E-paper October 09, 2012

Provinces lament non-transfer of assets ISLAMABAD—All four prov- violation of the constitution. Pro- devolved. The Senate Special ince, Monday, lamented non transfer of assets and ownership of several devolved subjects under 18th constitutional amendment.

They were unanimous in declaring recreation of 8 new ministries on subjects which had already been devolved as sheer

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Legislation tabled in NA PML-N opposes STAFF REPORTER

QUETTA: Police personnel inspecting the site after a remote controlled blast in Double Road area of the city on ISLAMABAD—The National AcMonday.—INP photo countability Commission Bill, which was presented in the National Assembly on Monday, states that cases older than 10 years will not be reopened. The bill adds that no one will have immunity in any case, be it the president, prime minister, goverQUETTA—One child was killed nor, speaker, auditor general, atand at least 14 people including four policemen sustained injuries in a blast occurred on Zarghoon Road area here on Monday.

According to police sources, QUETTA—The Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar been recovered “don’t force us to the bomb was planted in a moof Pakistan on Monday ordered Mohamamd Chaudhry was hear- pass an order”. Balochistan As- torcycle parked at Double Road the government and the Frontier ing the case in the Quetta regis- sembly speaker Aslam Bhootani went off with a big bang resultappeared before the court and ing in killing one child and injuCorps (FC) to present missing try of Supreme Court.

Continued on Page 7 persons of Balochistan forthwith.

The Chief Justice said that conceded that nobody was happy ries to 13 people including three “We order government and the government was not serious over the situation in the province. constables and one Assistant Sub ISLAMABAD—The National AsFC to produce missing persons in implementing court orders re- He told the court that the IG po- Inspector (ASI).

Police sources said that the sembly was informed on Monas soon as possible,” the SC said garding Balochistan law and or- lice and chief secretary were upblast destroyed cars and rick- day that foreign exchange reand added “we order law enforce- der.” We asked for an end to right men.

The Chief Justice said, “hon- shaws parked nearby the incident serves were under pressure but ment agencies to ensure protec- Kabli vehicles and arms and tion of life and property of people death squads but nothing hap- esty didn’t mean one would not site, adding that it was remote there was no threat of the default under article 9 of the Constitu- pened except lip service,” Iftikhar deliver. Senior lawyers Munir A controlled explosion and five ki- in payments.

Minister of State for Production.” The orders came during the Muhammad Chaudhry re- Malik, Salman Akram Raja, M Continued on Page 7 tion Khawaja Sheraz Mahmood ISLAMABAD—President of Zafar and Hadi Shakeel also aphearing of a case pertaining to marked.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, told the House during question The Chief Justice further said peared before the bench and relaw and order situation and enBakir Izetbegovic would arrive forced disappearances in that there were evidences against corded their statements with rehere today (Tuesday) on a two Balochistan. A three-judge bench the FC but no missing person had Continued on Page 7 day visit on the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari.

During his stay in Biggest bank ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister Islamabad, President for Information and Broadcastfraud case Izetbegovich will meet the ing Qamar Zaman Kaira has said President and the Prime that former Prime Minister Minister. Ministers for Yousaf Raza Gilani would not Foreign Affairs and Defence leave the Party as PPP considwill also call on the Bosnian ers him a precious asset.

President. In addition, the He was talking to the media National University of Science at Bilawal House here on Monand Technology (NUST) will Petroleum and Natural Re- day. He said that the differences STAFF REPORTER confer an honorary doctorate DHAKA —Bangladesh’s elite sources which he visited Mon- within the party is a routine on President Izetbegovic. He anti-crime force has arrested a ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister day afternoon. The Prime Min- matter in democracy as every will also address the business businessman in the country’s Raja Pervez Ashraf has directed ister is visiting various minis- one has the right of freedom of community of the two biggest ever bank fraud case, the Ministry of Petroleum and tries and government depart- speech. countries. a senior police official said Natural Resources to prepare a ments as part of his plan to reEarlier a leader of Pakistan President Izetbegovic is the Monday. view their performance.

Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chakwal winter plan and ensure that doson of late Alija Izetbegovic, the The Dhaka Metropolitan The Prime Minister said that Rana Sana-ul-Haq called on revered former President of Police official told Xinhua that mestic consumers get uninter- the people of Pakistan expect Information Minster and anrupted supply of gas.

Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) The Prime Minister also di- public utilities to provide them nounced to leave the party and last presidential visit from arrested Tanvir Mahmud, manrected the Ministry of Petroleum reliable, affordable and uninter- joined PPP after showing full Bosnia took place in 2004 when aging director of Hall-Mark confidence in the leadership of and Natural Resources to work rupted services.

Mr. Sulejman Tihic, the then Group, on charge of taking loan The Ministry of Petroleum President Asif Ali Zardari. in close coordination with the President of Bosnia, paid a state from the state-owned Sonali Ministry of Water and Power and Natural Resources as well Chairperson, Women Wing of visit to Pakistan .—Online Bank on forged documents. and ensure that fuel surplus are as Ministry of Water and Power PPP Faryal Talpur was also Mahmud was arrested along provided to Thermal Power should endeavour to improve present on the occasion. with Tushar Ahmed, general Plants so that power generation service delivery and come up to After the meeting Rana manager and also husband of in the country is not affected. the expectations of the people of Sana-ul-Haq told the media that Tanvir’s sister-in-law, Sunday These directions were is- Pakistan, he emphasized. The he worked as a worker of PPP night, said the police official sued by the Prime Minister dur- Prime Minister said that he is in the past and he would be with the party in future.—Online Continued on Page 7 ing a briefing by the Ministry of Continued on Page 7

Child killed, 14 SC orders govt, FC to produce missing persons people injured in Quetta blast

Govt not serious to resolve Balochistan issue: CJP

PM for regular gas supply to domestic consumers in winter

Malik gets bail in dual nationality case

Indian media alleges cricket umpires involved in match-fixing MUMBAI—The cricket world mier League in August. The al- dian Premier League (IPL). internationals and three T20 has been in the spotlight vis-àvis match-fixing and spot-fixing, but a sting operation by a local Indian television channel claims to have exposed umpires involved in match-fixing, including two Pakistanis, a Bangladeshi and three Sri Lankans.

According to India TV’s sting operation, the six umpires were ready to be bribed to give wrong decisions during the recently concluded Twenty20 World Cup and Sri Lanka Pre-

leged umpires are Nadeem Ghauri and Anees Siddiqui of Pakistan, Nadir Shah of Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka’s Gamini Dissanayake, Maurice Winston, Sagara Gallage, while a seventh umpire, Bangladesh’s Sharfudoullah Shahid Saikat refused to give any favour in return for money.

A sting operation by the same channel had earlier exposed five Indian players involved in spot-fixing in the domestic circuit, including the illustrious In-

Amongst the officials interrogated on camera, only Shah and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid represent the current umpire panel of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The channel, however, claimed that Sharfudoullah refused to give any favour in lieu of money offered by the undercover reporters.

It is noteworthy that no Indian umpires were targeted in the operation. But Shah, who has officiated in 40 one-day

Grade-22 officer. Similarly, the deputy chairman will be a retired judge of the high courts or a Grade-21 officer. The chairman will be appointed by the president for three years after holding talks with the prime minister and the opposition parties.

In case the prime minister and opposition parties fail to reach a consensus, then two

Continued on Page 7

Foreign exchange reserves under pressure

Gilani not going anywhere: Kaira

Businessman arrested in Bangladesh

torney general or retired officers of the armed forces.

The approval of the bill will result in the formation of a new National Accountability Commission which will repeal the National Accountability Ordinance 1999 in favour of a new accountability law.

The chairman of the commission will either be a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a

National Assembly informed...

Bosnian President arrives today

KARACHI—A local court on Monday granted bail to Federal Interior Minister, Rehman Malik, in dual nationality case.

The district and session court (south) passed the order after hearing a plea filed by Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on lawmakers’ dual nationality.

Issuing notice to the minister, the judge ordered Malik to file security bond of Rs.50,000. To which, counsel of Rehman Malik filed the bonds on behalf of the minister to acquire the bail in dual nationality case.—INP

Committee met with Jahangir Badar, Leader of the House in the Chair to discuss latest status of devolution process in lieu with 18th constitutional amendment.

Senators including Ishaque Dar, Leader of the Opposition

New accountability bill to bury cases older than 10 years

Afghan offers cash for killing of US movie producer KABUL—An Afghan cleric has offered rewards totalling $400,000 for anyone killing the producer of a US-made anti-Islam film and a French cartoonist who drew caricatures of the Muslim prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

“I have offered $300,000 to anyone who kills the antiIslam film producer and $100,000 for killing the French cartoonist,” Mir Faroq Husaini, a prominent cleric in the western province of Herat, told AFP Sunday.

Husaini said he had first announced the reward during a sermon on Friday in a large

vincial representatives in their briefing to the Senate Special Committee on Devolution Process complained against non transfer of assets and functions of several devolved ministries to the provinces whereas 18th constitutional amendment was quite clear that those subjects had been

Internationals, was ready to fix any match at international or domestic level. He also claimed that Pakistani batsman Nasir Jamshed “fixed” matches in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), the channel said.

He added that umpires from Bangladesh were always ready to ‘help’ their country’s cricketers. In another video of the sting, Sri Lankan umpire Gallage agreed to accept Rs50,000 for disclosing vital information re-

Continued on Page 7

hour that the reserves which stood at 18.24 billion dollar at the end of the financial year 2011 decreased to 15.6 billion dollars in August this year. He said the decrease was primarily on account of current account deficit and repayment of 1.3 billion dollar to IMF.

Replying to another question‚ he said GDP growth rate which was 1.7 percent in 200809 has increased gradually to reach 3.7 percent in 2011-12.

He said the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy for economic growth

Continued on Page 7

Shahbab terms PTI peace march a drama STAFF REPORTER

Graduation ceremony held at PAF Academy

Cadets advised to focus on professional excellence OUR CORRESPONDENT

PESHAWAR—Provincial Min-

amongst their subordinates.

He also emphasized that the glorious traditions set by PAF’s ancestors must permeate their thoughts and deeds to add to the rich legacy of valour and professionalism.

The Chief Guest further said that aerial defence of Pakistan is PAF’s mission. All of you graduating today are important elements and have an anchor role to play in achieving this mission. The chief guest appreciated the PAF Academy in importing efficient training to the new graduates.

The Chief Guest awarded the trophy for Overall Best Performances to Aviation Cdt Syed Amir Humza Kazmi. The graduating cadets of No 109 Non GD course belonged to Engineering, Logistics, Information Technology, Education, Accounts, Legal, Metrology and Medical branches of the PAF. The Ceremony included the award of branch insignia to the graduating cadets.

R ISALPUR —The graduation ister for Excise and Taxation ceremony of 109 Non GD Liaquat Shahbab Monday course of College of Flying said Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf Training was held at PAF “peace march” march was Academy Risalpur. Air Marnothing but a drama. Talking shal Farhat Hussain Khan, to people here at his office, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Pahe said that the peace march kistan Air Force was the Chief was neither anti America nor Guest on the occasion. While against drone attacks rather addressing the graduating it was carried out just to take cadets, Air Marshal Farhat political mileage for the upHussain Khan, Vice Chief of coming general elections. the Air Staff, Pakistan Air He said PTI chief Imran Force said, “The profession Khan instead of condemning of arms is highly demanding the US government’s poliand requires dedication and cies of drone attacks, criticommitment to meet the modcized the elected government ern day challenges. of Pakistan and opposition As young managers, parties. He said Imran Khan you will be required to eswas pursuing US policies tablish your credentials and staged the drama of through efficient handling of peace march, adding that he human and material resource did not elaborate his future placed at your disposal.” He strategy to resolve the urged upon the graduating people problems or to overcadets to focus on their procome the crisis facing the fessional excellence country. through proper Human ReShabab said that the prosources training and evolve vincial government of excellent team spirit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is committed to resolve public problems at their door steps and taking pragmatic measures in this regard. He said RISALPUR: Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, reviewing the parade at graduation ceremony of 109 PPP is well known among the Non GD Course at College of Flying Training, PAF Academy. poor people of the country owing to its public friendly I SLAMABAD —Mainly dry during the next 24 hours. It policies. weather is expected in most added that mainly hot and dry parts of the country during weather is likely to prevail next 24-hours as no signifi- elsewhere in the region. The STAFF REPORTER cant weather system prevails Peshawar Met Office on PESHAWAR—Due to some nec- over the region. The Multan Monday predicted dry essary maintenance and repair Met office has forecast dry weather in parts of Khyber OUR CORRESPONDENT work power supply will remain weather for the city and its Pakthunkhwa during next 24 suspended from 132 KV suburbs during the next 24 hours.

According to Met Office SARGODHA—The District Bar Rehman Baba Grid Station on hours. On Monday, the maxiAssociation on Monday obmum and minimum temperaOctober 9 (Tuesday) and 11th served a complete strike and ISLAMABAD—President Asif of-the-art technologies, to “we were again afflicted by fected by the floods, one mil- ( Thursday) from 8:00 am to 2:00 ture was recorded as 36.2 and boycotted courts against the Ali Zardari Monday empha- assist the developing coun- the worst ever floods in 2010 lion acres of crop area swept pm resultantly the consumers 21.0 degree Celsius respecarrest of a senior lawyer by sized the need to review the tries in capacity building and that inundated about on- and 300,000 houses are either of 11 kv Akhunabad feeders will tively.

Lahore police.

The humidity was restrengths and weakness of acquiring relevant knowl- fifth of the total area of Paki- partially or completely de- face inconvenience. Similarly, A police team raided the resi- the institutional arrange- edge and technology to cope stan, affecting 20 million stroyed by floods. power supply will remain sus- corded as 74 per cent at 8 am President Zardari said it is pended from 132 KV Peshawar and 28 per cent at 5 pm. The dence of senior lawyer Sher ments to mitigating the suf- with natural calamities in an people with huge economic Muhammad Bhatti at Sillanwali ferings caused by national effective manner. He said losses amounting to 10 bil- beyond human control to Industrial Grid Station on Oc- Quetta Met office has foreand picked him along with his disasters. In his message on October 8 serves as a grim lion US Dollars”. He said in stop natural calamities to oc- tober, 9 (Tuesday) and 11 cast dry weather for Quetta son Muhammad Imran. Later, the occasion of National Di- reminder of one of the great- 2011, once again, nearly 9.6 cur efforts can be made to re- (Thursday) from 8:00 am to 2:00 and surrounding areas for here, continental air is prevailpolice admitted that they had saster Awareness Day ob- est tragedies of national his- million people were affected duce and minimize the impacts pm resultantly the consumers next 24 hours. On Tuesday, ing over most parts of the wrongly arrested the lawyer served Monday, the Presi- tory when tens of thousands by the floods in Sindh alone. of natural disasters by follow- of 11kv Kohat Raod and the maximum temperature is country and weather will redry in Khyber The President said about ing an integrated approach Wazirbagh feeders will face in- expected to remain between main and his son and set them free. dent said in view of the huge of precious lives were lost Talking to newsmen, destructions caused by the and huge numbers of live- 999,000 houses were dam- and through concerted ef- convenience.

27 to 29 Degree Celsius while Pakthunkhwa and the country DBA President Shams natural calamities each year, stock and property de- aged and several hundred forts involving all stakePower supply will also minimum as 05 to 07 Degree during next 48 hours. The Naveed Cheema and General the National Disaster Aware- stroyed due to devastating thousands of people had to holder, local community, and remain suspended from 132 Celsius. On Monday, highest weather of Parachinar, headSecretary Khuram Basra de- ness Day is the right occa- earthquake in 2005 that hit, seek shelter in relief camps. the Government. He said on KV Peshawar University Grid maximum temperature was quarters of Kurram Agency will manded of the chief minister sion to review the strengths Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north- Women constituting half of this occasion, while reiterat- Station on October 10 recorded as 39 Degree Cel- remain partly cloudy in the the population were the ing Government’s commit- (Wednesday) from 8:00 am to sius in Turbat and lowest said period. The weather reto take strict action against and weaknesses of the insti- ern Areas and Kashmir.

President Zardari said as worst sufferers in these ment to utilize all the available 12:00 pm resultantly the con- minimum as 2 Celsius at mained dry in most parts of the police over the incident. tutional arrangements.

The President urged the the nation had barely recov- floods, said the President. He resources for reconstruction, sumers of 11 kv Canal town Kalat. The Karachi Met Of- country during last 24 hours. international community, es- ered from the pangs of un- said this year too around 5 rehabilitation and relief of the feeders will face inconve- fice has forecast hot and dry Maximum 39 degree centigrade devastation million people have been af- calamity-hit population. pecially those having state- precedented nience. Power supply will re- weather with misty morning temperature recorded at main suspended from 220 KV in the city during the next 24 Turbat while pollen count reMardan Grid Station on hour, said a weather report mained 50 per cubic meter.

According to met office, Tuesday (October 9) from issued on Monday.

STAFF REPORTER continental air is prevailing According to the 8:00 am to 2:00 pm resultantly over most parts of the counweather report, maximum P E S H AWA R —Deputy the consumers of 132 kv Speaker, Khyber Swabi, Hussai and Daggar temperature in the port city try. Mainly dry weather is exPakhtunkhwa Assembly, grids will face inconvenience. would remain in the range of pected in most parts of the Khyber Khushdil Khan Advocate has Meanwhile, power supply 34 to 36 degree centigrade Sindh, said the government is ready STAFF REPORTER will also remain suspended and minimum in the range of Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan OUR CORRESPONDENT sities in the province, pri- done for the welfare of the to construct a mini-sports from 132 KV Abbotabad Grid. 21 to 23 degree centigrade and Kashmir. —APP mary schools will be up- people and with which face ISLAMABAD—Anti Narcotics complex, along with vast library in Badhber area and G UJRAT —Pakistan Muslim graded to the middle school they have come to ask for Force (ANF) on Monday seized huge quantity of drug, urged the residents for provi- League senior central leader and middle schools would be vote from the people.

He said record develop- arms and ammunition at sion of land for this purpose. and Deputy Prime Minister ment works done during our Taftan District Chaghi near Addressing prize distri- Ch Parvez Elahi has said that tenure are before the people Iran border in Balochistan. bution ceremony of first PML’s manifesto is service to and are the ample proof of On tip off, ANF raided in Bacha Khan District Badmin- the people, it is the right of the people to seek facilities our performance. He asked Taftan and recovered 262 kiton Tournament here in the the people to vote for PML lograms chars, 30 kg opium, Hujra of late Hikmat Khan at including supply of gas and nominated candidates so 30 kg sheesha, three RPG-7 Balokhel, Badhber, he said we are duty bound to provide that they are elected again along 12 shells and 14 fuses, that the provincial govern- these facilities to them. Adand work more for the wel- four AK 47s, one 12 bore riffle ment besides the promotion dressing the gathering on the occasion of inauguration of fare and well-being of the and 2517 bullets, said a press of sports is also keen in propeople. release. No person was arrest viding assistance to local re- Sui gas supply in suburb area of Gujrat Monday, Ch Parvez Former Provincial Educa- as the drugs and ammunition gional players. tion Minister Mian Imran was dumped in a deserted He said that sports are an Elahi declared that we are Masood expressed gratitude hut. A case has been regiseffective mean of presenting moving forward with the misto Ch Parvez Elahi for provi- tered against the unknown the power and emotions of sion of Ch Zahoor Elahi sion of Sui gas to Tibbi drug smugglers. Further inyoung generation. Through Shaheed.

He said that the objective upgraded to the level of high Seekhoaan. He said that by vestigations are under which, he said they can develop prestigious character behind establishing the schools and roads would giving the gift of the univer- progress. sity Ch Parvez Elahi had not only in their section con- Gujrat University was to edu- also be constructed.

Ch Parvez Elahi said that equipped the generations of cern but also get complete cate the future generations, control on their emotions. if we come in power again now it was up to the people the people of Gujrat with eduThe Deputy Speaker said with the blessings of Al- to decide in the coming elec- cation adding that befitting that the holding of the posi- mighty Allah and support of tions, when N-League people return for this gesture is that tive activities in the prevail- the people then we would come to ask for your vote ask we should support them in ing situation in the country. establish network of univer- them as to what they had the coming elections.

LALAMUSA: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira listening to the complaints and demands of people during an open katchery.

RAZA NAQVI

National Disaster Awareness Day

Lawyers protest colleague’s arrest

Govt to construct mini-sports complex

Oct 8 reminds greatest tragedies of national history

Service to people is PML-Q manifesto: Elahi

Power shutdown schedule

Dry weather to continue across country

ANF seizes narcotics, arms, and ammunition

Student held for threatening Brigadier’s son

A TTOCK —Police have ar-

SWAT: Naib Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Siraj ul Haq addressing the Jalsa-e-Inqilab at Matta.

rested and booked a former student of Army Public School (APS) Attock for allegedly using abusive language and giving life threats to the son of an in-service Brigadier. As per the FIR registered by Attock City police station, Colonel Zaheer of Artillery Centre Attock lodged a complaint with city police that Hamza Shah r/o Dar us Salam Colony Attock who was expelled from APS because of his involvement in immoral activities.

After his expulsion he started giving life threats to Ahmad Shahzad s/o Brigadier Shahzad (Commandant Artillery Centre) in order to avenge his (Hamza Shah) expulsion.As per the FIR Hamza Shah through his cell phone contacted Ahmad Shahzad and used dirty language ,threatened him and instigated him to come out of his house and face the consequences.

Parliament loses credibility due to dual citizenship: JI STAFF REPORTER

set up be established, ECP said a change in national policy be authorized financially and is needed to stop the drone atLAHORE—Secretary General administratively and free and tacks and US slavery. “StopJamaat-e-Islami, Liaqat page of PTI march is no to deBaloch has demanded of the mocracy and all political parties President Asif Zardari to disshould be allowed to work in solve the national and provinWaziristan,” he added. cial assemblies and announce He said opposition parthe election schedule. In a ties including PML-N and statement issued here at JUI-F had passed anti US Mansoora on Monday, he resolutions and now they said due to the dual citizenmust avoid taking steps that ship and fake degrees the Parended in favor of the US and liament has lost its credibility the president Zardari. Liaqat so the president should anBaloch condemned the firing nounce new elections proincident at MNA Nafeesa cess. He said that elections for Shah Jalsa in Khairpur which local government before the took several lives including national elections would be a political workers and journaluseless democratic process. fair elections be ensured. ists. He expressed his deep He said the time has come Appreciating the PTI peace sorrow over the killing of inthat a consensus care-taker march towards Waziristan he nocent people.

PPP to prove popularity Our Correspondent

H YDERABAD —The

Coordinator Peoples Youth Organization Senator Aajiz Dhamrah has called upon those forces which have been engaged in introducing the politics of hatred and extremism in Sindh to refrain from such practice of hurting the feelings of millions of the people of the province during their agitation against the new Local Government System. Addressing the news conference here at circuit house along with the Coordinator Peoples Students Federation Suhrab Khan Mari he said that these forces are testing the temperament of the leaders and workers of PPP and its affiliated organizations who will now respond such insulting acts of these forces by holding mammoth public meeting in Hyderabad on October 15. He said that PPP will prove its popularity among the people by holding a mammoth public aimed to expose the nefarious designs of those who are taking revenge with the people of Sindh who rejected Kala Bagh Dam. He said that so called nationalists are welcoming those who are the supporters of Anti-Sindh Project Kala Bagh Dam. He called upon the leaders and workers of PPP and its affiliated organizations to remain calm against such insulting attitude of the so called nationalists in order to foil the attempt of anti-state forces.

The PYO and PSF leaders Feroze Leghari, Ahsan Abro and Lala Rizwan were also present on the occasion. Govt to set up Seraiki province before elections: The government of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is committed to set up Seraiki province before coming general elections, to be held in 2013, said PPP divisional President Major (Retd) Farrukh Raza Khan on Monday. Talking to PPP workers and supporters, he said that Seraiki province is voice of million of Seraiki people across the country.

Unity on national issues stressed Staff Reporter

P ESHAWA R —Khyber Pakthunkhwa Minister for Labour, Sher Azam Khan Wazir said on Monday that the country was confronted with a numerous challenges that could only be tackled with national unity and adaptation of one stance on national and international issues. Talking to media persons here, the Minister said we should work hard above party politics for amicable solution of these challenges. He said adaptation of single point of view and stance on national issues by all the democratic forces will help pave way to raise stature of the nation among comity of nations. The Minister said the world is looking towards us and time has come to adopt national unity and take single stance on national and international issues to take the country forward. Paying tribute to President Asif Ali Zardari for carrying forward the mission of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, he said PPP was working hard as per the reconciliation policy of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto to address problems faced by the people. Terming the appointment of senior politician, Anwar Saifullah Khan as President of Pakistan People’s Party Khyber Pakthunkhwa is a wise decision, he said it was a good omen for the party and workers that will strengthen PPP in the province. The Minister said PPP was ready for election whenever announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan and will give tough time to opposition. He said no party can match PPP’s popularity and people will re-elect our candidates in large number for completion of ongoing projects and strengthening of democratic institutions.

Bullet proof police station buildings Staff Reporter

PESHAWAR—The Provincial Minister for Science and Technology, Muhammad Ayub Khan said Monday the government has made the buildings of Police Stations (PSs) bullets proof by equipping Khyber Pakthunkhwa police with modern weaponry and additional troops to thwart the nefarious designs of outlaws and anti state elements. Addressing a big public gathering at Narkut Matta in Swat district, the Minister said Khyber Pakthunkhwa police had rendered great sacrifice for protection of motherland and held its service in high esteem. He said terrorism had badly affected the culture and economy and the KP government was making hectic efforts for its revival. The Minister said it was the collective responsibility of all patriotic and democratic forces to support the government’s endeavours to eliminate terrorism and militancy once and for all. He said the KP government has established peace in Malakand and Swat after great sacrifices by our security forces and police and it was our collective responsibility to maintain it. The Minister said elimination of terrorism and development of backward areas are our priority and no compromise would be made on it. He said confidence of tourists has been restored and Swat was again made cradle of peace and tourists destination. He said ANP would get maximum seats in the province during upcoming general election on the basis of performance. On this occasion , he announced 30000 feet pipeline for providing clean drinking water, construction and extension of Nazakat Road. DI Khan police nab five POs, huge cache of arms seized.

Survey of rains damaged houses soon Our Correspondent

S HIKARPUR —Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister for Relief Haleem Adil Shaikh has said 251 people died and 250,000 houses were damaged by recent rains in upper Sindh at the right side of the Indus River. Addressing media persons at Circuit House here, he further said the devastating rains also flooded 30 lac acres of agricultural land and damaged 250,000 acres of standing crops. The Adviser said, in majority of the cases, the heirs of victims received compensation within 15 days and remaining people will be compensated soon. He said the government will start the survey of damaged houses soon to compensate the affected people. The Adviser lauded the relief assistance provided by local NGOs to rain victims. The recent monsoon rains in Sindh have broken all previous records. On the one hand, daily activities have been paralysed throughout the province and, on the other hand, dozens of people have lost their lives. The entire province, especially Jacobabad, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Larkana, Sukkur, Ghotki and Khairpur districts, have been badly affected.

Shikarpur was once considered to be the Paris of Sindh.

Devastating rains have also paralysed daily activities in Shikarpur district. Communication and electricity in the city are disrupted, while schools have been shut since all roads and streets are inundated. Owing to bad administration the rainwater is still standing in the city. A number of houses have collapsed in different areas. The tall claim of the administration before the onset of the monsoon has now been exposed. In spite of heavy budgetary provisions, the North Sindh Urban Services Corporation has failed to drain out rainwater from Shikarpur and other districts. People are using boats to commute, passing through submerged rooftops and floating furniture.

Two students awarded Deutsche Welle scholarships ISLAMABAD—The Deutsche doing so, it not only gives the Welle Akademie has officially opened its doors to welcome their fourth consecutive batch of 29 promising media professionals from 23 countries, including two from Pakistan, selected to pursue their two-year master’s degree programme in International Media Studies (IMS), says a message received here from Bonn. This programme is offered by the Deutsche Welle Akademie in collaboration with the University of Bonn and the BonnRhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences.

The degree programme is composed to train students to become competent journalists and prepare them for the challenging media industry. In

students the theoretical background but also practical training in the actual media environment. At the welcome ceremony, DW Akademie Diector, Gerda Meuer, congratulated all the prestigious scholarship recipients, who were selected out of 700 applications worldwide.

She emphasized the importance of skilled media professionals in the contemporary media. North Rhine Westfalia’s State Secretary for Federal Affairs, Europe and the Media, Dr Marc Jan Eumann, also addressing the ceremony, emphasized that the media development was important to solve pressing international issues.—APP BANNU: People busy in buying sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

PPP invites critics for discussion on LG system OUR CORRESPONDENT HYDERABAD—Sindh Minister for Fisheries Zahid Ali Bhrgari who is also the President of Pakistan Peoples Party Hyderabad District has invited all those who are criticizing the new Local Government System to suggest amendments on such clause, which they consider are controversial so that the new system could be implemented in the province through consensus.

Addressing to the press conference here at circuit house on Monday, the Minister said that being the allied parties of the government, the leaders of the political parties who are now criticizing the

new Local Government System, have actively participated in deliberations in the meetings of the core committee since last two years, however when the Ordinance was promulgated in this respect, they started opposing despite presenting their recommendations or amendments.

When the Ordinance tabled at the floor of the provincial assembly, they lost the opportunity of discussing it and presenting their recommendations, he said and added that the bill of new Local Government System was later passed from the assembly with majority and in accordance with the democratic norms. President Asif Ali Zardari also assured the

amendment in the new Local Government System, if positive recommendations received from these parties, the minister said and added that negotiations in this respect are underway with the leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League (Functional) and Awami National Party.

Both Mayor and Town Chairman have equal powers in the new Local Government System, the minister said and added that both Mayor and Town Chairman are responsibile to answer Sindh Chief Minister who has the power to take action in case of negligence. The metropolitan and the town management would receive annual budget from Sindh Govern-

ment in the new Local Government System, he said and added that compare to previous system, the powers of the Mayor have been reduced to 40 percent.

Under new Local Government System, the minister said that Local Government Commission will be establising which will conduct audit of the metropolitan and town management. With establish of towns at taluka level, more prosperity has been ensured in this system he said. The so called nationalists have no issue therefore, they are opposing this system aimed to misguide the people of the province, he said and added that they have strengthened the hands of those who are the supporters of Anti-Sindh projects.

The Pakistan Peoples Party always protected the

rights of the people of Sindh and its leadership will continue its struggle, the minister said and informed that the PPP Hyderabad Division will hold a mammoth public meeting on October 15, 2012 in Hyderabad which will be addressed by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and the central and provincial leadership. The minister strongly condemned the firing incident in the public meeting of MNA Nafeesa Shah which claimed the live of innocent people and termed it an act of undemocratic forces, wich do not want democracy in the country. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has ordered the inquiry to probe into the matter, he said and added that all those who an involved in this heinous act will be booked soon.

Environ pollution on the rise SHER GONDAL M ANDI B AHUDDIN —Environment pollution is on rise in Mandi Bahauddin District.

In city area rickshaws and motorcycles with two stroke engines emit black smoke and particulates in the atmosphere that include carbon monoxide and other poisonous gases injurious to human health. Water is also polluted with poor drainage system. Waste water discharge from underground/ above ground drainage system leach into ground water and the same water is pumped out by way of hand and electric pumps for drinking and washing purposes.

Water and air pollution are causing people sick and number of patients suffering from various diseases are increasing.

MNA’s public meeting attack a conspiracy to delay elections STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Peoples’ Party Sindh General Secretary, Taj Haider on Monday termed the Khairpur firing incident a conspiracy aimed at delaying upcoming general polls in the country.

Talking to a private news chaanel, he said that termed the attack as a plot against democracy and conspiracy to delay general elections. “All political forces should unite QUETTA: Flood affected girls hold CNICs for data entry process outside the Levis and condemn this attack,” Taj Headquarters.

Haider said. Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has announced Rs 300,000 each as compensation for the heirs of those

PPP govt enhances national prestige: Arbab STAFF REPORTER

PESHAWAR—Federal Minister for Communications, Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan Khalil has said that the democratic government of PPP has enhanced the national prestige of Pakistan in the world community. Talking to different political and social personalities in the Ministry of Communications, he said that President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf are playing exemplary role through initiating revolutionary measures and taking the country towards progress and development.

Earlier, he also held meet-

ings with hundreds of people from his electoral constituency, which apprised him of their problems. The federal minister said that even their political rivals are also acknowledging the achievements of the present government, as they are fully aware that they themselves were lacking capabilities to face the prevailing challenges and would have knocked out prematurely.

He said that all democratic political forces are supporting the government and playing role in the salvation and continuity of democratic process in the country.

He said that undemocratic forces, which were strength-

ening the hands of dictatorship yesterday, are even busy today in hatching nefarious conspiracies to disrupt democratic process. But,they should realize that the whole nation has been awared.

He said that the matchless sacrifices rendered by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto will not go in waste, saying the people will foil the nefarious designs of the enemies of democracy, Islam and Pakistan. He said that they are determined and live in the hearts of the people, who will once again elect them for another term to continue the ongoing process of progress.

Jaglot-Skardu road early completion demanded OUR CORRESPONDENT S K A R D U —The

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Skardu chapter has demanded the improvement and widening of Jaglot-Skardu road project and termed it important for the country as it was the only link for all the valleys of Skardu and Ganchey to the world. The PPP Skardu has condemned what it called as unnecessary delay in the early improvement and widening of Jaglot-Skardu road project at the hands of a corrupt gang in the concerned department. Imran Nadeem, a former member of GilgitBaltistan Legislative As-

sembly and a PPP leader from Skardu lashed out at the vested interest which was opposing the re-construction of this important road, linking different parts of Skardu and Ganchey districts with the mainland of the region, on one or the other pretext.

“A media campaign has been launched by a gang of corrupt officials against this outstanding project, which is strategically very important for the country”, he maintained. He said the early execution of this project was vital to meet the security requirements of the border and the people of region bordering with different countries.

Teachers honoured M ULTAN—Young Pakistanis Organisation has arranged a ceremony in connection with Teachers Day and presented awards to seven best teachers here on Monday. Addressing the ceremony as the chief guest, Provincial Minister for Auqaf Haji Ehsanuddin Qureshi said that teachers had very important role in training of next generation.

He urged teachers to educate children with dedication with an objective to put the country on the way to progress and prosperity.

Vice district governor Lion Club, Saqib Raheem Shiekh, said that the academy system had questioned the sanctity.—APP

people who lost their lives in the Khairpur firing incident.

While those who sustained serious injuries in the incident will receive Rs 100,000 each and those who received minor injuries will get Rs 50,000 each as compensation, said a handout issued from the Chief Minister House late on Sunday. It said the Sindh Chief Minister, who is visiting the United States these days, has taken strict notice of the attack at a public meeting in Khairpur. The Chief Minister got details of the incident from the IG Police Sindh on telephone. He directed the IG to constitute an inquiry committee consist-

ing of senior officers to investigate the incident and ensure immediate arrest of culprits.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon has strongly condemned the firing at a PPP public gathering in Khairpur, and termed it an attack on democracy. Sharjeel Memon, in a statement, said anti-democracy and anti- social forces are behind the incident who do not want peace and democracy in the country. He inquired about MNA Dr Nafisa Shah and prayed for her long life. The Information Minister prayed Allah Almighty to rest the souls of those who lost their lives in the incident in eternal peace.

Newspaper advertisements quota based on merit: Mian STAFF REPORTER P E S H AWA R —Khyber Pakthunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations, Mian Iftikhar Hussain said on Monday the government advertisements are being released to newspapers strictly on merit. Talking to management and workers of Daily Pakistan Peshawar here, the Minister said that he has neither pressurized nor interfered in this connection and transparency is the hallmark of the Government.

He assured that no injustices would be made with any newspapers and the govern-

ment advertisements would be released strictly on merit and payment of arrears would be made purely on policy based on justice. He made it clear that no newspaper can run only on government advertisements but the management of newspapers should also look for search of other resources to generate income.

He said his own party newspaper Daily Such was closed during his tenure and no single inch advertisement was given to it in violation of merit. Expressing his anguish over non release of salaries to working journalists by some newspapers from some time.

Instead of keeping strategic needs of the country, the narrow-sighted gang was engaged in propaganda drive against the project, he added.

He as said during an important visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to China in July 2010, a Memorandum of Understaing was signed between the National Highways Authority and China Gezhouba Group Company Limited (CGGC) for the construction and funding of this project.

He said CGGC was a leading communication company owned by the Central Government of China and was executing mega projects HYDERABAD: An employee of Pakistan Post Office is busy in his work at a post office on the eve ofWworld Post Day. across the globe.

India sounding arrogant

MEDIA WATCH

Beating an Afghan retreat

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LL stakeholders in Pakistan including the opposition, estab lishment, media and business community are supportive of the Government’s initiatives for normalcy in relations with India and that is why there was not as much opposition to the move to grant the MFN status to India as was expected. But there is also a deepening impression that Pakistan was granting unilateral concessions to India in every field without any reciprocity.

The latest reports emanating from New Delhi that the Indian Prime Minister might not visit Pakistan in the near future on the pretext that President Asif Ali Zardari raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during his speech at the UN General Assembly in New York are crude reminder that India was not at all serious either in resolving outstanding disputes with Pakistan or establish durable ties. Despite disinterest shown by India during the last few years, President Zardari not only himself visited New Delhi in April 2012 but also later formally invited Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to visit Pakistan on the occasion of birth celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak. Meetings between leaders and their visits to each other’s countries are aimed at discussing bilateral relations especially to find ways and means to resolve their disputes and differences. If Indians are thinking in terms of postponing visit of their Prime Minister on the plea that Zardari raised the issue of Kashmir at UN then the question arises what is the utility of Singh’s visit to Pakistan. If India considers the visit as an excursion trip for its over-worked and frail leader then he should better see some other destination. We would also urge our own leaders and policy-makers not to place undue focus on the visit of Singh if India is not willing to discuss the core issues as is evident from its arrogant attitude. There is also point in demands that Pakistan should again link the normalization process with in-tandem progress towards resolution of these issues and insist on making the dialogue process time-bound. There is no use at all to continue talking for the sake of talking for an indefinite period sending wrong signals to Kashmiris as well as the world community.

Raja says ‘No’ to power tariff raise O

nce again the Government has raised prices of petrol and CNG sparking widespread condemnation from the masses. The change in prices of POL products every week is playing havoc with the budget of the ordinary citizen and also the economy of the country but Dr Asim led clique is least bothered to listen to the woes of the masses.

However, in this backdrop, Prime Minister decision to reject a proposal for increase in power tariff by Rs 1.40 per unit would surely be appreciated by all concerned. This is indeed a welcome ‘No’ as it is motivated by a desire not to burden the already hard-pressed people.

The power tariff has already reached to a point where additional burden on consumers would have serious implications for any Government. The proposed increase would have caused severe blow to somewhat dwindling popularity of the PPP Government and that too at a time when the general elections are fast approaching. Raja Pervez Ashraf appears to be mindful of the miseries of the common man as he has taken a number of initiatives during the last few weeks to mitigate sufferings of the people. It is, perhaps, because the incumbent Prime Minister was not born with silver spoon in his mouth and has made it to the top through sheer hard work and devotion and knows about the plight of the people. But we would urge the Prime Minister that this should not be a temporary relief to be taken away after a few days as was done in the case of withholding of increase in prices of POL prices before Eidul Fitr while prices were scaled up massively afterwards. Similarly, people are facing great hardships due to ever-rising price-hike, energy crisis and lack of employment opportunities. Hopefully, the Prime Minister would concentrate on these problems and take steps to provide relief to the people on long-term basis.

Talal Bugti shows the silver lining A

T a point of time when Akhtar Mengal returned to Pakistan after three years of self-imposed exile and presented a six-point plan in the Supreme Court to create an environment of truth and reconciliation for resolving the conflict in Balochistan and later in interaction with media started following the tone and tenor of late Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, President of Jamhoori Watan Party Nawabzada Talal Akbar Bugti has emerged on the political horizon of the Province expressing his deep commitment with Pakistan. Talking to newsmen in Islamabad on Sunday, Talal Bugti said loyalty of Baloch people with Pakistan is unquestionable and those trying to prove them as foes of the country are themselves dishonest and playing in the hands of enemies.

There should be no doubt that Talal Bugti’s comments reflected the sentiments of 99.9% of Baloch people. The proud Balochs having old traditions of patriotism, love Pakistan despite excesses and failures of our leadership. Talal Bugti and his family also passed through difficult times but he never went into self-exile or talked against the country which is a silver lining in the grim scenario in Balochistan. He also condemned the killings of Punjabis and Hazaras by misguided elements and recognised the fact that people of Punjab supported their Baloch brothers. We are confident that the statement of Nawabzada Talal Bugti for his unflinching faith in Pakistan would send a positive signal among the concerned people and they would respond to his call for support to attain rights for Baloch people. It is also incumbent upon the government and the army to give serious consideration to the view point of the JWP President and take bold initiative so that he and other patriotic politicians like Sardar Wazir Mohammad Jogezai, who enjoy respectability among the masses, should be encouraged to join the national mainstream and given some role to bring normalcy back in Balochistan.

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A plea for restraint shrined in the Constitution.

There is confrontation between the Parliament and the Judiciary, which will not bode well for the country.

Mohammad Jamil Meanwhile, media Email: mjamil1938@hotmail.com have assumed the position of fourth pillar of the state, and become obstreperous. Day in and day out, one he respect the higher judi finds insinuations against the military ciary enjoys in Pakistan to and intelligence agencies especially day is well-deserved and in English newspapers. In Saturday’s well-earned as a result of the editorial of English daily, the leader struggle waged by the lawyers, writer has unnecessarily criticized the members of the civil society and Army chief’s brief remarks and unactivists of political parties. And it leashed a barrage of insinuations. should be our endeavour to protect, Among other adverse comments he maintain and sustain that honour wrote: “Before flying off to Moscow, and respect. There is no denying that General Pervez Kayani said the army with Chief Justice Iftikhar would support any solution to the Muhammad’s courage of challeng- Balochistan crisis provided it was ing the executive’s controversial within the constitution…We hope order to suspend him, a new chap- that the generals have learnt their lester in the evolution of country’s ju- son and stay well within the limits of dicial system was written. On one the constitution.”

Pillars of the state and institutions hand, public trust and confidence in the judiciary has been restored and should act according to the dictates enhanced, and on the other public of the Constitution, and show respect expectations of the system of ad- to each other; lest they all would lose ministration of justice have in- respect in public eye. Sometimes the creased. However, in scholarly de- tone and tenor of Attorney General bates in TV programmes and in the smacks of lack of respect for the articles published in the newspapers court; he should therefore be careful some analysts including some of the about his language during the court stalwarts of movement for restora- appearances. Judges on their part tion of judges are of the view that should also avoid remarks that tend the judges should be careful in their to inflame the litigants, as they reobservations and remarks, and only taliate by denigrating judges in their press conferences. their judgments should speak.

There is a perception that court’s After years of military dispensation, elections were held in Feb- remarks such as ‘for every third missruary 2008, and elected govern- ing person the fingers are raised toments were installed. Since then the wards the Frontier Constabulary’ pillars of the state are inclined to could create ill will between the inexact the powers beyond what is en- stitutions. Last week, Supreme Court

News & Views

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Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad resumed the hearing on a petition filed on the law and order situation in Balochistan, during which Baloch nationalist leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal made submissions including his six points. The chief justice said in his remarks that the missing persons would be recovered and that the court would go to any extent, if needed, to achieve the purpose.

According to an English daily, Chief Justice of Pakistan in his concluding remarks said that the ‘death squads’ of ISI and MI agencies should be abolished, which have been construed as CJ’s agreement with the stance taken by Sardar Akhtar Mengal. Again apart from the whispering campaign some analysts are of the view that this could provide an opportunity to the UN for intervention, as recently there was a UN delegation to see for itself the situation in Balochistan. Our judiciary should take cognizance of the fact that nationalist or dissident Baloch sardars do not want to hold negotiations with the government on the grounds that they have no powers. And they are not inclined to talk to the military, as they consider them responsible for all the woes and problems they are facing. Nearly a week after he chaired a Congressional hearing on Balochistan, US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher had introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives on 17th February 2012 calling upon Pakistan to recognise the Baloch right to self-determination.

As regards missing persons’ case, no agency has the right to detain anyone without due process of law, and nobody would condone killing of Baloch nationalists. But killing of Punjabi settlers is no lesser horrific.

They too have human rights that do not cease to exist simply because they are not Balochs but Punjabi-speaking and Pashtuns. However there was

not a word of compassion for them, even as scores have been killed, many more wounded, and a lot more driven out of their hearths and homes with intimidation and terror, who had to settle in other parts of Pakistan. Though media in general subscribes to the views expressed by Akhtar Mengal, there are voices that the apex court focuses on missing persons and dead bodies of Baloch dissidents only, and no questions have been asked from Akhtar Mengal about killings of Punjabis and Pakhtuns. Such propaganda is tarnishing the image of the judiciary.

In many countries, efforts are made to create a balance in the powers through clauses enshrined in the Constitution. The concept of a judge acting as a referee or umpire in the political game has been used throughout American jurisprudence, but was made famous by Chief Justice John Roberts during his confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court. Roberts said: “Judges are like umpires. Umpires don’t make the rules; they apply them. The role of an umpire and a judge is critical.

They make sure everybody plays by the rules. But it is a limited role.

Nobody ever went to a ball game to see the umpire.” Suo motu is the buzzword in Pakistani public discourse post 2008 lawyers’ movement and the subsequent ‘independence’ of judiciary. Gerhard Casper, professor of law and political science and former President Emeritus of Stanford University, in an interview said: “If the judges care about judicial authority and genuine respect in the long run, they should observe extraordinary selfrestraint, not just in the courtroom, but also with respect to their extrajudicial statements and speeches”, Casper added.

—The writer is Lahore-based senior journalist.

A patriotic view of Balochistan setting every Pakistani. Major points that I gathered are penned in succeeding Asif Haroon Raja paragraphs.

Population of Email: asifharoon7751@yahoo.com Balochistan is 8 Million out of which the Baloch and Brahvis are 0.4 Million, the Pathans 3.5 Million had the opportunity of meeting and settlers’ 0.5 Million. Within Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Baloch dominated areas, SindhiCommittee (CJCSC) Gen Balochis residing in Sibi and Khalid Shameem Wynne in his of- Jacobabad areas comprising Jamalis, fice who was among my bright stu- Magsis are peaceful and friendly. Pat dents in 1982 Command & Staff Feeder Canal and Katchi dam help Course Quetta. It was indeed heart- them in their agriculture. Those livening to note that unlike so many ing in Quetta and immediate surothers, power and pelf had not in- roundings are involved in business toxicated him. Despite his shoulders activities and smuggling and pose no laden with four stars and the aura threat to the federation. Pashtuns do of his powerful appointment; he not have the germs of separation. was courteous and modest and ex- They are better educated and proshibited no sign of a puffy General perous and are pro-Pakistan and do Officer. I availed the opportunity to not subscribe to the Baloch separatdiscuss with him host of current is- ist agenda. They are fully involved sues over a cup of tea. in cloth business, transportation and Thirty years of time lapse had agriculture, fruit-growing and also in not brought any change in his ef- smuggling. Shia Hazaras are pro-Pafervescence, uprightness and kistan and do not support Baloch naassertiveness. Balochistan inter- tionalists seeking separation of ested him the most where he had Baluchistan. spent 17 years of his life including Only those Balochis residing in his Army service. He may be the Turbat and surroundings towards the only one in the Army to have served coastal side are trouble makers. Their in every rank in Balochistan, which numbers do not exceed 3 - 5 lacs and included his stints as instructor in those who have shifted to the hills and Infantry School and Directing Staff are actively involved in terrorism are in Command & Staff College, about 2-3500. Small portion of GOC, Commandant Infantry Baloch dominated Naushki is conSchool and Corps Commander. In nected with Helmand province of the backdrop of his extraordinary southern Afghanistan. Naushki route, rich experience in that volatile prov- along which large desert patch acts ince, I deemed it proper to extract as a barrier, was used as a supply route some pearls of wisdom from him but has now been effectively blocked. and to know his point of view how Another route via Zhob through he saw the imbroglio which is up- Pashtun belt is difficult for foreign

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agencies and Baloch rebels to frequent because of non-cooperation of the Pashtuns.

MI-6 is the major foreign agency involved in Balochistan and is assisted by RAW, RAAM and CIA. Brig Neel, the Consul General in Indian Consulate in Kandahar helped

by Afghan National Directorate of Security has been the major coordinator to keep the pot of insurgency in Balochistan on the boil. India’s focus has been on students and teachers of schools and colleges in Balochistan, particularly within Baloch dominated regions and Quetta. It has invested huge amounts to subvert the Baloch youth and make them anti-Pakistan. Indians invite Baloch teachers and professors to India and bribe them. RAW’s sustained efforts resulted in making the Baloch students sing their own Baloch national anthem, and hoist Baloch flags instead of Pakistan flag on school/college buildings. Hatred against Pakistan, Pak Army and Punjabis has been ingrained into the young and impressionable minds of Baloch students.

One reason of continuing deterioration of law and order in Balochistan is the reversal of Gen Musharraf’s policy of A and B Areas. Over 95% territory had been converted to A Area under police control which produced good results and helped in keeping law and order under control. The current provincial government reversed his policy in 2008 and handed over control of 95% territory to Levies and only 5% to Police. While 48% population resides in cities, 52% live in rural areas in Balochistan. The Levies are recruited from the Baloch tribes strictly on the recommendations of the Baloch Sardars. As such the Sardars exercise

total control over the Levies. While the provincial police has been politicized and made ineffective, Levies are used by MPs as per their desires who are empowered to give salaries to them. The criminals after committing crimes in cities slip to B Areas, which are within grasping reach (half an hour to one hour distance), where the police cannot meddle. Since the entire Balochistan government including the chief minister is involved in criminal activities, it takes no interest in catching the criminals.

Gen Wynne said that military operations of all sorts were stopped in May 2008 under federal government’s orders once Haqooqe-Balochistan package was approved. He added that since then no covert or overt operation has been conducted and not a single Army personnel is involved on any operational duty as is being alleged by some Baloch leaders. He also clarified that majority of Frontier Corps wings are deployed along the Afghan-Iran border, while others are on protection duties and receive orders directly from the Interior Ministry. He said that the FC is called out to engage in most troubled areas under orders of the provincial and federal governments. However, rather than getting complacent, what is urgently required is to control the ongoing simmering by removing socio-politico-economic grievances of the people of Balochistan and above all making the province stable and peaceful. Target killers and those pursuing foreign agenda must be brought to justice otherwise the patriots will get disillusioned.

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

s western forces eye the emergency exit in Afghani stan, not a month goes by without someone in charge lowering expectations. Last week, Nato’s secretary-general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen told this newspaper that the retreat could come sooner than expected in 2014, as morale had been sapped by insider killings. A day later, Sir Richard Stagg, Britain’s ambassador in Kabul, said the west had done enough “handholding” and Kabul should be left to get on with running the country.

They are not moving the goalposts.

They are walking off with them.

Remember the old trope about conditions on the ground dictating the pace of Nato’s withdrawal? It comes as no surprise to learn that conditions are, on some counts, worsening. The much-vaunted drop in civilian casualties may just have been a result of record snowfalls.

August this year became the second deadliest month on record. The Taliban have not just weathered the US troop surge – the coalition forces, or Isaf as they are known, have been unable to dislodge them from the south and east. Next year’s spring offensive promises to be the deadliest yet, spurred on by the imminence of withdrawal and elections. Targeted killings of government officials and politicians have tripled.

Three elections are to come as the Taliban press home their advantage – provincial councils in 2013, the presidency in 2014 and parliament in 2015, so the opportunity for mayhem is unbounded.

With the proposed rate of 20 base closures a month, the job of holding the country together will come down to an Afghan national army, only 7% of which is currently considered capable of independent action, even with foreign advisers.

The International Crisis Group in a report on Monday paints a bleak picture of Afghanistan’s readiness to prepare for elections and a transfer of power after Hamid Karzai’s mandate ends. It quotes one veteran Afghan security official as saying there is no national army or police force, only a factionalised one which could instantly fissure. Failure to do so in a corrupt and factionalised state would lead to civil war on the heels of Nato’s withdrawal, especially if President Karzai tries to stay in power by declaring a state of emergency. Under these conditions the army would not maintain its nominal unity. An exit like this would leave the US with just two points of historical comparison: the fall of Saigon in 1975, and Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989. Of the two, the Soviet parallel is looking closer each day.—The Guardian

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Mindanao peace plan

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he new plan for peace in the troubled Mindanao region of the Philippines is an important breakthrough and the widespread support for the deal from supporters of both the government and the Muslim rebels in the southern region is a cause for great optimism. But this optimism must be tempered with caution since the plans have a very long way to go before they become a reality in 2016. President Benigno Aquino was probably over-optimistic when he said that the new deal between his government and the Mindanao Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) paves the way for a final and enduring peace in Mindanao.

The MILF first began peace talks with the government in 1997, which fell apart when then president Joseph Estrada declared an all-out war against the rebels in 1998. The talks were restarted under Arroyo in 2003, but failed again in 2008.

Aquino reinvigorated the peace process last year when he met the MILF chairman, Murad Ebrahim, in Japan for the first ever face-to-face talks between a sitting Filipino president and a MILF leader. But the way forward is now clear. The government and the MILF need to come to a clear mutual understanding in which the largely Christian Filipino population of the country needs to recognise that it must include the Muslim minority in Mindanao effectively in its regional government.—Gulf News An anthology is like all the plums and orange peel picked out of a cake.

—Walter Raleigh British scholar

Pakistan today & tomorrow Tariq Khalil Email:tariqkhalil21@gmail.com

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istorically even in the initial days of the 1947, though Mr. Fazl-e-Haq was sponsor of Pakistan Resolution his vision of independence was a sovereign East Pakistan. His speeches in Calcutta in 1947 and 1948 manifest the same and so were Mr. Suherwardi. They backed united Pakistan on account of ground necessity. They clearly saw East Bengal could never get independence until and unless they join the freedom struggle with Muslim League.

Earlier politicians failed to develop the consensus. Jugtu Front and Awami League stand was understandable as the party of East Pakistan. The political elite of West Pakistan were in essence feudal landlords who never wanted to part with the power. The bureaucratic conspiracies under Ghulam Mohammad and Iskander Mirza also did not allow the consensus to be developed in constitution making. It was unfortunate that Quid’s Pakistan created on the basis of democratic struggle was to be ruled by such people. Thus, what happened in 1970 elections follow-up, an attitude of intolerance, non flexibility on the part of both the major political parties was no surprise? There was political stubbornness of Mr. Bhutto and Mr. Mujeeb. Non flexibility of Mr. Mujeeb was understandable but Mr. Bhutto failed to apprehend the dangers inherent in his approach, or

else, what happened was already in his mind (a strategy indeed). Not examining the after effects of the 3rd March, postponement of the National Assembly and then going in for 25th/ 26th March military action, the decision to re-assert the writ of the Government proved disastrous. At grass root level the reaction of the Bengali masses and officers including Jawans was well known, but at the top level this important aspect was totally ignored. The youth, students, political workers, low level military personnel and officers were already swept away by Mr. Mujeeb Ur Rehman.

The great game is now been played in the remaining Pakistan. The Principals, barring Soviet Union are the same and the theme is no different. Theater is changed, actors are different, and internal polarization is again being created by Indo Israeli lobby within Pakistan. A new factor, media and internet, is being used extensively. We still failing to understand the international concerns and changed ground realities. In new world order every thing has been lumped together. Freedom fighters are dumped as a terrorist. As a state, we have failed to differentiate between ideological war created by the pro- religious elements who are encouraged in post Iran revolution and later Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

They started dreaming 14th century emirates in Pakistan. In this they have the support of Pakistan’s enemies and a sizable segment within.

In 1980 we had the similar dilemma whether Afghan war should

be allowed to spill over into Pakistan or Afghans be pushed back. There was a lengthy discussion on the subject. It was decided to push back Afghans and not allow war to spill over into Pakistan. Today, this war has spilled into Pakistan and the results are in front of us. We gradually got ourselves sucked in to this quagmire.

Inspite of losing 40,000 troops, there are elements in Pakistan, who still sympathize with the terrorists and ideologues not knowing who is paying them, training them, and among them. The greatest threat to Pakistan’s integrity and stability is internal terrorism backed by the out side actors.

The game is being played in Baluchistan and Fata by Indo Israeli backers. Politically we are again polarized, and tolerance and flexibility is not visible.

It is therefore pertinent to define terrorism. Terrorism is not a blast here or bomb there, physical in manifestation. Way back this point was raised in 1993 in General assembly of Interpol to define terrorism, when India started using this term at international level after Kashmir uprising in 1990. International power players use this term to suit their interests.

Terrorism is created through It is multiple means. It is religious divide, social unrest, entertainment mode, creating doubts in the policy of founders, inroads into education, economic assault and trade (dumping of goods) and destruction of local industry and latest is the internet and media. The availability of water is also being used. The impact is fully

stamped on today’s Pakistan. We must understand that Quaid’s policy for Pakistan is still the only answer.

There is no other ideology which will work. A liberal democratic Pakistan with Islam its religion; its minorities having equal rights, and religious freedom in the Pakistan.

Ethnic cultures be not only tolerated but given patronage. Diversity is the beauty of the landscape. We must shun internal dissention and adopt tolerance as the key word, within the parties and intra parties. Democracy is only answer to get out of this political mess. We must not fall to any other option. FATA and Baluchistan need special handling involve them in electoral process and ensure devolution of powers at grassroots level in Balochistan.

The stakes are high and the integrity of the country is what matters. We must shun the tendencies which we witnessed in 1971. The fight for corruption is genuine but it should not be taken to an extent that it damages the apple cart. We have to move to achieve this aim slowly and steadily. Similarly demand the new provinces may be genuine but again our political leadership should understand international mood, geopolitical stresses and threat of terrorism. All this can be achieved politically once we have stability. I suggest Ansari’s Commission report may be taken out and examined on this issue —The writer a retired Brig, recipient of SJ, is defence and strategic analyst.

Pak-Afghan strategic accord Muhammad Ali Ehsan Email: muhammadaliehsan1@hotmail.com

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his is with reference to the press conference by President Hamid Karzai (on Oct 4) in which he put forward conditions for signing a strategic pact with Pakistan.

Afghanistan has already signed two strategic pacts; one with India - an Indo-Afghan strategic pact in October 2011 that besides other things permits India to boost the military training of the Afghan army; the second with US in May 2012 that binds US to provide security to Afghanistan by maintaining military presence in Afghanistan till 2024.

Both the above strategic agreements signed with the external powers (one regional and the other a world power) by Mr Karazai had no conditions attached to them. So much so that even the concern of the neighboring countries(Afghanistan is a landlocked country with seven neighboring States) were not viewed/considered before signing these pacts/

agreements. For President Karazai to attach conditions for signing a strategic agreement with Pakistan is far fetched and away from reality.

The reality is that Pakistan and the Central Asian States (under the influence of Russia) are not likely to permit US to base war-fighting assets on their territories. A fact that US understands and is noticeable with the attempts US is making to approach Afghanistan’s neighboring Central Asian States. US will have to rely either on airfields farther away in the Persian Gulf states or on American aircraft carriers operating in the Arabian Sea.Combat basing of Predators and strike aircraft’s to manage the security of post 2014 Afghanistan is the most critical component of Washington’s strategy to continue with its counter terrorism policy in the region. When the US troops pull out of Mr Karazai’s country the only country most suitable to guarantee and implement Afghan security plan will be Pakistan.Therefore to attach conditions before agreeing on a ‘strategic security pact’ is not only undermining the interests of both the coun-

tries but also the future of over 2 billion people who live in them. Mr Karazai should best know that it is not by signing a ‘security strategic pact’ that that the two countries will become strategic allies, it is rather by mutually understanding each other’s interests and also not undermining these interests by taking actions that go against them.

Mr Karazai will do well to reconsider and review the future security paradigm of Afghanistan as a State that seems to rely heavily on the security strategic pacts that Mr Karazai has signed with the external powers.

Implementing these security plans behind the back of Pakistan and by sidelining its neighbors will be extremely difficult and non beneficial.These strategic pacts and their likely fallout already had a significant impact on the balance of power in the region. The arrival of Russian FM in Pakistan and the presence of Pakistan’s COAS in Russia are all very key political drives to counter balance the fallout’s of Mr Karazai’s wishful strategic pacts signed without considering their impact on the region.

Afghanistan is not the victim of security failures but also the failure of governance.Majority of Afghans have demonstrated their will to lead a peaceful and orderly life but Mr Karazai has not been able to give them this. It is here that the failures of the Karzai government have been most obvious. If indeed there is a single factor accounting for the growth of the insurgency, it is not the presence of foreign troops but rather the failures of governance associated with the presidency of Hamid Karzai.

Mr Karzai has been unable to provide ordinary Afghans with personal security and improved economic conditions, despite the vast resources that have poured into Afghanistan over the past decades. The future threat to Afghanistan is mostly from within.

Befriending Pakistan rather then considering it as the likely destination of emerging threats and binding Afghanistan’s future in a solid strategic relationship with Pakistan is the best option for Mr Karazai to follow.

Views From Abroad

How poor is poor? How rich is rich?

John Yemma

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he US Census Bureau, federal agencies, state governments, the United Nations, and economists all set different numbers. But the poverty line is as individual as the people it defines. Circumstances vary, geography is a factor, family and community play a role, and everybody makes choices. To be poor in Central Asia or western Africa is not the same as being poor in London or Appalachia. In some cases it is better, and in some cases it is worse. Living simply can make a person look poor to a statistician, but is that real poverty?

You could ask the same questions about wealth as about poverty. In Tom Wolfe’s satire on 1980s-era New York, “Bonfire of the Vanities,” the protagonist runs through his budget and shows how a $1 million salary is

not enough to support his lifestyle.

By most of the world’s standards, this “master of the universe” is clearly wealthy. Outside his Manhattan cocoon, he would be rich. But he feels poor. He suffers from a problem that money can’t solve: poverty of spirit.

In other words, he is unhappy. So here’s a corollary to our story question: What defines a happy person?

It’s one thing to achieve basic needs, another to feel comfortable, but how much money is needed to feel happy?

You probably have a commonsense view that echoes these truisms: We all need money. But money isn’t everything. Would it surprise you to learn that social scientists have actually proved those truisms true? According to a 200809 study of 450,000 Americans by researchers at Princeton University, more money doesn’t just help the poor live better lives; it helps them feel better about life. “The pain of life’s misfortunes, including dis-

ease, divorce, and being alone, is exacerbated by poverty,” the authors write. Increased incomes improves the conditions of the poor.

But only up to a point. Above $75,000, money does not produce commensurate happiness. Chasing higher and higher income actually decreases your quality of life.

That’s because the quest for money and material comforts appears to shut off other forms of enrichment – family, friendships, hobbies, intellectual and spiritual pursuits, appreciation of nature. “The price of anything,” that guru of simplicity, Henry David Thoreau, wrote, “is the amount of life you exchange for it.” The diminishing returns of wealth don’t just affect individuals.

A 2010 report published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that, over the long run, happiness does not increase as a country’s overall income increases.

In Greece and other economically

hard-hit countries, unhappiness has soared – to the point of rioting – as income has plummeted. But examined over a period of 10 years or more, a nation’s gross domestic happiness is independent of rising income.

There’s still more happiness research detailed in a soon-to-bepublished book titled “Happy Money: The Science of Spending,” which indicates that more money makes you happy only if you use it to buy yourself time or experiences or spend it on others. So here’s the takeaway from our social scientists: Poverty is bad. Breaking people out of it is enormously important. But poverty is also a state of mind. As is affluence. More money makes people feel better, but only up to a point. Real happiness is tied to appreciation, to deeper pursuits, and to helping others. The writer is Editor of the newspaper.

—The Christian Science Monitor

Strange happenings in railway stations..!

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ith Mamata Banerjee’s party withdrawing sup port to the UPA government, strange happenings have been reported in railway stations: “This is unbelievable,” said the stationmaster of a small station, “People are actually dancing on the platforms, what could be the reason? Hey mister this is railway property why are you dancing here?”

“Because now I know my parents will arrive safe!” grinned the

young man as he did a solo dance then with a twirl and a whirl joined the rest of the dancers.

“And my husband coming from Chennai, will also arrive in one piece!” said a newly married bride, as she blushed, but continued dancing daintily on the platform. “Here have a sweet,” said the young man as he tried to draw the stationmaster into his dancing group.

“Sir I don’t think you should be seen here,” said a ticket collector to his boss the stationmaster, “You could be put in jail, if Didi finds out.” “That is why we are dancing.” said the young man and young bride together, “Because she is no more going to be around! She has gone back to Bengal.” “With her man out of the railway ministry, train travel will become

like before!” “When people reached their destinations alive!” “With their limbs intact!” “Luggage not robbed on the way!” “And reaching in time, not after a few days!”

The men and women on the platform danced away to glory, holding each others hands and pressing sweets into one another’s mouths.

The stationmaster, a diabetic forgot his sugar condition and danced with the rest of them, even bringing the reluctant ticket collector into the fray.

“Look a cartoonist!” shouted all the people on the platform, looking at a young man sketching on the platform. They crowded round the cartoonist as he drew a caricature of didi leaving a railway station with a mob

screaming, ‘Go home!’ behind her.

“Aren’t you scared of drawing such a picture?” asked the young bride shyly. She doesn’t rule the railways anymore, only her state,” said the cartoonist happily as he drew another picture of the young bride embracing her husband who’s train had just arrived-on time.

Like I said strange things are happening with Didi withdrawing support to the UPA government, and with her, her railway minister going along; a minister who spent more time in Kolkota than in Delhi. At the airports, airline officials look sadly at dwindling lines, “We should see that Didi comes back,” they sigh, “otherwise we will be out of business..!”

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Voice of the People Beyond political symbolism MALIK TARIQ ALI

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t is time that political parties start talking of economic hardships faced by masses and middle class instead of mere politics of symbolism. With elections around the corner, these political parties should be offering their remedies to boost our stagnant economy, so that real employment is generated, instead of overloading already state owned corporations with surplus staff. When political parties like MQM, indulge in holding peace marches in Karachi, where they have had control for more than a decade, it is mere symbolism sans reality. In this battle for turf over Pakistan’s financial capital, more people have fallen victim to target killings, than those killed in drone attacks. Yet the party allegedly responsible for all these excesses is trying to assume the role of an opposition, whilst having enjoyed the fruits of power for more than a decade, with veto power over every provincial governments that has ruled Sind for more than 15 years. Political symbolism matters in politics only if those who display it have credibility. The British royal family, which is not involved in politics found it appropriate to have one of their own Prince Harry go to Afghanistan to participate in the war that their own troops are engaged it. Similarly Imran Khan, inspite of many contradictions which afflict his party, has managed to lead a symbolic march to show solidarity with people living in tribal areas, who have endured many hardships for adventurism indulged in by military usurpers like Zia and Musharraf.

However it is intriguing that Musharraf’s former Foreign Minister, who has now joined PTI bandwagon, was not seen on the stage at Tank rally addressed by IK. —Illinois, US

Rogue politicians ALI ASHRAF KHAN The South Waziristan’s peace march of Imran Khan and his party is making headlines these days not only in Pakistan, but in the rest of the world thanks to extensive reporting by CNN, BBC and al Jazeerah. One wonders how come this march can proceed though it has no clearance from the government and it is directed against drone attacks in Pakistan’s tribal areas, a policy which the govt and the Pakistan army are welcoming and quietly supporting, while US considers it essential for their own survival. The other day the Foreign Minister at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly was saying the only thing which bothers her as a custodian of foreign affairs is about the ongoing drone attacks that if they are against the law then some lawful way should be found to do it (and thus kill Pakistani people).

Could it be that the march is tolerated because some Americans have joined it? And could it also be that those Americans were invited to join so as to get favourable coverage and avoid being attacked by drones? Foreigners though need an NOC these days for entering KPK or FATA; will this rule be implemented or waved? Mahsuds, Wazir & Bhitni tribes in Wana & Tank area are equally committed Pakistanis and unfortunately as a British legacy we continue to deprive them their birth right to be respectable citizens of Pakistan. Who volunteered to fight against India in 1948, 1965 & 1971 wars. Then why deny those benefits of merger into as settled territories. Will Imran now demand voting rights for FATA in general elections.

There is no doubt that the drone attacks are an evil and they need to stop. But neither the US nor the Pakistani army and government are ready for that. The so-called peace march is an eye wash only and a clever election campaign for Imran Khan.

—Karachi

Extra charge on gas bills SILA ZAHID LATIF SHEIKH I want to draw attention of concerned authorities over the issue of extra charging of gas bills. My last month bill was of 122 units and when I went for paying my bill they asked me to pay for 200 units, for the reason that these are LAN charges and if more than 100 units are used than you have to pay for 200 units whether you have used 101 units or 199 units. This does mean that you have to pay almost the double of what you have used.

The question is why aren’t they receiving charges from those who are stealing gas and not paying bills.

75% of gas is being stolen by commercial users but these LAN charges are applied on residential consumers. The people who are responsible for this dishonesty are those who own mills, factories, industries, and other commercial means. Because of some dishonest people why the innocent ones are being targeted to pay extra bills? These extra LAN charges are unfair. If this stealing of gas is a big problem concerned people should stop stealing of gas rather than imposing extra charges on innocent people of Karachi as they are already living in threatening situation.

—Via email

Poor performance ASHFAQ SHARIF I do not understand why Captain or Coach selected Shahid Afradi who is out of batting form and not batted well in entire T20 tournament. I must say Shahid Afradi is talented but unfortunately he is out of form

ing Medicare plan that in effect is a boon for the poor, for the less privileged and those Americans with chronic diseases. He did not argue and emphasize his stupendous job creation record that was nothing short of an historic achievement given the fragile and ruined economy that he was handed over by his successor.

As to how his performance is going to be in the coming debates is a wistful speculation. One would wonder if it would be an assertive, lashing and robust Obama coming back or the same dispirited, submisHASHIM ABRO sive and fatigued Obama.

Millions of Sindhi people, most of —Via email them innocent children, are at risk in disaster -stricken nine districts in the upper regions of Sindh province.

Pregnant women and kids under five are hit the hardest. A deadly food and ATIF NOOR KHAN water crisis in the worst affected areas have claimed thousands of lives and left millions destitute and hun- Fast food is the most unhealthy food gry. Wherever the ration has been product marketed to children, other supplied to the victim families it has than sugar-sweetened beverages, and proved to be insufficient for them- is relentlessly and aggressively tarbetter to say, it is not enough even geted toward children starting as for one day to those because in Paki- young as age two. Food marketing to stani villages families are tradition- children negatively influences the ally bigger having more than eleven dietary choices and health of society’s to fifteen members and when such most vulnerable citizens. Children families are trapped in disaster. given more fast food meals will grow Regrettably, the relevant disas- up to have a lower IQ than those who ter management organizations includ- regularly eat freshly-cooked meals, ing NDMA, PDMA, DDMA, PRCS according to a study. Childhood nuand even so-called national NGOs are trition has long lasting effects on IQ, not seen on the ground in action to even after previous intelligence and save innocent lives in need. It is no- wealth and social status are taken into ticed that relief assistance is still be- account, it found. ing stored in the warehouses and The study, undertaken by an acastores but not distributed among the demic at Goldsmiths, University of hungry and thirsty people and some- London, found that parents with a where it is being distributed among higher socio-economic status rethe police, irrigation, revenue person- ported that they gave their children nel and on the basis of party, com- meals prepared with fresh ingredimunity and caste affiliations. ents more often, which positively afSince people are starving in the fected their IQ. Lower socio-ecodisaster –hit areas in Sindh, therefore, nomic status was linked to more the government and its partners and children having fast food, which led donors are requested for a fundamen- to lower intelligence. tal change in the way the humanitarIn Pakistan, the fast food trend ian systems work in Sindh and has entered mainstream. It has taken Balochistan. The sooner, the better it its roots from the American culture is to save millions of staving lives of fast food. Many multinational eatthere. eries like McDonald, Pizza Hut, —Islamabad KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Subway and Hardees have opened many branches all across Pakistan. These US fast food chains have tailored their menu to local tastes. An example of the same is Pizza Hut. Being an Italian based culinary, they have introduced SAEED QURESHI many Pakistani type pizzas such as In his first presidential debate with seekh kabab, chicken tikkah and Republican contender Mitt Romney, chapli kebab. These are famous President Obama was dull, in low key among Pakistani consumers, as the and docile. He should have adopted masses at large don’t have a taste for an aggressive, stunning and attack- cheese pizza or veggie delight. Fast ing posture. By his lackluster re- food is labeled as Junk food that is sponse he has surely disappointed his supposedly quick, tasty and convewell wishers, his enthusiastic sup- nient. porters and his party members. From Children have been gripped into the start he appeared to be incoher- this world of fast food, totally oblivient and missing the spicy and the hard ous of the damage caused to health. hitting punch to rebut and disarm his Adults have also followed suit as opponent who in general reckoning many working women prefer eating was rated to be no match to an elo- out or taking home delivery. As they quent Obama. It was not the Barrack find it convenient in their busy schedObama that we have seen all these ules. Fast food is detrimental for chilfour years disarming and dominating dren between the ages of 6 to 12 as his interlocutors and political rivals this is the age bracket, which requires in debates, eloquence or proffering food of high nutrition. Fast foods, the data and statistics that Romney however, are far from giving that badid very robustly and confidently. sic requirement. Many factors conHe had been on the defensive to tribute to the increase in this trend the extent that he ignored to debunk such as media, television commerRomney for his erroneous and falsi- cials that are bombarding the consumfying facts about such paramount is- ers with a variety of tempting food sues as taxation, medicare and cre- items. These come in attractive packation of jobs. He did not, even in aging which tend to draw the masses passing, mention or criticize the off- in flock. Studies show that the conshore accounts of Mitt Romney, his sumption of fast food can lead to heart Bain scandal, his tax evasion or less disease, high blood pressure, diabepayment of taxes. He forgot to draw tes and cancer. a comparison between his four years’ People as early as the age of 30 brilliant presidency with the eight can have their arteries blocked which years dismal and ruinous perfor- can later lead to sudden heart attacks. mance of the Republican adminis- It is highly important to keep a check tration under G.W. Bush that on the intake of fast food. wrought disastrous effects on the —Islamabad American economy as a result of which this country slipped under a staggering debt of 16 trillion dollars.

EADERS He did not outline his are requested to type administration’s sterling achievetheir letters legibly with ments in rebuilding America from ashes, reinvigorating its battered double spacing and only on economy, reviving the manufacturone side of the paper. ing sector revitalizing the debilitated —Editor auto industry and enlivening the Email:editorial@pakobserver.net sinking banking and financial systems. He could explain his astound-

my suggestion to replace him with young talent so new comer make his place in Pakistani team.

Shahid Afradi seems more interested in TV commercial such as Cell Phone, Banks, Shampoo ads earning handsome amount. Do more commercials instead of playing cricket which is questionable, regrettable too.

—Karachi

Save starving millions

Fast food is unhealthy

Lacklustre performance

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Was it worth it? Afghanistan 11 years later TANYA CARIINA HSU

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ESTERDAY marked the 11th anni versary of the US war in Afghani stan. More than 2,000 American soldiers have now been killed, and as the US presidential candidates debate each other to lead the most dominant power on Earth, perhaps it is time for someone to ask them: Was it worth it? On Sept. 11, 2001, 2,977 people were killed. Almost 700 people in one firm alone (Cantor-Fitzgerald) died; 343 fire fighters and paramedics were killed, as were 60 police officers. Only 291 bodies were ever found “intact.” Over half of the families who lost loved ones that day received not a single piece of remains. Within three months 300 firefighters went on leave due to respiratory problems, almost half a million New Yorkers are being treated for post-traumatic stress disorders, and 1,000 first responders have since died from acute illnesses related to clean-up activities.

Wall Street shut down for six days, and as a direct result of 9/11 more than 146,100 people lost their jobs. Within the first month New York City alone exceeded $105 billion in economic losses. Was it worth it? America then went to war. But not just Iraq and Afghanistan: Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia have also been attacked. So have the citizens of the United States: freedoms, privacy and civil rights once taken for granted are gone, in the name of “national security.”

Operation Iraqi Freedom officially lasted for eight years and eight months. By December 2011, 4,486 US and 318 non-US troops had been killed fighting in Iraq, more than 1,800 more than who died on Sept. 11. However, according to the New York Times, a year after operations ceased US Special Operations units have quietly begun re-entering Iraq at the behest of the Iraqi government. In Afghanistan, the war that began on Oct. 7, 2002, still marches on. Operation Enduring Freedom is not due to end until 2014, an exact century after the onset of World War I. So far Afghanistan has taken the lives of 3,196 soldiers: 2,130 American, 433 British, and 158 Canadian.

Forces killed in Afghanistan also amount to more than all the lives lost on 9/11. Thus 8,000 troops have been killed for the 2,977 lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Was it worth it?

It gets worse. Once soldiers return from the theater of operations

included to the totals. Whether suicides account for a further 4,000 or 40,000 deaths, they bring the ratio to between 4:1 to 16:1 deaths in payback for the 2,977 victims of 9/11.

These are just coalition losses of course.

The official number of victims in Iraq been stuck on 100,000 since 2004, Each year, 6,500 veteran suicides are has not revised upwards since. But, in documented at a rate of one every 80 min- 2007 the British Opinion Research survey calculated that up to utes. Only the army releases figures and it is Business 1.5 million Iraqis had been killed in the unclear if this includes active duty personnel war. This confirmed an earlier British survey by the Lancet that calculated or veterans of other wars. Although only 1 655,000 to 1 million Iraqis had died in percent of Americans have served in Iraq or just three years, from 2003-2006. Although the war continued for a furAfghanistan, they account for a massive 20 ther five years the studies have not percent of the total annual rate. The Depart- been repeated nor revised to account for additional Iraqi casualties, argument of Veterans Affairs claim 18 veteran ably due to intense American criticism.

There are almost no figures for Afsuicides per day, and for every successful ghanistan casualties, but Human suicide 20 are attempted yet fail.

Rights Watch recorded 1,000 civilian deaths in 2006 and the UN estimates the numbers keep climbing. For every single 12,000 deaths since 2007. There are no statistics death in Afghanistan or Iraq, 25 soldiers commit for the first five years of the war. Was it worth it? suicide. During the first six months of 2012 there Let us not omit the secret wars in Pakistan, were 187 Army suicides, 55 Air Force, 32 Marine Yemen and Somalia. Considering the drone proCorps, 39 Navy and 5 Coast Guard. The cumula- gram is covert the numbers are almost certainly tive effect of multiple deployments and post- low. We do know however, that in Yemen drones traumatic stress disorders et alia suggest, how- have killed up to 1,026 men, women and chilever, tens of thousands of additional deaths. dren (at least 34) since 2002. Somalia is not on Rates of death were far higher in both world most Americans’ radar-screens but it is on the wars: Permanent disabilities now affect veter- drones’: since 2007, 170 Somalis are dead from ans today who otherwise would have died on these Unmanned Aerial Vehicle strikes. In Pathe field. In World War I, an average of 57 per- kistan drones have killed a reported 3,341 (at cent of all soldiers mobilized were killed; in World least 176 children) and wounded a minimum of War II, more than 55 million soldiers and civil1,366 people. The ratio of wounded-to-killed ians died. In other words, the wounded from the indicates how deadly drone are, in part conIraq and Afghanistan wars are a testimony to firming their “precision.” They are surgically modern medicine saving lives that in the past precise in that they do not wound: They intenwould certainly have been lost, but can lead to tionally tear to pieces anyone nearby. tragic results nevertheless. If the lowest suicide ow about the cost of capture, torture and rate to assume is one per day by active duty of rendition? Housing a single prisoner at Iraq Afghanistan vets, more than 4,000 must be Guantánamo Bay in Cuba costs the US taxadded to the numbers killed above. And if we payer $800,000 per year. More than 100,000 assume only half of the 6,500 veterans suicides men were detained in Iraq, many at the notoriper year are as a result of wars in Iraq and Af- ous Abu Ghraib; thousands more were held at ghanistan, an additional 36,000 deaths could be Bagram Airfield or the infamous (CIA funded)

‘Salt Pit’ torture chamber north of Kabul, Afghanistan. Officers forced scores of detainees to physical, psychological and sexual abuse

trillion. And all of the costs are funded upon borrowed money, demonstrated by the US debt skyrocketing from $6.4 trillion in March

before shipping them off to even worse prisons around the world.

The non-fiscal cost of the consequences of tortures and imprisonment-without-trial cannot be calculated. For every single death or incarceration there is a father, brother, son, nephew, friend or neighbor who will never forget what these wars have wrought. Revenge lives long-generation-to-generation. We already see the first signs of what the wars have bought, exhibited in riots, uprisings, increased anti-American hostilities, destruction of US sovereign life and property, coups, and civil wars. Was it worth it?

What about the economic cost? In 2003, George W. Bush estimated that the wars would cost $50 to $60 billion. Yet a 2011 study by Brown University’s Watson Institute for International Studies estimated the final cost of the wars to be $4.4 trillion, not including medical costs for injured veterans or rebuilding aid to Afghanistan. Economist Joseph Stiglitz estimated the war in Iraq alone would cost $2.2

2003 to over $16 trillion as of Oct. 1, 2012.

During the Vietnam war, Undersecretary of State George Ball wrote, “In terms of US prestige...we would gain more through enlarging the war.”

National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy opined, “Even if it fails, the policy will be worth it” because of US “prestige”.

If the American public-22.5 million now actually (not officially) unemployed-understood the economic price they would have to pay, would they have agreed to so eagerly support the wars? If the US Congress could have foreseen that a bare-minimum of four times as many soldiers as those who died on 9/11would die, would it have been worth it? If the consequences of anger, revenge, blowback-and stratospheric loss of prestige-were considered, would the US have still gone to war? Was it worth it? — Courtesy - Arab News. [Tanya Cariina Hsu is a British political analyst specializing in US-Saudi foreign policy].

New ROK-US security partnership Ground the killers in Syria with a no-fly zone PARK JIN-HO

ing from military operations to nonmilitary operations beyond the Korean Peninsula. In this strategic environment, there are strategic factors that we must take into consideration for revising the treaty.

achieve its political goals. These provocations require us to demonstrate a strengthened combined will HE Joint Vision for the Alliance to deter ¯ extended nuclear deterof the United States and the rence ¯ for preventing both fullRepublic of Korea signed by scale war and provocations.

President Lee Myung-bak and Third, a military buildup U.S. President Barack Obama among Asian countries is exin 2009 states, “Through our pected. The two nations alliance we aim to build a betshould make efforts to mititer future for all people on the gate a regional security diKorean Peninsula, establishlemma which would increase ing a durable peace on the security uncertainty. Last, peninsula and leading to since the alliance has identipeaceful reunification.” The fied peaceful reunification of Mutual Defense Treaty rea divided Korea as a goal in mains the cornerstone of the the 2009 Joint Vision StateU.S.-ROK military alliance and ment, a revision of the treaty of peace and stability in Northshould reflect our common east Asia. For Korea, revising vision for the future of the the Mutual Defense Treaty, Korean Peninsula. Although which is quite outdated given revision would not be welthe evolution of the regional First, the U.S.-ROK military partner- come by North Korea and possibly security environment, provides a better condition ¯ through strong and ship should make efforts to promote by China, adapting the 59-year-old robust military deterrence ¯ for explor- both regional and global security. In treaty to the changing regional and ing and promoting political trust with this respect, the part of the Mutual global context would upgrade the alNorth Korea, and promoting crucial Defense Treaty stating “pending the liance and promote regional peace development of a more comprehensive and stability. steps toward peaceful reunification.

Presidential candidates in For Washington, reviNEW leaders of the Republic of Korea Korea have not yet introduced sion would demonstrate a their foreign policies. Instead, strong signal to the Korean and the United States may begin strategic they focus on economic and people that its commitment social welfare issues. Obama to the defense and peace of discussions on shaping a new role for their is maintaining the policy line the Korean Peninsula is firm security partnership by examining two he pursued throughout his first and abiding. administration. In contrast, the This would give the U.S. critical issues: reunification of the Korean Republican candidate Mitt government a better opporRomney calls for a stronger tunity to discuss a new role Peninsula and revision of the Mutual Deand bolder U.S. approach to for the U.S.-ROK military al- fense Treaty signed in 1953. These two Asia to increase economic and liance within the context of the U.S. military pivot to issues might look separate, but they need to military competitiveness. It is understood, however, that Asia. As the Mutual Defense be connected to promote the mutual interthe two candidates do not Treaty was signed in the afhave significant differences termath of the Korean Armi- ests of the U.S. and South Korea. regarding vital U.S. interests stice Agreement in 1953, the nature of the treaty focuses excessively on col- and effective system of regional secu- in Asia. Before leaders of the two lective defense for the preservation of rity in the Pacific area” is not consis- nations discuss revision of the Mupeace and security from external tent with the global status of the U.S.- tual Defense Treaty, the next presiROK military cooperation. Second, dent of Korea must define a future armed attack.

Now, the military alliance is re- North Korea continues to conduct mili- regional and global role of the quired to play more diverse roles, rang- tary and nonmilitary provocations to ROK.—Courtesy - Korea Times.

T

DONALD H RUMSFELD

W

ITH the presidential election only a few weeks away, it’s ap propriate to discuss where our country is today, and what it can be in the years ahead. A few weeks ago, Vice President Joe Biden, in his convention acceptance speech, exclaimed, “America is not in decline.” It strikes me when the vice president feels he has to stand up and say that, it’s a bit like acknowledging that America is in decline and that the world senses it, but he doesn’t want to admit it. Let me be clear I do not believe America is destined to stay on its current trajectory toward becoming a secondrate nation. It can be reversed. Indeed, it must be reversed.

Reversing this downward trend requires an honest accounting of where we are and how we got here. Reversing the trends of the last four years requires changing the leadership at the top. We have a president and an administration who routinely dismiss the work ethic that has made our country an exceptional nation and seek to replace respect for personal responsibility with envy and division, making America a place where earned success is resented rather than respected. Of most concern, we have a president and an administration who fundamentally misunderstand the world situation today. Almost four years ago, President Obama traveled to Egypt.

In a way only this president could phrase it, he said, “I’ve come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect.” He promised a radical departure from the poli-

ARYEH NEIER

while those who have not are being slaughtered. As with Syria now, Russian support for the Serbian side two decades ago was one of the factors that prevented military intervention.

But it was by no means the only obstacle. The U.S. presidential election in 1992 made George H. W. Bush’s administration reluctant to use military force. Other political factors deterred Britain and France and Bush’s successor, Bill Clinton from intervening until

as Assad’s forces can attack opposition-controlled neighborhoods with helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes, S Syria has descended into the opposition’s ability to overthrow all-out civil war, much of the regime with the arms that are now the worsening slaughter available to it seems questionable. has been attributable to What is more certain is that the presaerial bombardments of urban neighence of armed fighters in a neighborborhoods that President Bashar hood provokes aerial attacks that deAssad’s opponents control, with such stroy civilian infrastructure and maim attacks causing especially high casuand kill those residents who have not alties in recent weeks in the ancient fled. city of Aleppo. Can anything be done Former U.N. Secretary Gento stop the killing? There are eral Kofi Annan made a valmany good reasons not to iniant effort to negotiate a peace tervene militarily. settlement when there still For one thing, it would be seemed to be a remote chance impossible to do so under the of success. Since then, the auspices of the United Nasharp rise in bloodshed has tions, owing to Russian and made it increasingly unlikely, Chinese obstructionism in the or even impossible, that Security Council. There is also Assad’s opponents would America’s understandable reconsent to any arrangement luctance to become involved that kept him in power. in yet another war in an IsAt the same time, Assad’s lamic country, as well as the loyalists, especially members impossibility of knowing what of the minority Alawite sect, kind of regime might emerge must fear that they would be if and when Assad is overanother three years of killing had taken massacred if his regime fell. At some thrown. Yet it also seems impossible place. Yet it was accomplished for more point, the international community may to stand by while the daily have to intervene to prevent or bloodbath continues. The While military intervention in Syria may mitigate such a massacre. situation in Syria feels more and more like what we wit- be impossible, imposing a no-fly zone is not. Its credibility in doing so, and therefore its likelihood of sucnessed in Bosnia 20 years To be sure, a no-fly zone over Syria would cess, would be far greater if it ago. were to intervene now to estabThen, as now, the inter- not be a simple undertaking: substantial lish a no-fly zone to protect cinational community’s main vilians in the opposition neighresponse for an extended resources would be required, and, given the period was to provide hu- regime’s military capabilities, it would not be borhoods of Syria’s cities.

Because Russian and Chinese manitarian assistance to the intransigence precludes the conflict’s growing number of a risk-free operation.

U.N. from establishing a novictims. Thanks to satellite than a decade in neighboring Iraq to fly zone, the Arab League and NATO television, the world had a front-row keep Saddam Hussein from attacking should jointly take the lead. And seat to watch the citizens of Sarajevo, segments of his own population, so we while the participation of the U.S., who were kept alive by U.N. food deknow that it can be done in Syria as which has by far the greatest logistic liveries, being killed by shelling and well. capacity, is essential, it should not sniping from the surrounding hills.

Of course, someone presumably be in the forefront. As in the case of Today, the U.N. is delivering an Persian Gulf states such as Qatar and Libya, this would be an excellent opincreasing amount of assistance to Saudi Arabia is supplying the Syrian portunity to “lead from behind.”— Syrian refugees who have managed opposition with weapons. Yet, as long Courtesy - Japan Times. to escape to neighboring countries,

A

Obama is wrong for America cies of the previous eight years. He vowed to their lives, have at least a chance to be free. America, even with our imperfections, remains rein in our ally Israel and to make the Palestin- Most Americans do not apologize for our coun- what is most right with the world. Across ian effort for statehood central to his try. Certainly, the hardworking Americans who Middle Eastern and Islamic capitals, we are administration’s foreign seeing our American embaspolicy. The president went sies and consulates overrun No other nations, no foreign ideology, no militant movement on to say that after the terand burned, walls breached rorist attacks of Sept. 11, can, alone, obstruct our path to achieve an even greater America. and windows smashed. Dip2001, “fear and anger led us lomats and security personto act contrary to our ide- Only our own leaders can stand in the way of the American people’s nel have been killed. Amerials.” He went to another rendezvous with their future, and it is the American people who will can flags flying high and country and contended proud above our diplomatic that our fear and our anger make those decisions. outposts have been torn led America to act against down, desecrated and set our ideals. In other words, after terrorists killed make up the backbone of our nation do not. aflame, and some replaced by the banner of al thousands of our citizens, we were the prob- On the contrary, they feel deep pride in who Qaeda. This is the response to the president’s lem. Is there any other way anyone with an so-called “new era of civility and understandunderstanding of the English language ing.” What we are seeing is what the presicould interpret his statement? This, in fact, dent has described as “some bumps in the has been a theme running through this presiroad.” Instead of taking a firm stance against dency — to blame America and Americans. those who attack our embassies and our dipWe saw it when he apologized for acts the lomats, this administration reserves its harshUnited States had been involved in over the est words of condemnation for a provocateur past 100 years. And we see it day after day video maker. One U.S. embassy issued an abas the president excuses failure after failure ject apology and a condemnation of those who of his presidency by castigating his prede“hurt the religious feelings of Muslims.” Incessor. I served with President Obama’s prestead of defending the constitutional right of decessor. I watched him up close. Because free speech, our senior officials excused rage of his leadership, our nation did not simply and rioting. Recall the various excuses that pound sand after the terrorist attack on our supposedly have led radical Islamists to kill in soil. He went after the enemy, destroyed their the name of God: Early on it was a book by leadership and put their operatives on the run. we are, what we have achieved and what we Salman Rushdie. Then it was American troops His administration rid two nations of two of stand for. Like them, President Bush did not in Saudi Arabia. Then it was Danish cartoons the world’s most brutal dictatorships. And mil- apologize for the United States. He knows that of Muhammad. Then it was Guantanamo Bay. lions in the Middle East, for the first time in America is not what’s wrong with the world. Then U.S. support for Israel. Then it was sup-

posedly global warming, as Ayman al-Zawahri and Osama bin Laden once wrote. And now it is a Web video practically no one has seen.

This is not what motivates them to murder innocents. These are weak, convenient justifications that are all too willingly accepted. Yet our nation’s current leaders seem more interested in making excuses for our enemies than in defending the ideals on which America was founded. The problem is not with America. It is with an intolerant, backward ideology championed by radical Islamists — an ideology that is so intolerant it belongs in the Middle Ages, not in the Middle East; an ideology diametrically opposed to our ideas of freedom and equality. The radical Islamists have an ideology that insists that half the population not participate in commerce and public life; an ideology that sees Israel as the focus of evil in this world to be incinerated and its ashen remnants pushed into the sea; an ideology that shuns science and innovation for a return to the seventh century; an ideology that denies individual freedom and economic freedom alike; an ideology that revels in a cult of death and martyrdom; an ideology that denies the very existence of the nation state; an ideology that seeks retribution for supposed wrongs inflicted in past centuries instead of working to build a better future.

When Mr. Obama went to Cairo in 2009, did he fail to realize that this radical ideology existed? Or did he simply choose to ignore it?

Because the ideology is a fact.—[Donald H. Rumsfeld was secretary of defense under President George W. Bush and President Gerald Ford. This article was adapted from a speech delivered at The Washington Times’ 30th anniversary celebration.]

Afghan offers cash From Page 1 mosque in the city. “I will sell all my properties, including my lands in Herat, to collect the money,” he said.

Afghanistan is a devoutly Muslim nation and perceived insults to religion are taken seriously, often with violent consequences.

The “Innocence of Muslims”, a crudely made film that mocks Islam, triggered violent protests in at least 20 countries including Afghanistan after excerpts were posted online last month.

Immediately after the film gained notoriety, French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo published cartoons caricaturing the Muslim prophet Mohammad (PBUH). A Pakistani government minister last month placed a $100,000 bounty on the head of the maker of the film.—AFP

PPP‚ PML-Q seatadjustment for six constituencies ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Q have agreed on seat-adjustment formula for the upcoming by-polls on Monday.

According sources both the parties have announced their joint candidates for six constituencies. PPP candidates Zahid Zulfiqar form Lahore‚ Lala Asad from Gujranwala‚ Raja Amir from Sialkot and Ch Zulfiqar from ChiChawatni will contest elections. Meanwhile‚ PML-Q’s candidates Rehman Naseer and Ms Iqbal Jagra will contest polls from Kharian and Sahiwal. —NNI

Provinces lament non-transfer of assets From Page 1 in the Senate, Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Tahir Hussain Mashhaid, Mian Raza Rabbani, Ahmad Hassan, Mir Hazar Khan Bajarani Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination, Malik Azmat Minister of State for Inter Provincial Coordination, Syed Anis Hussnain, Secretary IPC and other officials were present in the meeting.

They pinpointed that Employees’ Old Age Benefit Institution (EOBI), Workers Welfare Fund, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Education, Health, Sports, Fisheries, Dairy, Livestock, Tourism and others had been devolved but being kept with the federation unjustifiably. Similarly, recreation of 8 new ministries to run the affairs related to devolved subjects was unconstitutional and contrary to the spirit of the 18th constitutional amendment.

Status of government servants transferred to provinces was also unclear as provinces were in dilemma whether to consider them on deputation or as permanent staff members. The issues of their promotion and other privileges were causing financial burden on provinces.

Nasir Mehmood Khosa, Chief Secretary Punjab, Ghulam Dastgir Chief Secretary Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Sikandar Qayyum

Secretary Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Sindh and Secretary IPC Balochistan were vocal in their stand that federation had not provided required funds for the vertical programmes related to health and other ministries.

They observed that all above mentioned subjects had wholly been devolved but federation had not provided required funding for keeping them operational to provinces which While speaking on the observations and reservations expressed by provincial representatives about the devolution process, Mian Raza Rabbani, former chairman Implementation Commission on 18th amendment, said an assertive role of the Parliament was required to accomplish devolution process in true spirit of the constitution. :”If parliament fails to do this it will be held as criminal to history” he added saying, that any bid to rollback devolution process for the sake petty interests of few individuals would bring serious consequences for the federation.

He said that all decision made by implementation commission regarding devolution of ministries were endorsed by the federal cabinet thus they were judgments of the cabinet. Other Senators proposed that commit-

tee should recommend to the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) to come forward with solution to the reservations expressed by the provinces in a given timeframe.

While speaking on the occasion, Mir Hazar Khan Bajarani assured the House that Ministry would come back to committee in 10 days with a comprehensive plan of action to address the reservations of provinces regarding devolution of different subjects.

He said that government highly respected the constitution and was eager to go by books on the said issues and his ministry would leave no stone unturned to make the devolution process success.

“However, if provinces have any dispute, the forum of Council of Common Interests (CII) can be explored” he added. Senate body gave IPC Ministry to note down the concerns of the provinces and come up with a mechanism to institutionalize the ongoing devolution process in 10 days. Committee also decided to summon Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Resources and Water and Power to next meeting to brief the committee about their plans to transfer assets and functions related to them to provinces under 18th amendment. —Online

Govt not serious From Page 1 gard to law and order situation in Balochistan. A Balochistan National Party (BNP) leader told the court that trend of forced disappearances had changed to the killings as 15 people were killed during the last 15 days in Khuzdar.—NNI

Child killed, 14 people injured in Quetta blast From Page 1 logram material was planted in a motorcycle.

Rescue and security teams reached the blast site, which was cordoned off by the police.

Senior police official Wazir Khan Nasir said the bomb was detonated through a remote-controlled device.

Police and FC personnel had surrounded the site of the explosion which had also caused damage to nearby buildings.

The injured were shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta for treatment. Nasir said most of the victims were civilians and that at least two of the wounded are in serious condition. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.—INP

New accountability bill

Indian media alleges cricket

From Page 1

From Page 1

names will be sent to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Law and Justice for the post of the chairman.

The bill was languishing since April 2009 due to differences with the opposition. Presenting the Accountability Bill in

the National Assembly, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Farooq H Naek said that Pervez Musharraf’s accountability laws were still effective in the country. He said the government wants a new accountability law.

The National Accountability Commission Act, 2010, has been a bone of contention between the PPP and PML-N since its presentation in the National Assembly on April 15, 2009, under the title “the Holder of Public Office (Accountability) Act, 2009”. Its title was changed afterwards.

After deliberating for one year, the NA committee on law and justice, headed by PPP’s Nasim Akhtar Chaudhry, passed the draft of the bill in April 2010 despite the opposition’s protest.

The PML-N members in the committee submitted notes of dissent.

On Sept 6, PPP’s chief whip and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khurshid Shah and Law Minister Farooq H. Naek handed over its draft to PML-N’s Ishaq Dar and Khwaja Asif. Leaders of the PPP expressed the desire to pass the law with a unanimous vote, but neither side has spoken about the bill since then.

The accountability bill has seen an exhausted discussion. The National Assembly standing committee on law and justice reportedly had held 30 meetings which saw several boycotts, walkouts and altercations between the opposition and treasury benches.

The PML-N is not happy with some clauses of the bill passed by the law and justice committee. The opposition party wants the head of the proposed National Accountability Commission (NAC) to be a sitting judge of the Supreme Court, but the government favours filling the position either by a sitting or a retired judge or any person qualified to be a judge of the Supreme Court.

The PML-N has also opposed immunity for a public office holder if an individual is found guilty of committing wrongdoing in ‘good faith’. It has also suggested that the commission be allowed to investigate cases dating back to 1947. But the bill proposes that the NAC will not carry out investigations into any crime committed before 1985. PMLN opposed the bill as the party’s suggestions were not accommodated in the bill.

‘Govt keen to improve status of workers’ LAHORE—Punjab government is committed to improve socioeconomic status of workers and a number of practical steps have been taken with this goal in mind.

Punjab Minister for Labour Haji Ehsaan-ud-Din Qureshi ,while talking to various delegations on Monday, said that Marriage grant has been raised to Rs 100,000 from Rs 70,000 for the labourer’s daughters and female worker as well. He said death grant had also been increased from Rs 300,000 to Rs 500,000 on the demise of industrial

worker. The minister said that 200 non-formal education centers were providing education to 7000 students at brick kilns in Lahore and Kasur districts. Veterinary staff visited 154 brick kilns and provided treatment to 448 animals of brick kiln labourers.He said that the department had also organized health camps at brick kilns and free treatment was provided to 1300 labourers,he added. He also highlighted that Punjab government increased minimum wages of labourers from Rs. 7000 to Rs. 9000.—APP

Businessman arrested in BD From Page 1 who preferred to be unnamed.

He said Mahmud and Ahmed were arrested on a request from the country’s AntiCorruption Commission (ACC) which on October . 4 sued them in 11 cases filed with a police station in Dhaka.

Twenty-seven officials of Hall-Mark and state-owned Sonali Bank have been made accused in the cases filed under the Money Laundering Prevention Act and the Corruption Prevention Act, the official said, adding the Sonali Bank loan scam is believed to be the biggest ever in the South Asian country’s history since 1971.

An investigation by the central bank of Bangladesh has found a branch of the stateowned Sonali Bank disbursed loan of about 37 billion taka(about 457 million U.S. dollars) to six local companies including Halmark Group between 2010 and May this year on forged documents.

Of the total loan, according to investigation, the little-known

Hallmark Group alone swindled about 27 billion taka (333 million U. S. dollars).

A senior Bangladesh Bank (BB) spokesman had earlier told Xinhua that the BB last month requested the country’s antigraft body to dig into the matter after it found proof of massive irregularities in the lending.

Against this backdrop, the anti-graft body last month grilled dozens of officials of Sonali Bank and the companies allegedly involved in the loan scam, an ACC official said.

He said an external audit report has found the loan given out from the branch is conducive to embezzlement as the branch’s manager did not carry out any of the essential steps against the gross irregularities in lending procedures.

Talking to media, Mahmud earlier dismissed the allegation of taking loan by fake documents from Sonali Bank, saying the loan was taken according to existing rules. (1 U.S. dollar equals 81 taka). —NNI

garding pitch report, weather, toss, and the playing elevens of India and Pakistan prior to their World Twenty20 warm-up match on September 17. He was the fourth umpire in the game.

Umpire Dissanayake went a step ahead, who claimed that providing liquor to Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) officials, one could get any work done.

In the reporter’s conversation with former ICC Pakistani umpire Ghauri, the latter promised to do anything in return for a payment.

He has officiated in 43 ODIs and 14 Tests with his last international game being back in November 2010.

Ghauri also revealed that racism was prevalent in the ICC, saying that if some Asian umpire gave an incorrect decision then the ICC considered it as an intentional one, while a mistake from a ‘white skin’ umpire would be considered as human error.

According to the channel, Ghauri’s countryman Siddiqui was also willing to give a decision in India’s favour for money, adding that that he would ‘manage’ the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to accept a decision favourable to India.

Ghauri denies allegations Ghauri has denied the matchfixing allegation against him, saying that he was never involved in officiating any of the games in the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL). He added that although he was approached by India to officiate in the SLPL but no Pakistani umpire was involved in that Twenty20 league. All umpires in the SLPL were from Sri Lanka.

The ICC said in a statement: “The ICC and its relevant members have been made aware of the allegations made by India TV this evening and calls on the station to turnover any information which can assist the ICC’s urgent investigations into this matter.

“The ICC re-iterates its zero-tolerance towards corruption whether alleged against players or officials. The ICC confirms that none of the umpires named were involved in any of the official games of the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.”—Agencies

PM for regular gas supply to domestic consumers in winter fully aware of the difficulties and challenges being faced by various ministries and believes that overcoming these will reflect their performance.

The Prime Minister said that as winter going to start the demand for gas would increase experientially. It is therefore imperative that fool proof arrangements be put in place to ensure that supply of gas to domestic consumers remain unaffected.

The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to sensitize the people about the efforts being made by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to ensure provision of uninterrupted gas to domestic users.

The Prime Minister said that he was happy to learn that the Petroleum Policy 2012 for exploration and production has been received well by investors which augurs well for the future of oil and gas sector in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister was told that 1.6 million consumers were

From Page 1 given gas connections at a cost of Rs.10.41 billion while 879 kms of transmission lines and 39707 kms of distribution and service lines were added to gas network with an investment of Rs.61.164 billion during the last four and half years of the present government.

The Prime Minister was told that as a result of efforts being made by the present government 750 MMCFD gas is likely to be added in the system by June 2013, an increase of 20%.

The Prime Minister was also told that the Ministry prepared National Mineral Policy 2012 to meet the challenges of large scale mining and enhance international competitiveness.

The Prime Minister was also briefed about the plans of the Ministry to augment gas supplies in the country. These include Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline, Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Pipeline (TAPI), import of LNG and

LPG. The Prime Minister was told that the country imported oil to the tune of Rs.15 billion dollars which constituted 36% of the overall import bill of the country. Besides, the value of the gas produced in the country is 4.3 billion dollars and oil produced in the country is 2.4 billion dollars.

The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of Ministry of Natural Resources for increasing the production of oil and gas in the country and expressed the hope that the efforts of the Ministry will lead towards energy security in the country.

The Prime Minister also approved a special grant of Rs.200 million for Petroleum House being constructed in Islamabad.

The who attended the meeting include Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Minister for Finance, Choudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Water and Power and other senior officials.— NNI

Foreign exchange reserves From Page 1 including provision of incentives to farmers‚ unclogging of intercorporate circular debt and fiscal consolidation to release more resources for private sector investment.

To another question‚ the Minister of State said about 1626 billion rupees were received as taxes and duties as well as Petroleum Development Levy on petroleum products during the last four years. He said taxes on petroleum products constitute about one fourth of the total tax collection by FBR. The Minister of State acknowledged that Foreign

Direct Investment in the country has decreased during the last four years due to law and order situation‚ high cost of doing business‚ energy crisis and inadequate infrastructure at home as well as global factors.

He said steps to attract foreign investment include liberal investment policy‚ incentives for establishment of Special Economic Zones‚ facilitation by Board of Investment and Investment Promotion Campaign.

To a question‚ Khawaja Sheraz Mahmood said as of July this year‚ over one trillion rupees

were receivable and about 627 billion rupees payable under Inter-Corporate Circular Debt.

The Minister of State informed the House that tax evasion for the last four years has been estimated at over 13.3 billion rupees with majority of evasion taking place in Karachi.

He told the House that Pakistan and India have agreed to establish branches of their banks in each other country. State Bank has issued NOC to National Bank and UBL but a response from Reserve Bank of India is awaited.—NNI

Govt asked to take necessary steps

Senate condemns blasphemous film STAFF REPORTER

ECP highly serious over law & order issue KARACHI—Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is highly serious over the law and order issue during the upcoming general elections and the proposals in this connection are under consideration. The Commission is fully geared up to hold the general elections and efforts are being made to increase the number of polling stations in the next elections, CEC Justice (retd) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim told media persons following his visit to the Sindh Election Commission. The CEC Ebrahim said some more time is required before the electronic voting system is put in place.—NNI

MALE: Police officials arrest former president Muhammad Nashid. (Story on Page-15)

Nawaz supports voting right 13Jirgagirlsdeclares vani in Dera Bugti for overseas Pakistanis STAFF REPORTER

SALIM AHMED

LAHORE—President Pakistan Muslim League-N, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that overseas Pakistanis should have the right to vote as they are a precious asset of the nation and are rendering invaluable services to their country while staying away from their homes and near and dear ones.

He said the contributions of expatriate Pakistanis to the naPak wants tional economy are highly commendable and acknowledged by better ties with the whole nation. He said that Afghanistan overseas Pakistanis have made ISLAMABAD—The Foreign every sacrifice for their country Office Spokesman says Pakistan in the hour of need. wants to promote good According to a message reneighbourly relations with ceived here, Nawaz expressed Afghanistan on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interest. He was reacting to media reports about Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s recent assertions that conditionalities will be attached to negotiations on a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Pakistan. He said comments reportedly made by President ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Karzai and certain other Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman quarters in Afghanistan are entirely misplaced and without Imran Khan slammed Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the governany basis.—NNI ment, saying they created hurdles for his peace march but SC moved for ultimately failed to do so.

Addressing a press conferrestraining ence, the cricketer-turned-poliCommission tician expressed content over his ISLAMABAD—Supreme Court party’s peace rally which tried (SC) was moved Monday for to march into Waziristan to prorestraining immediately test against US drone strikes.

Abbottabad Commission from He said that turning back publishing its report and from the Waziristan border was directing government to stop not a failure as he himself did more expenditure on commis- not want the participants to be sion. The petitioner Shahid in the area at night.

Orakzai told the court it was The former captain stated, brought into the knowledge “Fear was instilled among the of the commission constiparticipants. tuted to inquire into attack on First it was said that there the sovereignty of Pakistan will be six suicide blasts, and and security lapse in January then the number was raised to this year that advance nine. information about CIA There were even rumors that operation against Osama bin the drinking water in Waziristan Laden had reached the has been poisoned.” president and prime minister He was of the opinion that but was kept concealed from it would have given a worse imarmed forces. The applicant pression of the region if any unextended offer to the comfortunate incident had happened mission to provide documen- during the rally. tary proof and evidence in He insisted that his march respect of advance informa- was a success and whole the tion. —Online world was now speaking against

Imran lashes out at Fazl for creating hurdles in peace march

Over Rs310m bank heist Staff Reporter QUETTA —Some unknown armed persons looted the local bank in Panjgoor and injured guard here on Monday.As per details, some unknown dacoits entered into local bank in the area of Panjgoor at Jatkan Bazar and held hostage the bank administration and employees and fled after looting more than Rs 310 million.

When the guard Noor Baksh tried to resist they opened fire on him as a result he sustained severe injuries.

Meanwhile, the criminals fled away from the scene successfully. On getting information police reached the spot and rushed the injured guard to hospital for medical aid. Later on, police cordoned off the area and started thorough investigation.

these views while addressing overseas convention of PML-N in Italy which was attended by thousands of expatriate Pakistanis. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that present government has made no serious effort for resolving the problems of the people due to which they are facing price-hike, poverty and loadshedding. He said that dignity and honour of the country was enhanced during his tenures in the past and rapid development and progress was made.

He said that motorways were constructed, national economy was strengthened overseas investment was increased while Pakistan embarked on the journey to progress and prosperity.

He said that there was no

loadshedding or price-hike in his era and terrorism was a word unheard of. He said that when Pakistan’s defence capability was challenged, his government, despite immense foreign pressure, tested nuclear devices and made the national defence impregnable.

He said that his government enhanced the dignity of the green passport and the facility of green channel for overseas Pakistanis was among the achievements of his government.

Nawaz Sharif said that had his government not been toppled Pakistan would have joined the rank of developed countries. He said that though the situation is critical but the Pakistanis should not lose heart.

DERA BUGTI—A jirga in Dera Bugti, Balochistan declared 13 girls vani on Monday while settling a murder-related conflict between two tribes.

The conflict was between the Bagirani and Shahwani tribes of the area.

Earlier on October 4, two vani cases were reported from separate localities of Mansehra.

Vani is a tribal custom in which girls are forced to marry members of different tribes as a result of settlement of feuds between conflicting clans.

Miliband: UK wants Pakistan a developed country

‘Delay in 3G auction causing loss of Rs38m daily’ L ISLAMABAD—Chairman Paki- presentation to the media regardstan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Farooq Awan has said that delay in 3G auction process is causing loss of Rs 38 million daily to the national exchequer.

The Chairman PTA made these remarks during a meeting of evolutionary committee constituted for the hiring international consultant for the auction of 3G which held here on Monday to brief the media regarding its progress.

He said that whole process of 3G auction in the country would be completed in a transparent way and in this regard Prime Minister has given clear directions to keep the whole process transparent and take all the stakeholders including media on board. He said that to ensure transparency PTA did not inter fared and evaluation committee worked independently.

He said that during the whole process PTA, Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) and ministry of information technology gave their outputs. He said that our main objective is to ensure transparency and to earn maximum revenue for the country. He said that being Chairman of the authority, he would suggest to the prime minister to take disciplinary action against the member technical who refused to obey the directions of Chairman PTA and refused to give

ing evaluation process for international consultant.

During the meeting member technical PTA Dr Khawar refused to give presentation to the media by saying that PPRA rules does not allow him to disclose things which are confidential and on emphasizing from the Chairman PTA he left and DG S&D Waseem briefed the media regarding the evolutionary process.He briefed the media pertaining to silent features adopted during the evaluation process of consultant for 3G auction. He informed that out of three bidders two did not qualify according to the PPRA rules and one “Interconnect communication” qualified so far and got 74 marks from 100.

Chairman PTA strongly disagreed and pointed out certain flaws in the report prepared by the evolutionary committee. He directed members of the committee that they spent eight months but their report is not satisfactory and contains certain ambiguities.

Farooq Awan directed them to review it and bring comprehensive report after two days.

Farooq Awan said that this process has already been delayed and people are raising fingers over its transparency therefore at this moment PTA cannot take any risk.—Online

STAFF REPORTER

AHORE—Former British Foreign Minister David Miliband and PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz Sharif MNA had a meeting here Monday.

Hamza Shahbaz Sharif said democratic traditions are taking roots in Pakistan and political system of the country will be strengthened by next general elections.

Asha Bhosle’s daughter commits suicide M UMBAI —Varsha Bhosle, daughter of veteran Bollywood singer Asha Bhosle, on Monday committed suicide by shooting herself with a revolver at her home in south Mumbai, local police said. Varsha, a singer and columnist, who was in her mid 50s, had attempted suicide earlier on at least two occasions, they said.

She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead, they said.

The body was taken to J J Hospital for post mortem, police said. Varsha had worked as a playback singer in some Hindi and Marathi movies and appeared in concerts with her mother. She also used to write columns for web portals and magazines.—Online

ISLAMABAD—The Senate of Pakistan condemns in strongest terms, the airing of blasphemous movie which seems to be a vilification campaign being maliciously touted by some western elements, lobbies and countries to malign Islam, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) and the Holy Quran, all on the pretext- and behind the smoke screen - of freedom of speech and expression, resolution adopted by the Upper House said.

The House conveyed its deep concern over a systematic, conscious and well-orchestrated connivance to consistently splash out and propagate hate literature, sacrilegious carica-

Among those killed in Karak alSharqi were at least five rebel fighters, said the Observatory, which added that some of the deaths occurred when troops blasted cars ferrying wounded people to field hospitals and clinics for medical attention.

“Karak al-Sharqi has suffered repeated military assaults, heavy shelling and attempts to storm it over the past three days,” said the Observatory, which collates its information from a network of activists and medics on the ground. It added that the town was facing “a crippling blockade and terrible medical and humanitarian conditions.”In the central city of Homs, the army bombarded the rebel stronghold of Khaldiyeh from the early morning using warplanes, tanks, shells and mortars in a concerted multi-

pronged attack, the Observatory said. “There is heavy shelling as well as fierce clashes around the district, but the rebels are resisting the army onslaught,” Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told international media.

Elsewhere in Homs province, the town of Houla came under heavy bombardment by government forces, which left an unknown number of wounded, he said.

In March, at least 108 people, including 49 children and 34 women, were killed during a twoday army offensive that began with heavy shelling. The northern city of Aleppo, which since mid-July has been the focal point of the revolt against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, was rattled from early morning by shellings which hit a string of rebel-held neighbourhoods as

well as by firefights between rebels and troops, the watchdog said.

Among the neighbourhoods pounded were Tariq al-Bab, Hanano and Sakhur in the east, and the southwest districts of Bustan al-Qasr, Ansari, Fardus, Kalasseh and Sukari. Fighting raged in the central district of Midan, Sakhur in the east and Salaheddin and Saif al-Dawla in the southwest, the Observatory said.The violence comes a day after 15 people, including five children, were killed in shelling across Aleppo. On Sunday night, a car bomb struck the Damascus police headquarters, killing a policeman, according to the official news agency SANA. Abdel Rahman of the Observatory confirmed the toll.

“Not more than one or two

sidered opinion that such incidents provided extremists and terrorists’ organizations a good justification and a supposedly higher moral ground in recruiting, promoting and exporting extremism and terrorism, and take advantage of this to create more cleavages between followers of different religions and stoke up hatred and mistrust.

The Senate urged upon the Government of Pakistan to take appropriate and effective steps to mobilize the governments and people of all Muslim and peaceloving countries of the world to resort to all necessary {diplomatic and other} measures to condemn and counter efforts which threatened peace and harmony among religions and cultures.

Plunderers take over Pak affairs: Musharraf SHAKARGARH—Former President and head of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Pervez Musharraf has said that plunderers and thieves have taken over Pakistan’s affairs in the name of democracy.

He was delivering a telephonic address to a public meeting organized by APML here on Monday. He said he has an old association with Shakargarh as he fought the 1965 war from this sector. —NNI

JWP to form grand alliance in Balochistan soon: Talal STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Jamhoori Watan Party Chief Talal Bugti says his party will soon form a grand alliance with other parties in preparation for the next general elections, adding that if the demands of the Baloch people are accepted then he himself would bring Baloch leaders from foreign countries.

He was addressing a news conference on Monday.

He said, “we will not take part in the elections until FC, ISI and Military Intelligence is not withdrawn from province, adding” that everyone knows that what will be the result of the elections in presence of these agencies. He said the situation of the country are worse then 1971, adding that the FC is the sign of terror and extortion in the province.

He said the FC and other secret agencies are involved in the smuggling between Pakistan and Afghanistan, adding

that if the situation remained as it is then we should have to call UN or army of any other Islamic country to save Pakistan.

Talal Bugti said the situation in Balochistan is criti-cal and requires attention of all Pakistanis. He said he met with leaders of different political parties and religious leaders in Punjab to apprise them of the situation of the province and to seek their support.

JWP Chief said the number of missing people and other actions in Balochistan has subsided in recent days due to highlighting of this issue.

He said Ba-lochs Punjabis, Pakhtuns and people of other na-tionalities are being killed in Balochistan indiscriminately.

Talal Bugti said a suggestion is underway to hold the meeting for the constitution of grand alliance in Satghara area of Okara where Chakar-e-Azam is buried.

NA body demands devolution of Petroleum Ministry STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources on Monday demanded the devolution of the

Syrian rebel strongholds pounded, 23 killed BEIRUT—A string of rebel strongholds, including in Daraa and Homs provinces and the commercial capital Aleppo, were rocked by shelling and clashes from dawn on Monday that left at least 23 people dead, a watchdog said.

Twenty of the deaths occurred when the army launched an intensive pre-dawn assault on the town of Karak al-Sharqi in the southern province of Daraa, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Two civilians meanwhile were killed when troops rained shells down on pockets of rebel resistance in Aleppo, Syria’s commercial capital, while another civilian died when the town of Kfar Zeita, in the central province of Hama, was bombed, the Britain-based watchdog said.

tures and incendiary statements to aggravate religious sentiments of 1.5 billion Muslims across the globe.

The Senate of Pakistan called upon the United Nations and other International fora to promote peace and harmony, mutual human respect, tolerance, and, above all, safeguard all human beings from abuse and torture of all kinds, irrespective of the colour, creed, race, religion, national identity and political strength.

The Upper House recommended that the right of freedom of speech and freedom of expression should not be allowed to be abused to create inter-faith fissures and to hurt sentiments of followers of an any faith.

This House was of the con-

people were killed in the blast,” he said.

The shelling and clashes on Monday followed a bloody day in which 120 people — 54 civilians, 27 rebels and 39 government troops — were killed nationwide, according to the Observatory. Not included in the toll were 28 bodies, including three rebels, found in the Damascus town of Hameh after several days of military operations that ended in the army taking control of the area.

More than 31,000 people have been killed in violence in Syria since the outbreak in March last year of an anti-regime revolt, which began as peaceful protests for reform but morphed into an armed insurgency when demonstrations were brutally crushed.—In time

petroleum ministry and a price adjustment mechanism on a daily or monthly basis instead of the current weekly review.

The committee made the demand during its meeting held under the chairmanship of Engineer Tariq Khattak in Islamabad.

Khattak proposed that all provinces must have their own petroleum ministry, as they had grown weary of the decisions of the federal ministry.

He said it was difficult to ensure decrease in petroleum prices even after the downward trend in the international market, as there was no proper mechanism installed to review the prices of petroleum products in the country.

The committee, after declaring the weekly review mechanism of petroleum price as dictatorial, recommended that the review must be carried out on a daily or monthly basis.

The committee members also demanded to set petroleum prices to the July 31, 2012 level. They said that protests on hike in POL prices by political parties, public interest groups and other institutions, including the standing committees, fell on the petroleum ministry’s deaf ears.

Zilhaj moon likely to be sighted on 17th ISLAMABAD—The Meteorological Department on Monday said that the Zilhaj crescent was expected to be sighted on October 17 and the Eid-ul-Azha would be celebrated on October 27.

According to the Met Office, the moon is expected to be sighted as weather would be clear on October 17 in most parts of the country and Eidul-Azha would be observed on Saturday, October 27.

Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the 10th of Zilhaj.—NNI

Altaf condemns firing on Khairpur rally L ONDON —The Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has strongly condemned shooting incident in the rally of PPP MNA Nafeesa Shah.

In a statement, the MQM leader said that those involved in the cowardly incident do not believe in democratic norms. They were enemies of peace”.

He condoled with the bereaved families over the loss of their loved onse.

The MQM chief demanded President Asif Ali Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Sindh to take notice of the incident and bring the culprits into justice.

Meanwhile, the death toll in firing at a rally in Khairpur has reached to seven people while 10 others were injured in the incident on Sunday evening. People’s Party has announced a day of mourning and local closure has been announced in Khairpur.

One soldier embraces Shahadat in IED explosion W A N A —One soldier was martyred after being hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Ladha, South Waziristan on Monday.

Military sources said the incident occurred at 16:30 hours when a soldier steped over the IED, killing him on the spot. —INP

Running away common with autism

A

LMOST half of children with autism in a new study had run away at least once - and many of them were missing long enough to cause concern. Researchers found that kids most often wandered off from their home, school or a store, and some tried to run away multiple times a day.

But rather than being confused about where they were, kids typically left to find a place they enjoyed, to explore or to avoid an anxious or uncomfortable situation, based on their parents’ reports. “It’s rooted in the very nature of autism itself,” said Dr. Paul Law, who worked on the study. “Kids don’t have the social skills to check in with their parents, and to have that communication and social bond that most children have when they’re approaching a road or at a park.”

Law is the director of the Interactive Autism Network Project at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. With funding from a number of autism research and advocacy groups, he and his colleagues used their registry to survey the parents of 1,218 kids with an autism spectrum disorder. Of those kids, 598 - or 49 percent had tried to run away at least once, their parents reported. And 316 were missing long enough to cause concern - an average of more than 40 minutes.

In comparison, the same parents reported 13 percent of their non-autistic children had ever wandered off after age four.

Most of the kids with autism who went missing were in danger of getting hit by cars, and others could have drowned.

Police had to be called for one-third of missing children. “Amongst the families we did interview, there were many reports of injuries, close calls with drowning (and) close calls with traffic accidents,” Law told Reuters Health.

“There’s an enormous burden that all families are undergoing to keep their families safe. The amount of diligence, and not going out in public, and staying up late at night… just the general anxiety that families live under because of concerns with this is just torturous.”

Children with more severe autism were more likely to have bolted, according to findings published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

Autism researcher Russell Lang from Texas State University-San Marcos said the prevalence of running away or “eloping” in children with autism “absolutely surprised” him.

“It’s a very dangerous behavior, and it’s a little bit deceptive because it can seem somewhat benign compared to other challenging behaviors,” Lang, who wasn’t involved in the new study, told Reuters Health. Those other “challenging behaviors” common in kids with autism include self-injury and property destruction, he said. They often get lumped together with running away, which is why researchers haven’t had a good estimate of the prevalence of elopement, itself, until now.

RAWALPINDI: Students presenting tableau during the inaugural ceremony of InterSchool Regional Sports Tournament at FG Girls High School, Mall Road.

Media can play vital role in transforming hate into tolerance STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD —Media carries immense power to transform a conflict by enabling peace through balanced, ethical and responsible reporting that promotes tolerance against hate. These views were expressed by TV anchorpersons and talk-show hosts on the first day of a consultative workshop on peace building held here on Monday.

Around 27 TV anchorpersons and talkshow hosts hailing from 25 districts of Pakistan are par-

ticipating in a 2-day national consultative workshop entitled “Media for Peace” jointly organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Search for Common Ground Pakistan, supported by the Danish International Development Agency (Danida).

On the workshop’s first day, a panel discussion entitled “Can Television Play a Role in Transforming Conflict and Building Peace?” saw senior TV anchorpersons holding a dialogue with participating journalists on Pakistani

media’s coverage of violence and conflict.

Moderated by Dr. Moeed Pirzada, the discussion featured Absaar Alam, Arshad Sharif, and Asma Shirazi.

The panellists discussed the role television plays as a mass medium in mitigating conflicts and promoting peace. They highlighted current media practices in coverage of conflicts at international, regional and national levels, and whether media should take the responsibility of creating spaces for peace building.

ISLAMABAD: Members of affected families of Margalla Tower which collapsed due to 8th October 2005 earthquake offering Fatiha for the victims of earthquake at the memorial services.

Five outlaws arrested, arms recovered ISLAMABAD—The Islamabad Police have arrested 5 outlaws including two ladies from various areas of the city and recovered car, hashish, weapon and stolen property from their possession, a police spokesman said on Monday.

According to details, SubInspectors Muhammad Idress and Yar Muhammad along with police team from Tarnol police station during special checking arrested three accused including two lady accused Naseem bibi and Yasmeen bi bi and recovered 2.300 kilogram hashish and arrested accuse namely Amir Shahid and recovered one 30 bore pistol from their possession.

ASI Saghir Ahmad from Ramna police station arrested accused Mateen Ahmad and recovered stolen property amounting to rupees 19,187 from him.—NNI

NCHD condemns firing at Nafisa rally STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) strongly condemns the killing of seven people including a 10 years old child during a shooting incident at the rally led by Chairperson NCHD MNA Dr. Nafisa Shah, at KhairPur. The staff members of NCHD believe that the act was not only against Pakistan People‘s Party but against the humanity. According to Dr Nafisa Shah, Chairperson NCHD, The purpose of this incident was to attack the largest democratic party and to derail the democratic system in Pakistan.

7th anniversary of 2005 quake observed Special prayers offered for Margalla Tower victims STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Angry over non-completion of most of the damaged infrastructure, survivors of the October 8, 2005 earthquake observed the seventh anniversary of the tragedy on Monday. A memorial was held in Islamabad which was attended by the survivors of the earthquake, members of the civil society and other organizations. They observed a minute silence at Margalla Towers.

The absence of government officials in the ceremony irked the participants. Thousands of people perished and houses crumbled when an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale hit Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 08:52am seven years ago. The resi-

dents of Balakot town have decided not to allow ministers to attend the earthquake anniversary events in the area.

Seven years ago, the tragedy left more than 17,000 people dead in Balakot alone. Collective prayer for the victims was offered at the Syed Ahmad Shaheed Masjid and the Government High School where a mass grave of more than 70 students is located.

The Awami Action Committee of Balakot staged a rally against the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (Erra). “October 8 reminds us of the agonies and pain we suffered years ago as we visit the graves of our loved ones lost in the 2005 earthquake”.

In the earthquake, 6,902 buildings, roads and bridges were flattened in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and reconstruction work on 4,401 structures could be completed so far.According to the Provincial Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (Perra), 2,959 schools and colleges were destroyed and 1,304 could be rebuilt up till now. Around 147 buildings were destroyed in the health sector and work on 78 has been completed. Also, 479 government buildings were destroyed and work on 351 could be completed in seven years. Out of the 871 destroyed buildings in the livelihood sector, 486 have been reconstructed. Only two of the seven destroyed schemes in power sector have been rebuilt thus far.

Car screen washers perturbing citizens at traffic signals I S L A M A B A D — W i n d o w where one can see lot of with the new tactic of comscreen washers in twin cities of Islamabad Rawalpindi are frustrating and perturbing citizens and forcing them to stopped cars at traffic signals. During a survey conducted by APP found that car screen washers never ask motorist to wash the screen they take it upon themselves to wash motorists’ windscreen and then thay ask for money.

Ahmad Ali a motorist at Express highway traffic Signal said that car screen washers on every traffic signal is a common sight

children and women thronging at vehicles asking for alms. They use novel techniques to attract people as their sole purpose is to take money from them.

Shaggy and innocent looks, clad in shattered clothes convince people to put their hands in pockets which ultimately promote begging culture in the twin cities, Ahmad said. Another motorist Mohsin Ali said that these guys annoy me. Especially

ing up from behind you and not asking if you want your car touched by them.

Citizens opined that use of children in such activities should be b a n n e d s t r i c t l y. P e o p l e urging that the concerned authorities should take strict action against the responsible persons.

They said if action to tackle the menace is not taken seriously and on urgent basis, it will attain alarming proportions over a period of time.—APP

IHC moved against mud- slinging STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Islamabad High Court (IHC) was approached Monday for seeking its orders to stop mudslinging campaign against the judiciary.

A petition was filed in this regard by Nadim Ahmad through advocate Akram Sheikh. Information ministry, PEMRA and chiefs of federal and provincial police have been made respondents.

The petitioner took the plea a new series of character assassination campaign against Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry had been launched.

The petitioner prayed the court to direct information ministry to issue orders to PEMRA to take steps for stopping publication of insulting material against the judiciary and further direct the federal and provincial police officers to register cases against those involved in giving statements against the judiciary and maligning it.—Online

Children’s film festival: Learning with fun SANA JAMAL ISLAMABAD—For children, it was no less than a passport to the wonderland teeming with happiness to amuse, delightful characters to inspire, and remarkable stories with lessons for lifetime.

And this was precisely the motto of the FilmSaar International Children’s Film Festival: ‘Let’s entertain, inspire and educate!’

The first-of-its-kind Children’s Film Festival that screened 86 wonderful films from 32 countries, was organised by The Little Art, a non-profit organisation, to celebrate the world cultures.

“We carefully selected the films made for children to entertain and educate the

future generation, to offer said little Wajeeha. “I would learning through a global become a painter too when I perspective” informed Ali grow up” she added with a Hameed, spokesperson of shy smile.

The Little Art. Although the The festival was a rare long list films were appropriopportunity for the film buffs ate for all ages, but the major of the city to enjoy some of audiences were school chilthe best of foreign films, but dren along with their teachsadly the event remained ers. “The films were enterless-attended, “since There taining, full of learning and is little sense of uncertainty has inspired the children to in the capital city as combring new changes in their pared to Lahore,” Ali felt. lives” said Turbia, a teacher The film festival included at Sir Syed Star Lyceum animation, fiction, short and School. feature films, documentaries Laughter and chuckles and some made by children during the witty bits, clapthemselves. Interestingly, ping towards the end of the few Pakistani films were also movies, and gleaming faces part of the festival. ‘Bhaoo’ as they came out of the audia short film by Shezray torium reflected that the kids Hameed, was about the rewere pretty impressed. “I love ISLAMABAD: Kids beaming with joy after enjoying the films at the Children Film alities of a child’s life coupled the movie about painting” Festival. with his fears and wishes.

‘Son of a Lion’, an awardwinning film in Pashto, was about a young boy growing up in the arms manufacturing village of FATA who dreams of going to school, while, ‘Gutter Gate’ reflected on the lives of two children who collect garbage in the streets of Lahore.

Among the most loved films by the children were ‘Lost and Found’, (British film), a magical tale of loneliness and friendship; ‘Papa’s Tango’ (Netherlands film), story of Hannah, for whom dancing and her father are two things that belong together; ‘Bread’ (Turkist film) and Left-brained Larry And Right-brained Rachel – (Danish film). Some award-winning films included ‘Soul Boy’

(German film), The Pirate Ship, (Spanish film), Copia A (Argentinean film), Madagascar, a journey’s diary (French film), The Market and Varmints, both British films. Mustafa’s Sweet Dreams (Turkish award-winning film), was about 16year-old Mustafa, who dreams of becoming baklava (Turkish desert) master.

Lahore International Children’s Film Festival is an annual event being organised since 2008. “This year we decided to extend this cinematic charm to 6 cities: Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi” told Ali. The festival is expected to engage 80,000 young people.

Zohr

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October 9 THE Institute of Strategic Studies, is organizing a public talk on “NATO after Afghan combat: does the Atlantic Alliance have an Asian future” by Professor Dr. Sten Rynning, University of Southern Denmark and Dr. Peter Viggo Jokobsen, Royal Danish defence college, Copenhangen, at 1130 hrs at its premises. ***** CHAIRMAN, Department of Islamic Studies, University of Erfurt, Germany Professor Dr. Jamal Malik, will deliver his lecture “Inter-religious dialogue in Germany:Some Critical Consideration” on October 9.

October 13 PAF Retired Officers’ Association Rawalpindi / Islamabad chapter is holding monthly meeting at 1600 hours on 13 October, at Air Headquarters Officers’ Mess, Islamabad. All the members and their families are cordially invited and are requested to intimate about their attendance to Secretary PAFROA, Group Captain (Retd) Saeed Nawaz Khan on Telephone No – 9525811-12, 9280376, 03328553066.

CTP ‘Hospitality Week’ kicks off RAWALPINDI—The hospitality week (Hafta-e-Khush Ikhlaki) of City Traffic Police kicked off here on Monday under which the road users particularly the motorists are being educated about the traffic rules. Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Ishtiaq Hussain Shah said the motorists are being presented flowers and gifts at important intersections of the city during the hospitality week.

He urged the citizens do not violate the law and cooperate with the CTP. He said that CTP under

its efforts for the smooth flow of traffic on city roads is making continuous efforts and special campaigns are launched in this regard. The CTP takes action in accordance with the law against the drivers found violating the rules. The drives are launched, aimed at ensuring safe driving on the city roads and to make the journey more safe and secure, he added.

He directed the traffic wardens to guide the motorists that traffic rules must be observed as these are for the safety of the drivers and

other road users as well. The citizens should be guided that the use of mobile phone while driving is dangerous which must be avoided, he added. Education Wing of Traffic Police is making efforts to spread awareness so that the road journey could be made safe, he added.

He directed the traffic wardens to work with dedication and commitment and ensure the traffic flow so that traffic mess particularly on congested roads could be averted and relief could be provided to the citizens. —APP

NAB retrieves $4b from delinquents I SLAMABAD —A successful including Pakistan. Spread drive that had so far helped anti-corruption agency apart from possessing the requisite capacity and competence must establish its credibility while the investigative arm should gel with the prosecution in a manner that true facts are unearthed while the law is stated correctly.

This was stated by Pakistan’s Attorney General Irfan Qadir while addressing the 6th International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) Annual Conference and General Meeting that concluded here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The three-day conference held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention was hosted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and brought together a large gathering of government officials, executives, scholars and practitioners from various countries,

over six plenary sessions and several workshops, the conference sought to cover five key areas to intensify anticorruption efforts namely, Prevention, Community Education, Operation, Investigation and Legal Framework.

The contributions from the delegates were largely focused on the theme of UNCAC Chapter VI: Technical Assistance and Information Exchange.

Leading the Pakistan delegation to the conference, Attorney General Mr. Irfan Qadir in his keynote address highlighted various key features of the accountability system in Pakistan, underlying a commitment to satisfy the conscience of the courts, the separation of investigation from prosecution, and a strong enforcement system being the hallmarks of the national accountability

retrieve over US $ 4 billion from the delinquents through various mechanisms and measures, including voluntary return, plea bargain and reconciliation of liability to ensure greater effectiveness in the enforcement of recovery mechanism.

He also briefed the conference delegates on the organisational structure of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) of Pakistan which functioned under the constitutionally-protected dual offices of the Chairman as well as the Prosecutor General to ensure disabuse of power and ensure greater transparency and efficiency in the disposal of cases. He said the accountability laws in Pakistan were stringent and applied to all, including the holders of top political and public offices.—Online

Continues LARGEST exhibition of Pakistani contemporary art celebrating 30 years of Rohtas Gallery is on at the National Art Gallery until October 24th. The exhibition is taking place in galleries 5,6, and 7 of the National Art Gallery. Gallery timing are Sunday to Thursday from 10 A.M. to 5 pm. ***** EID sale 20 % off starts on Aliya Fahad’s original fabrics at MODEVILLE, house 6, st 60, F-6/3..# 8440011 Time 11 am to 9 pm.

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary delegation of Defence Committee of German Bundestag with Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi at Parliament House.

RIS gains int’l acclaim STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Roots International Schools gain international recognition due to the innovative efforts of Ms.Munazza Riaz, Events Manager at Metropolitan G8 Campus, says a messaged received here Monday.

Ms.Munazza Riaz was placed amongst the 15 winners at MEA Regional Forum (Middle East & Africa Forum) out of 92 participants which was organized by Microsoft Partners in Learning, Innovative Teachers’ Forum held at Marrakech, Morocco from September 27th till September 29th, 2012 and qualified for the Global Forum being held in November in Prague, Czech Republic.

The IEF is part of Microsoft PIL (Partners In Learning) program, which works with governments and education leaders around the world at the national, state and local levels to deliver a portfolio of professional development, curricula, tools and resources designed to advance 21stcentury teaching, learning and digital inclusion that improve learning outcomes for every student.

Ms.Munazza’s project was on water, named “Aqua Crunch” presenting the tools of conservation and recycling of water, enhancing the IT skills of the students besides bringing their attention towards the global issues.

CEO Roots International Schools Mr.Walid Mushtaq extends his best wishes to Ms.Munazza and encourages other members to follow suit and make Roots proud.

ISLAMABAD: Earthquake survivor school children hold placards during a protest demonstration against nonrehabilitation of schools in affected areas.

CDA’s Margalla Tourist Train could not be repaired I S L A M A B A D —The Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) Margalla Tourist Train aimed at promoting tourism and economic activities in the federal capital could not be repaired despite passage of six month.

Interested citizens talking to INP said that the train was a nice move for the tourism as local and foreign tourists particularly children were provided with a facility to witness the beauty of Islamabad at low charges in stipulated time. “The tourist train in Islamabad is missing and we have not seen that for a long time” a student, Shahid Khan said.

The tourist train starts its journey from Rose and Jasmine Garden with a speed of twenty to twenty-five kilometers per hour and used to cover different landmarks of the city including Kashmir Highway, National Monument, Zero Point, Faisal Mosque, Zoo, Japanese Park, Saidpur Village, Jinnah Super Market, 7th Avenue and Fatima Jinnah Park and reach back at Rose and Jasmine Garden on the stipulated time.—INP

Lack of teaching staff irks girl students STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Lack of teaching and non teaching staff in Model College for Girls I-8/3 has become a source of perpetual nuisance for girls students of federal capital. The college came into being 3 years before under the control of federal directorate of education but the lack of teaching staff has turned it into nonentity for the students. “ On our front we are facing shortage of lecturers in key subjects and this way our curriculum activities continue to remain disrupted throughout our academic year. This state of affairs shocks us when a teacher

who is hired from other college quits the college when our examination is ahead, said a group of students. The principal of the college is forced to borrow teachers from other colleges to facilitate the students. She has borrowed the teaching staff from Islamabad Model College for Girls F-7/2 and Islamabad Model College for Girls G-10/4 to meet the demands of college.

“How long far this transitory arrangement will work”, a question mark deepened on the faces of students while expressing their concern over fragility of system. “Our woes have no end as we have to confront an inextricably odd

situation when we see no responsible assistant on the seat meant for resolving our admission or fee related problems, Nida Hussain, a student complained.

No of clerks deployed in this college is highly disproportionate to our need and our genuine problems remain shelved and our applications see the way to dustbin due to deficiency of clerical staff, complained the students. The students and their parents demanded the concerned quarter to ensure early appointment of teaching and non teaching staff to remove the shortage of staff otherwise they will be forced to shift to other colleges.

HEC scholarships to produce 1000 PhDs STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Higher Education Commission (HEC) is making utmost efforts for production of 1000 PhDs each year under its indigenous scholarship schemes to meet the growing needs of the country.

This was stated by Execu-

tive Director HEC, Professor Dr. S. Sohail H. Naqvi during the video conferencing interaction with the PhD supervisors and PhD scholars of Islamia University Bahawalpur.

This academic activity was attended by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Riaz Hussain Qureshi Advisor HEC, Prof. Dr.

Muhammad Mukhtar Chairperson Inter University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences and Vice Chancellor the Islamia University Bahawalpur, Ms. Saima Naurin Project Director HEC, Deans, faculty members and PhD scholars from the Islamia University Bahawalpur.

Leadership must unite and Chalk out common political strategy: Bhat S R I N A G A R — H u r r i y a t cisions in a broader perspecleader and Chairman Muslim Conference Prof Abdul Gani Bhat has said that Kashmiris should come out of the darkness and move forward using their intellect, faith and knowledge.

He called upon Kashmiris to work out to find out the hidden realities in the situation arisen due to the Kashmir issue and accordingly take the correct de-

tive.

A Hurriyat delegation led by senior APHC member, Professor Abdul Ghani Bhat visited Badgam. The delegation which comprised of leaders, Hakim Abdul Rashid, Shaheen Iqbal, Bashir Andrabi, Abdul Manaan Bukharri, Abdul Rashid Untoo, Abdul Majid Wani and others also offered Nimaz-e-Juma at Makahama Badgam.

Prof Bhat said that to end the sufferings of Kashmiris, it has become incumbent on the Kashmiri leadership to get united and chalk out the common political ideas while keeping aside their political and organizational differences.

He said the leadership should hammer out a political strategy which would help in solving pending dispute and free the Kashmiris from pain and sufferings.

Apart from history, politics and emotional attachments with the Kashmir issue, Prof Bhat said many sensitive and serious elements have got connected with the problem and the time has come to understand them. He pointed out that wars, militancy, and traditional stubbornness and overlooking of the issue by International organization can be no substitute to dialogue.

Prof Bhat said the dialogue

is the only way to address the issue. He said Kashmiris should take benefit of the dialogue process at all levels using prudence and taking into consideration the political realties.

He said the bitter political realities should be kept aside and the stake holders of the conflict should express flexibility to solve the complex dispute of Kashmir for once and all. The senior hurriyat leader

World urged to play role for Kashmir settlement

Govt to amend Interim Constitution Act soon: Majeed

ISLAMABAD—The All Parties

M IRPUR

Hurriyet Conference has urged the international community to fulfil its responsibilities for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. AHC leader Professor Abdul Ghani Butt, in a statement in Sri-nagar, said that the unresolved Kashmir dispute would continue to pose threat to the peace of the region.

He emphasised that Pakistan, India and the Kashmiri leadership should come forward for a final set-tlement of the dispute so that the South Asian region could prosper economically, politically and socially.

Meanwhile, APHC leader MUZAFFARABAD: Acting President Sardar Ghulam Sadiq AJK Prime Minister Ch. Abdul Zafar Akbar Butt, addressing Majeed viewing photo exhibition depicting destruction by the 2005 earthquake. public meetings in different areas of Chadoora, called upon the United Nations to help settle the Kashmir dispute on humanitarian grounds.—APP

Jammu & Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed has said that the AJK government will amend the Interim Constitution Act 1974 soon with the consultation of all political parties and retired judges.

Addressing the annual session of AJK Supreme Court Bar Association in Muzaffarabad late Saturday evening, the Prime Minister said that the PPP had government played a vital role in the restoration of judiciary and reinstatement of deposed judges.

He lauded the lawyers’ role against dictator Gen. (Retd) Pervaiz Musharraf.

Majeed constituted a committee in the supervision of Health Minister for resolving the problems being faced by lawyers and judges.—APP

Authorities turning KU into hub of Congress politics: Shahid

JI condemns Kokernag woman’s killing by police

ISLAMABAD—Former President of Kashmir University Students Union, advocate Shahidul-Islam has said that the university authorities are converting seat of highest learning into hub of Congress politics in Kashmir.

Shahid-ul-Islam in a statement in Srinagar said that the current vice chancellor of the university had turned it into a Congress operational unit in order to change the mindset of the Kashmiri youth and strengthen the roots of the party in the territory,Kashmir Media Service reported.

“The authorities are promoting politics and bringing time and again Congress leaders to Kashmir University. This is an act to change the mindset of Kashmiri youth who are demanding freedom from India,” he added. He said that the Congress party Secretary General, Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit should have talked about the fulfilment of the pledges made by his grandfather and India’s first prime minister with the Kashmiris. “Instead he is asking youth to forget the past.

It is a joke,” he remarked.

India offered Ali Geelani IHK premiership in 1990

ISLAMABAD —India offered prime ministership by a group Abdullah. People will also come premiership of Indian Held Kashmir to the veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Geelani during his detention in a Jammu jail in early 1990s.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the startling revelation has been made in the second volume of the veteran leader’s autobiography ‘Wullar Kay Kinarai’ scheduled to be released on Wednesday at Tehreek-Hurriyet office in Srinagar in presence of writers, lawyers, journalists and families of Kashmir martyrs.

“Geelani sahib was offered

sent by New Delhi for negotiations. Geelani sa-hib was heading the political wing of Jamaate-Islami at that time,” said Ayaz Akbar, the spokesperson for the forum patronised by Syed Ali Geelani.

Giving details about the book, Akbar said, “Various important events of Kashmir’s recent political history as well as different dimensions of freedom struggle have been discussed in the book.”

“There is a detailed mention about the important meetings that took place between Geelani sahib and Sheikh Muhammad

to know about the atrocities which he faced during his imprisonment, the offer of prime ministership and other tactics used by Delhi in order to buy him.” The book is based on 686 pages with its foreword written

by Professor Khurseed Ahmed, who heads Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad (Pakistan).

The spokesperson said that Syed Ali Geelani had also written about the history behind the formation and division of Muslim United Front and the causes of eruption of armed struggle in Kashmir.—APP

high-end tourists to Kashmir, state government is “pitching hard for lifting of the negative travel advisories on J&K by foreign countries.” Replying in the legislative assembly here to a question by MLA Bharat Bhushan regarding the measures state has taken to promote tourism sector, minister of state for Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani said the government is pitching hard for lifting of the negative travel advisories.

Prof Bhat said that on this critical juncture of Kashmir history, the people should rise above the party politics and form a united voice so that “Kashmiris are the owners of Kashmir. They would not in any case accept the political or economic dominance. The days of masters and slaves are over.

Now no body is master, not slave”.

He said, “That Kashmir has been accepted as a dispute in

its historical and political perspectives. And Kashmiris want its solution through meaningful dialogue”. ”India and Pakistan are stakeholders of Kashmir issue and Kashmiris are the main party to the issue. They think that with the solution of the Kashmir issue, peace and stability would come in south Asia and in between the two countries, India and Pakistan”, he added.—NNI

Omar first CM to welcome anti-people decisions: Mehbooba

Raising slogans against LPG led government for not increasSRINAGAR — Days after the (A JK ) —Azad National Conference-led coali- cap, hundreds of party workers ing the cap from the state bud-

SRINAGAR— The Jamaat-eIslami of occupied Kashmir (JI) has condemned the recent killing of an elderly woman in police torture at Ahlan in Kokernag area of Islamabad district. The JI in a statement issued in Srinagar said, “The way some policemen subjected an elderly woman Mukhti of Ahlan Kokernag to physical violence instantly resulting in her death, clearly depicts how the custodians of law violently abuse and misuse it.” The statement said that entering into her house at midnight and then subjecting her to harsh physical violence was a wild action and the most terrible crime the perpetrators of which deserved an exemplary punishment. The Jamaat deAhmed and Shafaqat Iqbal were manding action against the policemen involved in killing and acquitted by a Delhi court.

A day after their release, expressed solidarity with the families of Ahmed and Iqbal bereaved family.—KMS claimed that they were detained in Jammu. MS Khan, counsel for Ahmed and Iqbal said that his clients were picked up from Jammu and illegally detained for five days before being brought to Delhi and arrested under false charges. Iqbal’s wife Rabiya told the media that her SRINAGAR—At least five perhusband had gone to Jammu to sons, including three women, were killed and thirteen others buy supplies.—SANA injured in two different road mishaps in Rajouri district. The five persons of a family who had gone to attend a religious function at Vijaypur in Samba programme for Srinagar city, it died when their vehicle collided was given out: “A project has with a truck near Balshama on been sanctioned and is under Jammu-Poonch highway in execution for heritage conserva- Rajouri district, said the Supertion of Old Srinagar city (old Lal intendent of Police Rajouri. Six Ded Memorial School, Jamia people were injured in the inciMasjid, Cooper Bazaar and dent. In a separate mishap, River view Front) at a cost of Rs seven persons were injured 5 crore.” The minister said in when a vehicle skidded off the future the tourist department will road and rolled down into a launch massive campaigns for gorge in Rajouri. On the other promotion of tourism products hand, one person was killed and categorized under categories: four others were injured in difHeritage, Adventure, Pilgrim ferent road accidents in the Kashmir Valley.—INP and Eco-tourism. —NNI

tion government ruled out any relief on cooking gas, Peoples Democratic Party activists led by its president, Mehbooba Mufti, took to streets to protest the 6-cylinder per household per year cap on LPG. With senior leaders, Tariq Hameed Karrah, Qazi Muhammad Afzal and Muhammad Dilawar Mir, in tow, she marched from party headquarters to Residency Road, where a large contingent of police stopped them from moving beyond Regal Chowk towards Lal Chowk.

staged a sit in and demonstrated in the Regal Chowk. They were shouting slogans: “Jab Se NC government aayee hai, tab se mehangayee chhayee hai.” Addressing the activists, Mehbooba said the cap on LPG had come at time when common man was living under the vicious impact of inflation. “An ordinary person is having tough time combating inflation and now with LPG prices getting doubled, the backbone of common people has been broken,” she said.

She lambasted the Omar-

get quota. “Omar was the first chief minister to welcome the centre’s anti-people decisions, whether it was increase in diesel prices, FDI in retail or cap on subsidized LPG, but when it comes to sharing the burden of common people, he says no funds are available,” added Mehbooba. “If the government of India provides six cylinders on subsidized rates, the state government should provide subsidy to six more from the state’s exchequer to ease the sufferings of common people.—NNI

Poonch administration admits unidentified graves SRINAGAR—The district ad- local people and the elders of in six police stations of the disministration of Poonch has admitted that the number of unidentified graves in the border district is 1681. However, human rights watchdogs place the number of such graves at 2700 in the district. This acknowledgment has been made in a 102page dossier submitted to the Human Rights Commission of the occupied territory. “All those killed during the militancy period have been duly identified by the agencies concerned and have been buried in presence of

the area,” reads the cover letter of the dossier compiled by the office of District Magistrate Poonch. Interestingly, the contents of the 102-page dossier contradict its own cover letter, which states that there are no unmarked graves in Poonch district. The report submitted with the covering letter shows that 1681 people remain unidentified and most of the columns designated for photographs, read “photos not found. The report, based on FIRs registered

trict over the last 22 years, is a contentious one as it doesn’t talk about the whereabouts of the people whose unidentified bodies were recovered from rivers, forests and other places in the last two decades in the district.

The report also endorses official version on some of the most controversial encounters.

On page 50 of the report, the column on Chamber encounter, states that all those killed in the gunfight on 18 August of 1990, still remain unidentified.—SANA

Indian court acquits two Kashmiris after fiver years detention NEW DELHI—New Delhi’s regular trip to Jammu to buy session court has acquitted two Kashmiris, arrested by Indian police from Jammu five years ago on fake charges. The court of Additional Sessions Judge Savita Rao turned down the Indian police claim that the detainees, Shabbir Ahmed and Shafaqat Iqbal, were planning an attack in New Delhi and acquitted them of all charges.

Mohammad Shafi’s son Shabbir Ahmad, a resident of Bhadarwah, had gone on his

utensils for their crockery shop.

When he did not return, Shafi went to Jammu to look for him.

Five days later, he saw pictures of his son and another man from his village on an Indian news channel. The newsreader had said that the two were members of a mujahid organisation and had been arrested in Delhi carrying RDX, detonators, grenades and cash for carrying out an attack in the Indian Capital.

After a five-year trial, Shabbir

5 killed, several injured in Rajouri mishaps

Puppet Govt seeks lifting of travel advisories on Kashmir SRINAGAR—In a bid to woo

said that stock piles of nuclear weapons in south Asia, international economic systems, effects of tug of war between international powers, and the need for security and peace are such historical and political processes which can play a vital role in solving the issue. He said Kashmir solution can’t be overlooked by the inattentive international organization; neither can it be put in cold storage in the interest of trade.

“The process of removing negative travel advisories has started. Germany has already lifted the advisory and with further improvement in the situation other European and American countries may follow suit,” the minister said.

He informed the House about “various incentives taken by state government to promote tourism industry.”

“Tourism department has roped in Ogilvy and Mather Private Limited, a New Delhi-based

advertising agency to manage the media plans of the department. Also a promotional film has been prepared which would be telecast on national and satellite TV channels at different intervals of time,” he said.

“We have recently conducted road-shows and held business sessions with tourist operators in south –east Asia (Malaysia and Bangkok) and participated in the Petes- De – Geneva festival,” the minister said.

On development

MUZAFFARABAD: A rally was taken out by the Directorate General Civil Defence, AJK, to observe anniversary of Oct 8, 2005 earthquake. Minister for Civil Defence Hafiz Tariq Mehmood also participated in the rally.

Protesters breach security in J&K Assembly, wave flags, shout slogans S RINAGAR — Three youths leapt into the well from the Mohammad Akbar Lone termed created a flutter in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday when they suddenly jumped in the well of the House and raised slogans demanding implementation of employment policy. The three youths, who got the passes on the request of expelled BJP member Jagdish Raj Sapolia,

gallery and were overpowered by marshals and detained.

The three Manish Khajuria, Sunny Malhotra and Ambedkar Gupta were holding flags of Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Front, floated by Sapolia.

Proceedings of the House were disrupted for a short while due to the incident. Speaker

the incident as contempt of the august House and directed secretary of the legislative assembly to initiate proceedings against the offenders including the abettor (MLA).

Lone said action will be taken against the youths as well as the MLA who had facilitated their entry into the House.—INP

Earthquake hit AJK areas awaiting new dawn life back to the pre-quake era in estimated by ERRA and the parts of the world who, by now, the government has set the time of ‘Build, Back Batter’. through the commendable ef- IOM (International OrganizaRAO ATIQ KHAN the quake-stricken areas of the SERA. Rs. 28 billion have so completed their respective mass frame for completion of rest of And all the completed forts by the Pakistani nation and tion for Migration, USAID, MIRPUR (AJK): —As a re- country including Azad Jammu far been spent for reconstruction development projects of the the projects within next two projects have been handed over the government, Pak Army, UN Mercy Corps, ICMC, UNDP, sult of the persistent liberal financial assistance and support by the government of Pakistan 60 percent of the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation works in the quake-hit AJK zone comprising five districts have been completed so far”, official sources said while referring to the updated progress. The history’s worst in AJK disaster had also hit various adjoining parts of KPK province besides the Indian-held Kashmir state.

It may be recalled that soon after the deadly catastrophe the government of Pakistan had chalked out a broadbased mass reconstruction and rehabilitation plan worth billions of rupees to bring the

& Kashmir. Secretary to the AJK government heading SERA Sardar Muhammad Raheem told this scribe today on the eve of the 7th anniversary of the earthquake that remaining 40 percent of the stipulated reconstruction and rehabilitation works in the quake affected areas in AJK was targeted to be completed by the end of year of 2014 with prime focus to revive the socio-economic conditions of the population of the affected zone, he elaborated.

Rs. 68.346 billion was the total need for completion of the entire reconstruction and rehabilitation plan to bring the life back to pre – October 08, 2005 era in the affected zone as was

and rehabilitation projects. Rest of the proposed allocated amount of Rs. 40 billion are immediately required for completion of about 3300 of new and ongoing projects of public welfare in the quake-stricken areas.

Construction work on 2100 projects is in progress at present.

Whereas the construction work on rest of 1200 projects would be launched subject to the availability of funds.

It may be added that the reconstruction and rehabilitation process comprising the aforesaid projects exclude the rehabilitation projects financially sponsored and executed so far by several foreign donors and countries as well as international NGOs from different

public welfare in the quake-hit areas in this State.

The deadly catastrophe had rocked AJK’s five districts of Muzaffarabad, Neelam valley, Bagh, Rawalakot and Sudhanoti. A total of 7984 development projects of reconstruction and rehabilitation were designed soon after the earthquake – of which 4694 projects have been completed so far and whereas construction work on about 2100 projects is going on”, according to Secretary SERA. According to the senior official concerned, the construction work on rest of about 1200 projects could not be executed due to the reported prevailing financial constraints. However

years period.

Rs. 16 billion would immediately be required for continuing and completing the development projects for next one year period. Immediate need of the funds also involve the material liability as well as the amounts of arrears of the contractors working on the projects.

The AJK SERA Secretary Sardar Raheem pointed out on a query that despite severe financial crises facing the country, a total of 350 projects related to education, water and sanitation, environmental projects, agriculture, and animal husbandry, health and transport sectors were completed this year in the quake-hit areas under the ERRA’s broaden vision

to the concerned government departments.

The day of October 8, 2005 will always considered to be the most mourned and tragic day in the history of Azad Jammu Kashmir and some adjoining parts of Indian-held Kashmir and the NWFP province of Pakistan when only in AJK, according to the official figures, a total of 45432 people lost their precious lives and 32212 others sustained serious injuries including thousands of those who lost the parts of their bodies becoming handicapped permanently in rest of their lives.

On the occasion of the 7th anniversary of October 8 earthquake, hectic recovery rescue and relief works, performed

agencies national and global NGOs and the donor countries, are recalled here before going through the reconstruction and rehabilitation process.

All said donor agencies had immediately rushed the quake hit zone and engaged round theclock for recovering the bodies, to rescue the injured and to provide immediate basic relief in form of food, clothing, beddings/blankets, other eatable items, tents, shelters besides for paying the immediate financial relief. Entire Pakistani nation and the government and the international community fully joined the victims in their hours of grief.

Besides Pak Army, various global organization including

UN Habitat and other donor and relief agencies exercised marvelous and massive relief efforts for the survival of maximum number of the victims.

Although one could not doubt in the sincerity of the governments of Pakistan and AJK and other concerned authorities in completely restoring life in the earth quake hit areas of AJK, it is the need of hour for the government to focus for completion of the reconstruction and rehabilitation process within the stipulated time frame (by the end of 2014) in the greater interests of the population of the affected zone in the State.

PIA pre-Hajj operation Amanullah Khan KARACHI —PIA ongoing Pre-hajj operation after 20 days has carried 48,558 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through 116 flights with an overall punctuality of 96 percent. PIA Spokesman said here on Monday.

He said that the Pre-Hajj flights from Sialkot concluded with 07 flights to Saudi Arabia carrying 3,498 intending pilgrims. PIA has so far carried 5,973 intending pilgrims through 12 flights from Karachi, 8,910 through 18 flights from Islamabad, 8,483 through 17 flights from Lahore, 10,065 intending pilgrims through 31 flights from Peshawar.

PIA has carried 7,128 intending pilgrims by 22 flights from Quetta, 4,501 by 9 flights from Multan and 3,498 intending pilgrims by 7 flights from Sialkot.

The airline’s Pre-hajj flights will conclude on 20 October 2012.

Collection of IT Staff Reporter LAHORE—Provincial Ombudsman Khalid Mahmood while declaring collection of income tax and professional tax during registration of rickshaws as illegal has ordered Excise & Taxation Department Punjab to immediately stop collection of these taxes. He ordered the Secretary Excise Punjab to initiate an inquiry for fixing the responsibility upon those officers who had collected the income tax and professional tax illegally during registration of rickshaws since 2007.

Provincial Ombudsman issued these orders on an application of Secretary General of Faisalabad Rickshaw Drivers Union Malik Nazir Ahmed who, in his application, had stated that ETO Faisalabad introduced computerized system for registration of rickshaws in 2007.

Rates for conversion KARACHI—The following rates will be applicable for conversion into rupees of Foreign Currency Deposits, Dollar Bearer Certificates, Foreign Currency Bearer Certificates, Special U.S. Dollar Bonds and profits thereon by all banks and for providing Forward Cover on Foreign Currency Deposits (excluding F.E.25 deposits) by the State Bank on Tuesday. The rates are U.S. Dollar Rs 95.5529, Japanese Yen Rs 1.2214, Pound Sterling Rs 153.5917 and Euro Rs 123.9034.— APP

POL prices F AISALABAD—The Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) on Monday urged the government to keep the diesel price low as it was used in industries and agriculture sectors.—APP

Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!

– C J Walker

Raja for exploring new trade avenues with Malaysia STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Monday said that businessmen from both Pakistan and Malaysia should explore new avenues so that the trade balance, which was presently in favour of the latter, could be reduced. The Prime Minister was talking to Dr Hasrul Sain Bin Mujtabar, Malaysian High Commissioner, who called on him here at the Prime Minister’s House.

The High Commissioner briefed the Prime Minister on the interest shown in trade with Pakistan by the Malaysian business delegation, which is currently visiting

Pakistan to participate in Expo 2012 in Karachi.

Dr Hasrul Sain Bin Mujtabar said that the Malaysian businessmen now had a better picture of Pakistan, which was different from what they heard from the media. He further informed the Prime Minister that the Malaysian businessmen were visiting various other cities of country and interacting with their counterparts.

The High Commissioner informed the Prime Minister that the Malaysian businessmen had told him that they would visit Pakistan again since it had great potential and the environment was also very

conducive.

The Prime Minister said that the relations between Pakistan and Malaysia were rooted in a common bond of history, religion and culture.

He said that there existed a free trade agreement between the two countries and “we need to create awareness about this agreement to enhance business partnership between both the countries”. The Prime Minister said, “Perception is not real- Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf chairing a meeting in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources. ity, seeing is believing”. The keenness of visiting Malaysian businessmen, he said, was a testimony that Pakistan had a great potential which presented opportunities to the investors.

LSE sheds 67.60 points STAFF REPORTER

Economic gravity shifts from West: CACCI chief

L AHORE —Bearish

trend prevailed in Lahore Stock Exchange on Monday as it shed 67.60 points, following the LSE-25 index opened with 3980.25 and closed at the creation of an ex- 3912.65 points.

Philippines on Monday.

M M ALAM CACCI Chief invited Pa- panded & coherent market The market’s overall K A R A C H I —Ambassador kistani businessmen to par- with stable financial & ef- situation, however, correBenedicto V. Yujuico Presi- ticipate in the 27th CACCI ficient logistics systems. sponded to an upward CACCI trend as it remained at dent Confederation of Asia- Conference to be held in Terming Pacfic Chambers of Com- March 14-15 next year in President’s visit to Paki- 4.294 million shares to merce & Industry (CACCI), Cebu & offered to concur- stan as timely, Tariq close against previous convinced that the centre of rently organize a Made in Sayeed pointed out it fol- turnover of 2.651 million economic gravity was shift- Pakistan Exhibition. He also lowed last week’s 26th shares, showing an upward ing from West to the Asian invited Pak entrepreneurs CACCI Katmandu Confer- move of 1.642 million region, has urged the CACCI to join the CACCI Presiden- ence. Noting that President shares. While, out of the members to benefit from tial visit to Myanmar next CACCI accompanied by total 98 active scrips 19 changed circumstances. He January & Japan in April. his delegation was visiting moved up, 49 remained was talking to FPCCI office CACCI Vice President Tariq Pakistan for the first time equal and 30 shed values.

United Bank Limited, bearers at Federation House Sayeed stressing on the ever, Tariq Sayeed held that he visited with a high rank- importance of regional inte- that it manifested the con- Attock Refinery Limited and ing delegation comprised of gration amongst the Asia fidence expressed in the in- Habib Bank Limited were leading businessmen from Pacific countries opined it vestment & trade potential Major Gainer of the day by recording increase in their Taiwan, Hong Kong & the could be achieved through here. per share value by Rs 3.32, Rs 1.50 and Rs 1.26 respectively.

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited, Nishat Mills Limited and Pakistan State Oil Company Limited stan to promote Pak-Italian lost their per share value by SALIM AHMED trade and economic activi- Rs 3.07, Rs 2.84 and Rs 2.57 STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —The Italian Am- ties. respectively.

The Ambassador said to Pakistan L A H O R E —Nanchuan In- bassador dustrial Park Business De- Adriano Chiodi Cianfarani that a number of leading Italvelopment Centre has been has said that Italian Chamber ian oil and energy companies inaugurated in Lahore. The of Commerce (ICC) will start were operational in Pakistan centre set up by Chinese working in Pakistan by the and more would soon be putgovernment will facilitate end of this year. Initially it ting their money in this part STAFF REPORTER Chinese entrepreneurs for would be established in of the world.

He said that Italy would I SLAMABAD —The palm oil investment in Punjab as Karachi while other chapters well as provide necessary would be set-up in cities like like to cooperate in renewable imports into the country witenergy especially the solar nessed decrease of 12.22 perguidance to investors of Lahore later.

The Ambassador was one as it had been cooperat- cent during the first two the Punjab to set up their businesses in China. A speaking at the Lahore Cham- ing with other countries in months of the current fiscal year as compared to the same similar centre will also be ber of Commerce and Indus- this field.

He also underlined the period of last year. set up in China for this pur- try. The LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar, LCCI Senior need for frequent exchange The palm oil imports into pose.

Speaking on the inaugu- Vice President Irfan Iqbal of trade delegations for the the country during July-Sepral ceremony, Director Gen- Sheikh, Vice President Mian promotion of bilateral trade tember (2012-131) were recorded at US$409.360 million eral Administration Commit- Abuzar Shad and First Sec- and investment.

He said that a big Italian against the imports of tee Nanchuan Industrial Park retary in Italian Embassy Huang Guojun said that pur- Federico Blanchi also spoke trade delegation would soon US$466.360 million during Julyvisit Pakistan to have first September (2011-12), accordpose of opening office in on the occasion.

The Italian Ambassador hand knowledge about the ing to the data of Pakistan BuLahore is to facilitate Pakiopportunities reau of Statistics (PBS). Howstani and Chinese investors the Italian Chamber of Com- available merce is being setup in Paki- here. ever, on the other hand, the to initiate new projects. imports of soyabean oil increased by 22.23 percent during the period under review by going up from US$ 24.343 million to US$ 29.755 million.

In terms of quantity, the palm oil imports decreased by 1.65 percent while the imports of soyabean oil witnessed positive growth of 22.50 percent, the data revealed. During the month of August 2012, the imports of palm oil witnessed decrease of 0.80 percent and 57.38 percent as compared to the imports of August 2011 and July 2012 respectively.

The palm oil imports during August 2012 stood at US$ 198.856 million against the imports of US$ 199.918 milPresident KCCI Muhammad Haroon Agar presenting a crest to Consul General of Sri lion in August 2011 and US$ Lanka D W Jinadasa.

211.035 million in July 2012.

Business development centre opened

ICC being set up in Pak to promote trade with Italy

Palm oil imports decrease

PTCL launches Vfone Sindh package

STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD —In an unbeatable new offer, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has launched an attractive ‘Vfone Sindh Package’ for its Vfone customers in Sindh, giving them the freedom to communicate at the most economical call rates.

Introduced specially for Sindh , this unique offer allows PTCL’s Vfone Sindh customers to make calls at nominal rates of Rs 0.50 paisa only. The daily line rent of Vfone Sindh package will be Rs. 0.50 per day, while

call rates for Vfone to Vfone and Vfone to PTCL Landline will be Rs. 0.50 per min. Customers can call mobile & other LLOs at Rs. 0.50 per 20 sec.

Supported by highspeed CDMA 1x technology, Vfone also offers SMS facility to all networks at a nominal rate of Rs. 0.30 per SMS while internet charges are Rs. 2.00 per 15 min.

“With this offer, PTCL aims to facilitate its customers offering them true mobility and affordability.” said PTCL Senior Executive Vice President Commercial, Naveed Saeed. “Our aim is to

Call to promote export of jems, jewellery STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —The first formal meeting of newly elected office-bearers of Gold Art Promotion Council Pakistan, under the chairmanship of Chairman Regional Standing Committee on Gems and Jewellery of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Muhammad Ahmad was held on Monday.

The meeting keeping in view the present situation emerging after Pakistan-India trade relations and the recent visit of the joint delegation of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Gold Art Promotion Council-Pakistan to India, formed a seven-committee Pak-India Gems and Jewellery Business Committee, headed

by GAPC-Pakistan President

Muhammad Ahmad.

The committee members include: Vice-Chairman, Muhammad Sohail Ismail (Karachi), members, Irfan Qureshi, Muhammad Faisal, Nazim Ali, Irfan Salahuddin and Muhammad Tahir Malik.

Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Ahmad said that after ever-rising gold prices and devaluation of Pak rupee against dollar, there was an urgent need for enhanced trade with India in the field of gems and jewellery.

“It will help Pakistan come out of the economic crunch.

It is a fact that India has made big achievements in the gems and jewellery sector and it is necessary for us to attract the world attention to our unlimited natural wealth of gems,” he added.

exceed customer expectations by offering affordable rates and quality services.”

“Keeping in mind the needs of the customers PTCL is tailoring its products and services according to various regional needs,” said PTCL Executive Vice President Wireless, Omar Khalid.

“PTCL Vfone offers unmatched voice quality and SMS service with access to high-speed Internet and mobility.”

PTCL Vfone has the country’s largest WLL coverage and is available with both prepaid and postpaid options.

Ex-APTMA chief welcomes cut in discount rate STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—Former, Chairman, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Mohsin Aziz has welcomed the decision of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for announcing 50bps cut in the discount rate and termed it very beneficial for textile sector of the country and continuous and consequent reduction in two policies is a very well come sign and be hoped that such policies would continue and further reduction in discount rate in the next monetary policies so as to bring the discount rate to approximately 7-8 percent.

The former chairman, APTMA said that the association was persistently persuading the central bank and senior officials of the government functionaries.

Annual conference of Indus Motor dealers held STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Indus Motors Company (IMC) claims that Toyota enjoys the trust of Pakistani consumers, this was pointed out by Miyamoto, EVP, External Affairs, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific.

He was speaking at 21st annual dealer conference of Indus Motor Company here, says a statement on Monday.

He congratulated the IMC on its record performance in 2012 and expressed hope that the company would face all challenges head on and continue to post

substantial growth in coming years.

Chairman IMC, Ali S. Habib, in his address, mentioned that auto industry did well during FY12 despite a very challenging macro environment. He stressed the need of upholding ‘Customer First’ philosophy by the dealership staff so that customer may realize the value of after-sale service which differentiates new cars from old imported cars.

He also stated that IMC team and all its dealerships will continue to strive harder for sustained growth

and will sail through the difficult period soon. Indus Motor Company’s 21st Annual Dealer Conference, under the theme, ‘Rhythm of Success’ was attended by the Dealership CEOs, officials of Toyota Motor Corporation Japan, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, senior management from House of Habib, business partners and the Indus Management Team.

To recognize the dealers’ efforts, awards were presented during the conference to the best dealerships in the three regions.

PIP to serve as a think-tank for oil and gas sector STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Dr. Asim Hussain, Minister and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources has stressed upon the Exploration & Production Companies operating in Pakistan to support the Petroleum Institute of Pakistan (PIP) and to help develop it into a think-tank for policy initiatives for the Oil & Gas sector. He said this while chairing the Semi-

nar titled “Pakistan’s Potential in Oil & Gas Sector” organized by PIP here in OGDC House, Islamabad today.

Dr. Asim Hussain said that Pakistan offers great potential in the Oil & Gas sector and the Government is doing its part by introducing new policies to meet the rising energy demand. He assured full cooperation and facilitation to all investors who wished to invest in the country’s oil & gas sector. He further said that the Govern-

ment is also working on Tight Gas, Low BTU Gas, Shale Gas, Marginal Gases, Flared Gas and Stranded Gas policies in order to tap the available resources for the benefit of the country.

Outlining the achievements of the present Government / Ministry of Petroleum, Dr. Asim Hussain informed that 1.6 million consumers were given gas connections at a cost of Rs. 10.41 billion while 879 km of transmission lines and 39,707 km of distri-

bution and service lines were added to gas network with an investment of Rs. 61.164 billion during the last four and half years of the present government. As a result of efforts being made, 750 MMCFD gas is likely to be added in the system by June 2013, an increase of 20%.

Minister / Advisor on Petroleum informed that the Ministry prepared National Mineral Policy 2012 to meet the challenges of large scale mining and enhance interna-

tional competitiveness. It was stated that the country imported oil to the tune of Rs. 15 billion dollars which constituted 36% of the overall import bill of the country.

Besides, the value of the gas produced in the country is 4.3 billion dollars and oil produced in the country is 2.4 billion dollars.

Topics of the PIP seminar, covered by senior industry officials and Government Officers, included Policy Reforms, Pakistan Business

Relationships with Iran and Turkmenistan, Achievements of the E&P Sector, Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) to Counter Natural Gas Crises and Future Outlook of LNG in Pakistan.

In his closing address Chairman PIP Mr. Asim Murtaza Khan, informed that PIP would conduct a series of seminars in the next couple of months on topics of “Shale Gas potential in Pakistan”, “Fast Tracking LNG Imports” and “LPG Outlook

in Pakistan”.

The Petroleum Institute of Pakistan (PIP), which represents all segments of the petroleum industry, was established in July 1963 for the purpose of promoting and coordinating the activities of oil and gas sector in Pakistan.

Currently the institute consists of 25 industrial collective members and is administered by a board of directors.

Broadly the objectives of the institute is to engage in activities for promoting the long

term development of the oil & gas sector in Pakistan.

This includes forecasting the energy demand and supply position of the country over a 15-year period, which the institute undertakes through its “Pakistan Energy Outlook” document showcasing the energy scene of the country and suggesting solutions for its energy issues. PIP is a country member of International Gas Union and World Petroleum Council.

RCCI wants immediate construction of KBD to resolve energy crisis STAFF REPORTER R AWA L P I N D I — P r e s i d e n t Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Manzar Khurshid Shaikh on Monday said that business community is facing many issues there is need to facilitate them if government wants growth in business sector. He stated this while addressing the press conference here in Rawalpindi. Senior Vice President Ch Perviaz Ahmed Warriach and Vice President Ch Nadeem A Rauf were also present on the occasion.

President RCCI said that because of the many issues

SECP facilitates companies on AGMs STAFF REPORTER

to business community businessmen are selling their units and moving to other countries. There is need to stop them and it could be possible if government give them incentives and provide all the facilities. “RCCI is also paying its role to stop them going to other countries and doing meetings with them,” he added.

Shaikh said that energy and law and order situation is worst in the country government should make strong policy to control them if they really want growth in industries and attract foreign investors. He said in long term solution of energy crisis gov-

Efforts underway to use Thar coal for power generation

Shipping remains active at PQ

is not sustainable as reflected in country’s inability to utilize 100% of its power generation capacity due to lack of funds for furnace oil purchase. Development of power plants on imported coal will merely shift reliance from one imported energy source to another with inherent international pricing risks. Our furnace oil based energy tariff has gone up from 1.8 cents in mid 90s to 15 cents. Against this, we rejected Shenua’s offer of Thar coal based fuel energy component at Usc 2.7/KWh in mid 90s which would have increased only to USc 3.6 / Kwh now.

Thar has an enormous energy potential. SECMC’s Thar Block-2, which is only 1% of the entire Thar coal reserves, can produce 4000 MW for next 50 years. Total foreign exchange savings for

KARACHI—Three ships car-

TARIQ KHATTAK

ISLAMABAD—The Securities I SLAMABAD —Government and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has, in view of the forthcoming Eidul Azha holidays during the last week of October, clarified that the companies closing their financial year on June 30, can hold their Annual General Meetings (AGMs)

by November 3, 2012.

The companies that closed their financial years on June 30, were required to hold their AGMs by October 31, 2012, in accordance with the provisions of Section 158 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984. This decision has been made to facilitate companies and encourage maximum shareholder participation in the AGMs.

PAMA elects new chairman STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) as part of its yearly rotation has elected Mr. Parvez Ghias as the new Chairman and Mr. Saquib H Shirazi as the new Vice Chairman. Both the office bearers have a long association with the local auto industry and are well-known and highly respected in the auto and business sectors.

Talking about the role of PAMA, the new Chairman, Parvez Ghias said that he is committed to steering the auto industry towards a better future. While Saquib Sharazi commented that the association is determined to tackle all challenges and resolve issues currently being faced by the auto industry.

Parvez Ghias has been a part of auto industry for the last seven years. Currently, he is the Chief Executive Officer of Indus Motor Company Limited, a leading automobile manufacturer in the country of Toyota and Daihatsu brands.

Whereas, PAMA’s new Vice Chairman Saquib H Shirazi is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Honda Limited and a member of the Group Executive Committee and Director Strategic Planning of the Atlas Group.

ernment work on Kala Bagh year, he infromed.

The construction of Dam, as with this we could overcome energy crisis and also save many areas by flood.

“We have already lost over $70 billion due to delay in construction of Kalabagh Dam. The government must now consider construction of the dam since both the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank have no objection to funding the project,” he added A four-year delay in funding added $500 million per year to the $12 billion project and deprived the country of $8 billion in annual benefits at the rate of $2 billion per RAWALPINDI: President RCCI Manzar Khurshid Shaikh addressing a press conference.

of Pakistan (GOP) has decided to convert all the existing and new power plants on the specification of Thar Coal versus earlier plan of converting these on imported coal. In a historic decision, GOP has decided that a coal off-take agreement would be signed between Generation Company (GENCO) and Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC). This decision is in line with the MoU signed between Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) and SECMC, whereby it was agreed that after the approval of the feasibility report, PEPCO would sign Coal Supply Agreement with SECMC. Pakistan’s existing power generation mix with 40% reliance on imported furnace oil

PPA offices inspected STAFF REPORTER I S L A M A B A D —An Inspection team comprising officers from Competition Commission of Pakistan carried out search/inspection of the premises of Pakistan Poultry Association offices located in Lahore and Islamabad today.

The inspection was carried out in the wake of suspicion of anti-competitive behavior on part of Pakistan Poultry Association.

The Commission received certain information indicating that the association may have prima facie acted in contravention of Section 4 of the Competition Act by favoring business entities for the export of poultry products and by acting on behalf of the poultry industry in commercial operations.

4000 MW of Thar coal based power plants are estimated at more than USD 50bn for life of the project.

SECMC has completed the feasibility study on Thar Coal project, confirming the technical, commercial and environmental viability of the project. All the required government approvals have been obtained and the mining work is likely to start later this year, subject to the coal offtake agreement between GENCO and SECMC. Government of Sindh is also diligently working on the completion of infrastructural setup, which is in line with the development of the mine.

SECMC’s mining project, which will cost US$ 1.3 billion is expected to take less than four years for completion. Failing which, the company will be liable to pay the liquidated damages.

BoK new Islamic branch starts operation in F-10 STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—The Bank of Khyber (BoK) Raast Islamic Banking Branch started operations in Islamabad after a formal inauguration by Ameer Haider Khan Hoti, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in graceful ceremony on Monday at F-10 Markaz Islamabad.

Ameer Haider Khan Hoti appreciated the efforts of the BOK management in enhancement of its network across the country which alternatively helps the socio-economic activities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province through BoK. The formal inauguration ceremony was also attended by Bilal Mustafa, Managing Director Bank of Khyber (BOK), Syed Massom Shah Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, BOK Group Head Credits Mr. Imran Samad,

Group Head Raast Islamic Banking Kamran Masood Khan, Group Head HRD Mohammad Tariq Naseem, SVP Business Development Islamic, Sohail Khan, Head Marketing Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani, Chief Manager Islamabad Blue area branch, Mohammad Fawad Sadozai, Manager Raast Islamic Banking branch Rawalpindi Bank Road, Noor Nawaz Khan whereas Manager of F-10 Markaz branch Maqsood Ahmad Co-ordinate the inaugural ceremony events.

Managing Director, Bilal Mustafa Managing Director BOK while briefing the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ameer Haider Khan Hoti expressed thanks to the Chief Minister and his Government for their support in achieving various developmental goals of BOK.

Samsung wins reconsideration of Galaxy Tab sales ban

OBSERVER REPORT ISLAMABAD: Amir Haider Khan Hoti, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, inaugurating The Bank of Khyber Raast Islamic Banking branch at F-10 Markaz, Islamabad.

Bilal Mustafa, Managing Director, BoK, was also present on the occasion.

US-Pakistan business opportunities conference concludes in London STAFF REPORTER I S L A M A B A D — P a k i s t a n ’s Ambassador to the United States Ms Sherry Rehman said on Monday that her country offered one of the best rate of returns to the business companies and that the American companies could benefit from the liberal business and investment regime in Pakistan.

She appreciated the idea of bringing the businesses of the two countries together and expressed hope that the Pakistan-USA Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) would be concluded to the satisfaction of both sides.

She was addressing the concluding session of the

two-day US-Pakistan Business Opportunities Conference held in London on Monday. According to a statement of the BOI issued here today, the conference was co-hosted by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) , Embassy of Pakistan, Washington DC, Board of Investment, and Ministry of Commerce, Islamabad on 4-5 October 2012 in London.

Ambassador Susman, the US Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Wajid Shamsul Hasan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UK patronized this conference.

The conference was significant as it was the first time a bilateral business initiative has been taken between the

two governments under the Pakistan-USA Trade & Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).

On Monday Morning in London ,the US Ambassador Susman, Ambassador Sherry Rehman, Pakistani High Commissioner to UK Wajid Shamsul Hasan, Assistant US Trade Representative Michael Delany, Secretary Commerce Munir Qureshi and Chairman Board of Investment Salim Mandviwala spoke at the plenary session of the conference and made a strong pitch for Pakistan-US economic relations that were growing and consistent as the one constant that had not been undermined by stresses in other areas of the relationship.

the hilly terrain while Kalabagh will irrigate seven million acres of land and produce 3,800 megawatts of electricity,” he said.

Talking about the RCCI Manzar Khurshid has said that Rawalpindi Chamber is one of the oldest Chamber in the country and working bridge the gap between business community and the government.

He told reporters that in 1991 first industrial estate was made by RCCI. Although government has withdrawn all the facilities from industrial estate despite that business community is working over there. Answering a

question regarding working of RCCI for business community Manzar Khurshid has said that RCCI has always tried its best to support the business community at the time of need, as in ephedrine case Anti-Narcotic Force (ANF) was harassing many businessmen but now because of the efforts of RCCI they have stopped harassing business community.

Talking about the tax paying system President RCCI has said that government should attract and facilitate the tax payer and make tax friendly culture otherwise people would not pay tax and in return government would facing loss.

Pending payments be resolved immediately: NHA chief STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Chairman NHA Muhammad Javaid Iqbal Awan has said that the matters pertaining to old land acquisition cases and their pending payments may be resolved immediately. He asked the concerned officials to prepare a list of the pending liabilities with the oldest payments at top. Chairman said that NHA should strive to pay off the old liabilities first so that the common man whose land has been acquired by NHA be benefit-

ted. Chairman said this while attending a briefing in NHA Auditorium. Member Finance, Member Admn, Member construction and other officials attended the meeting.

Chairman while addressing the officers said that there should be no compromise on the specification and standards during the construction of the projects. National Highway Authority has a reputation of international organization and it should maintain it to the highest standards.

He asked the officials to work even harder to maintain the standards achieved and bring good name to the organization.

While briefing the Chairman, Member Construction Mr. Yusuf Ali told that presently NHA is constructing 42 projects all over Pakistan with a cost of Rs. 113 billion. Rs. 19 billion are being spent on these projects during the current financial year , he added.18 projects are in Punjab, 11 in Sindh, 8 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 5 in Baluchistan, he told.

Accord inked for spreading e-health in Pakistan STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —The concept of e-health is getting more and more popular in whole world with every passing day and now it is high time to boost this important sector in Pakistan, said speakers a ceremony to sign agreement for spreading e-health.

The agreement was inked

by Syed Jamshed Ahmed, CEO PharmEvo and Zaman Gulzar, Executive Vice President PTCL in an impressive ceremony at a local hotel on Friday evening. CEO Syed Jamshed Ahmed said the information technology revolution is being described as the most important development in the history of humankind since the industrial revolution, characterized as ‘The Third Wave’ by Alvin Toffler – Associate Editor of Fortune Magazine. He said keeping in view the continuing advances in information and communications technology, the applications of computers in medicine have in-

S AN F RANCISCO —A U.S. appeals court ruled that a lower court should reconsider a sales ban against Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 won by Apple in a patent dispute with the South Korean electronics maker.

The injunction was put in place ahead of a month-long trial that pitted iPhone maker Apple Inc against Samsung Electronics Co Ltd in a closely watched legal battle that ended with a resounding victory for Apple last month on many of its patent violation claims.

However, the jury found that Samsung had not violated the patent that was the basis for the tablet injunction and Samsung argued the sales ban should be lifted. U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh said she could not act because Samsung had AMANULLAH KHAN already appealed.— Newswire KARACHI —Flight of capital and manpower at a massive scale is virtually feared from Karachi due to every day killing of innocent citizens endlessly, kidnapping for ransom, extortions causing a sense of insecurity among L AHORE—Agriculture Mar- the people in general and keting Information Service trade and industry in particuPunjab (AMISP) issued rates lar.

Business community of agriculture products in local market on Monday. Fol- leader SM Muneer has lowing are per 100 kg rates of sounded a note of warning different agriculture prod- that nerve wracking law and ucts in Lahore market: Maize order situation has extremely minimum Rs 2000 and maxi- disturbed the people belong mum 2200, Rice Super Karnal to business community leavBasmati (New) minimum Rs 10000 and maximum Rs 11500, Rice Basmati (old) minimum Rs 11000 and maximum Rs 12500, white sugar minimum Rs 5140 and maximum Rs 5140, white gram (local) minimum Rs 10000 and maximum STAFF REPORTER Rs 10000, Red Chili Whole (Dry) minimum Rs 15500 maximum Rs 15500, Cauli- K ARACHI —Synergy Group flower minimum Rs 4000 and has signed a partnership maximum Rs 4400, Onion agreement with Aegis Group minimum Rs 3200 and maxi- Plc – one of the leading Memum Rs 3700, Tomato mini- dia and Communications mum Rs 3200 and maximum Group, whereby both compaRs 3800, Ginger (china) mini- nies have entered into a stramum Rs 10000 and maximum tegic partnership to impleRs 11000, Garlic (China) mini- ment media solutions in mum Rs 10000 and maximum Pakistan.As the first step of Rs 10600, Peas minimum Rs this partnership, Synchronize 11000 and maximum Rs 12000, Media, a Synergy Group willrepresent Lady Finger minimum Rs 3500 Company Carat, Media Agency of Aeand maximum Rs 4000, Brinjal minimum Rs 800 and maxi- gis Group in Pakistan.

With this new associamum Rs 1000, Potato Fresh minimum Rs 2400 and maxi- tion, Synchronize Media furmum Rs 2800, Apple (Golden) ther strengthens its reputaminimum Rs 4000 and maxi- tion as one of the leading media buying houses in Pakimum Rs 4500.—APP

creased rapidly, and have acquired the potential to revolutionize healthcare.

He said a survey by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has shown that health surfers, including doctors, are the biggest measurable group of web users. He said Pharmevo understands its responsibility to protect the en-

Pharmaceutical industry.

He said the marketing team of PharmEvo has come up with another innovative and cause oriented marketing campaign by the name of “N.I.S.E Campaign” (NICE Initiative in Spreading EHealth). Under the umbrella of this campaign PharmEvo has planned to develop

vironment for our present and our future generations. We feel privileged to be viewed as a role model and pioneers of causeoriented marketing in Pakistan

“Wifi Zones” across Pakistan in public and private hospitals to provide an uninterrupted internet facility to healthcare professionals.

Business community to hold convention on law and order

AMISP issues rates of commodities

Etihad Airways, Air France partnership L AHORE —Etihad Airways and Air France-KLM have signed a historic agreement to codeshare on flights across the airlines’ networks, the first phase of a much larger strategic partnership which commences on October 28, and will also be including flights from Pakistan.

The wide-ranging codeshare agreement will see Etihad Airways and Air France-KLM offering joint codes on destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. At the same time, Air France is announcing a new codeshare agreement with airberlin, Europe’s sixth largest airline, in which Etihad Airways holds a 29.21 per cent stake.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “This deal, Etihad Airways’ 40th codeshare, marks a momentous milestone for both airline groups and offers countless opportunities to develop an unrivalled commercial relationship”.

rying containers wheat and urea were allotted berths on Qasim International Containers Terminal and FAP Terminals respectively during last 24 hours.

Meanwhile one more ship scheduled to offload crude oil was also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours.

Berth occupancy was 45% at the Port on Monday where total number of five ships namely Maersk Carolina, MSC Lana, Thurgau, Ocean Star and M.V Ana Dorothea are currently occupying berths to load/offload containers, cement, wheat and urea respectively during last 24 hours.

A cargo volume of 51623 tonnes comprising 14181 tonnes imports and 37442 tonnes exports inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 2116 containers (Boxes) were handle at the Port Qasim during last 24 hours.—APP

Kalabagh Dam has been a longstanding dispute among provinces, which forced the government to abandon the project.

“Opposition to Kalabagh is not based on technical grounds, rather it is a political issue being raised to destabilise the country,” the business leader said.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh would not turn dry after the dam was constructed, rather these provinces would become barren in absence of this mega project, said Manzar adding that, “Bhasha Dam will not help irrigate agriculture land as no canal can be made in

ing no option but to opt for a complete shut down if the government did not take stringent measures effectively to control deteriorating law and order situation forthwith.

Addressing at a reception in honour of newly elected Chairman Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, Mohammad Zubair Chhaya by DSI Group, Muneer said that in a meeting of trade and industry’s representatives it was decided to shut down trade and industry across the country for two days.

However, the decision has been put-off for the time

being and we have decided to hold a nationwide convention of business community in Lahore in order to plan future line of action.

He said that Karachi is a mini-Pakistan and if anything happens to this city the entire country would get paralyzed. He said that the business community does not want to impose martial law in the country as it fully opts for democracy.

He however questioned that where is government and where are law enforcing agencies. He said that much of the police force is performing duty for the protocol of VIPs.

Synergy Group, Aegis Media Group enter into partnership stan. Having recently earned the title of #1 media network

by RECMA (Research Company Evaluating the Media

Agency Industry ,Carat has a proven global track record of one of the finest media agencies in the world.

Michael Nederlof, CEO Carat, Middle East and North Africa, Ahmed Kapadia, MD, Synergy Group and Ali Mandviwalla, COO, Synergy Group are present at the signing ceremony.

Romney eyes more aggressive than Obama’s ME policy

Iraq, Russia to focus on Syria BAGHDAD—Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri AlMaliki set off for Moscow on Monday to boost defense and trade ties, but events in Syria loom large over talks between two states criticized over their support for Damascus. Maliki’s visit, his first to Russia in three and a half years, comes with Baghdad and Moscow accused of helping prop up embattled President Bashar Assad during a nearly 19-month uprising which according to a watchdog has left more than 31,000 dead. The two countries have persistently called for a political solution to the conflict, and have avoided explicitly pushing for Assad to give up power as Western and Arab leaders have argued for. “The stance of Iraq calls for finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis, and it is opposed to violence ... for solving the crisis,” Maliki said in a recent television interview. “Iraq has not intervened in Syria on behalf of the regime’s interests, or for the interests of the armed opposition,” he continued. Iraq has pushed its own proposals for ending the conflict by calling for an end to violence by all parties, the holding of new elections and the formation of a transitional government in Syria, with which it shares a 600-kilometer (375-mile) border. Moscow, meanwhile, has used its veto power within the UN Security Council to block resolutions condemning the Syrian regime’s use of force. “Syria will be on the negotiating table during the PM’s visit, they will discuss a way to solve the current conflict there,” said Ali Al-Haidari, a Baghdad-based security analyst. “The international community has a problem when it comes to the Syrian opposition, which is made up of a mixture of Al-Qaeda and the civilian and liberal opposition,” Haidari added. —Reuters

Venezuela opposition despondent CARACAS—Venezuela’s young opposition leader Henrique Capriles began election day on Sunday jovially donning his “lucky shoes” - but ended it gravely trying to stem the tears of shattered supporters. Yet another victory for Hugo Chavez, this one giving him a new sixyear term, was too much to bear for some of the volunteers and fans who coalesced around Capriles for the opposition’s best shot at unseating the president since he was elected 14 years ago. “People should not feel defeated.

God’s timing is perfect, the country is not going to end today,” Capriles consoled them, as he accepted electoral defeat shortly before midnight. In the morning light, the opposition will reflect on an improved showing - 45 percent this time, up from 37 percent at the last presidential election, held in 2006.

In Capriles they still have undoubtedly their most successful anti-Chavez candidate. The 40-year-old state governor showed extraordinary energy on the campaign trail with a months-long “house-by-house” tour and made inroads into poor Chavez heartlands where the opposition had barely been able to show its face before. He also managed to keep the hard-won and fragile unity of a diverse coalition of 30 or so political organizations, from left to right, whose only common factor was opposition to Chavez. “Capriles has been, by far, the best candidate who has faced Chavez, and his story is barely starting.”—Reuters

Suu Kyi willing to be president YANGON—Myanmar: Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi declared her willingness on Monday to serve as president, and her party’s intention to amend the constitution to allow her to do so. Suu Kyi said it is her duty as leader of the National League for Democracy party to be willing to take the executive office if that is what the people want. Myanmar’s next election is in 2015. “I’m a leader of a political party. As a political party leader, I also have to have the courage to be president. If that is what the people want, I will do so,” Suu Kyi told a news conference. Responding to a question, she said a clause in the constitution that effectively bars her from the job is one of several her party wants to change. Suu Kyi returned last week from a 17-day trip in the United States, where she was feted as a hero of democracy. Myanmar’s reformist President Thein Sein also visited the US last month. Thein Sein, a former general, has launched a series of political reforms since taking office last year after almost five decades of repressive military rule. In an interview with the BBC during his trip, he said he could accept the idea of Suu Kyi taking his job.

“Whether she will become a leader of the nation depends on the will of the people. If the people accept her, then I will have to accept her,” Thein Sein said. Suu Kyi’s party boycotted the last election in 2010, saying several aspects of the election law were unfair and undemocratic.—Reuters

UK, Japan scientists win Nobel prize STOCKHOLM—Scientists from Britain and Japan shared the Nobel Prize in Medicine on Monday for the discovery that adult cells can be reprogrammed back into stem cells which can turn into any kind of tissue and may one day repair damaged organs. John Gurdon, 79, of the Gurdon Institute in Cambridge, Britain and Shinya Yamanaka, 50, of Kyoto University in Japan, discovered ways to create tissue that would act like embryonic cells, without the need to harvest embryos. They share the $1.2 million prize equally. “These groundbreaking discoveries have completely changed our view of the development and specialisation of cells,” the Nobel Assembly at Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute said in a statement. The big hope for stem cells is that they can be used to replace damaged tissues in everything from spinal cord injuries to Parkinson’s disease. All of the tissue in the body starts as stem cells, before developing into mature skin, blood, nerves, muscle and bone. Scientists once thought it was impossible to turn adult tissue back into stem cells, which meant that new stem cells could only be created by harvesting embryos. But Yamanaka and Gurdon showed that development can be reversed, turning adult cells back into cells that behave like embryos.—Reuters

Mango men will be Vadra’s nemesis NEW DELHI—Taking a dig at Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Vadra over his Facebook status that read ‘Mango men in a banana republic’, anti-graft activist Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: “Evidence pouring in from mango men from across the country.

Mango men wud prove to be nemesis for the powerful.” Vadra’s Facebook status angered many and India Against Corruption (IAC) activists called it an insult to the nation. IAC member Kumar Vishwas told CNN-IBN: “Today Robert Vadra has written ‘mango people in banana republic’ on his Facebook page. He insulted our country because he is related with the most arrogant family ie the Gandhi family. He should apologise before the nation.” Facing criticisms for his post, Vadra had to eventually close his Facebook account. But before closing his Facebook account, Vadra posted: “Looks like some friends on my Facebook account lack a sense of humor. Whatever I post becomes a topic of debate on TV. So, I will deactivate my Facebook account now and open a new one with sensible friends.”—Reuters

VIRGINIA—Republican presi- Obama has pursued a stratdential nominee Mitt Romney will vow to pursue a more aggressive policy toward the Middle East (ME) if elected in an attempt to draw a sharp distinction with how President Barack Obama has handled Libya, Iran, Syria and the Arab-Israeli dispute. Romney, in remarks at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, will make a case that his policy views reflect what advisers called the mainstream “peace through strength” doctrine they said had been pursued by prior presidents from Harry Truman to Ronald Reagan to Bill Clinton.

The address will help Romney set the stage for his second presidential debate with the Democratic incumbent on October 16. The next debate, at Hofstra University in New York state, will cover Afghans gather at the site of a bombing in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province Monday. A bomb hidden in a parked both domestic and foreign minibus exploded outside a government office killing two Afghan intelligence officers and wounding over a dozen policy in a town hall format. other people.

Romney was widely seen as having won the first debate last Wednesday in Denver, and his strong performance has halted a slide in the polls and appears to have given him new confidence for the last month of campaigning.

Romney will say that

Israel strikes Gaza targets after rocket salvo

GAZA—Israel said it struck says over 470 rockets have Younis in southern Gaza said coordination” with Islamic targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday after Palestinian militants fired rockets at southern Israel, in what they said was a response to an Israel air strike on Sunday that wounded two militants and eight bystanders.

Sunday’s Israeli air strike was aimed at two Palestinian militants, one of whom was critically wounded. The armed wing of Hamas, the Islamists who control the Gaza Strip, said it joined in Monday’s rocket attack along with the Islamic Jihad group.

Gaza has been under the control of Hamas since 2007.

The Islamist group rejects permanent peace with Israel and the two sides fought a three-week war in DecemberJanuary 2008-2009. The border is tense, with frequent clashes. The Israeli army

been fired from Gaza this year, but it was the first time since June that Hamas had acknowledged launching rockets at Israel. A Hamas spokesman said the movement would not remain passive in the face of what it called “one-sided” Israeli violence.

The Israeli army said it had targeted “Hamas terror activity sites and terrorist squads responsible for the rocket fire”, but gave no details. Israeli forces say they will not tolerate such attacks and will hold Hamas responsible for them. Gaza hospital officials said one Islamic Jihad militant thought to have been involved in the rocket attack had been wounded by Israeli tank fire east of the town of Rafah.

Residents of Khan

an Israeli tank fired at the suspected launch area, slightly wounding four children and damaging a minaret and a water tower. Abu Ubaida, spokesman of the Hamas armed wing Izz El-Deen AlQassam Brigades, said the rocket firing was a message to Israel that it would not accept “a formula of a one-sided aggression by the occupation on flimsy pretexts”.

With Egyptian mediation, Hamas has made efforts in the past to clamp down on smaller militant groups that persist in launching attacks on Israel, partly in order to avoid another devastating war. A three-week Israeli offensive killed over 1,000 Palestinians in the winter of 2008-2009. But on Monday Abu Ubaida said Hamas had displayed a “high level of

Libyan PM-elect dismissed T RIPOLI —Libya’s Prime gency cabinet approved, he on the basis that it was not Minister-elect has been dismissed from his post, after failing for a second time to win parliamentary approval for a new cabinet. Mustafa Abu Shagur had called for the formation of an “emergency government”, consisting of just 10 ministries. The General National Congress (GNC) voted 125 to 44 against the proposal. Seventeen members abstained. Shagur was Libya’s first elected prime minister following last year’s overthrow of Col Muammar Gaddafi. He had served as deputy prime minister for more than a year under interim leader Abdurrahim alKeib. The GNC now has three to four weeks to elect a new premier. Shagur’s second and final offer consisted of just 10 ministries, as opposed to the 29 he offered last week.

Before the vote he told the GNC it was a proposal to lead Libya with no regionalism, and urged members to “assume its responsibilities at this historic time”. Libyans got a taste of party politics on Sunday, or so it would appear. In what was to become Mustafa Abu Shagur’s last stand to get his emer-

indicated as much when he spoke of pressures from political blocs.

There is a lot of talk here now of backdoor alliances being formed between the country’s two biggest parties - the liberal camp of the National Forces Alliance and the Justice and Construction Party, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood. Together they form a vote that is difficult to overcome in the Libyan assembly. Overall though, many Libyans don’t much care for who is in power, so long as they get the job done.

Issues like security, placating brewing tensions between some Libyan cities, and the economy are key concerns.

The latest event is not seen as the end of the road that will plunge the country into chaos, but rather one that will prolong a semblance of tangible progress that can be felt across the board. “In face of the dangers threatening the country, I present to you a crisis government restricted to 10 ministers, rejecting all geographical considerations,” Shagur earlier told the GNC. His first cabinet line-up was rejected late on Thursday

representative of important regions and lacked qualified members. The BBC’s Rana Jawad in Tripoli says some cities like Zawiya, Benghazi, and Misrata, lost a lot of fighters during the battle to overthrow Gaddafi, and are demanding greater representation in the new government.

During the assembly debate, protesters - mostly from Zawiya - stormed the Congress building in the capital Tripoli, calling for the prime minister’s resignation. Shagur had initially aimed for a unity government and what he described as “people with merit” to work with him.

However, he said that when he consulted with political parties, some had pursued their own agendas. He said one party had demanded 11 seats, and another nine.

Shagur has said he would not give in to pressure and political games. In September, he was elected by the national assembly to be the country’s next prime minister, in a runoff vote in which he narrowly beat Mahmoud Jibril - who served as interim prime minister following the overthrow of the regime.—Reuters

Indian private hospitals to display medicare costs N EW D ELHI —In a major help us slot these hospitals routinely put such patients move aimed at checking unnecessary medical tests and procedures, the Indian health ministry has said it was working on a plan to make it mandatory for all private hospitals in India to declare and display the treatment costs of different diseases. “Our aim is to notify standard costs for various medical procedures such as angioplasty, coronary bypass surgery etc. We also plan to categorize hospitals based on quality of services offered and develop standard treatment costs for each category,” DGHS Prasad said.

He said suggestions are being sought from all stakeholders, including the corporate-run hospitals, on how the new system can be rolled out.

“We will initially ask each hospital to give their treatment charges, which would

into categories,” Prasad said.

A standard guideline for treating conditions like heart attack, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer, is also on the anvil, the senior ministry official said. Prasad said the guidelines will be introduced under the Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act 2010, which was notified recently.

The planned guidelines would also give a boost to evidence-based approach to treatment, said Dr Kameshwar Prasad, head of the clinical epidemiology unit of AIIMS. “Unwarranted procedures and diagnostic tests put extra financial burden on the healthcare system and cause increased morbidity and mortality. For example, a person suffering from muscular chest pain does not require angiography. Still, many hospitals

through this procedure,” the doctor said.

Experts cite studies showing rampant use of unnecessary procedures in India. For instance, hormone replacement therapy is carried out in post-menopausal women despite there being no evidence that it reduces cardiac events.

Similarly, antioxidant vitamins are commonly prescribed for reducing cardiovascular disease though there’s no evidence of its efficacy. The Elisa test has till recently been widely used for diagnosis of tuberculosis. It has since been banned due to its unreliability.

The DGHS also said patient treatment cannot be taken as a clinical trial. “Stem cell therapy is being offered for spine injuries by many hospitals and patients are charged for that. —Star

Jihad in launching the latest rocket barrage.

“Should the enemy continue its aggression against the Gaza Strip the reaction by the resistance will be stronger and broader,” he said. The homemade weapons fired from Gaza are inaccurate, but potentially lethal. An Israeli spokeswoman said some exploded harmlessly on Monday near the border with the Gaza Strip. But one kibbutz resident said children could have been killed.

“It was a very powerful barrage,” Ilan Yosef of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak near the Gaza border told Israel radio. “The goat pen in the (children’s) petting corner was severely hit and a vet is treating the animals still alive and dealing with those that aren’t.—Reuters

Maldives police arrest ex-president M ALEY —Maldives police has arrested and detained former president Mohamed Nasheed for ignoring a court summons and a travel ban, moves that could trigger further protests by supporters in the Indian Ocean island nation.

Nasheed was removed from office in contested circumstances in February and his supporters have frequently taken to the streets, leading to clashes with security forces in Male, the capital of a country best known for its luxury resorts.

“Nasheed has been placed (under) custody now according to the court order issued yesterday,” police spokesman Hassan Haneef told Reuters. Nasheed had ignored a court case against him related to the detention of a judge during the last days of his rule, refusing to follow orders to turn up for hearings and stay in the capital.

“He will be taken to Male.

He is in one of the atolls now.

He was arrested around 9.45 (local time). It went peacefully and he cooperated. He will be produced the court tomorrow 1600 hours,” Haneef said.— Reuters

Shuttle Dragon to open commercial orbital transportation FLORIDA—The first commer- a second company it hopes cially contracted re-supply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has begun. A Falcon rocket carrying a Dragon cargo capsule lifted clear of Cape Canaveral in Florida at 20:35 (00:35 GMT). The robotic Dragon ship will deliver 400kg of food, clothing, experiments and spares to the orbiting platform’s six astronauts.

It is the maiden flight in a sequence of 12 missions that California’s SpaceX company is performing for Nasa. The US space agency is looking to the private sector to assume routine transport duties to and from low-Earth orbit. It has given SpaceX a $1.6bn contract to keep the ISS stocked up with essentials, restoring a re-supply capability that the US lost when it retired the shuttles last year.

The terms of the contract kicked in following a successful test of Dragon’s systems in May. That demonstration saw the capsule berth with the ISS - the first commercially designed and built vehicle to do so - and then return safely to Earth. Nasa has

also can soon begin operational cargo deliveries to the station. The Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) will shortly test its new Antares rocket before undertaking its own ISS demonstration with a robotic vessel called Cygnus.

If that mission - tipped to take place next year - goes well then it will trigger a $1.9bn contract for Orbital. Nasa wants eventually to put astronaut transport in the hands of the private sector, too.

SpaceX is eyeing this business as well, and is developing the critical life-support and safety systems that would turn Dragon into a human-rated vehicle. The company says it is just a few years away from being able to provide an astronaut “taxi” service. Nasa’s policy of outsourcing its cargo and crew transport needs is intended to find savings that can be ploughed back into building a rocket and capsule system capable of taking humans beyond low-Earth to more challenging destinations.—Reuters

Kazakh opposition leader jailed after oil town unrest

AKTAU—An outspoken critic of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev was jailed for seven-and-a-half years on Monday for his part in a failed attempt to overthrow the government of the oil-producing Central Asian state. Vladimir Kozlov, leader of the unofficial Alga! party, was found guilty of orchestrating dissent among striking oil workers in the prelude to riots last December that left 15 people dead and dented Kazakhstan’s reputation for stability.

Kozlov, 52, denied the charges. Speaking at the end of the seven-week trial on October 1, he described his case as an “undisguised attempt” to stifle civic protest and labour rights. In more than two decades as president, Nazarbayev, 72, has eschewed democratic freedoms in pursuit of the resource-fuelled growth and investment that ANKARA—The gas flow on a has made Kazakhstan’s pipeline carrying Iranian natu- economy the largest in Cenral gas to Turkey was halted due to an explosion in eastern Turkey in the early hours of Monday, Turkish energy officials told Reuters. The blast occurred in the area of Dogubayazit, a town in Agri province near the Iranian bor- K ADUNA —Nigerian forces der, the officials said, on con- said on Monday they killed dition of anonymity. They said 30 members of Islamist sect damage assessment work had Boko Haram, including a sebegun and it was not immedi- nior commander, and arrested ately clear when the gas flow 10 others in a weekend raid will resume or what caused the on the northeastern city of blast, which occurred around Damaturu. Boko Haram is waging an insurgency 4 a.m.

The outlawed Kurdistan against President Goodluck Workers Party (PKK) has Jonathan’s government with claimed responsibility for the avowed aim of reviving repeated attacks on pipe- an ancient Islamic kingdom in lines in Turkey in its 28- majority Muslim northern Niyear-old armed campaign geria.

Styled on the Afghan against the Turkish state which has claimed more Taliban, the sect’s purported than 40,000 lives. —Reuters leader Abubakar Shekau has

Iranian gas flow to Turkey halted after blast

egy of “passivity” instead of partnership with US allies in the region. “I know the president hopes for a safer, freer, and a more prosperous Middle East allied with the United States. I share this hope. But hope is not a strategy,” he will say, according to speech excerpts released by his campaign. Romney will use to illustrate his views the September 11 assault on the US diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, in which US Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed.

Romney got himself into trouble in the immediate aftermath of the attack by accusing the Obama administration of an apologetic response to Muslims upset over a video made in the United States that lampooned the Prophet Mohammed.

Romney was seen as injecting politics into a national tragedy. But the criticism of late has turned to the Obama administration’s handling of the situation, with some lawmakers accusing the State Department of providing insufficient security for Americans there.—Reuters

tral Asia.

In recent years, authorities have tried to balance their desire to preserve stability and economic growth with efforts to improve the country’s image on the world stage.

Prosecutors had earlier said Kozlov, whose property was also confiscated by the court, had acted under orders from Mukhtar Ablyazov, an archopponent of Nazarbayev and the former head of BTA bank who fled Kazakhstan in 2009.

Britain granted Ablyazov political asylum as he awaited embezzlement charges brought by the bank, which he has said were politically motivated. But his whereabouts are unknown since he fled after being convicted in February in Britain of contempt of court. Two independent opposition activists standing trial alongside Kozlov, Serik Sapargaly and Akzhanat Aminov, were given suspended sentences of four and three years respectively.

Nigerian forces kill 30 Islamists, arrest 10 said he wants to impose Sharia law on the country of 160 million people, around half of whom are Christian and the other half Muslim.

The movement has become the number one security threat to Africa’s top energy producer.

Lieutenant Eli Lazarus, a spokesman for joint military and police forces in northeastern Yobe state, said in a statement that they had conducted cordon and search operations at a suspected Boko Haram hideout in Damaturu on Sunday.—Reuters

Azarenka thrashes Sharapova to win China Open B EIJING —World number one Victor Azarenka thrashed second seed Maria Sharapova of Russia in straight sets to win the $4.8 million China Open.

The Belarusian dispatched Sharapova, ranked number two in the world, 6-3, 6-1, in the final of the Beijing tournament — the last Premier Mandatory event of the women’s calendar.

Azarenka collected the winner’s prize of $848,000 and became the first player ever to win two Premier Mandatory tournaments in one year.

Azarenka, 23, sped to a 4-0 lead in the first set against the French Open champion, breaking her opponent’s serve twice and holding her own on both occasions.

Sharapova, 25, won her first game in the fifth, before Australian Open champion Azarenka continued her 100 percent service game in the sixth.

The Russian responded by upping her serving and return shots, winning two games in a row, but it was too

little too late as Azarenka broke Sharapova in the final game to win the set 6-3 in 43 minutes.

Azarenka continued her momentum into the second set, again winning the first four games with ease.

The tennis star from Belarus then came from behind to hold her serve in a lengthy fifth game to make it 5-0 before Sharapova scraped a game, following an 18-shot rally.

With Azarenka serving for the match Sharapova had two break points at advantage but the Russian was unable to convert.

Azarenka then squandered a match point before finally taking the game and set to record a big win.

It was Azarenka’s first China Open title in four attempts and her fifth tournament triumph of the season.

“I’m really happy to have a good result because I’ve been coming here the last four years,” Azarenka said, praising the “incredible atmosphere” inside the capital’s

Sindh swimming opens from 20th

POA & General Secretary Tug of War Federation damage sports

K ARACHI —Two-day 51st edition of Sindh Open and Junior Swimming Championship for boys and men will be held at Karachi Gymkhana pool from October 20, Sindh Swimming Association (SSA) announced on Monday.

Champion Swimmer Sindh Mazhar Naqvi will be star attraction as he won as many as eight golds and three silver medals in last year’s event.

Besides in Sindh, Mazhar was also making his mark at the national level by grabbing a silver medal in 200 meter free-style of the national championship.

“As many as 30 team including clubs and institutions will be taking part in the event,” Secretary SSA Muhammad Ali Shishmahal said.

Besides Mazhar Naqvi and his younger brother Mustafa Naqvi, Hamza Khalid, Hamza Hameed, Zayan Sardar, Khawaja Amin, Javed Taqi, Meer Shah, Shahmir, Sheryar, Saad Amin, Amir Motiwala, Mustafa Arees, Hasan Paracha are major contenders for the titles.

The event will be contested in 8, 10, 12, 14,16 years age group and Open events in freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke, Butterfly, Individual medley and Freestyle and Medley relays. Last date of entry is October 12. Entry forms are available from Karachi Gymkhana.—APP

National Tennis Stadium.

“I think I started the match really well, and I felt like I was doing the right things to make sure that I didn’t let Maria play her game as she likes always to be in control and dominate,” Azarenka added.

“Of course it wasn’t possible for me to do that every single point, but for the most part I was trying to keep up with her rhythm, and when I had the chance, just to try to step it up, be in control myself to take that opportunity to move forward.”

Sharapova was full of praise for her opponent.

“Victoria played an amazing match today,” she said.

“She did many things better than I did. “There’s a reason she is number one in the world right now.

“I felt like when I had the chance, I was just making errors in situations where I had opportunities to get back in the set or the match,” she added.

“I would miss second serves, which against some-

body who is number one in the world you can’t really do.”

Both finalists had made it to the last two without dropping a set and Azarenka is now 7-4 to the good against Sharapova in head-to-heads.

It was the sixth time the two had met in the final of a tournament and the fourth time this year. Azarenka has now won five and lost only one of their title deciders.

The China Open is one of four compulsory events, ranking behind only the Grand Slams and end-of-season WTA Championships in prestige.

Azarenka won the Indian Wells, a compulsory event, in March. Sharapova, a fourtime Grand Slam winner, is yet to win a Premier Mandatory tournament.

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus kisses her trophy af- BEIJING: Victoria Azarenka of Belarus with the winner’s trophy after defeating Maria Sharapova of Russia during ter winning the women’s the final of the China Open. singles final against Maria Sharapova of Russia at the China Open tennis tournament. Azarenka won 6-3, 61.—AP

LAHORE—Zafar Abbass Lak IG Motorway Police & President Tug of War said that Pakistan Olympic Association and General Secretary Tug of War Federation are damaging the sports through conspiracy in Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference at Lahore Press Club, he said President Pakistan Olympic Association Arif Hassan, President Volley Ball Association Ch. Muhammad Yaqub, President Base Ball Association Shaukat Javed and General Secretary Tug of War Federation Rana Muhammad Jamil are holding their offices against the decision of Apex Supreme Court of Pakistan, as SC has already ordered that no office bearer can hold his office for more than two times, whereas they are holding three times their offices.

The Supreme Court has announced a decision in a case vide appeals Nos 368 to 370 of 2011 in which Pakistan Sports Board was Appellant decided that no office bearer of sports federation/association can hold his office beyond two terms.

The President Tug of War Federation voiced in favour of this decision and asked those who are holding their offices for more than two terms but instead to follow the decision of the SC, they starting politics and conspiracies which is affecting

Ahsan Raza receives Aleem Dar Trophy

LAHORE—Director General, Pakistan Cricket Board, Javed Miandad presented “Aleem Dar Trophy” of the best umpire of the year to national umpire, Ahsan Raza here on Monday.

PCB’s elite panel umpire, Ahsan also received a cash award of Rs 100,000 as an encouragement for his best performance as an umpire in the domestic cricket circuit.

Aleem Dar Trophy will be presented to Best Umpire of the Year, every year after the completion of Domestic Cricket Season.

“It is good step taken by PCB to introduce Aleem Dar Trophy to acknowledge the services of national umpires and we believe the umpires will be feeling motivated and will put in more hard work to further improve their performance by judging the domestic cricket matches in a more professional way,” said Miandad.

Ahsan expressed his gratitude to PCB and vowed to lift the level of his umpiring with the passage of time.—APP

LAHORE: Zafar Abbass Lak, IG Motorway addressing a press conference. the sports activities and play- upto December, 2013 but the ers in Pakistan.

General Secretary Tug of War He further said the per- Federation Rana Muhammad formance of Pakistani play- Jamil with the connivance of ers in last Olympic games re- President Pakistan Olympic main unsatisfactory due to Association issued a letter the poor performance of dated 27-9-2012 regarding Olympic association. holding of new elections ofAll above office bearers fice bearers except General are considering their office Secretary. as personal assets and are He said The Civil Judge 1st paying no attention towards Class Islamabad Mr. Rasool promotion of sports and Bakhsh Mirjat issued tempopromotion of international rary injunctions against these players. illegal elections and in favour He further said he was of President Tug of War Fedelected as President in De- eration Zafar Abbas Lak on I SLAMABAD —The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Tencember, 2009 for 4 years i.e. 04.10.2012.—APP nis Championship will roll into action from October 15 here at Pakistan Tennis Federation Complex Tennis him. nessed the thrilling match. Courts.

P E S H A W A R — D F A Monday.

Top seeds players of all Mansoor Khan, CoordiChairman District FootAlthough it was expected Charsadda shocked Mardan White by 3-0 in a one-sided nator Right to Play Peshawar ball Association Mardan Ali that Mardan White would categories have confirmed affair of the ongoing 3rd was the chief guest on this Gohar, former international easily won the match against their participation in the Khyber Pakistan Right to occasion. Before the start of footballer Haji Zahid Khan, DFA Charsadda yet all such event, including the female Play Inter-District Football the match the players of DFA team officials, players and prediction proved otherwise players, a spokesman of PaChampionship being played Charsadda and Mardan large number of spectators when DFA Charsadda elimi- kistan Tennis Federation said. at Younis Stadium Mardan on White were introduced to were also present and wit- nated Mardan White.

Pakistan number one Saba DFA Mardan Red was also eliminated from the Aziz and other female players Sara Mansoor, Iman Qureshi Championship earlier on.

DFA Charsadda opened and Mahvish Chishtie will the account in the 13 minute feature in the event.

In boys category M. when Owais Khan netted a fine goal through his force- Abid, Usman Rafique and M. ful kick from the 25-yard dis- Mudassar among others tance. It was forceful kick would also be seen in action that did not give much time in the week long event.

Organizers have anto Mardan White goalkeeper Haris Khan to stop. nounced to add a special catDFA Charsadda after tak- egory for journalists in this ing lead, got the position of tournament to experience the ball, by making some fine their skills and understand attacking moves as result it the game in its true spirit.

Meanwhile, Subh-e-Nau was DFA Charsadda scored another goal through left has also decided to hold an winger Munawar Khan on exclusive ladies tennis tournament after this event to the field attempt.

Mardan White, who have provide female players more an edge of the cheering spec- chances to practice.

Shahida Kausar Farooq, tators, failed to click in both the first and second session Chairperson Subh-e-Nau and thus lost the match said in a statement that there against DFA Charsadda. DFA were very little chances for Charsadda after taking 2-0 female players to polish their lead at the half-time, scored skills. Keeping its traditions another goal in the 57th alive, Subh-e-Nau has deISLAMABAD: Players of Balochistan United and Islamabad struggling for the ball minute through Ihsan Ullah, cided to hold this back to during a tie of National Women Football Championship at Sports Coplex. back event for ladies.—APP the inner striker.—APP

DFA Charsadda shock Mardan in Right to Play Soccer

NBP Tennis C’ship to roll into action from 15th

Pakistan’s Ajmal lone entry in World T20 squad

Jayawardene named captain of ICC World T20 team

C OLOMBO —Outgoing Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene was named skipper of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) team of the World Twenty20 tournament on Monday, one day after his side were beaten in the final by a rampant West Indies.

Jayawardene announced his decision to give up the captaincy after the hosts lost by 36 runs on Sunday, Sri Lanka’s fourth successive defeat in a World Cup final, in front of a disappointed full house at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

A five-member ICC panel selected three Sri Lankan players and two each from the new champions and Australia in the 11-man team, the governing body said in a statement.

Chris Gayle and allrounder Shane Watson, the player of the tournament, were named openers while India’s Virat Kohli, Jayawardene, England’s Luke Wright and explosive West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels filled up the middleorder slots.

Young Australian seamer Mitchell Starc and limitedovers specialist Lasith Malinga were the two fast bowlers in the team, while experienced Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal and Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka were

nation without a representative in the team.

Team: Chris Gayle (West Indies), Shane Watson (Australia), Virat Kohli (India), Mahela Jayawardena (Sri Lanka - captain), Luke Wright (England), Brendon

named as the two slow bowlers.

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was selected as the wicketkeeper, while South Africa were the only major cricketing

McCullum (New Zealand), Marlon Samuels (West Indies), Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Mitchell Starc (Australia), Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan), Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka).—APP

Jayawardene quits as Twenty20 captain COLOMBO—Mahela Jayawardene has resigned as Sri Lanka’s Twenty20 captain, soon after his team lost the final of the World Twenty20 against West Indies in Colombo. He said he will remain captain of the ODI and Test teams until at least the end of Sri Lanka’s tour of Australia in

January, and remains available for Twenty20 selection. “I had a chat to the selectors before this tournament started. I was going to step down from T20 captaincy after this World Cup,” Jayawardene said. “I personally feel that for Sri Lanka going forward we need a younger leader. It’s a great op-

portunity for somebody to start in that T20 format. I’ve spoken to the selectors and they were quite happy with that choice.”

Vice Captain Angelo Mathews has been groomed for captaincy over the past 18 months, and is the obvious candidate to take the reins in the shortest format.—Online

Amir going through mixed feelings, will learn from Marlon Samuels, say his mentors BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT MUMBAI—At least the two period-banned international cricketers watched Marlon Samuels heroic innings on Sunday. Former Pakistani captain Salman Butt and pacer, Mohammad Amir were experts on Pakistani channel for the World Twenty 20. They were experts for all matches involving Pakistan team and Semifinals and Final.

“Watching Samuels single handedly winning the ICC trophy for West Indies must be a great feeling of desire to be on the field for Pakistan. He must be going through mixed

feelings of remorse as well as excitement as he reflects on his past mistakes and future opportunities”, Maqbool “Max” Babri, the renowned psychologist, who on the request of the PCB, has been motivating Amir, said from Lahore.

Interestingly, like Butt and Amir, the -year-old, Samuels was also banned for two years for the same offence. In 2007, the Indian police accused Samuels of giving out team information to a known bookie prior to the 1st ODI in Nagpur. The police claimed that they have taped telephone conversations between a bookie, Mukesh Kochchar, and Samuels. The transcript was later released to the ICC. The

International Cricket Council enforced a two-year ban on him for “receiving money, or benefit or other reward that could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute though the player had maintained his innocence.

“I think Amir is doing great. He has certainly learnt his lessons and is aware how mistakes have already hurted him. He is now ready to bounce back whenever he is allowed to play. He is young and energetic. I am confidant that he will do wonders”, Babri signed off.

Mohammad Amir ’s other mentor and coach, Asif Bajwa also expressed the same views.

Running away common with autism

A

LMOST half of children with autism in a new study had run away at least once and many of them were missing long enough to cause concern. Researchers found that kids most often wandered off from their home, school or a store, and some tried to run away multiple times a day.

But rather than being confused about where they were, kids typically left to find a place they enjoyed, to explore or to avoid an anxious or uncomfortable situation, based on their parents’ reports. “It’s rooted in the very nature of autism itself,” said Dr. Paul Law, who worked on the study.

“Kids don’t have the social skills to check in with their parents, and to have that communication and social bond that most children have when they’re approaching a road or at a park.”

Law is the director of the Interactive Autism Network Project at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. With funding from a number of autism research and advocacy groups, he and his colleagues used their registry to survey the parents of 1,218 kids with an autism spectrum disorder. Of those kids, 598 or 49 percent - had tried to run away at least once, their parents reported. And 316 were missing long enough to cause concern - an average of more than 40 minutes.

In comparison, the same parents reported 13 percent of their non-autistic children had ever wandered off after age four. Most of the kids with autism who went missing were in danger of getting hit by cars, and others could have

drowned. Police had to be called for one-third of missing children. “Amongst the families we did interview, there were many reports of injuries, close calls with drowning (and) close calls with traffic accidents,” Law told Reuters Health.

“There’s an enormous burden that all families are undergoing to keep their families safe. The amount of diligence, and not going out in public, and staying up late at night… just the general anxiety that families live under because of concerns with this is just torturous.” Children with more severe autism were more likely to have bolted, according to findings published Monday in the journal Pediatrics. Autism researcher Russell Lang from Texas State University-San Marcos said the prevalence of running away or “eloping” in children with autism “absolutely surprised” him. “It’s a very dangerous behavior, and it’s a little bit deceptive because it can seem somewhat benign compared to other challenging behaviors,” Lang, who wasn’t involved in the new study, told Reuters Health. Those other “challenging behaviors” common in kids with autism include self-injury and property destruction, he said. They often get lumped together with running away, which is why researchers haven’t had a good estimate of the prevalence of elopement, itself, until now.

The number of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, which includes autism and Asperger’s syndrome, has increased in recent years.

KARACHI: Markets were closed at Gul Bahar after a target killing near Enquiry Office in Nazimabad Area.

7th anniversary of 2005 quake observed at Nine Zero

KUJ-D protests against journalist’s killing STAFF REPOTER

M M ALAM

KARACHI —Karachi Union of KARACHI—The seventh an- Journalist (D) held a protest

niversary of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Azad Kashmir and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on 8th October 2005 was observed with reverence. A gathering was held at the MQM Headquarters Nine Zero for offering fateha for the martyrs of the devastating earthquake.

Deputy Convener Anis Ahmed Qaimkhani, other members of the Co-ordination Committee, haq parastministers, senators, MNAs, MPAs and officebearers of various wings of the MQM were also present in large numbers.

Fateha and special prayers were offered for the martyrs of the earthquake by the provincial minister for Auqaf Abdul Haseeb. Prayers were offered for the long life and good health of Mr Altaf Hussain and for progress and prosperity of the country as well.

Earlier candles were burnt KARACHI: Garbage spreading outside the garbage container near Boulten Market is creating in the memory of the people environmental problems for residents. It needs urgent attention of the authorities concerned. who died in the calamitous earthquake in 2005.

Deputy Convener Anis Qaimkhani and other officebearers lit candles to express solidarity with the martyrs.

Similar gatherings were held in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur zones of the MQM in KARACHI—Pakistan People’s to attend the public meeting. media that miscreants involved Azad Kashmir to pay homage Three reporters also sus- in the attack have been identi- to the martyrs Party (PPP) on Monday observed a day of mourning after tained bullet wounds in the fied and more than 30 suspected the killings of seven people dur- deadly attack on a public gath- were arrested during search oping a shooting incident at the ering organized by the ruling eration. Meanwhile, deceased rally led by MNA Nafisa Shah, party in Khairpur, the hometown journalist Mushtaq has been laid daughter of Sindh Chief Minis- of Chief Minister Sindh Syed to rest in his native graveyard ter, meanwhile 30 suspects ar- Qaim Ali Shah. Journalist orga- near Ahmed Pur city while other rested and deceased laid to rest. nizations have announced pro- victims were also laid to rest in On Sunday, Member of the test demonstrations in Sindh their native areas.

The incident spread chaos National Assembly belonging to against murder of their coland panicked the locals while the PPP, Syeda Nafisa Shah was league.

The PPP has suspended all educational, business activities KARACHI—The Station House about to deliver her speech at the rally in Saddo Janori Goth area political activities for a day and across the district remained sus- Officers (SHOs) have been diof Khairpur district of Sindh announced holiday in the dis- pended. The Prime Minister rected to ensure the security of when unidentified miscreants trict. Police say ten suspects condemned the incident and de- banks located in their respective opened fire on the participants have been arrested during a manded authorities to probe the jurisdictions. The directive to of the rally killing at least seven search operation in the town, matter. Interior Minister this effect was issued by the Inpeople including a local journal- adding that a team has been con- Rehman Malik ordered police spector General of Police (IGP), ist and a college professor in stituted to investigate the firing officials to submit report on the Sindh Fayyaz Ahmed Leghari. incident. Sindh Chief Minister He was talking to newly Khairpur. Most of the deceased incident.

PPP MNA Nafisa Shah es- Qaim Ali Shah, announced appointed Divisional SSPs at the and injured were PPP activists.

Police said the gunmen opened caped unhurt during yesterday’s Rs300,000 each for the deceased Central Police Office (CPO) fire when people started coming attack. SSP Irfan Baloch told the families and Rs100,000 for the here, says a police statement on Monday.

The IGP stressed that in investigation regarding cases of terrorism, targeted killings, ‘Bhatta’ collection, murder, rape, kidnapping and other serious crimes the DIGs and SSPs

Khairpur killings: PPP observes day of mourning

demonstration at Karachi Press Club on Monday to protest the killing of Mushtaq Khand, a journalist who died in firing on the participants of a public rally in Khairpur on Sunday.

Journalists carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans in favour of freedom of press, and against government’s apathy vis-à-vis law and order situation in the province.

Addressing the demonstration, the KUJ President, Afzal Mohsin observed that although Mushtaq Khand was not the ac-

tual target of attackers, however this incident should not be seen in isolation. “Attacks on journalists, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan have become order of the day.

Some 30 journalists have been killed in the two provinces during last few years, which show how serious the provincial government is to provide shelter to journalist community”, Mr Mohsin said.

He suggested that all the journalist unions should sit together, and form a joint action committee to negotiate with the government, and political and religious groups with a view to formulating a joint strategy to ensure journalists’

safety.

KUJ Secretary, Aamir Latif observed that even Mushtaq Khand, and other journalists were not the prime targets, however at the end of the day, it was responsibility of the government to protect the lives of journalists and common citizens.

He prayed for early recovery of the injured journalists, and demanded of the government to pay compensation to the deceased and injured journalists.

Former President Karachi Press Club, Imtiaz Khan Faran, Joint Secretary, Arif Khan, and others also spoke on the occasion.

KARACHI—The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad, handed over cheque granted by China amounting to Rs 2 million to the Chief Secretary Sindh, Raja Muhammad Abbas, for the families of victims of fire tragedy at Karachi.

It is stated that a simple two alleged target killers identi- ceremony in this regard was fied as Jehanzeb and Irfan and held at the Chief Secretary recovered arms from their pos- House on Monday morning. session. The accused in the preThe Deputy Chief Protoliminary interrogation admitted col, Rehan Naseer Siddiqui, target killing of several persons handed over the cheque to including a police sub-inspector. Chief Secretary on behalf of Meanwhile, firing incidents the Chinese Ambassador to continue in Awami Colony, Su- Pakistan. per Highway, North Karachi, Secretary Labour Arif Sohrab Goth, Lyari and other Illahi and Commissioner areas of Karachi in which more Karachi, Syed Hashim Raza than 10 persons were reported Zaidi, were also present. The injured. The injured were shifted disbursement thereof would be to different hospitals of con- made by the Commissioner of cerned areas.—INP Karachi.—APP

Cheque for families of victim of factory fire

Target killing claims 4 lives, two murderers held, arms recovered KARACHI—At least four per- pital for postmortem. Police sons including a woman were killed and several others injured as targeted killing continued to claim innocent lives in the city on Monday. According to details, in Disco area of North Nazimabad, a woman identified as Seema, 27, sleeping at roof of her house became victim of strayed bullet.

The police recovered limbed tied tortured dead body of a 25year-old unidentified youth from Araam Bagh area of city. The body was shifted to Civil Hos-

said that the deceased was shot to death after abduction and severe torture. Body of another unknown man was found from North Nazimabad Block-H. Police said that the body’s limbs were tied and it seems that the deceased was killed after he was abducted.

In yet another incident of firing in Lyari an unidentified man was killed. The body was shifted to hospital for postmortem. Sacchal police during a raid in its jurisdiction arrested

SHOs directed to ensure security of banks in their areas

Prominent personalities from Gujrat, DI Khan join MQM

S TAFF R EPORTER K ARACHI — Prominent social and political figure from Gujrat Chaudhry Safdar Jamna and noted industrialist from Dera Ismail Khan Malik Shah Zaman have joined MQM. In a press conference at “Nine Zero” here, Ch. Safdar and Shah Zaman said that they joined the party after getting

inspired by the political philosophy of MQM leader Altaf Hussain. They said that they would make efforts for the rights of the 98 per cent deprived and oppressed people of the country in their respective areas.

Chaudhry Safdar Jamna said that the MQM was the party of the people belonging to the middle class.

He said that he was greatly inspired by the disci-

pline of the MQM. Malik Shah Zaman said that he was happy to know that MQM leader Altaf Hussain always remained in contact with the party workers. He said that the good of the country lay in following the leader like Altaf Hussain.

Earlier member of the Rabita Committee Waseem Aftab introduced Chaudhry Safdar Jamna and Malik Shah Zaman to the media personnel

of respective areas should visit the crime scene and ensure collection of evidences in their supervision. The SHO concerned would call the Forensic Division Sindh in this regard.

He instructed that action should be initiated against the criminals, wanted accused and absconders in a planned manner and on the basis of precise information available. While performing security duty and for action against criminals, the use of bullet proof jackets would be a must. After the registration of the case and till detection, the SHO would fully cooperate with KARACHI: A trainer is busy in training a young elephant at Safari Park.

KMC launches cleanliness drive K A R A C H I — Cleanliness campaign in Karachi had begun on Monday during which cleaning work in all areas of city including lifting of garbage, removal of wall chalking and banners would be carried out so that citizens on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha could see cleanliness and find a big

change in the city.

A sum of Rs 50 million to each town was being given for the repairs of garbage lifting vehicles and for petrol and diesel whereas town with less share would be funded by KMC so that cleanliness in 18 towns of the city could be performed together.

Administrator Karachi

Muhammad Hussain Syed said this while addressing to a meeting held on cleanliness campaign, said a statement issued by the KMC. The Administrator Karachi said that cleanliness in Karachi was stuck due to some problems which had been resolved now and funds in regard of property tax would be

received from Sindh Government in next one to two days.

He said that garbage from roads along with streets and areas would be lifted and spray would be done in 18 towns as per schedule. He also said that no permission for fixing banners would be given till Eid-ul-Azha.

Transport and Communica-

tion Department had been directed to put the broken signals right along with the maintenance of street lights. On this occasion.

Administrator Karachi congratulated Commissioner Karachi Syed Hashim Raza Zaidi for taking charge of his post.—APP

Kids Need To Use More Sunscreen

A

study published in the journal Pedi atrics shows that most pre-adoles cent children do not regularly use sunscreen, and worse, many suffer from sunburn at some point during their childhood. Figures show that people having suffered a major sunburn incident in their childhood are at double the risk of developing a melanoma later in life, so protecting children from too much sun is something parents and carers should pay more attention to.

The study, which is entitled “Prospective Study of Sunburn and Sun Behavior Patterns During Adolescence,” looked at 360 children in the Massachusetts area and found that at least 50% of them experienced sun burn before their 11th birthday. They followed up with the participants three years later and found rates of sunburn still alarmingly high; and as children grew into their teens fewer reported using sunscreen, most thought they spent more time in the sun, than as children.

At the conclusion of the study, only 25% of children used sunscreen routinely and half the children who reported using sunscreen at the beginning of the study no longer used it three years later. Stephen Dusza, lead author and a research epidemiologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. “At the same time, there was a significant reduction in reported sunscreen use.” Less is known about the activities of teenagers, but many, especially girls like to begin tanning - ideas are needed to promote sun protection at the beaches, after-

school sites, as well as at sporting and other outdoor events.

Dusza plans to extend the study of the children into their late teens and gather more data about behaviors and fashions in regards to sun exposure. Most participants in the study commented that they prefer the look of a tan, and thought people looked better with a tan. The number of children spending time in the sun to get a tan increased over the three year period.

Dusza said : “When you ask kids or teens about tanning, they say people look better with a tan, and tanning has a very positive association in kids of this age, so trying to get them to limit this behavior is a difficult message to get across.” Other dermatologists not involved in the study concurred with the sentiment, highlighting the need to get the message across to children and young teens that over-exposure to ultra violet light can be harmful. Something could quite easily be done to promote public awareness, much in the way that smoking has been reduced and people are generally aware of the tobacco issues. Even though, of course, there will always be those risk takers who prefer to go their own way, educating people to the risks will slowly make tanning less desirable and less fashionable. Dr. Jonette Keri, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine said : “This is the age group we need to make an impact on, because it gets harder to make an impact as they get into their later teen and early adult years.”

Contempt notices discharged in Hajj quota case L AHORE —Lahore

High Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Monday discharged contempt notices issued to Federal Minister Religious Affairs Syed Khurshid Shah and Secretary Religious Affairs Muhammad Azam Samaa on compliance of court orders in the Hajj quota case.

The chief justice passed the order on a petition filed

by Ashfaq Ahmad Mirza and others for not allotting Haj quota to new Haj group organisers (HGOs) despite court orders.

Earlier, Director Haj Saeed Malik and ministry’s counsel appeared before the court and submitted a compliance report stating that a quota of 190 Hujjaj had been allocated to four new Haj group organisers (HGOs) in compliance with the court orders.

The counsel further said that all legal formalities were also fulfilled in this regard.

After the counsel’s statement, the court adjourned the matter, directing to file a reply on a civil miscellaneous application filed by the petitioners.

The petitioners, in their petition, submitted that the court had ordered the religious ministry to allot a quota of 5,000 pilgrims to new HGOs and complete the process by June 18. However, the respondents were delaying the matter to avoid allotment of quota to new HGOs, they added. They pleaded to the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the respondents for disobeying the court.—APP

UVAS to launch postgraduate diploma course LAHORE—University of Vet-

LAHORE: MNA Hamza Shahbaz Sharif meeting with former foreign minister of UK David Miliband.

Bails confirmed in Kh Sharif case L AHORE —The

Special Judge Central Monday confirmed interim bails earlier granted to former principal secretary to chief minister Punjab, Tauqeer Shah, and former personal staff officer Talha Burki, involved in former LHC Chief Justice Khawaja Sharif ’s alleged murder conspiracy.

The court ordered both accused to deposit a surety bond of Rs 100,000 each for bail.

Special Judge Central

Farooq Altaf reserved the verdict on bail petitions of both accused after hearing arguments on Friday last which was announced in open court today.

Earlier, FIA officials informed the court that no evidence was found against Tauqeer Shah and Talha Burki, however, investigation was going on. The petitioners’ counsel contended that the accused were innocent and pleaded the court to confirm their bail. The

court after hearing the arguments reserved its verdict on bail petitions.

The accused and four others had allegedly hatched a conspiracy to produce a false and fabricated intelligence report in a bid to create differences among the federal government, provincial government and judiciary.

Federal Investigation Agency registered a case against the accused but the court had granted them interim bail.—APP

Awareness Day against devastation of drugs today STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —Project Director Drug Free City Lahore Muhammad Altaf Qamar has said that October 9 will be observed as an awareness day against devastation of drugs in Lahore, under the auspices of Drug Free City Lahore Project which is a joint project of Punjab government and the federal government. The administration of Drug Free City Project in collaboration with concerned NGOs, would distribute awareness literature about devastation of drugs among the general public at 25 locations of Lahore.

He further said that devastation of drugs in Pakistan is no less as compared to the rest of the world. According

to an estimate, more than 9 million persons have become addicts in Pakistan, whereas five lakh persons are increasing every year. Among these addicts, 80 lakh persons whose ages are between 15 to 64 years (the youth and able bodied persons) are becoming disable due to drugs. Altaf Qamar said that if the society did not realize the gravity of the situation, the condition would become even more precarious in coming days. He said it is the need of the hour that every person of the society ought to play its role to control the drug menace at all cost.

Project Director informed that the places where public awareness literature would be distributed include: Yuhana Abad at 3:00pm, Sadar Bazaar

erinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore is launching a postgraduate diploma course in food safety and controls on Tuesday.

The admission and enrolment process has already been completed by Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition.

The diploma course is part of the UVAS vision to train manpower in the imperative field of food safety through realization of its role by serving as a hub of knowledge generation and economic development of the country.

The diploma is expected to result in strengthening of the trade capacity building process in Pakistan, thereby, promoting the economic integration of Pakistan into global and regional economies and stimulate decent work and employment creation. The course is being supported by European Union-funded Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRATA-II) Programme, implemented by United Nations Industrial Development Organization in collaboration with ITC & WIPO. In this connection, a launching ceremony is going to be held on tomorrow at 10:00 am in Conference Hall of UVAS.—APP

LAHORE: Visitors taking wiew of pieces of art displayed at an exhibition of Graphic Designs and Paintings organized by Lahore College for Women.

‘One teacher for 31 students in Punjab’

450 non-formal education centres for Lahore District SALIM AHMED L AHORE —As many as 450 Non-formal Basic Education (NFBE) Centers are being opened in the Lahore district, Minister for Education Punjab, Mian Mujtaba Shujaur-Rehman said.

While addressing the students in Lahore, Mujtaba said that 262,500 students under the age of 4 to 15 years are getting education under non-formal basic education schools. He stressed the need to enhance non-formal basic education through creating linkages between formal & non-formal education.

Some 118,000 children had been enrolled in schools raising total strength of students in Lahore public sector schools to 673,000, he said. He added that 108000 schools are providing education to the children in the province and one teacher is available for 31 students whereas, after the new recruitment, one teacher will be available for 29 students.

He said that curriculum

authority will be established in the province. He said that 3 million children were admitted in schools during last fiscal year whereas during 2012-13, 3.8 million students would be inducted into schools. He said that government has ensured 85 percent teacher’s presence in the schools.

The Minister said that Rs four billion will be spent to provide necessary facilities in primary and middle schools, whereas, Rs. 5.2 million will be spent to upgrade girls middle schools in the province.

He said social workers should also create awareness about social taboos as well as poverty issues to reduce drop out ratio in schools. The Punjab Government was giving emphasis on the teachers training and funds have been provided to the concerned department for this purpose, he added.

Minister Education Punjab Mujtaba Shuja-urRehman has said the government is attaching high prior-

ity to the education and in this regard it has taken a number of initiatives during last four years.

He stated this while addressing students of AJK, Chitral, Gilgit and from other provinces here.

He said that promotion of education is of paramount importance for the elimination of ignorance and poverty.

He said steps taken by Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for the promotion of education are highly appreciable.

He said the youth especially the talented girl and boy students are an asset of the nation.

He said the government has provided a sum of Rs 10 billion to promote school education in the marginalized strata and 1.5 million deserving students in the 36 districts would be benefited. He said another sum of Rs 46 billion would be spent on the school education sector to elevate it according to international standards.

PIED establishes board to run PDTRC STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company has constituted a 12-member board of management to run first Pakistan Drug Testing and Research Centre (PDTRC) at Sundar Industrial Estate.

PIEDMC Chairman S.M. Tanveer said here Monday that five members had been selected from the pharmaceutical sector, three from PIEMDC, two from academia and one each from federal and Punjab governments.

He said the company had

also issued a notification under which Rizwan Khalid Butt was appointed board president while members included Amjad Ali Jawa, Syed Shahid Nasir, Dr. Zeba Ahmad Shuja, CEO of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, and Secretary of Punjab Health Department while Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nawaz and Prof.

Dr. Mehmood Ahmad have been taken from academia.

The CFO, GM (Marketing & Admin) and GM (Technical) of PIEDMC would be exofficio members, he added.

The PDTRC board of management’s tenure shall

be three years, he quoted the notification.

SM Tanveer said that PDTRC had already started its trial operation at Sundar Industrial Estate. The project worth Rs 100 million, he added, will not only facilitate 166 pharmaceutical units in the SIE but also the country’s entire pharma sector. With setting up the international standard laboratory, he added. Pakistan’s pharmaceutical manufacturers would not have to dispatch drug samples abroad and tests would be carried out in much less time and cost, he said.

City roads embellished with flowers

12:30pm, Harbanspura, Lalpul 10:00am, Quaid-e-Azam Library 4:00pm, Allama Iqbal Road Garhi Shahu 1:00pm, Jail Road 9:00am, Bhati Chowk L AHORE —Parks and Horti11:00am, Anarkali Bazaar culture Authority 10:00am, Rang Mahal and (PHA),Punjab has decorated Lohari Gate 3:00pm, Lari Adda all the major roads with flow12:00 Noon, Railway Station ers imported from China and 11:00am, Shahdra More floral samples are available at 10:00am, Ravi Road 9:00am, plant nurseries. A spokesBadami Bagh 11:00am, Model person of PHA said that unTown Link Road 9:00am, der its campaign to beautify Qurtaba Chowk and Shadman the city, the Authority has Chowk 10:00am, Gulberg decorated all the major roads 10:00am, Moon Market Allama with flower baskets.

Iqbal Town 10:00am, He said that these flower Samanabad More 10:00am, need special attention and Wahdat Road Muslim Town the cultivation takes place on 9:00am, Shera Kot 12:00 Noon, modern lines.He stressed Multan Road 11:00am, DHA that PHA is committed to pro10:00am, Johar Town, Townvide every possible facility ship 12:00 Noon and Chouburji, LAHORE: PPP candidate Zahid Zulfiqar submitting his nomination papers for by- under its campaign to beauSamanabad Chowk at 11:00am. election. tify the metropolis.—APP

Govt keen to improve status of workers, says Minister L AHORE —Punjab government is committed to improve socio-economic status of workers and a number of practical steps have been taken with this goal in mind.

Punjab Minister for Labour Haji Ehsaan-ud-Din Qureshi ,while talking to various delegations on Monday, said that Marriage grant has been raised to Rs 100,000 from Rs 70,000 for the labourer’s daughters and female worker as well. He said death grant had also been increased from Rs 300,000 to Rs 500,000 on the demise of industrial worker.

The minister said that 200 non-formal education centers were providing education to 7000 students at brick kilns in Lahore and Kasur districts.

Veterinary staff visited 154 brick kilns and provided treatment to 448 animals of brick kiln labourers.He said that the department had also organized health camps at brick kilns and free treatment was provided to 1300 labourers,he added. He also highlighted that Punjab government increased minimum wages of labourers from Rs. 7000 to Rs. 9000.

LHC moved against Dr. Asim over dual nationality LAHORE—The Lahore High Court (LHC) was moved Monday against Advisor to Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr. Asim Hussain on the basis of dual citizenship here Monday.

The petition filed by Naushab A. Khan stated that Dr. Asim has US citizenship; hence he should be removed from his office of advisor and should be forbidden to function until the verdict is delivered over the petition.

The petitioner requested the LHC to draw back all the salaries and privileges from the advisor on the basis of charge regarding the dual nationality.—INP