Ep10december2013

Hagel’s stormy visit to Islamabad, meets Nawaz, Gen Raheel

No US commitment to halt drone attacks LIAQAT TOOR

I SLAMABAD —After feeling

Thai PM dissolves Parliament, for elections on Feb 2 BANGKOK—Thailand’s government said Monday it has proposed new elections be held on Feb 2, hours after the prime minister dissolved the lower house of parliament in a bid to calm the country’s deepening political crisis.

Spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi told The Associated Press that the date was proposed during a cabinet meeting in Bangkok.

Thailand’s Election Commission must formally approve the date. Jinthong Intarasri, a spokeswoman for commission, said electoral officials will meet with the government in

heat of unofficial efforts to forcibly block NATO supplies in KPK, the US Secretary Defence, Chuck Hagel landed in Islamabad from Kabul for a day’s visit on Monday to have appraisal of the situation on the ground.

Though the issue of drone ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and US Secretary Chuck Hagel attacks was raised during his meeting with Prime Minister shaking hands on Monday.

Nawaz Sharif, but according to diplomatic sources there was no commitment by the visiting US

continuing US drone strikes, stressing that drone strikes were counter-productive to our efforts to combat terrorism and extremism on an enduring basis.

Diplomatic sources said there was no agreement yet on the strikes inside tribal areas, but Hagel will carry some ground realities back home to ponder over the issue which has strained bilateral relations.

Next year, the new developments will further change the regional landscape as US-led NATO forces will pull out from Afghanistan with bulk of its

forces and equipment. At present, the region is highly volatile with no definite solution to instability with the coming up of Taliban as the biggest reality in Afghanistan. President Hamid Karzai is hesitant to sign a new security arrangement with Washington.

With no friend in the region except India in the periphery, the US is struggling to have a grip over the regional situation, the sources said.

Watchful Pakistan is also witnessing upsurge of anti-US sen-

The decision in this regard has been taken in view of an exponential increase in gas consumption by the domestic sector causing severe depletion of transmission pack, SNGPL’s General

Manager Sales Ashraf told APP today.

The gas supply for both zone 1 comprising Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sahiwal, Multan, Gujranawala and Gujrat regions

and zone II including Faisalabad, Sargodha, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur regions would be suspended from December 10 (6 am) till further orders, he added.

Sindh govt to conduct LB polls in March next No gas to Punjab industries, CNG stations

Election Commission: Govt should approach SC

ISLAMABAD—The Sui North-

ern Gas Pipelines Company Limited has decided to suspend gas Sindh Minister for informa- Sharjeel Enam Memon in- supply to industries and the ComIRFAN ALIGI tion and Local Government formed the newsmen about the pressed Natural Gas stations in KARACHI—Sindh cabinet dedecisions taken in the Cabinet Punjab for an indefinite period. cided Monday to conduct local meeting in a press briefing. body polls nor on Jan 18 but in The Minister said that the Mar, 2014. The Sindh provincial Cabinet had unanimously degovernment did not want to cided to conduct the local body make any decision in haste in polls in Mar, 2014 and there that regard as the delimitations were no two opinions on that were being done across the provmatter. According to Sindh LoContinued on Page 7 ince and union councils and STAFF REPORTER cal Government Act-2013 wards were reconstituted and (Amended) the Sindh provincial divided due to which the voters L AHORE—Provincial Law government had to announce the Minister Rana Sanaullah has were in a dilemma about their said that the Punjab govern- lo-cal body polls schedule in new constituencies. consultation with the provincial These decision were taken ment is ready to conduct local election commission, Sindh and bodies elections as per schedin a Sindh Cabinet meeting held the Sindh government would STAFF REPORTER under the chair of Sindh Chief Continued on Page 7 Continued on Page 7 LAHORE—Representatives of Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.

Nato member countries on Monday requested Pakistan NAB references Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan to reopen supply routes to Afghanistan via Pakistan.

The Nato countries said that the blockade was causing inconISLAMABAD—The accountabilvenience to the Nato forces in ity court on Monday summoned Afghanistan.

Imran, however, turned I SLAMABAD —The Supreme appearance of Yasin Shah and former president Asif Ali Zardari down the request and said that Court has summoned acting in- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in the National Accountability Buthe blockade would continue till spector general Frontier Corps and Attorney General Munir A. reau (NAB) references case on drone strikes are stopped. on Tuesday in relation to the Malik appeared before the bench On November 24, the PTI missing persons case. A three- The defence ministry also sub- December 23.

A judge of blocked the Nato supply route member bench heard the case mitted its report relating to missaccountability Continued on Page 7 and asked acting IG FC to ap- ing persons in the court.

Chief Justice Iftikhar said c o u r t pear as the IG FC could not Muhammad come to the court due to his the court’s order, which was the Bashir heard production of 14 missing perhealth conditions. the case perThe Supreme Court Mon- sons, had not been fully imple- taining to the day resumed the hearing of a mented. Defence Minister five references against former case relating to the enforced disContinued on Page 7 President Asif Ali Zardari.

ISLAMABAD—Tehrik-iContinued on Page 7 Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Mullah Fazlullah has moved from North Waziristan to district Dir of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reports said.

Sources said there were reports that fugitive TTP chief ISLAMABAD—The federal gov- of PCO against Musharraf. first went to Kunar in The federation will show the ernment has finalized the charge OBSERVER REPORT Afghanistan and than shifted sheet against former president details of his orders as proof in to an undisclosed location in Pervez Musharraf to try him the court. A formal complaint Q UETTA —Iranian border district Dir of KP. under Article 6 of the Constitu- will be filed in a special court, forces fired five rockets in Taliban sources have not setup to try Musharraf under Pakistan’s bordering town of tion. confirmed the movement of The charge sheet, compris- Article 6 of the Constitution. Panjgoor on Monday, officials Mullah Fazlullah. ing nine pages, pressed five The government has not men- said.

Last week, Mullah Fazlullah charges including November 3 tioned any co-accused in the An official of the provincial arrived in North Waziristan first emergency, detention of supe- charge sheet. home and tribal affairs departContinued on Page 7 Continued on Page 7 rior judges and implementation Continued on Page 7

Punjab to hold elections on Jan 30

Imran rejects NATO request

Missing persons

Case not to end with my retirement: CJP

Court summons Zardari on 23rd

TTP chief in Dir district

Charge sheet finalized Iranian border fire rockets against Musharraf forces in Pakistani

Iran won’t acquire N-weapons the way Pakistan did: Obama WASHINGTON—US President Barack Obama has strongly allayed the Israeli fear that Iran might acquire nuclear weapons the way Pakistan and North Korea did, saying the verification mechanism around Tehran’s atomic programme is unprecedented and makes it difficult to cheat.

“With respect to Pakistan, there was never the kinds of inspection regimes and international sanctions and UN resolutions that were in place,”

dignitary on the issue which has become a big bone of contention between Washington and Islamabad.

Hagel did raise the issue of blocking crucial supplies by workers of Government parties in KPK by checking containers during the meeting, but there was no official word over it either.

The US has already suspended its supplies for ‘safety of drivers’ carrying containers.

The official statement said the Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan’s deep concern over

Obama said in response to a question at the 10th annual Saban Forum meeting here.

Obama said that by the time the US got an agreement with North Korea, Pyongyang already had acquired a nuclear weapon.

“We have been able to craft an international effort and verification mechanism around the Iran nuclear programme that is unprecedented and unique. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. And that’s why we have to take it

seriously,” said Obama when deal?” the President was asked about the failure of the asked.

United States in the past to preObama acknowledged that vent countries like Pakistan to achieving the goals could be acquire nuclear weapons. tough to achieve.

“With the best intentions “It’s important for everyand all efforts, (the former US) body to understand this is President (Ronald) Reagan hard. Because the technology vowed that Pakistan would not of the nuclear cycle, you can go nuclear. Didn’t happen. With get off the Internet; the knowlthe best intentions and all ef- edge of creating a nuclear forts, President Clinton vowed weapons is already out there. that North Korea won’t go And Iran is a large country and nuclear. Why is this nuclear deal it is a relatively wealthy coundifferent than any other nuclear Continued on Page 7

Continued on Page 7

Govt committed to protect human rights: Mamnoon I S L A M A B A D —President Mamnoon Hussain said the government stands committed to protect the human rights under the articles of the Constitution and the UN Declaration of Human rights.

The President in a message on International Human Rights Day urged the government, civil society, NGOs and the private institutions to fortify their efforts for establishing a just and tolerant society by ensuring respect for human rights and dignity.

The President said observance of International Human Rights Day was to reiterate the pledge to continue working for an environment where social, economic, cultural, political and other rights of every individual were firmly upheld and protected without any dis-

Crackdown on one-wheelers SHAFFAAT MALIK TALAGANG—Talagang Police conducted a crackdown on one-wheelers and arrested nine law violators. According to details they were doing one wheeling on Talagang Chakwal road while SHO Police Station City Ghulam Abbas Shah got them and put them behind the bars.

Local and Social circles were demanding this action for long time and appreciated the efforts of local administration.

tinction, discrimination or inequality.

He said Human Rights were the basic values that societies live by, which find their origin in the world’s great religions and philosophies. He said the theme for World Human Rights Day 2013, “20 Years: Working for your Rights”, marks the 20th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VPDA). He said the mandate of the U.N Proclamation for Human Rights, simultaneously also emphasizes on identifying the challenges that lie ahead.

“Let us reiterate our pledge as conscientious and responsible society to contribute individually as well as collectively in putting an end to all challenges and factors that endanger and jeopardize basic rights of the individuals.”

President Mamnoon Hussain said “we need to augment efforts to protect vulnerable sections of the society and to provide them with legislative, administrative, institutional and infrastructural support to enable them lead a happy and healthy life.”

The President commended the United Nations for observing this day globally and also paid homage to all those who have suffered in the course of the struggle for human rights. The United Nations’ (UN) Human Rights Day to be observed on December 10 to mark the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The date was chosen to honour the United Nations’ General Assembly’s adoption and proclamation, on December 10, 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR),

the first global enunciation of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the United Nations.

The formal establishment of Human Rights Day occurred at the 317th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on December 4, 1950, when the General Assembly declared resolution 423(V), inviting all member states and any other interested organizations to celebrate the day as they saw fit.

The theme selected this year to mart International Human Rights Day is “20 Years Working for Your Rights”. The day is normally marked by high-level political conferences and meetings and by cultural events and exhibitions dealing with human rights’ issues.—APP

MPs stress measures for controlling price hike ISLAMABAD—Parliamentarians in National Assembly on Monday called upon the government to curtail price hike to bring relief to lives of the poor people.

Speaking on a motion under Rule 259 to discuss price hike in the country, the members also urged for prudent policies for economic revival, enhance growth and create employment opportunities.

Opening the discussion,

MNA Shazia Marri said everybody is facing the challenge of price hike that has made people to hardly meet their ends and the government needs serious steps to tackle this problem. The government has published Rs 842 billion currency notes in six months that is 40% more than the total currency notes printed during last government tenure, she claimed.

She asked the government for concrete program to employ the

youth and give them a direction to contribute in growth and claimed that 1970s era was the best in terms of socio-economic development in the country. It is time to protect the rights of the labor class and strengthen national institutions for ensuring more employment opportunities, she added.

She ensured support to the government if it takes bold decision on drone attacks and other issues of national importance.—APP

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak chairing firts meeting of working group of Law and Order in the province.

Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Urs begins M U LTA N —The 774th Urs Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Multani commenced after traditional “Ghusal” of the shrine, performed by Minister of State for Religious Affairs Pir Muhammad Aminul Hasnaat Shah and caretaker Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday.

Addressing the participants, the minister paid rich tribute to the great saint and said the world always remembered those who served humanity. He added the saint had propagated the message of love, peace, hope and unity.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi also addressed the first session of the Zakariya conference and highlighted different aspects of life of the great saint. He also announced establishing “Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Langar Khana” to facilitate.

He also urged local police to vacate the Langar Khana building, situated near the tomb, constructed by the Punjab government.—APP

Pak-Turk Chemistry conference at UoP P E S H AWA R — N e c m e t t i n Erbakan and Selcuk University of the Republic of Turkey will hold International Pak-Turk Chemistry Conference at University of Peshawar next year.

This was decided in meeting of the visiting two member delegation of Turkish Professors led by Prof. Dr. Huseyin Kara in a meeting with the Vice Chancellor UoP Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rasul Jan on Monday. Dr. Erol of Selcuk University, Prof.

Tufail Sherazi and Dr. Shahabuddin of Sindh University Jamshoro accompanied him.

Najmuddin Erbakan is pronounced in Turkish language as Necmettin Erabakan.

Turkish Universities are ready to offer admission in the post doctoral program to the faculty and researchers of University of Peshawar, said Dr. Huseyin Kara on the occasion. He added Turkish Universities offer fully funded scholarships to talented students, and they should cash in the opportunity to get quality higher education second to none in the world.—APP

8969 non-Muslims inducted in Army in 5 years

Independent Monitoring Unit for schools in KP next month ISLAMABAD—The Education and many other reforms in edu- ing the public sector schools at Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) would have an Independent Monitoring Unit (IMU) from next month which would collect date about various aspects of schools, teachers, students, their attendances and future requirement.

On the other hand, work on trainings of all Parents Teachers Committees (PTCs) in the far and width of the province would also soon be taken up so that affairs of education institutions are streamlined at the grassroots level.

The arrangements for these

cation department were thoroughly discussed in a meeting of working group on education which was held in Pakhtunkhwa House under chairmanship of Secretary Education, Abdul Latif here on Monday.

Besides others, representatives of European Union (EU), USAid, GIZ, Ausaid and of course the education department participated.

Meanwhile, all is set to train teachers of primary schools so that they are enabled to teach children through medium of English from class-I, thus bring-

Germany to provide Rs6.6m for BISP ISLAMABAD—German Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Cyrill Nunn, Monday promised that the German government would provide a 6.6 million rupees grant to strengthen the health insurance initiative of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

In a meeting with Chairman BISP, Enver Baig he promised that German government would also support the efforts to alleviate poverty from the country.

According to a press release issued here BISP Chairman shared his vision with the Ambassador and discussed his ideas about revising and improving

the skills training and health insurance initiatives of the programme.

The Chairman said that BISP would also facilitate the placement of workers in national and international markets after completion of their training under the skills development initiative.

Chairman reiterated the stance of government that the programme would be continued and expanded as well, bringing more beneficiaries under the umbrella of BISP. Dr. Cyrill Nunn was pleased with the response of present government and their decision to continue BISP.—APP

Pakistan wants dignified repatriation of Afghans refugees I SLAMABAD —Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Let Gen (Retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch on Monday said Pakistan wants volunteer repatriation of Afghan refugees with respect and dignity.

Talking to a delegation of International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) London, the minister said Pakistan is bearing the burden of more than four million Afghan refugees that resulted drastic impact on its economy.

He said that after 2014 there would be a big challenge for return of refugees to Afghanistan due to uncertain environment.

He added although the deadline for the return of refugees has passed on 31st December 2012 however Pakistan has extended its date till December 2015.

“If better economic opportunities are created in Afghanistan, the economic settlements of refugees will be feasible as the economic development in Afghanistan will create a pull factor to convince the refugees to return back.”

The minister said that Pakistan wants development in Afghanistan for having more opportunities to the Afghan refugees when they return back, however no funding was materialized as committed by international donor agencies in this regard.

He informed the delegation about the developmental projects including Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas (RAHA), a project jointly started by the Government of Pakistan (SAFRON/CCAR/ EAD) and UNDP/UNHCR.— APP

par with those in private sector.

The said IMU would consist of 485 trained personnel and would not only improve functioning of the education institutions but reliable date so constantly collected helpful for realistic planning in future.

Senior Education Department official, Jamaluddin briefed the meeting regarding scheme for training of PTCs while the representatives of a private consultants group Abacusbriefed the participants about their experience in Punjab.—APP

International Mountains Day tomorrow I SLAMABAD —The International Mountains Day 2013 will be celebrated on December 10, 2103 across the globe including Pakistan with its theme “Mountains-Key to a Sustainable Future”.

International Mountains Day is celebrated annually on December 11, aims at drawing attention to the important roles that mountainous regions play in water and food supply.

Mountain regions are physically dynamic environments and environmental changes of any nature can have significant impacts on people’s social, cultural and economic lives.

International Mountains Day is an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build partnerships that will bring positive change to the world’s mountains and highlands.

Mountains are crucial to life.

Whether we live at sea level or the highest elevations, we are connected to mountains and affected by them in more ways than we can imagine.

Mountains provide most of the world’s freshwater, harbour a rich variety of plants and animals, and are home to one in ten people. Yet, each day, environmental degradation, the consequences of climate change, exploitative mining, armed conflict, poverty and hunger threaten the extraordinary web of life that the mountains support.—APP

ISLAMABAD—A total of 8,969 non-Muslims have been inducted in Pakistan Army, Navy and Air force in last five years, Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif told National Assembly on Monday.

In a written reply to the question of Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwami, he said one percent quota of minorities have been fixed. As many as 8,645 minority community members have been inducted in Pakistan Army, 285 in Pakistan Navy and 39 in Pakistan Air force from 2008 to 2012. Giving break up, he said 1,452 had been inducted Pakistan Army in 2008, 1574 in 2009, 1,809 in 2010, 1971 in 2011 and 1840 in 2012.

In Pakistan Navy out of a total of 285 inductees, 24 had QUETTA: Representative of FC Col Faraz talking to media persons along with a man rebeen inducted in 2008.—APP covered from the kidnappers.

Youth scheme to boost industry FAISALABAD—Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali, said that the Prime Minister youth development scheme will not only boost the cottage industry but also help in bringing down the alarmingly increasing unemployment rate in the country. Speaking at a press conference at Iqbal Stadium, he said that present government under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif was committed to bring qualitative change in the socioeconomic sector of the country. He said, a number of steps are being taking for putting the country on the path of progress and prosperity. He revealed that various study groups were constituted by the Prime Minister for the betterment of the general public and improving health, education and social sectors of the country. As soon as, the reports of these groups would be finalized, the new policies would be announced which will help in overcoming the problems of the masses. He further told that eradication of corruption from the government owned sectors is also at the agenda of the present government and a number of steps are under way for bringing a visible change in all sectors. He said that comprehensive reforms are also being introduced in various sectors including power generation, tapping natural resources, building chain of roads, promoting tourism and other sectors. Abid Sher Ali said that the present government believes for improving the downtrodden and oppressed classes which direly needs the government supports. That’s why the government has main focus for their betterment, he added. Earlier, in Iqbal Stadium, during address of the Sports Organizations’ gathering Abid Sher Ali told that Rs.6 million was being spent for the promotion of the sports in district Faisalabad.—APP

CJP sees no change in judiciary’s working after his retirement

P ESHAWAR —Begum Corps H Y D E R A B A D —The Chief worked under him when cases which reflect this,” he ders of the Supreme Court in upright judgments and timely Commander Lieutenant Gen-

Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has expressed confidence that there will be no difference after his retirement as the judiciary will continue to deliver justice to the people.

Addressing a reception organised by Sindh High Court Bar Association here on Sunday night, the Chief Justice said that the sitting judges in the higher judiciary were dispensing justice to the people and that would continue. “There will be no difference when I leave. All the judges sitting there are heroes,” he said.

The Chief Justice said that his six brother judges in the Supreme Court stood by him when Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency on November 3, 2007.

“If such judges are still in the apex court, no one can derail the system from the path of rule of law,” he observed.

Scholars pay tribute to Qasmi He said the history would HYDERABAD—Rich tributes were paid tell how the Supreme Court to eminent scholar Allama Ghulam Mustafa Qasmi on his 10th death anniversary, organised by Allama Ghulam Mustafa Qasimi Chair, University of Sindh (SU) here on Monday. A large number of educationists, scholars, intellectuals, writers and students of late Allama Qasmi attended the Quran Khuwani and laid floral wreath at the P ESHAWAR —Director Genmazar of Allama Ghulam Mustafa Qasmi. eral NAB KP Lt Col (R) The launching ceremony of two books namely “Mitho Shahzad Anwar Bhatti has Mursal” (Biography) compiled by Allama Ghulam Mustafa said that National AccountQasimi and another, Index of Monthly Al-Raheem and Al- ability Bureau is probing Wali published by Allama Ghulam Mustafa Qasmi Chair many important corruption were also held on the occasion. Noted scholar Dr. Ghulam cases beside dozen of cases Ali Allana who presided over the launching ceremony of referred to it by the Peshawar books said that Allama Qasimi was a scholar who guided High Court. and benefited the young scholars in their research oriThis he said while talking ented work. He said that Allama Qasmi always encouraged to media men during a semischolars in their research and spent his entire life in the nar held on the eve of Interpromotion of research and education. Dr. Allana appreci- national Anti-Corruption ated the efforts made by the Chair and lauded the services Week at University of of Allama Qasmi Chair for the publication of 14 books of Peshawar (UOP), on MonAllama Qasmi and holding many conferences. Dr. Allana day. The seminar was orgaalso appreciated the scholarly contribution of Mirza nized by UOP in collaboraQaleech Baig Chair, University of Sindh, Shah Abdul Latif tion with NAB KP. Chair University of Karachi and Sachal Chair of Shah Latif DG NAB, however, said University Khairpur. He said that Sindh has produced many that mere Anti Graft Agencies scholars and intellectuals who had made remarkable contribution towards literature, history and other fields but today their services are not remembered. He appreciated the efforts of Prof. Nazir Qasmi, son of Allama Qasmi for organising the death anniversary event and remembering his father.—APP

thousands of litigants got said. its suo moto case. dispensation of justice. relief and the long pending The Chief Justice said the The Chief Justice also He recalled that when he cases were resolved. “There ongoing security operation praised the judges of the pro- was deposed in March 2007, the SHC judges supported him and during a reception in April 2007, 15 justices from the SHC attended the event without fear of the dictator.

He observed that such bravery and support for the rule of law was still evident in the SHC judges. He said that SHC Chief Justice Maqbool Baqar has passed through testing times but he emerged stronger.

Chief Justice Chaudhry stressed upon the lawyers to continue their struggle for the rule of law as the bar and the bench were yet to achieve their objectives for the rule of law.

The SHC Chief Justice, Justice Maqbool Baqar, SHCBA’s President Advocate Nisar Durrani and GenHYDERABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Chief Justice Sindh High eral Secretary Advocate Ayaz Court, Justice Maqbool Baqar, Justice Musheer Alam, President High Court Bar Nisar Tunio also spoke.

Durrani, Ayaz Tunio and others sitting on the stage during farewell dinner given by Earlier lawyers represenSindh High Court Bar, Hyderabad, at High Court lawn. tatives presented traditional gifts of Sindhi cap and Ajrak is not just one but 20,000 in Karachi started on the or- vincial high court for their to the judges.—APP

NAB probing many mega cases of corruption: DG can’t eliminate corruption unless and until all segments of the society come forward and make collective and coordinated efforts in this regard.

Addressing the seminar, he appreciated UOP for organizing so many activities for Character Building of students.

He advised the students to adopt high moral values i.e. truthfulness, forgiveness, honesty and sympathy and give up evil habits of fraud, cruelty and revenge etc.

This, he opined would definitely establish our credibility which is a pre-requisite

for a dignified nation. Instead of cursing others and making hue and cry, it is better to contribute towards the betterment of the society even to lit a single match, he concluded.

Addressing the seminar Chairman International Relations UOP Dr Andan Sarwar urged upon the students to spread the message of “No to Corruption” to everyone saying that each one teach one formula should be adopted so that the message of corruption free society reach to every nook and corner of the Province.—APP

13 petrol pumps sealed

PML-N to nominate Quetta Mayor Q UETTA —Pakistan Muslim League-N Balochistan has decided to nominate its candidate for the slot of Mayor of Metropolitan Quetta. This was said by Mir Liaquat Ali Lehri, the Additional General Secretary, PML-N Balochistan, here on Monday. He said that PML-N is a largest political party of the country that has won seats in majority in the Balochistan Local Government Elections and it has right to nominate its candidate and get the office of Mayor of Quetta. “In the history of Balochistan, first time, local bodies’ elections were held on party basis, in which the government remained complete impartial and hundreds of thousands voters voted for PML-N,” he said, adding that keeping in view the numbers of PML-N winners in Metropolitan Quetta, the PML-N Balochistan decided to nominate its candidate for the slot of the Mayorship of Quetta. He said that credit went to the PML-N and coalition partners who ensured conducting of smooth and peaceful local government elections in Balochistan. Meanwhile, it is reported that speakers of a seminar urged the literary figures and intellectuals to create awareness against corruption to get rid of this menace from our society. The seminar organised by National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Balochistan, here on Monday. Writers and Poet, Amjad Aslam Amjad said that our literature promoted good trends in the society.” Corruption has got roots in the society and the government departments as well private sectors were plagued by the menace.It is a need of hour that writers should bring their writings against corruption in order to make the society corruption free,” he said. Chief Coordinator to Chief Minister Balochistan and Senior Vice President, National Party, Dr Ishaq Baloch said that corruption also could take place due to non-amendments into laws in the country introduced by then Britain rulers in the Sub-Co ntinent.”—APP

Chrysanthemum show inaugurated at Garrison Park

BAHAWALPUR: Petrol pumps were closed in the city due to strike called by the petrol pump owners to demand increase in their commission.

OKARA—A raiding team of petrol pumps, the team sealed closed on Monday on a call the district government sealed 13 petrol pumps and got registered cases against 19 filling stations for overcharging and giving short measure to consumers in the district.

On a directive by DCO Saifullah Dogar, the team checked 188 petrol pumps and 83 of them were found involved in overcharging and short measuring.

Taking action against the

13 filling stations, got registered cases against 19 petrol pumps and ordered action against 51 others and imposed fine of Rs 411,000 on their owners.

The team also sealed three procurement centres of sugarcane for tampered scales and got registered cases against four others.

Multan: Like other cities of south Punjab, most petrol pumps in the city remained

of the Petrol Pumps Dealers Association for increase in commission.

Only two pumps located at Kalma Chowk and Eidgah, operated by PSO, continued the supply where long queues of people were seen.

After the strike of petrol pumps, illegal petroleum dealers including roadside shops continued their sale at higher rates. Even some shops sold fuel at Rs150-200 a litre.—APP

ANF recovers 209 kg charas ISLAMABAD—Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) conducted five operations in various cities and recovered 209 kg charas.

According to details, ANF Peshawar on information recovered 201 kg charas dumped on Ring Road, Peshawar. Further investigations are under progress, said a press release issued here on Monday.

ANF Peshawar Airport team arrested Abdul Sattar resident of Sawabi and recovered 65 gm charas form his personal custody. He was travelling by PIA, Flight No PK-283, which was destined for Dubai.—APP

Youth loans scheme to be monitored: Marvi H YDERABAD —Monitoring

eral Khalid Rabbani inaugurated a three days 42th Annual Chrysanthemum show at Garrison Park Peshawar Cantt, said the ISPR press release here Monday.

Begum Corps Commander who was the chief guest on the occasion also distributed prizes amongst winners. In all a total of 6 categories, prizes were distributed and the overall first position and Governor Challenge Trophy was won by Cantonment Board Peshawar while Air Headquarters lifted Chief Minister Challenge Cup runner up trophy.

Speaking on the occasion, Begum Corps Commander said that taking part in such exhibition we express our aesthetic sense and compliment wonders of nature. Plants make our environments beautiful, pollution free and the world a better place she added. Earlier, wife of Cantonment Executive Officer Peshawar presented the welcome address. She also apprised the participants about background and importance of holding such exhibitions.— APP

Dry, cold weather to prevail I SLAMABAD —Mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country.

However, partly cloudy weather conditions with chances of light rain (with light snowfall over the hills) is expected at isolated places of Malakand, Hazara divisions and GilgitBaltistan.

According to Met office,foggy conditions would prevail at scattered places over north east Punjab including Lahore, Gujranwala and Faisalabad divisions, during morning hours.

A shallow westerly wave is prevailing over northern parts of the country and is likely to move northeastward during next 24 hours.

In Punjab including Islamabad, cold and dry weather is expected in most parts, during next 24 hours.

Foggy conditions are likely over plain areas of Punjab during morning time.

While in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the province. However, mostly cloudy weather conditions with light rain is expected in Malakand, Hazara divisions during next 24 hours. Foggy conditions are likely over Peshawar division during morning time.

Dry weather is expected in most parts of Sindh and Balochistan, during next 24 hours. Cold and cloudy weather with chances of light rain (with light snowfall over the hills) is expected at isolated places of Kashmir during next 24 hours.—APP

teams are being formed to facilitate common man applying for loan and also monitor the process of loans to make it more transparent and successful to reduce the unemployment and to improve economic conditions in the country.

PML-N MNA and Coordinator of Prime Minister’s Easy Business Loans Scheme, Marvi Memon said while speaking to media-men here at local hotel on Monday.

In this regards, the monitoring team would comprise of one representative from PML-N, four other members from business community and banking sector, she said.

Besides this, the monitoring team would have some covered members to check the whole activity from receiving forms, submitting forms and the processing of forms at banks to make the scheme successful and more transparent, she said.

This scheme would help youth to stand on their feet besides helping to strengthen the economy, she said adding the government was going to materialize its programs envisaged in the HYDERABAD: Coordinator Prime Minister Youth ruling Pakistan Muslim Programme Marvi Memon addressing a press conference League-N manifesto.—APP at a local hotel.

US Qawwali show was really great SALAHUDDIN HAIDER

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HAT the job of intro ducing and promoting Pakistani culture in this very heritage-rich land of ours will become the responsibility of foreign missions is enough to put to shame our so called policy makers, government officials and parliamentarians. Private cultural promoters have been engaged in that endeavour to the best of their ability but official patronage has been lacking. However now that the Germans, Indonesians and the Chinese have been in the forefront of introducing their countries to us, the US consul general

Michael Dodman, his wife Joan, as well as his entire team deserves to be congratulated for bringing to Pakistan a new theme—of Qawwalis—to help promote subcontinent culture here with vigour and zeal that should inspire others to follow their example.

Fanna Fi- Allah, the name adopted for a six-member American group to build bridges through music and Sufism, was a delight with soul stirring performance from their members at the Beach Luxury Hotel Sunday evening. The group is all American, but have converted to Islam and have devoted themselves to promoting an institution which has been centuries old, dating back to Hazrat Amir Khushro, and before him to the great Muslim scholar and saint Hazrat Bakhtiar Kakee(RAH), now in eternal peace in

Baghdad.

Three of their team members ,Tahir Hussain as the leader, Saleem Chisti and Amna Chisti were here as three more, Jehangir, Lali Qalandar and Ali Shah were forced to stay behind, thanks to Pakistani embassy in Washington which refused them visas. Why? Is still a mystery. These people were coming as servants of Islam, and wanted to convey to the Pakistanis that propaganda against Americans for being hostile to Muslims in the wake of 9/11, was all rubbish.

Muslim culture, their holy places, mosques etc, have been well guarded in USA, no discrimination at all. I am a personal witness to that. A few black sheeps or mad persons are in every society, but they are condemned even in United States. Muslims are living in permanent peace, doing their vocations with-

out any pressure, and are independent in their views to vote for the candidates of their choice. If at all, a responsibility lies on breeding hatred on religious grounds, it is on Muslim settlers there, mostly from Pakistan who are fanatics, and wanted to force their brand of Islam upon others. Frankly, I have no shame in admitting that.

It now rests squarely on the shoulders of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to probe into the Pakistan embassy conduct to refuse visas for persons involved in service to Islam, and coming to Pakistan with a religious zeal and mission. Refusing them visas is incomprehensible. It was a blatant attempt to create bad blood, which in turn can only be damaging for Pakistan and its people.

The Qawwali led by Saleem and Tahir were although unconventional in style, was nevertheless bril-

liant. In Pakistan and India Qawwalis are normally rendered for saints and sufis, but here were the two Americans starting with Hamd and sana in praise of Allah Almighty. “Allahu, Allahu, Allahu” showed their love and passion for Islam and the Creator of the Universe, followed by “ dil jis se zinda hai who tammanna tum hi to ho” rendered in praise of Holy Prophet (PBUH), and then came the number for “Ali, Ali Maula” hymned for the fourth caliph and son in law of the holy Prophet (saw).

This was followed by lighter sides like ‘Diyar-e-Ishq me apna muqam paida Kar”. “ Khudi na baich, ghareebi men naam paida kar” from the all-time great Allama Iqbal, winding it up with “mera piya ghar aya’. They sang with commitment and in Urdu tone, which was not

their mother tongue, and yet had flair and perfection, which really was envious.

Amna,a blonde young girl, was a tabla maestro, play-

Ajmer Sharif tomb of Hazrat Chisthi Ajmeri and in Delhi at the shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, two of the most revered preachers of

ing the classical styles and rhythm like a perfectionist.

The group has performed since 2001 in various shrines of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh in Lahore, and at

Islam of their times. Fana FiAllah have had the services of Syed Dildar Hussain Shah from Faisalabad for help. The group had links with Faisalabad with maestros like

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Pashupati Nath Mishra, Muazzam Qawwal, and had their blessings in learning the vocal and instrumental music as well as the art of Qawwali from them.

Over 500 invitees were enthralled by their performance, and the credit for that goes to US State Department, and the US embassy in Islamabad and the Consul general in Karachi Michael Dodman, who, his wife Joan, and new spokesman Andy Armstrong, all wore Pakistani shalwar and kameez, with Sindhi Ajrak, looking impressive and gorgeous in that. Micheal felt happy that the occasion coincided with the Sindhi cultural day which was celebrated in the southern province on Sunday. It was a great show indeed.

Secure friendly Afghanistan in 2014

MEDIA WATCH

Egypt’s wrong road

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S coalition forces are planning to withdraw most of the troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, different scenarios are be ing visualized by different circles. Hectic activity has been initiated by various stakeholders to secure their interests in the post-withdrawal Afghanistan but we are still not sure what Pakistan is doing to safeguard its interests in rapidly evolving situation and to address other hostile factors.

The underlying objectives of the visit of US Secretary of State Chuck Hagel to Pakistan reportedly also included sharing the US vision for a stable Afghanistan, with the Pakistani leadership, but it is understood that there is a divergence of opinion between the two countries on how best to secure that objective. Pakistan has legitimate apprehensions as it would be directly affected by any positive or negative development in the neighbouring country, as it is already bearing the brunt of chaotic conditions in Afghanistan for the last several decades. Anxiety of Islamabad assumes new dimensions as attempts are also being made to assign its arch enemy — India — a dominant role in post-withdrawal phase. We, therefore, believe that relevant Pakistani institutions and policy-making circles should formulate their strategy and response on the basis of more than one scenario and do groundwork accordingly. The most important and critical element of the strategy should be to ensure that the set up that will emerge after Presidential elections in April next year and following withdrawal of occupation forces is not hostile to Pakistan. Despite attempts being made by some vested interests to sideline Pushtoons, who constitute majority of Afghan population, it is understood that they, in the final analysis, will have a decisive role to determine the future of their country. Pakistan has rightly been emphasizing that it has no favourites in Afghanistan but this, however, needs to be ensured that government, whosoever be therein, should have working relations with all factions and segments of Afghan population. There are also apprehensions that after withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, our enemies could conspire to shift focus of Afghan and Pakistani Taliban as well as Al-Qaeda to Pakistan and to counter such moves, genuine, serious and concerted efforts should be made to initiate dialogue with Taliban and make it a success despite hiccups being created by US and others.

Appoint regular Chairman HEC at earliest P

ROF Dr Attaur Rehman, renowned academician, President Pakistan Academy of Sciences and founder Chairperson of Higher Education Commission (HEC) has demanded to appoint a regular Chairman of the Commission at the earliest through a competitive, transparent, open and merit based mechanism.

Dr Attaur Rehman definitely deserves appreciation for his undeterred commitment to the cause of higher education and research and development, as he has been spearheading a crusade for this noble mission. He not only excelled in his personal capacity in making a difference as far as quality and standards of education are concerned but also made historical contribution to the promotion of higher education and science and technology in the country in different capacities. His concern for the on-going indecision, rather confusion, on the future of the HEC vis-à-vis the role and performance of the HEC in the past, is understandable as he founded the institution and worked with unprecedented devotion, commitment and vision to strengthen its role. There can be no two opinions that head of an organization matters much in deciding its fate and therefore, institutions like HEC must not be run on ad hoc basis. No doubt, Syed Imtiaz Hussain Gilani, Vice Chancellor KP University of engineering and Technology, who has been assigned the additional charge as Acting Chairman, is doing his job well but there is point in the demand of Dr Atta that the HEC should have a regular and full-time head who could deliver effectively. There is no harm if the incumbent Acting Chairman is also considered for the permanent berth through a transparent mechanism but stopgap policy would harm the institution and therefore, the Government must listen to Dr Atta.

Moderates fast losing in India T

HE defeat of India’s ruling Congress party in the elections to four state Assemblies isn’t just a defeat of its regional satraps, but is a rejection at once of the government at the Centre. The party which ruled India most of the time since independence, lost heavily to Opposition BJP in three states and in Delhi Assembly elections, the new entrant Aam Admi Party (AAP), led by a former civil servant gave a sound thrashing to Congress and a surprise to the BJP which was expecting a clean sweep. The AAP has its roots in an apolitical protest movement against the endemic corruption in India.

The results of elections in Delhi and three other Indian states, released on Sunday, indicate that change is imminent in the world’s so-called biggest democracy. The results have placed the Congress leadership in the dock like never before and these are certainly a prelude to the general elections almost six months away. When Narendra Modi was fielded by opposition BJP as Prime Ministerial candidate, it was a clear signal that hardliners would go all out to hit at the moderate Congress leadership and rally the majority Hindu voters to vote to take over India. There was some opposition from senior BJP leaders, like of L K Advani, to Modi but majority of the party leaders did not care for him and the gamble paid. As for the Congress, after two terms in government, a series of corruption scams that led to the resignation of Ministers and price hike affecting the poor, it is a foregone conclusion that the Congress is likely to lose seats to the BJP and other parties in the next election. The four States together send 72 members to the Lok Sabha, and the Congress would now have to acknowledge that its principal rival, the Bharatiya Janata Party, is the frontrunner for the bigger battle in 2014. Political observers believe that the velocity may change in the next months but it is only likely to accelerate and the Congress will face more set backs in Lok Sabha elections. If it happens, which is most likely, the foundations of a secular India will crumble down which were laid by late Nehru and others and the emerging scenario will have fall out on its neighbours.

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Demise of an icon racist white regime that drove him to violent means for a while. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, which indeed was a Mohammad Jamil long trail of inhuman tortures inflicted on him to Email: mjamil1938@hotmail.com break him; but they utterly failed. His courage, fortitude, persistence and comELSON Mandela is dead; mitment in the face of heavy odds the world has lost in him a won him and his struggle the world great leader and statesman notice and sympathy, forcing the racwith no parallel in the recent his- ist white regime to submit and surtory. Leaders of almost all the coun- render to give the black natives what tries including US President Barack was their due. The regime released Obama have paid him rich tributes. him, withdrew the ban on his AfriAnd the oppressed humanity and the can National Congress and lifted rewronged people the world over strictions. When he was elected the mourn his demise. He certainly de- first black president, he had no served all this, for what he did for rancour or hate for his white tormenhis own people, and also by becom- tors despite the enormous atrocities ing a source of inspiration for the they had subjected him to during his oppressed people of the world. The long incarceration. He was not alcolonialists had robbed the natural lowed to attend the funeral of his resources of the country for their mother, and funeral of his 25 year old own enrichment and advancement; son who died in an accident. No venand they divided up the African geance he had in his heart, as he forpeople to make it easier for them to gave them all. dominate, suppress, oppress and It is worth mentioning that folexploit the natives. Mandela found lowing his release from prison on 11 this unbearable and joined the na- February 1990 after 27 years incartive students’ movement against the ceration, Mandela pursued policy of apartheid regime in South Africa, for reconciliation and negotiation, which which he was put behind the bars. helped lead the transition from racist But it didn’t weaken his spirits; in- white regime to multi-racial democstead this invigorated his resolve to racy in South Africa. National Unity fight for the legitimate cause of his government had set up the South native people against a heady white African Truth and Reconciliation racist regime. In the process, he suf- Commission (TRC) to help deal with fered 27 years’ incarceration, mostly what happened under apartheid. The in the isolated Robben Island. conflict during this period had reIt was largely a peaceful sulted in violence and human rights struggle for the natives’ rights that abuses from all sides. The TRC was he initially pursued. It was the high- based on the Promotion of National handedness and the brutality of the Unity and Reconciliation Act 34 of

News & Views

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1995, and implemented its mandate through 3 committees: the Amnesty Committee, Reparation and Rehabilitation Committee and Human Rights Violations Committee. The Register of Reconciliation gave members of the ruling elite a chance to express their regret at failing to prevent human rights violations and to demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation. The TRC was a court-like body assembled in South Africa after the end of Apartheid. Anybody who felt they had been a victim of violence could come forward and be heard at the TRC. As a great leader and farsighted statesman, Nelson Mandela had sought grand national reconciliation only for the greater good of his people and in the supreme interest of his country, with the rights of the white minority fully secured constitutionally. It is worth mentioning that it was done in the face of a too-demanding native populace with a huge number of black South Africans unwilling to accommodate the whites in the new power dispensations. He was aware that if whites were forced to leave the country, South Africa would be deprived of the talent, expertise, technology and finance capital; and his people would have to live in impoverishment and want. He did not like to see his country being rated as a failed state. He therefore took them on board, and today South Africa is one of the developed countries of the world. After his first stint as president, he stepped aside, declining to go for another term, which was reflective of his trust in his people and other leaders. A little later, he retired from politics altogether. What really a titanic leader the fortunate South Africans have had! People of Pakistan

are not lucky to have a leader on the political stage with even a distant semblance with this great African giant of a leader! In fact, Nelson Mandela was an icon, who stood above head and shoulders compared with any other leader in the recent history.

Though the conditions are different, Pakistani leaders need to emulate Nelson Mandela. Pakistan today is facing multifaceted crisis and there are threats to its internal and external security. Political parties and leaders have been accusing each other of corruption and for supporting the military dictators in the past. Almost all political and religious parties and their leaders have at one time or another aided and abetted military dictators and joined their bandwagons. In this backdrop, no political party could boast about its democratic credentials or impeccable character of its leaders. Even judiciary had provided legitimacy to the military dictators and granted permission to dictators to amend the constitution, which right it itself did not have. Indeed, there is need for unity among the political parties and organs of the state to overcome the daunting challenges faced by the country. The question is how to bring the disparate elements on one focal point i.e. strengthening the federation? It could be done by establishing truth and reconciliation commission where all politicos and organs of the state acknowledge the aberrations and flawed decisions in the past, and then forgive and forget to make a fresh start. This is the only way forward.

—The writer is Lahore-based senior journalist.

Why soldiers commit suicide?

Dr Mahboob A Khwaja Email: kmaboob@yahoo.com

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E should be saddened but not shocked when we see the broken men and women return from battles overseas. We should be angry with those who send them to suffer and die in unnecessary wars. We should be angry with those who send them to kill so many people overseas for no purpose whatsoever. We should be afraid of the consequences of such a foolish and dangerous foreign policy. We should demand an end to the abuse of military members and a return to a foreign policy that promotes peace and prosperity instead of war and poverty. (Congressman Ron Paul comments when Daniel Somers wrote the last letter: “The Death of Daniel Somers.” Information Clearing House, 6/24/ 2013).

War is darkness – man killing man- overshadowing human consciousness of the self and the spirit – fighting soldiers driven to political indoctrination of “ennobling enmity” and wired to instigated emotional madness, forced to animalistic behavior and end-up losing the balanced material and spiritual manifestation of the nature of human originality. War means planned deaths and destruction of all that is holistic and progressively imagined by the human emancipation for the larger good of the mankind. Global war on terrorism is outcome of the few dreadful mindsets of those who are universally hated and feared by the global community.

The problem rests with those politicians who set policy agenda and make major decision lacking knowledge and practical understanding of short and long terms consequences of their own think-

ing and actions. To contemporary ego maniacs like George Bush, Tony Blair, Dick Cheney and now Obama and the historic Ivan the Terrible of Russia, torture and killings bring psychological satisfaction and enjoyable acts of sadistic pleasure to a favorite perversion. Common masses are duped to believe by the affiliated news media’s propaganda that war is a necessity to protect the national interest and security without any rational choice. After more than a decade, the war on terrorism appears unstoppable and unending.

Its real victims and causalities are the ordinary people – the present and future generations entangled in a cruel web of ripple effects and undefined rationality of the war.

Those combat soldiers who were pushed to such animalistic behaviors on the front-line – man killing man without any enmity and reason, are the real victims of the few insane politicians.

North American and West European combat forces and societal thinking reflect ambiguous and varied stonewalls erected by the war machine industries as if people are not the victims and that in an advanced technological age, machines fight machines in Iraq and Afghanistan. The hidden truth becomes reality when every day large numbers of war veterans commit suicides and internet news make it public. According to Congressman Ron Paul (“The Death of Daniel Somers.” Information Clearing House, 6/24/ 2013): “The numbers sadly tell the story: more military suicides than combat deaths in 2012, some 22 military veterans take their lives every day.” The US Army News (Rick Maze: “18 Veterans Commit suicide each day”: 4/26/2010), reported that 18-25 war veterans commit suicide every day and noted “Troubling new data show there are an average of 950 suicide attempts each month by

veterans who are receiving some type of treatment from the Veterans Affairs Department……. Suicide attempts by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans remains a key area of concern. In fiscal 2009, there were 1,621 suicide attempts by men and 247 by women who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, with 94 men and four women dying.”

This week, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - CBC reported the suicidal deaths of 4 Canadian soldiers – the veterans of Afghanistan War. It is a painful story telling to common folks explains the CBC television news reporting on 12/4/ 2013, that some 42 Canadian war veterans have taken their lives since 2011 to 2012 and a total of 129 since the armed forces were sent to Afghanistan. Rationality fails to substantiate the reported 158 Canadians troops lost life in US-led war in Afghanistan when Canada is not at war with Afghanistan. The povertystricken Afghans were not the people to ever challenge or pose any threat of violence and security to America, Canada or Europe. Often the combat soldiers and their victims do not know why and what are they fighting for? America and its paid allies did not go to Afghanistan or Iraq for peace, freedom or democracy. They invaded to take control of the oil and gas pipelines to be managed by the American enterprises in which the warlords had vested interests. Be it the ideology or the nationalism being the focal point of human insanity as was the case of the Two World Wars, combat soldiers forced to fight against their own very nature – The Nature of Things based on which God created the human beings. Can America revitalize its originality of thinking, moral and intellectual values and people’s interests-based system of political governance for a peaceful co-existence and futuremaking in relation to the global hu-

manity? With 17 trillion dollars in budgetary deficit, approximately three millions Iraqi civilians massacred by the US led bogus wars on terrorism, 20,000 or more American killed and many times more wounded, and almost one million Afghan civilians killed and displaced, and millions of wounded American and disabled veterans causality of the two bogus wars on Muslims are surviving on mere food stamps and neglected drug addicted corridors; continued daily US drone attacks on innocent Pakistani civilians, 18-25 US war veterans daily committing suicides, insane politicians acting in egoistic behaviours, leaders without lead in the society point-out to more dreadful things to happen to America - it could soon be replaced by another morally and economically competent nation or group of small nations in global politics.

Strangely enough in a knowledgebased age, American politicians are not mindful of this historical and unstoppable phenomenon of change. The living Universe and American politics appear to be set on a direct clash course.

America does not appear to be on a path of harmony with the rest of the global community. In situations of adversity and crises, competent leaders extend moral and intellectual security to the people and represent hope and optimism for a navigational change and futuremaking, not egoistic political agenda and shutdown of the government and irrational behaviours to the interests of the people who elected them to govern. On the 10th anniversary of the Iraqi genocide, there were no statements issued by the Obama administration or apologies by British politicians.

—The writer specializes in global security, peace and conflict resolution.

T is now undeniable that the po litical “road map” touted by Egypt’s military-backed regime is leading not to a restored democracy but to a new autocracy that grants the armed forces exceptional powers and excludes Islamic movements from the political system. A new constitution issued this week and scheduled for a referendum next month ensures that Gen. Abdel Fatah al-Sissi, the leader of last July’s coup, will continue to rule Egypt indefinitely, either through his present post of defence minister or, more likely, as president. The former job would be enough, since the constitution exempts the military and its budget from civilian control, requires the president to consult with the generals on key matters and allows military courts to try and imprison any civilian they deem a threat. Police, intelligence services and the domestic security apparatus also are exempted by the constitution from civilian courts and oversight. Any law affecting the police, who have been responsible for massive and systematic human rights abuses, must be coordinated with a new Supreme Police Council. As Nathan Brown and Michele Dunne of the Carnegie Endowment put it, “the leaders of the institutions of the pre-2011 state have seen . . . an opportunity to retake — and even broaden — the powers they enjoyed under [former president Hosni] Mubarak.”

The constitution bans political parties based on religion, which could mean the exclusion of the parties that gained two-thirds of the vote in Egypt’s parliamentary election two years ago. As it is, almost every top leader and thousands of members of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party are imprisoned, making its participation in elections a practical impossibility. Repression is no longer limited to the Islamists. In the last week, three of Egypt’s bestknown liberal secular activists have been arrested under a new law that bans unapproved political demonstrations. That all were leaders of the 2011 revolution against the Mubarak regime is not an accident: Egyptian press reports say prosecutors are preparing charges against other liberal leaders who oppose military rule. The Obama administration has said its policy has been to promote democracy in Egypt while cooperating with the military on “core interests.” But a State Department spokesman on Tuesday refused to take a position on the new constitution, even though the administration had previously said it opposed provisions such as military trials for civilians.

Ignoring Egypt’s reversion to autocracy is not an acceptable US policy. It breaks faith with those the United States should be supporting and tells the Egyptian military that it will pay no price for repression.

The right US strategy would be to suspend aid and cooperation with the regime until it frees political prisoners and adopts a genuine democratic path. At a minimum, the United States should tell the truth about what is happening in Egypt.

— The Washington Post

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Indian poll results

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certain kind of inevitabil ity is born when exigent cir cumstances meet dashed hopes and the results of four state elections in India — Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh — are testimony to this. While Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh once again made Congress bite dust, & Chhattisgarh gave BJP a slim lead over Congress, most stunning electoral phenomenon, however, was reserved for Delhi.

The country’s capital and crucible of political power experienced a seismic change in populist sentiments as the Congress party, after ruling the capital for 15 years, was brought to its knees at the command of a broom. Arvind Kejriwal who swept Sheila Dikshit, former Chief Minister of Delhi, and the Congress party, right out of power, has shown how political hubris can be consigned to the dustbin by his all-purpose broom. It is a feat that will take its due place in the history of Indian politics for its impeccable timing. It is important that entities like the AAP help the country come up for a breath of fresh air as it refills its lungs for the long walk to national polls in 2014. — Gulf News He who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount.

— Proverb

Insurgency exacerbates Syrians plight Voice of the People Nicola Nasser Email: nassernicola@ymail.com

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REATING a humanitarian cri sis in Syria, whether real or fabricated, and holding the Syrian government responsible for it as a casus belli for foreign military intervention under the UN 2005 socalled “responsibility to protect” initiative was from the very eruption of the Syrian conflict the goal of the USled “Friends of Syria’ coalition. Foreign military intervention is now ruled out as impossible, but what the Inquirer columnist Trudy Rubin described on last November 29 as “the biggest humanitarian crisis in a decade” was created and this crisis “is worsening and no end is in sight” according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) on November 11.

Objective and non-objective as well as official and non-official reports about the responsibility of the Syrian government are abundant, but that of the insurgents has been for too long covered up and only of late come under the scrutiny of human rights organizations and media spotlight.

The early militarization of civilian protests in Syria aborted all prospects for a long overdue peaceful change in Syria and created the largest humanitarian crisis in the world today.

Militarization opened the Syrian doors wide for foreign military, intelligence and political intervention to turn a national conflict between the haves and have-nots into a regional and international one.

More importantly, unguardedly and grudgingly but knowingly the socalled “Friends of Syria” also opened the Syrian doors to Al-Qaeda linked offshoots as an additional weight to

enforce a “regime change;” in no time they hijacked the armed leadership of the marginal local armed insurgency and became the dominant military power out of control of the intervening regional and international powers who financed, armed and logistically facilitated their infiltration into Syria.

The responsibility of the “Friends of Syria,” both Arab and non-Arab, for the militarization and the ensuing humanitarian crisis was highlighted by the US former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s call on Syrian rebels not to disarm as much by the Turkish, Saudi and Qatari opposition to a political solution through the upcoming Geneva – 2 conference next January 22. When the United States last December added al-Nusra Front to its list of terrorist organizations, topped by al-Qaeda, supposedly to tip the balance in favor of what is called, in US terminology, the “moderates” against the terrorists in the Syrian insurgency, it was a measure taken too late. The US measure was only a green light for the beginning of another war inside the Syrian war, this time launched by The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Da’âsh) against all others in the insurgency, including al-Nusra Front.

The end result was further exacerbation of the Syrian humanitarian crisis, for which the United States & partner “friends” could not be absolved of responsibility and should be held accountable. The responsibility of the insurgency, which is politically sponsored, financed, armed and logistically facilitated by them, is now unfolding to uncover the fact that the militarization of the early legitimate peaceful protests has created the largest humanitarian crisis in the world today by the military tactics the insurgents used.

These tactics include mortar shelling of civilian densely populated areas

under government control, targeting public services infrastructure of power, oil and gas, hospitals and health clinics, schools and universities, stealing public warehouses of strategic basic food reserves, dismantling and stealing public and private factories, flour mills and bakeries, interrupting or cutting transportation and traffic on highways, assassinations, extrajudicial killings and public beheadings, suicide bombings in city centers, targeting and besieging minorities, destroying and desecrating all religious and historic relics, flooding Syria with tens of thousands of foreign mercenary fighters obsessed by the al-Qaeda-like bizarre interpretations of Islam who violently compete among themselves for local leadership and war exploits because they are controlled by competing foreign intelligence agencies, and subjecting the population who come under their control to their brand of Islamic law courts, fatwas and orders, which dumped women out of society altogether to be reserved only for their sexual needs, etc.

However, exploiting the fact that the regular army was deployed along some seventy miles of the ceasefire line for a confrontation with the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on the Syrian Golan Heights and trained for a regular warfare, their strategic military tactic was from the start to entrench themselves among the civilian population, using them as human shields, in countryside towns and villages where the army has no presence and where even the police and security agencies maintain minimal presence or none at all.

The early successes of the insurgents were military exploits against peaceful civilians; they were not achieved in military vs. military battles. It was enough for a few rebels

to hold any such peaceful town or village hostage, but it needs an army operation to kick them out. Except for the northern city of ar-Raqqah, which Da’âsh turned into what the Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar on last November 8 defined as “Syria’s answer to (Afghanistan’s) Kandahar – the birthplace of the Taliban” since the rebels stormed the city early last March, the Syrian state maintains control and presence in all the major cities.

The fact that the Syrian state and government were reacting rather than acting against the insurgency is now coming to light. This fact is explained better by the UK-based opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which reported on this December 3 that it had documented the death of (50,927) government soldiers versus (36228) insurgents including (6261) non-Syrian fighters. Rebel infiltration into countryside towns and villages was the main reason for more than two million internally displaced civilians who left their homes as soon as they could out of fear either of the rebels themselves and their practices or the inevitable government retaliation.

They were taken care of by the government in government shelters. In addition to Christians and other minorities targeted by the rebels who posture as the defenders of Sunni Islam, most of the refugees and those displaced are Sunni Muslim Syrians and more than one million of them are hosted by their compatriot Alawites in west of country, a fact that refutes narrative of the US government and media about a “civil” and “sectarian” war in country.

— The writer is a veteran Arab journalist based in Birzeit, West Bank of the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.

Views From Abroad

Why Israeli nukes are Ok but not of Iran?

Max Fisher

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RANIAN officials sometimes re spond to accusations that Tehran is seeking a nuclear weapons capability by replying that not only do they not want a bomb but that they’d actually like to see a nuclear-weaponsfree Middle East. Yes, this is surely in part a deflection, meant to shift attention away from concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities by not-so-subtly nodding to the one country in the region that does have nuclear weapons: Israel. Could Iran have a point?

Is there something hypocritical about world tolerating Israel’s nuclear arsenal, which the country does not officially acknowledge but has been publicly known for decades, and yet punishing Iran with severe economic sanctions just for its suspected steps toward a weapons program?

Even Saudi Arabia, which sees Iran as its implacable enemy and made its accommodations with Israel long ago, often joins Tehran’s calls for a “nuclear-free region.” And anyone not closely versed in Middle East issues might naturally wonder why the United States would accept Israeli warheads but not an Iranian programme.

Of course, many Westerners would likely argue that Israel’s weapons are morally and historically defensible in a way that an Iranian programme would not be, both because of Israel’s roots in the Holocaust and because it fought a series of defensive wars against its neighbours.

“Israel has never given any reason to doubt its solely defensive nature,” said Robert Satloff, executive director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, summarizing the American position. “Israel has never brandished its capabilities to exert regional influence, cow its adversaries or threaten its neighbours.”

There’s truth to both of these perspectives. But the story of the Israeli nuclear program, and how the United States came to accept it, is

more complicated and surprising than you might think.

The single greatest factor explaining how Israel got the world to accept its nuclear programme may be timing. The first nuclear weapon was detonated in 1945, by the United States. In 1970, most of the world agreed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which forbids any new countries from developing nuclear weapons. In that 25-year window, every major world power developed a nuclear weapon: the Soviet Union, United Kingdom, France and China.

They were joined by exactly one other country: Israel.

The Israeli nuclear programme was driven in many ways by the obsessive fear that gripped the nation’s founding prime minister, David BenGurion. After the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, in which the new country fought off Egyptian and Jordanian armies, Ben-Gurion concluded that Israel could survive only if it had a massive military deterrent — nuclear weapons.

“What Einstein, Oppenheimer and Teller, the three of them are Jews, made for the United States could also be done by scientists in Israel for their own people,” Ben-Gurion wrote in 1956. But Israel of the 1950s was a poor country. And it was not, as it is today, a close political and military ally of the US. Israel had to find a way to keep up with the much wealthier and more advanced world powers dominating the nuclear race.

How it went about doing this goes a long way to explaining both why the US initially opposed Israel’s nuclear program and how the world came around to accepting Israeli warheads.

So the Israelis turned to France, which was much further along on its own nuclear program and in 1957 secretly agreed to help install a plutonium-based facility in the small Israeli city of Dimona. Why France did this is not settled history. French foreign policy at the time was assiduously independent from, and standoffish toward, the US and United Kingdom; perhaps this was one of France’s many steps meant to reclaim great power status. A year earlier, Is-

rael had assisted France and Britain in launching a disastrous invasion of Egypt that became known as the “Suez Crisis”; French leaders may have felt that they owed Israel.

Whatever France’s reason, both countries kept it a secret from the US. When US intelligence did finally discover Israel’s nuclear facility, in 1960, Israeli leaders insisted that it was for peaceful purposes and that they were not interested in acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Quite simply, they were lying, and for years resisted and stalled USbacked nuclear inspectors sent to facility. (This may help shed some light on why the US and Israel are both so sceptical of Iran’s own reactor, potentially capable of yielding plutonium, under construction at Arak.)

The work continued at Dimona.

Gradually, as the US came to understand the scope of the program, the administrations of Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and even the relatively Israel-friendly Lyndon B. Johnson all pushed ever harder to halt Israel’s nuclear development. Their response to an Israeli bomb was “no.” The US tried to stop Israel from getting nuclear weapons and to stop France from giving Israel the technology and material it needed to make them, but failed.

The turning point for both Israel and the US may have been the 1967 war. The second large-scale Arab-Israeli war lasted only six days, but that was enough to convince Israeli leaders that, though they had won, they could lose next time. Two crucial things happened in the next five years: First, in 1968, Israel secretly developed a nuclear weapon. Second, and perhaps more important, was a White House meeting in September 1969 between President Richard Nixon and Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. What happened during that meeting is secret.

But the Nixon’s administration’s meticulous records show that Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said to Nixon, in a later conversation about the Meir meeting, “during your private discussions with Golda Meir you

emphasized that our primary concern was that Israel make no visible introduction of nuclear weapons or undertake a nuclear test program.”

That meeting between Nixon and Meir set what has been Israel’s unofficial policy ever since: one in which country does nothing to publicly acknowledge or demonstrate its nuclear weapons program, and in exchange the US would accept it.

But the world has changed in the past 40 years. Israel’s conventional military forces are now far more powerful than all of its neighbours’ militaries combined. Anyway, those neighbours have made peace with Israel save Syria, which has held out mostly for political reasons. From Israel’s view, there is only one potentially existential military threat left: the Iranian nuclear programme.

But that programme has not produced a warhead and, with Tehran now seeking to reach an agreement on the program, it may never.

The dilemma for Israel is that, should Iran ever develop a nuclear warhead, Israel will surely feel less unsafe if it has its own nuclear deterrent. But, ironically, Israel’s nuclear arsenal may itself be one of the factors driving Iran’s program in the first place. “History tells us that Israel’s position as the sole nuclear-armed state in the region is an anomaly — regions either have several nuclear states or none,” said Cirincione, of the non-proliferation Ploughshares Fund. “At some point, for its own security, Israel will have to take the bombs out of the basement and put them on the negotiating table.”

All recognize that Israel will only give up its nuclear weapons in the context of a regional peace settlement where all states recognized the rights of other states to exist and agree on territorial boundaries. This would mean a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian issues.” In other words, the Middle East would have to cease being the Middle East.

Maybe that will happen, but not anytime soon. The writer is a former writer and editor at The Atlantic.

— Courtesy: The Japan Times

Beauty in dust..!

S

OMETIME back a friend of mine sent me pictures of the back windows of cars thick with dust, but sketched on the thick dust were beautiful portraits sketched by an artist. When the dust gets thick on the back window of his car, the artist, he uses it as a canvas to create temporary works of art.

A collage of wildlife decorates his car and attracts admirers wherever

he goes. Who needs a frost-covered window when you’ve got road dust to create a Christmas scene? Besides his finger, the artist uses traditional art tools, such as paintbrushes, and unconventional ones, like a chewed stick, to make his drawings. He takes pride in his creations, though he knows that with one good shower, his work will just wash away.

As I looked with awe at these pictures created out of dust, I wondered how like life the creations are. We grumble, cry out and weep at the troubles and worries that fall thick over our lives, not realizing that beautiful portraits can be painted on them:During the massacre of the Jews

by Hitler, two friends found themselves together in a concentration camp. The whole camp, including the German guards knew they were the best of friends. One day, news came that some of them were to be transported to the gas chambers and all the prisoners were ordered to line up and number themselves.

“I want all the odd ones to step forward and the even numbers to stay put!” shouted the Nazi commandant.

The two friends looked at each other and when it came to their turn both stepped out and quarreled with each other that they were the odd ones out.

The whole camp looked at the two and there was not a dry eye among the pris-

oners as the two friends tried to save the other from being killed. The story goes that even the stony guards wept and numbers were called out again and Simon was led off.

But suddenly in that horrible camp of death there was a new feeling; one of caring and compassion, as the inmates and guards realized they had witnessed a beautiful picture in the dust of despair! Despair, disappointment, dejection make wonderful canvasses. If there’s dust on your windscreen of life, start painting pictures lovelier than the originals. The thicker the dust the more beautiful they will be..!

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Begging — a continuing social evil BUSHRA DILAWAR KHAN

B

eggars are seen everywhere in our country. We see them in narrow streets, public parks, highway crossings, outside hotels, restaurants and wedding halls, on railway platforms, inside trains, outside mosques, in market places, in front of law courts, outside the universities and in many other places. They are all kinds of ugly, diseased, deformed, blind, deaf, lame and dumb. Some of them are quite healthy and if they want to do work, they can, but they prefer to beg. There are some wholesale contractors among them. They hire blind, deaf, dumb, diseased persons on a fixed sum per day and at the end of the day they collect all money from them. Beggars play all kinds of tricks to get money out of people. Some may cry, some may start showering you with good wishes for your long life and success and so on. By giving alms to beggars we encourage them. In fact the earning of a beggar is greater than that of some of the labourers. Even honest labourers might feel tempted to join the profession of begging. The worst part of this painful scenario is that it has eroded the self-esteem of the nation. These beggars reflect a cancerous state of affairs crept in our social set up and nobody bothers. There are occasional and casual attempts by the government to discourage begging but the mafias and vested interests are so powerful that the menace continues to grow. It is said and attributed to Lord Macaulay as sharing with the British Parliament in 1835, that he visited the sub-continent during the declining period of the Mughal empire and found no beggars and no thieves; which reflected the high moral standards and self-esteem of the then society. Begging can be eliminated but it requires commitment, perseverance and a patriotic vision on the part of the leadership and the government.

—Karachi

Right to nuke power?

IRUM ARIF For obtaining hegemony and superiority over others big states increase their defense system specifically by acquiring nuclear weapons. The world powerful countries have nuclear power and as a consequence of it, other countries also seek to have nuclear capability for their defense purposes. This is perceived to be dangerous for these countries as a threat to their legitimacy as the world super powers and also some other countries like Pakistan and India have nuclear power. Many controversial and significant treaties have been made to control nuclear weapons.

The most notable among these treaties is the NPT: Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty.

Approximately 180 countries have ratified this theory. But some have bluntly said that this treaty is just to prevent new members from joining “The Nuclear Club”. The right to have nuclear weapons will be attractive arguments for those who feel threatened by current world powers, or for those with more ambition. Furthermore, the world’s foremost nuclear powers appear unwilling to provide sufficient help to other countries in dealing with their threats. Some like US appear to reserve and actually develop more weapons, citing reasons such as fear and mistrust of others, other than assisting those states.

But if we talk about ideal situation then all countries should give up their nuclear weapons, but in the world of real politics, that seems impossible. Ironically then, the need for international “stability” will be used as an argument both for the reduction in nuclear weapons and also for their proliferation.

—Rawalpindi

Drone attacks HINA ABRAR ALI Drone attacks; as claimed by USA; are launched in order to destroy the terrorists in Pakistan, but it is a challenge to our sovereignty as not only terrorists have been killed through these attacks but many innocent people have been targeted as well. It is our own responsibility to kill such non-state actors but the whole detailed plan was settled before these Drone attacks between Pakistan and USA. Pakistan gave tacit approval to these drone attacks on the condition that agreement should remain secret, but after wikileaks everything became clean and clear to common man that why our government is not taking action on drone attacks. Now we all just have to pray for end of the terrorist activities in the Pakistan, or we all have to suffer through threat to our national security i.e. from Taliban and drone attacks.

—Rawalpindi

Pak-Afghan ties RAFIA MUSHTAQ KHAN Despite being immediate neighbour of Afghanistan, Pakistan has not always enjoyed good relations with Afghanistan mainly because of the Durand Line differences. In fact, during the reign of Zahir Shah (1933-1973) India had better relations with Afghanistan than Pakistan, with the exception of 1965 Pak-India conflict.

During Soviet invasion, India did not come up with a clear criticism and instead supported soviet quasi-puppet regime in Afghanistan while Pakistan backed Mujahiddeen kept fighting against the Soviets on behalf of United States. Likewise during Afghan war, India supported Ahmed Shah Massoud’s Northen Alliance in Afghanistan primarily because of its hostility with Pakistan supported Mujahiddeen. The Taliban victory in 1996 finally put an end to India’s

ability to maintain good relations with Afghanistan. India was forced to abandon its embassy and withdrew its diplomatic personnel from Afghanistan. Since Karzai regime, India has been investing greatly in Afghanistan. India not only has its eyes on becoming an Asian Tiger but it is also interested in extending its influence over the entire region. India has a history of unilaterally granting central Asian neighbors favourability in terms of trade and other economic agreements.

The implications of Indo-Afghan relations on Pakistan are serious in nature. They might turn out to be exceedingly grave in the times to come. Pakistan ought to come up with an effective foreign policy keeping in view the primary national interests of the country. It must develop a vigorous grand strategy to serve its foreign policy to deal with any possible intricacies in future.

—Via email

Arms control LARAIB ZAHRA Deterrence as applied during the cold war loomed larger than other tools of statecraft and was identified more closely with the possible use of devastating military force than should be the case today i.e. use of nuclear weapons. The current international environment is radically different from what was during the cold war. Threats of very different types, from cyber warfare to terrorist attacks, have become the major dangers to world order. Current and future threats to international security will present relatively fewer situations in which deterrence, least of all nuclear deterrence, will be the most effective tool of statecraft. A new approach to control the use of arms and devastating weapons is clearly necessary.

Many nations around the world today possess, or have the means to obtain, weapons of mass destruction.

They may be nuclear, chemical, biological or other types of weapons, which can be delivered through a variety of means. It is mainly the more powerful wealthy countries that have such weapons although some poorer nations are also acquiring them. In recent years, there have been movements and treaties to help control the flow and deployment of arms, be they landmines, small arms, or weapons of mass destruction such as nuclear weapons. Hence arms control is very important as it helps to reduce incentives to initiate attack.

—Rawalpindi

Missing people AKBAR JAN MARWAT It has become quite evident by now, that our security agencies, are in no mood to play ball with the Supreme Court, regarding the missing people.

Where the anti state activities and terrorism has to be condemned in the strongest possible terms, the disappearance of people allegedly involved in anti state activities without the due process of law, cannot be condoned.

Our establishment instead of confronting many of these militants in declared operations, seem to have chosen the path of neutralizing these elements, through clandestine disappearances. The present civilian government like its predecessor, seems to be helpless in this matter; and is forced to tacitly support the security agencies, as is apparent from the prevarication of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on the last few occasions.

The security establishment and by default the Federal government seem to be playing a cynical game with the Supreme court, which seems determined to leave a positive legacy in the missing people’s case. They are trying to pass the remaining few days of the Chief Justice’s tenure, by its constant procrastination. Tough measures should certainly be taken against militants, but picking up individuals, without legally charging them cannot have good results for countering mili-

tancy. Such measures only undermine the rule of law in a state.

—Islamabad

Religious intolerance SYEDA SHEEZA ZAIDI Religious intolerance is growing day by day because of undue restrictions and a close door psche of the elders towards the youngsters and students who are denied the comprehensive and all-compassing knowledge of religion and history. They have limited selective knowledge and devoid of comparing, evaluating and reaching a conclusion on their own. This lack of exposure and prohibition from asking questions, for our youngsters, within their own religion render them handicapped and myopic in their vision and understanding. They are much reprimanded if they express a desire to study the other religion or even another sect in Islam. They are raised in a bigoted manner so as to view themselves as ‘right’ and everyone else as ‘wrong’.

The result of this dichotomous thinking is obvious. Deny children the access to real education and they will become barbarians. Several fake blasphemy cases have cropped up in the past years where the objective is mostly to let them know ‘our’ power and the cost of messing with ‘us’. The need of the hour is to educate the young ones about all religious unify in promoting peace; only then will our country finally reach the destination religious and sectarian tolerance.

—Lahore

Neglected cultural heritage TAYYABA PARACHA Everyone living in Rawalpindi or Islamabad must has surely visited the 6th Road lately. We are commonly so pre-occupied and driving through a traffic mess that we can not keenly observe our surroundings. The wall of Government Post Graduate Collage for Boys Rawalpindi was painted with portraits of our national assets and our cultural heritage. The walls along the roadside were beautifully decorated with much effort. Unfortunately that beautiful murals and sights of art are nowhere seen now as it is covered by the names and slogans of the student-organization. The efforts of painters have gone waste as neither the students, nor the college authorities, nor the city government, nor civil society are bothered to keep at least surroundings of the academic institutions clean.

The walls are destroyed with such irresponsible ruthlessness that it seems that the people never thought for a second that there is hard work behind it. These walls just don’t tell the story of wasted hard work but also convey that our youth has no sense of moral values and standards.

If we don’t learn to value our own art and heritage then who would? Perhaps no one. May be this is the reason we are left behind because we ourselves don’t care about us. May be the enemy resides inside of us. So from now on before criticizing foreign and government policies, visualize where your own youth is heading to because it is not just a wall destroyed it’s a legacy ruined.

—Rawalpindi

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

—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

Putin dissolves state news agency, tightens grip on Russia media MOSCOW—President Vladimir Putin tightened his control over Russia’s media on Monday by dissolving the main state news agency and replacing it with an organization that is to promote Moscow’s image abroad.

The move to abolish RIA Novosti and create a news agency to be known as Rossiya Segodnya is the second in two weeks strengthening Putin’s hold on the media as he tries to reassert his authority after protests against his rule.

Most Russian media outlets are already loyal to Putin, and opponents get little air time, but the shake-up underlined their importance to Putin keeping power and the Kremlin’s concern about the president’s ratings and image.

The head of the new agency, to be built from the ashes of RIA Novosti, is a conservative news anchor, Dmitry Kiselyov, who once caused outrage by saying the organs of homosexuals organs should not be used in transplants.

“The main focus of ...

Rossiya Segodnya (Russia Today) is to highlight abroad the state policy and public life of the Russian Federation,” said a decree signed by Putin.

Sergei Ivanov, the head of the presidential administration, told reporters that the changes were intended to save money

and improve the state media.

But the new organization has strong similarities to APN, a Soviet-era news agency whose role included writing articles about “the social-economic and cultural life of the Soviet people and items reflecting Soviet society’s point of view on important internal and international events”.

RIA said in an English-language article about Putin’s step: “The move is the latest in a series of shifts in Russia’s news landscape which appear to point towards a tightening of state control in the already heavily regulated media sector.”

Rossiya Segodnya’s focus on building up Russia abroad could solidify Putin’s grip on information by further limiting sources of news for Russians whose TV screens are dominated by state-controlled channels.

Putin’s decree appeared to have little effect on the two other major Russian news agencies, state-run Itar-Tass and private Interfax, but it could benefit both by making RIA’s replacement less of a competitor domestically.

Itar-Tass is the successor of the Soviet official Tass agency, while Interfax has more leeway as a private agency but is restricted by the Kremlin’s dominance.—Reuters

US organization optimistic on Afghan elections KABUL—An American organization tasked with furthering democracy in developing nations said that next April’s elections in Afghanistan will not be perfect, but they should be better than the previous polls which were marred by widespread fraud.

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs said that an assessment mission to Afghanistan found “guarded optimism” about the April 5 polls that will elect a new president to succeed Hamid Karzai, along with local council members that will administer the country’s 34 provinces.

Bu the organization said the elections still faced “serious challenges,” including security, potential fraud and even weather conditions that could affect voter turnout.

The 2009 presidential election was so soiled that U.N.backed fraud investigators threw out more than 1 million votes enough to force them into a second-round vote.

Many observers blamed much of the fraud on Karzai’s supporters, but the president blamed the U.S. for interfering against him. In the end the opposing candidate dropped out and he was elected was elected to a second and final five-year term.

Since then, reforms have been made to the process to make the elections commissions more independent of the presidency.

“Clearly steps have been taken since then to address many of those issues, so voting irregularity would be a challenge. They cannot promise a perfect election, no nation can for that matter, but I think it would be a better election than the last one,” said Karl Inderfurth, a former U.S.

assistant secretary of state for South Asian affairs who headed the mission.

For the first time since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, the elections will be completely run and monitored by Afghans.

Foreign involvement has been limited to technical assistance and funding.

The NDI was created by the U.S. government through its National Endowment for Democracy and is mostly funded by the American taxpayer.

“These reforms have brought a guarded optimism among many political and civic actors that the 2014 polls would be an improvement over previous elections,” a statement issued by the mission said. “However, there are serious challenges that could impact the integrity of the 2014 elections.”

Security is a key concern in a country that is still at war more than 12 years after the Taliban were ousted, and is plagued by a relentless insurgency that shows no sign of abating. The Taliban have called on Afghans to boycott the elections.

“In terms of challenges I think the most important would be security, whether or not all Afghans would be able to turn out to vote,” Inderfurth said. Another concern is weather. Much of mountainous Afghanistan is covered in snow even as late as April and many of its more remote regions are inaccessible.

A final issue is fraud, a danger increased by spotty records.

Afghan election officials have said they can only estimate how many voters are really on the rolls in this country of about 30 million people. Added to the confusion are millions of additional registration cards from past elections.—AP

US’ role as ‘honest broker’ in Middle East HASSAN BARARI

H

A Christian man chases a suspected Seleka officer in civilian clothes with a knife near the airport in Bangui, Central African Republic.

Syrian army retakes road needed to ship out chemical weapons B EIRUT — Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces have taken control of a highway connecting Damascus to the coast that is needed to extract hundreds of tons of toxic chemicals for destruction, a monitoring group said on Monday.

Fighting in Syria poses a hurdle to implementing an agreement between Damascus and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to remove the deadliest chemicals weapons by the end of the year to be destroyed.

The army started an offensive in mid-November to secure the highway, which passes through the mountainous area of Qalamoun, roughly 50 km (30 miles) north of Damascus, stretches along the Lebanese border and hosts many military bases and outposts.

The army has retaken the

highway towns of Qara and Deir Attiyah from mostly Sunni Muslim rebels fighting to oust Assad, and has made inroads in and around the town of Nabak close to the road.

“The road is open but not safe,” said Rami Abdulrahman, head of the anti-Assad Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group. It remained vulnerable to rebel attack, he said. Manar television, run by Lebanon’s Shi’ite Hezbollah group and which has reporters embedded with the Syrian army, cited Syrian security sources on Monday saying that Nabak was now fully under army control and the highway was secure.

Rebels in the area did not respond to calls for comment. The government has never acknowledged that it did not fully control the road, a north-south artery that also links Damascus with the

coastal stronghold of Assad’s minority Alawite sect.

Syria has agreed under a deal arranged by the United States and Russia to dismantle its chemical arsenal and destroy all its 1,300 tons of sarin, mustard gas and other lethal agents.

The size of the stockpile, including 800 tons of industrial chemicals destined for incineration at commercial toxic waste plants, means it can only be transported by land and sea - using roads linking Damascus to the Mediterranean port of Latakia.

The Hague-based OPCW, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in October, has been charged with supervising the elimination of Syria’s chemical arsenal. The U.S.-Russian agreement averted planned U.S. missile strikes after a sarin gas attack killed hundreds of people in the Damascus area in August.

Palestinians: Kerry appeasing Israel over Iran at their expense JERUSALEM—A senior Palestinian official said the United States was asking Palestinians to make security concessions in peace talks with Israel in order to silence the Jewish state’s criticism of world power diplomacy over Iran’s nuclear program.

The accusations by Yasser Abed Rabbo, who joined Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry last week, further clouded hopes of achieving a negotiated accord by an April target date.

Kerry, who is expected to return to the region late this week, presented both sides with suggestions on Thursday about how Israel might fend off future threats from a Palestinian state envisaged in West Bank land it now occupies.

Israel has long demanded that under any eventual accord it retain swathes of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, as well as military control of the territory’s eastern Jordan Valley - effectively, the prospective Palestine’s border with Jordan.

But Abed Rabbo told Voice of Palestine radio that Kerry had plunged the process into crisis by seeking to “appease Israel

through agreeing to its expansion demands in the (Jordan) Valley under the pretext of security.”

U.S. acquiescence to Israel’s security demands was aimed at “silencing the Israelis over the deal with Iran and achieving a fake progress in the PalestinianIsraeli track at our expense”, he said.

Abed Rabbo was referring to the November 24 interim accord reached in Geneva between world powers and Iran, whereby it agreed to some curbs on its disputed nuclear program in exchange for the easing of international sanctions.

Dan Shapiro, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, said there was no quid pro quo between the Iran and Palestine talks.

“These two issues concern both Israel’s security and our security and the interests of all the Middle East, that it be a more quiet and stable region. But we do not see any linkage in which we seek to give on one issue and receive on the other,” Shapiro told Israel’s Army Radio.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially condemned Geneva as an “historic mistake” that risked helping

Iran’s limping economy, while leaving it with the means to make a nuclear bomb. Iran says its nuclear drive is peaceful.

The Geneva deal further strained the Netanyahu government’s ties with the Obama administration, which is mindful of support for the Jewish state in the U.S. Congress, though Netanyahu struck a more conciliatory tone last week.

Israel has not commented on the U.S. proposals but cabinet minister Yaakov Peri said on Sunday the government had not yet agreed to them.

Amid deep Palestinian pessimism over prospects for a deal, many Israelis also question whether Abbas would be able to keep his armed Islamist Hamas rivals, who rule the Gaza Strip and spurn coexistence with the Jewish state, to an eventual accord.

Shapiro said Gaza’s government would have to change for Palestinian statehood to be fully realized.

“We are talking about two states for two peoples. The Palestinian state will also include Gaza. But there has to be a change to the regime there. That is clear.”—Reuters

The United States is donating a naval ship and equipment to destroy Syria’s chemical arsenal, but there is no agreement yet about where it will anchor while the work is carried out.

Syria’s conflict began with peaceful anti-Assad protests in March 2011 and developed into an armed insurrection when these were violently suppressed. More than 100,000 people have been killed and fighting has broadly settled into a stalemate.

Hardline Islamist groups have exploited the vacuum of power in many rebel-held areas and marginalized more moderate opposition groups.

The Observatory reported on Monday that members of the al Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant executed a diesel vendor in Idlib province after accusing him of blasphemy.—Reuters

China says South Korea’s expanded air zone regrettable

Y

OUSSEF crossed the Sahara desert with a folded school map of Europe in his pocket. “Could you please point Lampedusa in the map for me? I cannot find it.”

The 28-year-old Nigerian undertook an arduous journey from the capital Abuja to Libya in the hope of some day making it to the Italian island of Lampedusa, 600 km northwest of this city.

“There are no direct flights from Abuja to Tripoli, so I came overland. I paid 800 euros for a five-day journey across the desert on top of a heavily packed truck. They told me to tie myself to it as they would not stop if anybody fell down,” he tells IPS.3 Libya continues to be a

gateway for thousands of undocumented African migrants who are willing to risk its violent militias, harsh detention centres and often fatal rides on overloaded, rickety boats to set sail for Lampedusa for them the closest point in Europe.

Even Asians have been found to use Libya as a transit point.

As they dream desperately of greener pastures, the migrants do odd jobs to earn enough to pay for the boat ride.

Youssef stands by the roadside holding some roller paint. It’s easy to spot him among the dozens of sub-Saharan Africans who stand under the Gargaresh bridge south of Tripoli, until somebody picks them up for a day of work.

The average daily payment for this kind of work is 20 dinars (12 euros), but not everyone is lucky enough to find work at this rate.

“Last week I worked for 10

hours in a row at a construction site, but they didn’t pay me anything at the end of the day. When I started to complain, they put a gun to my head and told me to go away,” recalls Suleyman, a 23year-old Malian who can hardly wait to leave Tripoli “forever”.

“I’d rather go back home as this is no life. Clashes between militias are constant here and I often get into trouble with them just because I’m black,” he says.

“As soon as I have enough money, I’ll head for Lampedusa or it may be too late.”

Work is scarce and the competition severe due to the growing number of migrants gathering in Gargaresh. The charge for a seat on one of the many boats leaving the Libyan coast is around 1,000 dollars. Even if an exhausting day of work is fully paid for, it could take years to save a sum like that.

Besides, there is always a

chance of missing the boat.

“Boats usually stop going by November due to difficult sea conditions, but there is still a slight chance of leaving before the year ends,” says 27-year-old Christian.

According to him, growing instability in Libya is pushing many to take greater risks to make it to Lampedusa despite the rough sea.

During the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya turned into a major transit point for African migration to Europe. Gaddafi had famously asked European countries for money to stop the flow.

After he was ousted and killed in 2011, the number of those fleeing the north has increased as lack of security has made it easier for human traffickers to operate.

“Amid growing unrest in the country, the current Libyan government is too busy to monitor the

coast.

Now our main hurdle is the waves,” a human trafficker told IPS on condition of anonymity.

He admitted to earning around 20,000 euros from each successful trip to Lampedusa.

Payments, he said, were only accepted on arrival and through an intermediary in Tripoli.

Imran, 21, came all the way from the Pakistani part of Kashmir to end up sailing aimlessly on a boat for three hours before they were captured by the Libyan coastguard.

“The captain simply didn’t know the route and he got lost,” recalls the young Kashmiri, who spent three months in jail after his first and only attempt to get to Lampedusa.

Despite the harsh conditions at the Libyan detention centre, he still claims he was lucky.

“We were around 50 in the

South stream: EU gas or a lot of hot air?

BEIJING—China expressed re-

PATRICK L YOUNG

gret over South Korea’s expansion of its air defense zone, which partially overlaps a similar zone declared by Beijing.

South Korea’s move followed China’s announcement last month of its zone, believed aimed at claiming disputed territory. Beijing’s zone has been criticized by its neighbors and the United States, which say they will not honor it.

The South Korean zone announced Sunday covers a submerged reef that South Korea controls but that China also claims, and it enlarged areas of airspace also included in the Chinese zone. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said that South Korea had informed Beijing of its expanded zone, and called it “regrettable.”

He said China remains in contact with Seoul and hopes it will “properly handle the issue.”

Beijing was criticized for raising regional tensions by unilaterally declaring its zone, which also includes a chain of disputed islands claimed by Japan.—AP

ITH dizzying renewable energy targets looking increas ingly unattainable, the EU is simultaneously seeking to renegotiate the South Stream pipeline which could secure heat for homes across the bloc. The EU has a Soviet-style weakness for elaborate, centrally-planned projects with distinctly variable results.

Sadly, the army of millions of unemployed people in the EU demonstrates the folly of the euro currency, which is currently squandering human capital to ensure, well, whatever it is the euro is supposed to achieve, bearing in mind that prosperity is clearly no longer part of the plan.

Elsewhere, amidst grandiose gray offices, an army of gray civil servants create enormous schemes which hoover up public funds and frequently deliver little in return. Some, rather like Hitler’s stillborn vision for a pan-European broad gauge railway, never go anywhere.

With oil, gas and electricity, it seems the EU is on a fast track to chaos with an acute danger of actually running out of energy. Plausible solutions for the upcoming European energy crisis include nuclear and shale gas. The latter has little support, despite the benefits the US has demonstrated. Nuclear has been subject to setbacks, most notably Angela Merkel’s pious populist volte face post-Fukushima. Europe faces blackouts in the next decade if it does not find alternative sources of power, to make up for those hideously subsidized alternative sources of energy that greens love but actually don’t generate power.

Gas is a natural solution for those looking east and here the EU has been in a form of tortured paranoia for some years. A kneejerk fear of using too much Russian gas seems to dominate policy. Hence one remarkable recent EU folly: Nabucco, a wondrously complex and expensive pipeline to circumnavigate Russia, pumping gas from much less accessible parts. Meanwhile, several nations are constructing a pipeline that goes under the Black Sea, emerging neatly on the EU’s eastern borders: a simple, workable, relatively cost-effective solution.

However, Brussels suddenly appears to have had a fit of nerves just as EU extra-territorial intervention has been writ large in Ukraine. Citing EU competition issues, major stumbling blocks include Gazprom owning both pipeline and gas transported through it, as EU rules nowadays require “unbundling.” However, given that “unbundled” Nabucco failed and Gazprom is funding South Stream, the EU may yet consider pipeline pragmatism better than energy poverty?

The proximity to Kiev avoiding the poisoned chalice of an EU trade deal is remarkable. Ukraine has been a somewhat unreliable partner for gas transit. Its Naftogaz energy company recently owed Gazprom some $1.4 billion for delivered gas. South Stream bypasses Ukraine entirely beneath the Black Sea. The EU may also be wary that a major storage hub in the route is in Serbia. Given that the EU has already helped partition sovereign Serbian territory while proving somewhat cool to accession talks, it is not a quantum leap to presume that the EU might seek to influence Belgrade in the throes of opening negotiations with Brussels.

Note, too, that Gazprom already owns a significant chunk of the European end of the Yamal pipeline through joint ventures. This doesn’t seem to trouble the EU, yet the element of control is highly similar.

Meanwhile, just ahead of the South Stream announcement, EU competition authorities cleared a series of asset swaps that gave Gazprom control of more transportation and storage options in Germany. Doubtless, there is a logic in all of these deals, but it is tricky to fully appreciate how one deal is acceptable and another is not. Finally, the EU has offered a way forward whereby Gazprom can apply for an exemption to permit the binding legal agreements already signed between eight nations.

Perhaps Gazprom’s impending negotiations with EU Anti-trust Commissioner Joaquin Almunia over charges it abused its monopoly position (25 percent of the EU market) may be key to a holistic EU negotiation strategy?

—Courtesy Russia Today

An African dream called Lampedusa KARLOS ZURUTUZA

AVING closely followed the Palestinian-Israeli peace pro cess since the Madrid peace conference, I can hardly avoid the conclusion that the Unites States is part of the problem as it has failed to act as an “honest broker.” I just finished reading Rashid Khalidi’s intriguing book entitled “Brokers of Deception” in which he makes the case that the US has never been an impartial mediator in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Is this a surprise? Hardly!

Here again, another US secretary of the state steps in the ring to help Israelis and the Palestinians work out a fair deal. Explicit in Kerry’s move is his desire to succeed where his predecessor failed.

He wants the Palestinian-Israeli peace deal to be his signature legacy.

Yet, I am not sure that he understands the requirements for a fair deal.

Forcing the Palestinians to conform to the Israeli government’s vision is one thing and working to dismantle the structure of occupation and the matrix of Israeli control to achieve a lasting peace is another thing.

I am not saying that Kerry should not try to mediate. On the contrary, the US is the only country on this planet that can pressure the Israeli government to come to terms with what is widely deemed as a fair deal. But his shuttle diplomacy is nothing but a smokescreen concealing the American attempt to force the Palestinians to accept less than a fair deal. To use Aaron David Miller’s words, America is “Israel’s lawyer.”

In his last visit to Israel less than a week ago, Kerry presented his ideas about ways of protecting Israel’s security if a Palestinian state was established. Perhaps, it is the first time that the Americans outlined their own proposals with regard to the issue of security. It seems that by providing proposals, Kerry wants to know of the security argument being tossed willy-nilly around all the time. In other words, Kerry thinks that his ideas can meet the requirement of Israel’s security without infringing on Palestinian sovereignty. We don’t know yet the contents of Kerry’s proposals.

For Netanyahu, Israeli security entails the presence of military troops along the Jordan River. He made it perfectly clear that his country would not consider the notion of dependence on a third party presence along the Jordan River. It is difficult to square this position with the Palestinians insistence on full sovereignty. Palestinians are not oblivious to the Israeli security argument, yet they are open to a different idea that would not compromise their independence. President Abbas is quite amenable to the idea of third party presence in the future Palestinian state.

Israelis are divided over the issues. There are some who argue that future threats will come from missiles, which makes territories and topography less important for the security of Israel. Against that, there are those who believe that the Jordan valley is a buffer and Israel should make sure that it remains so. To be sure, there are those who still use the security pretext to undermine the prospects of an independent Palestinians state.

Therefore, one should not take Netanyahu’s line that Israel is ready for peace at face value. I found his foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, more honest when he says that peace with the Palestinians is unlikely. True, Lieberman is against peace on ideological grounds, but his statement made at the annual Saban Forum in Washington a few days ago reflect the sentiments of the majority in the government.

Given the rigidity of the situation, Kerry needs to understand that the Palestinians will not settle for any deal that does not fit the bill of “fair” deal. Although Abbas is desperate to get a deal, he cannot do that at any price. Half of his people are supporting Hamas and a bad deal with Israel will only guarantee the end of Abbas.

For peace to materialize, Kerry should work toward ending the structure of the occupation and the matrix of control. Since American mediation in the conflict started back in the 1970s, no single American president Bill Clinton included ever worked toward dismantling the structure of occupation.

All we have seen is a complicit American role that attaches primacy to Israeli demands. We may recall the humiliating withdrawal of President Obama from his position articulated during the first month of his first term. As it stands, American cannot be an “honest” broker.

—Courtesy Arabnews

same cell, but at least the guards never hit me. For the black guys, though, it was completely different. They would be tortured and beaten in the most brutal way and on a daily basis.”

Women, he adds, were asked for sex in exchange for their release. His testimony is corroborated by an Amnesty International (AI) report released last June, where the human rights NGO called on the Libyan government to end indefinite detention of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, including children, who had ended up there solely for immigration purposes.

After visiting seven “holding centres”, AI also documented several cases where detainees, including women, were reportedly “subjected to brutal beatings with water pipes and electric cables.”

—Courtesy Inter Press Service

W

Iran won’t NESPAK reaches an important milestone Punjab to hold Page 14 elections acquire Training its core staff to higher business,From the company has sup- and assured their full support.

From Page 1

try, and so we have to take seriously the possibility that they are going to try to get a nuclear weapon. That?s what this whole exercise is about,” he argued.

“I think one of the things that I’ve repeatedly said when people ask, why should we try to negotiate with them, we can’t trust them, we’re being naive, what I try to describe to them is not the choice between this deal and the ideal, but the choice between this deal and other alternatives,” he said.

“If I had an option, if we could create an option in which Iran eliminated every single nut and bolt of their nuclear programme, and foreswore the possibility of ever having a nuclear programme, and, for that matter, got rid of all its military capabilities, I would take it,” he said.

Iran and P5+1 last month agreed on a historic deal that freezes key parts of Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for temporary relief on some economic sanctions.—Online

Court summons Zardari From Page 1 The references against Zardari include polo ground, SGS, Cotecna, ARY and Ursus tractors.

During the hearing, Zardari’s counsel Farooq H Naek turned up and apprised the judge that his client did not appear over security reasons. He told the court that Zardari would appear in next hearing with appropriate security.

The court also called witnesses in three different cases and adjourned the hearing till December 23. The references against Asif Zardari were reopened after his presidential immunity ended and the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) was declared null and void.

It is expected that the former president will be indicted on next hearing in the Polo Ground Reference. The court had earlier released several of the co-accused in the references against Asif Ali Zardari. The accountability court took a suo motu action and reopened five references against Zardari in October, 2013.—INP

TTP chief in Dir district From Page 1 time after he was made TTP chief. He had presided over the meeting of Taliban Shura in the Waziristan.

Sources said Mullah Fazlullah had decided to use Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the headquarters of TTP instead of North Waziristan which has been declared insecure by his aides due to the growing intensity of drone attacks.—Online

levels of knowledge and inducting new professionals with education in modern engineering and other related sciences has always been NESPAK’s strategy in order to sustain the high level performance in the consultancy business. In addition to the continuous human resource development, NESPAK has always laid emphasis on continuous up-gradation of the technological aids. The company therefore entered the Information Technology age quite early and today it stands fully IT-enabled.

NESPAK has always believed in providing quality services to its Clients and had developed its quality policy in early days and kept on improving upon it continuously according to the needs of time through a dedicated Quality Management Team. The latest quality policy of the company is reflected in this document.

Due to the excellence achieved in quality management, NESPAK became the first of the engineering consultancy firms in Pakistan to obtain the ISO 9001 certification in 1998, and was later on given the evergreen status in 2003.

The greatest success NESPAK has achieved is the development and promotion of consultancy profession in Pakistan by emphasizing the importance of the profession at every forum. Besides doing its own

ported and helped other smaller consulting firms of Pakistan in improving their experience and credentials by making joint ventures/associations with them. At present there are a large number of thriving Pakistani consulting firms, providing services both at national and international level.

Since 40 years have passed and scenarios have changed, from being a small entity with solid objectives to the present day biggest consultancy house in Pakistan, NESPAK has gone through hoops and braved some testing times. The success factors for NESPAK are solid sticking to its objectives and its readiness to tackle new challenges. Presently, environment, water and energy crises are haunting the country and needed to be tackled on an urgent basis. In order to overcome the massive energy crisis prevailing in the country, NESPAK is playing a vital role and is providing its services for the major projects namely Neelum Jhelum Hydroelectric Project, Mangla Dam Raising Project and Pakistan-Iran Gas Pipeline. Proposals have also been submitted for new business avenues like coal-based power projects in Thar.

After holding Managing Director Position in NESPAK, I am eager to excel to the new heights with the help of all the employees who have reposed full confidence

NESPAK vision for future is based on constant growth and development to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing world and its environment in step with the requirements of the times.

NESPAK has steadfast faith in its vigorous corporate strategy for business promotion and acquisition. Currently NESPAK is busy on major developmental projects at home and abroad.

The combination of deep experience in consulting sector; research network; its analytics expertise; and finally willingness to provide the best services, puts NESPAK in a strong position to give commercially credible business solutions in the Engineering Consultancy Sector. Furthermore, NESPAK is enhancing its share in the international market by targeting new territories having prospects of new development works such as Libya, Sudan, Yemen and Abu Dhabi. New offices have been planned to be opened in foreign countries where NESPAK is invited to render its services, the most important one of which is in United Kingdom, where NESPAK shall work together with European Consultants in the field of Engineering Consultancy.

Once this office starts functioning, it will be a great honor for NESPAK and Government of Pakistan who owns 100% of its shares.

Sindh govt to conduct LB polls hold consultation with the provincial election commission, Sindh in that regard, the Minister added.

The Minister hoped that the provincial election commission, Sindh would review the Cabinet’s decision about the proposed schedule for the conduction of local body polls.

Memon said that the cabinet took the decision because the Sindh provincial government did not want to make any decision in haste that could lead to problems to the voters as the voters in the province were unaware of their electoral constituencies due to recently done de-limitations, changes made in the UCs and wards while the voters lists were those that were used in General Elections-2013 for the provincial and national assembly seats polls.

However the Election Commission told the Sindh government that they should to go Supreme Court for advance of schedule.

The extension in conduction of local body polls was meant to provide sufficient time to the people (voters) and the p[political parties to make preparations regarding polls.

The Minister said that Sindh Local Government Secretary would write to the election Commission on Tuesday wherein he would apprise the election commission about the rea-sons for

From Page 1 dragging the local body polls schedule to March.

He said that the decision to conduct local body polls would be imposed on Sindh pro-vincial government then the polls could be conducted on Jan 18 and with that compulsion, the Sindh provincial government would take appropriate measures.

No Cabinet decision taken so far would be in opposition to the provisions of the Constitu-tion of Pakistan and all the decision would be taken in strict accordance to law, he assured.

It was a wrong perception that the Sindh provincial government was afraid of holding lo-cal body polls but the fact that it wanted to hold the polls in a manner that the polls should be held in a very fair and transparent manner. Pakistan People’s party Parliamentarian had swept elections while the party was on opposition benches while it was PPPP’s government today so it had no fear at all.

The Minister said that the Sindh government had decided to impose section 144 for the prevention of transportation of wheat from the province as it was Sindh provincial government that always kept the wheat prices under control. The reason for wheat smuggling form Sindh was that the wheat prices were

low as compared to prices of wheat in other prov-inces. The Sindh CM had also issued directives for further cutting the wheat prices.

The Minister said that Sindh Cabinet had constituted a committee on the Karachi Circular Railways (KCR) project, which would negotiate with the occupants of railways land to evict the occupied land so that the project should be furthered with due pace. The Cabinet had also decided not to charge any tax or duty on the goods to be imported for the KCR. The Cabinet had also approved to immediately ply at least 100 buses on roads of the metropolis.

While quoting Syed Murad Ali Shah, adviser to Sindh CM for finance, the Minister said that the adviser had briefed the cabinet on divisible pool from National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and said that it was mandatory for the federation to convene a meeting every 6 months to review the collection of revenue and its distribution to the province according to their share in the NFC Award but no meeting was convened during past half and a year. Henceforth, the Sindh cabinet had decided to approach the federal government for providing a report of first 6 months of the current fiscal year.

Case not to end with my retirement Khawaja Asif told the court that two out of five missing persons have been identified and that they would be presented within couple of days.

The court stayed dissatisfied over the report and ordered authorities to submit details of cases filed against missing persons across the country. “What’s the legal justification of kidnapping the people. No illegal action should be taken on the basis of national interest,” the CJP observed.

The CJP said the authorities didn’t comply with the court orders. The attorney general apprised the court that the heirs of two missing persons, who died in custody could be presented before the court during in-camera hearing.

The Chief Justice replied that the court cannot hold in-camera sessions on daily basis. Justice Jawwad SKhawaja replied that the matter would have been resolved

From Page 1 within 24 hours if the PM wanted.

Secretary Defense said that he is making all efforts to recover the missing persons and we will not abandon our efforts. He told the court that a notification under article 245 has come regarding cooperation between the army and civil departments under which they have additional powers.

On this CJP asked for presentation of the required notification.

AGP told the court that there are rules and regulations but there is no notification as said by Secretary Defense. CJP remarked you had said under whose directives that army is there to assist civil institutions under article 245.

Defence secretary said directives are needed and not the notification in this regard. Directives were issued to provincial government in this connection.

CJP asked to read out preface of regulation. CJP remarked “ you

can not keep the people captive for establishment of peace as article 10 does not allow it because this matter pertains to keeping some one under detention. If this is also part of duties of ministry of defence to pick up people from some place and take them to other place.

AG said no such is there in regulations. If army does not act as per these regulations then superior judiciary is entitled to take action against it. More powers have been delegated to Supreme Court and high courts under 247(7) in these matters and they can exercise their powers in tribal areas as well. They are empowered to take action in Chitral, Dir, Qallat, Malakand and North South province. JP said “ Qallat was a state.

AG said this may be Kalam, not Qallat. CJP remarked “ jurisdiction of hearing is not the matter but the question is this that nothing has been said in regulations about maintaining peace through enforced disappearances.

AG said if the matter is as per regulations then it is not breach of article 10.

AG said “ I can assure the court defence minister is in high level contacts in connection with recovery of missing persons. He is also in contact with Amna Masud Janjua. Legislation is also in final stages. Attorney general office has been asked to work out text draft in this respect.

Justice Jawwad remarked this is matter of high emergency. AG said this is threat for the people.

We have sent report in sealed envelope. This is matter of national security. We want to keep balance.

I am sure government has learnt a lot from the last 10 hearings.

CJP remarked “ the remaining missing persons were required to be brought today. They say about 33 persons that they are held by them. They consider them above law. AG said these hearings have proved no one is above law.—Online

From Page 1

ule issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

The ECP announced to hold LB polls in Punjab on January 30. The law minister said that Pakistan Muslim League-N would not make electoral alliance with any party in the Punjab, however, he added that the party could make coalition in other provinces.

On the issue of NATO supplies, Rana Sanaullah claimed that the supply lines are not blocked, saying that they are only halted in the day but resumed in the night.

Meanwhile, according to the scheduled issued by Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday Local Bodies election in Punjab would be held on January 30. As per schedule, the candidates could receive nomination papers from January 20 to 27.

The process of scrutiny of the candidates would take place from December 30 to January 4.

Charge sheet From Page 1 The interior secretary will act as the complainant and authorise the FIA DG to file the complaint, the sources added.

Earlier, a three-member special court including Justice Faisal Arab of the Sindh High Court, Justice Tahira Safdar of the Balochistan High Court and Justice Yawar Ali of Lahore High Court was constituted by Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry at the request of the government under the Criminal Law Amendment (Special Court) Act 1976.—NNI

Imran rejects From Page 1 in Peshawar after inviting all political parties to join their protest against the drone attack in which Tehreek-e-Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud was killed.

Iranian border From Page 1 ment said that the rockets fired

by Iranian forces landed at the Paroum area of Panjgoor.

“The loud noise from the rockets was heard far and wide and caused panic in the area,” he said. However, no fatalities were reported as a result of the rocket attacks.

The provincial home department official said Iranian border forces have fired rockets in Pakistani territory around 11 to 12 times during the last one-andhalf months. Repeated violation on the part of Iran has prompted the Balochistan government to bring the issue to the notice of the federal government.

“Balochistan government has written a letter to National Crisis Management Cell to apprise the federal government about the violation,” he said.

No US commitment to halt drone attacks timents as a result of drone strikes.

The official statement on the Hagel’s visit said the Secretary Defence held in-depth exchanges on the whole range of issues of mutual interest. The two leaders agreed to work together to strengthen PakistanUS relations and advance the shared interest of a stable, secure and prosperous Pakistan and the region.

Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Defence, Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Jalil Abbas Jilani, Foreign Secretary and Lt. Gen. Asif Yasin Malik, Secretary Defence also attended the meeting.

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of Pakistan-US strategic partnership for peace and stability in the region. They noted the substantial progress made in the bilateral relationship in recent months and acknowledged that the recent high-level exchanges including the Prime Minister’s visit to Washington, meetings of the Working Groups on Energy, Defence and Security, Non-proliferation and Disarmament, have greatly helped in building trust and strengthening the relationship.

The two leaders also reviewed the current state of bilateral defence and security cooperation and explored ways of further expanding cooperation in this important area of the relationship. In this regard, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of establishing a longterm and broad-based defence cooperation with the U.S. on the basis of mutual interest.

Thai PM From Page 1 the next few days to discuss it.

The surprise moves came as more than 150,000 protesters vowing to overthrow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government marched peacefully through the capital’s streets for a “final showdown.”

Analysts said the elections are unlikely to satisfy opponents who want to rid Thailand of the influence of Yingluck’s powerful family. The protesters are pushing for a non-elected “People’s Council” to replace her democratically elected government.

Yingluck had said in a televised speech earlier she would remain in a caretaker capacity until a new prime minister is elected.

Thailand has been plagued by political turmoil since the army toppled Yingluck’s brother Thaksin in a 2006 coup.—AP

From Page 1 The two leaders also discussed the situation in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stressed the importance Pakistan attached to a peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. Secretary Hagel acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to support an inclusive reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, ISPR press release said Chuck Hagel called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif at General Headquarters here on Monday. Issues concerning defence relationship, Pak-US bilateral ties and regional stability came under discussion. The US Secretary of Defence was accompanied by US Ambassador in Pakistan, Richord G Olson and US Acting Assistant Secretary of Defence Dr Peter Lavoy.

A press release issued by the US embassy on the visit said United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel’s visit was an opportunity to advance a broad, robust, and continuous United States–Pakistan dialogue on topics of shared concern, including security and stability in the region.

Hagel reviewed the mutually beneficial bilateral security relationship and reaffirmed the strong U.S. commitment to fostering peace and security in the region. The Secretary during his meetings also emphasized the U.S. desire for a strong, longterm partnership with Pakistan.

He updated the Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and the Chief of the Army Staff on U.S. and NATO efforts to promote stability in Afghanistan. Hagel

raised the importance of keeping the ground supply routes out of Afghanistan open.

During his meeting with the Prime Minister, Hagel reviewed shared concerns regarding the activities of terrorist groups, including the Haqqani network, on Pakistani territory. He also discussed the robust U.S. security assistance program designed to support the Pakistani government’s struggle against militants responsible for killing tens of thousands of Pakistanis.

The Secretary stressed that as International Security Assistance Forces draw down over the course of 2014, U.S. and coalition partners remain resolved to not let militants destabilize the region.

U.S. assistance to Pakistan continues to help build the counter-insurgency and counterterrorism capabilities of Pakistan’s security forces, which are critical to countering violence in the western border regions. Since 2002, Pakistan has received more than $16 billion of security assistance and reimbursements. Pakistan’s determined effort to root out terrorism and militancy on its own territory is essential for creating a stable environment for promoting economic growth and prosperity.

The Secretary’s visit follows the 22nd Defense Consultative Group, held in Washington, D.C. on November 21-22. The Defense Consultative Group is responsible for establishing the scope and character of bilateral security cooperation and is a part of the Strategic Dialogue, which was re-energized during Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Pakistan in August and reaffirmed by Prime Minister Sharif and President Obama in October.

Bokhari for cooperation among Asian nations

30-day sits-in schedule by PTI P ESHAWA R —The Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf sit-in blocking Nato supplies at Hayatabad Toll Plaza here continued for the 16 th consecutive day on Monday, while a schedule for carrying over the sits-in for another 30 days has also been issued. The PTI district general secretary, Zaheer Mohmand has issued a schedule for further 30-day sit-in, which envisages that the activists of 11 constituencies of Peshawar would stage sit-in for the 22 days out of the 30, while Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda and Swabi workers will stage sit-in for one day each.—INP

MQM observes martyrs day

I SLAMABAD –Senate Chairman and Acting President, Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari on Monday called for greater collaboration among the Asian nations saying inclusive and sustainable growth depend on individual as well collective regional action.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of Sixth Plenary Session of Asian Parliamentary Assembly in Islamabad. Nayyer Bokhari said 21st century is witnessing the rise of the Asian continent in international affairs and current trends envisage that by 2030 Asia’s economy will be larger than that of the United States and the European Union combined. He said Pakistan is proactively ISLAMABAD: MHD Jihad Al Lahham, Speaker of Syrian People’s Assembly handing over the APA Presidency to pursuing a socio-economic Acting President, Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari at the inauguration of 6th Plenary Session of Asian Parliamentary uplift, sustainable developAssembly.

President leaves for Mandela’s funeral ISLAMABAD—President

Bizenjo warns of quitting govt over missing persons

Mamnoon Hussain left for OBSERVER REPORT South Africa on Monday to I SLAMABAD —After holding attend the funeral of Nelson Mandela who died on Thursday at the age of 95.

Mandela’s state funeral on December 15 is set to be the biggest the world has ever seen.

Ten days of mourning have already been declared following the death of the Nobel laureate. Fifty-nine foreign heads of state or government have said so far they will attend either the memorial ceremony or the state funeral of Mandela in South Africa, according to a foreign ministry spokesman of South largely peaceful local bodes election and receiving accoAfrica.—NNI lades from cross section of the society, Balochistan’s ruling party now seems to pressure the federal government to rid the relatives of Baloch miss-

Staff Reporter KARACHI —MQM organized a ‘Martyrs’ Day’ across Pakistan on today in commemoration of MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s elder brother Nasir Hussain, nephew Arif Hussain and other martyrs.

The martyrs’ day was commemorated at the party offices in Sind, Punjab, Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, GilgitBaltistan and Azad Kashmir where participation did recitation of the Holy Quran and OBSERVER REPORT prayed for martyrs. They also paid tributes to martyrs. In this regard, a large prayers P ESHAWAR —The Federally congregation was held at the Administered Tribal Areas Tribunal hearing the case of Jinnah Ground Azizabad.

Dr Shakil Afridi said on Monday that it would announce the verdict on the case on IGP forms December 18. committees Both the sides, prosecuP E S H A W A R — K h y b e r tion and defence, completed Pakhtunkhwa Inspector Gen- their arguments in front of the eral of Police, Nasir Khan tribunal after which the court Durrani constituted commit- said that it would announce tees to ensure transparency its verdict on December 18. of purchasing process in poAfridi, a physician by lice department. According to profession is accused of asa notification issued here sisting the Central IntelliMonday from the office of IGP, gence Agency in obtaining besides police force members, DNA samples of Osama Bin representatives of National Laden through a fake vacciAccountability Bureau, Fi- nation campaign and was nance Department, Home De- sentenced last year in May partment and Account General for 33 years for involvement Office would be included in the in anti-state activities by a committee. —APP tribal court.

Dr Afridi’s retrial verdict on Dec 18

ing persons of their agony.

National Party president Hasil Bizenjo on Monday warned of quitting the provincial government if the missing persons and mutilated bodies phenomena continues to haunt Balochistan. “We have asked prime minister as well as military to stop dumping mutilated bodies, we want results, we can quit government for results,” the Senator warned. “We have got the power in Balochistan but we have yet to receive authority,” Bizenjo added. He said those who were raising voice for missing persons of Malakand should not forget Baloch missing persons. “Our sisters and mothers had not been on roads, if we would have got authority,” he said and added that he had asked Prime Minister 4 days ago to recover “our missing persons”.

PML-N policies only for Manshas: Bilawal IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) Patron-in-Chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the policies of the Pakistan Muslim League-N revolved around Mansha, started for Mansha and ended on Mansha. However, the policies introduced by the PPPP were solely for the people that always revolved around the people. Was there any to explain as what were the policies of the PMLN for as prices of essential commodities were getting skyrocketed with the passage of

each single day.

Bilawal said this on the occasion of computerised draw of plots for the poor under Benazir Bhutto Town Scheme at the Sindh Chief Minister House Monday.

The Benazir Bhutto Town Scheme was the project launched by the Sindh provincial government. Bilawal had launched the draw by pressing the button of the computer.

There would be 27500 plots for the poor of 120 square yards each while the development works and laying of the necessary infrastructure was already being initiated.

We believe in practical measures: PM

security forces on Monday moved in on pro-EU demonstrators to end a week-long blockade of the government headquarters after the authorities sent special internal troops into central Kiev in an increasingly tense showdown.

With the authorities apparently keen to regain control of the city centre, the party of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko said that armed police had raided their offices although this was denied by police.

Upping the stakes after more than a fortnight

of protests over the government’s rejection of a pact with the European Union, the protesters a day earlier symbolically toppled the statue of the Soviet Union’s founder Vladimir Lenin in Kiev.

President Viktor Yanukovych announced he would meet former Ukrainian presidents on Tuesday in a bid to find a way out of the crisis and was also backing the idea of roundtable talks with the opposition.

With international concern growing about the risk of tensions degenerating into violence, EU foreign policy chief Catherine

Ashton was to travel to Kiev Tuesday for talks with Yanukovych.

Ukrainian police on Monday forced protesters who have blockaded the government headquarters in central Kiev for a week to move away from the building, an AFP correspondent said.

A column of special troops moved in on the protestors to force them to leave, upon which opposition MPs urged the demonstrators to move down the street to Independence Square, the main protest venue.

Communal service work-

ers — helped by police — then started dismantling the barricades the protesters had erected around the cabinet headquarters.

The website of the Zerkalo Nedeli weekly said that Yanukovych on Monday had held a special meeting of his top security officials and ministers at his out-of-town residence where it was decided to restore order in central Kiev.

Dozens of interior ministry troops and anti-riot police had earlier been sent into central Kiev and could be seen moving in columns through the streets.

“We are now going to

the session will facilitate the integration and cooperation in Asia. He suggested that meeting apply its great capacity to play a pioneer role in preventing sectarian and ethnic violence and controlling foreign intervention to wage war and enmity in Asia. On this occasion, Chairmanship of Asian Parliamentary Assembly was formally handed over to Pakistan from Syria.

The session elected Indonesia as chairman of Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, Bahrain as chairman of Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs, Turkey as chairman of Committee on Political Affairs and Cambodia as chairman of Budgetary and Administrative Affairs.

All these chairmen were also vice presidents of the Assembly.—INP

Five of a family die due to suffocation

KARACHI —Five persons of ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister same family on Monday died Nawaz Sharif has said that government is making sincere efforts to overcome challenges facing the country adding that we believe in practical measures not hollow slogans.

He expressed these views while talking to Leader of JUI (F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman who called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif here on Monday.

According to JUI-F Central Information Secretary Maulana Amjad Khan they exchanged views on the prevailing political situation of the country and also discussed the issue of dialogue with Taliban to bring peace.

According to sources Maulana Fazl ur Rehman briefed the PM on decisions and important suggestions given by the tribal jirga which was held a couple of days back in Peshawar.—Online

Triple murder case

ATC sends MQM’s Shujat Hashmi to jail K ARACHI —Anti-Terrorism Court has sent MQM Shujat Hashmi and three others to Jail who were involved in triple murder case. The accused were presented before the ATC No. 1 here on Monday.

The court sent them to jail after completing their remand. The Investigation Officers said all the four accused namely Shujat Hashmi, Ghulam Qasim alias Abba, Kamran alias Gama and Adil alias Mandak belonged to MQM.—Online

Ukraine police move against Kiev protesters KIEV —Ukrainian

ment and regional cooperation and peace agenda.

It is part of vision that envisages progress and prosperity of not only Pakistani people, but also the millions throughout Asia. Chairman Organizing Committee of APA Mushahid Hussain Syed said this is the most representative Assembly of Asia with over two-hundred and twenty-five delegates from thirty Asian countries.

He said balance of economic and political power is shifting from West to East and it is high time that Asian nations define and solve their problems themselves without any external intervention and involvement.

First President of Asian Parliamentary Assembly Dr. Haddad Adel hoped that constructive decisions made at

defend our Maidan,” said opposition leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk, referring to Kiev’s Independence Square by its Ukrainian name.

The leader of the UDAR (Punch) opposition party and former world boxing champion Vitali Klitschko urged people to head en masse to Independence Square.

“It is impossible now to make a step backwards,” said protestor Volodymyr Kiblyk from the central town of Znamenka who has been at the Kiev protests for two weeks.— AFP

due to suffocation in their home at Saeedabad area of the city.According to police, five family members including husband, wife and three children died apparently due to excessive smoke inhalation.

The room in which the illfated family was sleeping got filled by smoke emitted by a power generator which kept on running throughout the night. —INP

AAP rules out alliance with BJP, Congress

Dar thanks ADB for $ 900m

I SLAMABAD —Finance MinN E W D ELHI —As uncer- that AAP would neither sup- ister Mr Ishaq Dar has tainty prevailed over the next government in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party on Monday refused to form an alliance with other parties, and said it will sit in the opposition or go for re-polls in the state, if that would bring a clearer result.

“We are ready to sit in the opposition or contest for the re-elections as we do not have the absolute majority to form the government,” said AAP leader Manish Sisodia after coming out of the core group meeting held at party convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s residence.

Sisodia said there was no question of alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party or the Congress, as it was already made clear by Arvind Kejriwal

port nor approach any party for alliance.

The AAP, a debutant political party, has emerged as the second largest party in the 2013 Delhi assembly elections with 28 seats after the BJP, which has won 31 seats.

Both of them lack the absolute majority (36 seats) needed to form the government. “We will play the role of a responsible opposition party,” Sisodia said.

Earlier, Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said the party will form the government only if it achieves majority by following the natural process and not by forming alliance with any of the parties whose records are full of corruption allegations.—IANS

Taxi driver murder case

ATC declares Rangers personnel non-guilty STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The

anti-terrorist court No 1 in Karachi accepted the challan of Pakistan Rangers Sindh personnel, who were in police’s custody for taxi driver murder case. The ATC declared the arrested Rangers personnel not guilty and ordered their release. However, Rangers personnel Lance Naek Ghulam Rasool was formally implicated for murder for a reason. The challan was submitted in the ATC after 4 months of murder of taxi driver while names of Rangers personnel Nazeer, Barkat and Waqar were missing from the challan.

The ATC had released all three personnel under section 169 after declaring them not guilty of the crime while Lance

Naek was formally implicated.

The public prosecutor neither objected to the delayed submission of challan not he objected on release of the accused. The ATC had provided copies of statements of the witnesses.

It is pertinent to mention that a taxi driver Murad was killed in firing of Rangers personnel on Jul 16, 2013 in Gulistan-e Jauhar area. Upon his murder, the Supreme Court of Pakistan had taken a Suo Motu notice and ordered for implicating the Rangers personnel under clauses of terrorism.

The interrogation claimed that the murder of taxi driver was not committed purposely and hence the offence was not hearable under clauses of terrorism.

thanked ADB and all the countries which supported Pakistan’s proposal for financing Jamshoro Power Project by $900m loan.

The Finance Minister termed the approval of loan as a break through and a giant leap forward, which would pave the way for constructing Coal Fueled Power Plants being planned by Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif’s Government.

The Government he said plans to construct coal power plants at Gadani with a total capacity of 6600 MW as part of its policy of producing electricity on cheaper fuels like coal.

The ADB has congratulated the Finance Minister on the approval of financing of $ 900 million loan for 1320 MW Jamshoro power project for its conversation to Coal.

The proposal was approved by the Board of ADB with 75% votes in favour.—INP

Pakistan re-elected to E C of OPCW I SLAMABAD —Pakistan has been re-elected to the 41member Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for the term 2014-16.

The elections for the Council were held during the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties (CPS), held in The Hague from 2-5 December 2013. Pakistan has been continuously serving as a member of the Executive Council since the establishment of the Organization in 1997. Pakistan has also been serving as Coordinator of the Asian Group for the past many years.—Online

Parent-only programs may help obese children, too

T

HE gold standard for treating child hood obesity currently involves us ing a family-based approach in which both parents and children attend meetings on losing weight. A new review of past studies suggests parent-only meetings may work just as well.

“Childhood obesity is a serious public health issue in developed and in developing countries and we need to set the course as early as possible,” Hannah Ewald told Reuters Health in an email.

Ewald, the study’s lead author, is a researcher at Warwick Medical School in Coventry, UK. “Being chronically ill can be a heavy burden but the physical aspect is just one side of the coin,” she said.

“When I see overweight children being teased for their weight, when I see them panting instead of laughing when chasing each other around on the playground or when I see look in their faces - it always gives me a sting.” Utilizing a parent-only approach to address kids’ weight might be cheaper and less embarrassing for children, David Janicke told Reuters Health in an email. Janicke, from the University of Florida in Gainesville, has studied parent-only interventions for childhood obesity but was not involved in the new review.

He said parents might also find it easier to focus on and participate in a program without the child present. The researchers

reviewed papers on eight prior or ongoing studies. In all of the studies, families of overweight and obese children were randomly assigned to different weight-loss interventions. Five of the studies compared group programs for parents with interventions targeting both parents and kids. Two compared parentonly to child-only interventions. In the remaining study, some of the parents and their children met separately and then together.

Programs for parents included diet and nutrition education, plus information on physical activity. The parent-only interventions were at least as effective in promoting weight loss among kids as the combined parent-child interventions, if not more so, according to findings published in the Journal of Public Health.

However, more families dropped out of the parent-only interventions. Ewald’s team suggested that could be due to parents feeling overwhelmed by taking on the responsibility of their children’s weight problems. But Janicke said parents are put in charge of their children’s health in parent-child weight-loss programs as well. “In gold standard behavioral family interventions that include children with their parents, the parents are taught to utilize the same skills as parents in the parent-only interventions and are still encouraged to take primary responsibility for making family wide changes,” he said.

Eminent nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan addressing the 9 th International Conference on Emerging Technologies 2013 organized by Muhammad Ali Jinnah University.

Nations’ future depends on Science & Tech STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Renowned scientist Dr. A. Q. Khan has said only those nations of the world would have a chance to survive who have intellectual wealth in the field of science and technology.

He expressed these views while addressing a two-day International Conference on Emerging Technologies on Monday.

The conference was organized by Mohammad Ali Jinnah University Islamabad in collaboration with IEEE, USA. The main objective to organize this technical conference was research presentations by academic and professional researchers, and also includes invited talks and a series of tutorials enabling participants to learn more about the latest trends in technology.

Dr. A. Q. Khan said that today’s fast changing world, Famous singer Hadiqa Kiani performing during a musical night to celebrate the Silver only those nations would have Jubilee of MPCHS, at Pak-China Friendship Center.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir a chance to survive who have intellectual wealth in S&T.

Pervaiz condoles demise of Qurashi’s mother

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed Monday visited Independent News Pakistan head office to condole the sad demise of mother and mother-in-law of senior journalist and Editor INP, Javaid Iqbal Qurashi.

The federal minister expressed deep grief and sorrow over the deaths of two family members of the renowned journalist within a week.—INP

Khadda Market in dilapidated condition CITY REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The roads and footpaths in auto workshops at Sector G-7 Markaz known as Khadda Market is in dilapidated condition.

The owners of the motor workshops repair the vehicles on the footpaths and roads and scatter oil and garbage everywhere, while the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is not taking notice of the situation.

Moreover, the space for a

park in the middle of the market is still undeveloped despite the passage of five years and many people have opened mobile workshops on the space. The shopkeepers said that they have no trade union to resolve the problem. They said that they have asked the CDA many times to repair the roads but they do not pay heed to their complaints. When contacted, a CDA spokesperson said that repairing of the roads in the markets will be done soon.

LG system in Islamabad bill introduced in NA SHARAFAT KAZMI I SLAMABAD —The Federal Government took first concrete step towards introduction of Local Government system in Islamabad by “The Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Bill, 2013” in the National Islamabad on Monday. The bill provides to rationalize and reorganize the local government system in the Federal Capital. Under the bill, Local Government shall consist of Union Councils and Metropolitan Corporation.

The government shall specify the local area within Islamabad Capital Territory as Union Councils and for the Metropolitan Corporation.

The Union Council will

consist of Chairman and Vice Chairman as joint candidates, six general members, two women, one peasant, one youth and non-Muslims member.

The metropolitan corporation shall consist of Mayor and Deputy Mayor as joint candidates, Chairman of all Union Councils, women, peasants, technocrats, youth members and non-Muslims.

Members of each Union Council shall be directly elected by the voters registered in the concerned union council while the members of the metropolitan corporation shall be elected by the members of the union councils.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has issued schedule for Local Govern-

ment elections in Punjab.

Polling will be held on 30th of next month. According to the schedule, nomination papers would be received from 22nd to 27th of this month, objections to the nomination papers can be filed on 29th and scrutiny would take place from 30th of this month to 4th of next month.

Appeals against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers would be filed on 6th and 7th of next month and these will be disposed of from 8th to 11th of next month. Nomination papers can be withdrawn by 12th and the list of contesting candidates with symbols would be published on the 13th of next month.

NPC’s workshop on Safety of Journalists today STAFF REPORTER I S L A M A B A D —Journalists Safety Center at National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad will hold a day-long workshop on Safety of Journalists today (Tuesday). This second workshop on the topic is aimed at providing acquaintance on safety to the working journalists based at Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A number of renowned experts have been invited to hold various interactive sessions with the fraternity on the subject.

President NPC, Farooq Faisal Khan in a media release on Monday said that Journalists Safety Centre was established during August 2013, with the mandate to provide safety to the working journalist of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Saudi women playing due role in socio-economic setting Interview Liaqat Toor

ISLAMABAD—Saudi women are moving forward to play their due role in socio-economic progress of their country. Talking exclusively to Pakistan Observer here on Monday, Dr. Elham Mahjoub Hassnein, member of Saudi Majlis-e-Shura said there are thirty women members out of total 150 in the Shura who have equal rights and power in the proceedings and legislating process of the Shura.

The Saudi Parliamentarian, who is here in the city to

Dr. Elham Mahjoub Hassnein, member of Saudi Majlis-eShura talking to Pakistan Observer. attend sixth session of Asian Parliamentary Assembly, said Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has observed on several occa-

sions that women are our mothers, sisters and daughters. They will play their due role in social and economic set up of Saudi Arabia.

In all fields including

education and health Saudi women are well placed and their rights are recognised and fully extended to them.

In the Cabinet, a woman is Vice Minister while there is a high-profile women university. There are several institutions where women are in the prominent positions.

Describing it an honour to attend APA session here, Elham Mahjoub Hassnein said there is strong need to develop close links between women parliamentarians of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. She described Pakistan as brotherly country of Saudi Arabia.

Public advocacy needed to curb corruption STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Intervention

by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in 552 projects worth Rs. 1692 billion saved the national exchequer Rs. 300 billion besides recovery of another Rs. 50 billion through the enforcement from June 2012 to November 2013.

This was disclosed by Acting Chairman NAB, Saeed Ahmad Sargana while speaking at a seminar organized in collaboration with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) on “Zero Corruption – 100 percent Development” on the occasion of Anti-Corruption Day in Islamabad on Monday.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting and LAW and Justice Mr. Pervez Rasheed graced the occasion as chief guest. A

bunch of renowned speakers delivered their speeches including Acting Chairman NAB, Rear Admiral (Retd) Saeed Ahmad Sargana, Mr. Cesar Guedes, Country Representative UNODC, Niell Weight, Country Representative UNHCR, Mr. Adil Gilani, Advisor Transparency International Pakistan (TIP), Farrukh Khan Pitafi, Senior Journalist, Rahat Kaunain Hassan, former Chairperson Competition Commission of Pakistan, Col (Retd) Subah Sadiq, DG NAB Rawalpindi and Brig (Retd) Muhammad Musaddiq Abbasi, DG NAB Awareness and Prevention.

Acting Chairman said, for maximizing the returns of the accountability efforts, focus should be given to the Awareness and Prevention of corruption with more focus to the edu- Acting Chairman NAB Rear Admiral (R) Saeed Ahmed Sargana presenting shield to cation for intolerance to- Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz wards the corruption to en- Rashid during a function on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day.

sure development of the country and transformation in to a vibrant society. As NAB is focusing on Awareness and Prevention, it has established 4000 character building societies across the country in different Universities, Colleges and Schools.

He said to improve good governance, there is need for government to assign right person for the right job. He urged the government to include a new cadre of “Procurement” in official cadres so that corruption which happens during award of contracts can be stopped.

Addressing the seminar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Parvaiz Rashid said corruption directly impacts development and to curb this menace, coordinated effort comprising public advocacy, prevention and enforcement is needed.

He said office of the Auditor General of Pakistan is responsible for holding audits in all public institutions and departments. He said its reports are discussed in Public Accounts Committee of National Assembly.

The Minister said to ensure complete transparency and accountability of the government, consensus has been developed on the name of Leader of Opposition Syed Khurshid Shah as Chairman PAC. Senator Pervaiz Rashid said despite improved ranks of Pakistan in Transparency International report on corruption, a lot more needs to be done to control corruption. He urged all segments of society to play their active role to eliminate this menace.

Lauding the role of NAB, he urged media to supplement it and keep an eye on wrongdoings in public sec-

tor. Later talking to media, he ruled out any chance of corruption in Prime Minister’s Youth Business Loans and said various checks are in place in the defined process including finalization of applicants by the board on merit and then transparent draw through electronic ballot.

He said PML-N’s Yellow Cab Scheme was also transparent, which not only provided a standard transport facility to public, but the recovery rate of the scheme remained over 98 percent. He said all the banks who facilitated the loans recovered their money. Parvaiz Rashid said now elections in the country are held on party basis, so there is no chance of purchasing votes. He said preparations for holding local bodies’ elections in Islamabad are in full swing.

I-14 turning into hub of problems

Zohr

06:10 01:30 03:45 07:00

Brothers in Islam establish regular prayers and charity

December 10 INAUGURAL session of conference ‘Creating Momentum: Today in Tomorrow,’ organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, at the Best Western Hotel, Islamabad, 9 a.m.

December 12 CLOSING Plenary Session of SDPI’s 16 th sustainable development conference will be held on Thursday at 3 p.m. The venue of the conference is Best Western Hotel Islamabad.

Induction of male teachers in girls colleges resented

ISLAMABAD—Negligence of Capital Development Authority (CDA) has turned the STAFF REPORTER sector I-14 into the hub of problems as residents of the I SLAMABAD —Girls students area are suffering from misand their parents have erable living conditions. voiced strong protest Details said, destructive against the appointment of roads, dysfunctional sewermale teachers in Girls colage system and bare gas leges in federal capital. pipes have raised the threat The process for inducfor the safety and security of tion of male teachers in Girls the residents, but CDA is colleges has been started to paying no attention to solve run these colleges on Eurothese issues. pean pattern.

Residents of the area A male lecturer has been have complained that CDA transferred on temporary bais behaving like a step sis from Islamabad Model mother with sector I-14 as College for Boys F-10/4 to basic living facilities are Girls Higher Secondary also unavailable here, while School Nilore. people also face difficulties Earlier associate profesfor construction of their sor Moin ud Din Sheikh was houses. transferred from Boys ColThey said, officials of lege H-9 and inducted in Girls CDA have several time viscollege F-7/2 on temporary ited the sector but no imbasis. The girls are forced to provement has been obattend to his lecture in Moserved in the development of lecular Biology. the area, CDA should also The citizens have deaccept this sector as the part manded for immediate transof federal capital. fer of the male teachers from Residents demanded Girls colleges as this act from high authorities of CDA amounts to negate governto take notice of this issue in regard to solve the problems Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Speaker Council of Representatives of the Republic of Iraq Osama Abdul Aziz-ul-Nujaifi ment tall claims for upholding signing Memorandum of Understanding at Parliament House.

Islamic teachings and norms. of the area.—Online

Police nab 26 12,700 govt officials to get criminals; recover residences in 3 sectors illegal arms, drugs

R AWALPINDI —Police in its drive against anti-social elements on Monday arrested 26 accused from different localities and recovered illegal arms and drugs from their possession. Police seized 3,425 grams charas, 530 litres wine, three bottles of liquor, ten 30-bore pistols and a 12bore gun from the arrested accused.

According to details, Pirwadhai, Sadiqabad, Cantt and Race Course Police apprehended Gul Nawaz, Munir and Irfan, Waheed, Imran and Zawaran respectively for carrying charas.

New Town Police held Usman Ali with two bottles of liquor and Cantt Police recovered a bottle of liquor from Zulfiqar Ali. New Town and Waris Khan Police arrested three drunkards namely Kamran, Suhail and Latif, who were allegedly under the influence of alcohol, while 530 liters of wine was recovered from Asif, Adil and Sajid Masih from different localities of Pirwadhai and Sadiqabad. Whereas, 12 accused were arrested from different localities including Sadiqabad, Westridge, Naseerabad, Kahuta, Jatli and Saddar Bairooni for carrying illegal arms.

Police have registered cases under relevant sections against the arrested accused.—APP

Gawalmandi Children Park remains closed R AWALPINDI —Gawalmandi Children Park for women and children has not been inaugurated yet against the claims of Cantonment Board Officials. Officials of Cantt Board had announced to open the park on Saturday Dec 07.

Mentioning here that park is closed for last 4 months.

But, despite of claims Childern Park remained close on Saturday and Sunday also, residents of the area have demanded from high authorities to take notice of this negligence of concerned officials.— Online

Notices issued to shopkeepers for illegal mobile business

I SLAMABAD —As many as 12,700 out of 22,000 federal government employees, registered with the Ministry of Housing and Works, in first phase would get plots, flats and houses in Bhara Kahu, ground + 14 storey apartment building (Life style residency) in G-13 and F-14 schemes. Talking to APP, a Federal Government Employees Housing Federation official said that about 22,000 employees got their registration under the government’s scheme to provide houses to government servants since 2009.

He said that the membership drive was initiated with the prime objective to provide housing units to government employees under government’s ambitious plan to overcome housing backlog hitting hard to a significant number of employees for the last several years.

He said that under the scheme, every registered employee would get an opportunity to have a house in the Federal Capital, which has so far remained an elusive dream for many.

Giving breakup he, said that around 3500 employees

would get plots in Bhara Kahu, 2200 employees to get apartments in G-13 and 7000 employees would get possession of their plots in F-14.

About mechanism of ownership, he said all the newly constructed residences would be disposed of accordingly on the basis of submitted lists and the aspirants would be accommodated on updated lists. He added that different categories of residences would be handed over to registered employees accordingly, and no one would be left out to avail this opportunity.—APP

Minister of State for Religious Affairs Pir Syed Aminul Hasnat Shah, Chancellor Preston University Dr Abdul Basit and Chairman Archeological and Historical Association of Pakistan Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi sitting on the stage during National Conference on “Hazrat Ghous Bahauddin Zakariya” at Preston University.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

Old Home to start functioning from January: MD ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Bait- orphan children especially in ity of them belong to the urul-Mal would establish Old Homes to provide residential and other basic amenities to the destitute senior citizen, Managing Director Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, Barrister Abid Waheed Sheikh said. Talking to APP he said, the first Old Home would start functioning in Islamabad from January. Later various such Homes would be established in all the provincial capitals depending on its success and response of the philanthropists toward the project.

He said PBM plans to establish more Pakistan Sweet Homes (PSH) for the

thickly populated areas including Khushab and Bahawalpur districts. A comprehensive policy was being finalised to promote publicprivate partnership and get the assistance from international donors and overseas Pakistan in the (PSH) project.

The only PSH for the girls located at I-8/3 sector is not sufficient to cater the needs of this large segment of the country and more PSHs for girls would be planned in future, he said.

PBM is providing financial assistance to a number of deserving people but major-

ban areas and an awareness campaign would be launched to sensitize the people of urban areas so that they can apply for the grant, he said.

Vowing to improve the aid giving system, he said a complaint/ suggestion box has been placed in the PBM for getting feedback of the visitors for onward improvements in services and accessibility. One window system would start functioning in the PBM from January end for ensured prompt assistance to the applicants. All facilities and services for the deserving and the needy would be available in one counter.—APP

R AWALPINDI —Rawalpindi police has decided to launch the operation against the sale and purchase of snatched mobile phones in markets, while has issued notice to 3500 shopkeepers on not keeping the concerned profiles.

Details said, to prevent the illegal business of mobile phone police has initiated the work on emergency basis in all over the district and also issued warning notices to 2500 shopkeepers in this regard. Out of 23000 markets and shops of the district 15000 shops are connected with mobile phone business.

Police have directed to all shopkeepers to save the record of every single person who came for sale or purchasing of mobile phone. —Online

Federal Secretary Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Dr Nazeer Syed and head of “Idara Farhangistan Zuban-o-Adab Faarsi Iran”, Ghulam Ali Hadad Adil exchanging documents after signing a Memorandum of Understanding during a ceremony at PNCA. Ambassador of Iran Alireza is also seen in the picture.—PO photo

AIOU admissions from Dec 16 CITY REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Allama Iqbal Open University(AIOU) will open its MS,M.Phil, MSc (Hons) and Ph.D admissions for the Semester Spring, 2014 from December 16. This was announced by Dr. Hamid Khan Niazi, Director, Board of Advance Studies and Research (BASR), AIOU. Director BASR said that prospectus and admission forms can be downloaded from website www.aiou.edu.pk of the University and Rs.500/will be charged as processing fee. He further said that eligibility for Ph.D admissions is M.Phil 1st Division /3 GPA in the relevant subject and must have passed NTS GAT (Subject) test with 60% marks while eligibility for MS, M.Phil and MSc (Hons) is M.Sc 2nd Division and must have passed NTS GAT (General) test with 50% marks.

Cooperation in parliamentary matters

NA Speaker, Iraqi counterpart sign MoU STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between National Assembly of Pakistan and Council of Representatives of Iraq in an impressive ceremony held in Parliament House, on Monday for cooperation in all spheres of parliamentary practices. The MoU was signed by Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Mr. Osama Abdul Aziz Al-Nujaifi, Speaker Council of Representatives of Iraq who were accompanied by Parliamentarians and Secretaries from both sides.

The MoU will take effect

from 9th December, 2013 wherein both the parties have resolved working together to enhance cooperation in all spheres of parliamentary development such as legislative procedures, legislative drafting and legislative research, sharing of laws, committee working and oversight role, secretariat infrastructure and E-parliament.

Both the sides agreed to encourage inter-parliamentary contacts through establishment of friendship groups in the National Assembly and the Iraqi Council, organization of regular parliamentary interactions through sustained exchange

of bilateral visits in order to further develop better understanding and networking.

Both the Legislative bodies would cooperate, consult and support each other at all multilateral parliamentary forums while respecting each others stated position on regional and global issues. The MoU also encompasses provision of sustainable platform for women and young parliamentarians for healthy and mutually beneficial joint venture. The MoU also recommend to encourage and protect each others interests in the filed of commerce, trade, expatriate communities and other areas of social, culture and economic sectors.

Hurriyat only representative body of Kashmiris: Mirwaiz SRINAGAR—Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said Hurriyat was the only representative body of Kashmiris and elections and financial grants cannot resolve the vexed Kashmir issue.

“The main reason of kickstarting human rights week from Kupwara was due to the fact that the border district has been the worst victim of rights violation during past 25 years,” Mirwaiz said while addressing a seminar titled, “Who are buried in Mass Graves? Where are our disappeared Loved Ones?” at Kupwara town hall organized by the conglomerate in connection with observance of human rights week programme.

He said largest number of people subjected to enforced disappearance belongs to Kupwara while large number of unidentified graves exists in the district.

The Hurriyat (M) chairman said people can never forget the bloody massacres and heartwrenching incidents including Kunan-Poshpura mass rape and double murder and rape of two women in Shopian.

“India always tried to suppress the movement with force and terror. 9500 people have been subjected to enforced disappearance, discovery of more

8000 unidentified graves, and killing of one lakh people is testimony to the fact as to what has happened in Kashmir,” he said adding “claimants of democracy were the biggest violators of human and moral values in Kashmir.”

Taking a dig on Indian political leaders, he said Narendra Modi talked about making Kashmir a “super state” but he didn’t talk about mass graves in Kashmir and “draconian laws” like AFSPA and PSA. “The reality is that J&K was actually a Police state”.

Hurriyat (M) chairman said it was unfortunate that Indian politicians were playing election-oriented politics in Kashmir. “I request Indian politicians to apprise Indian people about ground realities in Kashmir.

They should tell people that Kashmirs want right to self determination”.

“The main aim of these leaders is that Kashmiris should participate in the elections. However, it was a brazen truth that Kashmir dispute can’t be solved by holding elections, or by offering financial grants,” he said.

Mirwaiz said Indian political leaders cleverly ignore “oppression” being carried out on Kashmiris. “The religious, so-

cial and political activities of people were being usurped and public dealings restricted by force. Besides, black laws have been imposed and lakhs of Indian troops have been deployed to suppress the popular movement”.

“Why don’t the Indian leaders talk about such issues,” he said.

Slamming mainstream parties, Mirwaiz said Hurriyat was the only representative body of Kashmiris, which talks of Kashmiri sufferings and highlighted their day-to-day to problems. “Till demilitarization and black laws are not scrapped, human rights violations would continue to happen in Kashmir”.

He said it was highly shocking that those people who talk of representing people in assemblies and parliaments have never talk about disappearances, unidentified graves, and interminable oppression on Kashmiris. “For these people, it is only grants and vested interests which matter.”

Maintaining that the world was changing, Mirwaiz said Kashmir has been converted into a restricted zone, where even relations were divided by the bloody man made borders.

“The emotions and aspirations of Kashmiris can’t be sup-

pressed by force. This fact has been accepted by the international community as well. The world has realized that the solution of Kashmir issue was only through dialogue and negotiations instead of confrontations,” he said.Mirwaiz said India should realize the mood of the world and shun its policy of stubbornness.

“India should start a meaningful and result oriented dialogue process with Kashmiris and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue once for all”.

He said the main cause of trust deficit between India and Pakistan was lingering Kashmir issue. “Hurriyat wants to make it clear to the Government of India (GoI) that they should not keep their own people in dark or speak lie to them regarding Kashmir issue. Despite huge army presence, India has failed to weaken the freedom sentiments of Kashmiris”.

“Calling for negotiations to solve Kashmir dispute should not be mistaken as our weakness as Hurriyat had held several rounds of talks with both India and Pakistan in a bid to solve the Kashmir dispute. Such negotiations could not succeed due to obstinate Indian attitude towards solving the issue,” he added.—NNI

MC terms Kashmir issue ‘festering wound’ SRINAGAR—Muslim Conference (MC) spokesman Abdul Hamid in a statement issued said, “MC chairman Shabir Ahmed Dar has stated that unresolved Kashmir issue is a festering wound.”

“Though trend on international level is emerging for conflict resolutions which are of political nature and positive diplomatic efforts are shaping up for the same cause. We have to guard against the reasons which may delay the conflict resolutions particularly in reference to Kashmir, so that they can be dealt with effectively. The people are taking forward the Kashmir movement and have high morale as well as strong resolve which has send shivers in the spine of forces who have let loose a reign of fear in the Valley,” statement quoting Shabir Ahmed said.

“Shabir said that we have to take effective measures for safeguarding sacrifices of our people.

India is trying everything under its command to create confusion about the Kashmir movement which can prove dangerous for India itself for its integrity and economy as well. India tested every act of oppression but has failed to defeat the conviction and strong resolve of Kashmiris,” statement further said.

Statement added that Shabir Ahmed condemned the prolonged detention of Musrat Alam Baht as well as his subsequent shifting to Kuthua Jail and termed it the frustration of present ‘puppet government’.

He also said effective measures should be put in place for the release of all political prisoners, statement read.—NNI

Allow Geelani to hold rallies: Congress Minister JAMMU—Minister for Tourism and senior Congress leader Ghulam Ahmed Mir has said that Government should allow Syed Ali Geelani to propagate his ideology in peaceful manner.

“The rallies held by Geelani in Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian culminated peacefully and trust is getting developed now slowly that Geelani is no threat to peace,” Mir said adding that Government must face Geelani and his organization on political turf.

Mir was reacting to the house arrest of Geelani ahead of his Bandipora rally. He said that everyone has right to express himself in a democratic set up and so has Syed Ali Geelani. “Government is not the enemy of Geelani but it has to take certain factors into account before permitting any organization or individual to organize a programme or rally,” Mir said.

Mir said that there are certain belts which are hyper-sensitive and government does not want peace to get disturbed in those area. “We don’t say Geelani asks people to resort to stone-pelting but vested interests always look for an opportunity to instigate violence,” he said. Senior Congress leader further said that If Syed Ali Geelani guarantees peace, then there is no question of stopping him from holding rallies.—NNI

ISLAMABAD: AJK Senior Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin inaugurating Franchise of a Multinational Company.

HR day must bring to light Kashmiris’ rights: Farooq ISLAMABAD—On the eve of the International Human Rights Day, Chairman J&K Peoples’ Freedom League Muhammad Farooq Rehmani has emphasized the UN Council for Human Rights (UNCHR) to fulfill the World Body’s commitment to all the oppressed peoples of the world to implement the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for the sake of lasting peace in the world.

According to KMS, Rehmani in a memorandum drawn attention of the United Nations Council for Human Rights(UNCHR) to unabated and flagrant human rights violations of the Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that India was flouting the articles of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in the occupied part of Jammu and Kashmir by curbing civil liberties and press freedom, passing life sentences on pro-freedom prisoners, throwing them in jails, in inhuman and unhygienic conditions, refusing to abolish draconian laws in vogue in the state for the last several decades, enforcing disappearances of innocent people, killing youths in custody, and dumping their dead bodies in un marked graves, yet making lofty claims before the world that the Kashmiris were

with none else India.

He said that if the UN was a spring board to which people will look for their rights, what role UN played from 1948 to 2013 for the Kashmiris? It had forgotten Kashmir and the question of Kashmir and in practice it was safeguarding the unholy interests of the Indian regime in Jammu and Kashmir.

Muhammad Farooq Rehmani argued that no simple rights abuses in Kashmir, but India was persistently patronizing state terrorism in Kashmir and perpetrating horror on innocent men, women and children of every age group to strangulate the voice of freedom in the region.

“India was blocking intentionally road to freedom of Kashmir by oppressive means.

How under such conditions some peaceful efforts of resolving the issue would bear fruit,” he asked. India’s policy of terrorism gave Kashmir orphans, widows, half widows, whose number is increasing because of UN indifference towards Kashmir,” he lamented.

He said that economically also Kashmiris lost their trade, commerce and resources, as India was building its defense in the state against Pakistan and depression was both psychological as well as economic; corrup-

tion was the only weapon to keep India’s stooges alive in Kashmir.

He lamented that actually there was miss governance: no justice, no rule of law and never to speak of the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir was a police state, where army wielded police powers and their guns mocked at democracy and free elections to show to the world that Kashmir lived happily with India.

Muhammad Farooq Rehmani urged on the United Nations to recollect and refresh Kashmir in their memory as an unaddressed problem created over years by the non implementing of the Security Council Resolutions, see it from the eyes of the Kashmiris, compel India to abolish all draconian laws that ridicule the UDHR and prevent the Kashmiris from exercising their birth right-the right to self-determination and creating hurdles in the way of its peaceful resolution and finally expedite international efforts towards resolving the dispute between India, Pakistan and Kashmir. Of course, in all this process Kashmiris have a key role to play as the basic aggrieved party of the dispute, he concluded.—APP

SRINAGAR: Indian Army personnel violating all Int’l HRs norms by beating peaceful protesters with hard sticks.

Kashmiri woman Govt to help AJK for Tehreek-e-Kashmir expresses dies waiting for jailed grandson Muzaffarabad, Mirpur anguish over S RINAGAR —A

Kashmir woman, whose grandson is serving a life imprisonment for his alleged role in a blast in India’s capital in 1996, passed away at a city hospital, her family said.

Shaha Begum’s grandson Javed Ahmad Khan was arrested in 1996 in Ahmadabad and charged with being a militant group that carried out the blast.

Shaha had suffered a stroke on Wednesday and was admitted in SK Institute of Medical Sciences, her son and Javed’s father Mohammad Shafi Khan said. He said before Shaha slipped into coma she wanted to see Javed, but her wish remained unfulfilled. Javed, a resident of Khankahi Moulla in Old City was among the people accused of being militants belonging to Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front and carrying out a high intensity blast at Lajpat Nagar market on May 21, triggering it in explosives kept in a stolen car.

In 2010, a trail court awarded death sentence to coaccused Mohammad Naushad, Mohammad Ali Bhat and Mirza Nissar Hussain while Javed was sentenced to life imprisonment.

The other accused, Farooq Ahmed Khan and his woman accomplice Farida Dar, were held guilty for offences under the Explosive Substances Act and the Arms Act, were sentenced to imprisonment for seven years and four years and two months respectively.

The court relied heavily on the confessional statement of Javed which was “voluntarily” recorded before the additional chief judicial magistrate of Jaipur on July 19, 1996.—NNI

Kashmiri poet humiliated during Kul Hind Mushaira SRINAGAR—In what could be

an embarrassing situation for the government, the recently held “Kul Hind Mushaira” organized by Kashmir’s Tourism Department has drawn flak from state’s noted poets as they accuse the organisers of “humiliating” them during the event.

The All India Mushaira, bringing together some of the most popular Urdu poets of the country, was held in Srinagar on November 19. Titled ‘Ek Shaam Kashmir Ke Naam’, it was attended by 16 prominent poets of the country including Waseem Barelvi, Rahat Indoori and Munawar Rana.

The state poets who participated in the event have accused that they were “maltreated” by the organizers. According to local newsgathering agency, KNS, poets here have decided not to accept the honorarium from the Tourism department as a mark of protest. It said that the matter would be discussed in the forth coming assembly session of the state also.

Noted Urdu poet and Director, Commercial Broadcasting Services, Srinagar, and a radio broadcaster, Rukhsana Jabeen, has alleged that discrimination was done on the grounds of honorarium. “The tourism department has paid more than 25 to 40 thousand rupees to the non-local poets while as a mere amount of three thousand has been promised to us,” she alleged.

Jabeen said that as the poets who came from other states of India have been given to and fro air tickets and expensive gifts besides luxurious accommodation, while the state poets MUZAFFARABAD: Member AJK Legislative Assembly Syed Iftikhar Gilani along with were completely ignored during Asif Mustafai, Fahad Sheikh and Shahid Mahmood Wani. the event.—NNI

airports: Barjees

prisoners’ plight

SRINAGAR—Tehreek-e-Kashmir while expressing deep concern

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister stone unturned for the complete over hailing health of ‘most’ of prisfor Kashmir Affairs and GilgitBaltistan Chaudhry Muhammad Barjees Tahir has said that the federal government will help government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in restoration of Muzaffarabad Airport and construction of international airport in Mirpur with the help of private sector on Sialkot Airport Model.

He stated this while talking to Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in a meeting held.

Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Ch Abdul Majeed met Ch. Barjees Tahir to discuss development projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir especially rehabilitation of affectees of Mangla Dam. The Minister assured that the government will leave no

rehabilitation of last affectee.

He said that affairs of affectees of Mangla Dam are already on the agenda of the federal government and that they were working on this issue seriously.

The AJK Prime Minister pointed out slow pace of work on development projects regarding rehabilitation of Mangla Dam affectees.

He also mentioned delayed work in sui gas provision of some parts of Mirpur City.

Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir assured him to direct relevant departments accordingly.

Ch Abdul Majeed also appreciated Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for highlighting the Kashmir issue on international forum.—APP

oners said that denial of medical facilities and refusing to shift the ill people to hospitals in spite of doctors advices is a human tragedy inviting immediate attention of the human rights organization particularly ICRC. In a statement, Tehreek-eKashmir said that on one hand prolonged judicial process causes mental torture to the prisoners while on the other hand, the jail authorities are denying basic medical needs to the jail inmates.

Tehreek-e-Kashmir in its statement questioned the ‘negligent’ attitude of ICRC and other human rights groups towards this grave issue (prisoner’s issue) and asked, “Why could they not arrange an ambulance escort team during two decades of turmoil to deal with this type of situation?”—NNI

MUZAFFARABAD: AJK PTI youth wing welcomes new member of PTI Women Wing Advocate Asia Rafique.

Next year crucial for resolution of Kashmir issue: Ghani ISLAMABAD—The All Parties and occupiers,” Butt further pre- mir resolution.”

Hurriyet Conference leader, Professor Abdul Ghani Butt has said that next year will be vital for resolution of the Kashmir dispute on the basis of numerology.

Professor Abdul Ghani Butt while speaking at a function organized by the APHC in Srinagar, said that Kashmir would witness serious progress in its resolution, next year, and that the numerology suggested the same.

“We have been under oppression from the last 67 years and if we add the digits 6 and 7 the result is 13 and 13 is not a good number for the oppressors

dicted that the year 2014 would be prosperous for the people of Kashmir.

During the seminar on human rights’ violations in Kashmir, Prof Butt said that the people of the territory had witnessed the worst kind of treatment and that the gross human rights violations being inflicted in Kashmir should be condemned at every level.

Professor Abdul Ghani Butt stated that the Huriye had always believed in sacrifices and achievement of goal. “We are all equal in Huriyet and we all are sincerely working for the Kash-

“Hurriyet is a force for resolution of Kashmir issue, and it is guided by light of mind, knowledge and faith. We will not do what our predecessors did. Dialogue is important; we will hold dialogue with India, Pakistan and with ourselves. We do not want to waste time in sloganeering alone,” he added.

Prof Butt said the Hurriyet is “based on faith, discipline and unity.” “We want to convey to New Delhi that more they beat us the more our resolve to achieve the goal would be strengthened,” he said.—APP

Haryana College refuses Kashmiri students to appear in exams S RINAGAR —A college in released from MHRD in order to Haryana left hundreds of Kashmiri students stranded outside an examination centre on the pretext of not receiving their tuition fee from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

Kashmiri students who are pursuing their degrees under Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) in Delhi College of Technology And Management Haryana were not allowed by the authorities to appear in internal examinations of 3rd semester.

“We were asked to get our fee

be illegible for appearing in examinations,” said Irshad Ahmad of Kupwara, who is pursuing BBA degree in the college.

He said authorities in college asked them to take their certificates and leave the college.

“They simply threatened us to vacate from the college and return to our homes,” he said.

Irshad said a group of hundred students, including him were admitted in the college last year (2012) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) had sent their documents to college authorities after verification.

“But college authorities said they have not received our fee from MHRD till date.”

Pertinently, after the internal examinations conducted, college administration has also published the date sheet of annual examinations commencing from December 17 “We are under depression here. We are facing severe inconveniences. Our future is at stake,” students told Rising Kashmir.

The Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) was launched in 2010 on the recommendation of an expert group under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.—NNI

GE, Microsoft in healthcare software joint venture L ONDON — General Electric Co and Microsoft Corp are forming a joint venture to develop and sell software systems to make it easier for healthcare providers to store, access and share patient information. The 50-50 venture, which is yet to be named, will initially employ about 700 people and be based near Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, the companies said. The goal is to develop open software systems that would allow multiple healthcare providers to track patients — for example, allowing a diabetic patient’s primary care physician to see how recently he or she has been to the podiatrist to check blood flow to his or her feet. “Part of the problem in healthcare is there’s so many doctors; there’s so much information to bring together.

There’s not a single place for that,” said Michael Simpson, a GE Healthcare executive who will serve as chief executive of the new venture when it begins operations next year.—Newswire

ADB providing $900mn to support Pakistan end energy crisis STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing a $900 million loan for a new supercritical coal power generation unit in Pakistan that will deliver reliable and cost effective electricity to hundreds of thousands of energy-starved households and businesses. The coalfired generation unit, the first in the country to use supercritical boiler technology, will be built at an existing power plant in the town of Jamshoro in Sindh province, about 150 kilometres east of Karachi.

It will employ state-ofthe-art emission control equipment resulting in cleaner emissions than the existing heavy fuel oil-fired generators and subcritical boiler technology, which is

more commonly used, according to ADB statement issued on Monday. Pakistan only has 19 percent of the global average for carbon dioxide emissions per person and has only one coal-fired power plant in operation generating 0.7 percent of the generation mix. Recycling ash from the plant will also save about 115,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents per year, the statement said adding the electricity generated from the plant will alleviate some of the power shortages and replace generation from small individual oil and diesel generators which is expected to save a further 503,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

The new plant will generate electricity at a lower cost saving about $535 million per year on its fuel import bill

compared with oil fired generation. The new unit is a part of broader government efforts to decrease electricity tariff. Coal-fired power plants, using cleaner technology, provide an environmentally sound and cost-effective medium-term energy solution at a time when the country’s natural gas reserves are dwindling. Resolving the energy crisis is a priority for the country and the government is pursuing all options including large hydropower plants, renewable energy, energy efficiency, increasing domestic gas production, and importing electricity and natural gas.

Pakistan has substantial potential for large hydropower which will be developed to meet long-term energy needs because of the longer construction period

BOK Faisal town Lahore branch starts operations STAFF CORRESPONDENT

courage the economic developmental activities .This was LAHORE—Mr. Imran Samad, stated during the formal inauguration of BOK branch Butt becomes acting Managing Director Bank of at Faisal Town in Lahore.

Khyber (BOK) said BOK is president of FPCCI committed to cater the BankThe prestigious ceremony OBSERVER REPORT was largely attended by a large number of dignitaries K ARACHI —Mr. Azhar including the business comSaeed Butt, Vice President, munity and senior executive FPCCI, has taken over as of the Bank. While Manager Acting President, FPCCI, of the branch Mr. Fakhar during the visit abroad of Zaman coordinate the event.

Mr. Zubair Ahmed Malik, Mr. Imran Samad said President, FPCCI who is that BOK has trader friendly on a study tour on Quality network in all major cities of Assurance in Germany the country and we are inand Belgium organized by creasing BOK net-work by GIZ. Mr. Azhar Saeed But establishing more then 100 represents the Pakistan branches by December 2013 Hosiery Manufacturers & and it will further enhance in Exporters Association on 2014, with expansion BOK the Executive Committee branches net work in Lahore, of FPCCI. He is the we will be in a better position Managing Partner of M/s. to play our role in economic Johar Knitwear, Lahore LAHORE: Imran Samad Managing Director The Bank of developmental activities of and a well known and prominent businessman of Khyber (BoK) formally inaugurating BOK Faisal Town Lahore. this city of Lahore.

Pakistan.

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 on December 10, 2013.

The rates are U.S. Dollar 108.1891, Japanese Yen 1.0496, Pound Sterling 177.2245 and Euro 148.4138.—APP

The Greatest Sales Strategy in the world: Don’t tell me how good you make it; tell me how it makes me feel when I use it.

—Leo Burnett

ICAP signs MoU with Fatburger ISLAMABAD—Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with International fast food chain Fatburger. The MoU was signed by Saqib Zaidi, COO, Fatburger and Badia Raza, Director Marketing and Communication, ICAP in Karachi recently, said a statement received here on Monday.

As a result of this MoU, the members of ICAP can avail the discounts at the Fatburger outlets across Pakistan. ICAP, the premier accountancy body in Pakistan, has contributed immensely to the success and growth of the accountancy profession in Pakistan and has played a pivotal role in the growth of economic and business sectors of the country for the past 51 years, added the statement. The ICAP members are currently working at the highest echelons of public and private sectors both locally and internationally.—APP

ing requirements of masses at the best of our abilities both in conventional & Raast Islamic banking branch across the country in a befitting manner in order to en-

Policy for quarterly national accounts, rebasing of accounts approved I SLAMABAD —Pakistan Bu- framework helps in policy reau of Statistics (PBS) governing council on Monday approved policy for preparation of quarterly national accounts and rebasing of accounts. The meeting of governing council of PBS was held here with Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar in chair. This is the first meeting, which was held after the PML-N Government assumed power.

The Governing Council took a policy decision that unlike the past practice of preparing Annual Accounts, PBS shall now prepare Quarterly National Accounts (QNA) and submit it to the Government. Quarterly National Accounts constitute a system of integrated quarterly time series coordinated through an accounting framework. This

planning and economic analysis. A policy decision has also been taken that rebasing of National Accounts would be carried out after every 10 years.

The next rebasing is due in 2015-2016, while the subsequent rebasing would be done in 2025. The Chief statistician Mr. Asif Bajwa informed the Council that PBS is in the process of updating Enumeration Blocks (EB) in the country. He informed the council that up gradation of most of the urban areas of the country had been completed. Out of the 52000 Urban Blocks, the work of marking boundaries of 48000 urban area blocks had already been completed and 31.5% of the data in these EBs have been digitalized.—INP

involved. Small and medium sized hydropower will be developed to meet medium-term needs, it said adding the stable base-load power provided by this project will enable the fluctuating power from solar and wind power to be used without disruption to the grid.

ADB’s assistance, which includes $870 million from ordinary capital resources and $30 million from its concessional Asian Development Fund, will be complemented by cofinancing of $150 million from the Islamic Development Bank and counterpart funds of $450 million from the government.

The project is expected to be completed by December 2018. ADB’s assistance will also provide 5 years of operation and maintenance support after its completion.

Shipping activity at Port Qasim K ARACHI —Two ships M.V Chipol Brok Galaxy and M.V Theo Fylaktos carrying project cargo and sunflower seeds were berthed at Multi Purpose Terminal and Grain & Fertilizer Terminal respectively at Port qasim on Sunday morning. Meanwhile three more ships carrying steel coil, chemicals and furnace oil also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during the last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was observed at the Port at 43% on Sunday where six ships namely M.V Christos Theo, M.V Chipol Brok Galaxy, M.V BeaconSW, M.V Theo Fylaktos, M.T Chembulk Point and M.T Al-Salam-II are currently occupying berths to load/ offload rice, project cargo, wheat, palm oil and diesel oil respectively during last 24 hours.

A cargo volume of 56,044 tonnes comprises 42,875 tonnes imports and 13,169 tonnes exports inclusive containerized cargo carried in 131 containers (TEUs) (72 imports and 591 exports TEUs) were handled at the Port during last 24 hours. —APP

LSE gains 20.53 points LAHORE—Lahore Stock Exchange here Monday with bullish trend by gaining 20.53 points, as the LSE Index-25 opened with 4700.08 points and closed at 4720.61 points. The market’s overall situation, however, did not correspond to an upward trend as it remained at 1.445 million shares to close against previous turnover of 2.325 million shares, showing a downward slide of 879,400 shares. Out of the total 107 active scrips 41 moved up, 14 shed values and 62 remained equal.

Major gainers of the day were Engro Corporation Limited, Pakistan Oil Fields Limited and Pakistan State Oil Company Limited by recording increase in their per share value by Rs 6.05, Rs 5.83 and Rs 4.70 respectively.—APP

OGDCL contributes ICT Rent Control Act to be presented 53 pc oil, 29 pc gas in National Assembly soon: Asad production talking to a delegation of repSTAFF REPORTER resentatives of Islamabad’s

STAFF REPORTER

I SLAMABAD —Asad Umar, different markets that called Member National Assembly of Pakistan Tehre-ke-Insaf from NA-48 Islamabad have assured the local traders that amended bill of a balanced rent control for Islamabad will soon be presented in the National Assembly for its enactment into a law. He was

on him led by Ajmal Baloch, Organizing Secretary of Traders Welfare Association, Islamabad and Khalid Chaudhry, Senior Vice President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry in PTI Central Secretariat, Islamabad.

I SLAMABAD —Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) contributes 53 percent of oil and 29 percent of natural gas out of total Pakistan’s oil and gas production, a document said. According to a OGDCL document, Company has drilled a total of 671 wells Exploratory, Appraisal 323 and Development wells 348. The company has made 97 oil and gas discoveries in the country.

Talking to APP, on Monday an official of OGDCL said company is striving hard to meet ever growing domestic demand of hydrocarbons and pursing an aggressive production enhancement strategy.

During the last five years (20082013) OGDCL drilled 118 wells and made 15 discoveries.

OGDCL is constantly endeavouring not only to maintain production level by arresting natural decline but also expediting connectivity of the new exploratory and development wells in ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Develthe system to overcome energy opment Ahsan Iqbal, speaking during a ceremony to celcrisis in the country, he said. ebrate 29th SAARC Charter Day.

Changes to income tax laws proposed STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD —Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement (South), Karachi has proposed major changes in the income tax laws for plugging in revenue leakage, taking place in collection of withholding tax on the import of goods under section 148 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. Nasir Masroor Ahmed, Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement (South) Karachi, has made recommendations to the FBR for introducing changes in tax laws to improve monitoring and compliance at the import stage. In this regard, Chief Collector has analysed the entire withholding regime and made practical recom-

mendations for improving withholding tax collection at the import stage.

According to Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement (South) Karachi, section 148 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 empowers Collector of Customs to deduct advance tax (Withholding Tax or WHT), on imports in the same manner and at the same time as the customs duty payable in respect of imported goods.

The scope of this levy as outlined in Section 148 of the said Ordinance is at the following rates (specified in Part II of the first Schedule): Five percent of the value of goods in the case of industrial undertakings/companies; 5 percent in all other cases of companies; and 5.5% in case of all taxpay-

ers other than those covered in the above said categories of industrial undertakings/ companies.

Sources said that the levy of WHT under Section 148 of the Ordinance 2001, on the basis of ’ the taxpayer-type creates operational issues viz identifying the taxpayer as either an industrial-undertaking i.e. manufacturer or otherwise. Normally, the assessing officer determines the taxpayer-type from the Sales Tax Registration data as available on the FBR website, which in most of the cases shows a diverse mix of multiple business activities e.g. importer/exporter/manufacturer/service provider etc (this categorisation suffers from inherent infirmities).

Robots to work at Pak-Australia joint venture at National Industrial Park AMANULLAH KHAN

Industry in Australia and New of $150 million for setting up Zealand. It is pertinent to men- a plant on 50 acres at NIP’s KARACHI—Pakistan-Austra- tion here that a Japanese mo- biggest project Bin Qasim Inlia joint venture at National Industrial Park is a unique of its kind, as robots will be working in some of the strategic shops of the project for the first time in Pakistan. Peter Heyward, Australian High Commissioner performed groundbreaking ceremony of the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant of Pierlite Pakistan Lighting Factory at Korangi Creek Industrial Park (KCIP), a flagship project of National Industrial Parks Development & Management Company (NIP).

With the launching of this modern plant NIP added yet another feather in its cap by bringing in a sizeable Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and technological exchanges be- Mr. Mohsin Syed, CEO, NIP speaking about the salient features tween the two countries. The of Korangi Creek Industrial Park (KCIP) at the ground-breakcompany set up with 60 per ing ceremony of Australin-Pakistani joint venture MS Pierlite. cent Australian equity and 40 per cent local, comes under torcycle manufacturing com- dustrial Park (BQIP) which is the aegis of Gerard Lighting pany is all set to bring in For- spread over an area of 930 Group – a giant in the lighting eign Direct Investment (FDI) acres.

Big Data: The power or peril of the finance profession?

H

OW (rather than ‘to what extent’) is the business world going to be impacted by big data?’ is the most relevant question accountants and finance professionals should ask themselves, claims a report released Monday by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and IMA® (the Institute of Management Accountants). Big data: its power and perils demonstrates the potential for business of all sizes, governments and regulators in harnessing this wealth of un-

structured information but the potential legal and ethical pitfalls are clear.

In a recent survey by ACCA and IMA 77% of respondents in South Asia and 62% globally cited big data as hugely important to the future of business, potentially giving savvy businesses an edge on their competitors. The volume and variety of data able to be collected by businesses and governments is increasing at intense rate, providing a potential treasure trove of information. The ability to organise, make sense and

analyse it is at the core of the substantial investments that corporations are making.

Arif Mirza, head of ACCA Pakistan,said: “It’s not a matter of when big data will become important, it already is.

Where the potential lies is in being able to analyse and put this information to use. Big data represents one of the biggest opportunities the finance profession has seen in recent times. Using their analytical skills, they will be able to provide senior management with real time updates on a wider set of variables

which will place them at the heart of business strategy.

“We have talked for many years about the finance function being about more than just providing end-of-year reports and big data makes this a reality.

Their ethical stewardship will also be vital, by combining their analytical skills and ethics they will finally become the cornerstone of business strategy and success.” It’s not just the private-sector where big data will prove invaluable. Big data will make it easier for auditors and regulators to

spot large scale fraud. Authorities are already using big data in their investigations.

Nina Tan, CFO of Trax Technology Solutions said: “The valuation of data assets is still in an exploratory stage.

Some of the previous methods that the profession has developed in valuation or auditing are good grounding guidelines, but we need to open our minds, evolve with technology and see how we can modify and adapt to add value as strategic partners to the business entity. In order to do that, we’ve got to stay

hungry for knowledge, experience and exposure, and stay foolish in our humility, be open to new ideas and move with times so that we can play a part in growing businesses.

“Developing the pricing strategy of big data products is something that CFOs should get involved with.”

The report acknowledges that accountants are neither software engineers or data scientists, but they could be in the future. Increasingly, accountants will help decide the financial content used in ‘data visualization’ and company dashboards and how

non-financial data should be overlaid on it. They will be required to help create a common visual language for data.

Faye Chua, ACCA head of future research said: “Big data will bring a change in focus for many finance professionals, the traditional roles of the chief financial officer, chief technology officer and chief information officer will be unrecognizable in the future. Their roles will be more strategic and forward looking. The speed at which they are able to embrace this change will have a huge im-

pact on the ability of the business to make the most the potential offered by big data.”

In compiling the research, ACCA and IMA reviewed the existing information on big data, held roundtable discussion with leading finance professionals and conducted interviews with big data experts. “Big data” and other ACCA and IMA reports are available through the ACCA and IMA joint website, roleofcfo.com, a resource for finance leaders and aspiring professionals.—Agencies

Selling

Currency

Buying

USA

105.40

105.20

UK

169.96

169.64

EURO

142.60

142.33

Canada

103.11

102.92

Switzerland

115.56

115.34

Australia

100.05

99.86

Sweden

16.56

16.52

Japan

1.0706

1.0686

Norway

18.11

18.08

Singapore

84.70

84.54

Denmark

19.12

19.09

Omani Riyal

256.00

253.00

Saudi Arabia

28.10

28.05

Hong Kong

13.59

13.57

Kuwait

371.93

371.22

Malaysia

33.33

33.26

Newzeland

88.47

88.30

Qatar

28.95

28.90

UAE

28.70

28.64

KR WON

0.0985

0.0983

Thailand

3.398

3.391

Bullion Rates

APCNGA rejects gas supply suspension for indefinite period STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Monday rejected the SNGPL’s gas load management plan contemplating disconnection of natural gas supply to CNG sector for indefinite period.

The unilateral decision of the gas utility is against the interests of masses, violation of law and against the ground realities which will inflict untold miseries on the masses and leave millions unemployed, said Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA. In a statement issued here today, he said that all the sectors facing disconnection can run their businesses by

using furnace oil but the CNG sector has no alternate available except natural gas. The erroneous decision will damage the CNG sector beyond repair, machinery will catch rust which would be impossible to operate after a long gap that amounts to sinking investment of Rs 450 billion in this important sector. Calling for an immediate reversal of the SNGPL’s decision, Ghiyas Paracha said that complete gas suspension for the CNG sector for all the winter months is not agreeable as it has become integral part of the life of tens of millions of people.

Government should refrain from adding to the plight of masses, augment problems of the troubled CNG operators

and hurting the limping economy, he warned adding that it will pave way for protests across the province of Punjab. Ghiyas Paracha said that decision has been taken to please influential oil import mafia which will hurt forex reserves, bring currency under pressure, degrade environment, imbalance trade and result in heavy revenue losses.

He said that the decision can result in a default as forex reserves currently held by the SBP have already fell to almost three billion dollars, enough to support imports for just one month. Ghiyas Paracha said the government should stop imposing from the negative policies and find acceptable solutions of the problems.

KARACHI—Following were the bullion rates in major cities yesterday.

KARACHI: 47142.00 788.75

I SLAMABAD —Atlas Honda

Gold Tezabi (24-Ct) 46030.00 Gold 22 Ct 42090.00 SilverTezabi 789.00 Silver Thobi 760.00

OMV boosts gas production through successful field dev STAFF REPORTER after an execution phase of only one year, OMV completed the development of the Latif gas field, located in the Sindh Province. OMV is the operator of the Latif concession and holds an interest of 33.34%. The gas field developments will double OMV’s net production from Latif to 6,200 boe/d in 2014. In November 2013, OMV started commissioning the Mehar field gas condensate processing facilities located in the very west of the Sindh Province of Pakistan close to the border with Baluchistan.

OMV is the operator of the Mehar concession and holds an interest of 59.2%. Mehar (phase 1) full production will come on stream by year-end 2013 and deliver production of 4,300 boe/d net to OMV in 2014.

The Latif gas field was discovered by OMV in 2007 and started production under extended well testing arrangements in late 2008. It is located next to the major OMV operated gas plants in Kadanwari and Sawan.

Following the approval of the field development plan in June 2012, the Latif field was fully developed with the drilling and completion of four new wells, construction of a new ~50 km gas pipeline to connect Latif field with Sawan plant and reception and metering facilities at Sawan.

The Latif field development decision, stalled for some time, was declared economically feasible due to the new 2012 Petroleum Policy of Pakistan (effective September 2012). This policy provides higher prices for new discoveries and for investments leading to incremental production over and above the reserves approved and certified. OMV operates Latif joint venture with the partners ENI and PPL having 33.33% stakes each. Gas is being supplied equally to the domestic gas distribution companies SSGCL and SNGPL. The Mehar Exploration License and Development and Production Lease was acquired by OMV as part of the acquisition of the entire share capital of Petronas Carigali (Pakistan) Ltd (renamed after acquisition to OMV Maurice Energy Limited) in July 2011. The Mehar development included the drilling of one additional production well, completion of three production wells, and the construction of a central gas and condensate processing plant in Mehar.

I SLAMABAD —British High Commissioner Adam Thomson paid a farewell call on Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The British High Commissioner appreciated the economic policies being pursued by the PML-N government and wished it success in overcoming the challenges which Pakistan is facing.

The Finance Minister appreciated the role of the High Commissioner in promoting trade and economic ties between the two countries and the assistance being provided by the British Government. He expressed the confidence that economic ties would be further strengthened between the two countries with the passage of time.

STAFF REPORTER

MULTAN:

ISLAMABAD —In October

STAFF REPORTER

Expansion of motorcycle making unit

RS PER 10 GRAMS Gold Tezab Silver Tezabi

Dar hails British HC for promoting trade ties

LAHORE: Minister of State for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan addressing the inaugural session of Regional Conference on Strengthening Transport Connectivity and Trade Facilitation in South and South-West Asia.

Inquiry into issuance of license to chamber of small traders demanded STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Mian Khalid Mehmood, proposed President and Musharraf Janjua Senior Vice President of ICT Chamber of Small Traders has called for thorough inquiry into the issuance of license to Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders as it was issued illegally. They said that the prevailing Trade Organizations Act came into being after its passage by the parliament in March 2013 and it contained provisions for the creation of a Small Traders Chamber of

Commerce as well as the procedure for obtaining its license. The ICT Chamber of Small Traders had applied for license of Small Traders Chamber after fulfilling all requirements, but the license was issued to a political affiliate of previous government on the plea that they had applied for license in 2008. As there was no law in 2008 for Small Traders Chamber, the issuance of license to Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders is totally illegal.

Mian Khalid Mehmood and Musharraf Janjua called

upon the Regulator of Trade Organizations to conduct an inquiry into the illegal issuance of license to Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and immediately cancel its license.

He said a writ petition has also been filed before the Islamabad High Court for this purpose.

They said M/s. Jahangir Akhter and Shahid Rasheed But who are the main patrons of Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders are two big businessmen as Mr. Jahangir is running at least eight CNG stations, a color lab.

PBIT holds ITC Pakistan 2013 SALIM AHMED LAHORE—First International Textile & Clothing Conference (ITC) Pakistan 2013 was held here today by Punjab Board of Investment & Trade (PBIT).

The theme for ITC 2013 was “Pakistan’s Industry – Integrated & Collaborating for Today & Tomorrow.” ITC conference took an in depth look at the textile industry in Pakistan evaluating its strengths and providing an open forum to discuss resolution of the challenges it faces; special focus of ITC was on partnerships and integration which maximize existing potential and fos-

ter collaborations that lead to a brighter tomorrow. With a view to bring all links of the supply chain together to form actionable and meaningful alliances, some three hundred strategically varied individuals representing all segments of the Textile sector were invited

by PBIT. The conference was divided into three main chapters i.e General Business Environment, Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence.

Eight Sessions regarding Government Initiatives, Innovations, Labours & Skills Development, Productivity Enhancement, Supply Chain,

Energy, Financing and Trade Associations were held.

Panel discussions and open forums with prominent importers and industry leaders were also arranged. Important and relevant issues of the Industry were discussed during ITC and keynote speakers and experts remained available for one on one sessions and discussions. The conference provided an excellent opportunity to various stakeholders who otherwise lack the platform to communicate and build partnerships with global movers in the Textile & Clothing Trade.

limited has planned to expand its motorcycle manufacturing unit aimed at meeting future demand. Motorcycle industry has sustained the growth momentum and recorded an increase of 5% last year. This growth is mainly because of increasing urbanisation and increasing demand for more powerful bikes. Honda Atlas Group-one of the leading group is investing $ 200 million in the auto sector. Honda’s President is reaching Pakistan to celebrate Honda and Atlas Group golden jubilee.

“We have decided to expand in order to meet the increasing demand Atlas Honda Limited, the market leader of motorcycle industry, has planned to expand its motorcycle manufacturing unit in order to meet the future demand by further investment in plants and machinery,” said Razi-ru-Rehman, one of the top management official of Honda motorcycle. Despite the tough competition and increasing influx of Chinese bike manufacturers, Atlas Honda is the market leader of 70cc and 125cc segment in motorcycle industry and because of the induction of Japanese Technology, it enjoys 47% market share in bike industry. The 70cc motorcycle segment continues to constitute the largest chunk of motorcycle industry while 125cc segment continues to grow steadily.

In last decade, Motorcycle industry recorded 35% increase and 70cc bikes accounted for 80% of the overall increase. Though the market share of 70cc bikes is on decline but despite the decline this segment adds 80% to the total growth of motorcycle industry. In addition to this, in fiscal year 2012-13, Atlas Honda Ltd registered 11.3% increase in sales, recording an all time high sales figure of Rs 42.3 billion which were Rs 38 billion during same period in the previous year. The gross margin improved from 7.3% to 8.7% during the last fiscal year.

The group contributed Rs 25 billion to the national exchequer in previous fiscal year, out of which Atlas Honda contributed Rs 8.08 billion.

Clarification STAFF ISLAMABAD

Farmers graduates to get tor and to the national excheR quer are significant: from 2005 financial support —We refer to the to date, it has provided Rs. EPORTER

column, “Fighting corruption in high places,” published in Pakistan Observer on Dec. 9, 2013, and request the publication of our clarification to set right the public record. Jamshoro Joint Venture Limited (JJVL) denies in their totality the repugnant, false, and malicious allegations leveled against it and its principals by the writer Ali Ashraf Khan. These allegations are odiously and willfully ignorant of both the Supreme Court’s Dec. 4 judgment pertaining to JJVL and the fully verifiable and undisputed facts.

JJVL mobilized $105 million—the largest investment ever made in Pakistan’s LPG sector—in local and foreign direct investment to establish a state-of-the-art LPG extraction facility at Jamshoro, Sindh, pursuant to the transparent and internationallycompetitive bidding process undertaken by public sector Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) during the days before and right after 9/ 11. Today, the replacement value of the JJVL facility is at least $170 million.

Yet, the writer risibly claims that to set up and run a nationally-important, private-sector project such as JJVL “no entrepreneur’s skill is required.” He also falsely claims that JJVL was “working under [the] umbrella of PPP in 90s” and “not only expanded further extraction but came under the umbrella of retired generals” subsequently. He also alleges, contradicting his own claims, that the 2003 Implementation Agreement between JJVL and SSGC “gave” “natural gas extracted” by SSGC to JJVL “that has just established [sic] an extraction plant in Jamshoro.”

The writer has chosen to create his own febrile fiction rather than reviewing the publicly-available undisputed facts. The fact of the matter is that JJVL is 100 percent privately owned; it was incorporated in December 2002 and its LPG extraction facility was commissioned in March 2005.

SSGC does not “give” “extracted gas” to JJVL; JJVL processes liquids from the gas stream for SSGC pursuant to the Implementation Agreement.

For the benefit of your readers, it is emphasized that LPG is required to be extracted from raw gas in order to make natural gas communicable through the national pipeline system. The presence of liquids such as LPG in the pipeline system compromises its integrity and presents a clear and present safety hazard to consumers. Prior to JJVL’s commissioning, from 1988 to 2005, this LPG was being flared—causing irretrievable losses to the exchequer.

JJVL accounts for 17 percent of Pakistan’s LPG production, while the government of Pakistan accounts for some 70 percent. JJVL made real the creation of new markets and the expansion of existing ones, ushering in greater competition in the LPG sector to the advantage of end-consumers. Since the commissioning of JJVL’s facility in March 2005, it has created 80,000 jobs across the value-chain and meets the daily energy requirements of 2.5 million people across Pakistan. JJVL’s contributions to the energy sec-

34.88 billion to public sector SSGC—which did not invest any sum whatsoever in the project—and Rs. 10.84 billion in taxes.

The writer’s allegation that gas inflows and outflows from JJVL’s facility are “reportedly not measured on actual basis” and are “imaginary” is patently false. The metering system at the facility is co-managed by SSGC and measures all volumes accurately and efficiently. The facility itself is operated and maintained by U.S.-based Exterran, a multibillion-dollar oil and gas undertaking listed on the New York Stock Exchange. JJVL and Exterran have and shall continue to ensure the full and faithful compliance of their obligations under law. JJVL is Pakistan’s most efficient LPG producer. JJVL’s operational excellence has been widely recognized: it has been a finalist every year since 2006 at the Platts Global Energy Awards.

The writer goes on to fulminate against JJVL over the alleged “high profits through agents,” and the “plundering” of national assets by “a coterie of retired civil and military bureaucrats … making hey [sic]” while “the nation is starving not only for two square meals but also facing hardship on account of gas and electricity shortage artificially created.” These are all regrettably misplaced and unsound misperceptions that betray ignorance and a blinding prejudice.

Like all other public and private sector LPG producers, JJVL markets product through agency agreements with OGRA-licensed LPG marketing companies—in accordance with the law. These OGRA-licensed LPG marketing companies have made infrastructure investments on the ground in Pakistan, created employment, paid taxes, and fostered competition in the LPG sector. Furthermore, the Dec. 4 judgment is about the undisputed royalty mechanism that was agreed between JJVL and SSGC, to SSGC’s great financial advantage, following two years of extensive negotiations; it was not about supply commitments from JJVL which, the judgment directs, must “continue unabated.”

Further, some 75 percent of JJVL’s gross revenues go straight to SSGC and in taxes—this fact is corroborated by the findings of the auditors appointed by the Supreme Court in May. JJVL’s net margin averages 7 percent.

The writer also mentions the 2007 National Reconciliation Ordinance in a bald attempt at vilifying JJVL’s principals. The fact is that the NRO has no bearing or relevance whatsoever on the 2003 Implementation Agreement between JJVL and SSGC. It is categorically stated that JJVL’s chairman has never been on any flight with either of Pakistan’s two former Army chiefs.

JJVL maintains that its agreement with SSGC was awarded competitively and transparently; it has complied strictly and faithfully at all times with the law, and shall continue to do so. JJVL shall exercise its legal rights to address the inaccuracies that form the foundation of the Dec. 4 judgment and to resist the nationalization of its facility.

STAFF REPORTER PESHWAR—The farmers and graduate of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa need to be extended financial support and arrange exposure visits for them, to become successful enterprises, by adopting best practices, following at national level for development of livestock and dairy sector.

It was suggested by the committee of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences (FAHVS) University of Agriculture Peshawar, working on the recommendations of the second International conference on Dairy Science Park 2013.

The meeting was chaired

by FAHVS AUP Prof Dr M Subhan Qureshi, Dean/Chief Organiser DSP, attending by Prof Sohail Akhtar, Prof Nazir Ahmad, Prof Sarzamin Khan, Dr Umer Sadique, Dr Naila Imtiaz and Dr Abdur Rahman along with the senior officers. Dr Faisal Khan from Oxford University and Waqar Khattak, banking expert attended the meeting. During the meeting, the draft recommendations prepared during the eight sessions of DSP were discussed for devising implementation strategy.

The meeting viewed that there was a lack any specific mechanism for managing these resources efficiently and wisely. The DSP has provided this mechanism and the Standing Committee on Livestock (SCL) and Business Support Desk (BSD) at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KPCCI) are the fora for making this dream true.

Prof Sarzamin Khan presented a review of the farming clusters by our graduates and trained men and women as a result of training under the sponsorship of SRSP and other donors. Satisfactory operations were awaiting establishment of additional facilities like slaughtering, cold storage and transportation, which is beyond the capacity of these farmers; and need new investments. A working group on livestock (WGL) was established by the FAHVS AUP Peshawar, aimed at to look upon for feasible models in livestock and poultry production and marketing and the willing graduates are being guided in entering into such schemes. The successful SMEs will be further evaluated for their strength and feasibility and passed through business incubation centres (BIC) at the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Farm Services Centres, Amir Muhammad Khan Campus Mardan or other sites. These will be replicated in the targeted zones through three modes: i) converting existing farming and marketing setup into viable entrepreneurs or; ii) establishing new graduate entrepreneurs, he added.

Dr Subhan Qureshi elaborated that standard operating procedures would be practised for cost effective productivity and quality control of inputs and products.

The University of Agriculture Peshawar will support the entrepreneurs through launching commercial research and introduction of quality control standards, he maintained.

NESPAK reaches an important milestone I

T looks like the other day when NESPAK was formed. I am one of the few who have had an early and close interaction with its formation and its founding and initial Chief Executives. Some of them like late Brig. Iqbal Sharif were my close family friends who nourished and established this into an elite organization it became spreading its wings and reach worldwide. As its reaches an important milestone of completing its four decades it is time to reflect over its history and the background.

NESPAK is a product of the national renaissance of the early 1970s in Pakistan.

The idea was to attain selfreliance in engineering consultancy at national level and to reduce dependence on foreign consulting firms by developing an indigenous talent pool, which culminated in creation of a private limited company in 1973, aptly named as the “National Engineering Ser-

vices Pakistan (Pvt) Limited”.

A small group of experts in various engineering disciplines were handpicked from the existing Government and private organizations to run NESPAK. Undertaking projects of

Amjad A. Khan, Managing Director NESPAK. such large magnitude as the Left Bank Irrigation Tunnel at Tarbela Dam, Port Qasim and Karachi Steel Mills right at the outset was no mean challenge for an organization in its infancy. It was due

to the commitment and dedication of the founding members that such projects were successfully commissioned on schedule, contributing significantly to the burgeoning national economy. With this magnificent head start, the company soon expanded rapidly to accommodate the substantial business, which has kept pouring in since then, and by now, NESPAK has rendered services for 3,400 projects with a cumulative cost of Rs. 9,600 billion (US $ 200 billion) up to November 30, 2013.

Within a year of inception, NESPAK had entered the international arena by winning projects in Africa.

After that there was no looking back; by now the company has provided, or is providing, consultancy services for 500 projects in 36 countries including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Dominica, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Iran, Iraq,

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.

Today foreign business accounts for nearly 30% of NESPAK’s total earnings.

Having gone through its formative, growth and consolidation phases during the last 40 years, the strength of the Company’s staff now stands at over 4,100 as on November 30, 2013. This includes over 3000 professionals and para-professionals, the remaining being support staff. NESPAK is proud to have retained a solid core of experts in various fields despite ups and downs in the consultancy market. This asset has proved to be the company’s backbone and the company owes a lot to the skills and dedication of its employees at all levels.

The greatest advantage NESPAK has over many other national and international consulting firms is that it can provide services in almost every field of engineering and economic development including water resources, agriculture,

out master planning, pre-feasibility, feasibility and planning studies, preparing designs, tender documentation, management consultancy, construction supervision, contract management, preparing operation and maintenance

energy, transportation, communications, SCADA, environment, water supply and sanitation, architecture, urban planning, industry, oil & gas, IT and GIS under one roof. The nature of services ranges from conceiving a project, carrying

manuals and specialized services for periodic inspection of engineering works. This is a great advantage that it provides a single window to the Clients for all aspects of their projects.

NESPAK is headquartered

in Lahore and has four Regional offices in Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta and Peshawar while it has established five foreign offices to deal with overseas assignments. The overseas offices are located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman, Islamic Republic of Iran, State of Qatar and Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. At the overseas front, NESPAK is vigorously following the policy to win projects abroad.

For this purpose all foreign regional offices are making allout efforts to secure more and more business and maintain the trust of existing clients.

As is essential for a progressive professional organization, NESPAK has regularly been updating its knowledge base as well as the software and hardware resources to keep abreast with the latest technological developments and management techniques throughout its 40 years of existence.

Continued on Page 7

ICC to induct Waqar’s name in Hall of Fame I SLAMABAD —The Interna- Khan, Javed Miandad and ets in ODIs. He was a memWasim Akram, who were among the first intake of inductees into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

ber of the Pakistan team that reached the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1999.

Having retired from cricket after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, Waqar now plies his trade as a coach and commentator.

On his forthcoming induction in the Hall of fame, Waqar said it is a huge honour for him to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

“I cannot wait for the day to come. Joining such an elite group in front of what promises to be a full house in Dubai for the first Pakistan-Sri Lanka Twenty20 International will only make the experience more memorable,” he said.

Waqar was nicknamed Waqar said he owes a ‘The Burewala Express’, big thanks to those who and who was a famed expo- have nominated him in the nent of reverse swing, had Hall of fame. “The voting HYDERABAD: Players of Govt Girls Double Section School and Himayat Girls School teams in action during netball match during Inter-School claimed 373 wickets from 87 academy and all living mem- Girls and Boys Games organized by Hyderabad Division Olympic Association at Board Stadium. tests and 416 scalps from bers of the ICC Cricket Hall 262 One-Day of Fame as well as my famInternationals. The 42-year- ily, my former team-mates old, who was born in Vehari, and thousands of my fans Punjab, also led his coun- and supporters who backed try in 17 tests and 62 ODIs. me every single time I wore He was also the fastest to Pakistan colours,” he the milestone of 400 wick- added.—APP I SLAMABAD —The camp of I S L A M A B A D —All-rounder national side, Inzimam being added.

Islamabad Softball team for R AWALPINDI —A three-day Shahid Khan Afridi has one of them, after the PCB He said absence of inter- the preparation of National all Punjab Inter-divisional voted in favour of former decided to hire one of the national cricket was affect- Women Softball ChampionTable Tennis tournament batsman Inzimam-ul-Haq for former players for the job. ing the game badly, how- ship began here at Islamabad for under-16 boys and girls the position of batting He said as a bowling ever, the soft image of the Model College for Boys I-10/ started here Monday at coach saying that the team coach Muhammad Akram country can be presented 1.

Liaquat Bagh Sports Com- needs a mentally and tech- was taking the team along in while supporting the doIslamabad Softball Assoplex. ciation, Secretary, nically strong coach like him. a decent manner, for which, mestic cricket.

Chairman National AsAfridi said the series Muhammad Ramzan Qasuri “Inzi bhai can be an ex- credit should be given to him.

I S L A M A B A D — P a k i s t a n Twenty-20 against South ever, the management went sembly Standing CommitAppreciating the perfor- against Sri Lanka would be Cricket Board says left-arm Africa in UAE last month against the opinion of the tee on Kashmir Affairs and cellent option for batting mance of Sohaib Maqsood, a good one as both the told APP that a total of 20 women players are participatcoach as the guys still refast bowler Muhammad but was inducted in the doctors.

Gilgit-Baltistan Malik Ibrar Sources said the Team inaugurated the tourna- spect him a lot in the dress- Afridi said there was a dire teams were aware of each ing in the training camp. The Irfan was fully fit to play in playing XI by the manageneed of an aggressive others’ strengths and weak- players include Mehnaz, the last T20 match against ment ending up with his officials were adamant on ment in which players from ing room,” said Afridi while middle-order batsman and nesses.

Habiba, Freeha, Komal, talking to a private TV chanSouth Africa in the UAE hamstring injury, according the inclusion of Irfan in the seven divisions of the “We should not have Zoya, Pakistan found the same in Anoshay, Nida nel. to sources. team after the injury of last month. province including lost to South Africa at UAE Mushtaq, Munaza, Sofia, It is worth mentioning the shape of Maqsood.

It is pertinent to mention Junaid Khan.

“The bowler suffered Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, here that a number of names “There is every ability in as the conditions there suits Hira, Aneeta, Hanya, “There was an option of Lahore, the injury in that particular that Muhammad Irfan has Faisalabad, had been surfaced in recent Sohaib Maqsood to become us a lot, however, they Tayyaba Rasool, Iqra Sehr, including Abdur Rehman in been ruled out of the forthmatch before which he was Sahiwal, Multan and a star if he uses his talent to played very well,” he con- Maheen, Rida Tanveer, Sadaf fully fit”, a PCB spokesman coming series against Sri the team but this option Bahawalpur are participat- past for the key post of head perfection,” the all-rounder cluded.—APP Azam, Fakhara Altaf, Sabah and batting coach for the was rejected by the man- ing. said on Monday while com- Lanka due to his injury.

According to the agement,” the sources menting on a published reAmong others, District port that Irfan was afflicted sources, Irfan was not fit added.

Sports Officer Rawalpindi before the last T20 match Meanwhile, Muhammad with injury even before that Abdul Waheed Babar, second and last Twenty20 against South Africa in Irfan in a statement has said Event Organizer Yasmeen UAE and the doctors had that his injury would soon Akhtar, heads of educamatch in UAE. left-arm pacer advised the team manage- heal and he would regain tional institutes and senior Muhammad Irfan was ad- ment not to include the fast his place in the team.— officials of their sports devised not to play the last bowler in the team. how- A P P partments attended the ISLAMABAD—In keeping with opening ceremony. tradition, girls outshone boys Talking to APP, and defeated them in Sports Yasmeen Akhtar said that Gala 2013 held at Shaheed matches among seven Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of teams will be held in first Science and Technology round, while the single- (SZABIST), on Monday. events will take place in the The Sports Gala with the second phase. theme “This is it” was orgaThe final matches of nized with an aim to provide I SLAMABAD —The former places available at the ICC cricketing public is hoping for double and single events with students an opportunity Pakistan all-rounder and CWC 2015. The Kenyans will a lot and if I can improve their will be held on December to think beyond academic theoHead Coach of the ICC Acad- be hoping to join those teams performances by five or 10 11.—APP ries and explore their individual emy at Dubai Sports City already confirmed for the ICC per cent then maybe that will talent in a practical way.

Mudassar Nazar, will be as- CWC - the 10 ICC Full Mem- help in a big way,” he said.

The event featured differ“I understand time is very sisting Kenyan team in its bers, plus Ireland and Afent activities including cricket, ghanistan, which qualified by short but it is not an imposattempts to qualify for the ludo, chess, football, badminICC Cricket World Cup occupying the top two places sible mission. The players ton, volley ball, table tennis and in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket have shown enough that if (CWC) 2015. basket ball.

K A R A C H I —Royal Cricket Championship. they put certain things in Mudassar, whose career League Students participated with Club will take on Qasmi CC includes a spell working as Mudassar Nazar said he will place then they will be able to great enthusiasm and received Kenya coach, drafted in by be trying to get the most out turn things around. The chal- in the final of second All great applause from audience.

Karachi Twenty20 Cricket Cricket Kenya (CK) to work of the players who could have lenge will be for the batsmen Female students knocked MUZAFFARABAD: Minister for forests Sardar Javed Ayub, Azad Kashmir, giving away with the side for 10 days in gone that extra yard in the to work out how to bat on Tournament at Aga Khan out the male students in a shield to the winner of a race.

Gymkhana Ground on tournament and were unable pitches in New Zealand where the build-up to next month’s cricket, badminton, volley ball the ball will seam and it will be Tu e s d a y.

ICC CWC Qualifier in New to do so.

According to chief orga- and table tennis competitions.

Mudassar will be work- a little colder (than they are Zealand, says a press release A student of Computer Scinizer Zaheer Ahmed, Hanif ing with not only the Kenya used to) as well,” he said. issued here. ences Fatima Ali who is among Wadiwala will be the chief Mudassar’s role with It follows on from the players but also Gary the winners said, “I always side’s failure to reach next Kirsten, the former India and Cricket Kenya is all part of guest at the presentation cer- found science subjects hard to emony. year’s ICC World Twenty20 South Africa coach, during the ever-growing role of the SPORTS REPORTER The winners of the tour- study and have been failing in in Bangladesh after it fin- his time at the training camp. ICC Academy in assisting the different subjects like Research nament will get Rs.20,000 ICC High Performance “I am hoping my input ISLAMABAD—A six members ished eleventh in the qualiMethodology, Multivariate fying tournament (ICC will be positive. I do not think Programme and Mudassar while runners-up receive Calculus and Digital Logic, but ski contingent including there is an awful lot of tweak- said it was great to see the Rs.10,000.

WT20Q) in the UAE. K A R A C H I — P a k i s t a n ’ s Umar Akmal both were three male and two female this sports gala provided a plat16 top clubs of the city Kenya will be one of 10 ing that needs to be done,” facility being used as a hub form to me where I could dem- highly rated batting duo of caught after having accumu- with a coach departed for sides in New Zealand in Janu- he said. “I know they (CK for cricketing knowledge and took part in the tourna- onstrate my skills and boost my Ahmed Shahzad and Umar lated 35 and 28 runs respec- Turkey on Monday to parment.—APP ary competing for the final two and the players) and the best practice.—APP ticipate in the International self confidence. After taking Akmal failed to convert their tively.

“They both got out in Ski Federation Races. part in a competitive sport, I feel potential into big players, Although Naik Mir good knowing the hard work former express fast bowler poor shots and put the team Shoaib Akhtar said on Sun- under pressure,” he added. Nawaz has already qualified paid off”.—APP “It was pathetic to see for the Winter Olympics yet day night.

“Despite playing interna- Pakistan team struggled to this opportunity would help tional cricket for quite some beat minnows Afghan team,” him in getting in shape for the upcoming Winter Olympic time, Ahmed and Umar failed he maintained.

He said Pakistan team Games. to reach the top which is norPakistan’s first Winter mally done by big players,” looked off-color and it was he said in his comments after not good sign ahead of the Olympian Senior Technician KARACHI—Karachi Blues will Pakistan beat Afghanistan series against Sri Lanka. He Muhammad Abbas and even captain Muhammad Karim, who reface Lahore Shalimar in the 4- by six wickets on the last ball said Hafeez cently underwent a training day final of Inter Regions/De- in one-off Twenty20 Interna- Muhammad struggled during unbeaten camp in Austria, are also in partments Under-19 Tourna- tional at Sharjah Stadium. the contingent. Among the “It was good to see knock of 42. ment at Mirpur (Azad KashPakistan team was due to female skiers are Amina Wali Ahmed Shahzad scoring mir) from December 10 to 12, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) century against quality bowl- clash Sri Lanka in two T20 and Ifrah Wali.

The Wali sisters had won announced on Monday. Iqbal ing attack of South Africa. International series on Dethe medals in first South Butt and Muhammad Arif will But he is lacking consistency cember 11 and 13.

He however compliments Asian Winter Games-2011 in supervise the match while which of prime importance in Tariq Azhar will be the match international cricket,” he young debutant Sharjeel India. Farooq Ahmed Bokhari Khan for showing talent dur- will act as coach. said. referee.

Ski Federation of PakiShoaib Akhtar dubbed ing his brief stay at the After the completion of crease.

Sharjeel made a 16stan (SFP) has sent the conRawalpindi-express for his final, PCB will distribute Rs.800,000 among the teams ferocious speed, said both ball 18 with two boundaries tingent to achieve requisite and individual performers of Ahmed Shahzad and Umar and one six. He called for giv- International Ski Federation Akmal are not doing justice ing newcomer full runs be- points for eligibility in Winthe tournament. ter Olympic Games 2014 beThe winners of the tour- with their talent despite at fore deciding their fate.

Speaking in his outspo- ing held in Sochi, Russia. nament will get Rs. 400,000, international scene for over One male and one female suggested ken manner, Shoaib Akhtar Runnersup receive five years. He Rs.200,000. Man of the final, them to improve their shot said, Pakistan batsmen must athlete on the basis of their best batsman, best bowler, selection as they throwing pay attention to their batting International Ski Federation best wicketkeeper, best their wickets on poor shots otherwise they fail a rough points would be selected to and tough time against Sri represent Pakistan in the RAWALPINDI: Players in action during All Punjab Inter-Divisional Youth Under-16 Boys and Girls Table Tennis fielder will get Rs.40,000 after getting set.

Winter Olympic Games-2014.

Ahmed Shahzad and Lanka.—APP Tournament. each.—APP tional Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced Former Pakistan Captain Waqar Younis name to be inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame later this week.

Another name announced by ICC to be inducted in the Hall of Fame was of Gilchrist was Australia’s most prolific wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist, says a press release issued here.

Waqar, will join the exclusive club during the first Twenty20 International between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai Sports City on December 11, while two days later in Perth, former Australia wicketkeeper Gilchrist will be honored during the tea interval of the third Ashes Test match between Australia and England at the WACA. Waqar and Gilchrist will become the 70th and 71st male members of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Waqar joins countryman Hanif Mohammad as well as his former team-mates Imran

All Punjab Inter-divisional Table Tennis tournament starts

Afridi votes for Inzi to be batting coach

Islamabad Softball team camp begins

Irfan was fit before last T20: PCB

Girls outshine boys at SZABIST sports gala

Mudassar Nazar to assist Kenyan team

All Karachi T20 final today

Ahmed, Umar fails to convert their talent into big players

Karachi Blues to face Lahore Shalimar in U-19 final

Pak ski squad leave for Turkey

Vengeful Australia on brink of Ashes redemption ADELAIDE—A ruthless Australia rattled through England’s final four wickets on Monday to complete an emphatic 218-run victory in the second Ashes test and push the tourists to the brink of a humiliating series defeat.

The crushing win at Adelaide Oval puts Australia 2-0 ahead in the five-test series, a stunning turnaround from the 3-0 Ashes defeat they suffered in England in August.

The hosts will fancy their chances of securing the famous urn in Perth, where England have not won since 1978 and where man-of-the-match Mitchell Johnson looms as an even greater threat on the WACA’s bouncy wicket.

“It’s not a fluke that we have won the first two test matches,” Australia captain Michael Clarke told reporters after his team tore through England’s tail in less than an hour.

“We’re finally getting the results for the hard work and commitment over a long period of time. “(Realistically) that’s our second test win in the past 12 months. There’s a lot of work for us to get back to the number one position.”

The win proved Australia’s victory in Brisbane was no flash in the pan, while confirming a seismic shift in the balance of power between the teams.

Any hopes England had that rain might save them were

quickly dispelled when a shower cleared to allow play to start only 10 minutes late.

Pacemen Peter Siddle (457) and Ryan Harris (3-54) combined with aplomb to seal the win in less than an hour on a gloomy morning at the re-developing ground.

In reality, however, England lost the test on Saturday when their batsmen failed to stand up to another withering spell of extreme pace bowling from the resurgent Johnson.

The red-hot Queenslander took 7-40 in England’s first innings of 172 and twice dismissed their talismanic captain Alastair Cook cheaply to win his second successive man-of-thematch award after his ninewicket performance in Brisbane.

Cook’s second innings dismissal, hooking Johnson to a man in the deep, was emblematic of his team’s poor shot selection throughout.

He has little time to restore his team’s battered self-belief before the third test gets underway on Friday.

“The only guys who can change it are the guys in the dressing room,” said a shellshocked Cook, who has gone from Australia’s tormentor in the 2010-11 series to becoming merely tormented.

“No one else can change it for us. We can’t sit there moping around about it. It’s hurting us like hell but we’re the only guys who can

change it.”

Having restored some pride on Sunday after managing to bat through a day under extreme duress, England resumed on 247-6, still 284 runs shy of their victory target.

Any sense of self-satisfaction would surely have been quashed, though, when Stuart Broad pulled the fifth ball of the day from Siddle straight to Nathan Lyon at deep square leg to be out for 29.

Matt Prior notched his first half-century to end a wretched run of scores, but appeared determined to get himself out by hooking at almost every short ball.

In the end he did just that, succumbing to Siddle for 69, with Harris taking a simple catch in the deep.

Inbetween, Clarke threw the ball to Harris who dismissed Graeme Swann for six runs with his third delivery, the spinner driving at a short one moving away that he nicked straight to the Australian skipper in the slips.

Harris returned to seal the match by having Monty Panesar caught at short extra cover by Chris Rogers for a duck, and Australia embraced to a noisy ovation from the sparse fifth-day crowd.

Outplayed with bat and ball, England were also largely dismal in the field, with a rash of dropped catches during Australia’s first innings costing hundreds of runs and al-

lowing the hosts to declare a mammoth first innings total of 570-9.

As holders of the urn, England need only level the series 2-2 to retain it, but Cook was under few illusions about the scale of the task.

“A lot of people who’ll be sitting in this room and outside will probably give us no chance,” he said. “But if we don’t believe that in our dressing room that the urn’s gone, then it might as well have gone.”—AFP

Australia 1st innings:5 7 0 England 1st innings: 1 7 2 Australia 2nd innings:132 England 2nd innings: Cook c Harris b Johnson 1 Carberry c Lyon b Siddle 14 Root c Haddin b Lyon .. 87 Pietersen b Siddle ......... 53 Bell c Johnson b Smith ... 6 Stokes c Clarke b Harris 28 Prior c Harris b Siddle ... 69 Broad c Lyon b Siddle .. 29 Swann c Clarke b Harris . 6 Anderson not out ......... 13 Panesar c Rogers b Harris 0 Extras: (lb 1, w 4, nb 1) .... 6 Total: (all out) .............. 312 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-20, 3131, 4-143, 5-171, 6-210, 7255, 8-293, 9-301, 10-312 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W Harris ............... 19.4-3-54-3 Johnson .............. 24-8-73-1 Siddle .................. 19-4-57-4 Lyon .................... 26-7-78-1 Wa t s o n ................... 6-3-6-0 Smith ..................... 7-0-43-1

MANCHESTER: Everton’s Gerard Deulofeu celebrates his equaliser at Arsenal.

Nelson Mandela’s ‘destroyer’ adjective surprised me: Devon Malcom BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT M UMBAI —The Jamaicaborn former England fast bowler Devon Malcolm was very much “surprised” when he first heard being named as “destroyer” by Nelson Mandela.

Speaking from London, the 50-year-old Devon Malcolm, who played 40 Tests and 10 ODIs’ for England, says, “my first meeting with the legendary Nelson Mandela was during England`s first official cricket tour back to South Africa in 1995/96, when we met him in Soweto. After my much highlighted meeting with the president, the England management made life extremely difficult for me personally on that tour.

Where it went as far as I was blamed for losing the final test match in Cape town”.

“This was well documented at the time. As for

my reaction when he referred to me as the “Destroyer” I was so surprised that someone as important as Mr. Mandela could have referred to my past cricket performance in England against South Africa in 1994".

“He singled me out as the only black role model on the tour to help develop the youths as they deal with the transition of the country. He identified sport to attract the attention on the youths and I promised him that I would play my part. I kept this promise by returning with sporting equipment and travelling to the townships to run Cricket coaching clinics”.

The bowler also had an another opportunity to meet Nelson Mandela with his wife.

“When Prime Minister John Major invited myself and my wife to number 10 Downing Street to lunch where Nelson Mandela was the guest of honour we had the privilege of speaking to him one to one. In our con-

versation his warmth of spirit was evident. We were both taken aback by his ironic sense of humour when I told him that I was missing a Derbyshire semifinal game to be there with him. His response was instant and sharp saying that on this occasion he would take the blame if Derbyshire Cricket County Club lost the match”.

“He held my wife’s hand as he spoke to her for several minutes. And she recounted that it was the most memorable time of her life”, he says.

Regarding India’s current tour of South Africa, he says, “it is right that the tour is not cancelled. Yes the death of Mandela will inevitable cause some disruption to the tour until the funeral, but I am sure the authorities and cricket boards would have planned for this”.

Yes, the tour has been rescheduled and the game has been advanced.

ADELAIDE: Australian players are celebrating after Matt Prior departure during Australia vs England 2nd Test final day on Monday.

Arsenal frustrated

by Deulofeu’s late equaliser MANCHESTER—Gerard Deulofeu’s late goal earned Everton a deserved 1-1 draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal after Mesut Ozil’s strike seemed set to seal three points for the home side in a sizzling clash at The Emirates on Sunday.

An absorbing contest burst into life in the closing stages as Ozil swept Arsenal in front from close range in the 80th minute, only for substitute Deulofeu to fire a powerful shot past Wojciech Szczesny four minutes later.

Olivier Giroud almost snatched victory in stoppage-time for the hosts when his 30-metre thunderbolt thumped against the woodwork, although that would have been harsh on Everton, who won at champions Manchester United on Wednesday.

With a treacherous-looking fixture list looming, Arsenal lead the table with 35 points, five clear of Liverpool who were the only one of the top five to win this weekend.

Chelsea also have 30 points with Everton, beaten only once in the league this season, fifth on 28.

“We played well at United but we played even better today,” Everton’s impressive new manager Roberto Martinez told reporters. At the other end of the table, Fulham showed signs of a revival under new manager Rene Meulensteen with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Craven Cottage, Steve Sidwell and Dimitar Berbatov scoring the goals to snap a six-match losing streak.—AFP

Hafeez praises Afghanistan after Pakistan’s T20 win S H A R J A H —Pakistan cap- Zealand in 2015.Hafeez said a top side like Sri Lanka,” he tain Mohammad Hafeez applauded minnows Afghanistan for their fighting performance in the first-ever Twenty20 international between the two nations, saying they are improving fast.

Pakistan clinched a lastball thriller by six wickets in Sharjah on Sunday night after chasing a challenging 138-run target.

They needed six runs off the last over bowled by Dawlat Zadran and one off the last delivery, initially declared a wide but later deemed to be a no-ball.

Hafeez anchored Pakistan´s nervy run-chase, finishing with a 37-ball 42 not out while opener Ahmed Shehzad scored 35 and Umar Akmal a fiery 23-ball 28.”Credit goes to them (Afghanistan) for stretching the match to the last over,” said Hafeez in his postmatch comments late Sunday.

“They have earned their place with hard work which is paying off and I am sure they will learn from their mistakes.

“Afghanistan have established their status as one of the best associate sides in the International Cricket Council by qualifying for their third successive World Twenty20, to be held in Bangladesh next year.

They also achieved their first qualification for the 50over World Cup, to be jointly hosted by Australia and New

Afghanistan had improved greatly since they met Pakistan in a one-day international in Sharjah last year — their first against any top side.

Pakistan won that game by seven wickets.”I can tell you that they have improved a lot and they got the score they wanted and bowled so tight that we couldn´t hit big shots in the last few overs,” said Hafeez.

He warned that his team must lift their game when they meet Sri Lanka in two Twenty20 matches in Dubai on Wednesday and Friday.

“We leaked runs, which we need to overcome against

said.

Pakistan will also play five one-dayers and three Tests against Sri Lanka — all in the United Arab Emirates.

“I am satisfied with my team’s performance and it’s a great platform for us in the future,” said Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi, who scored 15 and took one wicket.

“I think we were 20-30 runs short and then missed some crucial run outs in the last few overs, which allowed Pakistan to sneak through.

“Afghanistan now play Ireland in the five-day final of the ICC Inter-Continental Cup in Dubai.—AFP

Afghanistan innings: Shahzad c Umar Akmal b Sohail Tanvir ................ 2 Nawroz b Zulfiqar Babar 1 Asghar b Bilawal Bhatti 15 Najibullah b Junaid ....... 38 Nabi b Shahid Afridi ..... 15 Samiullah c Shehzad b Junaid Khan ................... 16 Mirwais Ashraf not out 28 Gulbadin Naib b Sohail Tanvir ................................ 3 Dawlat b Junaid Khan .... 0 Hamid Hassan not out ... 4 Extras: (b 4, lb 9, w 2) .... 15 Total: (8 wickets) ......... 137 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-7, 329, 4-64, 5-93, 6-100, 7-120, 8-131 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W Hafeez ................... 4-0-13-0 Sohail Tanvir ........ 4-2-11-2 Zulfiqar Babar ...... 3-0-27-1

Bilawal Bhatti ....... 3-0-25-1 Shahid Afridi ........ 2-0-24-1 Junaid Khan ......... 4-0-24-3 Pakistan innings: Shehzad b Samiullah ..... 35 Sharjeel b M Nabi ......... 18 Hafeez not out ............... 42 Umar b Dawlat Zadran 28 Sohaib Maqsood run out .............................. 5 Shahid Afridi not out ...... 1 Extras: (b 1, lb 2, w 5, nb 1) .................................. 9 Total: (4 wickets) ......... 138 Fall of wickets 1-49, 2-64, 3111, 4-126 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W Mohammad Nabi . 4-0-21-1 Shapoor Zadran .. 3-0-17-0 Hamid Hassan ..... 4-0-29-0 Dawlat Zadran .. 2.5-0-25-1 Samiullah .............. 3-0-26-1 Mirwais Ashraf .... 3-0-17-0

Blackburn’s DJ Campbell held in fixing probe LONDON—Blackburn striker DJ Campbell has been arrested as part of a spot-fixing investigation in English football, the Championship club confirmed on Monday.

Campbell, 32, is one of six people detained in an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

In a statement, Blackburn said: “Following reports in today’s national media, Blackburn Rovers can confirm that striker DJ Campbell has been arrested.

“The club will be making no further comment on what is now an ongoing legal matter.” The Sun on Sunday reported that an undercover investigator met former Portsmouth player Sam Sodje, who allegedly said he could arrange for footballers in the Championship— England’s second tier—to get themselves a yellow card in return for payments of tens of thousands of pounds.

The 34-year-old former Nigerian international

claimed he could rig Premier League games and even said he was preparing to fix matches at next year’s World Cup in Brazil, the tabloid reported.

The paper also alleged that Oldham player Cristian Montano failed to get a yellow card in return for money in a League One match against Wolves on October 22 and offered to take part in another rigging incident.

Gamblers can make huge sums by betting on incidents such as yellow or red cards, penalties, the times of goals and corner kicks.

The Sun reported on Monday that Campbell was arrested on Sunday, a day after he came on as a substitute against QPR in his team’s game.

The newspaper claimed that detectives were likely to review a yellow card he received for a tackle committed in the first half of Blackburn’s league game against Ipswich SHARJAH: Asghar Stanikzai was bowled by Bilawal Bhatti during Afghanistan vs Palast Tuesday.—AFP kistan, only T20 match.

Parent-only programmes may help obese children, too

T

HE gold standard for treating childhood obesity currently involves using a fam ily-based approach in which both parents and children attend meetings on losing weight.

A new review of past studies suggests parentonly meetings may work just as well. “Childhood obesity is a serious public health issue in developed and in developing countries and we need to set the course as early as possible,” Hannah Ewald told Reuters Health in an email.

Ewald, the study’s lead author, is a researcher at Warwick Medical School in Coventry, UK. “Being chronically ill can be a heavy burden but the physical aspect is just one side of the coin,” she said. “When I see overweight children being teased for their weight, when I see them panting instead of laughing when chasing each other around on the playground or when I see look in their faces - it always gives me a sting.”

Utilizing a parent-only approach to address kids’ weight might be cheaper and less embarrassing for children, David Janicke told Reuters Health in an email. Janicke, from the University of Florida in Gainesville, has studied parent-only interventions for childhood obesity but was not involved in the new review.

He said parents might also find it easier to focus on and participate in a program without the child present.

The researchers reviewed papers on eight prior or ongoing studies. In all of the studies, families of overweight and obese children were randomly assigned to different weight-loss in-

terventions. Five of the studies compared group programs for parents with interventions targeting both parents and kids.

Two compared parent-only to child-only interventions. In the remaining study, some of the parents and their children met separately and then together. Programs for parents included diet and nutrition education, plus information on physical activity.

The parent-only interventions were at least as effective in promoting weight loss among kids as the combined parent-child interventions, if not more so, according to findings published in the Journal of Public Health. However, more families dropped out of the parent-only interventions.

Ewald’s team suggested that could be due to parents feeling overwhelmed by taking on the responsibility of their children’s weight problems. But Janicke said parents are put in charge of their children’s health in parent-child weight-loss programs as well.

“In gold standard behavioral family interventions that include children with their parents, the parents are taught to utilize the same skills as parents in the parent-only interventions and are still encouraged to take primary responsibility for making family wide changes,” he said.

“A child that is given the sole responsibility for its weight is unlikely to succeed in gaining a healthy weight,” Ewald said. “How to eat healthy, how to exercise properly and how to deal with the emotional side are difficult topics to tackle even for adults.

KARACHI: PPP Patron-in-Chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari along with Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah inaugurating Benazir Town Scheme during a ceremony held at CM House.

Int’l course on globalisation STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Pakistan Institute of

KARACHI: Activists of Jamat-e-Islami protesting against execution order of Mullah Qadir

by Bangladesh Court.—PO photo Sultan Chaki

JI to march in protest to BD Consulate: Meraj STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI—Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) would lead a march towards Bangladeshi Consulate to express its concerns and expressions of condemnations for violating the basic human rights and freedom especially with context to unjust execution of its leaders in Bangladesh.

Pakistan Foreign Office and other federal government institutions played a role of sheer silent spectators on the unjustified execution of JI leaders in Bangladesh.

Dr Siddiqui said the ray of Islam had raised from Bangladesh and would soon spread across the world.

Implementation of fee reduction in private schools STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Sindh senior Minister for education and literacy Nisar Ahmed Khuhru had directed the Sindh Private school Director General to immediately furnish a detailed report about the implementation of government’s decisions regarding 10 percent reserved seats for free education to the deserving and poor students in private schools of Sindh.

Khuhru had said that in accordance with Section 13 of the Sindh Private Educational Institutions Act-2013, the private in-

stitutions, schools were bound to allow fee concessions to 10 percent deserving and poor students and award scholarships to them. The senior Minister directed the Sindh Private school Director General to present the required detailed report on priority basis so as to ascertain as up to what extent the private schools had implemented the orders of the government.

The senior Minister further directed that those private schools that had failed to implement government’s orders would be dealt with stern hand in light of the report.

Labour Education and Research (PILER) in collaboration with the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS) initiated a 3module (spread over 3 months) course on ‘Understanding Globalization and Labour Topic and Methods’ for Pakistani civil society and academic institutions.

The inauguration session of the 6-day first module of the course started at PILER Centre, Karachi on Monday morning with Dr Zafar Shaheed, former director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) as the keynote speaker on the occasion, where as the other speakers included Dr Syed Jaffar Ahmed, Director of Pakistan Study Centre, University of Karachi; Karamat Ali, Chief Executive of PILER, Karin Astrid Siegmann from the ISS and Zulfiqar Shah, Joint Director of PILER. Besides PILER staff, the participants from the civil society organizations across Pakistan and staff and students of University of Karachi and University of Sindh were taking part in the course. The 3-week course, comprising 3 modules would culminate in Mar 2014. This was done in view of the engagement of potential partners with their daily work and their inability to give full 3 weeks at a stretch to a research methodology course.

The course would be led by a team of the ISS faculty members Dr Karin Astrid Siegmann, Dr Amrita Chachhi and Dr. Freek Schiphorst, facilitated by the PILER senior research associates.

In his keynote address, Dr Zafar Shaheed explained the globalization and its impacts on the workers. He said the traditional ways of life have been threatened by the globalization. To compensate the lost traditional social life, a significant seduction and some compensation in the form of technology are offered.

LB polls be held under Army: PML-F IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) General Secretary and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh said that the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah neither had control on his provincial cabinet nor was serious regarding conduction of local body polls.

The Sindh provincial government had been making postings and transfers, which the provincial election commission of Sindh should take notice of.

Shaikh said this while addressing a press conference at the Functional House Monday.

Member provincial assembly Nusrat Sahar Abbasi, Dr Taj, Dr Hassan Raza, Nadeem Mirza, Kamal Ahmed, Anwar Khan, Ghulam Sakina Kalar, Fehmida Jakhrani, Anjum Nazeer, Rehana Shahnawaz, Almas Azam, Tayyaba Soomro, Sheher Bano and Reema Kalar were had flanked him.

Shaikh alleged the Sindh provincial government was com-

pelling the workers and leaders of PMLF to change their party loyalty and for that purpose the Sindh provincial government had been using the menace of political victimization and offering lucrative incentives.

The Sindh provincial government should realize the fact that those that had changed their party loyalty would also not remain loyal to the Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian and would further change their loyalty in favour of a third party in future. He said that the Sindh provincial government had overnight changed the limits of the electoral constituencies with the connivance of deputy commissioners and thus the entire process of local body polls was made doubtful and disputed.

The Sindh provincial government had yet to provide the notification of the delimitations done in the province.

He said that the law and order in the province had worsened to a level of point of no return and lives and property of the people were unsafe and on

the mercy of the criminals.

He said that the Sindh provincial government was in a dilemma of conduction and postponement of the local body polls, which schedule had already been made public as on Jan 18. Henceforth, the provincial election commission of Sindh had to take the right decision as when the local body polls would be conducted in the province.

Shaikh demanded the election commission to hold local body polls under the strict supervision of Pakistan Army or else the results would not be different from those of General Elections -2013.

Meanwhile, PMLF Women Wing meeting was held under the chair of Shaikh. The meeting announced names of officebearers of 6 districts of the metropolis, which included Ghulam Sakina Kalar (East), Rehana Shahnawaz (Central), Anjum Nazeer (Korangi), Sheher Bano (Malir), Tayyaba Soomro (West) and Almas Azam (South).

Govt increases budget for Higher Education Commission KARACHI—The government has increased the budget for the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

This was stated by the Executive Director of the HEC, Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of the 14th Asian Symposium on Medicinal Plants, Spices and other Natural Products (ASOMPS).

The four-day moot commenced on Monday at the Latif Ebrahim Jamal National Science Information Centre (LEJNSIC),

University of Karachi. Prof.

Mukhtar was of the view that increase in budget for the HEC was a positive sign for the public sector universities in the country.

He pointed out that under the previous government the HEC remained under stress as far as funding was concerned during the past five years.

The Executive Director of HEC said that education is the only solution to the problems being suffered by the country. The 14th Asian Symposium on Me-

dicinal Plants, Spices and Other Natural Products (ASOMPS) is being organised by International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Karachi University.

Executive Director Higher Education Commission Dr Mukhtar Ahmed inaugurated the symposium and delivered key address. He said that there is an increase in the number of institutions of higher learning in the country which has more than 153 public and private universities.—APP

Sohail Yasin nominated honourary CG of Mauritius OBSERVER REPORT KARACHI—Sohail Yasin has been nominated honourary Consul General of Mauritius by H.E Mohammad Rasheed Daureewo, high commissioner of Mauritius in Pakistan.

Mr Sohail is a prominent businessman, a dedicated and committed person who could play vital role in strengthening bilateral relations between Mauritius and Pakistan.

Mr Sohail has many achievements in his credit including the business of orthodox logistics to the modern concept of logistics and supply chain management took the stature of business unit to the level of market leadership in a quick succession of half a decade.

Business community lauded his appointment for this dignified position and expressed its hope that Sohail Yasin would leave no stone unturned to bring both the countries’ business community closer to pave the way for enhancing bilateral trade and investment and he would diligently use his knowledge and influence.

Korangi youth leaders organize leadership training programme for kids OBSERVER REPORT KARACHI—As many as 250 kids of Korangi area attended the Korangi Junior Leadership Conference (KJLC) organized by area youth leaders and learnt a variety of skills from top trainers of the country.

The kids aging 13 to 17 from different schools of Korangi area of the metropolis gathered at a local conference hall to learn leadership, conflict resolution and peace building skills that will enable them to KARACHI: Chinese actresses performing during Gala Show of Traditional Chinese Uygur play a vibrant role in the socifolk song & dance at a local hotel.—PO photo

ety and shun inactiveness. The organizers of the KJLC, Karachi Youth Initiative (KYI) along with the youth leaders, invited top trainers of Pakistan including Umair Jaliawala, Talha Iqbal, Kamran Rizvi and Saadi Makhdoom to address the participants and motivate them to become leaders of the future.

KYI supported a group of youth leaders from Korangi in organizing the KJLC who had participated in KYI activities of Junior Leadership Conference (JLC) and Youth Empowerment & Leadership Program (YELP)

few months back. The participants of JLC and YELP came forward with an idea to impart the knowledge and skills amongst their peers and organized KJLC with KYI support.

Umair Jaliawala opened the conference and made participants realize the value of their role in the society through his motivational lecture. He also facilitated in formation of teams of the participants and assigned them with different tasks.

A top education trainer of the country, Kamran Rizvi, came to attend the KJLC from

Islamabad and won the hearts of participants from his exceptional lecture and motivated them to devote their maximum time to get education which is the foremost need of Pakistani youngsters.

Talha Iqbal described the importance of communications in his lecture and taught participants ways and tools of effective communications being an important part of the leadership skills. Saadi Makhddom used healthy exercises of coloring and taking out juice of oranges to teach participants how they

can let go of their anger and increase tolerance. The kids enjoyed the exercises very much.

A youth leader and an organizer of the KJLC, Akbar, expressed happiness on successful event and said that his team efforts of last two months have paid off now.

He said, “My team worked hard for two months to gather these participants from different schools. We faced difficulties and unwelcoming attitude of school administrations many a times but never gave up.”

Parent-only programmes may help obese children, too

T

HE gold standard for treating childhood obesity currently involves using a fam ily-based approach in which both parents and children attend meetings on losing weight.

A new review of past studies suggests parentonly meetings may work just as well. “Childhood obesity is a serious public health issue in developed and in developing countries and we need to set the course as early as possible,” Hannah Ewald told Reuters Health in an email.

Ewald, the study’s lead author, is a researcher at Warwick Medical School in Coventry, UK. “Being chronically ill can be a heavy burden but the physical aspect is just one side of the coin,” she said. “When I see overweight children being teased for their weight, when I see them panting instead of laughing when chasing each other around on the playground or when I see look in their faces - it always gives me a sting.”

Utilizing a parent-only approach to address kids’ weight might be cheaper and less embarrassing for children, David Janicke told Reuters Health in an email. Janicke, from the University of Florida in Gainesville, has studied parent-only interventions for childhood obesity but was not involved in the new review.

He said parents might also find it easier to focus on and participate in a program without the child present.

The researchers reviewed papers on eight prior or ongoing studies. In all of the studies, families of overweight and obese children were randomly assigned to different weight-loss in-

terventions. Five of the studies compared group programs for parents with interventions targeting both parents and kids. Two compared parent-only to child-only interventions. In the remaining study, some of the parents and their children met separately and then together. Programs for parents included diet and nutrition education, plus information on physical activity.

The parent-only interventions were at least as effective in promoting weight loss among kids as the combined parent-child interventions, if not more so, according to findings published in the Journal of Public Health. However, more families dropped out of the parent-only interventions.

Ewald’s team suggested that could be due to parents feeling overwhelmed by taking on the responsibility of their children’s weight problems.

But Janicke said parents are put in charge of their children’s health in parent-child weight-loss programs as well.

“In gold standard behavioral family interventions that include children with their parents, the parents are taught to utilize the same skills as parents in the parent-only interventions and are still encouraged to take primary responsibility for making family wide changes,” he said.

“A child that is given the sole responsibility for its weight is unlikely to succeed in gaining a healthy weight,” Ewald said. “How to eat healthy, how to exercise properly and how to deal with the emotional side are difficult topics to tackle even for adults.

LAHORE: Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah talking to newsmen on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day.

LAHORE: Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif addressing the first International Textile & Clothing Conference

LWMC awareness campaign commence STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has started its ten days long awareness campaign at the fruit and vegetable market of Badami Bagh.

After being entrusted with the task of extensive cleanliness of both markets by the Punjab government, LWMC has taken special measures to bring about a notable change in the overall sanitation condition of market.

The company staff is operating in market on 24/7 basis in four parallel shifts. Some 50 workers have been dedicated whereas 10 waste containers have been placed for the facilitation of the vendors and buyers alike. Moreover, dozers and other machinery are also in use to keep market waste free round the clock. LWMC’s survey indicates that both markets generate some 40 tons of solid waste daily which is now lifted thrice in a day by LWMC.

Web portal in real estate a welcoming sign

Legislation on Sana for ending domestic violence corruption from society S R L —Apnaplot.pk, the a need of hour L —Provincial Law Min- adding that only collective efforts new real estate web portal, is a TAFF

EPORTER

AHORE

AHORE

STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Highlighting equal rights for women, human right activists have demanded of the government to initiate necessary measures to eliminate all kinds of discrimination against women in the country.

This was the outcome of the speeches delivered by speakers addressing the public advocacy Event on “Effective Legislation to Protect Women’s Rights” here on Monday at Punjabi Cultural Complex Lahore.

The event was organized on the conclusion of 16 days worldwide campaign against violence against women.

ister Rana Sanullah Khan has said that corruption is a curse which has to be eliminated from the society.

Addressing a function to mark the International Anti Corruption Day here at Alhamrah Art Council, he claimed the performance of institutions like National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Anti Corruption Establishment was upto the mark, however, every individual would have to play his possitive role and lend a hand to the above mentioned departments in rooting out corruption from the society.

He urged the media to play its vital role in creating social awareness about corruption and changing the mindset of masses,

could defeat the curse.

The minister also inaugurated the exhibition of paintings/ posters held in the Art Gallery, followed by an “Awareness Walk” which started from Alhamra Art Gallery and concluded in front of Punjab Assembly building.

A seminar on “Good Governance through Prevention of Corruption” was also organized. Justice (retd) Mehboob Ahmed was the chief guest.

IGP (retd) Syed Azhar Hassan Nadeem, DG Anti Corruption Establishment Punjab Abid Javed and ADG Anti Corruption Establishment Punjab Shujaud Din also spoke on the occasion.—APP

LAHORE—Punjab Food Minister and Chairman Price Control Cabinet Committee Bilal Yasin accompanied by Provincial Agriculture Minister Dr. Faruukh Javed and Minister for Industries, has said in a press conference that a comprehensive mechanism has been evolved to ensure provision of daily use items to the general public, in abundance, at reasonable rates.

He said, as a result of timely action taken by the government, there has been a mark reduction in the prices of daily use items, upto 40 percent. He said that the government has introduced a toll pree number 080002345, for consumers to have their com-

plaints registered promptly.

He informed that 40 officers of various markets who were not amicably performing their duties have been made OSDs. He said that Punjab government has enhanced target food subsidy for 12 lakh poor families from Rs.500 to Rs.1000 per month. Secretaries of Food, Agriculture and Industries along with other officers were also present on the occasion.

In the Press Conference, Bilal Yasin said that, during the last one month. penalty upto Rs.27,04,7279 was levied on those indulging in illegal profiteering, while 345 FIRs were registered and 185 persons were arrested. He said that Sahulat Bazars have been established in

all districts of Punjab, for three days a week, in order to provide convenience to general public, where daily use items are being provided at 100 percent controlled rates to the citizens. He said that DCOs or their representatives are present during all auctions at markets in all districts, while fixed rates are prominently displayed and announced on loudspeakers to those visiting markets.

He said that 20kg atta bag is being sold at the rate of Rs.785, while Punjab government is also introducing 10kg atta soon as well. He said that administration has been directed to take immediate action over any complaint on overcharging of atta.

OBSERVER REPORT LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is a big cotton producing country but is lagging far behind in textile sector.

He stressed the need for promotion of textile industry for increasing exports and strengthening of national economy.

Addressing the conference, the Chief Minister said that Punjab government is setting up a modern garment economic zone over a large area a few kilometers away from the provincial metropolis which will not only result in development of garment industry but generation of lacs of job opportunities as well.

He said that textile sector will have to be strengthened for increasing national exports and fully benefiting from the status of GSP Plus. He said that the industrialists and traders will have to come forward and play their role for giving a practical shape to the

project of garment economic zone.

He was addressing the concluding session of the first international textile and clothing conference arranged by Punjab Board of Investment and Trade at a local hotel here today. Federal Minister for Trade Khurram Dastagir Khan, Advisor on Economic Affairs Dr. Ijaz Nabi, Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board Maratab Ali, Chairman Planning & Development as well as a large number of local and foreign industrialists were present on this occasion.

He congratulated Punjab Investment Board and organizers on arranging a splendid conference which, he said, would play an important role in promoting awareness about the importance of textile sector and interaction between stakeholders. He said that Pakistan despite being a big producer of cotton is lagging behind Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries. He said

that in order to achieve due status among the textile producing countries, full attention will have to be paid to textile sector which is very important for national economy. He said that there is a need for increasing trade with neighbouring countries.

He lamented that hundreds of trucks keep on weighting for hours for custom clearance at Wagha border which results in wastage of time and setback to trade activities. He said that Trade Ministry should pay attention to this issue. He said that Pakistan has talented and progressive businessmen.

He said that former rulers paid no attention to energy sector due to which the industries could not flourish. He said that present government is taking speedy measures for overcoming energy problem. The Chief Minister said that scope of skill development programme launched in South Punjab with the cooperation of UK Department of In-

ternational Development is being extended to 18 districts of the province.

He said that thousands of youths are being imparted training under this programme to meet the industrial requirements of the country. He said that services of 61 prominent companies have been acquired for skill development programme. He said that these companies provide skill to the youth and paid by the Punjab government.

He said that launching of similar programme with the collaboration of Germany is also being considered. He said that skill development programme is free from corruption and red tapism and its scope will gradually be extended to the whole province. He said that value addition products cannot be promoted without vocational training, therefore, Punjab government is paying special attention to the technical training programme.

LHC takes notice of assault on mother STAFF REPORTER L AHORE—The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday took notice on a press report that a mother of three children attempted suicide for assault on by landlords in Narang Mandi. District & Sessions Judge, Sheikhupura has been directed to look into the matter and submit a detailed report regarding steps taken by the local police along with his own comments.

According to details, the victim woman along with her husband resident of village Qilla Kalar Wala told the press in Narang Mandi Press Club that one day she was going to her relatives when four men of a landlord family abducted her on gun point. They took her Rana Town Labour Colony and accused Zia Ullah and Saif Ullah molested her while two armed men Abid Hussain and Hassan alias Mithu guarded the place.

They also forced her to drink intoxicated liquid. They threw her on the road in unconscious condition and fled away.

The victim family further told the press that the police refused to register case against the influential accused and the death threats being hurled by the accused forced them to leave the village. According to news report, both the spouses protested against non-provision of justice and hit their heads with the walls in rage.

Health-care waste: What cures you may end up in killing you MUZAFFAR ALI

Mechanism to ensure provision of daily use items SALIM AHMED

significant and welcome addition in the real estate market of Pakistan.

According to a press release issued here on Monday, this web portal has unique features like GupShupForum, where participants discuss prospects of their properties market value and their sale/purchase possibilities.

Importantly, latest properties are featured for sale in the major cities with their photos and other special features.

Punjab govt setting up modern garment economic zone: Shabaz

LAHORE—The management of health-care waste requires increased attention and diligence to avoid the substantial disease burden associated with poor practice, including exposure to infectious agents and toxic substances.

In a seminar held here at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) on Monday, the experts stated that the unsafe disposal of health-care waste (for example, contaminated syringes and needles) posed public health risks. “Contaminated needles and syringes represent a particular threat as the failure to dispose of them safely may lead to dangerous recycling and repackaging which lead to unsafe reuse”, they opined.

The seminar on “Strategic analysis and provision of new guidelines for the safe disposal of health-care waste management” was organized by UHS

Immunology Department in collaboration with Environmental Health Protection Unit, National Institute of Health (EHPU), Islamabad.

Dr Jamal Nasir, focal person for EHPU said the health hazards for staff, patients, and nearby communities were by far the most significant potential risk associated with the healthcare facility operation.

“These are mostly caused by not following the infection control protocols, not using proper personal protective equipment, and not employing proper procedures for waste collection, transportation, storage, and final disposal”, he added.

He further said that proper management of health-care waste and effective implementation of the Hospital Waste Management Rules of 2005 could minimize the risks both within and outside healthcare facilities.

Dr Jamal Nasir highlighted that safety hazards in the

healthcare facilities were generally associated with handling of sharps (needles, cutters), gases, autoclaves, and other similar equipment. Open burning of hospital waste also posed safety risks for the staff carrying out this activity. These hazards included risk of cuts, pricks, gas poisoning, burning, and other bodily injuries.

“Strictly following standard operating procedures and protocols to handle sharps and proper use of equipment particularly prick-proof gloves and masks is of foremost importance to avoid safety hazards”, he stressed.

Dr Ibrahim Mughal, Technical Officer, EHPU, said that the existing hospital waste management was deficient in many ways, while there were no records or people who could be held responsible for the prevailing mismanagement, adding that waste materials were collected by the sweepers, who are

not given any equipment or training on handling it properly.

The participants were told that Hospital Waste Management Rules 2005 had been notified but needed to be implemented in 70-80 per cent hospitals through the formation of Advisory Committees and the Hospital Waste Management Teams.

Hassan Nasir, Manager Hospital Waste Management Shalamar Hospital Lahore informed that an estimated 80,000 tonnes of hospital waste is produced every month in Punjab.

“Out of this, only 15 to 20 percent of hospital waste is infectious in nature but it is mixed with solid waste and thus contaminates the entire lot”, he said adding that around 2kg of waste per bed per day is produced out of which 0.1-0.5 percent can be categorized as a health risk.

Incidence of hepatitis B and C have increased in the country, with the average prevalence of

Hepatitis B ranging between 34 percent (6 million) and Hepatitis C, 5 percent (7.5million) and this called for stringent safety measures, he stressed.

Azmat Naz, Deputy Director, Environment Protection Agency, said that the first priority is to segregate wastes, preferably at the point of generation, into reusable and nonreusable, hazardous and nonhazardous components.

Other important steps are the institution of a sharps management system, waste reduction, avoidance of hazardous substances whenever possible, ensuring worker safety, providing secure methods of waste collection and transportation, and installing safe treatment and disposal mechanisms, she added. UHS Immunology Dsepartment’s head Dr Nadeem Afzal and Prof Tahir Naeem from Microbiology Department of Shalamar Hospital Lahore, also spoke.