districts. since January this year, different Baloch groups have reportedly carried out at least 17 attacks, including 10 against security forces. The attacks took 51 lives and injured 97 people. As there are no signs of the insurgency coming under control through use of force there is a need to re-evaluate the strategy, giving more importance to a political resolution of the problem.

The iranian province of sistan and Balochistan bordering both Afghanistan and Pakistan has long been used by hostile countries to detabilise the post revolution iran. Foreign powers have played the sectarian card, using extremist networks like Jundullah and Jaish al-Adl for terrorist attacks inside iran. Pakistani Baloch terrorist and separatist groups have allied with iranian Baloch terrorist groups to enable both to cross over to the other side of the border after launching terrorist attacks. Border patrols from both countries too have come under attack in sporadic skirmishes. Recently there have been reports of Baloch terrorists crossing over to sanctuaries in sistanBalochistan after attacks in Pakistan.

There is a need on the part of both Pakistan and iran to deny space to these terrorist groups. Last year iran’s chief of armed forces Maj gen Mohammed Bagheri was in Pakistan for three days to discuss matters of mutual interest. Last month iranian interior Minister Dr Ahmad Vahidi visited islamabad and Rawalpindi to discuss these issues with Prime Minister imran Khan and COAs gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. That anti-Pakistan terror outfits are still regrouping in Balochistan via the iranian province of sistan and Balochistan indicates there is something missing in such mutual consultations.

Can’t we have cordial diplomatic relations with other states?

SHAzIA Anwer CHeeMA

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sing foreign affairs for gaining extra political mileage in domestic politics is not a new norm in Pakistan but now it has become quite lethal and i have been regularly writing about this dangerous phenomenon because i firmly believe our diplomatic cadre make bridges and our politicians break bridges. This practice is now moving us to a very shaky ground, and getting political advances in the domestic arena at the cost of international gains may not be workable for a long time without some serious diplomatic disaster we can face.

Avoiding going into details about what piece of paper Prime Minister imran Khan has in his pocket that he calls a threatening letter from a western country, i believe that it must be a letter as claimed by PM imran Khan instead of a transcription of any diplomatic demarche sent by any country to any embassy of Pakistan. There is a great difference between the sending of a threatening letter to any state from another state and a regular diplomatic demarche which is usually a formal diplomatic representation (diplomatic correspondence) of the official position, views, or wishes on a subject from one government to another governmental or intergovernmental organization.

Diplomatic démarches are delivered to the appropriate official of a government or organization. Démarches generally seek to persuade, inform or gather information from a foreign government. governments may also use a démarche to protest or object to actions by a foreign government. Ethically, sharing démarches with the public and using it at the diplomatic level is not only diplomatic indecency, but can send a signal to the entire world that correspondence

Moving forward Can Afghanistan mend its ways?

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OREign Minister shah Mahmood Qureshi has reiterated that Afghanistan is a ‘shared and collective responsibility’, just before leaving for China to attend the third meeting of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries. While this may be one way of looking at Afghanistan and addressing the many issues faced by the troubled nation, there is one fundamental element missing from the equation: Afghanistan helping itself by realizing and accepting its own set of responsibilities to move forward. As a precursor to tomorrow’s meeting in China, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi dropped in on the Taliban regime at Kabul when returning home after visiting Pakistan for his special presence at the OiC Foreign Ministers’ meeting, and to attend the Pakistan Day Parade. During his visit, Mr Wang gave the Taliban a familiar message: that if there is any hope of their country joining the international community, winning general recognition from other countries, it must conform to the standards set by the international community, which include allowing women to obtain an education, and protecting civil rights. The Taliban administration has done nothing along these lines and has in fact, just a day after the visit, made matters worse by banning air travel for female passengers unless they were accompanied by a male relative.

Regional security is a major concern for all stakeholders and even in this respect, the Taliban have left much to be desired. increased terrorist activity in Pakistan since the Taliban takeover can be directly correlated with groups like the Tehrik Taliban Pakistan and the islamic state-Khorasan being able to operate more freely without any intervention by the new regime in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is currently in dire need of economic assistance and that hefty level of investment can only come from countries like China and perhaps even Russia.

The longer this investment is delayed, the more damage will be inflicted upon an already collapsed Afghan economy and add to the general degradation of social fabric. it is entirely up to the Taliban now to reassess their strategy, make good on promises made, let go of the old ways and create space for themselves in the international community and prosper as a result. Anything short of this; the 20-year struggle for independence from Us occupation would be in vain.

The no–confidence motion has raised awkward questions

MUHAMMAD ALI ALVI

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LD political rivals have turned their animosity into friendship. Political allies are breaking their bonds with the government. islamabad is where everyone is looking at as the final round has begun.

Everyone is waiting for the play to begin. The political hustle-bustle gained momentum slowly but is now at its peak. Let aside political enthusiasts, even people usually aloof from politics are taking interest in politics now.

Different people have different reasons to follow the current scenario. some are interested because they just want to see whether the current government will survive the current challenge or the joint opposition will overthrow the government. The next category is the rigid supporters of the political parties involved. They are hoping for their party to win. While the third category is those people who don’t have any concern with politics whatsoever and have nothing to do with the current political crisis and are busy with routine matters.

The fourth and last category belongs to those people who are having a difficult time grasping the situation and are going through a painful phase. They have an understanding of the crisis Pakistan is going through. They understand that the current political upheaval is taking us nowhere. in every challenging situation, be it political or not, some limits should not be crossed at any cost.

They keep the environment conducive and healthy.

There is always an outside chance of reconciliation

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

The writer is a Prague-based author of books and foreign affairs expert who writes for national and international media. She is a doctoral student.

Researcher in semiotics and philosophy of communication at Charles University in Prague. She can be reached at her: Twitter @ShaziaAnwerCh Email: shaziaanwer@yahoo.com

Going nowhere

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

with Pakistan can be dangerous. it is not Prime Minister imran Khan only, rather many from his cabinet are famous for accusing foreign countries and then withdrawing their statements and deleting their Twitter messages. There is a long list of this and out of this list, some examples can be cited as references to forthcoming academic books of “Art of Diplomacy” for students of international affairs and public diplomacy. The most dangerous part of taunting or criticizing a foreign country or its politicians or head of state is that it creates an unpleasant feeling among the population of the targeted country that erodes all work done in the field of “public diplomacy”.

Jan Melissen who compiled an excellent book The New Public Diplomacy——- Soft Power in International Relations indicates that official communication aimed at foreign publics is not a new phenomenon in international relations but a very important tool for image cultivation, propaganda, and activities beyond the formal diplomatic assignments.

We remember that in ancient times, prestige-conscious princes and their representatives never completely ignored the potential and pitfalls of public opinion in foreign lands, and references to the nation and its image go as far back as the Bible, and international relations in ancient greece and Rome, Byzantium and the italian Renaissance we are familiar with.

The diplomatic cadre of Pakistan has to work hard in the sphere of diplomacy because Pakistan has been a target of negative propaganda from the western media that always portrays Pakistan as a country, which is loosely associated with military tensions and skirmishes along the border with india, assisting the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, and islamic extremism, and our enemies paint us as a country that is structurally handicapped in its diplomatic relations with other states. i believe that blaming foreign countries for meddling with our domestic issues without providing proof would support Pakistan’s enemies that we are really structurally handicapped in having cordial diplomatic relations with other states.

As a Pakistani student studying in Europe since 2013, i had been facing a situation where i had no face to contest and justify news and statements coming from my motherland but this situation has surely aggravated now, leaving almost no justifications for me to challenge those who try to make a mockery of my country. How can i contest when one of my federal ministers is saying that roads are not so important and Hungary, Albania, and Yugoslavia (former) had excellent road networks but no jobs for people?

What did i have to guard myself when another minister gave a statement about the French government and then had to delete her Twitter statement after receiving an extraordinary reaction from the

French Embassy? How can i promote China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a game-changer in the region when my Federal Minister for Communications and Federal Minister for Postal services kept mentioning that there was large-scale corruption involved in CPEC projects during PML(n) rule? i still remember an exercise i did almost a decade ago when my class reviewed a speech of Us President george Bush senior as an assignment class of semiotics. i came to know out fr60 this exercise how a well-written discourse can be studied on multiple layers. i was amazed to figure out the implication of the forthcoming war for peace by george Bush senior. There were no direct commentary/indications but between the lines and beyond the line analysis extracted how statesmen narrate certain agendas with prescribed diction, time, space, and pace.

The obvious question surfaced in the class who does that for statesmen? Our teacher told us then that world politicians and officeholders take advice from a team of experts, like linguists, semioticians, and communication experts. The process is simple. First, an agenda has been set by a different group of people who set that agenda by gathering information from yet another group of experts and when everything is designed, then comes the group of semioticians and cognitivists to engineer that given agenda in different modes of communication.

My studies of semiotic cognitive and communication *hilosophy teach me that statesmen are not ordinary people and their statements are not taken as statements of ordinary people. Expert diplomats take their words very seriously and students of communications abroad also try to find meanings about their country within the statements of our statesmen and i cannot give them a justification that our politicians give their statements for gaining deomrdtic political mileage by forgetting their consequences on international relations.

This cannot be a justification to face the diplomatic blunders our politicians make. The world does not understand our internal inability to hold an important office, and cannot grasp the magnitude of incompetence our so-called democratic governments possess. Can i say that our cabinets are composed of individuals who are unable to think beyond their businesses?

Can i tell my colleagues abroad that we don’t care about consequences when we start discussing external issues with the same insensitive approach we use domestically and our diplomatic cadre suffers an immense amount of pressure and at times humiliation?

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Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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and adjustment. The current political crisis in the country has seen those involved sink to their lowest and no one seems to hold back.

Prime Minister imran Khan is on a mission to protect his premiership and claims people support him while the opposition wants to unseat him and claims people want to get rid of him. imran however holds he has been given a mandate for five years and should complete his term. The opposition argues that the PM has lost credibility and it is using its constitutional right to remove him. ideally, the opposition can use its constitutional right and the PM should not worry about it if he is satisfied with his premiership. The party that has the majority should win and normalcy should resume.

However, that is not the case. Both groups are abusing and grinding each other. Horse trading is at its peak. Votes are being sold for incentives, privileges and promises of important positions. Even matters of national interest like the OiC moot were threatened to be disrupted. This has led to a crisis that is not taking Pakistan forward at least.

The reason for this turmoil lies in the following observations: Most of the parties operating in Pakistan lack internal democracy and accountability.

They are run either by ruling families or elites. The situation remains the same for most religious parties.

As there is no internal democracy, party rulers make decisions that are based on their wishes without considering the outcome of their decisions.

According to the reports, some MnAs will cast a vote in favour of the opposition in return for party tickets, cash and other privileges. The opposition parties are buying their loyalty for temporary and short term benefits through certain privileges and incentives. now the question is where that money will come from? And what will be the credibility of those candidates when they contest elections in future? Are those candidates not a threat to democracy in Pakistan? They are setting the wrong precedents. And will those parties who plan to field them in future be able to justify their actions?

The reason for this mess is materialism and de-

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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grading morality. it gives courage to political parties to select those candidates who are popular, wealthy and flexible, and to candidates to join the political parties on their demands, 5rrespective of ideology or national interest. This is a threat to the smooth running of democracy in Pakistan. irrespective of the outcome of the no-trust motion, a few questions still need to be answered. if the no-trust 0otion is unsuccessful, will the PDM and PPP accept the decision? if they do not accept the decision then there will be massive unrest in the country. And if it succeeds, will the PM accept the decision? He has openly said that foreign elements are behind this unrest in the country. if this is accepted, then the future of the country is at stake.

Currently, both the government and the opposition are on the roads to show their strength.

But, a no-confidence motion is a formal business, to be done in Parliament. This can be performed in a peaceful manner without big public gatherings. But it shows the mindset of the political parties that rely on big power shows as it is easy for them to go on roads rather than doing business where it is supposed to. in the 2018 general elections, people gave a mandate to imran Khan for f5ve years. Opposition parties, individually, cannot form a government themselves. so they are united for a cause. But history tells us that the intimacy shown by the joint opposition is not going to last. so if the no-confidence motion succeeds and those party leaders who have abused each other in the past are asked to form a new setup, how will they pr6ceed? in the past they have moved away from each other because of differences. so do they have a road map other than just being anti-imran?

Terrorism is rising and the situation in Afghanistan poses a threat to Pakistan. Pakistan is pursuing a rather neutral and independent foreign policy, be it the Russia-Ukraine conflict or relations with the Us or EU. Will the opposition be able to deal with all these problems smoothly if it succeeds in overthrowing the government or will the unrest hurt Pakistan?

The writer is freelance columnist

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

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Wednesday, 30 March, 2022

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

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

Racism is unacceptable RACisM is so deep-seated in our culture that we think it to be the norm.

The need to eradicate racism has come to highlight after a series of violent activities against people of their race.

Racism is the prejudiced belief of people that a particular race is superior to others. The idea has resulted from years of neglect and oppression of some races for their traits and skin colour. it makes people feel sorry for being born a certain way, of having a particular skin colour.

Racism has no scientific explanation, and racist people are entirely ignorant about the feelings of other human beings. no one can choose to be black, white, dark, fair, or anything in particular. god has made us, and there is nothing that should make us feel guilty for that. it is ridiculous and inhumane to make fun of people due to their cultural background or colour of skin. We should never judge others for the way they look or the way they speak. All people are born equal, and nothing can change that. Racism is a barrier to the social advancement of our society. it is impossible to achieve something great with such narrowminded and exclusive ideals. it can only be removed by spreading awareness and correcting people when they make a racist comment. such unjustifiable behaviour and actions are things like mental stress, social harassment, and even physical assaults. since we have let racist comments and activities go unnoticed, racism is left untreated and leads to more division and anger between the two different people of different backgrounds.

MAHEEN CHOUDHARY SHEIKHUPURA

OIC and Kashmir The OIC is being influenced by India

Dr MUHAMMAD AkrAM zAHeer

P

AKisTAn hosted the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Minister (CFM) of the Organization of islamic Cooperation on 22 and 23 March 2022. The theme of the conference was “Partnering for the Unity, Justice and Development”. The state Councilor and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi also attended as a special guest. senior officials from non-OiC countries and senior representatives from regional and international organizations, including the United nations, the Arab League and the gulf Cooperation Council also attended the conference. The CFM reviewed the “critical human rights and humanitarian situation” in indian-administered Kashmir, while the Ministerial Meeting of OiC Contact group for Jammu and Kashmir also was on the sidelines.

The OiC is diverse and very colourful with diverse cultural, economic, political and social differences. The Muslim world has always been at the centre of global politics and economics since its emergence in the early 7th century. Although the Muslim world is a centre of world politics, economics and history, unfortunately it is a host of current popular conflicts. There are certainly various reasons for this growing tension and political turmoil, from economics and politics to religion. Energy is certainly at the centre of most of these problems, because it is the main source of power in this new era of the Fourth industrial Revolution. Energy-rich countries, whether producing oil or gas, dominate the region’s focus. Moreover, most of these energy-rich but relatively weak economies are Muslim countries.

The Organization of islamic Conference could not raise the issues of Muslim concern, particularly the Kashmir issue, in order to make the Muslim world understand and settle. Kashmir is one of the most long standing disputes waiting for the settlement. The United nations has passed several resolutions but due to lack of enforcement mechanism of peacekeeping and peace building efforts all in vain. Pakistan also has repeatedly tried unsuccessfully to gain international support against indian occupation on Kashmir, while india insists that the repeal of Article 370 and the division of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories is its internal matter.

For the past seven decades, Kashmiris have been fighting for their inalienable right to selfdetermination, india’s actions violated Un security Council resolutions and increased the risk

of a confrontation between the two countries.

While india insists that the repeal of Article 370 and the division of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories is an internal matter, Pakistan has repeatedly failed to garner international support against india.

The OiC has generally supported Pakistan’s position on Kashmir and issued statements criticizing the alleged indian “atrocities” in the state and now Centrally Administered Territories. For the last three decades, these announcements have become an annual ceremonial, meaning nothing to india. After india repealed Article 370 in Kashmir, Pakistan lobbied the OiC to condemn the move. surprisingly for Pakistan, the top leaders of saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both Muslim countries, issued scathing statements and did not criticize new Delhi as strongly as islamabad had hoped. Over the past year, islamabad has tried to provoke sentiment in islamic countries, but only a few of them, Turkey and Malaysia, have openly criticized india. in the 2019 Makkah summit, the OiC criticized the alleged indian “atrocities” in the state.in 2018, the OiC general secretariat “strongly condemned the killing of innocent Kashmiris by indian forces in indian-occupied Kashmir”, calling “direct firing on protesters” an “act of terrorism”. it called on the international community to play its role in reaching a just and lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.However, at the 2018 meeting in Dhaka, “Jammu and Kashmir” was included in only one of the 39 resolutions passed, along with 12 other states or territories around the world.

Pakistan accuses Bangladesh of circulating text too late even for a resolution passed the day after swaraj’s speech in Abu Dhabi condemned “atrocities and human rights violations” in Kashmir. The OiC Foreign Ministers’ 2017 meeting expressed “deep reaffirmation of the unwavering support of the people of Kashmir for their just cause” and “deep concern over the grave human rights violations by the indian occupying forces since 1947”. india has consistently emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is “an integral part of india and is strictly india’s internal affair.” The argument with which india has made the claim is untrue because Kashmiris never accepted. new Delhi has maintained its “consistent and notorious” position that the OiC did not have a concrete position. india went a step further, saying sectarianism was being used by its neighboring country “which has a disgusting record of religious tolerance, fundamentalism and persecu-

tion of minorities.” india has good relations with almost all of the OiC member countries. Relations with the United Arab Emirates and saudi Arabia have improved significantly, especially in recent years.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al nahyan, was a very special guest at the 68th Republic Day celebrations in 2017. For the first time, india rolled out the Republic Day red carpet for a leader who was neither a head of state nor a head of government.

The Crown Prince had previously visited india in February 2016, following Prime Minister narendra Modi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates in August 2015. in 2019, just days before the OiC’s invitation to swaraj, saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin salman visited india. The invitation could be a significant result of the Muhammad Bin salman’s visit, as well as an indication of india’s good relations with saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The OiC includes two of india’s closest neighbours, Bangladesh and the Maldives. indian diplomats say the two countries privately acknowledge that they do not want to complicate their bilateral relations with india over Kashmir, but want to play games with the OiC. Therefore, india has rightly rejected the OiC’s latest attempt to reconcile its position on Jammu and Kashmir.

At the same time, it wants to join the OiC through key members, to counter Pakistan’s position on Kashmir and the geopolitical interests islamabad has in south Asia. now again Pakistani Prime Minister imran Khan raised the issue of Kashmir in the Organization of the islamic Conference and criticized india for its “illegal” decision to repeal Article 370. He highlighted the challenges facing the Muslim community, the conflicts in the Middle East, and the “denial of the right to self-determination” for the people of Palestine and Kashmir.

He further stated that “Muslims have failed to raise the voice for both the Palestinians and the people of Kashmir. The Ummah did not take these issues seriously and we are divided.” While india has expressed its desire for normal neighborly relations with islamabad in an environment free from terrorism, hostility and violence, it has made it clear that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and always will be an “integral part” of the country.

The latest statements of the OiC on Kashmir are a reminder of the need to be attentive to regional and geopolitical developments and not to be relaxed as Pakistan was in the past. However, the OiC is a political organization and the changing geopolitical dynamics and events in the world may affect its position on issues relevant to the south Asian region, particularly on Kashmir. Despite the ups and downs in Pakistan’s relations with major islamic countries, Pakistan is part of the OiC and is of concern to india.

The latest statements of the OIC on Kashmir are a reminder of the need to be attentive to regional and geopolitical developments and not to be relaxed as Pakistan was in the past.

However, the OIC is a political organization and the changing geopolitical dynamics and events in the world may affect its position on issues relevant to the South Asian region, particularly on Kashmir.

The writer has a doctorate in Political Science

Anarchy in offing THE sitting PTi government is taking lead in intensifying anarchy in the country. Traditionally it is always the opposition that resorts to agitation after its in-parliament moves fail to bring the government of the day to accede to its demands. surprisingly the opposition is showing maturity by holding peaceful public rallies. JUiF Leader Mulana Fazal Rehman immediately called off the countrywide sit inns and roadblocks when his demand of releasing workers was fulfilled in wake of the government’s alleged storming of the parliamentary lodges. Again the opposition wisely changed the date of its public protest in islamabad to avoid inconvenience to the OiC foreign ministers. On the other hand, none other than the chief executive of the country is threatening one opposition leader after another and naming uncalled for names of an opposition leader who is adored by his follower. Calling others thieves and thugs is below the stature of the PM as he is no jury, judge and executioner. The ministers following their leader’s footsteps are in rate race insinuate opposition leadership and add fuel to the fire of already charged combustive political milieu.

GULSHER PANHWER JOHI

Islamophobia in India THE term islamophobia refers to the meaning of fear or hatred against islam or Muslims in general. For the last 20 years, this term has widely been practised in the west. However recent incidents and incumbent situations in india has really worried everyone about the future of indian Muslims. Hindu extremists and people of the Hindutva mindset have been generating hurdles in the ways of performing religious rituals. Muslims of india, sarcastically have been asked for their true indian nationality. There have been several anti-Muslim cases, physically reported since the partition of United india in 1947. in 2002, the western indian state of gujrat witnessed horrific incidents of anti-Muslim riots. The poor are titled as stereotyped, their daily earnings are snatched on behalf of being islamic embodiment. islamophobia in india is multidimensional, pervasive and deeply rooted, which affects the marginalised Muslim population in economically deprived or politically conflicted regions. since the arrival of the Modi government, indian secular national policy has been transformed into a pure extremist Hindutva mindset. A Hindu Pandit, Pooja shakun Pandey said, “nothing is possible without weapons. Be ready to kill and go to jail.

Even if 100 of us are ready to kill 20 lacs of them (Muslims), then we will be victorious”. such an inhuman and irresponsible press release, neither any FiR was registered nor any action was put into the act against such barbaric beasts. The persistent efforts of western media to portray islam, as the basis of terrorism has encouraged a lot of Modi media to throw unfair accusations over the sanctity of islam. This was dismaying to witness that merely Pakistan denounced savage indian barbaric policies. The term islamophobia is heartbreaking for peace-loving Muslims. islamic World leaders must deal with this rising cobra with iron hands.

SAJID ALI NAICH KHAIRPUR NATHAN SHAH

Tiktok and Youth siR through the column of your esteemed newspaper, i just want to draw the attention of the Pakistan Telecommunications authority (PTA) on the rising controversy on the ban of tiktok. Tiktok popularity is increasing day by day. But as someone says, with great popularity comes great criticism.

The app in the laat few months is facing massive criticism from the public.

The app is widely used by the underage children which have sparked outrage from parents, privacy and security. it is just a wastage of time, people are spending hours on just scrolling and seeing videos on tiktok and the Youth which is known to be the assets of the country they are wasting their precious time and destroying their developmental period of age in making foolish videos just for the sake of fame. Although i am not in favor of banning the tiktok as it is a great source of entertainment and a provide broader platform for the people to openly show their talent like acting, dancing, painting, sketching , singing and more but but it totally depends on us that how we are using it. beside, some of the content on tiktok is creating social unrest. PTA should have to ask the owner’s of the app for taking some actions on the policy as there should be certain restrictions such as age restriction, tiktok has a vibrant community of users so there should be content limitations in order to minimize the vulgarity and also the parents should filter and monitor the content their children are watching and posting. i hope the authorities should look into this issue and come up with a better solution than banning it. Ban of tiktok is not a solution.

MADIHA ZUbAIR KARACHI

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Wednesday, 30 March, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

MoDI’s response to russIan InvasIon Is a new low for InDIan DIploMacy PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI HAS NOT CALLED OUT RUSSIA FOR ITS UNPROVOKED INVASION OF UKRAINE, BUT NOT BECAUSE HE WANTS TO HELP BROKER A PEACE. RATHER HE ONLY HAS DOMESTIC CONCERNS IN MIND Wire PriyAnJAli MAlik

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nDIA is standing at a crossroads when it comes to the war in Ukraine. Unlike Israel and turkey, who are trying to use their relatively tame responses to Russia’s invasion to provide space for negotiating peace, India has not attempted any initiative to carve out a global role for itself in what is already the worst crisis in Europe since World War II. While new Delhi has called for a ceasefire and dialogue, it has done nothing to bring it about.

Further muddying this picture of diplomatic paralysis s this perverse impression that the invasion of Europe’s second-largest country by its largest country is somehow a standoff between Russia and the United states. And Indian sympathies, it seems, lie with Russia for the sake of their shared history. But which history is India looking at?

It all depends on where you look. the soviet veto undoubtedly sheltered India over Kashmir when it was used in 1957 and 1962; the subsequent implied threat of its use also kept Kashmir off the agenda of the security Council. By 1991, when Moscow informed new Delhi that it would no longer be able to offer the same sort of cover at the Un, the appetite of the other permanent members to tackle Kashmir had waned considerably and India had largely succeeded in its insistence that its differences with Pakistan were a bilateral issue.

However, the soviet Union was less reliable over

China. When the Chinese marched into India in 1962, not only did Moscow not respond to calls for help, citing its preoccupation with the Cuban Missile Crisis; it warned India that if new Delhi raised the issue at the security Council, soviet support would go to China.

Moscow had also earlier suspended the sale of aircraft to India in a show of neutrality between the two.

NEHRU AND KENNEDY: the help that India sought came from the United states. Even though U.s. President John F Kennedy was equally preoccupied with events in Cuba, he convened a presidential meeting to discuss the two letters that his Indian counterpart Jawaharlal nehru sent him on november 19, 1962. nehru had sought arms, American-manned fighter jets and military help that virtually amounted to an alliance. though the United states did not intervene militarily, it air-dropped arms, ammunition and extreme weather kits for soldiers who had been sent to fight in the Himalayas in canvas shoes and cotton uniforms.

Kennedy also considered sending the Uss Kitty Hawk of the seventh Fleet to the Indian Ocean, but the Chinese declared a cease-fire before the ship left its area of operations in the Pacific. It is, therefore, ironic that the seventh Fleet is best remembered in India for the Uss Enterprise, which Richard nixon sent to the Indian Ocean during the 1971 war for reasons that are still being debated today.

DEFENSE SUPPORT BEYOND MOSCOW: the Army’s current dependence on Russia runs from battle

tanks to bullets, but even there the picture is nuanced.

India imported 70,000 AK 203 assault rifles from Russia in 2021, with an agreement for the licensed production of a further 600,000; in 2019, India imported 72,000 sig 716 assaults rifles from the United states. A year later, with the India-China border heating up, it ordered a further 72,000. that India needs to import small arms at all, 75 years after independence, points to the failure of its attempts to produce arms domestically, with the Army reportedly unenthusiastic about Indian kit ranging from tanks to carbines.

Overshadowing these figures is the marked decline in Russian dependence. Even though Moscow is still India’s largest defense supplier, imports from Russia fell from 69% from 2012-2017 to 46% from 2017-2021.

Russia’s loss was France (18.4%), Israel (13.4%) and America’s (11%) gain.

From virtually nothing in 2008, India’s defense imports from the U.s. now stand at $20 billion. Underpinning this deepening of defense ties are four ‘foundational’ agreements between India and Washington that govern intelligence sharing, interoperability and access to military technology. If allowed to reach their full potential, these agreements could transform relations between new Delhi and Washington DC, making the Delhi-Washington relationship a remarkable exception to America’s alliance-bound partnerships.

COMMERCIAL TIES: However, Delhi’s rebuffing of American calls to condemn Russia over its invasion of Ukraine indicates that that potential remains a distant

I’m an Iraqi and I remember Madeleine albright for who she truly was

al-Jazeera AhMeD TWAiJ

o

FtEn, after the demise of political figures, their troubling histories are whitewashed in the name of respecting their memories and the feelings of their families. the passing of former United states secretary of state Madeleine Albright on Wednesday has been no exception.

Western media responded to the news of her death with a plethora of obituaries eulogizing her achievements. Countless statements have been released, by governments, institutions and public figures, celebrating the “trailblazing” politician for being the first woman to hold the office of secretary of state and for receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Former President Bill Clinton, under whom Albright served as America’s top diplomat, referred to her as “a passionate force for freedom, democracy, and human rights”. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, proclaimed she “was always a force for goodness, grace, and decency – and for freedom”.

For me as an Iraqi, however, the memory of Albright will forever be tainted by the stringent sanctions she helped place on my country at a time when it was already devastated by years of war. Millions of innocent Iraqis suffered terribly and hundreds of thousands died because of the sanctions which, in the end, achieved almost none of Washington’s policy objectives. As we remember Albright’s life and achievements, we must also remember those innocent Iraqi lives lost because of her policy decisions. the most prominent memory of Albright that I have in my mind is from an interview she gave to CBs 60 Minutes in 1996. In that now-iconic interview, veteran journalist Lesley stahl questioned Albright—then the Us ambassador to the United nations—on the catastrophic effect the rigorous Us sanctions imposed after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait had

on the Iraqi population. “We have heard that half a million [Iraqi] children have died. I mean, that is more children than died in Hiroshima,” asked stahl, “And, you know, is the price worth it?” “I think that is a very hard choice,” Albright answered, “but the price, we think, the price is worth it.”

With this response, Albright showed that she sees innocent Iraqi children as nothing more than disposable fodder in a conflict between the Us administration and the Iraqi leadership. she demonstrated, with no room left for any doubt, that she had no humanity— that she cannot and shall never be described as “a force for goodness, grace, and decency”. I remember sanctions era Iraq very well. It was almost impossible to maintain contact with family members and friends in the country, as telephone services remained very limited.

When I visited Iraq, to my shock I saw even the most basic products – like milk – could not be found in local markets. the people were hungry and hopeless.

Indeed, the Us imposed sanctions on Iraq to punish saddam Hussein’s regime, but it was innocent civilians, not the regime officials who suffered. the sanctions pushed the already struggling masses into deeper poverty, but only marginally affected the rich, widening the wealth gap in the country. As poor Iraqis struggled to put food on their tables, President Hussein and his inner circle maintained their lavish lifestyles. Despite crippling sanctions, the president managed to build 80 to 100 luxury palaces during his tenure.

By 2003, it is estimated that nearly 1.5 million Iraqis, primarily children, had died as a direct consequence of sanctions. And this devastating toll was hardly surprising, or unex-

pected. the sanctions, implemented in August 1990 by the Un security Council Resolution 661, included a total financial and trade embargo. not only was Iraq barred from exporting oil (its main income source) on the world market for several years, but it was also prevented from importing products from abroad. this ban included healthcare equipment and medications, which translated into immeasurable suffering for common Iraqis, but placed no immediate pressure on Hussein’s regime. “Requested radiotherapy equipment, chemotherapy drugs and analgesics are consistently blocked by United states and British advisers [to the sanctions Committee at the Un],” explained Professor Karol sikora, then chief of the cancer programme of the World Health Organization, in a 1999 article published in the British Medical Journal. “there seems to be a rather ludicrous notion that such agents could be converted into chemical or other weapons.”

According to UnICEF, the Un Children’s Fund, the death rate of children below five crossed 4,000 a month due to the lack of food and basic medications caused by the sanctions – that is up to 200 babies and toddlers dying avoidable deaths a day. several Un officials resigned over the years in protest at this disastrous, ineffective and murderous sanctions policy, but Albright, the “passionate force for freedom, democracy and human rights”, thought it was all “worth it”. to make matters worse, 13 years after the sanctions were first implemented to pressure the Iraqi regime, the Us opted to invade the oil-rich country anyway under the pretense that Hussein managed to amass weapons of mass destruction despite the embargo. the years of suffering were for nothing – the sanctions had achieved nothing other than devastating millions of Iraqis who had no say over the actions of those ruling over them. so, before you write or repost articles about Albright and how wonderful it is to see women pushing boundaries and breaking glass ceilings in politics, take a minute to learn what she chose to do with the power she had—how she supported the devastation and suffering of my people. today, with sanctions imposed on Venezuela still causing thousands of deaths among the country’s poorest, and demands for more stringent sanctions on Russia getting louder, we cannot afford to whitewash Albright’s mistakes.

Ahmed Twaij is a freelance journalist and filmmaker focusing mainly on US politics, social justice and the Middle East.

goal. this dissonance recalls a recurrent theme of missed opportunities in the relationship between the two; one that might again have long-lasting consequences for India’s global ambitions.

History indicates that while militarily mismatched, India and the United states are perfectly balanced in commerce; in their shared preachiness, prickliness and hypocrisy. What the relationship gives in defense, it takes away in trade; in disputes over intellectual property, visas and in international diplomacy. these differences matter to the Indian middle class and, therefore, to the politicians who need their votes.

And this, perhaps, offers the key to India’s stance on Russia’s invasion.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (foreign ministry) might simply have dropped the ball on Ukraine. not since nehru has India’s diplomatic corps been so overshadowed by the prime minister — with foreign relations increasingly reduced to the prime minister’s interactions with world leaders.

FOCUSED ON VOTES: Over the eight years of Modi’s premiership, the Ministry has been increasingly pulled into playing a supporting role, even at the cost of bolstering the prime minister’s domestic agenda of keeping his party in power. the Ukraine crisis boiled over as five states, including Uttar Pradesh, were preparing for elections.

India’s foreign ministry insisted that its main focus was the evacuation of the almost 20,000 Indian students in Ukraine. Many of those were from Uttar Pradesh and their subsequent ‘debt’ to the government found mention in election rallies. As the results in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur show, these calculations appear to have paid off. A global crisis was slotted into the business of winning the next election. nehru had observed in 1946 that “India, constituted as she is, cannot play a secondary part in the world. she will either count for a great deal or not count at all.” In his view, India’s history, her variety, her unruliness and her great inequalities gave her the right to seek a global role in which all could rise together. the current prime minister sees global politics as the backdrop for him and his Bharatiya Janata Party’s domestic ambitions. If the invasion of Ukraine becomes a footnote in the story of a new India, 75 years after independence, India’s global horizons have truly shrunk.

Priyanjali Malik is an independent researcher who primarily focuses on security and politics in the Indian subcontinent, especially nuclear politics

Dollar dominance is looking less secure

City Journal Allison schrAger

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t’s not a question of “if” but “when.” the dollar will not always be the world’s reserve currency. Eventually something else will replace it—perhaps another country’s currency or some other asset or commodity. But the dollar’s dominance is not ending anytime soon, despite the rise of China, crypto, or the prospect of another Cold War. the global financial system still depends on the dollar. Many transactions are priced and carried out in dollars, even when done thousands of miles from American shores. Countries hold dollars and U.s. bonds to stabilize their currencies. the special status of the dollar keeps its value high and relatively stable, and it keeps our interest rates low and the bond market liquid, even—or rather, especially—in times of crisis. Dollar dominance also has costs: the demand for dollars makes them more expensive, which hurts the U.s. export sector. But on balance, holding the world’s reserve currency is an extremely valuable asset.

However, the dollar’s future now looks less secure than it did ten or even five years ago. Crippling sanctions imposed on the Russian economy remind countries just how vulnerable they are to U.s. government policies, so long as they hold so many dollars. Falling out of favor with the U.s. can result in economic devastation.

China, which is becoming an economic rival to the U.s., aspires to make the renminbi an alternative to the dollar. Its central bank is offering ren-

minbi swap lines, which would provide liquidity to China-friendly central banks when they need it. China is also acting as an alternative to the IMF, offering bailouts to developing countries—and generating financial dependence on its economy. Beijing is also building infrastructure in such countries, filling a role more often performed by the World Bank. the U.s., meantime, has abused its position, running up lots of debt and moving slowly to control inflation.

Both of these actions make the value of the dollar much less appealing and much less certain.

But no viable alternatives yet exist to the dollar as a reserve currency. Very few currency and bond markets are as large and liquid as those of the U.s. Despite China’s efforts in the last decade to become a global contender, the share of global exchange reserves held in the renminbi is just 2 percent, compared with 60 percent in U.s. dollars. Odds are the renminbi will never take off, because the Chinese manipulate the value of their currency, which disqualifies it from reserve-currency status. Despite all the Fed’s bond-buying, the dollar’s value is set in the market, which makes it much more reliable and liquid. Currency manipulation tracks with Beijing’s political aims, which can be unpredictable, especially in uncertain times. Unless the Chinese government fully commits to being a market economy and floating its currency, the renminbi will never be a reliable store of value. And neither of those things are happening anytime soon.

Cryptocurrencies and gold, meantime, aren’t viable candidates, either. they are more volatile than the dollar, and the dollar is ultimately less risky because it is backed by a large government and by U.s. goods and services.

Given its loose monetary policy, the United states doesn’t deserve its good fortune, but for now, dollar dominance is safe.

Allison Schrager is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of City Journal, and author of An Economist Walks into a Brothel: And Other Unexpected Places to Understand Risk.

Wednesday, 30 March, 2022 | KARACHI

NEWS corporate corner Power suspension schedules for today According to Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)’s spokesman, System Maintenance/Development Work is in process. Therefore power supply of below mentioned feeders/areas will be temporary suspended as per given schedule: On 30th March, from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM, Kantrila, Thakra, Race Course, Askari-XI, Misryal Road, Iqbal Road, Bella Road, Khanabad, Munirabad, Lala Rukh, Bhara Kahu, Ara Bazar, Main Bazar, I-14 / 3, Siham, Range Road, Chakra, Officer Colony, HPT, Amir Hamza, Bilalabad, Akwal, Main Bazaar, Sarka, Shadi Khan Feeders, From 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM, Sugharpur, Abdullahpur, CWO, Jalalpur Sharif, Islamgarh City, Poona, Kakra, Poona-2 Feeders, From 06:00 AM to 08:00 AM, Commercial Center, Farooq Azam, 4th Road, E-Block, Shaheed M Din, Abu Bakar, Abdul Rehman, Cricket Stadium, T&T, Asghar Mall, B-Block, New Malpur, Shakrial, Jamia Masjid Road, Affandi Colony, Syedpur Road, Sadiqabad, Noor Muhammad Road, Dhok Khaba, Malikabad, Sixth Road, Shamsabad, National Market, Ghousia Colony, PTCL, Haideri Chowk, Tariq Shaheed, Urology Center Feeders, From 08:00 to 04:00 pm, Beirut Gala, Darbar Mai Toti, Khoi Rata City, Charohi Express, Dana Bhal, Charohi Dongi, Siri, City, Kariala, Jandroot Dabsi, Dotot, Majajan, City-2 Feeders, From 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM NCI (Toba), Laila Town, Ahmedabad, Sanghui, Feeders, From 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM, Chahan, Chontra, Rajar, Chakri, SPD , SPF, AFP feeders and surroundings will remain off. IESCO management apologizes to its esteemed customers for the power outage.

If the work is completed ahead of time, the power supply can be restored even before the scheduled time. pr

10,075 fine tickets issued for not fastening seat belt and 3,517 for using mobile phones during drive.

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) issued 3,517 fine tickets to road users for using mobile phones during drive and 10,075 other motorists for not fastening seat belts, a police spokesman said. Following the directions of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Muhammad Ahsan Younis, he said that special campaign is underway to check violations while various squads headed by Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Mazhar Iqbal are performing duties at main roads of the city and taking action against the violators.

During the last three months, the police spokesman said that action was taken against 10,075 motorists for not fastening seat belt during drive and 3,517 motorists for using mobile during drive. The SSP (Traffic) Mazhar Iqbal said that campaign is underway to ensure disciplinary traffic system in the city and he also appealed the citizens to follow rules.

He said that ITP personnel have been directed to ensure implementation on traffic rules and regulation irrespective of status and rank and demonstrate patience and politeness while issuing traffic violation tickets to the road users. He said that it has been directed to adopt decent attitude with road users.

The SSP (Traffic) said that ITP is also ensuring action against other violating traffic rules.

The force issues traffic violation tickets not as a punitive measure but the purpose is to ensure safe road environment in the Capital and secure the lives of the people, he maintained. pr

PAkIStAn nAvy vIGIlAnt to oFFSet eneMy’S quAntItAtIve leveRAGeS: SAyS nAvAl CHIeF KArAchI pr

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HE Closing Session of Pakistan Navy’s Major Maritime Exercise SEASPARK-2022 held at Karachi. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi graced the session as Chief Guest.

The exercise was conducted in North Arabian Sea to validate operational plans designed under realities of ever-evolving geo-strategic environment. During the session, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) presented overview of the exercise.

Subsequently, conduct of the exercise was discussed threadbare to draw pertinent lessons. Towards the end, recommendations were presented to refurbish war plans and strategies. Chief of the Naval Staff in his concluding remarks highlighted the regional envi-

ronment that continues to be infested with massive competition of interest, political instabilities and simmering conflict.

The Naval Chief stressed the evolving character of war under the Grey Hybrid scenarios that possess complexity in understanding enemy’s

behavior and determining response possibilities. The Admiral also underscored the Hindutva- driven ideologies as Pakistan’s arch rival that continues to impinge upon strategic stability in the region.

Chief of the Naval Staff asserted that Pakistan Navy is vigilant to offset

enemy’s quantitative leverages through superior professionalism, innovative tactics, perseverance and above all faith in Allah SWT. He reiterated the resolve that Pakistan Navy stands fully prepared to ensure seaward defence and safeguard national maritime interest at all costs. Exercise SEASPARK-22 was aimed to assess the combat readiness and operational preparedness of Pakistan Navy and validate war plans duly aligned with National Security Policy and military strategies while synergizing Naval Operations with Land and Air operations in conflict situations.

The exercise also afforded valuable opportunity to corroborate various operational concepts and re-align conceptual thought process in sync with operations as well as strategic imperatives. The session of the exercise was attended by high ranking officers from the Services and notable representatives from various Ministries.

Ministry of Narcotics Control, Ministry of National Health Services agree to launch pilot project of Opioid substitution therapy

ISLAMABAD pr

Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah and SAPM on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan chaired the meeting for opioid substitution therapy. Opioid substitution therapy (OST) for injecting drug users (IDUs) reduces HIV risk behav-

iours and harms associated with injecting (such as abscesses, septicaemia and endocarditis), overdose and participation in criminal activity, thereby improving the quality of life and health of injecting drug users (IDUs). A controlled pilot project with designated qualified personnel having permission to prescribe the relevant medica-

tion and in specified hospitals.

The consumption will be closely monitored to determine the results. A total of 7 centers to be designated on initial basis that'll include one in every province and one each in Islamabad, AJK and GB respectively.

The results will be determined after 12 months and upon satisfactory performance, number of centers will be expanded. "This step will not only help us control the spread of drugs but also in dealing with transmission of deadly diseases like HIV AIDS" said Ijaz Shah. SAPM Health, Dr. Faisal Sultan briefed the participants on technical details of the therapy and its benefits. The meeting was attended by Secretary Naroctics Control Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam, Secretary NH&RC Amir Ashraf Khawaja, representative of Anti Narcotics Force and senior officials of Ministry of Narcotics Control.

Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) Team Calls On President, IIUI

Shell Pakistan inaugurates an Integrated Retail Outlet on M9 Motorway. In the picture (L-R) Naz Khan, Chief Strategy Officer at K-Electric, Waqar Siddiqui, Chief Executive & Managing Director of Shell Pakistan Limited, Raza Pirbhai, Chief Executive Officer of KFC Pakistan cut the ribbon to inaugurate the site. pr

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ISLAMABAD pr

The visitation team of Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) called on Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi, President International Islamic University Islamabad

(IIUI) at his office. It was headed by Engr. Prof. Dr. M. Tufail, Pro Vice Chancellor NED University Karachi. During the meeting, topics of mutual interests including programs offered at faculty of engineering and technology were discussed.

Earlier, the PEC re-accreditation team visited the labs, infrastructure and facilities available at university for students of BS Electrical Engineering and BS Mechanical Engineering programs. The team PEC lauded the efforts of the university in the line of PEC guidelines. On the occasion, the President, IIU apprised the team of the vision, mission, strategic plan and activities of the university. The President, IIU also appreciated the efforts of the Faculty. The meeting was also attended by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, Vice President (R&E), IIUI and Prof. Dr. Nadeem Ahmed Sheikh, Dean, Faculty of Engineering & Technology.

FFC Holds Its 44th Annual General Meeting Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) held its Annual General Meeting thus establishing a quorum of 59.58 percent with representation either in person or through Video Conferencing and proxies from individual shareholders as well as from all major equity holders.

Brig Asrat Mahmood, SI(M) (Retd), Company Secretary FFC, opened the house. The Chairman FFC Board of Directors, Mr. Waqar Ahmed Malik welcomed the participants of the meeting. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer FFC, Mr. Sarfaraz Ahmed Rehman apprised the shareholders about performance of the Company during the year 2021.

Mr. Sarfaraz Ahmed Rehman while responding to various queries from shareholders, informed the house about goals and future strategy of the Company. He further assured FFC’s commitment to achieve higher standards of performance and to provide sustained earnings to the valued shareholders despite the challenging circumstances. pr

IMC Wins the Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2022 Indus Motor Company (IMC) won the Corporate Social Responsibility Award for Corporate Community Programs for the year 2022, at the 14th Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Awards ceremony, hosted by the National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH), at Islamabad. State Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Farrukh Habib, presented the award to IMC’s Saqib Abbas, Regional Manager. A total of ninety-three companies competed in thirty-five award categories, with eightyfour bagging the awards. IMCs Chief Executive, Ali Asghar Jamali expressed, “I thank the NFEH for this honour and recognition and laud its efforts for creating public awareness for corporate social consciousness. The corporate world needs such platforms to not only showcase its CSR initiatives but also take inspiration from what others are doing.” He further said, “We’re morally obliged to come forward and help the less privileged and uplift communities. pr

Governor State Bank visits CDC to further strengthen SBP’s commitment to the development of Pakistan Capital Market KArAchI Legendary Actor and philanthropist - Latif Kapadia’s 20th Death-Anniversary was commemorated with a groundbreaking ceremony, to build the 4th Welfare Clinic, by the ‘Latif Kapadia Memorial Welfare Trust’ (LKMWT), Picture shows; Famous Playwright - Anwar Maqsood, along with Ahmed Kapadia and Naeema Kapadia at this noble ceremony. pr

pr

Governor State Bank Dr. Reza Baqir visited CDC House to mark the successful operationalization of important projects for Pakistan Capital Market, namely Roshan Equity and RAAST for Dividend payments, which have been implemented in the re-

cent past by the State Bank in collaboration with the Capital Market and commercial banks.

It is indeed a moment to celebrate for CDC and the entire Capital Market as the successful roll-outs of these key projects of market development have started yielding promising results besides effecting ease of doing business through innovative solutions, digitization and efficiency of processes.

Speaking at the occasion Governor State Bank Dr. Reza Baqir, said, “This is an occasion of immense and significant achievement as we gather here to celebrate the successful roll-out of important projects of national interest—including Roshan Equity and RAAST—that have been initiated by the State Bank of Pakistan and very well executed by commercial banks and CDC.

Wednesday, 30 March, 2022 | kArAChI

10 forIgen neWS

Peace Talks: Russia To significanTly cuT miliTaRy acTiviTies neaR kyiv, cheRnihiv

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news Desk

USSIA has decided to significantly cut its military activities around Kyiv and Chernihiv, announced one of its deputy defense ministers after meeting with the Ukrainian delegation in Turkey.

“In order to increase mutual trust and create the necessary conditions for further negotiations and achieving the ultimate goal of agreeing and signing (an) agreement, a decision was made to radically, by a large margin, reduce military activity in the Kyiv and Chernihiv directions,” Alexander Fomin, the deputy minister, told reporters.

Russia’s General Staff will reveal in more detail the decisions that have been made after the delegation has returned to Moscow, Fomin added.

The Ukrainian delegation, led by

David Arakhamia, said they had proposed at the talks that Ukraine would adopt neutral status in xchange for security guarantees, which means Kyiv would not join military alliances or host military bases.

The talk this time could enable a possible meeting between the presidents of the two countries, said the Ukrainian top negotiator as he called the Turkey talks “sufficient for a meeting at the leaders’ level.”

The face-to-face meeting – held in Istanbul, capital of Turkey – came after three rounds of face-to-face peace talks and a series of online discussions. No major agreement had resulted from the previous talks.

Over a month into the ‘military operation’ With more than a month into what Kremlin called a “special military operation,” over 3.8 million people have fled abroad, thousands have been killed and injured, and Russia’s economy has been pum-

meled by sanctions.

A missile struck an oil depot in western Ukraine late Monday, the second attack on

oil facilities in a region that has been spared the worst of the fighting. On Tuesday morning, an explosion blasted a hole in a nine-

Wang Yi: Sanctions are not effective way to solve problems MiAn ABrAr Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday said sanctions are not effective ways to solve problems in a phone call with Swiss Federal Councillor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, in which the two officials exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The upgrading of sanctions with no limitations will not only further jeopardize the global economy, which is already burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic, but further expand and complicate the crisis, Wang stressed.

China is committed to promoting peace

talks and has encouraged face-to-face talks between Russia and Ukraine since the second day of the military operation in Ukraine, Wang said. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will continue to make an independent assessment based on the merits of each matter and in an objective and impartial manner, Wang said.

Calling it “Europe’s largest ground war for over 70-plus years,” Cassis acknowledged the severe influence of the war, while adding that diplomacy is the only way out.

The Swiss side is now in contact with both the Russian side and the Ukrainian side, and will continue to maintain its neutral status, he said.

India to build Sri Lanka wind farms after China pushed aside AFP India has agreed to develop three Sri Lankan wind farms on islets between the countries, officials said on Tuesday, in a victory for New Delhi after the project was taken away from a Chinese firm.

New Delhi has long been alarmed about growing Chinese influence in the region. In 2020, 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops died in a brawl on their disputed Himalayan border.

A $12 million project to build wind turbines on three small islands in the Palk Strait between southern India and Sri Lanka was awarded to a Chinese firm in 2019, with funding lined up from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

But after Indian protests about Chinese activity so close to its coast, work never began and the project on the islets of Naina-

tivu, Analaitivu and Delft was later scrapped.

A joint statement issued on Tuesday after a visit to Colombo by India’s foreign minister said a memorandum of understanding had been signed to build the installations. Sri Lankan officials said India had agreed to provide funding in place of the ADB. Meanwhile, an Indian official said he couldn’t confirm if the plants in the new agreement are to be built on the same islands earmarked for the Chinese project. The power source and other details on the projects weren’t available.

Last week, the Chinese ambassador in Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, expressed Beijing’s displeasure over the scuttling of the project and warned it would send a negative signal to potential foreign investors.

India is known to be suspicious of China’s growing political and economic influence in the South Asian nation, which is strategically located at the southern tip of the vast Indian subcontinent.

“It is kind of [a] substantial victory for India,” said Lynn Ockersz a senior journalist and foreign relations analyst in Sri Lanka.

“Overall, it will be in a great position to influence Sri Lanka when it comes to policy issues affecting India,” he said.

China and India have been competing for major infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, which is currently facing its worst economic crisis since independence from Britain in 1948.

Colombo has asked for more loans from both nations to shore up its foreign reserves and import essentials including food, fuel and pharmaceuticals.

India provided a $1 billion credit line to

buy essentials following a previous $500 billion to buy fuel. China is considering a request for a $2.5 billion economic assistance from Sri Lanka.

Infrastructure projects that were built on Chinese loans but don’t make money are blamed for its debt crisis. Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves are dwindling but it has to repay $7 billion in foreign debts this year.

China has been non-commital to a request for debt restructuring.

Beijing has invested billions of dollars in building a sea port, airport, roads and a port city on reclaimed land near the Colombo harbour which Sri Lanka’s government aims to develop into a financial city. Sri Lanka’s government previously scrapped a plan to allow China outright ownership to land on the Colombo Port City and gave 62 hectares (153 acres) on a 99year lease.

story administration building in Mykolaiv, a southern port city that Russia has unsuccessfully tried to capture.

Seven people died in the missile attack and 22 were wounded, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an address to Danish lawmakers on Tuesday.

Russian forces have attacked Ukraine’s southern ports including Kherson, Odesa, Mykolaiv and Mariupol, where in the southern port city of Mariupol, nearly 5,000 people have been killed, according to the mayor’s office.

Elsewhere, however, Ukrainian forces have made advances in recent days, recapturing territory from Russian troops on the outskirts of Kyiv, in the northeast, and in the south, although UK military intelligence suggested that Russia still poses significant threat to the capital.

“However the center of the city remains under Ukrainian control,” said the UK Ministry of Defense.

The sides have held talks via video link in recent weeks and both have publicly discussed a formula under which Ukraine might accept some kind of neutral status.

But neither side has budged over Russia’s territorial demands, including Crimea, which Moscow seized and annexed in 2014, and eastern territories known as the Donbas.

afghan, indonesian, Qatari officials meet in Doha for talks on afghanistan isTAnBUL Agencies

Senior officials from Afghanistan, Indonesia, and Qatar met in Doha at the weekend for talks on the situation in Afghanistan, an Afghan official said on Monday. The three-way meeting of acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, and Lolwah Al-Khater, deputy foreign minister of Qatar, was held on Sunday, said Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the Afghanistan Foreign Ministry. The comprehensive talks addressed the humanitarian, economic, and educational situation in Afghanistan, Balkhi said on Twitter. “The Qatari and Indonesian sides assured the Afghan side of their readiness to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan,” he added. According to Balkhi, Marsudi “pledged to assist the educational institutions in Afghanistan and also grant educational scholarships to Afghan students.” Marsudi said in a separate tweet that she and Qatar’s Lolwah AlKhater “discussed humanitarian issue(s) and education for all in Afghanistan.” The Taliban-led interim government has barred girls above the sixth grade from attending schools due to a lack of proper Islamic laws which are in the process of being formulated. The Afghan spokesperson said Al-Khater pledged to open Qatar’s Charity Foundation and Qatari Red Crescent offices in Kabul soon.

Meanwhile, Muttaqi met Qatar’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Premier Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha on Monday. The meeting discussed the progress made between Afghanistan and Qatar regarding the operation of Kabul International Airport, Balkhi said.

China urges Biden admin to probe into human rights violations against native Americans in US Agencies China has urged US administration to immediately act to investigate human rights violations against Indigenous people, seek redress for the victims of genocide and completely eliminate discrimination.

During the 49th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Jiang Duan, minister of the Chinese mission to the UN in Geneva, called for international human rights organizations like the UNHRC and Office of the United Nations High Commis-

sioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to take action on race-based genocide in the United States.

The U.S. should change laws and policies related to violations against Native Americans’ human rights, he said.

Native Americans were expelled from their land and slaughtered during the so-called Westward Expansion nearly 100 years after the country was founded.

“Their population dwindled from 5 million at the end of the 15th century to 237,000 at the beginning of the 20th century,” Jiang said, adding that today many Native Americans live on isolated and

desolate reservations in the U.S. Many Indigenous kids were forcibly sent to “residential schools” or white adoptive families for assimilation, and many of them were abused to death, he added.

Genocide in the U.S. is not only a historical issue but also a long-term and ongoing systemic racism problem. Today, Native Americans, having the shortest life expectancy and the highest poverty rates among ethnic groups in the U.S., suffer from widespread and systemic discrimination across the U.S., and are marginalized in political, economic, cultural and other fields, Jiang continued.

Wednesday, 30 March, 2022 | KARACHI

SPORTS 11

AustrAliA humbles PAkistAn in first ODi LAHORe

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Staff RepoRt

RAViS Head capped a remarkable return to limited over cricket with a fiery century before taking two wickets to anchor Australia’s thumping 88run victory over Pakistan in the first day-night international in Lahore on Tuesday.

Head’s 72-ball 101 guided Australia to a challenging 313-7 before the 28-year-old turned his arm over for 2-35 to bowl Pakistan out for 225 in 45.2 overs.

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa also starred with the ball, taking 4-38 in ten probing overs. The victory gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the

three-match series, their tenth successive ODi win over Pakistan since January 2017.

Opener imamul Haq hit a fighting 96-ball 103 while skipper Babar Azam made a 72-ball 57 but with the asking rate hovering around 9.5, Australia were never in doubt of victory.

Haq hit six boundaries and three sixes in his eighth One-Day international century but was bowled by paceman Nathan Ellis in the 39th over with 110 needed off 66 balls. Haq added 96 with Azam for the second wicket after opener Fakhar Zaman fell for 18 and another 38 with Khushdil Shah (19) for the sixth wicket.

Azam, who hit six boundaries in his knock, became the second fastest batter to complete

4,000 ODi runs in 82 innings, one more than South African Hashim Amla’s record. Azam was trapped leg-before wicket

by Mitchell Swepson in the 25th over before Head dismissed Saud Shakil (three) and iftikhar Ahmed (three) to further jolt Pakistan. Zampa finished with the wickets of Mohammad Rizwan (ten), Hasan Ali (two), Mohammad Wasim (nought) and Khushdil.

Earlier, Head knocked his second ODi hundred and Ben McDermott hit a career-best 55 from 70 balls after Australia were sent in to bat by Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium. Head, playing his first ODi since November 2018, cracked 12 boundaries and three sixes and put on 110 for the

opening wicket with skipper Aaron Finch who made 23.

Head took a single off spinner iftikhar to reach three figures off 70 balls, the fastest ODi century by an Australian against Pakistan.

He beat David Warner’s record from 78 balls in Adelaide in 2017. With the score at 209-2 in the 33rd over, Pakistan pulled back with three wickets for just 21 runs in the space of 39 balls, dismissing McDermott, Marnus Labuschagne (25) and Alex Carey (four).

Cameron Green (40 not out), Marcus Stoinis (26) and Sean Abbott (14) helped Australia score 50 in the last five overs and get past the 300-mark.Green hit three boundaries and a six in his 30-ball knock.

Travis Head equals Ross Taylor’s record against Pakistan

babar Azam becomes fastest Asian to reach 4,000 ODi runs KARAcHi

isLAMABAD

Staff RepoRt

NewS DeSk

Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam added another feather to his cap on Tuesday when he became the fastest Asian to amass 4,000 ODi runs. The 27-year-old batter reached this milestone during Pakistan’s 1st ODi against Australia in Lahore when he scored the 15th run of his inning. He took 82 innings to reach the 4,000 ODi runs mark, only one more than Hashim Amla — who remains the fastest by reaching the landmark in 81 innings. He is also the first-ever Pakistani to complete 4,000 ODi runs in less than 100 innings. The fastest from Pakistan, before Babar, (now the second-fastest) was Mohammad Yousuf who took 110 innings to reach this milestone. The Pakistani cricketer took only 14 innings to turn jump from 3,000s to 4,000s runs. The only player who took fewer innings than Babar to jump from 3K to 4K runs was David Warner, in 12 innings. Overall, Babar Azam is the 15th player from Pakistan to score 4,000 runs in ODis.

Australian batsman Travis Head has created history in the first ODi against Pakistan by becoming the fifthfastest to reach the century milestone.

Head reached his 100-run mark in only 70 deliveries which included 12 boundaries and three maximums.

The left-hander was eventually sent back to the pavilion by iftikhar Ahmed as Khushdil Shah held on to Head’s catch at long-off.

With this century, Head’s name will go down in the history books as he has equaled the number of deliveries it took Ross Taylor to get to the milestone back in 2011. Here are the fastest centuries against Pakistan in ODis: 46 – Jos Buttler, 2015 48 – Sanath Jayasuriya, 1996 50 – Jos Buttler, 2019 69 – Mushfiqur Rahim, 2015 70 – Travis Head, Today 70 – Ross Taylor, 2011 in addition to that, Head has also become the fastest Australian to reach the milestone against Pakistan.

matt renshaw joins Australia’s limited over squad in Pakistan sYDneY

More Covid cases in Australia squad in Pakistan, team strength down to 13

NewS DeSk

Agencies

Matthew Renshaw has been called up to Australia’s squad for the tour of Pakistan as batting cover after Mitch Marsh was ruled out of Tuesday’s opening one-dayer and Josh inglis tested positive for COViD-19. Opening batsman Renshaw, who has played 11 tests but no one-day internationals for Australia, will join the squad after flying to Pakistan and completing three days of isolation, Cricket Australia said. Australia will play three one-dayers and a Twenty20 international against Pakistan in Lahore over the next week after wrapping up a Test series win over their hosts last Friday. Allrounder Marsh injured his left hip flexor in training but scans revealed a low grade issue and the CA said it was hoped he might still play a part in the tour. Wicketkeeper-batsman inglis will isolate for five days after the positive test.

All other members of the squad tested negative, the CA said. Test captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell will all miss the white-ball leg of the tour for various reasons.

Australian cricketers Josh inglis and Ashton Agar have tested positive for Covid-19 in Pakistan ahead of four white-ball internationals in Lahore over the next week, leaving the tourists facing a potential player shortage.

Wicketkeeper inglis tested positive on Monday, while spinner Ashton Agar and team physio Brendan Wilson failed tests on Tuesday. All other players and staff tested negative, Cricket Australia said.

All three must isolate for five days, effectively ruling the players out of the one-day matches on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The sole Twenty20 international follows next Tuesday. Matthew Renshaw has been called up as batting cover but he must isolate for three days once he gets to Pakistan. Mitch Marsh is also unavailable for Tuesday’s opening one-dayer because of a hip injury, leaving Australia with only 13 players available for the contest at Gaddafi Stadium. All-rounder Marsh injured his left hip flexor in training but scans revealed a low grade issue and CA said it was hoped he might still play a part in the rest of the tour.

Test captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell will be absent from the white-ball leg of the tour for various reasons. Australia won the threeTest series 1-0.

Canadian gymnasts call for probe into sexual abuse, toxic culture Agencies A group of 71 current and former Canadian gymnastics national team members have asked the director-general of Sport Canada to launch an inquiry into the sport’s national governing body’s “toxic culture” because they “can no longer sit in silence.”

According to multiple Canadian media outlets, an open letter was sent to Vicki Walker on Monday, saying plenty of complaints have been made against Canadian coaches in private, but the fear of retribution prevented them

from speaking out for nearly a decade.

“We are coming forward with our experiences of abuse, neglect and discrimination in hopes of forcing change,” the letter said.

“We ask Sport Canada to take action to ensure the next generation of Canadian gymnasts is not subject to the physical and psychological trauma that we have had to endure.” “Over the past five years alone, there have been multiple complaints about and even arrests for various forms of emotional, physical and sexual abuse. The subjects of these complaints have been Canadian

coaches, many of whom we were exposed to as minors at GymCan sponsored training camps, provincial/national competitions, and national team assignments.

“We know that there are many more examples of harm that have not yet come to light, and we know that abusive behaviors continue in gyms across this country today,” the letter stated.

“The current Board and CEO of GymCan have failed to address these issues and have failed to earn the trust and confidence of athletes. Their inability to adequately re-

CMYK

spond to ongoing systemic abuse, mistreatment, and discrimination is troubling.”

Larry Nassar sits in court listening to statements before being sentenced by Judge Janice Cunningham for three counts of criminal sexual assault in Eaton County Circuit Court in Michigan, U.S. The letter comes four years after disgraced former USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to more than 300 years in prison after molesting over 200 young gymnasts.

The Nassar scandal has rocked the

U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University, where the doctor also worked. Several top officials have resigned amid the fallout, and the case has prompted several investigations into whether complaints against the doctor were ignored.

Rose Cossar, a rhythmic gymnast who competed for Canada at the 2012 London Olympics, said she hope the letter will open up conversations around the issue of sexual abuse, which will have a profound impact on minors.

Wednesday, 30 March, 2022

pRayeR timingS

NEWS

SHAHbAz FAIled To CoNvINCe NAwAz To CoMe oN boArd: elAHI ISLAMABAD

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Staff RepoRt

PEAKER Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said Tuesday Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif could not convince his brother, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, to be on board over accepting PML-Q. The statement comes as PML-Q, after considerable delay, formally announced siding with Prime Minister Imran Khan following the premier’s decision to nominate Elahi as the new Punjab chief minister — an offer that the latter accepted.

“We tread very carefully with them (PML-N) and the people who matter in the party were not on board. For example, Maryam Nawaz did not like the proposition. Her group was not ready to hand over everything [in Punjab] to a party that has seven to 10 seats,” he said during Geo News’ programme “Capital Talk”.

The PML-Q leader said that despite Shahbaz’s own stature, he could not convince people who mattered in his party and, at the same time, when the PML-N and PPP were sending their proposals, the

PTI was also giving them “serious” offers.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan had himself called me and told me that he was waiting for me at Bani Gala — where the matter was settled. Even today, I met the prime minister, and he told me that his party gave a response about me,” Elahi said.

ProPosal for MQM-P: Elahi further said that he had suggested to the prime minister to offer the Ministry of

FM leaves for China to attend meeting on Afghanistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi left on Tuesday for China to attend the third meeting of the ‘Foreign Ministers of Neighbouring Countries of Afghanistan’.

In a video message before departing, he said the talks would be attended by foreign ministers of all the countries in the region. “We will run through the situation of peace in Afghanistan and discuss its economic development and connectivity projects.”

During the visit, Qureshi revealed, he would hold multiple bilateral meetings with his counterparts from China, Russia and Iraq, among others.

“This [the talks] is an important platform for consensus-building,” he said, adding that as a whole, the trip would be “fully packed”.

Meanwhile, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the minister said Pakistan wanted good relations with all nations, adding that other countries wanted good ties with Pakistan as well – which was witnessed by the participation of several countries in a recent meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s foreign ministers hosted by Islamabad.

The statement said Pakistan fully supports a regional approach on Afghanistan for promoting durable peace and stability in the region.

“Pakistan will continue to support the international community’s efforts to advance the shared objectives of a peaceful, stable, sovereign, prosperous and connected Afghanistan,” it read.

He is scheduled to return on Thursday (March 31).

It may be recalled that Pakistan had initiated the Neighbouring Countries format in September last year with a view to evolving a regional approach to the situation in Afghanistan. The first meeting, which was hosted by Pakistan, was held on September 8, 2021. app

Maritime Affairs and the governorship of Sindh to MQM-P — in a bid to garner their support for foiling the no-confidence motion.

The speaker of the Punjab Assembly said that he had spoken to Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, and he had also assured him that the MQM-P was on board.

A day earlier, senior MQM-P leader Waseem Akhtar had expressed reservations over PML-Q’s decision to side with

the ruling PTI as the government allies were planning on taking a joint decision.

Jahangir Tareen grouP’s suPPorT in PunJab: Elahi said that he spoke to Jahangir Tareen and the disgruntled PTI leader had settled “matters with him”. The PML-Q leader said whilst Moonis Elahi was in London, he did not meet Tareen, but spoke over the phone with him.

“Jahangir Tareen was undergoing laser therapy during that time […] although he (Moonis) did not meet him, a delegation met Moonis on his behalf,” Elahi said.

On PML-Q leader Tariq Basheer Cheema’s decision to vote in favour of the no-confidence motion, Elahi said that he told the leadership that he had been in the government due to them, but has now decided to go against the party decision. ‘baseless claiMs’: In response, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb rejected all claims of the PMLQ leader and termed them “baseless.”

“The statement of a 10-member party is baseless, there is no truth to it,” the PML-N spokesperson said in a statement.

Aurangzeb said that the joint Opposition had decided to give an offer to Elahi, but he has now rejected it.

Ch Shujaat denies reports of friction in party, says all decisions taken with his ‘consent’

PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Tuesday denied reports of a rift within the Chaudhry family and the party, saying all decisions taken had his “complete backing”.

His statement comes a day after the PML-Q finally put its weight behind embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan as he faces a no-trust motion by the opposition in the National Assembly in exchange for the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) announcing Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi as its candidate for Punjab chief minister after incumbent Usman Buzdar presented his resignation to the

prime minister.

The PML-Q is a crucial ally of the PTI government in Punjab and Centre, with 10 and five seats, respectively, and the Chaudhrys support to PM Imran Khan is being seen as a revival of his hopes to save his government.

PML-Q camp was happy to get the lucrative offer from the government, however, some in the Chaudhry family were not happy about going with the PTI, and their discussions over the issue continued till late in the night.

Geo News had reported yesterday that there was a split among the

Chaudhrys after their party’s MNA, Tariq Bashir Cheema, resigned as federal minister and said he would vote in favour of the opposition’s notrust motion – in clear defiance of his party. The TV channel reported that other PML-Q lawmakers were expected to follow Cheema’s line.

Denying the impression of an internal split, Shujaat said those who wanted to gain political mileage by “falsely propagating differences” would end up disappointed. “Some rumours were being pushed and circulated about alleged differences within our family,” he noted, terming these reports “baseless”.

“I do not believe in [giving] explanations but I would like to say that I am considered the head of the family,” he said, adding that “an opinion on a particular issue should not be presented as a decision with an intent to exploit it for political gains.”

The number of youth, according to him, in the current assembly was more than that in the previous assemblies. “It would be wrong to accuse them of any wrongdoing.”

Allegations of bribery were “uncalled-for”, he said, adding that “wise and educated people do not like such terms”.

Shujaat said his family was spread all over Pakistan, and not just Punjab, for the last 50 years and reiterated that all decisions in the family were taken with his consent. Staff RepoRt

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

5:17

12:39

4:06

6:33

6:44

8:01

PM Imran Khan formally directs PTI MNAs to abstain vote on no-trust motion Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday formally directed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) MNAs to abstain from voting on the no-confidence motion filed against him in the National Assembly by the joint opposition.

In a letter addressed to his party’s lawmakers, the prime minister outlined his instructions for the day of voting.

In the letter, a copy of which is available with Pakistan Today, the premier warned that any violation of the instructions would be “treated as express defection in terms of Article 63-A” of the Constitution.

“I, Imran Khan, as head/leader of the parliamentary party of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in the National Assembly, take this opportunity to convey to you the following directions which are to be followed strictly”, with regards to the no-confidence vote, the letter read.

It added that all members of the PTI in the NA shall “abstain from voting/not attending the meeting of the National Assembly on the date when the said resolution is set out on the agenda … for voting”.

“No member of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf shall attend or make himself/ herself available at the time and day of voting on the resolution of no-confidence.”

The letter further stated that duly designated parliamentary members would speak on behalf of the PTI during debate on the motion.

“All members are required to adhere to these directions in true letter and spirit and keep in mind the intent behind the provision of Article 63-A of the Constitution,” the letter said.

In the letter, the prime minister made it clear to all members that they should not “violate any instruction or extend any favour, relating to the vote of noconfidence, to any other parliamentary party or group”.

Any violation would be considered defection, he warned.

The prime minister’s directions have come a day after the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif tabled the resolution in the lower house of parliament.

Debate on the resolution will begin on Monday and voting on the resolution must take place within seven days of it being moved, according to rules and procedures of the house. Meanwhile, the opposition — which needs at least 172 votes for the motion to succeed — and the government have stepped up efforts to ensure that they have enough lawmakers on their side to beat the opponents. Staff RepoRt

PIA to start direct flights to Australia, Maldives and Hong Kong ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The national flag carrier is set to expand the scope of its international operations by starting direct flights to three more countries.

Speaking in this regard, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Arshad Malik said that the national flag carrier has received regulatory approval to operate direct flights to Australia, Maldives, and Hong Kong.

The PIA is also in talks with the civil aviation authorities of both Turkey and Thailand to seek permission for the resumption of direct flights to Istanbul and Bangkok. Besides, the national flag carrier is also making concerted efforts to resume direct flights to the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US).

Malik added that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has decided against immediately lifting the ban on PIA despite receiving clearance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) after addressing all of its safety concerns.

The EASA has now linked the reversal of the ban with an audit of the national flag carrier. The EASA will start the audit next month and its clearance will pave the way for PIA to restart flights to Europe.

PM Khan expresses ‘deep regret’ over continuing Ukraine conflict ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday “expressed deep regret that the military conflict” between Moscow and Kyiv was continuing in a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

A statement, released by the PM Office, said that both leaders discussed the latest situation in Ukraine during the telephonic conversation. The PM, while expressing regret, reiterated Islamabad’s “principled position in support of immediate cessation of hostilities and resolution of the conflict through

dialogue and diplomacy”.

“The Prime Minister added that he had been persistently highlighting the adverse economic impact of the conflict on the developing countries, manifest in rising prices of oil and commodities,” said the statement.

The Pakistani premier highlighted the “importance of humanitarian relief for the civilians” and reminded the Ukrainian leader that Islamabad has sent two C-130s with humanitarian relief for his country. “Recalling the recent OIC-CFM session in Islamabad, the Prime Minister informed that the foreign ministers of the Islamic countries expressed deep concern at the deteriorating security and humanitarian

situation arising from the conflict in Ukraine.

The foreign ministers called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and expressed willingness of OIC member states to support and facilitate the dialogue process,” said the statement.

PM Imran highlighted that “non-partisan countries like Pakistan were in a position to play a helpful role in reinforcing efforts for cessation of hostilities and a diplomatic solution”.

During the call, PM Imran also thanked President Zelensky for the support Ukrainian authorities extended in the evacuation of Pakistani students and nationals as well as the Embassy staff.

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