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04 NEWS BuzdAR TAkES STock of oNgoINg uPlIfT SchEMES IN SouTh PuNjAB

SAYS‘BANDIT BRIGADE’INDIFFERENT TO PUBLIC SAFETY AMID PANDEMIC

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

cHIEF Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar on Wednesday directed that timely utilisation of funds be ensured for public welfare schemes as an inordinate delay is not acceptable. The chief minister chaired a marathon session of video link meeting at his office to take stock of ongoing development schemes, the DG Khan development package, and law and order in south Punjab. Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said that development process is going on speedily. The government has launched numerous public welfare projects worth billions of rupees and the third-party monitoring of every development scheme will be also held while making no compromise on high quality, he added. The CM stated that inquiry will be held on public complaints to punish the responsible officers. The government is the custodian of national resources and those involved in any embezzlement will not be forgiven, he warned. He further directed the officers to go into the field to ensure transparency, saying the mantra of lip-service will not work as they will have to perform. The CM complaint cell will hold an inquiry against those involved in corruption in development projects, he said. The CM asked the officers to speed up the development work. The development projects should be completed in time by doing work in double shifts wherever needed, he said and warned that action will be initiated on complaints about the use of agriculturemachinery.Prospectofawomen university in DG Khan should be reviewed and recommendations be forwarded, he maintained. Similarly, the sewerage system in major cities of south Punjab should be improved permanently, he added. The CM disclosedthatmorealmonrieswillbeestablished in south Punjab. He directed to complete the Koh-e-Suleman Development Authority board, adding that the authority should submit a comprehensive plan about the development of the area. South Punjab will be developed as a role model as a new era of development has started in the province, he emphasised. He asked the officers to work hard for the protection of life and property of the people adding that crackdown should be continued against gangs. Similarly, indiscriminate action be initiated against the criminals, he added. Separately, Buzdar said, “Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has no regard for human lives and this bandit brigade even tried to point-scoring on coronavirus. ” He regretted the opposition is indifferent to public safety as coronavirus is still spreading. Those who have no regard for human lives cannot understand the public issues, he added and regretted that opposition always adopted an irrespective behaviour. The people of Multan have shown a mirror to the opposition, he said. The CM asserted that the PDM is a mixture of rejected elements having no agenda. The 11 opposition parties can never compete with an honest and trustworthy leader like Imran Khan, he stressed. He said that holding public meetings would be enmity with the people as the corona situation is becoming serious. The intransigence of the PDM has put the lives of the people at the stake because this bandit brigade has no pain for the masses, he remarked.

India caught up in their own mess, says ex-ISI chief

NEWS DESK

The former chief of Inter-Services Intelligence, Lt Gen (r) Asad Durrani has said that India is no threat to Pakistan as it too preoccupied in a mess of its own making. Indians “are so caught up in their own mess that they have little time to care about Pakistan, ” Durrani said during an interview with BBC Urdu on Wednesday. The “mess” he was referring to is India’s revocation of the special status Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) under the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “After what India did to Kashmir [IIOJK], there is no threat to us on the eastern border, ” the former spy chief added. Durrani had previously come into the spotlight after the release of his first book, Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace, which had been co-authored with Research andAnalysis Wing’s (RAW) former chief AS Dulat. Durrani also acknowledged the military ’s interference in the country ’s political affairs and said that it was detrimental to Pakistan. During the same interview, Durrani highlighted what he believes are the biggest issues faced by the country: “economy, political instability, and social cohesion. ” He added that, along with these internal matters, the external challenges are “Iran, SaudiArabia, and Turkey ” . “There are some areas like Balochistan where there is unrest among people who feel politically alienated and deprived. The economy is in bad shape, ” he said. “The government’s credibility is bad because people believe it has been brought into power by the military. ” Durrani highlighted that the main problem faced by Imran Khan was that people did not believe he came into power on his own, but that he came in “ with a khaki burden” . “Some people don't learn from history because they say we will create our own history, ” Durrani opined. The former top spy also said that granting provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) was a “blow ” the Kashmir issue. “You may give more rights to GB if you want to, but it should not be forcibly made a province of Pakistan, ” he said. He compared the matter to the Balochistan issue and pointed out that making a province did not fix any of the issues faced by the region. Durrani said he was also opposed to the merger of erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) as the “500year-old system there is running better than ours in some respects" .

China’s Ant considers Paytm stake sale amid tensions with India

HONG KONG/NEW DELHI AGENCIES Chinese fintech giantAnt Group is considering selling its 30pc stake in Indian digital payment processor Paytm amid tensions between the two Asian neighbours and a toughening competitive landscape, people with direct knowledge of the matter said. Financial details of the possible transactionhavenotbeenfirmedupandAnt,the Alibaba-backed payments-to-consumer credit behemoth, has not launched a formal sale process yet, four people told Reuters. Paytm, which is also backed by SoftBank Group Corp among others, was valued at about $16 billion during its latest private fundraising round a year ago.At that valuation,Ant’s stake in the Indian firm is worth about $4.8 billion. BothAntandPaytmsaid that the information was incorrect. A Paytm spokesmansaid“therehasbeennodiscussion with any of our major shareholders ever, nor any plans, aboutselling their stake. ” Ant’s possible exit from Paytm would mark another reversal for the Chinese company hot on the heels of the dramatic suspension of its $37 billion stock listing last month, which would have been the world’s largest. It also would be a step back from its ambitions of becomingaglobalpaymentsleader.Sources toldReutersinOctoberthatAntwascutting itsfinancialsupporttomanyoftheoverseas affiliatede-walletfirms.Themaintriggerfor Anttoconsiderthedivestmentofitsstakein Paytmistheworseningdiplomaticrelations between India and China in the past few months, said the people, who declined to be named as the deliberations are confidential. Relationsbetweenthecountriesareata nadir, with troops locked in a border faceoff in the western Himalayas for months after a clash in June in which 20 Indian soldierswerekilled.Since the clash India has tightened rules for investments from China and banned dozens of Chinese mobile apps, including from tech giants Tencent, Alibaba and ByteDance. It banned 43 more apps late last month. “There is a growing realisation withinAnt management that it would not be able to raise its stake in the company, ” one of the people with direct knowledge said, adding senior managers at Ant have discussed the idea recently. Even so, Ant was in the middle of an investmentreviewandit could still decide to shelve a divestment if it failed to get the desired valuation, he said. Two other sources said that as a result of the review Ant could end up retaining a small stake in Paytm. COMPETITIVE INTENSITY: Indian start-ups are heavily funded by Chinese investors such as Alibaba and Tencent. Bankers have previously said they were looking to bolster their presence in the country with an aim to grow their revenue outsideChina.Alibabahasinvestedover$4 billion in India so far and had plans to invest around $5 billion in 2021, which have now been put on hold, one of the sources said. Alibaba did not respond to a request forcomment.AntfirstinvestedinPaytmin 2015andownsits30pcstakeinthefirmvia its parent company, One97 Communications, according to Ant’s initial public offering prospectus, which described the Indian firm as a major associate. In addition to the tighter investment rules for Chinese companies in India, tougher competition is likely another factor behindAnt’s calculations regarding Paytm, which is losing its dominance, two of the people said. Online transactions, lending and e-wallet services have been growing rapidly in India, led by a government push to make the country ’s cash-loving merchants and consumers adopt digital payments.

Sugar price slashed Rs20 per kg due to govt’s intervention: PM

NEWS DESK

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the ex-mill price of sugar came down by Rs20 per kilogramme in 20 days due to the government’s effective intervention in the matter. “Distribution of imported sugar at control rates & timely start of crushing season also ensured. I have asked provinces to ensure fair & swift cane payments are made to farmers, ” he wrote on his official Twitter handle. It may be noted that the sugar prices in the country have witnessed a decline in wholesale and retail markets. In early November, the federal government had said that it would reduce sugar prices by Rs15-Rs20.Addressing a press conference related to the announcement, Federal Minister for Industries and Production HammadAzhar had said that the government has procured over one hundred tonnes of imported sugar to meet the demand.

PIA offers 30pc discount on domestic fares

NEWS DESK

In order to facilitate passengers during winter holidays and school vacations, Pakistan InternationalAirlines (PIA) has introduced special fares, offering up to 30pc discount on domestic flights operating between Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Peshawar from December 3 (Thursday) onwards. Passengers would now be able to travel between these cities on a one-way minimum fare of Rs8,500 and round trip minimum fare of Rs17,000, as against the previous charges of Rs12,275 and Rs24,600 for the same. PIASpokespersonAbdullah Khan said that the purpose of discounted fares is to facilitate the people travelling to their homes during holidays. He said the inventory is available and people can benefit from these fares on first come first serve basis.

Punjab E&T dept collects Rs430m property tax till Nov

MULTAN APP

The Punjab Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department till November collected Rs430 million out of the Rs675 million property tax set target for FY21. In this regard, E&T Deputy Director Khalid Hussain Qasoori told the media here on Wednesday that the five per cent rebate offer has been ended and is now only available for payment of taxes through the epayment system. He informed that there were 155,000 property tax consumers across Multan district whereas 50pc of them had paid their taxes so far, adding that routine property tax collection is underway and no crackdown has been carried out so far as a step to facilitate the taxpayers due to coronavirus pandemic.

NEPRA APPRovES REduCTIoN IN INduSTRIAl TARIff

iSLamaBad AHMAD AHMADAni

IN line with the prime minister's promise to the small & medium industries, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has decided to decrease industrial tariff by Rs4.96 per unit. According to NEPRA, the commercial electricity price for small industries hasbeenreducedfromRs12.96toRs8per unit, effective from November 1, 2020. Thenewtariff,whichisforentirecountry except Karachi, will be applicable for a period of eightmonths, tillJune30, 2021. Sources in the power sector informed that NEPRA has forwarded its decision to federal government, after which a notification will be issued pursuant to Section 31 (7) of the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric PowerAct, 1997. "NEPRA has ratified the government's package for industrial consumers by deciding to decrease the electricity price for industries, " an insider said. "The government will grant Rs14 billion worth subsidy against this facility. " However, electricity tariff for big industries will remain at Rs12.96 per unit. Fuel price adjustment will be applicable on the new tariff, whereas quarterly adjustment will not be applicable, sources said. It is pertinent to mention that Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier announced to give 50pc concession to small industries over usage of additional electricity from November 1, 2020.

Govt promises free vaccine as Covid death toll surges

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Meanwhile, Balochistan reported that it has recorded 28 new coronavirus infections and one death by the disease in the last 24 hours. According to a report released by the Balochistan Health Department, 28 more persons were tested positive for coronavirus in the province, bringing the total number of infected patients to 17,215. As many as 16,466 Covid-19 patients have so far recovered from the disease, while a total 169 deaths were recorded with one more death due to the deadly virus. “Two more persons detected coronavirus positive at educational institutions in 24 hours, ” the health department stated. “Overall confirmed cases in Balochistan’s academic institutions have reached 1,026, ” the health department said. The province has 95 per cent recovery rate of novel coronavirus patients, while four percent active cases, health department spokesperson had earlier stated. In GB, at least nine new Covid-19 cases were recorded during the past 24 hours, bringing the total numberto 4,667. With no fatalities, the region’s death toll stood at 97, the health department said in a statement. As many as 4,393 patients have recovered so far, it added. Meanwhile, Sindh Police on Wednesday said that 51 more policemen have been tested positive for coronavirus in three days, increasing the aggregate of infected officials in police to 3,703. In Sindh, 20 police officials have died of the coronavirus disease, the spokesperson stated. According to the spokesperson, “Presently, the tally of novel coronavirus active cases in the police department is 202. ” In Bannu district of KP, additional director of Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital, Dr Muhammad Farooq died of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday. A statement issued by Provincial Doctors Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said that Dr Farooq had been on a ventilator at a private hospital in Peshawar for the past few days. The doctors association added that so far 40 health workers and 25 doctors have died in the province from Covid-19; however, the government has not given a martyr’s package to any of the deceased medical practitioners in the province. Risk allowance for working during the pandemic has been given, it added. The KP has reported 331 new coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours, bringing the total number to 47,701. Six more patients died from Covid-19 in the province with death toll rose to 1,375, the health department said in its daily report.

Bakhtiar seeks Chinese cooperation in agriculture sector

iSLamaBad STAFF REPORT

Minister for Economic Affairs Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar has said that Pakistan and China are strategic partners and their relations will be further strengthened in future through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Talking to newly appointed Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong on Wednesday, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar underlined that Pakistan and China have always supported each other on the issues of their core interest.He said that strategic partnership should set the basis for strong economic partnership, adding the CPEC is a transformational initiative in this regard. The minister stated that agriculture is one of the key sectors for Pakistan's economy and emphasised that Pakistan and China should deepen and expand cooperation in the agriculture sector under the CPEC umbrella to enhance productivity and value addition. The minister hoped that the 10th JCC will be successful and that the implementation of important socioeconomic, energy, transport, infrastructure projects and special economic zone development will be expedited. He appreciated Chinese strategy in dealing with global pandemic effectively and lauded China's cooperation with Pakistan against Covid19. He also congratulated the ambassador on his appointment to Pakistan and hoped that Pakistan-China ties will further deepen and strengthen based on his experience and professionalism. Ambassador Nong appreciated the minister’s support and expressed that Pak–China relations would grow further under the leadership of the two countries. He conveyed the government of China’s full support to CPEC and resolved that Pakistan and China should further deepen cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral institutions.

CDWP approved four projects worth Rs16bn

iSLamaBad S TA F F R E P O RT

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Wednesday approved four projects worth Rs16.02 billion and recommended one other worth Rs37.91 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for consideration. In addition, the CDWP agreed on the 'Covid-19 Responsive and Other Natural Calamities Control Program' worth Rs70 billion. The CDWP meeting, chaired by Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, discussed projects related to physical planning & housing, health, education and information technology sectors. A project related to physical planning & housing titled 'Construction of Islamabad High Court Building at Islamabad (Revised)' worth Rs4.98 billion was approved in the meeting. The project aims to construct Islamabad High Court on an already acquired plot measuring 220,000 sq.ft. in Sector G-5. The scope of works includes construction of courts, auditorium, car parking, road/paths, plumbing works and woodworks etc. Meanwhile, two projects related to education sector, namely 'Support to Basic Education Development Project AJ&K' worth Rs5.97 billion and 'Basic Education for All Project AJ&K' worth Rs1.58 billion were approved by CDWP. In the IT sector, the CDWP referred to ECNEC a project titled 'Phase-II of Pak-China OFC for Establishment of Cross Border OFC Network (KhunjerabGwadar-Karachi) along CPEC Routes' worth Rs37.91 billion. However, the second IT project, 'Establishment of National Aerospace Science & Technology Park' (Rs3.48 billion), was approved in the meeting. The CDWP also approved two position papers related to industries and commerce, titled 'Establishment of Hub Special Economic Zone' worth Rs2.287 billion and 'Remodeling and Expansion of Karachi Expo Center' worth Rs2.67 billion. Moreover, the CDWP agreed for the 'Covid-19 Responsive and Other Natural Calamities Control Program' worth Rs70 billion with proposed changes. The PC-1 of this project will facilitate the national program to improve facilities at 50:50 basis financial supports to all the provinces in district headquarters/tehsil headquarters level hospitals, public health surveillance separately for both human and animals, national program for water sanitation and hygiene and improvement in local infrastructure. AJK and GB will also be covered under the project financing.

NEWS 05 Imran announces universal health coverage for GB as PTI takes charge

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“My vision is to uplift the impoverished by working on the principles of Riyasat-e-Medina, ” he reiterated. PM Imran also maintained that a 250-bed hospital in Skardu would soon be completed and vowed that it would be upgraded per requirements. He said that the government had found that 300MW of power would be sufficient for all of GB, adding that construction was underway on two hydroelectric projects; two were in the pipeline, and two had been approved. “We are also considering micro-hydroelectric and solar projects to meet power needs, ” he added. The prime minister said that a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), would be established in the autonomous region to boost employment. In a message to the newly elected chief minister and cabinet, he said that they must remain sadiq and ameen. The premier also hit out at the opposition for holding public rallies despite the resurgence of the coronavirus in the country. Criticising the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), he said they were aiding in the spread of novel coronavirus. “They are only doing these to protect their thieving, ” he said. He also referred to the BBC interview of former finance minister Ishaq Dar, saying “stress” was visible on his face throughout it. Meanwhile, PM Imran also inaugurated two highest national parks in Gilgit-Baltistan during his visit on Wednesday. The premier inaugurated Nanga Parbat and Himalaya national parks. The premier had earlier announced two new high-altitude national parks in GB, 'Himalaya National Park' and 'Nanga Parbat National Park' under the Prime Minister's ProtectedAreas Initiative. The newly notified 'Himalaya National Park' and 'Nanga Parbat National Park' , span a huge area of 3600 sq. km which totals 5 per cent of GB's land area, and comprises unique ecological areas with very rich high-altitude biodiversity as well as precious flora and fauna which include snow leopards, Himalayan brown bear, Ladakh Urial, Ibex, Markhors & Blue Sheep.

SBP issues regulatory framework to facilitate B2C e-commerce exports

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday issued guidelines for e-commerce exporters with an aim to enhance the country's promote exports. The central bank said in order to promote business-toconsumer (B2C) e-commerce exports from Pakistan, it has reviewed some earlier instructions to align these with the changing business dynamics of ecommerce exports. For this purpose, a separate module to implement e-commerce exports has been developed in WeBOC in collaboration with Pakistan Customs and other relevant stakeholders. Accordingly, a revised regulatory framework has been developed keeping in view the current business needs of e-commerce exports, which would replace the existing Para 39 Chapter 12 of FE Manual. Under the new regulatory framework, the mandatory requirement of ‘Export’(E) form has been done away with and an exporter can now export goods up to $5,000 per consignment without the requirement of an ‘E’Form. This step will facilitate small entrepreneurs and exporters who typically export varied goods in small quantities directly to consumers and find it cumbersome to fulfil the detailed requirements of the E Form which is mainly designed for bulk exports. It would also pave the way for the big corporate brands, SMEs, and startups, to enter the global consumer markets and contribute to the exports earning of the country. Further, the new regulatory framework is expected to improve the country ’s rating in the ease of doing business (EODB) index. nEWS DESK

China spacecraft lands on moon to bring rocks back to Earth

BeiJing AgEnciES

A Chinese spacecraft sent to return lunar rocks to Earth collected its first samples Wednesday after landing on the moon, the government announced, adding to a string of successes for Beijing’s increasingly ambitious space program. The Chang’e 5 probe touched down shortly after 11:00 pm (1500 GMT) onTuesday after descending from an orbiter, the China National Space Administration said. It released images of the barren scene at the landing site showing the lander’s shadow. “Chang’e has collected moon samples, ” the agency said in a statement carried by the official Xinhua News Agency. It said the probe also had successfully unfolded solar panels that will power it. The probe, launched November 24 from the tropical southern island of Hainan, is the latest venture by a Chinese space program that sent its first astronaut into orbit in 2003, has a spacecraft en route to Mars and aims eventually to land a human on the moon. Plans call for the lander to spend about two days drilling into the lunar surface and collecting 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of rocks and debris. The top stage of the probe will be launched back into lunar orbit to transfer the samples to a capsule for return to Earth, where it is to land in China’s northern grasslands in mid-December. If it succeeds, it will be the first time scientists have obtained fresh samples of lunar rocks since a Soviet probe in the 1970s. Those samples are expected to be made available to scientists from other nations, although it’s unclear how much access NASA will have, given tight US government restrictions on space cooperation with China. From the rocks and debris, scientists hope to learn more about the moon, including its precise age, as well as increased knowledge about other bodies in our solar system. Collecting samples, including from asteroids, is an increasing focus of many space programs and China’s mastery of the technology once again places it among the leading nations operating in space. American and Russian space officials congratulated the Chinese program. “Congratulations to China on the successful landing of Chang’e 5.This is no easy task, ” wrote NASA’s science mission chief, Thomas Zurbuchen, on Twitter. “When the samples collected on the Moon are returned to Earth, we hope everyone will benefit from being able to study this precious cargo that could advance the international science community. ” The most recent return of lunar rocks to Earth was carried out in 1976 by Luna 24, a Soviet robot probe. US astronauts brought back 842 pounds (382 kilograms) of lunar samples from 1969 to 1972, some of which is still being analysed and experimented on. The Chang’e 5 flight is China’s third successful lunar landing. Its predecessor, Chang’e 4, was the first probe to land on the moon’s little-explored far side. Chinese space program officials have said they envision future crewed missions along with robotic ones, including possibly a permanent research base. No timeline or other details have been announced. The latest flight includes collaboration with the European Space Agency, which is helping to monitor the mission. China’s space program has proceeded more cautiously than the US-Soviet space race of the 1960s, which was marked by fatalities and launch failures. In 2003, China became the third country to send an astronaut into orbit on its own after the Soviet Union and the United States. It also launched a crewed space station. China, along with neighbours Japan and India, also has joined the growing race to explore Mars. The Tianwen 1 probe launched in July is on its way to the red planet carrying a lander and a rover to search for water.

06 COMMENT Bring down political temperature

To discuss urgent issues

IRReSPeCTIVe of whatever their complexity, issues can only be resolved through talks between the protagonists. The ongoing confrontation in the country is the direct outcome of the Prime Minister’s consistent refusal to hold talks with the opposition. Leader of the Opposition Shahbaz Sharif, who has been a strong advocate of talks, had returned to Pakistan for the purpose, but was sent to NAB custody soon after. Reacting to his application for extension in parole to meet those coming to offer condolences on his mother’s death, a cynical FirdousAshiqAwan quipped that “Shehbaz Sharif was released to attend his mother’s funeral but would not be allowed any extension for politics and for looking after his business affairs. ”

Instead of displaying flexibility after failure to stop the Multan rally through arrests and obstructions, the government is further resorting to provocations which are hardening the opposition’s stand. The decision to institute cases against organisers of the Peshawar rally has led ANP workers to take out another rally in protest while the party leadership has announced holding a big public meeting in the provincial capital next month as part of its centenary celebrations.

The government-opposition confrontation is already having highly adverse consequences for national health. The number of covid-19 positive cases is steadily on the increase.According to the NCOC the total active covid19 cases in Pakistan on Tuesday were recorded at 49,105, as 2,458 more people tested positive during 24 hours. Sixty-seven patients, who were under treatment in hospital died on Monday. There is a need for somebody to tell the government to come off its high horse to offer talks to the opposition, instead of provocations and threats which have turned out to be counterproductive. .

Time has come for another major issue also to be sorted out at the earliest. Over the last several decades the system has broken down again and again, having a negative impact on continuity that alone can ensure sustained economic and social progress. Distortions in power structure have caused perpetual instability in the country. This issue too needs to be taken up and resolved through a national consensus between different institutions.

Who gets the vaccine?

Allocating money not going to be enough

The federal Cabinet has taken a valuable first step by allocating $150 million in the first quarter of next year for the acquisition of the coronavirus vaccine, and taken the further step of prioritising the vaccination of frontline health workers and those over the age of 65. The move is all the more laudable considering that there has been no decision as yet, which of the several vaccines about to be launched will be acquired. There are twoAmerican vaccines and one British which have been showing promising results, but there have also been Russian and Chinese vaccines also being reported as offering protection. A US vaccine may be unsuitable, as it has to be transported at very low temperatures, meaning that not only will it be very expensive, but also unsafe to transport.

The government must be careful to make a sensible decision.After all, the decision will mean $150 million going to one company or the other. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan is supposed to oversee the process, but looking back at the recent drug prices controversy, it can be seen not to have the best of reputations for either honesty or competence. The government cannot simply assign it the task and then forget about it; but must make sure that there is no price gouging of the sort that occurred with covid-19 therapies and medicines rumored to have been useful. The Cabinet’s own cut in the price of injections of Remdesivir, a treatment for Cocid-19, shows this. The price of facemasks, which skyrocketed at the beginning of the pandemic, show that not only price gouging is possible, but unscrupulous elements are willing to practice scams of one kind or another.

Another element that will come is that of propaganda against the vaccine. Vaccines are not seen by all as beneficial, and the country ’s bitter experience with the polio virus has shown, anti-vaccine elements are willing to use religion against vaccinators. There is as yet no indication of any effort to counter the propaganda that is almost certain to rise up. That has to be an essential element of any vaccination strategy.

DedicatedtothelegacyofthelateHameedNizami Arif Nizami Editor

The Freemasons of Democracy

The lodge on Davis Road…

Dr FariD a Malik

The Freemasons hall on 90 Shahrah-eQuaid-e-Azam stood on the main thoroughfare of Lahore as a symbol of secrecy and intrigue. No one knew what was discussed behind its closed doors and blackened windows. Growing up on the Mall we took it as a challenge to break this cordon. At best we got to peep in through some of the windows before we were chased out by the vigilant guards. As the movement against the first dictator was led by students, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (ZAB) promised them to ban this Jewishsponsored movement if he came into power. After taking oath of office in December 1971, he took two major foreign policy decisions: Pakistan left the British Commonwealth and The Freemasons were banned.Their hall was taken over by the government, and is now a sub-office of the Chief Minister.

Now that the slogan has been raised for the restoration of people’s power under the banner of: ‘Vote Ki Izzat’ , I decided to highlight the role played by the ‘Freemasons of Democracy ’ in derailing the democratic order. This evil lodge is located at 33 Davis Road right on the corner of Sunder Das Road. Ayub Khan named it Muslim League house form where he launched his political outfit called Pakistan Muslim League (Convention).After the first Martial Freemasons Movement’ in Pakistan and took over Law in October 1958, Mumtaz Daultana, who lived their lodge. not too far on Durand Road, called a Council Meeting Buildings built with evil designs have to be of the Muslim League. Those who responded to his brought down or taken over and put into useful use. call organized themselves as Pakistan Muslim League Like the ‘Freemasons Movement’remained untouch(Council) while the others called a Convention of able and out of reach of the state till the 1970s before Leaguers who then organized themselves as Pakistan they were made to leave forever, the ‘ Freemasons of Muslim League (Convention). The Pakistan faction Democracy ‘ will continue to hijack people’s power of the All-India Muslim till they are permanently disLeague (AIML) thus split armed and dislodged. The into two. PML(Convention) negative propaganda against then decided to have its own Madre Millat Fatima Jinnah headquarters from where Today Pakistan faces an during the 1965 Presidential ‘e co stab uld lish be ment launche P d. olit A ics’ 16 institutional collapse which elect and s ion o w w as as hatched h the character ere aska ch nal ased bun on galow Davis was Roa p d urfor challenges its very survival. sassina against tion Benazir camp and aign her this purpose not too far from Civilian institutions have to mother. habibull Mamdot ah Road Villa was. where be rebuilt all over again. Yes the With 1973 the cons enactme titution a nt tr o an f ever since the ‘ Freema- the Khakis have to return to sition to democracy was sonsofDemocracy ‘haveoperated from their lodge on 33 the barracks but lock, stock started. mained League deserted hou for se a f reew Davis erated Road. from ThePML(N)opthere till another and barrel. ‘Freemasons of y d ears urin . g It w the a ‘ s Z re ia vived Dark again Ages’ split took place and the Democracy ‘ will no longer to incubate fresh King’s ParPML(Q) was launched Musharraf. Currently by the be needed, let the ballot rule ties then like the PML(Q). PML(N) and Chaudhrys of Gujrat control under the constitutional Kaptaan has announced this ‘Freemasons While one King’s Lodge’ . Party, the framework. Only genuine maj For or res electo pect of ral the Refor ballot ms. the PML(N) is out of favour, the other, the PML(Q) has skillpolitical outfits like PPP and Freemasons have with. The Ayubto be dealt led Khaki fully managed to remain in. PTI should be allowed to invasion has to be reversed As a have Muslim seenthis League Political child I Drama operate. ‘King’s Parties’ but tion not wit throug h state h i confrontanstitutions. unfoldsomanytimesandhad launched from the Today Pakistan faces an inthechanceofmeetingmost these backstage players. of I ‘Freemasons’ Hall of stitutional challenges co its llaps very e s which urvival. consider it to record my the national duty political inDemocracy’ should be Civilian institutions have to be rebuilt all over again.Yes trigues hatched by the shown the door the Khakis have to return to ‘Freemasons of Democracy ’ . the barracks but lock, stock

Ghulam haider Wyne, and barrel. ‘Freemasons of an old League worker, used Democracy ‘ will no longer to live here. he used to visit be needed, let the ballot rule my father’s office regularly on his bicycle. When under the constitutional framework. Only genuine poNawaz Sharif was made PM, Wyne Sahib became litical outfits like PPP and PTI should be allowed to CM. So he drove straight from 33 Davis Road to 7 operate. ‘King’s Parties’launched from the ‘FreemaClub Road, a crossing away. Then Chaudhry Pervaiz sons’hall of Democracy ’should be shown the door. elahi as CM did not have to travel far, as Zahoor elahi Road is on the other side of the Canal. It is time Dr Farid A Malik is ex-Chairman, Pakistan to identify and then ban the ‘Freemasons of Democ- Science Foundation. He can be contacted at: racy ’ as was done by ZAB when he shut down the ‘ fmaliks@hotmail.com.

Rejoining the Iran nuclear deal

The change in presidents means a change in policy the The fore UK have ign met ministers to discuss of France, Germ tactics to breathe any new and life into the Iran Nuclear Deal once Biden is in theWhite ington has long feared what might happen if the Iran- house. At talks in Berlin, the european politicians NaEEM kaNDWal ian regime developed a nuclear weapon. Iran made outlined plans to secure an agreement fromTehran to great strides in this regard by the 2010s, hence the reduce Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile size to ObamaAdministration’s efforts to orchestrate the nu- below the limit allowed under the deal. In return, the

US President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr has clear deal. When the pact was finally settled in 2015, USAwould lift sanctions that have disturbed its econpromised to move quickly to rejoin the it was widely celebrated as a major diplomatic omy. The nuclear deal has floundered since Trump nuclear deal with Iran so long as Iran also achievement. But many (primarily conservative) withdrew the USAfrom it in 2018, but Biden is eager comes back into compliance. In July leaders inWashington still felt it didn’t go far enough to re-enter the accord, which was masterminded by 2015, Iran and six countries reached a his- to limit the country ’s ability to develop nuclear his then-boss Barack Obama in 2015.As he prepares toric agreement called the Joint Comprehensive Plan weapons.This is because the Iran deal contains sunset to enter theWhite house, Biden appears to be looking ofAction (JCPOA), popularly known as the Iran nu- clauses, or parts of the agreement that will ultimately to rekindle old relationships with european allies and clear deal. The six major powers involved in these expire. Under the deal, the give new life to the Iran negotiations with Iran were known as the P5+1, restrictions on Iran’s cen- deal. he has already chosen which stands for the United Nations security coun- trifuges go away after 10 Antony Blinken as his Seccil’s five permanent members (the US, France, the years (in 2025) and the limi- retary of State. Blinken preUK, China, and Russia) and Germany.The deal came tations on uranium enrich- This nuclear deal is essential viously served as deputy togeth aimed er after to rest two rict I years ran’s of ab inte ility nse to discussi develop ons nuc and lear m af ent ter di th sa at ppea (20 r 3 fiv 0). e years hence, for peace in the Middle East. secretary national of state security and deputy advisor to weapons in exchange for lifting economic sanctions there are fears that once This region cannot afford Obama, and played a pivotal against duce it Tehran.A s number s o part of f centr the ifug deal, es— Iran tube agreed to re-shaped mathese restrictions could rapidly de expire, velop a Iran nu- another war. This will prove a role nal in Ira b n rokerin deal. g A th s e o Mi rigiddle c a hin lso es that agreed hel to p enric reduce h i u ts ranium— stockpile by of two-thirds. enriched ur It aclear weapon. me that we ca “It is nnot clear preve to nt positive step towards Peace East “bera E te ye d t re he ports, Trum Blinken p adminnium by 98 percent and limit uranium enrichment to an Iranian nuclear bomb istration for nixing the 3.67 percent. In other words,Tehran agreed to restric- under the decaying and rot- agreement” back in 2018, tions that would allow it to have enough enriched ura- ten structure of the current warning that withdrawal nium to maintain the country ’s energy needs, without agreement, ”Trump said in May 2018. “The Iran deal from the pact putWashington on a “collision course” having the ability to build a nuclear bomb. On top of is defective at its core. If we do nothing we know ex- not only with Iran but also its own allies. this, Iran agreed to give access to inspectors from the actly what will happen. ” More broadly, Trump, The termination of this agreement has hurt both International Atomic energy Agency (IAeA) to its among others, has argued the deal didn’t do enough Iran and the USA. Iran has suffered economically nuclear facilities. The IAeA has repeatedly found to address Iran’s regional behavior or its missile pro- while the USAhas faced global isolation.The UN SeIran to be complying with the terms of the pact. In gram. Accordingly, the president wants to negotiate curity Council, in August, resoundingly defeated a January 2016, when the IAeAdeclared Iran was liv- a new deal with Tehran. US resolution to indefinitely extend the UN arms eming up to its end of the bargain, all nuclear-related in- During the campaign, Biden called Trump’s de- bargo on Iran, with the TrumpAdministration geting ternational sanctions against Iran were lifted. cision to abandon the deal “reckless, ” and said it support from only the Dominican Republic.The vote

Iran and the US have been enemies for decades. ended up isolating the USA, not Iran. “I will offer in the 15-member council was two in favor, two The two countries have an extremely complex history Tehran a credible path back to diplomacy, ” Biden against and 11 abstentions, leaving it far short of the that involved a CIA-orchestrated coup in the 1950s, wrote in a September op-ed for CNN. “If Iran returns minimum nine yes votes required for adoption. Rusa pro-American puppet monarch who was over- to strict compliance with the nuclear deal, the United sia and China strongly opposed the resolution, but thrown in 1979 via the Islamic Revolution, and the States would rejoin the agreement as a starting point didn’t need to use their vetoes. infamous US embassy hostage crisis that followed for follow-on negotiations. ” A week ago, after BidenWants to rejoin Iran Nuclear Deal.This nuthe uprising.The constant threats from Iranian leaders Biden’s victory, Iranian President hassan Rouhani clear deal is essential for peace in the Middle east. against Israel, the USA’s top ally in the Middle east, welcomed the initiative, calling it “an opportunity ” This region cannot afford another war. This will and chants of “death to America” in Iranian streets for the USA“to compensate for its previous mistakes prove a positive step towards Peace. have also not helped matters. There is a massive dis- and return to the path of adherence to international trust for Iran in the USA(and vice versa), and Wash- commitments. ” The writer is a freelance columnist

Despair in Afghanistan

How the War on Terror brought more war and terror to Afghanistan

arWiN rahi

The US invasion ofAfghanistan is destined to go down in history as one of the former’s major failures.The failure will continue to be a topic for students of various disciplines for decades to come. The invasion has further complicated the equations of war and peace in Afghanistan. As anAfghan, who lived inAfghanistan for most of the US occupation and witnessed first-hand many of the events, I would like to share some of my humble observations.

Today, it’s common knowledge that the socalled War on Terror (WoT) has brought Afghanistan (and the wider region) more war and more terror. On the eve of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan (according to the Taliban-US Deal, the Americans are scheduled to leave by June 2021) about 20 terror groups, including al-Qaeda, are still active inAfghanistan. So what was the point of occupyingAfghanistan for 20 years, and spending a trillion dollars?

Indeed, the WoT could have been avoided altogether, or brought to an early conclusion, had the USAunderstood history and followed logic. The Taliban in late 2001 and early 2002 wanted to lay down their weapons in exchange for assurance that they would not be persecuted. The USAturned down the Taliban proposal.

IronicallyfortheUSA,itsWoThasendedup benefitting the Taliban, who have used the war toadvanceclaimsoflegitimacy.In2001,theTaliban were a pariah regime, recognized only by Pakistan.Today, however, theTaliban have a political office in Qatar, and maintain contact with all major powers. More importantly, the USAitself has signed a face-saving withdrawal agreement with them— following in the footsteps of Imperial Britain and Soviet Russia.

Throughout the WoT, the USAand its allies have been time and again accused of committing war crimes (especially in rural areas, where there’s little media presence) against Afghans. There’s a reason why the USAdoesn’t want the International Criminal Court to look into war crimes allegations by its troops.TheAustralians, British, and Germans haven’t fared better either.

To avoid American casualties, the USA ‘Afghanized’early on much of the violence by raising an ‘army ’and a ‘police force’(the latter with Germany ’s assistance). The Afghan forces’ annual budget is around $5 billion— a burdenAfghanistan’s crippled economy cannot carry. Despite US cash dole outs and calls for reforms, Afghan forces are a breeding ground for corruption. Many unfortunateAfghans only join these forces out of desperation to feed their families.

Another stain on the US reputation in Afghanistan is the setting up of several death squads such as the Khost Protection Force. These death squads consist of Afghans trained, paid, and controlled by the USA.The squads are only answerable to the CIA, which has very relaxed rules of engagement. These CIA men can murder, kidnap, and beat anyone. The Afghan government is as helpless and clueless about these death squads as the rest of theAfghans.

While the USA can spend $5 billion a year For the tiny amount of US assistance that did onAfghan forces, it has shown no interest in in- trickle down to ordinary Afghans, the USA has vesting in any major infrastructure project in done them no favour. In the 1980s, the USAput Afghanistan, neither through theAfghan govern- its gun over theAfghans’shoulder to shoot at the ment, nor independently or through a third party. USSR. Books were snatched from Afghan The net result of this negligent approach is that, school children and guns were given to them to despiteAfghanistan being an upstream country, fight the Soviets.When the USSR fled across the today no major Afghan city has access to elec- Amu Darya, the USA turned its back on the tricity more than a few hours a day. Afghans, abandoning in an unchivalrous manner

Frankly, the entire US assistance program to the very people who had assisted it in bringing Afghanistan is corrupt. First, the US is interested down the common enemy. in short-term projects, which can be delivered in The argument that Afghan girls are back in a few weeks or months, such as overbuilding school due to the US invasion is hollow and misschools and clinics. Such projects make for ex- leading. Afghan girls had been going to school cellent photo ops and media headlines, but make for decades long before the USA embraced the little long-term difference. The quality of such policy of promoting religious extremism projects is low, and within a few months the amongstAfghans.The US policy to promote exnewly-completed proj- tremism actually led to ects need renovation — Afghan girls’ being bringing new banned from school by opportunities for the the very Afghan exaid mafia. Second, starting The Afghan government is tremists whom the had empowered. USA from the US Agency also responsible for the The Afghan govfor International Development (USAID) down failures of the last 20 years. ernment sible for is also responthe failures of to the actual There were two main the last 20 years. There b p uilder/ rojects impl are c em ont enter, racted impediments that doomed were ment two s tha main t doo impedimed the and subcontracted multiple times, promoting the Afghan government from Afgh from an the gove outset. rnment First, it corruption and affect- the outset. First, it was (and was (and still is) under ing and the qu w an ork’s tity. qua For lity instill is) under foreign forei with gn o meagre ccupati foreign on, asstance, a project an- occupation, with meagre sistance being its sole nounced million b f y or US $20 AID foreign assistance being its lifel cial ine. and Second, moral c finan orrup could actually be delivered for $1 million.The sole lifeline. Second, tion Afgha p n ermeate gover s nm the ent, remaining $19 million financial and moral including President (nominall Afghans’ y spent welf fo are r ) corruption permeates the Ghani’s further l Offic imits e, it wh s fr ich eewould then go to the Afghan government, dom of action. middlemen’s pockets. Aconsiderable por- including President Ghani’s The recent Conference Geneva on t t ion hat of th t e he A aid fgha mo ns ney are Office, which further limits Afghanistan, Afghans once where again exsupposed to benefit its freedom of action tended their collective from is being funneled beggingbowlbeforethe back to the USA and international commuother donor countries nity, is yet another indithrough fat salaries cation that neither the (and corrupt practices mentioned above).At one USA,noritshand-pickedAfghangovernment,has point, around 2000 NGOs were busy employing done its homework. Like previous aid packages, foreign “experts. ” These “experts, ” who proba- there is no guarantee that the Geneva aid package bly would have had difficulty finding a cashier’s would make any difference in ordinary Afghans’ job at McDonald’s, were housed in over-fur- lives. According to the Afghan government, 90 nished offices, bagging salaries as high as percentofAfghansarestillbelowthepovertyline. $50,000 monthly. NaturallyAfghanistan is not a poor country.

The US military also jumped on the corrup- A partial aerial survey of the country has retion bandwagon in a bizarre fashion.As the war vealed minerals worth $3 trillion. Yet, due to spiraled out of its control, the US military be- lack of interest from “donors” and the Afghan came dependent on private security companies government, no tanible efforts have been underto escort its personnel, equipment, and supplies taken to bring these minerals out and make acrossAfghanistan.To avoid being attacked, pri- Afghanistan stand on its own feet. An Afghan vate security companies started paying the Tal- civil servant once rightly remarked, “We are iban.The US military was fully aware of this. In beggars sleeping on gold. ” other words, the USAhad come to fight the Taliban, who got bribed by private security compa- Arwin Rahi is a former adviser to the nies not to attack them while escorting US Parwan governor in Afghanistan, and can be military convoys. reached at rahiarwin@gmail.com.

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

Solidarity needed

We are well aware that the second deadly wave of the virus has hit our country due to which the government has closed all educational institutions. But people are still not taking this virus seriously, but also the country ’s famous and big political parties are ignoring the virus and holding rallies, which is a tragic thought. Crowds are making it easier for the virus to spread and become stronger. On the contrary, it is clear because the virus is gaining momentum in our country day by day and the number of patients and deaths is increasing day by day. If this virus continues to grow in this way, it will be a great loss to our country because our health system is already very weak. Of course, according to the world media, the medicine of the virus has been made, but our economic situation is so weak that we cannot pay for the medicine immediately. So we have only one way and that is to follow the SOPs which can help to reduce this virus. Rather, it is the responsibility of both the government and the opposition to ensure SOPs and show solidarity in this critical situation. Hunzla KaKar zHob

PDM and pandemic

OPPOSITION was supporting a complete lockdown in the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic. But now they are themselves flouting Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs) and precautionary measures. They are holding conventions even with refusal of administration.

PDM jalsa was held in Peshawar on 22 November, after that day covid19 cases surged in Peshawar and it recorded the highest number of cases in a single day. If this conduct of PDM remains, Pakistan will emerge as one hotspot of the fatal disease in the world. The country is reporting about three thousand cases daily, circumstances are worsening day by day.

Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is an alliance of eleven different opposition parties against the incumbent government. Pakistan people’s party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim league (PML-N) are it’s major and strong pillars. however, there is a great number of supporters of these 11 parties. Thousands of masses join the congregations of PDM— how can we expect an ocean full of peoples and all fit as a faddle? If PDM is claiming that all SOPs are being followed in their gatherings then how PPP’s chairperson Bilawal Bhutto fall a prey to the lethal epidemic. One rotten apple spoil the barrel, it is to say that if one victim is joining convention he will definitely infect at least 30 to 40 other persons because in gatherings, people touch one another whether intentionally or unintentionally. In these times every country ’s government and opposition are united under single frame and combating against COVID-19. every country is doing it’s best to make it’s country COVID-free.But it is crestfallen that our opposition and government are fighting against each other. They are unaware of what is ongoing in the country—peoples are going through difficult times of their life due to the fatal epidemic disease.It hard time, we can’t wipe out this death-dealing disease without one other’s support. We all have to be united under a single platform and fight against this deadly epidemic first. Time is not far when Pakistan will be free of COVID-19 Virus. Muzafar KHoso suKKur

Flu vaccine

The unavailability of flu vaccine in the market is another failure of the government machinery to ensure its timely presence for the vulnerable people , especially the aged population to safeguard against the infection in the winter months. Doctors advise to get a shot as early as October to be on the safer side .

The month of December has set in and there are no signs of the vaccine availability in the pharmacies . One wonders if the concerned government officials and the regulatory authorities are working .

I think not . had they been working and competent , the medicine prices would not have shot up many folds in the recent months .

Rather they have gone a step further that certain important medicines , like flu vaccine , have disappeared altogether. What a performance and governance by the concerned authorities ! Engr riaz bHutta laHorE

Cutting through difficulties

The issues like food crisis, unemployment have been greatly highlighted by the mainstream english television channels like BBC, CNN especially in the wake of the current COVID situation. The other day CNN had highlighted the issue of food insecurities inAmerica caused by the current pandemic whereas BBC has been highlighting the larger unemployment crisis in european countries like the UK.

As a matter of fact, countries from the West like the USA, UK should take these issues seriously and must tackle them all head-on given their characteristics, geological structure, socio-economic status.

The recent farmer protests in India had caught the attention of everyone out there.Any crisis in the farming sector should not be allowed to escalate into a bigger issue. By the by, I have been able to see rigorous farming activities going on in my native areas like Korkai, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Marthandam, Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu all thanks to the good and bountiful rainfall this ongoing monsoon. Such rigorous agro activities should be encouraged continuously and they must go on back to back with all backup options like water sources, land, finance in place.

Most importantly, agricultural activities, food production and consequent trade activities should be accelerated and even strengthened simultaneously and non-stop. Besides this, the apparent port operations should be fully supported by the regime out there through proper ways like superb infrastructure, reliable tax/tariff system.

Finally, all the countries worldwide should give first priority to the farming and food sectors through proper channels like water sources/financial background and strengthening/safeguarding the plantation areas across the globe. P sEntHil saravana Durai MuMbai