EpaperLHR_21-12-2

Thursday, 2 December, 2021 I 26 Rabi-us-Sani, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 154 I 12 Pages I Lahore Edition

PM, Cabinet resPonsible for reCovery of Missing Persons: iHC in Mudasir naaru Case g

The sTaTe is like a moTher, buT iT is nowhere To be seen, courT observes

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he islamabad high court (ihc) stated on wednesday that the responsibility for the disappearance of citizens in Pakistan rests with Pm imran khan and his government. ihc chief Justice athar minallah, during the hearing of a case concerning the disappearance of journalist mudassar naaru, stated that it’s state’s responsibility to protect the lives of citizens.

Justice athar minallah further stated that the families of the missing persons were protesting on roads for years, but state’s response in this regard was unfortunate, while adding that “like a mother, the state should treat the family of the missing persons.”

Federal human rights minister shireen mazari also appeared before the ihc bench. Justice minallah while addressing mazari said that the state showed no concern for the recovery of the missing journalist. as a response, mazari stated that the government considered enforced disappearances a serious crime and nobody

was allowed to indulge in this heinous practice. she went on to add that she was in touch with various authorities for the recovery of naaru. mazari further stated that the Pm along with human rights activist amna Janjua had protested against enforced disappearances in the past, while adding that the government was working on compensation for the family of the missing person on a monthly basis.

“The Pm will definitely listen to naaru’s family, but first we want to process the payment of expenses for them which will be done by next week,” stated mazari while revealing that the affidavit had not been received yet, according to which the payment needed to be processed.

Justice minallah stated that “if someone went missing in 2002 then why not impose fines on those responsible then, the then chief executive,” he said, adding that someone should be held responsible for the practice of enforced disappearances. “half of our lives have been spent in

Coronavirus in

Pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

1,285,254

LAST UPDATED AT 8:38 AM ON DECEMBER 1, 2021

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

NEW CASES:

9

414

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

1,242,354 28,737 SINDH:

PUNJAB:

475,820

443,185

KPK:

BALOCHISTAN:

180,075

33,484

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

34,556/10,412

107,722

undemocratic regimes and this is their doing,” he added. at present, everyone, including the police and ministries, has gotten a free hand,” he said, adding that he was also talking about the state and the non-state actors.

Justice minallah further said that the matter must be taken to the Prime minister and a meeting with the cabinet members should be arranged, while adding that the Pm along with the cabinet members should pay the compensation to the missing person’s family instead of the state so that the issue could be concluded once and for all.

Justice minallah concluded by stating that “it doesn’t matter if allegations [against the state] are true or false, the family has been going door-to-door for three years now and this should stop right away.” it is pertinent to note that the court has given directive to the government to satisfy mudassar naaru’s family by the next hearing and ordered mazari to submit a reply at the next hearing, which is scheduled to be held on December 13. newS deSk

PM Imran Khan says ‘heavy damage’ inflicted on economy due to smuggling ISLAMABAD Staff CorreSpondent

Prime minister imran khan on wednesday said “heavy damage” is inflicted on Pakistan’s economy due to the smuggling of food commodities on the back of a price differential — the difference between the government’s set price and the rate at which a commodity is being sold.

During a high-level meeting to review anti-smuggling and antimoney-laundering measures, the premier said that “smuggling creates an artificial shortage of commodities and ultimately results in a price hike”. according to a statement issued by the Prime minister’s office, Pm imran khan has directed all stakeholders to undertake emergency

Govt increases levy, GST on POL products to meet IMF conditions ISLAMABAD ahmad ahmadani

The government will charge rs41.71 per litre on the sale of high speed diesel (hsD) and rs38.57 per litre on petrol under the heads of custom duty, margin, petroleum levy, and sales tax with effect from December 1, 2021.

The government has increased the petroleum levy (Pl) and General sales Tax (GsT) to meet the conditions of the international monetary Fund (imF) for the resumption of the stalled loan programme whereas these prices will remain effective until December 15. according to sources, the government has increased levy on hsD and petrol by rs4 per litre, while the levy on kerosene oil which was previously at rs2.62 per litre has been raised to rs5.91 per litre and the same on light Diesel oil (lDo) which was zero until now has been fixed at rs3.66 per litre.

Total levy on petrol has been increased from rs9.62 per litre to rs13.62 per litre while that on hsD has increased from rs9.14 per litre to rs13.14 per litre. similarly, general sales tax (GsT) on petrol has increased from zero to rs2.34 per litre and from rs7.37 per litre to rs9.79 per litre.

Furthermore, customs duty on petrol and hsD is rs11.33 per litre and rs10.45 per litre, respectively and inland Freight margin (iFem) on petrol and hsD is rs4.440 per litre and rs 2.06 per litre, respectively.

Dealers margin, which had been an issue leading to protests the past month, is now fixed at rs3.91 per litre on petrol and rs3.30 per litre on hsD.

measures and bring-out-of-the-box solutions to control smuggling of essential commodities — including wheat, urea, sugar, flour, and petrol. he emphasised that the objective is to provide relief to the common man against the price hikes. attendees were informed that the Federal investigation agency (Fia) has undertaken extensive investigations against illegal money laundering and holding of us dollars.

The meeting was apprised that manpower is being increased at border crossings to check goods and to ensure that each load is recorded for tracking purposes,” the statement read.

The meeting was also briefed that significant progress can be seen in controlling illegal petrol smuggling and operations against hoarders.

more inside

Corporate sector given extension in deadline for converting to digital payments STORY ON BACK PAGE

reportedly, adviser to the Prime minister on Finance shaukat Tarin had said that the imF had also asked to increase the petroleum development levy (PDl); however, the government’s decision in this regard would depend on the global prices of petroleum products. “hinting at an increase in the levy on oil products, Tarin has said that if the global price of oil goes down, it will be easy for the government to increase the PDl,” sources claimed. earlier, the Pm’s advisor on finance had stated that prices of petroleum products were increased because they were directly linked with the international market, where prices touched peak levels in the last several years. at present, petrol in the open market is available at rs145.82 per litre, hsD at rs142.62 per litre, kerosene oil at rs116.53 per litre and lDo at rs114.07 per litre. it is pertinent to mention here that prices of petroleum products would have gone down by rs8 to rs9 per litre in line with decline in international prices had the government not been under pressure by the imF.

coas lauds azad kashmir regiment for professional excellence, war worthiness STORY ON BACK PAGE

ECC orders revision of summary regarding sales tax on subsidies given to DISCOS STORY ON PAGE 02

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Thursday, 2 December, 2021 | LAHORE

NEWS

ECC ordErs rEvision of summary rEgarding salEs tax on subsidiEs givEn to disCos

Punjab mulls using Evms in upcoming lg polls LAHORE

ISLAMABAD Shahzad paraCha

Staff CorreSpondent

HE Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has directed the Ministry of Energy to resubmit the summary regarding the levy of sales tax on subsidies granted by government to DISCOS. The meeting of ECC was held under the chair of the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Omar Ayub Khan here on Wednesday.

As per details, the Ministry of Energy informed the meeting that sales tax cannot be levied on the subsidy provided to an electric supply distribution company by the federal government, therefore, the said tax can neither be charged from the companies nor end consumers.

However, FBR has issued notices amounting to Rs167 billion in sales tax to DISCOs over tax deducted at source (TDS), a matter which is being contested in various courts. he Energy Ministry asked the ECC to inform FBR that subsidies provided to consumers by federal and provincial governments are not liable to sales tax pursuant to Sections 2 (46) and 3 of the Sales Tax Act1990 so the tax department should issue instructions to field formation accordingly.

However, a handout issued by the Finance Division states that ECC directed the Energy Ministry to resubmit the summary after revising the proposals.

Other summaries that the ECC directed to resubmit included the proposal pertaining to contractual

The Punjab government is considering using electronic voting machines (EVMs) in upcoming local government elections, scheduled to be held next year in the province.

Deliberations were made on the proposal during a meeting held under the chair of Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Wednesday. It was decided during the meeting that the proposals be given a legal cover so that they could be implemented during the upcoming local body elections in the province. The chief minister has already given a nod for the digitisation of the electoral process as per the party’s policy. He, however, directed senior party leaders to take Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) allies on board, especially the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leaders, who have already expressed reservations over the matter. The federal government has already passed legislation to use the EVMs in the next general elections despite strong resistance by the opposition. Now, the Punjab government has decided to follow suit by using EVMs in the local government elections. Addressing the participants of today’s meeting, CM Buzdar underscored that the draft of the new local government act has been prepared in consultation with allies and stakeholders. It would empower the people at the grassroots level, he added. The meeting was attended by the Punjab Local Government Minister Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat, Local Government Department secretary and other senior officials.

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obligations of Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC)’ Provision of un-targeted subsidy for November and December, 2021, under the PM’s relief package, exemption of duties and taxes for uninterrupted supply of oxygen gas for medical purposes, and a proposal seeking permission to amend the petroleum concessions agreement allowing GHPL to work interest in Wali, Jandran West, Saruna and Pezu blocks of OGDCL. These proposals were submitted by the Ministry of Industries & Production and the Ministry of Petroleum.

Reviewing other summaries, the ECC approved the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Energy regarding the increase of OMC’s and Dealers’ margins for Motor Spirit (MS) and High Speed Diesel (HSD) with effect from forthcoming revision in oil prices.

The meeting also approved a summary presented

by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research for the purchase of 175,000 MT wheat by World Food Programme (WFP) from PASSCO’s stock for Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The wheat flour will complement the WFP’s food basket for distribution to the food vulnerable population in the two countries.

The chair also approved the summary tabled by the Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety Division for the inclusion of beneficiaries of Ehsaas Kafalat Programme with PMT score between 29.01 to 37 under the recent NSER survey in Ehsaas Emergency Cash (EEC-2) Programme.

These beneficiaries are proposed to be provided one-time emergency cash assistance of Rs12,000 on a first come first served basis to help mitigate the socioeconomic impact on vulnerable segments of society amid the ongoing pandemic.

Thursday, 2 December, 2021 | LAHORE

NEWS

Pml-n, PPP havE no agEnda or ProgrammE: fawad

m

NEwS DESK

INISTER for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Wednesday said that the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have no agenda or programme.

In his tweets, the minister said that merely criticism does not bring you [PPP and PMLN] success as there should also be an alternative agenda to attract people.

He said that instead of having desire to remove the government, the two parties [PPP and PML-N] need to present their proposals about reforms.

He welcomed PPP’s public meeting in Peshawar and said that Pakistan needs national parties, adding that the PML-N should also expand its horizon out of central Punjab.

“The leadership of these parties is unfortunately very superficial and they have

no agenda. But, in any case, regional and extremist politics will end only when there is national politics,” he added.

A day ago, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had announced that his party will hold protest demonstrations against the government due to increase in petrol prices and prevailing gas crisis in the country.

While addressing a rally held to mark the party’s 54th foundation day in Peshawar, Bilawal had announced that his party will hold protest demonstrations in every city and town of the country against the constant rise in petrol prices on December 10 while it will hold protest demonstrations in every district headquarter against gas crisis on December 17.

He had also announced that the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto will be observed in a huge public rally in Garhi Khuda Bux on December 27, where the next phase of the protests will also be announced.

NCOC approves shots for people over 50, health workers and immunocompromised NEwS DESK The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has approved a booster shot of Covid-19 vaccines for immunocompromised people, healthcare workers, and those aged over 50 years on Wednesday, amidst fears of Omicron variant.

NCOC further revealed that booster shots would be free of cost and would be administered six months after the last vaccine jab. The NCOC meeting also discussed cities’ progress in vaccinating their residents against Covid-19.

The forum further discussed epidemic curve chart data for Pakistan, the national vaccine strategy and disease prevalence across the country, while stressing that the Omicron variant was spreading fast globally and the only protection against it was vaccination.

It is pertinent to note that the NCOC decided to take strict measures to enforce the “obligatory vaccination regime” from December 1 (today) and directed the provinces and authorities to adopt a zerotolerance policy regarding its implementation.

During the meeting, representatives from provinces stressed on the need to focus on the Omicron variant and take necessary measures at airports for checking the vaccination status as well as testing of travellers.

Provincial health ministers and chief secretaries gave presentations during the meeting, highlighting initiatives taken to boost the vaccination campaign, improve testing numbers and establish call centres.

The forum was informed that 40 call centres have been established across the country to contact those who have not yet received their second doses. The number of call centres would be increased in the future.

“All provinces will start vaccination outreach campaigns immediately to [achieve] the vaccination targets,” the statement added.

The notification stated that Karachi , Sukkur and Sanghar have been categorised a having “good vaccination progress” while the remaining cities/divisions fall under the “low

vaccination progress” category.

Planning Minister and head of the NCOC Asad Umar had warned on Monday that the Omicron variant will inevitably come to Pakistan and the country has only a few weeks to contain its threat.

“This [strain] has to spread in the whole world as we saw before that when a variant comes, the world is so interconnected that it is impossible to stop it,” the minister said, adding that vaccination was the most logical solution to curb the threat.

He stated that the initial information the government had received was that although Omicron was a “very dangerous” variant, vaccination will be effective against it.

Meanwhile, the Sindh government had asked the Centre to provide the province with 100,000 doses of Pfizer, 500,000 doses of Moderna and 500,000 doses of AstraZeneca so it could offer booster shots free of cost.

Prior to that, the Sindh health department had decided to inoculate all people with a booster shot of Pfizer keeping in view the increased risk of transmission and re-infection posed by Omicron.

Earlier, Sindh government has issued new

guidelines to curb the transmission of Covid19 in view of the threat posed by Omicron.

The new guidelines will be applicable across the province from Dec 1 to Dec 15.

As per the restrictions imposed by the Sindh government, indoor, outdoor gatherings will be allowed for vaccinated individuals only. For Karachi, Sukkur and Sanghar the limit is 500 people for indoor events and 1,000 for outdoor. For the rest of the province, it is 300 people for indoor and 1,000 for outdoor. Indoor dining allowed for vaccinated people till 11:59pm with 70pc occupancy for Karachi, Sukkur, and Sanghar and 50pc for the rest of the province. Outdoor dining is allowed for fully vaccinated citizens till 11:59pm.

Markets and businesses can function till 10pm while essential services can operate 24/7, while shrines, indoor gyms and cinemas are open for fully vaccinated individuals.

It must be noted that 100pc attendance at offices will be ensured with routine timings.

Amusement parks and swimming pools will operate at 70pc occupancy in Karachi, Sukkur and Sanghar and 50pc for the rest of the province.

gold price dips to rs100,500 per 10gm ISLAMABAD tLtp

Gold prices bounced back on Wednesday as fears over the Omicron variant assist the commodity to gain some positive traction. Gold in the international market was available at $1,790 per ounce after gaining $14.20 at 1320 hours GMT. Meanwhile, the price of 10 grams of yellow metal in Pakistan decreased to Rs100,500 after shedding Rs500. Gold in the local market was available at Rs101,000 per 10 grams on Monday last. The decrease in gold value in the local market was due to overnight change in the commodity’s price when the local market was closed as well as appreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar. Gold gained some positive traction and staged a goodish rebound from a four-week low, around the $1,770 region touched in the previous day. Concerns about the potential economic fallout from the detection of a new and possibly vaccine-resistant coronavirus variant turned out to be a key factor that benefited the safe-haven gold.

03

Sindh to bring in ordinance to take action against illegal buildings KARACHI newS deSk

Barrister Murtaza Wahab announced on Wednesday that the Sindh government would bring an ordinance to decide fate of illegal buildings, and take stern action against buildings and houses who would violate the rules and regulations.

Wahab, while addressing a presser stated that a commission will be set up to decide whether a building should be regularised or not.

Wahab further stated that the PPP had presented a resolution in the Sindh Assembly, drawing the provincial government’s attention to legislate on the matter of people’s houses being demolished. The resolution supported taking action against constructions done on waterways but desired a less stern path for illegal houses, shops and buildings where people had been living for many years, he added.

He further proposed law was the same as the one introduced in Punjab to regularise illegal buildings, with one additional para saying that the antiencroachment drive should be stopped after the enforcement of the law until the commission decides on the matter.

“The law’s basic purpose is to protect people’s fundamental rights, I hope that we will be allowed to work so that people’s lives and properties are protected within the ambit of the law,” Wahab commented.

According to Wahab, it had been

advised that a retired judge be appointed to head the commission, “just like in Punjab”. After being promulgated, the ordinance will be tabled in the assembly to get it passed, he said.Wahab emphasised that the ordinance was being introduced in the larger interest of the people to provide them relief “in this difficult time”. “We will at least be able to set up a system for regularising buildings and houses; if it can happen in Islamabad and Punjab [it can happen here too],” he said, expressing the hope that the opposition would not do politics on the law and resort to unwarranted criticism. Wahab added that the resolution referred to the Sindh government and it decided to legislate in its light. Now, the draft law has been prepared and sent to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah by the law department, adding that the chief minister would send the ordinance to the government today. “[It is] hoped that the governor will verify it, follow the chief minister and Sindh cabinet’s advice and approve it so that it is made a law,” he stated.

He further stated that many politicians “who hold press conferences at Nasla Tower” had not supported the resolution but the PPP managed to get it passed with a majority. It is pertinent to note that Wahab’s announcement comes days after Sindh Information Minister Saeed Ghani stated that the provincial government should be allowed to regularise buildings made in violation of rules and regulations.

04 NEWS 2nd December 2021_Layout 1 12/2/2021 12:49 AM Page 1

Thursday, 2 December, 2021 | LAHORE

04 NEWS

WorKing journalists given rights enjoyed in advanced democracies: FaWad iSLAMABAD

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staff report

EDERAl Minister for Information Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said on Wednesday that for the first time under the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021, working journalists in Pakistan had been given the rights being enjoyed by the journalists in advanced democracies.

Addressing the signing ceremony of “Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act 2021”, here he said that credit for Media Professionals Act 2021 went to Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari who made tireless efforts for its finalization and enactment.

The minister said that in preparation

of the act, consultations were held with all journalist groups including journalist organizations. Fawad said that the responsibility of the government and the Ministry of Information was to stand behind the working journalists.

A section in Pakistan had been trying to give the impression that the press was not free here, Fawad said, adding, “if there was no free press in Pakistan then there was no free press anywhere in the world”. “When it comes to press freedom, we compare ourselves not with the Third World and the Muslim World but with the First World. We have no laws of defamation, so we have more freedom of the press than the first world”, said Chaudhry Fawad.

The minister said another aspect was that these freedoms were reserved

Pakistan strongly condemns extrajudicial killings of two Kashmiris in Pulwama Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned the continued spree of extra-judicial killings in staged encounters and fake cordon-and-searchoperations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir by Indian forces who, in the latest such incident, killed two Kashmiris in Pulwama. According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two Kashmiris were killed in a so-called cordon-and-search-operation today. The ministry said that at least 18 innocent Kashmiris have been killed with impunity by Indian occupation forces in the past month. The statement notes that while the fundamental freedoms of Kashmiris remain suspended, Indian occupation forces have “further intensified their repression” in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in the past weeks.

Furthermore, the ministry said that extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, incarceration of hundreds of common Kashmiris and Hurriyat leaders under the draconian laws and harassment of Kashmiris at the military checkpoints or during the night raids continue with impunity. The statement said that hateful terms such as “hybrid terrorists” and “white collar terrorists” are used to further demonise them.

“The deteriorating security and human rights situation in the occupied territory is a matter of grave concern for the international community,” stated the ministry. The statement further said that the visit by Indian ministers, amidst all this, to the occupied territory is “another Indian ploy to divert attention from India’s state-sponsored terrorism and to project a false sense of normalcy” in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. “No amount of lies, deceit and publicity stunts by the RSS-BJP votaries in the name of fake ‘normalcy’ and development, can mask, address or remove the total alienation of the Kashmiris in [Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir],” said the ministry. News Desk

for the media tycoons and working journalists were not getting the rights they should have been given.

He said the government through the new act had tried to give due rights to working journalists under Media Professionals Act. He said in the new act it was mandatory that if the owners send a cameramen to an event the responsibility lied on him to provide the cameramen protection. The employment of working journalists has also been protected in the Media Professionals Act and for the first time an independent commission for journalists, which will decide complaints within 14 days.

The minister said that the act also provided protection to working journalists from employers and government officials. Many officials do not like

reports of corruption in their departments in newspapers. Through this law, the government had tried to create an environment in which journalists could be protected, said Chaudhry Fawad.

He said that an attempt had been made to give a comprehensive definition of a journalist under this Act, which would be beneficial for the working journalists and fake media persons would not be able to exploit the profession. He said on the proposed Pakistan Media Development Authority,an Action Committee has been formed having representation and ” we are very close to reach a consensus.”

The minister said that wherever the Prime Minister assigned him any Responsibility, he tried to bring about a significant change.

School without electricity reflects flawed planning by Punjab Education Department Monitoring report For the last four months, students at a primary school in Punjab’s Vehari district have been forced to study without electricity, after the school’s solar power system was stolen.

The solar panels disappeared on July 9, Muhammad Shahid, the headmaster of a Government Primary School told media. Soon after, Shahid filed a complaint of theft with the Tibba Sultanpur police station. In the first information report (FIR), the headmaster nominated three people. No attempts have been made as yet to arrest the accused, he added.

Disappointed, Shahid then lodged a new application with the Complaint Cell of the Inspector-General Police, Punjab. “After my application, I received a call from the Deputy Superintendent of Police’s office,” the headmaster said, “The official assured me that the solar system would soon be recovered and all the accused would be apprehended. But nothing happened.” There are over 83 students studying at Shahid’s primary school. As fog intensifies in the province this winter, he worries that due to reduced sunlight it would be even more difficult for the students to continue studying.

Muhammad Altafur Rehman, another headmaster of a local school in Vehari, has a similar tale to tell. He approached the police on April 20 to recover the solar panels, dry batteries and inverters that went missing from school premises. No progress has been made in his case either to date.

In fact, in district Vehari, this year, 18 cases of theft of solar systems from schools have been reported, while 18 first information reports (FIR) have been registered, as per data shared by Punjab’s energy department.

Under Punjab’s Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, all

HAfiz ijAz This is an era of science and technology that shares global village and knowledge is the key to survive high amongst the nations. As Pakistan is blessed with youth population and this is a challenge too to give youth a positive direction towards nation development. In this regard education plays a pivotal role and to provide youth with good educational opportunity in the field of science the government is focusing on bringing quality institute in each district, and the recent addition of high quality education centre is Punjab University of Technology Rasul. The Punjab University of Technology Rasul (PUT Rasul) had been established through an Act of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab in 2018 (Act XXIII of 2018) by upgrading the historical institution named “Government College of Technology Rasul”, more commonly known as “GCT Rasul”.

The legacy of the Punjab University of Technology Rasul goes back to the year 1873 and finds its roots in the School of Surveying that was established at the University Oriental College in lahore. The School of Surveying was one of the first few institutions, established for technical education, in the whole sub-continent after the College of Civil Engineering at Roorkee (Uttarakhand, India) which was established in 1847. The School of Surveying mentored well trained engineering workers for construction of buildings, roads, barrages and irrigation systems in the region.

primary schools in the province are being converted to solar electricity, to provide uninterrupted, clear energy to every school, even those that are off-the-grid.

The $86 million project, to power all 15,000 primary schools in Punjab by solar technology, has been bankrolled by the Asia Development Bank (ADB).

But there is one problem: who will secure the new technology?

“Due to unavailability of security guards at schools, at least 174 cases related to theft of solar panels have been reported from the schools of South Punjab and 117 FIRs have been lodged between January 2020 and November 2021,” said an official from the government of Punjab energy department, who asked not to be named, as he was not allowed to speak to the media.

According to a media report, this year, 190 PV modules, 116 batteries, 98 inverters, 122 fans, 13 lights, and 16 DB boxes have been stolen from schools in South Punjab. Majority of the theft has been reported from Rahim Yar Khan, followed by Multan.

A school official from district Rahim Yar Khan, who asked not to be named, said that the equipment is stolen and then sold in the markets. Qaiser Rasheed, the additional secretary budget and planning at Punjab’s School Education Department, said that his department said that gangs operating in Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan had been involved in theft of solar panels.

For now, to protect the equipment, Rasheed’s department has decided to recruit personnel on the posts of chowkidars/security guards for the schools. It has further directed all concerned departments to register FIRs with the police stations of the area.

But it is unclear how much longer the students of primary schools in Punjab will have to study without electricity.

PUT Rasul – A quality University In 1885 this School of Surveying was moved to the Mayo School of Industrial Arts (now National College of Arts) in lahore and was later on, in 1906, upgraded to the Government School of Engineering.

In the year 1912, the Government School of Engineering was shifted to its current location at Rasul in district Mandi Bahauddin, near (old) Rasul Barrage, where it has been functioning since then. The School was allocated a vast piece of land, measuring 216 acres (874,121 square meters), in a very well irrigated and well cultivated agricultural landscape a few miles from the river Jhelum and right on the bank of Upper Jhelum Canal.

During the early years after independence, working in close coordination with the Public Works Department (PWD) the Government School of Engineering progressed very well. Numerous new facilities were added to enhance the scale and quality of trainings. More than 5,500 high quality Engineering Technologists were produced during this period who made significant addition to the existing capacity and hugely contributed towards the development of infrastructure across the region.

In 1962, the School was renamed as the Government Polytechnic Institute and continued to offer various train-

CMYK

ing programs; aimed at preparing technical workforce with expertise in all the aspects of Civil Works. During this period the traditional two-years Overseer’s program was upgraded to a three-years Diploma in Civil Technology and an Evening Extension Program (EEP) was launched to offer short-term refresher courses as well as opportunities for upgradation of skills to the in-service workforce who could not attend trainings during the daytime because of their work commitments. State of the art facilities and high-end specialized trainings in Civil Engineering Technology earned this institution an enviable reputation within the country and abroad.

On 10th of October 1974, in line with the Education Policy of 1972, the Institute was upgraded to the status of a college and was given the title Government College of Technology Rasul, more commonly known as GCT Rasul.

Besides the existing program, the College, then, launched the two-years Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree programs in Construction Engineering Technology and Public Health Engineering Technology, in affiliation with the University of Engineering and Technology lahore(UET lahore). In 1992, the Government of Punjab made an attempt to expand the domain of the College by adding Engineer-

Pakistan issues visas to 136 hindu pilgrims from india Pakistan on Wednesday issued 136 visas to Indian Hindu pilgrims for participating in the 313th birth anniversary celebrations of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Shadaram Sahib at Shadani Darbar Hayat Pitafi in Sindh from December 4 to 15. Shadani Darbar, over three hundred years old temple, is a sacred place for Hindu devotees from across the globe. Shadani Darbar was founded in 1786 by Sant Shadaram Sahib, who was born in lahore in 1708.

According to a statement, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued these visas in addition to the visas granted to Hindu and Sikh pilgrims participating in these events from other countries. “The issuance of pilgrimage visas to Hindu and Sikh pilgrims is in line with the government of Pakistan’s efforts for facilitating visits to religious shrines. It’s also reflective of Pakistan’s respect for religious places of all faiths and efforts for promoting interfaith harmony,” the statement further said. Under the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, thousands of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals and occasions every year. In November, more than 8,000 Sikh pilgrims from all over the world had visited Pakistan to celebrate the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. News Desk

skardu airport to welcome international flights today The Civil Aviation Authority announced on Wednesday that Skardu airport has been elevated to international status and will begin operations from December 2. CAA further revealed that airport’s initial operations will be conducted under the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) initially. According to the ATP Flight School, an aircraft under the VFR, is intended to operate in visual meteorological conditions (i.e. nice and clear weather). Clouds, heavy precipitation, low visibility, and other adverse weather conditions should be avoided under the VFR, It is pertinent to note that in January 2020, Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan had announced to upgrade Skardu airport to international standards. News Desk

Ministry of Climate Change and foodpanda signed a Memorandum of Understanding, pledging to work towards preventing the adverse climatic effects due to environment degradation and collectively take-off development activities geared to address the challenges of climate chenage. A signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Climate Change whereby Malik Amin Aslam, Special Assistant of Prime Minister on Climate Change, Joudat Ayaz, Additional Sectary, Ministry of Climate Change and Hassan Arshad, Head of Government and Public Relations at Foodpanda along with other officials were present. pr

UBL & Ubank recently partnered to promote financial inclusion in Pakistan. Seen in the picture are Mr. Shazad G Dada, President & CEO UBL (seated, 2nd right) and Mr. Kabeer Naqvi, President & CEO Ubank (seated, 2nd left) along with senior executives of both organizations. pr

ing education to its existing portfolio of Technology education and wanted to rename it as the Government College of Engineering and Technology but due to peculiar political environment this effort could not succeed.

In 1999, in order to demonstrate its commitment towards preparing productive, demand driven and globally competitive technical workforce, the Government of the Punjab promulgated an Ordinance (Pb. Ord. XlV of 1999) establishing Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority of the Punjab (TEVTA Punjab) and placed all the technical institutions (other than the engineering universities) under the administrative control of this authority.

In 2010, this Ordinance was replaced with an Act (Act X of 2010) passed by the Punjab Provincial Assembly.

During the years 2004 and 2005 once again a serious move was initiated at the highest levels of the Government of Punjab to upgrade GCT Rasul to the status of University of Engineering and Technology but the effort failed to bear any fruit. In the meantime, in 2005, TEVTA Punjab piloted a new short course named Quantity Surveyor, of one-year duration, at GCT Rasul which was adopted by other GCTs later on. Year 2007 brought additional laurels for GCT Rasul as the college was designated a Centre of Excellence for the trainings in Construction Technologies

by National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), an apex federal body for facilitation, regulation and promotion of technical education.

Thursday, 2 December, 2021 | LAHORE

NEWS

corporate corner Hbl, diamond trust bank partner to launch China Coverage dept to serve Chinese enterprises in East africa

OPEC+ bEgiNs twO days Of talks amid Oil rOut LONDON

O

Karachi: HBL partners with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) and launches the China Coverage Department to serve Chinese enterprises operating in the East African Market. The announcement was made at a dinner hosted by DTB in honour of its Chinese clients in Kenya. Speaking at the event, HBL Chairman Sultan Ali Allana said, “HBL is uniquely positioned with its China coverage desk with a branch presence in Urumqi and a branch presence in Beijing. HBL employs Chinese staff to better facilitate our clients across the world. DTB is our affiliate bank and through them, our clients are able to transact between East Africa and China. We look forward to playing a leading role in facilitating regional trade and creating opportunities for our valued clients throughout HBL’s international network.” DTB Kenya Chairman acknowledged that the move is set to boost the country’s economic development by acting as a vehicle for investment, infrastructure development, and trade. “China is one of Kenya’s biggest trading partners and we are proud to play our role in unlocking the growth opportunities between these two nations. We welcome all Chinese enterprises and nationals to visit our vast network of DTB branches across East Africa for a variety of banking solutions, including direct funds transfer to China and other International destinations,” Gitahi said. pr

05

agencies

PEC and its allies begin two days of meetings on Wednesday to decide whether to release more oil into the market or restrain supply amid an oil price rout and fears the Omicron coronavirus variant could weaken global energy demand.

Oil prices fell to near $70 a barrel on Tuesday from as high as $86 in October, posting their biggest monthly decline since the outset of the pandemic, as the

new variant raised fears of a supply glut.

For November, Brent fell by 16.4%, while WTI fell 20.8%, the biggest monthly fall since March 2020.

“The threat to oil demand is genuine,” said Louise Dickson, senior oil markets analyst at Rystad Energy. “Another wave of lockdowns could result in up to 3 million bpd (barrels per day) of oil demand lost in the first quarter of 2022.”

Also pressuring prices, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the US central bank likely will discuss speeding its reduction of bond purchases amid a

strong economy and expectations that a surge in inflation will persist.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will meet on Wednesday after 1300 GMT, followed by a meeting on Thursday of OPEC+, which groups OPEC with allies including Russia.

Several OPEC+ ministers, including from Russia and Saudi Arabia, have said there was no need for a knee-jerk reaction from the group.

But some analysts have suggested OPEC+ might put plans to add 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) to supply in January

President signs into law Protection of Journalists, Media Professionals Bill ISLAMABAD Mian abrar

President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday gave his assent to the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Bill to safeguard the rights of working journalists.

The President signed the legislation at a ceremony attended by cabinet ministers and a large number of journalists and media professionals.

The bill focused on protecting lives of journalists, saving them from harassment and torture and ensuring their welfare by giving facilities of life and health insurance.

The President said he was very happy to sign the historic bill.

He said for the last 60-70 years, the journalists raised issues and after which mafias of all kinds killed, harassed and tortured them.

The President underlined the need for a culture of tolerance for journalists because they were only doing reporting and disseminating information. As people did not want that their mistakes should be exposed they put pressure on the journalists, he noted.

The President said he came to know that a consensus was built among the stakeholders on the bill.

Everybody was unanimous in protecting the rights of journalists, he stressed. While explaining features of the act, he said the act gave protection of life to journalists. This right to life was important as the

journalists worked in hazardous conditions and with neutrality, he added.

The President said that the government and the media owners had now more responsibility to protect the lives of journalists.

The act also protected the journalists’ right to not disclose their information which was important for maintaining freedom of expression, he added. The act also provided a comprehensive definition of journalists and media professionals.

The President said debate on disclosure of information would continue in the society in future as well. He said the act also gave journalists independence, adding the law also protected journalists against intolerant behavior, violence and harassment.

Under the act, welfare of the journalists would be ensured and an independent media commission would be formed. The act would also take care of the protection of rights of the genders. He said fake news was an issue and Holy Quran also warned against fake news as it could create chaos and wars between the nations.

The war in Iraq happened due to fake news about the weapons of mass destruction, he added.

The President said that the damage was also done to Afghanistan due to fake news and now in this age, the instruments and efficacy of news mediums had changed and fake news were more prevalent.

India had also attacked Pakistan with fake news, he asserted.

He said in the past when the media organizations were few there was trust that all the news would be true but now in the social media age, 60-70 percent of the news were fake.

The President was apprehensive that social media might also affect the outcome of elections in future.

He said media personnel had the responsibility to counter fake news.

Social media had become very strong even stronger than nations in spreading of news, he explained. He called for practicing of responsible journalism to protect rights of society and not to report statements out of context. Reporting out of context statements was not fair.

After signature of the President, the bill had become an act of the Parliament.

Earlier, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain in his remarks said the government would support the working journalists and would strive to protect their rights.

Media owners had also the responsibility to protect lives and jobs of journalists, he added. He said independent media commission would be instrumental in safeguarding the journalists. Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari in her remarks said the new law was progressive in nature and gave insurance of life and health to the journalists and media professionals.

HEC privatisation in final stages ISLAMABAD staff report

Four pre-qualified bidders, after having their queries addressed, have agreed to submit Rs50 million guarantee amount for participation in the bidding of the Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC) in a pre-bid meeting held here on Wednesday. Federal Minister for Privatisation Mohammad Mian Soomro was chairing the second prebid meeting on HEC wherein Federal Secretary Hassan Nasir Jamy, representatives of HEC, Ministry of Industries and Production, financial advisors, bidders, and legal advisors were present. A statement released by the Privatisation Commission stated that queries raised by potential bidders regarding bidders’ qualification, bidding process and payment structure have been addressed.

The bidders also raised questions regarding hand

orders, to which Soomro replied said that the matter has already been communicated to the ECC of the federal cabinet and will be resolved before the bidding date.

The meeting was told that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (KPEZDMC) will facilitate the lease transfer to the new buyer whereas a letter of comfort regarding outstanding liabilities has been issued to the company.

The concerned financial advisors also gave a detailed briefing about the final bidding process. Upon the request of bidders, revised ITB, SPA documents as well as latest audited accounts of HEC have been shared with the interested parties. Speaking on the occasion, Soomro expressed satisfaction that the transaction of HEC is in its concluding stage, adding that the government is resolving pending matters related to the transactions and also facilitating potential investors.

Interest-based financial, banking systems plague national economy: Siraj ISLAMABAD: Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Sirajul Haq has said that the interest-based financial and banking systems have plagued the national economy and are main reasons behind the inflation, unemployment and miseries of people.

Talking to journalists outside

Federal Shariat Court on Wednesday, he demanded the government introduce model of Islamic economy to put the country on track.

Sirajul Haq earlier presented arguments on the hearing of JI appeal seeking elimination of riba. Informing the judges that he as finance

CMYK

minister of KP (2002-2007) had introduced a successful model of interest-free economy, the JI chief requested the court to issue order to the government to take steps to eliminate un-Islamic economy in the country achieved in the name of Islam. staff report

on hold.

The group was already weighing the effects of last week’s announcement by the United States and other countries to release emergency crude reserves to temper energy prices.

OPEC+ has been gradually winding down record supply cuts of 10 million bpd implemented last year and currently has some 3.8 million bpd of reductions still in place.

The increase in OPEC’s oil output in November has again undershot the rise planned under a deal with allies, a Reuters survey found.

Exports surge to record monthly high of $2.9bn in November Advisor to Prime Minister on Trade and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood on Wednesday said that Pakistan’s exports increased to a record high on a monthly basis, clocking in at $2.9 billion in November. Taking to Twitter to make the announcement, the advisor said that the country’s exports had registered a 33 per cent YoY increase in November compared to the $2.174 billion exports recorded during the corresponding period last year.

“Pakistan’s exports during Nov 2021 increased by 33% to a historic monthly high of $2.903 billion as compared to $2.174 billion during the corresponding period last year,” he said, adding that figures surpassed the government’s target of $2.6 billion. The commerce advisor added that during the first five months of the current financial year (5MFY22), Pakistan’s exports increased by 27 per cent to $12.365 billion, as compared to $9.747 billion. news desk

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Thursday, 2 December, 2021

06 COMMENT

Sahiwal Coal Plant and the Smog Crisis

President Alvi and conflict of interest Use of official premises to promote family business

T

HE Alvi dental and Bringing Smiles USA signed an agreement in governor House Karachi to launch a countrywide chain of dental clinics to bring “affordable dental care” to Pakistan. As the agreement was being signed by the President’s son Awab Ali and his American counterpart, a jubilant Arif Alvi and his wife stood over to watch the transaction. The table on which the signing took place prominently displayed the Pakistan government’s insignia. This appears to be a brazen misuse of the governor’s House to promote the business interests of the President’s son. dr Alvi reportedly resigned from Alvi dental after becoming the President but curiously his name continued to appear on the company’s website with no mention of his resignation.

This too raises questions about the use of the President’s office for promoting the firm. dr Alvi’s presence at the governor House ceremony is a clear indication that he was keen to help his son’s new business enterprise. ceremonies of the sort are normally held in a hotel or a private premises. Holding it at governor House was meant to create a perception that the chain of dental clinics enjoyed the government’s backing. This amounts to providing the firm a leverage against others in the business.

As public reaction on social media became explosive, President Alvi confessed that the venue for the signing ceremony was a matter of poor judgement. There is however a perception that it was a well-thought out decision aimed at providing publicity to his son’s business. This is in violation of the oath taken by President Alvi which required him to affirm that “i will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions.”

The incident is a test case for the PTi which claims to be the guardian of moral and political uprightness. Prime Minister imran Khan has led a campaign against political opponents whom he accused of using their office to promote their business concerns, directed his advisors to conduct their media trial and urged the nAB to sentence them at the earliest. one expects Mr Khan to judge his own loyalists by the same standards.

Every bit will help

Dr FariD a Malik

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HE Sahiwal coal-fired power plant is unique in many ways. it has been established on the most fertile land of the country just a few miles away from Lahore. coal is imported from South Africa and indonesia which is unloaded at the Karachi port, and then transported through rail to the site. it is burnt to produce steam which generates 1320 Megawatt (2x 660) of power while polluting the air and producing mounds of Ash that are heaped there. 1700 Acres of prime private land was acquired against the wishes of the owners by promising them incentives which have not been met. The groundwater level is receding at a fast rate (about 20 feet per year). respiratory and skin problems are rampant amongst the local population. Though i have led the movement for the development of the Thar coal, yet i have never supported burning of this resource due to environmental degradation. Several 21st century technologies are now available to be exploited that includes gasification to produce Synthetic natural gas (Sng) which is an 80 % cleaner fuel. during the second term of Benazir Bhutto an extensive plan was prepared to establish coal-fired plants at Kaiti Bunder based on imported fuel. Most coal plants are either built on the mouth of mine or on the port for ease of transportation. initially the Sharif Brothers wanted to build these plants outside Karachi which was resisted by the provincial government of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Finally, the brothers moved the idea to Lahore for which Sahiwal was chosen.

While china is moving away from coal-fired plants, it readily agreed to transfer this technology to Pakistan at very lucrative terms for them. our chinese friends are now using this natural resource to produce several useful products that include; Sng, urea, anhydrous ammonia, crude cresylic acid, phenol, diesel, naphtha, tar oil and so on. Personally i think burning of coal in the 21st century is a sin. The slogan being; “ coal with no environmental toll “.

Inflation woes More to come

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iTH inflation skyrocketing to 11.5% in november, it is unlikely that the common man, unable to cover living costs, will feel any relief anytime soon. That the consumer Price index (cPi) has jumped a whopping three percent in a month, the highest increase recorded in the past 13-odd years, is an indication of how prices have reacted to major changes in the economy. The iMF is dictating how Pakistan’s economy will function going forward, imposing stringent nonnegotiable and unavoidable conditions that are severely inflationary. Periodic increases in power tariffs and petroleum products will continue to add to the cost of production of all businesses and industries, which is in turn passed on to consumers. rupee depreciation has reached record levels, recording a historic low of 176 against the dollar last month, only to recover slightly.

With the iMF’s restriction on using foreign exchange reserves that are predominantly built up by borrowed money, the rupee will remain under pressure for the foreseeable future. Pakistan being a net importer of goods and services, this does not bode well for the current account deficit and will cause further inflation as there is a limit how much the import bill can be reduced with many essential items must be bought from other countries. A significant amount in taxes is also raised through imports of goods and services as well, revenue that the government cannot let go of. owing to these limitations, there is a need to increase exports and Fdi to reduce the gap.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has started to take measures to curb inflation with monetary policy tightening. The discount rate has been jacked up to 8.75 percent from 7 percent in the space of three months while also increasing banks’ cash reserve ratio (crr) one percentage point from 5 to 6 percent, for the first time in 13 years to soak up excess liquidity from the market.

There is a strong expectation that another 100 basis points rise in SBP’s policy rate is imminent in its next monetary policy statement (MPS). However, the effects of these monetary measures will take a few months to reflect in the cPi. By the time that happens, the underlying inflationary pressures will continue to persist and may become difficult to overcome.

India has been at it for a long time MuhaMMaD ShaFiq

A

ccording to clausewitz, ‘The nature of war remains the same, only its character changes’. The phrase hybrid warfare’ has become the buzzword among different nations because it poses a definitional dilemma. on a comprehensive analysis of the history of wars, we come to know that in each era, the war tactics were different which evolved from first generation war to fifth-generation war. First, the term ‘hybrid warfare’ was coined in 2002 by William nemeth, an American military official. Then in 2007, Frank Hoffman, the US national security analyst, and retired Marine infantryman defined this term for the first time as: “A full range of different modes of warfare including conventional capabilities, irregular tactics, terrorist acts, and criminal disorder to achieve political objectives.”

Hoffman well analyzed the israel-Hezbollah war (2006). Later, some other events like the activities of iSiL in iraq, `russian activities in Ukraine, and The US, indian subversive activities were witnessed. Pakistan is also being hit by india through hybrid warfare in different domains. The first time, the nATo Wales summit in 2014 adopted the ‘Hybrid warfare’ concept by accusing russia of using hybrid warfare tactics in Ukraine (controlling narratives, cyber-attacks, use of anonymous militias, and diplomatic support). russia called it ‘the gerasimov doctrine’ (after the russian military chief). Then in the next nATo summit 2016 held in Warsaw, decided to create some domains including Hybrid Fusion cell, Startcom, and European global strategies to counter hybrid warfare. Hybrid warfare tools may be cyber-attacks, spreading Misinformation, Economic leverages, political turmoil, insurgency, and state Media.

Likewise, a general analysis of hybrid warfare gives us four phases in which it is carried out. Firstly, the aggressor uses subversive activities to destabilize

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and gas which is unaffordable by the masses. The circular debt continues to spiral. The government is required to pay upfront while the public is not in a position to cover the cost. currently most new power projects are based on hydro and local coal which will take time to mature. Several dams are being built. Thermal power generation has to be moved away from cities mostly at the mouth of mine or the port.

Unfortunately, in the land of the pure course correction has not been easy.

Everyone has a story to narrate but no solution to move forward. it is a perfect case of the blind leading the blind. Smog and dengue come every year, for which there must be a plan of action which is missing. The coronavirus pandemic has been appropriately handled mainly due to a fresh centralized approach with minimum involvement of the royal colonial bureaucracy that only consumes but does not deliver. Like ncoc (national command operation center) a Task Force is required to handle the menace of Smog on a long-term basis Environmental experts have to be involved to look at all the possible options together with implementation which has always been the missing link in the islamic republic of Pakistan, but in the meantime let’s shut down the Sahiwal coal Power plant for immediate relief to the suffering people of Lahore and Sahiwal. currently there is excess of power generation and shortage of clean air to breathe. Let’s give a break to our respiratory system before it collapses resulting in another pandemic for which we are not prepared.

Environmental experts have to be involved to look at all the possible options together with implementation which has always been the missing link in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, but in the meantime let’s shut down the Sahiwal Coal Power plant for immediate relief to the suffering people of Lahore and Sahiwal.

The writer is ex-Chairman, Pakistan Science Foundation. He can be contacted at: fmaliks@hotmail.com.

India’s hybrid warfare: against Pakistan

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

only india remains defiant in the use of coal for power generation. in the recently concluded glasgow Environment conference, india pleaded its case for the need for affordable power. in order to move to alternate clean energies, it succeeded in getting financial support. in the present ‘ Smog crisis ‘, coal-fired power plants have been shut down around new delhi while the Sahiwal plant continues to pollute the air of Lahore. immediate action is needed, first to shut down the plant and then move it to Thar where power is being generated by the use of local fuel. Amongst the several disasters produced by the Sharif Brothers, this plant stands out, followed by the orange Train of Lahore both funded through cPEc (china Pakistan Economic corridor). considering the poor air quality of Lahore, today it was decided to shut down the schools for extended weekends (Saturday, Sunday, Monday). This is on top of the covid break that has caused major disruption in the field of academics.

The current plant at Sahiwal was shifted from china together with the chinese operators. Shifting of coal plants is not a very complicated procedure. only concrete foundations have to be poured to install the burner and the generators. Burners are designed according to the quality of input. For the existing plant to run on the Sub-bituminous coal of Thar, some minor modifications may be required. considering the current ‘ Smog ‘ situation of Lahore this may be a small price to pay. Such short term ad Hoc, kickback-driven projects of the Sharif Brothers have to be corrected for long term survival of the nation. Today the energy and the power sector of the country needs a major change of course. Pakistan produces the world’s most expensive power

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the target state. Secondly, proxy war is initiated.

Thirdly, the use of coercion like diplomatic isolation, psychological dilemmas, and threats to the military can be observed. Last but not the least, open use of conventional forces as the last option might be used.

According to Frank Hoffman (Paper: A conflict in the 21st century), in the israel-Hezbollah war (2006), Hezbollah as a non-state actor was sponsored by iran against israel troops. A thorough glance reveals that guerilla tactics, anti-tank missiles, communications with encrypted cell phones, and night goggles were used. israeli troops were also kidnapped there.

Similarly, the iSiL, which is a non-state actor, agitated against the iraq military in a form of hybrid warfare.

According to the Australian Defence Journal (2018), Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been accused of conducting hybrid warfare against Qatar during the Qatar diplomatic crisis. Furthermore, in 2019, The Tehran Times said that iran has been targeted by hybrid warfare tactics by The USA and Saudi Arabia.

Similarly, during the 2016 US election, the US intelligence community blamed russia for interfering in the election. in the same year 2016, gen. Philip Breedlove told a US Senate committee that russia was using refugees to weaken Europe and wanted to create social unrest. The Belarus refugees’ issue is in hot discussion nowadays, which reflects hybrid warfare tactics backed by russia.

According to The Diplomat, in 2018, china has been blamed for hybrid war activities in Taiwan. it was also claimed that china is using hybrid warfare tactics in The South china Sea. The USA has been accused of conducting hybrid warfare in the color revolution against russia, which was reported and well analyzed in ‘The rUSi Journal. Pakistan has been facing hybrid warfare in different domains. According to the iPri (islamabad policy research institute), india has now waged hybrid warfare against Pakistan in four domains. Firstly, campaigning against the armed forces. Secondly, social unrest, the third, propaganda on the ioK, and lastly, the cPEc. The European disinfo Lab has exposed the indian hybrid war approach towards Pakistan, as the nSA Moyed Yousef highlighted this during a press confer-

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ence on July 2021. in Sep 2020, coAS gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said, “Pakistan will win the hybrid war with the help of the nation.” Footprints of hybrid warfare by india against Pakistan can well be traced from the East Pakistan debacle in form of promotion of Mujib’s Six points, genocide and refugees’ narrative. indian PM Modi during a speech in Kerala about Pakistan said, “We will isolate you and i will work for it.”

Similarly, indian national security advisor, Ajit doval, has confessed about subversive activities and diplomatic isolation against Pakistan. indian Email links in cancellation of new Zealand cricket match and the FATF lobby expose india’s hybrid warfare strategies against Pakistan. in May 2015, The indian BJP defense minister, Manohar Parrikar, openly said, ‘india will sponsor terrorism to counter-terrorism. in July 2021, President Alvi while referring to terrorist attacks on the Karachi Stock exchange, Lahore Johar Town’s Blast, Kalbushan’s Arrest, and many other activities, clearly said, “india is using Afghan soil against Pakistan for hybrid warfare.” Similarly, so many other intelligible events like indian support for the TTP and PTM, and subversive activities sponsored by india in Balochistan and gilgit-Baltistan are comprehensive shreds of evidence to show how india has been endeavouring to destabilize Pakistan’s internal structure. on the whole, hybrid warfare is quite different from other conventional warfare. The ddr approach (detect, deter and response) can be effective to counter hybrid war threats. new intelligence sharing pacts are supposed to be devised with other nations which can result in enough to cope. Effective cooperation among institutions will be very cardinal and substantial in this case.

Along with that, a strong national integration is required to counter subversive activities. The role of leadership and the media can secure us from political turmoil and misinformation. detected Hybrid war events must be highlighted and revealed at international forums, as Sun Tzu said in The Art of War, “War is a moral contest. They are won in temples long before they ever fought.”

The writer can be Shafiqmohammad678@gmail.com

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

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Thursday, 2 December, 2021

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

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Lawmaker or lawbreakers?

Lahore by-election a game changer?

Did the PTI stay away deliberately?

MuStaFa abDullah baloch

‘W

inTEr is coming...’ A phrase from the famous television series Game of Thrones; the phrase was used throughout the series to maintain the suspense and thrill of the audience for the climax. The climax was undoubtedly captivating in reel life, but in real life nothing less is expected in the game of thrones here in Pakistan’s politics. Every passing day there is a new scandal and a new scenario changing the political landscape. one after the other there are new twists and turns in this real life political series but sadly it has become difficult for the large audience of Pakistan to afford popcorn while spectating the nonstop political entertainer, thanks to the inflation gifted by the blue-eyed old man who has successfully taken the country back to the Stone Age with no gas and no petrol.

But as someone said,”Tthe show must go on..”’ the black clouds of tabdeeli are being pushed away by winds and the sky is gradually getting clear with hope of relief for Pakistanis affected by this terrible tsunami that blew up stability, peace, prosperity and growth with the misgovernance and arrogance of that clumsy old man. “if you want to test a man’s character, give him power,” said Abraham Lincoln. This phrase fits best on the clumsy man who has ruined the order of house just to satisfy his ego. But, now his show is heading towards a wrap-up and the curtain will finally fall on the farce tabdeeli.

A new chapter is about to begin where the contest will be only between the two past competitors, the PML(n) and the PPP. This time the battleground is Lahore, a

beautiful city with a history of great political movements. All eyes are on the upcoming byelection of nA-133 in Lahore. This seat was earlier held by the PML(n) but due to the demise of its MnA Pervaiz Malik, the EcP is holding a by-election in this constituency. interestingly PTi is out of the game in this by-election after a deliberate blunder from their candidate whose proposer and seconder were apparently not from the same constituency. now, this has raised a big question mark on PTi’s abrupt exit from the scene; the ruling party is shying away and reluctant to test the waters and face the enraged voters who have been ditched by their false empty promises. now that the PTi which was the runner up in 2018 general elections, is not in the contest, the crucial competition is between the PPP and the PML(n). However, in the capital of Punjab the tug of war is moving towards a nail-biting climax. The PPP has nothing to lose while the PML(n) has everything at stake because if the latter loses this by-poll then a drastic chain reaction will follow across Punjab. Since the PTi’s ship is sinking many political big-wigs of this province are waiting for the right time to hop off.

The house of cards will fall and there might be a surprising change in the political landscape of Punjab. The controversial video that surfaced recently where PML(n) workers are allegedly buying voters has raised quite a few eyebrows. it shows that the PML(n) is not quite sure of its vote bank and is using unethical means to pull voters, which can backfire and give a dent to the PML(n).

So far PPP is looking focused and serious in this political battle, and the party has launched its former Prime Minister raja Pervez Ashraf who is himself currently an MnA from gujjar Khan, district rawalpindi. His compe-

A new chapter is about to begin where the contest will be only between the two past competitors, the PML(N) and the PPP. This time the battleground is Lahore, a beautiful city with a history of great political movements. All eyes are on the upcoming by-election of NA-133 in Lahore.

tence is that he is well connected with workers and knows the art of elections in Punjab. Secondly, Former President Asif Ali Zardari has been in Lahore for a while and is himself taking keen interest in this by-election while nawaz Sharif from London cannot do much after the obvious conflict between his daughter and brother which has somehow confused their voters and brought a crack within the ranks of their party. on the other hand, the PPP workers have revitalized their energy to give a tough fight in this byelection.

Meanwhile, chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto made a bold decision to hold the party’s foundation day public gathering in Peshawar and challenge the PTi which has been ruling KPK for the past eight years, and then simultaneously challenge the PML(n) in Lahore.

This is a masterstroke and an aggressive approach; the public always admires the brave and the challenger.

Lahore was the fortress of PPP; in 1970 general elections PPP swept Lahore polls and later in 1988 PPP gathered eight out of nine seats of national assembly from Lahore, even in 2008 general elections PPP was the second largest party in terms of votes and seats in Punjab.

Moreover, such was the strength and hold of PPP that some areas in Lahore were called ‘Mini Larkana’; infact SZAB and SMBB both won elections from Lahore. in 1986 SMBB was given a huge historic reception by the people of Lahore when she returned back from exile, which is said to be the biggest public gathering ever in Lahore. Today, PPP is reviving in the heart of Punjab and trying to gather back its staunch supporters and workers; luckily the current situation is in its favour.

Finally, in this winter season the climax of the Lahore Saga will have all the suspense, drama and a bit of surprise. one thing is for sure that the PTi has already lost the plot in Punjab and the upcoming contest would be between the PPP and the PML(n). Even if the PPP manages to bring the contest neck to neck with the PML(n), it will uplift the morale of its workers and will regain its earlier position in this province, but if PPP gains victory in Lahore byelection then a trickledown effect will follow in Punjab and this might turn out to be a gamechanger in Pakistan’s politics.

The PTI has already lost the plot in Punjab and the upcoming contest would be between the PPP and the PML(N). Even if the PPP manages to bring the contest neck to neck with the PML(N), it will uplift the morale of its workers and will regain its earlier position in this province, but if PPP gains victory in Lahore byelection than a trickle down effect will follow in Punjab and this might turn out to be a game-changer in Pakistan’s politics.

The writer is a member 6f the PPP and tweets @MustafaBaloch_

THE past is not retrievable but provides good feedback for the future if one is willing to learn from mistakes. However, our politicians tend to do exactly the opposite. They never seem to learn from their past mistakes but instead of looking forward always try to dig into the past to fix blame on others. our leaders should act upon the advice of confucius who said that leaders should fear abandoning their actions that yielded no results. on the contrary, our leaders keep doing the same while expecting different results.

They are so hardened in their ways that they don’t realize the faults in their actions. our economy has been on the decline for decades but every government that takes power blames its predecessors for ruining it. ironically, while each government puts all the blame on past governments, they never change the course and keep committing the same mistake. i wonder how do they expect different results if they keep doing what their predecessors were doing? The selfish and myopic policies of our politicians have gradually brought us to a point where life for the middle and lower class has become impossible. High inflation, low employment, and non-existent health, education, and security by the government have made life impossible for the common man. instead of realizing the gravity of the situation, our politicians have gone so far long in their animosity for each other that they have turned the sacred house into a battleground where physical violence and worst severing is being witnessed by the nation. one feels ashamed to see this behaviour of our politicians from all parties. if our political leadership does not realize the gravity of the situation and work together to bring the country on the path of economic strength, we will keep seeing the blame game while the country disappears into oblivion.

RAJA SHAFAATULLAH ISLAmAbAd

Transgenders protection centers A few months ago, the first transgender protection centre was inaugurated in islamabad. Thereafter, it was announced that similar protection centres would be established countrywide along with schools for the transgender community. Although these efforts are laudable, there is a chance that such efforts can further isolate the transgender community. in our society, people view transgender individuals in a negative light and regularly subject them to degradation and humiliation.

Therefore, separate schools for trans individuals will further isolate them from the wider society paving the way for gender discrimination. instead of creating separate spaces for the trans community, the individuals should be welcomed in the mainstream educational institutes, workplaces, etc. To change this discriminatory perspective, we need to start from our homes. We should teach our children to treat them with respect and good behaviour.

The government should instruct the teachers to inform the students about the basic rights of transgenders according to islamic teachings and our constitution. This will bring some change to people’s mindsets. in addition, the gender section in employment forms and other paperwork should include the option of transgender as well. The government should reserve a quota for jobs for trans individuals in different employment positions and departments. So, that they can become independent and support their families. Most of the time, parents abandon transgender children because of the shame and stigma prevalent in our society.

Therefore, there is a pressing need to implement steps to de-stigmatise the transgender community and welcome them into society.

GULSHAn mUSTAFA KARAcHI

Decline of reading culture in the current era, with the rise of technological innovations and gadgets, the interest in buying books has come to an alarmingly low level. in the past, curiosity about buying books was very strong everywhere but this desire to read stuff in hard copy has borne a titanic hit. it has disappeared in the nick of time as soon as android mobiles and all-in-one tools have appeared. The current trends of mobile abuses have robbed people of many valuable things like unions of family, important traditional social gatherings wherein flow of wisdom lies, attention and care about parents and obedience and so on.

From top to bottom, every single person is absorbed and trapped in the net of excessive mobile use. This sorry state of affairs saddened me to the core when i went to buy books from a shopkeeper in my city. i asked him, “Why don’t you bring in new books for sale ?” He replied,” People do not have time to read hard books, since it is the culprit mobile which is keeping them away from buying books from us.”

Apart from other serious effects of android mobile phones, even it has dealt a death blow to businesses of those whose livelihood is dependent upon them. The shopkeeper feared that he might put an end to the business of selling books due to the minimum sale of books. Sadly, our society has become so dependent upon technology that it has lost the value of real gems that pave the way for great wisdom in every age of man.

Excessive use of mobile phones has shrunk modern minds. The obsession with frequent checking of updates causes effects on minds. rude behaviour, lack of attention to household chores and aggressive attitude among them are common. on the other hand, book reading is such a pleasure which encourages cognitive development and prevents distractions, like mobiles do, from occuring. nowadays, mobile has taken the place of very important things in life.

A few years back, people used to take a deep interest in writing books and developing the creative approach to hard material, but at the present moment, people have everything at hand and they are not required to work hard and use their energy and make optimum of their mental and physical strength. in consequence, headaches, lethargy and health problems are commonplace things.

Hence, everything is plain. it is strongly advised to the young generation that they ought to direct their efforts towards useful things and make the most out of books in hard copy. By doing so, they will be in a position to avoid distractions, save book reading culture and value relationships. in this context, Albert had rightly said, “i fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.”

AbdUL QAdEER SEELRO LARKAnA

08 WORLD VIEW 2nd December 21_Layout 1 12/1/2021 10:03 PM Page 1

Thursday, 2 December, 2021

08 WORLD VIEW

The inflATion conundrum THE TROUBLE IS THAT NO ECONOMISTS FULLY UNDERSTAND WHAT IS HAPPENING

pROJECT sYnDiCATE

u

kaUSHik BaSU

NTiL a few months ago, talk of inflation was little more than a murmur: dry data from the statistical office, reports tucked away in the newspaper and an occasional commentary.

Now the discussion is urgent and anxious, as news of rising price levels comes in from economies around the world, including argentina, Brazil, Turkey, india and, most important, the United states.

The surge in inflation in the U.s., the world’s largest economy, is causing the greatest concern because its spillover effects are invariably far-reaching. The trouble is that — in a debate bookended by Paul Krugman and Olivier Blanchard — no one fully understands what is happening. Krugman thinks the current inflationary pressure is a short-term episode triggered by supply-chain disruptions, while Blanchard sees it as the

result of the large spending under President Joe Biden’s american rescue Plan and as a prelude to a longer battle.

Unlike Krugman, i believe that rising U.s. inflation, currently at a 30-year high of 6.2%, is caused by this big spending package. But i also believe, contrary to Blanchard, that Biden’s policy intervention was right, and that higher inflation is a price worth paying for the benefits the rescue plan has brought, particularly to the most vulnerable americans.

This relief is reflected in the latest U.s. data. During three months preceding september, the U.s. saw higher wage increases than any time in the last 20 years. Workers have gained a stronger bargaining position and have even stayed away from the labor market when their wage demands have been unmet.

To be sure, U.s. policymakers will have to navigate some difficult terrain ahead, because the cOViD-19 crisis has left many open wounds. a recent University of michigan survey found that one-quarter of americans expect their financial situation to worsen in the near term, a level of pessimism not seen since the Great recession of 2008-09. all this is cause for global worry, because a U.s. slowdown with elevated inflation will have adverse effects worldwide.

The U.s. Federal reserve will likely have to raise interest rates more substantially than it is currently indicating (which no doubt reflects a desire to discourage speculative dollar appreciation). But the U.s. has expertise enough to pull out of this inflationary period, and its monetary and fiscal policies are broadly on the right track.

Other important economies, such as Turkey and Brazil, face a direr situation.

Turkey currently has an alarming annual inflation rate of 19.9%. making matters worse, President recep Tayyip erdogan has strong (and wrong) views about how to control inflation. He believes the right response is to reduce interest rates. This can very occasionally be the right policy, such as when there is a lot of carry trade. But it is not the correct response now. it is thus not surprising that the Turkish lira has been losing value sharply, prompting some to warn of a currency meltdown.

Brazil has recently joined the list of countries with double-digit price growth, with annual retail inflation of 10.7% causing huge hardship for the poor. moreover, inept policymaking by President Jair Bolsonaro’s government — the economist recently criticized its “fiscal incontinence” — has stoked fears that the economy is on the verge of a

A biased press – an existential threat to national interests

technical recession.

Unlike in many previous global inflationary episodes, what is remarkable this time is how different the cross-country experiences have been. The reason is probably that, while the current inflationary trends have a common cause, namely, the rebound from the pandemic-induced slowdown, countries’ diverse responses to this novel crisis have led to varied economic performance. india, for example, faces an especially tricky inflation problem. retail inflation is elevated but not at the level seen in many other economies. it rose to 4.5% in October, up slightly from 4.4% in september, and has been hovering around this range for several months. But wholesale price inflation, which increased sharply to 12.5% year on year in October, from 10.7% in the previous month, is getting out of hand and has reached its highest levels since the late 1990s.

This poses an unusual policy challenge.

The wide divergence between wholesale and retail inflation is evidently squeezing small manufacturers, the self-employed and workers. Those who buy from the wholesale market and sell on the retail market are seeing their profits tumble. They are cutting back on production and this, in turn, is adversely affecting workers.

TippinsighTs

T

He mainstream media such as cNN, msNBc, aBc, NBc, and others in the United states have chosen their sides. The sides they have chosen are indiscriminately left-leaning. These outlets will stop essentially at nothing in their zeal to be the acting voice pieces of the Democratic Party.

Via the spreading of misinformation coming directly from the Democratic Party, mainstream media outlets are protecting the elite and powerful. The very same elite and powerful, whom many journalists swore to bring truth to upon graduating from elite universities.

The reporting on the steele Dossier is a classic example and clear evidence of the ‘popular’ media’s political leanings and dealings. since 2017, the circulation of the steele Dossier has gone unquestioned. it has come to light that the political “opposition-research” article was commissioned by Hillary clinton and the Democratic election committee to smear Donald Trump and the republican Party’s 2016 election campaign. it alleged misconduct, conspiracy, and cooperation between the then-presidential candidate Trump and the russian government. in an article released from Buzzfeed news in January of 2017, the steele Dossier was said to have provided “undeniable proof” that former President Donald Trump’s election campaign had worked with or received aid via russia. Though the ‘proof’ was not confirmed or verified, it was taken as gospel since it came from a retired British spy, christopher steele. after the release of the Buzzfeed article, the legacy/left-leaning media went to town. The as yet unverified Dossier became a core component of their dissatisfaction with the 2016 presidential election results and Trump’s presidency. although the fraudulent nature of the Dossier is increasingly being regarded as one of the most significant journalistic travesties in United states history, many on the left refuse to acknowledge its falsity openly and to own up for their mistakes.

On November 12th, the Washington Post quietly removed two sections of articles covering the steele Dossier, one from 2017 and another from 2019 focus on a sergei millian, Belarusian-american businessman. But, erasing what has been published, what has already caused harm or contributed to division, without an explanation, is hardly responsible behavior. millian, at the time of the articles, had been considered the source of the steele Dossier. However,

further investigation by the Washington Post and in a federal indictment filed in November 2021 show there is no connection between millian and the Dossier, nor has there ever been.

But with the source of the steele Dossier unverified, how did the narrative about the russian collusion conspiracy become so widespread, even prompting the FBi to investigate Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign? Herd journalism, and poor journalism at that. if one media outlet such as cNN or the New York Times covers the steele Dossier, credibility is established and without question or independent verification, the other legacy outlets follow suit. a pattern that is very similar to those found in the national polling by these outlets.

While much is touted about the freedom of the media and the press, where is the debate and discussion on media responsibility and accountability?

What legacy media outlets do not understand is that the american population is growing more and more distrustful of these sources for news and information: both left-leaning and right-leaning.

The TiPP Poll has been tracking the trust in media with our “Trust in media index,” and results show that confidence in media outlets across all political ideologies is becoming bleaker.

To enable easy comparison over time, we have converted percentages to a compact index. The i&i/TiPP media indexes echo americans’ lack of confidence in the media. The indexes range from 0 to 100. above 50 is the trust territory, and below 50 is lack of trust. 50 is neutral. The i&i/TiPP Traditional media Trust index fell 4.2 points, or 9.8%, from 43.0 in October to 38.8 in November. meanwhile, the alternate media Trust index also fell 0.9 points, or 2.5%, from 36.7 in October to 35.8 in November.

The Traditional media index has dropped 12.2 points, or 24%, in the eight months since march 2021. Over the same period, the alternate media index fell by 9 points or 20%.

The distrust in legacy media groups is causing great mental anguish in the United states and fueling the division we currently see by pushing readers and viewers into narrower and narrower ways of seeing what is going on in the country.

The propaganda of corporate media outlets needs to be reeled in if they aim to maintain their “prestige.”

Otherwise, the american people will continue to flock to smaller independent media outlets, unbloated by their size, financial-gain-at-all-costs mentality, and political pandering.

Kaushik Basu, a former chief economist of the World Bank and chief economic adviser to the government of India, is professor of economics at Cornell University and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Building a Pax Pacifica

RCD

editorial Board

if the government allows this divergence to persist on the grounds that consumers are not being badly hit, growth will likely decline as small businesses, already under strain, reduce output and cut employment — and possibly shut down. On the other hand, if the government tries to narrow the gap by letting retail inflation rise, consumers will be hit hard.

Given that india was among the world’s worstaffected economies during the pandemic and is only now beginning to recover, this would be a huge setback for many citizens.

The only reasonable way out is for policymakers to tackle wholesale price inflation directly. This will require a combination of fiscal and monetary measures, like reducing the high tax on fuel that helps to fund government expenditures and slashing all nonessential spending (while supporting those hit hardest by the pandemic). it may also be time for the reserve Bank of india to consider hiking interest rates. inflation management is no easy task.

We do not fully understand the links between the world of money and liquidity, on one hand, and that of goods and services on the other. Policymakers must therefore rely on a combination of science — based on the regularities observed in the vast amounts of data available to central banks and treasuries — and judgment. But there is one thing we do know: politics must be kept out of it.

A

Henry SokolSki

merica’s offer to supply British and U.s. nuclear submarine technology to australia (aUKUs) became a political fact almost instantly. President Biden and prime ministers Boris Johnson and scott morrison announced it. Yet, whatever its outcome, if it’s just limited to building subs, it’s unlikely to deter Beijing. To accomplish that and create a real Pax Pacifica, Washington will have to up its ante and forge additional strategic technology collaborations between Japan, south Korea, and europe.

What will happen if Washington doesn’t? seoul and Tokyo could go their own way. Having been rebuffed after asking Washington to help it build nuclear submarines in 2020, south Koreans now wonder why Washington just said yes to australia. assuming seoul proceeds with its plans, though, it would squander billions on nuclear submarines unlikely to perform well in the closed and shallow seas that surround Korea. Worse, it would give seoul a pretext to enrich uranium for its subs with plants that could also produce weapons-grade material for bombs. Japan would hardly stand for this. count on it, and possibly others, developing additional nuclear weapons options, straining rather than strengthening america’s security ties in the region.

This, however, is hardly inevitable. Washington, Tokyo, seoul, canberra, and europe could create a Pax Pacifica by tightening the nuclear rules and collaborating on new, cutting-edge technological projects. The aim would be to get china to realize that any regional hot war it might threaten in the short run would only further catalyze a larger cool competition against it that it would likely lose.

How might the United states and its allies pull this off? One way, recently suggested by former Japanese prime minister shinzo abe, would be to amplify the australian, U.K., U.s. deal’s nonnuclear features — its space cooperation, unmanned underwater warfare systems development, and advanced computing and missile collaboration — and open them up to the participation of Japan, south Korea, and others as appropriate.

Washington also could forge new collaborations. One might be an roK-French-U.s. (rOKFUs) initiative to build an enhanced space surveillance system that, among other things, could aim to eliminate the blind spots the moon’s brightness creates near it for our ground-based telescopes. France, the hips of the european space agency and NaTO’s space command, should be interested. so should seoul, which otherwise is poised to waste billions on unnecessary space launch systems and redundant navigational satellite constellations. meanwhile, the project’s surveillance system could keep track of chinese military and civil satellites, including those near the moon, threatening critical U.s. and allied satel-

lites in geostationary orbits. another useful project would be to have Germany, as the european Union’s lead, work with Japan and the United states on advanced computer and communications systems that could help could crack codes, secure communications, and open up closed internet systems.

This deal (DeJPUs?) could exploit Japan’s, europe’s and america’s considerable accomplishments in these fields, Japan’s and Germany’s current cooperation on advanced computing, and help assure U.s. and european (eU) markets for the systems the undertaking might generate. This, after china’s rush to tap the european 5-G market, would be no mean accomplishment. it also could help penetrate Beijing’s Great Firewall, which tracks and censors open communications in and outside china.

These additional initiatives could include additional participants. Their aim would be to reduce Japan’s and south Korea’s incentives to go their own way (or nuclear); encourage europe’s democracies to engage more deeply with those of the Pacific; and create peaceful counters to chinese economic, military, and diplomatic forms of intimidation. sound too good ever to be true? it may be. certainly, there’s one question chinese and russian critics of aUKUs raise that could make all this stillborn: isn’t sharing nuclear submarine technology with australia directly at odds with reining in nuclear risks? For many, the answer is yes. it ought to be just the opposite.

Former australian foreign minister Gareth evans has publicly supported aUKUs so long as australia keeps clear of enriching its own uranium. scott morison’s australia’s Liberal Party, which enjoys a mere one-seat majority in australia’s House, seems to be listening: Prime minister morison recently stated that canberra does not intend to develop a civilian nuclear program. even if it did, australia has no need to enrich uranium or reprocess spent reactor fuels. as such, australia could follow the Uae and Taiwan’s example by forswearing these activities in its nuclear cooperative agreement with the United states.

This could be done by amending the existing U.s.australia nuclear cooperative agreement or 123, which currently prohibits the transfer of any controlled U.s. nuclear technology for any military purpose. agreeing legally to forgo enriching and reprocessing also has the advantage of short-circuiting nuclear proliferation critics at the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty review conference this coming January. Finally, it would help further restrain south Korea, which would like to enrich uranium and reprocess U.s.-origin spent fuel but is prohibited from doing so by its current nuclear cooperative agreement with Washington. as for concerns regarding highly enriched uranium, which would fuel the subs but could also help make nuclear weapons, both the U.s. Los angeles and the British astuteclass submarines use this fuel. Their reactor cores, however, do not require refueling for 33 years or more and cannot be serviced without cutting open the hulls. australia, the United states, and the U.K. should exploit this by announcing that either the United states or the U.K. will retain title to the fuel, so australia will have no need to touch it. combine that with a legally binding pledge not to enrich or reprocess and additional american-european strategic technological collaboration with Japan and south Korea, and Washington could set the stage not only for less nuclear proliferation but a Pax Pacifica with real staying power.

Henry Sokolski is the executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center in Arlington, Virginia, and author of Underestimated: Our Not So Peaceful Nuclear Future. He served as deputy for nonproliferation policy in the office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense during the George H.W. Bush administration.

Thursday, 2 December, 2021 | LAHORE

NEWS

COMSATS ArTS GAllEry HOlDS ExHibiTiOn On AzErbAiJAn

corporate corner

iSlAmAbAd

Islamabad: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM chairs the session at high-level national learning event, “Pakistan’s COVID Response: Lessons for Improving Governance” cohosted by Oxford Policy Management, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Sub-National Governance. pr

Second Pre-bid Meeting of Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC) Held Federal Minister for Privatisation Mohammedmian Soomro chaired a second pre-bid meeting of Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC) in Islamabad today. Federal Secretary Hassan Nasir Jamy, representatives of HEC, Ministry of Industries & Production, Financial Advisors, bidders, legal advisors attended the meeting. The first meeting was held in August 202 and the queries raised by the potential bidders regarding bidders’ qualification, bidding process and payment structure etc. were addressed. Federal Minister Mohammedmian Soomro said that the transaction of HEC is in its concluding stage and we are resolving the pending matters related to the transaction completion along with facilitating the potential investors. The HEC transaction/bidding is likely to be completed very shortly. A detailed presentation was made to the four pre-qualified bidders, and the queries from them were addressed, the earnest money for this transaction was approved and accepted by the bidders is PKR 50mn. It was also told that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (KPEZDMC) will facilitate the lease transfer to the new buyer and a letter of comfort has also been issued to the company regarding outstanding liabilities. The financial advisors also gave a detailed briefing about the final bidding process. It was also intimated that upon the request of bidders revised ITB, SPA documents have been shared. p r

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photography exhibition “Azerbaijan- History and Victory” was inaugurated at COMSATS’ Art Gallery, COMSATS University Islamabad on Friday. The exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Azerbaijan and Pakistan Azerbaijan Alumni Association. Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Khazar Farhadov, inaugurated this exhibition which showcased 17 photographs covering the ‘2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War” between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Guest of the event Ambassador Khazar Faradov expressed his pleasure and said that the exhibition was extremely important to bring awareness on the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. He expressed his gratitude to the people of Pakistan for constant support during the conflict as a brotherly nation. He

acknowledged that Pakistan was the first country to recognize Azerbaijan and has stood beside Azerbaijan ever since its inception.

Prof. Shams-ul-Qamar, Incharge Academics, COMSATS University Is-

lamabad, expressed his gratification to the Ambassador of Azerbaijan for choosing COMSATS University Islamabad for this exhibition. He said such events promote bilateral diplomatic relations and understanding be-

Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah congratulats passing out officials of Anti-Narcotics Force on start of their professional career

Jazz concludes its Data Science Training program Islamabad: Jazz, Pakistan’s number one 4G operator and the largest internet and broadband services provider, has successfully concluded its Data Science Central (DSC) training program. After six months of training, four trainees have been offered permanent positions within the company’s Data Science team and the Analytics & Insights team. The training program on-boarded twelve candidates in total, putting them through a rigorous mix of theoretical and practical training modules essential in the technological field, for the first three months. The trainees attended a set of courses conducted by foreign trainers from world-reputed universities, equipping them for practical projects in the second stage of the program.

The next three months focused on critical thinking, problem resolution, and practical business skills using Jazz’s live data. A massive influx of data is being generated at Jazz at all times, and it has led to rising demand for data scientists. Currently, the country faces a dearth of experts; and the Jazz DSC program has attempted to bridge this gap by training a new generation of data scientists with industry experts and using practical business cases. “As more organizations are learning to put their data to work, the demand for data scientists is becoming much higher than the supply.

In line with Jazz’s ambitions of becoming a pioneering digital company, we designed and executed our Data Science academy, to train and select the top talent to satisfy the growing dependency on analytics,” added Kazim Mujtaba, Chief Data and Strategy Officer, Jazz. The reliance on data and analytics is transforming businesses around the world, and Jazz is making strategic investments in processes, platforms, and people to gear itself for this next step of evolution. p r

NOWSHERA pr

Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah attended the Passing out parade of Anti-Narcotics Force as Chief Guest. While addressing the ceremony he congratulated all the officers and individuals who successfully completed their training. "I wish that you live up to the expectations of your parents and loved ones" said the Minister. He said that he was extremely proud to see such well organized and professionally conducted parade.

The Federal Minister said that the profession that you have chosen is very challenging but it plays a significant role in saving the future generations of Pakistan. He further said that it's time of fifth generation warfare and our younger generation has to be very cautious in its conduct. "Saving our future generations from the menace of drugs is our target" said Ijaz Shah. He further said that it is not only Anti-Narcotics Force's responsibility to fight and eradicate drugs but it's a collective responsibility of each and every individual of this country. He also reinforced

the fact that teachers and parents have key role to play in creating awareness amongst young minds. Addressing the pass out officials he said that I sincerely hope that you live upto the oath that you have taken and firm in your commitment to the job you have chosen.

Talking about national and global landscape, he said that I will take this opportunity to request all of you to get vaccinated and take precautions so that we can stay safe from new variant of COVID-19. "Pakistan's role against pandemic has been globally recognized" he added. We are hopeful that this variant will not enter Pakistan but regardless, getting vaccinated and taking precautions can save you, he added. He also said that the Prime Minister Imran Khan's Green Pakistan dream will become a reality. He said that our efforts to reduce climatic challenges have been internationally recognized.

Towards the end, the Federal Minister congratulated the pass outs again and thanked DG ANF Major General Ghulam Shabbir Narejo, Commandant ANF Academy and Commandant Armoured Corps Centre, Nowshera. He wished all the candidates all the best for their professional life.

SNGPL’s Petition regarding Review of Estimated Revenue Requirement for FY 2021-22 In response to the petition filed by SNGPL in respect of review of its estimated revenue requirement for FY 2021-22, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) conducted a public hearing on December 1, 2021 in a local hotel. SNGPL has filed petition for increase in the Prescribed Price by Rs 269 per MMBTU for the year 2021-22 and if prior years shortfall, already determined, is included, the requirement increases to Rs 907 per MMBTU. In the public hearing MD SNGPL, Mr. Ali J Hamdani, while delivering opening remarks appreciated the OGRA for

09

giving the Company an opportunity to present their case. He requested OGRA that their petition be considered positively allowing just and equitable requirements especially in areas where investments have already been made.MD SNGPL was assisted by his team who gave a detailed presentation on different aspects of the petition. It is pertinent to mention that out of total increase of 150% requested by the Company in the prescribed price, 111% increase is on account of the shortfall already determined by OGRA for prior years while the remaining increase of

39%,mainly represents cost of gas which consists of 80% of the total costs. Increase in cost of gas is primarily associated with the increasing trend in crude oil prices and Rupee to dollar parity.

The increase in prescribed price requested and consequently allowed by OGRA does not mean the direct increase in consumer price rather Federal Government determines the Consumer Sales prices keeping in view the socio-economic conditions of the Country.

The public hearing ended with concluding remarks by the honorable Chairman OGRA. pr

tween the people at the grassroot level ultimately bringing countries closer.

He also conveyed to the Ambassador the message of the COMSATS University Rector, Prof. Dr. Muhammad T. Afzal to further academic and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. Dr. Afzal said that the exchanges and cooperation between the two brotherly nations in times of peace should exceed those in the time of war.

Speaking at the occasion, Farrah Mahmood, Incharge COMSATS Art Gallery recalled her visit to Baku and admired the Arts and Crafts of Azerbaijan; especially the rugs, wood craft and pottery. She admired the hospitality of the people of Azerbaijan and the beauty of its landscape.

A documentary on war between Armenia and Azerbaijan was also played during the event which showed the actual footages of the war scenes as well as nation celebrating its victory after war. COMSATS Art Gallery will continue the photo exhibition will till Friday 3rd December, 2021.

PPAF launches research study to assess socioeconomic vulnerabilities & their impacts on the poor ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) under its National Poverty Graduation Programme (NPGP) held a research launch and learning event to assess the impacts of recent economic shifts on the poor. This study measures the economic consequences of COVID-19 pandemic, locusts attacks and floods on the vulnerable households in Pakistan.

The event was followed by panel discussions by industry experts to lead a dialogue on actionable policies and programmes in Pakistan. The research report titled, ‘Assessing Impacts of Macroeconomic Shifts on Microeconomy of Pakistan's Poor & Ultra-Poor Households’ aims to advance the relevant knowledge base for the government and the development sector. The study shows a significant impact of COVID-19 on the economic conditions of the rural poor. In a survey of 423 households across all provinces, the study showed a 10% decline in overall household expenses during the lockdowns, with per capital expense on food dropping by 7%.

The most significant trend noted was the 71% decline of household expenditure on education, followed by 17% decline on health expenditure. Ms Samia Liaquat Ali Khan, Senior Group Head – Graduation Group and Programme Director, National Poverty Graduation Programme at PPAF, provided an overview of the programme in her welcome address. She said, “Under the NPGP programme which is part of Ehsaas Amdan, we have so far transferred 74,000 productive asset across 21 poorest districts in Pakistan. I believe that our long-term consistant efforts can lead to the kind of transformation in the lives of the poor that we aspire to see. This data presented today will feed into our programming and will help the communities in developing localised business plans for setting up sustainable livelihoods.” The first panel discussion focused on ‘Creating New Livelihoods: Post-COVID Impacts on Youth’ underscoring the urgency of placing youth at the front and centre of Pakistan’s policy and development discourse. The discussion was chaired by Ms Samia Liaqat, Group HeadGraduation at PPAF, and featured panellists from the industry including, Ms Fatima Mazhar Chief Operating Officer COLABS, Dr Rashid Bajwa Chief Executive Officer, NRSP, Ms Shua Khalid Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Atomcamp and Ms Nazil Danish Creative Strategist, Eikon7.

The 2nd panel titled “Adapting for Change - Challenges for Women in a Fast-Changing Economic Environment’ stressed on inclusion of women, especially the rural women, in the current economic lanscape to achieve prosperity. pr

Thursday, 2 December, 2021 | LAHORE

10 FOREIGN NEWS

TAlibAn Seek urGenT unfreezinG Of AfGhAn reServeS A AgeNcies

delegation of US officials led by Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West called on a Taliban delegation led by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday.

A statement issued by spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, said that Afghan FM Muttaqi exchanged views about political, economic, health, education, security and humanitarian issues, including discussions about necessary facilities in banking and liquidity availability.

Taking to Twitter, Balkhi said that the Afghan side assured the US officials about security and sought immediate unconditional unfreezing of Afghan reserves, ending of sanctions and blacklists, and disconnecting humanitarian issues from political considerations. Technical groups from both sides also held separate meetings for even better progress, said Balkhi. Overall, the sessions were positive and both sides agreed to continue such meetings moving forward.

“The overall talks remained successful and the parties agreed to continue holding such meetings,” Balkhi added.

Meanwhile, another statement issued by the US State Department spokesperson said

that the two delegations discussed the international community’s ongoing and urgent response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

“The United States remains committed to ensuring that US sanctions do not limit the ability of Afghan civilians to receive humanitarian support from the US government and international community while denying assets to sanctioned entities and individuals,” the statement read. It further stated that the US treasury department has issued general licenses to support the continued flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and other activities that support basic human needs.

Afghan babies succumb to hunger as winter descends AFP

Saudi Arabia reports first Omicron case in Gulf AFP Saudi Arabia has recorded the Gulf’s first confirmed case of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in a citizen returning from North Africa, a health ministry official said on Wednesday. The strain, which was first announced by South Africa but has since been discovered to have been present earlier in Europe, has prompted governments around the globe to reimpose travel restrictions, despite warnings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) this could do more harm than good. “One case of the Omicron variant has been detected in the kingdom — it was a citizen coming from a North African country,” the ministry official told the state SPA news agency. “He has been put in isolation, as have his contacts, and the necessary health measures have been taken.” Saudi Arabia last week halted flights from seven southern African countries, mirroring similar moves by other government, but travel links with North Africa have remained unaffected. The kingdom had been lifting some of the remaining restrictions it imposed early in the pandemic, allowing worshippers at the Muslim holy places to resume praying shoulder to shoulder from October. Since the pandemic started, Saudi Arabia has recorded 549,000 cases of Covid-19, 8,836 of them fatal.

More than 47 million doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the kingdom, which has a population of nearly 35 million.

When six-week-old Zubair arrives at a clinic for malnourished children in Afghanistan, doctors initially give him only a few hours to live. And as he battles under a survival blanket, his mother looks on — her feelings swinging desperately between fear and hope.

The Doctors Without Borders (MSF)run facility in Herat, western Afghanistan’s biggest city, seeks to help the community cope with a public health system on its last legs, hobbled by the withdrawal of donor aid. Since the Taliban overran Kabul in August, the facility has increased its capacity from 45 to 75 beds, and receives around 60 new patients each week.

Zubair’s mother Shabaneh Karimi travelled 150 kilometres (90 miles) to seek help for him, staying initially at an adjoining public hospital before being referred to

the MSF clinic.

The little boy was quickly examined and put in intensive care, along with a dozen other infants. His head almost entirely enveloped in an oxygen mask, he survived the night — and even recovered enough strength to cry.

“Zubair is still alive, but it’s still complicated for him,” said Gaia Giletta, the MSF clinic’s chief nurse. Severely weakened by malnutrition, he is now battling a lung infection, she explained.

The UN’s children’s agency Unicef estimates that some 3.2 million Afghan children under the age of five will suffer from malnutrition this winter.

A million of them could die in the absence of intervention, it calculates.

“Mothers come from very far. Sometimes they do 200 kilometres,” Giletta said.

“Public hospitals don’t have supplies,” she added. “Doctors and nurses are not

paid.” In the next room, Halima watched over her nine-month-old twins — both showing characteristic swollen heads that signify they are suffering from malnutrition-caused oedema, an excessive accumulation of fluid that is potentially fatal.

“I got worried when I saw their faces becoming bigger and bigger,” Halima said.

“I tried to breastfeed them, but I didn’t have enough milk,” she said.

She then quickly ran out of money to buy powdered milk, and her husband, a drug addict, failed to help.

The twins are now battling measles, requiring them to be kept in isolation. After two months at the clinic, another baby, five-month-old Ali Omar, is doing a little better. But he still only weighs 3.1 kilograms — the weight of a healthy newborn.

And, as his release approaches, his mother Sonita is worried.

“Will he make it through the winter

if there is no milk and the house is not heated?” Before mothers leave the clinic, MSF hands them sachets containing peanut butter and vitamins, serving as a complete meal for one child of six months or older.

“The problem is, sometimes the mothers … share one portion between their children,” chief nurse Giletta said.

Even getting babies on the right track is no guarantee they will stay there.

“We have a lot of readmissions,” said Christophe Garnier, MSF’s project coordinator in Herat.

After 40 years of war, malnutrition is a perennial problem in Afghanistan, exacerbated in recent years by severe droughts, he noted.

And since the summer, when the Taliban swept back into power, long-standing sanctions against the group have deprived the new state of huge sums.

UN says Afghanistan faces ‘unprecedented’ economic shock AFP Afghanistan’s GDP could contract 20 per cent within a year, the UN predicted in a new report on Wednesday, saying that the withdrawal of international aid after the Taliban’s return to power is an “unprecedented fiscal shock.”

For decades now Afghanistan’s economy has been undermined by war and drought.

But it was propped up by billions in international aid — much of which was frozen when US-led international forces withdrew and the Taliban returned to power in August.

“The sudden dramatic withdrawal of international aid is an unprecedented fiscal shock,” United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Asia Director Kanni

COURT NOTICE

COURT NOTICE

In the Court of Saim Raza Shah, Civil / Family Judge Class-l, Phalia. Suit No. Date of Institution. 26-10-2021 Nature of Suit: for Disulation of Marriage & Calim Dowry Return Alternative Mony. Titled as "Sana Versus Amir Shehzad " To, Amir Shehzad S/O Ghulam Ali Coast Bhatti R/o Dade Post Office Siry Tehsil Phalia, District Mandi Bahauddin. Whereas, defendant are informed that they are avoiding their service willfully through summons/notices as well as registred post A/D and concealing themselves. Thererfor, service of defendant is not possible through ordinary means. Hence, defendant are hereby informed through proclamation in newspaper that they appeared in person or through their learned counsel before Court on 08-122021, otherwise they will be proceeded against ex-parte and no objection shall be accepted. Announced by the Orders of this Hon'ble Court.

In the Court of Saim Raza Shah, Civil / Family Judge Class-l, Phalia. Suit No. 747 Date of Institution. 12-10-2021 Nature of Suit: for Disulation of Marriage & Calim Dowry Return Alternative Mony . Titled as "Sajida Bibi Versus Farhat Ullah Baig "To, Farhat Ullah Baig S/O Qadr Dad Coast Mughal R/o Head Rasool Tehsil & , District Mandi Bahauddin. Whereas, defendant are informed that they are avoiding their service willfully through summons/notices as well as registred post A/D and concealing themselves. Thererfor, service of defendant is not possible through ordinary means. Hence, defendant are hereby informed through proclamation in newspaper that they appeared in person or through their learned counsel before Court on 08-122021, otherwise they will be proceeded against ex-parte and no objection shall be accepted. Announced by the Orders of this Hon'ble Court.

Wignaraja told AFP on Wednesday, as the agency released its Afghanistan SocioEconomic Outlook 2021-2022.

The report predicts an economic contraction of around 20 per cent of GDP “within a year, a decline that could reach 30 per cent in following years.”

“It took more than five years of war for the Syrian economy to experience a comparable contraction. This has happened in five months in Afghanistan,” Wignaraja said. Another UN source said that, “in terms of population needs and weakness of institutions, it is a situation never seen before. Even… Yemen, Syria, Venezuela don’t come close.”

Previously, international aid represented 40 per cent of Afghanistan’s GDP and financed 80 per cent of its budget.

But even reinstating aid now, while

crucial, would be a “palliative” move, Wignaraja said, adding that what Afghans need are “jobs, being able to learn, be able to earn and to be able to live with dignity and safety.”

The report also warned that depriving women of paid work in Afghanistan could fuel a GDP drop of up to five per cent, representing a loss of wealth of $600 million to $1 billion.

The Taliban have allowed only a portion of female civil servants — those working in education and health — to return to work, and have been vague on what the rules will be in the future.

In the past, they banned women from working.

“Women constitute 20 per cent of formal employment, and their jobs are vital to mitigate the economic catastrophe in

Afghanistan,” Wignaraja told AFP. The damage “will be determined by the extent of enforcement or the delay”, the report notes.

In addition, there is a loss in consumption — women who no longer work no longer have a salary and can no longer buy as much as before to feed or equip their homes – which could reach $500 million per year, according to the UNDP. Afghanistan “cannot afford to forfeit this”, Wignaraja said.

Young Afghan women must also be able to continue post-secondary education, Wignaraja said. That means any education that “will help them … to contribute as they can and wish as doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, civil servants or to run their businesses and build back the country.”

Xinjiang development: rural vocational training and employment thrive News Desk In recent years, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has been supporting diversified career development and vocational training programs in rural communities in such areas as food preparation and child care.

In a news conference on Xinjiang development on Monday, Alimire Ahmat, a teacher at a vocational school in western Xinjiang’s Aksu city, told journalists she chose to go back to Aksu to pass on what she learned in Shanghai and Qingdao as a pastry cook.

“This is my sixth year teaching at Aksu Engineer and Technician School. I teach different pastry classes here. During these six years, I have seen my students make achievements in different cities. I am

so proud,” she said.

She added that, on average, her students can earn 5,000 yuan ($785) monthly. “For example, students who know how to make naans can get a monthly pay of 7,000 yuan in China’s eastern cities,” she said.

Guliziba Eskel, a student who studies barbering and beauty at the school, said she can earn 3,200 yuan every month now as a beauty salon intern after receiving state financial aid. She said she had been about to drop out due to the lack of stable support, but after winning several vocational skill competitions and gaining the intern position, she decided to continue pursuing her career goal.

Besides pastries, mastering the art of lamb kebabs – another famous Xinjiang food – is a dream for many.

Abdurusuli Satar of Kashgar Technician College is a

very experienced teacher of Xinjiang cuisine and nutrition science.

“I am very strict in class, because I want students to fully focus on the knowledge and really learn it.

You know practicing is important. I am their big buddy, teacher, and friend,” he said in a video introducing his work.

In 2021, Xinjiang received 650 million yuan from central and local governments for vocational school upgrades and the expansion of vocational education. The region has 29 training entities in total, with 14 vocational teaching and training bases to date.

The training allows people from rural areas to acquire more vocational skills. As locals say, those skills help them get involved in businesses and that, in turn, brings them more opportunities and better lives.

thursday, 2 December, 2021 | LAHorE

Imad welcOmes BarBar's JOB as KarachI capTaIn

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News Desk

AKISTAN all-rounder Imad Wasim has sent out a heartful message to Karachi Kings and its owner, Salman Iqbal, for allowing him to lead the franchise and wished Babar Azam good luck for future endeavors.

Karachi Kings posted the confirmation of Babar Azam taking over the captaincy from Imad Wasim yesterday, ending the four-year reign of Imad Wasim at the helm. Imad Wasim took it to Twitter and responded to

SPortS 11

the latest development as he remained keen on continuing forward with the franchise after already delivering the goods as the skipper.

Imad Wasim has been a part of Karachi Kings since the beginning and has led the team for four successive campaigns. He remains one of the most successful captains in the Pakistan Super League with a win rate of 55.76 percent.

In addition to leading Karachi Kings, Imad is the second-highest wicket-taker for the franchise and ranks as the fifth most run-getter for Karachi Kings.

Ufone 4G Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Football Cup enters sensational Super 8 round

PesHAwAR News Desk

Following the successful completion of Ufone 4G Balochistan Football Cup 2021 in Quetta, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) leg of the tournament has also reached the

sensational Super 8 round. The winner of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leg of the tournament will meet Balochistan edition winner Muslim Club Chaman in a Super Final match in Peshawar on 12th December.

After the completion of the Eliminator round, DFA Charsadda, DFA Ab-

bottabad, Aatish Tank, DFA Chitral, DFA Karak, DFA Mardan, DFA Bannu and Waziristan Combined have qualified for the Super 8 level, which will be played on 7th and 8th December, two matches a day.

All the Super 8 and Semi Final

matches will be played at the iconic Tehmas Khan Stadium in Peshawar. On 7th December, DFA Charsadda will face DFA Abbottabad while DFA Tank will play DFA Chitral. The next day, DFA Karak will fight it out against DFA Mardan while DFA Bannu will be pitted against Waziristan Combined.

The Semi Final matches will follow on 10 December at Tehmas Khan Football Stadium Peshawar, for the coveted slot in the finals at 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM respectively. The Final match will be played on 11 December at 5:30 PM at Tehmas Khan Football Stadium.

The winner of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa title will then face Muslim Club Chaman, the winner of Balochistan leg of the tournament to decide the ultimate Champion of the Ufone 4G Football Cup 2021 in the Super Final at 5.30 PM on 12 December. The Semi Finals, Final and Super Final matches will be broadcasted live from PTV Sports and social media channels of Ufone 4G. The Ufone 4G Football Cup is a unique sports event that empowers youth by helping marry talent with opportunity.

The platform has been instrumental in finding valuable talent that has represented Pakistan at global level to project a soft image of the country.

The event also serves to motivate youth to take up sports for hearty lifestyle, besides creating massive economic activity for the local communities and the country at large.

European roundup: Juve see off Salernitana, Leeds win over Palace AgeNcies Juventus defeated Salernitana with a hard-fought 2-0 win on Tuesday, which brought some positivity after a tough week. Meanwhile, Atalanta are on the heels of Serie A’s leaders following a Mario Pasalic-inspired 4-0 win over Venezia.

Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata scored the goals, with Morata scoring four minutes after coming on to ease the pressure on the stuttering Turin club.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side came in for fierce criticism over the last week after a 4-0 Champions League hammering by Chelsea and a 1-0 defeat by Atalanta, their fifth league loss of the season, but they responded at the Stadio Arechi.

“Juventus have given so much to all of us, and there are moments in life when it is time to give back. Now we need to stay close to this club, and we will come out of it together,” Juve captain Giorgio Chiellini told DAZN. Mario Pasalic of Atalanta celebrates after scoring a hat-trick over Venezia during their Serie A match in Bergamo, Italy Juventus remain seventh with 24 points from 15 games, seven adrift of the top-four and 11 behind leaders Napoli, while Salernitana are at the bottom with eight points.

Pasalic hit a hat-trick as Atalanta continued their superb recent run of form in

Bergamo to move within four points of league leaders Napoli.

Raphinha (C) of Leeds United celebrates after scoring a goal against Crystal Palace during their Premier League match in Leeds, England.

In the Premier League match on Tuesday, a stoppage-time penalty from Brazilian winger Raphinha earned Leeds United a 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace as they moved five points clear of the relegation zone.

The result left Palace 12th in the standings on 16 points from 14 games, while Leeds moved two places up to 15th on 15 points after they ground out their third league win of the season.

Tuchel tells Jorginho to ignore Ballon d’Or snub LONDON AFP

Thomas Tuchel said on Tuesday Chelsea midfielder Jorginho does not need Ballon d’Or recognition to prove he is among the world’s best after the Italian finished third in the prestigious player of the year award. Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for a seventh time on Monday, with Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski second in the voting and Jorginho third. Jorginho helped Chelsea win the Champions League last season before emerging as a key figure in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph. And, while the 29-year-old was unable to cap a memorable year with the Ballon d’Or, the Blues boss is more interested in helping his players achieve collective success rather than personal plaudits. “I have huge doubts about individual awards in this game because the game is very complex, it’s related to a lot of luck and it’s a team effort,” Tuchel told reporters. “Not one single player can win a match of football, it’s not possible. “If individual players shine, it’s always due to the team effort and that’s why it (club of the year) is a nice award.” Asked whether he had expected Lewandowski to win the Ballon d’Or after two superb seasons in a row, Tuchel said: “I take my rights to not have an opinion on this one. “We had ourselves a player (Jorginho) who won all major trophies and was hugely involved, so it would not have been a surprise if he had lifted the trophy. “It was a choice and it’s an election and when it’s elected you have to take it and if you like it or not you accept it and life goes on pretty easy.” Chelsea were voted the club of the year in the Paris awards ceremony and Tuchel added: “It shows the ambition of the club and this is what drives us, this is what makes us happy, and what motivates us. “When you have a lot of nominees and get a prize like yesterday, it’s the proof that we showed what the club is all about and how the club is built.” After winning the Champions League in his first season, Tuchel has the Premier League title in his sights, with his side one point clear at the top ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Watford. Tuchel, who is already without injured trio Ben Chilwell, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante, will await late fitness tests on Jorginho, Reece James and Timo Werner following Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United. “For tomorrow, we have some players in doubt, maybe we need a bit more time, a bit more examination to re-evaluate the status,” he said. “It’s Reece James, Jorginho and Timo Werner.

They all trained today with us and there will be some last-minute decisions about this.”

Thursday, 2 December, 2021

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COAS lauds Azad Kashmir Corporate seCtor given extension in deadline for Regiment for professional Converting to digital payments excellence, war worthiness ISLAMABAD

t

Staff RepoRt

HE Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has given the corporate sector an extension in the deadline for converting to digital payments by another month.

A notification issued by the tax

department in this regard on Wednesday states that the FBR is extending the deadline for digital payments up to December 31, 2021.

It is pertinent to note that the FBR had earlier extended the deadline up to November 30.

It is pertinent to mention here that the government had made an amendment vide Tax Laws (3rd

Amendment) Ordinance, 2021, making all companies, as defined under Section 80)(2)(b) of the Ordinance, liable to use digital mode for payment to their vendors from business bank accounts on transactions exceeding Rs250,000, failing which non-digital transactions will not be accepted as a valid expense.

Counsel seeks Zahir’s medical examination in Noor Mukadam case ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Wednesday visited Azad Kashmir (AK) Regimental Centre Mansar Camp. The COAS laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and offered Fateha.

The counsel for Zahir Jaffer, the main accused in the Noor Mukadam murder case, has filed a petition in an Islamabad court seeking the formation of a medical board to determine his client’s mental health, Dawn reported on Wednesday.

Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani presided over the hearing on Wednesday during which the primary accused’s counsel Sikandar Zulqarnain Saleem filed the petition, saying his client “is suffering from severe mental ailment which is necessary to be determined through an authorised medical board according to the commands of legislature and local and international law”.

Zahir “is a chronic patient of mental disorder/schizoaffective disorder due to drug psychosis and the same was the position at the time of his arrest on [July 20]”, the petition said.

The petition contended that the judge himself observed Zahir’s state of mind during his appearance before the court.

Last month, Zahir was twice removed from the court for hurling abuses at the presiding judge and the judge had warned Zahir in a written order that his court appearances would be disallowed if he continues his outbursts and does not rectify his behaviour.

During the proceedings on Wednesday, the defence counsels also concluded cross-examination of a prosecution witness.

Zahir, co-accused Zakir Jaffer, and accused Iftikhar and Jan Muhammad were also produced in the court of the additional sessions judge. However they were sent back to the Bakhshi Khana (prisoners’ room in court) after their attendance.

The defence counsels completed cross-examination of prosecution witness Dr Hammad. A lady doctor Anam also recorded her statement and affirmed that she had taken blood samples of co-accused Amjad, Dilip Kumar, Samar Abbas, Abdul Haq, Tahir Zahoor, and Wamiq Riaz.

The COAS formally installed Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali, Commander Quetta Corps as Colonel Commandant of AK Regiment.

Addressing the participants, COAS praised the Azad Kashmir Regiment for its glorious history, professional excellence, outstanding operational performance and war worthiness.

The doctor confirmed that she had taken blood samples of Muhammad Iftikhar and Jameel on August 15. “No identification mark was written, neither any identity was confirmed,” the witness added.

The counsel of Tahir Zahoor, a co-accused in the case, pleaded to the court for summoning the PIMS doctor as a witness, that had conducted medical test of Amjad, an employee of Therapy Works.

The court later adjourned further hearing of the case till December 8.

The grisly murder, in which Noor Mukadam was beheaded, had taken place on July 20 in Islamabad’s F-7 area. Noor was the daughter of Shaukat Mukadam, who had served as Pakistan’s ambassador to South Korea and Kazakhstan.

The Islamabad police had arrested suspect Zahir Zakir Jaffer on the night of July 20 from his house where, according to Noor’s parents, he had killed her with a sharp instrument and severed her head. NewS DeSk

SBC secretary killed in Karachi gun attack KARACHI iNp

Sindh Bar Council Secretary Irfan Mehar was killed by unidentified assailants in a gun attack on his vehicle in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Johar area on Wednesday morning.

Rescue sources said that in a suspicious target killing incident, Irfan Mehar was gunned down by unidentified assailants in Gulistan-e-Johar Block 13, when he was driving his vehicle along with his children to their school and the armed men opened fire at his car.

Irfan was reportedly died on the spot.

A CCTV footage showed the armed men on two mo-

torcycles while they were stopping Irfan Mehar’s vehicle. They opened fire on him in front of the students on another motorcycle, who were passing through the road.

The attackers managed to flee from the scene before the police rushed to the scene and started an investigation into the incident.

The body of the victim was shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for medico-legal formalities.

Meanwhile, Sindh High Court Bar Association President Haider Imam Rizvi condemned the killing of Irfan Mehar and said that the gruesome murder exhibited the rule of lawlessness in the metropolis.

He demanded the immediate arrest of the murderers.

CPNE condemns unjust distribution of ads, raids on printing presses LAHORE Staff RepoRt

The Standing Committee of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) Wednesday elected Group Editor Daily Times, Kazim Khan, as its President.

The standing committee met in Lahore, says a press release.

Group Editor Express Newspapers Ayaz Khan was elected Senior Vice President, Yousuf Nizami as Deputy

Secretary General and Amir Mahmood as Secretary General.

It was decided to oppose the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) at all forums.

The Council strongly condemned unjust distribution of advertisements and raids on the printing presses and demanded immediate clearance of newspaper arrears.

A resolution was also passed demanding accountability of some officers of the Information Department for their misconduct.

Published by Arif Nizami at Qandeel Printing Press, 4 Queens Road, Lahore, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965. Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk