EpaperLHR_22-3-24

Thursday, 24 March, 2022 I 20 Shaʽban, 1443 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XII No 265 I 12 Pages I Lahore Edition

Military shows off Might in poMp-filled pakistan day parade g

oiC diplomatS, repreSeNtativeS from ChiNa aNd uS atteNd eveNt

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maiN highlight of the parade waS a fly-paSt by Newly iNduCted J-10C fighter

Imran to Opposition: Match far from over g

SayS he haS ‘maSSive SurpriSe’ up hiS Sleeve for the oppoSitioN ISLAMABAD staff report

ISLAMABAD staff report

a

S the nation celebrated pakistan day with traditional zeal and fervour, the armed forces revelled in a show of pomp and patriotism on thursday in the celebration of the 82nd annual event and exhibited their prowess and cultural diversity of the country. the day dawned with a 31-gun salute in islamabad and a 21-gun salute in all the four provincial capitals, followed by change-of-guards ceremonies at the mausoleums of Quaid-i-azam muhammad ali Jinnah in Karachi, and the mausoleum of muhammad iqbal, the national poet, in lahore.

Similar ceremonies were also held

in azad Jammu and Kashmir and gilgit-baltistan, state-run pakistan television reported. prime minister imran Khan, army Chief gen. Qamar Javed bajwa, Naval Chief adm. ajmal Khan Niazi, Joint Chief of Staff Committee (JCSC) Chairman gen.

Nadeem raza and minister for defence pervaiz Khattak participated in the event. this year, the participants of the 48th session of the Council of foreign ministers (Cfm) of the organisation of islamic Cooperation (oiC) — which include diplomats from China and the united States as well, and turkish Chief of the general Staff gen. yasar guler were also in attendance. the parade included contingents of the tri-services, paramilitary forces and civil armed forces. the troops of bahrain, uzbekistan

Coronavirus in

pakistan

CONFIRMED CASES:

1,522,862

LAST UPDATED AT 7:13 AM ON MARCH 23, 2022

DAY'S DEATH TOLL:

NEW CASES:

0

443

RECOVERED:

DEATHS:

1,484,496 30,333 SINDH:

PUNJAB:

574,157

504,577

KPK:

BALOCHISTAN:

218,777

35,460

AJK/GB:

ISLAMABAD:

43,227/11,673

134,991

and Saudi arabia also took part in the parade. one of the important highlights of the parade was the fly-past of the recentlyinducted J-10C fighter. the next-generation Chinese aircraft, equipped with cutting-edge technology, were inducted into the pakistan air force (paf) squadron earlier this month.

Known as vigorous dragon, the J-10 C is a medium-weight, all-weather jet, according to military analysts who say it will enhance pakistan’s combat capability, currently reliant on Chinese Jf-17 thunder jets, french mirages and ageing uS f-16s.

Commandos from the Special Services group (SSg) also demonstrated their lethal skills during the parade.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 05

dismissing the notion he has decided to step down, prime minister imran Khan wednesday claimed to have a ‘massive surprise’ up his sleeve for the opposition and expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious in the ‘no-confidence match’ against his opponents. in an informal interaction with reporters in islamabad, imran Khan said he would stand victorious in the “no-confidence match” and the opposition will be shocked over the “loss of their mps” in favour of the prime minister. to a question, he wondered whether he should give up under the pressure of “thieves” even before the fight begins and added those who called for his resignation did not know him. he told the reporters the opposition parties had already exposed their cards but the ruling pakistan tehreek-i-insaf (pti) party will give

Pakistan gets financial relief as China rolls over $4.2bn debt ISLAMABAD staff report

finance minister Shaukat tarin has said that China has agreed to rollover $4.2 billion debt, providing a major financial relief to the government, a news outlet reported on wednesday. according to the report, the minister confirmed that the $2 billion loan by China’s State administration of foreign exchange (Safe) has been rolled over and said that the visiting Chinese foreign minister has also conveyed China’s willingness to rollover another $2.2 billion Chinese commercial loan. the report said pakistan had made repeated requests to beijing to rollover the debt and the latest request was made last week to Chinese top leadership. it further said beijing had given a commitment to the international monetary fund in 2019 to rollover it’s debt until the fund programme expires. during the visit of prime minister imran Khan, pakistan had sought $4 billion rollover of Safe deposits loans and requested a total $21 billion lifeline that included a total $10.7 billion rollover of both commercial and safe deposits.

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SayS he met with Ch NiSar whom he haS 40-yearold frieNdShip

them a big surprise. he said his party will hold a historic gathering in islamabad on march 27.

Calling the military the “most precious asset” of the country, Khan said pakistan would have been disintegrated into three parts had there been no army to protect its existence. he said the pakistan army was inevitable for the country therefore no one should malign the institution just for sake of politics.

Calling Jamiat ulema-e-islamfazl (Jui-f) chief maulana fazl urrehman a “12th man” of the politics, he said the time for his expulsion from the team was nearing. he said the objective of pakistan muslim league-Nawaz (pml-N) and pakistan peoples party’s (ppp) politics was just to save their looted money. to a question, the prime minister confirmed to have met with former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar ali Khan as he had a 40-year-old association with him.

more inside

Afghan, Gwadar chambers explore “Gwadar trade activities” STORY ON PAGE 02

China to produce up to 200k tonnes green hydrogen a year: NdrC STORY ON PAGE 03

pakistan had also requested to increase the size of the currency swap facility from $4.5 billion to $10 billion – an additional borrowing of $5.5 billion.

China has not yet communicated its decision to pakistan. the Currency Swap agreement is a Chinese trade finance facility that pakistan has been using since 2011 to repay foreign debt and keep its gross foreign currency reserves at comfortable levels instead for trade-related purposes.

the benefit of this arrangement is that the additional Chinese loan will not reflect on the book of the federal government and will not be treated as part of pakistan’s external public debt. the report further said that pakistan has only $15.8 billion foreign exchange reserves as of last week and its currency is fast depreciating. the rupee fell to the lowest ever level of rs181.75 to a dollar in interbank on tuesday.

COAS, Wang Yi discuss regional security, further enhancing bilateral defence cooperation STORY ON BACK PAGE

pml-N postpones long march for two days STORY ON BACK PAGE

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Thursday, 24 March, 2022 | LAHORe

news

AfghAN, gwAdAR ChAmbERs ExPloRE “gwAdAR tRAdE ACtIvItIEs”

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N order to boost up commercial and business activities in Gwadar, Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) explored Gwadar trade activities in a meeting with visiting delegation of Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) at GCCI office in Gwadar.

According to Gwadar Pro, both chambers’ officials tried to mull over the various potential of Gwadar, the strategic importance of Pakistan’s second deep seaport, and its utility in increasing trade with the region including transit trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian Countries (CARs).

This meeting is part of PAJCCI’s commitment to connect all chambers with the Afghanistan business community and to strengthen B2B relationship between Pakistan & Afghanistan.

The President of Gwadar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) appreciated the efforts of PAJCCI, specially Zubair Motiwala, Chairman PAJCCI, for continuously working for the business community and socio-economic uplift of Pakistan by connecting and collaborating with diverse stakeholders and government entities across the border.

Motiwala said that Gwadar is the future of Pakistan and is the land of opportunity.

“Trade can be increased by efficiently deploying infrastructure, provision of cheap and green electricity, mobile & internet connectivity, roads, service areas on borders, establishing banking network and strengthening security,” he said.

He said that the economic zone is only offering rental property, which is not attractive to potential investors in the development of industrial areas.

“The policy should provide the provi-

ICAP responds to unfair means used in online examinations StAff RePoRt Institute of Chartered Accountants Pakistan (ICAP) responded to Profit’s news article titled, “Electioneering damaging lCAP’s reputation, says Shabbar Zaidi” through a letter addressed to Profit’s editor. “Contrary to the report in the news, ICAP did not file a complaint against any ICAP employee, nor was any employee arrested by the FlA. In fact, on the basis of remote proctoring software, ICAP had identified that certain students were using unfair means during ICAP’s online examination, using technological tools.

The results of these students were withheld,” The letter stated. It further added, “We decided to report this hi-tech electronic crime to FIA Cyber Crime Wing and after a protracted investigation, they have established the crime and arrested a suspect who is a teacher and was allegedly involved in assisting the examinees during online examinations. The person is neither an employee of ICAP nor a member of ICAP and has no connection whatsoever with ICAP, at present or in the past.” On the allegations of electioneering, the Institute stated, “We strongly believe that inclusion of representatives of educational institutions or CA firms, on the Council of the Institute does not pose any threat on the independence and integrity of ICAP’s examination system. ICAP has put in place strong controls which ensure that the examination system and other policy matters are immune from any type of undue influence.”

Efforts needed to increase Pakistan’s share in halal market tLtP Pakistan Businesses Forum (PBF) has sought serious efforts at the government and private sector levels to get the country’s due share in halal international market. In a statement issued on Tuesday, PBF Vice President Ahmad Jawad said that despite being a Muslim country, Pakistan’s share in the global halal trade is mere 0.26 per cent which can be increased by upgrading halal certification and provision of halal storage facilities. The global halal market has been projected to $3.2 trillion by fiscal year 2024 which needs to be tapped through timely, comprehensive and practical strategy, he said.

He regretted that unfortunately not a single Muslim country falls in the list of top 5 global exporters of the halal products. In this regard, the country’s industrial sector will have to be brought in line with the global competitive trading trends to increase production and exports especially in halal market. “Our major export sector needs to increase production of commercial goods in line with global competitive markets and this is only possible through use of the latest technology, innovation and research and development,” he said. He said that without strengthening trade ties with emerging global and regional markets including Russia, Central Asian Republics (CARs), Africa, Turkey and South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and improving regional trade integration, the country’s economy will not improve. He said the acquisition of new potential markets for trade diversification, through modern tools, is essential to increase the country’s exports. He said that by focusing on sectors including textile value-addition, information technology and halal foods exports, alternative energy, housing, tourism, agriculture, gems and jewelry and research and development, the country’s exports could go beyond their potential. No doubt, it would touch the figure of $100 billion. At present, 65 percent of Pakistan trade is with only 10 countries.

sion of first right to purchase after three years which will consolidate the investors’ interests in long term projects and Pakistan will then fully realize the potential of developing port alongside industrial and commercial zone,” he added.

“The electricity proposed cost of Rs50 per unit is not feasible hence government should establish solar, wind, and hydropower projects which will ensure sustainable trading while providing affordable infrastructure to investors and the local population. Such measures will increase employment in the area and open trading routes to the world beyond,” he proposed.

Motiwala said that Gwadar can become one of the major transit hubs for the region and especially for transit trade with Afghanistan via the Chaman border, the need is to develop supportive infrastructure and viable investment policy.

Asad Qaiser vows to run assembly proceeding as per Article 95 ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

After accusations of being “biased” and a “party to PM Imran Khan” ahead of the voting on the no-confidence motion against the premier, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser Wednesday clarified that he would act according to the law and would run the assembly’s proceeding as per Article 95 of the Constitution.

Taking to Twitter, Qaiser wrote: “I, as the custodian of the National Assembly of Pakistan, will fulfil my constitutional obligations and will proceed in accordance with Article 95 of the Constitution and rule 37 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Na-

tional Assembly, 2007.”

On March 14, Qaiser had said he would follow the law during the voting on the no-confidence motion after the Opposition took strong exception to his remarks about the possibility of the failure of the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan.

In a conversation with journalists in Islamabad, the NA speaker had said the no-confidence motion was the Opposition’s constitutional right, but he did not specify a date for the session.

“I will follow the law; I am still in consultation with the NA secretariat about summoning the session and it will be called in line with the constitution,” the speaker had said.

Russia-Ukraine conflict could hit global growth: IMF WASHINGtoN tLtp

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that entire global economy will feel the effects of slower growth and faster inflation triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Beyond the suffering and humanitarian crisis from Russia’s invasion, the world will suffer a big blow in the face of lower growth and soaring prices. Impacts will flow through three main channels. One, higher prices for commodities like food and energy will push up inflation further, in turn eroding the value of incomes and weighing on demand.

Two, neighbouring economies, in particular, will grapple with disrupted trade, supply chains, and remittances as well as a historic surge in refugee flows. And three, reduced business confidence and higher investor uncertainty will weigh on asset prices, tightening financial conditions and potentially spurring capital outflows from emerging markets.

Russia and Ukraine are major commodities producers, and disruptions have caused global prices to soar, especially for oil and natural gas. Food costs have jumped, with wheat, for which Ukraine and Russia make up 30 percent of global exports, reaching a record. Beyond global spillovers, countries with direct trade, tourism, and financial exposures will feel additional pressures.

Economies reliant on oil imports will see wider fiscal and trade deficits and more inflation pressure, though some exporters such as those in the Middle East and Africa may benefit from higher prices.

On March 11, the IMF already expected to cut its global growth estimate due to the economic damage caused by Russia’s invasion of

Ukraine, Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said.

In January 2022, the fund cut the global growth forecast for 2022 to 4.4 percent due to the negative impacts of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, after worldwide GDP rose by 5.9 percent last year.

The IMF is due to publish an updated World Economic Outlook next month which will include “a downward revision of our growth projections,” she said.According to the report, the steeper price increases for food and fuel may spur a greater risk of unrest in some regions, from Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America to the Caucasus and Central Asia, while food insecurity is likely to further increase in parts of Africa and the Middle East.

The report stated that the toll is already immense in Ukraine. Unprecedented sanctions on Russia will impair financial intermediation and trade, inevitably causing a deep recession there.

Energy is the main spillover channel for Europe as Russia is a critical source of natural gas imports. Wider supply-chain disruptions may also be consequential. These effects will fuel inflation and slow the recovery from the pandemic.

Beyond Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia nations will feel greater consequences from Russia’s recession and the sanctions.

Close trade and payment-system links will curb trade, remittances, investment, and tourism, adversely affecting economic growth, inflation, and external and fiscal accounts.

Asia’s food-price pressures should be eased by local production and more reliance on rice than wheat. Costly food and energy imports will boost consumer prices, though subsidies and price caps for fuel, food and fertilizer may ease the immediate impact—but with fiscal costs, the IMF noted.

No new tax levied on freight vehicles : KPRA KPRA aziz BuneRi

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA) Director General Fayyaz Ali Shah said no new tax has been levied on freight vehicles in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but separate legislation is now being enacted for the existing infrastructure development cess on freight vehicles. The DG said that the KPRA Infrastructure Development cess has already been implemented and being collected regularly. He said that a separate legislation is now being drafted to collect infrastructure development cess in the light of court orders, the bill has already been presented in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. Shah said that infrastructure development cess is already applicable on freight vehicles which also have a regular collection system and it is collected at customs checkpoints. In the last financial year, KPRA had collected more than Rs1.5 billion in revenue from infrastructure development cess. The Director General of KPRA has denied reports on the media and social media of introducing a new tax on infrastructure development and said that the staff of KPRA will meet the business community to address the concerns. According to the Director General KPRA, the infrastructure development was first managed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa department of Excise and Taxation, the mandate of which was handed over to KPRA in 2019. And now, in the light of court orders, separate legislation is being enacted for recovery of infrastructure development and better execution of administrative matters.

Thursday, 24 March, 2022 | LAHORe

ChINA to PRoduCE uP to 200K toNNEs gREEN hydRogEN A yEAR: NdRC BeIJING

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HINA’S top economic planner has announced a target to produce up to 200,000 tonnes per year of green hydrogen, a zerocarbon fuel generated from renewable energy sources.

The country aims to produce 100,000 to 200,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year and have about 50,000 hydrogen-fuelled vehicles by 2025, envisaging more widespread use over the long term, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Wednesday in a statement.

China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has been striving to balance energy security and achieve its climate change goals and is focusing on hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions from its transportation and industrial sectors.

Green hydrogen is gas produced by breaking down water in electrolysis using renewable energy sources, reducing the amount of carbon emissions released dur-

ing the process compared with hydrogen created from natural gas or coal.

“Development of hydrogen is an important move for energy transition and a great support for China’s carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals,” said Wang Xiang, deputy director of the High Technology Department at the NDRC, at a press briefing.

China currently produces 33 million tonnes of hydrogen a year, with about 80 percent of hydrogen coming from coal and natural gas, and the rest mainly a by-product from industrial sectors, according to the government.

Data from the China Hydrogen Alliance, an industrial association, shows the country produced 500,000 tonnes of hydrogen from water electrolysis in 2019.

Wang said that even though most of China’s hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels, the potential of green hydrogen is huge since the country has the world’s largest renewable power capacity.

The NDRC statement said China aims to establish a complete hydrogen industry

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covering transportation, energy storage and industrial sectors, and “significantly improve” the portion of green hydrogen in China’s energy consumption by 2035.

The China Hydrogen Alliance has estimated China’s hydrogen demand will reach 35 million tonnes per year by 2030, from 20 million tonnes now, and climb to 60 million tonnes by 2050.

Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells and in internal combustion engines. High production costs are one of the major obstacles impeding hydrogen development. Analysts estimate that hydrogen prices would need to halve in order to compete with gasoline and diesel.

The NDRC called for a rational layout of hydrogen projects based on resources and market demand to avoid disorderly competition.

“Local governments will be strictly forbidden to blindly follow the trend of hydrogen project construction and will be prevented from building low-end projects in order to avoid the waste of resources,” said Wang.

PKR sheds 2pc against UsD since no-confidence motion moved NeWS DeSK

Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan express commitment for CAsA-1000 timely completion NeWS DeSK Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to remain constructively and meaningfully engaged to further reinforce the bilateral relations. The understanding came at a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 48th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.

The two sides also agreed to enhance people to people contacts and cooperation in the education sector. The two foreign ministers noted with satisfaction the progress made on the CASA-1000 project and expressed commitment for its timely completion. The meeting reviewed the state of bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation, including matters relating to trade and investment, defence and security as well as connectivity agenda. Issues related to the welfare of Pakistani students and the expatriate community were discussed. The importance of regular interaction and dialogue under existing mechanisms and exchange of high-level visits to generate further momentum in the relationship was underlined.

Pakistani rupee has depreciated over two percent since the opposition parties moved a no-confidence motion seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan on March 8, accusing him of mismanaging the economy and poor governance.

The Pakistani rupee plunged from 178.13 to 181.73 against the US dollar during the aforementioned period, shedding Rs3.60 (-2.02 percent), according to the data shared by the State Bank of Pakistan.

The rupee has set nine all-time lowest

levels in the interbank market against the greenback during the last fortnight and they are 181.73 (March 22), 181.25 (March 21), 180.57 (March 18), 180.07 (March 17), 179.44 (March 16), 179.22 (March 15), 178.98 (March 14), 178.63 (March 09) and 178.61 (March 08). Overall, the local unit devalued by Rs24.30 during the ongoing fiscal year 2021-22 and Rs5.28 during the current year 2022.

Besides political uncertainty on the domestic front, surging crude oil and commodity prices globally have also played a role in depreciating the local

currency. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has pushed commodity prices to their record historic high level. Given the rising commodity prices, the soaring import bill has badly hit the current account balance of Pakistan which created a spell of depreciation around the rupee.

Higher cost of imports on account of petroleum products, raw materials for automobile and textile sectors, and various commodity prices have kept the imports higher, which has, in turn, widened the trade deficit and Pakistan’s current account

deficit. According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the current account deficit has reached $12.09 billion during the first eight months of the current financial year 2021-22.

The staggering current account deficit has created a persistent worrisome situation for the economic managers and the banking regulator, and various strict measures have been introduced to curb non-essential imports by the country. However, the results are yet to be seen as the import bill has remained out of control since the beginning of the current financial year.

Brent nears $120 as Us, eU set to discuss Russian oil ban ISLAMABAD tLtp

Crude oil prices surged around 4 percent on Wednesday due to supply concerns stemming from expected sanctions on Russian oil.

As of 1310 hours GMT, Brent, the international benchmark for two-thirds of the world’s oil, gained $4.49 (+3.89 percent) to reach 119.97 a barrel. The West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the main oil benchmark for North America, jumped to $113.40 a barrel, up by $4.13 (+3.78 percent).

The price for Opec basket was recorded at $114.60 a barrel with an increase of 0.69 percent. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of Saharan Blend, Girassol, Djeno, Zafiro, Rabi Light, Iran Heavy, Basra Light, Kuwait Export, Es Sider, Bonny Light, Arab

Light, Murban and Merey.

Arab Light was available at $114.41 a barrel with a decrease of 2.95 percent and the price of Russian Sokol jumped to $101.64 a barrel with a 4.37 percent increase.

The European Union members will discuss a possible oil embargo on Russian crude on Thursday (March 24) in response to Moscow’s military offensive in Ukraine, but are divided about imposing a ban due to the heavy reliance of some countries, namely Germany and Hungary, on Russia’s oil. A decision on a ban requires the approval of all 27-member states of the EU. US President Joe Biden is set to announce more Russian sanctions when he meets with European leaders on Thursday in Brussels, including an emergency meeting of NATO. Moreover, Russian and Kazakhstan oil exports via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium from the Black Sea may fall by up to 1 million barrels per day because of storm-damaged berths. Plunging crude

stockpiles in the United States, the world’s biggest oil consumer, also added to the apprehensions around supply. The latest data from the American Petroleum Institute industry group showed US crude stocks fell by 4.3 million barrels for the week ended March 18.

Earlier, the Saudi-led military coalition on Sunday said Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels had launched attacks on energy units, including an Aramco liquefied gas plant in the Red Sea port of Yanbu, an oil storage plant in Jeddah, an Aramco oil terminal in the southern border town of Jizan, as well as on the installations of Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company. The kingdom’s Energy Ministry said there was a temporary drop in output at the Yanbu refinery, which produces 400,000 barrels of oil a day. The kingdom said it will not bear any responsibility for shortages in crude supplies to global markets following the attacks on its energy infrastructure.

UK’s inflation surges to 30-year high of 6.2pc NeWS DeSK Rising prices across the board sent inflation in the United Kingdom soaring to a new 30-year high in February as the cost-of-living crisis intensified, according to official figures.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on Wednesday that Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rose to 6.2 percent in February, up from 5.5 percent in January and again reaching the highest level since March 1992, when it stood at 7.1 percent.

The rise was higher than expected and comes after prices lifted across

food, clothing and footwear and a range of products and services.

The ONS said inflation rose across 10 out of the 12 categories that feed into the index, with only communication and education not seeing increases.

Experts have warned that prices will rise further still as the Ukraine conflict pushes up already sky-high inflation, adding to painful price rises for energy, fuel, commodities and food.

An increased energy price cap, the planned reversal of a hospitality VAT cut and an increase in national insurance tax are set to deepen the crisis fac-

ing British households.

The Bank of England last week raised interest rates for the third time since mid-December, to 0.75 percent from 0.5 percent, and warned that inflation will now peak at about 8 percent in April – and could hit double-digits if wholesale energy prices continue to soar amid the Ukraine war.

In April, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) – the UK government regulator – will raise the energy price cap by 54 percent and, given the impact of Ukraine on gas prices, a further increase is expected in October, possibly by as much as another 50 percent.

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Thursday, 24 March, 2022 | LAHORe

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FM QureShi aSSureS PaleStinian CounterPart oF PakiStan’S SuPPort in Struggle For rightS

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OREIGN Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday held a meeting with Palestinian counterpart Dr Riyad alMaliki and reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unequivocal support” for the rights of Palestinians in their just struggle, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO).

The foreign ministers met on the sidelines of the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which Pakistan is hosting in Islamabad. The two-day summit will end today.

According to the FO, Qureshi underscored during his meeting with Maliki that Islamabad’s principled position on Palestine reflected the sentiments of the people of Pakistan.

“Maliki expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s unwavering sup-

port and principled stance on Palestine, including at the UN (United Nations) and OIC,” the FO said, adding that the two foreign ministers also reviewed bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and international issues.

Tweeting about the meeting later, said Pakistan was pleased to continue to offer Palestinian students seats in its educational institutions and military courses.

“We will also offer positions in junior and advanced diplomatic courses in Pakistan to Palestinian diplomats,” he added.

Qureshi’s assurance on Pakistan’s stance on the Palestine issue comes a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan lamented while delivering his keynote address at the OIC summit that “we have failed both the Palestinians and the people of Kashmir”.

“I am sad to say that we have been able to make no impact at all,” he regretted during his speech. While the international

law was on the side of the people of Palestine, he said, the international community never ensured that the people of Palestine were given their rights.

He further cautioned that unless the OIC was united on core issues, human rights abuses would keep happening, such as the “daylight robbery in Palestine”.

“The only hope I have is that for the first time because of social media, there is awareness in Western countries. Much more than the OIC, it is the mobile phone and the spread of information of the injustices being done to the Palestinians … at the moment, that is the best way to protect them, not us,” the PM concluded.

On the occasion, Qureshi had also highlighted the plight of Palestinians, who he said were “reeling under abominable subjugation”.

Qureshi’s and PM Imran’s statements reiterated Pakistan’s

stand on the decades-long Palestine issue.

Israel had captured east Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast war. It later annexed east Jerusalem in a move not recognised by most of the international community. The Palestinians seek the West Bank and Gaza for a future independent state, with east Jerusalem as its capital.

Pakistan’s longstanding stance on the issue has been that it supports a “just and solution of the Palestinian issue, through dialogue and negotiations, that leads to the realisation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, including the right of self-determination”.

Over the years, Pakistan has consistently supported a twostate solution, as enshrined in the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions and reaffirmed support for the cause till Palestinians get their due rights.

Appointment of Ehsan Sadiq as AIG Pakistan has zero daily Covid-19 deaths Police South Punjab welcomed for first time: minister LAHORE

News Desk

ISLAMABAD

Fawad Chaudhry takes a jibe at Bilawal’s ‘small rally’ in Malakand ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

Reacting to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s speech in Malakand, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday has said that normally a corner meeting of the MPA has a bigger crowd as compared to Wednesday’s PPP rally in Malakand. Fawad Chaudhry took to twitter to respond to Bilawal Bhutto’s speech in Malakand, terming the public rally of PPP smaller even to a corner meeting of the MPA seat candidate. The minister said with a smaller crowd, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari spoke as he was addressing a rally of thousands of people. Opposition parties cannot compete with Prime Minister Imran Khan when it comes to displaying public power, he added.

staff RepoRt

The nation reported zero deaths from coronavirus in the past 24 hours for the “first time in two years”, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said Wednesday.

“No Covid-related deaths reported in the country in the last 24 hours. This is the first time in 2 years that this has happened,” he tweeted.

Pakistan’s death toll from the pandemic stood at 30,333 as of March 23, the same as the number of deaths reported on the previous day, government data showed.

The nation confirmed its first death from the coronavirus on March 18, 2020, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The patient, Saadat Khan, had just returned from Saudi Arabia and tested positive the same day. Meanwhile, the number of positive cases rose by 443 to 1.52 million on Wednesday from the previous day, the data showed. The infection numbers are far lower compared to other countries, such as India.

Last week, the government announced the lifting of all coronavirusrelated restrictions, following declining infections across the country. Announcing the decision in Islamabad, Umar, who also leads the anti-virus strategy, said the country is “returning to normality.”

“We need to gradually return towards a normal, ordinary life because it seems that the pandemic will continue and become a part of our lives,” he said, adding “that is why the government has decided to lift all Covid-related restrictions.”

All the schools, colleges, government offices, and transport were allowed to operate at full capacity, whereas the ban on indoor dining and wedding halls has also been lifted.

About 101 million people in Pakistan, or 46 percent of the population, have had two vaccine doses.

The government authorised booster doses for citizens over the age of 30 in January. Children over the age of 12 are also being offered vaccinations at their schools.

The appointment of Mr Ehsan Sadiq as Additional Inspector-General of Police for South Punjab has been widely hailed by the police officers and bureaucracy in general.

They appreciated Chief Minister Usman Buzdar for earlier appointing two very upright officers as Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police Punjab and now the chief of South Punjab Police. Mr. Ehsan Sadiq, before joining IB few months back, was heading Economic and Cyber Crime Wings of FIA for last two years.

He is national expert on organized crime money laundering investigations. Senior officers of police and civil service told this scribe that Mr. Sadiq has a very distinguished career in which he has served in senior positions in Sindh, Punjab and federal police organisations including National Police Bureau and NACTA. During his posting as DPO Okara and RPO Bahawalpur, Sadiq played an important role in transformation of police into service oriented in organization. Widely respected for his integrity, uprightness and professionalism he al-

ways stood for by his principles.

People of Okara protested when he was prematurely posted out on political grounds. In his stint in FIA he headed the JIT which conducted one of largest investigations into fake accounts case.

Mr Ehsan Sadiq also earned acclaim for his leading role as a leader of FIA team on FATF Action plan. The former DGs of FIA, contacted by this correspondent, immensity-appreciated Mr Ehsan Sadiq role in recent reform and restructuring of FIA with a focus on Anti Money Laundering investigations.

It merits highlighting that during his rich policing career , spanning over 3 decades, Mr Ehsan Sadiq has served on various assignments relating to law & order , security, investigations and management both in the federal capital and in provinces.

Peshawar BRT to add 86 buses to fleet ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) announced to purchase 86 state-ofthe-art new buses from China to cover additional routes to facilitate people of the provincial capital, media reported on Wednesday, citing sources.

In a statement, Peshawar BRT said: “The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) had obtained the International Sustainable Transport Award and this landmark achievement was the reflection of the vision of people-oriented policies of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

“Peshawar BRT would purchase 86 […] buses to operationalise more feeder routes on time,” the statement added.

It said that keeping in view the increasing popularity and utility of the service, the number of buses and routes will be further increased

so that the entire city could benefit.

“The fleet will grow to 244 buses after the arrival of the new. More feeder routes will begin soon.” On Monday, KP Finance Minister Taimur Jhagra said the provincial government approved six more routes for BRT. He said Chief Minister Mahmood Khan approved routes including Hayatabad Phase-I extension, Nasirbagh Road including Regi Model Town, ChamkaniJhagra, Pabbi, Warsak Road, Khyber Road and Charsadda Road.

Jhagra noted that BRT had truly become the nucleus of Peshawar’s transport system. “The more it expands, the more cost-effective it will become. It will also reduce Peshawar’s carbon emissions and provide clean, high quality transport to more than 900,000 residents in Peshawar,” he observed.

Supreme Court judge retires ISLAMABAD staff RepoRt

Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin Ahmed will retire on Friday (March 25), according to a seniority list of judges on the Supreme Court website. With the retirement of Justice Ahmed, who took the oath of his office on April 25, 2019, the number of vacant seats in the apex court will reach two. Three more judges of the Supreme Court — Justice Maqbool Baqar, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah — will retire on April 4, July 13 and August 13, respectively. Similarly, two judges of the Lahore High Court (LHC), Justice Sardar Ahmad Naeem and Justice Muhammad Masood Jahangir, will hang up the robe on June 30 and December 2, respectively. A Supreme Court judge retires at the age of 65, while a high court justice retires at 62. At present, there is one position in the Supreme Court while 13 in the LHC.

Thursday, 24 March, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

05

MajOrity Of DissiDeNt MPs uPset witH gOvt: ali MuHaMMaD KHaN

M

nEws dEsK

dence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan draws close, several PTI lawmakers have expressed reservations and some have announced to switch camps.

“The majority did not take money, they are just upset with the government. But some might have taken money,” the PTI leader said while speaking in a talk show on a private television channel.

In response to a question, the state

INISTER of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan has said that a majority of the dissident MNAs have not taken money to support the notrust motion against PM Imran Khan as they have “genuine” reservations with the government.

As the session for the no-confi-

Balti community in Pakistan marks Nowruz LAHORE AnAdolu Agency

Students, professionals and families from Baltistan, a mountainous region in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan, celebrated the Persian New Year Nowruz in Lahore.

Nowruz is a spring festival and new year celebration named for the Persian word meaning “new day.” It is celebrated all over Asia with a variety of local traditions.

In Iran, it lasts at least 13 days, and is celebrated in GilgitBaltistan for two to three days.

“Some people call it a Kurdish celebration and some call it a Persian celebration, but most of the people follow the Persian calendar for the celebration of Nowruz, which is widely known in our local community as the arrival of spring and festival of colours,” Tadheer Kazmi, the chief organiser from the Balti community, told Anadolu Agency.

In the Balti tradition, locals paint boiled eggs and then participate in an egg fight. Each participant tries to break the egg of the other, and whoever wins will have good luck next year.

“The person who wins can take both eggs with him. We boil the eggs and then paint them in different colours of spring,” said Kazmi.

The famous Balti singer Sarwar Baltistani also performed at the event, and all the participants enjoyed their traditional Balti dance.

Earlier, the Consul General of Iran in Lahore also hosted a big gathering for their families and invited many local dignitaries from the provincial capital to be part of their festival of welcoming the new year.

Consul General Mohammad Reza Nazeri, while speaking at the event, said: “It gives us immense pleasure to share this happiness with our brothers and sisters here in Lahore. You all are like our families, and we extend our warm welcome on behalf of our country.”

While explaining the typical Iranian traditions, Cultural Attaché Jafar Ronas said: “We celebrate the arrival of spring while opening our homes for our relatives and friends. Our food tables are extended, and everyone is welcome to eat with us. All the ladies clean the house thoroughly and the men help them in chores.”

In the Iranian tradition, a special table called a haft-seen is also prepared on which they display the seven things whose names start with the letter “s” or “‫”س‬.

“The haft-seen table represents our love for nature. The families always make sure that their table looks unique and beautiful,” said Ronas.

During the event, young girls and boys were dressed in traditional Iranian clothes and represented different areas of Iran.

minister said no PTI member could be forced out of the party and assured that he and the party’s chief whip in the NA, Amir Dogar, would resolve the issues of the dissident MNAs. “We will try to resolve their genuine concerns regarding the governance in Punjab,” the state minister said, noting that PM Imran Khan had already told the government lawmakers that a leader is like a “fatherly figure” who seeks resolution.

Murad Ali Shah says ‘PTI is running away from facing no-confidence motion’ Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday said that the incumbent government seems to ‘running away’ from the no-confidence vote and gave the example of slain party chairperson Benazir Bhutto whose no-trust motion was voted on within eight days in 1989.

“This constitutional process cannot be delayed and attempting to delay or bulldoze the process will have its consequences”, the chief minister said while talking to the media after paying his respects at Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum on Pakistan Day. Recalling the no-confidence motion against Benazir, Murad said it showed how much “respect” she had for the Constitution He claimed that the resolution pending in the assembly was being ‘delayed’ under one pretext or another but expressed confidence that the motion would be successful.

“Moving a no-confidence against the prime minister is the constitutional right of the opposition and they have exercised their right,” he said and advised National Assebly Speaker Asad Qaiser to let the house ‘vote freely’.

Murad maintained that the noconfidence motion would not derail the democratic system. He further

“Jahangir Tareen and Aleem Khan’s groups are not angry with Imran Khan. Not even a little. Yes, there might be reservations that Imran Khan directed to do something, but they were not done on provincial levels,” he added.

“But all of the issues will be resolved,” he added. The state minister added that the prime minister would not be ousted and predicted that the opposition’s no-trust motion would fail.

Military shows off might in pomp-filled Pakistan Day parade COntInuEd fROm pAgE 01

stated that the Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leadership had held a meeting with PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari to discuss the strengthening of local bodies.

“We are also in favour of strengthening local bodies by giving them necessary powers,” he said, adding that the draft bill in this regard was being discussed in the committee of the provincial assembly.

He stated that the people now

Heatwave will bake Karachi over weekend: Met Office KARACHI Monitoring report

Mother Nature will turn hell from Friday, especially for the people of Karachi, Met Office said on

have to strengthen Pakistan by respecting its Constitution as framed

by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Regarding the people of occupied Kashmir, the chief minister said that their struggle would soon bear fruit. Earlier, the chief minister laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam. He was accompanied by Sindh cabinet members, Saeed Ghani, Syed Sardar Shah, Shahla Raza, Gianchand Israni and others. stAff report

Wednesday.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of a searing weather spell in Karachi and adjoining towns from March 25-27.

According to the weather agency, mercury is expected to soar over 38 degrees Celsius. It also advised the concerned departments to remain alert during the period.

The weather in the port city will remain hot and humid Wednesday with the maximum temperature remaining between 31-32 degrees Celsius, it said.

The southwestern winds are blowing with a speed of 14 kilometres an hour, according to the agency.

A live telecast by Pakistan Television showed thousands of men, women and children waving national flags, and rising to their feet and clapping when the Turkish military contingent entered the parade ground.

“Long live Pakistan-Turk friendship,” said the commentator as President Alvi received a salute from the commander of the Turkish contingent.

This year’s theme is “Shad Rahay Pakistan” (may Pakistan be happy) which is adapted from the words “markaz-iyaqeen shaad baad” (blessed be the citadel of faith) in the national anthem.

Moreover, the theme is also the title of the latest enthralling national song released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The song is written and sung by lyricist and singer Shuja Haider, with Yashal Shahid lending her voice as well.

Moreover, the ISPR also issued a public message to pay homage to the nation and the founding fathers of the nation.

Earlier in the day, President Dr Arif Alvi issued a special statement to mark the occasion. The statement, released on his Twitter account, embodies messages for the nation about independence, national stability, supremacy of law, human and minority rights to mention some.

“Achieving national freedom is considered as half work. The remaining half, being crucial for a state’s security and stability, is equally important.

This includes blending various ethnic and minority groups into a single nation, ensuring the supremacy of law, eliminating terrorism and internal disturbances, achieving economic growth, promoting good relations with the world and above all, protecting the human rights of all the citizens of the state,” the statement read.

Punjab hands control of four Christian schools to church LAHORE stAff report

The Punjab government has formally approved the handing over of administrative control of four nationalised missionary schools in the province to the Catholic and Presbyterian churches.

Of these, two schools are situated in Lahore and one each in Rawalpindi and Sialkot districts.

“I believe it’s the most important decision in the history of Pakistan. For the past 50 years, church leaders have been engaged in litigations and approached government departments to reclaim these properties worth billions of rupees. It’s good news for all Christians in Pakistan,” Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Ijaz Alam Augustine told a press conference.

Citing sources in the School Education Department (SED), Kross Konnection reported the administrative control of the Govt Saint Francis High School in Anarkali neighbourhood of Lahore would be handed back to the Catholic Church

while the other three schools — Govt Rang Mahal Christian High School in Shah Alam Road neighbourhood of Lahore, Govt Christian Higher Secondary School in Raja Bazar neighbourhood of Rawalpindi, and Govt Christian Girls High School on Haji Pura Road in Sialkot — would be handed back to the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan (PCP).

They said the missions would be independent to manage administrative affairs of the schools and could hire new teachers.

As per the agreement, government teachers in these schools would continue to get their salaries from the public exchequer while new teachers would be compensated by the church authorities.

Punjab Secretary Schools Ghulam Farid said that only administrative control of the four schools would be handed over to the church missions.

He said it was a suitable solution as many public schools were already being operated under public-private partnerships in the province through the Punjab Education Initiatives Management Authority (PEIMA).

But Minister Augustine refuted the statement.

“The status is different for two schools. The land of St. Francis School belongs to the Punjab government. Only its administration can be handed over. However, the PCP owns the Rang Mahal

CmYK

School property. Previous governments failed the Christian community on this decades-old demand,” he told Kross Konnection.

PCP Executive Secretary Reverend Majid Abel welcomed the cabinet’s decision.

“Finally we are getting hold of our

three schools. It is high time that the provincial government practically hands over the schools to the church,” he said.

Returning these schools to the church missions was the last agenda item in a meeting of the cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on March 21.

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Thursday, 24 March, 2022

06 COMMENT

End of Road for Drama Muslim Leagues?

An undiplomatic address at OIC Like calling out opponents at home

The curtain should be brought down on the Pindi productions

P

aKiStan is one of the founder members of the oic which was set up in 1969 as a reaction to a a ct of arson in al-aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. over the years there have been gradual developments in the organisation’s outlook. in 2008 its revised charter set out to promote human rights, fundamental freedoms, and good governance in all member states. on account of the cultural and political differences in its 57 member states, most failed to abide by the stated ideals. the oic charter comprises basic minimum agreements that include preservation of islamic social and economic values; promotion of solidarity amongst member states; increase in cooperation in social, economic, cultural, scientific, and political areas; upholding international peace and security; and advance in education, particularly in the fields of science and technology. it is futile to expect anything from it beyond this.

With some member countries having more clout on account of different reasons they can force the oic to take arbitrary decisions which are not accepted by others. in 2015 the oic backed the military action in Yemen finding most members disagreeing with it. in 2019 the uaE invited the indian Foreign Minister as the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the oic Foreign Ministers council leading Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to boycott the session. as the oic provides member countries a sense of comfort to be a part of the second largest interstate group after the un, there have been no rebellions in the organisation. the oic members cannot be hectored as was done by PM imran Khan. one does not invite guests to lavish praises on oneself and castigate the invitees, which is simply bad manners. the PM began his speech congratulating the oic members for recent adoption of a resolution against islamophobia by the un for which the PM gave himself the credit. there is no denying that the oic has done little to help the Palestine and Kashmir causes. contrarily, a number of oic members are improving relations with israel while the uaE and Saudi businessmen are having investment conferences with indian counterparts in occupied Kashmir. there is a need to be realistic. cash-strapped Pakistan still needs arab countries. it should find other ways to help the Palestinians and Kashmiris if the oic is not wiling.

Pti leaders like asad umar are doing no service to the country by egging imran Khan on by saying that “Many Muslim leaders lack courage, but PM imran has plenty.”

Dr FariD a Malik

A

S a Muslim League child, i have painfully lived through the decline of the founding party of Pakistan. the all india Muslim League (aiML) was formed in dacca in the year 1906. our brothers in Bengal came up with the idea of creating a seprate political entity for the Muslim population of the indian Subcontinent.

My late father nazir ahmed Malik joined aiML in 1935 and remained a Leaguer all his life. in 1991 he was awarded the prestigious tehreek-e-Pakistan Gold Medal for his struggle in the freedom movement. after achieving its goal of carving a seprate homeland for the followers of islam in india the party was disbanded. Muhammad ali Jinnah chaired the first few meetings of the new entity called Pakistan Muslim League (PML) but then left in disgust to focus on running the country as Governor General. chaudhry Khaliq-uz-Zaman was elected President by the Executive committee to replace the father of the nation. cracks started to appear within the party. Stalwarts like Hussain Shaheed Suharwardy, Maulvi Fazal Haq and Mian ifhtikar-ud-din left to form their own political entities. till the first Martial Law in 1958, there was only one brand of PML. a new charade was started by the first dictator called ‘drama Muslim Leagues’. the new face of the party was named Pakistan Muslim League (convention) while those who did not join this ‘Sarkari League’ or ‘King’s Party’ organized themselves under the banner of Pakistan Muslim League (council). the PML (con) was housed in a building on

IMF talks

The return on education

7th Review has not overcome all hurdles

t

HE Seventh Review of Pakistan $6 billion Extended Fund Facility from the international Monetary Fund (iMF) has become so contentious that there is the beginning of talk of clubbing it with the Eighth Review. the reason for this is the iMF’s insistence that the ending of income tax exemptions take place. the iMF may well be merely playing for time, and waiting for the conclusion of the no-confidence motion, so that it does not end up concluding an agreement with a government that loses office. though the iMF package is said to be behind much of the economic distress which has given a fillip to the motion, the opposition has been careful not to target the package in its rhetoric, perhaps because it knows that even after the conclusion of this package, Pakistan will have to ask for a fresh package. and it might be forming the government. at this stage, it is not likely that imposing fresh income tax burdens will change a public opinion shaped by the subsidies given to power and fuel. the iMF is being strict on the income tax precisely because of the subsidies, even though the Finance Ministry has explained how the subsidy is to be financed.

Perhaps the time has come where the government should consider whether it wants to give the subsidy or avoid any increase in the income tax. the subsidy of price rises seems impossible to hold, and already fuel adjustment charges have led to what amounts to a restoration of the previous power price. the desire to keep power and fuel prices down might be laudable, but as long as one does not influence world markets, one’s prices must be in line. the government would find that its review would go much more smoothly if it was to abandon the promised subsidy, while simultaneously its hand would be much stronger in arguing against the income tax increase, even though it had signed on to it at the time of accepting the package.

Educating individuals brings tangible benefits to society Mujeeb ur rehMan

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ducation has been provided for the purpose of human capital formation and human resource development by societies for centuries. Human capital is termed as the abilities, knowledge learned through education, improved capabilities of individuals, and promise for livelihood earnings to people. Education has the potential to increase the productive ability of individuals.

Education can also justify the grandiose agglomeration of government earning mechanism that can be understood as government net income, achieving taxation targets, the state’s financial and funding interventions in public affairs, and making pathways for better policy recommendations and implementations in due time and given a budget to prosper the economic and social lives of the citizenry. the rate of returns is associated with education and defined as the value of lifetime productivity and socio-financial earnings of individuals. academic studies and observations of educated people report that there is a positive relationship between years of schooling and earnings, thus justifying public and private investments in education and educational policy designing of the states for its citizens. the national education policies and public spending on educating people are justified on the basis of two types of returns to education in any society or state. these are private and social returns to education. Private return to education consists of the student`s degree, diploma, life expectancy with better health, job, and opportunity for getting better careers with time and experience. one of the reports of the World Bank empirically shows that the rates of returns to primary education are 20 percent, a secondary level of education is 14 percent, and a tertiary level of education is 11 percent to individuals in their earnings across the globe. For Pakistan, an additional year of schooling increases the average rate of return up to 7 percent for individuals across national labour markets. the social return to education means that society gets to progress, understanding civic roles,

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Yousaf Nizami M. A. Niazi

Editor Aziz-ud-Din Ahmad

Umar Aziz

Joint Editor

Joint Editor

Executive Editor

Lahore – Ph: 042-36300938, 042-36375965

davis Road called the Muslim League House. which is currently in control of the chaudhry’s of Gujrat. chaudhry Zahoor Elahi, father of Shujaat Hussain, was one of the key players of this political drama whose sole purpose was to corner and then push out the surviving members of the aiML. Madare Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah challenged the dictator who was the Presidential candidate in the 1965 elections.

She was declared a traitor. though she was made to lose the election yet she seriously dented the political credibility of ayub Khan who had voluntarily withdrawn his rank of Field Marshal to contest.

Finally Zulfiqar ali Bhutto (ZaB) formed the Pakistan Peoiple’s Party (PPP) in november 1967 to take on this drama Muslim League. after street protests the dictator had to resign in disgrace. in the electoral contest that followed in 1970, PML (con) was wiped out. the big winners were the awami League in the Eastern wing and the PPP in the Western. Khan Qayyum Khan managed to revive his brand of the Muslim League but later merged it with the PPP after he joined the Bhutto regime.

Zia-ul-Haq, the third dictator then created another ‘drama League’ under the Sharifs of Gawalmandi which was named PML (nawaz). the purpose of this party was to neutralize the popularity of Bhutto’s party that had developed deep roots amongst the masses. despite the use of coercion of the state apparatus, the PPP survived under Bhutto’s daughter Benazir. the Muslim League House now came under the control of the Sharifs from where they operated to dent the democratic order. When the PML(n) decided to overrun their benefactors, they too were pushed out of the arena to be replaced by another ‘drama Muslim League’ called PML (Quaid). the ‘Freemason’s Hall of democracy’ on davis Road was then handed over to the chaudhrys while the Sharifs went into exile under an agreement with the dictator. With the help of Benazir Bhutto, the Sharifs managed to stage a comeback through the infamous nRo (national Reconciliation ordinance) of the fourth dictator. now there are two ‘drama Muslim Leagues’ in the arena (PML-n, PML-Q) that continue to derail constitutional democracy. While the PML(n) is the main oppposition party, the PML(Q) is an ally of the ruling Pakistan tehreek-e-insaf. With only ten seats in the Punjab assembly and five at the centre, the PML(Q) enjoys power and privilege in the largest province of the republic much beyond its political standing. in the current scramble the party has set its eyes on the prized position of chief Minister Punjab.

I

Karachi – Ph: 021-35381208-9

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rational decision making, making responsible citizens, learning norms, social and religious harmony, a decrease of crime rates, and public knowledge to expose the power of ballot for creating democratic societies. it is well evident that political decision-making became prosperous in educated societies and states across the globe since the dawn of human civilization. the constitution of Pakistan provides free and compulsory education and its access to all the national population from age 5 to 16 years. in addition, education is one of the most effective keys by which a nation uplifts its socio-economic fronts to development. that is why, parents that invest more and optimally for their children’s education result in better prospects of longterm job creation, employment opportunities, personal, business development, and civic sense development among children.

Education is directly contributing to national causes of integrity and development, sense of responsibility in citizens, and many other social benefits that ultimately contribute to the progress of a nation.

More investment in education is likely to create knowledge creation in multiple fields of science and technologies, innovation, and providing technical and vocational skills to the youth bulge that may spill over into higher productivity in almost all the fields of national life of Pakistan. different economists and researchers have used various parameters and indicators to measure multiple aspects of such returns to education. the most common is the years of schooling, experience after schooling, the levels of vocational skills, technical capabilities, innovation and creativity indicators, quality of education, and the level of schooling, to mention a few. Quan-

Islamabad – Ph: 051-2204545

asif Zardari, as co-chairman of Bhutto’s party, first succeeded in neutralizing the ideological foundations of PPP, and now seeks the launching of his son Bilawal as a national leader and heir of the ‘Bhutto Legacy’.

Zardari has proven to be an astute political player. the current no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister is his brainchild. He has played his cards well. Both the ‘drama Muslim Leagues’ (PML-n, PML-Q) are in his pocket. He has promised the position of cM Punjab to the chaudhrys and PM to the Sharifs while he remains the kingmaker himself. if the motion fails, the PPP will emerge much stronger on the centrestage; if it passes then the ‘drama Muslim Leagues’ will have to deliver on their promises which will be an uphill task in the current scenerio.

Yes, free and fair elections are the way forward. in the first such excercise in 1970 the ‘drama Muslim League’ had to bite the dust. in another similar contest these ‘Rawalpindi’-based political entities have no chance as the people have understood their hidden intentions. Someone summed up the current tussle as a duel between ‘the donkey and the thief ‘ and most people are afraid of the thief but are willing to live with the poor beast of burden who is willing to serve with honesty and dedication despite capacity issues. in the chequered political history of Pakistan there have been only two real Lahore-based parties (PPP-1967, Pti-1992) who have a future. Every drama has to face the curtain for which the time has arrived. after the current dust settles, electoral reforms followed by a credible electoral contest is the need of the hour to strengthen democracy in the country. the ‘drama Muslim League’ experiment was the brainchild of Rawalpindi which has failed them and the nation, it is time set the stage right with only genuine political players in the arena who rise through the ranks through political struggle and activation based on service not exploitation of the masses. in the 1970s the elected government decided to shut down the Freemasons Lodges and took control of their building on the Mall. Perhaps in the year 2013, a similar fate awaits the ‘drama Muslim League House’ located at davis Road. it can then be converted into a Museum of Political derailment. the ‘Freemason’s Hall of democracy’ should not be allowed to continue in its current anti-democracy dispensation. Political parties are based on ideology not ‘drama Scripts of Loot’’ as has been the case since october 1958. the curtain time has arrived for this real-life drama.

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

tifying indirect returns to education is a challenge to measure yet faced by social scientists. Similarly, the payoff matrix of education varies across individuals and fields of sciences and labour market responses across the globe. the studies conducted in the past in this regard, have indicated parameters to bring fluctuations in returns are class size, teacher quality, school quality, student-teacher-parents collaboration mechanism, classroom attendance, teacher attendance, and the resources allocated for education purposes. all these parameters are the constituting components of any education policy. the national education policy perspectives must ensure access to quality education for all, development of a unified national curriculum for national cohesion, encompassing the R&d requirements for knowledge generation in all fields of sciences and arts, prioritising national objectives, through investing in education, increasing productivity and human capital formation of the labor force, human resource development in every field, provision of technical and vocational skills, promotions of science and technologies. a public-private partnership for educating the youth bulge, sufficient funds allocated for education, dissemination of national harmonization policies through education, collaboration with international educational institutions, and encompassing the constitutional requirements for providing educational access and quality to all the segments of Pakistani society. the major obstacles in the education system of Pakistan are low enrollment ratio, poverty-driven out-of-school children, higher dropout ratios, and some of the teaching quality issues in most of the rural areas of Pakistan. the national literacy rate in 1981 was 25.73 percent and is currently reported 62.3 percent by the end of the year, 2021. therefore, a comprehensive strategy is of dire need to strengthen the education system of Pakistan.

The major obstacles in the education system of Pakistan are low enrollment ratio, poverty-driven out-ofschool children, higher dropout ratios, and some of the teaching quality issues in most of the rural areas of Pakistan.

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Web: www.pakistantoday.com.pk

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The writer is a Research Officer at Balochistan Think Tank Network (BTTN), at BUITEMS, Quetta.

Email: editorial@pakistantoday.com.pk

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Thursday, 24 March, 2022

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

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

PIA and it’s problems

Green SMEs: A turning point for Pakistan’s economy SMEs can be crucial for greening as well as growing

SyeD aSiM ali bukhari, aSSociate ProFeSSor Dr. Fathyah haShiM anD ProF. Dr. azlan aMran

S

MaLL and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in the economic growth of every nation, such as generating work opportunities, income and wealth creation, and poverty reduction. these are very important in less developed economies.in developing nations, the SME sector plays an essential role in achieving united nations-Sustainable development Goals (unSdGs) 2030 by creating job opportunities, alleviating poverty, promoting innovation and fostering sustainable industrialization, and reducing income inequalities.according to global data, in the majority of countries, the formal and informal SMEs make up over 90 percent of all businesses, 60 percent–70 percent of total employment, and 50 percent of GdP. despite its important economic role, the SME sector struggles to access formal financial services. according to a report, approximately 130 million, or 41 percent of formal SMEs, in low and middle-income countries faced credit constraints before the coVid-19 pandemic and the SME finance gap was estimated at $5 trillion. according to our estimates, 600 million jobs will be needed by 2030 to absorb the growing global workforce, which makes SME development a high priority for many governments around the world. in emerging markets, most formal jobs are generated by SMEs, which create seven out of 10 jobs. However, access to finance is a key constraint to SME growth: it is the second most cited obstacle facing SMEs to grow their businesses in emerging markets and developing countries. the international Finance corporation (iFc) estimates that 65 million firms, or 40 percent of formal Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries, have an unmet financing need of $5.2 trillion every year, which is equivalent to 1.4 times the current level of the global MSME lending. the SMEs sector serves as the b, ackbone of various economies like Malaysia which has approximately 1.15 million SMEs making up 97.2 percent of the total number of businesses in Malaysia. in 2020, the SMEs sector contributed 38.2 percent, or

512.80 billion ringgit, to the national GdP and employed approximately 48 percent of the country’s workforce. according to Pakistan’s Economic Survey 2020-21, approximately3.25 million SMEs account for nearly 90 percent of all the businesses operating in Pakistan. this sector holds approximately 40 percent and 25 percent of the country’s annual GdP and exports respectively.

However, one of the major hindrances in the financial inclusion of the SMEs sector in Pakistan is that approximaely 97 percent of SMEs are undocumented and operating under individual ownership as an informal sector. the SMEs sector of Pakistan needs to undergo a green transformation to achieve environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development in the future. Based upon the economic importance of this sector, the development of eco-friendly or Green SMEs is pertinent for realizing the vision of a ‘clean and Green Pakistan’. due to their small and flexible nature, SMEs are more suited to pioneer green innovations and contribute to green growth, especially in local and emerging markets that may be neglected by large corporations. integrating the element of environmental sustainability in the SMEs sector can synergize this important economic sector with SBP’s Green Banking initiatives. the SBP can launch low-interest green financing schemes, under the umbrella of Green Banking, for environmentally friendly SMEs such as renewable energy production, smart-metering, building retrofitting, green supply chain activities, eco-friendly channel financing and waste recycling.

Pakistan’s SME sector can undergo green transformation under the circular economic model through green financing, re-manufacturing, repair, maintenance, recycling and eco-design businesses. Green financing can also be provided for the development of sustainable agricultural value chain activities such as the establishment of Electronic Warehouses for the storage of various commodities as collateral through which an Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) system can be implemented across the SME sector. SBP can launch a low-interest financing scheme for the development of EWR and Green Warehouses to ensure economic and environmental sustainability in SMEs connected with the supply chain industry. this can play an important role in overcoming the shortage of safe storage facilities for various businesses through effective public-private partnerships.

Existing SBP’s financing schemes for SMEs, such as the SME asaan Finance (SaaF)

scheme, the Kamyab Jawan programme, the Kamyab Pakistan Programme and the Housing and construction Finance schemes can be transformed into green finance programmes. Recently, Prime Minister imran Khan, launched interest-free financing, worth Rs 407 billion, for youth, women and farmers and the construction of low-cost houses and starting a business. if this initiative is targeted towards eco-friendly startups or Green SMEs, it can result in the robust growth of Pakistan’s green industries and environmental sustainability.

Green financing can also be extended towards the Small & Medium-sized construction industry and allied businesses under the naya Pakistan Housing Scheme like the financing of zig-zag brick manufacturers, green cement manufacturers, green warehouses and eco-friendly logistics companies. SBP can provide green financing to Green SMEs on the same pattern as the ‘SME asaan Finance’, not requiring any collateral and having the risk covered according to the financing amount. Similarly, government bodies like the national Energy Efficiency & conservation authority (nEEca) may boost the efforts of ensuring environmentally and socially sustainable economic growth for Pakistan’s SMEs sector by creating awareness and implementing energy efficiency-based projects in collaboration with SBP. the SBP can collaborate with the Small and Medium Enterprises development authority (SMEda) for the development of Pakistan’s Green SME sector through Green Financing. the effective adoption of environmentally friendly business operations by the SME sector of Pakistan depends upon green capacity building within the SME sector and among the concerned stakeholders. this can be achieved by inculcating green management knowledge among students across all educational levels. the SBP can provide stakeholder training and also awareness sessions at the university level to ensure green education and the creation of green awareness. the Green SME sector can play the role of an important cog in the attainment of the united nations–Sustainable development Goals (un-SdGs) 2030. an increase in employment and production of the country’s SMEs sector will lead to an increase in employment and production in the rest of the economy.

The effective adoption of environmentally friendly business operations by the SME sector of Pakistan depends upon green capacity building within the SME sector and among the concerned stakeholders.

All the authors, Syed Asim Ali Bukhari, Associate Professor Dr. Fathyah Hashim and Prof. Dr. Azlan Amran, are associated with the Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia.

tHE national airline, having the word “international” in its name, does not actually fly internationally. Pakistan international airlines (Pia), formerly the pride of the country and a role model and mentor in the aviation industry, has been dropping altitude for the past twenty-five years and is now perilously close to land. the airline is plagued by incompetence and vested interests.

Sagging and damp seat coverings, soiled floor carpets, a filthy and unkempt appearance, broken toilet doors, rattling planes, and failing equipment all require restoration, better maintenance, and planning. it is vital for the Pia management to put up significant effort in order to alleviate traveler worry. While in route from Paris to Lahore, one of Pia’s aircraft was inspected by inspectors from the Safety assessment of Foreign aircraft (SaFa) at Paris airport. they discovered multiple snags in the plane. Pia was cautioned by the organisation to overcome the flaws or face the repercussions. the team discovered a fuel leak in one of the airbus a-310’s engines. as a result, passengers were evacuated in the event of an emergency.

Pia has seen a large-scale induction of fake degree holders between 2008 and 2014. incompetent employees are one more significant justification behind its financial misfortunes. the Pia has the largest perflight crew among contender carriers, and nothing has been done to address this issue, which serves as a major detriment to the Pia’s financial balance. increases in oil prices, overstaffing, and devaluation of the local currency, political influence, and Pia’s precarious financial status have all been important issues in the recent decade. its failure is primarily due to weak governance, poor performance, and corruption. Pia was well- known throughout the world for its great performance and quality. that was the peak of Pia’s success. However, it has since lost its brilliance. the Pia, with the help of “tQM,” must lay the groundwork; to build good management, every employee from top to bottom must work together and be focused on customer satisfaction, using an information system or the internet to communicate with customers and all sub-departments about flight delays and other issues. Management should cooperate with auditors to resolve financial reporting issues, ongoing audits, and issues with the ERP system in order to give the finance data credibility and be able to use it to inform the transformation. Modern aircraft are not just designed to crash owing to mechanical issues, but also due to human error. it merely takes proper maintenance and management by skilled pilots and engineers, as well as solid governance to keep track of these details the Pia should reduce the number of personnel appointed on political grounds because the majority of them are a drain on the Pia’s budget because they are paid for nothing. they aren’t bringing anything to the table for the organisation. the state of the airline suggests that the management has a weak capital structure, inadequate planning and fleet limits, issues with accountability and discipline, poor policies, and undue association influence. it is in the midst of a liquidity crisis. no improvement will be effective unless and until the airline is managed well and operated with the proper culture in the right environment.

AMNA ZUBAIR LAHORE

PhD: misconceptions tHE term Phd is an abbreviation for doctor of Philosophy. after completing a Phd, the degree holder is qualified to teach their chosen subject at a university level or work in a specialised position within their field. often Phd degree holders are subjected to derogatory remarks for not being well-informed on all subject matters. this is because of an absence of general awareness of Phd degrees in Pakistan. the study and training undertaken during a Phd course involve deep research to build knowledge and professionalism, exploring different facets including the know-how of prevailing norms, research methodology, and verbal as well as written communication to write research papers or applications for grants. importantly, a Phd degree allows the holder to articulate a research problem and investigate them thoroughly, which also requires financial support at times. although the Phd candidates are allocated mentors, the mentor only offers basic support on time management and handling stress. it is the candidate that conducts their research and draws a hypothesis. once the degree is completed, Phd holders are approached by others who want to fill gaps in their chosen field under their mentorship and guidance. it is important to clarify misconceptions about a Phd degree because Pakistan is already lagging in research in several fields. therefore, students should be informed of what a Phd degree entails and encouraged to undertake it. With the ever-changing global environment and developments in technology, Pakistan must expand its pool of research to experiment and innovate on its own for future developments.

DR INTIKHAB ULFAT KARACHI

Women’s cricket dilemma SincE the start of the Women’s cricket World cup 2022, Pakistan’s team has suffered back-to-back defeats. However, in the last two matches against South africa and Bangladesh, the team lost by fewer runs, indicating a significant improvement in their performance. currently, the team sits at the bottom of the table with minimal chances of making it to the semi-finals. the team has received much backlash and criticism on social media for not being able to handle the pressure and performing incompetently.

However, it is worth considering that the team’s journey to the World cup was not an easy one given the little investment and support. therefore, they must be praised for withstanding the obstacles and giving impressive individual performances. captain Bismah Maroof completed a halfcentury against australia, opener Sidra ameen recorded Pakistan’s highest score at the World cup with a century, and spinner nashra Sandhu became Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker at the tournament so far. in Pakistan, it is extremely difficult for women to become full-time cricketers because of an absence of support, resources and investment. the Pakistan cricket Board has recognised the shortcomings in women’s cricket and indicated towards addressing these issues. despite the losses, we must continue to support and uplift the team as these women continued to work towards their dreams despite all the odds.

MUHAMMAD ZARIF KECH

08 WORLD VIEW 24th March 22_Layout 1 3/23/2022 9:34 PM Page 1

Thursday, 24 March, 2022

08 WORLD VIEW

Imran Khan and the polItIcs of InflatIon

Financial Times BEnjamin Parkin and Farhan Bokhari

Z

ARINA BIBI has in recent weeks been forced to choose between food and her family’s education. The nurse lives on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, working two jobs to support her ageing parents and three younger siblings. But she has been so squeezed by rising prices she had to withhold the money for a computer course for her 20-year-old brother. “I couldn’t afford to send him and also pay for our food for a month,” says Bibi.

She blames one person above all others: Imran Khan. his “years in power have seen many poor people simply becoming unable to afford anything other than food”, Bibi says of the country’s prime minister. “how will our people continue to live like this?”

Khan, Pakistan’s celebrity former cricket captain, came to power in 2018 as a populist, religious reformer promising to deliver welfare to the poor, stamp out corruption and end the boom-and-bust cycles that have plagued Pakistan’s economy for decades.

Yet Pakistan faces one of the worst inflation crises in Asia, with a basket of sensitive items such as food and fuel rising 15.1 per cent last week from a year earlier.

Pollster Gallup says almost two-thirds of Pakistanis consider it the biggest problem facing the country, with living standards deteriorating. Such is the frustration that Khan’s political future is now in doubt.

The prime minister is due to face a no-confidence vote in parliament before the end of March — only the third in recent decades — after a motion filed by opposition parties to oust him and force elections. earlier motions in 1989 and 2006 both failed.

During Khan’s four years in office he has struggled to meet the enormous expectations that accompanied his rise to power. he has been accused of economic mismanagement, using the spectre of anti-corruption to hound rivals and critics and impulsive policy U-turns that have undermined his agenda — repeatedly tussling with the IMF, for example. Almost half of Pakistanis have an unfavourable view of Khan’s performance, according to Gallup, compared to 36 per cent in favour. There are also signs of tension between Khan and Pakistan’s powerful military, such as a recent stand-off over the appointment of a new intelligence head. Observers say military support was vital to Khan’s rise but the rift encouraged the opposition to launch its bid to topple him in the expectation that military leadership will not continue backing him. The military denies involvement in the process.

Yet the vote follows a clear historical pattern. No prime minister of Pakistan — a country that has swung between democracy and dictatorship — has ever completed a full term in office. “It’s a mixture of the military being unhappy, the opposition being dealt with too confrontationally and the economy having collapsed in a

major way,” says Bilal Gilani, Gallup Pakistan’s executive director. “But the larger issue is we don’t have a huge consensus on how to run Pakistan.”

Khan last year survived a “confidence” vote that he brought in response to unrest within his own party. But analysts are divided over his ability to fight off the opposition’s bid to oust him, given the deteriorating economic and political situation. his tight majority in the National Assembly is held together by a coalition. Several parliamentarians from his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party have defected and the loyalties of his coalition partners are unclear.

Asad Umar, Pakistan’s planning minister and a Khan loyalist, argues that the no-confidence motion is an opportunistic move by the opposition designed to take advantage of surging global commodity prices — a factor outside the government’s control — to force elections when domestic inflation is high.

“They know that ‘If not now, we’ll never be able to stop Imran Khan.’ They cannot afford to have the government complete its term and go into a normal election cycle,” he adds. “Once he defeats this no confidence motion, he’ll emerge much stronger than he was before.”

But Nafisa Shah, a parliamentarian from the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party, says Khan’s “poor handling of the economy and flip-flopping on the IMF have made him very unpopular”. She says this was indicative of his chaotic rule: “he screams and shouts. his style is very anti-political, very Trumpian. “Imran Khan has destroyed political culture, weakened parliament and institutions,” she adds.

ECONOMIC PAIN: Pakistan’s economic and political instability is an extreme example of the pressures felt through the developing world as global inflation accelerates, something only accentuated by the surge in energy and food prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Across the Arabian Sea in Sri Lanka, for example, protesters are also calling on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government to resign as it too struggles with double-digit price increases and hovers close to default.

But Pakistan’s economic problems go back decades.

With a population of 220mn, the country has more people than western europe combined, with a median age of 23.

Yet both the pace of growth and the value of exports have trended lower in recent years. Low productivity and a dependence on imports has hampered job creation and triggered repeated balance-of-payments crises.

“Whenever we have growth, even the semblance of growth we run into a current account deficit issue,” says Miftah Ismail, a former finance minister and member of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-N party. “Our imports shoot through the roof and our exports don’t increase at the same pace, and so therefore we run out of dollars.”

Khan, better remembered internationally for his cricketing career and jet set lifestyle, underwent a religious awakening and devoted himself to domestic politics, campaigning against the alleged corruption of Pakistan’s political dynasties and its support for Nato’s war in Afghanistan.

“Khan captured Pakistan’s middle class moment,” says Maleeha Lodhi, a former Pakistan ambassador to the UN and US. he found support among students and upwardly mobile Pakistanis who “want a greater share of global power”, she adds. Khan was, however, trapped by the same economic cycles he had vowed to end. he negotiated a $6bn loan package with the IMF in 2019, only to suspend the programme. his government this year revived the scheme, passing a series of politically contentious reforms to boost revenues and strengthen central bank independence. Yet in February the government reintroduced fuel subsidies, saying it was needed to help hard-hit Pakistanis. But analysts say this could undermine the IMF programme weeks after it restarted.

Financial data company MSCI late last year downgraded

WILL THE PRIME MINISTER SURVIVE A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE OVER HIS MANAGEMENT OF THE ECONOMY AT A TIME WHEN PAKISTANIS FACE CRIPPLING PRICE RISES? Pakistan from an emerging to frontier market.

Analysts also say Khan has proved impulsive as a leader. Like many populists he uses inflammatory rhetoric to mobilise his base and discredit critics. And while his anti-corruption drive resulted in the arrest of several rival politicians, few were convicted. Although his government blames inflation, the erosion in living standards for low-income Pakistanis who voted for Khan has been a bitter disappointment. “I voted for Imran Khan in 2018 but that was the biggest mistake of my life,” says hidayat Khan, a taxi driver in Islamabad who migrated to the capital from Pakistan’s rural north-west. “In the last three years, everything has become more expensive. The worst part is that the government refuses to believe that they are at fault.”

Mohammed Sohail, chief executive at brokerage Topline Securities, says Pakistan’s turbulent politics has been a persistent drag on investment. “Over the last three or four years the situation has been constantly deteriorating,” he says. “The biggest risk is the political risk.

This has been a major factor affecting the economy.”

Since the no-confidence motion was proposed, Khan has gone on the offensive, holding several large rallies across the country in which he vowed to “go after” opponents such as former president Asif Ali Zardari of the PPP and Shahbaz Sharif, leader of the PML-N. Sharif’s brother and former prime minister Nawaz has been exiled in London for more than two years after failing to return to the country following temporary medical release from a Pakistan prison, where he was jailed on corruption charges.

“Some of the criticisms we’ve faced from our own followers is that the accountability drive has not delivered the results that were expected. So [we’re] refocusing,” Umar, the planning minister, says. Zardari and Sharif “are symbols of a system, which runs from the top and goes all the way down”. Both deny wrongdoing and dismiss allegations of corruption as politically motivated.

Khan’s image as a pious crusader against the excesses of his predecessors continues to carry appeal. Mohammad Bilal, a 22-year-old motorcycle mechanic in Pakistan’s port hub Karachi, is feeling the pinch of inflation but still supports the prime minister. “his collar is clean,” Bilal says, using an Urdu idiom for Khan’s personal integrity and tugging at his own grey shirt collar as he speaks. “he’s a good Muslim and an ambassador of Islam.”

FRIENDS IN MOSCOW AND BEIJING: In February, Khan travelled to Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin on what turned out to be the day Russia’s president launched his invasion of Ukraine. “What a time I have come — so much excitement,” a beaming Khan was filmed saying as he disembarked his plane the night before.

The prime minister has insisted he will remain neutral on the conflict. This has not only inflamed political rivals at home, who have urged him to distance himself from Putin, but strained ties with Pakistan’s traditional western allies. The prime minister attacked the UK, eU member states and others at a rally this month after they publicly urged Pakistan to condemn Russia. “Are we

your slaves?” he asked. “Whatever you say, we will do?”

Khan’s supporters say his reluctance to get dragged into “blocs” was vindicated by the failed western campaign in Afghanistan, with Nato’s chaotic 2021 retreat after the Taliban seized power. “Pakistan’s position is very clear and simple. We’re not willing to take sides in an international dispute,” Umar says. “[Khan] for the last 20 years, even when overwhelming public opinion was against his views, has always stood for peace.”

Khan’s government argues it is rebalancing an overreliance on the west in order to secure the country’s long-term interests. It is, for example, close to finalising a deal for a Russian-built gas pipeline to transport fuel from the southern coast to the north, which authorities argue is vital to securing long-term energy security. It is also deepening military ties with China, which is already investing tens of billions of dollars as part of its Belt and Road scheme. Khan this month posed in a newly delivered Chinese-made J-10C fighter jet near Islamabad, part of a pipeline of advanced weaponry, including frigates, stepping up their years-old military relationship.

Critics say Khan’s tense relationship with the west risks damaging the country’s long-term economic interests. Pakistan’s exports to the eU, where it enjoys tarifffree privileges under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus programme, are worth more than $6bn a year, according to the european Commission, compared with less than half a billion dollars to Russia. Analysts say further disputes with the eU could jeopardise those trade perks, which are subject to regular review.

Azeema Cheema, a director at policy-focused Verso Consulting in Islamabad, says that the country “is going to be pushed inadvertently into getting closer” to Russia and China. “What enables it as a factor is that you have a prime minister whose rhetoric is very anti-western,” she says. “The prospect of economic collaboration [with Russia] is real,” says Najmuddin Shaikh, a former Pakistan ambassador to the US. “But we have to recognise the reality of where our economic and trade interests lie.”

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has so far exacerbated Pakistan’s economic pain. The country is an important buyer of wheat from Russia and Ukraine but with the onset of the war it has been forced to search for moreexpensive alternatives. After years of improvement, Pakistan’s security situation has also deteriorated as the Taliban’s victory in neighbouring Afghanistan — which was welcomed by Khan — emboldens domestic extremists. The number of terrorist attacks rose 42 per cent in 2021, according to the Pak Institute for Peace Studies think-tank, the first increase since 2013. hasan Askari Rizvi, a former chief minister of Punjab and political commentator, says Khan faces his biggest political test to date. Rizvi argues that even if Khan survives it will become harder for the prime minister to secure the parliamentary backing needed to advance his agenda during the remaining year of his term. “his ability to take new initiatives would have been weakened,” he says. “Pakistan is already in an election framework.”

the state department should rise to the call of the hour TippinsighTs Editorial Board

t

he U.S. Department of State’s official mission is to lead America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the American people’s interests, safety, and economic prosperity.

For a situation that is bringing us closer to World War III and the worst inflation in 40 years, partly triggered by global events, the State Department is failing to lead in its core mission. Secretary Antony Blinken sounds like a cross between a media analyst and a military general rather than the lead diplomat of the free world.

During his March 17th remarks to the press, Blinken chided Russia as he has been doing for weeks. Switching hats, he then announced a laundry list of weapons to assist Ukraine. he sounded more like Lloyd Austen, the Secretary of Defense: “We’re also helping Ukraine acquire longer-range anti-aircraft systems and munitions at President Zelenskyy’s request.” There was no mention of the State Department leading diplomatically, other than a vague promise: “We’ll support Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts however we can.”

Leaving rookie Ukraine, whose leader has been in political office for fewer than three years, to negotiate peace with wily Russia will not cut it. For weeks, the parties have been talking while Russia mercilessly attacks Ukrainian civilian targets. each hour’s delay brings about additional carnage.

ANTONY BLINKEN SHOULD TEMPORARILY SHED HIS DISTASTE FOR RUSSIA AND CALL SERGEY LAVROV, HIS RUSSIAN COUNTERPART, ASKING FOR A MEETING OF THE MAJOR POWERS TO END THIS WAR IMMEDIATELY Blinken has been relentlessly pursuing a strategy to strangle Putin, isolate Russia, and inflict so much pain that Putin would initiate serious diplomatic overtures. “I have not seen any meaningful efforts by Russia to bring this war to a conclusion through diplomacy,” Blinken said to news media this week.

But this “lead-from-behind” approach, relying on Russia to bell the diplomatic cat, makes no sense. history has repeatedly shown us that pariahs do not initiate peace talks. even the appearance of conceding defeat would spell the death knell for them back home.

If anything, Putin’s speech in Moscow shows that he feels vindicated by his actions in Ukraine. Putin has upped the ante by firing hypersonic missiles, which can travel at ten times the speed of sound. Russia is a powerful country spanning nine time zones and boasting a

larger nuclear arsenal than any other country. It is more likely that Putin will dig in rather than bail out; take risks than ask for help.

This is where American diplomacy can make a difference. America is already intricately involved in the war, sending weapons and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and leading the West in a throat-choking menu of sanctions that have crippled the Russian economy. What America has taken, it can give it back in exchange for assurances from Putin never to use force on anyone again, thus forging a path to world peace and a framework to punish Putin. history also teaches us that dealing with authoritarian regimes requires the collective experience and heft of the world’s top nations, with America in the lead. The JCPOA was agreed between Iran and the so-called P-5

plus 1 (U.S., U.K., France, China, Russia, and Germany).

After the first Gulf War, American, British, and French governments established no-fly zones to protect Kurdish minorities from Saddam hussain’s wrath. American diplomacy helped oust Slobodan Milošević, the Yugoslavian president, making him the first leader of a country to be charged with war crimes.

The current situation is ripe for American diplomacy.

Ukraine not becoming part of NATO has been a critical demand of Putin. On Tuesday, President Zelenskyy repeated his softened stance about joining NATO when addressing a United Kingdom-led Joint expeditionary Force meeting. “Ukraine is not a member of NATO. We understand that, we are not crazy. For years we have been hearing about the alleged open door, but we have also heard now that we cannot enter.”

Antony Blinken should temporarily shed his distaste for Russia and call Sergey Lavrov, his Russian counterpart, asking for a meeting of the major powers to end this war immediately. The world needs peace, and America should lead the deliberations towards peace.

Americans, by huge margins, support Ukraine and are shocked at Russia’s actions, especially the atrocities committed on a peaceful neighbor exercising its sovereign rights. But equally importantly, Americans also want the war to come to an immediate end.

Justice for Putin and his cronies will come. Punishing Putin is crucial, but stopping the bloodshed and its spillover effects is even more so. Peace is what will advance America’s interests, safety, and economic prosperity. It is time that the State Department started working all channels to stop this carnage. Today.

Thursday, 24 March, 2022 | LAHORE

NEWS

corporate corner bankislami organizes Yaume-Pakistan vintage and Classic Car rally 2022 KARACHI: BankIslami, one of Pakistan’s most digitally advanced financial institutions, Organized the Vintage and Classic Car Rally 2022 held in Lahore on the occasion of Pakistan Day, i.e., 23rd March. The annual celebratory rally held in commemoration of Yaum-e-Pakistan, attracted unique and extraordinary vintage cars including Bentleys, Rolls Royce and a host of other vehicles from legendary manufacturers. The rally was inaugurated by President Lahore Chapter of HMCP whereas Rizwan Ata, Group Head-Distribution along with senior management of BankIslami were also present at the occasion.

Pakistan Day is celebrated with zeal and fervor across the country. It is marked with a national parade held in Islamabad along with a change of guard at various important places in different cities. The Vintage and Classic Car Rally brings together a host of vehicles owned by enthusiasts all over Pakistan showcasing a general love for cars amongst this group while highlighting the level of patriotism shared by the nation. The rally began at Liberty Market Parking and followed a route that covered many significant places in Lahore like LUMS, and Cavalry Ground ending at Raya Golf Resort. pr

09

PM laudS teaM aS jobleSS nuMber diveS to loweSt in South aSia IsLAMABAd

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staff report

RIME Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday congratulated his team for effectively handling the Covid-19 crisis and ensuring that employment raced ahead in the 2020-2020 period, as the jobless rate fell to its lowest point in the South Asian region.

“I want to congratulate my government for the way we handled the Covid-19 pandemic — better than all the countries in South Asia,” he said in

a tweet.

The tweet came in response to the survey — shared by South Asia Index, an online data portal — based on the data shared by World Bank that showed that Pakistan outperformed other South Asian economies with the lowest unemployment rates.

The survey showed Pakistan’s unemployment rate stood at 4.3 percent compared with 8 percent in India, 6.3 percent in the Maldives, 5.4 percent in Bangladesh, 5.9 in Sri Lanka, 5 percent in Bhutan and 4.7 percent in Nepal.

Pakistan Navy Celebrates Pakistan Day with traditional zeal & fervour

First public school for Sikhs nears completion in Peshawar news desk

Students of Beaconhouse School System take part in ‘Rassa Kashee’, one of the traditional games played among many others during the Indigenous Sports Week, held at over 100 Beaconhouse School campuses across Pakistan. pr

Chevron Pakistan partners with uber to offer exclusive benefits for drivers

KARACHI: An agreement was signed between Chevron Pakistan Lubricants (Private) Limited (“Chevron”) and Uber. The strategic collaboration will benefit Uber’s riders and partner drivers during these challenging times.

Chevron will offer attractive oil change and promotional packages for partner drivers at participating Caltex Oil Change facilities across Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Uber’s global ride-hailing platform seamlessly connects riders with drivers and brings mobility solutions to people.

Drivers are able to sign up and benefit from the earnings opportunity provided through the app. Pakistan as a country has tremendous potential and Uber considers it an honor to play a role in creating better economic opportunities across the country. pr

Guard MountinG and wreath laYinG CereMonY at allaMa MuhaMMad iQbal'S MauSoleuM

Pakistan Day was celebrated at all PAF Bases and installations with traditional zeal and fervor. The daylong celebrations started with special prayers after Fajar for the solidarity, progress and prosperity of Pakistan and the Muslim World. A Guard Mounting and Wreath Laying Ceremony was also held at the Mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal in Lahore. Air Vice Marshal Zubair Hassan Khan, Air Officer Commanding, PAF Airmen Academy, Korangi Creek was the Chief Guest on the occasion. A smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force took over guard duties from Satluj Rangers. The Chief Guest laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha at the grave of Allama Iqbal on behalf of Chief of the Air Staff, Airmen and Civilians of Pakistan Air Force. pr

IsLAMABAd pr

Pakistan Navy celebrated Pakistan Day with traditional zeal & zest. This day being the symbolic reminiscent of great efforts of Muslims of sub-continent recalls their determination and fortitude that changed the course of the history. Pakistan day resonates the demand of a separate homeland to safeguard sanctity of rights of Muslims in the sub-continent.

Every year this day marks the determination and eminence of a resilient Muslim nation that fight all odds with unity and commitment.

The day dawned with Gun Salutes while prayers were offered for solidarity of the beloved homeland. Flag hoisting ceremonies and illuminations were organized onboard Pakistan Navy Ships and Establishments as per

ceremonial norms. Pakistan Day Parade was held at Shakarparian parade ground Islamabad.

Smartly clad and agile contingent of Pakistan Navy was part of the Joint Services Parade. Pakistan Navy contingent included Lady Officers, Special Services Group (Navy) and PN Band.

In addition, Pakistan Navy aircraft P3C Orion, Z-9 EC and Seaking helicopters impressively flew past during the parade. Pakistan Navy Sea Eagle Team comprising Special Services Group (Navy) paratroopers were part of Tri Services Sky Diving Team.

The team exhibited various free fall jumping techniques, which included complicated Maneuvers and landing at targets with precise accuracy.

During other activities of the day, a boat rally of local fishermen, debate competitions and

Pakistan Zindabad rally by students of Bahria Colleges was held at Ormara and Gwadar in which local populace actively participated. Honourable President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi approved awards for officers and men of Pakistan Navy which included 03 Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), 07 Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), 05 Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) and 01 Tamgha-I-Basalat. In addition 40 Letter of commendations were conferred by Chief of the Naval Staff for outstanding performance by officers and men of Pakistan Navy.

Celebrations were also held at HQ NAVCENT Bahrain. Pakistan led Command Task Force 150 (CTF-150) celebrated Pakistan Day with traditional fervour. Officers & men and senior naval representatives from partner nations attended the ceremony.

Foreign missions wish Pakistan on March 23 The nation celebrated Pakistan Day on Wednesday with traditional zeal and fervour.

The day dawned with a 31gun salute in Islamabad and a 21gun salute in all the four provincial capitals, followed by change-of-guards ceremonies at the mausoleums of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, and the mausoleum of Muhammad Iqbal, the national poet, in Lahore.

On the occasion, the United States Embassy in Islamabad, while extending its “best wishes to the Pakistani people”, announced the launch of a year-long joint campaign to celebrate the 75th year of the two countries bilateral relations.

“The United States and Pakistan have enjoyed a strong partnership since we recognized your independence, and we want to highlight the depth and breadth of that partnership throughout the year”, said the US Chargé d’affaires Angela Aggeler.

A statement from the US Embassy stated that Pakistan and the US cooperated on “many shared priorities, including the environment, education, public health, trade, and cultural preservation”, and that the two countries’ relationship was sustained by “robust people-to-people ties”.

The Russian Embassy in Pak-

istan took to their official Twitter to state that President Vladimir Putin congratulates President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan on the occasion of Pakistan Day. “Friendly state of RussiaPakistan relations and productive bilateral cooperation are particularly noted in the message”, the enclave said.

The British High Commissioner to Pakistan on “the 75th anniversary year” of Pakistan sent good wishes to the nation and stated that he looks forward to the next 75 years of Britain and Pakistan relations.

The Australian High Commission in Pakistan also tweeted on the occasion and wished a “Happy Pakistan Day to all Pakistanis”.

It further said that Australia had been a steadfast friend to Pakistan since independence and that

the countries’ cooperation on education, trade, development and transnational security continued to grow, “along with close sporting links & warm people-to-people ties”.

The Embassy of Kazakhstan to Pakistan wished all Pakistanis “a very happy national day”.

The Embassy of Sweden in Pakistan the country and its people across the globe a “happy Pakistan Day”.

The European Union Delegation to Pakistan congratulated the government and people of the country on the occasion.

It stated that the EU and Pakistan would have 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2022, nurturing a bond for “progress, prosperity and peace for everyone in Pakistan”.

Switzerland’s Ambassador to Pakistan Bénédict de Cerjat also wished Pakistan. news desk

The first public school for Sikh community in Pakistan is nearing completion in Peshawar as “90 percent construction work” has been concluded, a news outlet reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, the work on the project practically started two years ago after a piece of land was purchased in the Jogan Shah Mohalla situated in the old city.

A woman living outside Pakistan had donated Rs20 million from which the community purchased eight marlas of land. After the purchase of land, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government started construction work.

The report said a school in Peshawar had been a long-standing demand of the Sikhs from the province and the tribal areas. Previously, about 300 children from the Sikh community were studying at an NGO-run school in Dabgri. The school operating in a rented house had to be shut down after the landlords asked the administration to evacuate.

However, after demands by the Sikh community for a new school, Atif Khan, the former provincial education minister and current food minister, announced the project for the first government school for the Sikh community.

The government tasked the Sikh community with purchasing space to make the construction of the school practical. After the purchase of land, the KP government started work on the site six months ago.

“The development of the special Sikh school would also send a message to those across the border,” the report quoted Dr Sahib Singh, chairman of the National Commission for Peace KhyberPakhtunkhwa, as saying.

The project will be the first of its kind and provide an opportunity for the children of the Sikh community and other minorities to get an education in a better environment.

Thursday, 24 March, 2022 | LAhore

10 forIgen neWS

BeIjIng InvestIng over $400B In 54 MuslIM countrIes, says top chInese dIploMat

c

Agencies

HINA is investing over $400 billion in nearly 600 projects across the Muslim world under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Chinese foreign minister said on Tuesday. Speaking at the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign minister in Islamabad, Wang Yi said Beijing has close ties with Muslim world based on respect and mutual cooperation.

“China will continue to stand firmly on the side of the Palestinian people and support the early convening of a more authoritative and representative international peace conference on the basis of the twostate solution so as to promote a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian issue,” Wang said, according to the transcript of his speech released by Pakistan’s Information Ministry.

Referring to the long-standing dispute

of Jammu and Kashmir, he said today he “heard the call of many Islamic friends” over the issue, adding that Beijing “share

the same aspiration.”

About the war between Russia and Ukraine, Wang said that China supports peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

“We need to prevent humanitarian disasters and prevent the spillover of the Ukrainian crisis from affecting or harming the legitimate rights and interests of other regions and countries,” he added.

He also spoke about the current humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and said Beijing would support Afghanistan in achieving inclusive government and steady governance to open a new chapter of peace and reconstruction.

“China is ready to work with Islamic countries to promote a multi-polar world, democracy in international relations and diversity of human civilizations, and make unremitting efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind,” Wang concluded.

UN chief praises oic: The UN Secre-

tary-General Antonio Guterres in a video message said that the UN enjoys close relationship with OIC based on trust and solidarity.

“We are working together to counter the challenges that abound, from the war in Ukraine and its global ramifications to growing inequalities and proliferating assaults on human rights,” the UN chief said.

Guterres added that the two organizations have worked together to nurture a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.

He praised the OIC’s role and said that in recent years, they have successfully deepened their collaboration on key areas of mutual concern – including mediation, countering terrorism, preventing violent extremism, combatting anti-Muslim hatred, and promoting religious tolerance.

“Only together, in unity with partners at all levels, we can confront shared challenges and create a better future for all,” the UN secretary-general added.

AFP

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his fiancee Stella Moris get married on Wednesday, at the high-security London prison where he is being held during his extradition case.

Assange, 50, is fighting attempts to remove him from the UK to face trial in the United States over the publication of secret files relating to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Last week, the UK Supreme Court turned down a request to hear his appeal against the move, bringing the long-running legal saga nearer to a conclusion.

Assange and Moris announced their en-

gagement in November and were given permission to marry at Belmarsh prison in southeast London where he is on remand.

The Don’t Extradite Assange (DEA) group said the wedding would be conducted by a registrar, with just four guests, two witnesses — and two security guards — in attendance. The guests will have to leave immediately after the ceremony.

Vivienne Westwood, the British fashion designer who has been a long-standing supporter of the Australian publisher, has designed Moris’ wedding dress, the DEA group said.

She has also provided a kilt for Assange in a nod to his Scottish heritage, it added.

Moris, who is in her late 30s and has two

young sons with Assange, will cut a wedding cake and make a speech outside the prison in front of their supporters.

Assange has become a figurehead for media freedom campaigners, who accused Washington of trying to muzzle reporting of legitimate security concerns.

If found guilty of violating the US Espionage Act by publishing military and diplomatic files, he could face the rest of his life in prison.

For critics, however, he is seen as having been reckless with classified information that may have endangered the lives of sources.

Assange initially won a ruling against his extradition, after his lawyers success-

fully argued he would be a suicide risk if he were transferred to the United States.

But the US government appealed, and persuaded judges that he would not be held in solitary confinement at a high-security federal detention facility.

He has spent most of the past decade in custody or holed up in Ecuador’s London embassy, trying to avoid another extradition after Sweden sought his transfer to answer claims of sexual assault. That case was later dropped.

After the Supreme Court blocked his application, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel will make a final decision on the case, unless Assange’s lawyers launch another challenge on a separate point in the case.

US less optimistic over reaching Iran nuclear deal WAsHingTOn AFP

US optimism that a deal to restore the 2015 agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear development has soured, with the State Department warning Tuesday it was headed toward “Plan B” if Tehran doesn’t budge.

Just a week ago Washington officials were hopeful that an agreement that aimed to halt Iran’s march toward nuclear weapons capability, after almost one year of negotiations, was within reach.

“We are close to a possible deal, but we’re not there yet,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said on March 16.

“We do think the remaining issues can be bridged.”

US officials said they thought Tehran would reach an agreement after Sunday’s celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Mood shift But that tone suddenly changed the following day.

“I want to be clear that an agreement is neither imminent nor is it certain,” Price said Monday.

And on Tuesday, while refusing to say the talks had reached an impasse, Price said

the United States had contingency plans if a deal could not be reached and Iran’s alleged plans to develop nuclear weapons were not halted. “The onus is on Tehran to make decisions that it might consider difficult,” Price told reporters.

“In fact, we are preparing equally for scenarios with and without a mutual return to full implementation of the JCPOA,” he said, referring to the formal name of the 2015 deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

The administration of president Donald Trump unilaterally abrogated the six-party JCPOA in 2018, accusing Tehran of violating its terms and branding it a weak deal.

Experts said Iran had mostly stuck to the terms, but months after the US pullout, the Islamic republic began ramping up its nuclear program with activities that would enhance its ability to build a nuclear weapon.

Last April, three months after he took office, President Joe Biden started new negotiations to revive the 2015 agreement, promising an easing of punishing sanctions in exchange for restoring JCPOA controls.

But the talks have proceeded with the knowledge that Tehran has already moved much closer to nuclear weapons “breakout,”

Four children die after consuming poisonous toffees in India

which would render the JCPOA moot.

Political choices: Both sides have said in recent weeks that the other has to make tough political choices.

And Tehran is believed to be holding out for two objectives: a guarantee of some protection if the United States again pulls out from the deal, and the removal of Washington’s official “Foreign Terrorist Organization” designation of the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

“We are still working through a number of difficult issues,” Price said, while not confirming what the specific unagreed points were. “We know that there has to be a great deal of urgency, and we know that now the onus is on Tehran to make decisions,” he said. Suggesting that Washington has not given up, Price did say Monday that it could make concessions.

“We are prepared to make difficult decisions to return Iran’s nuclear program to its JCPOA limits,” he said.

But he also warned that Washington is conferring with allies on what to do if no deal is reached, without providing details.

“We are preparing… for a world in which we have a JCPOA and a world in which we don’t. But either way, the presi-

KAbUL AFP

The Taliban ordered secondary girls schools in Afghanistan to shut Wednesday just hours after they reopened, an official confirmed, sparking confusion over the policy reversal by the hardline group.

“Yes, it’s true,” Taliban spokesman Inamullah Samangani told AFP when asked to confirm reports that girls had been ordered home.

An AFP team was filming at Zarghona High School in the capital Kabul when a teacher entered and ordered everyone to go home. Crestfallen students, back in class for the first time since the Taliban seized power in August last year, tearfully packed up their belongings and filed out.

The international community has made the right to education for all a sticking point in negotiations over aid and recognition of the new Taliban regime.

aitekaf to be resumed after two years at holy Mosques in saudi arabia

WikiLeaks’ Assange to marry in prison LOnDOn

girls’ schools in afghanistan ordered shut just hours after reopening

dent’s commitment to the fact that Iran will never be able to acquire a nuclear weapon, that is ironclad.”

‘Walk away’ Yet even as the United States pressures Iran to give in, it is facing challenges from conservatives domestically against a possible deal. After a briefing Tuesday from the State Department’s main JCPOA negotiator Rob Malley, senior Republican Senator Jim Risch lashed out.

“I’m appalled at the concessions this administration is considering to placate the Iranian regime,” he said, calling on Biden to “walk away” from the talks.

“A deal that provides $90-$130 billion in sanctions relief, relieves sanctions against Iran’s worst terror and human rights offenders, and delists the IRGC does not support our national security interests,” he said.

But Democrat Chris Murphy said a deal would be positive. “The intel on how close Iran is to a nuclear weapon is chilling, and we have no reason to believe that there’s a pathway other than diplomacy to extend their breakout time,” the senator said.

He added that the terror group designation for the IRGC can be dropped because it “has no practical impact.”

neWs DesK The Saudi government has decided to resume Aitekaf at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah during Ramazan after two years, according to a report by the Saudi report by the Saudi Gazette on Wednesday. The announcement was made by Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, in an annual meeting held to launch the presidency’s plan for this year’s Ramazan. He said that the presidency will soon start issuing permits through its official website. “They will be in line with specific conditions and set criteria,” Al-Sudais added. The presidency, earlier, launched an online portal to provide guidelines and registration facilities to worshippers intending to perform Aitekaf. The religious ritual of staying in mosques for the sole purpose of worship and meditation is observed during Ramazan. The report stated that as many as 100,000 worshipers perform Aitekaf at the two holy mosques during the last 10 days of the holy month.

However, it was suspended for the last two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia lifted most Covid restrictions including social distancing in public spaces and quarantine for vaccinated arrivals, moves that could facilitate the arrival of Muslim pilgrims. Masks will only be required in closed spaces, according to the decision, which came into effect on March 6. In 2020, when the Holy Mosques reopened for the public, strict restrictions such as social distancing and wearing of masks were imposed. Visas were also not being issued to pilgrims across the world, including Pakistan. The kingdom, which is home to Islam’s two holiest places in Makkah and Madinah, will no longer require vaccinated travellers to provide a negative PCR or rapid test before their arrival in the kingdom or to quarantine. The Covid-19 pandemic has hugely disrupted Muslim pilgrimages, which are usually key revenue earners for the kingdom, bringing in some $12 billion annually.

China reiterates Taiwan question differs in nature from Ukraine issue

Agencies

MiAn AbrAr

Four children, three of them siblings, died after reportedly ingesting poisonous toffees in the Kasya area of Kushinagar district in Uttar Pradesh. Expressing his condolences on the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conveyed his condolences and offered help to the grieving families. The late children were identified as Manjana (5), Sweety (3), Samar (2), who were siblings, and five-year-old Arun.Mukhia Devi, a resident of Dilipnagar village, found a plastic bag with candies in it while sweeping her house, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Kushinagar, Varun Kumar Pandey reported. Devi offered them to her grandchildren and Arun from the neighbourhood, ADM Pandey added. The children passed out after taking the allegedly poisoned toffees. When rushed to the hospital, they were immediately declared dead. The single remaining toffee is under forensic examination, told ADM Pandey.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday reiterated that the Taiwan question differs in nature from the Ukraine issue and the two are not comparable at all. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks when asked to comment on a virtual meeting between Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as the pair were reported to have a discussion on the issues including the Ukraine situation and the peace of the “Asia-Pacific region” on Tuesday.

Highlighting Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, Wang stressed there is no so-called “president of Taiwan”.

China opposes any country having diplomatic ties with Beijing from making any form of official contact or exchange with Taiwan, and firmly rejects Taiwan’s

accession to any agreement or organization of official nature, the spokesperson said, adding this position has always been clear and consistent. He also said, Japan committed countless crimes during its colonial rule in Taiwan for half a century, and thus bears grave historical responsibilities to the Chinese people.

Noting some political forces in Japan are openly colluding with the “Taiwan independence” forces and pointing fingers at the Taiwan question, Wang said China deplores and rejects this and has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side. He warned that Taiwan is China’s internal affair and has nothing to do with Japan, adding it is dangerous and futile for some people in Japan to compare Taiwan with Ukraine and encourage a breakthrough in relations with Taiwan.

Wang urged the Japanese side and some politicians to deeply reflect on history and earnestly abide by the principles stipulated in the four political documents be-

tween China and Japan and its commitments made so far.

The Japanese side should also stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan, refrain from supporting the “Taiwan independence” elements, act prudently on the Taiwan question and stop making provocations, he added.

Wang also accused Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority of exploiting the Ukraine issue. “No matter what tricks the DPP authorities play, they cannot change the fact that Taiwan is a part of China, they cannot stop the trend that Taiwan will return to the motherland, and they cannot save the “Taiwan independence” forces from the eventual destruction.” Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council also called on the Japanese side to correct the wrongdoings on Taiwan-related issues, refrain from going further and come back to the commitment to the one-China principle, which is the right path to follow.

Thursday, 24 March, 2022 | LAHORE

SPORTS 11

PakIsTaN’s BaTTINg CollaPses as ausTRalIa ClaIms CoNsIdeRaBle lead LaHoRe

a

Agencies

USTRALIAN fast bowling pair of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc carved through the Pakistan batting late on Wednesday, sharing nine wickets between them to hand the touring side a first-innings lead of 123 in the deciding third and final Test.

Captain Cummins bowled an impeccable line and length to pick up his seventh five-wicket haul in Tests while Starc spewed fire with his pace and reverse swing to take four as Pakistan were all out for 268, replying to Australia’s total of 391.

The hosts lost their last seven wickets for 20 runs in a dramatic collapse in the final session of the third day at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Australia openers Usman Khawaja and David Warner managed to see through three overs before stumps to take their side to 11-0, extending the lead to 134 overall.

With Pakistan appearing comfortable at 248-3, leftarmer Starc triggered the collapse with a double strike to remove Fawad Alam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and then also picked up the prized wicket of Pakistan captain Babar Azam for 67.

Cummins, who had taken the only wicket to fall on Tuesday, ran through the lower order to leave the sparse

crowd stunned in silence. The collapse looked even more unbelievable after Abdullah Shafique and Azhar Ali

struck resolute half-centuries, leaving Australia wicketless in the first session,to set up a good platform for Pakistan to post a sizeable total.

The 37-year-old Azhar, playing his 94th Test but the first at his home ground, made 78 and added 150 for the second wicket with Shafique.

The 22-year-old Shafique, playing only his fifth Test, was out for 81, becoming the first wicket to fall in the second session of the day.

The pitch offered some variable bounce but did not pose too many problems for the batters till the final hour of play. Resuming on 90-1, Shafique and Azhar continued to be watchful but also punished any loose deliveries to keep alive the hosts’ hopes of taking a lead in the first innings.

Steve Smith, who has had a tough time in the series with his catching, did not help the Australian bowlers’ cause by failing to convert two opportunities at slip.

Smith dropped Azhar, on 62, off leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson and also saw an edge from Babar off Nathan Lyon fly past him with the batter on 20.

It took a spectacular return catch from Cummins to dismiss Azhar, who got past 7,000 runs in Tests during his knock.

The first two Tests of the series — the first between the sides in Pakistan since 1998 — were drawn.

Waqar Younis formally inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame staff RepoRt Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis, who took 373 Test and 416 ODI wickets, was formally inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame when he received his commemorative cap and plaque during Wednesday’s play in the third cricket Test between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium.

In Tests, Waqar took 50 or more wickets against New Zealand (70), Zimbabwe (62), Sri Lanka (56), West Indies (55) and England (50).

In ODIs, he took 84 wickets against Sri Lanka, followed by New Zealand (79), West Indies (60), South Africa (58), India (37), England (30), Australia (29) and Zimbabwe (23).

Waqar played seven Tests at the Gaddafi Stadium and took 29 wickets with seven for 86 against New Zealand in October 1990 as his best.

In 12 ODIs at this iconic venue, Waqar took 14 wickets with four for 26 against the Netherlands in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1996 as his

best figures.

For his meritorious services to Pakistan cricket, Waqar already has a stand dedicated in his name at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

At his induction into the PCB Hall of Fame, Waqar Younis said: “I feel honoured to have been inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame with my mother and wife standing alongside me. In fact, it was an honour to receive the beautiful plaque from my mother, who has been my inspiration throughout this highly rewarding and immensely satisfying cricketing journey. Without her blessings, I would not have been able to achieve this much as a professional. “Playing for Pakistan was a dream come true and I still cherish every single moment of wearing the Pakistan colour. And to be awarded by the Pakistan Cricket Board with this honour 19 years after I last represented my country is just an icing on the cake, for which I am grateful to them.

“It is indeed a very proud moment for me to be placed in the same category as Abdul Qadir,

ICC: Babar moves to five, Rizwan achieves career-high ranking in Test News Desk The latest update in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings for batting is headlined by Babar Azam, who makes massive gains after a stunning showing against Australia. The Pakistan skipper was at his glorious best against Australia during the second Test of the series in Karachi. Batting for almost two days, Babar played a marathon knock of 196 in 425 deliveries as Pakistan pulled off a sensational draw.

The performance has seen Babar gain three spots, moving up to No.5 in the rankings chart. Other star performers with the bat from the same match – Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Khawaja – have also taken massive a massive leap. Rizwan has moved up six spots, to be joint No.11 alongside David Warner after his knock of 104* in the second innings.

Usman Khawaja, who scored 160 and 44* in Karachi, moves up eleven spots to No.13. West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite is another big mover, gaining sixteen spots up to No.27 after scoring 160 and 56* in the second Test against England in Barbados. In the bowling charts, Shaheen Afridi has moved down one spot to No.6 after struggling in the Karachi Test, picking up only two wickets in the match. Mitchell Starc, who picked up three scalps in the first innings moves up one place to No.15. In the all-rounders’ chart, Jason Holder has dropped down to No.2 after struggling during the second Test in Barbados. Holder picked up only one wicket and aggregated 12 runs in the match. Australian skipper Pat Cummins has moved up one spot to No.8 after aggregating three wickets and scoring 34* in the first innings of the Karachi Test. In the ODI charts, South African players are the big gainers after their sevenwicket win against Bangladesh in the second match in Johannesburg. Quinton de Kock, who scored a blistering 41-ball 62 moves up one place to No.3 in the batting charts.

Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram and Zaheer Abbas.

These individuals are absolute legends of the game and their achievements and success stories are well documented.

“I would like to thank all the players I played with and against as well as all the support staff who contributed towards my accomplishments.”

The PCB Hall of Fame was launched in April 2021 following the Board of Governors approval at its 62nd meeting with the sole objective being to honour and celebrate the achievements of some of the greatest cricketers produced by this proud country as well as to preserve Pakistan cricket history.

The initial inductees were six members of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame – Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Zaheer Abbas. On 16 October 2021, the six stalwarts were joined by Abdul Qadir and Fazal Mahmood who were selected by an independent voting panel.

Wasim Khan happy to see international cricket back to Pakistan MIaN abRaR Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Wasim Khan is happy to see his dream of revival of international cricket in Pakistan being materialised.

Wasim Khan, who served the PCB for three years and put in a lot of effort to help revive top-level international cricket in Pakistan, also watched Day One of the third Test between Pakistan and Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

“I am happy to see the Australian team play in Pakistan. We did our bit to bring the top teams back in Pakistan during my tenure. After the tour of Australia, England and New Zealand will also tour Pakistan for sure,” Wasim told media.

“I am happy to see the Australian team play in Pakistan. It is an overall effort to make this series happen, everyone worked very hard for this, even I put in a lot of efforts during my time in the board.” Wasim stated.

Wasim also shared his views on the PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja and the performance of the Men in Green in the 2021 T20 World Cup. “Ramiz Raja is working hard to improve the quality of pitches in Pakistan. I am sure his vision will benefit Pakistan. His success is Pakistan’s success,” he added.

“I am very happy with all the performers of the world cup, including the pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. Even when I am away in Britain, my prayers are with Pakistan,” Wasim con-

Futsal Tournament ends pRess ReLease A futsal tournament was held on March 20 at Jinnah Park, Rawalpindi.

Seven teams of Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (RIPS) participated in the tournament. Matches were played in the flood lights.

More than 60 players directly participated in the game and the crowd outside the ground was overwhelmingly supporting their respective teams. Alumni of RIPS also had their team in the tournament. They played the best game and defeated the 8th Semester team in a nail biter final match. Match was decided on the penalty shoots. The refreshments were well arranged and at the end all the people including the spectators enjoyed the delicious meal. In the closing ceremony Dr. UMAIR Ilyas (Sports Incharge RIPS) paid special thanks to all the worthy sponsors of the tournament including Riphah University, Jupiter Pharma, Students’ Services Department. Medals and trophies were given to the winner and Runner-up team of the tournament.

New Zealand sports to welcome back crowds as Covid-19 rules eased weLLINGtoN ReuteRs

cluded. The former official of the PCB further spoke about the challenges and obstacles to inviting international teams to Pakistan.

“It took a lot of time to bring top international teams like Australia and others to Pakistan. It is very hard to convince the foreign teams on security issues. Australia committed to playing in Pakistan. It is a joyful moment to see them in action,” Wasim added.

“We contacted England, New Zealand, and other teams to tour Pakistan but never contacted the Indian Cricket Board in this matter,” he clarified.

“When the South Africa team toured Pakistan during my tenure, no one complained about the pitches, and results were also produced,” he concluded.

CMYK

New Zealand sports will welcome full-capacity crowds when Covid-19 rules ease this weekend after a bruising period for revenues. New Zealand capped crowds at 100 people for outdoor events while battling an outbreak of the Omicron variant, but will lift the curbs from Saturday, along with the need for fans to wear masks, the government said on Wednesday. “While Omicron is transmissible the natural ventilation of an outdoor seating reduces the risk,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. Women’s Cricket World Cup organisers put more tickets on sale for weekend matches and for the semi-finals starting March 30. “We had sold out what we had available under the previous restrictions so it’s great to offer full capacity,” tournament boss Andrea Nelson said in a statement. Crowds will also be back for Super Rugby Pacific matches, though the change will come too late for Moana Pasifika’s clash against the Wellington Hurricanes in Auckland on Friday. Moana Pasifika, comprised mostly of players with Pacific islands heritage, had no issue with the timing and said it had planned for a restricted crowd. “We are conscious of our Pasifika fan base in South Auckland and note that Covid is still rampant in our communities, who are most vulnerable,” a team spokesperson told New Zealand media. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) CEO Mark Robinson said it was a “really positive day” for the sport.

“It’s been no secret that there have been significant challenges working through Covid and since the start of the year,” Robinson said in a video posted by NZR on Twitter. “And that has impacted all levels of the game, from community level right through our semi-professional and professional games. “[…] Delighted and really excited to see some joy come back on the faces of the people that are close to the game.”

Thursday, 24 March, 2022

prayer tiMings

NEWS

COAS, WAng YI dISCuSS regIOnAL SeCurITY, furTher enhAnCIng BILATerAL defenCe COOPerATIOn ISLAMABAD

M

Mian abrar

R Wang Yi, State Counselor and Foreign Minister of the People Republic of China Wednesday called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security and measures to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Chinese Foreign Minister said that Pakistan-China relationship is based on convergence of views and mutual respect.

Appreciating professionalism of Pakistan Army, Foreign Minister said that world should acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts towards regional peace and stability.

He appreciated security provided to the Chinese compaies working on China,

Talks with MQM-P on as PTI decides to keep contact with allies

Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and said that China believes in

PML-N postpones long march for two days LAHORE

ISLAMABAD staff report

staff report

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) govt has decided on Wednesday to continue its contacts with the coalition parties in the wake of a no-confidence motion moved by opposition against PM Imran Khan.

A meeting of the political committee was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan in which the committee decided to continue its contacts with the allies.

On the other hand, the government team held an important meeting with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). A delegation comprising Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak and Planning Minister Asad Umar reached Parliament Lodges and conveyed the message of Prime Minister Imran to the MQM members.

The meeting progressed positively and both sides agreed to continue the meetings.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has said PM Imran Khan holds several trump cards ahead of the noconfidence motion.

Sheikh Rasheed while talking to the media said that it will be clear on March 27 who the people are with. He said that Insha’Allah the National Assembly will meet on March 25 and on March 30, 31st or April 1, the NA speaker can initiate the voting on the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan.

Rasheed hoped that Imran Khan will emerge victorious. The interior minister said that the final will be held on the night of March 27 and it will be clear who are the people with?

Regarding the no-confidence motion, Sheikh Rasheed further said that he is hopeful for the failure of the no-confidence motion, Prime Minister Imran Khan also has a lot of cards, hopefully, the allies will be with Imran Khan.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Wednesday rescheduled its long march to Islamabad after National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser summoned the National Assembly session on March 25 for no-confidence voting against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The long march would now arrive in the federal capital on March 28 instead of March 27 and would depart from Lahore on March 26, the party said in a statement.

The decision was taken during a meeting under the chairmanship of Leader of the Opposition in NA and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif.

The march would be led by PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly Hamza Shehbaz.

Shehbaz, during the meeting, instructed the organisers to ensure best possible coordination at all levels so that the long march can be managed smoothly.

The opposition leader said that the long march would fulfill aspirations of the people and the country would be spared from economic catastrophe, rising inflation and unemployment upon its success.

“The long march is a decisive step of the people affected by inflation, incompetence and corruption of the government,” he added.

Aamir Liaquat among MPs who called on prime minister ISLAMABAD: MPs of ruling and allied parties from Punjab and Sindh called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday and reposed full trust in his leadership.

The lawmakers who met the prime minister included Aamir Liaquat Hussain and Alia Hamza from the Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf (PTI) party and Saira Bano of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA).

Federal Ministers Asad Umar and Ali Haider Zaidi, and Malik Aamir Dogar, adviser to the prime minister, also attended the meeting. Monitoring report

inclusive prosperity.

Referring to the OIC’s 48th Council of Foreign Ministers session, the COAS termed it a historic development for addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and bringing international community to a shared vision and joint strategy to find solution to emerging challenges in the region vital for peace and stability.

The COAS also thanked Foreign Minister for his visit and continued Chinese support to Pakistan. The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role regional stability and pledged to play his role for further improvements in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels. He specially appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for hosting the OIC’s 48th Council of Foreign Ministers.

The meeting was attended by former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal, PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah and other senior leaders.

‘PeoPLe’S ChArter’ Meanwhile, the joint opposition has issued a “charter for the people” to mark the Pakistan Day. The opposition parties, in a statement, said they were committed to provide a “better Pakistan” upon success of no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“We will make a Pakistan where sanctity of Constitution is paramount… all institutions will follow the elected administration and parliament and only people will have the right to elect and dismiss their representatives,” the statement added.

The electoral reforms, it further said, will be implemented by consensus to ensure free and fair elections, adding that all “undemocratic interferences” will be prohibited in the ‘better Pakistan’.

The joint opposition, it said, was committed to lift all restrictions on media and abolish “black laws”.

The opposition also assured that concrete steps would be taken for the recovery of all missing persons and corruption would be curbed by establishing an impartial body for transparent accountability.

The statement further said that Pakistan would be recognised globally as a dignified and independent state via an independent foreign policy.

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Bilawal says ‘won’t accept rigging in notrust vote’ Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday said that he will not accept “any kind of rigging” in the upcoming no-trust vote against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the National Assembly.

“He [PM Imran] knows he can only win through rigging. This is his last resort,” Bilawal said while addressing PPP supporters at a rally in Malakand on Wednesday. “But no selection will take place now. No one is ready to shake hands with you. People have to let this man go.”

Bilawal said that the no-confidence motion is a test for the democracy, neutrality, and federation of Pakistan.

“We want to face this test democratically. We believe it is very important for the progress of Pakistan,” he pointed out, demanding that his party wants the constitutional process of the no-trust vote to be completed soon.

The PPP leader stressed that it was important to oust the prime minister, saying: “We will face him democratically and we will treat the umpire’s finger with our thumb, vote, and democracy.”

PM Imran Khan would be expelled through a democratic course, Bilawal vowed. “I won’t use any undemocratic weapons, nor will I attack any institution. I won’t knock on the fourth gate.”

It is, in fact, the PM who is violating the Constitution by trapping the speaker [Asad Qaiser] in Article 6, the PPP chairman said as he challenged the premier to cut to the chase and hold the no-confidence motion immediately.

“He must demonstrate his strength through a power show of 173-lawmakers in the National Assembly,” Bilawal said. “He calls us rats and is himself running away. You are a rat, Imran Khan.”

The PPP leader remarked that while Urdu indeed is Pakistan’s national language, “Pashtuns, Seraikis, and Sindhis are equally Pakistanis too, just like those who speak Urdu.”

“Before teaching me [Urdu], go teach your children,” he hit back at the premier, who had recently mocked Bilawal Urdu proficiency.

Bilawal accused the prime minister of using the language of a “defeated man”, saying that it doesn’t sound good coming from the prime minister of a country. “You call Maulana Fazlur Rehman diesel but you have forgotten the price of diesel which has skyrocketed. You called Shehbaz boot polisher but you are not left with any more boots. You talk about Madinah from the same mouth you hurl abuses from.”

The PPP chairman called out the premier for “sabotaging” the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “He has been named in so many scandals but refuses to speak on them.”

Bilawal promised that the next elections to be held in the country will be “fair and transparent”.

“Imran Khan wants the law of the jungle to be implemented,” he alleged. “Imran wants to convert all the institutions into his Tiger Force. He wants the media, the NAB, [and] the judiciary to be like his Tiger Force.

But our Constitution is clear that no such institution can function out of its domain.” H urged his party’s supporters to hold the prime minister accountable through their vote, assuring that the upcoming general elections will be a “democratic revenge”.

“When I will visit you next, there will be a new prime minister,” he added.

Justice Isa unhappy with bench formed to take up floor-crossing petition ISLAMABAD staff report

Justice Qazi Faez Isa has expressed reservations over the formation of a larger bench to hear the presidential reference seeking interpretation of Article 63-A of the Constitution.

Article 63-A, the law on floor-crossing, provides that MPs who defect could lose their seats if they then vote against their party, but the government, which on Monday moved the Supreme Court asking it to interpret the law, aims to find out whether that also applies before they cast their votes.

On Wednesday, Justice Isa wrote a letter to Chief Jus-

tice Umar Ata Bandial, expressing his reservations and raising questions over the formation of the larger bench.

He said the entire nation’s eyes were set on the reference, but no consultation was held with the senior judges of the apex court before the formation of the bench.

Moreover, the senior-most judges have been ignored and not been made part of the bench, the letter read.

It further claimed that rules were not followed, and judges who were on the 4th, 8th and 13th number in the seniority list were included on the bench.

In matters involving legal and constitutional affairs, senior judges should be included in the bench, the letter said.

Justice Isa sent the copy of the letter to the attor-

ney general, Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president, judges of the apex court and advocate generals of all provinces.

In the letter, he also objected to the appointment of a civil servant as registrar of the court. In my view, the registrar’s appointment is illegal, he wrote.

He said he thought twice before writing this letter.

He said the Supreme Court had clubbed the SCBA petition together with the presidential reference. But they could not be clubbed together and the apex court should hear them separately.

The SCBA application has been filed under Article 184-3 while the presidential reference is consultative, the letter added.

Pakistan, China to enhance cooperation in various fields ISLAMABAD Monitoring report

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held talks in Islamabad and agreed to enhance pragmatic cooperation in various fields.

During the meeting, Yi said China is willing to work with Pakistan to further synergise their development strategies, conduct systematic exchanges on governance experience and improve long-term cooperation plans.

Noting that the bilateral relations are at their best in history, Qureshi said during the

meeting that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent visit to China was very successful, and the leaders of the two countries have reached a large number of important consensus.

The friendship is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, he said, adding that as all-weather strategic partners, Pakistan and China have stood together through thick and thin, helped and supported each other, as well as stood firmly together at critical moments.

Pakistan stands ready to work with China to implement the consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries, and expand practical cooperation in various

fields including agriculture, economy and trade, finance and information technology, Qureshi said, while calling for increased investment from China to help push Pakistan’s industrialisation process.

Yi said that the Pakistan-China AllWeather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is unique and time-tested, and the two countries have become good neighbours, good friends, good partners and good brothers who trust each other. The traditional friendship is rock-solid, which is a precious treasure for both sides, he added.

China hopes that Pakistan will get more

deeply involved in China’s new development landscape with a further convergence of interests, Yi said. China is willing to expand imports from Pakistan and support Chinese enterprises in investing in Pakistan, so as to help Pakistan enhance its capacity of independent development.

Earlier, Qureshi welcomed Yi to come over to attend the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), saying the first time participation by a Chinese foreign minister in the meeting is of historical significance, which shows China’s support for

Pakistan and that Beijing attaches great importance to Islamic countries.

As an OIC founding member, Pakistan is willing to push the OIC to deepen its friendly ties with China, he said.

Yi congratulated Pakistan on its hosting the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting, saying this shows Pakistan’s role as a bridge between the Islamic world and the oriental civilisation.

Chinese foreign minister’s presence at the meeting at invitation demonstrates that China has high-level exchanges with the Islamic world and that it highly values strengthening relations with Islamic countries.

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