Ep08june2014

Iran, Pakistan ink prisoners’ swap MoU T EHRAN —Iranian and Pakistani officials have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on prisoners swap deal between the two countries in a recent meeting in Iran, a senior official announced on Saturday.

MoU was signed by Iran’s Justice Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s senior advisor for national security and foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz in Tehran in May, Pakistani Consul General Mohammad Taher Qureishi said in a meeting with Sistan and

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The issue of foreign assets of politicians

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Demand for Khalistan resurfaces ................................................

PEMRA handles Geo case clumsily

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Pemra penalty on Geo not satisfactory: Asif Ready to reply the lawsuit filed by Geo OBSERVER REPORT ISLAMABAD—In its first ever reaction over Pemra’s decision to suspend Geo News for 15 days, the Ministry of Defence said Saturday that it is not satisfied with the penalty awarded after the private TV channel was declared guilty of misconduct. In a formal complaint filed late April, the defence ministry had sought revocation of the private news channel’s licence and prosecution of its editorial and management teams under regulatory laws for electronic media for allegedly bringing premier spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence into disrepute and harming national interest.

On Friday, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) suspended the licence of Geo News for 15 days and fined it Rs10 million to be paid before the expiry of the suspension period. It said the suspension period may be extended if the fine is not paid, and that proceedings for the revocation of Geo News’ licence shall be initiated in case the licensee persists in its violations. But the defense ministry appears to be seeking a harsher punishment for the private media group.

“We reserve the right to take it up the matter at the next appellate level for enhancement of punishment awarded to Geo,” Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif said in an official statement on Saturday.

Shortly after Pemra’s statement, the channel was blocked by nearly all cable operators countrywide.

Hours before the penalty was announced, Geo said it was suing the ISI for defamation

over accusations of being anti-state. Geo News, part of the privately-owned Jang Group, also gave the ISI 14 days to issue a public apology and pay $500 million in damages.

The lawsuit was announced in news articles published in the group’s daily newspapers, Jang and The News. On the defamation lawsuit, the defence minister said: “We are ready and waiting to reply the suit filed by Geo and fully prepared to defend the charges leveled against Ministry of Defence and ISI in the Court of law.

The minister further said that the Geo was spreading anarchy through their channel in the country. We are endeavoring for prevention of yellow journalism.

Indian govt aims to step up defence procurement

Egypt bans unlicensed preachers, tightens grip on mosques

M UMBAI—India’s military, one of the world’s largest arms importers, aims to speed up defence procurement in the interests of “national security,” the country’s new defence minister announced Saturday.

The policy announcement comes just after the new right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in late last month.

India’s weapons acquisition programme was bogged down by a string of graft scandals under the previous Congress led government of Manmohan Singh that was ousted in general elections staggered over April and May. “National security is an issue which has always been a priority issue for us (the BJP),” Defence Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters.

India needed more defence procurement and faster procurement, Jaitley added. The country still has a number of procurement needs, including for fighter jets, combat helicopters, as well as artillery, drones and electronic warfare systems, as it seeks to update its ageing military hardware.

Decree threatens fines, jail for free lance Imams

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C AIRO —Egypt has banned unauthorized preachers from giving sermons or teaching Islam in mosques and other public places, according to a decree on Saturday marking a further step in official efforts to curb Islamist influence. The decree issued by interim President Adly Mansour’s office also threatened fines and jail for freelance imams, especially if they wore clerical garments associated with the respected Al-Azhar center of Sunni learning in Cairo.

Selected employees of the religious endowments ministry will be empowered by

the justice ministry to arrest anyone caught violating the decree, it added.

“No preacher will mount a minbar next Friday without a permit,” the ministry said on its Facebook page, referring to the traditional raised pulpit in a mosque. The decision was taken to “preserve national security,” it said. The military-backed government sees mosques as recruiting grounds for Islamist parties and has moved to bring them under tighter control since the army toppled President Mohamed Mursi of the

2 soldiers martyred, several injured in terrorist blasts TARIQ SAEED P ESHAWAR —The security forces continued to be under attack in Bajaur agency where IED blasts in the remote border areas Saturday morning resulted in the martyrdom of at least two soldiers and serious injuries to many others. On the other hand a grand tribal Jirga of the elders appealed to the government to halt what it termed unannounced operation in the North Waziristan agency saying most factions of the Taliban in North Waziristan have given the

Jirga mandate to seek peace in the agency.

Reports reaching here and as confirmed by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said at least two security personnel were martyred and number of others injured in two landmine blasts in different areas of Bajaur Agency on Saturday. According to details, unknown miscreants targeted security forces vehicle through an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in Bara Kamrang area in Tehsil Nawagai of Bajaur

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Altaf released on bail LONDON—Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain was released on bail from a police station in London on early Saturday morning. Altaf Hussain was interviewed at the police station after being discharged from Wellington Hospital. The interview lasted for nine hours after which Altaf Hussain’s lawyers filed bail application

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CM approves plan for Karak gas connections

Mahtab condemn Bajaur Agency blasts P ESHAWA R —The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan has strongly condemned two separate landmine blasts in different areas of Bajaur Agency here on Saturday and expressed his deep shock and sorrow over the loss of precious lives of security personnel.

Expressing his deep sympathies with members of the bereaved families, the Governor said that the immortal sacrifices of the officers and jawans of our security forces for the security of the country will never go in vain and will always be remembered with great pride.

The elements involved in the heinous crime, he added, will also no more remain at large and will be brought to court of law and justice.

He also prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and courage to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss with patience. He has also wished ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak chairing a meeting for regularizing illegal early recovery of the in- gas connections in gas producing districts of province. jured.—APP

‘Lawyers fraternity can help eradicate injustice’ ABDUL KHALIQ QURESHI ABBOTTABAD—Mere provisioning of justice, the entire evils out of our civil society cannot be eliminated.

The lawyers’ fraternity should work to conclude injustice far away from civil society, and to launch work for strengthening judiciary by eliminating corruption, poverty, and price hike to abrogate traditional but artificial mechanism. This was stated by Peshawar High Court Judge (PHCJ) Justice Abdul Latif Khan in a meeting held at District Bar Association(DBA), Mansehra on Saturday for oath taking ceremony of newly elected office bearers.

Initially, justice Abdul Latif Khan took over the oath from the elected cabinet members of president of DBA Mansehra, Munir Hussain Lughmani Advocate, vice president Muhammad Shafiq, General Secretary Wajehul Mulk, and congratulated them for the assumption of their

new offices together with to bear their newly offices responsibilities.

Justice Abdul Latif Khan said that the DBA, Mansehra already possessed glaring but prominent traditions in which various lawyers’ fraternity affiliated with the numerous institutions based on different school of thoughts and with the political parties also.

He said that the DBA Mansehra has created a unique example by electing him its president without holding any combat, to which the entire available bar associations within the jurisdictional territory, should follow such an example in their future appropriate annual time of elections prominently.

He divulged that he was a practicing lawyer of DBA Mansehra so in the light which he is feeling pleasure and happiness by taking oath from the elected office bearers of this Bar Association.

Justice Abdul Latif Khan while emphasizing over the issue of senior and junior lawyers said

that the senior lawyers should transfer their abilities to new comer lawyers enabling them to work for provisioning quick justice at the door step of the litigants.

On concluding session of the meeting for the further one year unanimously elected president DBA Mansehra, Munir Hussain Lughmani Advocate went on to say that the lawyers’ fraternity had sacrificed their lives for the restoration of rights of judiciary along with supremacy of law was also included in their 2007 countrywide movement.

He said that implementation of orders passed by judiciary from time to time should be obeyed with letter and spirit.

He also informed justice Abdul Latif Khan that deficiency of judges at lower courts level should be completed soon, in reply of which Justice Latif khan assured his full support to appoint judges from lawyers quota would be completed as well as deputed soon in the district, Mansehra.

Paramedics apprise Three more children die of measles Tarakai of grievances S WABI —A representative delegation of paramedics association, headed by Buland Iqbal, met provincial Health Minister Shahram Khan Tarakai on Saturday and apprised about their grievances including implementation of Time-scale, upgradation and health profession allowance.

The delegation which comprised provincial leaders of paramedics’ staff including Mujahid Azam of KTH, Habib Khan of HMC, Anwar Khan, Zakir Yousafzai, Faizur Rehman from Batgram, Khalid Usman of Karak, Taj Muhammad of Mardan and Fazal Karim of Swabi, had detailed discussion with the minister in this regard.

The delegation told the minister, though a service structure for paramedic staff was announced in 2006 but due to some complication it was yet to be implemented.

The service structure, they said could only provide benefit to only 20% of the total employees while employees having service span of 25 to 30 years could not get any benefit of this structure and were still working in scale-9 which was a unjust.

They demanded a similar time-scale and up gradation formula on the pattern of teachers and clerks.

The Minister termed their demands as just full and fair and asked the concerned officers for prompt steps to address them. He also assured the delegation that provincial government would try its best to address problems of the paramedic staff.—APP

Awarding Multan big city status lauded M ULTAN —President Federal Revenue Alliance Employees Union (Multan Chapter) Tahir Khakwani lauded Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for awarding Multan as status of “Big City” and added that it would offer handsome increase in salaries of government employees.

Talking to APP, Tahir Khawkani informed that it was long standing demand of the local government employees. The addition in salaries would be in house hiring or rental ceiling. He informed that there would be addition of Rs 2260 in salaries of employees in working in scale-1 to 2.

Similarly, Rs 3310 in salaries of employees working in scales three to six, Rs 5035 in scales seven to ten, Rs 7360 in scales 11 to 13, Rs 9305 in scales 14 to 16, Rs 12310 for scale 17 to 18, Rs 16055 for scale 19, Rs 20260 for grade 20, Rs 24385 for grade 21 and Rs 30600 for the employees working in grade 22, would be raised under the big city allowance.

He hoped that Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif would issue notification very soon in this regard. It is pertinent to mention here that Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif had announced Multan as big city on June-5, during his visit to the city.—APP

K ARAK —Death toll due to epidemic measles arises to five as three more children died of the disease here on Saturday.

Different areas of Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are in the grip of measles since the mercury has gone up.

Three children identified as Huzaifa, Abdullah and Mureeb who were under treatment at District Headquarters (DQH) Hospital expired on Saturday mounting

death tally to five since last 10 days.

Eight more children affected of measles and under treatment at hospital are stated to be in critical condition.

The people belonging to different areas affected of the disease have expressed concerns over the prevailing situation and they criticized the health authorities and distrct administration for not taking any step to overcome the disease.—INP

PESHAWAR—Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has approved the provision of loan to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines limited (SNGPL) under the arrangement Suigas authorities will regularize all illegal gas connections in district Karak and Kohat. For this purpose all details would be provided to the Department of Energy and Power for onward arrangements. The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting held with Chief Minister Pervez Khattak in the chair.

Besides Federal Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources Abid Saeed, Managing Director SNGPL Arif Hameed, Parliamentary Secretary Planning and Development Mian Khaleeq-ur-Rehman, Chief Secretary KP Amjad Ali Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Khalid Pervez, Secretary Finance Sayed Badshah Bokhari and Secretary Energy Sahibzada Saeed, elected public representatives from southern districts and elite of the area were also present.

The meeting decided that SNGPL under a written agreement with the representatives of the Karak Jirga will have to regularize all domestic connections and in this connection both the company and local administration would be extended full cooperation and no illegal connections will be allowed in future.—APP

JUIS elections NOWSHERA—Maulana Irfanul Haq Haqqani and Maulana Anwarullah Bacha Azakhel were today elected President and General Secretary of the Jamiat Ulema Islam (Sami) District Noswhera Chapter respectively.

The electoral meeting of JUIS Nowshera was held at Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqani Akorat Khattak under Chairmanship of Central Nazim Elections Maulana Syed Yusaf Shah, Central Deputy General Secretary Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani and Provincial Nazim Elections Maulana Muhammad Israel.

The JUIS Ulema and members from the entire district attended the electoral meeting wherein office bearers for District Nowshera and Tehsil Nowshera were elected unanimously.—APP

FIR against 6,000 farmers in Punjab

Bilawal warns Punjab to stop anti-farmers policy STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PatronIn-Chief, Pakistan Peoples Party has condemned registration of an FIR against more than 6,000 farmers for holding protest demonstration at Okara bypass in Punjab and demanded immediate withdrawal of cases.

In a statement issued here Saturday, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Pakistan Kissan Ittehad had held the peaceful protest for their genuine demands and rights early this week but the Punjab government and its authorities ignored them and didn’t heed their cries.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and targeting farmers and implicating them in concocted cases won’t be tolerated anywhere in Pakistan,” he added.

He said PPP belongs to farmers, growers, peasants, workers, youth, students and all segments of the society and no injustice with anyone from working class would unattended. “PPP stands for the genuine rights of the farmers as Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto & Shaheed Benazir Bhutto had always been struggling for the rights of masses and laid down their lives for them,” he stated.

Plan to expand network of Sweet Homes I SLAMABAD —The government plans to expand the network of Sweet Homes to the entire country to provide free education and accommodation to the orphans and other deserving children.

According to Radio Pakistan quoting an official source, thirty-two Sweet Homes are currently operational in different parts of the country.

Over three thousand children are being provided free education, meals, medical treatment, boarding and lodging at these homes, he added.

He said a comprehensive policy will be introduced to start public private partnership scheme to get funds for Sweet Homes.

Pakistan Baitul Maal (PBM) Managing Director Sheikh Abdul Waheed earlier assured that “Great Homes” would be set up for the senior citizens having no resources to earn a livelihood.

Academia-industry linkages to reduce unemployment

“First project of “Great Homes” is being started in Lahore and the plan would be extended to other cities gradually,” he said.

Waheed said that the existing chain of “Sweet Homes” where needy students are being provided education and accommodation would be further strengthened.

The PBM MD urged different business chambers to individually hold public welfare programmes from time to time to facilitate the common man.

PBM, in collaboration with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), would start a campaign to create awareness among the masses about importance of social work, inviting philanthropists to come forward for the noble cause and needy/patients to contact the organisation for financial assistance. staff reportNUST hosts int’l workshop.—APP

Harsh weather conditions to persist

FAISALABAD—Prof Dr. Iqrar I SLAMABAD —Parts of the upper Sindh remained in the HYDERABAD: Activists of Young Doctors Association Sindh hold a protest in favour of their demands on Saturday.

Mobile phones recovered from jail Q UETTA —The

Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan recovered six mobile phone sets and sims from prisoners in Hudda Jail in the provincial capital, here.

A spokesman for the FC said that FC teams conducted search operation in Hudda jail and recovered six mobile phone sets and sims of different mobile phone networks.

The police have been asked to investigate into the matter. Further probe was underway. Abbottabad: A six-member armed dacoit gang allegedly robbed the Habib Bank branch at Link road Abbottabad and injured its two guards here on Friday.

District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Ali Gandapur while giving details of the incident told the media that the dacoits barged into a HBL situated Link road Abbottabad at 12 noon.

They allegedly held the bank’s staff hostage on gun point and injured the bank guards, looted Rs. 839,000 cash from the cash counter, he added.

One of the bank customer disclosed and claimed that the armed robbers also looted the bank customers, snatched their purse, cell phones and wrest watches.

The DPO further said that the robbers were reportedly speaking Pushto language as “we have the close circuit TV cameras (CCTV) footage of the robbers which will help us during investigation”.—APP

UN for greater commitment to tackle AIDS I SLAMABAD —UN officials warned that despite significant efforts, the AIDS epidemic is far from being totally wiped out and urged more investment and innovation was required to end the global epidemic.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the UN General Assembly’s annual meeting on review of progress in tackling AIDS that the number of people accessing HIV treatment globally increased nearly 20 percent between 2011 and 2012 alone, Xinhua reported.

In his latest report on the issue, Ban outlined progress achieved in the 10 target areas designed to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS by the end of 2015, as it was set out three years ago by world leaders in the 2011 Political Declaration.

He said that the world is making “solid headway” in meeting some of the targets and commitments from the declaration, such as expanding treatment access,eliminating HIV infections among children and keeping their mothers alive, and mobilising resources.

“We have the tools, the science and the knowledge to end AIDS once and for all. But we cannot let confidence turn to complacency, “he stated.—APP

22 die, scores injured in road accidents Four burnt to death as van catches fire SUKKUR—About six people lost their lives and 14 others were injured in an road accident near Sabzi Mandi, Sukkur, here on Saturday.

According to local Police, a truck collided with a van in Sukkur, leaving six dead and at least 14 injured.

Ayaz Mugheri, Sadam, Muzmal Khokhar, Shabir Jogi were died on the spot, said Sukkur police.Protests broke out in the area after the collision and a large contingent of the police was called to the scene.

The injured were taken to Civil Hospital Sukkur for medical treatment, where five people are reportedly in critical condition.

Enraged demonstrators attempted to burn the truck in protest and threw rocks at police vehicles.

Meanwhile, it is reported that Members Provincial Assembly Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Syed Awais Qadir Shah have expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in a road accident on Sabzi Mandi Sukkur on Saturday. They expressed condolences and sympathies with the bereaved families and prayed for the early recovery of the injured.

They directed the Sukkur commissioner and the pro-

vincial health authorities to provide the best possible treatment to the injured.

Sargodha: Five persons of a family including three women were killed and two children injured in a road accident in Kotmomin police limits on Saturday.

Police said Aamer Shakoor of Lahore alongwith his six family members was riding a vehicle when its tyre burst and it hit a trailer near Kotmomin Interchange. As a result, Aamer Shakoor, Basit Ali, Sammia Shakoor, Asma Bibi and Arfa died on the spot while Faizan (3) and Aiman (5) were injured. Police have shifted the injured to a local hospital in a serious condition.

Mansehra: At least five passengers were killed and 24 others injured when a minibus fell into a ravine at Gandhian here on Saturday morning.According to police, the bus travelling from Rawalpindi to Skardu fell into a gorge at Gandhian when its driver lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a sharp turn. People said the incident took place due to over speed.

Rescue workers and locals shifted the bodies and injured passengers to hospitals in Mansehra and Abbottabad.—APP

Foolproof security directive F AISALABAD —Divisional

MANSEHRA: Relatives of the person killed in road accident, mourn at a local hospital on Saturday.

IG asks officials to keep eye on activities of arms dealers Announces 5 mobile vehicles for 2 districts HYDERABAD —The Inspector General Po- could effective control the crimes in its julice Sindh Iqbal Mehmood has asked all Senior superintendents and Deputy Superintendents of Police to keep vigil on the activities of arms dealers in order to ascertain the numbers of sold weapons.

The crime should be combated strictly with protection for the life and property of common man and in this respect no negligence will be tolerated, he maintained while addressing the SSPs and DSPs of Hyderabad Region in a meeting held here the other day.The IGP has directed the officers not to waste time in completion of investigation of the registered cases and submit the challans of accused persons with required evidences so that could be taken to task by the court of law.

The criminals are being saved from punishment because of weak evidences of their cases, he said and warned that if any negligence or partiality of any police officer found, he will be dealt accordingly.

The IGP also directed the police officers to increase mobile patrolling for curbing of street crimes and highways dacoities.

Effective operation should also be launched in the areas and hideouts of the outlaws and proclaimed offenders and absconders should be arrested at the earliest, he said and directed the establishment of police check posts on roads with availability of at least two vehicles so that the deployed police staff of the check posts

risdiction.

He directed the appointment of a separate Deputy Superintendent of Police Investigation for early disposal of cases. He also underlined the need of holding regular meetings of the offices of the police, CID and Crime Branch so that law and order could be controlled in effective manner through joint collaboration.

The IGP Sindh informed that various projects have been prepared for police welfare and preference is being given to the families of those policemen who sacrificed their lives. Besides financial assistance, he informed that employment to the children of martyred will be given. An area of 300 acres land has also been pointed out where plots will be given to the heirs of martyred, he informed and added that all paper work had been completed for establishment of first ever Police Cadet College in the province.

He assured that complete security will be provided to business community and police personnel will be deployed at important shopping areas particularly during the month of Ramzan-ul-Mubarak.

A total of 50 motorbikes have been provided to Rapid Response Force (RRF) of Hyderabad and soon bullet proof jackets will be provided to RRF, he said. The IGP directed the deployment of ladies police at Resham Bazaar Hyderabad and further activation of Women Police Station.—APP

Commissioner Faisalabad, Sardar Akram Jawed directs Security Personals (SP) to take concrete steps for foolproof security in the Faisalabad Division and their in-charge Officers should adopt maximum precautionary measures to avert any terrorist incident.

This was stated by Divisional Commissioner Sardar Akram Jawed while chairing a meeting of Divisional Intelligence Committee here. RPO Ch. Muhammad Nawaz Warraich, DCO Noor-ulAmin Mangal and Officers of various local intelligence departments also attended the Meeting.

The Commissioner said that it was paramount duty of security personals to protect the life and property of the citizens and make appropriate arrangements for the security of sensitive places and added that the security officials should not lapse security of vital places and keep the security arrangements on high alert basis.

He further advised that the security officers should also depute their staff for security and protection of Chinese and other foreign countries technicians working in Faisalabad and appoint a most responsible officer as ‘Focal Person’ in this respect who should keep constant liaison with foreign nationals working or staying in Faisalabad.

Commissioner also directed that adequate security measures should be adopted at all monuments, masajid, imambargah and other religious places of worship, especially strict security measures be adopted on Shab-e-Barat at all mosques and worship places.

He also suggested tightening the security in Ramzan Bazaars in Faisalabad and taking Ulema in confidence to maintain religious harmony.—APP

Ahmad Khan Vice Chancellor University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) has said that strengthened academiaindustry linkages and promotion of research couture will help the country to cope with different challenges including food insecurity, power crisis, unemployment, low productivity and poverty.

He was chairing the concluding session of weeklong training workshop titled ‘capacity building in the technical proposal writing for PARCALP grants’ arranged by Office of Research Innovation and Research (ORIC), UAF in collaboration with Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, here on Saturday.

He said that research work should not be piled up in library and it must be transferred into goods and services. Keeping in view, the University had expedited its outreach and community oriented programme to educate the farmers about latest agricultural tools.

He said, the food insecurity is one of major areas as it hits 58 percent population of the country. If our farmers do not adopt the modern pattern of agriculture, the country cannot fulfill the dream of food security. He said that the UAF research portfolio has touched to Rs 2 billion which was just less than 400 million four years ago.—APP

grip of severe heat wave on Saturday while experts predicting the prevailing harsh weather conditions to persist during the next couple of days.

Weather, remained hot and dry in different parts of the upper Sindh. In Sukkur, mercury rose as high as 48 degree Celsius, while in Jaccobabad was recorded 50 C,Rohri 48 C, Khairpur 48, Ghotki 47 and Shikarpur 48 C. In Sukkur, people avoided unnecessarily coming out, decreasing traffic on otherwise busy roads at noon and in the afternoon.

The Multan Met office has forecast hot and dry weather with chances of dust raising winds for the city and its suburbs during the next 24 hours.—APP

Private schools forced to close from tomorrow MANSOOR PIRZADA G HOTKI —Deputy Director Private Schools conducted secret visit at private schools during summer vacations in Daharki on Monday. According to details, Ghulam Mujtaba Dayo Deputy Director Private Schools and Asif Mangi Assistant Director conducted a secret visit at various schools including The Citizen Foundation (TCF), The Educators, Engro Sahara School, Kids Garden, Ghazali Al-Madina and other schools. The institutes were open even after the official announcement of summer vacations, while students were compelled to study and bear the load shedding due the recovery of monthly fees. Hearing the news of visit, principals of several schools left their offices.

Sukkur: Parts of the upper Sindh remained in the grip of severe heat wave on Saturday while experts predicting the prevailing harsh weather conditions to persist during the next couple of days.

Weather, remained hot and dry in different parts of the upper Sindh. In Sukkur, mercury rose as high as 48 degree Celsius, while in Jaccobabad was recorded 50 C,Rohri 48 C, Khairpur 48, Ghotki 47 and Shikarpur 48 C. In Sukkur, people avoided unnecessarily coming out, decreasing traffic on otherwise busy roads at noon and in the afternoon.—APP

Ombudsman role is to combat mal-administration: Riaz RAFIULLAH MANDOKHAIL ZHOB —Secretary Provincial Ombudsman Riaz Ahmad has said that the ombudsman is an institution in the administrative setup to curb and combat maladministration, mitigate masses grievances and provide them speedy justice.

Secretary Ombudsman, who was speaking at a one-day seminar held at assembly hall on Saturday, highlighted the role of Ombudsman in fostering the cause of good governance. The seminar was aimed at creating awareness about the Ombudsman.

Director and Children’s Commissioner Syed Munawar Shah, Deputy Commissioner Zhob Nazar Muhammad Khetran, Deputy Commissioner Sherani Saeed Ahmed Umrani, ADC Taj Muhammad Hariphal, Regional Director Nadeem Tahir, Assistant Commissioner Ali Ashgar, Ad-

ing since Caliph Hazrat Umer, while the system started in Pakistan in 1983 and in Balochistan in 2001. The Provincial Ombudsman Balochistan is charged with the responsibility to protect the rights of the people, ensuring adherence to the rule of law, diagnosing, redressing and rectifying and injustice done to a person through maladministration and suppressing corrupt practices. Secretary maintained.

Mal-administration include an act of the holder of a public office which is contrary to law, arbitrary, biased, oppressive, discriminatory, misuse of power, corrupt motives such as bribery, favoritism, nepotism, administrative excesses and neglect, inattention, delay, incompetence, inefficiency and inaptitude in the administration or discharge of duties and responsibilities. He said.

“The vision of Provincial Ombudsman Secretariat is to promote high standards of

ZHOB: Ombudsman’s Secretary Balochistan Riaz Ahmed visiting the Central Jail on Saturday. visor to Ombudsman Sheikh Muhabat Mandokhail and head of departments in a large number attended the seminar.

He said Ombudsman work was continu-

governance, accountability and efficiency through administrative justice and its mission is to redress public grievances in fair, prompt and transparent manners.” He added

The issue of foreign assets of politicians

MEDIA WATCH

Modern times for Shakespeare

T

HE Lahore High Court has issued notices to sixty three top politi cians of the country to come up with their response about their al leged stashing of money abroad. The court issued the direction on a petition seeking directions for the politicians to bring their foreign assets back to Pakistan.

The issue of hiding money in foreign banks particularly the Swiss Banks keeps on surfacing periodically. After the latest petition in the LHC, people are evincing keen interest in the news stories being published in the newspapers and carried by the electronic media. They wonder how the all powerful people keep their money abroad instead of maintaining their accounts at home. Similarly other issues like bank defaults of billions of rupees also appear over the media and once in the past, the Supreme Court also took serious notice of this phenomenon. The question of hiding money in foreign banks is very serious and we believe the Lahore High Court took the appropriate step enabling the politicians to come clean after filing their response on the issue. However, we are of the considered opinion that doing business in a foreign country to earn profit cannot be criticised as investors of many countries are doing this in Pakistan. However, if people keep their money in foreign banks, it gives the impression of ill-gotten wealth. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar revealed in the National Assembly last month that at least $200 billion of ‘Pakistani money’ was stashed away in Swiss banks and the government was engaging with Swiss authorities to get to the money, hidden away by various Pakistani nationals.

This situation calls for immediate corrective action. To put the enormity of this amount into perspective, Pakistan’s total external debt stands at $150 billion and its gross domestic product is said to be around $300 billion. The country can, theoretically, pay off all its debt with the money in Swiss banks and still have nearly a quarter of it left over. We strongly recommend that this issue should be resolved once for all and would stress that such people should themselves come forward with an explanation which is acceptable to all concerned in Pakistan.

Demand for Khalistan resurfaces T

HE Khalistan Movement – demand for a separate homeland of Sikh nation in Indian Punjab – reached its zenith in 1970s and 1980s but the struggle of Sikhs subsided after the Indian government used brutal force in June 1986 to wipe out those who passed a resolution for creation of Khalistan.

The Indian army entered into the Golden Temple – the holiest place of Sikhs – killing 439 people in the Complex and desecrating the Akal Takht.

Though the insurgency was crushed but Sikh political groups such as the Khalsa Raj Party and SAD (A) continued to pursue an independent Khalistan through non-violent means.

And now again the President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) Simranjit Singh Man has demanded creation of a state of Khalistan to act as a buffer state between three nuclear powers of China, India and Pakistan.

He claimed that the proposed country would be an abode of peace for believers of different religions. Wounds of Operation Blue Star continue to fester even after over three decades and despite propaganda by some circles the demand for a separate Sikh state of Khalistan, for which militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale had led an armed struggle in Punjab, seems to be resurfacing. According to Sukhwinder Singh, nephew of Satwant Singh, who had shot late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to avenge Operation Blue Star, there is resentment in the hearts of Sikhs as promises made to them have never been fulfilled. Sikhs always wanted to have their own separate identity and the demand for Khalistan is aimed at achieving that objective. However, it is time for the rulers in New Delhi to ponder as to why there are dozens of freedom movements in India including Punjab.

The fact remains that minorities do not consider themselves safe in a Hindu dominated society where majority loses no opportunity of trampling their rights, threatening their life, making demands for ban on religious symbols and worship places of minorities and even demand their outright expulsion from the country. People of Indian Punjab feel that they are not free and that police and military forces have occupied the territory and are guilty of serious human right violations, which include torture, rape and murder. No doubt, Khalistan is an internal issue of India but in the present day world issues of human rights are echoed in each and every corner of the globe. It is to be seen how India handles the simmering demand for a separate Sikh state in the days to come.

PEMRA handles Geo case clumsily T

HE Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) sus pended on Friday the licence of Geo News for 15 days and fined it Rs. 10 million. The action was taken on a complaint filed by the Ministry of Defence.

PEMRA Authority is, no doubt, authorized to take such decisions but the way it has been done has made the entire episode further controversial. We believe that Geo issue has been mishandled by the regulator right from the day one. PEMRA is there to take cognisance of such issues but it has to follow rules and procedures and act swiftly to contain the damage. It is intriguing that the issue was allowed to linger on for forty long days and it engulfed the entire Pakistan. As the Authority failed to take a prompt and firm notice, the issue assumed critical and crucial dimensions with the passage of every day. A nerve shattering debate continued and ended with suspension of broadcast of Geo for a fortnight. But the decision has been made controversial, as private members have alleged that they were not taken into confidence and that it was a show of public sector members of the Authority. They have vowed to challenge the decision in the court of law and it would be for the judiciary to deliver verdict. We believe that as the issue involved prestige of national institutions and freedom of the press, serious attempts should be made to bring it to a satisfactory conclusion. There is also need to reform PEMRA and make it a truly neutral and powerful institution as it has, at times, to tackle highly complicated and serious issues.

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Modi and future of Indian union Minister from 2001 onwards.

As opposed to India’s which is in the grip Asif Haroon Raja economy, of stagflation, Modi managed Email: asifharoon7751@yahoo.com to keep the economic indicators of Gujarat in positive.

Gujarat accounted for 15% of TAUNCH Hindu nationalist industrial output and 22% of exports Narendra Modi propelled his despite having 5% population. The right-wing fascist party BJP to Corporate sector, which was given a a stunning electoral triumph on May free hand by Modi played a key role 16, 2014, with the biggest winning in up swinging economic indicators margin any government in India has in Gujarat. His corporate driven ever enjoyed in the last three decades. economy undoubtedly made the rich Modi’s victory has cast a spell richer and the poor poorer. of gloom among religious minoriModi’s sins against non-Muslims ties in India, particularly the 165 in Gujarat during his 13-year infamillion Indian Muslims accounting mous rule were cleverly smokefor one-sixth of India’s population, screened by his spin masters under the because of his anti-Muslim stance. myth of development. Anti-Modi jourAs Chief Minister Gujarat, he had nalists, writers and intellectuals were turned a blind eye to the massacre coerced and gagged by RSS thugs. of over 2000 Muslims of Gujarat Besides the development myth, other and rapes of hundreds of women in reasons why the vast multitudes pre2002. Despite international outcry ferred BJP over the Congress, was the and calls for remorse, and the US, unprecedented corruption and mal-adGermany and UK refusing him visa, ministration of the Congress led UPA he refused to apologise for not tak- government. Moreover, liberal flow of ing steps to control the rampaging money and backup support provided Hindu zealots. He got elected as by the Corporate sector coupled with Chief Minister Gujarat three times efficient electoral spadework done by in a row essentially because of his committed RSS workers were major hatred against Muslims. Only 10% factors which gave such an amazing Muslims voted for him. Even a sec- victory to BJP. tion of seculars and liberals in India Modi and his Cabinet members are feeling uneasy because of BJP’s were sworn in on May 26, 2014. All disdain for secularism and fascina- the heads of neighbouring States of tion for Hindutva.

SAARC members including Nawaz BJP swept the elections on the Sharif took part in the ceremony. In slogans of enforcing Hindutva in In- the 45-member cabinet, only one dia and adopting a hard line ap- Muslim could find a berth. Indians proach towards Pakistan. Modi kept have attached high hopes in Modi and using communal and caste card and are confident that he will control corremained committed to philosophy ruption, ensure political stability, enof Hindutva. He was harsh on force good governance and once Bengali speaking Muslims in Assam again make India shining. and vowed to throw them out. The Modi is up for challenging times. reasons that made tea-selling Modi India’s economy, which boomed from popular were his humble roots, 2004 to 2008 with GDP at 8.2% simple way of living, aggressive fizzled in 2011. India’s ‘misery ‘incampaigning as opposed to lack-lus- dex’ of the late 1980s has returned to tre campaign of Congress and suc- haunt the Indian leadership. With cessful economic model he applied such dismally low economic indicain Gujarat during his stint as Chief tors and poverty and education lev-

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els having dropped, it will be an uphill task for the incoming government to upturn the economy. Modi’s quest for bringing Indian economy at par with China will remain illusory if he doesn’t bring a radical change in his xenophobic thinking and restrain his neo-fascist proclivities.

The stigma of Gujarat and Muzaffarnagar pogrommes will haunt Modi. Modi, not only requires repairing his sullied reputation, he also needs to urgently break the destabilizing cycle of stagflation and also to refurbish putrid banks. The poverty stricken Indians who voted him to power with high hopes do not want him to blow trumpets of war, but expect him to alleviate their sufferings and lift them out of the whirlpool of poverty, create jobs for the impoverished jobless youth and better their lives. He must not overlook fact that despite his impressive victory, 69% of Indian voters have voted against him.

While India needs development, the Indians, particularly the minorities are more in need of security.

It is also to be seen whether he remains stuck to his jingoistic commitments he made during electioneering campaign or displays some foresight and wisdom. If he remains inflexible on the issue of Kashmir, dithers on issues of Siachin, Sir Creek and dams on rivers, and he abrogates Article 370 of Indian Constitution depriving occupied Kashmir of its special autonomous status, composite dialogue even if it gets resumed will be of no consequence. Revision of Indian nuclear doctrine to ‘first strike’ option, further rise in defence budget, eagerness to consolidate Indian military presence in Afghanistan and to develop Chahbahar Port in Iran at the cost of Gawadar would underscore India’s future belligerent designs.

Notwithstanding Nawaz Sharif’s eagerness to promote friendly ties with India, Pakistan may be up for bumpy times because of Modi’s professed aggressive posture against

Pakistan. Modi will remain in a friendly and cooperative mood as long as Pakistan agree to Indian terms and restrict its dealings to trade and development, people-to-people contact and control of terrorism emanating from Pakistan and not from India, and puts the core issues in a cold freezer. He will like a fawning and not an aggressive Nawaz Sharif.

He will come in his true self and start breathing out fire the moment Pakistan insists on simultaneously tackling the core issues and developing ties on equal terms.

Optimistic elements, however, tend to remain in sunlight arguing that India under a hardliner will prove more assertive and decisive in resolving disputes between the two arch-rivals and in removing socioeconomic inequities in India. They forget that there is vast difference in the chemistry of Vajpayee and Modi.

Coming months will bring to light whether Modi will relinquish his core agenda of Hindutva or fulfil the yearning desire of his mother party RSS which wants building of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and persecution of Indian Muslims and other religious minorities. Even if he desires to moderate his stance and tries to pursue Congress’s soft Hindutva pursued since 1947, the RSS hawks will make sure that he fulfils the hard Hindutva agenda. Modi will remain indebted to RSS, which is the ideological fountainhead of BJP and enabled him to win the political race.

Sitting atop tattered economy and having seen the rout of Congress, Modi will have to choose between spewing ethnic/communal fires to promote Hindutva and dreaming of becoming a world power at the cost of its neighbours, or improving his image and putting the frayed house in order. Choice of former course will for sure spell disaster and BJP will meet the fate of Congress in 2019 elections.

—The writer, a retired Brig, is defence analyst and researcher.

Kashmir and Article-370 Fazal Hakeem Email:ddsaarc22@yahoo.com

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HE new Indian Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Of fice Dr. Jitendra Singh has revealed about beginning the process to abrogate Article-370 that grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. It would not amount to verbose if one says that without peaceful settlement of Kashmir, peace and tranquillity in this volatile region is still light years away.

BJP considers the Article as the only legally binding provision about the disputed Himalayan state with the Indian Union. His revelation has triggered the controversy about the special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. J&K Chief Minister sees the Article 370, as the only Constitutional link between Kashmir and rest of India. While terming Jitendra’s views as ill-informed and irresponsible, the Chief Minister has stated that “long after Modi government is a distant memory, either J&K would not be a part of India or article-370 will still exist. Actualisation of the BJP agenda is a manifestation of criminal eye closure to the ground realities and understanding the genesis of inserting Article-370 in the Indian Constitution. This unwarranted move is prone to further push the region into high-tension rather paving way to facilitate conducive environment that may help in achieving the targets of economic uplift and development, Modi sarkar intends to implement.

During heated debate about Prime

Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Delhi yatra, repeated show of smile, handshakes and photo taking sessions, conveying a message that BJP wants to work on the agenda that may bring feel good condition. In less than a week’s time, the fundamentalist Indian Sarkar under the thumb of extremist Hindu Group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has started work to repeal the Article-370 which grants special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was no one other than first Indian Prime Minister Jawahirlal Nehru who brought the Kashmir issue on the table of UN Security Council in 1948, and is enough to understand that resolution of the Kashmir dispute is not so easy as the BJP mandarins think. If India really wants to achieve economic development, peaceful resolution of the Kashmir is essential.

It is good that UN is ready to mediate as the mechanism outlined in the Simla Agreement 1972 to resolve the Kashmir dispute bilaterally has miserably failed. In the post 9/11 scenario, India is using the so-called terrorism phenomenon as an excuse which will never deliver in terms of peace and resolution of Kashmir dispute. India cannot play down the gravity of Kashmir dispute through various diplomatic juggernauts and political machinations. Therefore, an independent mediation as provided in UN Resolutions of 1948 and 1949, is the viable solution.

In my article “BJP’s landslide victory’ published in Pakistan Observed on 30 May, 2014, I had concluded that “Pakistan is ready to resolve all outstanding differences and disputes through result-oriented dialogue. Only

time will tell as to whether BJP government focuses on fundamentalist agenda i.e uniform civil code, promotion of religious intolerance, protection of cows, building of temple on the disputed Ayudhya site and opposition to special constitutional status of Muslim majority Kashmir, or facilitates the flame-shaped memorial as the flames of reformation and peaceful regional environment. Although the Congress claiming to hold secular credentials, never bothered during its decade long rule, to have good relations, taking refuge behind so-called issue of terrorism”.

In this arena of security that encompasses the mantra of business, trade and economy, India’s focus on terrorism shows its reluctance to come to serious business and remove the causes that has blurred the situation.

It is a fait accompli that Kashmir is the bone of contention between South Asia’s neighbouring nuclear powers.

Until and unless this unfinished agenda (Kashmir dispute) of the partition plan is not completed, talk of peace and stability would be day dreaming. The All Parties Hurriat Conference Chairman in his reaction to Dr. Jitendra’s claim has stated that special status to Kashmir under Article-370 has been diluted

by Indian governments after 1953.

Presence of 700,000 troops in the state of 7 million populations is indicative of Indian leadership’s approach for converting Kashmir into a police state.

Blatant human rights violations, extra-judicial killings, fake encounters etc. have become a routine in this Muslim majority state. JKLF leader Yasin Malik while terming National Conference and Peoples Democratic

Party opposition to repeal the Article370, a drama has vowed to launch “Quit Kashmir “campaign to strengthen ongoing liberation movement in the valley. Syed Ali Geelani sees the pro-Indian parties stance an absurd efforts to “cash the situation”.

India must avoid copying Israeli pattern of grabbing through a demographic change. India is sitting on the powder as other post-independence separatist movements in the frontier region of North-East India called seven sisters states (cover an area of 255,511+ around 45 million population)-Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura and Sikhs demand for Khalistan, posing threat to Indian integrity, due to their strong reservations about government in New Delhi. In addition, rampant corruption and rising incidents of gang rapes is an other skeleton in the cupboard.

The fundamentalist and extremist Jews’ leadership resort to all forms of destructions and continuous killing sprees, has not succeeded to quell Palestinians freedom struggle. Rather, it is gaining momentum day by day. Israeli cannot sleep peacefully even for one day and will not though world’s unwarranted and illegal backing is always there to help out the land grabbing Israeli leadership. India must accept the reality and start work on finding lasting solution to the Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of the Kashmiris instead of engaging in futile exercise to repeal Article-370.

—The writer is Islamabad-based political analyst.

O coincide with The Bard’s 400th death anniversary in 2016, the Hogarth Shakespeare initiative is about to engage in something rather unique: re-tell William Shakespeare’s body of works for a contemporary audience. A galaxy of talented authors have been allocated portfolios — and you cannot fault the pedigree here, it’s a star-studded line-up: Margaret Atwood for Tempest, Gillian Flynn for Hamlet, Howard Jacobson for The Merchant of Venice, Jo Nesbo for Macbeth. And so on.

This kind of a broad, organised scale is perhaps unprecedented, but it’s not the only time that Shakespeare has been reinvented.

When Baz Luhrmann re-enacted Romeo and Juliet for the big screen (replacing ‘and’ with the plus sign, and calling the mega cinematic outing Romeo + Juliet), there were howls of protest from some quarters: it was felt that a classic is a classic is a classic. Shakespeare doesn’t need to be reformatted using opulent, techsavvy Hollywood standards.

These voices, however, were soon to be drowned by Luhrmann’s trademark over-the-top tripping over. So much so, that when Bollywood director Vishal Bharadwaj forayed into The Bard’s domain with Maqbool (Macbeth set in modern-day India, and meticulously scripted in Hindi), and followed it up with Omkara (Othello), it was a trend that received fulsome critical acclaim. It was suddenly all right for the greatest playwright in the English language to be “re-cast” in different languages even — and set to a popular beat.

One may argue that it is essential to re-cast Shakespeare’s body of work — across various artistic genres — for non-English speaking audiences to realise his genius. Fair point. But what about the English speaking — and reading — audiences? Why do these readers need a modernist, 21st-century tweak?

The answer may be a deafening silence as everyone tries not to reveal too much about the modern generation not wanting to make an effort to get to know Shakespeare.

So, the Hogarth project may be simply trying to keep The Bard’s relevance alive by engaging with contemporary readers in prose they will be able to identify with. “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” —Khaleej Times

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G7 gets cold feet in taking Russia to task

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HE bloc has made little real difference to its position, even if it threatened to deepen sanctions regime The seven most industrialised nations on Earth have given up on any hope of challenging Russia’s annexation of the Ukrainian territory of Crimea and their threat of further sanctions at the G7 meeting last week in Brussels was focused entirely on getting Moscow to stop destablising eastern Ukraine. Their actions seem unlikely to make much difference on the ground as gangs of Russian soldiers roam the streets at will.

The leaders of the G7 made little real difference to their position, even if they threatened to deepen the existing sanctions regime to include what is described as ‘Phase 3’, which would cover trade, finance and energy. To date, the US and European Union (EU) have only imposed relatively minor travel bans and asset freezes on dozens of Russian officials in reaction to the seizure of Crimea.

Putin’s regime is able to ignore such threats from the West as they are unlikely to make much difference. He has already stolen a large chunk of a sovereign European state and got away with it. And he sees the individual EU states doing nothing on their own. Russian oligarchs. If each of these three countries took unilateral steps to support what the G7 says is its intention, Russia will be badly hurt and forced to rethink it policies.

But the G7 states do not want to risk their own prosperity and are allowing Russia to get away with gangsterism on a vast scale.

—Gulf News A nickname is the heaviest stone that the devil can throw at a man.

—William Hazlitt British essayist.

Diplomacy & the modern world mission. Diplomatic immunity is also given in case a crime is by a diplomat.

Mahrukh A Mughal committed No country can afford to Email:drdanish56@yahoo.com keep itself aloof in this complex political world. International diplomacy is a part of IPLOMACY has been prac international laws, governed by certiced since the inception of tain conventions, rules and princiCivilization. In the ancient pals laid down by international times diplomats were sent only for bodies namely by the UNO. It is specific negotiations and their area of an art of conducting negotiations influence was so limited that they in regional and international relawould return immediately after their tions to resolve conflicts and ismission concluded. Their sole pur- sues through diplomacy. It also pose was to seek interaction with provides opportunity to make good other states to develop friendly rela- ties with other countries for develtions as well resolving certain issues oping socio-political, cultural and between the two countries. Diplo- economic cooperation.

Diplomatic mission is carried macy and trade have also been closely linked with each other. Early out by the diplomats who represent modern diplomacy started with the their country in the UNO or in any European Renaissance. The rules of country where they are deputed. modern diplomacy further developed There are different groups of people to resolve political issues and con- who are on diplomatic mission, like flicts among the European Powers. Ambassadors who are the full Ambassador became the top ranking Incharge of the Embassy and Envoy representative of the state. The con- Extraordinary and Minister Plenipogress of Vienna of 1815 was the hall tentiary, Minister Resident and mark in establishing an international Charge D, Affaires etc.

This is the sole responsibility of system of diplomatic ranks to resolve disputes among the European powers. the head of the state to guide, plan Bismarck of Germany was re- and give a correct direction to diplonowned for his skill in exercising di- macy in the foreign affairs. In the plomacy in the international relations. formation and organization of forSo the role of diplomat from the po- eign affairs the Secretary of the State sition of a negotiator evolved into a / Foreign Minister and the Secretary persona that represented an autono- Foreign Affairs play a vital role. The mous state in the area of political af- foreign office is the main institution fairs. Vienna Convention on diplo- in regard to the looking after of inmatic relations in 1961 formalized the ternational affairs.

There are many types of diplorights of the diplomats to protect them from the danger of being persecuted macy, which have been instrumental while they are on their diplomatic in the development of international

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relations. Diplomacy either-single track, track two, multi-track, summit and open / secret has its merit and demerits, however, it is influenced by a complicated combination of different interrelated factors depending on the specific nature of issues in their historical perspective.

Modern day’s challenges after the cold war era are more complex owing to the growing extremism in religious and political ideologies.

During the two World Wars, cold war era, tension between the two opposite blocks, diplomacy became a subsidiary instrument of power politics and ideology. Despite many flaws and weaknesses international diplomacy had had its significance by developing multinational institutions and regional and sub-regional organizations. The EU, APEC, ASEAN, CIS, NAFTA and SAARC have come into existence through the exercise of diplomacy.

The instrument of Public diplomacy was much used by the Americans during the cold war era as the conduct of international relations. International law is related with its enforcement quality by ensuring to abide by the agreements, treaties, protocols conventions, covenant, acts and memorandum of understanding so on.

In the modern international law, the significance of “International Treaty” to create international rules has fairly increased. Despite all these efforts failures have also been observed in the enforcement mechanism in certain cases. Enlarging and institutionalizing the “Universality” of Human rights is one of the most important achievements made by the in-

ternational treaties after the World War-II. The Geneva conventions played crucial role in formulating humanitarian laws.

Accords, alliances, conventions and treaties are the result of negotiations carried out through some kind of diplomacy. The United States and Great Britain ended the revolutionary war with the treaty of Paris in 1783. In 1973 representatives of 80 countries agreed on a convention on international trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to protect rare plants and animals around the world.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed in 1949 to serve as a bulwark against threats by the communist Warsaw Pact in Eastern Europe. The US-South Korea mutual defence treaty in 1953 is example of bilateral agreement between two countries. Similarly KYOTO accord was done among nations to limit the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Therefore, diplomacy as an instrument to maintain international harmony among nations or to complete a specific agenda between the two countries for the bilateral relationship is necessary in this political world and without diplomacy, much at the world’s affairs would be abolished, international organization would not exist and the world would be at a constant state of war.

In the absence of diplomatic relations with a country of interest, it is difficult to achieve a successful pursuit of foreign policy goal.

—The writer is political and social columnist & analyst.

Modi’s maltreatment of Muslims & ME Arab Islamic countries.

If the BJP led Modi governSajjad Shaukat ment started harassing and cleansing Muslims in India, the Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com heat will especially be felt by Hindus living in Middle East.

In this regard, some forward INDU politics and culture, looking members of Hindu commudominated by the funda nity are already feeling the heat, as mentalist parties such as BJP, Muslim anxiety in India is surging RSS, VHP, Shiv Sena and other simi- through media projections about poslar groups, which have been propa- sible governing style of Modi in Ingating Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) dia. Insular minded Modi and Hindu are feeling pleasure, because Indian extremists of the BJP stand fully elections based on media campaign charged to govern India with iron against Islam and Muslims and other hand especially when question of minorities, enabled BJP hardliner Muslim community and other minoriNarendra Modi to get a land slid- ties is to be addressed. This has been ing victory in the Indian elections the elusive dream of Modi and the 2014. Whereas the Indian Hindus BJP to forcibly convert all non-Hindu celebrated Modi’s victory, who Indians into Hinduism. Their power himself is follower of the Hindu motives are guided by their religious extremism and has become Prime beliefs. Therefore, tough times are Minister of India, the Muslim com- ahead for Muslims to face in India In this respect, anti-Muslim apmunity and other minorities in Inproach of the BJP and India’s new dia feel insecure and perturbed.

Muslims are well-aware of Prime Minister Narendar Modi could Narendra Modi’s agenda to reduce be judged from the fact that encourthe Muslim community in India to aged by the election-victory of the BJP, second class citizens. Muslim anxi- on May 28, this year, in a provocative ety in India is multiplying due the fact act to disturb communal harmony that during the election campaign, among different religious communiHindu majority was mobilized on ties in India, Rashtriya Hindu Andolan, ‘hate Muslim’ slogans. Hence, Modi a little known Mangalore-based regime is likely to target and perse- Hindutva outfit and activists from cute Muslims in India. Besides, other various right wing groups organized similar events against them, the mas- a protest in Mangalore in front of sacre of Muslims in Gujarat might the office of Deputy Commissioner be cited as an example of the BJP by demanding the authorities to ban brutalities. While destruction and the morning Muslim call to prayer desecration of Babari Mosque in In- (Azan) across the country.

Now, the analysts believe that dia led to the burning of Hindu Manders (Places of Hindu worships) Modi’s narrow mindedness would and destruction of Hindu property in entrap him into street quarrels and Pakistan. Similarly, maltreatment of slanted politics, blended with social Muslims—hating them in India will prejudice and political biases. Mushave dire repercussions for Hindus lims are likely to be the main target in the Middle East including non- of Modi torment and the BJP perse-

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cution. This will certainly result into a chain reaction, loaded with public emotions against Hindu community living in the Middle East and other Islamic countries. Internally, India will face the worst turmoil.

However, Muslim countries will not be able to control public reaction against Hindus, in case, Muslims are persecuted in India. Obviously maltreatment, oppressive tactics and cruel injustice against Muslims in India will cause Hindu distress in the Islamic World, particularly in the Middle East.

So, the overseas Hindus, especially in the Middle East are equally worried as practical manifestation of Modi’s style of governance is likely to be upsetting the Indian Muslims.

The incessant and unjust Indian propaganda against Pakistan is beyond anybody’s cognition. It simply speaks of Hindu deep seated animosity against Pakistan and Pakistani public. Nevertheless, Modi and his Hindu followers must understand that in socio-political arena, public motivation, based on exploitation of negative emotions may offer temporal gains, but in the longer run such gimmicks prove fatal and disastrous. No doubt, Modi has won election using ‘hate Muslim’ slogan, its practical manifestation will create negative backlash. Under the leadership of Modi, maltreatment and socio-political marginalizing of Muslims in India will send pessimistic message to Hindu community, which is living in the Middle East.

In this connection, our own political leadership and media—especially of the other Arab and non-Arab countries, must give a matching response to the BJP-led new government. In this context, they must make it clear that Modi’s victory in Indian elections is a source of concern not

only for Muslim community in India, but also for the regional neighbours and the Islamic World.

They must point out that Modi’s election campaign was based on negative emotional appeal in which, he used Pakistan as enemy, while tipping-off Muslims to go to Pakistan. In this respect, exploiting emotions negatively will have serious consequences for both the nuclear countries, South Asia and the Middle East.

These Islamic entities must indicate that Indian media already toes Hindu mindset and conducts propaganda against Islamabad and the Indian Muslims in one way or the other. That is why, Hindus hate Muslims in India and Pakistan. By speaking in optimistic tone, our own electronic media and that of the Muslim World must counter Indian propaganda, and suggest to the new leadership in New Delhi to avoid playing with the fire, otherwise, the results would be disastrous.

Nonetheless, Prime Minister Modi must understand that every action has its own opposite and equal reaction. Therefore, let us give peace a chance, before the propagandists spoil the issue to a point of no return. In order to settle all the issues including the thorny dispute of Kashmir with Pakistan, which are essential for peace of the region, BJP and Prime Minister Modi must forget that they won the elections on the basis of anti-Muslim and antiPakistan slogans. Consequently, Modi‘s maltreatment of Muslims by emboldening the BJP would have frightening repercussions in the Islamic countries, especially the Middle East and Pakistan.

—The writer is Lahore-based freelance columnist.

Views From Abroad

India’s feudal rapists Amana Fontanella-Khan

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HEN a distressed father is reporting his daughter’s disappearance to a policeman in India, there are some questions he doesn’t want to hear. “What is your caste?” is one of them. Yet, the father, Sohan Lal, said this was the first thing the police asked him last Tuesday, when he begged them for help. After revealing his low-caste background as a Shakya, Mr. Lal said the officers mocked him and refused to lift a finger.

Hours later, Mr. Lal’s daughter, 12, and a female cousin, 14, were found hanging by their scarves from a mango tree in Katra Saadatganj, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. They had been raped. His daughter had last been seen with a group of brothers from the Yadav caste, which is the dominant caste in the village.

Our understanding of their deaths will be incomplete until we recognize the role of the caste system in India’s rape crisis. For much of India’s history the lower castes, especially the Dalits (once known as untouchables),

have been routinely raped by the landowning upper castes. Better legal protections, urbanization and social mobility have helped reduce caste-based discrimination, but not enough. Dalit women are still the most likely to be victims of gang rapes. An analysis of Uttar Pradesh’s crime statistics for 2007 by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties showed that 90 percent of rape victims in 2007 were Dalit women.

Since December 2012, when a 23year-old woman from the Kurmi caste, another low caste, died after being gang-raped and attacked with an iron rod by five men in a moving bus, India has been undergoing a process of soul-searching. Yet the caste system has not been mentioned enough in the debate. While attacks against Western tourists and women in urban centers have attracted a great deal of attention, rapes of lower-caste women routinely fail to provoke an outcry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for example, has yet to condemn the rape and murder in Katra Saadatganj.

It is no surprise that the caste system, and the unequal society it produces, leads to moral blind spots that hide rapes from public view.

Caste historically determined where you lived, what you did, whom you married, even what you ate. Though upper-caste men are rarely imprisoned for raping Dalits, they have a widely accepted defence at their disposal, should they ever need one: They would never touch a lowercaste woman for fear of being “polluted.” In one famous 1995 case, a Dalit woman’s allegations of gang rape were dismissed by a judge who claimed that “an upper-caste man could not have defiled himself by raping a lower-caste woman.” Caste discrimination is exacerbated by corrupt and inefficient governance, which encourages people to seek political power through caste allegiances.

When the police and judiciary cannot be relied on to resolve disputes, rape often becomes a means of retribution. This has been apparent in Hindu-Muslim riots as well as in intercaste conflict. “Rape is a weapon to silence the assertions of the community. A way to teach us a lesson. To show us, including our men, that they are helpless and cannot protect their own women,” said Asha Kowtal, a Dalit activist. Such thinking seems to have been at work

in March, in the state of Haryana, when four lower-caste girls were gang-raped and dumped on a train station platform more than 100 miles from their homes.

But we cannot rely on the shock value of particularly horrific cases to lead to change; we need structural solutions. The government should start by amending the 1989 Prevention of Atrocities Act, which is designed to address castebased violence. The conviction rate under the act is notoriously low — according to a 2012 report, more than half of all cases are closed before they reach the courts. In the case of Mr. Lal’s daughter and her cousin, the police did not register the crime under the act at all.

Amendment proposals that would ensure crucial witness protection, more legal support and special courts are sitting in Parliament right now, awaiting approval.

There is no doubt that it was wrong for the police to ask Mr. Lal about caste. But for the rest of us, when it comes to understanding India’s rape crisis, not talking about caste is just as bad.

— Courtesy: The New York Times

Voice of the People Yet another controversial verdict SAKHI SARWAR

A

t last, the second version of the PEMRA verdict, coined by the government sponsored members and the just-appointed acting Chairman, is out. There is a wide divide, as it is in PEMRA itself, on the magnitude of the offence committed by Geo and the punishment announced. Some say, it is an eye-wash while the others think, it is O’Kay. But the legal position is still hanging in the balance; there are two verdicts – both are valid, but the first takes precedence. Despite the announcement of the punishment eye-wash, engineered, a sponsored favour in disguise, controversial or rightful and genuine, the Geo is still venomous and against the State agencies and has filed a suit for damages. What an arrogance!

Desecration and defamation of State agencies cost Geo 15-day suspension and 10 million, while the selfesteem of Geo - an entity opposed to the Two-Nation theory and campaigning (under-cover) for ‘Akhand Bharat’ through ‘Aman ki Aasha’, amounts to 50 billion as claimed in the damages petition; what a mockery of law and what a stubbornness of the media house proven to be working against Pakistan on behest of the enemies of Pakistan. PEMRA is divided as was the Judiciary in December 1997, all state institutions are under the process of disintegration, government has become a party against its own institutions and is instrumental in sabotaging the writ and integrity of PEMRA, TV channels are throwing venom upon the rival channels, anchors are biased and prejudiced, corrupt members sitting in the Parliament proclaim that Parliament is supreme, journalists believe that they are the king makers and they have the mandate to judge what is in national interest and what is not, hence nobody can remind them the Code of ethics for media, nobody can ask them to read the full text of Article 19 of the Constitution, public dealing departments like WAPDA, SNGPL, Income Tax, Police and even Education portfolio are submerged in corruption, the poor and vulnerable people are the target of law enforcement while the influential and law makers are above law, people are facing the worst kind of load-shedding and lawlessness – what a state of affairs. We are really ‘waiting for Allah’ to set us in order, discipline and good governance. We ourselves and our leaders in authority are bent upon disintegrating our state institutions and hence heading towards self intimidation and thus total collapse. God help Pakistan!!

—Islamabad

Closure of PRCS blood bank outlet

time got the right attention of the government in the budget of 201415. Without a vibrant and active HBFC, the government could not achieve any objective in housing MASOOD ALAM sector. HBFC, hence, must be made I have learnt media that the Blood a forceful organization, which would Bank run by the Red Crescent So- be able to drive this sector. ciety of Pakistan at Clifton Road —Islamabad Karachi has been closed. Earlier, I used to visit to the said Blood Bank for donating blood regularly. Two years ago, I was informed by the doctors deputed in the Blood Bank RANA DILAWAR, M AYYUB that the collection of blood was temporarily suspended. According to the Press reports, the manage- Banking sector has immense imporment of Red Crescent Society tance for the growth and economic (Sindh) has closed the Blood Bank development of a country. Pakistan has a growing economy and bankfor want of funds.

It is strange that the manage- ing sector is playing a vital role in ment did not show any indication it. Being a Muslim nation our first of closing down the Blood Bank priority should be Islamic Banking. till 2011 and they could not be able Efforts for elimination of Riba to visualise its financial con- started during 1970s and most of the straints. Deplorably, now the significant and practical steps were Blood Bank is finally closed down taken in 1980. In 1980 initial steps by them! I recall that I was en- were taken by the State Bank of Parolled by the Red Crescent Soci- kistan by changing the rules and ety as a member of their Blood regulations of the Banking sector.

Donors’ Club in a ceremony ar- After that in 2001 first certificate had ranged by PRCS Management at been issued to Meezan Bank as a full Hotel Mehran on June 14, 2009, fledged Islamic Bank.

Many people think that there is when the society was celebrating no concept of Banking in Islam. ObBlood Donors’ Day. I understand that the existence viously, the concept of Banking is of a Blood Bank is essential for a not categorically prescribed in humanitarian institution like Red Quran and Hadith, but the fundaCrescent Society. I know that the mentals and a comprehensive code society was running the Blood has been provided, which lays down Bank in its Blood Bank Complex the foundation of Islamic banking. for decades and quite a large num- Shahriah provides the guide line ber of people used to approach the about conducting business in fair society for donating blood for the way. Ulema can play an important use of suffering humanity. I avail role for the promotion of Islamic this opportunity to raise my voice banking. They can create awareness against the closure of Blood Bank in people about Islamic banking and in Karachi. Especially when Sindh mobilize the society for elimination Blood Transfusion Authority was of riba. This is their religious obliprepared to provide assistance to gation to tell the people how strictly the Red Crescent organisation for riba is prohibited in Islam. Ulema continuing their services of blood should give the reference to the collection and subsequent transfu- Quran and Hadith to people.

Awareness of Islamic banks can sion to the needy.

I, therefore, appeal to the also be created by media. People can President of Pakistan and the Gov- be encouraged to deposit their savernor of Sindh to take immediate ings in the banks.

Most of the people have spare notice of such an act of mal-administration on the part of Red money and they do not deposit their Crescent Society in the Province money in the banks. Such saving of Sindh. I hope, the other mem- remains idol unless it is invested for bers of BRCS Blood Donors Club productive purpose. If people deposit their savings in the banks, it join me in this appeal. leads to the financial strength of the —Karachi country and enhances employment opportunities in the country.

Proper steps should be taken to educate the people; enhancement in the Islamic banking trainM RIZWAN ISMAIL ing of the staff should be taken into consideration.

I don’t remember when the most —Islamabad important economic issue like housing finance was dealt with in a Federal budget. But surely the big thing this time is, in the Federal budget of 2014-2015.

F Z KHAN The government of Nawaz Sharif, and his Finance Minister Ishaq Dar have very specifically Pakistan projects Omar Abdullah as dealt with the issue of housing in a puppet Chief Minister in Srinagar, the country and to finance this sec- but his recent statement has caused tor and the country’s prominent stir in New Delhi. Reports suggest housing finance institution, the that the newly installed Modi govHouse Building Finance Company ernment took a serious view of a Limited or HBFC. tweet by IHK CM Omar Abdullah, Housing is a very big issue; which has been taken as a threat to hence in the budget speech. So, the secede from India. present government surely de“Mark my words and save this serves big thanks! Taking this op- tweet – long after Modi government portunity, I would like to request is a distant memory, either J&K the honourable Prime Minister and won’t be part of India or Article 370 the Finance Minister, to consider will still exist.” Whereas Omar a few other steps to strengthen Abdullah has categorically denied housing finance in the country, making any kind of threat to secede thus resultantly increasing the from India, his statement has kickhousing and construction activities started a controversial debate across in the country.

India, which, observers predict, may To give appropriate boost to deprive him of his Chief Ministerial mortgage financing in the country, office in Srinagar. and thus stimulating the economy, In fact Omar Abdullah reacted the Finance Minister might have to Jitendra Singh’s statement, also announced making the lend- which said “the consultation proing in housing sector the priority cess had begun to repeal Article lending, and persuading the banks 370” of the Indian Constitution that and financial institutions to put cer- gives Kashmiris the right to decide tain portion of their portfolio in this which Indian laws apply to them. sector. HBFC probably for the first In an interview, Abdullah told BBC

Islamic banking in Pakistan

Budget 2014-15 and HBFC

What is article 370

Hindi that his tweet had been misconstrued, the fact remains that Article 370 was the only link Kashmir had with India. PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti also lambasted at Jitendra’s statement and vowed to resist any such move. Leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference also opposed New Delhi’s decision to get the Article 370 repealed.

Another debate whether the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan would help contain the freedom struggle in Held Kashmir or foment further violence.

This was in the light of a reported statement by Syed Salauddin, chairman of the UJC, in which he warned that Indian targets could be attacked after international forces withdraw from Afghanistan. But Omar Abdullah dispelled the impression, saying, “the presence of NATO in Afghanistan may have contributed to a decrease in the violence in Kashmir but it is not the overriding factor. The withdrawal of forces will not lead to reversal of the situation to the early 1990s when militancy was at its peak.”

Islamabad needs to understand the gravity of the situation and renew, in clear and unambiguous terms that the resolution of the Kashmir issue can only be achieved through the implementation of the UN Resolutions. Silence on Pakistan’s part would leave the people of Kashmir more isolated; and would give Modi sarkar a free hand to do away with Article 370.

If it says it is internal matter of India, then the argument can weaken Pakistan’s official stance on the issue of Kashmir and Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

—Islamabad

Animal testing MAHAM MAZHAR I strongly condemn animal testing; I believe that animal rights should be taken seriously. Animal testing is extremely cruel, unethical and completely unnecessary. It should be banned and outlawed, animal experiments are unkind and cause a lot of pain to animals. Sometimes, it proves to be inapplicable to humans because animals’ bodies are not exactly the same as our own.

Although, so many alternatives are available to us like, Harvard’s Wayss institute has created organson-chips that contain human cells grown in a state of the art system that mimic the structure and function of human organs and organs system. The chips can be used instead of animals in disease research, drugs testing and toxicity testing and researchers at the European Union’s reference library for alternatives of animal testing, developed five different tests of human blood cells to detect contaminants in drugs and many such alternatives have been developed but many medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies are still doing animal experimentation.

The question is, why do we test on some poor innocent animal that hasn’t done anything wrong? Why should animals suffer when they are never going to use these products?

This is my humble request to the government to take some serious action against this cruelty prevailing in the country.

—Via email

DISCLAIMER THE articles, columns and letters are published on these pages in good faith. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.

—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

Iraq gunmen take varsity, students held hostages

Poroshenko sworn in as Ukraine’s president KIEV (Ukraine)—Ukraine’s new president on Saturday called for dialogue with the country’s east, gripped by a violent separatist insurgency, and for armed groups to lay down their weapons but said he won’t talk with rebels he called “gangsters and killers.”

Petro Poroshenko’s inaugural address after taking the oath of office in parliament gave little sign of a quick resolution to the conflict in the east, which Ukrainian officials say has left more than 200 people dead.

He also took a firm line on Russia’s annexation of Crimea this spring, insisting that the Black Sea peninsula “was, is and will be Ukrainian.” He gave no indication of how Ukraine could regain control of Crimea, which Russian President Vladimir Putin has said was allotted to Ukraine unjustly under Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.

Rebel leaders in the east dismissed Poroshenko’s speech.

“This statement doesn’t concern us,” said the so-called prime minister of the insurgent Donetsk People’s Republic, Alexander Borodai, according to the RIA Novosti news agency.

Poroshenko offered amnesty to rebels who “don’t have blood on their hands.” But “I don’t believe it,” said Valery Bolotov, the insurgent leader in the Luhansk region. Rebels in both Luhansk and Donetsk have declared their regions independent.

The new president promised “I will bring you peace,” but did not indicate whether Ukrainian forces would scale back their offensives against the insurgency, which Ukraine says is fomented by Russia.

Russia has insisted on Ukraine ending its military operation in the east. Ambassador Mikhail Zurabov, representing Moscow, at the inauguration, said Poroshenko’s statements “sound reassuring,” but “for us the principal thing is to stop the military operation,” RIA Novosti reported.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, and Ukraine's … German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, and Ukraine’s President-elect Petro Poroshenko speak to As president, Poroshenko is commander-inchief of the military and appoints the defense and foreign ministers. The prime minister is appointed by the parliament.The 48-year-old Poroshenko, often called “The Chocolate King” because of the fortune he made as a confectionery tycoon, was elected May 25. He replaces Oleksandr Turchynov, who served as interim president after Russia-friendly president Viktor Yanukovych fled the country in February after months of street protests against him.

The fall of Yanukovych aggravated longbrewing tensions in eastern and southern Ukraine, whose majority native Russian speakers denounced the new government as a nationalist putsch that aimed to suppress them.

Within a month, the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea was annexed by Russia after a secession referendum and an armed insurgency arose in the eastern provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk.—AP

Thai army dampens red shirts’ volcanic sails

Thai army takes wind out of red shirts’ sails BANGKOK—Thai army takes the wind ern Thailand have seen mere squeaks of controversial billionaire turned politician out of red shirts’ sails Red shirt leader Kritsanapong Phrombuengram standing in front of the doors of a Chiang Mai hotel raided by soldiers after the coup.

Tight surveillance and pre-emptive detentions have snuffed out mass resistance to the May 22 coup by the Thai military.

It has also left regional leaders of the country’s anti-coup red shirt network reflecting on their inability to sustain their movement.

Under the weight of martial law, the uprising vowed by red shirt leaders upcountry - where the movement draws most of its support - has melted away. Some leaders partly blame themselves for this.

Pichit Tamool, a red shirt leader in Chiang Mai province, a stronghold of the ousted government, told The Straits Times: “It was a mistake to let our supporters rely too much on their leaders for direction. They couldn’t do anything by themselves.”

The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), a red shirt umbrella group, relied on key figures to mobilise their supporters, he said. It was neutered when troops rounded up regional leaders countrywide within hours of the coup.

While flash mobs of protesters have been playing cat and mouse games with soldiers in Bangkok, north and north-east-

anti- coup activity.

The junta has warned against criticising the coup, and stationed troops at important rallying points to head off demonstrations. Political gatherings of five or more people have been declared illegal.

On the day of the coup, Pichit remembered receiving dozens of phone calls from supporters, after he was detained by the military in Chiang Mai. “They asked me what to do,” he said. “I told them to decide for themselves.”

In the end, just under 100 people in Chiang Mai turned up for a protest on the first two days after the coup, a stark contrast to the thousands Pichit could regularly mobilise for rallies.

“The people were so afraid they didn’t come out,” he said. “We had top leaders, regional leaders, and then provincial leaders. But when the leader in every layer was taken, it collapsed.”

In Phayao, a northern province that has its own “red shirt district”, fear has also taken root. Local red shirt leader Siriwat Japamata has asked his compatriots to lie low until martial law is lifted. “We have to stay safe,” he said. “There’s no way for us to resist now.”

The red shirt movement grew out of the 2006 military coup that ousted then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The

endeared himself to the rural masses with signature policies like universal health care but alarmed the royalist elite by upsetting the old patronage-based political order.

Not all the red shirts support Thaksin, who lives abroad to evade a jail sentence for a graft-related conviction. But they close ranks to protect electoral democracy in a country where governments have been regularly overthrown by the military. The kingdom has witnessed no fewer than 19 attempted coups - and 12 successful ones - since 1932.

In 2010, the red shirts rallied in Bangkok for months to pressure the then Democrat-led government to hold elections. This led to a bloody military crackdown that killed more than 90 people.

More recently, the UDD massed thousands of supporters at the western edge of Bangkok, to oppose any attempt to topple the Thaksin-linked Puea Thai government.

This raised fears of a possible confrontation between them and thousands of antigovernment protesters who had occupied the inner reaches of the capital for months.

In hindsight, it was probably a wrong move, said Mr Kritsanapong Phrombuengram, a red shirt leader from the Rak Chiang Mai 51 faction.

“If not for the rally, the military would not have had the pretext to stage a coup,” he said.—ANN

China sends more ships to Vietnam waters HANOI—Vietnamese Fisheries Surveillance sels any time, the department said.

Department (VSFD) staff has reported high-capacity Chinese vessels in waters around the Haiyang Shiyou-981 rig, which is illegally standing in Viet Nam’s waters.

They said the vessels had bulbous bows and were accompanied by two Chinese coastguard ships. Together with Chinese fishing vessels, they kept on hampering Vietnamese vessels, occasionally throwing stones and bottles.

China still has a fleet of between 110-115 ships around the rig, including about 40 coastguard vessels, about 30 cargo ships and tugboats, 35-40 fishing vessels and four military ships.

The Vietnamese surveillance department said Chinese ships continued to operate in groups to prevent Vietnamese law-enforcement ships from approaching the rig.

They blasted sirens, fired water cannons and showed they were ready to ram Vietnamese ves-

However, Vietnamese law-enforcement ships persistently maintained their positions about 9-11 nautical miles from the rig.

Vietnamese fishermen continued to trawl for fish about 25-20 nautical miles from the rig, the department said.

VN mission replies to China Earlier on Thursday, the Vietnamese delegation to the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation in Geneva sent a note protesting against China’s actions to other WTO and UN countries.

The messages updated developments on China’s illegal placement of an oil rig and provocative actions in Viet Nam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

The note demanded China immediately and unconditionally withdraw the rig and compensate for losses caused to the Vietnamese side.— ANN

BAGHDAD—Militants stormed a university filled with hundreds of students in Iraq’s restive Anbar province Saturday, briefly taking students hostage before withdrawing from the school amid gunfire, officials and witnesses said.

The attack on Anbar University comes as Islamic extremists and other anti-government militias have held parts of the nearby provincial capital of Ramadi and the city of Fallujah since December amid rising tensions between Sunni Muslims and the Shiite-led government in Baghdad. While shelling and gunbattles continue between the militants and government-allied forces, the school largely has been left alone while civilians fled the violence.

That changed early Saturday morning as the gunmen killed three police officers on guard at the university’s gate, a police and a military official said. The gunmen then detained dozens of students inside a university dorm, the officials said. Sabah Karhout, the head of Anbar’s provincial council, told reporters that hundreds of students were inside the university compound when the attack started.

Ahmed al-Mehamdi, a student who was taken hostage, said he awoke to the crackle of gunfire, looked out the window and saw armed men dressed in black racing across the campus.

Minutes later, the gunmen entered the dormitory and ordered everybody to stay in their rooms while taking others away, he said.

The Shiite students at the school were terrified, alMehamdi said, as the gunmen identified themselves as belonging to an al-Qaida splinter group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The Sunni terror group, fighting in Syria with other rebels trying to topple President Bashar Assad, is known for massive, bloody attacks in Iraq as well often targeting Shiites that they view as heretics.

The Islamic State did not immediately claim the attack on the school, which says it has more than 10,000 students, making it one of the country’s largest.

Several hours later, gunmen left the university under unclear circumstances.—AP

Modi to visit Japan in early July TOKYO—Arrangements are being made for a visit to Japan

by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in early July, it has been learned.

Government officials from both Japan and India told The Yomiuri Shimbun of the newly inaugurated Indian prime minister’s planned trip to Japan on Thursday. He will likely meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe while staying in Japan.

Since the time Modi served as chief minister of the western state of Gujarat, he has been known as a politician friendly to Japan, having been proactive in inviting Japanese corporate investment to India.

Modi has given top priority to rebuilding the economy

of India, where annual growth has dropped to around 4 percent. He is thought to put great weight on relations with Japan, seeing the future of bilateral cooperation between the countries as promising, according to the Japanese officials.

On his visit to Japan, Modi and Abe are expected to discuss a range of topics of interest to both countries, according to the officials. These include the following: —Accelerating bilateral talks, resumed last year, toward the early conclusion of a JapanIndia atomic energy cooperation agreement.

—Exporting the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s US-2 amphibious search and rescue aircraft to India.—ANN.

Warfare’s Never-Ending Story FRANCIS X. CLINES

T

HE world looked back to the future last week as 18 national leaders gathered to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion that triggered the end to World War II’s apocalyptic ravaging of Europe.

For all the celebration of peace, wisps of the Cold War that so quickly followed that global struggle were in the air along the sacred French battlefronts, stirred by President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia’s continued flirtation with the old rhetoric, veiled threats and regional chess moves of the defunct Soviet empire. For his part, President Obama worked to brace the European alliance as if it were the 1950s. “Further Russian provocations will only mean more isolation and costs for Russia,” Mr. Obama declared in Poland.

The Question of a soldier: Despite all the focus on wars past, cold or lethal, it was the jagged reality of contemporary combat against modern hit-and-run terrorism that preoccupied Mr. Obama and his critics in the suddenly emerging form of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, a soldier who the Army said walked off his post without permission in Afghanistan in 2009.

Nearly five years of captivity by the Taliban followed and Sergeant Bergdahl’s release a week ago ignited a furious debate about whether swapping the soldier for five Taliban militants, held for more than a decade at the

Guantánamo Bay prison, was a deal Mr. Obama should have made. The president’s warm embrace of the sergeant’s grateful parents was soon followed by cries from Mr. Obama’s Republican antagonists and some Afghanistan war veterans that the 28-year-old infantryman should be considered no patriot, and could be viewed as a deserter deserving court-martial who endangered patrols that went looking for him.

Capitol Hill Democrats were angry, too, at not being informed in advance about the release of Guantánamo prisoners, as required by law. At the D-Day invasion beaches, President Obama broadened the ideals of warfare’s sacrifice to link the old war’s soldiers to “this 9/11 generation” of warriors “who chose to serve a cause greater than self.”

Back home, however, notions of an easy celebration of Sergeant Bergdahl’s return were already dead. Even the sergeant’s hometown, Hailey, Idaho, where proud banners, prayers and ribbons had long wafted, had second thoughts about staging a hero’s welcome home on June 28.

The “Bowe Is Back” celebration was canceled and officials in the town of 7,900 admitted they feared a crush of visitors “who both want to support or protest against it.” “Now is not the time,” one resident said, shocked at how fast the sergeant had become a lightning rod for political divisiveness.

It was hard to tell whether critics were more motivated by fears that the five freed Taliban

would quickly return to battle — despite promised restraints for a year in Qatar, the broker in the negotiated swap — or by the complicated profile presented by Sergeant Bergdahl, who clearly marched to a different drummer than the rest of his unit. He had slipped away from his tent near the Pakistan border, reportedly taking a backpack but not his weapons, in demonstrating his free spirit. He told his parents in an email before his capture that while the Afghan people needed American help, “what they get is the most conceited country in the world telling them that they are nothing and that they are stupid,” Rolling Stone magazine reported. “I am sorry for everything here,” his parents quoted their son.

Military investigators found previous incidents in which Sergeant Bergdahl wandered off from his duties at a training range in California and a remote outpost in Afghanistan. But he returned both times, according to people briefed on a classified report.

“I think we can all agree we’re not dealing with a war hero here,” a visibly angry Senator Joe Manchin III, Democrat of West Virginia, said, criticizing a closed briefing by administration officials defending the swap. (“Was He Worth It?” was Time magazine’s cover question, as if a soldier’s behavior and politics must pass muster as a condition for his return.)

Far easier to hail an uncomplicated war hero. The domestic front has long found pride in the notion that American warriors, particularly those World War II veterans celebrated

anew last week as “the greatest generation,” are ironclad patriots. Beyond the gloss of every war’s nostalgia, however, there inevitably are legions who felt compelled to retreat from the trenches. In World War II, there were 50,000 American deserters in the European theater, according to war records, and most were those who broke down in the battle zone, not behind the lines, according to Charles Glass, author of the World War II history “The Deserters.” (Whether Sergeant Bergdahl was simply AWOL — absent without leave, a lesser offense — or a full deserter is a question for military authorities studying his release.)

President Obama offered no apology as commander in chief for his duty to retrieve an American soldier captured by the enemy.

“I am responsible for those kids,” he declared in Brussels, stressing that the sergeant’s health was found to be deteriorating and his rescue depended on a fast swap.

“This is not a political football,” he insisted.

But the Republicans’ attack lines in the elections, with control of Congress at stake, were already heating up over the swap for Sergeant Bergdahl.

The new cold war: In Europe, the French president, François Hollande, worked out a bit of Nouvelle Cold War diplomacy, first dining at a Champs-Élysées restaurant Thursday with President Obama, then hurrying back to his residence to host a late dinner for President Putin.

—Courtesy: Global Opinion.

Suu Kyi faces pushback from army over public pressure NIRMAL GHOSH

A

cross Myanmar, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is stepping up her campaign to change the Constitution by staging street rallies in crowded cities and dusty villages that draw thousand-strong crowds.

She has also begun to broaden her message by challenging the role of the powerful military, which has the clout to veto any charter changes.

At a rally in Lewe town, Naypyidaw, on Sunday, Suu Kyi told a huge crowd: “We are not attacking the military, whose duty is to protect the country and people. When the military was established, it regarded the people as parents.

“I am just urging the military not to take the role it shouldn’t take because I want it to be loved by the people.”

The twin messages of Suu Kyi’s public campaign are closely related.

Her real goal is to change Article 59F of the charter, which bars her from the presidency because of her marriage to a British academic and her two sons’ British citizenship.

But to do that, she has to first succeed in amending Article 436, which states that the support of more than 75 per cent of lawmakers is needed for any charter change.

This effectively gives the military, which holds 25 per cent of seats in the national Parliament, a veto on any constitutional amendments.

But the Nobel laureate’s move to mobilise the public on this issue is facing a growing pushback from the Tatmadaw, as the Myanmar army is officially known.

The Union Election Commission (UEC), chaired by retired army general Tin Aye, recently reminded Suu Kyi that she swore an oath to the Constitution and so she should not criticise it.

In a letter on May 22, the commission told Suu Kyi that she had made illegal and unconstitutional comments in saying the military should not be afraid of constitutional change in support of democratic reform.

It also warned that her comments could jeopardise the reregistration of her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), ahead of by-elections later this year and a general election at the end of next year.

The NLD responded tersely by saying that the UEC’s caution was inappropriate, and challenged its authority to decide on constitutional matters.

NLD spokesman Nyan Win told The Straits Times in a phone interview on Thursday that the party is not intimidating the army, and is instead aiming to give the military “a chance to be good in Parliament”.

Some analysts are sceptical of Suu Kyi’s high-pressure public tactics.

Former political prisoner Khin Zaw Win wrote in an e-mail that the street rallies were intended as a “short cut to power on the shoulders of a gullible public”.

Aside from the huge rallies, the NLD and activists from the “88 Generation” pro-democracy movement have collected more than 380,000 signatures in Yangon alone demanding a change to Article 436.

Dr Khin Zaw Win, who is based in Yangon, also pointed out that a committee has already been set up to review thousands of proposals to change the Constitution.

“Since a proper process is already under way, strong public pressure is perhaps uncalled for,” he said.

—Courtesy: Straits Times.

Ten ways the Ukraine crisis may change the world PAUL TAYLOR

A

S Moscow and the West dig in for a prolonged stand-off over Russia’s annexation of Crimea, risking spillover to other former Soviet republics and beyond, here are 10 ways in which the Ukraine crisis could change attitudes and policy around the world.

1) Russia diminished: Russia’s role in international affairs is diminished, at least temporarily. Moscow has been de facto excluded from the Group of Eight industrialized powers. Its bids to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the International Energy Agency are frozen. Western summits with Moscow are canceled until further notice.

President Vladimir Putin’s attempt to use the BRICS group of emerging powers to mitigate isolation by the West faltered over Chinese and Indian unease at the Crimean precedent for disputes about Tibet and Kashmir. A joint BRICS statement condemned sanctions but made no mention of Crimea or Ukraine.

2) NATO revived: Just when it looked to be losing relevance as its mission in Afghanistan limps to a close, the U.S.-led military alliance is back in business. An increase in allied air patrols and war games showing the flag in Poland and the Baltic states is on the agenda, and Warsaw wants faster deployment of U.S. missile defense systems in central Europe.

Under U.S. pressure, some European countries may rethink cuts in defense spending. Neutral Sweden and Finland, perceiving Russia anew as a potential threat, may increase security efforts and cooperate more closely with NATO. 3) Energy diversification: The energy map of Europe is being redrawn with accelerated action to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas. EU states are set to build more liquefied natural gas terminals, upgrade pipeline networks and grids and expand a southern gas supplies through Georgia and Turkey to southern and central Europe.

The EU gets a third of its oil and gas from Russia, and 40 percent of that gas is pumped across Ukraine. Europe may now look to tap its own shale gas reserves and expand nuclear power, despite environmental concerns. “I see the danger of more nuclear - which is C02-free, which is also part of the discussion, but it is the wrong path,” said Gerhard Roiss, chief executive of Austria’s OMV, a big importer of Russian gas into central Europe.

4) China factor: The diplomatic alliance between Russia and China, which often vote together in the U.N. Security Council, could change in one of two directions - either rapprochement through a stronger energy partnership, with new pipelines being built to pump Russian oil and gas spurned by Europe to Beijing; or a cooling if China distances itself more from Putin’s behavior and sees less benefit in closer ties with an economically weakened and relatively isolated Moscow. For now, President Xi Jinping is refusing to take sides in public.

5) U.S. leadership: Washington’s global leadership role, weakened by the rise of emerging powers and by retrenchment under President Barack Obama, has been partially restored.

Despite his disengagement from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and strategic “pivot” towards Asia, events have pushed Obama back into the old-fashioned role of “Leader of the Free World” in an East-West crisis in Europe.

The crisis has swept aside European anger over U.S. spying on global communications and put a new premium on cooperation. In Brussels last week Europeans appealed to Obama to sell them shale gas, and both sides agreed to speed talks on a transatlantic free trade and investment pact. Yet U.S. strategists say American economic interests and the security challenges of managing a rising China mean Asia will remain the priority and Europe will have to do more for itself.

—Courtesy: Global Opinion.

Egypt court sentences 10 Brotherhood supporters to death C AIRO —An Egyptian court sentenced 10 supporters of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood to death in absentia on Saturday but postponed sentencing of its leader and other senior members tried in the case, judicial sources said. Those sentenced were convicted on charges including inciting violence and blocking a major road north of Cairo during protests after the army toppled Islamist President Mohamed Mursi last July.

All 10 were assumed to be in hiding amid a state crackdown on the group since Mursi’s ouster. One of those sentenced was Abdul Rahman al-Barr, a member of the Brotherhood’s Guidance Council, the movement’s executive board. Mohamed AbdelMaqsoud, a well-known Salafi preacher who fled to Qatar after Mursi was toppled, was also sentenced in absentia.

SMIU admissions to begin from tomorrow KARACHI—The admissions to various BS, MS and Diploma Programmes at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) will commence from Monday, June 9, says a statement issued, here on Saturday. The admissions were offered for four year BS in Computer Science, Media Studies, Environmental Sciences, Education, Accounting and Finance and Business Administration.

Similarly, two year MS was offered in Computer Science, Media Studies, Environmental Sciences, Education and Management Sciences. The university had offered MBA for 1 year and 5 month, 2-year and 6 month and 3 years and 5 month, respectively, depending upon the earlier educational background of the candidates.

One year diploma programmes are offered in Educational Management and Early Childhood Development. —APP

Death sentence recommendations in Egypt are passed on to the country’s grand mufti, the highest religious authority, for his review. The court can ignore his opinion and its rulings can be appealed. Judge Hassan Fareed said the verdict for the rest of the defendants would be announced at a hearing on July 5.

Those 38 defendants include the Islamist movement’s General Guide Mohamed Badie and senior member Mohamed El-Beltagy, along with former ministers from Mursi’s government.

“Down with the military court!” shouted the defendants in the courtroom.

Speaking from the cage where defendants are held in Egyptian courtrooms, Beltagy yelled condemnations against the judiciary, which he said was serving Egypt’s militarized state.

He wore the dark uniform worn by defendants already sentenced in other

trials. He was given a one-year prison sentence in April for insulting the judiciary, the first sentence handed to a leader of the organisation since it was outlawed.

Egypt’s biggest political force until last year, the Brotherhood has been driven underground and declared a terrorist organisation. Badie was among 683 people sentenced to death in April. Hundreds of Brotherhood supporters and members of the security forces have been killed since Mursi’s ouster and thousands detained by security forces.

Secular activists are also in jail. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said last month 16 journalists were imprisoned in Egypt. The military-backed government in place since Mursi’s ouster accuses the Brotherhood of turning to violence. The group denies that accusation.—Reuters

Modi govt to tackle Maoism with incentives, benefits for troops NEW DELHI—In a new anti-Naxalite strategy being readied by government, bureaucrats and security personnel operating in Maoist-hit areas may get special monetary benefits, out-ofturn promotions and choice posting after the completion of their tenure in these “dangerous” places. Flagging Naxalite areas as the ‘most dangerous zone’ in the country, the government will enhance hardship allowance given to paramilitary personnel deployed in these places more than what they get while serving in Jammu & Kashmir and Northeastern region.

At present, a paramilitary constable serving in J&K gets around Rs 8,000 per month in addition to his or her normal salary and other entitlements.

The broad contours of the new strategy was discussed during a meeting convened by home minister Rajnath Singh to review the steps being taken to check the Maoist menace, official sources said, adding the incentives are aimed at attracting talented IAS and IPS officers to work in Naxalite-hit areas. In another move, the new government has decided to change the name of its Naxal Management division in the home ministry to Left Wing Extremism division.

As Naxal is a very restricted term, the new government wants to give a much broader no-

Indian govt aims to step up defence procurement

menclature, a senior home ministry official said.

Rajnath Singh has emphasized that the morale of the forces should be kept high and development will take place only when there is an improvement in security situation.

The policy change appears to have been inspired by the American model which gives its troops a choice posting besides special incentives like danger pay, imminent danger pay, hardship duty pay, hazardous duty pay, premium pay rest and recuperation travel allowance while serving in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. The home minister, along with minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju, were briefed about various aspects of left wing extremism and the steps being taken to control it. Singh also emphasized on completing the existing development projects in Naxalite-hit areas, including construction of 5,000km roads at a cost of Rs 10,000 crore and setting up of 2,199 mobile phone towers at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore. Singh promised to ensure regular flow of funds for all development projects. He asked the officials to review the policy under which forest lands are given to landless tribals so that ‘pattas’ can be given to genuine applicants after showing leniency.

Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar are among the nine worst Maoist-affected states.—PTI

Punjab seeks CPSP coop for better health facilities SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Advisor to Chief

From Page 1 “Some mechanism needs to be set up to expedite the procurement process,” he said.

“This government is committed to national security and we feel the red tape involved in purchase of defence equipments must be cut down,” Jaitley said on the sidelines of a ceremony to commission two coastguard ships. “Balancing the resource constraint and making available all the resources that are required for national security is going to be the approach of the government,” Jaitley, who is also finance minister, said.

Jaitley said coastal security topped the priorities of the government and induction of new vessels would help Coast Guard officials secure the coastline.—AFP

Minister Punjab on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique has lauded the services of College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) at national and international level and sought its cooperation for extending better health facilities to the masses.

Speaking at a function of the College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan in Lahore, Khawaja Salman said, “The services of CPSP are exemplary at national and international level. The benefit from the services of specialist doctors and supervisors can be obtained through better liaison between CPSP and Government of the Punjab.” In this way better facilities can be provided to the masses. The nation can be served by using the latest technology in the field of medical profession in a better way, he said.

President CPSP Prof.

Zafar Ullah Chaudhry said on the occasion that the CPSP is trying to provide specialist doctors throughout the country. The standard of medical research and education will improve with the launch of essential credit points, he said, adding: “All standard facilities along with information technology will be provided at all regional centers.”

Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal, DGIR, CPSP, threw light on the national and international services of CPSP. He said recognition of CPSP degree in Saudi Arabia is a result of fellows and supervisors untiring efforts. He said new five storeys building at Regional Center will be completed in six months. The new block will consist of workshop halls, skill lab and residences for examiners. Prof. Ijaz Ahsan, ex-President, CPSP, appreciated the founder President of CPSP Gen. W. A. Burki and the present council and wished to continue the journey of success.

Iran, Pakistan From Page 1 Balouchistan Deputy Governor General in the provincial capital city of Zahedan.

In May, Iran and Pakistan signed 9 MoUs in a bid to further expand mutual cooperation in various fields of security.

The MoUs were signed between Iranian First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri and Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif in Tehran at the time.

According to the MoUs, the two sides agreed to set up a joint committee on border issues.

They also agreed to boost cooperation in their fight against terrorism, drugs trafficking and money-laundering.—INP

59 killed in northern Iraq fighting BAGHDAD—In the northern city of Mosul, longstanding Sunni Arab protest camp heavy fighting between militants and security forces entered its second day on Saturday, killing 21 police and 38 militants, an officer and mortuary employee said.

Fighting erupted in Mosul on Friday morning and continued into the night, while twin suicide bombings targeted a minority group east of the city, and soldiers shot dead suicide bombers to its south. At least 36 people were killed in Friday’s violence in Mosul and elsewhere in Nineveh province.

A day earlier, militants seized several parts of Samarra in a major assault that was only repelled after house-to-house fighting and helicopter strikes in which dozens died. A crisis broke out in the desert province of Anbar, west of Baghdad, in December when security forces dismantled a

near provincial capital Ramadi.

Anti-government fighters subsequently seized control of parts of Ramadi and all of Fallujah, to its east, and security forces have so far failed to drive them out. The United Nations said on Friday that the conflict in Anbar is believed to have forced nearly 480,000 people from their homes.

They join some 1.1 million others displaced by past years of violence in Iraq.

More than 900 people were killed last month, according to figures separately compiled by the United Nations and the government.

So far this year, more than 4,300 people have been killed, according to AFP figures.

Officials blame external factors for the rising bloodshed, particularly the civil war in neighbouring Syria.—AFP

Egypt bans

2 soldiers martyred

From Page 1

From Page 1

Muslim Brotherhood last July.

It said in April it had licensed more than 17,000 state-approved clerics to give Friday sermons to stop mosques from falling “into the hands of extremists.” It also disclosed it had removed 12,000 unapproved preachers.

According to the decree, “only designated specialists at the Ministry of Religious Endowments and authorized preachers from al-Azhar shall be permitted to practice public preaching and religious lessons in mosques or similar public places.”

Only al-Azhar officials and graduates as well preachers from the ministry or the grand mufti’s office will be allowed to wear the trademark “turban” - a red hat with a white cloth band - and robes that designate an alAzhar cleric, it said.

Unauthorized preachers face fines, jail terms up to a year and fines up to 50,000 Egyptian pounds ($7,000).

Wearing or denigrating al-Azhar garments in any way will carry similar penalties, it added.—Reuters

Altaf Hussain restores two MQM leaders’ membership LONDON—Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain’s bail in moneylaundering case Saturday heralded a bailout for suspended party leaders. Altaf Hussain in a telephonic meeting with the heads of different sections at MQM headquarters Nine Zero announced that he was restoring the membership of Anees Advocate and Saleem Shehzad.

Both these leaders were suspended last year for violating party’s code of conduct. “I am grateful to everyone for standing by me in the ordeal. I salute you all for all the pains you took for me”, said he while talking to party members. He also praised the party leaders for showing such a commendable discipline throughout the protest rallies staged to express solidarity with him.—INP

Agency, which killed one security official and injured two others. The dead body and injured personnel were shifted to nearby hospital. Some reports say a group of security personals were on patrolling when targeted by the road side explosion. The Security forces cordoned off the area and started search operation.

In second incident another security official was killed, several injured at a remote security post near Pak-Afghan border in Bajaur Agency. ”Two soldiers embraced Shahadat in Bajaur agency on Saturday morning in two IED explosion planted by the terrorists along road side one each in Bara Kamrang area and near a Pakistani post on Pak Afghan border”. The ISPR said.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan has strongly condemned landmine blasts in different areas of Bajaur Agency and expressed his deep shock and sorrow over the loss of precious lives of security personnel. Expressing his deep sympathies with members of the bereaved families, the Governor said that the immortal sacrifices of the officers and jawans of our security forces for the security of the country will never go in vain and will always be remembered with great pride. “The elements involved in the heinous crime, will not remain at large and will be brought to book and justice. He also prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and courage to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss with patience.

He has also wished early recovery of the injured In the meanwhile a grand tribal Jirga requested the government on Saturday to stop “unannounced military operations” in North Waziristan Agency. In a joint communiqué issued here Saturday the Jirga members said after ‘successful’ talks with the government in Peshawar, most factions of the Taliban in North Waziristan have

given the Jirga a mandate to seek peace in the agency.

The Jirga called upon all the parties to establish peace in accordance with the peace agreement signed in 2006 while continuing efforts to resume peace talks. The Jirga also requested for the relaxation of the curfew imposed in the agency. The Jirga, statement added, will initiate dialogue with various factions of the Taliban upon its return to Bannu. It may be recalled that on June 6, a heated debate between the 65member tribal Jirga and Peshawar Corps Commander reached the conclusion that tribal elders will play their role in restoring peace in North Waziristan within 15 days.

The Jirga comprising 65 elders of Uthmanzai, Wazir and Dawar tribes from North Waziristan, led by Haji Sher Muhammad, the successor of the Faqir of Ipi, met with Corps Commander Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani to discuss military action in North Waziristan Agency. They also held meeting with the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mehtab Abbasi. The Jirga assured the government that they would make efforts to restore peace in the region through negotiation.

The tribal elders from North Waziristan were on Friday given a 15-day deadline to expel foreign fighters from the region. The grand Jirga was also told that military action will be taken if peace in the North Waziristan region is not established within 15 days.

The Jirga was also told to ensure safety of government installations and the convoys of security forces. Governor Mehtab called upon tribal elders to come forward and play a role to restore peace in tribal areas. He said that restoration of peace in tribal areas is a pre-requisite for progress and development of the country. Certainly repatriation of IDPs, progress and development are impossible without peace in Fata.

Altaf released on bail From Page 1 which was accepted and he was released from police station. Earlier, Altaf Hussain was transferred to the police station on Friday after discharging from the hospital. According to reports, doctors had termed Altaf Hussain’s angiography reports satisfactory, following which, the Scotland Yard decided to move MQM chief to the station again. Police sources said Hussain was released on a personal bail without any charges framed against him with the condition that he would appear before authorities whenever required.

Soon after he was released, he addressed via telephone his party lawmakers and workers who were par-

ticipating in a sit-in protest at Karachi’s Numaish Chowrangi against their leader ’s arrest in London.

Hussain commended the participants of the sit-in for their passion and commitment, adding that truth must always be spoken.

The MQM chief said he had remained patient throughout his recent ordeal and did not beg for his freedom. He further said that he and his party knew how to stand up to oppression.

Hussain also thanked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari.

He also expressed his gratitude for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for condemning his arrest and also

thanked Tahirul Qadri, Chaudhry Shujaat and Pervez Musharraf.

He admitted that the Pakistani prime minister had played a positive role in the matter and expressed his determination that, if necessary, he would be prepared to sacrifice his life for truth.

Hussain also thanked traders, transporters, scholars and artists for supporting the MQM during a difficult time. He also said that all former colleagues who were angry with the MQM have been forgiven. The MQM chief directed his supporters to end their protests and concluded his speech by praying for Pakistan’s deliverance from all internal and external dangers.—NNI

Afghan floods render over 50 dead, thousands homeless K ABUL —Flooding in a remote part of piles of food and other supplies in Baghlan

Zuma in hospital for medi-tests JOHANNESBURG South African President Jacob Zuma was admitted to a hospital for tests on Saturday, and doctors are satisfied with his condition, his office said. The announcement came two weeks after Zuma was inaugurated for a second five-year term following the election victory last month of the ruling African National Congress party. “Yesterday President Zuma was advised to rest following a demanding election and transition program to the new administration,” his office said in a statement.

No further details were given. In a separate statement on Friday, Zuma’s office said the president would take a few days off from public engagements while continuing to perform official duties from home. —AP

Tutu leads prodemocracy crusade JOHANNESBURG— South African Nobel peace laureate Desmond Tutu and a raft of human rights organisations have signed an open letter demanding reforms from Swaziland’s King Mswati III, denouncing arbitrary arrests and prosecutions. “We write to express our concern about the state of freedom of expression, judicial independence, and the rule of law in the Kingdom of Swaziland,” reads the letter, whose authenticity a Tutu spokesman confirmed Friday.—AFP

Morgan in ICU after 6 vehicles crash WA S H I N G T O N

—The actor and comedian Tracy Morgan was critically injured early on Saturday after the limousine bus in which he was riding was hit by a tractor-trailer in a six-vehicle accident on the New Jersey Turnpike, the State Police said. At least one person was killed in the crash, which occurred about 1 a.m., the State Police said, on the northbound side of the turnpike in Cranbury Township in Middlesex County, about 45 miles from New York City. The person was not immediately identified.

Sgt. Gregory Williams of the State Police said that Mr. Morgan, 45, a former “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock” cast member, had been a passenger in the limousine bus, which overturned after being struck by the tractor-trailer.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stands at right as U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and New Zealand’s Governor-General Jerry Mateparae guides Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II to her position for a group photo, with French President Francois Hollande, in the background, talking with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as they take part in commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, in Benouville in Normandy, France.

Putin orders guards to reinforce Ukraine border Kiev’s new leader stands up to Moscow over Crimea, Europe M OSCOW / KIEV —Russian President roughly equal.

Vladimir Putin on Saturday ordered the border service to reinforce the state border with Ukraine, the Kremlin press service told Russian news agencies.

Putin issued the order for border guards to take all necessary measures to prevent illegal crossings, Russian news agencies reported.

Kiev said Thursday that it had abandoned three border posts neighbouring Russia in the volatile Lugansk region of eastern Ukraine after attacks by separatists.

It has also said that fighters are entering Ukraine frequently from Russia, some having travelled from the North Caucasus region.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday that thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing the combat zone into bordering Russian regions and 4,000 have sought refugee status.

But Ukraine’s border service said that no Ukrainian had requested refugee status at the border with Russia and that the numbers of travellers entering and leaving the country were

122 ‘missing persons’ traced in Balochistan OBSERVER REPORT Q UETTA —A total of 122 ‘missing persons’ were traced and recovered in Balochistan during the last three years, an official of Home and Tribal Affairs Department said Saturday.

Requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to media, the official said that the ‘missing persons’ belonged to Baloch nationalist groups.

He, however, informed that according to official records, 143 cases of missing persons were still pending before the ‘missing persons’ commission and the Supreme Court.

The commission, constituted on the directives of the apex court four years ago, has so far disposed of more than 600 cases, according to an announcement made in May. According to the official, 52 cases of missing persons were disposed off by the commission and the apex court owing to lack of evidence and necessary documents.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s new president Petro Poroshenko said his country would never give up Crimea and would not compromise on its path towards closer ties with Europe, spelling out a defiant message to Russia in his inaugural speech on Saturday.

The 48-year-old billionaire took the oath of office before parliament, buoyed by Western support but facing a crisis in relations with Russia as a separatist uprising seethes in the east of his country.

Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in March, weeks after street protests ousted Poroshenko’s proMoscow predecessor Viktor Yanukovich, in a move that has provoked the deepest crisis in relations with the West since the Cold War. “Citizens of Ukraine will never enjoy the beauty of peace unless we settle our relations with Russia. Russia occupied Crimea, which was, is, and will be, Ukrainian soil,” Poroshenko said in a speech that drew a standing ovation. He said he had delivered that message to Russian

President Vladimir Putin when the two met on Friday at a World War Two anniversary ceremony in France.

There is no prospect of Russia reversing its takeover of Crimea, but in what could be a positive signal from Moscow, Russian news agencies reported Putin had ordered the Federal Security Service to strengthen protection of the border with Ukraine and prevent people crossing illegally.

The move was potentially significant because Ukraine and Western governments have been pressing Moscow to stop what they say is a flow of Russian arms and fighters into eastern Ukraine.

Russia denies it is backing the uprising but journalists have encountered Russian nationals among the separatist ranks.

Poroshenko, who earned his fortune as a confectionery entrepreneur and is known locally as the “Chocolate King”, said he intended to sign the economic part of an association deal with the European Union as a step towards full membership.—AFP/Reuters

US officials to hold direct talks on Iran nukes

WASHINGTON — The U.S. negotiating team, as saying of the world fears Iran may be announced Saturday that it is sending two top negotiators to Geneva for direct talks with Iranian officials over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The discussions involving Deputy Secretary of State William Burns and Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman are set for Monday and Tuesday.

An interim deal reached in November by Iran and six world powers — the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany — limited Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

In exchange, some penalties imposed against Iran were eased. But sanctions such as those targeting Iran’s oil imports, have remained in place.

Those nuclear talks are scheduled to resume June 16. There’s an informal deadline of July 20 for a comprehensive deal.

Iran’s official IRNA news agency said the upcoming U.S. talks would be followed by separate discussions in Rome between Iranian and Russian officials on Tuesday and Wednesday. IRNA quoted Abbas Araqchi, a senior member of Iran’s nuclear

that the Islamic Republic planned to hold other bilateral talks as well with the other world powers, but those meetings had yet to be set.

Iran insists its program is for peaceful energy and medical research purposes. Much

trying to develop nuclear weapons. The new face-toface talks come as the deadline approaches for world powers and Iran to translate their interim nuclear agreement into a comprehensive deal.—AP

northern Afghanistan has claimed more than 50 lives and forced thousands to flee their homes, a provincial official said on Saturday.

The authorities in Guzargah-e-Nur said the death toll could climb to 100 and called for emergency assistance from the central government.

It was the latest in a string of deadly flash floods, landslides and avalanches in Afghanistan’s rugged northern mountains, where roads are poor and many villages are virtually cut off from the rest of the country.

Lt. Fazel Rahman, the police chief in the Guzirga i-Nur district of the northeastern Baghlan province, said 54 bodies have been recovered, including the remains of women and children, but many others are still missing. He said the death toll could climb to 100 and called for emergency assistance from the central government.

“So far no one has come to help us.

People are trying to find their missing family members,” Rahman said, adding that the district’s police force was overstretched by the scale of the disaster.

Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, spokesman for the Afghan Defence Ministry, said two Army helicopters have been sent to the area to provide assistance.

The Afghanistan Natural Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) has stock-

province and has started the process of shipping them to the affected area, said Mohammad Aslim Sayas, deputy director of the agency.

He said a delegation has been sent to the affected villages to assess needs.

Guzirga i-Nur district is located more than 140 kilometres north of the provincial capital Puli Khumri.

Jawed Basharat, the spokesman for the Baghlan provincial police, said they were aware of the flooding, but that it would take eight to nine hours for them to reach the area by road.

Afghans living in the northern mountains have largely been spared from the country’s decades of war, but are no strangers to natural disasters.

Last month a landslide triggered by heavy rain buried large sections of a remote northeastern village in the Badakhshan province bordering China, displacing some 700 families. Authorities have yet to provide an exact figure on the number of dead from the May 2 landslide, and estimates have ranged from 250 to 2,700.

Officials say it will be impossible to dig up all the bodies.

A landslide in Baghlan province in 2012 killed 71 people. After days of digging unearthed only five bodies, authorities decided to halt the recovery effort and turn the area into a memorial for the dead.—AP

Imran claims 2013 polls ‘biggest fraud’ in Pakistan’s history Budget 2014-15 is only for the rich SIALKOT—Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan on Saturday night claimed that the May 11 general elections last year were the biggest fraud in the country’s history. Speaking to a rally organised here to protest against alleged rigging in last year’s polls, he said the people were looking at the judiciary to get justice, adding that they would be justified to go out on the streets if they were deprived of this fundamental right.

Pointing towards alleged rigging in several constituencies and typing mistakes by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Khan demanded of ‘the free judges of the country’ to deliver justice. He also pointed out sacrifices given by the PTI for the free judiciary.

Assailing the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N for being hesitant in investigating the alleged rigging, the PTI chief said the government was scared about its future.

He reiterated that the vote went to some while the seats went to another. The

cricketer-turned-politician alleged that the DPO Hafizabad ran the election campaign for the PML-N.

The rally administration played an audio recording as a proof.

“System of oppression cannot go any further … we will go to courts and come out on the streets as well,” he added.

“People faced jails and harassments; I also spent 8 days in jail. People are looking at you. The biggest fraud in the history of the country was May 11’s election.” PTI chief asked the

judiciary what side they are on.

Quoting Hamid Zaman’s case, he said that PTI leader spent 57 lakh rupees to gain justice and he has been wandering around for a year now.

“Tell me Honourable Justice where should people like us and Hamid Zaman would go if we don’t get justice?” he asked.

Talking about federal budget for the fiscal year 2014-2015, he said that this budget is business-centric, claiming that it benefits only rich. “You should all know by now that this year’s budget is only for rich people. It’s for those who earn billions of rupees and evade tax. This budget is not for labourers and farmers and poor households,” he said.

“This budget is for no one other than a small segment of society. Until you all struggle for it, there will be no real democracy in the country. Those who gain from the budget are those who embezzled the money and sent it abroad. Who will bring this money back?”

NASA warned plan to send humans to Mars may fail WASHINGTON–The US space agency NASA has been warned that its mission to send humans to Mars will fail unless its revamps its methods and draws up a clear, well-planned strategy to conquer the red planet.

The National Research Council said in a congressionally-mandated report that Washington should use “stepping stones” to achieve its goal of a manned flight to Mars.

This could involve exploring an asteroid, building a moon outpost or building more international cooperation with countries like China.

“To continue on the present course... is to invite failure, disillusionment and the loss of the longstanding international perception that human spaceflight is something the United States does best,” said the NRC’s 286-page report.

NASA welcomed the report’s findings, saying it was consistent with the agency’s Mars plan approved by Congress and President Barack Obama’s administration.

It promised to “thoroughly review the report and all of its recommendations” but insisted that it was worthwhile to set a goal of walking on Mars to set the bar high for other, parallel projects.“The horizon goal for human space exploration is Mars.

All long-range space programs, by all potential partners, for human space exploration converge on this goal,” it said in a statement.

“A sustainable program of human deep space exploration must have an ultimate, ‘horizon’ goal that provides a long-term focus that is less likely to be disrupted by major technological failures and accidents

along the way and the vagaries of the political process and economic scene.”To date the world’s space agencies have only managed to send unmanned robotic rovers to Mars, the latest being NASA’s $2.5 billion Curiosity rover, which touched down in August 2012.

The US space agency’s older Opportunity rover has been in operation for more than 10 years.

But advancing human exploration into the outer reaches of space will require decades of work, hundreds of billions of dollars of funding and “significant risk to human life,” according to the NRC report.

That, the report said, makes it impossible for the United States to go to Mars within the current US space budget. Instead, it called for increased cooperation with other

nations, including with space rival China, as well as funding from the private sector and other sources.

Current federal law bars NASA from participating in bilateral programs with China, which the National Research Council warned “reduces substantially the potential international capability that might be pooled to reach Mars.”“Given the rapid development of China’s capabilities in space, it is in the best interests of the United States to be open to future international partnerships.”

The report’s authors said that returning to the moon would foster better international cooperation given the interest about the destination in other countries, and such a mission would help develop technology to land and eventually live on Mars.—AFP

Psoriasis linked to worse quality of life for family members, too

B

OTH psoriasis patients and the people who live with them say psoriasis nega tively impacts their quality of life, according to a new study. And both groups tend to report more depression and anxiety than people not affected by the condition.

About 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, which is characterized by itchy, painful plaques on the skin. Previous research has found that people with psoriasis have a higher risk of cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases and develop more infections than those without psoriasis. The condition has also been linked to psychiatric disorders.

“The number of studies per year about quality of life in psoriasis keeps growing year after year and thanks to these studies we know that psoriatic patients have an impairment of their quality of life as well as higher levels of anxiety and depression, feelings of stigmatization, higher risk of suicidality and lower employment rate, among other problems,” Dr. Eliseo Martinez-Garcia told Reuters Health in an email.

Martinez-Garcia is a dermatologist at Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada, Spain and the lead author of the new study. “However, very few studies have addressed how this problem can affect (the) people who live with these patients, and none of them had evaluated globally quality of life, anxiety and depression,” Martinez-Garcia said.

“The impact of the dermatological conditions on patients’ cohabitants has been largely ig-

nored.”

The researchers had noticed that cohabitants of patients had difficulty coping with issues related to psoriasis, like having to avoid activities such as travel or social meetings, as well as spending time every day to help the patient with treatment. To take a more scientific look, they studied 130 adults: 34 people with psoriasis, 49 people who lived with psoriasis patients and 47 healthy people who did not live with psoriasis patients, to serve as a comparison group.

The impact of psoriasis on quality of life was measured with 10-question surveys taken by the patients and the cohabitants. Depression and anxiety were measured with separate surveys completed by members of all three groups.

The researchers found that psoriasis impaired the quality of life of 88 percent of the cohabitants and that their quality of life scores were closely linked with the scores of the patients.

One-third of cohabitants reported being highly affected by the psoriasis and only a few felt no effect. Anxiety and depression levels did not differ between patients and cohabitants, but were significantly higher than levels seen in the comparison group, according to findings published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

“A lot of psoriatic patients that are not doing any treatment would be surprised about how much their condition could be improved,” Martinez-Garcia said.

Cultural products displayed

Exhibition on ‘Women in Creative Industry’ I SLAMABAD—A two-day exhibition titled “Women in the Creative Industry” began at a local hotel on Saturday to highlight women’s economic empowerment in the country.

United Nations and Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have joined hands to organize this event to provide a platform to women entrepreneurs across Pakistan to showcase their talents.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Khizar Hayat, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Industries and Trade, Esam Alqarrah, United Nations and Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Dr. Shahina Waheed, National Programme Coordinator, UNIDO-WED Programme.

The on-going inspirational exhibition displays creative, cultural products for decorative and daily use including fashion design, home textile ranges, jewellery, marble mosaic and inlay products and handicrafts

amongst a variety of other items.

The exhibition has bought together some of the new members of the programme who are very excited at the prospects of displaying their work on such an esteemed platform.

Others have been a part of the programme since its inception and are equally content with the audience turnout.

These aspiring Pakistani women entrepreneurs have been a part of numerous trainings led by UNIDO International Experts and local Master Trainers.

UNIDO-WED Programme interventions in the country specifically focus on promoting gender integration in creative, non-traditional sub-sectors.

These efforts to build capacity of women develop their linkages with national and international markets and develop partnerships with value chain operators. The exhibition is source of attraction to a large number of local and foreign buyers.—APP

People filling their pots with drinking water from a filtration plant because of non-availability of clean water at their homes.

Appointment of acting PEMRA chief challenged I SLAMABAD—The appointment of Pervaiz Rathore as Acting Chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) was challenged in Islamabad high court on Saturday.

In its plea, Israr Abbasi, who is a private member of the authority, has argued that a three-member provisional committee was already working on the compliant of Defence Ministry against Geo.—NNI

Three restaurants sealed

Operation against unhygienic food underway ISLAMABAD—Capital Development Authority (CDA) in its operation against sub-standard and un-hygienic food stuff during the last week has issued 43 notices, 17 challans to the violators and partially sealed the three restaurants by continuing its operation against sub-standard and un-hygienic food stuff during the last week.

During the operation, two restaurants at G -10 Markaz and one at G-8 Markaz were partially sealed. Furthermore 10 liters of non-branded ketchup, 30 litters of

non-branded soft drinks, 150 litters of substandard soda water, three chemical drums and 49 un-hygienic utensils were confiscated and then destroyed, said a press release issued here.

Member Administration of the Authority, Amir Ali Ahmed has directed Directorate of Health Services to continue operation against sub-standards fruit and drink sellers in the city to make certain the supply of hygienic food stuff for masses during summer season.

He said that the action should be

taken against sellers of sub-standards, un-hygienic and expired food stuff as per principals of public health and relevant rules.

The special teams were taking action against sale of un-hygienic food stuff and submitting their weekly progress report to the Member Administration.

The said action was taken by two specially formed Directorate of Health Services teams each headed by a Food Inspector working under supervision of Health Officer.—APP

Arif Rana’s book launched at NBF ISLAMABAD—Short stories collection of Arif Rana represents down-trodden segment of our society, said Dr. Inamul Haq Javaid, educationist, well known thinker and Managing Director of National Book Foundation (NBF).

He stated this while addressing a launching ceremony of Arif Rana’s book titled ‘Adha Kunwan’ held under NBF here. A large number of writers, scholars and people from different walks of life attended the ceremony.

Dr. Inamul Haq Javaid said, “we found

very impressive angles of expression in the Arif Rana who has been depicting his ideas in his creatings showing himself as firm believer of his ideology of life, supporter of poor people and true lover to his motherland. Rafiq Tahir, joint educational advisor CAD said that the writer is towering supporter of dawn trodden segments of the society and inspires them to stand firmly against the tides of time and aggression of powerful segment of our society.

He said that NBF has spacious and well maintained auditorium for holding the

launching ceremonies of books on prose or poetry to serve the nation through creating a good habit of reading and introducing well known authors, poets and scholars.

Mehboob Zafar read the article written by Sarmad Sehbai on the occassion and said, “We found the novel ideas of true love, waiting for good days to come and support depressed people and it is no denying fact that the writer knows how to say difficult and complicated expressions in an easy way.—APP

Paramount role of Nepal in South Asia is reckoned with

Pakistan, Nepal supportive to each on world fora Trade with Pakistan to be augmented: Nepalese ambassador, Hot day tapered off to pleasant evening and colourful gala LIAQAT TOOR

ANP leader Haji Adeel,

ister Wazir Ali Jogezai were

with the arrival of Abdul Qadir

ISLAMABAD—It was one of the hottest days on Friday in Islamabad when mercury shot up to unbearable degree, but it tapered off to pleasant evening with a colourful gala held by Embassy of Nepal to celebrate its Republic and National Day. Bharat Raj Paudyal, Ambassador of Nepal was in the central stage to put up this grand show to share happiest moments of his country with citizens of his host country.

The envoy from this Himalayan state, Bharat Raj Paudyal is a seasoned diplomat, generally a quite man with a lot of wisdom and insight who is making efforts to augment trade between Pakistan and Nepal which is not satisfactorily at present.

It was his day as on his invitation politicians, parliamentarians, members of Diplomatic Corps, businessmen, Nepalese nationals in Pakistan, former diplomats, and retired senior civil servants and friends of Nepal converged to make perfect setting in a local hotel for jubilation.

Ambassador of Nepal Bharat Raj Paudyal, Chief Guest Federal Minister for SAFRON Abdul Qadir Baloch, ANP Leader Haji Adeel, Ambassador of Argentine Rodolfo Martin Saravia, Former Foreign Secretary Akram Zaki and Ambassador of Bangladesh Sohrab Hussain, cutting the cake during a ceremony to celebrate the Republic Day and National Day of Nepal, at a local hotel.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir Former Foreign Minister Gohar Ayub, ex-diplomat Akram Zaki and former Min-

among the prominent figures who attended the jubilations.

The ceremony kicked off

Baloch, Minister for SAFRON who represented Government of Pakistan at the reception.

After playing of national anthems and cake cutting tradition on the occasion, the participants of the show settled in groups to discuss anything on the world including Pak-Nepal

relations.

The moving spirit of the show was the ambassador and of course his spouse, who greeted all his guests with a smile and enthusiasm. All his companions in the embassy were also present to make this show a great success.

Two screens in the hall installed in the corners were displaying documentaries on Nepal with beautiful back ground music. Nepal with Mount Everest, the highest Peak and magical sites is one of the most attractive destinations of tourists and climbers.

To create awareness on tourism industry of Nepal, a stall with booklets was also arranged on the occasion.

The guests were treated with tasteful traditional dishes

on the occasion.

Pakistan and Nepal enjoy very close relationship.

People-to-people contacts are very strong and supportive.

On international fora and SAARC platform, both the countries also extend cooperation to each other.

Though trade volume is not in consonance with their cordial relations and close proximity, efforts are on to strengthen connectivity. Easy access to each other’s country can make the difference. Besides bilateral relations, SAARC is the forum which is needed to be activated to accelerate pace of trade and economic relations as great potential exists in both countries to achieve that end.

Nepal’s Tourism industry is well developed and can be made a great attraction for Pakistani tourists and climbers. Paper products, tea, Lentils, spices, ginger, Pashmina and handicrafts are exportable items from Nepal while Pakistan is strong in exporting garments, electronic and engineering goods, rice, chemicals and sports and surgical goods.

Textile thesis exhibition displaying a variety of interior and apparel products STAFF REPORTER Fajar Zohr Asr

04:30 01:30 05:30

Meghrab at Sunset Isha 09:00 Brothers in Islam establish regular prayers & charity

June 8 RAJA Muhammad Zafar-ulHaq, Leader of the House in Senate will be chief guest at Annual Certificate/Prize Distribution of Anjuman-e-Taleem ul Islam, Shah Faisal Jamia Islamia, 20-E, Sector G-7/3-2, Service Road, on 08.06.2014 at 10:00 a.m.

Examination of B-1 constables today RAWALPINDI—Examination for promotion list B-1 constables will be held on June 8 (Sunday).

As per schedule, first paper of promotion list B-1 examination will be held at 9 am on June 8, at Police Lines No 1 Rawalpindi and second paper will be held at 2 pm on June, 8 as well.

According to Rawalpindi police spokesman, the result of written test will be put to display on June, 12 while interviews of successful constables will be held on June 13 and 14.—APP

36 outlaws arrested; wine, hashish and weapons recovered I SLAMABAD —Police have nabbed 36 outlaws besides recovering weapons, hashish and wine from accused, a police spokesman said on Saturday.

According to details, Bani Gala police arrested two bootleggers accused Qaisar Mehmood,Bilal and recovered nine cans of beer and wine bottle from their possession.

Shahzad Town police arrested accused Jan Muhammad and recovered one 30 bore pistol from him while Ramana police arrested 13 accused persons for their alleged involvement in immoral activities during raid at Mirabadia.

Bhara Kau police arrested accused Qaisar Mehmud and Isrhat Mehmud involved in murder case and recovered murder weapon (30 bore pistol) from them.

Sabzi Mandi police nabbed 12 persons in violation of section 144. Ramana police arrested accused Zain Noorani for having four wine bottles while accused Zahid Mehmud was apprehended for giving his house on rent to a proclaimed offender.

Nilore police arrested two thieves accused Badshah Khan and Riaz Khan while two proclaimed offenders were also arrested during efforts to nab criminals at large.

During checking in various areas of the city, 70 motorbikes and four vehicles were impounded for being driven without authentic documents.— APP

ISLAMABAD—An impressive two-day textile thesis exhibition displaying a variety of interior and apparel products with unique styles and designing by the graduating students of the Iqra University opened here in the university campus on Saturday.

The empirical demonstration of creativity put on display in the form of different varieties of products by eight students of textile designing department was inaugurated by Senator Osman Saifullah.

Appreciating the thesis and

projects in exhibition, the senator said the display was a wonderful manifestation of these brilliant students’ creation who had put the amalgamation of diverse themes in one show.

He said the work would help students groom for profession to win respect in practical life by giving boost to the country’s textile industry through their such excellent work.

He took round of stalls, where students briefed him about their respective work of textile dimensions including knitted, woven and printed fabrics,furniture, apparel, inte-

rior designs etc.

Besides students, dignitaries of textile industry were visiting the show and took keen interest in the excellent thesis display, saying the work would promote creativity and passion among students.

Arooj, lecture talking to said the Iqra university was playing an important role in promoting quality education in the country and added its students were effectively contributing towards the country’s socio-economic development by serving in each department of public and private sector.

E&T impounds 200 vehicles in operation against tax defaulters STAFF REPORTER RAWALPINDI—Excise and Taxation Department Rawalpindi has launched a grand operation against token tax and custom duty defaulters here.

Two hundred vehicles being defaulters on payment of custom duty and token tax and without having registration documents have been impounded by Excise and Taxation Department during the operation.

Special operation launched on the directives of Director General Excise and Taxation Punjab Naseem Sadiq while Director Headquarter

Muhammad Irfan Khalid and Director Excise and Taxation Rawalpindi Shakeel ur Rehman are supervising the operation.

According to Shakeel ur Rehman, the staff of motor registration branches, excise and taxation department took part in the operation and 500 vehicles were checked on various city roads including Satellite Town, Bunni and Civil Lines.

The teams tasked with the checking duty will continue their work and strict action in accordance with the law would be taken against the rules violators.

The non registered vehicles are also being impounded.

Senator Osman Saifullah and Chancellor Hunaid Lakhani with the faculty members and student on the inaugural ceremony of Textile Thesis Exhibition 2014 at Iqra University on Saturday.

TMA asked to remove encroachments from Nullah Leh

RAWALPINDI—Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Rawal Town, Chaklala and Rawalpindi Cantonment Boards have been asked to remove all the encroachments particularly from the banks of Nullah Lai before start of Monsoon season.

Monitoring Committee for desilting and cleanliness of Nullah Lai in its meeting expressed satisfaction over the pace of dredging work continued here to clear Nullah Lai from Katarian to Amar Chowk area. First meeting of the committee, chaired by Managing Director (MD) Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) Raja Shoukat Mahmood held here on Saturday.

The meeting was attended among other by representatives of TMA, Rawal Town, that maximum number of pilgrims could per- Federal Flood Commission, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, Met Department, triple one form the religious obligation .

The Hajj fare has been decreased from brigade, Rawalpindi and Chaklala Canton2,72,000 to 2,45,000, he informed. He said that ban on proceeding for Umra would be lifted in the upcoming Ramzan, terming it a policy of the Saudi government. The Minister said that Hajj policy is totally based on merit and it is ensured at every level. He dispelled the impression that Member National Assembly and other’s do not enjoy Hajj Quota. Sardar Yousaf said talks had been resumed with the outlawed Tehreek-iTaliban and expressed the hope that these would be successful and bring peace in the country.— APP

First Hajj flight from Aug 27: Sardar Yousaf RAWALPINDI—Federal Minister for Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said Friday that the first Hajj flight would leave for Saudi Arabia on August 27.

Addressing a function organized in his honor at Jamia Furkania Madina at Kohati bazaar, here he said that better arrangements would be in place to facilitate the pilgrims this year and they would feel the difference.

He further said that best accommodation would be provided to them during their stay in the holy land and every effort is being made to facilitate them.

He said that Hajj fare has been decreased so

ment Boards.

Director Sewerage WASA Zahor Ahmed Dogar told the meeting that the dredging work of Nullah Lai, started on May 24 would be performed till June 24.

The work will be completed with an estimated cost of Rs 15 million.

The committee made recommendations to TMA and Cantonment Boards that all the encroachments from low lying areas particularly from the banks of Nullah Lai should immediately be removed.

He said, WASA had already devised a plan for preventing flood in Nullah Lai and other nullahs of the town.

The citizens particularly living in lowlying areas of the city and near nullahs, have been urged not to throw garbage and solid waste in nullahs and drains as they create blockage in the way of flood water.

He said 11 other Nullahs and drains

of the town, which flow into Nullah Lai, are also being cleared. The peoples role is essential especially in protecting low lying areas of the city from flood devastation. Solid waste, garbage, shopping bags should not be thrown in Nullahs as they create blockage in the way of flood water.

Resultantly the flood water plays havoc with the properties and lives of the people, he added.

Gawalmandi. City Sadar Road, Dhoke Charg Deen, Pirwadhi, New Katrian and Dhoke Naju are critical sections of Nullah Lai which are being cleared of silt and solid waste, he informed.

He said that Nullah Lai at Katrian Pull, Pirwadhai, City Saddar area, Moti Mahal, Aamar Chowk, High Court areas will especially be cleared and the work would be completed before the start of monsoon rains.—APP

Monitoring of 300 hostels RAWALPINDI—Rawalpindi administration has 25,000 male and female students are residing in started monitoring of 300 girls and boys hostels illegally set up in the garrison city. In this connection, the administration has decided to collect details of the inmates of the hostels.

The city admin noticed that there was no record of the residents of the hostels and the guests who visit the dwellers. Currently, 20,000 to

the hostels. The hostels owners are receiving Rs3000 to Rs8000 from each resident and two to three persons are allotted a room.In greed to make maximum money, the owners do not obtain identification documents from them. This can prove to be a grave security lapse, therefore the administration decided to take the action.—INP

5 kg heroin seized at BB airport RAWALPINDI—The Airport Security Force named Muhammad Afzal hailing from Kalar (ASF) on Saturday foiled a drugs smuggling bid by seizing 5 kilograms of heroin from a UKbound passenger at Benazir Bhutto International airport.

According to ASF sources, a passenger

Sydan was going to board PIA flight PK 785 for London when ASF searched his bags. At least five kgs of heroin was recovered. The accused A man jumps into water beat the heat, in a nearby water pond on Saturday. was handed over to anti narcotic forces for investigation.—INP

City Traffic Police holds workshop at Army College STAFF REPORTER RAWALPINDI—City Traffic Police (CTP) have held one-day workshop at Army College of Management Sciences to promote awareness among students about traffic rules and road safety.

According to CTP Spokesman, Education Wing Incharge Muhammad Irfan delivered lectures in this connection.

The instructor said, “We must be aware

of driving principles and drive vehicles according to the rule of law. We will be the excellent driver, only if we follow the traffic discipline.” The students were urged to observe traffic rules to avoid traffic mess and accidents.

Education Wing, using multimedia, public address system and pamphlets gave briefing on traffic rules and road safety.

He said most of the traffic accidents on roads occur due to the negligence on part of the drivers.

Sheikh Rashed submits petition against Metro Bus project in SC ISLAMABAD—Awami Muslim League ter. The Punjab government is named as 184 (3) of the constitution which states: (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed submitted a petition against the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus project in the Supreme Court on Saturday.

The petition to the court stated that the project is largely driven by corruption and asked that the Supreme Court to order an investigation into the mat-

a respondent in the application. Further, the petition stated that Murree Road, which runs from Islamabad to Rawalpindi, was dug up, causing a lot of problems for traders who use that route to transport goods. The fundamental rights of people are being violated by the project, it stated further.

The request was filed under Article

Several roads closed due to Metro Bus project STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—While commuters in capital city

A large number of passengers standing on a shelterless bus stop in sizzling hot weather.

“Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 199, the Supreme Court shall, if it considers that a question of public importance with reference to the enforcement of any of the fundamental rights conferred by Chapter I of Part II is involved have the power to make an order of the nature mentioned in the said Article.”—NP

of Islamabad are finding it extremely difficult to reach their places of duty during the morning with long queues on major roads as several roads are closed due to construction of Metro Bus route, the model traffic police in Islamabad is absent at the crossings and seen a few meters away in making challans of violators who try to find some way to get out of the traffic mess.

A number of drivers interviewed by INP said on Saturday that the problem is particularly serious at crossings along the 9th Avenue where there are long queues of vehicles but no traffic constable is seen to regulate the traffic. A press photographer was challaned on Fazl-e-Haq road as he was returning to his office after covering a protest by PTI workers in front of ECP on Friday. He lost his valet there which had his driving license and

national identity card and while he was taking a turn at the road, he found himself in a traffic mess from four sides and no traffic Constable at the point.

Finally when he got out, he found one at some distance signaling him to stop. Ultimately the photographer was fined which he asked a colleague to pay immediately to avoid impounding of his vehicle. Similar stories have been told by a large number of people who say that the Islamabad traffic police was once a model and known for good behaviour but now it is only busy in making challans to complete its target at the end of the financial year.

They never listen to the view point of motorists and insist that what they say is only right.

They asked the Inspector General and SSP Traffic to look into this sorry state of affairs by visiting the busy roads during morning rush hours as the commuters are stuck up because of construction of Metrobus route and absence of traffic police at the crossings and U-turns.

Good sleeping may helps to increase memory ISLAMABAD—A team of researchers have unraveled that a good night’s sleep plays a significant role in improving memory and learning abilities of the brain.

Scientists from China and the United States indicated that sleep could promote new connections between neurons, Khaleej Times reported.

To do the required tests, researchers at New York University School of Medicine and Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School trained mice in a new skill of walking on top of a rotating rod.

Using special laser-scanning microscopes, they then observed the living brain to see what happened inside the brain cells of animals divided into two groups including sleeping and sleep deprived animals.—APP

Mehbooba calls for all-consensus on Kashmir D ELHI —Urging Lok Sabha speaker a new atmosphere of hope in the state would follow the Vajpayee line in dealSumitra Mahajan to provide adequate space to members from Jammu & Kashmir to connect with the parliament and rest of the country with their accumulated problems, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti called for a national consensus on resolution of Kashmir and the issues of Jammu & Kashmir.

Speaking on the election of Sumitra Mahajan as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Mehbooba said though J&K is electorally a small state with just six members in the LS, it deserves greater accommodation in view of the problems this state has been facing ever since independence.

“Though we are a small state, but it faces more problems than the rest of the country,” she said adding representatives from J&K are charged with greater responsibilities as the people who vote for them face tremendous odds in doing so. She said the recent elections have particularly generated

Pandits inseparable of Kashmiri life: Malik G ANDERBAL —JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik has visited Kheer Bhavani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal and interacted with Kashmiri Pandits.

He said the Pandits were inseparable component of Kashmir’s land and life.

Malik accompanied by JKLF leaders Sheikh Abdul Rashid, Showkat Ahmad Dar, Mohammad Jamal,Bashir Ahmad Rather Boya , Gayas ud din and Shahid Makya visited Tulumulla this morning. At the Kheer bhavani temple, he interacted with Kashmiri Pandits, who had come from Jammu and different parts of India, to pay their obeisance at the shrine.

Welcoming them to the Valley, Malik said they (Pandits) are an inalienable part of “our life and soul”. “We have come here to assure you that every Kashmiri wants and desires your early return to Valley so that our nation gets rid of its imperfection”. Stating that Pandits have equal right to live in the Valley, he said, “It is religious duty of Kashmiri Muslims to safeguard rights of Pandits.

Our religion and beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught us tolerance, equality, justice, religious harmony and respecting others.”

Malik said Kashmir has been a living example of religious tolerance and harmony and Kashmiris will never like to abandon this “jewel of ours”.

Recalling the history of great victory of Jerusalem (Bait Ul Maqadas) by Muslim troops, he said, “Our beloved Prophet (SAW) taught us to respect the religious places and religious rituals of others and his great companion and caliph Hazrat Umar (RA) practically showed this on the occasion of victory of Jerusalem (Bait Ul Maqadas).”

—RK

School girl ‘molested’ in IHK K ULGAM —All the shops and educational institutions were closed on Satruday in south Kashmir’s Yaripora town in Kulgam district after a school girl was allegedly molested by a school teacher. Hundreds of people came out on streets to protest against the alleged molestation by a teacher.—RK.

and people at large expect their representatives to deliver in terms of filling the trust deficit with rest of the country, resolving their problems and bringing a positive change in their lives.

Mehbooba said with more than 350 first time members in the LS the House reflects the change in the country and we expect that this freshness of representation also proves refreshing for the biggest challenges that the country faces in J&K. She expressed the hope that a new and positive approach towards the problems of J&K would mark the change in the complexion of the House.

“Kashmir faces acute problems of development deficit and unemployment which need to be addressed with understanding and consideration,” she said.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks that he

ing with J&K, Mehbooba said the strong mandate that he has received in the LS elections should hopefully help his government in adopting a bold approach to the problems of the state.

“Vajpayee had said that Kashmir issue will be resolved within the ambit of humanity (Insanyet Kay Dairey Ma Kashmir Maslay Ka Hal Nikalaey Geay). Also to address the external dimension of Kashmir problem Vajpaee had adopted policy of reconciliation saying (Hum Doost Badel Saktay Hain Humsaya Nahi),” she added.

She said Kashmir has always presented a moral and political challenge to all the prime ministers and it is hoped that the imitative taken by Prime Minister Vajpayee are carried forward both in respect of mending the relations with Pakistan and also resolving Kashmir.—RK

Mirwaiz castigates Indian govt for polarizing J&K

Muzaffarabad: Forest Minister Sardar Javed Ayub inquiring about health of Sardar Muhammad Qasim here on Saturday.

Kashmir dispute main cause of disharmony, instability in South Asia: Geelani

Kashmiri students expelled from Ghaziabad hostel

SRINAGAR—Appealing the SRINAGAR —At least four Kashmiri stu- investigate the matter,” he said. He refused SRINAGAR—In occupied Kashmir, the Chair- of Kashmir as Azad Kashmir,” he said. The Islamic Republic of Iran to dents have been expelled from their hostel to comment why the students were expelled.

Mirwaiz said that first BJP started with the

man of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has castigated the Narendra Modi-led Indian Government for attempting to polarize Jammu and Kashmir.

The APHC Chairman addressing a gathering in Srinagar said that it was unfortunate that the BJP and its wings were hellbent to divide the disputed Jammu and Kashmir in the name of religion and geography. His remarks came in response to the Narendra Modi-led Indian government’s proposed move to rename Azad Jammu and Kashmir as “Pakistan Occupied Jammu Kashmir”.“The move of the new regime at New Delhi is aimed at affecting the geography of Jammu and Kashmir. The people of Kashmir will not accept this proposal at any cost,” he said. He said that the Kashmiris belonging to all religions held the same view that Jammu and Kashmir was a disputed territory, which needed to be resolved as per their aspirations.

The APHC Chairman referring to the BJP said that calling Azad Jammu and Kashmir as Pakistan occupied Kashmir reflected illthinking and shortsightedness. “Parties with communal mindset must learn to accept realities. They should call other side

talk on revocation of Article 370 and now they wanted to see Jammu and Kashmir divided on communal lines.

He said that some parties were trying to create 1947-like situation for their petty political and electoral gains. “Efforts are afoot to polarize Jammu and Kashmir. But such efforts will have serious repercussions and entire responsibility will be on the parties having communal agenda,” he stated.

The APHC Chairman urged the Kashmiris to be vigilant about these elements and put in their best efforts to uphold the communal harmony in the territory. He said that giving different names to various regions of Jammu and Kashmir was a dangerous plan.

The Mirwaiz urged people to ensure that the golden jubilee of his party, Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee (AAC), was observed with zeal on June 20. “AAC will observe 50 years of its formation on June 20. People must reach Municipal Park in Srinagar to mark the anniversary. We will pass important resolutions there. We will also reveal our future policy vis-à-vis Kashmir solution,” he added.—KMS

MUZAFFARABAD: DSP Zafar Ali Awan giving interview to journalist- Gehangir Hussain Awan here on Saturday.

Combined effort of Muslim countries can resolve Kashmir, Palestine issues: Inqilabi SRINAGAR—Chief Patron Jammu Kashmir and anarchy in Muslim countries. “Today Mahaz-e-Azadi (MeA) Muhammad Azam Inqilabi has said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) showed a revolutionary path to the entire humanity. In a statement here, Inqilabi said Muhammad (SAW) created an army of faithful in just 23 years. “Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he said, laid the foundation of Islamic empire from Masjid-Nabvi and Medina and expanded it to Mekkah, Yemen, Syria, Erdun and other regions.

“Then Khulafa?u ar-Rashidin accomplished the expansion of frontiers of Islamic domain. And Iran, Turkey, Egypt became part of Khilfat-e-Islamia,” he said. MeA patron said unfortunately the Muslim Ummah fell-a-prey to political polarization and balkanization within due to the menace of group particularism and sectarianism.

“It appears the fragmentation is the hallmark of Muslim Ummah. It is only nimaz, roza, haj and umrah which typify and epitomize the essence of Islam. “However the revival of caliphate is not the prioritized agenda of the Ummah. Such is the form of fixation of this Ummah. A situation so deplorable indeed,” the statement reads.

He said tyrannical totalitarianism of Muslim rulers is the root cause of unrest

Kashmir is an issue for Kashmiris and Pakistanis only. Palestine is an issue for Palestinians and Iranians only. This situation is deplorable as both Kashmir and Palestine are actually issues of entire Muslim world,” he said. Kashmir and Palestine, he said, can be solved by combined effort of Muslim countries. Inqilabi appealed OIC to play a pro-active role in the affairs of Muslim world.

“Member countries of OIC should limit trade with India and make oil supply conditional to the resolution of Kashmir.”

He advised UJC supremo, Syed Salahu-uddin, to present these points before the “supportive think tanks which would guide intellectuals, Ulemas and Scholars of Muslim world for organized resistance to solve issues concerning Muslim Ummah.” “Then India will be forced to see reason in Kashmir case and would prefer objectivity in dealing with the dispute,” he said. MeA patron said to help Kashmiris out of the “quagmire of suppression and oppression, combined Muslim effort is necessary and a religious obligation as well.” “All other ways would only strengthen the status-quo and are a form of distraction and escapism,” he added. NNI

play its role for final settlement of Kashmir issue, chairman Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani has said this dispute has become the major reason of disharmony, instability and uneasiness in the entire South Asia region and Iran also can’t escape its negative impacts.

In a statement issued here, Geelani said for fulfilling its “expansionist designs, India wants to continue its control of Jammu and Kashmir” and even wants to establish its supremacy over other countries of the region.

“To neutralize its dangerous designs, it is vital for Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to strengthen their brotherly relationship,” said Geelani. Praising their stand against the imperialistic forces of Iran in a meeting with the Iranian envoy Ghulam Raza Hassan at his residence, Geelani said, “If I had travel documents I would first of all prefer to visit Iran and Pakistan and reveal the difficulties Kashmiri people are facing, to the Muslim brethren of both the countries.

I will aware them about the human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.”

The Iranian envoy visited Geelani’s residence at 08:45 am and had a detailed meeting with him which lasted for an hour. Expressing best wishes for Geelani, Ghulam Raza said Iran supports Kashmiris in the struggle for their birth rights and favours that this dispute be resolved according to the wishes of its people.

Informing the guests about the history of Kashmir, Geelani said that according to the principles and conditions of partition, ‘Kashmir was never and in no way part of India.’ “There was about 85 per cent Muslim population in Jammu and Kashmir at that time and there were no geographical relations with India.

By these two parties. It is the issue of the future of 13 million people and it can’t be solved without addressing the wishes, aspirations and sacrifices of its people. India and Pakistan have held 150 rounds of talks till now but neither has Kashmir issue progressed an inch forward nor is it possible in future.

Geelani highlighted the need of stronger and brotherly relation between Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.—NNI

Kashmir remains still an alphabet - backgrounder COMMEMTS: The moral and legal conundrum that is Article 370, which grants the state of Jammu and Kashmir special autonomous status, with the Union government having direct hold on only three matters: defence, foreign policy and communications, needs deliberation and out-of-the-box thinking. First of all, while the ‘sacrosanct’ nature of Article 370 must be questioned, what cannot be forgotten is the convoluted history behind the half-baked ascension that happened under Maharaja Hari Singh over a period of two years from September 1947 till June 1949, when leaders like Sheikh Abdullah, with his aides, formally joined the na-

tional Constituent assembly and began the process of drafting the unique and sensitive legal agreement.

The formulation of the highly contentious and sensitive accord allowed J&K to carry on as an autonomous state under the Union of India, until Article 370 was abrogated by the orders of the President (of course after considerations with the Union government) and with consent of the state assembly. There are far too many legal and constitutional hurdles to tamper or tinker with Article 370, even though it is definitely not above legislative reconfiguration, indeed abolition after due preparation. And there lies the rub. Article 370 had six special provisions

for J&K, and some of them, have over period of time, and since the imposition of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, have actually got diluted.

Moreover, attempts to revisit the constitutional law (such as Beg-Parthasarthy Accord, 1975, or even former PM Manmohan Singh’s round table leading to Justice S Saghir Ahmed’s working report in 2010) have fast reached deadends. Needless to say that Kashmir, typically, has been at the heart of India’s diplomatic and strategic problems with Pakistan, with the latter country still hell-bent on assuming a legitimate moral right over the region.

While Kashmiris, including majority Muslims and (the perse-

cuted) minority Pandits, have been at the receiving end of the IndoPak one-upmanship, with both militancy and Indian armed forces imperiling lives of innocent civilians for over two decades now, cultural nationalism of any hue cannot be the fulcrum on which this heavy diplomatic burden must be lifted.

Furthermore, it must not be forgotten that abolishing Article 370 has been a saffron agenda…

Because BJP has always advocated that Kashmir is an integral part of India, without soliciting the opinions and aspirations of the actual Kashmiris, the latest brouhaha doesn’t come as a surprise.

—The Millennium Post via KO

in a Ghaziabad college in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh day after a Kashmiri student was beaten by local students.

The students Peer Umair, Bilal Ahmad, Adil Nabi and Dilawar Javid were notified by the college authorities to leave the hostel. The students were pursuing BBA and B Tech degrees at H R Institute of Engineering and Technology, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.“Yes, the students have been asked to leave the hostel,” Anil Tyagi, Chief Warden of the college, told mediamen.

“Their removal was recommended by the official committee which was assigned to

“The committee recommended and it had to be done,” he said.

One of the students, DilawarJavid, talking to Srinagar-based media persons over phone said that instead of punishing local senior students, the college authorities threw them out.

On Thursday, a Kashmiri student Umair was beaten up by a group of seniors when he screamed after receiving an electric shock in the hostel’s washroom while taking a bath.

The incident had triggered protests from more than 100 Kashmiri students studying in the college.—KMS

Pandits ready to return to Kashmir T ULMULLA —Thousands of Kashmiri Pandit said.

Pandits thronged Khirbawani temple here and pinned hope on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for their dignified return to the Valley.

On the occasion of Mela Khirbawani festival, the temple dedicated to Ragnya Devi here in Tulmulla area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, witnessed celebrations and religious fervor.

Thousands of Kashmiri Pandit devotees had started arriving at the famous Khirbawani temple since Thursday to celebrate the annual festival.

Nestled in the shade of mammoth Chinar trees in this village in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, the temple witnessed massive number of devotees, most of them migrated Kashmiri Pandits, who had come from various parts of the State and outside the state.

Keeping the faith alive, thousands of devotees joined the annual festival with religious fervour and festivity at the Khirbawani temple here.

The entire route from Ganderbal to the shrine wore a festive look as vehicles carrying pilgrims in colorful dresses converged in long rows at the shrine.

Singing hymns and chanting slogans, the devotees made it to Khirbawani temple.

For ensuring peaceful festival, the government particularly district administration had made elaborate security arrangements.

On the occasion, the Pandit community shared views about their return with most of them pinning hopes on the Narendra Modi-led government in seeking the community’s dignified return to the Valley.

Talking to Rising Kashmir, various Kashmir Pandits who had migrated to Jammu and other parts during the mass migration in early nineties pinned hope on the recentlyelected Narendra Modi-led government in Delhi for their dignified return to the Valley.

“We hope that Modiji didn’t turn up as his predecessors who never wanted dignified return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland,” B K Das, a Kashmir

Das said he was residing in Zainakote area of Srinagar and migrated to Jammu on 16 January 1990 after the mass migration.

Das accused the government of neglecting the displaced Kashmiri Pandits.

Another Kashmiri Pandit devotee, A K Koul said he lived in Tangmarg area of north Kashmir before migration and wished to return to his motherland provided the government facilitated their return in a dignified way.

“I have been coming here every year,” he said. “We want to come back and that desire would remain with me till I am alive.”

He said the tall claims of the government of ensuing peaceful return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley were nowhere to be seen.

Meanwhile, many youngsters expressed their wish to return and settle in their homeland where their elders and parents have lived, however, they said that the government must provide employment to them.

Priyanka, 25-year-old, whose parents had lived in Fatehpora area of south Kashmir Anantnag district, was seen very enthusiastic about her return to the Valley.

“I would love to put up in Kashmir which is my homeland and where my parents have lived,” Priyanka told Rising Kashmir.

Priyanka said she was doing her postgraduation from Jammu University and had applied for a teacher’s post under Prime Minister’s employment package in 2009 and was awaiting her selection.

Another young girl, Arshita seconded her views.

“This is the love, which brings us back to Kashmir every year and it is our desire to put up here,” she said. “The government must create job opportunities for Kashmir Pandits here in the Valley so that they settle and live a dignified life.”

“Ab Modi sarkaar hai, who kuch karega (Now that there is Modi government, they will do something,” she said.—RK.

Kashmiri youth offering invaluable sacrifices: HCJK S RINAGAR —Hurriyat Conference Jammu and Kashmir (HCJK) has lashed out at the government for, what it said, its policy of putting hundreds of pro-freedom leaders and activists behind the bars, terming it the reflection of rulers’ ‘sick mentality’. The amalgam, at a meeting of its leaders held here with Shabir Ahmad Shah in chair, pledged that they would discharge their duties in a responsible manner, take the mission of freedom to its logical end and work in accordance with the constitution adopted by the Hurriyat in 1993.

The meeting was also attended by Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Muhammad Yusuf Naqash, Farooq Ahmad Dar, Muhammad Iqbal Mir, Bashir Ahmad Dar and Javid Ahmad. “In the meeting, it was realized that the people of Kashmir particularly youth, by offering invaluable sacrifices for the achieving the right to self determination, are penning down a priceless history of the Kashmir movement.

The leaders also applauded the bravery and valor of the youth who stand at forefront against the forces,” a HCJK statement said. The statement said the people of Kashmir, by ‘completely boycotting’ the recently concluded parliamentary elections gave a befitting reply to main-stream parties that we want nothing less than the right to self determination. “In the meeting, the policy of so-called administration of putting hundreds of Hurriyat leaders and activists behind bars was severely criticized and termed it sick mindedness of the administration.

Despite all such restrictions, the leaders pledged to discharge all their duties in a responsible manner and take the Kashmir mission to its logical conclusion. They also reiterated their pledge to work as per the constitution of Hurriyat and to encourage those offering invaluable sacrifices,” statement further said. Statement quoting the leaders said the Hurriyat will continue its endeavor to find a lasting solution to pending Kashmir issue, adding, “The leaders also urged United Nations to fulfill its responsibilities with regards to Kashmir issue and shun the policy of being the mute spectator.

The UN should resolve the issue of 1.5 crore people as it concerns their future.” In the meeting, tributes were also paid to the late Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini on his 25th death anniversary and also urged the present regime of Iran to fulfill its responsibilities towards finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue by following the footsteps of late supreme leader, statement added. Meanwhile, in a separate statement, HCJK condoled the demise of the father of Wajahat Qureshi.

The amalgam expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and also prayed for the departed soul. HCJK in its statement also paid homage to late general secretary Mahaze-Azadi Ghulam Rasool Zahgeer on his 10th death anniversary.—NNI

Pakistani buyers purchase 100,000 tonnes Black Sea wheat HAMBURG—Buyers in Pakistan have purchased about 100,000 tonnes of Black Sea region wheat as the country continues a new round of wheat imports, European traders told to media. This brings Pakistani wheat purchasing to about 200,000 tonnes this week following previous deals for 100,000 tonnes reported on Monday. Of the total on Thursday, traders said 50,000 tonnes was purchased at $275 c&f for Aug. 15 to Sept. 15 shipment and 50,000 tonnes at $280 a tonne c&f for September 15 to October 15 shipment, traders said.—Agencies

SBP injects Rs 64,700m into market KARACHI—State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) injected Rs 64, 700 million into the market during its open market operation (OMO).

The injection is for seven days and the rate of return is 9.9 percent, said SBP release.—APP

Pakistan Post saves Rs806.8m ISLAMABAD —Pakistan Post has earned commission amounting to Rs806.8 million during the period July to March 2013-14 by collecting an amount of Rs161, 365.865 million through national savings schemes. According to Economic Survey 2013-14, Pakistan Post has been doing Saving Bank work as an agency function on behalf of the Ministry of Finance under the Government Savings Bank Act 1873 on commission basis.

Pakistan Post Savings Bank offers the largest network of savings bank services across the country. It is popular both in urban and rural areas, but its operations in rural areas of the country are wide spread. In most of the remote areas, it is the only banking service available.—APP

ATM proper maintenance urged ISLAMABAD—The Auto Teller Machine (ATM) cardholders appealed the authorities concerned to ensure proper maintenance of the facility owned by public and private sector banks. “ATMs are considered to be a source of relief for the consumers in need of fast cash, but they have in fact become a source of annoyance, particularly on salary days,” a number of ATM card holder said while talking to media.

Those, who often visit ATM kiosks to get cash, said they tried several ATM machines in the federal capital but failed to take money. This is particularly observed during the first week of every month when salaried employees have to withdraw money.Messages like ‘Out of cash,’ ‘Sorry for inconvenience,’ ‘ATM is closed for maintenance are usually displayed says an ATM user.—APP

New draft to amend National Tariff Commission on cards ISLAMABAD—New draft to amend the organizational and legal framework of National Tariff Commission (NTC) is ready and will be presented to the Cabinet for approval any time soon, said the Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastagir while chairing a meeting.

With a revitalized NTC in place, the government will ensure that effective and timely interventions are made to safeguard the interests of traders; manufacturers and consumers by imposing safeguard duties provided within the framework of regional and international trade agreements.

The government is planning to take fresh start in its trade relations with all its trading partners and is expecting a huge increase in the quantum of trade which necessitates the presence of an empowered NTC, says a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce here.

The Minister said that special cells established in NTC will keep a constant liaison with all the stakeholders and will act swiftly on complaints of distortions in trade by using its powers to impose anti-

No Muslim country among top 10 Halal products exporters STAFF REPORTER LAHORE —All the top ten exporting countries of the Halal products are non-Muslim states.

Mufti Ahsan Zafar, country representative of South Africa National Halal Authority (SANHA) said talking to media here on Saturday.

He said that Halaal food is the safest food for consumption and even the nonMuslims have recognized it.

He said Pakistan has the capacity to become Kitchen of the World for Halal products as it has a huge potential to win a major share out of total $3 trillion Global Halal market. He said that there was a strong need

—Tom Peters

to develop standards of our Halal products to boost our exports especially in the Middle East and Europe.

Demand for Halal food products is increasing rapidly with the escalating population growth rate and socio-economic conditions.

He said that the promotion of Halal exports would also open up new economic opportunities and employment for the youth and traders.

Producers outside the Muslim world, from Brazil to the US and Australia, are performing well into the Halal market and doing a roaring business despite the fact that the concept of halaal entirely belongs to Muslims.

GID Cess can hamper industrial growth pace AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—The high rate of Gas Infrastructure Development Cess levied by the government is feared to hamper industrial growth, which has taken a kick start due to positive policies.

President, Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Ismail Suttar has strongly urged the government to withdraw the enormous increase in Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) per MMBTU for independent power plant, Captive Power Producers, CNG and industrial consumer which is more than 200 percent as compared to the current rate to the Cess.

He apprehended that this enormous increase in GIDC would jeopardize the measures taken by the government in Federal Budget 2014-15 to boost industrial activities as it would add about 30% to the cost of production for those industries that use captive power generation and would leave negative effects on their competitiveness.

This will also increase the cost of power and will affect other industrial consumers as well. LCCI Chief said the levy of this enormous increase of GIDC on CNG would add enormously to the cost of CNG directly affecting the common people as it will add to cost of both public and private transportation.

Customs seize 800 smuggled tyres K ARACHI—Anti-Smuggling Wing of Di- of 800 smuggled tyres worth Rs 13 million. rectorate Customs Intelligence & Investigation-FBR, Karachi confiscated 800 smuggled tyres worth Rs 15 million from a godown in Karachi. According to official sources, a joint raid conducted by Intelligence officers and Pakistan Rangers on secret information has resulted in seizure

They said that a suspect, who was allegedly involved in this illicit business, had also been taken into custody. Moreover, sources said that further investigation was underway and FIR and Challan would be submitted in the competent Court after legal proceedings. —Agencies

NPO, APO to introduce innovative management in irrigation water OBSERVER REPORT

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dumping and regulatory duties.

The Minister was of the view that the Government will not leave the local traders and manufacturers in lurch and will use all trade defense mechanisms to protect the interests of Pakistani people.

He further stated that the amended draft of NTC will resolve the issue of quorum which has resulted in the slow working of NTC. The Commission will be established on professional lines and highly technical officials will be appointed in the Commission having vast experience in economics and law. This will solve the capacity issues of the Commission, Dastagir said.

Elaborating further details of the proposed draft of the Commission, the Minster said that new NTC will have a complete database of investigations and a digital library to access to the latest cases.

Furthermore, detailed SOP’s will be put in place for trade remedy investigations, which will greatly enhance the case disposal capacity and efficiency of NTC.— APP

ISLAMABAD—National Productivity Organization (NPO), Ministry of Industries & Production in collaboration with Asian Productivity Organization (APO) – Japan and Arid Agriculture University is organizing a five-day International workshop on Irrigation Water for enhancing Productivity in achieving food safety Resource Management in Pakistan.

Mr. Arif Ibrahim who is additional Secretary, Ministry of Industries & Productions as well as Alternate APO director, was the chief guest of the inaugurating session.

Recognizing this event as a very important event he appreciated the efforts of NPO & APO in regards to reviewing current agricultural policies within different regions of Pakistan.

He added that Pakistan’s Agriculture sector contributes between 21-25 percent

of Pakistan’s GDP and employs about half of the labour force.

He said that Pakistan is blessed with fertile lands, rivers, suitable climate and rich soil, however due to mismanagement and inadequate drainage and irrigation systems, water logging and salinity, the agricultural production is below to its potential.

Since agriculture is a main user of water; therefore sustainability of agriculture depends on timely and adequately availability of water. Pakistan’s agriculture is dependent on irrigation that supplies over 90% of the agricultural production.

CEO-NPO, Dr. Sher Muhammad while addressing to the gathering said that managing water for food security needs the adoption of agricultural best practices. Integrated land and water management practices such as organic farming and agronomical activities can be helpful to enhance land and water use productivity on a sustainable basis.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar being briefed by Mr. Zahid Muzaffar, Chairman ODGCl and advisor to Ministry of petroleum and Natural resources at the Finance Ministry.

Accreditation workshop for Islamic Banking organised AMANULLAH KHAN K A R A C H I —In order to provide a platform for entire Islamic Banking Industry of Pakistan, Meezan Bank organized first-ever training accreditation workshop for Islamic Banking in Pakistan at its Head Office jointly with Finance Accreditation Agency (FAA), Malaysia. The training was conducted by Dr. Amat Taap – CEO FAA. This workshop was attended by prominent bankers and Shariah scholars of many Islamic banks, Islamic bank window operations of conventional banks, Modaraba Association and academic professionals.

While conducting the workshop, Dr. Amat Taap – CEO FAA emphasized on the need of quality training in the Islamic Banking & Finance industry. He added that Pakistan is ranked as No. 1 in Islamic Finance

education providers. He further briefed the audience on the importance, benefit and procedure of the proposed Finance Accreditation Program.

Mr. Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, EVPHead of Product Development and Shariah Compliance (PDSC) - Meezan Bank, in his opening remarks stressed on the importance of capacity building as it is one the major challenges that Islamic Banking industry faces.

FAA is an international and independent quality assurance and accreditation body established by the Central Bank of Malaysiaand Securities Commission Malaysia.

FAA is responsible for quality assurance and promotion of learning initiatives within the financial services industry.

The agency has association with many institutions and organizations which include CFA Institute (USA),

CIMA (UK), IRTI (Islamic Development Bank) and the World Bank.

Meezan Bank, the 8th largest bank in Pakistan in terms of branch network, provides a comprehensive range of Islamic banking products and services through a retail banking network of 352 branches in 103 cities, supported by a countrywide network of over 300 ATMs, Visa debit cards, a 24/7 Call Center and internet banking facility.

Meezan Bank has been consistently recognized as the best Islamic bank in Pakistan by numerous local and international institutions including CFA Society - Pakistan, Asiamoney magazine – Hong Kong, Islamic Finance News - Malaysia, Global Finance magazine, New York and Asset AAA - Hong Kong.

The Bank has also received “Best Research and Development in Islamic Finance 2013” award by Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA), London.

Currency

Selling

Buying

USA

98.50

98.30

UK

165.58

165.25

Euro

134.58

134.26

Canada

90.19

90.01

Switzerland

110.48

11.25

Australia

91.93

91.74

Sweden

14.80

14.77

Japan

09625

0.9605

Norway

16.46

16.43

Singapore

78.61

78.45

Denmark

18.03

17.99

Saudi Arabia 26.26

26.21

Hong Kong

12.71

12.21

Kuwait

349.45

348.74

Malaysia

30.59

30.53

Newzealand

83.63

83.46

Qatar

27.06

26.76

UAE

26.82

26.76

Kr. Won

0.0965

0.0963

Thailand

3.023

3.017

Samsung Pakistan to hold fashion parade 2014 LAHORE —Continuing its efforts of promoting local talent, Samsung Pakistan, is all set to promote Pakistani fashion in the international community by being the co-sponsor of Fashion Parade 2014.

Fashion Parade is a one of its kind event, showcasing the work of notable designers from Pakistan at Kensington Palace Orangery, London on the 9th of June 2014.

Powered by the Galaxy S5, the event will be showcasing the works of seven well-known Pakistani designers - ‘ Faiza Samee, Ayesha Hashwani, Nomi Ansari, Zara Shahjehan, Seher Tareen and Nazneen Tariq’. The designers will be showcasing ‘fusion concept collections’ that will symbolize and promote good trade relations between the two countries: Britain and Pakistan along with brining both the fashion worlds closer. The event will be attended by a hoard of local and International celebrities, including the British Fashion Council’s Head of Event Mr. Josef Jammerbund and Media Head Anna Orsini amongst others including Pakistani icons Ali Zafar, Humaima Malik, Zohaib Hasan.—PR

Worldcall Telecom management team visits LSE SALIM AHMED L AHORE —The

senior management of Worldcall Telecom Limited visited the Lahore Stock Exchange to participate in the Corporate Briefing Program. CBP is an interactive program initiated by the Lahore Stock Exchange under the Corporate Communications Department to encourage companies to come forward and share their financials and non financial projects before the members, TREC Holders, investors and the media to abridge the communication gap between the listed companies and the market participants.

CEO – Worldcall Ltd, Mr. Babar Ali Syed and CFO – Worldcall Ltd, Mr. Muhammad Murtaza Raza and Muhammad Azhar Saeed, officiating Company Secretary- Worldcall Ltd along with the management team drove through the company’s insights; highlighting product knowledge, vision, history, future projections and the financial standing of the company.

Worldcall Telecom Limited- the company that believes, ‘the future is in your hands’ has experienced the rich and the rough times, however, the company has managed to survive. While addressing to the participants, the management of the Worldcall Ltd, expressing profound gratitude informed that the company is accredited as the pioneers in introducing multiple products and services comprising broadband infrastructure.

Pak-UK trade registers 24.90pc hike in 2014 1st quarter I SLAMABAD —Exports from Pakistan

In 2013, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and David Cameron agreed to achieve a bilateral trade target of œ3 billion by 2015.

According to Dr Ijlal Khattak, Commercial Counsellor at High Commission for Pakistan, London, exports from Pakistan to the United Kingdom during the first quarter of 2014 grew at much higher rates than other countries in the region including India (8.17%), China (7.43%) and Bangladesh with an actual decline of -7.57% in the first quarter of 2014.

While enumerating the reasons for such unprecedented increase in trade, he pointed out that GSP Plus has definitely made Pakistan an attractive destination for international buyers but products, not covered under the EU’s concessionary arrangement, have also shown an impressive export growth, indicating a general confidence of international buyer for Pakistan’s prod-

ucts which is purely due to current trade & economic policies put in place by the present government.

Products with significant export growth to UK included vegetable plaiting materials, articles of base metal, glass and glassware, man-made filaments, beverages, spirits and vinegar, man-made filaments, edible fruit & nuts, knitted or crocheted fabrics, articles of apparel and clothing accessories etc.

Similarly, products with significant import growth included ships, boats and floating structures with an increase of lacs gums, resins, wool, fine and coarse animal hair, articles of stone, plaster, ceramic products, wood and articles of wood, rubber articles, man-made staple fibers and etc.

The U.K. remains among Pakistan’s top five export destinations with balance of trade strongly in favour of Pakistan.—APP

Telecom imports reach $662.1m in 9 months

BF empowering communities via mobilization

(goods only) to UK during the first quarter of the current year (January to March 2014) were recorded at œ274.87 million compared to œ220.08 million over the same period last year, a significant increase of 24.90%.

The total trade (goods only) has also risen by 26.20% and amounted to œ397.87 million in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to total trade of œ315.27 in first quarter of 2013.

According to a press release of Pakistan High Commission to London reaching here Friday, Pakistan’s imports from the United Kingdom also showed an upward trend, reaching œ123 million, an increase of 29.22%.

Bilateral trade between Pakistan and the United Kingdom is conducted under the Trade & Investment Roadmap agreed by both the governments under the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue.

STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The country has imported mobile handsets and other telecom apparatus worth US $ 662.1 million during first nine months of current fiscal year. Of the total imports in three quarters, the country imported cellular mobile sets with battery worth US $ 293.1 million and other telecom apparatus worth US $ 369 million. Sources at Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on said the first two quarters of the year witnessed a raise in total telecom imports mostly on account of demand of cellular mobile handsets.

The import of mobile handsets have

reached above US $ 293 million during July to December 2013 as owing to high demand the authorities allowed import of cheaper Chinese brand mobile handsets.

They said with huge telecom market of over 136 million subscribers, telecom companies and manufacturing industry should put efforts for telecom manufacturing in the country and added several mobile handsets manufacturing companies are showing interest to invest on public-private partnership basis.

It is mentioned here that the country witnessed total telecom imports worth US $ 766.3 million during 2010-11, US $ 954 million during 2011-12, 918.4 million during 2012-13.

FCCI finalizes provincial budget recommendations FAISALABAD—Faisalabad Chamber of Com- said that there should be only three categomerce and Industry (FCCI) has completed its recommendations for provincial budget 201415 and forwarded them to the Punjab Government after due consultation with leading business and industrial associations of the city.

These proposals were discussed in a meeting, which was also attended by office-bearers and representatives of All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association (APTPMA), Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA), Anjumane Tajran City, Anjuman-eTajran Aminpur Bazaar, Faisalabad Cloth Board, Industrialists Association of PISC, Powerlooms Association, Dyes & Chemicals Association, Sizing Association, Installment Association in addition to Director Excise & Taxation Faisalabad.

Engr. Suhail Bin Rashid, President FCCI said that majority of the associations have rejected Survey, categories and Valuation Tables for property tax and most of them have suggested 25 percent increase in the existing rate of property tax without indulging into the intricacies of classification and valuation. However, some associations said that due to slump in local market this rate should not be increased more than 10 percent.

He said that APTPMA has demanded a separate category for industrial units housed in various rating areas of Faisalabad. They

ries (i) up to 2 acres (ii) from 2-10 acres and (iii) above 10 acres. The godowns and offices of the industrial units should also be considered part of the factory and industry rate should be applied on their offices and godowns.

In order to facilitate the government to generate more funds, the participants of the meeting unanimously supported a proposal to increase lifetime token on motorcycle from Rs 1200 to Rs 2000. Similarly, the government should also levy and recover taxes from QuingQui Rickshaws as commercial vehicles.

He appreciated the gesture of Kh. Amjad, Chairman PHMA that Government was heavily spending on development projects and now we are duty bound to contribute our share in the form of enhanced taxes and duties.

Engr Suhail Bin Rashid also appreciated the various steps taken by the Punjab Government particularly the Excise and Taxation Department in regard to Computerization of Motor Vehicle and Registration, Web based motor vehicle tax Calculator, SMS for verification of Token Tax and particulars of vehicles through 9966, un-detachable Number Plates, Scanning and Data entry of historical record etc. and assured government should discourage the practice of coercive measure employed by tax collectors as these were main cause of expanding tax net in Pakistan.—APP

BEIJING: Chinese nationals visiting the Pakistan’s pavilion during second ChinaSouth Asia Exposition at Kunming International Convention and Exhibition centre.

OBSERVER REPORT L AHORE —Buksh Foundation has taken another step to accomplish its mission to empower societies by creating avenues for development through Community Mobilization.

Buksh Foundation has a mission to “Empower the underprivileged, to make them productive and help increasing equity in the society; the drive is to achieve sustainability, bring innovation in approach and create measurable impaction the global economy.

Fiza Farhan-CEO of Buksh Foundation said: “Our focus at Buksh Foundation is to empower communities through problem solving while involving them in the mobilization process directly, which is creating linkages for the entire community, as individuals as well as families participate to resolve the problems they face every day. Community participation will also enhance the concept of capacity building; therefore will bring a new dynamics in domestic mobilization.

The process of mobilization that Buksh Foundation follows is to identify the issue or problem affecting the entire or most parts of the community. Implementation through people’s participation of groups will ultimately help in understanding the culture of the villages and therefore, will also benefit as a source of giving more knowledge about issues and limitations of the places, individuals and family members. The process will also assess the results, improve and scale up the process.

SHEIKHPURA: Minister for State for Petroleum and Natural Resouces, Jam Kamal Khan offering Dua after inauguration of Hascol Machike Installation.

QUETTA: Women visiting a stall during Pakistan International Gems and Jewelry Exhibition at local hotel.

Pak Ambassador addresses UN’s Sustainable Energy for All Forum STAFF REPORTER

tion is targeted by 2020.

This was an historic Forum that was being attended by more than 1,000 participants representing governments, international organizations, business and civil society.

Ambassador Khan said that this Forum would help attainment of two objectives: to build a global partnership with the private sector and multilateral development banks for universal energy access; and to translate commitments into kilowatts of energy.

Highlighting Pakistan governments’ efforts to develop sustainable energy, Pakistani envoy said that Pakistan was planning to generate more than 2000 MW of wind electricity to come online in 2016 and that it has established a 10,000-acre Solar Park, which would generate 1000 MW, and would be one the biggest solar power projects in the world with direct link to the national grid for transmission.

He said that Pakistan’s goal was to decrease the cost of energy generation from 12c per unit today to less than 10c per unit by 2017.

ISLAMABAD —Pakistan today informed the United Nations that by the end of this decade, Pakistan would be transformed from an energy deficient country to a regional exporter of power.

In a statement to the United Nations’ Sustainable Energy for All Forum, Ambassador Masood Khan, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations said that in Pakistan, the Government has developed a National Power Policy to provide affordable energy through an efficient generation, transmission and distribution system.

Ambassador Khan said that to address water and energy security, a series of small and large Hydel Projects have been initiated.

He said, “Six projects totaling 388 MW of Hydel power are expected to come online by February 2015. In addition, another 247 MW ISLAMABAD—Managing Director Overseas would help lead to prosperity through povof Hydel power would be linked to national Pakistani Foundation (OPF) Iftikhar Babar erty alleviation. “Overseas Pakistani Work- ISLAMABAD—B.A Malik an grid by 2017”. He added that Pakistan has said that overseas worker’s remittances reg- ers remittances increased by 11.5 per cent analyst said that the govern- also launched two major mega power projects istered commendable growth during July- during first ten months of the current finan- ment of Pakistan Muslim of 7100 MW and 4500 MWs, whose compleApril, 2013-14, growing by 11.5 percent cial year and reached $ 12.9 billion against $ League Nawaz (PML-N) is against 6.4 percent growth recorded in the 11.6 billion of the same period of last year, working on various power corresponding period of last year. Talking Babar said. The Government and State Bank projects to generate electricto APP Iftikhar Babar said that the consis- of Pakistan (SBP) have focused on promo- ity through coal, hydel, gas tent growth in remittances reflects a shift tion of formal channel for international re- and other resources for from informal to formal avenues to remit mittances through banks and different overcoming energy crisis in R AWALPINDI —Attock Refinery Limited of reporting corporate social responsibility money transfer services under the Pakistan the county. funds from overseas Pakistanis.

“The government is fac- (ARL) was awarded the “Best Sustainability issues and performance.

Babar further said that overseas work- Remittances Initiatives (PRI), he added.

Mr. M. Adil Khattak, CEO ARL during ing so many challenges in- Report Award 2013” in the local listed com“The country’s economy grew by 4.14 ers were the main source of economic growth the award ceremony expressed his gratipanies’ category by Association of Charcluding energy crisis, terrorof the country after exports. The country per cent during fiscal year 2013-14 against tered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and tude to the ACCA-WWF management and attained 4.14 per cent growth in the outgo- 3.6 per cent last year (2012-13) despite vari- ism and extremism, he said. World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Award Judging Committee for recognizing Talking to Radio Pakiing fiscal year, which is the highest one (in ous challenges, Iftikhar Babar further said ARL efforts by giving this prestigious Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Honorable Federal six years) since 2008-09,” Babar informed. that economic growth during the current stan, he said that govern- Minister for Planning & Development was award. ment is paying special attengovernment would help lead to prosperity Iftikhar Babar further said that economic He said that our focus on sustainability tion to energy-related the Chief Guest on the occasion and pregrowth during the current government through poverty alleviation.”—APP sented this award to Mr. M. Adil Khattak, reporting is not new.

We have won the ACCA-WWF Chief Executive Officer, ARL at an impresSustainability Reporting Award consecusive ceremony.

This award aims to recognize and re- tively three times in a row in years 2007 to ward those organizations which report and 2009 and remained on the judging panel for disclose environmental, social and the next three years from 2010 to 2012 and ISLAMABAD — Mari Petroleum Com- pected additional volume in the Kussak the Board of Directors and GJV for sustainability performance to encourage now it is an immense pleasure that we have pany Limited (MPCL) as Operator of Formation which has also flowed Oil at achieving this cherished milestone. The best practices in environmental, social and again secured our position after a gap of Ghauri Joint Venture (GJV) has made a the rate of 136 barrels /Day with nitro- discovery will go a long way in mitigatsustainability reporting to raise awareness three years.—PR significant oil discovery in Ghauri X-1 gen kick off owing the tight nature of ing the energy shortage and have probearing on national Well located at village Dhemak in dis- the reservoir. This well is considered to gressive trict Jhelum. The 3800 meter deep Ghauri be among the top ranking oil-produc- economy”.

The GJV comprises MPCL-OperaWell discovery is a landmark achieve- ing wells in the country.

Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed (Retd) CEO/ tor with 35% working interest, PPL and ment being the first hydrocarbon discovery in the eastern part of Potohar MD of Mari Petroleum Company Lim- MOL 35% and 30% respectively. With Plateau. It would go a long way in ex- ited while addressing the employees on Ghauri X-1 discovery the company has ploiting the so far un-tapped potential this historic occasion said “By the grace made yet another significant and mileopportunities in the area for other E&P of Almighty Allah and dedicated efforts stone success; following its last of MPCL’s team along with participa- month’s discovery of gas/condensate Companies operating in this region.

The Ghauri X-1 Well flowed oil 22 tion of J.V partners and the office of in its Sujjal Well located in Thatta DisDuring the week ended June 06, 2014 at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) the Api gravity from Sakessar Formation at Directorate General Petroleum Conces- trict of Sindh Province.

Ghauri X-1 discovery has further flow rate of5500 Barrels/Day with 1100 sions, we have made a major oil discovtotal value traded was recorded at PKR 11,133 million. Number of lots traded were psi pressure (Post-Acid) at 32/64” ery in Sakessar Formation, eastern enhanced MPCL exploration well sucreported at 54,881. Major business was contributed by crude oil amounting to PKR choke size. The in-place oil reserves are Potohar region in Ghauri X-1 Well. He cess rate, which already ranked as the 6,354 million followed by gold (PKR 4,182, million) and silver (PKR 597 million). estimated at 22 million barrels, with ex- congratulated the entire staff of MPCL, highest in the country.—PR

Overseas remittances register credible growth in economy

Govt’s efforts to overcome challenges hailed

ARL wins best sustainability report award

MPCL discovers ‘black gold’ in Ghauri Block

Weekly opening & closing rates

FIH to help Pakistan resuming Int’l hockey THE HAGUE—International Hockey Federation (FIH) will be helping Pakistan in the resumption of International hockey, President of the federation Leandro Nagre said on Saturday.

“We will be sending a strong official FIH delegation to Pakistan later this year to meet the authorities and resolve different issues,” he told a group of reporters at the Kyocera Stadium where he was watching the World Cup matches, writes APP Senior Correspondent Ehsan Qureshi.

“There are some important issues to solve.

It’s not an easy task but we will do our best to resolve them,” he pointed out.

“Because of these issues Pakistan cannot hold international events in Pakistan. But we can relocate them to other countries”, FIH President said. He said on the persuasion of Qasim Zia, FIH delegation would spend sev-

eral days in Pakistan to work plan and meet concerned authorities in resolving the problems. He said he will be personally visiting Pakistan in October or November to meet government and Pakistan Hockey Federation officials and discuss remedial steps for start of bilateral series before holding international tournaments. “We will be doing things step by step to resolve the issue to see international hockey returns to Pakistan,” he said.

He revealed that teams from Argentina, Poland and other countries are ready to visit Pakistan and FIH will further encourage visiting Pakistan.

Negre Leandro said Pakistan can also stage an event in Dubai and invite teams from Australia and India and other countries, who are ready to play in United Arab Emirates. FIH will fully support and assist that event.

He said due to lack of international hockey, PHF is facing serious financial problems and FIH wanted to fully support them.

He said 4-time former Champion Pakistan is being missed in the World Cup and they wanted to see their return to big events.

“We know what Pakistan had contributed in hockey and they are pioneer of launching it and gifting the World Cup,” he recalled. He also defended FIH Rule Board’s decision of introduction of four-quarter of 60 minutes.

FIH chief said to cover-up the time, clocks will be stopped during penalty corners, injury and celebration times.—APP

Portugal seal late win over Mexico FOXBOROUGH—Portugal badly missed the firepower of captain Cristiano Ronaldo as they labored to an entertaining 1-0 win over fellow World Cup qualifiers Mexico in their US friendly on Friday.

Portugal are sweating on the fitness of talisman Ronaldo with the Brazil showpiece six days away. Having settled for a scoreless draw with Greece last weekend they were toothless once more.

The game looked all set to end goalless until stand-in skipper Bruno Alves popped up in injury time with a thumping header to seal a victory Portugal barely deserved.

Manchester United winger Nani had been anonymous, while gangly forward Eder failed to convince, leaving Portugal coach Paulo Bento with plenty to ponder ahead of Tuesday’s final warm-up match with the Republic of Ireland.

Mexico, playing their last friendly before heading to Brazil, have their problems too.

They dropped striker Javier Hernandez after he failed to fire in a 1-0 defeat to Bosnia on Tuesday, but neither Giovani Dos Santos nor Oribe Peralta did enough to suggest they can trouble the hosts Brazil on June 17.

Mexico enjoyed the better of the opening ex-

changes to both halves and had the ball in the net after just two minutes, but Hector Moreno was ruled offside after prodding the ball in.

Portugal responded when Vieirinha had their first shot on target in the 14th minute, Mexico keeper Jesus Corona turning the ball round his near post.

As well as Ronaldo, the Portuguese — who face Germany in their June 16 World Cup opener — were also missing through injury key defender Pepe and experienced midfielder Raul Meireles.

Yet they began to dominate in front of the 56,000 crowd at the impressive Foxborough home of the NFL’s New England Patriots, Eder drawing another save from Corona with a first-time snapshot.

The chances began stacking up in the second half: Corona was quickly down to his near post to deny Fabio Coentrao, while Andres Guardado flashed the ball just wide for the Mexicans as they finished the stronger.

Hector Herrera might have grabbed a winner for Mexico but Eduardo dived to his right and then saved from substitute Alan Pulido with two minutes left to keep the fast-fading Portuguese in the game, before Alves made his late intervention. —AFP

FOXBOROUGH, United States: Mexico players defend against a kick by Portugal’s Miguel Veloso during their international friendly match, at Gillette Stadium.

Hashnagir Club advance in T20 cricket PESHAWAR—Hashnagir club defeated Bashir Bilour club by eight wickets in ongoing Frontier Foundation Lions Twenty 20 Cricket Tournament being played here at Gymkhana ground on Saturday.

Bashir Bilour club won the toss and elected to bat first by setting up a meager runs target of 61 runs for the loss of all wickets after playing 13.7 overs. Only Atiq made 21 runs and Fakre Alam scored 17 runs, none of the other batsmen could cross the double figures.

For Hashnagir club Sarzamin Khan claimed three wickets, Zamin Gul and Kaleem got two wickets each while Wajid and Rais got one wicket each.

In reply, Hashnagir club chased the target for the loss of two wickets with Wajid and Rais scored 23 runs each. For Bashir Bilour club Junaid and Ismail took one wicket each.

Sarzamin Khan was declared man of the match.—APP

LAHORE— The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) established its domination on the concluding day of All Pakistan WAPDA Open Badminton Tournament by winning finals of all the three events of the day including Men’s Single, Women’s Single and Men’s Double.

The 6-day tournament was organized by WAPDA Sports Board and WAPDA Badminton Management Team here at WAPDA Sports Complex.

In Men’s single final Murad Ali of NBP defeated Rizwan Azam also hailing form NBP by 2-0. In Women’s Single Final, Palwasha Bashir of NBP overpowered Saima Waqas of WAPDA by 2-0.

In Men’s Double Final, Kashif Sulehri and Rizwan Azam of NBP beat Irfan Saeed and Azeem Sarwar of SNGPL by 2-0. —NNI

ISLAMABAD—The three-day Margall Sports Festival organized by Capital Development Authority (CDA) concluded here at National Cricket Ground.

Director General Sports and Culture, CDA Asif Shahjhan was the chief guest of the concluding ceremony of the event which was held here at National Cricket Ground, Jinnah Supper Market , F-7 Sector. General Secretary CDA Mazdoor Union (CBA), Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin was also present on the occasion.

The festival was started on Tuesday in which tournaments of different games including Cricket, Football, basket ball, lawn tennis, rugby and hockey were played. The festival was held at different grounds of the city.

Chairman CDA, Maroof Afzal has appreciated the Directorate of Sports and Culture CDA for organizing successful festival. Stressing on the important role of sports in personality grooming of the

youth, Chairman CDA directed the Directorate of Sports and Culture to continue with such activities in future as well. He assured full patronage and support of the CDA administration for promotion of sports in the city.

On the concluding day of the festival, final matches of different games were held. Boots pharmacy Cricket Team won the inter-departmental tape ball cricket tournament by defeating University of Sargodha team in the final match. The inter-departmental tape ball tournament was participated by sixteen teams.

Similarly, Pak-Turk School won the inter- school football tournament by defeating Najam Model School, Jhangi Saidaan in the final match. Inter-club football tournament was participated by sixteen teams. Mehran Football Club defeated Huma football club in the final match and won the title of the tourna-

ment. Muhammad Ali Jinnah University (MAJU) defeated Mehar Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University in the final match of Inter-University basketball tournament. The Inter- University basket ball tournament was played by eight teams.

Pak-Turk school defeated the City School in the final match of inter-school lawn tennis tournament. Six teams participated in the Inter-School lawn tennis tournament.

Jins Rugby club defeated British High Commission to win the final match of inter-club rugby tournament. Thirty two (32) teams took part in the inter-club hockey tournament. IMCB G-10/4 team defeated IMCB F-7/3 team in the final match of boy’s category of Hockey tournament.

A large number of people from different walks of life attended the concluding ceremony. Prizes were also distributed among the winning teams. —APP

Qasim Zia to attend FIH Executive Board meeting ROTTERDAM—Former President Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Qasim Zia will be representing Pakistan in the Executive Board meeting of International Hockey Federation (FIH) being held at The Hague on June 10.

Despite election of Akhtar Rasool as the PHF Chief, Qasim Zia remained on the Executive Board of FIH and will attend the meeting. However the agenda of the meeting was not available. But according to reports it will take various issues pertaining to hockey across the globe including Olympic Games, World Cup and other continental competition.

4-time World Champion Pakistan, once power house of world hockey and launching Hockey World Cup failed to qualify for this prestigious event for the first time in the 43-year-old history of this championship.

Akhtar Rasool and PHF Secretary Rana Mujaid Ali are already in Netherlands to meet the officials of various federations to pursue them to visit Pakistan for the revival of inter-

HYDERABAD: A group of boys playing cricket at a roadside park.

NBP dominate WAPDA open badminton tournament

Margalla Sports Festival concludes

national hockey ahead of the 17th Asian Games being held in Incheon (Korea) from September 19 to October 4. In the meantime top PHF officials Akhtar Rasool and Rana Mujahid will be meeting Leandro Negre to secure his support for the revival of international hockey. “Our main objectives of coming here was to secure the support of FIH and other countries for the resumption of international hockey in Pakistan”, he said.

He said he will also be meeting the officials of Korean and Malaysian federations to arrange the Pakistan team’s tour of those countries ahead of Asian Games. Pakistan will be defending the crown in Asian Games which they won at Guangzhou in 2010.

Rana Mujahid said he will also be meeting Indian Hockey Federation in a bid to arrange Indo-Pakistan series. “Resumption of international hockey is of prime importance for the revival and for the upliftment of Pakistan hockey,” he added.—APP

Rumour has it: Rawalpindi Express set to tie the knot KARACHI—Rumours began circling on Saturday of Pakistan’s former speedster and Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar having decided to tie the knot.

Television reports said earlier today that Akhtar had decided to marry the daughter of Mushtaq Khan, a businessman from Haripur.

According to reports, Akhtar’s family had met Khan while performing Hajj last year and had asked the businessman’s wife for help in finding a suitable match for Akhtar.

Reports further stated that both families have been visiting each other since then and decided that Khan’s daughter would be married to Akhtar.

However, there seems to be no veracity in the news and a Twitter account believed to be maintained by Akhtar himself denied it.—Agencies

Hasan guides Alamgir Gymkhana to victory KARACHI—Talented wicketkeeper/batsman Mohammad Hasan slammed a fine century as Alamgir Gymkhana trounced North Shire CC by 169 runs to reach the semi-finals of the KCCA Zone-VI Daud Khan Memorial cricket tournament here the other day.

Hasan scored 118 with the aid of 13 boundaries and one six and opener Jaahid Shaukat Ali made 58 (four fours) to help Alamgir Gymkhana amass 2799 in the allotted 40 overs. Zaheer Khan claimed four wickets for 37 runs and Ibadullah three for 53. North Shire CC, in reply, were shot out for 119 in 30 overs with Zia-ul-Hasan scoring 43.

Mohammad Waqas returned excellent figures of three wickets for only one run while fellow slow left-armer Shiraz Hussain took three for 14.

Sakhi Hasan Gymkhana also moved into the last-four round with a four-wicket win against Unity Gymkhana at the Sakhi Hasan Gymkhana

Ground. Syed Farhan Ali (68 with eight fours and two sixes) and Munawwar Aziz (51 with five boundaries) excelled as Sakhi Hasan Gymkhana achieved their target of 224 for the loss of six wickets in 33 overs. Spinner Naved Noor snared four wickets for 44 runs.

Earlier, Shahrukh Asim hit 71 with the help of nine fours as and a brace of sixes in Unity Gymkhana’s total of 223-9 in 40 overs. Syed Farhan Ali also shone with the ball to grab three wickets for 30 runs.

Summarised scores: Sakhi Hasan Gymkhana beat Unity Gymkhana by four wickets at Sakhi Hassan Gymkhana Ground.

Unity Gymkhana 223-9 in 40 overs (Shahrukh Asim 71, Masoom Ali 30, Khurram Asim 30; Syed Farhan Ali 3-30, Sikander Ali 2-38); SAKHI HASAN GYMKHANA 224-6 in 33 overs (Syed Farhan Ali 68, Munawwar Aziz 51, Musawwar Hussain Zaidi 32; Naved Noor

4-44). Alamgir Gymkhana beat North Shire CC by 169 runs at KCCA Stadium.

Alamgir Gymkhana 279-9 in 40 overs (Mohammad Hassan 118, Jaahid Shaukat Ali 58, Faraz Ali 29; Zaheer Khan 4-37, Ibadullah 3-53); NORTH SHIRE CC 119 in 30 overs Ziaul-Hasan 43, Ibadullah 25, Maaz Warsi 21; Mohammad Waqas 31, Shiraz Hussain 3-14).— Agencies

Boxing camp LAHORE—Lahore Division Boxing Association will set up summer coaching camps for U17 boys from June 10 at four venues across the city.

The venues to hold the camps are Racecourse Park, Islamia College, Civil Lines, Punjab College of Commerce, and Government Post Graduate College, Wahdat Road.

International coach Yousuf Butt will supervise all the camps. —APP

ISLAMABAD: Players in action at Sports Complex in a match held in connection with junior karate championship.

Ten-man Costa Rica draw 1-1 with Ireland PHILADELPHIA—Ten-man Costa Rica played to a 1-1 draw with Ireland on Friday in the Ticos’ final friendly before they head to the World Cup finals in Brazil.

Costa Rica had been hoping for a moraleboosting victory after falling 3-1 to World Cup-bound Japan on Monday.

But their chances dimmed in the 41st minute when defender Giancarlo Gonzalez was sent off for elbowing Ireland forward Kevin Doyle.

Doyle had opened the scoring for Ireland in the 18th minute with a crisp header of a cross from Marc Wilson. Down a man, Costa Rica continued to press in the second half and

got their chance after Ireland goalkeeper David Forde brought down Marco Urena in the area.

Celso Borges converted the resulting penalty in the 64th minute and Patrick Pemberton, who replaced Keylor Navas in the Costa Rican goal at halftime, kept it level when he saved a penalty from Robbie Keane that was awarded after a foul by Heiner Mora. Ireland, who didn’t qualify for the finals, will test another World Cup-bound team on Tuesday when they play Portugal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Costa Rica will open their World Cup campaign against Uruguay on June 14 and will also face Italy and England in Group D.—AFP

Germany’s Reus out of World Cup, Mustafi called up planning for Brazil.” The lightning-quick Reus, who enjoyed a superb season at Borussia Dortmund, was seen as a key player in Germany’s quest to claim their first international title in 18 years. Mustafi, who won his only cap in May against Poland, was surprisingly part of the provisional squad but missed the cut as one of three players omitted from the final squad earlier this week. Revised German World Cup squad after the German football federation announced Marco Reus had been ruled out of the finals on Saturday (club and shirt number in brackets): Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover 96) Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Erik Durm, Kevin Grosskreutz (both Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Matthias Ginter (SC Freiburg), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal/ENG), Shkodran Mustafi (Samdoria/ Marco-Rues ITA), Midfielders: Julian Shkodran Mustafi Draxler (Schalke 04), Sami on Friday in Mainz, partially tearing the anterior Khedira (Real Madrid/ESP), Christoph Kramer ligament above his left ankle on the eve of the (Borussia Monchengladbach), Toni Kroos team’s departure for Brazil. “Both for him and (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal/ENG), for us it is extremely bitter,” coach Joachim Loew Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich) Forwards: Miroslav Klose (Lazio/ITA), told reporters. “Marco was in top form and both in the training camp and in the friendlies against Lukas Podolski (Arsenal/ENG), Thomas Mueller Cameroon and Armenia left an outstanding im- (Bayern Munich), Andre Schuerrle (Chelsea/ pression. “He had played a central role in our ENG), Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich). —AFP

BERLIN—Germany’s World Cup hopes suffered a severe blow on Saturday when midfielder Marco Reus was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury sustained in their final warmup game. Germany, who take on Ghana, Portugal and United States in Group G, leave for Brazil on Saturday evening with 22-year-old Sampdoria defender Shkodran Mustafi booking an unexpected last-minute ticket following Reus’s injury. Reus turned his ankle shortly before the break in their 6-1 victory over Armenia

Nadal to play Djokovic in French Open final PARIS—The world’s top two players, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, will contest Sunday’s French Open final following the Spaniard’s 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 centre court demolition of Andy Murray on Friday. Earlier Djokovic had won through his semi-final with a 6-3, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win over Ernests Gulbis Of Latvia.

Top seed and eight-time winner Nadal now stands just one win away from becoming the first man to take the French Open title five times in a row, surpassing Bjorn Borg. He also is on the cusp of a 14th Grand Slam title, which would put him level at second best on the all-time list with Pete Sampras and three behind Roger Federer. Murray failed in his bid to become

the first British player to contest the French Open final since Bunny Austin 77 years ago and will now turn his attention to defending his Wimbledon crown.

It was his worst loss to Nadal in nine Grand Slam match-ups between the two, surpassing the nine games he managed in the 2008 Wimbledon quarter-finals.—AFP

PHILADELPHIA: Costa Rica’s Celso Borges (5) takes a shot on goal as Ireland’s Stephen Kelly, Richard Keogh and goal keeper David Forde defend during the first half of an international friendly soccer match in Chester.

Argentina remain on track T H E H A G U E (Netherlands)—Argentina stayed on course for a semi-final spot in the men’s hockey World Cup with a 3-1 victory against New Zealand at the Kyocera Stadium here.

A hat-trick of penalty corner conversions by Gonzalo Peillat lifted the Argentine challenge against New Zealand, who until then were heading the Group B table with a maximum of six points from their earlier two games.

After a goalless first session, Peillat opened the account with his first penalty corner strike in the 44th minute, only for New Zealand to equalise with a flash strike by Stephen Jenness five minutes later.

Peillat got into the scoring act again in the 51st and 69th minute to give Argentina three points from the crucial encounter.

Argentina had earlier shocked reigning Olympic champions Germany 1-0 to throw the pool wide open.

The Argentines now have six points from three games, the same as New Zealand.

Hosts and Olympic Games silver medallists The Netherlands have six points from two successive victories, and they were scheduled to face Germany later on Friday in a crucial game that would have immense bearing on which teams from this group make it to the semi-finals.

Germany have three points from two earlier outings.—Agencies

Gerrard revels in England captaincy MIAMI—Steven Gerrard will captain England at a World Cup for the second time but believes Brazil will be the first tournament he holds the role ‘for real’ having not felt that previous manager Fabio Capello truly believed in him as skipper.

Liverpool midfielder Gerrard captained England in South Africa four years ago but only after first choice Rio Ferdinand was injured and John Terry was stripped of the role due to the controversy surrounding him at the time.

“Capello didn’t believe in me as his number one captain, Roy does. I don’t know what it was, I think he did believe in me as a player and our relationship was totally fine, I enjoyed working under him, but at the time when he had to pick a captain we had Rio

ful squad. “I’d have still behaved in the same way four years ago (as now). If I wanted to go and put my arm around a player or show a bit of authority I’d do it in front of John. I’m sure he respected that. “Just because I’m the captain with the armband on I still want the likes of Frank (Lampard) and Wayne (Rooney) and Phil Jagielka to be leaders in there with me and backing me up and we do it together. But of course I’d rather be captain than vice-captain for sure,” he added. The 34-year-old says he is relishing being part of a young squad that he believes is better than the one Capello took to the last World Cup. “There are two players pushing in every position to get into the 11 and I don’t think there’s much between those two players in every position. I think the manager is probably capable of picking four or five teams for the Italy game and you wouldn’t see much difference in the standard,” he said.—AFP

Brazil will celebrate come kickoff: Cafu SAO PAULO—Brazilian former World Cupwinning captain Cafu insists his protesting countryman will soon get into the right spirit once the World Cup kicks off on Thursday.

Brazilians are enduring tough times, with metro strikes bringing commuter misery to Sao Paulo amid protests at the mammoth cost of the World Cup. But the people will get into celebration mode once the event begins, Cafu insisted Saturday.

“The political situation is boiling over—and I wish the talk could be of football. But that’s currently not possible given all the political arguments,” 2002 World Cup-winning skipper Cafu said on the day he turned 44.

He believes, however, that the atmosphere will change once Brazil kick off against Croatia in Sao Paulo on Thursday.

“There are strikes all around the world and

Rain washes out third day of SL tour match NORTHAMPTON—(APP/AFP)

German player Hannah Gablac vies for the ball with Argentina player Rocio Sanchez during the Field Hockey World Cup Women’s tournament match Germany vs Argentina.

Ferdinand here and John Terry as well,” Gerrard told reporters on Friday.

“Maybe he thought they were going to offer something different from me or maybe they were his preferred choice which was totally up to him.

But for me now I know that I’m Roy’s number one captain which is a big confidence boost for me,” he said.

While Gerrard enjoys having the full backing of his manager in his captaincy skills he said the formal position doesn’t change his behavior as a senior member of a youth-

- Rain washed out the third day’s play in the tour match between Northamptonshire and Sri Lanka at Northampton on Saturday.

Heavy early morning rain meant the match could not resume as scheduled at 11:00am local time (1000GMT) and, with puddles on the outfield, the umpires abandoned play for the day at 12:10pm (1110GMT).

Play will re-start 30 minutes earlier than scheduled on Sunday at 10:30am (0930GMT), weather permitting.

Northamptonshire were 146 for five in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings 558 for eight declared, a deficit of 412, at stumps on the second day.—AFP

in general this has nothing to do with the World Cup. “This is a moment that the people feel they can make their voices heard most clearly in the Cup foreground,” the only man to have appeared in three World Cup finals told German sports news agency and AFP subsidiary SID. “We are currently going through tough times as a country. That is why there is no great joy coursing through in the run-up to the event.

“But once it gets going, you will see a totally different Brazil,” Cafu forecast, insisting the celebrations would then begin to take hold.

He stressed that he backed the protests as long as they were not violent.

At the same time, he feared they could be even larger than those which marred last year’s Confederations Cup “as this is a bigger event” with even more attention focused on the host nation.—AFP

Fernandao dies in helicopter crash SAO PAULO—Fernandao, the swashbuckling striker who led Internacional to Copa Libertadores and World Club Cup triumphs in 2006, has died in a helicopter crash in central Brazil, his former club said on Saturday.

He was 36. The helicopter crashed with five people on board and none survived, according to news reports. “I am saddened by death of Fernandao, a hero to all Internacional fans and all lovers of football,” Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, herself an Inter fan, said on Twitter.

“On the field he was world champion, off the field he was an example of a man of character.” Fernando Lucio da Costa played 190 times for the Porto Alegre club and scored 77 goals. He also managed the side in 2012.—AFP

Yograj’s younger son flies to US: Scheduled to return with dad in 1st week of July BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT M UMBAI —Yograj Singh, who liked his son Yuvraj Singh, was diagnosed with cancer, will return to India in the first week of July.

Former fast bowler Yograj, who played one Test and six ODIs’ for India, will return with his son, Victor.

Speaking exclusively over his mobile, Vicky (who prefers to be known as Vicky Yograj Singh) says, “I am leaving for USA on 9th June and will stay with my father in USA and we both will return in the first week of July”. Yograj’s second wife Satveer Kaur (also

known as Meena) has been in India to look after their two children (son and daughter) and Yograj, after being discharged from the hospital is staying with his sister-in-law’s (Simran’s) house in Madison Mississipi.

“The dad underwent surgery and is on his way to recovery. He is not required chemotherapy”, the son added.

Yuvraj is believed to have had suggested the name of his doctor, Dr Lawrence H Einhorn for the treatment. “(But) well, I believe that doctor has retired and that he specializes in that specific cancer.

Therefore my dad, instead of going to Indianapolis, took treatment in New York “, Victor added. Yuvraj’s cancer was

better labelled as mediastinal seminoma.

Yuvraj and Vicky, the two brothers of two different mothers, are in regular contact with each other. “Yes, I am in touch with him (Yuvraj), who was also well supported by our dad (during his difficult time)”, added Vicky.

“I don’t play any games professionally but for a hobby I play basketball”, said Vicky.

“My dad is a very strong man and he will surely come out from the nightmare”, he signed off.

Yograj had married Satveer after divorcing his first wife Shabnam Singh, Yuvraj and his other brother Zorawar’s mother.

Psoriasis linked to worse quality of life for family members, too

B

OTH psoriasis patients and the people who live with them say psoriasis nega tively impacts their quality of life, according to a new study. And both groups tend to report more depression and anxiety than people not affected by the condition.

About 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, which is characterized by itchy, painful plaques on the skin. Previous research has found that people with psoriasis have a higher risk of cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases and develop more infections than those without psoriasis. The condition has also been linked to psychiatric disorders.

“The number of studies per year about quality of life in psoriasis keeps growing year after year and thanks to these studies we know that psoriatic patients have an impairment of their quality of life as well as higher levels of anxiety and depression, feelings of stigmatization, higher risk of suicidality and lower employment rate, among other problems,” Dr. Eliseo Martinez-Garcia told Reuters Health in an email.

Martinez-Garcia is a dermatologist at Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada, Spain and the lead author of the new study. “However, very few studies have addressed how this problem can affect (the) people who live with these patients, and none of them had evaluated globally quality of life, anxiety and depression,” Martinez-Garcia said. “The impact of the dermatological conditions on patients’ cohabitants has been

largely ignored.”

The researchers had noticed that cohabitants of patients had difficulty coping with issues related to psoriasis, like having to avoid activities such as travel or social meetings, as well as spending time every day to help the patient with treatment. To take a more scientific look, they studied 130 adults: 34 people with psoriasis, 49 people who lived with psoriasis patients and 47 healthy people who did not live with psoriasis patients, to serve as a comparison group.

The impact of psoriasis on quality of life was measured with 10-question surveys taken by the patients and the cohabitants. Depression and anxiety were measured with separate surveys completed by members of all three groups. The researchers found that psoriasis impaired the quality of life of 88 percent of the cohabitants and that their quality of life scores were closely linked with the scores of the patients.

One-third of cohabitants reported being highly affected by the psoriasis and only a few felt no effect. Anxiety and depression levels did not differ between patients and cohabitants, but were significantly higher than levels seen in the comparison group, according to findings published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

“A lot of psoriatic patients that are not doing any treatment would be surprised about how much their condition could be improved,” Martinez-Garcia said.

Workers of MQM celebrating bail of their leader Altaf Hussain.—PO Photo Sultan Chaki

SHO FB Area suspended

AIG pays surprise visit to 15 centres STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Additional Inspector General (AIG) Karachi Ghulam Qadir Thebo paid surprise visits to two 15 helpline centres in the city on Saturday. AIG Karachi has also suspended SHO FB Area Inspector Khalid Mughal, In-charge Ferozeabad 15 Unit and a ASI on account of negligence.

As per reports, AIG Karachi inspected two police help line units in Korangi Industrial Area and Ferozeabad. In his visit to Korangi In-

A boy looks on the damaged vehicle on road in Johar Mor after robbery in a jeweller’s shop on Saturday.

Allama Hanafi shows concern over kidnapping of ASWJ workers STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Ahl-e Sunnat Wa Jamaat being a peaceful party had never been involved in violence and terrorism but still there were some selective officials in Sindh government, who were showing their religious bias by inflicting agony onto the activists of ASWJ. Law enforcement agencies personnel in plain clothes had on Saturday at about 3 AM kidnapped 3 activists of ASWJ. Law enforcement agencies should relkease them immediately or else ASWJ would be compelled to take to street against tat tyrannical and extra-judicial acts of the law enforcers.

ASWJ leader Allama Rab Nawaz Hanafi, Dr Muhammad Fayyaz and Allama Tak Muhammad Hanafi said this in a joint statement issued Saturday. Allama Hanafi

dustrial Area 15 Unit, he met with staff present there in absence of in-charge, who had gone to Supreme Court (SC).

The staff explained the AIG Karachi about their working modalities and consequent problems. Thebo advised them to record every incident or a call to help appropriately and more precisely the response they provide. He emphasized on increasing the level of coordination between 15 and concerned police stations.

He expressed his displeasure on the present state of the site and advised that

a computer should be fixed there too in order to maintain record properly. He paid next visit to 15 Unit Ferozabad situated at Shara-e-Quaideen bridge. Incharge of the unit Inspector Humayun Khan was not present while the other staff remained unable to explain the way they are operating to AIG. Thebo was unhappy when he know that this unit is operating without a land line phone and also there is a comprehensive communication system inclusive of the VHF radio which is also not

functioning. He suspended the Incharge for not doing anything about it and told his personal staff to take necessary action in order for improvement.

Later, he ordered demotion and suspension of SHO FB Industrial Area Inspector Khalid Mughal. He also suspended ASI Jaffery and further ordered his transfer out of city. Thebo warned all Karachi police personnel that any negligence in performing official duties would bring departmental action against the person responsible.

He expected them to improve the services.

Three killed, four target killers arrested in operation KARACHI—Three persons were killed in separate firing incidents here on Saturday while Ranger arrested four target killers and recovered illegal weapons from their possession. Armed men on motorcycles gunned down a policeman at M.A. Jinnah Road on Saturday morning. Deceased

said that personnel of law enforcement aganecies in plain clothes were continuously harassing men, women and children while breaking into their homes uinlawfully, which was creating unrest among the activists of ASWJ. He said that anti-Islam and anti-Pakistan forces were conspiring against ASWJ by conducting unlawful acts and were making attempts to provoke sentiments of the Sunni majority. It was so strange that Sindh government had failed to nab target killers and terrorists that had murdered Sunni Ulema and workers. Abduction of ASWJ local leaders and workers from Gulberg Town was a deliberate attempt to incite the workers to react and hence Sindh High Court should take notice of the entire situation and play its role for release of ASWJ local leaders and workers.

policeman was identified as Yousuf and he was posted at Garden Headquarters, police sources said. In another incident of firing armed men opened fire at a dumper in Steel Town. A man was killed and another injured in the incident.

During a robbery incident at Jinnah Square in Malir, civilian shot dead the robber who was identified as Mohammad Ali, police sources said. In a late night incident Kalri police station personnel signalled

three motorcycle riders to stop but they opened fire over the policemen. The police in counter fire injured three accused and arrested them. According to police the accused were fleeing after a robbery.

Police captured arms and impounded a motorbike from them, officials said. Paramilitary Rangers in a raid in Chakiwara arrested four target killers and captured illegal weapons from their possession.

According to sources, the four

alleged target killers linked with Lyari Gang War. They have confessed their involvement in killing of more than 100 people, kidnapping for ransom, extortion and other heinous crimes.

A large quantity of weapons were seized from the possession of the accused, sources said. Arrested men were moved to undisclosed place for interrogation, sources added.

Armed men on motorcycles gunned down a policeman at

M.A. Jinnah Road on Saturday morning. Deceased policeman who was identified as Yousuf and posted at Garden Headquarters, police sources said. In another incident of firing armed men opened fire at a dumper in Steel Town.

A man was killed and another injured in the incident.

During a robbery incident at Jinnah Square in Malir, civilian shot dead a robber who was identified as Mohammad Ali, police sources said.—INP

FIA takes deported citizens into custody IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had taken 12 Pakistani citizens from Jinnah International Airport Karachi, who were deported from Belgrade and Turkey.

Seven of the deported Pakistani citizens were bound for Europe via land routes in Turket while 5 had reached Belgrade to attend special sports event of the blind and the deaf.

However, at the time they reached Belgrade, the sorts event had already been

concluded while they were neither blind nor deaf but had duped the authorities of the two countries but were held and deported. FIA had after taking those 12 Pakistani citizens into custody started investigation to reach the real hands involved in human trafficking.

Tributes paid to martyrs of 1972 labour movement STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Rich tributes were paid to the martyrs of 1972 labour movement in SITE area of Karachi at a memorial meeting organised by Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research Saturday.

Six workers had lost their lives for the rights of the industrial workers in Karachi.

Trade unionists, human rights activists and labour leaders attended the event to pay homage to the martyrs of the 1972 labour movement. In their speeches they eulogized the sacrifices of the workers for the cause of labour movement. The labour movement had backing from other sections of the society like students, women and common people.

The peaceful movement of the workers started in December 1971 and continued till June 1972 against the forced removal of the workers, negative attitude of the mill owners and anti-workers policies of the government. When workers were protesting against removal of the workers outside Feroz Textile Mills in SITE areas, the police opened fire to disperse the workers, as a result one leader of the alliance of the workers of SITE industrial area,

Muttahida Mazdoor Federation, Shoaib was killed on June 7, 1972. On the occasion of funeral of that worker on June 8 a large number of labourers of all industrial estates of Karachi had gathered and they protested the police action a day ago. The police again opened fire on the workers, which killed five other workers.

The speakers said the 1972 movement was completely peaceful, but the government officials gave it a violent colour by opening fires on peaceful protesting workers. They said today’s labour movement can get inspiration by remembering the sacrifices of the works in the past. They regretted that the conditions of workers in 2014 are worse than the conditions in 1972. As compared to the period 42 years ago, now only two to three percent workers are organized under the trade unions. Senior labour leader Shafeeq Ghouri said the year 1972 can be remembered as very important for the labour movement of Pakistan. The first labour policy was also announced in the same year. He said the labour should take part in politics and this should be initiated from the local government elections, where labour leaders should be sent.

He deplored that trade union movement has deteriorated in Pakistan. It is a fact that due to globalization

the trade unions are discouraged as most of labour are hired on contract system. Pocket unions are being encouraged in the industries in Pakistan. Saeed Ahmed Khan of Sui Southern Gas Company Trade paid tributes to the deceased workers of 1972 movement and said it is a fact that two of the martyred workers were office bearers of their unions that proves that leaders were practically taking part in the movements.

Abdul Hai of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said industrial society is declining in Pakistan, which is the reason that labour movement is also missing. He said feudal bureaucracy has destroyed the human rights situation. A pressure be developed for implementation of Labour Policy. He said technical education is essential for the working class to get out of economic crisis. Labour leader Wakeel Khan Swati recalled the events of the labour movement and said the movement was not based on linguistic basis, but there was only one slogan: “Mazdoor Mazdoor Bhai Bhai”. There were arrest warrants for labour leaders Usman Baloch and Karamat Ali, but they were provided protection in labour localities of Pashtoon speaking workers and police failed to arrest them because the labour was united at that time.

Women residents of Lyari hold a protest demonstration outside Karachi Press Club on Saturday.—PO Photo

Psoriasis linked to worse quality of life for family members, too

B

OTH psoriasis patients and the people who live with them say psoriasis nega tively impacts their quality of life, according to a new study. And both groups tend to report more depression and anxiety than people not affected by the condition.

About 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, which is characterized by itchy, painful plaques on the skin. Previous research has found that people with psoriasis have a higher risk of cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases and develop more infections than those without psoriasis. The condition has also been linked to psychiatric disorders.

“The number of studies per year about quality of life in psoriasis keeps growing year after year and thanks to these studies we know that psoriatic patients have an impairment of their quality of life as well as higher levels of anxiety and depression, feelings of stigmatization, higher risk of suicidality and lower employment rate, among other problems,” Dr. Eliseo Martinez-Garcia told Reuters Health in an email.

Martinez-Garcia is a dermatologist at Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada, Spain and the lead author of the new study. “However, very few studies have addressed how this problem can affect (the) people who live with these patients, and none of them had evaluated globally quality of life, anxiety and depression,” Martinez-Garcia said. “The impact of the dermatological conditions on patients’ cohabitants has been

largely ignored.”

The researchers had noticed that cohabitants of patients had difficulty coping with issues related to psoriasis, like having to avoid activities such as travel or social meetings, as well as spending time every day to help the patient with treatment. To take a more scientific look, they studied 130 adults: 34 people with psoriasis, 49 people who lived with psoriasis patients and 47 healthy people who did not live with psoriasis patients, to serve as a comparison group.

The impact of psoriasis on quality of life was measured with 10-question surveys taken by the patients and the cohabitants. Depression and anxiety were measured with separate surveys completed by members of all three groups. The researchers found that psoriasis impaired the quality of life of 88 percent of the cohabitants and that their quality of life scores were closely linked with the scores of the patients.

One-third of cohabitants reported being highly affected by the psoriasis and only a few felt no effect. Anxiety and depression levels did not differ between patients and cohabitants, but were significantly higher than levels seen in the comparison group, according to findings published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

“A lot of psoriatic patients that are not doing any treatment would be surprised about how much their condition could be improved,” Martinez-Garcia said.

A young man plunging into Canal water to beat the heat, in provincial capital.

Exhibition on Cultural preservation CITY REPORTER L AHORE —Exhibition on

DCO Lahore Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi is checking quality and prices of commodities being sold at Badami Bagh Vegetable and Fruit Mandi.

‘Cultural preservation and restoration through Art and Craft’ was organized under the supervision of Dr. Sadia Shaukat at Township Campus, University of Education, Lahore. Different models were presented by Masters’ Education students.

The purpose of this event was to raise awareness about cultural preservation and restoration and to enhance understanding of cultural significance and suggest strategies to preserve historical sites and buildings which will further help for publicizing the cultural heritage and encouraging public involvement in their conservation. Students presented different models of cultural sites, historical buildings, monuments and archaeological sites by using old newspapers and magazines.

PTI creating hindrance in development process PRESS RELEASE LAHORE—Provincial Minister for Education, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has said that due to the prejudice, PTI leaders have lost their senses.

He said that Mahmood ur Rasheed should look at the performance of his government in KPK before criticizing Punjab government. He said that Mahmood ur Rasheed by realizing the reality should accept the failure of his government in KPK. Commenting upon the statement of

Punjab stands tall in term of performance LAHORE—The performance of Punjab Government is regarded as most effective among provincial governments by 65.73 percent of all the respondents. It is revelled in an opinion survey conducted by the Herald in partnership with the Islamabad-based Sustainable Development Survey Institute. The survey, conducted as the PML(N)-led government completes its first year in power, engaged 1354 respondents from across all four

LAHORE—The district administration has decided to constitute a District AntiQuackery Committee comprising all stakeholders in the city. This was decided at Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) meeting to review the possible steps to eradicate quackery from the city.

The Committee will review the effectiveness of actions taken against quacks in Lahore on a monthly basis and would make recommendations for future courses of action to be adopted.

LAHORE —Principal Postgraduate Medical Institute and Lahore General Hospital Prof.

Anjum Habib Vohra has said that brain tumor is completely curable disease and all facilities of microsurgery are available in Pakistan. Early diagnosis can enhance the possibilities for complete recovery. He said that Institute of Neuro Sciences which is being set up at Lahore General Hospital on the directions of Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, will provide all diagnostic, treatment and research facilities under one roof.

He expressed these views while addressing a press conference at PGMI on the eve of World Brain Tumor Day, here on Saturday. He said that Institute of Neuro Sciences will provide opportunities for the pro-

head injuries and traffic accidents are brought to this hospital from all over the country. He disclosed that the World Tumor Day is being observed from 2000 and the objective of observing this day is

The meeting also discussed possible collaboration between the Punjab Healthcare Commission and the district management in tackling quackery in the provincial capital. The meeting was chaired by the Chief Operating Officer, PHC, Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan and was attended by the DCO, Lahore, Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, EDO Health Lahore, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali and other concerned officers the PHC. The participants of the meeting were

apprised of the PHC’s strategy to abolish quackery and the strict actions that had so far been taken in this regard in the province particularly in Khanewal where the DCO had initiated a major crackdown against quacks in collaboration with the PHC. The meeting resolved that stringent actions would be taken against unqualified practitioners or quacks by the district management under the PHC Act, and the relevant provisions of the PMDC Ordinance, 1962 (as amended in 2012).—APP

Punjab govt. seeks CPSP cooperation for better health facilities

Mahmood ur Rasheed here Saturday, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan said that the reality of those showing rosy picture to the people has been exposed. He said that PTI leaders are utilizing all their energies for creating hindrances in the development process of the country and destabilizing the present system. Rana Mashhood said that the claimants of bringing change and improving the living standard of the people could not change the situation in a province and how they will run the country.

motion of neurosurgery in Punjab as well as training and updating the knowledge of doctors. He said that Lahore General Hospital is playing a very important role in neurosurgery and the patients of

A plurality of respondents believes that relations between the government and judiciary improved during the tenure of current federal government. The opinion survey, conducted during the month of May 2014, employs a sampling methodology trends, including those pertaining to gender, ethnicity, age and rural-urban divide. The survey sample also faces into account a variety of income groups and educational level.—NNI

Plan to constitute committee against quackery

SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique has lauded the services of College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) at national and international level and sought its cooperation for extending

Brain tumor is completely curable disease SALIM AHMED

provinces.

Almost 50 percent of all respondents regard Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif to have been the most effective Chief Executive in the past year, followed

by Chief Minister KPK Pervaiz Khattak 15.36 percent and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah 11.15 percent. 25.24 percent Sindh based respondents deem the performance of Qaim Ali Shah government as very low.

to highlight the importance and severity of the situation. Anjum Habib Vohra said that though the neurosurgeons are very scarce in Pakistan but all the tertiary hospitals in Punjab have treatment and

Principal PGMI Professor Anjum Habib talking to newsman in connection with the World Tumor Day.

diagnostic facilities of neuro diseases. He said that surgery is the initial treatment of brain tumor but sometimes doctors could not bring out the whole tumor, therefore, radiation is required for further treatment. He said that both facilities are available in Pakistan. He said that permanent headache nozia and vomiting are the early symptoms of brain tumor. He said that advancement in the health sector and latest research has improved the treatment of brain diseases and the majority of patients are recovered completely. He said that neurosurgeons are very rare and only seventeen full professors and two hundred neurosurgeons are available in the country of 19 crore population. He urged upon the doctors to come forward and join the field of microsurgery to overcome the shortage of neurosurgeons in Pakistan.

better health facilities to the masses.

Speaking at a function of the College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan in Lahore, Khawaja Salman said, “The services of CPSP are exemplary at national and international level. The benefit from the services of specialist doctors and supervisors can be obtained through better liaison between CPSP and Government of the Punjab.” In this way better facilities can be provided to the masses. The nation can be served by using the lat-

est technology in the field of medical profession in a better way, he said.

President CPSP Prof. Zafar Ullah Chaudhry said on the occasion that the CPSP is trying to provide specialist doctors throughout the country.

The standard of medical research and education will improve with the launch of essential credit points, he said, adding: “All standard facilities along with information technology will be provided at all regional centers.”

Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal,

DGIR, CPSP, threw light on the national and international services of CPSP. He said recognition of CPSP degree in Saudi Arabia is a result of fellows and supervisors untiring efforts. He said new five storeys building at Regional Center will be completed in six months. The new block will consist of workshop halls, skill lab and residences for examiners.

Prof. Ijaz Ahsan, ex-President, CPSP, appreciated the founder President of CPSP Gen. W. A. Burki and the present council and wished to continue the journey of success.

Five persons riding a motorcycle going on a main road and not being checked by any traffic warden.