Ep10june2014

Twin bombing near Kurdish party office in north Iraq kills 30 KIRKUK/TIKRIT Iraq—At least 30 people were killed in a double bombing targeting the offices of a Kurdish political party in the northern Iraqi town of Tuz Khurmato on Monday, local officials and medical workers said.

Security sources said a car bomb blew up at a checkpoint near the local headquarters of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party, before a truck packed with explosives was detonated beside a wall.

The attack is the latest in a show of strength by militants who have been regaining ground in Iraq and on Sunday killed 18 people in twin blasts targeting PUK offices in the town of Jalawla.

The Sunni militant

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Russia would react to NATO build-up near borders MOSCOW—Russia would consider any further expansion of NATO forces near its borders a “demonstration of hostile intentions” and would take political and military measures to ensure its own security, a senior diplomat was quoted on Monday as saying.

The comments come amid a deep crisis between Russia and the West over Ukraine and days after U.S. President Barack Obama offered increased military support for eastern European NATO members to ease their concerns over Moscow.

“We cannot see such a build-up of the alliance’s

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Four tripped Mangla units restored LAHORE—Four units of Mangla Dam Power House that were tripped due to ‘technical fault’ were repaired and restored on Monday morning.

The electricity supply of up to 1000 mega watts also began with the restoration of the units. According to Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) spokesperson, the repair work is in progress on the fifth unit as well. WAPDA spokesperson also clarified that contrary to reports, the units were not tripped due to fire eruption, adding that it was due to a technical fault developed by the transformer.—INP

India denies involvement in Karachi attack KARACHI,—Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr. TCA Raghavan on Monday condemned terrorist attack on Karachi airport and rejected allegations of Indian involvement. “We condemn the terrorist attack in strongest terms.

Such allegations are baseless and there is no truth in these accusations,” the Indian envoy said while Continued on Page 7

Don’t fan provincialism Mr Imran

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Terrorist attack on Karachi airport, an eye opener ................................................

Are Palestine and Israel heading for reconciliation?

See Page 04

Foreign, local elements involved in attacks: Nisar Terrorists wanted to destroy all planes, report to PM reveals TTP claims airport attack, warns Govt of more such attacks 29 including 10 terrorists killed STAFF REPORTER

including militants, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday night said that foreign as well as local elements were involved in recent terrorist at-

tacks in Pakistan.

Speaking at a press conference held at the airport here, he said at least 19 security personnel including 11 Airport Security Force personnel were killed in the brazen attack.

There are reports of 29 others wounded in the attack also, he added.

Chaudhry Nisar praised security and law enforcement forces for the successful and timely completion of the operation against the assailants.

“Rangers troops reached the airport in seven and armed forces in 10 minutes time,” he said.

According to the security officials, the operation was completed by 1:30am to 2:30am as all ten militants were killed by then, said Nisar. They, however, continued the operation for an hour or so to make sure no militants were left hid-

List of martyred and injured

PIA resumes flight operation

K ARACHI —At least 19 people embraced Shahadat while 26 others sustained injuries during an attack on Karachi Airport late Sunday night. The injured were shifted to Jinnah Hospital.

According to Jinnah hospital administration, the martyred included Airport Security Force personnel Tariq Mehmood 32, Abdul Maalik 30, Muhammad

AMANULLAH KHAN

KARACHI—Almost a day after an armed attack on Karachi airport killed at least 29 people

KARACHI–After the control of the unfortunate attack by the extremists at the Karachi airport, PIA resumed its normal operation from Jinnah International Airport resumed at 1600 hours Pakistan Standard Time.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Aviation, Mr. Shujaat Azeem said “the

KARACHI: Fire-fighters extinguishing fire after militants attack at Jinnah International Airport. (Another picture on Back Page) ing in the airport’s premises.

The minister said that all national installations remained safe in the attack. However, he added that three aircraft were partially damaged.

“The main target of the assailants was to destroy aircraft.”

Nisar said every street and corner of the country was at terrorists’ target and urged the security personnel to remain on

their toes.

Regarding weapons recovered from the attackers, he said there were clues pointing towards the involvement of a country, but this was yet to be verified. The interior minister said that people who went missing during the operation are being located by the security forces and rescuers.

6 security personnel martyred in N Waziristan, Awaran attacks

Hafiz Gul group extends ceasefire to June 20

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STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWAR /QUETTA —Four soldiers were killed and many others were injured in suspected suicide attack near Boya checkpost on Datta Khel road in North Waziristan Agency and at least two paramilitary soldiers were killed and three others injured Monday in an explosion that hit a paramilitary convoy in Awaran.

In North Waziristan, official sources said, security personnel were establishing a small checkpoint near Boya checkpost on main Datta Khel road when the suspected suicide bomber struck his vehicle into the checkpoint. Subsequently, four Frontier Corps’ soldiers were killed whereas several others sustained injuries.

Security personnel cordoned off the area and launched a search operation in the area while Datta Khel road has been closed for traffic.

In Awara, Balochistan, at least two paramilitary soldiers were killed and three others injured Monday when an explosion hit a paramilitary convoy in Awaran, about 350 kilometres away from the provincial capital Quetta, officials said.

Sources in the Frontier Corps told media that an FC vehicle was on a routine patrol in Mashkay area of Awaran when militants targeted it through a roadside improvised explosive device.

They said the blast also damaged the vehicle carrying the FC personnel. The injured personnel were rushed to Quetta for medical treatment.

FC personnel and local administration reached the spot and cordoned off the area as they initiated investigation into the incident.

No arrests have so far been carried out in connection to the incident, the sources said.

The blast follows a separate gun and suicide

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CCNS meeting summoned to take decisive steps LIAQAT TOOR ISLAMABAD—The deadly and well-planned attack on Jinnah International Airport on Sunday night has sent tremors to the power corridors in Islamabad, forcing it to convene emergency meeting of Cabinet Committee on National Security to take decisive steps to defeat terrorism.

For quite some time, the stakeholders have been restless on terror strikes not only in FATA region but also in Karachi and Balochistan claiming lives of innocent people and men in

uniform.

The fast changing situation in FATA with breakaway of key TTP faction led by Khan Saeed alias Sajna, Gul Bahadur’s revocation of peace agreement with authorities, attack on buses at a hotel in Taftan, attacks on security forces in different areas, security forces actions in Balochistan and lately very dangerous attack on Karachi airport aiming to destroy aircraft will be the subjects to be discussed. Taliban have taken responsibility of the attack.

Sources close to PM house said defining

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Iran, Turkey pledge cooperation despite split over Syria A NKARA —Iran and Turkey on Monday mended Rouhani’s policies since taking office pledged to work together to stop extremism and bloodshed in the Middle East despite their deep differences over Syria’s civil war.

“Iran and Turkey, the two important countries in the region, are determined to fight against extremism and terrorism,” Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani told a news conference in Ankara.

He said the instability in the region benefited neither the neighbouring countries, nor the world, and said Turkey and Iran agreed to work together.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul com-

in August last year, saying they were helping Iran open up to the world.

The diplomatic niceties though papered over a complex and often dysfunctional relationship between the two countries. Those ties have taken an especially bitter turn in recent years as a result of increasing competition between Sunni and Shia Muslim powers across the region.

Rouhani’s trip to Turkey, flanked by a crowded delegation of ministers and Iranian businessmen, saw 10 bilateral deals signed in

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STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWA R —The

North Wazristan Taliban Shura led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur has extended the ceasefire till June 20 and also assured the government to carry out probe into the Boya checkpost suicide blast which left at least three FC soldiers and a child dead earlier on Monday.

Ahmedullah Ahmedi, the spokesman of North Waziristan Taliban in a statement issued to the media said that after a meeting with the grand jirga of North Wazristan, the shura has decided to extend the ceasefire deadline by ten days.

Following massive

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Terrorists entered in groups from two sides AAMIR MAJEED KARACHI—A day-long investigation into the attack on Jinnah International Airport (JIA) Karachi has thus far revealed that the terrorists had entered the airport premises in three groups from two different locations.

The group which first entered the JIA Karachi premises had worn Airports Security Force (ASF) uniform while the members of two others groups wore track suits. It has also been revealed that the security at the gate which was

used by terrorists for entrance was comparatively low as compared to other gates as it was used by staff for entrance.

It was also cleared on Monday that the weapons which terrorists used in the attack were not manufactured in the country. The recovered weapons would be sent to laboratory for forensic test today. All the terrorists have worn bullet-proof jackets and kept the hand grenades in their pockets for exploding themselves.

A well-placed source told Pakistan Observer

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Cargo worth millions of rupees gutted

Iran closes border with Pakistan

7 workers of cargo terminal missing

OBSERVER REPORT

STAFF REPORTER KARACHI —Goods worth millions of rupees lying at the cargo area of Karachi airport was gutted as a result of act of terror causing huge losses to the business community.

In order to avoid such incidents in future, the government must rely on digital security system rather than depending

on manpower and install scanners at all the entry and exit points of the city in order to stop influx of explosives in the financial hub of Pakistan.

President of the Karachi Electronic Dealers Association (KEDA), Muhammad Idrees urged the government to announce compensation to businessmen whose goods lying at

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Q UETTA —Iranian border guards fired two dozen rockets into Balochistan province on Monday evening, however, no casualties were reported, an official said.

Spokesman for the Frontier Corp Khan Wasey told media that Iranian border guards fired 24 rockets in Balochistan’s Panjgur district.

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All-out efforts to mitigate power consumers’ sufferings I SLAMABAD—Secretary Water and Power, Nargis Sethi alongwith her team under the direction of Minister for Water and Power, Khawja Muhammad Asif and State Minister Abid Sher Ali are putting their best efforts to provide relief to people in the scorching heat, by ensuring better power load management and service delivery.

In the recent days with the rise in demand due to severe heat wave across the country and the mercury rising upto 50 degrees centigrade in some parts of the country, the Secretary Water and Power took a number of surprise visits to different parts of the country, said a press release issued here Monday.

These visits were paid to exactly ascertain the quantum of distribution companies’ efficiency and their service delivery. In her visits she inspected numerous sub-divisions, complaint centers, grid stations, transmission and distribution system, the national power control center, power distribution com-

panies (DISCOs) head offices, and similar other electricity installations.

Nargis Sethi also met local people wherever she went and took their views about the service delivery and the quantum of load-shedding in their areas.

The Secretary also urged the people to pay their electricity bills and conserve energy so that more and more people could benefit from the existing power generation.

During the whole week the Secretary Water and Power and all DISCOs chiefs remained in contact via video link and she ordered them to remain at their stations and field offices for at least three months and avoid unnecessary movements so that electricity load and service delivery were better managed.

She also directed them to prepare their own load management plans for the

forthcoming Ramzan as there must not be any loadshedding during Sehar and Iftar hours. Nargis clearly told them that she along with her team at federal level would remain on video link during Sehar and Iftar, so that public could get relief on spot, if there was any discrepancy.

A number of other decisions were also made by the Secretary Water and Power for betterment of the system.

The Federal Complaint Centre has been made more powerful and it has been tasked with redressal of public complaints, if these are not paid heed at DISCO level.

On the orders of Nargis Sethi, all DISCOS had notified their task forces, which had been entrusted with the responsibilities of visiting all their subdivisions and taking immediate and appropriate actions on public complaints and theft etc.

Nargis Sethi also issued directions that all operational staff of the DISCOS will remain on duty on Saturday and Sunday at all levels during the hot season, so that decisions could be made on immediate basis at different levels.—APP

PTI to ease masses woes lish mere openening cer- Ahmad Khan instead of ABDUL KHALIQ QURESHI in the June 2015.

This, he said while inau- emony, adding that corrup- those hundreds of dignitarA B B O T TA B A D — K h y b e r gurating a project Mirpur to tion would be rooted out en- ies and elders were also

Pakhtunkhawa Chief Minister’s advisor to works and communications, Akbar Ayub Khan has said that keeping in view the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf by implementing together with to following its 100 percent manifesto is striving hard to convert public difficulties into easiest mechanism. He informed that on PK 50 no kutcha road would be found particularly

Pind Jamal Khan which should be completed with the estimated cost of Rs. 3000 million. Prior to this the advisor to CM was received

by Yousaf Ayub Khan with pump and show soon after his arrival on the site to grace the occasion. He said that PTI Chief, Imran Khan had worked in the past, and presently he has no emotional courage to launch and estab-

tirely from whole of province soon.

Bedside, Haji Muhammad Zaman, Malik Akhtar, Nazir Khan, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah, Dr.Akhtar Zaman, Imran Mughal, Haji Riaz, Malik Muhammad Nawaz, Haji Abdul Manan, Haji Mazloom, Haji Manzoor,Farman Gul, Khalid Mehmood,ex-Nazim Riaz

Akbar Ayub Khan and Yousaf Ayub Khan inaugurating Mirpur-Pind Jamal Khan road project.

Prof Ibrahim condemns TTP airport attack PESHAWAR—Taliban Committee member and Jamat-eIslami provincial Amir Professor Ibrahim Khan Monday strongly condemned terrorists’ attack on Karachi International Airport and accepting of responsibility

by Taliban.

A press statement issued here by Al Markaz Al Islami, Provincial headquarters of Jamat-e-Islami, said that Professor Ibrahim has condemned the attack and said that Taliban should have to avoid such activities.

He said that such attacks by Taliban would not be a solution to any problem, adding that already halted dialogue process should be resumed for long lasting peace in the country. He opined that the Government, Military and Taliban should have to continue dialogue process to curb violence in the country and reaction of every action.

Professor Ibrahim said innocent people were killed in such attacks which is very condemnable.

Earlier, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker National Assembly has strongly condemned the terrorists attack at Karachi Aiport and paid rich tribute to security personnel who laid their lives in operation against the terrorists. The Speaker termed it a shameful act of terrorism. —APP

Unemployment biggest problem T ANDO M UHAMMAD K HAN —The Sindh Minister for Prison, Anti Corruption and Mineral Resources Manzoor Wassan has said unemployment is the biggest problem in Tando Muhammad Khan district.

“Soon we will launch employment scheme to give jobs to the qualified people at the union council levels,” he assured here Monday while speaking to the people at an open katchehry according to a handout issued by Sindh Information Department. —APP

present on this occasion.

Meanwhile, Superintending Engineer, Ansar, XEN Rafaqat Shah had briefed about the project.The chief engineer has suggested that if 5 years more chance yielded to them the plan of 50s could be changed entirely. He suggested that people belonging to PK 51 would also be benefitted with the instant project also.

Meanwhile, Yousaf Ayub Khan said that Mirpur, Kamilpur, Pind Jamal Khan, would be benefited through such communication system. He said that for the sake of potable water supply schemes various crores rupees funding has already been yielded to these areas. He informed that provision of such fund has been made because of we are in the ruling party, but opposition leaders have no right to provide financial assistance for the completion of development works on any area of the country.

He also issued necessary instructions to those residing nearby under construction road to cooperate with them until the completion of such development work.

HYDERABAD: Ranger personnel stand on a road during strike call of ASWJ against killings of party workers.

NTS qualified candidates await appointments

Heavy fee charges may hamper NTS objectives Q UETTA —National Testing Service (NTS), introduced to evaluate academic performance and transparent - on merit selection of the candidates in different sectors, is feared to lose its mandated role due to unaffordable fee charges for lower middle class.

In a society where political influence and bribery were common practices to impede the way of poor intelligentsia, it was imperative to make NTS, a talent hunting institution, rather than a source of earning.

“A large number of our poor students was highly talented and hardworking but finance hampers them from achieving their objectives,” Ali Imran, a lecturer in a local college regretted. It was worth appreciating that the

incumbent government and a number of public sector organizations were approaching NTS for the selection of professionals through an independent and transparent system,” said Fahim, a fresh university graduate. “I applied for a post in Provincial Disaster Management Authority Balochistan (PDMA) and paid Rs. 1000 to appear in the test, which was not easy to afford for a jobless person”, he added.

The NTS, formed in 2003, initially had 3 client departments in the very first year and 17000 candidates were tested.

The number of clients has now gone up to 300 with 5,332,810 candidates appeared till 30 April 2014, data shared by NTS revealed.

The trend to hire competitive human

resource for job market through NTS, was gaining popularity in Balochistan but again the emphasis was laid to keep minimum charges for maximum access.

To ensure merit and transparency, Speaker Balochistan Assembly had also directed to hire professionals through NTS for assembly’s vacant posts.

Another appreciative example in this regard was Home Minister, who, despite political pressure, involved NTS for the selection of grade-17 and other posts in PDMA Balochistan.

Without any doubt the selection of candidates in an independent and competitive environment was healthy but financial constraints of the jobless poor youth must be kept in mind to achieve targeted goals.

FDA directed for early allotment of industrial plots

Talent test for FATA students PESHAWAR —The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan has asked the senior officials of FATA Development Authority (FDA) to make early allotment of industrial plots under 2nd Phase of Momand Marble City; reinvigorate the pace of progress on its development activities and ensure its early completion.

He said this while presiding over a briefing at Governor’s House, here on Monday.

The Governor was briefed that establishment of an electricity grid station alongwith installation of its transmission lines be-

sides construction of boundary walls and internal roads have been completed at the industrial estate.

Further, it was added, allotment of 80 plots under the Ist Phase of the project has already been completed while applications from potential entrepreneurs have also been received for allotment of additional 100 plots under its 2nd Phase.

The Governor after having a detail review of the pace of progress on the project desired to make best use of the available resources and avoid un-necessary expenditures.—APP

‘Foreign hand involved in Balochistan unrest’ QUETTA —Provincial Home Minister, Mir attacked by the armed attackers in two ho-

QUETTA: President National Party of Baluchistan Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo addressing a press conference on Monday.

Security of across country airports beefed up

Mamnoon lauds security agencies’ retaliation to terrorists attack I SLAMABAD —President Mamnoon every possible move to thwart such flights to and from Karachi are susHussain on Monday lauded the performance of security agencies including ASF, Police, Rangers and armed forces in response to the attack at Karachi airport.

The President paid tribute to the Shuhada, a President House press release said. He expressed satisfaction that national assets were safe.

Rawalpindi: Benazir International Airport security was beefed up after terrorist attack on Karachi Airport.

Manager Benazir International Airport Muhammad Ayaz Jadoon talking to APP said that extra contingents were called at the airport, with enhanced snap checking of vehicles at entry point and only passengers were being allowed to enter.

He said the authorities are making

Jamil Fakhri remembered I SLAMABAD —Today was the third death annivarsary of veteran TV actor Jamil Fakhri. He died on this day in 2011.

Jamil Fakhri was born in Lahore in 1946. After graduation, he joined the National Bank of Pakistan, private news channel reported.

He started doing theatre at Wapda Auditorium, Lahore, and at Alhamra with actors like Kamal Ahmed Rizvi, Athar Shah Khan, Ali Ejaz and Nannah.

His popular stage plays include Andar Ana Mana Hai, Zuban Daraz and Lahore Bypass.

He was considered among the founding artistes of PTV. Lahore TV producer Yawar Hayat gave him a break in TV plays.

His popular TV plays include Tanay Banay, Daldal, Waris, Andhera Ujala, Bandhan and Ek Mauhabat Sau Afsanay.

His role of police inspector Jaffar Husain in PTV play Andhera Ujala became so popular that film director Shabab Kairanvi selected him for big screen. Fakhri acted in more than 50 films.

Muskarhat and Deewanay Do are among his best flicks. —APP

attempts and ensure the safety of airport and passengers.

As part of the highest level of security, each individual entering the airport is being checked and all temporary passes have been cancelled, he added. Parking of vehicles near the Rawal lounge had been restricted.

Quetta: Following the deadly attack on Karachi International Airport, the security of all Airports in Balochistan has been increased on Monday.

“Security plan of the Quetta Airport has been revised with additional deployment of the ASF personnels,” Quetta Airport official told APP. He noted that all vehicles and pedestrians entering in the premises of the Quetta international Airport was allowed to entered after checking. “The

pended while flight operation to other cities was continued as per scheduled,” he added.

Reports reaching here also suggested that additional security measures were put in place at and around Gwadar, Turbat and Zhob Airports to avoid untoward incident.

Lahore: The Karachi airport terrorist attack has jolted the whole aviation activity in the country, disturbing the flight schedule from major airports to domestic and international destinations.

The incident has left thousands of passengers stranded at various airports.

Most disturbed were passengers who were to take connecting flights either from coming abroad or leaving for foreign countries.—APP

Facilities to bereaved families QUETTA—Balochistan police department is committed for families welfare of their martyred police officials, who sacrifice their lives in the line of duty.

Talking to reporters here Assistant Inspector General (Training) Balochistan police Fashuddin Ahmad said the bereaved families of martyred police men are an integral part of the institution. He said Inspector General Balochistan police Mushtaq Ahmed Sukhaira himself is very conscious about welfare of the families of martyred police offi-

cials and has issued various directives, standard operating procedures and standing orders in this regard. The I.G Balochistan police has formulated a comprehensive policy in September, 2013 to ensure maximum facilities to the bereaved families, he said, adding The Policy vide SOP No.4 is strictly implemented by the Police department. Under the policy, the respective Regional police officers and District Police Officers are bound to pay regular visits to the families of the martyred police men.—APP

HYDERABAD: Activists of National Pasban Pakistan Tehreek holding a protest in favour of their demands outside press club on Monday.

Karachi, Lasbela varsities sign MoU of cooperation lence in Marine Biology (CEMB), University of Karachi has signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Faculty of Marine Sciences, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS) on Monday on the occasion of the World Ocean Day. The objective of this MoU is to promote the mutual collaboration in academic and scientific research activities between the two institutes.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser, Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi appreciated the efforts of CEMB in developing academic linkage with an institution in Balochistan which has 800 km long coastline and where scientific exploration is highly required.

He said that this will lead to furthering marine sciences in the country. Dr. Qaiser added that University of Karachi will provide maximum support in the development of LUAWMS. Dr. Dost Muhammad Baloch, Vice Chancellor, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, said that the two institutes are geographically very close, and can become even closer by developing collaboration in Marine Sciences. Dr. Baloch showed his keen interest in obtaining technical assistance from Karachi University in other disciplines as well.

He also appreciated the research facilities at CEMB and concluded that this MoU will be beneficial for both of the universities.

Dr. Pirzada Jamal Siddiqui, Director CEMB presented Center’s achievements in Marine Sciences.

Dr. Siddiqui said that CEMB, a pioneer institute of marine research, has produced a number of professionals in the field who are now serving various public and private sector organizations.

The Center has already started providing technical assistance and expertise to the students of the LUAWMS, Dr. Siddiqui added.—APP

ISLAMABAD—Anti Narcotics Force cigarettes. The accused was to travel their personal possession. They were Bahrain by Flight No. GF-769. to Spain via Dubai by Flight No. EK613.

During initial investigation, an associate of the accused, Qasim Ali r/o Gujrat was also arrested from the waiting area.

ANF Rawalpindi intercepted Muhammad Bashir and Lubna Bibi both residents of Khushab at Islamabad Airport and recovered 650 gram Ice tactfully concealed in the packs of utility items. They were boarding for Jeddah by Shaheen Airlines Flight No. NL-719.

ANF team also apprehended Farid Khan r/o Charsada at Islamabad Airport and recovered one kg heroin tactfully concealed in utility items. He was to travel for Dubai by Shaheen Airlines Flight No. NL-551.

ANF Rawalpindi arrested Muhammad Naeem and Javed Mushtaq both residents of Jhelum and recovered four kg charas from

travelling on Honda 125 motorcycle near market stop, GT Road, Jhelum.

ANF also arrested Muhammad Fazil r/o Rawalpindi at Islamabad Airport and recovered 17 kg heroin tactfully concealed in furniture items (in 5 pehries). The accused was boarding for London by Flight No. PK-785.

ANF Lahore apprehended a women namely Nihayta Bibi from Lahore and recovered 4.2 kg opium.

ANF Lahore intercepted a Corolla Car RG-866 Islamabad at a checking point in Mianwali and recovered 10 kg heroin tactfully concealed in secret cavities of the car. Two accused namely Masood Shah and Shaban Khan Durrani both residents of Noushera were also arrested on the spot. ANF Lahore arrested a Zambian woman namely Masaza at Sialkot Airport and recovered two heroin filled capsules (weighing 48 gm) from her possession. She was to travel to

tels of the border town. “The injured who were in serious condition were shifted to Combined Military Hospital Quetta by three helicopters on Monday morning”, he added.

Talking to APP correspondent, Tehsildar Taftan, Ghulam Mustafa said that terrorists first attacked Al-Hashmi hotel and opened indiscriminate fire at the pilgrims sitting inside the hotel, leaving two pilgrims dead and some other injured.

“Levies Force team immediately rushed to the hotel where exchange of fire between the armed attackers and the Levies Personnel took place, resulting in killing of one of two assailants,”he said, adding that another suicide bomber blew him up during the firing that left more pilgrims injured and badly damages to the hotel building.

He said that during the moment, two bomb blasts took place in another hotel namely, Al-Murtaza where a number of pilgrims were also staying, resulting in death and injuring of some of them.

Ghulam Mustafa said that 300 pilgrims riding in six buses reached border town of Taftan from Iran before sunset and they reached two local hotels for one-night stay as they had to leave for Quetta on Monday morning along with security teams.—APP

Hajj applicants asked to submit passports today

KARACHI—Centre of Excel- I SLAMABAD —Ministry of Religious Af- stamping of visas.

19 including 4 lady drug smugglers held (ANF) recovered 47 kg heroin, 98 kg charas and 12.9 kg opium and arrested 19 persons including four lady drug smugglers and seized six vehicles.

ANF teams conducted operations in various cities including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi, said a press release issued here on Monday.

According to details, ANF Rawalpindi intercepted a Honda car near Chakwal Mor, Jhelum and recovered 17 kg heroin tactfully concealed in the secret cavities of the car. Two accused namely Kashif Siddique and a lady Dilraj both residents of Noushera were arrested at the spot.

ANF Rawalpindi Airport team intercepted Altaf Hussain r/o Mandi Bahauddin at Benazir Bhutto International Airport and recovered 550 gram heroin tactfully concealed in

Safaraz Bugti on Monday said,”foreign hand was involved in terrorism in Balochistan”.

In his statement issued here he said Balochistan has long border with neighboring countries and terrorists have their training camps in mountainous areas. `“ There are 34 camps in a neighboring country’s mountainous areas where terrorists get training and later, carryout sabotage acts and attacks on innocent people in Balochistan,” he said.

He said that federal government was extending full cooperation to the provincial government to maintain peace and order. The security forces were playing important role to curb terrorism in the province, he added.

Chagai: The district management of Chagai confirmed that death toll of Taftan incident has risen to 24 and 18 other people were injured, 14 serious injured were shifted to CMH Quetta through helicopters.

Deputy Commissioner Chagai, Saifullah Khetran quoting hospital reports told media persons, here on Monday that death toll of Taftan incident has risen to 24 while, 18 people were injured. ` “Twenty-four dead include men, women and children who in a convoy of 300 pilgrims reached Taftan from Iran on Sunday and were

ANF Lahore intercepted Toyota Vitz (without number plate) near Shah Jamal Road, Muzaffargarh and recovered 3.8 kg charas tactfully concealed in secret cavities of the car and arrested the accused namely Nasir Abbas r/o Muzaffargarh on the spot.

ANF Lahore arrested Nadeem Khan r/o Khyber Agency at Abdullah Travels Bus stand, Lahore and recovered 800 gram charas and 300 gm opium from his personal possession.

ANF Peshawar intercepted a Nissan Sunny Car No D-2553 at Pishtkhara Chowk, Ring Road, Peshawar and recovered 8.4 kg opium and 2.4 kg charas, tactfully concealed in the secret cavities of the car. Two accused namely Gultiaz Khan were arrested on the spot.

ANF Peshawar arrested Shahid Khan at Peshawar Airport and recovered one kg heroin, tactfully concealed in his trolley bag.—APP

fairs and interfaith Harmony has asked 53,814 successful intending pilgrims of Government Scheme to submit their machine readable passports by Tuesday through their respective banks for further process and action.

Talking to APP, he said the passports must be valid up to March 31, 2015.

After receiving documents, he said the Ministry would issue hajj flight schedule and initiate the process of

He said the government has brought down to Hajj expenses up to Rs 250,000 per person. The excess amount received along with the applications would be refunded soon.

Hajj flight operation would start from August 27 and schedule to culminate by September 28. Each successful Haji should reach their nearest Haji camp three days prior to their flight for training and vaccination.—APP

FAISALABAD: Traffic warden performing duty in steel cabin at Kutcheri Bazar on a hot day.

Hot, dry weather to continue ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Meteorological De- during the last 24 hours were Islamabad 41 partment (PMD) on Monday forecast mainly very hot and dry weather for most parts of the country during the next 24 hours.

However, dust-thunderstorm rain is expected at a few places in Gilgit-Baltistan, Malakand, Hazara and Peshawar divisions during night.

According to the synoptic situation, seasonal low was lying over north Baluchistan and adjoining areas. A shallow westerly trough was also prevailing over northern most parts of the country.

The highest maximum temperatures recorded during the last 24 hours were Jaccobabad, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Moenjodaro and Sibbi 49 C, Pasni, Sukkur, Lasbella, Bhakkar, Kasur, Nur Pur Thal 48 C. The maximum temperatures recorded

C, Lahore 46 C, Karachi 43 C, Peshawar 43 C, Quetta 35 C, Skardu 28 C, Murree 30 C, Muzaffarabad 41 C, Gilgit 34 C, Faisalabad 45 C, Multan 46 C and Hyderabad 43 C. The Lahore office reported that severe heat wave conditions would continue over most plains of the province, including the provincial capital, as well as adjacent areas and southern Punjab till the end of current week. Local Met office stated in its report on Monday that temperature would also rise by one to two degree celsius during next two days during day time.

A weather system is likely to enter Balochistan on Saturday (June 14) and under its influence rains with thunderstorm may occur at scattered places of the Punjab. In the city minimum temperature was 28 degree celsius while maximum on Monday was 45 degree centigrade.—APP

Japan provide $ 116,444 grant for clean drinking water ISLAMABAD—Japan has provided financial grant of US$ 116,444 to provide clean and safe water to three villages near Muzafarabad.

Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Hiroshi Inomata on Monday inaugurated the water supply system that has started providing clean and safe water to villages Lower Showai, Makkol, and Sherwan of the Muzaffarabad District in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The inauguration ceremony was attended by staff of the NGO, members of local community and other notables from the area.

The project was made possible by a grant from government of Japan to Astafada, an NGO actively working for rural and communal development in AJK. On the occasion, Ambassador Inomata stressed the importance of clean drinking

water and basic sanitation service and asked the community to be responsible for taking good care of the facility so that its benefits could be long-term and sustainable.

He expressed the hope that this project would lay the foundation of a better future for the area and also contribute to strengthening of ties between people of Japan and Pakistan.

Before this initiative, the area which lies on suburb of Muzaffarabad city was suffering from a shortage of clean water, especially during summer season.

This had a adverse effect on the community, particularly in terms of health as evident by a high prevalence of the hepatitis disease in the area.

This project has provided more than 480 households with safe water at their doorsteps which would be availed all year round.—APP

Don’t fan provincialism Mr Imran

MEDIA WATCH

The real marijuana story

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FTER getting all the required details PTI Chairman Imran Khan in his press conference termed the Federal Budget for the next fiscal year as rich friendly and advanced a ten point demand for implementation by the government. However, more noticeable was his allegations against the budget makers and the government leadership who happen to be from Punjab; as he has repeatedly been accusing that the lion’s share goes to the Province of Punjab, saying that development funds were first being diverted to Lahore and now to Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Though the PML-N spokesman and Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal strongly rebutted the charges saying that Imran is afraid that if development projects started by the PML-N government were completed, then his politics would have no future; but we would urge Mr Imran Khan to please differentiate between rulers from Punjab and the Province of Punjab. It is his political right to comment on the political leaders of the other parties, but unnecessarily targeting Punjab only because the development projects were being undertaken in that Province, and thus fanning provincialism and a sense of deprivation among other Provinces, is absolutely uncalled for. We think either Imran Khan has not gone through the PSDP or he has been misguided by his experts. The Metro Bus and other projects in Lahore were executed from the Provincial budget and the same could be done by other Provinces from their own resources. As far Federal projects are concerned, the PTI Chief should have kept in view the Gwadar port, Karachi-Lahore Motorway, Pak-China economic Corridor, KhunjrabHavelian motorway, Thar coal project, Gaddani power projects, DiamerBhasha and Dassu Dams are not located in Punjab. It was Punjab, which sacrificed its share in the last NFC so that other federating units could get a higher share of resources. We would give just one example of discrimination being shown to Punjab and that is supply of gas to the Province. While there is no gas load shedding in KPK, Balochistan and once a week in Sindh, Punjab CNGs are provided gas only for two days in a week and even the domestic consumers are crying over lack of pressure what to talk of supply to industries but unfortunately no one in Punjab raised voice over this discrimination. Did Mr Imran speak about this problem of Punjab and asked his party’s government in KPK to provide additional gas quota to the Province. Therefore, we would say the incitement against Punjab is a sad reflection on the part of Imran Khan because he is leader of one of the three popular parties and his voice is heard with attention and creation of ill-will by any one in any way is an unpardonable crime.

Terrorist attack on Karachi airport, an eye opener T

HE storming of the Karachi airport by a group of heavily armed terror ists on Sunday night was meticulously conceived and executed and reflects that the men behind the planning and implementation were well informed about the installations and security arrangements. The Terrorists reportedly armed with Indian-made weapons including automatic weapons, hand grenades, suicide jackets and rocket launchers penetrated from the old terminal opening fire and hurling grenades making their way onto the tarmac launching multiple blasts.

The attack speaks volume as the terrorists, reportedly all foreigners, battled the security forces in one of the most brazen attacks in years in Pakistan’s biggest city. The security personnel, including the commandos of Pakistan Army, Rangers, ASF and others promptly responded, otherwise the damages would have been manifold. During the fighting 24 people including ten terrorists were killed. Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif rightly congratulated participating troops for a well coordinated, successful operation eliminating all militants and paid tribute to all Shaheeds and injured for their supreme sacrifice. The prompt reaction and elimination the terrorists showed the superb professionalism, training and commitment of the Army commandos and others. Though the operation is over but it has left many questions about the security arrangements at the old airport from where the terrorists entered, how they got the information of poor security, terrorists entry into the airport area with heavy arms and above all the people behind them. Though the TTP has claimed responsibility but it has no capacity to launch such a dare-devil attack. It is appreciable that no country or foreign agency has been blamed but we would stress that it is certainly the handiwork of foreign agencies that brought in foreign terrorists and this should be an eye opener. The attack will raise fresh concerns about Pakistan´s shaky security situation, and questions about how militants were able to penetrate the Airport, which serves one of the world´s biggest cities. The episode also establishes how the terrorists have established a network all over Pakistan, which must be eliminated; otherwise there could be many more such incidents.

Are Palestine and Israel heading for reconciliation?

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IFFERENT channels appear to be at work to resolve the lingering Palestinian issue in order to bring stability in the volatile Middle East.

The US Secretary of State John Kerry, since taking over, has been very active to bring the leadership of Israel and Palestine at the negotiating table but every time, the Israeli leadership creates new issues and subverts the talks.

Now Pope Francis waded head-first into Mideast peace-making welcoming the Israeli and Palestinian Presidents to the Vatican on Sunday for an evening of peace prayers just weeks after the last round of US-sponsored negotiations collapsed. Francis warmly greeted both the Israeli President Shimon Peres and the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas before heading out to the Vatican garden for the service. Though Vatican officials have insisted that Francis has no political agenda by inviting the two leaders but the meeting could have significance on the ground beyond mere symbolism. In the Middle East, symbolic gestures and incremental steps are important and who knows what conversations can occur behind closed doors in the Vatican. Pope Francis told the Israeli and Palestinian Presidents that they “must respond” to their people’s yearning for peace in the Middle East and find “the strength to persevere in undaunted dialogue”. The latest initiative by the Pope gives the impression that a well written script is being implemented and things are moving to logical conclusion. The question arises, has some behind the scene understanding arrived and the two sides are heading towards some sort of reconciliation? One needs to closely watch the situation in the weeks and months ahead.

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Freedom of expression abused tacked, the Geo TV had put up a banner on the TV channel with photograph of ISI Chief Lt. General Zaheer-ul-Islam stating Mohammad Jamil that he had planned the atEmail: mjamil1938@hotmail.com tack. At the same time the comments by the Geo anchorpersons and editors had continued for days REEDOM of expression is maligning the Pakistan’s premier inone of the most abused free telligence agency. Unfortunately, neidoms in Pakistan. ther the government nor Pemra took Commentariat in general and some notice of the blatant propaganda. media persons in particular have Nevertheless, the entire nation includbeen flouting the provisions of the ing civil society, intellectuals, anaConstitution with impunity. The lysts and all media channels connation watched some anchorpersons demned Geo and Jang for unlawful in the TV talk shows unleashing media tirade against ISI/DG ISI, and avalanche of blistering censure subsequent attempts to defend their against military and intelligence stance, challenging the authority of agencies. Indeed, there was criticism national institutions. on media trial of politicians when On Friday, the Pakistan Elecreporting the cases in the courts. tronic Media Regulatory Authority During proceedings of three-day (Pemra) suspended the licence of Geo judicial conference organized by News for 15 days and fined it Rs10 Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Asso- million to be paid before the expiry ciation in September 2011, the par- of the suspension period. It said the ticipants among other things agreed suspension period may be extended that “there should be no media trial if the fine is not paid, and that proand the media should not be allowed ceedings for the revocation of Geo to encroach upon the space of the News’ licence shall be initiated in judiciary”. If media is to become a case the licensee persists in its violacredible source, it should provide tions. In its first ever reaction over reliable and accurate information, Pemra’s decision to suspend Geo and work with utmost diligence to News for 15 days, the Ministry of offer reports and comments objec- Defence said on Saturday that it is tively. Analysts should present their not satisfied with the penalty awarded analysis, which should be unbiased after the private TV channel was deand free of prejudices. clared guilty of misconduct. The deIndeed, information is a source fence ministry had sought revocation of learning; but unless it is orga- of the private news channel’s licence nized, processed, and available to and prosecution of its editorial and the right people in a format for de- management teams under regulatory cision making, it is a burden, not a laws for electronic media for allegbenefit. However, credibility of edly bringing premier agency Intermedia as a source of information is Services Intelligence into disrepute of paramount importance. After and harming national interest. Meananchorperson Hamid Mir was at- while, military source said the pen-

News & Views

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alty on Geo was too little and too late.

Despite dressing-down by large number of viewers and public scolding, Geo Group made premeditated efforts to discredit PEMRA. Global players and anti-Pakistan foreign elements also have similar agenda against Pakistan’s Armed Forces/ISI, and some palmed off media men and media groups are advancing their agenda. They perceive that an effective PEMRA will create a ‘win win’ position for Armed Forces/ISI, disallowing any pressure from international and national organizations like EU, HRCP and others, as PEMRA decisions being legitimate will have world wide acceptance.

There is a dire need to empower PEMRA for regulating media in an effective manner and competently protecting the prestige of our national institutions. Media trial of Armed Forces/ ISI should not be allowed under any circumstances. National and international organizations should not be allowed to influence the legal structure of Pakistan by interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan and matters related to PEMRA. Protection of religious values, Islamic ideals and Pakistani cultural norms, ideological foundations of Pakistan (Two-Nation theory), independence movement and history of Pakistan must be the guiding principles of all media programs in Pakistan. Controversial statements and derogatory remarks on the ideology of Pakistan should not be tolerated. Media should be forced to abide by the provisions of the Constitution with regard to judiciary and armed forces, as nobody is above the law.

It is unfortunate that some media men, especially those associated with a particular media group, act in an irresponsible manner. They do not realize that they are providing India,

US and the West justification for advancing their agenda to weaken nuclear-Pakistan by denigrating our intelligence agencies especially ISI, which are eyes and ears of military.

In the recent past, when senior Supreme Court Judge Javed Iqbal’s parents were killed, newspapers and some anchorpersons and analysts on TV channels, directly or in a subtle manner accused intelligence agencies while making a reference to missing persons’ case. Though they claimed having competent investigating editors and reporters yet they did not bother to investigate matter to find out the truth. Meanwhile, Naveed Iqbal step-brother of Justice Javed Iqbal had admitted having planned murder of his parents.

There are indeed patriotic and conscionable elements in media, who comprehend the issues in their true perspective and dispel the impression of present state of despondency, conspiracy theories and misperceptions.

But at the same time there is no dearth of biased and grossly irresponsible anchorpersons and media men who highlight the differences among the pillars of the state. They tried to denigrate military especially after 2nd May Abbottabad episode, terrorists’ attack on Mehran Naval base, NATO forces’ attack on Salla check posts and other series of acts to denigrate the armed forces. Some anchorpersons on private TV channels and columnists in print media have been trying to lower the prestige of the armed forces in the eyes of public, raising doubts about their capabilities of defending the integrity and sovereignty of the country. This must stop because by disgracing Pakistan’s institutions, they are striking at the very foundations of the country.

—The writer is Lahore-based senior journalist.

Emerging strategic scenario Tariq Khalil Email:tariqkhalil21@gmail.com

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AJOR change has oc curred in subcontinent after three decades of dynastic rule. Congress party stands defeated and reduced not even a mini-opposition. Moody ascent to power is ringing bells all over the World, especially in South Asia.

Not-withstanding what he has been saying during election campaign, as a Prime Minister, it will be difficult to judge at this moment. How he is going to look into International Affairs detaching himself from internal politics of India. He has been so much discussed that every aspect of his personality lay bare in open. Looking back at his thirteen years of rule in Gujrat, he does not have much respect for procedures and more focused on his aims and objectives and prefer to work independent of the bureaucratic shackles.

Though his teens he is an RSS man and never hidden his dislikes for Muslims of India rather has contempt for them. Will this negative aspect is his personality change is a question mark? That is the reason he had Article 370 in his election agenda. Contempt for Muslim manifest his attitude towards Kashmir, the only Muslim majority state in India. Normally, according to psychologists a person does not change, but for, due to compulsion or force of the circumstances. Multi-national ethnic environment of India and international obligations may force him to compromise between the two.

In five years he is likely to concentrate internally, strengthening

and introducing policies for the economic growth & India’s staggering economy. For Moody, economic growth is the tipping point to achieve greater strategic goals in Asia in particular and World in general. He is likely to come heavy on the terrorist movements prevailing within Indian soil, which are, more than two dozen. The heat will be on Pakistan. Thus, greater role for intelligence and Law enforcing agencies in his government. It is likely to create tensions on eastern and western borders both with Bangladesh and Pakistan. On eastern border, he has made it clear that all Bangladeshi nationals have to go back. On western border, he has always been blaming Pakistan for non-state actors, recent wish list handed over to Nawaz Sharif speaks of that. Thus, it is in evident there will be sparks between the relations of these two countries. He would like Pakistan a vessel state. He would like to use trade for political purposes. Moody is already bolstering security mechanism against Pakistan / China.

Choice of Ajeet Doval as Security Advisor and Geneal Retd. VK Singh as Minister, both hardliners. They will be reporting directly to Moodi, a la 1971 pre war situation.

On Foreign Policy, priority will be to improve relations with China and Japan with economic and strategic aim and to marginalize Pakistan. Creating Japan/ India strategic alliance and to better dealing with USA. In Japan, sizing up emerging threats, Prime Minister Abe already asking for reinterpreting articles of the Japanese Constitution, allowing Japan to send forces to help allies, first time after 1945. Traditional friendship with Russia will be further improved and Afghanistan is likely to be a future Chess Board

between Pakistan and India.

Abdullah Abdullah, the future President of Afghanistan, whose inclination towards India is not hidden will be the key. It will be matter of great concern to Pakistan as the war between Afghan Taliban and Kabul for power is likely to spark new tensions on the Pakistani border. Thus, it is extremely important for Pakistan to quickly regain control over FATA to ensure manageability of the area.

Similarly, rift in TTP be fully utilized with stick and carrot policy.

Those who are willing to come back to mainstream be encouraged. Tribal young men should not be allowed to wander, levies, or even army jobs be offered and be tasked to protect their economic position in their respective areas. It is also pertinent to stop ingress of TTP into Afghanistan from FATA as a sanctuary. It will be a very difficult task for Pakistan. Moody Government is like to isolate Pakistan in the region forcing it to bend towards India. There should be no doubt that Moody, a man of fixed mind and rigid personality will be concentrating on the larger aims of Indian supremacy not only in the region but also beyond.

Unfortunately, on our side, we have a leadership which is confused and the strategic aims are blurred both internally and externally. Similaly, good governance is of vital importance for Pakistan. We have to squarely face these challenges militarily and diplomatically. We must also be ready to counter exterior maneuver/diplomacy on the part of India. Moody is likely to enhance the Defence potential of India further as an instrument of foreign policy which he is perceived to be following. Cold start doctrine will be upgraded and also enhancing the capability of Indian Navy as a blue

water navy extending its reach through out Indian Ocean and beyond Malaka Straights and right up to Eastern Coast of Africa. There is a likely hood of greater collaboration with Russia on one side and Japan on the other. It boils down that Pakistan must enhance its relationship with Russia, keeping China on its right and friendship with USA. Pakistan Navy’s capability need to be enhanced to counter any such future scenario and changing defence posture. The posture, defences of Pakistan, need to be reexamined. May be from defence to offensive defence. It means, catering for the enhanced requirement for all the three services and consequent financial cost.

Internally, Army bashing must stop which is creating a very negative impact both within the people of Pakistan and rank and file. All irritants be removed to face the coming challenges emerging after changing strategic balance. Pakistan defence requires a revaluated strategic analysis for both the eastern and western threats and evolving counter measures at strategic, tactical, diplomatic and political levels. Simultaneously, there is a requirement to have code of conduct for media. Issues relating to defence are never discussed in media any where in the world. In nutshell, better cohesive governance, respect and revival of civil services, strong honest bureaucracy, and strong Armed Forces capable of operating under the umbrella of Nuclear Shield are of utmost vital importance. A limit, surgical war should never be ruled out.

— The writer, a retired Brigadier and a decorated veteran of wars, is defence analyst.

HE narrative has been firmly established: Mari juana use is innocent, a pleasurable pastime with few if any harmful effects. Those who caution that making pot legal might create significant problems have been laughed off as alarmists or old fuddy-duddies. A sobering new article in today’s New England Journal of Medicine may startle some people out of this hazy-dazy reverie. A report titled “Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use” from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the federal government’s National Institutes of Health, summarizes the latest research into marijuana use.

Marijuana, it says: • Is particularly harmful to children and youths under 21 years of age. For example, youths who use marijuana are more likely to drop out of school. • Can affect short-term memory “making it difficult to learn and to retain information.” • Is associated with “significant declines in IQ” if used frequently when one is an adolescent or a young adult. • Impairs a person’s “motor coordination, interfering with driving skills and increasing the risk of injuries” while operating a vehicle. • Is addictive. About 9 percent of users overall become addicted, but that number rises to 17 percent of those who start as adolescents and shoots up to as much as 50 percent among those who use pot daily. • Is related to social ills. “Heavy marijuana use has been linked to lower income, greater need for socio-economic assistance, unemployment, criminal behaviour, and lower satisfaction with life,” the article notes.

What’s more, evidence exists that marijuana is a “gateway drug” to other, even more powerful, illegal drugs (as are alcohol and nicotine). “[M]arijuana addiction ... predicts an increased risk of the use of other illicit drugs,” the article concludes.

More research is needed to fully understand all the possible ramifications of widespread marijuana use, the article adds. Older studies, it points out, may underestimate the effects: Marijuana being sold today contains about four times as much THC, the ingredient that produces the “high,” than it did in the 1980s, the report says. While medical use of marijuana was not the subject of the analysis, it did note that there also is “limited evidence” in the data to suggest a medical benefit, despite some physicians who “continue to prescribe marijuana for medicinal purposes.” The early months of Colorado’s experiment to legalize marijuana show little to contradict these findings – and little to encourage other states to join in. As one opponent in Colorado told The New York Times: “I think, by any measure, the experience of Colorado has not been a good one unless you’re in the marijuana business. We’ve seen lives damaged. We’ve seen deaths directly attributed to marijuana legalization. We’ve seen marijuana slipping through Colorado’s borders. We’ve seen marijuana getting into the hands of kids.”

Concerns over possible physical harm from marijuana use should be taken seriously. But perhaps the most heart-rending conclusion in the study associates marijuana with “lower satisfaction with life.” A life not dependent on a drug such as marijuana that clouds thinking is a life that is freer and fuller. As with alcohol and tobacco, the two most popular legal drugs, the supposed pleasures of marijuana are ephemeral, the lasting effects most often dissatisfying and destructive. Alcohol and tobacco have been trying to take hold of their users for centuries, long before the kind of studies now beginning to be made on marijuana were possible. The fact that both alcohol and tobacco are still legal – and still harming society – does nothing to enhance the case for adding a third ruinous partner in marijuana.

— The Christian Science Monitor

Many people consider the things which government does for them to be social progress, but they consider the things government does for others as socialism.

—Earl Warren US lawyer.

Hinduvta ideology wins Amna Ejaz Rafi Email:amnaejazrafi@gmail.com

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N May 26, 2014, Narendra Modi took oath as the 15th Prime Minister of India.

Ashish Nandi who interviewed Modi in the 1990s, wrote that “I still remember the cool, measured tone in which he elaborated a theory of cosmic conspiracy against India that painted every Muslim as a suspected traitor and a potential terrorist”. So the man known to the Muslims of India as a terror, is now heading the secular democratic India. How does it bode for the Muslims of India?

During election campaign Rahul Gandhi remarked that the BJP only wants to divide people, make people fight each other. Is there a reason for the Muslims to feel unsafe? Because, he is the same Modi who as the Chief Minister of Gujrat abetted communal riots (2002), in which thousands of Muslims were butchered. The inhumane killings of Muslims were condemned worldwide; the US and the UK even barred Modi from travelling to their countries. But Modi never apologized for the Gujrat massacre.

The Hindu supremacy was apparent during the elections. There is no denying the fact that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Hindutva ideology and anti-Muslim tilt proved useful for the winning party. During the election campaign, “Modi called Kerala –

with substantial Muslim population – a nursery of terrorism, threatened illegal Bengali Muslim migrants with deportation and cornered the Congress for encouraging beef exports to benefit Muslims”. The BJP led Lok Sabha has its lowest ever Muslim representation just four percent of MPs, way below the Muslims 13.4 percent population share. In the state of Uttar Pradesh, “BJP won 71 out of 80 seats.

Muslims form almost a fifth of the population of the state but there is not a single Muslim MP from Uttar Pradesh”. Besides, three newly elected lawmakers from the state are the one’s, who incited anti-Muslim riots in Muzaffarnagar last year. 60 people were killed during the riots.

Another new trend seen in the Indian elections is that a man from a humble background has made it to the Prime Ministership of the country.

Modi, son of a Teli Ghanchi (oil presser) community, who as a child helped his father in selling tea, has outshined Rahul Gandhi, the great grandson of Nehru family. This shows a person’s influential background, being a son or grandson of imminent political family is no more a criteria to vote for. This is a positive trend in a way because in countries like India (and Pakistan also), politics have been governed by some prominent families.Modi’s ascendancy from a tea seller to Prime Minister’s office is being idealized by a common man of India.A common man in India when he sees that a

chaiwala could rise to be a Prime Minister, it gives him hope that to be a Prime Minister one does not need to be foreign qualified or from an influential background.Another factor, which favoured BJP’s win, is the party’s developmental work in Gujrat.

India of today represents corporate interests. During the election campaign, Modi and his party workers highlighted the economic progress of Gujrat with a promise to extend the ‘Gujrat miracle’ to the rest of the country. This attracted the business community as well as the middleclass Hindus.What one can deduce from the election result is that the Indian people have voted for a party with Hinduvta ideology. Seen internationally, since the start of War on Terror (WoT), an environment of extremist ideologies have emerged.

State and non-state actors have formed groupings, alliances against one another, based on their ideological orientation. Religion has turned out to be a determining factor in this regard. This international trend has also impacted the domestic politics of states. In the Indian elections, BJP’s Hindu ideology outmatched the Secular principles of Congress.

Rahul Gandhi’s cultured outlook and moderate thinking could not withstand, Modi’s rhetoric and extremist views. Similarly, another international trend in today’s world is geoeconomics. For a common man in India, having a good living is the prime concern. “Modi has pledged to

work for all 1.25 billion of his fellow Indians in his first speech after winning the elections”.

On the regional front, especially India’s relations with Pakistan, what the likely picture could be? During the election campaign “Modi supporters announced that anyone who opposed the BJP, should leave for Pakistan”. In the backdrop of BJP’s Hinduvta ideology, Modi’s affiliation withright-wing Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)and anti-Muslim tilt, likely scenario could be strained Indo-Pakistan relations with the dialogue process at the backburner? An increase in Indian anti-Pakistan activities, particularly its abetting of sub-nationalist groups in Balochistan and worst scenario could be a proxy war between the two South Asian neighbours in Afghanistan.On the contrary, if we visualize the India-Pakistan relations from the economic angle, as economic prosperity was also one of BJP’s election pledge, a more brighter picture could emerge. In pursuance of the economic objectives, Indianeconomy requires energy and regional pipelines – IPI and TAPI could serve this purpose. The materialization of regional pipelines would enhance regional integration and cooperation, which in turn would enhance Pakistan’s significance, thus, relations between two neighbours would improve.

— The writer works for IPRI.

Diplomats under threat government to ensure the protection of the Pakistani High Ali Sukhanver Commission and its staff.

Unfortunately nothing practical Email:alisukhanver@hotmail.com has yet been done to seek for the culprits who sent this threat-letter to Pakistan’s Embassy in Infew days back the Pakistan’s dia. A spokesman of the Indian govHigh Commission at New ernment commented on the situation Delhi received an anony- in a very casual way by saying, “We mous warning letter in which the provide maximum possible security staff members of the High commis- to all missions and same is the case sion were threatened seriously,” re- with Pakistan.” The spokesman ported the Times of India last month. might be true in his statement but According to the details the staff the dangers, risks and security hazmembers of the Pakistan’s High ards which the Pakistani diplomats Commission raised the issue with in India have been facing since long Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Af- are altogether alien to the diplomats fairs which ultimately discussed the from the other countries in India. matter with Indian authorities and The members of the staff at the requested an investigation into the Pakistan’s High-Commission at Inthreat-letter. dia have always been facing the The Indian authorities were ever-worst type of situation regardalso asked to increase the security ing their safety and security. Last at Pakistan’s embassy in New year in the month of June whatever Delhi because according to the in- happened to Zargham Raza, the First ternational rules and regulations it Secretary of Pakistan’s High Comis the responsibility of the Indian mission in New Delhi, is one of the

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worst example of diplomatic insult and humiliation. According to the details he was attacked by allegedly ‘unknown’ motor-bikers when he was returning to his home in New Delhi. Zargham Raza and his driver got severely injured. Just after the incident the Pakistan High Commission asked the Indian government to increase the security of its personnel and to provide protection under Vienna convention. But the response to this demand was just an apologetic telephone call of India’s foreign secretary which he made to his counterpart in Islamabad.

The story does not stop here. It is not only the Pakistani diplomats in India who are facing life threats and mistreatments at the hands of the Hindu extremists, even the students from Pakistan also have to face the same risk and threat. It is something very astonishing that the members of the Pakistani High Commission received the threat-letter on 6th of May and on 13th of the same month a Pakistani student

had to face physical maltreatment at the hands of some unknown, unidentified attackers. The injuries were so severe that Ali Raza first had to be rushed to Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences and then shifted to Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research.

It is something very strange that on one hand the government of Pakistan, under the command and guidance of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif, is doing every possible effort for the promotion of cordial relationship with India but at the same time the Hindu extremists are doing everything possible to spoil and damage Pakistan’s positive efforts. Now the ball is in the court of Mr. Modi.

Peace is the basic and the most fundamental requirement of the time; without peace situation would be agonizingly painful and disastrous for both the countries.

—The writer is Multan-based freelance columnist.

Views From Abroad

How India’s new PM may have evolved Shashi Tharoor

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HEN Narendra Modi swept to a dramatic vic tory in India’s general elections, becoming the first prime minister in three decades to command an absolute majority in the lower house of India’s fractious parliament, many in India worried about what his victory would portend.

To political opponents and members of India’s liberal intelligentsia, Mr. Modi was a divisive, sectarian, authoritarian figure who had presided over the massacre of some 1,200 innocents, mainly Muslim, as chief minister of the state of Gujarat in 2002.

The thought of such a figure leading a diverse and multi-religious polity that had long been built on the “Nehruvian consensus” developed by the Congress Party was anathema to many.

In a series of speeches, Prime Minister Modi has gone out of his way to avoid confrontational language, to omit issues and imagery that India’s religious minorities would find offensive, and to extend a hand of friendship to his critics. After hav-

ing attacked the large number of government projects and schemes named for members of the Congress Party’s Nehru-Gandhi dynasty during the election, he stopped his ministers from renaming these programs, saying it was more important to get them to work more effectively. His early cabinet appointments rewarded the party’s brighter and younger professionals, omitting many of the Hindu nationalist veterans and rabid ideologues who epitomized many Indians’ anxieties about the BJP. In a striking departure from precedent, Modi also quelled concerns in India’s neighbourhood about his rise by inviting the heads of government of India’s seven South Asian neighbours, as well as that of Mauritius (the Indian Ocean republic whose population is 63 percent Indian), to his swearing-in. India’s prime ministers have never enjoyed lavish inaugurations like American presidents, traditionally assuming office after sparsely attended and lowkey oath-takings behind closed doors.

Modi converted this routine into a grand, opulent 4,000-guest ceremony on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential palace, and

invited his foreign guests to attend the televised coronation. The gesture instantly disarmed many across the borders who had been alarmed by his combative rhetoric during the campaign, in which he had promised robust action on the borders, assailed Pakistani sponsorship of terrorism, and warned some 30 million Bangladeshi illegal immigrants in India that they should be prepared to pack their backs on the day of his victory. His cordial welcome to, and subsequent bilateral meetings with, the leaders of these and other neighbouring countries reassured them that the Modi government would not feel obliged to live up to the belligerence of the Modi campaign.

So does this all add up to a Modi 2.0, a very different figure in government from the ogre some of us had feared and demonised for years? It is still too early to tell, but the initial signs are encouraging. Prime Minister Modi would hardly be first opposition leader to temper his views and conduct once in office, but there seems to be something more fundamental involved here.

An ambitious man, Modi appears to realize that if he wants to make a success of his government, he will have to lead the nation from the centre and

not from extreme right, where he had built his base in the BJP. His overwhelming majority, won on the back of a highly personalized campaign that led many to vote for Modi rather than for the BJP, has also liberated him from the party’s and his own past positions.

Just as he remade himself from a hate-figure into an avatar of modernity and progress, he is seeking to remake the BJP from a vehicle of Hindu chauvinism to a natural party of governance. This will mean a change in both language and tone, as he has demonstrated from day one.

For an opposition member of parliament like myself, it would be churlish not to acknowledge Modi 2.0’s inclusive outreach and to welcome his more conciliatory statements and actions. The moment he says or does something divisive or sectarian in the Modi 1.0 mould, however, we will resist him robustly. India’s people, and its pluralist democracy, deserve no less.

The writer is a member of India’s parliament, and a former minister of state for external affairs.

— Courtesy: The Christian Science Monitor

Look around and think..!

J

UST because something ex isted from the time you were born, doesn’t mean you accept that it continues to be that way: That’s how the motorcar was invented, the aero-plane, the computer. So look around you and think, what you can change by putting your thinking cap on: When Cynthia Koenig, a young social entrepreneur from New York, learned that millions of girls and women around the world spend hours each day col-

lecting water from distant sources, she decided to create a new way to help people in poor communities transport water and it’s called the Water Wheel. Koenig’s Water Wheel allows people to roll water in a 50liter container versus carrying it in 5 gallon (19 litre) jugs. Koenig estimates that the Water Wheel can save women 35 hours per week in water transport time, as well as prevent the physical strain that comes from balancing 40 pounds of water on top of their heads for hours each day.

Every day around the world, over 200 million hours are spent each day fetching water, often from water sources miles from home, and this task usually falls to women and girls.

By freeing up valuable time, the Water Wheel allows women to spend time on income-generating activities that can help pull her family out of poverty. The time savings also means that there is a greater likelihood that girls will be allowed to stay in school, further reducing the rate of intergenerational poverty.

After receiving a $100,000 Grand Challenges Canada prize to develop the Water Wheel, Koenig founded a social enterprise company, Wello. The company is in an early stage of development and has been piloting the Water Wheel in rural communities in India. Koenig also plans on continuing to make the Water Wheel itself more useful

by adding in filtration, drip irrigation kits, even a cell phone charger that uses the rotation of the wheel to charge the battery of the cell phone and give people more access to essentials like communication and education.

It’s a different world today, where new inventions, new ideas are grasped and help people make millions: Quite often it’s not only about money, it has a lot to do with helping people living an easier life, maybe helping the disabled with a user friendly wheel chair or whatever! Get up for a minute, take a walk, and then look around and think..!

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Voice of the People Crying for city lungs ASGHAR MAHMOOD

I

was delighted to see lush green Senior Citizens’ Park on Hill Road, in the elite sector of Islamabad.

Environment Wing of CDA is taking a lot of interest in its upkeep and maintenance. However, basic necessities for senior citizens, benches and wash rooms, have not been provided even in this unique Park.

Apparently, this facility has been created for the retired bureaucrats living in G-5 and F-2 Sectors of the capital city. Incidentally all houses in this area are Farm Houses on big plots with sprawling Lawns.

These big houses are allotted to serving senior officers but after retirement, they have to vacate these houses, hence, the said Park is not for senior citizens but for senior in-service bureaucrats. Anyway this is a good initiative by the CDA and should be extended also to those areas where the retired elderly civil servants are trying to play the last inning of their once very useful life for this country. Senior Citizens living in private housing schemes in Zone V can not think of such facilities, though they also need to spend time in safe and secure open areas. I would request concerned authorities in the CDA to survey Zone V (Pak PWD Society Housing Scheme, National Police Foundation Housing Scheme, Korang Town, Jinnah Gardens, Soan Gardens, Pakistan Town etc.) to ensure that utility plots reserved for Parks and Schools are properly developed by the managements of these housing societies/schemes for the benefit of residents, especially the elderly senior citizens. Parks serve as city lungs and during load shedding Parks provide a great relief to all residents, especially senior citizens. With a little bureaucratic interest, quality of life can improve a lot in Zone V of the Federal capital, where majority of retired government servants are living after vacating their official residences.

—Via email

Karachi after Altaf’s arrest KHAWAJA UMER FAROOQ

resolved on 19 April by mid night, had Geo taken some pains to diffuse the situation by firing few people and by moving in the right direction.

The present controversial decision by government members of PEMRA in fact is licence for Geo to restart their transmission after 15 days and can not be termed as punishment This decision falls short of the expectations of the aggrieved party and may not yield positive results. Just imagine on one hand you regret and simultaneously move against party and file defamation suit. This action of Geo and controversial decision by government members of PEMRA has weakened Geo’s case and has caused irreparable damage. News of the World paper of UK with 168 years of publication with 2.8 million copies of circulation, was closed by its owner because some journalists were found in phone hacking. But in Geo’s case the charge is very serious as it involves most respected and prestigious institutions of the country.

This is a very delicate and serious issue and should have been handled carefully in the best interest of state, but unfortunately the actions tell different story and it appears it is heading towards further confrontation.

— Karachi Cantt.

ding of these two utilities. In order to cope up with these problems government has signed an agreement for LNG import which will bridge the gap between current demand and supply situation hence benefit the industry as well as domestic consumers.

History tells us that our Governments take late decisions and at times implementation takes so long which hurts our national interests. Now that government has signed the agreement for LNG infrastructure and import, it must remove all the hurdles to expedite the project within given timeline to avoid further losses to national economy and country’s development.

Instead of importing value added finished goods such as urea, country should focus on importing its raw material, which is gas, to produce this commodity domestically and save the national exchequer from draining out hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

We can also replace furnace oil and diesel with LNG in power sector to produce much cheaper electricity.

Thus timely import of LNG will benefit the export oriented textile industry as well as to local fertilizer industry. Hence fruitful results will be obtained in the long run, by just expediting the LNG import.

—Karachi

Unemployment in Pakistan

PBC regional programmes

Pakistan’s social and cultural hub Karachi is again seeing worst wave of violence after arrest of MQM self exiled leader Altaf Hussain in London. MQM party leader was arrested in London after serious charges of money laundering.

Investigation was going on and after four years of investigations, the British police arrested Altaf Hussain.

After arrest of Mr. Hussain armed mob forcefully closed market and shops and set on fire several vehicles in Karachi. School, Colleges and all public transport remain closed in city and MQM announced sit-ins in different parts of city. MQM agitation and recent behaviour is astonishing for Pakistani people.

The Government of Pakistan has denied any role in arrest of MQM party leader and assured they will provide help and assistance to MQM leader. Most of people believe that no one in above the law instead of street protests and paralyzing life of whole city MQM should follow legal course and prove innocence of its leader in British court where he was arrested.

The on-going disturbed peace situation also proves that despite last four years of targeted operation in IRFAN AHMED Karachi, arm groups can still paralyze the city life within hours which is very unfortunate.

Unemployment means economy offer—Via email ing no jobs and the person are jobless.

Pakistan is a welfare state and yet millions of men and women are jobless.

They are willing to be employed but there are no jobs. These crowds of unemployed people include educated, trained, skilled, semi-skilled and illitHADIQA AMIN erate people. This lack of employment “I see humans but no humanity”. opportunities on a massive scale is re‘Doctors’ are known to be the ‘life ally frustrating. The unemployed savers’ but now-a-days humanity is people and their families lead a very rarely seen in this once known as a miserable life. With the passage of noble profession and most of the time the problem is becoming explodoctors are becoming ‘Greedy Pro- sive and our government and leaders fessional’. It’s about a month ago; have done nothing substantial so far during my visit to an emergency to address this problem. Unemployward of a private hospital I experi- ment in its turn creates many other enced a pathetic scene in seeking problem such as indiscipline, violence, first aid treatment. I had an immense terrorism, thefts, edacity, pick-pockpain and was feeling restlessness eting, cheating etc. An unemployed due to illness and the staff was con- person is a frustrated person so he can tinuously saying to my attendants; do anything which gives way to anti“Your patient is not that much seri- social elements like extremists, drugous in fact seems quite better, Doc- trafickers, smugglers and mafias. It has tor is on round, will be here in 5 also given rise to evils like corruption, minutes”; however, those 5 minutes nepotism, favouritism etc.

The job creation is hardly keepturned out 90 minutes when doctor came calmly without any worry or ing pace with the rapid increasing concern for her long listed patients. population in the country. There is a This self-centred attitude of our huge back-log of jobs. The problem society whether it is a Doctor or any- in Pakistan is very typical because of one else, we have put behind all the our obsolete, outdated and age-old senses and have became stone education system introduced by the hearted. I request to all the doctors Britishers. Our education system needs out there please do justice with the to be changed fundamentally to cater responsibility which Allah has be- to our industrial and technical needs. stowed upon you with, do not ‘priva- Education should be job oriented and tize’ yourself because you are for closely connected with our industries.

Pakistan cannot be a strong public welfare. economy unless the problem of un—Karachi employment is adequately addressed.

Many young men and women commit suicide because of prolonged joblessnes and lack of any means of livelihood. There is large exodus from MUKHTAR BUTT villages and small towns to cities and big towns in search of employment.

This refers to lead news’ PEMRA It has created an imbalance and there suspends Geo TV’s Licence for 15 is much pressure on cities and their days, imposes Rs 10 million natural resources. Our villages should fine’(June 07). It is a strange coin- be self dependent and for that purcidence that Geo filed defamation pose cottage and small industries suit against ISI for Rs 50 billion, a should be encouraged. day before a controversial decision —Via email

by PEMRA was announced. Like PCB, PEMRA has also become laughing stock in the eyes of public. How hurriedly PEMRA’s acting chairman called meeting without participation of private members HADIQA AMIN during dark hours, makes it abundantly clear that it has full backing of the government specially the Pakistan has been facing the energy Minister for Information Parvez crisis for many years. Demand of gas Rashid who from day one has been is increasing day by day and on the other hand gas reserves are fast deopenly supporting Geo. Defamation suit fled by Geo af- pleting creating uncertainties about ter extending apology is just not un- the future gas needs and its availabilderstandable at all. Publication of ity. Pakistani industries have been ill worded apology and position suffering badly due to the shortage taken by Geo reflects the mindset of gas and electricity. Beside industo continue with the confrontation. tries, domestic consumers are also In fact the issue could have been facing nightmares due to load shed-

Life saving treatment ‘for sale’

PEMRA on wrong footing?

Opportunities of importing LNG

MAHMOOD RIAZUDDIN Apropos of a news item published by a section of press on June 1, 2014, saying that Radio Pakistan has shut regional languages transmission, the litany of the facts is that News and Current Affairs Channel (NCAC) was launched in 1999 to compete with local and foreign electronic channels in this age of media explosion, and a consultant was formally engaged for it.

However, the then PBC management in August 2008, turned NCAC into an entertainment-cum-current affairs channel and raised it as a separate organization under the title of National Broadcasting Service [NBS], parallel to Radio Pakistan.

The incumbent PBC management, however, restored the original status and name of the channel i.e.

NCAC to promote its real aims and objectives and to compete with other current affairs channels both at home and abroad. Besides, two hours transmission in the morning has been devoted for Saut-ul-Quran channel. Furthermore, two hours current affairs programmes are being aired by regional units in their respective regional languages from 11 a.m. to one p.m. so as to promote national harmony, which could not be compromised.

The news professionals recently transferred to NCAC are well known personalities in their field and are well qualified having 25-30 years news and current affairs experience to their credit. The Current Affairs programmes are not broadcast on any FM channel of Radio Pakistan, but the NCAC programmes are available on the PBC transmitters at Islamabad with coverage throughout Pakistan and adjoining parts of neighbouring countries, Lahore, Quetta and Peshawar. Similarly, four transmitters, being installed in Hyderabad, Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan and Faqirabad, would become functional in August this year. The organization is in the process of replacement of old transmitters and to add new digitalized transmitters. Besides improving the financial position of the organization, the incumbent management is clearing the backlog of pension and other dues of retired employees.

—Islamabad

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

China says Vietnam, Philippines’ mingling on disputed isle a ‘farce’

Sisi keeps Egyptian premier to fix economy after turmoil

CAIRO—Newly inaugurated President kind of reforms that the United Arab Emir- Sisi’s blessing - on an economic reform BEIJING—China denounced have described the partnership Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reappointed Egypt’s ates - one of the Gulf Arab states that gave plan which could serve as a basis for reVietnam and the Philippines on Monday for getting together on a disputed island in the South China Sea to play soccer and volleyball, calling it “a clumsy farce” and demanded both countries stop causing trouble.

The comments by a foreign ministry spokeswoman were China’s first response to the gathering on the Vietnameseheld island of Southwest Cay on Sunday.

Philippine naval officials described the meeting of soldiers from the two sides as a chance to show there can be harmony despite a web of overlapping claims to the potentially energy-rich waters.

“Don’t you think this small move together by Vietnam and the Philippines is at most a clumsy farce?” China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily briefing.

“China has irrefutable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and the seas nearby,” she said. “We demand that Vietnam and the Philippines stop any behaviour that picks quarrels and causes trouble ... and not do anything to complicate or magnify the dispute.” The gathering underscores the growing cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines, which have both felt China’s wrath over the South China Sea, even though both claim Southwest Cay and other islands.

The Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei all claim some of the Spratlys, while China, Taiwan and Vietnam claim the whole chain. China also claims 90 percent of the 3.5 million sq km (1.35 million sq mile) South China Sea, its reach depicted on its maps with a so-called ninedash line deep into the maritime heart of Southeast Asia.

Diplomats and experts

between Hanoi and Manila as part of a web of evolving relationships across Asia that are being driven by fear of China as well as doubts among some, especially in Japan, over the U.S. commitment to the region.

Separately, China accused Vietnam of ramming its ships more than 1,000 times in a part of the sea and said while it wanted good relations with its neighbour, it would not abandon principles to achieve that.

A Vietnamese fishing boat sank on May 26 during a confrontation not far from where China has towed an oil rig, accompanied by a cordon of Chinese vessels, 240 km (150 miles) off Vietnam. Last week, Vietnam television broadcast video showed a large Chinese vessel steaming after two Vietnamese fishing boats, then colliding with one which capsized.

The dispute is the most serious deterioration of relations between the Communist states and traditional rivals since a brief war in 1979 following Vietnam’s invasion of Cambodia. Shortly after China brought its oil rig into the area, Vietnam sent a large number of vessels into the area, China’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

“There were as many as 63 Vietnamese vessels in the area at the peak, attempting to break through China’s cordon and ramming the Chinese government ships for a total of 1,416 times,” the ministry said.

“China exercised great restraint and took necessary preventive measures.” China has communicated with Vietnam more than 30 times, asking it to “stop its illegal disruption”, the ministry said. The rig’s deployment set off anti-Chinese riots in Vietnam last month in which at least four people were killed.— Agencies

prime minister on Monday, signaling continuity as he sets out to fix the economy and overcome political divisions after a long period of turmoil and bloodshed. In comments carried by the state news agency, Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb said the current government would stay on in a caretaker role until he forms a new cabinet. Consultations had not yet begun, he said, although officials have said many of the leading ministers such as finance are likely to be unchanged.

Sisi, who as armed forces chief toppled Islamist President Mohamed Mursi last July following mass protests, was sworn in on Sunday in a ceremony with low-key attendance by Western allies concerned by a crackdown on dissent. While Sisi quit the military in March, a lower-than-expected turnout in last month’s presidential elections fell short of giving him a strong mandate to take tough measures to repair an economy wounded by three years of instability and regular violence which has scared away foreign investors and tourists.

Keeping the main ministers in place could allow Sisi to implement quickly the

Egypt billions of dollars in aid after Mursi’s fall - has been encouraging. Fawaz Gerges, Professor of Middle East Studies at the London School of Economics, said Sisi had to tackle the problems that are undermining Egyptians’ living standards and state finances.

“He knows that he has a one year honeymoon and that’s why he has to deliver in terms of jobs, in terms of lowering inflation, in terms of the debt,” he said.

“That’s why he’s keeping Mehleb in place and that’s why he’s keeping the major portfolios.” One of the most important figures in Egypt’s drive to resuscitate the economy is Finance Minister Hany Kadry Dimian, who is expected to stay on in the new administration.

Educated at Columbia University in the United States, he was described by a senior European diplomat as the only ministry expert able to deal professionally with the International Monetary Fund during a failed attempt under Mursi to secure a $4.8 billion loan. Reuters reported on Friday that Western consultants were advising Egypt’s government - apparently with

starting talks on a IMF loan deal.

The driving force behind the consulting project is the UAE, which along with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait has showered Egypt with aid totaling more than $12 billion in cash and petroleum products since Mursi’s removal. As de facto ruler since last summer, Sisi has driven Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood underground with a crackdown in which hundreds of its supporters have been killed and thousands jailed, polarizing the most populous Arab nation.

However, Egypt’s oldest and best organized Islamist movement has survived official repression for decades. Sisi also faces a violent threat from militants based in the Sinai peninsula who are believed to have access to weapons smuggled from chaotic Libya. These have stepped up attacks on police and soldiers since Sisi ousted Mursi. Mehleb, 65, was appointed prime minister in February after serving previously in housing portfolio. A civil engineer, he is a former chairman of Arab Contractors, one of the region’s largest construction companies, and worked

Five jailed for murder of Russian reporter, but son asks: on whose orders?

MOSCOW—Five men received long prison 12, 14 and 20 years. Politkovskaya was one of terms on Monday for the killing of prominent Kremlin critic Anna Politkovskaya after a trial that failed to reveal who masterminded the Russian journalist’s murder. Politkovskaya, an investigative reporter who uncovered state corruption and rights abuses, especially in Chechnya, was gunned down in the lobby of her Moscow apartment block at the age of 48 on Oct. 7, 2006.

The Russian authorities deny any role in her death. The case caused international outrage be-

23 reporters murdered in Russia since 2000, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, and one of five from the same newspaper, the independent Novaya Gazeta. It is still running its own investigation into her death.

“For as long as the name of the mastermind is not known, there can be no talk of revealing the truth,” said Nadezhda Prusenkova, a spokeswoman for the paper. “Today’s sentencing is important, but

Thai junta to explain itself to international rights groups BANGKOK—Thailand’s junta said on Monday it had ordered the Thai ambassadors to the United States and Britain to meet human rights groups in an effort to “create understanding” about last month’s seizure of power. Several Western governments have spoken out against the May 22 coup, calling for a speedy return to democracy. Rights groups have urged the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to curb its powers to detain and prosecute civilians.

“The NCPO has ordered Thailand’s ambassadors in New York and London to meet representatives from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International to create understanding,” Yongyuth Mayalarp, a spokesman for the NCPO, told reporters. Representatives at Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch confirmed they had been invited to meet the ambassadors.

“We intend to listen to what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representatives have to say and, of course, we will also reiterate our serious concerns about the military’s actions since May 22,” John Sifton, Asia advocacy director for Human Rights Watch, told Reuters in an e-mail, adding that a meeting date had not yet been set.

Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said he took power to restore order after nearly seven months of political turmoil in the polarised country.

He has launched a reconciliation campaign aimed at healing divisions.

Prayuth is due to meet foreign diplomats on Wednesday to brief them on the military’s plans. The NCPO ordered political parties on Monday to suspend activities. When the military scrapped the constitution after the coup it was unclear whether parties would continue to exist. The coup was the latest chapter in a power struggle between the Bangkokbased royalist establishment and supporters of ousted former populist premier Thaksin Shinawatra, whose stronghold is in the rural north and northeast.

Thaksin’s removal in a 2006 coup did nothing to heal the divide and the military now appears intent on finishing what it started then, shuffling senior civil servants and military personnel to blunt the power of Thaksin loyalists. The ousted government was headed

by Thaksin’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, until she was ordered to step down on May 7 after a court found her guilty of abuse of power.

The NCPO has moved swiftly to revive an economy battered by months of chaos.

On Saturday, Prayuth declared himself head of the Board of Investment, a position typically held by the prime minister. He has said that this week the junta would begin approving projects to stimulate the economy. It is reviewing a contentious 350 billion baht ($10.8 billion) water management plan and 2 trillion baht in infrastructure projects initiated by the former government.—Agencies

JONATHAN POWER

T

ake the latest news. According to the Fi nancial Times, Kenya, one of the poster boys of the African revival, is now financially strong enough to make its debut on the sovereign bond market in a deal worth $2 billion. But it has become entangled in a decade-old corruption scandal that cost Kenya $770 million. The government has decided to take on the responsibility for paying off the $770 million in order to get the $2 billion (and future bond market loans).

In Mozambique last week Christine Lagarde, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, warned that the planned issuing this year of a total of $11 billion worth of sovereign bonds around Africa could overload economies with too much debt.

(This is up from $6 billion a year ago and $1 billion in 2000.) Ms Lagarde warned African foreign ministers that “Africa rising” could be “spoilt”. Although Africa needs the money for things like much needed infrastructure — ports, railways, hospitals and roads — borrowing gives governments “an additional vul-

Britain becomes haven for US companies keen to cut tax bills

Defendants in the murder trial of Russian journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya, (L-R) Ibragim Makhmoudov, Lom-Ali Gaitukayev, Dzhabrail Makhmoudov, Rustam Makhmoudov and Sergei Khadzhikurbanov sit inside a glass-walled cage, while a policeman stands guard in the foreground, during a court hearing in Moscow, June 9, 2014. cause of the brutality of the contract-style killing and the failure of the authorities - even now, after nearly eight years and several trials - to identify who commissioned it. Kremlin critics and rights campaigners say it symbolises the weakness of the rule of law in Russia. “I will be satisfied only when the person or people who ordered this will be sentenced,” said Politkovskaya’s son Ilya.

The five men, convicted by a jury last month, exchanged smiles in the defendants’ glass box before judge Pavel Melyokhin handed down the sentences. He ordered life imprisonment for Rustam Makhmudov, found guilty of pulling the trigger, and his uncle Lom-Ali Gaitukayev, who organised the logistics. The other three received

only a step. They are the lowest level in this criminal chain, which must still be revealed and punished.”

Tanya Lokshina, head of the Moscow office of Human Rights Watch, said that while the men were accused of killing for money, the trial had not established the ultimate motive for the crime. “At this point in time, it really does not seem that the government and investigation authorities are serious about getting to the bottom of it,” she said. Federal investigators say they are doing all they can to find the mastermind.

Makhmudov’s two brothers, Ibragim and Dzhabrail, were sentenced to 12 and 14 years in a high-security penal colony for helping to shadow Politkovskaya.—Reuters

Eurofighter jet crashes at Spanish base, killing pilot MADRID—A Spanish Eurofighter jet crashed on Monday afternoon at the Moron de la Frontera air base near the southern city of Seville, killing the pilot, a spokesman for the Spanish defence ministry said. The accident happened on the runway as the pilot was returning from a flight and nearing the base, the spokesman said. Earlier the ministry had said the crash had happened at takeoff. The cause of the accident was still unclear.

The pilot was an air force captain, the spokesman said. The Moron military base is shared between Spain and the U.S. air force, although only Spain uses the Eurofighter combat planes. The jets are built by British defence company BAE Systems, European aerospace group Airbus and Italy’s Finmeccanica. Spain agreed to acquire 87 of the combat jets just over a decade ago, and has an option to buy 16 more between 2003 and 2018, according to the defence ministry.—Reuters

Keeping Africa going up nerability”. This is especially so when it doubles the salaries of civil servants, as Zambia recently did.

Standard and Poor’s, the rating agency, has told Zambia, Ghana and Nigeria — three of the states that have been top of the growth league — that it is now giving them a “negative outlook”. Part of the problem is that Africa is a victim of its own success, argues Ravi Bhati, regional analyst at Standard and Poor’s. As economic growth accelerates, “countries are sucking in imports causing the current account to post sizeable deficits”. Still the debt-to-GDP ratio remains far lower than the southern European countries.

On the positive side much is going on. The African Development Bank forecasts that foreign investment flows into Africa will rise this year to $83 billion, up by nearly a quarter from last year. President Barack Obama is hosting a summit of 50 African leaders in August. He has

invited the chief executives of both US and African companies. He is aware that in recent years US investment has fallen in relation to that of China, India, Brazil, Turkey and Malaysia. USAfrican trade in the last decade has gone from $50 billion to $100 billion. But China’s has gone from 10 billion to $200 billion.

Africa is where much of the world’s economic action is. Yet the picture we watch can be rather clouded on occasion. Foreign investment can have its flaws. One country to watch is China, Africa’s largest foreign investor. Recently Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of China’s central bank, warned that some Sino-African deals are “not so good, not so satisfactory”.

About 2,500 Chinese companies have established themselves in sub-Saharan Africa. The Chinese premier, Li Keqiang, acknowledged, during his first trip to the continent last month, that the relationship between Beijing and African partners had suffered from “growing pains”.

LONDON—Nothing about the narrow cream-collared lobby at 160 Aldersgate Street in the City of London financial district gives a hint of its role at the centre of the offshore oil industry. That’s because a law firm occupies the building. Yet, on paper at least, it is also home to Rowan Companies, one of the largest operators of drilling rigs in the world.

In 2012, Rowan, which has a market value of $4 billion, shifted its legal and tax base from the United States to Britain. But not much else. “We changed our corporate structure and we’re legally domiciled in the UK but our headquarters and our management team remain in the U.S.,” Suzanne Spera, Rowan’s Investor Relations Director said in a telephone interview from Houston.

“It has been positive. We take advantage of trying to be competitive with our effective tax rate.” Indeed, Rowan filings say the shift helped cut the company’s effective tax rate to 3.3 percent in 2013 from 34.6 percent in 2008. Spera said Rowan complies with all UK tax rules. A government spokeswoman for the Treasury said recent changes to the tax rules were aimed at supporting “genuine business investment”.

“The UK is not a tax haven. In 2015, our main rate of corporation tax will be 20 percent, well above the levels seen in tax havens,” she said in an emailed statement. In the last year around a dozen major U.S. companies including media group Liberty Global, banana group Chiquita and drug maker Pfizer unveiled plans to shift their tax bases overseas outside the United States.

Historically, when U.S. companies wanted to cut their tax bill they usually reincorporated in Caribbean Islands or Switzerland. However, following recent legal changes whereby Britain largely stopped seeking to tax corporate profits reported in other countries, including tax havens, companies are increasingly choosing the UK as a corporate base.

President Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats have proposed measures to stem the flow of so-called “inversions”, although Congressional gridlock on tax reform means new barriers to overseas moves are unlikely anytime soon. —Reuters

But he rejected accusations than Beijing was pursuing a neocolonial policy in Africa, seeking its commodities on the cheap, as some African leaders and news media have said.

Zhou made his comments after he had signed a $2 billion deal with the African Development Bank, Beijing’s first departure from its “checque book” policy of multibillion dollar deals. The new fund will open contracts to the most suitable bidder rather than just to Chinese companies. There has been much criticism of its “checque book” activities whereby money has been lent to African countries mainly to benefit China’s own construction groups, which have built everything from roads to hospitals. There have also been complaints about the poor quality of some Chinese-built infrastructure projects and the use of migrant labour from China rather than using local labour.

Africa and its foreign investors have much to learn and much to be aware of. They must listen to the IMF which casts a disinterested eye. It is often said that Africa has nowhere to go but up. Long may it be so.

—Courtesy: Khaleej Times

Asian threats, provocations giving rise to whiffs of war MARK VALENCIA

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ccording to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong: “No one can say what will happen in the next 20 years.

Quite possibly the status quo will prevail, with repeated brinkmanship and occasional tensions, but hopefully no war. But worse outcomes are easily imaginable.” He was referring to conflict on the Korean Peninsula and between Japan and China, but such a conflagration could well involve South Korea and Japan’s ally, the United States either directly or indirectly. Indeed, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Martin Dempsey, believes that the risk of war in Asia will increase over the next 10 years as the U.S. military technological edge over China erodes.

What are the warning signs and is there anything that can be done to avoid this catastrophe? Signs indicative of looming conflict are deepening distrust, vitriolic nationalistic exchanges, veiled threats and provocations. Let’s look at what has happened just recently. The annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore is supposed to be the premier regional forum for “building confidence and fostering practical security cooperation” as well as “engendering a sense of community.” During the May 30-June 1 Dialogue, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel scolded China for undertaking “destabilizing unilateral actions” and, in this context, added that “we oppose any nation’s use of intimidation, coercion or the threat of force to assert their claims.”

Hagel went on to warn that “the United States will not look the other way when fundamental principles of the international order are being challenged.” He also supported Japan in its bid to expand its security role in the region. Hagel reiterated that “the U.S. opposes any effort by any nation to restrict overflight or freedom of navigation.” Earlier in May, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had drawn a parallel between Russia’s invasion of Crimea and China’s muscle-flexing in the East China Sea and South China Sea. China responded in kind. Deputy Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Wang Guanzhong said he was angered by the remarks of both Hagel and Abe. He called Hagel’s remarks a “form of provocation,” asserting that “this speech is full of hegemony, full of incitements, threats, [and] intimidation.” Regarding Abe’s remarks, Xinhua news service added “This should be all the more worrying when it becomes the banner of a country that invaded and occupied a large part of Asia and still is reluctant to come to terms with its militant past.”

It seems that confidence and trust are being eroded rather than enhanced by such forums. These caustic exchanges were over the top and if they are any sign of what lies beneath, the region is drifting toward disaster. China’s actions in the East and South China Seas have raised tensions, but the 2002 ASEANChina Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea is being violated by all claimants. The Philippines and Vietnam allege that China has acted contrary to the provision that “the parties concerned undertake to resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.” China responds that the Philippines has violated the part stipulating that disputes should be resolved between “sovereign states directly concerned” and that Vietnam may be on the verge of doing so. Given this context, physical clashes are more likely than progress on a robust, binding Code of Conduct.

China views the actions by Vietnam and particularly U.S. ally the Philippines as provocations encouraged by the U.S. — particularly by its “pivot to Asia,” which China believes is destabilizing the region. China argues that these disputes are none of the U.S.’ business — at least directly. Whatever China’s transgressions, they do not appear to be a “serious threat to freedom of navigation” as the U.S. and others have alleged. China views Hagel’s remarks as insulting and hypocritical: Hagel’s warning to China to stop “violating the territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations by force, coercion and intimidation” flies in the face of the U.S.’ almost daily drone and cyberstrikes into sovereign states, and the litany of U.S. military intervention in sovereign countries to alter political conditions in its favor.

Hagel’s speech included a warning that the U.S. will “not tolerate any attempt to alter the status quo by force or coercion.”

This was echoed by Abe in his opening speech to the forum and was assumed to refer to China’s aggressive actions regarding the Japan-China Senkaku/Diaoyu island dispute in the East China Sea. Tension has increased there due in part to the frequent “penetration” of the 12-nm territorial sea around the islands by China’s civilian patrol vessels. These statements completely ignore China’s view that it is Japan that refuses to acknowledge that there is a dispute over the sovereignty of the islands. Moreover, to China, it is Japan that has altered the status quo there by arresting a Chinese ship’s captain in September 2010, “nationalizing” three of the islands in September 2012, and in October 2013 threatening to shoot down China’s drones over the disputed area.

Worse, China thinks the U.S. “pivot” encourages Japan to be more aggressive. As everyone except Japan’s leadership seems to know and understand, China harbors deep resentment bordering on hatred regarding Japan’s horrific invasion and occupation before and during World War II and would welcome an opportunity for “payback.” The concepts of “status quo” and “international order” are in the eyes of the beholder. Used in a regional sense, the U.S. apparently means the situation in which it is the dominant actor and patron. Its status quo is essentially a continuation of its Cold War policy and posture in the region — a substantially forward-deployed military presence and a hub-and-spoke alliance structure. China assumes this is what the U.S. means by that political phrase and that the U.S. does not and will not recognize China’s enhanced status nor respect its “core interests.” The status quo in the region is certainly changing in an action-reaction dynamic, and all parties involved are being somewhat disingenuous about what they are doing to change it and why. The U.S. and China are clearly on opposite sides of a major political discontinuity — and perhaps history.

The U.S. is yesterday’s and today’s sole superpower, but its credibility, legitimacy and ability to impose its will are fast eroding.

Moreover, Japan is trying to regain its status as a “real country” with the full powers of “defense” while shedding its militaristic past.

That is proving to be quite a challenge. China is a developing country that views the U.S.-led Western-developed world with both envy and suspicion. Its suspicion translates to fear that the West wants to constrain — if not contain China’s rapid economic and military progress and that it wants to undermine its “socialist” political system. Moreover, China perceives that it is being constrained by the international world order and laws that favor a system developed and sustained by the West. China’s leaders believe that China represents the future — not just in hard power but also in economy, culture and values. China’s leaders believe it is China’s destiny to regain its prominence in the region. Though the U.S. and China have relatively opposite trajectories — one slowly declining, the other rapidly rising — they are in this brief transitory moment in human history intersecting and may even be tangential.

Clearly the two have fundamentally different views of the principles upon which a “new relationship” should be built. They — and we — are thus at a tipping point in history and in the stability of the “international system.” To avoid disaster the U.S. should help China moderate its stance by accommodating to some degree its regional interests and aspirations — in short, by sharing power.

When, on what issues, how and how much are challenges for the deep thinkers in the U.S. and China to ponder and negotiate. For its part, China needs to accept and accommodate genuine U.S. efforts to share power and prove by its actions that it is not seeking military conflict. Strategic “flexibility” by both would help realize the possibility of a “new” type of major power relationship as proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Sunnylands summit with U.S. President Barack Obama in June last year. Otherwise a collision of “core” interests is inevitable with possible disastrous consequences for the region and the world.

—Courtesy: The Japan Times

Twin bombing From Page 1 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) said it was behind that attack and also claimed responsibility for the bombing on Monday, crediting a suicide bomber whose name indicates he was Egyptian.

A further 185 people were wounded in the blasts, the force of which destroyed many buildings in the area. Sources said more bodies were likely to be found beneath the debris.

A 55-year old man who was being rushed to hospital in the city of Kirkuk on a stretcher, his white robes drenched with blood, said he was returning from the market in Tuz Khurmato when one of the bombs exploded around 200 metres away from him.

“The wall of one of the houses nearby fell on me. It hurt my back and my legs. I started screaming and people came to my rescue and pulled me out from under the collapsed wall.

All my limbs were broken.”

Tuz Khurmato is around 170 km (100 miles) north of the capital Baghdad and lies in territory which both the federal government and the autonomous Kurdistan region claim as theirs.

Both are a target for Sunni Islamist insurgents who in recent days overran two major cities, occupied a university campus in western Iraq and set off a dozen car bombs in Baghdad.

Nearly 800 people were killed across the country in May alone - the highest monthly toll this year so far - and last year was Iraq’s deadliest since violence began to ease from a peak in 2006-07.

Traffic policeman Ahmed, whose body was covered in shrapnel wounds, was taken to Kirkuk hospital in a car by his colleagues and was still wearing his uniform.—Reuters

FO rejects From Back Page would be misled by these motivated allegations,” the spokesperson commented.

She said Pakistan’s interests were not served by disruption of Afghan elections.

“On the contrary, a peaceful election and a smooth democratic transition would advance our interest in having a stable Afghanistan. Accordingly, we remain committed to supporting all efforts for a free and peaceful election which includes enhancing security along the Pak-Afghan border,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier on Friday, Abdullah survived an assassination attempt when two blasts, including a suicide bombing, hit his campaign motorcade in Kabul ahead of next weekend’s hotly contested run-off election. The explosion, however, killed 12 people.

India denies From Page 1 speaking to reporters. Earlier reports said the Pakistani authorities recovered Indian weapons and made-in-India injections from the militants killed by security forces in Karachi. The injections are not available in markets. Antihaemophilic factor (factor VIII) injections are used to treat or prevent bleeding in people.

The recovery of such injections reveals coordinated and comprehensive planning of terrorists to launch attack on sensitive installations of the country. Factor-VIII injections are mostly used by soldiers during the battlefield as they don’t wait for medical aid in the war. The injection Factor-VIII is manually used to prevent profuse bleeding after wounds. —INP

List of martyred and injured Foreign, local elements involved in attacks From Page 1 Sarwar 45, Muhammad Hayat 40, Muhammad Azam 35, Muhammad Iqbal 35, Hafeez 32, Irfan 25, Ghulam Murtaza 30, Tanveer Anwar Khan 40, Islam-ud-din 32, personnel of Pakistan Rangers Sindh Dil Murad Ali 35, PIA employees Muntazir 45, Fakhrul Hassan 30, Muzaffaral Hassan 30, Fazal Mehmood Zuberi 52, Syed Muhammad Ilyas 50, employee of Shaheen Airline, Abdul Khaleeq Siddiqui 65.

One of the deceased was not identified. The injured include ASF personnel Asad 22, Rajab Ali 40, Pervez 45, Faheem 26, Naseer Ahmed 35, Abid Hussain 35, Munawar Khan 35, Hafeez 35, Yousuf 45, Sikandar 35, Shabab Hussain 32, Muhammad Qasim 50, Muhammad Jamal 26, Ghulam Mustafa Shah 29, Rana Muhammad Afzal 22, Akhtar Hussain 45, PIA employees Ahmed Sheikh 45, Khuwaja Muhammad Hassan 59, Special Security Unit (SSU) Police personnel Nisar Ahmed 28, police constables Naveed and Liaquat Ali 30, Pakistan Rangers Sindh personnel Zawar Ahmed 28, Ikramullah, Muhammad Imran 27, Muhammad Aqil and Faizullah.

In the meantime a spokesman of Sindh Ranger in a statement said that security forces’ operation to hunt down terrorists who tried to take over Karachi airport has been completed and all ten terrorists have been killed.

“Army, Rangers, Police and Airport Security Force participated in the operation. The killed terrorists were between 20-25 years of age and apparently foreign nationals”, he said.

Heavy weapons and suicide jackets were recovered from them during the action.

Fire broke out during the operation in the old terminal/cargo area which was extinguished, the spokesman added. “All aircraft have been checked and no damage to any aircraft of any type has occurred. No damage to Jinnah Terminal occurred”. He further said that during the action Rangers troops fought valiantly and one Ranger personnel embraced Shahadat while four were injured. “Initial report collected by the security forces indicated involvement of foreign hand in the terrorist activity” the spokesman added. Civil Aviation Authority operation will resume shortly.—APP

PIA resumes flight operation

From Page 1 Chaudhry Nisar said that the forces had saved the people’s lives by rendering sacrifices.

Meanwhile, the initial report of the attack on the Karachi airport has been presented to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif which revealed that terrorists wanted to destroy all airplanes and paralyse entire air traffic operations but the Airport Security Force blocked their march towards Jinnah Terminal.

Heavily armed militants launched an assault on Pakistan´s busiest airport’s in Karachi, leaving at least 29 dead including 10 militants in a six-hour siege that the army quelled at dawn on Monday.

Explosions and gunfire rang out as the attackers, equipped with suicide vests, grenades and rocket launchers, battled security forces in one of the most brazen attacks in years in Pakistan´s biggest city.

Authorities said all 10 militants were killed and that the bodies of 19 victims, including security personnel and four airport workers, had been identified at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

Reuters adds: Their backpacks stuffed with food and ammunition, a squad of highly trained Taliban fighters attacked country’s biggest airport in what they clearly expected to be a protracted siege.

Seven fighters were shot dead by Armed forces after five hours of intense gunfire at Jinnah International Airport.

Three died after detonating their suicidebomb belts.

The Pakistani Taliban said they carried out the attack in response to air strikes in their strongholds near the Afghan border and that their mission was to hijack a passenger plane.

“The main goal of this attack was to damage the government, including by hijacking planes and destroying state installations,” said Shahidullah Shahid, a Taliban spokesman.

“This was just an example of what we are capable of and there is more to come.

From Page 1 Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad In a condolence message, Mr. Shujaat Nawaz Sharif has commended the bravery of Azeem expressed his deep sorrow and grief over security forces for containing and eliminating the killings of PIA Engineers who lost their lives the terrorist attack at Jinnah international air- while on duty. port on Sunday night.” He praised the sacrifices “The entire PIA family is deeply saddened of the martyrs who lost their lives due to the on the loss of 04 employees of PIA Engineering terrorist attack. who lost their lives namely Mr. Fakhir Laghari, During the night of 8th June 2014, ten for- Mr. S.M Ilyas, Mr. Tanveer A Khan and Mr. eign terrorists attacked Jinnah International Air- Fazal Zuberi . May Allah Grant them eternal port Karachi by entering through Fokker and peace and strength to the family members of the International Cargo Gate. Timely action of Pa- departed souls”. kistan Army, Rangers, ASF, Police and CAA “Our prayers go out for the speedy recovPersonnel ensured that the damage was kept to ery of all injured. We are grateful for the paminimum. tience and discipline shown by the passengers Mr. Shujaat Azeem personally supervised present at the airport which helped in success of the resumption of flight operation at Jinnah In- the operation”, he said. ternational Airport which became possible on Around 20 PIA flights were disturbed due to Monday afternoon after airport was cleared for the heinous terrorist attack. One domestic flight flight operations. He visited all areas of Karachi was diverted to Nawab Shah while three flights airport along with DG CAA, Air Marshal (Retd.) coming from abroad were diverted to Lahore. The Muhammad Yousaf and DG ASF, Brigadier passengers of the diverted flights were well From Page 1 Muhammad Azam Tiwana. looked after at alternate airports, Nawab Shah and Besides others four PIA Engineering Em- Lahore. The security at all airports in Pakistan airstrikes by Pakistani jet fighters that killed at least 60 miliployees lost their lives while four injured. has been increased to the highest level. tants in North Waziristan last month, Taliban commanders met to reconsider a non-aggression treaty with the government. The Taliban group later warned the tribesmen to flee the area by June 10 and also warned to take up arms against the security forces.

The minister also said the government is now The spokesman also conNEW DELHI—The government will focus on expediting environment clearances for pending looking into giving clearance to a project about demned the attack on Boya projects and top priority will be given to defence- setting up a radar station at the Narcondam Island checkpost on Monday and said the Taliban Shura would probe related projects, environment minister Prakash in the Andaman and Nicobar chain of islands.

“There is an island called the Coco Island into the incident and take acJavadekar on Monday said in New Delhi.

Javadekar, while interacting with women in the Bay of Bengal which is under Myanmar. tion against the culprits.

Ahmedi further said that journalists at Indian Women’s Press Corps However, China has its presence on that island.

(IWPC), said the ministry will focus on balanc- There is a project pending to set up a radar on the Taliban shura would have ing the wellbeing of people and the environment. Narcondam Island, which is just opposite to the more sittings with the jirga dur“We have been meeting officials to look into Coco Island. We are looking into the project,” ing this period to resolve the issue. the pending projects for environment clearance, said Javadekar.

A tiny remote island in the Andaman and The statement came days and pending defence matters will be given priNicobar Island group, Narcondam is home to after tribal elders from North ority,” Javadekar said.

The minister said among the projects to be about 300 Narcondam hornbill, a rare bird found Waziristan were asked by Govgranted clearance is an “ambitious strategic nowhere else in the world. Environmentalists ernor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa project” for securing Mumbai’s coast line, and have advocated not giving clearance to the Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan and Corps Commander several coast guard stations along the Indian coast. project to protect the bird.—IANS Peshawar Lt Gen Khalid Rabbani to oust foreign militants from their area.

The jirga was led by Utmanzai Wazir and Dawar tribal elders – the two main tribes that inhabit North Waziristan – and Haji Sher Mohammad Khan, a descenISLAMABAD—Prime Minister’s Fee Reim- or PhD courses from the HEC recognized pub- dent of the famous anti-colonial rebel Faqir of Ipi. bursement Scheme for more than 4500 post- lic sector universities.

The meeting was informed that out of the graduate students of Southern Punjab will be kicked off tomorrow at Multan under the pa- total 40,000 post-graduate students domiciled tronage of Prime Minister Youth Programe in less developed areas of the country, more than 4500 post-graduate students of Southern Punjab (PMYP).

From Page 1 The maiden launch of the 100% PMFRS will benefit from the 1.20 billion rupees scheme launched by the present democratic government was held in Baluchistan by Finance Minister military power near the border Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on 21 May and to encourage the quest of higher education for with Russia as anything else subsequently in Peshawar on 2nd of this month the students facing financial constraints. The but a demonstration of hostile by the Chairperson of PMYP Mohtarma scheme will sponsor the 100% educational ex- intentions,” Deputy Foreign penses of the post-graduate students of less de- Minister Vladimir Titov told Mayram Nawaz Sharif.

A high-level meeting to finalize the ar- veloped areas of the Southern Punjab, interior Interfax in an interview. rangements for 100% fee reimbursement Sindh, entire Balochistan, KPK including FATA, Speaking last week in scheme presided over by the Chairperson AJK and GB in the FY 2013-14, the meeting NATO-member Poland, was further informed.

PMYP Mohtarma Maryam Nawaz Sharif held, Obama unveiled plans to spend The meeting also gave a nod to the sched- up to $1 billion on supporting here today, decided that the Chairperson PMYP will present 100% fee reimbursement cheques ule for reimbursement of 100% educational ex- and training the armed forces tomorrow at Multan to the students hailing penses to the students hailing from Interior of alliance states bordering from the less developed districts of Southern Sind, AJK and GB before the end of June 2014. Russia.

The meeting was attended by senior offiPunjab including Multan, Bahawalpur, DG The White House also said Khan, Layyah, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Kushab and cials of the PMYP and Higher Education Com- it would review permanent Attock undertaking MA, MSc, MS, M Phill mission.—PR troop deployments in Europe in the light of the Ukraine crisis, but fell short of a firm commitment to put troops on the ground, as sought by Poland as a security guarantee.

“It would be hard to see additional deployment of subBEIJING—China’s top news- run-up to the 25th anniversary stantial NATO military forces paper on Monday warned of the bloody suppression of in central-eastern Europe, even against aping Western-style pro-democracy demonstrations if on a rotational basis, as anydemocracy just a week after the around Beijing’s Tiananmen thing else but a direct violation 25th anniversary of the Square, detaining dissidents and of provisions of the 1997 Tiananmen crackdown, point- tightening internet controls. In Founding Act on relations being to Thailand and Ukraine as a lengthy commentary, the rul- tween Russia and NATO,” examples of the kind of chaos ing Communist Party’s official Titov said.

“We will be forced to unPeople’s Daily newspaper said the system can bring.

President Xi Jinping’s as- the country needed to be on dertake all necessary political cendancy in a once-in-a-decade guard against falling into the and military measures to religenerational leadership transi- “trap” of Western-style democ- ably safeguard our security.”

Russia has long opposed tion had given many Chinese racy. “Over the past few months, hope for political reform, from Kiev to Bangkok, the poli- NATO’s eastward expansion as mainly due to his folksy style tics of the street and public threatening its own security and the legacy of his father, Xi clashes have caused deep sor- and says Kiev’s plan to associZhongxun, a former reformist row,” the newspaper said. ate itself more closely with the vice-premier. But the repeated “Looking back at the ‘color West - including with the milimessage the party has given out revolutions’ which have oc- tary alliance and the European since Xi became president last curred in recent years ... how can Union - has forced it to react.

The West accuses Russia of year is that there will be no we not say with deep feeling: rejoice that we have resolutely meddling in Ukraine to keep political liberalization.

China has been on high alert upheld socialism with Chinese the former Soviet country in its sphere of influences.—Reuters over the past few weeks in the characteristics.—Reuters

Hafiz Gul

Defence projects to get priority environment nod: Minister

PM’s fee reimbursement scheme to be launched in S Punjab today

Russia

Chinese party newspaper says Western democracy only brings chaos

The government should be ready for even worse attacks.”

The TTP spokesman, Shahidullah Shahid, said the talks had been a sham and that the attack was revenge for the killing of Hakimullah Mehsud in November. The former TTP chief was killed by a CIA’s drone strike on 1 November.

“Pakistan used peace talks as a tool of war, it killed hundreds of innocent tribal women and children. This is our first attack to avenge the death of Hakimullah Mehsud,” he told Agence-France Presse.

“We have yet to take revenge for the deaths of hundreds of innocent tribal women and children in Pakistani air strikes. It’s just the beginning, we have taken revenge for one, we have to take revenge for hundreds.”

An army spokesman declared the armed response a success, saying the militants “were confined to two areas and eliminated”. The attack leaves the government’s year-long effort to use the prospect of peace talks to avoid a military confrontation with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in tatters.

The latest assault started just before midnight on Sunday.

Wearing Airport Security Force uniforms and armed with automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, the group shot its way into the airport after arriving at the cargo terminal in two mini-vans.

A senior police officer said that the militants then split into two groups, with one attacking a gate called Fokker to create a diversion and the other storming the cargo terminal.

Another senior police officer, Raja Umar Khattab, told Reuters that the attackers then broke into groups of two and pressed ahead with the assault.

“They operated in pairs. That’s why their bodies were found lying in pairs,” he said. “It seems there was some ill-planning on their part. They did fire two rock-

ets but they didn’t hit their targets.”

He added: “They wasted 10 men, but couldn’t inflict serious damage on the airport. They didn’t wear suicide vests, but instead used suicide belts. This is the reason why their faces and upper bodies were not badly mutilated.”

The plan was to make it to the nearby passenger terminal but their advance was disrupted by the unexpectedly strong resistance of security forces including paramilitary Rangers.

A protracted gunbattle followed as the militants took up positions around the cargo terminal. All passengers were quickly whisked away from the airport and flights were diverted as the gunbattle unfolded through the night.

“The militants were not able to achieve their target of hitting the aeroplanes as they were kept engaged by the security forces, as forces responded very quickly,” said a security source.

He said the militants were highly trained and carried large backpacks filled with dried fruit and water, suggesting they were in for a long siege.

The official said all the attackers were wearing similar running shoes - a trademark feature for Taliban insurgents.

Bearded, gun-toting militants wearing camouflage and simple trainers are a common fixture of Taliban propaganda videos.

“It would have been much more disastrous if the militants had reached the main terminal building and taken hostages.

There were hundreds of passengers and staff members present at the main terminal at the time,” the official said.

Two international flights, operated by Emirates and Thai Airways, were boarding passengers at the time of the attack.

Parts of the terminal were set ablaze but it was unclear if insurgents had intentionally set it on fire. Heavy smoke billowed into the sky well into Monday when officials announced the siege was over.

Cargo worth millions From Page 1 the Cargo area of Karachi Airport were set ablaze in a terrorists’ strike on Sunday night.

President KEDA said, “ the business community has suffered severe losses of millions of rupees due to terrorists strike in the cargo area of Karachi airport but no announcement has been made by the government to compensate the” losses it has triggered anxiety amongst affected businessmen.”

INP adds: Despite of the clearance of the airport by security forces, 7 workers of the cargo terminal have not been found, nor is there any clue about them.

These workers include Faizan, Nabeel, Fareed, Shezan, Sultan, Saif and Inayat.

Families of the missing workers visited Edhi morgue in search of their loved ones and also visited the Jinnah Hospital and looked among the in-

jured brought there, but they could not find any.

Heirs of missing workers told that their children worked at the cargo terminal. Security personnel told that fire erupted around the offices of the cargo terminal during the attack and nobody could enter into the terminal, due to 16 hours of intense fire.

Meanwhile, families of seven airport workers blocked Shahrae Faisal demanding that authorities work towards freeing their relatives who were trapped in cold-storage facilities to escape the carnage.

“We are looking into this and according to the families some seven people were trapped inside the cold storage and were in contact with the families on cell phone,” said Abid Qaimkhani, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority.

Terrorists entered From Page 1 that two groups entered the JIA Karachi from Focker Gate while another group managed to enter airport from Bhittaiabad, Gulistan-e-Jauhar during exchange of gunfire.

“A hi-roof carrying seven terrorist stopped near main entrance of JIA Karachi TerminalI and three terrorists who had worn uniform of ASF came out of vehicle,” the source said, adding that “When they reached Focker Gate, they were stopped by the ASF staff and asked them to prove their identity.”

“The terrorists were showing cards to ASF staff when the vehicle which was standing at JIA Karachi Terminal-I reached the gate and four more terrorists came out of vehicle and sprayed ASF staff with bullets,” he said, adding that “They killed four ASF officials and entered the airport premises.”

“After entering the airport, they hurled smoke bombs which helped the third group to enter into the airport from Bhittaiabad by taking advantage of pluming smoke,” he added.

Iran closes border From Page 1 He said the rockets landed some 2 kilometres away from an FC check post. “Loud explosions rocked the entire PakIran border area,” Wasey said.

He stated, however, that the FC personnel’s timely retaliation silenced the Iranian side and that there was no loss of life.

The local administration lodged a protest with the Iranian authorities regarding the latest skirmish.

Iranian border guards have repeatedly fired rockets into Pakistani territory, creating panic among people living in bordering areas with Iran.

Recent attacks by Iranian guards in Pakistani territory and the kidnapping of Iranian

guards in February this year have undermined relations between the two neighbours.

Meanwhile, Iran on Monday closed its border with Pakistan for indefinite period following the incident of Taftan, killing at least 24 pilgrims and injuring 18 others.

The district management of Chagai confirmed that Iran has closed its border with Pakistan for indefinite period.

According to deputy commissioner Chagai, Saifullah Khetran, Zero-Point gate on PakIran border in Taftan has been closed by the Iranian officials and all activities pertaining to travelling and trade through the border were suspended.

6 security personnel From Page 1 attack late Sunday which killed at least 24 people near the Pakistan-Iran border, around 700 kilometres southwest of Quetta.

Officials said four suicide

bombers attacked two restaurants full of Shia pilgrims returning from Iran as they stopped at a restaurant in the town of Taftan.

CCNS From Page 1 moments have reached to take decisive steps to weed out terrorism. Force will be used wherever needed as this situation is intolerable when terrorists become so dangerous to national interests.

Though the date has not been decided about the meeting but it is expected to be held in a couple of days.

Prime Minister will chair the meeting while COAS General Raheel Sharif, ISI Chief Zaheerul Islam, Interior Minister Ch Nisar, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid and IB Chief will attend the meeting.

Iran, Turkey pledge From Page 1 several sectors including finance, tourism, culture and communications.

Iran and Turkey will also chair the first meeting of a high-level cooperation council, a mechanism Ankara has established with its neighbours to promote trade and regional integration.

The Iranian leader asserted his visit “will undoubtedly be a turning point in the two countries’ relationship”.

It was the first trip to Turkey by an Iranian president since former leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made a “working” visit to Istanbul in 2008.

The last official presidential visit from Iran to Turkey was in 1996 by Hashemi Rafsanjani.—AFP

Altaf demands decisive action against terrorists Offers 300,000 workers to Pak Army STAFF REPORTER

World’s oldest man dies at age 111 NEW YORK— The world’s oldest man, a retired chemist and parapsychologist, has died in New York City. Alexander Imich was 111. His niece said Imich died on Sunday at his home in Manhattan. Karen Bogen of Providence, Rhode Island, said she had visited him a day earlier. She said his health declined about two weeks ago and he didn’t recognise her.

Imich was born in 1903 in a town in Poland that was then part of Russia. He and his wife fled after the Nazis invaded in 1939. They eventually moved to the United States in 1951. —AP

Assad grants amnesty after re-election B EIRUT — Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced a wide-ranging amnesty on Monday, less than a week after he was reelected to another sevenyear term in the midst of civil war. In a decree published by state media, Assad commuted some death sentences to life imprisonment, reduced jail terms for many offences and canceled some others altogether.—Reuters

KARACHI—Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder and leader Altaf Hussain had urged upon maintaining the writ of the state at all cost and offered Pakistan Army to send 300, 000 workers of MQM, who would fight against terrorists shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan Army.

The MQM Chief in strongest words condemned terrorists and expressed his deep grief over loss of lives of security perKARACHI: Namaz-e-Janaza of Rangers personnel martyred during gun fight at airport being offered at Bhatai sonnel during combat with Rangers Headquarters Super highway.—PO photo by Sultan Chaki terrorists. He prayed for the early recovery of the injured and peace for the departed souls of those that embraced martyrdom.

He said that he had time and again been demanding

‘Foreign hand’ cannot be ruled out in Karachi attack: PR

Befitting answer to be given to terrorists: Asif OBSERVER REPORT

ISLAMABAD —Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid has said that the forces who want to destabilize Pakistan could be involved in terrorist attack at Karachi airport.

Talking to media on Monday, he said that the terrorists wanted to take control of the airport. The minister said the security forces bravely responded to the terrorist attack and controlled the situation.

“We very well know about the links of those who oppose peace talks with Taliban”, Pervaiz Rashid said.

PM orders action as Taftan bombing death toll reaches 24 STAFF REPORTER QUETTA—Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on

Monday ordered action against perpetrators behind the twin suicide attack near the PakIran border at Taftan in which 24 were killed.

Druse head Nawaz directed the Inspector General of scorns the Frontier Corps to personally lead the operation against terrorists.

Hezbollah Qambar Dashti, the Commissioner Quetta on Syria Division, told media that 14 out of the total 18 BEIRUT — The injured persons were in critical condition. “We decision by Lebanon’s have shifted all the injured persons to Commilitant Hezbollah group to bined Military Hospital in Quetta for treatjoin the civil war in ment,” he said.The bodies and injured were neighboring Syria and fight shifted in six army helicopters from Pak-Iran along President Bashar border Taftan to Quetta on Monday morning.

Assad’s forces was a “We will hand over the bodies to their heirs historic and moral “misafter completing identification,” Dashti said. take” toward the Syrian Akbar Hussain Durrani, the Home Secrepeople, a leading Lebanese tary of Balochistan, said that ten buses carrypolitician has said.—AP ing Shia pilgrims had entered Pakistan from Iran on Sunday evening. “When the buses were parked at two hotels, there were exploThai beauty

queen resigns BANGKOK — Miss Universe Thailand has resigned less than a month into her reign after being harshly criticized on social media over her political comments and looks.

Weluree Ditsayabut, 22, tearfully announced Monday she was giving up the title that would have allowed her to compete in the international Miss Universe pageant. The actress and former talk show host said she was initially pleased to have won the title, but that the hail of brutal comments on social media blasting her outspoken political views and calling her fat had hurt her family.—AP

He said those involved in the terrorist attacks were serving the agenda of enemies of Pakistan.Paying tribute to armed forces, Pervaiz Rashid said that terrorists will be dealt in the same way and no one would be allowed to challenge writ of the state.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has said a befitting answer to terrorists would be given and none would dare repeat such an act, he added.

The terrorists have targeted the national assets in their cowardly attack.

The terrorists will be defeated in their own havens, he expressed the resolve, adding that the state will forcefully responds to such acts.

sions,” Durrani said.

He said the blasts were followed by intense firing near the hotels. “We fear rise in casualties,” he added.

Frontier Corps and Levies personnel were called to bring the situation under control.

However, the spokesman for Frontier Corps, Khan Wasey, says that the forces killed the remaining two terrorists during the operation averting another terror act close to the hotel.

He said the forces were deployed in and around the hotel and sweeping was conducted in the area to avoid another attack.

A banned outfit Jaishul Islam has claimed responsibility for the attack. A purported spokesperson for the group, Azam Tariq, had called Quetta-based journalists from an undisclosed location to claim credit for the deadly attack.

Sources said that intelligence agencies had warned of possible attacks on pilgrims one month ago, but the authorities failed to put in place adequate security to thwart Sunday’s attack.

Rubina Qaimkhani injured in road accident OBSERVER REPORT

SANGHAR —Sindh Minister for Special Education Rubina Kaimkhani was injured in a road accident here on Monday.

According to a report, the provincial minister guarded by her squad was heading to Sanghar when her car collided with a tractor trailer coming from the opposite side near Ghundan Chowk.

Rubina Qaimkhani was shifted to Civil Hospital Sanghar where she remained for four hours but could not get her X-ray due to unavailability of X-ray machine films, however, her X-ray was done after a machine was brought from a private clinic.

Later, she was shifted to Karachi in a special ambulance for further treatment.

According to doctors, Rubina Qaimkhani sustained chest and head injuries in the accident.The provincial minister was visiting Sanghar to attend a Khuli Kachehri (public hearing).

Bombers hit Afghan base, kill guard K ABUL —Three

suicide bombers attacked a parking lot at a police base in eastern Afghanistan, killing a guard and setting 25 trucks ablaze, an official told AP on Monday.

The attack on the police base in eastern Behsud district took place late Sunday, said Ahmad Zia Abdulzai, the spokesman for the provincial governor of Nangarhar province. —AP

India has right to reprocess spent N-fuel: Russia MOSCOW—India has the right to re- question on KNPP. process the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) from the Russian built Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) by a supplementary agreement with Russia, which relieved the builders from the responsibility to take over the discharged SNF as originally envisaged.

This was stated by A.Y. Khaperskaya, senior manager with Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, at the Atomexpo 2014 - the sixth international nuclear energy conference that was inaugurated on Monday.

“India has its own plans for spent fuel processing, so we do not figure in it. Instead, with Iran we have an obligation on taking care of spent nuclear fuel”, Khaperskaya told reporters here while responding to a

She was speaking at a conference session of Russia’s experience in management of SNF and radioactive waste.

India’s department of atomic energy justified the change from the perspective that SNF is not a waste, but is a resource which could be reprocessed for separating plutonium and uranium and can be utilised in a closed cycle to generate more nuclear power.

However, this drastic change made by the supplemental agreement provoked public interest pleas before the Madras High Court seeking a fresh environmental clearance as the one granted in 1989 was based on the original agreement stipulating that all SNF would be sent away to Russia, which the court dismissed.

Khaperskya explained that

Rosatom was currently in the process of creating a state of the art processing plant that can treat different types of SNF, that would also obviate the need for collection of the spent fuel.

Only a small percent of the spent fuel can be used for reprocessing, leaving the problem of waste disposal. Towards this end, Russia is experimenting the final burying of waste in an underground laboratory and geological surveys are also being conducted, said A.N. Dorofeev, head of Rosatom’s project for SNF and radioactive waste management.

Currently, only a handful of countries like Finland, Sweden and Germany practice underground burial of nuclear waste..—IANS

Indian students swept away in dam release NEW D ELHI —Rescuers in boats were searching a Himalayan river Monday for dozens of students swept away when a dam released a rush of water without warning, and police said four bodies had been found.

The students from the ITcity of Hyderabad had been taking photographs at the banks of the Beas River when they were hit by the rush of water from the Larji hyropower station.—Agencies

Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to take a decisive action against terrorists but to no avail, the result of peace talks with terrorists yielded no result and hence there was no option left except to deal with terrorists with iron hand and cleanse the country from terrorists.

The result of ignoring appeals for action against terrorists and non-engagement with Taliban in peace talks had resulted in terrorist attack on the airport in which several precious lives of security personnel were lost.

He said that the time was ripe to start a decisive action against terrorists or else terrorists would grow stronger and would inflict colossal loss to the integrity of Pakistan.

FO rejects Pakistan link to attack on Abdullah STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD— Pakistan has firmly rejected allegations of its involvement in the attack on Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah and termed them as irresponsible.

“Pakistan is deeply disappointed by such allegations because they serve to vitiate the positive environment created between the two countries through constructive efforts over the past months,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said in the first ever reaction to such allegations.

Regrettably, these allegations fall in the familiar pattern of certain elements in Afghanistan sparing no occasion to malign Pakistan and its security institutions and shifting the blame to others for their own security failures, the spokesperson remarked.

“We are sure that neither the Afghan people, nor the international community

Continued on Page 7

New wave of water workouts attract the young and fit

W

HILE older, overweight or injured ex ercisers have always valued the cush ioning effects of water workouts, a new wave of trendy, lively and high intensity group fitness classes is luring the young, the hip and the able-bodied into the pool. Aqua Zumba, boot camp, and synchronized swimming are among the classes experts say put every muscle through a range of motion even the fittest can’t approach on dry land.

Lori Rose Benson of the YMCA of Greater New York said seniors populate daytime pool classes, but the evening attracts a younger, party-oriented crowd. Synchronized swimming, a class of elaborate strokes and stunts set to music, has become a favorite among Brooklyn hipsters, she said.

Aqua Zumba, also called “pool party,” is popular with the younger crowd throughout the city.

“Really, it depends on the time of day,” Benson said. “Aquatic exercise can have all the benefits of a really tough cardiovascular workout. It’s what you put into it.” Three times a week at an Equinox fitness center in New York City, swim coach Ellis Peters leads Aqua Boot Camp, an hour-long interval workout he said takes aim at every major muscle group.

“I try to use every inch of the 25-yard (23meter) pool,” Peters said of the class, which employs flotation devices in a fast-changing sequence of running, jumping jacks and core exercises. “We usually don’t do any one thing more than a minute,” said Peters. Moving

through water is powerful, he added, because the resistance, or drag coefficient, is 12 times what it is in air and works on the body in all directions.

“I can’t imagine a machine on land that would be able to duplicate the omni-dimensional resistance of the water,” he said. “It doesn’t exist.” Rhode Island-based Karen Kent said she plunged into pool workouts after asthma began to hamper her running style. “I couldn’t run much in my 20s,” said Kent, an aquatic expert who wrote the water exercise chapter for the American College of Sports Medicine’s group fitness handbook.

She said even the most able-bodied like turning to water to relieve pressure and extend their range of motion.

“Even really strong athletes want to come to water to stretch muscles back out,” she said.

“Water offers another piece of fitness you can’t get on the ground.” The level of exertion feels less in the water, she added, so the right instructor can really ramp it up with deep water running and jogging intervals.

Kent said the pool temperature for water workouts should be around 83 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (28 to 29 Celsius), with air temperature about two degrees higher.

That’s because unlike swimmers, who are comfortable in the high 70s (mid 20s), the exercisers’ heads are above the water line.

“Swimming laps is different from doing exercise,” she said. “Every workout has something else to offer and a well-rounded athlete should do all of it.”

Pervaiz Rashid, Italian envoy see off Pak, Italian mountaineers An ‘indigenous’ Pakistani team to attempt K2 ZUBAIR QURESHI ISLAMABAD —Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Senator Pervaiz Rashid and Counselor Tommaso Sansone, Deputy Head of the Italian Mission in Pakistan, on Monday handed over Pakistani and Italian flags to the Pakistani mountaineers at a press conference here at the National Press Club. Some 8 mountaineers from Gilgit-Baltistan have been selected by an Italian expert mountaineer Murizio Gallo with the support of Gilgit-Batistan government and the Pakistani mountaineers who have climbed K2. The Italian non-governmental organization (NGO) Ev-K2-CNR has supported this very Pakistani expedition with necessary funds, equipment, training, and technical assistance during the expedition.

Two Italian mountaineers would be available to the Paki- Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Senator Pervaiz Rashid presenting a flag of Pakistan expedition for technical sup- stan to mountaineers on their departure for K2. port and assistance in the hour of need. Infomration Minister and the Italian Deputy Head ians’ love for K2 began 1909, “Since then our people are ever in fact an officially Pakistani team will attempt K2 of Mission saw the team off and wished them success in associated with Karakoram area for its conservation and summit. With the them two Italian mountaineering ammainstreaming. We are happy to be associated with the bassadors: Michele Cucchi, Alpine guide and Simone the expedition.

Origone world champion speed skiing (251,40 km/h).The Speaking on the occasion, Pervaiz Rashid said we K2 and the Karakoram.” expedition will leave form Skardu on June 14, where the Domenico Brozzone, the head of development, talked have the best mountains and we are thankful to our foreign friends who not only love our mountains but put their about the SEED project, a major intervention in the Gilgit- Italians will join the Pakistani team.

The summit attempt is foreseen at the end of July,” efforts to mainstream and popularize it in their countries. Batistan for climate research and mountaineering, and he further said. Team Lead of the expedition, Muhammad mountain development.

He said the project interventions Our special thanks o Italians who have special love for K2 for the last 100 years. He lauded the Italian friends have changed life in the area and with the development of Taqi said, the Pakistani expedition if fully funded by the who took initiative and generously supported the 8 Paki- the Central Karakoram National Park, adventure tourism Italian people and government, it had to be done by the and biodiversity conservation would be the ace achieve- local and federal governments. But, this is very unforstani mountaineers from Gilgit-Baltistan.

Speaking on the occasion,President Ev-K2-CNR ments. He also spoke about the K2 first ascent by the tunate that mountaineering is not the priority of our govAgostino Da Polenza said K2 is the best brand that can Italian expedition on July 31, 1954, when Achille ernments. We are happy and looking forward to scale uplift Pakistan’s image and the people are very Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli reached for the first time the K2 as mountaineers not as porters. Among others hardworking; they only lack resources that we the Italians ever the K2 summit, the most difficult mountain in the who spoke on the occasion, included Italian mountainare trying to provide the locals to help them to do the best word. The success was possible due to the support of the eer and adviser to Pakistan expedition Murizio Gallo, for land and available resources. We are also expedition’Pakistani members, including Amir Mahdi the National Press Club President Shahryar Khan, Ghulam generating awareness on the conservation of the local natu- member of expedition team as well as a guide and the Rasul from the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism department, and Munir Ahmed, Communication Cgief Ev-K2-CNR and ral resources, he said. Counselor Tommaso Sansone, Hunza porters .

Focal Point for the expedition.

“Today the history is repeating but for the first time Deputy Head of the Italian Mission in Pakistan, said Ital-

Work on displaced tube wells

Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, presenting crest to Major General Joseph Furaha Kapwani, Commander Air Force of Tanzania, during his visit to Air Headquarters.

Tanzanian Air Force Commander visits Air Headquarters CITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—A five-member delegation of Tanzanian Air Force headed by Major General Joseph Furaha Kapwani, Commander Air Force of Tanzania visited Air Headquarters, Islamabad on Monday.

On his arrival at Air Headquarters, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented the Guard of Honour, said a press release issued here.

The visiting dignitary paid homage to the martyrs of PAF by laying floral wreath on Martyrs’ Monument.

Later on, the delegation was introduced to Principal Staff Officers of Pakistan Air Force.

The distinguished guest attended a brief-

ing at Air Headquarters on the organization, role and functioning of Pakistan Air Force. He also called on Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, in his office. Both the dignitaries remained together for some time and discussed matters of professional interest.

Later in the day, delegation Air Force of Tanzania also visited Air Defence Command, Pakistan Air Force. The delegation attended a briefing on the working of Air Defence Command and also visited Air Defence Operation Centre.

On their arrival, the delegation was received by Air Vice Marshal Ejaz Mahmood Malik, Air Officer Commanding, Air Defence Command, Pakistan Air Force.

ISLAMABAD—Capital Development Authority (CDA) official said on Monday that work on the construction of six displaced tube wells which come in the way of Metro Bus route would be completed in a few days.

Talking to APP the director public relations CDA Asif Khichi said the new tube wells will start functioning soon.

“The work on the construction project of displaced tube wells was almost completed which was delayed due to wait for soil testing reports by the soil experts” he further added.—APP

IHC directs status quo on Pemra affairs

Court to hear writ against Pervaiz Rathor’s appointment on 17th ZUBAIR QURESHI ISLAMABAD—Islamabad High Court on Monday directing status quo on writ petitions challenging appointment of acting chairman the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) and a number of decisions by the authority and adjourned hearing until June 17.

Justice Noor-ul-Haq N Qureshi while hearing a writ petition filed by two private members of Pemra Israr Abbasi and Fareeha Iftikhar challenging the appointment of Acting Chief of Pemra Pervaiz

Rathor, directed to club all the cases linked to the same matter and announced June 17 for hearing them all together. Till then a status quo will maintain, directed the IHC in its brief order.

It may be mentioned here that a citizen Sohail Bhatti had already challenged Pervaiz Rathor’s appointment as Member of the Pemra but after the latter’s appointment as Acting Chairman. On Monday, the judge observed since the two cases were identical in nature the court would like to hear them together. On Monday, Pervaiz Rathor’s counsel Dr Rana M Shamim ap-

peared before the court and sought time for submitting reply. Pemra’s Director Legal Zahid Malik was also present on the occasion.

In their petition, the private members have held that in the Pemra ordinance there is no provision of Acting Chairman therefore Rathor’s appointment should be declared illegal and all the decisions made in the meeting under his chairmanship on June 6 should be declared null and void. It may be mentioned here that in June 6 meeting, Pemra had imposed Rs10 million fine on Geo TV besides sending its transmission off air.

50 calligraphic art pieces put on display C ITY R EPORTER R AWA L P I N D I —A week-long calligraphic exhibition started here at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Monday to put on display 50 art pieces for art-lovers.

Provincial Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture Rana Muhammad Arshad inaugurated the exhibition where unique art pieces of pride of performance winner Aftab Ahmed Khan were showcased.

He took round of the art gallery and admired the artist for presenting the calligraphic art, mostly verses from the Holy Quran in Khat-e-Nastaleaque and Kofi, in his distinctive style.

RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed, former resident director Naheed Manzoor and number of art-lovers were also present on the occasion.

Rana Arshad congratulated Aftab Ahmed Khan on his achievements and said such work could be expected from an inborn artist.

He said that it was a great honor for him to inaugurate the exhibition based on verses from the holy Quran. He also praised the efforts of RAC for holding the exhibition, adding that Aftab Ahmed Khan was a precious asset of Pakistan who represented his country worldwide.

Later, the Parliamentary Secretary distributed certificates among female students participating in different art competitions including interior, fashion, textile and stain glass designing.

Need for Muslim unity highlighted as Urs concludes at Eidgah Sharif STAFF REPORTER RAWALPINDI—For the defence of the ideological and geographical boundaries of Pakistan, the nation must forge unity and organize itself whereas the congregations for the remembrance of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) are playing an important role in the elimination of sectarianism and terrorism and maintaining peace.

President of Azad Kashmir Sardar Muhammad Yaqub Khan stated this while speaking at an International Milad-un-Nabi Conference in connection with three-day 117th Urs at Eidgah Sharif here on Sunday. “We can suc-

ceed and excel in this world as well as in Hereafter by closely associating ourselves with the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him),” he said.

Pir Muhammad Naqib-urRehman, custodian of Eidgah shrine and prominent spiritual figure, chaired the conference while prominent among the speakers were Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, Azad Kashmir Senior Minister for Local Government Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Pir Syed Amin-ul-Hasnat, former federal minister for religious affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi, Pir Syed Hussainuddin Shah, Maulana Abdul Mustafa Rizvi, Dr. Jamal Nasir and Haji Hanif

Pir Muhammad Naqib-ur-Rehman, custodian of Eidgah shrine and Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar along with other and prominent dignities attending the International Milad-un-Nabi Conference.

Tayyab. Sahibzada Pir Muhammad Hassan Haseebur-Rehman, who hosted the conference, also delivered a special address.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar said that the Muslim unity is the need of the hour, as Muslims can overcome all the problems and tribulations only through unity. He said that the conference would play an important role in forging the Muslim unity.

Pir Naqib-ur-Rehman said that Muslims could meet all the challenges facing them by really playing the role of slaves of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). He said the celebration of the Milad is a charac-

teristic of the followers of Islam as Almighty Allah and angels also join the remembrance of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin said that the abodes of saints are the fountainheads for the promotion of the compassionate love with the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and one learns the lesson of peace, tranquility and brotherhood.

Sahibzada Pir Muhammad Hassan Hasib-ur-Rehman said that the holding of congregation for the remembrance of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is part of the mannerism of Muslims.

The conference opened at

9 a.m. with recitation of the verses from the Holy Quran

by Qari Muhammad Ayub, who had especially come from Britain, continued till 7 p.m. Qari Salim Shahzad and Taslim Sabri acted as comperes. Devotees of Eidgah shrine, including a large number of women, from across the country as well as abroad attended the conference. Extraordinary security and traffic management plans were implemented during three-day Urs, which concluded on Monday.

In the end, Pir Muhammad Naqib-ur-Rehman prayed for the unity among Muslims and progress, prosperity and solidarity of Pakistan.

Efforts on to revive film industry: Rana STAFF R EPORTER RAWALPINDI—Provincial Parliamentary Fajar Zohr Asr

04:30 01:30 05:30

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

June 10 MEETINGS of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs and Statistics and Privatization will be held in Islamabad from Monday to Thursday.

FJWU signs MoU with Mitsubishi STAFF REPORTER R AWA L P I N D I — F a t i m a Jinnah Women University (FJWU) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mitsubishi Corporation for academic cooperation.

The MoU was signed by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Samina Amin Qadir and General Manager, Islamabad Liaison Office, Kenzo Iijima in the Vice Chancellor’s office.

The MoU emphasizes cooperation in research and merit based scholarships to the students.

Prof. Dr. Naheed Zia Khan, Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Humaira Ahmad, Registrar, Mrs. Nighat Reza, Deputy Director Admissions and Mr.Imran Rashid Mirza, Assistant General Manager, Islamabad Liaison Office also attended the impressive ceremony. Before that, Registrar gave detailed presentation on university’s future and ongoing projects.

Secretary for Information and Culture Rana Mohammad Arshad Monday said Punjab government was making all-out efforts to revive film industry and bring necessary amendments in the Dramatic Performances Act-1876 to promote local art and culture.

Addressing a news conference here at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC), he said the government was in contact with film industry association besides district level art and culture committees were being

strengthened to achieve the task across the province.

Punjab Film Censor Board, he said, has been reactivated to prevent objectionable scripts and explained that no vulgar drama and dances were staged at arts councils working under the provincial government.

He expressed firm resolve of the government to increase production of local films and quality stage dramas, saying that all available resources would be utilized to promote the country’s art and culture at national and international level.

“Tax on cinemas has been abolished to

promote the industry.”

Sharing details of activities taking place during the last 12 months at RAC, Rana said the council held around 140 events including drama, literary and “Sufiana Kalam” to encourage artists, writers, poets and singers.

Presently, he said, RAC was holding around 24 courses of different duration to polish basic skills of youth aspiring to excel in art and literary field.

The Parliamentary Secretary announced to observe birth and death anniversaries of national heroes “Mashaheere-Pakistan” having important role in cre-

ation of Pakistan), in a befitting manner to pay tribute to their services at official level. He vowed to make the country a true Islamic welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Madare-Millat Fatima Jinnah and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

Rana said Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government, whenever came into power, launched a number of mega projects and built fly-overs, underpasses, latest health facilities including Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) state-of-the-art Urology department and

a multibillion Metro Bus service in the city to facilitate the common man.

He said foreign investors were showing confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, which was evident from the fact that China made an investment of $35 billion in various fields and signed 20 memorandums of understanding with Pakistan.

Besides, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Turkey and Britain were also supporting the country in getting rid of financial problems.

IESCO sets up task force to provide relief to consumers STAFF R EPORTER I SLAMABAD —The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has constituted a task force to improve the functioning of complaint offices at sub division level and to provide relief to the consumers in the upcoming holy month of Ramazan-ul-Mubarik and peak season of summer.

The task force consisting Sarbuland Khan (Manager), Zahid Saleem Usmani (XEN), Raja Khurram Ali (A.M), Pervaiz Iqbal (A.M) and Mian Mukhtar Ahmad (A.M) will monitor the implementation of load shedding schedule, checking of complaint offices and their adequacy for services providing to the customers, said the IESCO spokesman.

The task force will also monitor the recovery campaign and billing process and will expedite the installation of new connections.

Immediate redresses of public complaints

regarding over billing/ non receipt of bills is also included in the duties of task force.

The checking report of the task force will be submitted to the IESCO Head office on daily basis.

Meanwhile, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Monday issued power suspension programme for various areas of its region due to necessary maintenance and routine development work.

According to IESCO Spokesman, the power supply of the following Feeders / Grid Stations would remain suspended as under: June 11 (Wednesday) from, 06:00am to 09:00am, PTC & Sana Ullah Shaheed feeders, Cantt Area, Rotas Road, West Colony and PTC. June 11,14,16,18,21,23,25,30 from 06:00am to 09:00am, Garmala, Nathwala, Sangohi feeders, Garmala, Monan, Thathi Mughlan, Sangohi, Nara,Nathwala and surrounding areas.

Rah-e-Aman crossing crater speaks volumes about Cantt Board officials apathy

Deputy Prime Minister Slovak Republic Miroslav Lajcak called on Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at Parliament House.

Over 100 suspects arrested during search operation

R AWALPINDI —A big crater right in the stuck in the ditch, luckily he survived withmiddle of Rah-e-Aman crossing on Adiala Road speaks volumes about the lethargic attitutde of the Chaklala Cantonment officials.

Repeated requests for repair work by the residents to the authorities have fallen on deaf ears.

The residents of Askari 7, 14 and numerous colonies along the road on Monday decried the apathy of Chaklala Cantonment authorities as the ditch could lead to fatal accidents.

Col (retd) Muhammad Ramzan, a resident of Askari VII, told APP that a number of mishaps had taken place as motorists had to abruptly stop their vehicles to avoid the ditch.

A motorcyclist had a fall when his bike got

out injury, he added.

When asked, a Cantonment official said the ditch had been filled with mud. Here the question arises that will a road on which oil tankers and heavy traffic ply, will remain intact till proper ground work is not carried out?

Col (retd) Kianee, another resident of Askari 7, said the colony roads had already become ruins due to the indifference of the Cantonment board and now the main road was breaking up thanks to the official lethargy.

Meanwhile, the Cantonment residents demanded of the officials to carry out urgent patch-work on various roads before the onset of monsoon rains.—APP

Benazir Int’l Airport security beefed up RAWALPINDI—Benazir International Airport security was beefed up after terrorist attack on Karachi Airport. Manager Benazir International Airport Muhammad Ayaz Jadoon talking to APP said that extra contingents were called at the airport, with enhanced snap checking of vehicles at entry point and only passengers were being allowed to enter.

He said the authorities are making every possible move to thwart such attempts and ensure the safety of airport and passengers. —APP

Drive against beggars ISLAMABAD—About 2591 professional beggars had been lifted from Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), during a campaign against the menace of beggary.

During campaign ,as many as 1463 were shifted to Edhi Home, 273 shifted to Child Protection Center and 456 beggars were challaned and 420 fined while 59 professionals were sent to jail, said an official of ICT administration.—APP

S TAFF R EPORTER R AWALPINDI —Rawalpindi police have arrested over 100 suspected persons in a search operation conducted in several areas of the city during Sunday night.

According to Rawalpindi police spokesman, city Police on the special directive of Regional

Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Umar Hayat Lalika and City Police Officer (CPO) Hamyoun Bashir Tarar launched a search operation and conducted several raids in Rawalpindi Division under the supervision of Superintendent Police (SP) Rawal Town and DSP City.

Station House Officer

Doctors advise citizens to adopt dengue preventive measures S TAFF R EPORTER ISLAMABAD—The medical experts have advised the citizens of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to take special preventive measures to protect them from carrying dengue virus.

According to them, citizens should properly dispose off the solid waste and stop water storage practices at their residences to prevent access to egg-laying female mosquitoes.

They said mosquitoes breed primarily in containers like earthenware jars, metal drums and concrete cisterns used for domestic water storage, as well as discarded plastic food containers, used automobile tyres and other items that collect rain water.

Dr Wasim Khawaja from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) talking to reporter on Monday said that dengue is a mosquito-borne infection, which in recent years has become a major public health concern.

He said dengue fever is a severe, flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults. He added the spread of dengue is attributed to expanding geographic distribution of the four dengue viruses and of their mosquito vectors, the most important of which is the predominantly urban species aedes aegypti.

He said the rapid growth of urban population is bringing ever greater numbers of

Commuters facing hardship as Metro Bus Project goes on in Rawalpindi.

people into contact with this vector, especially in areas that are favourable for mosquito breeding like where household water storage is common and where solid waste disposal services are inadequate.

He said dengue viruses are transmitted to humans through the bites of infective female aedes mosquitoes. He added mosquitoes generally acquire the virus while feeding on the blood of an infected person.

He said after virus incubation for eight to ten days, an infected mosquito is capable, during probing and blood feeding, of transmitting the virus to susceptible individuals for the rest of its life.

He said the virus circulates in the blood of infected humans for two to seven days, at approximately the same time as they suffer from fever.

He added the clinical features of dengue fever vary according to the age of the patient.

Dr Sharif Astori from Federal Government Poly Clinic (FGPC) said infants and young children may have a non-specific febrile illness with rash as older children and adults may have either a mild febrile syndrome or the classical incapacitating disease with abrupt onset and high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains and rash. He said dengue haemorrhagic fever is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, haemorrhagic phenomena.

(SHO) Pirwadhai Police Station, SHO Ratta Amral, SHO City along with heavy contingent of police of three police stations conducted raids in different areas including Pirwadhai, Lari

Adda, Bangash Colony, Fuji Colony and adjoining areas.

During the raids, police apprehended 120 suspected persons initially and after questioning, over 100 persons were arrested.

Sikhs urge UK PM to tackle Modi on self-determination LONDON—Hundreds of British Sikhs held a march in central London to protest against Operation Blue Star by Indian army against Sikhs in Indian state of Punjab 30 years ago. The march was held from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square involved some sloganeering and chanting. “Thousands were killed or disappeared,” said Balvinder Kaur of the Sikh Council UK. The military raid on the Golden Temple in Amritsar was conducted in June, 1984, which killed hundreds of Sikhs including Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

British Sikhs have also been angered by recent revelations in de-classified documents published by the UK government in January, which showed that a British officer was recruited to help plan the operation. As Sikhs all over the world mark 30 years

Kashmir issue unfinished agenda of 1947: Shabbir Dar

since the notoriously bloody Indian Army attack on the holiest Sikh shrine, Sri Harimandar Sahib, often called the Golden Temple, in Amritsar, leading Sikh organisations have asked David Cameron to repay the debt owed by Britain to the Sikh nation. They want him to press the new Indian government to respect the right of self-determination and other human rights, or face stern international sanctions.

On the day the memorandum was delivered in Westminster, Sikhs marched in Amritsar asserting their sovereignty and demanding freedom.

The plight of Sikh political prisoners was also raised, some of whom face the death penalty whilst others are still being held despite the completion of jail sentences. The memorandum pointed to a sustained pattern of In-

dian non-compliance with international law which has led directly to unending conflict in Punjab, Kashmir, Nagaland, Assam and elsewhere. The Sikh memorandum reaffirmed the goal of an independent sovereign state of Khalistan, which would offer the only meaningful protection from India’s proven propensity to violently oppress national minorities, illegally appropriate their natural resources and challenge their very identity (Article 25 of India’s constitution declares Sikhs to be Hindus for the purposes of personal law and places of worship).

The document asserted that the UK, as the former colonial power, has a moral responsibility to act in an impartial manner to protect nations in the face of Indian aggression. Quoting Sir

Waza, Zamrooda pay tributes to martyrs

SRINAGAR—The All Parties Hurriyet Con- tinue their struggle for taking the martyrs’ SRINAGAR—Hurriyet leader ference (APHC) leader and the Chairman of mission to its logical conclusion. Meanwhile, Shabbir Ahmad Dar has said that Kashmir issue is the unfinished agenda of 1947 and has called for addressing without any further delay. Shabbir Ahmed Dar along with Hurriyet activists, Mushtaq Ahmed Mir, Imtiyaz Ahmed and Sharief ddressed public gatherings at Reban and Nowpora.

“The unresolved kashmir issue reminders us about the freedom of Pakistan and India and an unending slavery & agony of Kkashmiri people,” Dar added. “This is the most dangerous issue on the planet because of its geo political importance and being the most unfortunate part of history,” he warned.—KMS

Curfew imposed at Kakapora in Pulwama SRINAGAR—An undeclared curfew has been imposed in at Kakapora in Pulwama following the killing of two youth by Indian troops during siege and search operation. Two youth identified as Bilal Ahmad Bhat and Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh were killed by the personnel of 50-Rashtriya Rifles and 183 Central Reserve Police Force on Sunday.

A police spokesman in a statement claimed one martyred youth as a Divisional Commander of a militant organisation. Indian police authorities imposed curfew after scores of people staged anti-India protests.—KMS

Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League (JKPL), Mukhtar Ahmad Waza has paid glowing tributes to martyr, Tufail Ahmad Mattoo and to the 125 other martyred youth of 2010 uprising. Mukhtar Ahmad Waza in a statement issued in Srinagar said that such unprecedented sacrifices would neither be allowed to go waste nor would be forgotten. “It is highly shocking that the killers of these innocent souls were roaming free.

Justice still remains undelivered”, he said Waza said that Kashmiris have offered countless sacrifices to press for demand of right to self-determination and would con-

a party delegation comprised Ghulam Qadir Rah, Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi, Ghulam Ahmad Mir and Jaffer Kashmiri visited the house of Shaheed Tufail Mattoo on his martyrdom anniversary and paid glowing tributes to him.

They also expressed sympathy and solidarity with the bereaved family.

The Chairperson of Kashmir Tehreek Khwateen, Zamrooda Habib in a statement issued in Srinagar paid tributes to the two youth, martyred by Indian troops, the other day. She denounced the imposition of curfew by the authorities in the area following the killing of the youth.—KMS

Thousands attend funeral of martyred youth in IHK SRINAGAR—Thousands of people, today, participated in the funeral of the two Kashmiri youth, who were killed by Indian troops during a siege and search operation at Kakpura in Pulwama, the other day. APHC leaders, Zafar Akbar Butt, Yasmeen Raja, Syed Bilal_Pulwama martyre funeral Bashir Andrabi, Abdul Ahad Para and leaders of Tehreek-eHurriyet Jammu and Kashmir led the procession in the area, today. Pro-Pakistan and pro-freedom slogans were raised on the occasion. Addressing the mourners, the leaders paid glowing tributes to the martyred youth and reaffirmed the Kashmiris’ pledge to take their mission to its logical conclusion. They said that India’s policy of suppression and oppression had failed to crush the ongoing liberation struggle.

The veteran Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani addressing the participants of funeral over phone from Srinagar urged the world community to bring an end to the worst human rights violations unleashed

by India in the territory by resolving the Kashmir dispute. Hurriyet leaders, Shabbir Ahmad Shah and Zamrooda Habib in their statements paying tributes to the youth urged India to read the writ-

ing on the wall and grant the people of Kashmir their right to self-determination.

Meanwhile, undeclared curfew was imposed in Pulwama following the killing of the two youth, identified as Bilal Ahmad Butt and Mudassir Ahmad Sheikh, by the Indian troops. Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, the Secretary General of World Kashmir Awareness, while addressing a gathering in Springfield, Virginia, called upon Pakistan and India to directly associate the Kashmiri leadership with the negotiation process to peacefully resolve the dispute over Kashmir.

Former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, on the occasion, criticised the silence of the international community over the unending atrocities perpetrated by Indian troops on the Kashmiris. In London, hundreds of British Sikhs held a march in central London to protest against Operation Blue Star, launched by Indian army against Sikhs in Indian state of Punjab 30 years ago. A memorandum was delivered in Westminster, pointing to a sustained pattern of Indian non-compliance with international law which has led directly to unending conflict in Punjab, Kashmir and elsewhere.—KMS

Thousands of people on Monday, participated in the funeral of the two Kashmiri youth, who were killed by Indian troops during a siege and search operation at Kakapura in Pulwama.

Hundreds of British Sikhs held a march in central London to protest against Operation Blue Star by Indian army against Sikhs in Indian state of Punjab 30 years ago.

‘Killings can’t suppress liberation movement’

Gilani pays homage to two martyred youth

SRINAGAR —The veteran Hurriyet leader, elections or other perks and privileges but S RINAGAR —The Hurriyet Syed Ali Gilani has paid glowing tributes to wanted their birthright to self-determination He Conference has paid glowing tributes to the two Kashmiri youth, Bilal Ahmad Butt and Mudassir Ahmad Sheikh, killed by Indian troops during a siege and search operation at Kakpura in Pulwama.

Hurriyet Conference spokesman in a statement issued in Srinagar said that killings and other human rights violations by the Indian forces could not suppress the ongoing Kashmri liberation movement as the morale of the Kashmiri people was high and the movement would be taken to its logical conclusion.

The spokesman said that the unprecedented sacrifices given by the people of Kashmir would not be allowed to go waste but would definitely bring positive results. He urged the Kashmiri people to also boycott the so-called assembly elections like the Indian parliamentary sham polls. He said that the Indian government was propagating the polls at international level that Kashmiris supported the policies of the Indian government.—KMS

JKPM urges Modi to ensure safety of Kashmiris inside India J AMMU —The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Movement (JKPM) has urged Indian Prime Minister Narender Modi to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiri students and businessmen in India who are facing harassment and intimidation at the hands of law enforcement agencies and members of Hindu extremist organizations. The APHC leader and senior vice Chairman of the JKPM, Mir Shahid Saleem, in a statement said that after the incidents of students’ expulsion in Meerut and Ghaziabab, the Kashmiri students were feeling unsafe and were living under the tremendous fear and pressure which was taking a heavy toll on their studies.

The JKPM leader said that fear psychosis among the Kashmiri students had increased manifold after the BJP came to power in New Delhi. He said the BJP, which is known for its antiMuslims agenda, has always been open against people of Jammu and Kashmir.—KMS

the two Kashmiri youth, Bilal Ahmad Butt and Mudassir Ahmad Sheikh, who were killed by Indian troops during a siege and search operation at Kakpura in Pulwama, the other day. Addressing the participants of funeral over phone from Srinagar said that the people of Kashmir especially the youth were being killed due to the rigid and unrealistic policies of the Indian government. He said that the people of Kashmir had given countless and unprecedented sacrifices for Kashmir cause which would not be allowed go waste.

Syed Ali Gilani called upon the Kashmiri people to also boycott the upcoming so-called assembly elections like the Indian parliamentary sham polls and give a message to India and the international community that Kashmiris had no interest with the so-called

said that the people of Kashmir should not afraid of the BJP newly formed government in India as the Congress and BJP were both sides of the same coin. He urged the world community to bring an end to the worst human rights violations unleashed by India in the territory by resolving the Kashmir dispute.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the Muslim League Jammu and Kashmir comprised Abdul Ahad Parra, Feroz Ahmad Khan, Abdur Rasheed Dar and Manzoor Ahmad Lone participated in the Namaz-e-Janaza of the two Kashmiri youth, Bilal Ahmad Butt and Mudassir Ahmad Sheikh. On the occasion, Abdul Ahad Parra paid tributes to the martyrs and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. He said that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri martyrs would not go waste but would bring positive results.—KMS

Youth are brave soldiers of freedom struggle: Mirwaiz SRINAGAR—A gathering of Youth Awami provide a platform for such people to show Action Committee (YAAC) held at historic Mirwaiz Manzil, Rajouri Kadal, in connection with the golden jubilee celebrations of Awami Action Committee (AAC) beginning from June 20. The YAAC on the occasion paid glorious tributes to founder of AAC, Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Farooq and especially Moulvi Mushtaq Ahmad on his 9th martyrdom anniversary.

Announcing the reviving and reorganizing of YAAC, the AAC Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who addressed the gathering, stated that youth were the priceless asset of nation. He said the youth representing trade, or politics, or social activities, or any other field has a pivotal role to play in all the aspects of life. Mirwaiz stated that Kashmiri youth, especially from downtown, on one hand, were aware of their rich traditions and values, while, on the other, were also the brave soldiers of the freedom struggle and right to self determination.”

Asserting that the youth were full of talent, Mirwaiz stated that YAAC would

their mettle and grit. Mirwaiz announced that on June 27 at Lal Bazaar, Khan Bagh, AAC would organize a youth convention during which youths would be made aware about their duties towards society and freedom struggle. Mirwaiz appealed to the people to make the June 20 rally and youth convention on June 27 a grand success.

On the occasion, the YAAC President, Sofi Mushtaq Ahmad and Vice President, Farooq Ahmad Saudagar stated that contribution of AAC leaders and activists towards demanding people’s right was replete with example of sacrifices and struggle since 1931. They also assured Mirwaiz they would leave no stone unturned to make the YAAC strong and united. They further stated that they would make all programmes of the party a success. Meanwhile, AAC would convene workers rally at historic Mirwaiz Manzil on 13th June to remember the contribution of martyr Moulvi Mushtaq Ahmad towards freedom struggle.—Agencies

Gilani seeks open-court probe into molestation charges SRINAGAR —The veteran Hurriyet leader, People’s League Chairman, Mukhtar Ahmad Syed Ali Gilani has expressed concern over rising incidents of crime against women and has demanded an impartial probe into allegations of molestations and sexual harassment.

Syed Ali Gilani in a statement issued in Srinagar said, “Any conscientious citizen will be concerned at reports of sexual harassment against women. There should be an impartial and fair probe into these allegations.”

He was referring to the allegation of molestation levelled by a nurse against her four health department officials, and the incident of alleged molestation of a student by her teacher. The nurse along with her children and husband met the veteran leader at his residence. Syed Ali Gilani said, the allegations should be probed in an open court instead of being investigated in the corridors of power.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir

Waza along with party leaders including Nazir Ahmad Khan, Ghulam Qadir Rah, Jafar Kashmiri, Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi and Mohammad Abdullah visited the family of teenage schoolgirl who was allegedly molested by her teacher. He demanded a fair probe into the three shameful molestation cases. South Kashmir Civil Society (SKCS) terming the recent molestation cases as brute and atrocious, demanded an impartial and time- bound probe. SKCS in a statement said “whether it is the chopping-off an ear of a girl student or a teacher who has reportedly molested a girl from Kulgam, who happened to be a student or the allegations leveled by a senior nurse against some medicos, in all such cases, a high level expert committee should be formulated comprising a reputed high court judge to look into the matter.”—KMS

Resolution of Kashmir dispute essential for regional peace: Dr Fai WASHINGTON—Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, the Secretary General of World Kashmir Awareness, has said that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute is essential to create an environment of peace and security in South Asia. Dr Fai while addressing the press and community leaders in Springfield, Virginia said that the willingness of Pakistan and India to intensify their efforts to settle the Kashmir dispute would prove fruitless unless the two governments directly associated the Kashmiri leadership with the negotiation process to peacefully resolve the dispute over Kashmir.

He added that a sincere and serious effort

towards a just settlement of the Kashmir dispute must squarely take into account the ground realities and fully respond to the people’s rights involved in it. Fai underscored that the Kashmiri American community is prepared to help in the initiation of a credible negotiation process between all parties concerned.

Barrister Sultan Mahmood Choudhary, former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir and Senior Leader of Pakistan Peoples Party Azad Kashmir said “The freedom struggle in Jammu & Kashmir has passed through its transformation from armed struggle to a non-violent mass movement.

This non-violent, indigenous and peaceful struggle needs to be recognized and strengthened by the world powers.”

The road to peace in Afghanistan goes through Kashmir. Barrister Sultan urged India to positively respond to Pakistan’s sincere efforts and willingness for a peaceful settlement on all issues through composite dialogue, including the Kashmir dispute. Barrister believed that only Kashmiris had the right to decide the future of their territory. The host committee included, Sardar Zarif Khan, Sardar Zulfiqar Khan and Sardar Zubair Khan.—NNI

MUZZAFARABAD: The investigation officer monitoring rescue operation after Jeep accident at Khanbandway.

ISE-10 index witnessed bullish trend I SLAMABAD —Islamabad Stock Exchange witnessed bullish trend here on Tuesday as the ISE-10 index was up by 2.67 points and closed at 4,470.21 points. A total of 105,700 shares were traded, which were down by 302,800 shares when it compared with previous day’s trading of 408,500 shares. Out of 148 companies, share prices of 53 companies recorded increase while share prices of 95 companies registered decrease where as one company remained stable in today’s trading.—APP

SBP reminds public to exchange decimal coins KARACHI—State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reminded general public to exchange decimal coins of paisa 1,2,5,10, 25 and 50 till last working day of September 2014. These coins can be changed from the field offices of SBP’s Banking Services Corporation (BSC) and commercial/microfinance banks branches by the above deadline, said an SBP press release here on Monday. For awareness of general public, SBP has advised the commercial/ microfinance banks to display posters/banners at visible places of their branches for exchange of decimal coins.—APP

Govt trying to enhance trade, investment in EU marts: Dastagir I SLAMABAD —Minister for Commerce Engineer Khurram Dastgir ter appraised the delegation about the enormous Khan said on Monday that Pakistan is pursuing a policy to enhance trade and investment by focusing on Eastern and Central Europe in addition to the traditional Western European markets. The Minister stated this during his meeting with the visiting MiroslavLajc k, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign & European Affairs of the Slovak Republic here on Monday.

The Minister appreciated Slovak support for Pakistan in obtaining GSP plus, trade preferences from European Union and proposed that both countries may establish a Joint Trade Committee which would provide a regular forum to identify items of mutual interest and explore areas of economic cooperation. The Minister informed the delegation that formation of joint ventures, especially in GSP Plus related sectors (textile and apparel, leather, footwear, ethanol, carpets and surgical goods) would yield mutual benefits for both sides.

Slovak entrepreneurs would yield the advantages of cheaper raw materials and abundant skilled and semi-skilled workforce in Pakistan, their Pakistani counterparts would benefit from modern business practices, introduction of new technologies and easier access to Central and Eastern Europe. The proposed Joint Trade Committee will work to formulate a strategic plan for a quantum increase in bilateral trade and identification and removal of non-tariff barriers.

It will enhance collaboration between trade promotion organizations of two countries in holding specialized exhibitions in each other country and exchange of commercial intelligence. The Minis-

trade opportunities that growing Pakistani markets provide to foreign investors. He also talked about the ease of doing business in Pakistan and the policies the Government put forth to facilitate trade and investment in the country.

Khurram Dastgir Khan said that Pakistan provides duty free access for import of technology and machinery to set up alternate energy plants with no restrictions on remittances on profits and a liberal power purchase template. He invited the Slovak companies to invest in Pakistan in energy, mining, agro-technology and food processing sectors. Talking about the endeavours the Government undertook to eliminate energy crisis the Minister said that huge investments have been made since June 2013 in thermal, hydel, nuclear and alternate energy sectors.

The demand of energy in a growing country ISLAMABAD: Engr Khurram Dastgir Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce, holding like Pakistan is continuously rising which provides meeting with a delegation of Slovak Republic led by their Deputy Prime Minister and vast opportunities for foreign investors to benefit Foreign Minister, Miroslav Lajcak. through investment in the nascent alternate energy sector. Slovak Deputy Prime Minister informed the meeting that ties to their trading partners. MiroslavLajc k also informed the MinSlovakia is an export-oriented economy with a GDP growth rate of ister that Slovakia will become the President of EU during the sec4.5%-highest rate of growth in European Union. The new EU mem- ond half of 2016 which will further strengthen the relations between bers have dynamic markets, which provide diverse trade opportuni- Pakistan and Slovakia. —APP

PAMA praises Finance Minister for fair budget Govt to promote Halal brands AMANULLAH KHAN K ARACHI —Pakistan

Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) in its statement has complimented Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar for presenting a fair and equitable national budget 2014-15 despite the many challenges facing the economy. ‘We commend the efforts of the Honourable Finance Minister and the Chairman FBR to enlarge the tax base and provide a level playing field as these initiatives are likely to spur economic growth,’ said the spokesman of PAMA. ‘We welcome the Finance Minister’s decision to reduce the Sales Tax on tractors to 10% and abolish the

Federal Excise Duty on vehicles above 1800cc. Both these decisions will boost sales and help increase the revenue on account of higher volume,’ he added. ‘The Association appreciates recognition on part of the government to revise the amount of duties on imported used cars fixed in 2005, though in our view the extent of this increase is nominal compared to the increase in price of cars on account of changes in US Dollar and Japanese Yen exchange rate parity. While this measure will help increase the production volume of local cars and capacity utilization of the plants, we urge this duty structure on used imported cars is reviewed again and duties increased

equitably,’ spokesman added.

PAMA spokesman said, ‘Our other concern point is the sales tax paid on services and indirect material or supplies not being allowed against taxable goods. We hope this anomaly is addressed so as not to increase the cost of doing business of our members who are all honest taxpayers.’ ‘We believe the positive taxation measures proposed in the budget will result in overall increase in volume of domestic production in the automotive industry, leading to increased employment, additional revenue to the Government and in general boost the economic activity in the country,’ he added.

Port Qasim shipping activity K ARACHI —Two ships carrying containers were berthed at Qasim International Containers Terminal. Meanwhile four more ships carrying containers and chemical also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was 45% on Monday where five ships namely Express Kailash, Serota Tiga, Veruda, Amazonit and RBD Anima e Core are currently occupying berths to load/offload containers, cement and furnace oil during last 24 hours. A cargo volume of 77825 tonnes comprising 70832 tonnes imports and 6993 tonnes exports inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 671 containers (TEUs) were handled at the Port during last 24 hours. —APP

Conversion rates 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 June 10, 2014.

The rates are U.S. Dollar Rs. 98.6099, Japanese Yen Rs. 0.9621, Pound Sterling Rs. 165.7140 and Euro Rs. 134.3264.—APP

Flour price to be reduced in Ramazan KARACHI—Sindh Minister

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Railways, Khawaja Saad Rafique, witnessing agreement signing ceremony between Pakistan Railways and Maple Leaf.

JCR-VIS reaffirms OGDC rating KARACHI —JCR-VlS Credit Rating Company Limited (JCR-VIS) has reaffirmed the medium to long-term entity rating of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) at ‘AAA’ (triple A) and short-term entity rating at ‘A-1+’ (A one plus). Outlook on the assigned rating is ‘ stable’. The assigned ratings take into account low business risk profile of the company emanating from strong market dynamics related to oil and gas exploration sector in general and strategic importance of OGDCL in the local context in particular, said a press release here on Monday.

While pursuing growth opportunities translating into enhanced production capacity through continuing exploration activities,

the company has maintained low business risk profile. Maintenance of debt free capital structure by the company translates into low financial risk profile. Shareholding structure of the company, whereby around threefourth shares are held by the Government of Pakistan, is also a key-rating factor.

During FY13, the company witnessed considerable reduction in outstanding trade debts on account of government’s initiatives to partially resolve inter-corporate debt along with intensified follow-up by the company’s management leading to increased collection of receivables. Trade debts were settled against government backed privately placed term finance certificates and Pakistan Investment Bonds.—APP

—Tom Peters

KARACHI—Federal Minister of Science and Technology, Zaid Hamid has assured the private sector of to provide full assistance in promotion of Halal brands; establishment of one window under Ministry of Science for Accreditation and certification of companies. Addressing to the World Halal Assembly recently the minister said that very soon the law would be presented in the National Assembly for the approval after it is being recommended by all stakeholders.

World Halal Assembly was jointly organized by Halal Products and Services Association of Pakistan (HAP) and Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) duly supported by SMIIC (Standards and Metrology Institute of Islamic Countries), The OIC body mandated to work on Halal Standards and Accreditation on behalf of OIC. (Organization of Islamic Countries) Guest of Honor, Ayatollah Hassan Alemi, representative of Supreme Leader in Jihad-e-Agriculture, Iran in his speech emphasized on the need of harmonization and cooperation in order to achieve ‘One Halal’ logo and ‘One Halal’ standard.

He informed that his government is fully supporting the SMIIC agenda. Furthermore, he informed his government priorities for the promotion of Halal brands, imports and

exports procedures and the latest development made by his Ministry.

Later, in the sessions, the international Halal industry experts from all over the world gave comprehensive information to the audience; addressed the issues and challenges related to Halal business, certification, accreditation and marketing. They also highlighted the role of trade bodies in promotion of Halal trade and highlighted the issues, which could be taken up by the governments for promotion of Halal exports.

Chairman, HAP, Kazi Asad Abid and Senior Vice Chairman, Asad Sajjad in their speech and presentation informed the audience about the opportunities available and how to enter in this trillion dollar Halal market to give a boost to the efforts of government to achieve desired export results. Pir Buksh Jamali, Director General, PSQCA informed that the World Halal Assembly was the largest Halal gathering in the region.

He informed that the delegates have given overwhelming response. Several cooperation agreements were signed during the World Halal Assembly between Pakistani companies and standardized bodies for the export of Pakistani Halal products. These MoUs would help Pakistan to increase the Halal exports of Pakistan in big volume.

FPCCI demands hike withdrawal in GIDC rate STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Zakaria Usman, President FPCCI demanded immediate withdrawal of the increase in the rate of GIDC (Gas Infrastructure Development Cess), which has been increased by more than 200% in the budget.

This increase is applicable on independent power plant, Captive Power Producers, CNG and industrial consumers. He pointed out that this increase would badly affect the industrial activities and the cost of doing business will be increased manifold. In case it is implemented, the normal gas bill of an industry would be become exorbitant. He said that the government one side is facilitating the industries and business community to enhance the economic activities in the country and to generate surplus production so as to and get the maximum benefit of GSP plus status recently achieved.

He further explained that said that GIDC was applicable at the rate of Rs. 13/- per MMBTU in January, 2012 which was abruptly increased to Rs.100/- in July, 2012, almost 7 to 8 hundred times, thereafter the

business community filed petitions against illegal increase in the court of law, the court issued stay order and the matter is still pending in the court. He said that it is surprising to note that in-spite of the above fact, Government again increased its rate by 200%, this is a great injustice and would hamper the manufacturing process in the industries operating on gas most of them are located in Sindh and KPK. This increase should be withdrawn immediately, he urged.

The President FPCCI also highlighted the issue that in the Finance Bill Government has included a provision according to which the Courts of Pakistan will not be allowed to give a decision of depositing the disputed amount in the court. FPCCI believes that the courts of the country must be allowed to operate according to the constitution of Pakistan. He further said that if the above amendment is passed by the parliament justice will be denied to the affective party as they have to deposit the disputed amount in the account of exchequer and it will be lengthy and expensive affair to get the refund.

Turkish businessmen to initiate joint ventures with Pakistani counterparts SALIM AHMED LAHORE —Turkish businessmen are ready to ini-

Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding.

We are CEOs of our own companies: Me, Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You.

for Food Jam Mehtab Hussain Dahar has said that the government is considering to lower the prices of flour in Ramazan ul Mubarak and to give subsidy on flour to the poorest of the poor. He said that every possible effort will be made to sell flour at Rs 36 Kilograms in Ramazan.

This he said while presiding over a meeting regarding Ramazan package in his office on Monday. Secretary Food Saeed Ahmed Awan, Secretary Finance Suhail Ahmed Rajput, Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui and other high officials also attended the meeting. He said that the government was also considering holding stalls at 28 points of Karachi where the flour would be sold on cheaper rates. He said that the Food Department will take action against illegal profiteers with the help of the local administration. The Food Minister requested to all stakeholders to develop a mechanism to curb corruption and illegal profiting in order to get desired results. To provide relief to the poorest of the poor help may be sought from the data of Benazir Income Support Programme and all flourmills will be taken on board regarding Ramazan package, he added.—APP

AMANULLAH KHAN

tiate joint ventures with their Pakistani counterparts as they are convinced that ample opportunities lie in a number of sectors including Construction and Energy. This was stated by Mr Metin Gundogdu, head of seven-member strong Turkish business delegation, while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday.

LCCI President Engineer Sohail Lashari, Vice President Kashif Anwar, former Senior Vice President Yaqoob Tahir Izhar, Executive Committee Members Talha Tayyab Butt and Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam also spoke on the occasion.

The Head of the Turkish delegation said that Turkey for being second fastest growing economy of the world after China and first in the European Union has a lot to offer to their Pakistani counterparts and they should avail the available opportunities. The head of the delegation called for exchange of business delegations so that both the sides could have first hand knowledge of the available opportunities in Pakistan and Turkey. He said that both the countries have marvelous untapped business potential that needs to be realized by maximizing the

involvement of private sectors of the two countries. He hoped that the economic relation between the two countries would strengthen further to create a win-win situation for Pakistan and Turkey.

Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President Engineer Sohail Lashari said the time has come that the businessmen of both the countries should enhance their bilateral relations which will be beneficial for the people of both the countries. He said, “We can strengthen our economy by adopting the development and progress of Turkey as model.”

He commended the efforts made by Chief Minister of Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif whose vision has contributed to a great deal in accelerating the two way interaction among the business community of Turkey and Pakistan.

He said that textiles sector has traditionally been the biggest sector of the economy. Studies and surveys confirm that its contribution in total exports are almost 60% and it engages almost 38% of manufacturing labour force to acquire more than 46% share in overall manufacturing. The LCCI President said that in the context of having won the GSP plus status, the need of technology improvement and capacity building in textile sector of Pakistan is necessary. We have been offered a

golden chance to further increase the textiles exports by USD 2 billion. It does attract foreign investment and no other country can become better partner with Pakistan than Turkey. So any initiative from Turkish business community related to Textiles is always welcome.

Engineer Sohail Lashari said that Turkey is well positioned to take advantage of Pakistan’s economic potential and its geo-strategic location. “Let us make trade and investment, the central pillar of this cooperation.” He said that with regard to solid waste management, it is proposed that waste-toenergy solutions are gaining a lot of success in modern world.

He said that Pakistan is facing severe crisis in energy sector and it is the best way that we go far all possible options of alternative energy.

He emphasized that some kind of understanding should be developed between the private sector representatives of both the countries that will certainly provide basis to convert that into business deals. He said that these practical steps will surely go a long way in enhancing the current level of two-way trade between Pakistan and Turkey which is constantly dipping since 2011.

He stressed the need to identify the reasons

as to why our total trade that once touched the level of USD 916 million in 2011 has come down to USD 557.5 million in 2013. He said that some analysts presume that the trade volume between Turkey and Pakistan can be increased as high as US$ 2 billion with some joint efforts made by public and private sectors of both the countries. It will remain a presumption unless some positive and practical steps are taken.

He also called for B2B meetings on regular basis in order to strengthen our business ties.

He apprised the Turkish delegates that LCCI has achieved a unique milestone by establishing a Mediation Centre in collaboration with International Finance Corporation. He said that we have more than 40 accredited mediators who can provide mediation services in order to settle any trade dispute. I think this centre will serve as a confidence booster for Turkish business community to positively consider Pakistan for trade expansion. The LCCI President said that time has come for making social, cultural and economic alliances to overcome the challenges. In his address, the LCCI Vice President Kashif Anwar hoped that the Turkish delegation visit would pave way for enhanced volume of bilateral trade between the two countries.

Currency

Selling

Buying

USA

98.50

98.30

UK

165.57

165.23

Euro

134.41

134.14

Canada

90.13

89.94

Switzerland

110.25

110.02

Australia

92.15

91.96

Sweden

14.86

14.83

Japan

0.9611

0.9592

Norway

16.56

16.53

Singapore

78.74

78.58

Denmark

18.01

17.98

Saudi Arabia 26.26

26.21

Hong Kong

12.71

12.68

Kuwait

349.29

348.58

Malaysia

30.81

30.74

Newzealand 83.87

83.70

Qatar

27.06

27.00

UAE

26.82

26.76

Kr. Won

0.0968

0.0966

Thailand

3.035

3.028

PCGA hails govt move to propose incentives for textile sector LAHORE —The Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) has hailed the government’s decision to propose incentives, relaxation, rebate and taxation for adopting new technology, assurance to cut in mark-up rate, duty-free import of textile industry and reduction in rate in export refinance and clearance of refund claims in three months.

The PCGA demanded for allowing the ginners to import duty free modern ginning machinery so that high quality cotton could be produced. Presiding over a meeting, PCGA Vice Chairman Aasim Saeed Sheikh said “we have rejected the proposal to impose five percent General Sales Tax (GST) on oilcake, describing this levy is detrimental to the livestock sector.”

It said that oil cake was major part of animal feed and it would affect the prices of beef, milk, yogurt and other milk products and such decision would prove an economic death of the small farmers who were entirely depending on their milch-animals.

Aasim Saeed said the PCGA demanded of the government that sales tax on oil-cake must be withdrawn and not to create complications for the ginners by dividing the buyers of oil-seed into two groups of registered and unregistered otherwise a state of conflict would be developed between the FBR and ginners.—Agencies

LSE looses 45.46 points L AHORE —Lahore Stock Exchange here Monday witnessed bearsh trend by losing 45.46 points, as the LSE Index-25 opened with 5698.55 points and closed at 5653.09 points. The market’s overall situation also did not correspond to an upward trend as it remained at 1.317 million shares to close against previous turnover of 1.907 million shares, showing a downward slide of 590,200 shares. While, out of the total 92 active scrips 14 moved up, 20 shed values and 58 remained equal.

The Major Gainers of the day were Hascol Petroleum Limited, Pakistan Petroleum Limited and Samin Textile Mills Limited by recording increase in their per share value by Rs 3.31, Rs 2.02 and Re 1.00 respectively. Shell Pakistan Limited, Nishat Mills Limited, and Oil and Gas Development Company Limited lost their per share value by Rs 17.90, Rs 4.49 and Rs 1.83 respectively.

Top three Volume Leaders of the day included Fauji Cement Company Limited with 345,500 shares, Lafarge Pakistan Cement with 262,500 shares and Pakistan Petroleum Limited with 205,200 shares.—APP

Brazilian ambassador unveils Pak- made FIFA soccer ball at SCCI SIALKOT—Ambassador of Brazil in Pakistan Alfredo Leoni sibilities and huge potential of joint ventures and coon Monday unveiled the official FIFA soccer ball ‘Brazuca’ which was made in Pakistan at a colourful ceremony at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). Speaking on the occasion, the Brazilian ambassador said the purpose of the visit to Sialkot was to promote commercial ties between Brazil and Pakistan.

“The Brazil Embassy in Pakistan has started issuing five-year multiple entry visas to Pakistani businesspeople. Brazil contributed $18 million in cash to flood victims of Pakistan over the last three year as it has enlarged its diplomacy and plays more active in international fora,” he added. In his address of welcome, Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Dr Sarfraz Bashir said immense pos-

operation in various sectors existed between Pakistan and Brazil. The ceremony was also attended by a large number of businesspeople and people from all walks of life.

Brazuca is an informal local term which means “Brazilian” or to describe the Brazilian way of life. The sports industry achieved the distinction in 1982 when “Tango” a ball also made in Sialkot was used at the FIFA World Cup. The new ball features six identical panels alongside a unique surface that will provide improved grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics on the field. Sports enthusiasts and fans of soccer across the world will be watching and sharing something made in Pakistan in the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. —APP

PIA, CFM Int’l celebrate 30-year relationship SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and CFM International today celebrated a relationship that has been 30 years in the making. The Pakistani flag carrier was one of CFM International’s very first customers and began operating CFM56-3-powered Boeing 737-300 aircraft in 1985.

“It is an honor to be here today celebrating this tremendous milestone with Pakistan International Airlines,” said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM International. “We have a very special relationship with this airline. As one of our first customers, they placed their faith in our people and our products long before we had ever really proven ourselves. They stayed with us during some very difficult times and we are here cel-

ebrating the bond that was forged because of that.”

PIA operates scheduled services to 24 domestic destinations and 38 international destinations in 27 countries across Asia, Europe and North America from its headquarters at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

Overall, the CFM56-3-powered 737 fleet in service has logged more than 210 million flight hours and 150 million-engine flight cycles since the first airplanes were delivered to in 1984. During this time, the CFM56-3 engine has consistently maintained the highest standards for engine dependability and reliability. The fleet has a 99.98 percent departure reliability rate.

The engine also maintains a .002 in-flight shutdown rate, or one event every 500,000flight hours; this type of aircraft logs between 2,500 to 3,500 flight hours per year.

Consumers exchange record 221.7b SMSs in 9 months I SLAMABAD —The bundle Authority (PTA) here on ternational outgoing minpackages of mobile phone operators on SMS has raised usage as record 221.7 billion Short Messages (SMSs) were exchanged by consumers during first nine months of this year. The cellular mobile operators, during the period, adopted aggressive promotional strategies for winning competition from each other and offered attractive packages for voice, data, and SMS including free calls and unlimited SMS. These marketing tactics resulted in more business for companies mainly voice calls an SMS, revealed recent figures issued by Pakistan Telecommunication

Monday. Similarly, during first two quarters of this year, the international incoming and outgoing minutes stood at 4,244 million.

The figures further revealed that incoming traffic on Long Distance International (LDI) networks is sliding with every passing quarter as LDI operators have received a total of 3,184 million minutes during Jul-Dec 2013.

High tariff for Pakistan due to increase in Approved Settlement Rate (ASR) and more traffic on Over the Top (OTT) services and illegal channels are some of the key factors behind the fall in international traffic. Total in-

utes have been reported 531 million minutes during October to December 2013 whereas 717 million minutes were carried by LDI operators to international destinations during the same period last year.

One of the possible causes for this trend could be increased usage of OTT services such as Skype, Viber, Tango and other smart phone applications.

Only a broadband connection is required to communicate through these OTT channels, therefore, the rapid influx of smartphones has given more awareness to general public to use such channels.—APP

Pakistan Post receives Rs 7,451.4m remittances I SLAMABAD —Pakistan Post received the Post is in process of implementing the foreign remittances amounting to US$64.9 million dollars equivalent to Rs7,451.4 million during the first nine months July-March 2013-14 of current fiscal year. According to Economic Survey, Pakistan Post also received an amount of Rs35.5 million during the period July-Feb 2013-14 on account of terminal dues for imbalance of international mails received from and dispatched to other countries.

Pakistan Post dispatched more volume of mail than it receives for delivery. Thus it always remains net creditor. Pakistan

Doha Postal Strategy approved by the 24th Congress of the Universal Postal Union to improve the inter-operatability of the international postal networks.

Pakistan Post also earned commission amounting to Rs806.8 million during the period July to March 2013-14 by collecting an amount of Rs161,365.865 million through National Savings Schemes. Pakistan Post has been doing Saving Bank work as an agency function on behalf of the Ministry of Finance under the Government Savings Bank Act 1873 on commission basis.—APP

ZonG rewards ‘Circle Usage Promotion’ winners L AHORE —Zong, Pakistan’s fastest grow- our Circle Heavy Bike Campaign and the ing telecom network concluded the Zong Circle Usage Promotion prize distribution by awarding the winners at a recently held press conference. The campaign began on 10th February 2014 and ran till 10th April, 2014, targeted at existing and new customers who activated the Circle Usage Promotion. The awards included a Honda CRZ hybrid sports car, two Honda CBR500 bikes, three Honda CBR150 bikes and more than 30 other prizes.

Speaking at the occasion, Babar Bajwa, Executive Director Marketing, Zong said, “While it is important to ensure our customers have the best service experience, it is also important that our valued customers are rewarded for their loyalty. Our customers are an important part of the Zong Family and are the reason for our success, this has helped Zong achieve the 3rd Position in the industry in terms of customer base, alongside Zong has managed to surpass the milestone of 26 Million customers in a short span of time. Much to the customers delight, Zong recently became Pakistan’s first and only Super 3G & 4G operator and as always we shall ensure our customers have the best pool of services with the most advanced technology in the country. After the recent success of

Circle Usage Promo, Zong has announced a promo where a lucky winner will win a Mercedes simply by buying a new Zong SIM or porting onto the Zong network and recharge Rs.200” The top management at Zong distributed the prizes to 5 lucky winners. The highlight of the occasion was when Mr. Muhammad Asif from Nawabshah was handed over the keys to Pakistan’s first Hybrid sports car, Honda CRZ. Mr. Naseer Ahmed Abbasi (Karachi) the keys for the Honda CBR500 bikes, while Mr. Aazim Khan (Manshera), Mr.Malik Bilal (Gujrat) and Mr. Hazrat Hussain (Karachi) were awarded the Honda CBR150 bikes at the press conference.

Zong Circle is designed especially for the youth of the nation and includes very affordable service charges, a fast internet connection and many other exciting add ons. The ‘Zong Circle Usage Campaign’ was the last promotional campaign from Circle that builds upon several other successful promotions concluded in the past for the young Circle users. As a company which values its customers, Zong has always been at the forefront of bringing promotions that provide excitement for customers and reward them for their loyalty.—PR

Mobilink Foundation donates rescue vehicle to PALS L AHORE —Mobilink Foundation has donated a purpose fitted Rescue Vehicle to Pakistan Life Savers Association (PALS) in a ceremony held at the NTO office in Karachi. The vehicle will be used for transportation of lifeguards along the beach and quick transfer of beach-related accident victims to hospitals. The vehicle has been fitted with a two-way radio, which allows the lifeguards to remain in contact with the control center.

The deployment of the vehicle is expected to cut down the lifeguard’s response time significantly and make surveillance of the Sand-Spit Coastline easier for the patrol captains. Omar Manzur, Head of Corporate Communications, Mobilink said, “Mobilink’s on-going partnership with PALS is reflective of our commitment in making a difference in the community.—PR

SIALKOT: Brazilian Ambassador Alfredo Leoni is addressing in a meeting with Sialkot business community during his visit to Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

LAHORE: President, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Engineer Sohail Lashari presenting memento to Turkish business delegation Head, Mr Metin Gundogdu.

Synergy Group to expand network with DAN K ARACHI —As a part of Synergy Group’s expansion plans, Michael Nederlof, Regional CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) visited Pakistan to boost collaboration with its local partner.

Mr. Nederlof currently oversees the operations and expansion of 6 Dentsu Aegis’s brands in Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, namely, Dentsu, Carat, Vizeum, Isobar, iProspect and Posterscope. During his trip, he visited all three Synergy Group offices in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Nederlof discussed growth plans in terms of capability enhancement by introducing new businesses and tools to support an integrated communications approach for servicing clients in Pakistan.

Mr. Nederlof said, “We started two years ago with our partner Synchronize media and I am very happy with the progress we are making. We are winning clients in the domestic and international markets. We have already established Carat in Pakistan; our next step is to expand in creative, digital, out of home and research together. Currently, we have six businesses under the Dentsu Aegis Network and we plan to launch all of them in Pakistan together with Synergy Group.”

Ali Mandviwalla, COO, Synergy Group, welcomed Michael to Pakistan, saying, “2014 is of great significance for Synergy Group. Michael’s visit at this juncture marks a substantial new beginning in our relationship with Dentsu Aegis Network.

This progressive partnership will not only add value to our existing businesses but will also benefit our clients in terms of available resources, global knowledge and research under the Dentsu Aegis Network.” The strategic partnership between Synergy Group and Dentsu Aegis Network’s media agency has proven to be a successful venture for both the companies. Over the years, Synergy Group has expanded itself as one of the most valued integrated communication agency networks in Pakistan.—PR

FAISALABAD: The children of a farmer helping father to spread the corns for drying under the sun heat at farm.

LAHORE: Babar Bajwa Executive Director Marketing Zong and his team along with the lucky winners of Zong Circle Campaign.

Daily opening & closing rates PMEX Index Total Volume (Lots): Traded Value (Rs):

2,989 10,826 2,632,923,285

Commodity ......................... Price Quotation ................... Open ................. Close CRUDE OIL ........................ $ Per Barrel ............................ 102.74 ................ 103.28 SILVER ................................ $ Per Ounce ........................... 19.012 ................ 19.092 GOLD .................................. $ Per Ounce ........................... 1,252.3 ............... 1,255.8 GOLD .................................. Rs Per 10 gms ........................ 40,220 ................ 40,324 MTOLAGOLD ................... Rs Per Tola ............................ 48,131 ................ 48,282 GOLD .................................. Rs Per Tola ............................ 48,131 ................ 48,282 RICEIRRI6 .......................... Rs Per 100 kg ......................... 3,610 .................. 3,607 PALMOLEIN ..................... Rs Per Maund ....................... 4,392 .................. 4,389 SUGAR ............................... Rs Per kg ................................ 45.15 .................. 45.11 ICOTTON ........................... US Cents per pound ............ 85.38 .................. 84.51 WHEAT .............................. Rs Per 100 kg ......................... 3,361 .................. 3,358 The total value traded was recorded at PKR 2,632m. Number of lots traded was 10,826 and PMEX Commodity Index closed at 2,989. Major business was contributed by gold amounting to PKR 1,493m– up by 15 percent, followed by crude oil (PKR 1,057m) and silver (PKR 82m).

Pakistan’s none participation in Hockey World Cup pity: Bovelander THE H AGUE—The legendary Netherlands penalty corner striker, Floris Bovelander has expressed his dismay that 4-time former champion Pakistan was unable to qualify for Hockey World Cup. “Its pity that nation like Pakistan which has contributed hugely and got rich history in field hockey are not here to feature in the World Cup,” he told reporters at the Kyocera Stadium on Sunday.

“Its really disappointing to see that Pakistan hockey has gone down so low that they failed to qualify for the World Cup,” he pointed out.

He said Pakistan hockey needs support because they achieved excellence in World Cup, Olympics, and Champions Trophy and dominated the sport for so many years.

“I think I got my best moments in Pakistan and winning World Cup in Lahore in 1990 was most memorable and I always

cherished those moments,” the 48-year-old Bovelander, commented.

“Its was really great to beat Pakistan in Pakistan before a massive crowd. It was 24year ago. Its long time. But I still remember it vividly and strong cheers of the crowd is still echoing in my ears,” he recalled.

“I always enjoyed playing against Pakistan in their country. Because they loved me and I was hero there,” he said. “We got a great deal of respects from the peoples after our 3-1 triumph in the final in 1990 World Cup final,” he remembered.

“Sometimes I watch the video and images of 1990 World Cup on the YouTube and enjoy them,” he added.

He rated Shabaz Ahmed as greatest player and rivals, who scored the lone goal in the final.

“Pakistan players were naturally gifted with superb dribbling and dodging skills,” he pointed out.—APP

Asian U-21 snooker championship

Majid on song as compatriots stumble K ARACHI —Pakistan’s Mohammad Majid Ali was on song registering second straight triumph as his team-mates fell prey on the second day of the 15th Asian U-21 snooker championship in Chandigarh, India.

Fresh from his 4-0 rout over Indian Nikhil Saigal on Saturday, Majid, who settled for a silver last year, justified his credentials when he sent UAE’s Obaid AlMehairi Badar packing 72-9, 78-24, 65-15, 65-40 to consolidate his position in group B. Haris Nadeem suffered second defeat when he went down to Malaysian Sheldon Senagang 2-4 to lose his grip in group A. The Malaysian stormed back from two frames down to turn the tables on his opponent 36-63, 49-82, 75-7, 78-43, 63-56, 6338.

Two other Pakistanis, former national

champion Hamza Akbar and Amir Tariq also were disappointed, losing their respective opening fixtures. Thailand’s Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon fought back from 1-3 down to post 4-3 victory over Hamza (24-92, 47-58, 94-1, 27-75, 66-54, 6735, 83-6) in group E while Indian Ishpreet Chiewchan gets the better of Amir 4-2 (4671, 81-60, 62-28, 49-76, 63-41, 57-43) in group F. Results: Mohammad Majid Ali (Pakistan) bt Obaid Al-Mehairi Badar (UAE) 40 (72-9, 78-24, 65-15, 65-40); Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon (Thailand) bt Hamza Akbar (Pakistan) 4-3 (24-92, 47-58, 94-1, 27-75, 66-54, 67-35, 83-6); Ishpreet Chiewchan (India) bt Amir Tariq (Pakistan) 4-2 (46-71, 81-60, 62-28, 49-76, 63-41, 5743); Sheldon Senagang (Malaysia) bt Haris Nadeem (Pakistan) 4-2 (36-63, 49-82, 75-7, 78-43, 63-56, 63-38).—APP

Daud Khan Memorial cricket tournament

Ahsan hits double ton K A R A C H I —Opener Ahsan Ali smashed out for 204 in the 37th over with Abdul a brilliant unbeaten double century as Alamgir Gymkhana outclassed National Gymkhana by 165 runs to qualify for the final of the KCCA Zone-VI Daud Khan Memorial cricket tournament at the KCCA Stadium.

Ahsan’s dazzling 124-ball knock, which was embedded with 33 boundaries and three sixes, propelled Alamgir Gymkhana to a mammoth total of 369-5 in the allotted 40 overs of the first semi-final.

Mohammad Hasan also batted well to contribute 55 while sharing a fifth-wicket partnership of 130 with the well-set Ahsan.

National Gymkhana, in reply, were all

Rehman (57) and Abrar Warsi (47) batting defiantly. Slow left-armer Bilal Manzoor claimed three wickets for 17 runs.

In the final Alamgir Gymkhana will meet either Pakistan CC or Sakhi Hasan Gymkhana.

Summarised scores: ALAMGIR GYMKHANA 369-5 in 40 overs (Ahsan Ali 212 not out, Mohammad Hasan 55, Mohammad Waqas 27, Jaahid Shaukat Ali 23; Adnan Wasi 2-25); NATIONAL GYMKHANA 204 in 36.5 overs (Abdul Rehman 55, Abrar Warsi 47, Simon Saleem 26, Faiz Hussain 25, Usman Khalil 23; Bilal Manzoor 3-17, Jaahid Shaukat Ali 2-31, Najeebullah Khan 2-39).—APP

National swimming begins from 13th L A H O R E —The 52nd National Men’s and 13th National Women’s (Open) Swimming Championships (50m) will be held from June 13 to 15 under auspices of the Pakistan Swimming Federation and Pakistan Women’s Swimming Association at the Pakistan Sports Board Swimming Pool Complex, Islamabad.

All the Affiliated units of the federation namely Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Fata, Balochistan, Islamabad, Sindh, Punjab, Gilgit Baltistan, Army, Navy, PAF, Wapda, HEC and Pakistan Railway will be competing in the championships.

A total of 38 events will be contested. Team managers’ (men and women) as well as technical officials meeting will be held on June 12.

The championship will also serve as open trials for following international competitions for the year 2014-15: XX Commonwealth Games, Glasgow (July23 –Aug 3, 2014); Second Youth Olympic Games, Nanjing, China (Aug 16–28, 2014); 17th Asian Games, Incheon, Korea (Sept 19–Oct 4, 2014); 12th FINA World Championships (25m), Doha, Qatar (Dec 3–7, 2014); 16th FINA World Championship, Kazan (July19 – Aug 2, 2015).— APP

Ronaldo back in training N E W Y O R K —Cristiano Ronaldo, suffering with tendinitis around his left knee and an injury to his right thigh, trained with his Portugal team-mates on Sunday for the first time since joining the World Cup squad 10 days ago.

Midfielder Raul Meireles was also involved in the session but central defender Pepe continued to train separately, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said in a statement.

As per media reports, Ronaldo didn’t show any limitations during first 15 minutes of the session which were open to the media. The World Player of the Year missed the recent friendlies against Greece and Mexico.

Ronaldo, 29, struggled with minor injuries during the closing weeks of Real Madrid’s season before playing 120 minutes in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid and scoring the final goal in their 4-1 win, with a penalty.—AFP

ABBOTABAD: Corps Commander Lt Gen Khalid Rabbani giving away 24th KP Open Golf Championship trophy to Ghazanfar Mehmood.

LHC dismisses PCB Management Committee extension petition SPORTS REPORTER L A H O R E — The

Lahore High Court Monday dismissed a writ petition challenging extension of tenure of the PCB’s Management Committee by the Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ministry Islamabad for 120 days with effect from 9th June 2014.

The prime minister as patron of the Board had ordered the extension of the Management Committee for another 120 days, which was subsequently notified by the federal government on June 6 through the IPC ministry.

The PCB’s legal counsel Mr. Taffazul Haider Rizvi had raised a preliminary objection to the maintainability of the writ petition, taking the plea that the matter was sub-judice before the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan.

After hearing the preliminary arguments of both the counsel on a writ petition filed by Naushad Ahmad, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah declared: “Since the matter was already sub-judice before the Honorable Supreme Court, the High Court therefore could not take up such a writ.”

The counsel for the petitioner, Barrister Harris Ramzan, had pleaded before the Lahore High Court that he was not aware that the matter was already pending before the Supreme Court.

Ghazanfar wins 24th KP Golf Championship PESHAWAR—Ghazanfar Mehmood clinched the title on the final day of the 24th Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Open Golf Championship played in Piffers Golf Course at Abbottabad on Monday.

In Veterans Amateurs 1st Net was won

by Colonel (R) Mushtaq while Senior Amateurs Grass was won by Colonel Arif and 1st Net by Colonel Shahid, said a press release issued by ISPR. Amateurs (HCP 10 to 16) Gross was won by Raheem Bali and 1st Net by Arslan Khan.

In ladies category, Mrs. Ami Qin scored first Net position while Mrs. Tahira Nazir was runner up. Amateur (HCP 9 and below) 1st Net was won by Ziaref while 1st Gross

by Ghazanfar Mehmood. Minhaj was given consolatory prize.

In boys (U-13) Faizan Ali while in boys (U-18) Arbab Nadir was able to grab the title.

Corps Commander Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani distributed prizes amongst the winners and said that Pak Army has restored Swat Golf Course to promote golf in the province.

Earlier in his welcome address, Brigadier Zakir Hussain extended facilitation to the management of Piffer Golf Course for assisting the organization of such a mega tournament. He also highlighted the steps being taken for the promotion of golf monitory assistance to the players and addition of new tournaments in calendar year.

Large no of military and civil officials, players and spectators attended the closing ceremony.—APP

PESHAWAR: President Press Club Nasir Hussain and President Khyber Union of Journalists Nisar Mehmood, senior journalist Syed Bukhar Shah playing table tennis during the inauguration ceremony of Sports Gala Festival organized by Khyber Photo Journalists Association.

Cycling: Two out of two for Froome ahead of Contador COL DU BEAL (France)—Britain’s defending champion

THAILAND: A Thai youth, left, kicks the ball as five elephants block the goal during a soccer match between men and elephants organized by Ayutthaya Elephant Camp to celebrate the World Cup soccer tournament taking place in Brazil, in Ayutthaya province.

Chris Froome of Team Sky made it two wins in two days when he won Monday’s second stage of the Criterium du Dauphine ahead of Spanish arch-rival Alberto Contador.

After victory in Sunday’s opening time-trial stage, Froome ensured himself of the race leader’s yellow jersey on the 156km second stage that ended with a gruelling 13.6km climb of the Col du Beal.

“It’s the first time this year that we’ve both battled,” said Froome of his “duel” with Contador.

“I gave it everything. It was block to block. I tried several times to attack but he (Contador) is very strong. It was really tough between us.”

A breakaway by Alessandro de Marchi was eventually reeled in with 7.5km to go despite a 2min 40sec lead the Italian had going into the final ascent.

Froome was followed home by Contador, with Dutch rider Wilco Kelderman in third, 4sec adrift.

The Kenyan-born Briton, the reigning Tour de France champion, now stands 12sec clear of Contador, himself twice a winner of the Grand Tour, in the overall classification.

Kelderman and American Andrew Talansky, who finished fifth, two emerging riders, as well as Belgian Jurgen Van den Broeck, fourth, vainly tried to make the most of the rare moments of respite offered by Froome in the final kilometres.

But it was a group of six riders, still lead by the Briton, which emerged going into the final kilometre.

Among this group, Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali finally conceded 27sec to Froome and Contador to cross in sixth.

Kelderman, well oiled by the recent Giro d’Italia, resisted better without being able to rival the yellow jersey winner for the second time in two days.

Poland’s Michal Kwiatkowski and American Tejay Van Garderen, both Tour de France hopes, lost two minutes to Froome.

If he could count on Wales’ Geraint Thomas and Spaniard Mikel Nieve in the first part of the climb, Froome’s usual trusty lieutenant, Australian Richie Porte, struggled throughout the day to finish more than ten minutes off the pace. Tuesday’s third stage covers 194km from Ambert to Teil and gives the sprinters a race opportunity in the mostly mountainous race.—AFP

Jennifer Lopez won’t be singing WC song live ISLAMABAD—Jennifer Lopez won’t perform the World Cup’s official song alongside fellow artists Pitbull and Claudia Leitte during the tournament’s opening ceremony in Brazil, FIFA officials said on Sunday, Daily Maily reported.

Football’s governing body said Lopez cannot perform at Thursday’s event as earlier planned because of unspecified ‘production issues.’ The singer’s representatives didn’t explain the reason why she wouldn’t be joining the act.

They only confirmed the announcement in an emailed response, saying ‘regretfully Jennifer Lopez will not be attending this year ’s World Cup opening ceremonies.’ FIFA said in a news release that Cuban-American rapper Pitbull and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte will sing the official tune We Are One before Brazil take on Croatia at Thursday’s opening game in Sao Paulo.

The song has been a let down for many Brazilians, who complain that it sounds too generic for the nation’s Bossa Nova-crazed audiences and that it features foreign musicians singing mostly in English and Spanish.—APP

Nadal wins ninth French Open, 14th Grand Slam PARIS—Rafael Nadal clinched his ninth

rival.

The 3hr 31min duel ended on a sour note when Djokovic double-faulted on match point, shaken by a shout from the crowd.

In a tense opening to their seventh Grand Slam final meeting, the steadier Djokovic, sporting a white cap against the fierce sun, pounced to break for 5-3, after Nadal put too much zip on a forehand.

The Spaniard had two points to break back in the ninth game but two more ballooned forehands kept Djokovic, who had even served and volleyed at 0-30, in the picture.

He took the opening set when Nadal, off balance and stranded behind the baseline, went long with a slapped backhand.

It was only the second time the champion had SIALKOT: Brazilian Ambassador Alfredo Leoni at the inaugural ceremony of BRAZUCA Football in connection with dropped the opening set of a 20th FIFA World Cup heads to Brazil between 12 June to 13 July 2014 at SCCI on Monday. final in Paris, in 2005 against Mariano Puerta and in 2006 against Roger Federer.

However, he regained the advantage with a break to lead 4-2 in the second set with an inside-out forehand stretching the Serb who could only net a desperate K INGSTON—The first Test return.

But back came Djokovic match after two high-profile for 3-4 after a sloppy Nadal Twenty20 tournaments - the S IALKOT —Ambassador of Brazil in Pa- immense possibilities and huge potenservice game punctuated by World T20 and the IPL - got kistan Alfredo Leoni on Monday un- tial of joint ventures and cooperation in an untimely second double off to a slow start at Sabina veiled the official FIFA soccer ball various sectors existed between PakiPark, as New Zealand’s run ‘Brazuca’ which was made in Pakistan at stan and Brazil. The ceremony was also fault.

The world number two rate stayed below 2.65 an a colourful ceremony at the Sialkot attended by a large number of over throughout the day. Chamber of Commerce and Industry businesspeople and people from all PARIS: Spain’s Rafael Nadal holds the Musketeers trophy after winning the French saved a break point to go to The visitors, however, had (SCCI). walks of life.

4-4, Nadal then held before tennis Open men’s final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic at the Roland Garros the better time of it after Brazuca is an informal local term Speaking on the occasion, the BraDjokovic suffered his first stadium. serious lapse which was as Kane Williamson and Tom zilian ambassador said the purpose of which means “Brazilian” or to describe Latham adjusted to the the visit to Sialkot was to promote com- the Brazilian way of life.

The Serb dominated the early stages sudden as it was surprising. behind the all-time record of Roger The sports industry achieved the disA wild forehand gifted Nadal two pitch, whose strongest char- mercial ties between Brazil and Pakistan.

Federer who is almost five years older. of Sunday’s final, the pair’s 42nd meetacteristic was its sluggish“The Brazil Embassy in Pakistan has tinction in 1982 when “Tango” a ball Defeat was cruel for world number ing, seemingly immune to the swelter- set points and the top seed converted ness, and put on a 165-run started issuing five-year multiple entry also made in Sialkot was used at the FIFA two Djokovic, the 2012 runner-up, who ing 30-degree heat on Philippe Chatrier with a merciless, crunching forehand. stand for the second wicket.

World Cup. visas to Pakistani businesspeople.

Djokovic was rapidly wilting in the still needs a French Open title to become court.

The spectators who The new ball features six identical Brazil contributed $18 million in cash But Nadal, playing in his 20th Grand Paris heat as a 22-shot rally laid the founjust the eighth man to complete the cacame to the ground to see to flood victims of Pakistan over the last panels alongside a unique surface that Slam final to Djokovic’s 13th, grew strondation for a Nadal break for 2-0 in the reer Grand Slam.

Chris Gayle bat in his 100th will provide improved grip, touch, sta“Every moment was crucial, all the ger as the final wore on as he ended a third set, courtesy of a weary backhand Test had to wait after West three year as it has enlarged its diplo- bility and aerodynamics on the field. macy and plays more active in internafour-match losing streak against his old volley into the net. points were so hard,” said Nadal.

Indies’ new Test captain, tional fora,” he added.

Sports enthusiasts and fans of soccer Denesh Ramdin, lost the In his address of welcome, Sialkot across the world will be watching and toss. Instead, they were Chamber of Commerce and Industry sharing something made in Pakistan in witness to the comebacks (SCCI) President Dr Sarfraz Bashir said the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil.—APP of four bowlers from layoffs of varying lengths, and the discipline of two young New Zealand batsmen, who played with a T HE H AGUE —Andy Hay- QUITO—Oswaldo Minda earned a late call- Argentinian league title with River Plate, has patience that is becoming ward scored a hat-trick for up to Ecuador’s World Cup finals squad on been capped just once and did not feature in increasingly rare in internaNew Zealand, but it wasn’t Sunday as a replacement for the injured Pekerman’s original provisional 30-man squad tional cricket.

Just when it seemed for the finals in Brazil. enough as Germany pre- midfielder Segundo Castillo.

Williamson might go into Ramirez, 33, had been struggling to be fit vailed 5-3 in a fast-paced Castillo, who lost his battle to be fit after stumps a few short of a cenmatch at the men’s hockey injuring ligaments in his right tury, he snapped out of his World Cup here. knee during a friendly with scoreless trance and lateNew Zealand’s loss Mexico on May 31. cut successive deliveries leaves Argentina and the “In spite of his deterfrom Benn to bring up his Netherlands in strong po- mined efforts and those of the sixth Test hundred.—AFP sition to claim the two medical team he will not be fit semi-finals spots in Group in time for the World Cup,” the ‘B’.

Ecuador Football Federation Germany went ahead 2- said in a statement.

0 on an early goal by Florian Minda, 30, was in coach New Zealand, first innings: Fuchs and a strike by Mar- Reinaldo Rueda’s provisional Latham c and tin Zwicker — his first of 30-man squad but was left out b Shillingford .................. 83 two — on a run through the when the final list of 23 was Fulton c wkpr Ramdin New Zealand defence. submitted. b Taylor ............................. 1 Hayward scored his first Minda, who played for Williamson not out ...... 105 in the 33rd minute, but Ger- Ecuador at the 2011 Copa Taylor not out ................. 34 many responded before the America, will add steel to the Extras: (b-5, lb-5, w-5, half and then always led by Ecuadorean midfield although nb-2) ................................. 17 at least two goals. Rueda will hope he is more disTotal: (92 overs) ........... 240 Hayward’s other goals on ciplined than when playing for Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-174. penalty corners proved too his MLS side Chivas where little, too late. he has acquired a reputation for being a after suffering a knee injury in April and his Bowling: ............ O-M-R-W Argentina beat South hardman and has a poor disciplinary record. withdrawal is a further blow to Colombia’s Taylor ................... 17-7-22-1 Korea 5-0 in the other match Meanwhile, Colombian coach Jose hopes of at least progressing from their Roach ................... 17-4-56-0 Bravo ....................... 1-0-2-0 and need only one point Pekerman called up midfielder Carlos group.

Talismanic striker Radamel Falcao was Benn ..................... 28-8-75-0 from their final match against Carbonero to replace the injured Aldo ruled out last week after failing to recover from Samuels ................. 5-1-13-0 South Africa to book a last- Ramirez in his World Cup finals squad.

Shillingford ......... 24-3-62-1 KINGSTON: Kane Williamson cuts off the back foot during West Indies vs New Zealand four berth.—AFP Carbonero, 23 and who recently won the a serious knee injury.—AFP 1st Test on Monday.

French Open and 14th career Grand Slam title on Sunday with a brutal 3-6, 7-5, 62, 6-4 victory over a battling Novak Djokovic.

The world number one also became the first man to win five Roland Garros crowns in succession as the 28-yearold took his record at the tournament to 66 wins against just one defeat.

His tally of 14 majors equals the mark of Pete Sampras and puts him just three

“Playing against Novak is always a big challenge, I have lost to him the last four times. Every chance I have to beat him it’s because I have had to play to my limit. I feel sorry for Novak. He deserves to win this tournament one day and I am sure he will.“ He added: “It’s an amazing, emotional moment for me. I lost the Australian Open final this year when I had a problem with my back. Today tennis has given me back what happened in Australia.“

Williamson ton builds strong platform

Germany win despite Hayward hat-trick

Brazilian ambassador unveils Pak-made FIFA soccer ball

Minda replaces Castillo in Ecuador squad

Scoreboard

Pietersen ‘relieved’ to be out of England set-up LONDON—Kevin Pietersen insisted out of the dressing room because it and the now retired Graeme Swann. world and been lucky enough to Monday he’d felt a sense of “relief” to be out of the England dressing room after his controversial exit from the side.

However, England’s alltime leading run-scorer across all formats said he had good relations with his old team-mates and said he believed the reason why former England spinner Ashley Giles was overlooked for the role of national head coach was because of their friendship.

Despite being the team’s leading scorer in their 5-0 Ashes thrashing in Australia, Pietersen was dramatically ditched from the England set-up upon the side’s return.

Former England captain Pietersen said he was “grateful” for his international career but that he has now “moved on”.

“In fact, it has been a relief to be

was not a pleasant place in Australia,” Pietersen wrote in a column in Monday’s edition of Britain’s Daily Te l e g r a p h newspaper. “ W e were losing and in my opinion the environment was poor and I was not alone in thinking that.

“It is a view shared by a number of the players who have spoken their minds since coming back from the tour.”

Pietersen said his relationship was “fine” with fellow senior England players such as Stuart Broad

“I have no issue with the players, as many have said in interviews since the tour ended.

“I speak to Stuart Broad and I even organised for Graeme Swann to go on holiday to one of my friend’s hotels after he retired.”

South Africa-born Pietersen was accused by some critics of a reluctance to “grind out” runs in Australia, but he was adamant he was best playing in the attacking style that had served him so well throughout his career.

“It would have been easy for me to start defending a bit more,” he said. “Would that have made me a better player? No. I am a risk-taker in cricket, in business and all parts of my life.”

Reflecting on his time with England, Pietersen added: “Fourteen years ago, I was an off-spinner from Pietermaritzburg who did not know where his life was going.

“Now I have played 104 Tests, batted at all the best grounds in the

score hundreds everywhere.

“Could I play more Test cricket?

Yes of course, but should I sit here thinking I should be playing on Thursday (against Sri Lanka at Lord’s)?

“No, because that is when jealousy and negative thoughts come into your head.”

Pietersen’s fall out with then coach Peter Moores led to him being stripped of the England captaincy and Moores being sacked.

Moores is now back for a second spell in charge, with Pietersen saddened his friend and fellow 2005 Ashes-winner Giles, who was England’s one-day coach, wasn’t promoted to the head coach role.

“Sadly I think he (Giles) was just too close to me for the England and Wales Cricket Board’s liking. That is the problem.

“He had spoken too positively about me in Australia for the ECB to give him the job. It is a shame for both sides.”—AFP

No over-age umpires: BCCI fixes 58 years as age-limit for them BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT M U M B A I —The Indian cricket board wants “younger” umpires. According to the highly placed sources in BCCI, 58 years is the maximum age limit for them to officiate in the matches. This was confirmed by Ravi Savant, the chairman of the Umpires Sub-Committee.

Speaking exclusively, he says, “we have deliberated on several issues including the age-limit for the umpires. It was decided to have this age limit (58 years) for the umpires. The decision will be conveyed to the BCCI’s working committee for ratification”.

At present, the BCCI have three categories of umpires. The age-limit for Test umpires is 60 years, for umpires officiating in only ODIs’ (but not in Test matches) is 58 years and Ranji Trophy umpires’ age- limit is 55 years.

The BCCI, however haS been flexible and if the umpires were medically fit enough and having good eye-sights were still getting the assignments irrespective of their age-limits.

S. Venkatraghavan, the former ICC umpire and who currently has been on BCCI’s pay-roll as Director-(umpiring), didn’t attend the meeting for some personal reasons.

Pension enhanced for retired umpires “The committee has also proposed the enhancement of the pension amount of the retired umpires. Now we have proposed that all BCCI retired umpires should get a monthly pension of Rs. 25,000, instead of Rs. 15,000”, informs Ravi Savant.

Simon Taufel invited “As was the past, the former ICC Elite Panel umpire, Simon Taufel (Australia) will be invited in August to deliver lectures and guide the inspiring umpires of the nation”, he added.

New wave of water workouts attract young, fit

W

HILE older, overweight or injured ex ercisers have always valued the cush ioning effects of water workouts, a new wave of trendy, lively and high intensity group fitness classes is luring the young, the hip and the able-bodied into the pool. Aqua Zumba, boot camp, and synchronized swimming are among the classes experts say put every muscle through a range of motion even the fittest can’t approach on dry land.

Lori Rose Benson of the YMCA of Greater New York said seniors populate daytime pool classes, but the evening attracts a younger, party-oriented crowd. Synchronized swimming, a class of elaborate strokes and stunts set to music, has become a favorite among Brooklyn hipsters, she said.

Aqua Zumba, also called “pool party,” is popular with the younger crowd throughout the city.

“Really, it depends on the time of day,” Benson said. “Aquatic exercise can have all the benefits of a really tough cardiovascular workout. It’s what you put into it.” Three times a week at an Equinox fitness center in New York City, swim coach Ellis Peters leads Aqua Boot Camp, an hour-long interval workout he said takes aim at every major muscle group.

“I try to use every inch of the 25-yard (23meter) pool,” Peters said of the class, which employs flotation devices in a fast-changing sequence of running, jumping jacks and core exercises. “We usually don’t do any one thing more than a minute,” said Peters. Moving

through water is powerful, he added, because the resistance, or drag coefficient, is 12 times what it is in air and works on the body in all directions.

“I can’t imagine a machine on land that would be able to duplicate the omni-dimensional resistance of the water,” he said. “It doesn’t exist.”

Rhode Island-based Karen Kent said she plunged into pool workouts after asthma began to hamper her running style. “I couldn’t run much in my 20s,” said Kent, an aquatic expert who wrote the water exercise chapter for the American College of Sports Medicine’s group fitness handbook.

She said even the most able-bodied like turning to water to relieve pressure and extend their range of motion.

“Even really strong athletes want to come to water to stretch muscles back out,” she said.

“Water offers another piece of fitness you can’t get on the ground.” The level of exertion feels less in the water, she added, so the right instructor can really ramp it up with deep water running and jogging intervals.

Kent said the pool temperature for water workouts should be around 83 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (28 to 29 Celsius), with air temperature about two degrees higher.

That’s because unlike swimmers, who are comfortable in the high 70s (mid 20s), the exercisers’ heads are above the water line.

“Swimming laps is different from doing exercise,” she said. “Every workout has something else to offer and a well-rounded athlete should do all of it.”

Pakistan Army on high alert at Jinnah International Airport.—PO photo Sultan Chaki

Governor summons Assembly on Friday K ARACHI —Governor

of Sindh, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan has summoned the Sindh Provincial Assembly to meet on Friday next at 5 pm in the Sindh Assembly premises.

An official hand out issued here on Monday said.—APP

PMLF Sindh condemns airport attack KARACHI—President Paki-

Namaz-e-Janaza of martyred Ranger personnel is being at Bhitai Rangers Headquarters.— PO photo

MQM expresses sorrow over damage by fire to custom warehouse, offices

Commissioner directs compliance of ban on fireworks

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Commissioner Karachi, Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui has said that Home department Sindh has imposed ban on manufacturing, sale and use of fireworks on religious occasion of the “Shab-e-Barat”.

Chairing a meeting of concerned officials here on Monday he directed all deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and Mukhtiarkars to effectively ensure compliance on the ban under section 144 Cr.PC. He said that fireworks and crackers cause great difficulty and annoyance to people engaged in prayers especially patients and elderly persons so all administrative officials accompanied by police visit corresponding areas to check and monitor the situation.

The commissioner further directed municipal officials to ensure proper arrangements of cleanliness, lighting and cutting of bushes at graveyards.

Special steps must be taken for security of a large number of people visiting graveyards on the eve coupled with well though out traffic management plan, he added.—APP

KARACHI—MQM’s members of National Assembly have expressed deep sorrow over the damaged caused by the fire to custom warehouse and offices of the private companies.

Good worth millions of rupees which were in the custom house for the clearance has been burnt to ashes.

MQM’s MNAs have demanded that Federal government should pay compensation to the businessmen for the loss.

They added these businessmen had lost their hard earned savings because of fire.

stan Muslim League Functional (PMLF) Sindh and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Human Development Pir Syed Saddarudin Shah Rashidi, Secretary General Sindh Nawab Rashid Ali Khan and chief media coordinator Kamran Tessori have strongly condemned Karachi airport attack.

The leaders in their joint statement have expressed deep sorrow and grief over the deaths of ASF, Police and Rangers personnel and employees of PIA. They prayed for early recovery of the injured.—APP

Civil society condemns terrorist attack on Karachi Airport STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The Pakistan Peace Coalition [PPC], Pakistan Civil Society Forum Sindh Chapter and Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research [PILER] have vehemently condemned the terrorists attack at the Karachi Airport Sunday night, which continued till Monday afternoon, resulting in deaths of 18 personnel of law enforcement agencies including Airport Security Force, Rangers and Police, as well as killing of 10 terrorists.

In a joint statement, the civil society organizations regretted the loss of lives of personnel deployed at the Airport who fell victim to the terrorists’ offence against the biggest airport of the country.

“The matter raises serious questions over the state of security and intelligence that covers highly sensitive establish-

ments such as the Karachi Airport, which is used by the public most frequently. Last night terrorists proved that they can hold the state of Pakistan hostage anytime they want.” The statement expressed concern that the mid-night attack signals deep infiltration of militants in the city, who had access to opportunities to plan such a high level assault. “This has serious repercussions for the city of Karachi that houses 20 million people, from all over Pakistan.

They are already a victim of acute lawlessness, and threatened by political, ethnic and sectarian violence. Their daily lives are already crippled by the continuous state of political instability in the mega city. This attack adds to their insecurity manifolds.”

The statement said that the citizens of Karachi would be within their right to raise questions over the effectiveness of

the operation, launched last year to target criminals and address growing violence in the city. “The operation has been running for months and yet the terrorists were able to carry out an attack at the most guarded and sensitive public installation.”

The PPC, PCSF and PILER urged that the core causes of militancy and terrorism be addressed. The state’s continuous support to the forces espousing violence, its dual policy on the Taliban and its unwillingness to commit itself to the welfare and development of its citizens, opting to pursue its own narrow interests, is at the root of the crisis that the people of this country repeatedly have to face.

“Defence and security claim one of the highest shares of resources in the annual budget of the country. Yet, Pakistani citizens, especially those in Karachi, remain at the mercy of terrorists.”

Karachi, Lasbela varsities sign MoU of cooperation KARACHI—Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology (CEMB), University of Karachi has signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Faculty of Marine Sciences, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS) on Monday on the occasion of the World Ocean Day. The objective of this MoU is to promote the mutual collaboration in academic and scientific research activities between the two institutes.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser, Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi appreciated the efforts of CEMB in developing academic linkage with an institution in Balochistan which has 800 km long coastline and where scientific exploration is highly required.

He said that this will lead to furthering marine sciences in the country. Dr. Qaiser added that University of Karachi will provide

maximum support in the development of LUAWMS. Dr. Dost Muhammad Baloch, Vice Chancellor, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, said that the two institutes are geographically very close, and can become even closer by developing collaboration in Marine Sciences. Dr. Baloch showed his keen interest in obtaining technical assistance from Karachi University in other disciplines as well.

He also appreciated the research facilities at CEMB and concluded that this MoU will be beneficial for both of the universities.

Dr. Pirzada Jamal Siddiqui, Director CEMB presented Center’s achievements in Marine Sciences. Dr. Siddiqui said that CEMB, a pioneer institute of marine research, has produced a number of professionals in the field who are now serving various public and private sector organizations.—APP

Summer festival STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Management of Pearl Continental Karachi, with great zeal has organized Summer Art Festival started today and will continue till 11th June with a focus to promoting the art and artists of Pakistan.

The festival will help creating awareness about Pakistan creative talent to the guests especially foreign guests staying atPearl Continental Karachi that would help enhancing the soft image of Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui is a noted Pakistani scholar, Urdu poet scientist and educationist and the Vice Chancellor of the Ziauddin University inaugurated the festival this morning.

Sindh Govt plans to introduce secure vehicle registration plates AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—Secretary Excise and Taxation (E&T) Department, Government of Sindh, Abdul Majeed Pathan has said that government of Sindh plans to introduce secure vehicle registration plates with inbuilt security features which will be digitally scanned through cameras at various toll plazas.

Speaking at a meeting during his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Abdul Majeed Pathan added that these secure vehicle registration plates would prevent tampering of number plates of stolen vehicles and enhance security checks of vehicles.

President KCCI, Abdullah Zaki, Vice President KCCI, Muhammad Idrees, Chairman Provincial/ Local Taxes and

Allied Matter Sub-Committee KCCI, Shahzada Nasir Maqbool, Chairman Taxation Sub-Committee KCCI, Hassan Sheikh Vohra and other Managing Committee members were also present at the meeting.

Secretary Excise & Taxation further informed that the department was preparing to launch new number plates in next fiscal year after awarding a contract to an international company for manufacturing the plates. These new plates will be fixed to the body of the vehicles and can therefore not be stolen, he added.

Commenting on concerns raised by KCCI members over collection of professional tax by multiple authorities including KMC, Excise department and Cantonments, he said that excise and taxation department has already taken up this

matter with all the authorities and it has been decided that professional tax will either be collected by the Excise & Taxation Department or by cantonments. In response to KCCI’s demand to waive off 0.85 percent cess being charged at Karachi Airport only whereas other airports of the country are exempted from this duty, Abdul Majeed Pathan assured this issue will certainly be considered.

He said that excise and taxation department was making efforts to facilitate the business community by focusing more on technology. In this regard, the department plans to introduce online facility for registration of vehicles and payment of various provincial taxes via credit card whereas the number of existing NBP branches authorized to collect provincial taxes will also be enhanced.

Recovered weapons during operation against terrorists at Jinnah International Airport.—PO photo

New wave of water workouts attract young, fit

W

HILE older, overweight or injured ex ercisers have always valued the cush ioning effects of water workouts, a new wave of trendy, lively and high intensity group fitness classes is luring the young, the hip and the able-bodied into the pool. Aqua Zumba, boot camp, and synchronized swimming are among the classes experts say put every muscle through a range of motion even the fittest can’t approach on dry land.

Lori Rose Benson of the YMCA of Greater New York said seniors populate daytime pool classes, but the evening attracts a younger, party-oriented crowd. Synchronized swimming, a class of elaborate strokes and stunts set to music, has become a favorite among Brooklyn hipsters, she said.

Aqua Zumba, also called “pool party,” is popular with the younger crowd throughout the city.

“Really, it depends on the time of day,” Benson said. “Aquatic exercise can have all the benefits of a really tough cardiovascular workout. It’s what you put into it.” Three times a week at an Equinox fitness center in New York City, swim coach Ellis Peters leads Aqua Boot Camp, an hour-long interval workout he said takes aim at every major muscle group.

“I try to use every inch of the 25-yard (23meter) pool,” Peters said of the class, which employs flotation devices in a fast-changing sequence of running, jumping jacks and core exercises. “We usually don’t do any one thing more than a minute,” said Peters. Moving

through water is powerful, he added, because the resistance, or drag coefficient, is 12 times what it is in air and works on the body in all directions.

“I can’t imagine a machine on land that would be able to duplicate the omni-dimensional resistance of the water,” he said. “It doesn’t exist.”

Rhode Island-based Karen Kent said she plunged into pool workouts after asthma began to hamper her running style. “I couldn’t run much in my 20s,” said Kent, an aquatic expert who wrote the water exercise chapter for the American College of Sports Medicine’s group fitness handbook.

She said even the most able-bodied like turning to water to relieve pressure and extend their range of motion.

“Even really strong athletes want to come to water to stretch muscles back out,” she said.

“Water offers another piece of fitness you can’t get on the ground.” The level of exertion feels less in the water, she added, so the right instructor can really ramp it up with deep water running and jogging intervals.

Kent said the pool temperature for water workouts should be around 83 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (28 to 29 Celsius), with air temperature about two degrees higher.

That’s because unlike swimmers, who are comfortable in the high 70s (mid 20s), the exercisers’ heads are above the water line.

“Swimming laps is different from doing exercise,” she said. “Every workout has something else to offer and a well-rounded athlete should do all of it.”

Students presenting models of cultural sites, historical buildings, monuments and archaeological sites.

Exhibition on ‘cultural preservation, restoration through art, craft’ OBSERVER REPORT LAHORE—Exhibition on ‘Cultural preservation and restoration through Art and Craft’ was organized under the supervision of Dr Sadia Shaukat at Township Campus, University of Education, Lahore.

Different models were presented by Masters’ Education students. The purpose of this event was to raise awareness about cultural preservation and restoration and to enhance understanding of cultural significance and suggest strategies to preserve historical sites and buildings which will further help for publicizing the cultural heritage and encouraging public involvement in their conservation.

Students presented different models of cultural sites, historical buildings, monuments and archeological sites by using old newspapers and magazines.

More than seventy models were displayed representing culture of four provinces of Paki-

stan. visitors appreciated the efforts of students and congratulated them for raising awareness about a noble issue, Dr Sadia, organizer of the event also shared her views, she said cultural heritage will only survive if its value is understood and appreciated by the people and in particular by the younger generation. Promotion of conservation education is to be encouraged through academic institutions, as well as through publication and mass media.

Special programs meetings, exhibitions and seminars etc. should aim to arouse public awareness and interest are also useful weapon for sustainable development. She further said that cultural conservation, reservation and restoration is only our survival of national identity.

Dr Sadia also shared her future plans to establish an institute of sustainable development for sustainable Pakistan, team of Pakistan Observer congratulated her on her successful event and her passion regarding a serious cultural issue.

Ambassador of Turkey Sadiq Babur Girgin calls on Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Ombudsman directs Benevolent Fund Board to clear cases of funeral grant

Turkey appreciates dev vision of Punjab Govt

SALIM AHMED

OBSERVER REPORT

LAHORE—Calling for Com-

LAHORE—Chairman Albayrak Group of Companies Ahmet Albarak and Turk Ambassador Sadik Babur Girgin have appreciated the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif regarding completion of several development projects for the progress and

puterized National Identity Card (CNIC) of the deceased government employee for funeral grand from Benevolent Fund Board is quiet unnecessary and irrelevant, declares Ombudsman Punjab Javed Mahmood.

Concerned department knows well that NADRA cannot issue CNIC to a deceased citizen so such requirement tantamount to denial of legitimate right of the widow and children of the deceased government employee, says the Ombudsman Punjab.

He has directed Benevolent Fund Board to clear hundreds of case of funeral grant as early as possible and not to stop payments to the families of pensioners in future on account of non availability of CNIC of deceased employees.

Incahrge Mohtasib Punjab Pension Cell, Wazir Ahmad Qureshi, in the light of Ombudsman Punjab’s orders, directed DCO Gujranwala /Chairman District Benevolent Fund Board to finalize 54 cases of funeral grant pending payment during khuli kuchery at Gujranwala.

welfare of the people of Punjab and said that he is utilizing his tremendous leadership qualities and abilities for raising the living standard of the masses.

They said that Punjab is emerging as a developed and prosperous province.

They said that Shahbaz Sharif has proved his abilities by ensuring completion of development projects in a record

period of time.

They further said that Lahore metro bus project has been completed in a record period and lakhs of citizens are benefiting from this economical and speedy transport service. They said that projects like metro bus are a glorious example of utilization of national resources on the masses.

Sacrifices of security personnel will not go waste, says Shahbaz SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Leader of Jamiat AhleHadith Senator Prof. Sajid Mir called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here Monday. Overall situation of the country was discussed in the meeting. The Chief Minister said that Pakistan is facing the challenge of extremism and terrorism however, Muslim League-N government is determined

to overcome all the problems being faced by the country.

He said that the whole nation will have to unite on one platform to steer the country out of lawlessness. Shahbaz Sharif said that the cowardly act of terrorism at Karachi Airport is highly deplorable but the security officials have thwarted the nefarious designs of the terrorists by laying down their lives. He said that sacrifices of security person-

nel will not go waste.

He said that the whole nation is paying tributes to security forces over their courage and bravery. Shahbaz Sharif said that Ulema should promote the sentiments of religious tolerance, brotherhood and amity for creating a peaceful society. Member National Assembly Hafiz Abdul Karim and Amin Suleman Mangla of Bait-ul-Mal Punjab were also present on the occasion.

Inquiry against cops initiated for torturing lady to death MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—Lahore High Court (LHC) Complaint Cell on Monday has disposed of a notice regarding death of a 65-yearold woman allegedly during police raid, as the guilty police officials have been suspended from service and departmental proceedings have been initiated against them.

According to details, a Bhiki police party consisting of an ASI, Abdul Salam Dogar and three constables, along with two complainants Ghulam Rasool and Hakim Bashir, raided a house owned by

Sheikh Riaz Ahmad in Capri Park area to arrest him in connection with a monetary dispute. As the police entered the house, Riaz’s elderly mother Maqbool Bibi asked them the reason for the tress pass and offered resistance. During the ensuing scuffle, the ASI pushed the woman whose head struck against an electric pole resulting in her instant death.

On a press report LHC Complaint Cell had taken cognizance of the issue and directed District & Sessions Judge Sheikhupura to probe into the incident and submit a detailed report within a week as to the steps taken by the police

along with his own comments. The Sessions Judge reported that City A-Division police registered a criminal case against Ghulam Rasool, Hakim Bashir, ASI Abdul Salam, Head Constable Shabbir Ahmad, Constables Shujah, Akhtar and Sarwar. Delinquent police officials have been suspended and served with a charge sheet for imposition of major penalty. The D&SJ has directed the DPO Sheikhupura to ensure impartial investigation of the case strictly on merit and in accordance with law and submit police report u/s 173 Cr.P.C. in the court within the stipulated time.

Taiwan sends 500 tons rice aid to needy Pakistanis MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—A group of philanthropists hailing from Taiwan will distribute about 500 ton rice among the needy and destitute people of Pakistan and this charity campaign will start from June 12 in Lahore and later extend to other parts of the country.

This was disclosed by Prof Dr Ghulam Qadir Fayyaz, General Secretary Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Pakistan (CLAPP) while addressing a press conference held here on Monday at Lahore Press Club.

Dr Ghulam said the Executive Director of Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation (NCF) Rebecca Wang was leading the delegation, while the other members were among Lee Shang Lin, Huang Pei Li and

Liang Yung Kuang. President Al Mustafa Welfare Society (Trust) Mian Khalid Habib Elahi was also present on the occasion.

Prof Fayyaz said that delegation has reached with an aid of 500 ton rice from Taiwan and it would be distributed during the next three months with the help of Al Mustafa Welfare Society (Trust), which already has a countrywide network.

He further said that a ceremony for the distribution of rice would be held at Shahdara, Lahore on Thursday and later it would also distribute in other parts of the country include 15 districts of the Punjab province, 25 districts in Sindh province and then in Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. “The rice aid had already

reached in Karachi and Al Mustafa Welfare Society was making 10 Kg bags for each family and this was the fourth time when Taiwan was sending the rice aid in Pakistan, in 2011 we had received 100 ton rice for the flood victim, in 2012 we received 400 tons rice and last year we received 500 ton rice from the brother country,” he added.

The market prices of the rice aid was estimated Rs 30 million, while Al Mustafa Welfare Society had spent Rs 5 million for packing, transportation and distribution purposes.

Prof Fayyaz said that during current year CLAPP would conduct 300 surgeries for the children who were suffering cleft lip and palate problems. CLAPP would organize free camps in backward and for flung areas for this purposes.

Youngsters bathing in canal during a hot day in the Provincial capital on Monday.