e-Paper Feb 04, 2013

PML-N sit-in outside parliament today Demands empowering ECP ISLAMABAD —The Pakistan tional (PML-F) and some Sindhi sition leader in the National AsMuslim League-Nawaz will stage a sit-in outside the parliament house and will take out a long march towards the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) today (Monday) to demand empowering the ECP. The Jamaat-e-Islami, the Pakistan Muslim League-Func-

Altaf cancels Multan address due to illness

nationalist parties are expected to join the PML-N sit-in. JUI-F has however decided to stay away from the boycott as it is annoyed with the PML-N for not supporting it in the parliament over its boycott for governor’s rule in Balochistan.

PML-N stalwart and oppo-

sembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had said during a press conference that his party would stage a sit-in outside the parliament for empowering the ECP since an independent election commission was a guarantee for holding transparent election.— INP

TTP offers ceasefire, at Karachi Cameron, Karzai and Zardari dialogue with govt Firemilitary discuss Afghan peace

LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and President Asif Ali Zardari expressing solidarity during a meeting on Sunday.

MULTAN—Mutehida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Sunday postponed his scheduled telephonic address to party workers in Multan due to health reasons.

According to an MQM TARIQ SAEED spokesman, Altaf Hussain was unwell due to chest infection PESHAWAR—In what could be and fever. He won’t be able to called a dramatic move the hold his telephonic address as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan Continued on Page 7 (TTP) has offered to hold talks with the government and effect ceasefire in the Pakistani tribal region desiring JUI Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, JI Amir Syed Munawwar Hassan and PML (N) head Mian Nawaz Sharif to be the guarantors. The spokesman Ehsanullah LONDON—A Malala Yousafzai TTP Ehsan, in a video released on who was shot in the head by the Sunday, put forth two conditions Taliban is in stable condition af- for effective and “result oriter undergoing two successful op- ented” dialogue. erations to reconstruct her skull The Taliban offer for diaand restore her hearing, the Brit- logue and nominating three top ish hospital treating her said Sun- political personalities as the day. Birmingham’s Queen Eliza- guarantors came at a time when Continued on Page 7 Pakistan is heading for general elections and formation of interim setup is on the cards.

The TTP spokesman admitToday’s issue of Pakistan ted that the Islamia College UniObserver carries one page versity Peshawar vice chancelSpecial Report on ‘65th Anni- lor Ajmal Khan, who was kidversary of Independence napped more than a year back, Democratic Socialist Repub- continued to be in their custody

Wants Fazl, Nawaz and Munawwar Hassan to be the guarantors

Malala recovering after operations

lic of Sri Lanka’ on Page 10.

SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Ehsanullah Ehsan, spokesman of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and Adnan Rasheed, a former member of the air force sentenced to death for attempt to assassinate former president Pervez Musharraf at undisclosed Continued on Page 7 place.—INP photo

ECP, CEC to stay: Naek Polls date is President’s discretion STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Federal Minister for Law Farooq H Naek Sunday said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had been formed in the light of the Constitution, therefore, neither the body would be dissolved nor the Chief Election Commissioner removed.

Talking to media persons here, the Law Minister said giving the date of the next general elections is the President’s discretion and he (President) would himself make the announcement to this effect. He said the President would dissolve the assemblies on the advice of the Prime Minister.

“Announcing the date of elections is the President’s discretion; he would himself make the announcement,” he added.

He said that the ECP has been constituted in compliance with the Constitution, and therefore, neither the ECP can be dissolved nor the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) be removed.

Farooq H Naek said that a consensus of the four provincial chief ministers was mandatory to hold both (national and provincial) elections on the same day.

He further said that the prime minister and leader of the opposition would hold consultations for the caretaker set up.

Pakistan fight-back continues JOHANNESBURG— Young batsman Asad Shafiq and captain Misbah-ul-Haq displayed a great fight-back while Pakistan were chasing an improbable target of 480 runs to win the match against South Africa.

Pakistan were struggling on 183 for four at stumps on third day of the first Test here at the New Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

Asad who completed his seventh Test fifty was batting on

53 while Misbah remained not out on 44.

Earlier, opener Nasir Jamshed made 44 and failed to reach his half-century on his Test

See also Sports Page debut by six runs.

South Africa who did not make Pakistan to play followon after bowling out them for their record lowest of 49, resumed their second innings today at 207-3.

Continued on Page 7

barracks

KARACHI—A fire that broke out in a vacant military barrack in Karachi near Luck Star on Shahrae Faisal during the early hours of Sunday has been brought under control.

The barracks were unoccupied when they caught fire and no injuries were reported, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), which further said that the fire appeared to have a result of a short circuit but the cause would be confirmed.

Fears of civil war post ‘exit’ LONDON—British Prime Minister David Cameron on Sunday began meeting with the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan for talks on supporting the Afghan peace process, as Britain prepares a withdrawal of troops.

Cameron hosted dinner for Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari at his Chequers country retreat near London on Sunday evening before holding trilateral

talks.

Ahead of the meetings, Afghan officials on Sunday said that Taliban roadside bombs killed five civilians, including a family of four, and two police officers in the country’s south at the weekend.

Pakistan, the chief diplomatic backer of the Taliban when the group was in power before 2001, has been regularly accused by both Kabul and

Continued on Page 7

OBL’s son-inlaw arrested in Turkey A NKARA —Turkish security forces have detained Osama Bin Laden’s son-in-law Suleiman Abu Gheith in Ankara following a tip-off from US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

The former spokesman of the terror network reportedly escaped Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 attacks on the World

Saved country from martial law: Qadri LAHORE—Tehrik-e-Minhajul rupt politicians had been rob-

Quran Chief Tahirul Qadri said Sunday that if he had not ended the sit-in martial law would have been imposed in the country in the next five minutes.

Addressing the central executive committee of the Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT), Qadri said he would not allow thieves to come into power in Continued on Page 7 the name of democracy. “Cor-

Washington of helping destabilize Afghanistan. Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan remain uneasy, despite some recent improvements.

The London talks are the third trilateral session since last year, after meetings in Kabul in July and in New York in September.

Back in December, Cameron announced Britain

Continued on Page 7

Talks underway for electoral alliance: Shahbaz STAFF REPORTER

bing the country for the last 65 years.”

Qadri added that he was in favour of a new southern Punjab province but new provinces should not be formed on the basis of political aspirations.

“A referendum should be conducted from the people of south Punjab regarding the formation of

L AHORE —Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz is holding talks with the Jamaat-I-Islami, the JUP, the JUI-F and the PML-F for electoral alliance, said Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif while talking to media on Sunday.

He said that talks were also underway with some Sindhi na-

Continued on Page 7

Continued on Page 7

Four passengers die as van falls in Shangla gorge

Serving disabled people not less than worship: Iftikhar

S HANGLA —Four persons were killed and 12 others wounded when a van fell into a deep gorge here on early Sunday morning. According to police, a Kohistan bound passenger van coming from Rawalpindi plunged into ravine as driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a sharp turn in Shangla area of tehsil Bisham of Shangla district.

As a result of accident four persons were killed on the spot while 12 others sustained injuries. Police, rescue personnel and local people rushed to the scene of the accident and pulled out bodies and injured from the gorge and shifted them to Civil Hospital Bisham.

The seriously injured QUETTA: Ali Akbar Velayati, Senior Advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran, Iranian Consul General based at Quetta persons were later referred to Haji Syed Hassan Yahyavi, JUI-F leader Senator Hafiz Hamdullah, Chief of Hazara tribes Sardar Saadat Ali Hazara, Ayub Medical Complex Allama Juma Asadi and other sitting on stage during a condolence reference of persons killed in Alamdar Road tradgey.

Abbottabad for treatment.

According to hospital sources condition of some among the injured was critical.—INP

STAFF REPORTER

Bahawalpur Janoobi Punjab province

Cancer, TB test facility at Nishtar Hospital M U LTA N —The Board of Management Nishtar Hospital and Medical College has approved to provide facility of diagnosis tests of Tuberculosis and Cancer free of cost at Nishtar hospital. In a meeting headed by Chairman Board of Management Jalaluddin Roomi and attended by Principal Dr. Sami Akhtar, Nishtar hospital Javed Umar, Professor Ejaz Malik, Senator Rafique Rajwana and other members, it was decided that the patients of tuberculosis and cancer would be offered free of cost diagnosis tests.

Principal Nishtar Medical College Dr. Sami Akhtar informed that residence facility for attendants of the patients had been completed.

The Board of Management also formed a committee for the purchase of latest X-ray machine and video banchoscopic machine.

Chairman (BoM) Jalaluddin Roomi directed the hospital administration to ensure staffers presence in time in the hospital.—APP

PML-N rejects PC proposal B K TAHIR

BAHAWALPUR—The PML (N), Bahawalpur has totally rejected the Parliamentary Commission’s (PC)proposed Bahawalpur Janoobi Punjab province in Punjab and strongly condemned it. The PML (N), Bahawalpur took out a protest rally here to protest against the PPP backed Parliamentary Commission for new provinces in Punjab and demanded to withdraw the drama of Bahawalpur Janoobi Punjab which would totally destroy the peace in the area and the PML (N) leadership termed it a con-

spiracy against national solidarity. The protesters chanted slogans against the PPP government and the said Parliamentary Commission for new provinces in Punjab.

They remarked that we would not allow anyone to divide the nation on linguistic basis and we wanted only Bahawalpur as an independent provinceand all out efforts would be made for it.. They warned that the proposed scheme of Bahawalpur anoobi Punjab would be fully resisted and no one would be allowed to play with public sentiments.

The Advisor to the Punjab

Chief Minister, Mian Baleeghur-Rehman, Ch.Saood Majeed, Begum Parveen Masood Bhatti, Shirin Arshad (MNA), provincial minister for Prison, Malik Iqbal Channar, Haji Zulfiqar Ali (MPA), Vice-Chairman, BDA, Aqeel Najam Hashmi, Chairman Punjab Chief Minister’s Task Force, Samiullah Choudhry, Safdar Gill and other local PML(N) leaders led the protest rally which failed to convince public and the top brass of the PML (N) leadership of Bahawalpur failed to gather much supporters for demonstration in favour of their demands.

House looted MULTAN—Four dacoits took SIALKOT: Students presenting tableau during Parents Day at a school. away cash, mobile phones and jewellery from a house at Basti Ghagran in Muzaffarabad police limits.

According to police, four robbers entered the house of Muzaffar Hussain, held the family hostage at gunpoint and took away cash, mobile GUL HAMAAD FAROOQI pees were wasted. area who work on self help phones and jewellery.

Hundred of Local people basis for restoring traffic on Muzaffarabad police CHITRAL—Booni Chitral road of the area outer of their this road which is lying damhave registered a case.—APP had been damaged near houses and came to damaged aged for the last 3 years.

Residents of the area have Shogram in 2010 by tremen- portion and started work for dous flood for half kilometer its rehabilitation on self help demanded from Chief Minisand people were facing great basis. In this connection when ter for conducting an inquiry problems. Vehicles were di- MPA of upper Chitral Ghulam to probe embezzlement million verted to river bank and pas- Muhammad contacted he said of rupees in this road which sengers are suffering from that I tried of my best for get- was left incomplete.

Meanwhile, Road made on dust. It was revealed that mil- ting fund for this road but STAFF REPORTER help basis at lions of rupees have been mis- C&W department could not self prepare PC-1 and it was not Garamchishma some 45 KM A TTOCK —The enemies of appropriated in this road.

A local person said that its added in annual developmen- from here. Shahzada Amanur Pakistan are creating hurdles for Nawaz Sharif to keep him contract was given to a local tal plan (ADP). He denied of Rehman was chief guest on away fro the corridors of contractor Ameerullah former embezzlement of million of ru- the occasion who donated power. The youth of today is UC Nazim who demolished pees hence he criticized poor land worth of millions of rugreat asset of PML(N). rock by sipping water from a performance of C & W depart- pees for this road. Cheerweel Nawaz Sharif is the only pipe and submitted claim of 120 ment because construction of road was first link road of the leader who can take the coun- million to C & W (Communi- this road was over delay due valley since creation of Pakitry out of present crisis. Cen- cation & works ) department. to apathy of concerned de- stan. Some 8000 population were totally deprived from road tral Leader PML(N) raja During visit of the area by this partment.

He said that I have already in past and they were carrying Muhamad Siddique said this scribe local people complained while talking to reporters that former Executive Engineer included this road in umbrella their patients on shoulder (cot) C & W and Syed Jalal Jan pro- scheme of the district and fund to hospital because there was here at his residence.

He said I am intending to posed road on the peak of a also have been approved work no road for vehicle transporcontest the forth coming gen- rigid rock which was flopped will be started within a few tation. Residents of the area eral elections from PP 15 on after a few meters of its con- days. Fazlur Rehman of Booni also jubilated on construction the platform of PML(N) and struction and millions of ru- appreciated local people of the of this road. have applied for party ticket.

However he said, if party leadership does not award him ticket even then he will not change his loyalties for his party.

He said, at present Pakistan is facing many challenges and said that only Mian Nawaz Sharif can take the country out of present crisis he said, elections must be held on time as Pakistan can not afford delay in elections. He strongly criticised Imran Khan and Allama tahir ul Qadri . He said the alliance of the nationalists of Sindh with PML(N) is a good omen . Raja Siddique opposed all the agreements and business relations with India. He said till the implementation of the UN resolutions pertaining to Kashmir we must have no relations with India. He also criticised the present govt for damaging the HYDERABAD: Activists of People’s Labour Sindh University protesting against police cause of Kashmir. torture on university employees, outside Hyderabad Press Club.

Embezzlement unearthed in road repairing

Nawaz praised

Woman dies in road accident

SARGODHA—A woman died while seven others injured when a passenger van overturned due to bursting of tyre here on Sunday. According to details, a speedy passenger hiace with more than 10 people onboard turned turtle near Sargdoha 92 More as driver lost control of the vehicle due to bursting of front wheel.

45-year-old Zareena Bibi was killed in the accident while seven others including four women and a child sustained wounds. The police and rescue personnel rushed to the scene of the accident and shifted the injured to hospital.—INP

PA body to probe irregularities in Gomal Varsity P ESHAWAR —A meeting of the Sub-Committee on Education of the provincial assembly has decided to conduct proper inquiry into alleged financial and administrative irregularities in Gomal University. Decision to this effect was taken during the meeting of committee chaired

by MPA Sardar Israrullah Khan Gandapur held in Circuit House D.I.Khan.

The meeting was attended

by Vice Chancellor Gomal University Mansoor Akbar Kundi, administrative officials of the university and officers of the provincial secretariat. The meeting expressed displeasure over the attitude of the administration of the university for not extending any assistance and cooperation to the committee about the reported irregularities in the varsity.

The committee observed that since repeated requests the authorities did not provide any record to the committee, it decided to conduct an impartial special audit of the financial affairs of the varsity. Moreover, it asked the higher education department KPK to submit their recommendations about the reported irregularities in the appointments and postings in the university by February 28.—APP

P E S H AWA R —Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Minister for Information, Mian Iftikhar Husain has said that selfless service of destitute people and ailing humanity is worship and success in this world and after world adding that he established Rashid Husain Shaheed Foundation (RSF) under this noble mission and spirit.

This, he said, while distributing Winter Kits under the banner of Rashid Husain Shaheed Foundation (RSF) donated by Poverty Eradication Initiatives (PEI) at Bacha Khan Model School Pabbi Noshehra. The Chief Executive of PEI, Shahid Yousaf also addressed on the occasion while ANP President of PK-12 Zar Ali Khan and Director PEI Gohar Ali were also present on this occasion.

It may be recalled that PEI is the only organization

which collecting funds in and abroad the county thus spending it over poverty eradication programs in the country.

Mian Iftikhar maintained that he spared his whole life for the selfless services of the needy masses and after the martyrdom of only son Mian Rashid Husain Shaheed, he decided to donate himself for the help and service of the destitute masses and ailing humanity.

Now, taking part in noble tasks was the only aim of his life and he would materialize this sacred aim under the banner of Rashid Husain Shaheed Foundation (RSF), he said.

The Information minister appealed the philanthropists and well-to-do people to help him generously in this noble mission promising that each and every penny provided would be utilized properly with complete honesty.

Widespread rain, snowfall likely on today, tomorrow I SLAMABAD —Pakistan Me- mentioned above during the teorological Department (PMD) has predicted widespread rains for most parts of the country on Monday and Tuesday with chances of heavy snowfall over the hills. Widespread snowfall heavy at times is expected over the hills of Malakand, Hazara, Murree, Galiyat, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir on Monday and Tuesday.

While, hailing is also expected at isolated places in the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab including Islamabad during the period. The snowfall will occur under the influence of intensified weather system from Sunday evening.

The met office said Murree and Galiyat also likely to receive heavy snowfall.

Heavy snowfall ranging 3 to 4 feet may occur over the hills of higher altitude (more than 7000 feet) and 2 to 3 feet snowfall over the hills at lower altitude (5000 - 7000 feet) during the period.

The heavy snowfall may cause the closure of link roads and the possibility of avalanches/landslides cannot be ruled out in the areas

period. Widespread rain is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and upper Punjab including Islamabad while scattered

rain is expected in southern Punjab during next 24 hours.

Scattered rain is expected in upper Sindh, while isolated rain is likely in southern Sindh during next 24 hours. The lowest minimum temperatures recorded during the last 24 hours were Parachinar -10 Calsius, Astore -07 Calsius, Gupis, Skardu -03 Calsius, Hunza -02 Calsius.

The rainfall recorded during last 24 hours were Parachinar 10mm, Khuzdar 06, Jiwani, Quetta 04, Bannu, Kalat and Zhob 03, Barkhan, Larkana and Moenjodarro 02, Chitral, D.I.Khan, Gawadar, Mallamjabba and Padidan 01mm.—APP

Oath ceremony F AISALABAD —The newly elected cabinet of Academic Staff Association-2013 starts its formal operations at University of Agriculture Faisalabad after taking oath The oath taking ceremony was held at Iqbal Auditorium with VC Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan as Chief Guest who administered the oath from the elected representatives of the academic staff.

Addressing the new office bearers Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that administration tries utmost to take the academic association on board and make every decision to boost their spirit.—Online

Five killed, ten injured in bus accident S H A N G L A —Five passengers were killed and ten seriously injured, when a Kohistan-bound bus plunged into thousands’ of feet deep ravine near Kot Shang junction of Karakoram Highway. All deadbodies and wounded, hailing from Kohistan region were moved out by locals, whence the wounded, many of the in critical condition, were shifted to Civil Hospital of Bisham from where seriously injured were relocated to Ayub Medical Complex of Abbottabad.

The unfortunate bus, GLT-646 was carrying passengers from Rawalpindi, when a sleepy driver caused it to plunge into thousands’ feet of deep ravine, shattering into pieces.

Among those killed include Shamsuddin r/o Jaglot, Siraj r/o Ranwalia, Abdul Nabi r/o Jaglot, Khanzada r/ o Dammoo, and Tahir. The wounded include bus driver Fazal Khan, r/o Pattan, Abdul Hadi, Sadbar, Ayub, Tahira Bibi, Muhammad Nawaz, and Muhammad Zaki. One Mumtaz Ahmad hails from Lahore.—Online

Terror threats: foreign diplomats using plain number plates P ESHAWA R —ollowing terrorist threats in the provincial capital, foreign diplomats are using plain number plates in their vehicles instead of diplomatic number plates.

As terrorism looms in Peshawar, various foreigners belonging to consulates and NGOs are using plain number plates instead of diplomatic number plates to avoid any untoward incident in this regard.

In Peshawar, where anti-US sentiments run high and a car bomb attack on a US consulate vehicle killed two people, authorities said they were “cautious” about the developing situation. The patrolling of police around the consulate in Peshawar was also stepped up.—Online

ECP cancels staff holidays till elections P ESHAWA R —The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has cancelled holidays for its staff as part of preparations for the upcoming general elections.

Provincial Election Commissioner Sonu Khan Baloch informed that weekly offs as well as gazetted holidays of the employees have been cancelled. He said that the decision was taken by the Election Commission of Pakistan for timely completion of preparations for the election.—INP

Referring to the on-going terrorism, the minister said that dialogue with terrorists was the top most priority of the government for lasting peace in the region and for the purpose the provincial government was convening all parties conference with the sole aim to devise a future plan of action in consent with all the political forces and peace loving people. He said that contacts with all political parties have been completed and excluding one political party, all have expressed their consent for participation. He hoped that after completion of this process, the Taliban would also form a powerful body for dialogue. He added that the President of Pakistan, Federal government and Army Chief would also be taken on board on this process. He said that the dialogue meant to give a safe passage to the terrorist, and bring them in to the mainstream of the country.

HYDERABAD: Man sitting on luggage on the rear seat of a motorbike at Latifabad.

Ten Pak students to attend Science Fair-2013 in US

Free eye camp held in Orakzai Agency

I SLAMABAD —Around ten and Qaiser Ali Shah, Ali P E S H AWA R —A three-day students of different schools from across the country have been selected to represent Pakistan at International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)- 2013. This Fair would be held in Phoenix, Arizona, USA from May 12 to 17.

These students were declared winners at a recently concluded National Science Fair at which is an annual event of high school research competition. The Fair, jointly organized by Intel Pakistan and Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) here at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) was attended by a sizeable gathering of youth.

The winners of group projects were Fatima Moin Veera, Hania Hasan, Umme Salma Shabbir from Gadriwala Mama Parsi Girls Secondary School, Karachi

Yezdan, Sajid Khan of Agha Khan Higher Secondary School, Gilgit. The winners of individual projects were Javaria Nisar from Government Girls Higher Secondary School Singhpura, Lahore.

Haris Bin Ashraf from Defense Authority Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zaid College, Karachi. Isa Bin Qasim from Pak-Turk International School and Colleges, Peshawar and Muhammad Ahsan Nawaz of Government Model High School, Mailsi, Vehari. An organizer on Sunday said the Fair showcased more than 80 science projects submitted by young scientists that qualified after rigorous competition at district and provincial levels. He said Pakistani students have great potential and talent and it is a good sign that they are preparing projects.—APP

free eye camp on the directives of Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Director Health Services FATA was held in Orakzai Agency’s headquarter Kallaya wherein more than 1000 patients were examined and treated besides conducting 28 successful operations.

The Directorate Health Services FATA team led by Eye Specialist Dr. Syed Muhammad Saqlain examined the patients and referred major cases to Peshawar for further treatment.

The tribal elders Malik Ghulam Rasul Khan and Gul Baz Khan have highly appreciated the government gesture and expressed the hope for organizing such more camps in Orakzai Agency in future.—APP

Shahbaz wants to give new look to Lahore Fazal nixes Indian threats

Lauds Metro bus initiative

ISLAMABAD—Parliamentary Kashmir Committee Chairman Maulana Fazl- ur- Rahman has said that Indian leadership should stop threatening Pakistan as it is detrimental to peace efforts in the region. The offer of negotiation on part from Pakistani should not be considered a weakness,said a press relaese issued by Parliamentary Kashmir Committee here.

He emphasized that resolution of the ‘Kashmir Dispute’ is must for sustainable peace in the region. Mualana called upon the International Community to play its vital role in the resolution of this longstanding issue between two countries. Unfortunatly,he said that a single incident has damaged all bilateral agreements including resumption of transportation, sport, music, visas, trade agreement between the two countries. Mulana Fazlur- Rahman said that the Kashmir issue was the basic problem between the two countries and it should be resolved for the peace of the region. Mualana said that India has always blamed Pakistan for terrorism but now Home Minister admitted that Hindu terrorists training camps were involved in fanning Hindu extremism. He said that now it is responsibility of Indian authorities to take stern action against such terrorists camps on Indian soil.—APP

SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Punjab

Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif visited metro bus project, without security and protocol, for three hours during the rain. He started his visit from Shahdara and reviewed the pace of work up to Ittefaq bus station. Director General LDA Ahad Cheema, Managing Director Punjab Metro Bus Authority and provincial authorities accompanied the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister, while talking to the people who had gathered at different places said that Punjab government has written a new history by completing the biggest project of the country with a sum of Rs. 30 billion in a record period. He said that Condolence Zardari and his cronies have P ESHAWA R —The Khyber only looted national rePakhtunkhwa Governor, Barrister sources and filled their pockMasood Kausar has expressed his con- ets during the last about five dolence on the sad demise of the Federal Minister for Privatization and the former Chief Minister of Baluchistan, Jam Muhammad Yousaf’s death. In his condolence message on Sunday, the governor while expressing his deep sympathies with members of the bereaved family has said that the deceased was a seasoned politician whose services for the country L A S B E L A — F o r m e r especially the province of Balauchistan will be remembered Balochistan Chief Minister Jam for a long time to come. The governor has also prayed for Muhammad Yousuf was laid the eternal peace of the departed soul and courage to the to rest in Bela of Lasbela disbereaved family to irreparable loss with patience.—APP trict in Balochistan in his ancestral graveyard Sunday. Earlier‚ his funeral prayer was atERP initiative, a role model I SLAMABAD —The Emergency Relief tended by several ministers‚ Package (ERP) working under Benazir political leaders and tribesmen Income Support Program (BISP), to help and large number of people.

Former chief minister conflict ridden people in tribal areas and victims of terrorism is a model for other Balochistan Jam Mohammad countries to ensure welfare of masses Yousuf passed away last night at their doorstep. A visiting delegation due to cardiac arrest in of journalists from leading newspapers Islamabad. Jam Yousuf’s dead of Indonesia in a meeting with Federal body was flown to Karachi from Minister and Chairperson BISP, Farzana Chaklala Airbase via C-130 airRaja in BISP secretariat said the craft. The body was being programme’s success in the social sec- shifted to Lasbela by ambutor of Pakistan has been an overwhelming experience for them. The Indonesian journalists said that welfare of the people is the primary responsibility of the state and through BISP; Pakistan has been able to achieve this objective to a great extent. Farzana Raja on the occasion apprised Indonesian journalists that BISP has introduced Waseela-e-Haq (Right to Livelihood), Waseela-e-Rozgar (Right to Employment), Waseela-e-Sehet (Life and Health Insurance) and Waseela-e-Taleem (Right to Education) for its beneficiary families which are bringing sustainable economic growth in the society by empowering people from lower strata. The Chairperson said that BISP in the lights of the Millennium Development Goals of the UN is striving hard to provide basic health and education facilities to seven million families. She said that the wellbeing of the people is the primary role of a welfare state. The Chairperson said BISP is working for making Pakistan a progressive welfare state where most deserving families are provided ample opportunities to become self-reliant. She termed the role of media as imperative for supporting the social safety objectives of a state through creating mass awareness. —APP

years while provincial government of Pakistan Muslim League-N has undertaken record development activities. He said that metro bus service is a masterpiece of architecture and a unique example of transparency, standard and speed.

He said that Zardari and his cronies cannot execute such project even by spending 200 billion rupees as their only interest is corruption. He said that while the elite enjoyed excellent transport facilities during the last 65 years, the poor and the common man faced only problems. He said that metro bus service will now change this tradition. He said that the biggest project of Pakistan’s history is being inaugurated on February 10 and will give a new identity to Lahore. He said that modern metro bus service will rid the people of traffic problems and long wait for buses.

He said that he will give cer- have worked on metro bus started his visit from pace of work. He also intificates to engineers and project.

Shahdara and stopped at ev- spected under construction cash prizes to laborers who The Chief Minister ery bus station to review the Kalma Chowk underpasses.

He shook hands with the laborers and citizens and inquired from them about fixing the fare of metro bus.

Citizens while expressing their views on this occasion said that all mega projects of Pakistan’s history have been completed in the tenure of Pakistan Muslim League-N. They said that it is difficult to believe that such a big project could be completed so quickly. They said that metro bus is a big achievement of Shahbaz Sharif which will always be remembered.

They said that people are very happy over this welfare project. They said that Shahbaz Sharif has won the hearts of the people by completing metro bus project.

The laborers working on the project were very happy to LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif inspecting the under- find the Chief Minister among them. construction works of Metro bus project.

Jam Muhammad Yousuf laid to rest in Lasbela lance. Large numbers of people visited Lasbela to attend the burial ceremony of Jam Muhammad Yousuf. According to doctors, Yousuf was a patient of high blood pressure and sugar. District Lesbela is mourning over the demise of former federal minister and CM Balochistan. Business activities in parts of Balochistan including Hub, Vinder, Othal and Bela remained closed. Jam Yousuf had served as chief minister of Balochistan province between 2002 and 2007 and was a member of Pakistan Muslim LeagueQuaid (PML-Q).

The former CM was suf-

fering from diabetes and blood pressure diseases and was shifted to PIMS hospital due to a heart attack. However, he succumbed to his disease before getting medical attention.

Yousuf was born in 1954 and belonged to the famous Jam family of Lasbela. He also served as federal minister for water and power, railways and senior minister of Balochistan.

He was the provincial president of the PML-Q since 2002 and was the federal minister for privatisation after getting elected as a MNA in 2008 elections from Lasbela, Balochistan.—NNI

Basra for anti-PML-N movement L AHORE —Deputy Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly PPP South Punjab Information Secretary Shaukat Basra on Sunday hinted at the launch of civil disobedience movement from the South Punjab against the injustice by the PML-N against the people of the area.

In a statement issued here Sunday, he said Nawaz League government had been looting South Punjab resources shamelessly, adding that it has been spending South Punjab resources on Lahore. The PPP leader said the PML-N government wanted to keep South Punjab underdeveloped and this may lead people of the area to announce civil disobedience against the Punjab government. He said the Punjab government spent only Rs 44 billion development funds on South Punjab out of a total development funds of Rs 590 billion allocated for the province during the past four and a half years. Basra alleged that the N-League considered prosperity of South Punjab a big threat for its political hegemony and wanted to keep the area backward and underdeveloped.—APP

Minorities to support PPP: Paul L AHORE —Adviser to Prime Minister and Minister for National Harmony Dr. Paul Bhatti has said the All Pakistan Minority Alliance will remain a coalition partner of the Pakista’n Peoples Party in the upcoming elections. Addressing a press conference at the Lahore Press Club on Sunday, he said the minority would not contest elections separately, however, the APMA was a registered political party. He said that a legal cell had been constituted under the APMA which would provide legal aid to the community and work under Rana Abdul Hamid Advocate. He said that terrorism was the result of a special mindset and it would be stopped at any cost.—APP

MQM’s Janobi Punjab organisation M U LTA N —The Mutthidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) reorganised MQM Janobi Punjab comprised of 11 districts of South Punjab. Deputy Convener MQM Dr Farooq Sattar announced members of the organisation. The 19-member committee comprised of president Shamshad Jaafari, Rai Khalid, Rana Abu Bakar (senior vice presidents), Javed Cheema, Imran Gaddi, Furqan Mughal (vice presidents), Idress Jaami (secretary general), Rao Tasleem, Maj Retd Javed Hussain, Ali Imran (joint secretaries), Rao Khalid (secretary information), Qasim Rizvi (finance secretary), Nadeem Mirza (office secretary), Farkhanda Baji, Rehmatullah, Zahid Bukhari, Javed Akhtar, Sikandar Gopang, Rashid Hashmi (members).—APP

KHANKA DOGRAN: Army soldiers laying floral wreaths on Hawaldar Arif’s grave, martyred Serai Naurang Post.

Two martyred soldiers laid to rest LAKKI M A R WAT / martyred and several oth- in Faisalabad. Security F A I S A L A B A D —Two sol- ers wounded when Taliban forces launched a search diers martyred among 13 others in terror attack on Serai Naurang post were laid to rest at their native towns on Sunday.

It should be mentioned that 13 soldiers were

militants stormed a military post in Serai Naurang area of Lakki Marwat. In retaliation, 12 attackers were also killed.

Hawaldar Arif was buried at his native graveyard

operation after the attack and cleared the area. A main road which connects Bannu with Lakki Marwat and DI Khan was opened for traffic after the operation.—INP

World Wetlands Day observed S UKKUR —The World Wetlands Day was observed with the aim to educate the masses regarding growing concern over depletion of wetlands. In this connection, Sindh Wild Life Department, n o n - g o v e r n m e n t organisations (NGOs) viz Sindh Youth Welfare Organization (SYWO), WWF and Inter Global Youth Organization (IGHDS), jointly held a rally from Labe-e- Mehran, Globe Chowk to Indus Dolphin Conservation Center to highlight the importance of the day and create awareness among the people about the importance of wetlands, rivers and fisheries.

A large number of social developers, educationists, school children and journalists participated.

It also provided a great opportunity to students, teachers and professionals to participate in a positive mix of activities, that is, education, entertainment and promotion.

Students from four public sector schools, all located near the Sukkur area participated in the day’s activity.

They presented their views about environment, wetlands and mangroves through various poster and speech.

Divisional Forest Officer, Wild Life department Sukkur, Rafique Ahmed Mako said we must stop others from cutting mangrove forests because they are home to fish and shrimps, adding that wetlands are home to migratory birds and are also an important source of fish.

Executive Director SYWO, Shahzado Khaskhekheli talked about the importance of wetlands and mangroves for the environment as well as humanity. He said that wetlands are an important part of the ecological landscape as they are a source of fish and water.

Beautiful wetlands are a great resort for tourism and play an important role in the over- all environmental conditions.

Khaskheli further said wetlands in the country are not restricted to any particular group.—APP

Govt launches nurses skills dev program P ESHAWA R —The Khyber in Lahore. M.Sc nursing stuPaktunkhwa government has launched skill development and training programms for nurses to enhance their capacity building and provide better medical facilities to patients in the province. Under this programme, 450 nurses would be trained free of cost to receive B.Sc Nursing and M.Sc Nursing education over a period of five years costing Rs.700 million, official sources in KP Health Department told APP here Sunday. For this purpose, an Endowment Fund amounting to Rs. 500 million has been established by the government to prepare master nurses trainers, he said, adding a good number of nurses will be trained in Shifa International, Islamabad, Aga Khan University Karachi and two post graduate Institutes

dents will be trained at Aga Khan University Karachi as it is the only institution offering M.Sc nursing in the country.

This program would enhance capacity building as these fully trained individuals would become master trainers, he said, adding these nurses after completion of their studies would be tasked to training local nurses to provide quality medical services to patients coming in large number to Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar and Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. He said as per the guidelines of Pakistan Nursing Council, Diploma Courses for nureses would come to an end by year 2015 and we will require B. Sc Nursing and M.Sc Nursing passed students for jobs. — APP

HYDERABAD: A snake-charmer showing snake during Hyderabad Spring Festival organized by Private Institute at WAPDA Ground.

Corporate Sector and Organised Crime MUTTAHIR AHMED KHAN and complaints, you will be call centre and have only very all the connections at mid- ployees of federally admin- buy different edible items,

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HE situation in our country is really alarm ing in regard to the u n leashed rampage o f crimes in the name of b u s i n e s s a n d trade. Big and multinational departmental stores’ chains, internet service providers, mobile communication companies and many others, including even government organisations are stealing the hard-earned money of the poor subscribers and consumers in the name of business and nobody is there to check these “highly respected” vultures.

Let us have a cursory glance at the prevalent culture of mobile communication service providers and their subscribers’ miseries

shocked to realise the injustice being done to the masses. Every other person has a common complaint against its service providers on the charges of secret deduction in balance, over charging and, absence of promised facilities and packages. Billions of rupees are being looted and extorted every month by these business monsters and there isn’t anybody or any state, government or judicial organisation to even stop this heinous corruption, not to speak of punishing the culprits. Ayesha Hassan, a business woman expressed her concerns, saying, “My phone service menu provides facility of booking online ticket and has a link in its SIM. I tried it that cost me Rs. 500 and the procedure did not start. When I contacted their helpline (333) they did not attend in first three tries and when a person responded, he could not understand my complaint and, finally said, ‘I am from a

limited knowledge about the actual organisation’. What the hell these mobile companies are doing with us by extorting billions of rupees from our local market?”

Recently, I personally witnessed a mess of people assembled at PTCL Customer

night of 18th January that caused me a great loss in regard to my online business.

And today, they are charging even an extra amount of Rs. 50 as late fee or surcharge. It is highly shocking and objectionable.”

I contacted the Manag-

Services Centre, Shah Faisal, on 19th of January. Responding to my query, a subscriber Mohammad Ali said angrily, “I am using USB net service of the PTCL and the last date of paying my monthly bill was 18th January. I came here on both 17 and 18 January but the office was closed and despite being a Federal Government department, PTCL was part of a strike in the city called by a political party. To add to the injury of the consumers, they disconnected

ers Mr. Rehan and Mr. Farooq (as they introduced themselves) who first lied blatantly saying, “We were here, present at office” but, later on, admitted it was their fault, but still they charged extra amount from all the customers. The amount they charged, the prize of going on extra holidays, was in millions, keeping in view the number of subscribers. Another shocking statement of Mr. Rehan was, “Although we are the government em-

istrated organisation PTCL, we can go on shutter down at the orders of “Karachi Bosses”.

With the emergence of brand-consciousness and micro-economy culture, several giant corporations have started providing their products in the tinniest sachet packing to the big jars and cartons as family packing.

Some multinational big stores have entered into our consumers markets after winning our trust at initial stages. But, what they are doing with us, now, is nothing less than playing with our lives. Most of the citizens, these days, are reporting about the sale of expired dated edibles like cheese, jams, spices, canned fruits and drinks on these “esteemed stores”. If you cast an examining look at such items, you will be stunned to discern that the expiry dates are tempered and forged. A number of people, in my family and socio-official circles, have reported to

from these prestigious outlets, that were, later on, when opened, found infected with bacterial growth.

Keeping in view all the above-mentioned details, every citizen asks two questions to the worldly masters of the nation, “Why a pickpocket or a person who gets a way with a pair of shoes from a mosque or one who steals a bell or mirror of a bike is thrashed, humiliated and, finally, dragged to police and courts if these big bosses and owners of mobile companies, net providers, call centres or corporations are considered respectable and so-called businessmen? Who will save the nation and the society from this plague, in the guise of socio-economic progress, which is devouring its soul from within?”

—The writer is an educationist, analyst and a freelance writer, can be reached at muttahirkhan@yahoo.com

Black can’t be projected white Mr PM

MEDIA WATCH

Respite in euro zone

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RIME Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf has emphasised that positive gains of Pakistan needs to be projected to build the image within and out of the country. He said this while congratulating the new Secretary Information Agha Nadeem during a meeting on Saturday and also pointed out the challenges ahead for the country.

Certainly there is need for coherent and gigantic efforts and a well conceived strategy to build a ray of hope among the masses in the face of multi faceted challenges the country is confronting. While people at home are facing problems of all sorts, Pakistan’s image abroad is being built as a failing State. Considering the track record of Agha Nadeem who is perceived as a straight forward and role model civil servant whose performance in different departments had been rather exemplary he, has the ability and capacity to confront the challenges ahead. To assist him there is a well manned infrastructure available but unfortunately they are becoming lacklustre. The new Secretary Information through his personal example would certainly do his best to boost the moral of his officers for projecting Pakistan as a tolerant and progressive Islamic State. However we would point out to the Prime Minister that the incumbent Information Secretary or for that matter any future set up can in no way project black into white. For instance if Interior Minister Rehman Malik warns the nation that there would be massacre in Karachi in February and paint a horrible scenario, how the Information set up can project Pakistan as an Island of peace. Similarly there are hosts of negative forces active with the agenda to soften Pakistan and they need to be tackled with a farsighted strategy. To expect the poor Information Secretary to perform miracles in such a situation would be a wishful thinking. Therefore we would urge the Prime Minister to provide an enabling environment to the new Secretary with good governance and improved law and order so that he could project the achievements of the government and a peaceful and tolerant image of Pakistani society.

Enemy’s real target is army T

HE horrible incidents in Lakki Marwat early Saturday morning that led to the martyrdom of thirteen soldiers, eleven civilians and killing of a dozen militants is a clear message from the enemy that it is all out to target Pakistan army. The attack at security forces camp in Sarai Naurang area of Lakki Marwat district should therefore be seen in the wider perspective and a continuation of earlier attacks at GHQ, army check posts in bordering areas of Afghanistan, naval and air force installations.

The attack by more than two dozen militants from different directions simultaneously with sophisticated and automatic weapons and keeping security personnel engaged for several hours indicates that it was thoroughly planned and executed by the enemies who want to pressurize the armed forces and keep them engaged on all fronts. The hostile agencies are also active in Balochistan and Karachi where target killings have become order of the day. There is need to very seriously ponder over the agenda of the enemy aimed at weakening the army because it is the only institution which is guarantee to security and safety of Pakistan. It is astonishing that our enemies are so entrenched in Pakistan that they are arming and financing the anti state elements and our intelligence agencies have been unable to unearth them and break their back. Pakistan army had given supreme sacrifices in the past and we have no doubt whatsoever that it would continue to remain as an iron wall against hostile forces and foil their nefarious designs but the people want to see some success from a host of our spy agencies to at least deliver something and expose the real faces behind these attacks.

Why back of extortion mafia can’t be broken?

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ARACHI has become hostage to different types of mafias who have created a sense of fear, chaos and uncertainty all around through incidents of target killings and kidnapping for ransom. Every day dozens of people are being killed and majority of them are those who refuse to meet the demands of extortion mafia.

After strikes by the traders and business community, Goods Transporters Association has gone on a complete strike against what it called Bhatta Mafia (extortions) bringing cargo handling operations at Karachi Port and Port Qasim to a standstill and causing export losses running into billions of dollars. The trade and industry is extremely concerned over the ongoing strike in the face of huge losses but what is more disturbing is that the government has completely failed to address their genuine grievances. Last month electronic dealers observed strike over the murder of their members who refused to pay to the extortionists. In this situation, questions are being raised about the role of the law enforcement agencies including police and rangers who are deployed in thousands across the mega city but unable to bring some semblance of peace and order. Business community believes that the middle level police personnel were in league with the extortionists and getting their share by giving them a free hand. No group or mafia can survive for long without the backing of black sheeps in the law enforcement departments. Agents of Bhatta Mafia are openly giving chits and making threatening phone calls to the businessmen but they are not being arrested. The question therefore arises why the back of extortionists’ mafia can’t be broken? We believe that it is time that the government must take a serious notice of the prevailing situation, find some out of box solution like establishment of an anti-extortionists force to bring an end to this fast increasing menace.

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No willing hosts for Rohingyas Burma, Rohingya Muslims flee to Air Cdre Khalid Iqbal (R) Bangladesh, Thailand and Malaysia, Email:khalid3408@gmail.com where they are treated as stateless migrants. More and he United Nations considers more Rohingyas are now risking their Rohingyas of Myanmar as a lives by attempting to migrate on persecuted religious and lin- boats. Once apprehended, they are deguistic minority. Myanmar consid- ported back to Myanmar after a short ers this community, of about trial. Hundreds of them have been ar800,000, settled in Rakhine, as ille- rested at Dhaka International Airport gal immigrants from Bangladesh. in recent months. “Such attempts are Despite their continuous residential on the rise, these Rohingyas are reality, at least since 1947, mostly caught at immigration when Myanmar is reluctant to grant them their fake passports go under the scantheir due citizenship rights. A state- ner”, said Hasanul Haider, Comment, last year, by Burmese Presi- manding Officer of Airport Armed dent Thein Sein that all Rohingyas Police. should either be deported or placed Myanmar has rejected an offer by in refugee camps sparked a mass the Association of Southeast Asian exodus. Rakhine Buddhist and Nations (ASEAN) to begin negotiaRohingya Muslim communities tions for bringing the communal viohave co-existed for generations. lence to an end. According to the They are now being forcibly segre- ASEAN’s Secretary General Mr gated. Barriers have been erected Surin Pitsuwan, “Myanmar believes across roads in the state capital and it is their internal matter”. “But your thousands of Rakhine have had their internal matter could be ours the next homes destroyed. Divide between day if you are not careful,” Mr Surin Buddhists and ethnic Muslims ech- said on January 29. He proposed setoes of similar happenings in the ting up of tripartite talks between Balkans.

ASEAN, the UN and Myanmar’s Myanmar’s quasi-civilian gov- government to prevent the violence ernment has failed to intervene and from having a broader regional imprevent the hardships being perpe- pact. The bloodshed has led to about trated upon hapless Rohingyan mi- 180 deaths since June 2012. Fresh nority. It is also ironic that the iconic fighting in Rakhine this year has relady from Myanmar, Aung San Suu sulted in another 88 killings. Human Kyi, who herself faced brutality and Rights groups fear that actual numwas awarded a Nobel prize for ser- ber of deaths could be much higher. vices to humanity has not been able Unbridled violence has also manito come forward and play a mean- fested in torching of thousands of ingful role to resolve this humani- homes, resulting in tens of thousands tarian crisis. Myanmar government of Rohingya Muslims ending-up in has imposed emergency rule in re- overcrowded shanty camps, where sponse to continued tension in they live under sub-human condiRakhine state. However, the appli- tions. cation of preventive rules is selecAl Jazeera’s Wayne Hay reported tive; while Buddhists remain free from Sittwe, capital of Rakhine state to move around, Rohingyas’ move- that: “Around 100,000 people have ment is being incrementally re- been displaced since the fighting stricted. To avoid persecution in started back in June.” Most of those

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displaced lost their homes when they were burned down in what they say is a deliberate attempt by the predominantly Buddhist government to drive them out of the country. “There were security forces present before the latest violence started,” Muhammad Juhar, a Rohingya Muslim, told Al Jazeera. “But when the fighting came to our town, there was no security…When they did arrive, it was too late and they also shot into the crowds of Muslims,” Juhar added.

The UNHCR has requested Myanmar’s neighbouring countries to open their borders for those who are fleeing the fighting. The UNHCR says there are about 25,000 Rohingyas registered in Malaysia.

Many Rohingya Muslims escaping the communal violence have also sought refuge in Bangladesh and Thailand. Though it is a dangerous journey and after all that trouble, most of them are turned back. According to the Bangladesh Coast Guard, at least 350 would-be refugees have reportedly drowned in the sea since July 2012. This figure, however, reflects only those incidents that have been reported by survivors or their families. Actual numbers could be much higher.

Rejected as citizens by both Bangladesh and Burma, they continue to be victimised in the camps where they seek shelter. Deliveries to camps on Myebon camp have to be made by boat, and attempts to get proper sanitation and supplies into Taung Paw have so far been blocked.

Rakhine Buddhists control the jetty and are refusing to allow aid agencies’ regular access to the Rohingya camp. Obstruction by the Buddhist community was preventing aid workers from doing 90% of their work.

Only the Burmese military could force the aid through, but it has so far refused to intervene.

Rohingyas who have crossed over to Bangladesh, reside in Madham Charpara and are not regis-

tered as refugees. Since 1992 the Bangladeshi government has denied permission to the UNHCR to register Rohingya refugees. They are still considered illegal migrants and are not entitled to food, healthcare or education provided by the UNHCR and its partner organisations. According to a survey conducted by “Doctors without Borders”, 40% of deaths in unregistered camps are caused by diarrhoea. There is only one toilet for every ten families. “The unhygienic life these refugees are leading here is the main cause of their illnesses,” said Professor Pran Gopal Datta, vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Medical University.

Director of Human Rights Watch’s refugee programme in Bangladesh, Mr Bill Frelick, said: “This is sheer inhuman treatment.”

He added that unregistered refugees cannot get healthcare facilities outside their camps, and the aid agencies with better medical treatments are not allowed to reach them either. Bangladesh government has ordered at least three international aid organisations to cease assistance to Rohingya refugees living outside registered UNHCR camps. “This is a cruel policy,” remarked Frelick.

Since the Rohingyas are ethnically Bengali, many chose to seek refuge in Bangladesh, which now has an estimated population of some quarter of a million Rohingyas.

Bangladesh does not appreciate the presence of the Rohingyas, despite their ethnic ties to the country and has been striving to make life as difficult as possible for them in the hope that they will leave.

The UN needs to take bold steps to resolve the issue in a wholesome way, beyond the ‘refugee dimension’ of the issue. It needs to act with the speed and will with which acted in case of East Timor.

—Writer is Consultant, Policy & Strategic Response, IPRI.

Scrutinising HRW Report-2013 Dr Raja Muhammad Khan Email: drmk_edu@yahoo.com

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he armed forces of Pakistan are a true example of unity and harmony in the country.

This united body is all encompassing, thus, there is no distinction of religion, sect, faction, ethnicity, cast, creed or for that matter geographical division within the country.

Within this united body, there has never been distinction and discrimination towards any religious or any other minority. Indeed, the unitary factor has kept the armed forces of Pakistan as a strong, well organized and unified throughout in its history.

In order to facilitate the people from rural and remote areas, there is an in-build system to recruit the youth at district and even tehsil level.

Within the military there is a hierarchal system, based on professional competence, provides equal opportunities to all for future progression.

In this all-encompassing body, there is no question that a particular ethnic, sectarian or a religious group is targeted. In fact, promotion or support of any religious or ethnic group is against the basic concept of armed forces, thus is rejected out rightly.

In the same backdrop, the Human Rights Watch Report-2012, launched in the last week of January 2013, contained some contents that far are away from reality. The lengthy document consisting of 635 pages, entitled, ‘HRW World Report 2013’ has accused the Government of Pakistan that, it failed to take action against the abuses of security and intelligence agencies, who al-

lowed the extremist groups to attack religious minorities. The opening paragraphs of this 23rd HRW World Report indicate, the report has been prepared in consultation with the local members of the HRW. The Pakistani Director of HRW, Mr Ali Dayan Hasan has a major contribution towards preparation of this report.

According to Mr Ali Dayan Hasan, “Pakistan’s human rights crisis worsened markedly in 2012 with religious minorities bearing the brunt of killings and repression. While the military continued to perpetrate abuses with impunity in Balochistan and beyond, Sunni extremists killed hundreds of Shia Muslims and the Taliban attacked schools, students, and teachers.” There is no doubt that, over the last few years, there has been increase in extremism in the Pakistani society and Pakistani are the worst sufferer because of the terrorists acts of TTP and other militants, operating in various parts of the country.

However, this is misleading and untrue that, militants targeted only religious minorities. The terrorist acts by the militants have been all along, targeting every one alike in all parts of the country. They never discriminated among the factions, ethnic and religious groups or for that matter the sects. Mosques and Imam Barghas were equally targeted. The militants targeted military installations and troops to their maximum. Mr Ali Dayan Hasan and HRW have failed to point out the massacre of thousands of troops by the militants of TTP and other terrorist groups. These members of military were from all over Pakistan; representing all provinces, included all religious and ethnic groups under the banner of Pakistan

and armed forces of Pakistan.

How Mr Ali Dayan and HRW could ignore these realities? This means that, the report is fictitious, biased and ill intended. Very few in Pakistan know Mr Ali Dayan. He is a western graduate and has spent most of his so far life outside Pakistan, thus knows very less about Pakistani society and its makeup. He has a B.A. from the London School of Economics and a master’s degree from St. Antony’s College, Oxford. He has been a Research Fellow at the Leverhulme Changing Character of War Programme at the University of Oxford. Practically, he has no knowledge of the ground realities and happenings in Pakistan. He may be a Pakistan origin but, lives outside Pakistan. He says and writes what antiPakistan lobby and media projects, thus has no credibility. In the absence of a practical knowledge, Mr Ali Dayan and HRW should have avoided saying anything about Pakistan and its military.

Thanks to the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate, which rejected the report by saying that, “The HRW has based its opinion on imprecise facts and biased views. The HRW report seems to be a clear attempt to further fuel already ongoing sectarian violence and to create chaos and disorder in Pakistan.” Indeed, owing to its biasness, the report has lost its credibility. In the views of analysts, this misleading report is a deliberate effort to defame the ever unified and well-organized armed forces of Pakistan. Indeed, it an attack on the very solidarity of Pakistan and its armed forces. This is very unrealistic and hilarious report that says that Pakistani military promote

militants and terrorist to attack Pakistan, its people and more than anything to attack the military installations its troops. This is very funny on the part of those conceived the report, compiled it and now asking the international community to read and believe it too.

Who would believe the report, which is a calculated move to slander and denigrate Pakistani Military, which is engaged to combat the terrorism since last over a decade now?

In the process, it lost over 5000 highly professional and dedicated lot of officers and men, while combating the menace of terrorism. The campaign against the terrorism is for the common good of all human beings and international community.

Thus, the report is malicious and far from the facts.

Pakistan, a peace loving country is under constant attack of terrorists as well as those pseudo scholars and media, who intend destabilizing its very harmonized basis. Its peaceful people are from all religions with various ethnic backgrounds.

They all intend living together with peace and harmony. The negative material as contained in the HRW Report and proponents like Ali Dayan Hasan has ill intensions.

Their aim is to fuel the division, militancy and sectarianism in Pakistan. However, as a nation, all Pakistani rejects any such move, which destabilise the country and create division among its harmonized people on any basis. Today the nation stands behind its brave and well organized armed forces, a symbol Pakistan’s unity and integrity.

—The writer is Islamabad based IR analyst.

UESS where the world’s hot money is flowing these days? The correct answer, believe it or not, is Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain — the notoriously indebted “PIIGS” — which received a net $127 billion in new loans and investments during the last quarter of 2012.

Government borrowing costs are coming down, and some major banks are beginning to repay crisis loans from the European Central Bank (ECB).

Europe is not headed for economic calamity or, worse, a political crack-up, anytime soon.

The credit for this salutary turn of events, which hugely benefits the United States and the world economy — and which many experts considered unlikely or impossible as recently as a few months ago — belongs to Mario Draghi, the ECB president. He announced a plan to backstop government debt in September, essentially by offering to buy unlimited quantities of distressed countries’ bonds — in return for their commitment to structural reforms. Also crucial was the support of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who quietly acquiesced in Mr. Draghi’s proposal despite its deviation from German economic orthodoxy. Those investors getting back into the market are doing so on the assumption that the ECB, backed ultimately by financially solid Germany, will pay them back if all else fails. Indeed, the ECB has not actually had to buy any bonds; its promise was confidence-builder enough.

But no one should confuse this respite in Europe’s crisis with a solution to it.

Unemployment in the euro zone — the 17-nation group that uses the common European currency — averaged 11.7 percent in December, and youth unemployment was double that.

The International Monetary Fund expects the euro-zone economy to contract slightly overall this year, with the PIIGS experiencing the worst negative growth. Plans for a unified bank supervision and resolution authority are moving ahead but still far from finished. And the continent lacks another hallmark of a working currency union, namely a single system of bank deposit insurance. The euro zone’s main piece of unfinished business is a broader economic restructuring that will reduce the imbalance between its supercompetitive members, such as Germany, and the laggards, such as the PIIGS. That’s going to take not just the admittedly necessary reforms in the debtor countries that Germany has demanded in return for its money but also reform on Germany’s side of the equation.

— The Washington Post

*****

Heritage show

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UBAI has a long and en during maritime history stretching back hundreds of years. It grew as a trading port, a key staging post between East and West. The traditional pearling industry brought prosperity as pearl traders travelled throughout the Gulf in search of the treasure.

This proud heritage is centre of an interactive exhibition at Dubai Heritage Village in Shindagha that wraps up today.

The exhibition, being held for the past three weeks, has been funded

by DP World and has proved popular. The exhibition includes photographs that highlight the activities that made Dubai a city of merchants, trading in gold, spices and textiles. It also includes priceless interviews with people who were eyewitnesses to Dubai’s development and shaped the city’s maritime and trading prosperity. It is a pity that this great attraction is ending today. While the elements will be online, if there is any way the exhibition can continue, many will gain from it. It is a shame this exhibition is not a permanent feature. — Gulf News

Politics, as a practice, whatever its porfessions, has always been the systematic organisation of hatreds.

—Henry B Adams US historian

Open letter to Mr Kuldip Nayar not only thousands of miles of common border but a considerpart of population and culAli Ashraf Khan able ture so much so that not only the Email:balti@super.net.pk border areas but major cities of Pakistan such as Islamabad and Karachi have a large and growear Kuldip Nayar Sahib: In ing Pashtun population that is influour last communication you encing their public life and culture commented on my letter and that can not fail to impact the po“Circle of violence” that you are litical situation in Pakistan also. In working on a piece on the same and I fact, it is not so much Pakistan that is have been eagerly looking forward to influencing Afghanistan but Afghanithat. Now I have read your latest ar- stan that is influencing Pakistan; a ticle ‘The best bet on special situation that only neighbors Afghanistan’published in Pakistan can have.

Observer on 30-01-2013, where you India is by no means a neighbor while analyzing the situation that is of Afghanistan and that is why likely to come about after the with- Pakistan’s interest in Afghanistan is drawal of US and NATO forces from vitally different from India’s. You Afghanistan that now India is eying should be able to understand it beto assume on behalf of US. cause India is as much Pakistan’s While I agree with your analysis neighbor and God knows how much mainly I am very much surprised influence India has on us. If India about your conclusion in the matter, wants so much ‘to be on the same namely that you think that India and page’ as you say with Pakistan there Pakistan should drop all other issues are some things that have to be figand be on the same page in Afghani- ured out first. You mention militancy stan after 2014. To quote you ‘Things and the militant’s threat to interfere would have worked smoothly be- in Kashmir. Well, Kashmir is a tween Delhi and Islamabad if the lat- longstanding issue between India ter, that is Islamabad, were to give and Pakistan and it was the foundup its insistence on treating Afghani- ing father of India Prime Minister stan as a country within its sphere of Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru who went influence.’ World recognizes to the UNSC in 1948 for a solution, Pakistan’s greatness in accommodat- begging for ceasefire and commiting more then 3 million refugees from ted to hold free and fair plebiscite, Afghanistan for more then 3 decades and when the solution came in form without any protest at the cost of ru- of several resolutions on the issue ining our own economy.

India refused it.

Well, I am surprised that I have Kashmir could have been reto remind you that Afghanistan is our solved when Pundit Nehru had perneighbor which shares with Pakistan haps reconciled and released Sheikh

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Abdullah, who was visiting Pakistan to arrive at a suitable resolution but the unfortunate and sudden death of Pundit Nehru again blocked it, much trouble could have been avoided had this thorny issue hanging fire between the two countries was amicably settled according to the wishes of Kashmiri people inline with the partition plan.

But that was never India’s first consideration. India’s first consideration was to prove Pakistan wrong and themselves right and ‘secular’.

We can see the outcome of this Indian stand: massive human rights violations by the Indian army including missing persons, death in custody, rape and open murder. Kashmir has been never more for Delhi than an instrument to prove Pakistan wrong and to put the Muslims into place. Delhi never cared about Kashmiri’s, as it doesn’t care about Afghans. You consider Afghanistan as much a strategic target to open a second line of attack against Pakistan as you consider Kashmir only as a strategic asset. Don’t tell me that India is sending thousands of soldiers and civilians and millions of rupees into Afghanistan for the good of the Afghan people!

You have enough poor and deprived at home; start your charity there. No; India is playing its own game in Afghanistan in order to assert its power against Pakistan and in the larger region so as to fulfill its dreams to become a world power.

How can we join hands in this? Pakistan is a target, not a partner in this.

And secondly, you are upset about

Taliban and militancy. Well, you could know that the unsolved Kashmir conflict over the decades has been the source of militancy on both sides of the border. And as your Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and others senior Congress leaders last week admitted, you have enough home-grown militancy in the shape of RSS and BJP related Hindu militancy (Gujarat) and terrorist training camps, apart from an ongoing Naxalite uprising in many of your districts where Delhi at times even has lost control over its own territory.

I think Afghanistan is a far cry for India, you take care of your problems at home which does not involve Afghanistan and we take care of ours that involve Afghanistan very much as their immediate neighbours, and we can keep trying to sort out our common problems that is Kashmir and yes, militancy to avoid another Bombay or Samjhauta express, Indian influence in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan. And to begin with, we should be honest to each other and try to respect the other instead of creating sweeping scenarios that don’t apply. Otherwise future generations both in India and Pakistan will curse their forefathers for remaining busy in self projection and neglecting the requirements of time. India and Pakistan can work together but the history of the past cannot be ignored. If either side tries to ignore it that will just add to the trust deficit that is already hounding us.

Investment climate in Pakistan Hafsa Khaled Email: pio47pid@gmail.com

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akistan is amongst the impor tant emerging economies of the region, with population of 180 million plus, presenting the ideal location for access to all the growing markets of the world, with liberal and investor friendly policies. In Pakistan, foreign and domestic investors can directly invest in every sector and even there are no limitations on bringing in or taking out capital. The government of Pakistan desires to encourage investors in order to support investment activities in Pakistan. Pakistan is a gateway for foreign investors into Central Asia through which the volume of external trade can be expanded.

Almost 70 % of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) has come into power sector; telecommunication sector; chemicals, pharmaceutical and fertilizer; oil and gas; and banking and finance. Large size of market, more domestic investment, trade liberaliza-

tion, little indirect taxes, low inflation, and low external debt are encouraging FDI inflows into Pakistan.

Significant improvement in the country’s overall macroeconomic environment and sound policies have helped attract relatively large inflows of FDI in Pakistan. The investment policy of Pakistan offers proactive facilitation, guarantees of equal treatment to both local and foreign investors, easy tariff structures and a liberal regime on repatriation of profits.

These strategies have borne results with a record inflow of Foreign Investment of US $23 billion during the last ten years. Pakistan in the recent past was no exception to global financial crisis coupled with domestic difficulties but the economy has shown resilience to the shocks and has maintained global and regional patterns and has performed better than some of the neighboring countries. The World Bank Report of 2013 confirms that Pakistan ranks ahead of Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, India and Philippines.

Recently, Pakistan showed an in-

crease in the FDI by 6 percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year. Pakistan attracted a total of $562.8 million foreign direct investment in July to December 2012, as against $531.1 million received during the corresponding period last year.

An improvement in the foreign direct inflows is mainly driven by the investment in the oil and gas exploration and financial sectors by the global companies in the country. Foreign investment in Pakistan is fully protected through Foreign Private Investment (Promotion & Protection) Act, 1976; and Protection of Economic Reforms Act, 1992. Pakistan has a very liberal policy on repatriation for foreign direct investors; therefore, investing in Pakistan may give foreign direct investors the following added advantages.

Remittance of royalty, technology and franchise fee is allowed to projects in social, service, infrastructure, agriculture and international chains food franchise. Minimum share of the local (Pakistani) partner in a joint venture will be 60:40 for

the service sector. However, 100% foreign equity can be owned for first 5 years. The FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) will not question as to the source of investment; however, the FBR will only want to know whether the investor has paid requisite Income Tax on that specific investment. The FBR will not inquire into the source of the funds. Foreign investors are allowed to invest in industrial project on 100% equity basis without any permission from the government. There is no requirement for a No Objection Certificate from the Provincial Govt. In addition to manufacturing sector foreign investment on a repatriate-able basis is allowed in services, infrastructure and social sectors. Full repatriation of capital gains, dividends and profits. The facility for contracting foreign private loans is available to all those foreign investors who make investment in the approved sectors.

Foreign controlled manufacturing concerns are allowed to borrow on the domestic market according to their requirements.

Views From Abroad

What’s the Afghanistan mission?

Doyle McManus

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mid partisan questioning from both sides in former Senator Chuck Hagel’s confirmation hearing last week, a major opportunity was lost. Hagel’s fellow Republicans grilled the Defence secretary nominee on past statements about Israel and his opposition to President George W. Bush’s 2007 surge in Iraq. Democrats, defending their president’s choice, tossed him softballs.

What Hagel wasn’t asked about in any depth was Afghanistan, where about 66,000 US troops are still risking their lives for a mission that no longer seems clear. It will be the next Defence secretary’s job not only to bring most of those men and women home, ending an era of big-footprint US combat in the Muslim world, but also to help reimagine the fight against terrorists for an era of belttightening.

During the nearly eight hours of Hagel’s hearing, no more than 10 minutes were spent on Afghanistan.

Only three senators, all Democrats, bothered to ask about the future of the US troop commitment there. No Republican took the opportunity to express any views, whether in favour of President Obama’s rapid withdrawal plan or against it. As far as Congress is concerned, it sounded as if the war was already over. And that’s pretty much how Hagel described it as well. “We have a plan in place to transition out of Afghanistan, continue bringing our troops home and end the war,” he said.

Only the war won’t be over. Even when most American troops come home, as is scheduled by the end of 2014, the Afghan army and police forces will still be fighting the Taliban. The terrorist Haqqani network, long allied with Al Qaeda, will still be roaming the border with Pakistan. Local warlords will still be vying with the central government for power.

And like it or not, the United States will still have a big stake in the outcome. Americans have understandably lost interest in spending more lives and money to prop up the corrupt government of Hamid Karzai.

But as Obama has noted, we still want to make sure Al Qaeda can’t regain a foothold in Afghanistan, and we still have to worry about the stability of nuclear-armed Pakistan next door.

“We’re not winding down the damn war,” a former ambassador to Afghanistan, Ronald E. Neumann, growls. “We’re winding down our participation in the war. That’s extraordinarily different.”

Most of the debate in Washington has been about how quickly US troops should leave Afghanistan, and how many should remain after 2014.

But those are the wrong questions.

What we should be asking is what kind of outcomes the United States can realistically seek and what are the best ways to get there. Then we can discuss how many troops each of the options would require.

In the short run, between now and the end of 2014, the United States wants to do three things: complete the training of 352,000 Afghan security forces, help Afghans hold a reasonably fair election to choose Karzai’s successor, and work out terms for any post-2014 US presence. The just-departed US commander in Kabul, Gen.

John R. Allen, has pleaded publicly for as many troops as possible through 2014 to make those tasks easier. The White House has pushed back, insisting that withdrawals begin this spring.

After 2014, when all US combat troops are scheduled to be out of Afghanistan, the Obama administration still foresees two missions for a “residual force”: training and advising Afghan forces, and waging counterterrorist operations against Al Qaeda and its allies. It’s difficult to imagine that those missions could be very effective if we leave behind only the 3,000 US troops the White House has been said to favour. Allen and Pentagon officials initially proposed keeping as many as 15,000 troops in place but successively pared the options to a range between 3,000 and 9,000.

Obama is mulling those figures and will probably make a decision in the next several weeks. But at this point, deciding on a number is less important than deciding on a mission.

We shouldn’t ask American troops — or our Afghan allies — to risk their lives for a cause that can’t be won.

— Courtesy: Los Angeles Times

Rahul is the answer..!

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ow that Rahul has agreed to take over the reigns of the Congress party there is a palpable sigh of relief, every Congressman thinks things will be okay again once again: “If he had only said yes a few years ago, we wouldn’t be in the situation we are in now!” said a senior leader of the party.

“You mean there wouldn’t

have been any scams or corrupt ministers around?” I asked.

“Rahul is the answer!” said the senior leader. “What about the molestation and rape cases all over the country?” “Rahul is the answer!”

“What answer?” I asked angrily, “Didn’t he know he was needed even when all this was happening?

Couldn’t he have a talked to the press after the Delhi rape incident, made women feel safe again?”

“Now they will feel safe!” said the leader. “Look out of the window, just look will you!” “At what?”

“At the women, do you see a change?” “What are you talking about?” “They are already more con-

fident, more relaxed!” “You mean after hearing Rahul will take over?”

I asked incredulously. “Yes,” said the senior leader seriously, “Rahul is the answer.” “And the scams?”

“No more scams!” “Just like that?” I asked. “Isn’t it wonderful,” said the leader, “Look at all the fireworks we had last night. We knew that…”

“Rahul is the answer!” I completed for him as he grinned at me broadly. “You seem to have faith in some magical powers he possesses?”

I asked. “You will see,” said the Congress leader, “you will see!”

“See what?” “The people voting the Congress party back to power with

a huge majority!” “Not the way your track record has been,” I said.

“There was no Rahul that time, but now with Rahul leading the way, the country will forget all that went wrong and give us a thumping victory!”

“How can we forget so fast?”

I asked. “It is not that we forget so fast,” said the senior leader, “it is that we remember so long, and to the people of this country, the Gandhi family is big in their memory, so you see what I told you, that…” “Rahul is the answer..!” I said and heard fireworks all over the country.

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Voice of the People Unleashed terror in Karachi HAFIZ MUHAMMAD NOMAN

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man and two of his accomplices killed two religious clerics and their driver on main Shahrah-eFaisal in Karachi. Whoever has watched the CCTV footage of this act of terrorism would surely have been afraid of how savagely and easily an innocent person can be killed in broad daylight. The three men ran away on a motorbike and no law enforcement agency has been able to arrest the culprits.

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik’s statement last week, concerning the rise in terrorism in Karachi and Balochistan, has come true. A new wave of terrorism has surely been started in Karachi. Two days ago, a bomb exploded and 300 kilogrammes of explosive material was recovered from a taxi — now we see open terrorism? Where are the law enforcement agencies sleeping? When will they pacify Karachi?

On the other hand, we have been watching for a long time and seeing that Rehman Malik always gives a statement about any act of terrorism before the incident but he has never tried to capture the culprits.

Why? When he receives a tip-off before any mishap takes place, why does he not take measures to deal with such incidents before they happen so that the lives of innocent people can be saved? It is a pity that culprits and terrorists are released here and no one is present to pursue them further.

—Via email

Learning English JAWED AHMED KHURSHEED There could been many reasons involved in leaving the English language students in Pakistan emptyhanded with respect to their efforts to learn a second language. One of the most important factors remains their misconceptions about learning the English language or a second language. When talked to a language learner, he / she proves to be far knowledgeable about the craft of language learning than any other and start omitting his / her misconceptions which are really interesting to note.

Americans don’t use grammar in their English language therefore the teachers of English language don’t pay heed to it. Speaking is the only way to learn the English language. Writing, reading and listening are of least importance. Enhancing vocabulary is important.

How to use a particular word in its contextual meaning, what preposition it follows, what its synonyms and antonyms are and what its other shades of meanings a learner has nothing to do with or all these aspects would hit his / her active memory on one day by a miracle.

Setting a goal before commencement of their learning is unnecessary. There is no time limit in their mind. They are at the mercy of their institutions mushrooming for couple of decades and claim to teach the English language in just 90days. Their first language is not important to provide them any support in their language learning.

I nstitutions are more important than their personal struggles. The habit of looking up a dictionary, thesaurus, etymologically designed dictionary and corpus is not necessary. They don’t avoid their distracter in the shape of mobile phone while learning. They can learn a second language with their happy-go-lucky attitude towards language learning. They don’t have atmosphere to master.

These are the most common misconceptions a language learns in Pakistan love to inherit from his / her atmosphere or seniors. They can easily avoid these misconceptions by giving rapt attention to focus on newly designed strategies for language learning and try to listen to as much as they can while learning. If they really want to learn a second language to widen their horizon of understanding towards life, they have to get rid of it what they have misconceived and start learning, unlearning and relearning.

—Karachi

A symbol of sacrifice AZAM INQILABI Protomartyr Maqbool Butt was 46 when he, on Feb. 11-1984 (Saturday), achieved his cherished objective of martyrdom in Tihar Jail Delhi. The resistance icon Maqbool was in absolute trance and communion with God Almighty when he was gibbeted at 7.30 a.m. Analysts will continue to anatomize the metaphysical aspect of his dynamic personality. Dialecticians will certainly delve deep into the dynamics of his exemplary struggle as a conscientious and committed patriot of Kashmir.

Now protomartyr Maqbool is indisputable pinnacle of prominence and prestige. It was the overbearing and domineering demeanour of Indian rulers which enticed and allured them to act in haste with jackbooted and dictatorial arrogance to create unjustified and unwarranted concatenation of events – Mathre’s murder in London and Maqbool’s case of incarceration. This administrative brinkmanship of Delhi liege lords boomeranged. Kashmiris felt humiliated, offended, infuriated and, in fact, instigated and fulminated to resort to violence en masse in 1988. History, under the law of retribution, avenged mysteriously.

Youth of Kashmir valley, especially the freedom votaries of Maqbool Parivar, opted for insurgency; and

their resilience and invincibility imparted lasting vigour and valour to the resistance movement. Today Kashmir political resistance movement is a force to be reckoned with.

Hurriyat Conference ideally epitomizes the impregnability and indefatigability of our resistance movement.

It is unfortunate that Indian rulers, due to their chauvinistic and fascist mindset, continue to exhibit intransigence and obduracy on Kashmir front. They, through all modes of skullduggery, shenanigans and prevarication, want to checkmate the chances of peaceful and honourable settlement of Kashmir issue. Politics of polemics, recrimination, imprecation, procrastination, temporization and dilatory detour cannot deescalate the volatile situation on LOC. And ultraism with all its inherent potential to wreak havoc will continue to pose a challenge.

OIC, the organization of Islamic Countries, should realize that it can play an effective and decisive role in global politics only when it assumes the form of a superstate like European Union. Supranationalism should supersede the localized national identity. OIC should be proactive in its diplomatic peripateticisim to facilitate an early peaceful and honourable settlement of Kashmir issue. Remember that even fractional reduction in your oil export to India can serve the purpose of a perfect psychological siege and blockade which will in turn constrain the Indian rulers to review Kashmir policy objectively and realistically.

—Via email

Will Muslim learn?

SHAKIR LAKHANI This is with reference to Sana Bashir’s letter ‘Halal nail polish’.

Sometimes, I think the easiest thing in the world is to make fools out of Muslims. This so-called ‘halal’ nail polish is probably being promoted to make someone very rich. Insurance is said to be ‘haram’ (forbidden), unless it is provided by a socalled takaful (insurance company) owned by a prominent cleric. In banking, millions of Muslims keep their money in so-called Islamic banks, where the actual rate of profit is much less than that paid by conventional banks. Words like ‘shariacompliant’ and ‘halal banking’ are used to fleece Muslims of their hardearned money. So-called Islamic ‘perfumes’ are also available, designed to make Muslim women believe that such perfumes do not contain alcohol. In fact, they are made from very harmful chemicals that are bound to have adverse effects. Will Muslims never learn?

—Via email

Govt’s apathy in Karachi RAHEEL KHAN The sudden burst of violence that sees Karachi rise up in flames should come as a shock to the people of this country but, alas, we are now numb to the death, destruction and looting in the port city. In the most recent wave, some 18 people have died, including three clerics. All of them were victims of target killings. As usual, one will expect that Karachi will be shut down in protest, will witness angry people protesting and more waves of violence and murder will ensue. This is no way to live.

The country depends on the stability and security of the commercial and economic hub and all our government does is to wring its hands on the job. I pray that this latest cycle ends quickly and without more death and senseless violence.

—Islamabad

Ruins of pollution HASHIM ABRO It is horrifying that the Indus River, its barrages, its canals, hannels and water courses are being polluted.

Tons and tons of Industrial, domestic and hospitals’ waste are being

dumped and drained into the Indus River and its canals. Pleasant lakes and streams are being defiled in the province. The sworn enemies of environment have done everything to wreck the seafloor and stratosphere in Sindh.

The land and other natural resources are being abused in the province. Garbage is everywhere. Pollution is everywhere in the province.

Nothing is being done to clean up the rivers, canals, channels, water courses, cities, towns and villages.

Our relevant organizations such as Sindh provincial protection Agency ( sepa) and others are as good as dead. Environmentalists have long been pointing out towards environmental pollution, wreck and ruin in the province but our ruling elite in the province have not taken notice of it. They have not realized the value of healthy ecology and environment for life and growth in the province. I have logically concluded that the provincial rulers are blind to this environmental pollution, decay and destruction. However, I appeal to the President of Pakistan to direct the provincial government to take pragmatic steps to save the ecology and environment in the province, particularly, in the upper and lower Sindh districts where environmental and biological hazards have claimed the lives of several thousand children, women and elderly men and also those of millions of domestic animals.

—Islamabad

Blasphemy laws ASAD FAROOQ The blasphemy laws in this country have gone too far. This time they have gone after one of our leading female politicians, Sherry Rehman, a lady who is one of the few educated and enlightened faces of Pakistani politics today.

Apparently, she spoke something (one cannot repeat anything blasphemous as that too would be considered blasphemous) on a television programme and now the pious right have gone after her to bring her to book. The only reason she is being targeted is because she is a progressive woman who has been trying to steer this country towards some semblance of modernity. I hope she manages to dodge these malicious clutches.

—Lahore

Malfunctioning of mobile MUSTAFA KHURRAM Sometimes mobile usage gets very frustrating and one wants to revert the whole world to its old ways when the work pace was leisurely and orderly. With various technological developments, the work pace and people’s expectations have increased too. No one is ready to buy any excuses, especially concerning delays caused by bad networks. I am a businessman and am facing huge network problems due to my mobile operator. Whenever I am in the middle of an important call, it gets dropped unexpectedly. Sometimes, we are in the middle of a conference call with our clients and the call gets disconnected, and it reconnects with great difficulty. This wastes so much time.

Also, it has happened so many times with me that I get connected to wrong numbers. Another issue is one of delays in text messages. One assumes that the other person must have received the message and must have acted upon the given instructions only to get to know that he received it late. Some mobile network companies have completely spoiled the idea of mobile phones providing us with anything but ‘instant connectivity.’

—Karachi

READERS are requested to type their letters legibly with double spacing and only on one side of the paper.

—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

The US needs a completely different approach to Iran FLYNT, HILLARY LEVERETT

Bush administrations sought Iran’s help to free American hostages in Lebanon. The Clinton admin-

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S Washington and its great power part ners prepare for more nuclear negotia tions with Iran, the Obama administra tion and policy elites across the political spectrum talk as if America is basically in control of the situation. Sanctions, we are told, are inflicting ever-rising hardship on Iran’s economy. Either Tehran will surrender to U.S. demands that it stop enriching uranium or, at some point, the American military will destroy Iranian nuclear installations. This is a dangerous delusion, grounded in persistent American illusions about Middle Eastern reality. Because of failed warscum-occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan; a war on terror that has turned Muslim societies ever more firmly against U.S. policy; and de facto support for open-ended Israeli occupation of Arab populations, America’s position in the region is in free fall. Increasingly mobilized publics will not tolerate continuation of such policies. If, in this climate, the United States launches another war to disarm yet another Middle Eastern country of weapons of mass destruction it does not have, the blowback against American interests will be disastrous. Nonetheless, that is where our current strategy – negotiating on terms that could not possibly interest Iran while escalating covert operations, cyber-attacks, and economic warfare against it – leads.

For its own interests, Washington must take a fundamentally different approach. President Obama needs to realign U.S. relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran as thoroughly as President Nixon realigned relations with the People’s Republic of China in the early 1970s. Simply “talking” to Iran will not accomplish this. Every American administration since the Iranian Revolution has talked to Tehran, usually to ask its help on particular U.S. concerns. The Reagan and George H.W.

Mann Leverett participated for nearly two years. In all these episodes, Washington got most of what it

didate in 2008, then-Senator Obama pledged – as part of a broader commitment to end the “mindset”

Their achievement was to accept and persuade Americans to accept the People’s Republic and its leaders as (in Nixon’s words) “pursuing their own interests as they perceive these interests, just as we follow our own interests as we see them,” and to work with them on that basis. Nixon’s initiative saved America’s position in Asia after the draining disaster of Vietnam and restored Washington’s global leadership. istration coordinated with Tehran to arm beleaguered Bosnian Muslims when U.S. law prevented Wash-

specifically asked for. But, each time, Washington pocketed Tehran’s cooperation, terminated dialogue,

The US Iran nukes standoff... ington from doing so. After 9/11, Iran cooperated with the George W. Bush administration against al Qaeda and the Taliban – a dialogue in which Hillary

and used the purported “failure” of diplomacy to raise tensions, impose more sanctions, and come ever closer to confrontation. As a presidential can-

that produced the 2003 Iraq invasion – to engage Iran. As he embarks on his second term, President Obama is in danger of discrediting engagement by saying that he tried but failed to reach out to Tehran when in fact he has never seriously tried. Since 2009, the Obama administration has participated in multilateral nuclear talks with Iran – and used Iran’s unwillingness to surrender to U.S. demands as a reason to impose the most draconian sanctions on a country since sanctions on Iraq during 1991-2003 killed more than one million Iraqis, and to come ever closer to regime change as the ultimate goal of America’s Iran policy. While U.S. officials excoriate Tehran for either “playing for time” or being too internally conflicted to negotiate seriously, it is Washington that has not been diplomatically serious. Iran has consistently been prepared to accept more intrusive monitoring of – and perhaps negotiated limits on – its nuclear activities, if Western powers would in turn recognize its right to enrich uranium under international safeguards.

But Obama – like his predecessor – refuses to acknowledge Iran’s right to enrich. For this would require acknowledging the Islamic Republic as a legitimate political order representing legitimate national interests – and as a rising regional power unwilling to subordinate its foreign policy to Washington (as, for example, Egypt did under Sadat and Mubarak). No American president since the Iranian Revolution – not even Barack Obama – has been willing to deal with the Islamic Republic in this way.

Yet we return from our latest visit to Iran convinced this is the only way diplomacy can succeed. No one who has walked the streets of Tehran, seen that Iran’s economy is not imploding, and talked with a range of Iranians could think that sanctions as severe as they are and might become will compel either Iran’s collapse or its surrender. The only thing that will work is accepting the Islamic Republic and acknowledging its interests and rights – including safeguarded enrichment.

Accepting a rising regional power as a legitimate entity pursuing its interests in a fundamentally rational and defensive way is how Nixon and Henry Kissinger enabled the historic opening to China in the early 1970s. Their achievement was not to “talk” to Beijing; Washington had been doing that for years, through ambassadorial-level discussions. Their achievement was to accept and persuade Americans to accept the People’s Republic and its leaders as (in Nixon’s words) “pursuing their own interests as they perceive these interests, just as we follow our own interests as we see them,” and to work with them on that basis. Nixon’s initiative saved America’s position in Asia after the draining disaster of Vietnam and restored Washington’s global leadership. If Obama accepted the Islamic Republic in the same way, an equally thorough realignment of U.S.-Iranian relations would be possible.

Ayatollah Khamenei and the three Iranian presidents elected over the course of Khamenei’s 22-year tenure as Supreme Leader have all said that they are open to better relations with America – but only on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and American acceptance of the Islamic Republic. Today, engaging Iran on this basis is Obama’s single biggest foreign policy challenge. It’s also the only way for him to rescue America’s position in the Middle East and avert strategic catastrophe in his second term.

—Courtesy Reuters

Mali hails ‘savior’ Hollande, he What to do to promote relief in Egypt says fight not over J D GORDON

DAVID LEWIS AND RICHARD VALDMANIS

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HEERING, grateful Malians mobbed French President Francois Hollande as he visited French troops fighting Islamist jihadist rebels, and he pledged France would finish the job of restoring government control in the Sahel state. In a oneday trip to Mali accompanied by his ministers for defense, foreign affairs and development, Hollande was hailed as a liberator in the ancient northern city of Timbuktu, which French and Malian forces retook from the rebels six days ago. He

France’s military operation in Mali, codenamed Serval (Wildcat) and involving 3,500 soldiers on the ground, was not yet over. “There is still a whole part of the north that remains unconquered ... There are terrorist elements concentrated in some areas of the country, others who are dis-

specific time frame for the French mission.

Mali’s interim President Dioncounda Traore thanked “our brother” Hollande for launching the French intervention. It has cost the life of only one French serviceman so far and has driven the rebels into the mountains

Cisse, the muezzin, said the rebels, grouped in a loose alliance that includes al Qaeda’s North African wing AQIM, had tried to impose an unfamiliar radical form of Islam on Mali. persed. There are risks of terrorism. So, we have not yet finished our mission,” he

of northeast Mali. “Together we will hunt the terrorists down to their last hiding place,” Traore said.

In Timbuktu, several thousand local residents in colorful robes and wraps sang and danced, shouting “Thank you, France” and “Papa Hollande”. In Bamako, there were similar scenes, with thousands cheering Hollande and waving French flags. “Vive Hollande, Vive la France,” said one Bamako resident, Sidibe Lisa Camara. “Hollande our Savior!” read one banner.

The United States and the European Union are backing the Mali intervention as a counter strike against the threat of Islamist jihadists using the inhospitable and ungoverned Malian Sahara as a launch pad for international attacks. They are providing training, logistical and intelligence support, but have ruled out sending their own ground troops.

In Timbuktu, the Saharan trading town and seat of Islamic learning that spent 10 months under rebel occupation, Hollande visited the Djingarei-ber Mosque and the France’s President Francois Hollande (L) and Mali’s interim president Ahmed Baba Institute, a library of ancient Dioncounda Traore (R), wave upon his arrival at the airport of Timbuktu during manuscripts that was ransacked by the his one-day visit in Mali. rebels.Hollande said it was essential that also received a rapturous reception in the told a news conference at the French Timbuktu, a World Heritage site, should be capital Bamako, where he said the Islam- ambassador’s residence. He added France properly protected so that it could “shine” ist fighters allied to al Qaeda had suffered would withdraw its troops from Mali once as a cultural treasure for the world. Heavily heavy losses in a three-week-old French the West African country had restored sov- armed French soldiers in armored vehicles intervention that he ordered last month at ereignty over all its national territory and a and Malian troops protected the French U.N.-backed African military force, which leader as he visited the mosque, which was from mud bricks and wood in 1325.

Timbuktu residents rejoiced at being freed from built We have got our old lives back,” said Khalifa the severe version of sharia (Islamic law) imposed by Cisse, the muezzin or crier who calls the to prayer at the mosque. Hollande the rebels, who had forced women to go veiled and faithful has repeated that the French operation, where inflicted beatings and amputations. Hollande said the ground forces are backed by warplanes, helicopters and armored vehicles, aims to Mali’s courts and the International Criminal Court make way eventually for the larger multishould try those responsible for war crimes. national African force, which is still being put in place. Drawn mostly from Mali’s West Mali’s request.

Although the insurgents have been is being deployed, could take over from African neighbors, this force is expected to driven from Mali’s main northern towns, the French. “We do not foresee staying in- number more than 8,000.

—Courtesy Reuters Hollande cautioned that the task of definitely,” he said, but he spelled out no

MICHAEL RICHARDSON WHEN China ratified the United Nations law of the sea treaty in 1996, it was hailed as an important step toward stability and peaceful settlement of disputes in East Asia’s vast, valuable but conflict-riven offshore zone. So the recent move by the Philippines to turn to the U.N. for a ruling on whether China’s sweeping claims to ownership and control over nearly all of the South China Sea in the maritime heart of Southeast Asia is in line with the 1982 treaty seemed like a perfectly law-abiding step. But China’s Xinhua news agency said the Philippines’ referring the issue to a U.N. tribunal for compulsory arbitration was “Manila’s latest attempt to show its hardline position toward China” on their territorial disputes in the South China Sea. When Beijing ratified the treaty establishing the legal framework for conduct in the world’s oceans and seas, known by its full title as the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it registered some points about the application of the treaty, as member states are entitled to do.

Two of the points are relevant to the launch by the Philippines of UNCLOS arbitration proceedings against China. The first is that in ratifying UNCLOS in 1996, China reaffirmed sovereignty over all its archipelagos and islands listed in Article 2 of a 1992 law adopted by the National People’s Congress, China’s legislature. This law on the territorial sea and the contiguous zone states that the land territory of China includes the mainland, its coastal islands, and some other groups of islands. Those enumer-

A

S Egypt continues its tumultu ous transition to democracy two years after the Arab Spring swept strongman President Hosni Mubarak from power, Washington must weigh its next moves carefully.

For decades, U.S. policy in the region has been picking the least bad option in supporting partner governments, leading to autocrats such as Mr. Mubarak, who maintained an unpopular peace with Israel and ensured the free flow of oil in exchange for military aid and other support. Bad options became worse when simmering resentment from the Arab Spring toward the status quo exploded, toppling long-term allies in Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen, causing disaster in Libya and threatening more than a dozen other nations.

In helping to force out Mubarak, President Obama paved the way for the first true democracy in Egypt’s history.

Regrettably, kicking the door open to hastily organized elections meant the Muslim Brotherhood, also known as Ikwhan, would take power as the bestorganized group in a country where the majority view themselves as deeply conservative, religious Muslims, sharing core values and beliefs. It was entirely predictable, as the Pew Global Attitudes Project’s 2010 survey showed that roughly 60 percent of Egyptians support Islamists.

Though the Muslim Brotherhood may have been well-organized politically surviving for much of its history as a terrorist group and assassinating President Anwar Sadat in 1981 to retaliate for making peace with Israel it had zero experience running a country.

Mohammed Morsi won his race for

opposition parties representing secular, liberal and more Western-friendly camps are fighting to maintain their rights.

Coptic Christians, who make up roughly 10 percent of Egypt’s 82 million population, have become targets for mob attacks as the security situation has deteriorated.

The chaos of the past two years also has hurt Egypt’s economy, causing stock markets to tank and tourism to tumble.

Unemployment has risen from 9 percent in the Mubarak days to more than 12 percent today. This has added more angry and unemployed young men to the ranks of violent protesters and now, to looters in Cairo.

These are easy marks for terrorist re-

…Depiction of Egyptian scenario…

cruiters. So what should be the next U.S. Al Hurra TV and Radio Sawa, launched moves? First, Washington should throw a decade ago as an outreach tool in the its weight behind opposition parties to Middle East to showcase the United in a more positive light, thus should Instead of the Soviets pushing communism to States be expanded. Hollywood also could play triumph over Western capitalism and our way of life, a role, producing worldwide blockbusters that embrace modernity, tolerance and we’re now challenged by Islamists pushing their sexual equality in Middle Eastern setideology at our expense. A strong military and secu- tings. “Argo” was a terrific reminder of the challenges posed by a fanatical Irarity apparatus at home remain essential deterrents, nian regime. We could use more films like yet similar to the showdown with the Soviets, we also it.

Fourth, once Egypt regains some must win the contest of ideas. measure of stability, we should assist nonpresident despite Ikwhan pledges that help them better organize as political governmental organizations in facilitatthey wouldn’t field a candidate, and the forces. Though this won’t be easy, as 19 ing strong institutions, promoting ecoparty won a majority in parliament. Both Americans from Washington-based pro- nomic development and boosting educapromptly trampled upon the rights of democracy nongovernmental organiza- tion. As the adult illiteracy rate is roughly other Egyptians in pushing a Shariah tions the International Republican Insti- 30 percent, Egypt already has a signifitute, the National Democratic Institute cant obstacle to overcome in a path to law-dominated constitution. When the courts stood in his way, Mr. Morsi sim- and Freedom House were arrested last security and prosperity.

—Courtesy Washington Post ply declared himself above them. Today, year in Cairo for doing just that.

A question of Chinese sovereignty ated in the last category are Taiwan (which China regards as a rebel province) and the nearby Diaoyu (Senkaku) Islands in the East China Sea. The Senkakus are administered by Japan but bitterly contested by China. In the South China Sea, the islands belonging to China under the 1992 law are, from north to south, the Dongsha (Pratas) Islands, occupied by Taiwan; the Xisha (Paracel) Islands, occupied by China but claimed by Vietnam; the Zhongsha (Macclesfield Bank) Islands; and the Nansha (Spratly) Islands, over which China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia have conflicting claims. The

that the former, established for centuries by prior occupation and administration, must take precedence over the latter. In April last year, as China and the Philippines struggled for control of Scarborough Shoal anchorage and fishing grounds, which Manila says is within its Exclusive Economic Zone established by UNCLOS, a Chinese Embassy spokesman Zhang Hua acknowledged that the treaty allowed countries EEZs but said that they could not exercise sovereignty over areas within those waters that were owned by other countries, in this case China.

Scarborough Shoal is some 870 kilometers from

sent a letter to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon saying that it had “indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and the adjacent waters, and enjoys sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the relevant waters as well as the seabed and subsoil thereof.” Attached to the letter was a map showing the extent of China’s claim in the South China Sea, marked by a nine-dash line stretching as far south as James Shoal, just 80 km from Bintulu, in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, and about 1,800 km from the Chinese mainland. A Xinhua report in April 2012 described the shoal as “the southernmost point of

Is China planning to become a latter-day archipelagic state based on its offshore island claims, by far the most extensive of which are in the South China Sea? One thing is certain. China plans to reinforce its already substantial body of domestic law on its claimed maritime and offshore island rights. Xinhua reported on Dec. 28 that China was likely to enact its first law on the exploration, development and management of deep sea resources within five years, as part of its policy to “resolutely safeguard maritime rights and build itself into a maritime power.” second point registered with UNCLOS by China came 10 years later, in 2006, when Beijing gave notice, as it was entitled to do, that it did not accept any international court or arbitration in disputes over maritime boundaries, islands or military activities.

China’s position is that this is a question of Chinese sovereignty, not international law of the sea, and

Second, the Obama administration should work with Congress to withhold roughly $1.5 billion in annual aid until Mr. Morsi clarifies his position on Israel and support of the Camp David Accords.

The Mubarak-era deal to send 20 F-16 fighter jets and 200 M-1 Abrams tanks to the Egyptian military should be suspended. Arming a country in which the president has referred to neighboring Jews in Israel as descendants of “apes and pigs” is a recipe for trouble.

Though Egypt’s military is more U.S.-friendly and stable than Mr. Morsi, he is still the boss. Third, we must reach out to the Egyptian people directly. News and entertainment programs broadcast via

China’s Hainan Island province, its closest uncontested territory in the South China Sea. The shoal is just 230 km from the main Philippine island of Luzon.

Beijing ignores the fact that no other country recognizes its South China Sea claims, although Taiwan maintains a similar position in its East and South China Sea claims to those of Beijing. In 2009, China

China’s territory.” China’s use of its nine-dash claim to support its sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, and its references to “historic rights” in waters inside this imprecisely defined line, have provoked controversy and given Southeast Asian claimants the opportunity to argue that China is not acting in conformity with UNCLOS and international law. In its

Jan. 22 appeal to the U.N., the Philippines asserted that China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea within its nine-dash line map were contrary to UNCLOS and invalid. It is also asked for a ruling that China bring its domestic law into conformity with its obligations under UNCLOS, and that Beijing desist from activities that violate Philippine rights in its maritime domain.

Julian Ku, a law professor in the U.S., who follows the issue closely, described Manila’s case as the most important ever to have been filed under the dispute resolution procedures of UNCLOS. “I don’t think that the Philippines has a hopeless case, but I do think they will face a huge challenge to get any arbitral tribunal to assert jurisdiction here, especially since one judge will be appointed by China,” he wrote.

Ku added that if Manila managed to get past the jurisdictional hurdle, it would have “a very good chance of prevailing since China’s claim is hard to square with the rest of UNCLOS.” UNCLOS defines the rights and jurisdiction of China in maritime zones subject to its sovereignty, namely its internal waters and territorial sea, a belt stretching out nearly 19 km from its coast. The treaty also defines China’s authority in maritime areas that are outside its sovereignty, including the EEZ, high seas, contiguous zone, continental shelf and the deep seabed zones that can stretch 370 km or more from the coast.

The official news agency said that international seabed areas refer to the ocean floor and subsoil below the high seas, or waters beyond the limits of any national jurisdiction.

—Courtesy Japan Times

Election law delay may damage 2014 presidential poll: IEC

Cameron, Karzai and Zardari discuss Afghan peace

KABUL—Afghanistan’s Independent Election Commission (IEC) has warned that further delay in the parliament’s approval of the election law will create more problems for the 2014 presidential poll.

The IEC told TOLOnews that every task to prepare for the upcoming presidential election is on schedule and in order – expect for the approval of the election law which governs the structure and competencies of the IEC. “We are continuing all our

From Page 1 would withdraw 3,800 of Britain’s 9,000 troops from Afghanistan in 2013, as NATO prepares for a full security handover to Afghan forces at the end of next year.

There are growing concerns that a civil war could erupt as the U.S.-led NATO troops leave the country.

“For the first time, we will bring together the political and security establishments from both Afghanistan and Pakistan, with foreign ministers, chiefs of army staff, chiefs of intelligence and the chair of the Afghan High Peace Council attending the meeting, “ Spokesperson of Downing Street said. “Discussions are expected to focus on the Afghan-led peace process and how the Pakistanis and international community can support it. We also expect the Afghans and Pakistanis to make further progress on the Strategic Partnership Agreement they committed to in September.”

Karzai flew to London on Saturday for a three-day trip, during which time he will also meet Prince Charles, heir to the British throne.

“The talks in this summit will be focused on ways to accelerate peace process in Afghanistan and further strengthen cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and extremism,” said a statement issued by Karzai’s office.

Karzai last week accused foreign countries of plotting against his war-weary nation’s peace programme, saying all negotiations should take place under his administration. Without pointing a finger at any particular country, Karzai said he had told the U.S. during a recent visit to Washington that “no foreign party must try to take the Afghan peace process in its hand”.—Agencies

Malala recovering after operations From Page 1

LAHORE: Members of Organising Committee of International Journalism Conference meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.

TTP offers ceasefire, dialogue with govt From Page 1 adding the government didn’t appear to be serious in the release of the abductee.

The TTP central spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said the TTP wanted to hold dialogue with the government in the larger interest of Islam and the Pakistan but the government was not taking their offer seriously.

The TTP expressed no confidence in the Pakistan Army .”

We don’t have confidence in the military for its violation of past agreements arrived at between the government and the Taliban”, the spokesman said adding the three political figures if gave guarantee with regard to Army, the parleys could emerge successful.

The second condition of the TTP for holding parleys and ef-

fecting ceasefire in the region was the release of their five comrades undergoing imprisonment saying it was imperative as the detained Muslim Khan a TTP spokesman for Malakand region, Maulvi Mahmoud Khan and former TTP spokesperson Maulvi Umar would form part of the negotiation team from Taliban.

The TTP spokesman acknowledged the services of father of the country’s Nuclear program Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan who had said he was ready to become a mediator between the Taliban and the government.

TTP termed the nuclear scientist as an asset for Pakistan and said his sincere offer was being considered by the TTP high-ups.

Ehsanullah Ehsan elabo-

rated in the video that the abducted Vice Chancellor of Islamia College University Ajmal Khan was in their custody and was well and happy adding the negotiations with the government team for his early release were continuing.

TTP spokesman hinted at speeding up attacks against the MQM. He said the TTP has its representatives in almost all the cities of Pakistan but he could not disclose their names. Ehsan, however, said Mullah Fazlullah was the TTP chief in Malakand division and Wali ur Rehman in North Waziristan agency while Umar Khalid and Abu Bakkar were the TTP Amirs in Mohmand and Bajaur agencies respectively.

US mily steps up mental health care for troops in Afghanistan: Guardian LONDON—The US military in Afghanistan has slowly been building up ways to help troops who are scattered across a harsh, hostile country which is almost as big as Texas, with little privacy and poor communications.

The network ranges from a basic “classified Skype” videophone system that gives all but the most isolated soldiers access to a psychologist at any time, to the last-ditch option for extreme cases, a Medevac plane to take any soldier assessed as suicidal or homicidal straight out of the country, The Guardian reported.

In between is a network of professionals and support centres that aim to stop troops needing to take that flight, or – even worse – never making it.

“I was at the point of blowing my head off,” said 23-yearold Sidney in a “war fighter restoration centre” on the sprawling Bagram airbase, 30 miles north of Kabul, where he spent several days after a near breakdown that was sparked by his wife asking for a divorce.

“I lost 30lb in three weeks, I wasn’t sleeping, I was ringing

my wife five times a day,” he said.

A team of about 40 psychologists, social workers and supporting behavioural health technicians are based in a concrete and metal hut with sofas, board and video games and a huge DVD library. It is probably as cosy as anywhere on a huge military base can be.

They offer everything from drop-in games evenings – where soldiers can quietly unburden themselves to one of the team – to a residential course for soldiers such as Sidney, who are most in need of their help.

“We’re here as a last resort, before people would have to be sent home,” said Staff Sgt Kimberly Aut, a behavioural health technician at the centre.

Smaller teams, one with a travelling “therapy dog” that looks like it is constantly begging for a hug, spend months on smaller bases.

“Its not necessarily about suicide prevention, its about making stronger, fitter, more resilient people,” said Aut. “We remind people they are still soldiers, we don’t call them pa-

tients, they are not sick, not broken.”

There is still huge stigma surrounding mental health care in the military, perhaps born out of institutional suspicions about encouraging too much introspection in young people being trained to fight and, ultimately, kill.

“It seems to be a forever perpetuated myth that if you come to the behavioural health [services], that will be the end of your career,” said Lt Col Marla Hemphill, a psychiatrist who oversees mental health support for troops across Afghanistan. “That couldn’t be further from the truth … for most of them we can save their careers if they come to us before they run into trouble.”

Sidney had to be harangued and cajoled into signing up for a residential course by his sergeant. “I was scared to come here,” he told the Guardian in one of the rooms where psychologists teach classes in anger management, better sleep and other basic stress control techniques. “[The guys] will look at me differently.”—NNI

beth Hospital said doctors for 15-year-old Malala Yousufzai, who was targeted for advocating girls’ education, were “very pleased” with her progress after five hours of skull reconstruction and ear surgery on Saturday.

“She is awake and talking to staff and members of her family,” the hospital said in a statement, adding that she would continue to recover in the hospital until she is well enough to be discharged.

The teenager drew the world’s attention when she was shot by Taliban militants on Oct. 9 on her way home on a school bus in northwestern Pakistan.

The Islamist group said they targeted her because she promoted girls’ education and “Western thinking” and criticized the militant group’s behavior when it took over the scenic Swat Valley where she lived.

At age 11, Malala began to write a blog under a pseudonym for the BBC about life under the Taliban in the Swat Valley. After Pakistan’s military ousted the militants in 2009, she began publicly speaking out about the need for girls’ education. She appeared frequently in the media and was given one of the country’s highest civilian honors for her bravery.

The shooting sparked outrage in Pakistan and around the world, and her story has captured global attention for the struggle for women’s rights in Pakistan. In a sign of her reach, the teen made the shortlist for Time magazine’s “Person of the Year” for 2012.

Malala was airlifted to Britain from Pakistan in October to receive specialized medical care and protection against further Taliban threats. She is expected to remain in the U.K. for some time after her father, Ziauddin, was given a diplomatic post based in the English city of Birmingham. So far, doctors say she LAHORE: Leader of Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadees Prof Sajid Mir meeting with high level delegation has made very good progress. of Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia led by Dr Abdul Aziz Al-Mabrok Ahmadi at his office.

She was able to stand, write and return home, and doctors said they have seen minimum signs of brain damage.—AP LAHORE—The Law College, a Punjab in 1868 which was later aminations for leadership and constituent college of the Punjab taken over by the Punjab Univer- admission to the Bar. In 1873 rules were framed University and the oldest seat of sity in 1870.

He said that the course of requiring the passing of entrance learning dedicated to the promotion of sound and enlightened study extended over two years examination of some university From Page 1 study of law in the sub-continent and instructions were given in or the Punjab University college a new province.” two separate classes, one in En- as condition for admission to the According to Qadri he had turned 142 years old. law classes.

The newly appointed Princi- glish and other in Vernacular. retired from the post PAT No test was laid down for The following year,the president. Regarding contest- pal Javed Akhtar tracing the hisadmission and there was no exjudges of the Chief Court contory of the historic college while ing elections, Qadri said he had received the mandate to- talking to APP here Sunday said aminations as certificates ceded to the Punjab University day but a decision would be that the law classes are older than awarded by the college pos- Law College,the privilege for taken after a survey was con- the university. The law classes sessed little value. The Punjab holding the leadership examinawere started by the Anjuman-i- Chief Court held its own ex- tion.—APP ducted.

PU Law College turns 144 years old

Saved country from martial law

OBL’s son-inlaw arrested From Page 1 Trade Center in 2001 and settled in a camp in Iran.

The US intelligence learned that he entered Turkey on a false passport and informed the Turkish intelligence agency (MIT) about his location. He was detained at a hotel in Cankaya district of Ankara, Hurryiet Daily News reported, quoting the Daily Milliyet.

The London-based Asharq Al-Awsat quoted a source close to Abu Gheith’s family as saying that he intended to seek political asylum in Turkey. The man is the husband of Fatima Bin Laden. Abu Gheith is a Kuwaiti national who had citizenship revoked.

The arrest of Abu Gheith came a day after a suicide bomber blew himself up at the US embassy in Ankara killing a Turkish security guard and wounding three other people.— INP

Fire at Karachi military barracks From Page 1 A fire erupted in the unoccupied barracks early on Sunday which shortly engulfed the entire building. Rescue and fire teams rushed to the spot upon receiving information.

Emergency teams of Pakistan Navy (PN) and Defence Housing Authority (DHA) had also reached the site.

The third-degree-fire was brought under control after three hours of efforts.

An emergency was declared at Karachi’s Jinnah Hospital, fortunately no injuries were reported.

Vehicular traffic on Shahrae Faisal, one of the main arteries of the city, was suspended for a few hours as a result of the fire.—INP

Altaf cancels Multan address due to illness From Page 1 he was advised to take rest by doctors.

MQM’s Rabita Committee appealed to people to pray for early health recovery of Altaf Hussain. Altaf Hussain was scheduled to address a public meeting in Multan by telephone on Sunday afternoon.

The public meeting was arranged on the occasion of party setup in south Punjab.

MQM has announced to contest in coming elections at every seat in Punjab.

Meanwhile, Prime Raja Pervez Ashraf has expressed his concern to learn about the chest infection of MQM Quaid Altaf Hussain. The Prime Minister prayed for his good health and expressed best wishes.—Agencies

Talks underway From Page 1 tionalist parties for electoral alliance. Shahbaz Sharif said that all the steps including replacing governors should be taken to ensure holding free and fair election. He parried a question regarding PML-N nominee for the post of caretaker prime minister.

Pakistan fightback continues From Page 1 They added 68 runs without losing any wicket and declared the innings at 275-3 after AB de Villiers completed his 15th Test century while Hashim Amla was not on 74 at the other end.

Both added 176 runs for an unbeaten fourth wicket partnership.—Agency

work based on the commission’s schedule. So far we have had no other challenges apart from the election law not being approved, and therefore we want the parliament to approve the law soon,” IEC spokesman Noor Mohammad Noor said.

IEC officials said there are six key tasks needed to complete a successful election: registration of presidential candidates, registration of new voting cards, specifying the election date, specifying the polling centres, counting of the

votes, and finalising the poll result.

Deputy parliamentary secretary Mohammad Farhad Azimi said Saturday that “the parliament will decide on the election law approval once [the MPs] return from their winter holidays.”

“I reassure the Independent Election Commission that approving the law will be on the agenda after [we hold] the elections for the parliament’s administrative board,” he added.— NNI

Assad threatens retaliation over Israel air strikes

2 blasts damage house, shop HANGU—Two minor intensity explosions took place here on Sunday causing partial damage to a house and damage to shop but no loss of live was reported.

According to police sources, one explosion took place near a house on Warasta road which partially damaged the house.

The second explosion took place in vegetable market where an explosive device was planted near a shop which was also damaged. According to Bomb Disposal Squad, half a kilogram explosive material was used in each of the blast.— NNI

Country needs sincere leaders

KARACHI: Army personnel accompanying Election Commission team for verification of voters lists on Sunday.

Iran hails US willingness on direct nuke talks

Iyad Madani being named next OIC chief

DAMASCUS—Embattled President Bashar al-Assad accused Israel on Sunday of trying to destabilize Syria following reported attacks on a weapons convoy and a military research base outside Damascus last week.

Assad vowed that his regime will retaliate as his allies rushed to denounce the strike which threatened to take the conflict beyond Syria’s borders.

Syria’s state news agency SANA said Assad made the remarks in a meeting with Saeed Jalili, Iran’s national security council secretary, at meeting in the Syrian capital. It was Assad’s first reported response to Wednesday’s attack.

Syria’s foreign ministry had said Israel “and the states that protect it” are responsible for the air strike, and “affirms Syria’s right to defend itself and its territory and sovereignty,” the agency said. It called on “all the competent U.N. bodies to take

the necessary steps given this grave Israeli violation, and to guarantee that it will not happen again.” U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon expressed “grave concern” and called on all parties to “prevent tensions or their escalation in the region.” He called on all sides to “strictly abide by international law, in particular in respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries in the region,” deputy U.N. spokesman Eduardo del Buey said.

Damascus’s ambassador to Lebanon, Ali Abdel Karim Ali, stressed Syria’s right to respond to “the Zionist aggression.”

“The Israelis, and the United States behind them, along with their Arab and regional accomplices, realize that Syria, which defends its sovereignty and territory, may decide to respond by surprise to this aggression.” “It is up to the competent powers to choose the appropriate answer, and to determine the means and the

place,” Ali added in remarks to Lebanese website Al-Ahad, which is close to the powerful Shiite group Hezbollah.Reaction from close Damascus ally Iran was strident.

Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian warned, without elaborating, that the “Zionist regime’s attack on the outskirts of Damascus will have grave consequences for Tel Aviv.”

In the past, Tehran has said any Israeli attack on Syria would be considered an attack on Iran.

Russia’s foreign ministry said it was “deeply concerned” but was still trying to verify Syria’s allegations.

“If this information is confirmed, then we are dealing with unprovoked strikes against targets located on the territory of a sovereign state, which brazenly infringes on the U.N. Charter and is unacceptable, no matter the motive used for its justification,” it said.—AP

J EDDAH —The 12th Islamic

8 NATO troops die in Afghanistan

Cairo Wednesday, is expected to formally endorse the appointment of former minister of culture and information Iyad Madani as the new SecretaryGeneral of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Madani will replace Prof.

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the current secretary-general, whose term expires in 2014.

There were three potential contenders from the African continent for the post, but all of them withdrew in favor of Iyad Madani.

Meanwhile, a two-day meeting of the senior officials from the OIC member countries started in Cairo Saturday morning. The officials are reviewing all the topics on the agenda of the summit with the theme of “Muslim world: New challenges and expanding opportunities.” —AP

with the NATO- led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) had been killed in Afghan war in January this year, the lowest casualty in a month over the past four years.

According to iCasualties, a website tracking the casualties of NATO-led troops in the U.S.-led war on terror, eight soldiers had been killed in the militancy-hit country last month, three of whom are Americans.

A Polish soldier with the coalition was killed in a hostile fire incident on Jan. 23 in eastern Ghazni province, 100 km south of capital city of Kabul, according to the website.

Out of all deaths last month, four soldiers had been killed in home-made bomb or Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks across the country.

The simple but difficult to be detected Taliban weapon used in

Protest against target killing in Pakistan

Indian president signs gov’t ordinance on sexual crimes

MUNICH—Iran’s foreign minis- to Iran. Biden insisted that Tehran dicated getting the U.S. and Iran Summit, which will begin in KABUL—Up to eight soldiers making suicide vests and roadside against Taliban and other insurter on Sunday welcomed the United States’ willingness to hold direct talks with Tehran in the standoff over its nuclear program but didn’t commit to accepting the offer — insisting that Washington must show “fair and real” intentions to resolve the issue and complaining about “threatening rhetoric.”

Ali Akbar Salehi insisted that no Iranian “red line” is getting in the way of direct negotiations with Washington, but also pointed to deep mistrust between the two countries.

Salehi was speaking at the same international security conference where Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday said the United States was prepared talk directly

Staff Reporter LAHORE—There is no leader in Pakistan who can claim of being truthful and trustworthy and people can confirm it in front of Minar-e-Pakistan. Unfortunately our planning is perfect but not to get the favours of Allah. That is why we fail. These thoughts were expressed by speakers at a gathering at TECH Club on the topic of “importance of following Seeratul Nabi in today’s life”.

Columnist and former minister of state Qayyum Nizami said that today we are facing hurdles to promote Islam in the world due to lack of our characterfullness and observing human rights. Love for Holy Prophet is a part of faith of every Muslim and the prayer of every Muslim is not complete unless he pays tribute to the Holy Prophet in his prayers, he added. —APP JEDDAH—A top judge at the Jeddah Summary Court has paved the way for the release on humaniTwo killed tarian grounds of an imprisoned in mill collapse Pakistani convicted of murder.

But bureaucratic wrangles L AHORE—Two people were killed and another 8 seriously in- have delayed the release of 50jured when a flour mill collapsed year-old Mohammad Naeem, near Ferozepur Road on Sunday. who has been incarcerated for 12 According to Rescue 1122 years in prison, said a court offisources, a two-storey flour mill cial, who spoke on the condition collaped near Atari Darbar on of anonymity.Shaikh Ibrahim AlFerozpur Road. On Information, Salama, president of Jeddah Sumrescuers rushed to the spot and mery Court, helped raise SR started an operation. The dead 110,000 in blood money through and injured were shifted to Gen- philanthropists with intent to get eral Hospital Lahore. The dead Naeem pardoned.Naeem was were identified as Muhammad scheduled to be released from cusTariq son of Muhammad Anees tody on Monday. “The guy should and Safdar son of Muhammad be out and sent back home but his papers are stuck in the prison beSarwar.—APP cause of red-tapism,” the court official said. “Usually, it takes few Ephedrine quota days to release a pardoned inmate but unfortunately it takes longer scam time to release non-Saudis until RAWALPINDI—In the Ephedrine deportation papers are finalized.” quota scam case, the Anti Narcot- The official said that Naeem apics Force (ANF) has prepared a fi- peared mentally ill when Alnal challan against twelve accused Salama tried to speak to him durincluding Ali Musa Gilani, ing a recent court appearance. “It Makhdoom Shahab Uddin and appeared that Naeem was unaware Khushnood Lashari, which is to be of his surroundings.—”NNI presented before the trial court next week. According to sources, the statements of more then 120 witnesses, which the ANF had recorded and the details of the assets of the accused, frozen by the ANF, are included in the aforesaid challan consist of 40 paged. The culprits were accused of illegally earning CHAGMALAI—In a Pakistan billions of rupees by smuggling army base high in the mountains 9000 kg Ephedrine to Iran, which on the Afghan frontier, a general were allotted for different medicine explains a strategy for fighting the Taliban he calls simply companies. —Online “WHAM”.

The name has a distinctly PML-Q completes bellicose ring. But the soldiers are learning to fight a new kind polls work of war in a region U.S. President L AHORE —Pakistan Muslim Barack Obama has called the League (Q) on Sunday com- most dangerous on Earth. pleted initial working con“WHAM - winning hearts cerning elections in the coun- and minds,” explains the try. PML-Q and various work- straight-talking General Nazir ing group held a high level Butt, in charge of converting the meeting regarding general army’s gains on the battlefield elections, party strategies in into durable security. “The plan this regard. t was formally de- is to turn militant sanctuaries into cided in the PML-Q meeting safe havens for the people.” that more than 75 candidates The term WHAM has been from National Assembly and used before, but the focus this 120 from Provincial Assem- time is South Waziristan, an enblies of various constituencies clave on the Afghan border once will field their candidates in the epicenter of a spreading Pathis regard.—Online

Moved by Pak convict’s plight, Jeddah judge helps raise blood money

must show it is serious and that Washington won’t engage in such talks merely “for the exercise.”

Washington has indicated in the past that it’s prepared to talk directly with Iran on the nuclear issue, but so far nothing has come of it. Meanwhile, talks involving all five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany have made little headway, while several rounds of international sanctions have cut into Iran’s oil sales and financial transactions.

The next round of talks with the six powers will be held Feb. 25 in Kazakhstan, Salehi told the Munich Security Conference.

He said Biden’s comments marked “a step forward,” but in-

together for one-to-one talks will be no easy task.

“We have no red line for bilateral negotiations when it comes to negotiating over a particular subject,” Salehi said. “If the subject is the nuclear file, yes, we are ready for negotiations but we have to make sure ... that the other side this time comes with authentic intention, with a fair and real intention to resolve the issue.”

Salehi said it was “contradictory” if the U.S. voices willingness to hold direct talks “but on the other side you use this threatening rhetoric that everything is on the table ... these are not compatible with each other.” “We are ready for engagement only when it is on equal foot— AP

New provinces commission ‘political drama’: Dar L AHORE —PML-N Senator opposition leader. “If the prime Ishaq Dar has described the formation of a new provinces commission prior to the elections as a “political drama.”

He was addressing the media after the inaugural ceremony of blood bank and laboratory at Data Darbar hospital in Lahore on Sunday. Dar said, “If the government presents a constitutional bill pertaining to the formation of new provinces, so will the PML-N.” Ishaq said that the government will not be able to get two-third majority to pass the bill over the formation of new provinces.

Dar said the commitment to Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran chief Tahirul Qadri was not his party’s issue and the decision regarding the caretaker prime minister will be made by the prime minister and

minister and opposition leader fail to reach an agreement, the matter will be sent to the committee and if the committee cannot decide, the matter will be sent to the Election Commission.”

He slammed Tahirul Qadri for demanding dissolution of election comission.

He added that six weeks were left to make a decision on the caretaker setup. “Everything will be clear after the dissolution of assemblies.” Dar added that if an honest government was elected the situation in the country would drastically improve. According to Dar, Nawaz Sharif would soon announce the agenda of the PMLN, stating that dividing the country on basis of ethnicity was not the correct step.—INP

Abu Sayyaf militants release two hostages MANILA—Militants in the Phil- working with was not freed. ippines on Sunday released two Filipino members of a TV crew, who were kidnapped last June, Philippines state media reported.

Ramel Vela and Roland Letriro have been taken to a hospital in the southern Sulu province after their release. It is unclear why the Jordanian reporter they were

The men were captured as they set out to interview Abu Sayyaf militants, a group linked to al-Qaeda.

A number of foreigners are being held for ransom in the southern Philippines. Areas within Sulu province, whose capital is Jolo, and the wider region are used as bases by Islamist militants and rebel groups. —AP

LONDON—Hundreds of Pakistani nationals held a protest demonstration against target killing and extortion, outside residence of Interior Minister Rehman Malik in London.

According to details, hundreds of Pakistani origin people residing in UK expressing concerns over the law and order situation in Pakistan and failure of authorities concerned to overcome the issue gathered outside residence of Rehman Malik and chanted slogans to mend the situation. Rehman Malik despite warning of UK police visited the protesting people and addressed them. Speaking on the occasion he said that there was no conflict of Shiite or Sunni in Pakistan but an international conspiracy was being hatched to divide people on the basis of sects and to destabilize the country. Malik said that sinking the sectarian thinking, linguistic and provincial differences and joint efforts were needed to save the country. He assured the protestors that people belonging to all the sects and religions would be provided security and endowed with basic rights.—INP

NEW DELHI—Indian President Pranab Mukherjee Sunday signed a government ordinance on sexual crimes, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, which would lead to changes in laws against sexual crimes, said official sources.

The ordinance was adopted by the government on Friday.

Based on recommendations by a judicial experts’ Commission, the Verma commission, it proposes harsher punishment, including death penalty for rapists who cause grievous harms to their victims, as well as acid attacks, voyeurism and trafficking.This came after the horrifying gang rape in the Indian capital in December last year, in which a 23-year-old woman was brutally assaulted by six men on a moving bus and later died of inner injuries.

However, some women’s groups have planned a protest at Jantar Mantar on Monday against the ordinance, saying the ordinance lacks teeth to fight sexual crimes against women.

bombs, has proved a challenge for Afghan and NATO-led forces in the central Asian country.

Three other service men were killed in separate small arms fire incidents in different part of the insurgency-hit country last month, including one British soldier who was shot and killed by an Afghan army soldier.

The incident took place on Jan. 7, as the Afghan soldier opened fire against coalition forces in a military base in Nahre Saraj district of southern Helmand province, 100 km south of Kabul, the latest in the socalled green-on-blue insider attacks. The shooter was also killed in the firing in the attack claimed by the Taliban insurgent group, which has been waging an insurgency since its regime was toppled by a U.S-led invasion in late 2001. The casualties of the military alliance in the war

The ordinance will also be presented to Parliament this month for approval Nearly 68,000 rape cases were registered across India during 2009-11 but only 16,000 rapists were sentenced to prison, presenting a dismal picture of conviction of sexual offenders in the country, Indian media reported on Sunday. According to Indian National Crime Records Bureau, 24,206 rape cases were registered in India in 2011 but only 5,724 people were convicted for the crime. Similarly, in 2010, 22,172 rape cases were registered while the number of convicted persons for the crime was 5,632. A total of 21,397 rape cases were registered in 2009 but only 5,316 persons could be convicted. The highest number of rape cases — 9,539 — were registered in Madhya Pradesh between 2009-11 but only 2,986 persons were convicted during the period. Altogether 7,010 rape cases were registered in West Bengal during 2009-11 but only 381 people could be convicted for the crime. —Online

gent groups have also dropped down in 2012 for the second successive year in comparison with 2010 when the military alliance suffered the highest losses of lives. A total of 402 foreign soldiers were killed in Afghanistan in 2012, compared with 566 deaths in 2011. According to the website, in 2010 the casualties of NATO-led forces in Afghanistan had been registered at 711.

Currently there are about 100,000 NATO-led forces, with nearly 66,000 of them Americans, stationed in the country to stop the Taliban from returning to power.

The last of 33,000 U.S. surge troops pulled out of the country last September, which was part of U.S. President Barack Obama’s withdrawal plan and the ultimate goal is to transfer lead security responsibility to the Afghan forces by 2014. — NNI

‘If UK leaves Afghanistan, Taliban will pick up global jihad’ L ONDON —A senior Afghan commander who has advised the UK prime minister has warned that withdrawing British troops from Afghanistan will spark a ‘global jihad’.

The damaging comments come on the day David Cameron hosted a high-profile summit at Chequers to discuss plans to combat the Taliban and other terrorist threats after American and British troops pull out next year.

But in an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Colonel Amin Jan of the Afghan National Army (ANA) said that removing British forces from Afghanistan will allow Al Qaeda and the Taliban to seize power.

The officer also claimed that ANA troops are not good enough to defeat the insurgents – a statement that is politically embarrassing for the UK Prime Minister, as these troops have been trained by UK mentors for the past three years. —INP

Pak army battles legacy of mistrust in Taliban heartland kistan Taliban insurgency that shocked the country with its challenge to the authority of the nuclear-armed state.

According to the army narrative, the campaign includes winning over the region’s ethnic Pashtun tribes through dialogue, creating commercial opportunities and providing education in new schools and colleges.

During a three-day trip with the army, Reuters got a rare glimpse not just into the scale of the army’s state-building project in South Waziristan, but also the challenges that lurk in the inhospitable territory. However wellmeaning the new approach, there are problems that won’t go away - threats of retaliation by the al Qaeda-linked militants, a lack of effective civilian administration and endemic corruption. And the campaign to win hearts and minds

has an ignoble track record in other conflict zones which serve as a reality check for even the most optimistic Pakistani officials.

In Iraq and Afghanistan, Western nations poured in millions of dollars to rebuild militant strongholds and win affection.

Results have been limited: many residents view the armies as occupiers and militants remain a danger. The goal won’t be any easier in South Waziristan. The area forms one-fifth of Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas which are roughly the size of Belgium and governed under a system inherited from British colonialists. Government-appointed political agents rule through the Pashtun tribes and collect and distribute revenue with little oversight. The people have limited rights.

While the Pakistani army backed the Taliban

in Afghanistan in the 1990s, and supported militants fighting Indian rule in the disputed Kashmir region, in South Waziristan it found itself under attack. Decades of resentment felt by the population and the U.S. bombing campaign on the Afghan border following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States spawned a generation of Pakistani militants who used South Waziristan to launch assaults against the Pakistani state and U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan.

A DONKEY AND A HIGHWAY: Unsure how to respond, Pakistan see-sawed between brief military campaigns and appeasing the militants with short-lived peace deals. Then, in 2009, Pakistan’s army chief ordered the biggest offensive yet, pouring 40,000 troops into South Waziristan in a bid to tip the bal-

ance. The 2009 offensive displaced almost half a million people as homes, schools and hospitals were turned into hideouts by militants and meager civic amenities were destroyed.

Today, a combination of the offensive and U.S. drones has helped drive the Pakistan Taliban leadership out of South Waziristan and the army is looking for ways to convince people it is safe for them to return. But after having spent close to three years in camps, only 41,000 refugees have come back. “The people can only feel fully secure if there is social and economic uplift,” said a brigadier who commands a cliff-side compound near Wana, the main town in South Waziristan. “It took some time but we know now that 1,000 bullets can’t do the work of one school.”

Many of the refugees have resettled in

Chagmalai, a village close to Jandola, where the army is headquartered in a fort built by the British in the nineteenth century - a reminder of a centuries-old policy of ruling the area through a mix of intimidation and armed intervention. A small, colorful marketplace was inaugurated last year and the green-and-white Pakistani flag was painted on the shutters of shops given to traders for a nominal fee.

In a courtyard next door, army officers and government officials teach people how to raise poultry and set up bee farms. But despite the development, Chagmalai still resembles a ghost town, a collection of ruined houses and abandoned clinics and schools with falling plaster and bullet-pocked walls.

The army says it wants to turn the secluded landscape into a new home for those who have found the courage to return.Ashraf Khan is a

recently widowed farmer who has just returned from the Jandola fort where he asked the commanding officer for a loan.

“My wife used to gather firewood and collect water,” he said.

“Now I need to buy a donkey. I’m hoping the soldiers will keep their promise to help.”A few kilometers away, construction workers and army engineers have dug through rugged terrain to build a road, which will connect the isolated region with the northwest city of Peshawar, the nearest economic hub. The U.S. government has contributed $170 million for the 287-km (180-mile) road.

Agricultural land and poultry farms line the sides of the highway, which zips through a breathtaking chasm of mountains and cliffs, its dual-lanes in better shape than many of those in Pakistani cities.—Reuters

Meditation can stave off cold and flu: Study M

EDITATION can be extremely ef fective at preventing winter ailments like cold and flu, according to a new research.

Adults who meditated or did moderately intense exercise, such as a brisk walk, for eight weeks suffered fewer colds than those who did nothing, according to a study from the University of Wisconsin?Madison.

Previous research has found that mindfulness meditation may improve mood, decrease stress, and boost immune function.

Some of the earliest references to meditation are found in the Hindu Vedas.

Around the 6th to 5th centuries BCE, other forms of meditation developed in Taoist China and Buddhist India.

The new study divided 149 people into three groups. One performed mindful meditation, a type of meditation that essentially involves focusing the mind on the present, the Daily Mail reported.

Another group jogged regularly for eight weeks while the third group did nothing.

The researchers then followed the health of the volunteers through the winter from September to May, although they didn‘t check whether or not people carried on exercising or meditating after the eight?week period.

The participants were observed for cold and flu symptoms such as a runny nose, stuffiness, sneezing, and sore throat.

Nasal wash samples were collected and analysed three days after the symptoms began.

The study, found that meditators missed 76 per cent fewer days of work from September through to May than those who did nothing. Those who had exercised missed 48 per cent fewer days during this period.

In addition, mindful meditation can reduce the duration or severity of acute respiratory infections such by up to 50 per cent, and exercise by up to 40 per cent.

According to the website Scientific America, those who had exercised or meditated suffered for an average of five days; colds of participants in the control group lasted eight.

In addition, tests confirmed that the self-reported length of colds correlated with the level of antibodies in the body, which indicate the presence of a virus.

“Nothing has previously been shown to prevent acute respiratory infections,” said lead author Dr Bruce Barrett, a family medicine doctor and associate professor at the University.

“A lot of previous information suggested that meditation and exercise might have prevention benefits, but no high-quality, randomised trial had been done,” Barrett said.

“Flu shots are partially effective, but only work for three strains of flu each year.

The apparent 40 to 50 per cent benefit of mindfulness training is a very important finding, as is the apparent 30 to 40 per cent benefit of exercise training. If this pans out in future research, the impact could be substantive indeed,” Barrett said.

The study was published in the Annals of Family Medicine.

ISLAMABAD: Need of umbrellas has again risen following rain in the federal capital on Sunday.

Seventh Road Safety Written Competition I SLAMABAD —The Seventh

Road Safety Written Competition is set to be held on Thursday at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), Police spokesman said Sunday.

Talking to APP he said the competition, arranged by Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) is aimed at enhancing awareness among the general public for minimizing road accidents.

He said students of universities and colleges would participate in the competition.Top three position holders would be awarded prizes by ITP. Road safety competition is annual feature of the ITP which aims to promote community policing among the general public. It would help strengthening police-public relationship.

The competition being held on the directives of IGP Khan .SSP ISLAMABAD: Legendry Singer Abida Parveen performs during a musical night at Pak Baniyamin Islamabad will supervise the China Friendship Centre.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir competition while programme manager ITP FM 92.4 Aisha Jamil will organize the competition, he added.—APP

3-day extravaganza

Showcasing best of gems & jewellery CITY REPORTER I SLAMABAD —3-day extravaganza of Islamabad Gem exhibition, showcasing the best of Pakistan’s Gems & Jewellery products, both traditional and contemporary , concluded here on Sunday.

3rd Islamabad Gem exhibition, organized by Pakistan Gems & Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) from Feb 1-3,highlighted Pakistani Gems and Jewellery products in the most versatile manner where the international buyers were intro-

duced to the rich Pakistani market.

This event focused on exhibiting Gems & Jewellery produced through latest technology and skills. The intricately crafted jewellery and precious/ semi-precious gemstones found in Pakistan revealed an entire new market to foreign buyers.

The exhibition focused on providing a lucrative platform to the thriving gems and jewellery sector of the Country. Enabling environment was created both for local and international traders to interact and

promote business.

Jewellers, gem dealers and manufacturers of sectoral machinery, tools, equipment and accessories displayed their products during the Show.

Talking to APP, an official of PGJDC, Abdul Ahad said the Exhibition proved to be one of the major contributors to increase export earnings of the Country, targeted to U.S. Dollars 1.5 billion by 2017.

Federal Secretary for Production Gul Muhammad Rind Inaugurated the ceremony, on Friday.

I S L A M A B A D —All arrangements have been finalized to observe Kashmir Solidarity day on February 5 to express unity with people of Occupied Kashmir in their fight against Indian subjugation.

A Kashmir Convention will be held in Islamabad in which tribute will be paid to martyrs, who sacrificed their lives to get their birth right to self-determination.

The prime minister will host a dinner in honour of prominent Kashmiri leaders in Islamabad.

A painting exhibition on Kashmir culture will be held at Lok Virsa where Kashmiri songs will be played and photos will be displayed.

A National Council of Arts would arrange Art Bazaar on Kashmir, puppet show and distribution of poster and badges.

Special functions will be held in educational institutions

International Scientific Spring-2013 CITY REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The National Center for Physics (NCP) in collaboration with the Abdus Salam International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy, is organizing the International Scientific Spring (ISS).

The ISS has become a tradition since 2009, where a large number of scientists and researchers from around the globe gather to celebrate the festivity of the science culture in Pakistan.

According to an official in NCP,the ISS series was started in 2009, to inspire young students and researchers working in the field of physics and related disciplines, and to help the human resources necessary for scientific, technological, industrial and economic growth in Pakistan.

“Its goal is one of optimism for the future,that a spring of new ideas and thoughts would emerge, ultimately leading to prosperity and peace in the country and the region”.

Traditionally, he said,a large number of young researchers and students have participated in the ISS activities, along with many internationally renowned scientists, adding in ISS-2012 there were 25 foreign and 364 local speakers/participants.

This year parallel sessions will emphasize the significant increase in the numbers of invited speakers and researchers working in the corresponding specialized areas.

Two workshops on “A half Century of Drift Wave and Beyond” and “Alternate Energy Technologies” will also be held after the ISS-2013 on Saturday, March 16.

Official said “ Together with support from the Abdus Salam ICTP, the ISS-2013 and its associated workshops reflect NCP’s expanding role in strengthening scientific and technological collaborations in the region for the betterment of society”. Topics which will be discussed includes Nanotechnology, Plasma Physics, Particle Physics and Accelerator Physics.

to apprise the new generation with the Kashmir issue and heroic struggle of the Kashmiri nation for their rights.

Essay writing competition with relevance to the Day in schools, colleges and universities would also be arranged.

Television channels and Radio will air special programmes to highlight the different aspects of the Kashmir issue, particularly Indian atrocities against innocent Kashmiris.

Two patients at PIMS infected with Congo-virus ISLAMABAD—Congo-virus had been conformed in two patients of PIMS (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences).

Hospital sources conformed the presence of virus in one female resident of Capitol City, while the other patient had come ISLAMABAD: Cold spell has again gripped the city forcing people to sit around the fire to from Saudi Arabia.—Online keep themselves warm.

Foreign dramas frustrate artistes, threatening Pakistani cultural values ISLAMABAD—A sequence of events hastened the collapse of Pakistani movie industry but two developments stand out in this unwanted process, are the decision to allow the exhibition of Indian films in our Cinemas and lately the unchecked showing of foreign, especially Turkish and Indian, drama serials on our TV Channels, say the artistes of Pakistani showbiz industry.

The artistes more or less agreed that this “External Cultural Invasion” was snatching away the remaining outlets available for Pakistani artistes to show their skill in the field of performing arts.

Pakistani dramas, now losing out Prime Time space to foreign-produced drama, not only regaled the audience at home with their excellent content and quality but also gained popularity abroad with their superb depiction of our cul-

tural values.

In the 90s, when Pakistan’s film industry got crashed, the TV dramas accommodated the artistes of silver screen in an attempt to keep alive the identity of the actors.

“Unfortunately, we did not take timely action to save our film industry, but the recent cultural invasion by Turkish and Indian dramas on Pakistani channels is unacceptable for the TV artistes and if the issue is not handled properly, the history will repeat itself badly affecting our cultural values and heritage,” said Tauqeer Nasir, Director General, Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA).

Enhancing viewership and money-making “sometimes create gaps” and the downfall of Lollywood was the result of not filling these gaps timely. Drama sector will suffer if the Pakistani nation stay silent, he added.

“Pakistan have immense

I SLAMABAD —Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly said that cancer is a leading cause of deaths globally and needed stringent awareness campaign to save the lives of the people who died from this fatal disease.

She said this in her message on the World Cancer Day being observed through out the globe Monday (February 04).

She said that the Cancer Day was observed to create awareness about the diseases and prevention aspects.

The Speaker said cancer is leading cause of deaths globally and more than 70% of all cancer death occurred in developing countries, where resources from prevention diagnoses and treatment of cancer were limited.—NNI

CJP to visit HCBR

Arrangements for Kashmir Day STAFF REPORTER

Stringent awareness to eradicate cancer: Fehmida

talent, but unfortunately we don’t honor our heroes and value our heritage which is creating lack of nationalism in young generation,” Nasir lamented over the issue.

He said it was the duty of parents and teachers to create sense of nationalism among the youth and media should also play a constructive role in this regard by realizing the national interest and promoting the cultural heritage of the country.

The trend of airing Turkish and Indian dramas on top channels poses a question mark on our local production standards which were not low, he said, adding, the dramas being produced and directed here follow true ethical and cultural values, viewership restrictions and issues purely connected to our society.

“First, we brought culture of Indian Sarees and heavily made-up women in our homes,

and now Turkish dramas are invading our culture promoting vulgarity to a great extent,” the DG PNCA remarked.

Tauqeer Nasir said that media should launch a comprehensive awareness campaign on the slogan of “Be Pakistani, See Pakistani” to benefit their drama industry, artistes, talent and more importantly to keep their culture and traditions alive.

These dramas are frustrating and discouraging Pakistani actors especially many young faces who recently joined Drama industry and need guidance of their senior artistes and applause of audience but the foreign dramas were threatening their career.

“Our dramas are all about raising issues of human interest and bringing correction to the society with soft expressions of performing art,” he said.

Renowned Film Director and Producer Syed Noor told

APP that these foreign contents should not be showcased on Pakistani TV channels as it will create confusion among the youth in adopting between local and foreign cultural values.

The dramas being produced here were purely family contents while the foreign dramas have their own culture— bold dressing and way of living, which is not acceptable for most of the Pakistani families, he said.

He expressed hope that the trend will prove to be a temporary one, saying, “Our artistes have talent and they will take this challenge with open heart to reverse the trend.”

A top management official of a private TV channel when contacted said the Channels only promote those dramas which acquire better feedback, so if the foreign dramas were promoted it was due to the same reason.—APP

RAWALPINDI—Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry will visit High Court Bar Rawalpindi (HCBR) on the invitation of the office bearers on February, 14.

Talking to APP, President of High Court Bar Association Sheikh Ahsan-u-Din said that the Chief Justice will address the Bar Association.

Sheikh said that “It will be honour for the lawyer community as the Chief Justice of Pakistan is visiting High Court Bar Association Rawalpindi”.—APP

FIA seizes illegal Gateway exchange R AWALPINDI —The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Circle , on receipt of secret information through its source, conducted raid over the Illegal Gateway Exchanges at Adilla road.

According to details shared by the FIA spokesperson, huge loss was being caused to the government exchequer by terminating International Voice Traffic through this illegal gateway exchange.—APP

Nation observes Feb 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day tomorrow HAMEED SHAHEEN M U Z A F FA R A B A D — T h e people and institutions of Pakistan and Kashmiris across the LoC and abroad, are observing February 5, 2013 as grand Solidarity Day. They will reaffirm their faith to continue Kashmir struggle till the achievement of final objective to liberate Indiaheld parts of Jammu and Kashmir and State’s accession to Pakistan.

“To demonstrate complete unity and solidarity” an AJK govt press brief says “with struggling Kashmiris, in their movement for freedom, both in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir February 5 will be observed as

Geelani for fresh investigation into Rigoo’s killing S RINAGAR — Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani has paid glowing tribute to advocate Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Rigoo on his 15th martyrdom anniversary. He demanded punishment to the armed forces allegedly involved in his killing.

“Late Rigoo, a lawyer by profession, was highly dedicated and committed to the ongoing freedom struggle,” Geelani said in a statement from New Delhi. He demanded reopening of the case for fresh investigation.

“A joint team of 17 Jat, SOG and Papa Kashtwari arrested advocate Rigoo on February 1, 1998 and killed him in custody. On February 3, the family members recovered his body from roadside which was axed by killers into several pieces,” Geelani alleged. He alleged that “Major S M Ponia, SP Tahir Kaunsar and SHO Mushtaq Sadiq were involved in the killing but the establishment did not initiate any action against these officials. Instead, they were given awards and elevated to higher positions. The authorities have ever since been shielding the killers.”—NNI

JKLF holds candlelight protest SRINAGAR—In occupied Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) organized a candlelight sit-in in Srinagar to protest against the miserable plight of illegally detained Kashmiris languishing in different jails.Hundreds of people participated in the sit-in held at Madina Chowk in Maisuma area of Srinagar. They raised slogans in favour of freedom, martyrs, prisoners and in support of the return of mortal remains of prominent Kashmiri liberation leader, Muhammad Maqbool Butt, from Tihar Jail of New Delhi to the occupied territory. The sit-in was attended by liberation leaders and activists including Bashir Ahmad Butt and Javed Ahmad Mir, besides relatives of martyrs and prisoners. Before and after the sit-in, processions were taken out from Madina Chowk to Maqbool Manzil in Srinagar.

Addressing the protesters, Bashir Ahmad Butt said, “The path of struggle and sacrifices rendered by Shaheed Muhammad Maqbool Butt is our way. We are the torchbearers of these sacrifices and struggle and will keep our struggle on till the achievement of the goal.”

He pointed out that the harsh verdicts against the Kashmiris were nothing but a torture policy of New Delhi.

Despite these undemocratic tactics, Kashmiris will keep alive the flame of freedom struggle, he added.—KMS

Solidarity Day with unprecedented determination, zeal and zest to extend unwavering ideological, political, moral and diplomatic support to those who are fighting the cause of liberating India-held parts of J&K by dislodging usurper India. The government of AJ&K, in this connection, has issued notification scheduling the special events on February 5.

Feb has already been declared as public holiday. With the cracking of dawn, special prayers will be offered in all mosques across the State for those over 700,000 Kashmiris martyred during freedom struggle since 1947. To pay collective homage to the mar-

Pervez Ashraf who is chairman of Kashmir Council is hosting, as a mark of solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and as a sign of recognition of Kashmiris immense sacrifices, The Pakistan chapter of All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders would also participate in the dinner.

President Pakistan Mr Asif Ali Zardari would address the Kashmir Convention to be held in Convention Center Islamabad. “Ration Packages”, from the people of Pakistan through Kashmir Council and Rehabilitation department of AJ&K would be distributed among the refugees settled in all the districts of AJ&K.

India, Pakistan making mockery Kashmiri students APHC hails Pak support of Kashmir issue: JIH chief attacked in Jhansi, 3 injured to Kashmir cause MUZAFFARABAD: Niab Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami AJK leading Kashmir solidarity rally at Chakoti.

NEW DELHI—The President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari has accused India and Pakistan of making mockery of Kashmir issue.

“India and Pakistan are making mockery of Kashmir issue. The two countries should stop ridiculing the Kashmir issue and come forward with a resolution to the issue,” Umari told Rising Kashmir on sidelines of a press conference organised at JIH headquarters, Abul Fazl Enclave Jamia Nagar, here.

He said making mockery of the dialogue won’t bear any fruits. “India and Pakistan should involve every faction in talks for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue”.

“Mirwaiz has held talks with Indian government many times but that doesn’t mean he is the only leader of Kashmir,” he said.

JIH chief said Geelani also has an ideology and he can’t bear the mockery of Kashmir issue being done by India and Pakistan.

Earlier, while addressing the press conference, Umari welcomed recent statement of Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde in which he had accused BJP and RSS of fomenting terrorism in the country.

“There was a need to take practical steps in view of information provided by Home Ministry and other investigative agencies. Issuing statements is not sufficient,” he said and urged Home Minister to order a high level probe into the framing of Muslim youth, who have been wrongly implicated in bomb blasts and violent incidents.

He said the innocent Muslim youth should be released forthwith and real culprits brought to book. “Thorough in-

vestigation should be made about Bhonsala Military School, Nashik, Abhinav Bharat, Sanatan Sanstha and different Senas and every source of communalism and terrorism should be closed.”

Referring to violence against women, JIH chief said it is a matter of great concern that women are unsafe in India and incidents of sexual attacks and rapes are continuously taking place. “For the lasting solution of the problem, the concept of respect to humanity and respect to women should be promoted on strong footing. Islam lays stress on cleansing of thoughts and hearts. The Holy Quran has emphasised avoiding evil glances and protecting modesty and chastity. To achieve this, we should inculcate fear of God and sense of responsibility and accountability before God, hear and in the hereafter”.—NNI

S RINAGAR — At least three

Kashmiri students at the Bundelkhand University in Jhansi city of Indian state of Uttar Pradesh were injured when hooligans attacked them after barging into their hostel.A group of Kashmiri students told media men in Srinagar on phone from Jhansi that over 50 men armed with knives, swords and country made pistols, some of them drunk, barged into the hostel in Shivaji Nagar of Jhansi around 11:30 pm Thursday and went on a rampage. “The hooligans thrashed the students after breaking the doors,” they said. The three students, Gulzar of Pulwama, Aamir of Kulgam and Maqsood of Zanigam, Budgam, suffered injuries in head, legs and hands in the attack, they said, adding that the injured were removed to the nearby hospital, where Gulzar received four stitches for the head injury.

“On Thursday night, a local student was beaten inside the hostel by some hooligans. When they left, another group of goons appeared in the hostel and attacked Kashmiri students.

We locked ourselves in the room and took refuge in kitchen and bathrooms. But the goons broke the door of one of the rooms where they thrashed the three Kashmiri students to the pulp,” the students said. The hooligans were brandishing swords, sticks, hockey sticks, and a few had country made pistols. They were abusing us. We were helpless, they added.

The student said that on Friday they went for the prayers.

MUZAFFARABAD: On the 9th Anniversary celebration of AJK TV Station Deputy Speaker Azad “On return, we found that one of our rooms was robbed. Two Kashmir Legislative Assembly’ Shaheen Kosar Dar with personnel of the television station. bags with original certificates, clothes, and some money had been taken away. —KMS

Nayeem to be prosecuted Crime: Raising ‘provocative’ slogans

S RINAGAR — Close on the has accused Khan and his asso- against the accused persons for heels of asking pro-freedom Kashmiri leaders to open dialogue with New Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir Government has accorded sanction to prosecute senior Hurriyat leader Nayeem Ahmed Khan under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, in a two-year old case.

The case pertains to raising of ‘provocative’ slogans by Khan and his associate.

The State Home Department has granted formal sanction to Jammu and Kashmir Police to launch legal proceedings against Khan and his colleague Abdul Hamid Bhat under the Act. Khan was booked by police along with his associate in case FIR number 72/ 2011 under section 147 RPC and 13 of the UA(P) Act. In the FIR, police

AMEER TARIN

K

tyrs’ souls one minute silence will be observed at 10 a.m with the sound of sirens, all traffic and public activities would come to a halt. AJ&K television, all three radio stations and FM would broadcast special transmission and special messages of the President and Prime Minister of AJ&K. A joint session of AJ&K Legislative Assembly and AJ&K Kashmir council is being summoned in case the President or the Prime Minister of Pakistan visit Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad state of Jammu & Kashmir.

In Islamabad the Prime Minister of Pakistan Raja

ASHMIR Media ServiceSushil Kumar Shinde, high-profile Home Minister of India, backed by ministry’s Secretary stated that BJP (Bharitiya Janata Party) the main opposition, Sang Parivar supported by its various sister concerns are involved in terrorism.

While terrorism, generally, portrayed as “Muslim monopoly”; the Hindu terror groups involved in terrorism, according to the honorable Minister, victimized minorities in India who further stated that these terror groups ran training camps to promote Hindu terrorism by planting bombs and then blaming minorities for such crimes. (Reports Times of India: January 21, 2013) The Home Minister Shinde put all fundamentalist forces on the back-foot as the charges leveled against them for terrorist activities, as stated, are based on evidences and glaringly visible gross human right violations

by BJP backed Hindu terror groups. A few examples like Samjhota Express carnage,

ciate of raising provocative slogans against the sovereignty of India on 16th September 2011 in Gol Market area of Karan Nagar Srinagar.

After sitting over the case for more than a year, Jammu and Kashmir Police vide letter number Legal/San/48/S/2012/352 had sought permission from the Home Department for launching legal proceedings against Khan.

“Whereas, after perusing the case diary, the relevant documents and also taking into consideration the observations/ views of the Authority appointed under sub-section (2) of section 45 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the State Government is of the view that there is sufficient material and evidence available

their prosecution under the aforesaid provisions of law.

Now, therefore, in exercise of powers conferred by subsection (1) of section 45 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the State Government hereby accords sanction for lsaunching prosecution against the below mentioned accused persons (Khan and Hamid) U/S 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, arising out of FIR No. 72/ 2011 of Police Station, Karan Nagar, Srinagar,” the Home Department says in its sanction letter.

Khan, a General Council member of Hurriyat (M), was one of the founders of Islamic Students League (ISL) and now heads the National Front.—NNI

HCBA to suspend work on February 11

JKLF holds sit-in protest in Srinagar SRINAGAR—The All Parties Hurriyet Conference has expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for expressing solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris by observing Kashmir Solidarity Day on 5th February, every year.

Senior APHC leaders, Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi AlSafvi and Shabbir Ahmed Shah, in their separate statements issued in Srinagar said that Pakistan had always extended political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmir cause. They hoped that the support would continue till the Kashmir dispute was resolved in accordance with

the Kashmiris’ aspirations.Another APHC leader, Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, and the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Political Movement, Firdous Ahmed Shah, in their statements also expressed similar views.

The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front organized a candlelight sit-in at Madina Chowk in Maisuma area of Srinagar to protest against the miserable plight of illegally detained Kashmiris languishing in different jails. Hundreds of people including liberation leaders Bashir Ahmad Butt and Javed Ahmad Mir besides relatives of

Hurriyat’s Pak visit major success SRINAGAR—Terming Hurriyat major success. For the first time, Omar Farooq may have got an Conference’s recent Pakistan visit as a major success, senior pro-freedom Kashmiri leader and Chairman, Muslim Conference, Professor Abdul Gani Bhat has said that so far Government of India has not extended any invitation to hold dialogue to them.

“I can say that I have not received any invitation but who knows Mirwaiz Omar Farooq who is right now in Delhi may have received the invitation from the Central Government,” Bhat told New Agency CNS and added that he can’t say anything about Shabir Ahmed Shah’ why he didn’t go to Pakistan.

Professor Abdul Gani Bhat said that those who propagate that Hurriyat leaders got nothing by visiting Pakistan are living in fool’s paradise.

“Our trip to Pakistan was a

a Kashmiri was able to interact with his head high to the head of the State and all politicians of Pakistan. There was threadbare discussion on Kashmir issue and I must say that our visit was in the interest of Kashmiri people,” he said. While replying to a question, Bhat said that Hurriyat Conference stands for a meaningful tripartite dialogue on Kashmir issue.

“I don’t know whether there will be a dialogue or not in near future but it is in the interest of both Pakistan and India to settle down their differences and resolve Kashmir issue through dialogue,” he said and added that “we are ready for a meaningful dialogue with Government of India”.

Bhat further said that so far no invitation has been extended to him by the Government of India. “Who knows Mirwaize

could get a free hand to deal with Muslims of Kashmir. The exodus of Pandits started and once they all reached their destination; Jagmohan ordered indiscriminate firing, at carefully selected places, simultaneously. The areas included Gaw Kadal, Habak Chowk, ByPass road and Nowshehra killing hundreds. The policy of killing with impunity empowered by Indian draconian laws imposed on Kashmir continued even after he was succeeded by various other imposed governors.

Jagmohan had hoped to crush people to an extent that no one would raise the head thereafter as he was fed with wrong notions like Kashmiris being timid and receptive to harsh methods of treatment and taking liberties with them would go unnoticed. The right thinking people in India do realize that Jagmohan’s calculations were all wrong and the trust he reposed in a select group of white-collar

invitation for dialogue as he is still in New Delhi,” he said.

When asked that Pakistani leadership as per reports had advised Hurriyat leadership to participate in elections, Bhat said these reports are totally baseless as no discussion on elections took place in any meeting with Pakistani leadership.

“Hurriyat Conference has nothing to do with elections. Our visit highlighted the Kashmir issue and world media gave wide coverage to our visit,” he said.

Referring to the internal bickering in Hurriyat outfit, Bhat said he doesn’t know why Shabir Shah didn’t visit Pakistan. “Pakistan had extended invitations to all leaders. Syed Ali Geelani, Mohammad Yaseen Malik and Shabir Shah were all invitees but they declined the invitation” he said.—NNI

SRINAGAR—The Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (HCBA) has decided to suspend work on February 11 to “show solidarity” with the family members of JKLF founder, Shaheed Muhammad Maqbool Bhat and others.

A Bar spokesman said the decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Association at Saddar Court here.

“Shaheed Bhat fought for the cause of liberation of Jammu and Kashmir and for self-determination which is being denied

by New Delhi for the last more than 60 years. This is despite the fact that Government of India has acknowledged the right before the international community in the United Nations,” said MUZAFFARABAD: Minister Environment AJK Shazia Akbar Chaudry with PPP workers. the spokesman.—NNI

Hindu terrorism becomes subtle reality Modi’s Gujarat massacre, Bombay’s ThanaBiwindi, Babri Mosque of UP (Uttar Predesh) are on record to depict gory details of ruthlessness of these unchecked terrorist outfits.Turning the pages of history, the imposed governor on Kashmir in 1989, Jagmohan Malhotra of Turkmangate notoriety, ruthlessly dealt with Muslims of Delhi, perhaps had a thorough read of Kashmir’s historical background and successfully copied what Maharaja Ranjit Singh did with Kashmir towards the beginning of 19th century. In order to encircle and establish political hegemony, Ranjit Singh encircled the valley by allotting land to his army to rehabilitate and keep an eye on the local population on permanent basis. He allotted land to his army and their families by selecting four corners, Shopian, Tral, Baramulla and Rangrett. Jagmohan, using his formidable army might, after creating a fear psychosis amongst minority Pandit community, asked them to leave Kashmir en-masse so that he

martyrs and prisoners participated in the sit-in. They raised slogans in favour of freedom, martyrs and prisoners, demanding the return of mortal remains of prominent Kashmiri liberation leader, Muhammad Maqbool Butt, from New Delhi’s Tihar Jail to the occupied territory.

On the other hand, Indian police arrested Tehreek-eHurriyet leaders, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai and Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ganai along with their associates from Newa area of Pulwama, today, while they were on their way to address a Seerat Conference in Darbagam, Pulwama..—KMS

Kashmiri bureaucrats misled him into taking actions based on inhumanity. Jagmohan, all Kashmiris believe, at some stage will be tried for his crimes in the International Court of Justice.The follow up action of newly invented torture chambers, where methods of torture unknown world over, were used.

Generally, young people snatched from houses, roads or raids based on whims and wishes were consumed in these torture chambers and torture victims disappeared in unidentified graves. Thousands of young men and women are unaccounted for and their family members are running from post to pillar to find a clue about their near and dear ones. Scores of other Hindu militant organizations are controlled by minority Brahman elite busy looking for strategies and know-how within the country or abroad to marginalize minority communities to carve out a nation of a pure race. Though all minorities added up form a formidable majority outnumbering overall powerful minor-

ity, the military might having the same mindset allows these groups to become a law unto them.All the minorities, it seems, have realized that unity among them is vitally important so that these dangerously poised terror groups are confronted politically to create an atmosphere for everyone in India to live peacefully.

The terror organization Shiv Sena (army of Shivaji, a warrior who fought a guerrilla war with Moguls) is at the root cause of troubles in India in general and Maharashtra State in particular as the organization controlled by xenophobic Thackeray family who thrive on venomous and spiteful propaganda against minorities especially Muslims. This extreme behavior towards minorities is the only qualification the leaders of the group possess as it allows them to control the minds of indoctrinated militant religious followers.

These terror organizations or their mentors have no role or contribution in taking India

to a stage where it is now.

Though officially the terror group does not have the mandate to govern Maharashtra; the old and new “Emperors of Hindu hearts” declare themselves the remote control chief Ministers of Maharashtra state. The terrorist organization is an alliance of BJP sharing the ideology of Hindutva having a common goal of getting rid of rest of the communities or allowing them only option of converting to Hinduism.

Thackerays following the footsteps of recently expired senior Thackery are the great admirers of Adolf Hitler and consider Hitler a “wonderful organizer” and boast of having a lot in common with der Führer branding him a “daredevil and an artist”. The founder Bal Thackeray is quoted to have said “we need suicide bomb squads to protect India and Hindus and unite across linguistic barriers to see “a Hindustan for Hindus” and to “bring Islam in this country down to its knees.” Courtesy.—KMS

USA

97.60

97.40

UK

153.22

152.91

EURO

131.30

131.03

‘Constrained bilateral relations behind low Indo-Pak trade’ STAFF REPORTER

Canada

97.08

96.88

L AHORE —Vikramgit Singh

Switzerland

105.31

105.09

Australia

101.82

101.61

Sahney, President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, apex body of chambers in the region, Sunday said that as a consequence of constrained bilateral relations, there has been very little trade between Pakistan and India since inception.

He expressed these views while discussing the present state of affairs on telephone with Vice President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pak chapter and veteran trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik. He said, “We have abundant resources, both human and natural, possess enriched and fertile land tracts

Sweden

15.21

15.17

Japan

1.0730

1.0708

Norway

17.63

17.59

Singapore

78.87

78.71

Denmark

17.60

17.56

Omani Riyal

255.00

254.50

Saudi Arabia

26.02

25.97

Hong Kong

12.58

12.56

Kuwait

346.78

346.07

Malaysia

31.71

31.64

Newzeland

81.57

81.40

Qatar

26.81

26.76

UAE

26.57

26.52

KR WON

0.0896

0.0894

Thailand

3.269

3.262

Gold Tezab Silver Tezabi Gold Tezabi (24-Ct) Gold 22 Ct SilverTezabi Silver Thobi

53742.00 977.14 53600.00 5300.00 830.00 800.00

Seminar on ‘Rights of Women’ by KFC women forum held STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—A seminar was arranged by KFC Women Forum with collaboration with Business Professional Women South Club to create the awareness regarding the rights of women at Dr S R A Women’s Complex Auditorium, Clifton, Karachi.

Eminent speakers include Khanum Gohar Ijaz, Barrister Shahida Jameel, Rukhsana Asghar CEO Fulcrum, Ms Afroze Malik shared the rights of women in Islam, new bills passed for women protection and the way corporate office policies work for women.

The event was well attended by 200 members of forum. The program was appreciated by women to raise the working standards of women in Pakistan.

KFC launched the Women’s Forum in Jan 2006 with the aim of providing workingwomen an informal networking platform where they can develop leadership skills, simultaneously forming synergy to do community and welfare work. The forum comprises of a diverse group of professionals including editors of popular magazines and newspapers, members of provisional assembly, entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, marketers, bankers, writers, educationalist, celebrities, and social workers.

KFC women’s Forum encourages the synergy of this diversity by fascinating alliances through meetings, networking receptions and mentoring sessions where its younger members, who are working their way up the corporate ladder, benefit from the guidance and support of the Forum’s more accomplished patrons. The Forum’s Success Story Sessions, for this reason are immensely popular among young female executives.

KFC Women’s Forum enhances career development and personal and professional growths of its members through leadership development workshops and programs that help them realize their opportunities to grow and excel in tier respective positions. KWF forms alliances and partnership with other training organizations to get discounts on fee for its members.

The various events organized by the forum serve as a platform for its members for sampling, suggestions, and demonstrations of new products, services, and introductions to new program or any other news to be shared. KFC Women’s Forum also aims to serve as the medium through which its patrons can offer community services, and aspires to motivate, laude and commend such services through a program of Annual Awards.

but people of either countries suffered due to failure to fully utilize indigenous resources optimally,”.

Vikramgit said that it was in the vital interest of people of the Subcontinent and their governments to fully ensure lasting peace in the region through promotion of trade besides addressing their core issues.

He said there was a vast scope of close cooperation between the two countries in the fields of agriculture, health, education, engineering, transfer of technological expertise, use of cheaper raw material to help boost industrial competitiveness with a special focus on alleviating poverty in the region.

He said that currently offi-

cial trade was about $2 billion per year which could be 5 to 10 times larger directly through the bilaterally legalised procedure instead of a third country.

About barriers, he said that there were constraints of economic integration with included high tariff rates and non- tariff barriers, and inadequate infrastructure for trade.

He said that constraints on visa and cumbersome procedures of payments and customs clearance further limit the scope of trade.

Iftikhar Ali Malik suggested that both countries had to take initiatives to improve relations and promote bilateral trade.

He suggested that to create a level playing field and a win-

wing situation, a bilateral investment treaty should be finalised to fully facilitate a two-way flow of foreign direct investment between the two countries.

He emphasised that the media should also play a positive role in restoring mutual trust and confidence at grass-roots level which was a key to mutual growth and economic prosperity for the overall betterment of people of the region.

Iftikhar Ali Malik said, “We are also working on the same lines, which is the manifesto of SAARC CCI and an all-out effort is being made to boost economic ties among all SAARC member countries, especially between India and Pakistan”.

SBP yearly report termed worthless document

3-day extravaganza concludes

Rosy picture cannot conceal bitter facts: PEW

ISLAMABAD—3-day extrava-

STAFF REPORTER ganza of Islamabad Gem ex-

KARACHI: Chairman PIA, Lt General (Retd) Asif Yasin Malik visited PIA Engineering facilities and was briefed by Deputy Managing Director Engineering, AVM Qasim Masood Khan and Director Engineering, Syed Samin Uddin Naqvi also seen in the picture is Director Coordination, Mahmood Ahmed.

ICCI calls for greater exporter, importer facilities

I SLAMABAD —Holding the ances will not help government, on many other fronts despite hibition, showcasing the best ISLAMABAD—An introduction of Pakistan’s Gems &

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) partly responsible for the gloomy economic situation, the Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Sunday said the Central Bank has failed to show correct picture of economy in its recently released annual report.

Political interference and attitude of the central bankers to please government while misleading masses has left the Apex bank untrustworthy and ineffective, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW. He said that the SBP is no more regarded as a good regulator; rather it has become an efficient machine to print as much currency as required by the politicians to finance their luxuries. Report based on assumptions, optimism and assur-

masses and nervous investors in any way but it will further dent the reputation of the bank and country, he added.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that the SBP should have admitted its failures and reported that the year 2012 added to the miseries of masses while there is no hope of betterment in the current year as government and opposition have no will to implement reforms.

SBP seems overconfident about certain things including payment of Coalition Support Fund, receiving outstanding money from Etisalat, raising revenue from sale of 3G licences and hike in remittances which can be best described as assumptions.

It remained overoptimistic

rapidly deteriorating economic indicators and sluggish investment while the government has so far avoided serious effort to negotiate a loan with the IMF which amounts to keeping masses in the dark.

Failure of the SBP to resist or at least express displeasure over violation of borrowing limits by the government has remained a big obstacle in revenue mobilisation and curtailing unnecessary expanses.

Expressing concern over unsustainable fiscal deficit, Dr. Mughal said that all the efforts to revive economy will meet failure as far as government’s total expenditures exceed the revenue that it generates which leaves it only with borrowing option.—INP

Jewellery products, both traditional and contemporary , concluded here on Sunday.

3rd Islamabad Gem exhibition, organized by Pakistan Gems & Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) from Feb 1-3,highlighted Pakistani Gems and Jewellery products in the most versatile manner where the international buyers were introduced to the rich Pakistani market.

This event focused on exhibiting Gems & Jewellery produced through latest technology and skills. The intricately crafted jewellery and precious/semi-precious gemstones found in Pakistan revealed an entire new market to foreign buyers.

The exhibition focused on providing a lucrative platform to the thriving gems and jewellery sector of the Country. Enabling environment was created both for local and international traders to interact and promote business.

Jewellers, gem dealers and manufacturers of sectoral machinery, tools, equipment and accessories displayed their products during the Show.

Talking to media, an official of PGJDC, Abdul Ahad said the Exhibition proved to be one of the major contributors to increase export earnings of the Country, targeted to U.S. Dollars 1.5 billion by 2017.

Federal Secretary for Production Gul Muhammad Rind KARACHI: Pir Buksh Jamali Director General Pakistan Quality Standard and Control Inaugurated the ceremony, on Authority (PSQCA) with the winner of 3rd Quality Standard Award 2012, Khalid Tawab Friday.

FPCCI and Chairman Consumers Eye Pakistan (TCEP) Umar Ghauri.

EPORTER

Director General PSQCA KARACHI—Quality Standard D UBAI —Fiat boss Sergio Award is promoting trade and Mr. Pir Buksh Jamali, in his Marchionne said Sunday that he expected the merger of the Italian car giant and its US partner Chrysler will take place in 2014.

“We will succeed in doing it,” he said in an interview with the editor of the Repubblica newspaper. “We and VEBA (the United Auto Workers pension fund — a Chrysler shareholder) have different opinions on the value of Chrysler but we will resolve the problem in 2014.”

Macchione, who heads both companies, had said on January 30 that the ties between the two automakers were “irreversible” and would merge “as soon as I can afford it” but did not put date on the merger.

Asked on Sunday if Fiat would keep its Turin headquarters Macchione said: “We are a big group present throughout the world, it will depend on access to financial markets and the choices of the Agnelli family” who founded Fiat.

He had “not thought” about the future name of the new entity, he said. The deal will ultimately give Fiat a 65 percent stake in Chrysler and full ownership by 2015.

Boosted by increased sales at Chrysler, the Italian giant on Wednesday reported a profitable 2012, announcing a fourth quarter net profit that rose to 388 million euros ($525 million) from 265 million euros the year before.

The company said it was aiming for profits of between 1.2 and 1.5 billion euros this year. Fiat took a 20 percent stake in Chrysler in 2009 as the third largest US automaker emerged from a governmentfinanced restructuring under bankruptcy protection.— Agencies

businessmen, drive our products and services to higher levels of quality to meet the challenges of International markets.

These views were said by Pir Buksh Jamali Director General Pakistan Quality Standard & Control Authority (PSQCA) in the Distribution Ceremony of 3rd Quality Standard Award 2012" in a local hotel Karachi.

The objectives were to promote Quality Standards culture in Pakistan. Pir Buksh Jamali was the Chief Guest. Event was jointly organized by The Consumers Eye Pakistan (TCEP) collaboration with Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Sindh Journalists Network,

Speech appreciates The consumers Eye Pakistan’s efforts to promote quality standard culture in Pakistan. He assured his full support to “Quality Standard Award” and congratulates all the awardees of 3rd Quality Standard Award, and suggests them to maintain quality standards in future also. He said that I am happy that as standardization body PSQCA is participating consecutive third time in this Award activity to promote Quality Standard Culture in Pakistan.

M.Umar Ghauri, Chairman “The consumers Eye Pakistan” in his welcome Address thanks to the Chief Guest Mr. Pir Buksh Jamali for his presence and active participation to make this 3rd Quality Standard Award, Award distribution ceremony a successful event.

ASEAN best cultural promotion forum K A R A C H I —The ASEAN Women and Friends is a nonprofit association formed in 1998 to promote cultural, social and educational exchanges amongst its members and the host country, Pakistan.

Welcoming the delegation, Ms. Natasha Saleem, President of ASEAN Women & Friends spoke on the occasion to appreciate the efforts of the delegation in their support towards this generous cause and helped achieving the goal of AWFA to help the poor and needy people of the society.

The event was attended by highly distinguished diplomats, media and most prominent business entities. The in-

augural ceremony was followed by a colorful cultural show. The foreigners attired in their national distinctive costumes presented their traditional dances, expressing the richness of their respective cultures. The guests and performers included diplomats from Indonesia, China, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, USA, United Kingdom and Pakistan.

The event also displayed the two famous fashion designers and haute couture ‘Trevor Castelino’ and ‘Linaz’ by Lina Sohail with their very exclusive and distinct work of eastern and western combination of dresses at the launch.—NNI

He said the customs department is striving to make WeBOC more familiar with the stakeholders and customs officials are always available to resolve their problems related to the system as custom department was doing its best to make this system state-of-the-art in real terms.

Deputy Collector Customs said that the WeBoc system would not only reduce drastically the time for clearance of goods but would also work in accordance with latest SROs and international price mechanism.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI appreciated Deputy Collector Customs for bringing in the technologically advanced systems for the benefit of business community.

Bakhtawari said that Custom Department should establish facilitation desks for achiev-

STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—The government’s

gions, revamping export promotion agencies, increasing green exports, enhancing the role of women in exports and pursuing product and market development would help increase the volume of trade across borders,” he said.

By giving a three-year policy framework the government has ensured continuity in its policies for which the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister and Federal Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim deserve special admiration, he said.

The past practise of announcement of trade policy for only one year was not a better option, he said adding the threeyear policy framework would also result in economic stability in the country.

Job Fair 2013 to feature job opportunities

Shipping activity at PQ

ing better results and give massive awareness to the businessmen. He said that Custom department should also promote industrialization by adopting business friendly approach towards business community and industrialists.

He said that local importers and exporters have some serious reservations about custom procedures which could be lessen by easing these regulations and procedures as well as the element of corruption should be removed for making the system more efficient and well-organized.

Bakhtawari said that Pakistan Customs played an important role in smooth conduct of cross-border trade, therefore it is imperative that the department should also improve transparency in its operation and reduce the processing time of import and export documents as per international standard.—INP

‘Ex-Im Bank, PLPA, Leather Citigroup likely to pull out of Council to boost trade’

announcement to establish Pakistan Land Port Authority (PLPA), Export- Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank), Pakistan leather council under medium-term (2012-15) Strategic Trade Policy Framework will boost regional trade.

Policy makers deserve appreciation for presenting a visionary policy which would have a far reaching impact on promotion of trade, Chairman Pak India Business Council (PIBC) Noor Muhammad Kasuri said talking to media here on Sunday.

“The steps like regulatory efficiency, promoting agro-processed exports, increasing exI S L A M A B A D —Sugar mills ports from less developed rehave increased the prices of sugarcane, by Rs 190 to Rs 205 per 40 kilo, due to shortfall of supply, irritating the farmers.

Medias reports that the increased price in Sindh has been fixed at Rs 172 per 40 kilo.

KARACHI—Aimed at showcasing Supply of sugarcane in career opportunities in the private upper districts of Sindh is be- sector, Pakistan’s premier confering carried out, according to ence producers Terrabiz, in colrates fixed by government.— laboration with HR Consulting Online firm N Recruitment Consulting and Middle East’s leading job portal Bayt.com, is organizing Job Fair 2013 on Saturday February 16 here at Expo Center Karachi.

The job fair does not only aim to bring job seekers and employK ARACHI —Three ships ar- ers under one roof but also seek to rived at Port Qasim to load/ guide candidates on various career offload rice at FAP, palm oil paths and innovative job hunt tacat M.W - 1 on Saturday, port tics.

Based on Terrabiz’s past exsources said here Sunday.

Berth occupancy was perience of successfully managing maintained at 71% at the Port conferences for globally renowned on Saturday where a total of organizations like Google, Massaten ships M.V KPS-I Alican chusetts Institute of Technology, Bey-Powership, M.T Miramis, and various top-notch events with M.V Dong Hai Jun 7001 the HR industry, the job fair is exDredger, M.V Thelisis, M.V MSC Jade, M.T Mire, M.T Global Peace, M.V Hr Margaretha, M.V Dynamic Ocean, M.T Gas Chem Pacific are currently occupying berths to load/ offload, containers, rice, cement, palm oil, furnace LONDON—The wealthy have for centuries stashed their gold oil, LPG. Cargo handling operations in Swiss vaults. But Swiss bankwere carried out smoothly at ers are now reluctant to accept the Port where a cargo volume the world’s bullion in the same 122563 tonnes comprising old way as they seek to reduce 83473 tonnes import 39085 the size of their balance sheets.

UBS and Credit Suisse, tonnes export and (2268) Tues was handled during the last 24 which dominate the powerful hours. M.T Global Peace, M.V Zurich-based physical gold marMSC Jade sailed on Sunday ket, have raised the fees they charge for holding the precious morning.

M.V Lantau Arrow, M.V metal, according to clients and Maersk Missouri at QICT ar- people familiar with the banks.

The move is an attempt to perrives on February 3, 2013 as suade their biggest clients — inper arrival schedule.—APP

Fiat boss eyes QS Award to meet challenges Sugarcane price increased Chrysler of int’l markets: DG to Rs 205 Standards Gazette International merger in 2014 S R and Consume Voice Pakistan.

TAFF

session of Web-Based One Custom System (WeBOC) was held at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) to abreast the business community, importers and exporters about the salient features of the WeBOC. The said session was presided by Mr. Faiz Ali, Deputy Collector Customs, he explained the significant features of the WeBOC like increase customs efficiency and efficient deployment of resources, minimize clearance time at port, minimizing customs processing Time, paperless and single window customs operations, reduced cost of doing business, less clearing/handling charges, better cash flows, transparency and integrity, correct revenue realization, cargo information, online manifest filing and many others.

pected to be a blockbuster for job seekers and exhibitors alike. The job fair will also facilitate consultation sessions for job seekers with leading HR industry experts and consultants.

In order to facilitate visitors from all segments of the society a free entry has been announced. The job fair is poised to serve as a costeffective way for organizations to directly interact with prospective candidates and recruit the required talent without going through the hassle of traditional hiring practices. The exhibitors may also avail complimentary space in the virtual job fair which will be started after the job fair in expo center. While various organizations have been reserving booths for the job fair, ZONG is participating as a sponsor.—NNI

Swiss banks lose taste for gold cluding other banks, hedge funds and institutional investors — to take direct ownership of their gold in so-called “allocated” accounts, with the bank simply acting as a custodian. Under more common “unallocated” gold accounts, depositors’ bullion appears on the banks’ balance sheets, forcing them to increase their capital reserves.

Like their global peers, UBS and Credit Suisse are under pressure from regulators to reduce capitalintensive activities ahead of the introduction of new Basel III global banking rules.—Agencies

consumer banking

NEW YORK—Citigroup Inc is looking to pull out of consumer banking in more countries in an effort to lower costs and boost profits, according to two people familiar with the matter.

In December, Citigroup said it was withdrawing from consumer banking in five countries — Pakistan, Paraguay, Romania, Turkey and Uruguay — as part of an expense reduction plan that will save $1.1 billion (Dh4 billion) a year and eliminate 11,000 jobs. The cuts were one of Michael Corbat’s first major steps as chief executive, a position he took in October.

“There is more on the list,” said a source familiar with the situation. The bank has been looking for months at countries, customer segments and products to cut, the source said, but declined to name any of the additional countries.

Sean Kevelighan, a Citigroup spokesman, said the bank is focused on major cities with the highest growth potential for its consumer business and will continue to invest in its franchise and optimise its assets.

Citigroup is one of the most international of US banks, serving consumers in 40 countries out of the 100 in which it has some kind of presence.

Any cuts would likely represent a paring of the portfolio rather than a complete rethinking of the bank’s commitment to global consumer banking.

Outside the United States, just three countries — Mexico, South Korea and Australia — account for half of the company’s loans to consumers and the bank’s presence in many other countries is tiny.

Investors said scaling down in some markets makes sense. “If they’re not going to have a significant presence, they shouldn’t be there,” said Mark Mandell, portfolio manager at Dalton Investments, which has $1.8 billion under management and owns Citigroup shares.

Selling any of the foreign assets now would be tough.

Other lenders around the world have also been closing foreign outposts and buyers can be hard to find. London-based HSBC Holdings Plc , for example, has sold more than 40 businesses and other assets, such as credit card portfolios, globally since 2011, but it has sometimes been a struggle to get the prices it wanted.

Citigroup has some extra complications, too.—Agencies

Kuwaiti gets 5 years Jail for insulting ruler

Berlusconigains despite bank graft ROME—An SWG survey showed former premier Berlusconi’s center-right coalition had gained 1.3 percent in a week and was now on 27.8 percent, compared to 32.8 percent for Pier Luigi Bersani’s center left, which had lost 1.6 percent. Berlusconi, a 76year-old billionaire media magnate, has made an astonishing comeback over the last month through a blitz of radio and television appearances, but SWG said the Monte dei Paschi scandal had also had a significant impact. Bersani’s Democratic Party (PD) has ties going back decades with the 540-year-old Tuscan bank through local government and dominance of a charitable foundation which is the lender’s biggest shareholder. SWG said the scandal had both galvanized previously disillusioned center-right voters and demoralized center-left supporters ahead of the February 24-25 vote.

Some 50 percent of those polled said the PD had responsibility for the trouble at Italy’s third largest bank. Bersani says the national party was not to blame for a scandal over murky derivatives contracts and cash problems that have forced Monte Paschi to take a state bailout. Outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti’s centrist grouping has also gained over the last week by 1.4 points, but he is stuck at 14.2 percent, far behind his 20 percent target and well beaten into third place by the surging anti-establish- A car bomb detonated by a suicide attacker followed by gunmen storming a police headquarters in the north Iraqi city of ment 5-Star Movement. Most pollsters still think it unlikely that Kirkuk killed 33 people and wounded 70 others on Sunday, a police general said.

Berlusconi can overtake Bersani with little more than three weeks to go, but before the media magnate entered the race in December after months of indecision, his PDL part looked close to collapse and was polling around 15 percent.—Reuters

Corruption mars Spain ruling party MADRID—Public support for Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and his ruling People’s Party has fallen as they have been engulfed by a corruption scandal, an opinion poll showed on Sunday. Media reports over the past fortnight have alleged that at least a dozen top party officials, including Rajoy, received kickbacks from a slush fund operated by its former treasurer. While Rajoy has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, the growing scandal has provoked the fury of Spaniards who were already disenchanted with the government’s handling of a deep economic recession and high unemployment.

The centre-right People’s Party (PP) was swept to power with an absolute majority in late 2011 as voters rejected the policies of the former ruling Socialists (PSOE). But if a general election were called now, Spain’s two biggest parties would be neck-and-neck, neither with a clear majority, a Metroscopia opinion poll published in the country’s leading newspaper El Pais suggested. The survey showed 23.9 percent of the public voting for the PP - the lowest level since the 2011 election and down from 29.8 percent in the same poll last month. Support for the PSOE was at 23.5 percent, little changed from the 23.3 percent last month. Seventy-seven percent said they disapproved of Rajoy as the head of the government, while 85 percent had little or no faith in him. Eighty percent of those polled said the PP leaders named by the media as alleged recipients of kickbacks should resign.—Reuters

Maduro accuses rival as traitor CARACAS —Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro accused opposition leader Henrique Capriles on Saturday of “conspiring” against the OPEC nation during meetings in neighbouring Colombia, stepping up his attacks on his most likely potential election rival. The government is upbeat about President Hugo Chavez’s recovery from cancer surgery in Cuba. But the socialist maverick has not been seen in public or heard from in eight weeks, calling into question the future of his self-styled revolution. Any new vote in South America’s top oil exporter would probably pit Maduro, Chavez’s heir apparent, against Capriles, the 40-year-old governor of Miranda state, who lost to Chavez in last October’s presidential election. Maduro has been sharpening his rhetoric against the opposition leader, and the former bus driver said on Saturday he was being kept informed about a series of meetings Capriles was holding during a trip to Colombia that began on Friday. “The information reaching us is not good,” Maduro said, wearing a hard hat during a televised visit to a tractor factory in Portuguesa state, in the west of the country. “We know who he met with, and where, conspiring against the country and against peace ... in a few hours we are going to say what that loser was doing against the fatherland in Colombia.” Capriles responded on Twitter, saying Maduro was the real conspirator and traitor because he was “receiving orders from Cuba’s government and giving away Venezuela’s money overseas.” “It’s a big job for Mr. Maduro!

Keep ranting to cover your inability.—Reuters

‘Iran threat is of paramount concern’

KUWAIT—A Kuwaiti court sen- tive comments aired on the

tenced a man to five years in prison on Sunday for insulting the emir on Twitter, a rights lawyer and news websites said, in the latest prosecution for criticism of authorities via social media in the Gulf Arab state. The court gave Kuwaiti Mohammad Eid al-Ajmi the maximum sentence for the comments, news websites al-Rai and alaan.cc reported.

In recent months Kuwait has penalised several Twitter users for criticising the emir, who is described as “immune and inviolable” in the constitution. “We call on the government to expand freedoms and adhere to the international (human rights) conventions it has signed,” said lawyer Mohammad al-Humaidi, director of the Kuwait Society for Human Rights, commenting on the case.

Courts in Kuwait generally do not comment to the media.

Amnesty International said in November Kuwait had increased restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.

It urged Kuwait to ensure protection for users of social media, whether they supported or opposed the government, as long as they did not incite racial haFalluja. tred or violence.

But Kirkuk has also been Kuwait, a U.S. ally and mahome to the Naqshbandi army or jor oil producer, has been taking JRTN, one of several insurgent a firmer line on politically sensigroups made up of former soldiers and members of Saddam’s outlawed Baath party. Iraqi Arabs, Kurdistan’s government and Kirkuk’s minority Turkmen all lay claim to the city, known to some as the “Jerusalem of the Kurds” - a reference to its historically disputed status. Last SANAA—A ship loaded with month a suicide bomber dis- rockets and explosives which guised as a mourner killed at least Yemen said it had intercepted 26 at a funeral at a Shi’ite mosque last month came from Iran and in the nearby city of Tuz the arms were destined for shia Khurmato, and days earlier a sui- rebels, a security official said on cide bomber driving a truck killed Sunday.

25 in an attack on a political party “The boat was heading tooffice in Kirkuk. wards the (Red Sea) port of AlThe level of violence in Iraq Mukha” and the arms “were desis lower than at the height of sec- tined for the Huthi rebels in tarian slaughter in 2006-2007, Saada,” the northern stronghold when tens of thousands died. But of the Shia fighters, the Yemeni more than 4,400 people were security official told AFP. killed last year in attacks and Yemeni coast guard in cobombings, the first increase in ordination with the US navy last deaths in three years.—Reuters month intercepted the ship in the Arabian Sea, authorities have said. The vessel “came from Iran and was carrying arms and explosives among them surface-to-

33 killed in Kirkuk suicide bomber attack

KIRKUK—At least 33 people were killed in the Iraqi city of Kirkuk on Sunday when a suicide bomber detonated a truck packed with explosives outside a police headquarters and gunmen disguised as officers tried to storm the compound. The blast was the third major attack in weeks in or near the multiethnic city of Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen, at the heart of a dispute between Iraq’s central government and the autonomous Kurdistan region.

Police said the bomber triggered the huge blast near a side entrance to the police building, demolishing part of a government office nearby. “A suicide bomber driving a vehicle packed with explosives hit the entrance of the headquarters and after the blast gunmen in explosive vests attacked with AK47s and grenades, but the guards killed them,” a police official said.

Guards and emergency

workers dragged bloodied survivors onto stretchers amid the wreckage of the blast, which left a large crater in the street. Police said 33 were killed, including 12 employees at the government office. But a health official said only 16 bodies were at a hospital morgue and more than 90 were wounded.

The attack comes as insurgents linked to al Qaeda try to inflame sectarian conflict in Iraq, where a power-sharing government split among Shi’ite majority, Sunni and ethnic Kurds has been in crisis since the last U.S. troops left a year ago.

Shi’ite Prime Minister Nuri alMaliki is facing mass protests from Sunni Muslims in western provinces calling for him to step down, complaining of marginalization since the fall of Saddam Hussein. In the north, the premier is also caught in a tense standoff with the country’s autonomous Kurdish enclave over control of oil wealth and

land along the so-called “disputed territories” where both regions claim control.

Kirkuk, 170 km (100 miles) north of the capital, is at the heart of the dispute. Last year Baghdad and the Kurdistan regional government sent rival forces to towns close to the disputed territories. Several armed groups are active in Kirkuk, and Sunni Islamist insurgents linked to al Qaeda often attack security forces in an attempt to undermine Maliki’s government and stoke sectarian tensions.

Al Qaeda’s local wing, Islamic State of Iraq, though weakened after years of war with American troops, has benefited from the inflow of Sunni Islamists and arms into Syria where Sunni rebels are fighting President Bashar al-Assad. Suicide bomb attacks are the hallmark of the Iraqi al Qaeda wing, and the group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed a Sunni lawmaker last month in

Tests confirm leftist bombed US embassy: Turkey

‘Seized ship carried rockets from Iran’

Sri Lanka rescues 138 on sinking boat

COLOMBO—Sri Lanka’s navy ISTANBUL —A member of a oppose what they see as imperi- it as a heinous act. U.S. officials on Sunday rescued more than 100 Turkish leftist group that accuses Washington of using Turkey as its “slave” carried out a suicide bomb attack on the U.S. embassy, the Ankara governor’s office cited DNA tests as proof.

Ecevit Sanli, a member of the leftist Revolutionary People’s Liberation Army-Front (DHKPC), blew himself up in a perimeter gatehouse on Friday as he tried to enter the embassy, also killing a Turkish security guard.

The DHKP-C, virulently anti-American and listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and Turkey, claimed responsibility in a statement on the internet in which it said Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan was a U.S. “puppet”. “Murderer America! You will not run away from people’s rage,” the statement on “The People’s Cry” website said, next to a picture of Sanli wearing a black beret and military-style clothes and with an explosives belt around his waist.

It warned Erdogan that he too was a target. Turkey is an important U.S. ally in the Middle East with common interests ranging from energy security to counter-terrorism. Leftist groups including the DHKP-C strongly

JERUSALEM—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday took on the job of forming a new government and said its most important task would be to ensure that Iran does not gain nuclear arms. President Shimon Peres formally called on Netanyahu to assemble a new coalition following the January 22 general election in which Netanyahu’s rightist Likud-Beitenu emerged as the biggest party. It controls 31 seats in the 120-seat parliament. “The paramount task of the government that I will form will be to stop Iran from arming itself with nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said as he accepted the mandate from Peres. Israel and the West suspect that Iran is working to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran says its nuclear atomic programme is purely for peaceful purposes. Netanyahu also hinted at the security dangers posed by advanced Syrian weapons being transferred from Syria to Iranian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas and its apparent chemical weapons arsenal, but he did not specifically name the country. “We will also have to deal with other deadly weaponry that is being amassed around us and threatens our cities and our citizens,” he added. Israel has remained silent, but diplomats, Syrian rebels and regional security sources said on Wednesday that Israeli jets had bombed a convoy near the Lebanese border, apparently hitting weapons destined for Hezbollah.

Syria also accused Israel of bombing a research site near Damascus.—Reuters SEOUL—North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued “imporArtists adore Putin tant” guidelines on how to bolMOSCOW—When famed viola player Yuri ster the army and protect the Bashmet declared that he “adored” President nation’s sovereignty at a highVladimir Putin, he stirred little controversy level ruling Workers’ Party in a country where classical musicians have meeting, state media said Sunoften curried favor with the political elite. But day, an indication that political drama spilled into the orchestra pit Pyongyang may be ready to last month when Bashmet refused to condemn conduct an atomic test anytime. a new law prohibiting Americans from adopt- North Korea said last month that ing Russian children, and in response the be- it would conduct its third loved singer Sergei Nikitin canceled his ap- nuclear test to protest internapearance at a concert celebrating the violist’s tional sanctions toughened over 60th birthday. The spat joins a long Russian tradition of artists who its long-range rocket launch in have jumped or been dragged into the political fray. From com- December. The U.S., South poser Dmitri Shostakovich, who lived in fear of arrest under dicta- Korea and other countries have tor Josef Stalin, to the cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, who returned urged the North to scrap its to a liberalizing Soviet Union in 1991 and took up arms to defy nuclear test plans or face grave Communist hardliners, Russian musicians and other artists have consequences. had a habit of becoming politicized figures. At the core of the arguNorth Korea says U.S. hosment today is a question about what an artist’s role should be in tility and the threat of AmeriPutin’s Russia: Attracting generous state funding for bigger and can troops in South Korea are better artistic projects? Or challenging the political system in a important reasons behind its way most ordinary citizens cannot afford to do? Some of Russia’s nuclear drive. The country also cultural figures brought their star power to the anti-Putin rallies says it has the sovereign right that rocked Moscow last winter.—Reuters to launch rockets to send satel-

alist U.S. influence over their nation.

DNA tests confirmed that Sanli was the bomber, the Ankara governor’s office said. It said he had fled Turkey a decade ago and was wanted by the authorities.

Born in 1973 in the Black Sea port city of Ordu, Sanli was jailed in 1997 for attacks on a police station and a military staff college in Istanbul, but his sentence was deferred after he fell sick during a hunger strike. He was never re-jailed.

Condemned to life in prison in 2002, he fled the country a year later, officials said. Interior Minister Muammer Guler said he had re-entered Turkey using false documents. Erdogan, who said hours after the attack that the DHKP-C were responsible, met his interior and foreign ministers as well as the head of the army and state security service in Istanbul on Saturday to discuss the bombing.

Three people were detained in Istanbul and Ankara in connection with the attack, state broadcaster TRT said. The White House condemned the bombing as an “act of terror”, while the U.N. Security Council described

said on Friday the DHKP-C were the main suspects but did not exclude other possibilities. Islamist radicals, extreme left-wing groups, ultra-nationalists and Kurdish militants have all carried out attacks in Turkey in the past.

SYRIA: The DHKP-C statement called on Washington to remove Patriot missiles, due to go operational on Monday as part of a NATO defense system, from Turkish soil. The missiles are being deployed alongside systems from Germany and the Netherlands to guard Turkey, a NATO member, against a spillover of the war in neighboring Syria. “Our action is for the independence of our country, which has become a new slave of America,” the statement said.

It has been blamed for previous suicide attacks, including one in 2001 that killed two police officers and a tourist in Istanbul’s central Taksim Square. It has carried out a series of deadly attacks on police stations in the last six months.

Sunday’s attack may have come in retaliation for an operation against the DHKP-C last month in which Turkish police detained 85 people.—Reuters

N Korea’s new mily code bolsters army lites into orbit under a space development program; the U.S. says the December launch was a disguised test of banned missile technology.

Pyongyang’s two previous nuclear tests, in 2006 and 2009, both occurred after it was slapped with increased sanctions for similar long-range rocket launches. Recent satellite photos showed North Korea may have been sealing the tunnel into a mountainside where a nuclear device would be exploded.

Kim convened a meeting of the Workers’ Party’s Central Military Commission and made a “historic” and “important concluding speech” that serves as a guideline for strengthening the military and defending national security and sovereignty, the official Korean Central News Agency said. It did not say when the meeting took place. Top party and military leaders who

attended the meeting “evinced their firm determination to unconditionally and thoroughly implement the militant tasks set forth by him,” KCNA said.

Analyst Hong Hyun-ik at the private Sejong Institute in South Korea said he believes Kim’s guidelines refer to a nuclear test and suggest that North Korea appears to have completed formal procedural steps and be preparing to conduct a nuclear test soon. By publicizing the Workers’ Party meeting, North Korea also aims to “employ pressure on the West and unite its people” behind Kim, Hong said. Kim took power after the December 2011 death of his father, Kim Jong Il. U.S. and South Korean troops are to conduct naval drills involving a nuclear-powered American submarine off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula this week.—AP

internet. Twitter is extremely popular in the country of 3.7 million. In January, a court sentenced two men in separate cases to jail time for insulting the emir on Twitter.

In June 2012, a man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he was convicted of endangering state security by insulting the Prophet Mohammad and the Sunni Muslim rulers of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on social media. Two months later, authorities detained Sheikh Meshaal alMalik Al-Sabah, a member of the ruling family, over remarks on Twitter in which he accused authorities of corruption and called for political reform.

The recent Twitter cases have been carried out under the state security law and penal code. Last year Kuwait passed new legislation aimed at regulating social media. Public demonstrations and debates about local issues are common in a state that allows the most dissent in the Gulf, but Kuwait has avoided the kind of mass unrest that unseated four heads of Arab states in 2011.

But tensions intensified between authorities and opposition groups last year ahead of a parliamentary election deemed unfair by opposition politicians and activists.—Reuters

Bangladeshi and Myanmar nationals from a sinking fishing vessel off the island’s eastern coast, a spokesman said.

One passenger was found dead while many of the 138 plucked from the boat were dehydrated, he added, but it was not immediately clear where the vessel was headed or whether they were asylum seekers.

“We sent three ships for the rescue at a location 50 miles (80 kilometres) off the eastern coast of Akkaraipattu,” navy spokesman Kosala Warnakulasuriya told AFP. “Some have been admitted to a local hospital. Others are being taken to Colombo.”

The early-morning rescue came amid stepped up naval patrols to check Sri Lankan fishing boats taking would-be illegal immigrants to Australia. Sri Lankan authorities arrested more than 1,200 people trying to leave the island illegally last year. Many of those who make the perilous journey pay up to $3,000 for a place on trawlers run by people-smugglers. Warnakulasuriya said the passengers rescued on Sunday identified themselves as Bangladeshi and Myanmar nationals. —AFP

Egypt protesters stone PM’s motorcade C AIRO —Protesters threw stones and bottles at the Egyptian prime minister’s motorcade on Sunday as he tried to enter Cairo’s Tahrir Square after overnight clashes nearby and at the presidential palace, media reported. Dream Live, a private television station, reported that Prime Minister Hisham Qandil left the scene after the attack. His office said in a statement, without elaborating, that he had been “confronted by youths and troublemakers.” “I preferred to avoid a confrontation between them and security personnel,” Qandil said later on his Facebook page.

Dozens of protesters remained in the square on Sunday after several thousand demonstrators rallied there on Friday against Islamist President Mohamed Morsi. Hundreds of people had clashed with police in a nearby street.—Reuters

air missiles SAM-2 and SAM3,” state news agency Saba reported on Sunday, adding that the crew of eight Yemeni nationals were being questioned.

The ship was stopped on January 23 in Yemeni territorial waters and flew several fake flags, authorities have said.

Zaidis are a minority in mainly Sunni Yemen but form the majority in the mountainous north.

From 2004 the Huthis fought six wars with central government forces before signing a truce in February 2010. The rebellion claimed thousands of lives. The government accuses the rebels of being backed by Shia-dominated Iran, charges which the Zaidis deny.—AFP

Hollande pats troops in Mali adventure T I M B U K T U — P r e s i d e n t crowd France’s mission was not Francois Hollande received a rapturous welcome as he visited Mali to push for African troops to take over a French-led offensive that drove back Islamist rebels from the country’s desert north.

The French leader’s whirlwind tour came as troops worked to secure Kidal, the last bastion of radicals who seized control last year after a coup, raising fears that an area larger than France could become a safe haven for alQaeda-linked fighters.

Welcoming Hollande, thousands of people gathered in the central square of the fabled city of Timbuktu, dancing to the beat of drums a forbidden activity during the extremists’ 10-month occupation. Hollande told the

finished yet but that African countries would soon have to take over.

“We have no intention to stay. Our African friends will be able to do the job we’ve been doing until now,” he told the crowd. Hollande, whose surprise decision to intervene in Mali three weeks ago made him a hero in the former French colony, was greeted with cheers of “Long live France! Long live Hollande!”

With the rebels ousted from all major towns but Kidal, France is keen to hand over to nearly 8,000 African troops slowly being deployed and which the United Nations is considering turning into a formal UN peacekeeping force.— Reuters

Powerful 6.9 earthquake shakes northern Japan TOKYO—A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan on Saturday, causing strong tremors across Hokkaido island but no damage to several nuclear facilities in the region, officials said.

The quake, which was preceded by an early warning broadcast on television and radio, hit near the town of Obihiro at a depth of 103 kilometres (64 miles) at 11.17pm (1417 GMT), according to US Geological Survey data.

Ten people suffered minor injuries due to falling objects, broken glass and other incidents, according to national broadcaster NHK, but authorities said no serious damage was reported and the quake did not generate a tsunami. The shaking lasted about a minute, with video taken in the offices of NHK Hokkaido showing computer screens swaying and shelves threatening to give way.

Bottles smashed to the ground in supermarkets, some areas had power blackouts and a number of highways were closed.

Trains were stopped on rural tracks as a precaution. “Beware of possible landslides and buildings that could have been weakened,” an official from Japan’s Meteorological Agency warned at a press conference.

The most violent tremors were felt in the eastern part of Hokkaido - the nation’s second largest island and a popular skiing destination - but the northern part of the island was also shaken along with parts of the main island of Honshu, where Tokyo is located. Utility firms said no abnormalities were reported at the Tomari nuclear plant in Hokkaido’s west, nor at the nuclear facilities in Aomori, the northernmost prefecture on Honshu.

Aomori is home to the Higashidori nuclear reactors and a nuclear reprocessing plant in Rokkasho, which is currently in a testing phase, as well as fuel storage sites. At present only two of the country’s 50 reactors are operational, after the entire network was shuttered over several months for scheduled safety checks following the quake-tsunami disaster of March 2011.

Both are in Oi, in Honshu’s west. Shortly before Saturday’s quake hit, an alert was broadcast on television and radio through an early warning system established by the weather agency, and programmes were interrupted on NHK. “Make yourself safe, turn off the gas, beware of falling objects, and if you are outside do not approach the coast,” a broadcaster said.—AFP

Australia vs West Indies second ODI South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test

Pakistan’s top four falter in pursuit of 480 J O H A N N E S B U R G —It took South Africa a little longer than the first innings, but their quick bowlers made substantial inroads into Pakistan as the match headed for a three-day finish at the Wanderers. Chasing 480, after AB de Villiers hit his 15th Test hundred, Pakistan were given a base by Nasir Jamshed but after he played a loose shot the visitors started to unravel.

Having spurned the follow-on yesterday, to mixed reaction, Graeme Smith was eager to move the game on and ended South Africa’s second innings after nine overs once de Villiers had his hundred. It gave Pakistan an hour to bat before lunch and Vernon Philander accounted for Mohammad Hafeez in the fourth over, to a glance down the leg that was well taken by de Villiers, who had quickly swapped batting pads for keeping ones.

For a while afterwards, though, Jamshed, in partnership with Azhar Ali, offered a glimmer of hope for Pakistan. Jamshed dominated the scoring, driving strongly and playing well off his pads, although he was troubled occasionally

by Morne Morkel from around the wicket. However, having reached 46, he went to pull Dale Steyn and picked out mid-on. South Africa’s quick bowlers do not need much help to take wickets.

Jacques Kallis’ productive match with the ball continued when he trapped Azhar lbw, the batsman wasting a review which bordered on the selfish. The

P ERTH (Australia)—A maiden century from George Bailey and another inspired bowling performance from the emerging Mitchell Starc helped Australia beat the West Indies by 54 runs in the second one-day international at the WACA Ground on Sunday.

Set 267 to win after Bailey’s unbeaten 125 rescued the Australian innings, the West Indies were cruising at 159 for three in the run chase, before the return of Starc to the attack turned the match again as the tourists were bowled out 212 in the 39th over.

Starc (5-32) had claimed the first three wickets in the West Indian innings, all lbw, to have them reeling at 33 for three, but when he came back into the attack the Australians were struggling, with opener Kieran Powell and Dwayne Bravo putting on a century partnership for the fourth wicket.

However, the left-armer, who took 5-20 as the Australians routed the West Indies for 70 in Friday’s opening game en route to a ninewicket victory, struck two more telling blows.

After spinner Glenn Maxwell ended the Powell and Bravo partnership at 126 runs by having the latter caught behind for 45, Starc removed Powell, adjudged lbw for 83 on a decision review and Devon Thomas (0) in successive balls to claim his second five-wicket haul in as many matches.

Thomas was given out in quite bizarre circumstances, with umpire Nigel Llong giv-

New Zealand beat Pakistan JOHANNESBURG: Mohammad Hafeez was out to a glance down the leg side during South Africa vs Pakistan, 1st Test on Sunday. in ICC Women For Azhar, Jamshed and bined with a flat Pakistan ball was full, nipped back, World Cup and struck him in front of Asad Shafiq this is a first attack it was easy pickings

trip to South Africa so some patience will be required but that meant senior batsman needed to S Africa 1st Innings: ... 253 Younis Khan .......... 1-1-0-0 take the lead. Younis Khan, though, could only conPakistan 1st Innings: .... 49 Pakistan 2nd innings: Hafeez c de Villiers tribute 15 - and he already S Africa 2nd innings: Petersen c Hafeez b Philander ....................... 2 survived a mighty close b Umar Gul ..................... 27 Nasir c Peterson b Steyn 46 review for lbw on 11 - when GC Smith c Sarfraz Azhar Ali lbw b Kallis ... 18 he tried to leave Morkel and b Umar Gul ..................... 52 Younis Khan c de Villiers provided a very thin edge HM Amla not out .......... 74 b Morkel ........................... 1 to the keeper. Younis Kallis c Asad Shafiq Misbah-ul-Haq not out 35 walked and Hot Spot b Saeed Ajmal .................. 7 Asad Shafiq not out ..... 48 showed a small white mark, AB de Villiers not out . 103 Extras: (lb 2, nb 2) ............ 4 but this time the focus was Extras: (lb 4, w 3, nb 5) .. 12 Total: (4 wickets) ......... 168 on Morkel’s front foot Total: (3 wickets dec) .. 275 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-64, 3- which was perilously close to a no-ball.

Fall of wkts: 1-82, 2-87, 3-99 70, 4-82 Earlier, it was easy to Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W Umar Gul ............. 14-2-58-2 DW Steyn .......... 15-6-24-1 forget it was only the third Junaid Khan ....... 13-1-63-0 VD Philander ...... 16-3-35-1 morning of the match. Test Rahat Ali ............. 11-1-44-0 M Morkel ........... 15-4-61-1 batsmen rarely resume in Hafeez ................... 5-0-32-0 JH Kallis ............. 10-3-22-1 such comfortable circumSaeed Ajmal ....... 18-1-74-1 RJ Peterson ........ 10-3-24-0 stances as a lead of 411 after two days play and commiddle.

for de Villiers and Hashim Amla as the pair skipped along for 45 minutes.

In nine overs they added 68 runs and only Smith’s eagerness to get Pakistan back in - there is a forecast for rain tomorrow denied Amla the chance for his hundred.

De Villiers was at his expansive best, taking balls from outside off through the leg side and also reverse sweeping Saeed Ajmal. His 11th boundary, slotted through the covers, took him to his hundred from 117 balls.

The applause had just died down when Smith stood in the dressing room and waved his batsmen in to begin searching for a quick finish.—AFP

Ronaldo own-goal condemns Madrid to Granada defeat M ADRID —Real Madrid’s We improved after the break dismal season went from bad to worse when Cristiano Ronaldo scored an own-goal to hand relegation-threatened Granada a shock 1-0 win on Saturday.

Real coach Jose Mourinho had already given up winning the league before Christmas and this latest blow means that Barcelona can increase their lead over them to 18 points if they win at Valencia on Sunday.

There were doubts over whether or not Ronaldo would play as he is struggling with an ankle injury and his mood didn’t improve when he headed a Granada corner into his own goal after 22 minutes.

Real had scored nine goals in their last two league games but they lacked the necessary drive perhaps as a result of a draining El Clasico in midweek where they scraped a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their King’s Cup tie with Barcelona. “It was not a good game and we lost and I am responsible,” said Mourinho.

“I didn’t like the first half from the team, it was terrible.

Starc bowls Australia to victory

and we dominated. We had a chance to score but if we had taken it then the performance still wouldn’t have been sufficient.

“It was a big effort after playing on Wednesday and some teams have a day longer to recover but that is not enough to explain the display as we needed to respond.”

With Iker Casillas injured, Mourinho once again put his confidence in Diego Lopez in goal rather than youth product Antonio Adan while Raphael Varane also kept his place after an inspirational performance against Barca.

It was a baptism of fire for Granada coach Lucas Alcaraz who only had a few training sessions with the team after being appointed this week with the side only a place above the relegation zone.

He decided against making sweeping changes but did play new signing Nolito from Benfica on the left wing, with Dani Benitez injured, while Diego Buonanotte, who moved from Malaga, AUSTRALIA: Karrie Webb of Australia poses with the waited his chance on the winners trophy after the Australian Ladies Masters at bench.—AP Royal Pines Resort on Sunday.

CUTTACK—New Zealand on Sunday beat Pakistan by seven wickets on Sunday in their group match of ICC Women World Cup.

New Zealand achieved a 105-run target in 29.4 overs.

Pakistan’s skipper Sana Mir took two wickets and Samia Siddiqui sent one batswoman to pavilion.

It was Pakistan’s second consecutive defeat in the tournament.

In their first group match, Australia beat green shirts.

Pakistan will play their final group match on Tuesday against South Africa.—Online

Golf: Webb wins eighth Australian Ladies Masters GOLD C OAST (Australia)— Australia’s Karrie Webb overhauled the overnight leaders to win a record eighth Australian Ladies Masters title at Royal Pines on Sunday.

Webb, 38, swept home on the back of four birdies in her closing six holes to win the 54-hole event by two shots.

Webb carded a final round of five-under 67 for 13under 203 to beat overnight leaders, Australia’s Oh SuHyun (70-64-71) and Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn (69-65-71).

South Korea’s Chella Choi also finished joint second after rounds of 69-67-69.

Webb’s finish gave her a winning start to 2013 after her first-ever winless calender year in 2012.—AFP

PERTH: Dwayne Bravo resisted the Australian attack, scoring 45 during Australia vs West Indies, 2nd ODI on Sunday. ing the batsman not out on a caught behind appeal, but third umpire Asad Rauf reversing the decision despite the apparent lack of any evidence at all to suggest the West Indian hit the ball.

When Darren Sammy fell for eight a short time later, the West Indies had lost 520 and slumped to 179 for eight.

Sunil Narine (24) briefly lifted West Indian hopes when he belted four sixes in a row off Maxwell (4-63), before being stumped from the last ball of the same over.

Earlier, brilliant catching by the West Indies had Australia in deep trouble at 98 for six, before Bailey steered a spirited fightback that saw the home team make 266 for seven from their 50 overs.—AFP

Australia innings: A. Finch b Holder ......... 11 U. Khawaja c Powell b Roach ............................ 3 P. Hughes c DM Bravo b Sammy ......................... 21 M. Clarke b D.J. Bravo . 16 G. Bailey not out .......... 125 Wade c Sammy b Narine .......................... 16 G. Maxwell b Sammy ....... 0 J. Faulkner b Sammy ..... 39 M. Johnson not out ...... 16 Extras: (10lb, 9w) ........... 19 Total: (7 wickets) ......... 266 Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-25, 356, 4-56, 5-93, 6-98, 7-198 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W Roach .................. 10-0-51-1 Holder ................. 10-1-56-1 Sammy ................ 10-0-48-3 Bravo .................. 10-0-67-1 Narine ................. 10-0-34-1

West Indies innings: C. Gayle lbw Starc ........... 4 K. Powell lbw Starc ....... 83 R. Sarwan lbw Starc ........ 0 D.M. Bravo lbw Starc ... 14 D.J. Bravo b Maxwell .... 45 Pollard c Finch b Maxwell 1 Thomas c Wade b Starc . 0 D. Sammy b Maxwell ...... 8 J. Holder run out ............. 9 Narine st Wade b Maxwell24 K. Roach not out ............. 0 Extras: (lb13, w11) ......... 24 Total: (all out) .............. 212 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-10, 333, 4-159, 5-166, 6-166, 7-168, 8-179, 9-209, 10-212 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W McKay .................. 6-0-32-0 Starc ...................... 8-1-32-5 Faulkner ................ 7-0-40-0 Johnson ................ 9-0-32-0 Maxwell ............. 8.1-1-63-4

Tennis: Japan whitewash over Indonesia in Davis Cup T OKYO —Japan’s Yuichi Sugita and Yasutaka Uchiyama completed a 5-0 whitewash over Indonesia to wind up the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone Group I first-round tie on Sunday.

After taking an insurmountable 3-0 lead in the bestof-five contest on Saturday, Japan’s number four Sugita breezed past Indonesia’s number one Christopher Rungkat 6-1, 6-3.

Then Uchiyama, who made a winning debut for the national team on Saturday when he and Tatsuma Ito took the doubles for a 3-0 lead, whipped Wisnu Adi Nugroho 6-1, 6-3 in the last dead rubber.

The two matches were played in a shortened best-ofthree as Japan had already secured a place in the second round, where they will play either South Korea or India in April.

Meanwhile, Australia stormed past Taiwan in Sunday’s two singles matches to complete a 5-0 sweep in the Asia-Oceania Group I Davis Cup tie, inching towards their goal of competing in the World Group play-offs.

Australia, the top seed in this group, will face Uzbekistan in April. If successful, Australia will go into the World Group play-offs in September.

The Australians proved to

be too powerful for Taiwan who were missing their top player Lu Yen-hsun. Australia had virtually secured their berth against Uzbekistan on Saturday after Lleyton Hewitt and Christopher Guccione beat Lee Hsin-han and Peng Hsien-yin in the doubles 76(8), 6-4, 6-2.

In the first of Sunday’s two matches in Kaohsiung, Marinko Matosevic trounced Chen Ti 7-6, 6-3. Matosevic, who replaced Lleyton Hewitt in Sunday’s line-up and saw his world ranking rise fast to 48 from 201 last year, fended off Chen’s assaults by serving an ace to win the first set after a tie break.—AFP

Two former Pak. pacers aim to revolutionise in the skills of generating speed in body BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT M UMBAI —Some twelve years ago, the two Pakistani pacers, Ata-ur-Rehman and Wasim Akram didn’t see eye to eye. It was when during Justice Qayyum’s match-fixing enquiry Ataur-Rehman had claimed that Wasim Akram had paid him 100,000 Pakistani rupees to bowl badly in a oneday match held in New Zealand (Christchurch), in March 1994.

Ata-ur-Rehman was life-banned, but in November 2006, the ban was lifted by the ICC. The two have become friends since then.

“We are jointly launching an on-line coaching academy next week”,

Rehman, speaking exclusively over telephone from London, said.

“We have identified the body power generators for speed in a human body, the power wastage movements in a bowling action, and the same will be put into implementation”, he said.

The two claim having carefully worked with a team of dedicated nutritionists, fitness trainers, physios, an Indian sports phsychologist based in UK (Dr. Anand), a sports doctor and a Sydneybased researcher (Mazhar Idris) who has studied the human movement in fast bowling action for last ten years, and they all aim to bring expertise and a new revolution into the fast bowling.

“Our soon to be published book in English and

Urdu shows how the science and arts and crafts can be combined together in becoming the fast bower”, he added.

Wasim Akram’s services have not been sought regularly by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), but the 47-year-old former Pakistani captain has always been helpful to the young bowlers worldwide.

“We aim to approach various boards and associations to provide our coaching theme and hold talent spot camps for them”, Ata added.

“In our online coaching the people will be asked to send us a video of maximum 5 mins from front side and rear view and will provide them an assessment report studied by our expert panel”, he signed off.

Meditation can stave off cold and flu: Study M EDITATION can be extremely ef fective at preventing winter ailm e n t s like cold and flu, according to a new research. Adults who meditated or did moderately intense exercise, such as a brisk walk, for eight weeks suffered fewer colds than those who did nothing, according to a study from the University of Wisconsin?Madison.

Previous research has found that mindfulness meditation may improve mood, decrease stress, and boost immune function.

Some of the earliest references to meditation are found in the Hindu Vedas.

Around the 6th to 5th centuries BCE, other forms of meditation developed in Taoist China and Buddhist India.

The new study divided 149 people into three groups. One performed mindful meditation, a type of meditation that essentially involves focusing the mind on the present, the Daily Mail reported.

Another group jogged regularly for eight weeks while the third group did nothing.

The researchers then followed the health of the volunteers through the winter from September to May, although they didn‘t check whether or not people carried on exercising or meditating after the eight?week period.

The participants were observed for cold and flu symptoms such as a runny nose, stuffiness, sneezing, and sore throat.

Nasal wash samples were collected and analysed three days after the symptoms began.

The study, found that meditators missed 76 per cent fewer days of work from September through to May than those who did nothing.

Those who had exercised missed 48 per cent fewer days during this period.

In addition, mindful meditation can reduce the duration or severity of acute respiratory infections such by up to 50 per cent, and exercise by up to 40 per cent.

According to the website Scientific America, those who had exercised or meditated suffered for an average of five days; colds of participants in the control group lasted eight.

In addition, tests confirmed that the self-reported length of colds correlated with the level of antibodies in the body, which indicate the presence of a virus.

“Nothing has previously been shown to prevent acute respiratory infections,” said lead author Dr Bruce Barrett, a family medicine doctor and associate professor at the University.

“A lot of previous information suggested that meditation and exercise might have prevention benefits, but no high-quality, randomised trial had been done,” Barrett said. “Flu shots are partially effective, but only work for three strains of flu each year. The apparent 40

KARACHI: People carrying the coffin of renowned journalist and intllectual Sirajul Haq Memon, at Masjid Sultan in Defence.

Sindhi writer, journalist Siraj Memon laid to rest KARACHI—Renowned Sindhi intellectual‚ writer and journalist Sirajul Haq Memon was laid to rest here on Sunday. Memon passed away yesterday (Saturday). He was 79.

Born in Tando Jam in 1933, Siraj Memon was the author of many scholarly works on history and literature and also the author of Parado So Ee Saddu. He wrote about a dozen books and is considered a pillar of modern Sindhi. He published two collections of short stories and 6 novels in Sindhi. He also worked on Sindhi linguistics and contributed research reports on history of Sindhi language.

He had been the editor of established Sindhi daily Hilal-ePakistan for six years. Renowned writer Sirajul Haq Memon was appointed the editor who took the

paper to new heights. The daily Hilal-e-Pakistan‚ under the editorship of Siraj revolutionized Sindhi journalism.

The funeral was attended by a large number of people included lawyers community, members of judiciary, writers, intellectuals people of all walks of life, parliamentarians including Chief Justice Sindh High Court Mr. Justice Mushir Alam, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Senator Saeed Ghani, Secretary General Pakistan Peoples Party Sindh Mr. Taj Haider, Advisor to Prime Minister Mr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Provincial Ministers Mr. Murad Ali Shah, Mr. Jam Mehtab Dahar, Mr. Nadim Bhutto, Mr. Adil Siddiqui, Mr. Sagheer Ahmed, besides Members of Sindh Assembly Mr. Imdad Patafi, Mr. Sikandar

KARACHI: People taking view of replicas of mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam and mermaid built with sand by some artists.

Violence claims 4 lives K ARACHI — At least four people including a doctor have been killed during the recent spate of violence of Karachi while 15 suspects and two alleged dacoits have been taken into custody during targeted operation by police. One person was gunned down in Azizabad.

Unidentified men opened firing on a clinic in Haseenabad, injuring 50-year-old doctor. The doctor succumbed to injuries while he was being treated at a hospital. Another person was shot dead for offering resistance during dacoity at his house near Shafiq chowk. Meanwhile, police conducted targeted operation in Orangi town and SITE area of Karachi, arresting more than 15 suspected persons. Two dacoits were also nabbed during an alleged encounter at Shahrahe-Faisal.—NNI

Karachi police arrest 38 suspected during crackdown KARACHI—Police on Sunday claimed to have arrested dozens of suspected criminals and proclaimed offenders during a crackdown against lawbreakers in different areas of Karachi, officials said. Officials said East Zone police carried out an operation in different restive parts of the city and rounded up some 38 accused, including 15 proclaimed offenders. Police said illegal arms were also recovered from the suspected criminals.

At least 14 people, including a doctor, have been killed in Karachi over the past 24 hours as political violence continued in the economic hub of Pakistan.—Online

Shoro, Mr. Fayaz Butt, Dr. Sattar Rajpar, Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh Mr. Rashid Rabbani, Mr. Waqar Mehdi, Senior Lawyers Mr. Abdul Mujeeb Pirzada, Mr. Mansoor Ali Khan, Ex City Nazim Karachi Mr. Naimatullah Khan, Ex Chief Secretary Sindh Mr. Aslam Sanjarani, Ex I.G. Sindh Mr. Mushtaq Shah, Head of Chief Minister Inspection Team Mr. Subhan Memon, Secretary Culture Sindh Mr. Abdul Aziz Uqaili, D.G. Information Sindh Mr. Zulfiqar Shalwani, Ex D.G. Information Mr. Qazim Shah, Chief Editor Daily Hilal-e-Pakistan Mr. Nawaz Memon, Mr. Shahid Aziz Sidiqui, Mr. Abdul Qadir Mangi, Mr. Kamil Rajpar, Mr. Khan Mohammad Mehar, Mr. Nisar Memonand KARACHI—The 14th Convocaothers.—NNI tion of Preston University is going to be held on Wednesday, 06th of February, 2013 in the Grand Ball Room at Sheraton Hotel, Karachi. A total of 1000 students are expected to attend this mega event. It will include awarding degrees in various disciplines/programs while medals including Patron, Rector and sponsor medals on the basis of outstanding academic performance will also be awarded to the Prestonians. The Convocation will be attended by the Honorable Governor Sindh, Mr. Ishratul-Ibad Khan as Chief Guest, Dr. Abdul Basit, Chancellor Preston University and other VIPs. This ceremony will be attended by the students who have graduated between semesters Summer 2006 – Summer 2012. All the students will attend a before time rehearsal at 9am Wednesday mornKARACHI: People gathered near a dumper which killed two children after colliding ing which will be followed by the with motorcycle. mega event.—NNI

Govt accepts responsibility for teachers’ shortage KARACHI—Secretary Educa- would have a positive effect on to work towards their own bettion, Fazal Ullah Pechoho, has said that it was the government’s responsibility to make sure about enough teachers to teach the children.

Presiding as the chief guest at the event of Regional Launch of Annual Status of Education Provincial Report (ASER) 2012 issued jointly by South Asia Forum for Education Development (SAFED), Idara-e-Taleem-oAagahi (ITA, Foundation Open Society Institute, Department for International Development, British Council, National Commission for Human Development, Sindh Education Foundation, Health & Nutrition Development Society (HANDS) and Oxfam/Novib in Sindh to share findings of survey with those concerned, he said that the issue to focus on was the management of teachers.

Fazal Ullah Pechoho said that the Government was in the process of using technology to help reduce the issue of teacher absenteeism.

Prof. Anita Ghulam Ali hoped that the ASER report

the future of education by providing vital information to those in decision-making positions: while she also stated that the re-1 1 port did not cover up anything and showed harsh realities that we needed to face.

Baela Raza Jamil stated that it was heartening to see ASER carry momentum on a global scale as well as in Pakistan, deliberating that the report was a completely citizen led initiative and it showed the power of citizens; terming ASER report as a mirror to the Government regarding its progress in education. Zubieda Mustafa said that it was important to find out lack of improvement in education, even after greater government funding, while she also talked about the issue of the language in education stating that the option of teaching in our national language should be explored.

Kaiser Bengali stated that it was very difficult to monitor the state of education in the country and instead focus should be given on motivating the people

terment, while it was essential that results of the report be shared with those at the decision making level to be effective.

Harris Gazdar stressed on the need to explore other countries who have initiated education for all systems to learn how the same can be done in Pakistan, while also stressing a unified political environment to ensure further progress in education.

Dr. Sajid Ali expressed alarm over “not where we are educationally but where we are heading”, and also stressed the importance of education of parents, besides catering for education level of out of school persons , who have not had formal schooling and end up learning functional literacy required for daily survival.

Tanveer Ahmed greatly appreciated the work and commitment undertaken to compile the nation-wide report and it was a excellent source of information; besides stressing on importance of the civil society to aid the cause of education.—Online

Shazia Marri condoles Jam Yousuf’s death STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI — Member of the National Assembly Shazia Marri has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of Federal Minister for Privatisation Mir Jam Muhammad Yousaf.

Mir Jam Yousuf had a heart stroke in his flat Saturday night and was rushed to the PIM hospital where he breathed his last.

In a condolence message Shazia Marri has said: “It was sad to learn about the demise of MNA and Federal Minister Jam Yousuf, extend deepest condolences to his family and supporters. May Allah rest his soul in peace and grant strength and solace to his family and dear ones. Ameen.”

Arrested Indian fishermen approach Ramzan Chhipa for release

Convocation of Preston University on Wednesday

KARACHI: Indian fishermen, who were arrested for illegally fishing into Pakistan’s territorial waters, sit at a police station. Pakistan Maritime Security Agency has arrested 54 Indian fishermen and seized nine boats.

Colors of ASEAN held by Asean Women’s STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI — The

ASEAN Women and Friends is a nonprofit association formed in 1998 to promote cultural, social and educational exchanges amongst its members and the host country, Pakistan.

Welcoming the delegation, Ms. Natasha Saleem, President of ASEAN Women & Friends spoke on the occasion to appreciate the efforts of the delegation in their support towards this generous cause and helped achieving the goal of AWFA to help the poor and needy people of the

society.

The event was attended by highly distinguished diplomats, media and most prominent business entities. The inaugural ceremony was followed by a colorful cultural show. The foreigners attired in their national distinctive costumes presented their traditional dances, expressing the richness of their respective cultures.

The guests and performers included diplomats from Indonesia, China, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, USA, United

Kingdom and Pakistan.

The event also displayed the two famous fashion designers and haute couture ‘Trevor Castelino’ and ‘Linaz’ by Lina Sohail with their very exclusive and distinct work of eastern and western combination of dresses at the launch.

The ceremony kicked off with the Japanese Drum followed by Chinese Lantern Dance, Indonesian folk songs, Spanish dance hiphop performances by young talent. The delegates were thrilled at the beat of Poco Poco Dance Performance by Indonesia

KARACHI —Chhipa Welfare Association (CWA) is Pakistan’s vibrant Human Rights organisation and has since day one of its establishment struggled for the respect of rights of human irrespective to their cast, creed or colour.

CWA would make every effort to seek freedom of the imprisoned Indian fishermen on humanitarian grounds and till then would continue supporting them morally.

CWA Patron-in-chief and eminent human rights activist “Ramzan Chhipa” expressed these views while talking to Indian fishermen, who have been arrested from Pakistan waters and were handed over to the Docks Police.

“Chhipa” arranged food and other necessary goods for the arrested Indian fishermen at the Docks Police Station at Keamari area.

The arrested Indian fishermen appealed to the CWA Chief to make efforts on fast track so that the poor fishermen could be freed and returned to their homeland as they had by mistake entered Pakistani waters.—NNI

Type 1 diabetes rising in kids: Study

C

ASES of insulin-requiring type 1 diabe tes rose sharply in children under the age of five in Philadelphia over a two-decade span - similar to increases seen across the U.S. and Europe, according to new research. “Why are we seeing this large increase in type 1 diabetes in very young children? Unfortunately, the answer is we don’t know,” said lead study author Terri Lipman, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

In research published in Diabetes Care, Lipman and her colleagues updated a registry started in 1985 of Philadelphia children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. By 2004, cases in children under the age of five increased by 70 percent as the number of diagnosed cases among all kids up to age 14 rose by 29 percent.

In 1985, 13.4 out of every 100,000 children in Philadelphia was newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and in 2004, the rate was 17.2 cases per 100,000.

Hispanic children had the highest diabetes rates across all ages whereas cases in black children aged 4 and under, which had historically been very low, rose by 200 percent over the past two decades. Cases among white kids under 4 rose by 48 percent in 2000-2004, however, making theirs the fastest recent increase. Of the two most common forms of diabetes, type 2 typically affects adults who can still produce insulin, but whose bodies cannot use the hormone to regulate blood sugar.

Type 1, previously known as juvenile diabetes, typically strikes children whose immune systems have killed off insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The disease is usually fatal if left untreated.

Type 1 diabetics must take insulin but many type 2 diabetics can control the disease with medications, diet and exercise. Type 1 diabetes tends to start in adolescence, but especially in light of the rising number of cases in very young children, experts said parents need to be aware that toddlers and preschoolers are also susceptible.

Children from Chicago to Colorado to Finland have similarly increased rates of type 1 diabetes, though the cause eludes researchers.

“This younger group is a mystery,” said Dr. Carol Levy, a type 1 diabetes specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York who was not involved in the new study. “Make sure your child has a healthy lifestyle and maintains normal body weight; whether that’s a guarantee we’re going to reduce risk, we don’t know at this point.”

Several theories vie to explain the recent rise in diabetes among youth, including vitamin D deficiencies, lack of breastfeeding and overly-hygienic environments that might cause the immune system to backfire. “The data is controversial so that’s why I’m certainly very reluctant to propose a theory when nothing has been proven,” Lipman told Reuters Health. “The take home message is not to be alarmist. These data confirm what has been reported worldwide and in other parts of the United States,” said Dr. Lori Laffel, of the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, who was not involved in the study.

“It is important to be aware of the symptoms of diabetes,” Laffel told Reuters Health.

Symptoms can include extreme thirst, bed wetting or accidents in toilet-trained children or excessively wet diapers in babies, she said.

LAHORE: Leader of Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadees Prof Sajid Mir meeting with high level delegation of Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia led by Dr Abdul Aziz Al-Mabrok Ahmadi at his office.

New provinces commission ‘political drama’: Dar L AHORE —PML-N Senator over the formation of new provIshaq Dar has described the formation of a new provinces commission prior to the elections as a “political drama.”

He was addressing the media after the inaugural ceremony of blood bank and laboratory at Data Darbar hospital in Lahore on Sunday.

Dar said, “If the government presents a constitutional bill pertaining to the formation of new provinces, so will the PML-N.” Ishaq said that the government will not be able to get twothird majority to pass the bill

inces.

Dar said the commitment to Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran chief Tahirul Qadri was not his party’s issue and the decision regarding the caretaker prime minister will be made by the prime minister and opposition leader.

“If the prime minister and opposition leader fail to reach an agreement, the matter will be sent to the committee and if the committee cannot decide, the matter will be sent to the Election Commission.”

He slammed Tahirul Qadri for demanding dissolution of election comission.

He added that six weeks were left to make a decision on the caretaker setup. “Everything will be clear after the dissolution of assemblies.”

Dar added that if an honest government was elected the situation in the country would drastically improve. According to Dar, Nawaz Sharif would soon announce the agenda of the PML-N, stating that dividing the country on basis of ethnicity was not the correct step.—INP

LAHORE: Members of Organising Committee of International Journalism Conference meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.

PML-Q completes polls work L AHORE —Pakistan Muslim League (Q) on Sunday completed initial working concerning elections in the country.

PML-Q and various working group held a high level meeting regarding general elections, party strategies in this regard.

It was formally decided in the PML-Q meeting that more than 75 candidates from National Assembly and 120 from Provincial Assemblies of various constituencies will field their candidates in this regard.

Pakistan Muslim League (Q) has also shown reservations on the seat adjustment as some of the PPP leaders are getting prepared for taking part in the elections from those constituencies from which PML(Q) got successful in the past.

Whereas it had been decided among the political parties in the ruling alliance that the candidates of those parties would be given an opportunity in the elections in those constituencies, where they were victorious in the previous elections and other parties in the coalition would support it.

There are also some differences between PPP and PML-Q were noticed on the seats of district Gujrat and some hawks are airing the issue due to which the breach could be widened in both parties before general elections.—Online

Aiwan-e-Iqbal on fire

LAHORE—A fire broke out in Aiwan-e-Iqbal on Edgerton Road on Sunday.

Rescue sources said a fire broke out in a software office on the 7th floor of Awan-e-Iqbal due to short circuit.

Firefighter teams reached the spot and started a rescue operation.

They doused the fire after a placed by the three progressive struggle of one hour.

No death or injury was reexaminations known as the preported in the incident.—APP liminary law, the first certificate in law and the Licentiate in law.

From 1885 to 1906, the course study extended to three years in 1887 and passing of intermediate examination of the university was made a condition for admission to the law classes.

For the Licentiate in Law examination, a candidate was required LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minto be a graduate. ister Muhammad Shahbaz The previous decision of Sharif has suspended Tehsildar three years law course were re- Haroonabad Ahmed Raza Sulvered which continued several tan and Additional Deputy Colyears now PU switched over lector Farooq Alvi on commitagain to old decision for reintro- ting irregularities in the illegal ducing three years law course in occupation of 400 kanal land.

English language with a condiAccording to a handout istion of qualifying the entrance sued by DGPR here, an overseas Pakistani had informed the chief test.

Now around 1600 students minister about illegal occupation under three years program are of his land. Upon which the studying in morning, afternoon chief minister constituted an inand evening session besides quiry committee and in the light LLM and six different one year of its report, he suspended the two officers.—APP diplomas.—APP

PU Law College turns 144 years old LAHORE—The Law College, a and admission to the Bar. constituent college of the Punjab University and the oldest seat of learning dedicated to the promotion of sound and enlightened study of law in the sub-continent turned 142 years old.

The newly appointed Principal Javed Akhtar tracing the history of the historic college while talking to APP here Sunday said that the law classes are older than the university. The law classes were started by the Anjuman-iPunjab in 1868 which was later taken over by the Punjab University in 1870.

He said that the course of study extended over two years and instructions were given in two separate classes, one in English and other in Vernacular. No test was laid down for admission and there was no examinations as certificates awarded by the college possessed little value.

The Punjab Chief Court held its own examinations for leadership

In 1873 rules were framed requiring the passing of entrance examination of some university or the Punjab University college as condition for admission to the law classes.

The following year,the judges of the Chief Court conceded to the Punjab University Law College,the privilege for holding the leadership examination. It was laid down that with the exception of special cases allowed by the Chief Court, no one would be admitted to the law examination without having passed entrance examination or its equivalent.

Javed Akhtar said that success in first examination qualified the candidates for ‘Mukhtarship’ and in second examination qualified him for leadership in the subordinate. Pleaders with 5 years standing could be admitted to the Chief Court Bar.In 1885,the system was re-

Two officers suspended on irregularities

Shahbaz seeks unanimous agenda towards national issues SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that negotiations are underway with Jamaat-eIslami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Jamiat Ulema-e Pakistan and other political parties for electoral alliance in the general elections.

He said this while talking to reporters at the wedding of the reporter of a private TV channel Asim Naseer at Township Sunday.

Responding to a question of media, the Chief Minister said that the whole nation should be united on national interest and there should be a unanimous agenda towards national issues.

Answering a question about replacement of governors, Shahbaz Sharif said that all possible steps should be taken for ensuring free, fair and impartial elections. He said that Opposition Leader in National Assembly Ch. Nisar Ali Khan has given a clear-cut statement on the issue of changing provincial governors. He said that holding of timely elections is vital for national solidarity and stability.

He further said that metro bus service is a unique project of Pakistan’s history and its completion will bring about substantial improvement in the public transport system and the travelling style of the masses will be changed. He said that he himself, provincial ministers, assembly members, employees, laborers and common man will travel by metro bus. He said that metro bus service will result in comfortable, economical and safe transport facilities to the people. He said that though there is modern system of metro bus in many countries but Pakistan’s metro bus project is the best with regard to its standard, transparency and speed.

The Chief Minister said that inauguration of metro bus service on February 10 will bring happiness and relief to the people. He said that Punjab government has completed this splendid project at a minimum cost and within a record period while this unique system has been evolved first time in the 65 years’ history of the country.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistani

youth are very talented and proper utilization of resources is essential to enable them play their due role in the progress and development of the country. He said that though not much has been done in the practical field during the last 65 years but we should remain hopeful that the young generation will ensure a bright future for the country by utilizing its abilities and energies.

He was talking to a delegation of International Journalism Conference Organizing Committee comprising male and female students of various universities, led by Secretary General of the Foundation for Promotion of Academic Collaboration, Amir Rafiq and Chairman International Journalism Conference Organizing Committee Rizwan Anwar, at Model Town.

Talking to the delegation, the Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that Punjab government has taken revolutionary steps for the welfare of the youth. He said that incentives have been offered to the youth through various schemes for making them useful citizens of the society. He said that the facilities given by Punjab gov-

ernment to the students in educational institutions during the last five years are unprecedented. He stressed upon the members of the delegation to play their role for collective betterment of the society so that the goal of development and prosperity of the country could be achieved.

Chairman of the delegation Rizwan Anwar while appreciating the constructive activities initiated by Punjab government for the youth assured all possible cooperation. Amir Rafiq paid rich tributes to Chief Minister Punjab on introducing laptops and Ujala programme for the students and said that provision of solar system to the students on merit will bring revolution in educational field. The members of the delegation including University Coordinator Maha Jamil, Anam Nargis, Sasha Nadeem, Hiba Khan, Awais Razaq and others congratulated Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif on completing mega projects like metro bus system within a short period of eleven months and increasing popularity of Pakistan Muslim LeagueN among the youth.

Drizzle troubles motorcyclists LAHORE—The drizzle on Sunday afternoon left the city roads soggy which made travelling difficult for the motorcyclists who slipped in various incidents in the provincial metropolis.

It became difficult to control the bikes and many motorcyclists slipped and received minor injuries while some escaped accidents after the slippery roads made it difficult for the motor-bikers to control the two-wheelers. Muhammad Ishtiaq had a narrow escape when his bike slipped at the Shadman Chowk traffic signal and hit a rickshaw in the rear after he applied brakes during the drizzle.

Talking to APP here Sunday, he said that the light rain had LAHORE: Firefighters and rescue workers seen in the building of Aiwan-e-Iqbal after ex- turned the roads muddy and the tinguishing fire due to short-circuit on Sunday. tyres did not grip the mettled roads. He said that he received minor injuries. Dr. Tahir Rasheed of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said that the a person must get antiSTAFF REPORTER unless he pays tribute to the tetanus injection administered Holy Prophet in his prayers, he within 6 hours in case one gets a LAHORE—There is no leader in added. dirty wound on the road.—APP Zubair Sheikh said that Pakistan who can claim of beOriya Maqbool Jan is competing truthful and trustworthy and people can confirm it in front of ing with the enemies of Islamic LAHORE—Two people were Minar-e-Pakistan. Unfortu- as a firm believer and true lover killed and another 8 seriously nately our planning is perfect but of Prophet (PBUH). Engr. injured when a flour mill colnot to get the favours of Allah. Abdul Majeed Khan said that lapsed near Ferozepur Road on personality of Prophet Sunday.

That is why we fail.

According to Rescue 1122 These thoughts were ex- Muhammad (PBUH) was so pressed by speakers at a gath- dear to Almighty God that He is sources, a two-storey flour mill collaped near Atari Darbar on ering at TECH Club on the topic proud of him.

Engr. Mushtaq Ahmed Bhatti Ferozpur Road. of “importance of following On Information, rescuers Seeratul Nabi in today’s life”. added that the life of Prophet Columnist and former minister (PBUH) is an example for us rushed to the spot and started an of state Qayyum Nizami said particularly in this age of selfish- operation.

The dead and injured were that today we are facing hurdles ness, greediness, chaos and anxito promote Islam in the world ety. Oriya Maqbool Jan said that shifted to General Hospital due to lack of our the knowledge which is not based Lahore.

The dead were identified characterfullness and observing on reality creates problems in our human rights. Love for Holy society. Unless our hearts are not as Muhammad Tariq son of Prophet is a part of faith of ev- pure how they will aboard God Muhammad Anees and ery Muslim and the prayer of and love of Holy Prophet Safdar son of Muhammad Sarwar.—APP every Muslim is not complete (PBUH), he added.

Country needs sincere leader Two killed in mill collapse