Boat with 37 capsizes off Karachi; 15 bodies recovered OBSERVER REPORT KARACHI—A fishing boat off the shore of Karachi carrying 37 fishermen capsized due to high tides late Sunday night, killing at least 15 on board. The boat had sailed out from Karachi’s Ibrahim Hyderi coastal village. 15 fishermen were rescued while the bodies
of 15 fishermen were retrieved during search. According to Sindh Minister for Fisheries Zahid Ali Bhurgari, had earlier said that the Maritime Security Agency had managed to recover 11 bodies from the sea so far, while it was searching for the rest of the missing fishermen. Locals in Ibrahim Hyderi
said that the body of a fisherman was caught in a fishingnet and brought to shore. Soon after, a large number of people sailed out in search of the missing fishermen on their own because no help was offered by the Coast Guards or Maritime Security Agency by that time, they claimed.
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Rains, floods continue to play havoc; 78 killed Army called in for rescue DERA GHAZI KHAN: Residents facing hardships due to rain as breach in ‘D’ Canal caused flood on Monday.— Online photo
Suicide blast in Parachinar leaves 15 dead, 50 injured TARIQ SAEED PESHAWAR —Parachinar, the headquarters of Kurram agency was rocked by a powerful suicide explosion which left at least 15 people dead and over fifty others seriously injured Monday morning . A number of wounded persons admitted to different hospitals of the town, were stated to be in precarious condition and the death toll is feared to go higher. More than thirty shops were destroyed in the blast that also caused damage to many buildings. Reports reaching here from Parachinar, a City most oftenly hit by the sectarian violence, say a suicide bomber rammed his explosives laden vehicle in busy Hamid market playing hell in the area. The market was flooded with the buyers at the time of
Nawaz invites Ephedrine case PML-F to join Shahabuddin opposition files pre-arrest alliance bail plea in SC L —Chief of Pakistan AHORE
Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) has invited the PML-F to join the opposition alliance after quitting the ruling coalition with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). It should be mentioned that all allies and opposition parties of Sindh, except the MQM, are unhappy over the government on Sindh local bodies system issue. Taking opportunity of the prevailing new political scenario in Sindh, the PML-N
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Pak dismissed for their lowest total
Minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin Monday filed a plea in the Supreme Court of Pakistan seeking pre-arrest bail in the ephedrine quota case. In his application, Shahubuddin said he was being subjected to political vendetta. He argued that ephedrine case was registered by the AntiNarcotics Force (ANF) on October 10, 2011. But nine months later, proceedings were suddenly initiated against him just a day before his nomination as
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vehicle parked near the market which mostly deals in electronics and watches. Locals said more than thirty shops in the Hamid market were destroyed by the blast and number of houses and other buildings situated nearby were also damaged. The targeted market and the adjoining bazaars were closed immediately as the security forces took control of the area after the blast and started investigation into the explosion. A curfew like situation prevailed in the City. The forces are patrolling the city. The Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Governor, Barrister Masood Kausar has strongly condemned the bomb blast in Kurram on Monday and expressed his deep
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Russia to help Pak in Bhasha Dam project STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD—Federal Textiles ISLAMABAD—The meeting of
Pakistan-Russia joint Ministerial commission concluded in Islamabad Monday with both sides signing on a joint declaration. According to the agreement‚ the two countries agreed to cooperate in the sectors of energy‚ communications‚ agriculture and education. Pakistan and Russia have agreed to work with each other in curbing the drug trade. Russia will cooperate in building Bhasha and Munda dams. Moscow has also expressed
interest in KASA 1000 and Turkmenistan‚ Afghanistan‚ Pakistan‚ India gas pipeline projects. According to a press release issued here Monday, the Commission was co-chaired by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan and Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation, Vitaly L. Mutko. The Minister of State highlighted that Pakistan and Russia had turned a new page in bilateral relations. There was greater understanding and convergence of views on important
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ISLAMABAD—The 64th death anniversary of Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah will be observed on Tuesday (today).
TIANJIN—Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has arrived in China’s port city Tianjin on Monday to represent Pakistan at the World Economic Forum’s Special prayers will be offered meeting “the New Champions” in mosques for the departed soul beginning from Tuesday. of Quaid. Quran and Fateha Khawani will be held at the mausoleum of the Quaid in Karachi. Radio Pakistan will air special programmes to pay homage to the great leader.
T
his year too— as has been in the past many— Founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s death anniversary falls at a time when the country he established to be a moderate, liberal, progressive and secular democratic state stands at a critical juncture. He
erment of people. President Asif Ali Zardari who has completed successfully four years of his presidency in the most difficult times, deserves to be given credit for his painstaking efforts to revert the country back to Mr Jinnah, PPP’s founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and martyred leader Benazir Bhutto’s vision of democracy, empowerment of the people and social justice in the country. The Quaid had spelled out categorically that Pakistan would to be a state in which all
The dead, who were members of the same family, included two women and six children. In Kashmir, flash flood killed at least 31 people. Emergencies have been declared in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan provinces while army was also called in to help in flood affected areas. The worst affected area in southern Punjab is Dera Ghazi Khan where massive torrential downpours caused flood in Wador nullah. The nullah waters flooded the city. District katchehry, commissioner office, DCO Office, DPO
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Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf will be the main speaker at a session titled “An Insight‚ An Idea” on Wednesday where he will speak on the topic “Regional Situation: Pakistan’s Perspective”.
He will also deliberate upon the geopolitical and economic matters affecting the South Asian region. The Prime Minister will lead a discussion at the session
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Bomb hoax delays another PIA flight LAHORE —Another Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flight PK-303 was denied clearance on reports of a bomb threat on Monday. The Lahore-Karachi flight PK-303 was grounded after a caller using an unidentified number said that a bomb has been planted in the plane. Airport security and PIA staff were put on a red alert,
Continued on Page 7 CHINA: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf being received by high ranking Chinese officials on arrival at Tianjin Airport on Monday.
WAJID SHAMSUL HASAN wanted Pakistan to be an egali- quo and are opposed to empow- its citizens were to be equal. In tarian society based on the foundations of Islamic social justice and welfare of the people irrespective of their caste, caste, creed or gender. Mr Jinnah’s ideological vision as enshrined in Pakistan’s raison d’être envisaged by him to serve as a role model for other Muslim countries is being challenged by obscurantist forces that had opposed the establishment of a separate Muslim homeland. These retrogressive forces have found powerful bedmates in those elements that believe in the sustenance of status
ISLAMABAD/KARACHI—At least 78 people died and dozens were injured as torrential rains and flash floods wreaked havoc in Pakistan over the past three days, a government spokesman said Monday. Heavy monsoon rains which began falling last week destroyed more than 1,600 houses while damaging a further 5,000, a spokesman for the country s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said. “A total of 78 people died
and 68 injured in rains and flash floods in the country so far,” he said, adding that the casualties were caused mostly by houses collapsing and people being caught in floods. The worst-hit region was Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where 32 people have died and 26 were injured in several districts, he said, adding that 83 houses were totally destroyed and another 4,200 were partially damaged, he said. In the northwestern district of Swabi eight Afghan refugees were killed when the roof of their mud house collapsed overnight, police said.
Raja to discuss vital issues with Chinese leaders
Zardari reverting Pakistan back to Quaid’s vision
OBSERVER REPORT DUBAI—Australia beat Pakistan by 94 runs in the last T20 of the threematch series here on Monday. Playing first Australia scored 168/7 in allotted 20 overs. Australia put in a spirited bowling performance to successfully defend their score of 168 and in the process dismissed Pakistan for 74 in 19.1 overs, their lowest T20I score till date.
the blast. The law enforcers and the rescue teams rushed to the site of the explosion and shifted the victims with the help of locals to the Agency Headquarters Hospital and other hospitals of the City where the medics pronounced 10 persons dead while five more succumbed to their injuries later raising the death toll to 15. Condition of many injured was stated as critical, the doctors apprehended the death toll might go higher. The eye witnesses said the explosion created panic and harassment among the people where the power supply was also suspended and dead bodies and screaming injured were seen lying all around. Some official sources claimed it was not a suicide attack and that the explosive material was planted in a
64th death anniversary of Quaid today
SHARAFAT KAZMI/ AMANULLAH KHAN
his address to Pakistan’s mother parliament (Aug 11, 1947) he had declared clearly with no caveats: “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State.” The Pakistan resolution of 1940 had committed itself to maximum provincial autonomy to its federating
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Pak, India ties crucial to peace: China
Rule of law, only solution to contemporary problems: CJ
I SLAMABAD —Chief Justice rule of law in the country. BEIJING—China welcomes the Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary About the role of executive
“positive outcomes” achieved during Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna’s visit to Pakistan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Monday. India and Pakistan are both important countries in South Asia, and their relationship is crucial to improving regional peace, stability and development, Hong said at a regular news briefing. As a friend and neighbor of India and Pakistan, China will continue to support the two countries to properly resolve
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has said the rule of law is the only solution to all social and economic problems. Addressing the new judicial year ceremony 2012 held at the Supreme Court building and attended by the members of the bench and the bar, Chief Justice of Pakistan said such a society be established where there is no one above the law. CJP Iftikhar Chaudhary emphasized attention is needed for a better understanding of problems confronting the system of delivery in justice that are threatening
in implementation of laws, he said all the authorities and institutions, including executive and the legislature; have to render support and cooperation in the execution of the judicial process. The principle of trichotomy of powers embedded in the provisions of the Constitution aims at creating an atmosphere of harmony and collaboration among all the State institutions in order to achieve the goal of fair dispensation of justice, he said. “The judicial activism on
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Plot being hatched to postpone general polls in country: Nawaz SALIM AHMED
HYDERABAD: Activists of PPP-SB hold a demonstration in support of their demands outside Press Club.
Physical Therapy Day observed OUR CORRESPONDENT F AISALABAD —Department of Physical Therapy, University of Faisalabad, observed World Physical Therapy Day on Saleem Campus. Prof Dr Faqir Hussain Khan, Dean Faculty of Health Sciences, was the chief guest while Hamid Nawaz Sheikh, Controller Examination, was the guest of honour. Dr Shahid Ahmad Heera, Head School of Physical Therapy, in his address highlighted the scope and importance of physical therapy. He also pointed out ever increasing demand of professional physical therapists in Pakistan. Later, students of Doctor of Physical Therapy presented tableaus to highlight the importance of physical therapy. Dr Faqeer Hussain and Mr Hamid Nawaz Sheikh in their addresses appreciated the programmes presented by the students.
P ESHAWAR —The following Judicial Officers have been transferred and posted in the public interest with immediate effect, said an order of the Peshawar High Court Peshawar. They include; Ahmad Sultan Tareen, Addl. District & Sessions Judge Peshawar transferred and posted as Addl. District & Sessions Judge Balakot (Mansehra), Jahanzeb Shinwari, Addl. District & Sessions Judge Balakot (Mansehra) transferred and posted as Addl. District & Sessions Judge Charsadda, Muhammad Sabir, Addl. District & Sessions Judge Charsadda transferred and posted as Addl.
Muslim minorities in minorities would have comPakistan’s Islamic, demo- plete independence to visit their worship places, while protection of their life, property and honour would be equal to that of all Muslims, enabling them to play their vigorous role in national progress and prosperity. Nawaz in his message on Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s anniversary said that, in order to come out of all these problems, we would have to adhere to the thinking, ideology and character of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He cratic and welfare society, said the thinking and ideolwhere rights of minorities ogy of Quaid-e-Azam would be equal to all other Muhammad Ali Jinnah are Pakistani brethren, and mi- still a beacon of light for us, norities would be completely in order to combat serious free to live their life, in accor- internal and external probdance with their own be- lems, which Pakistan is conlieves and creed. “Pakistani fronting today.
‘Talks with angry Balochs indispensable’ Met office forecasts OUR CORRESPONDENT Q UETTA —Expressing grave concerns over the unrest in Balochistan, head of Pakistan Muslim League- N’s lawyers’ wing, Naseer Ahmed Bhutta has said that talks with anticentre powers of Balochistan are indispensable. In a press conference held at Quetta Press Club, member of National Assembly from PML-N, Naseer Ahmed Bhutta said that the Balochistan problem should be resolved in true let-
ter and spirit in order to make the province join hands with rest of the nation towards prosperity. He said if the government can “embrace” India whole-heartedly, then why serious negotiations with Balochis are not held. Balochistan is burning and government and the authorities responsible are being consistently negligent regarding the issue, he added. He said sectarian killings in Balochistan are on the rise in addition to abduction such
that the law and order situation here is worsening. Naseer Ahmed Bhutta said President PML-N, Mian Nawaz Sharif has raised the Balochistan issue at every forum. He vowed that once it comes into power, PML-N would take effective measures for restoring the law and order situation. Spirit of patriotism among people of Balochistan matchless: Chairman Edhi Foundation Abdul Sattar said Monday People of Balochistan are patriotic and
spirit of patriotism found in them is matchless. He was addressing a press conference at Quetta Press Club. He told the media men 3 trucks loaded with relief goods and million of rupees had been sent for distribution among the families in flood devastated areas including Loralai, Q illa Saifullah and others in Balochistan. He regretted capitalists had put the country on the brink of disaster. People always supported Edhi foundation but the government never extended.
All Pakistan Azadi Mushaira held STAFF REPORTER WAH C ANTT—All Pakistan
Postings, transfers STAFF REPORTER
L AHORE —President Pakistan Muslim League-N, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that plans are being made to postpone general elections in the country. In a statement on Monday, Nawaz that, at internal level, we are facing various problems but regrettably, instead of forging national unity and solidarity, various regional, ethnic and linguistic prejudices are being promoted, while this deplorable game is being played by the federal government due to its shortterm political and party interests. The PML-N leaderr said that contravening the decisions of the courts and ridiculing the judges has become a matter of routine. He said,
“It has become impossible for a common man to earn two meals a day, while backbreaking inflation and unemployment has made life extremely difficult”. Nawaz Sharif said that national economy is in death throes, while our national sovereignty is being trampled upon on daily basis. He said that people want general elections as soon as possible, so that they can get rid of incompetent and dishonest rulers through the power of their vote. However, plans are being made to postpone general elections, through various tactics. PML-N President further said that, according to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, there is complete protection of fundamental rights of all non-
WAH CANTT: Poets who participated in All Pakistan Azadi Mushaira held at POF Hotel alongwith Lt. Gen. Muhammad Ahsan Mahmood, HI (M) pose for group photo.
US to aid Peshawar-Torkham Highway reconstruction STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The United States will provide up to US 70 million dollars to support the reconstruction of the Peshawar- Torkham Highway. The project to be managed by the FATA Secretariat and monitored by the National Highway Authority (NHA) will be funded through the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID). Under the project the current road’s outdated design that has sustained substantial wear will be redesigned and will feature improved specifications with widened roadbed, straightened sharp turns, and reduction of steep gradients. The plans also include rebuilding bridges and culverts to make it an all-weather road. “For centuries, the Peshawar to Torkham route has served
as the most famous trade path between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” USAID Mission Director Jock Conly said. “Reconstruction of the highway will not only boost trade between these countries but also improve their economies by serving as trade-gateway to the Central Asian states.” The 46-km PeshawarTorkham road is part of Pakistan’s GT road - N-5 highway.
more scattered rain
ISLAMABAD—The Met office ern parts of Pakistan. During here on Monday forecast scattered rain with thundershowers in Khyber Pakthunkhwa, Northeast Balochistan (Zhob, Sibbi, Nasirabad, Quetta & Kallat divisions), Sindh including Karachi, Punjab including Islamabad, Kashmir and Gilgit_Baltistan during next 48 hours. The heavy rain would cause urban/flash floods in Sukkar, Larkana, Mirpur Khas, Hyderabad, Quetta, Kallat, Zhob, Sibbi, Nasirabad, D.G. Khan, Bhawalpur, Multan divisions during next 24 hours.The Met office predicted rain for KP on Monday and Tuesday. According to Met Office here, yesterday’s well marked low pressure is present in Sindh and adjoining areas and strong monsoon currents would continue to penetrate in central and southern parts of Pakistan, particularly in Sindh. Westerly wave still persist over north-
next 24 hours, widespread rain/thundershower with scattered heavy falls is expected in Northeast Balochistan (Zhob, Sibbi, Nasirabad, Quetta and Kalat divisions), Sindh including Karachi, Southern Punjab (D.G Khan, Bahawalpur,
Multan divisions), while scattered rain/thundershowers is likely in KP, upper Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit_Baltistan. Scattered rain/thundershower with Isolated heavy falls expected in Northeast Balochistan (Zhob, Sibbi, Nasirabad, Quetta & Kallat divisions), Sindh including Karachi, Punjab including Islamabad.—APP
Rs 10m water supply scheme flopped SHER GONDAL MANDI BAHAUDDIN—A water supply scheme completed with 10 millions rupees flopped within three months of its life. Claims of corruption free Punjab as made by Punjab rulers proved false. According to details a water scheme for providing clean water to residents of Rasul village was sanctioned with a cost of Rs 10 million. The scheme was completed through local contractor who used substandard material with connivance of the contract granting authorities, the residents said. With in three months of its completion the pipe lines laid in the village developed cracks and joints started leaking at various places. The residents received muddy water mixed with sewerage and rainy water. On complaint by the residents, DCO visited the spot.
Azadi Mushaira held at POF Hotel under the auspices of POF Literary Committee in which prominent poets of the country participated. Lt Gen Muhammad Ahsan Mahmood, HI (M), was the Chief Guest on this occasion while guest of honour include Mr. Izhar-ul-Haq, Mr. Iftikhar Arif & Mr. Murtaza Barlas. Mr. Abbas Tabish made comparing of the Mushaira while Syed Mubarik Shah made introductory remarks and Mr. Muhammad Taufeeq did comparing. Mushaira continued late at night and poets presented their poetic verses regarding Pakistan and received warm appreciation from the audience. Senior poets participated in the Mushaira include Mr.Saleem Kausar & Mr. Sabbir Zafar from Karachi, Mr. Naveed Hashmi & Mr. Sarwar Javed from Quetta, Mr. Murtaza Barlas, Mr. Khalid Ahmed, Mr.Abbas Tabish, Mr. Oriya Maqbool Jan, Mr. Saleem Tahir, Mr. Ayub Kawar, Mr. Kanwar Imtiaz & Mr.Rehman Faris from Lahore, Mr.Muhammad BANNU: Stone crushing contractors and Bhatta Khasht Association Members hold a Izar-ur-Haq, Mr. Iftikhar Arif. demonstration in support of their demands on Bannu Kohat Road.
Whoso loved wisdom rejoiced his father LIFE is perpetual in its essence and this selective, uncertain, inhibitive and yet at times turbulent recurrence elucidates its penchant for progress. Any qualitative anthropological study will show that a land of opportunity is always a land of uncertainty; consequently a land of uncertainty is the breeding ground for change and progress with that quintessential element of surprise. Our beloved country, Pakistan has shown us time and again that it qualifies on all the above grounds to be that soil. Well, in a land where surprises are the norms of life somehow they still manage to shock us by rather an uncharacteristically pleasant one, and it’s on the intellectual and literary front too. You will know what I am talking about if you look at the names of the recipients of 2012 Civil Awards. It includes some very eminent people but at the same time very unlikely candidates for these awards. Because they have been stereo-typed, cast aside and victimized. These names should have been recognized a long time ago, but I guess it’s never too late to start afresh and
write a new chapter. We all know about cause and effect, nothing happens without a reason. So when you see such a significant shift you start looking for a reason, especially when you the outcast like Josh and Munto being honored. You wonder if there is a real shift in paradigm, is there a different mindset behind the scene, are we beginning to think rationally or is it a mere coincident? You search for answers when you know that we have had much better governments in Pakistan, much more progressive and intellectually astute but they never thought of making such unique choices, why? Maybe because we did not and still do not have a systematic, scientific, and analytical approach towards these things, and when you don’t, everyone and anyone gets in, of course, at the expense of the most deserving ones. The so-called advisors, the bureaucrats do their part; the influence brokers closest to the corridors of power play a big roll in the selection process as well. One would be naïve to think that somehow that has changed, but then what has.
A tribute to Shair-e-Inquilab Josh Malihabadi So not withstanding my excitement my cynicism got the best of me, and started looking for whys and wherefores. What I found out was truly refreshing because contrary to what we always do and everybody lobbies for himself; may it be an overseas Pakistani writer or an inland scribe they all promote themselves. Surprisingly, we came across some people who are independent and fair-minded yet command a degree of grudging respect from the “power to be”, selflessly worked towards adding those names; above all having Josh and Gopi Chand Narang included in that list was not as easy chore, one due to ideological and intellectual propensities and the other due to political and geographical divide. We must thank them for the glimpse of hope. For sure, once again someone has proved that “where there is a will there is a way.” This domestically little known and internationally acclaimed group is called the Think Tank International. It’s forming chairman Dr. Ammar
Turabi deserves a lot of credit and commendation for having achieved such a significant change. Let’s hope that it is just a beginning and there is a lot more to come... I suppose getting Shair E Inquilab Josh Malihabadi’s name included in that list might have been the most daunting challenge, but I
guess only Dr. Turabi and his group can attest to it. Josh has certainly been one of the most neglected, utterly hated and yet most difficult to ignore personality of our intellectual and literary Heritage. I find it very appropriate to quote Faiz sahib as he chided General Zia Ul Haq for not
attending Josh’s funeral, “We will never bury a more important soul in these soils again”. No matter how we look at it, Josh with his overwhelming passion and unadulterated conviction for oneness of mankind is not only unique in Urdu literature but almost unmatchable in most other literatures because he sees no boundaries and has no limits. His intellectual prowess is unparalleled and his vision is uniquely remarkable. No wonder he is the poet who gave us the concept of “Bashinda E Afaq” in the late fifties and gave us Ektaara in the early sixties. We are all aware of the challenges that we face in this post 9-11 world of society, the disintegration of ethical values, involution of moral fabric, ebbing of collective wisdom, a tidal wave of religiosity, and the disillusionment of conscientious being, are definitely creating a very paranoid mindset. No doubt the future looks bleak, but then again the humanity has survived the worse. We have walked out of the quagmire of history, time
and time again. So let’s not despair, the question in front of us is “how to get out of this mess” and “how to sheath this double-edged sword of paranoia. I guess we have to work from within and instead of being overly concerned with the mitigating, external forces we must focus on how to cultivate our inner self and work to strengthen the smallest unit within. We must cleanse ourselves, our families, our household and work outward from there. We must believe, practice, and inspire others to accept that whatever is good for the betterment of masses is good enough for the Gods. We must not submit to the mindset of trying to appease some ecclesiastical being. We must see the good in other and then sincerely step forth with the goodness in ourselves. By doing so, if we not completely erase, we will definitely reduce this state of paranoia. We got to find the healing touch that will congeal us unto a unifying force to counter the forced of division and fragmentation. We must turn to a Humanistic sage who
can take us to the next level and beyond. Josh was definitely of these humanistic sages. Poetry is an ancient art that parallels the antiquity of Gods. There have been zillions of poets and there be many more. But it also a fact that we can name only a few in every era and fewer yet in every century that would stand out and become immortal. It seems what distinguishes a great poet from a good poet is the treatment of their craft and having an exclusive and intricate diction. But then again what makes a great poet an immortal one is that independent and indelible vision and the conviction of expression thereof. Josh is dear to us for what he represents, what he stands for- the objective and undiluted rationality, and the deep-rooted, subtly crafted, meaningful shades of words of articulate and engage the sense data of human consciousness. Josh’s poetry will add unique dimensions to any literature let alone Urdu. He had this very rare combination of a diversified and panoramic vision and profoundly intricate diction. An observation so keen and sharp that it will not spare a thing and a diction so potent and comprehensive that will
become the most sensitive and aesthetic articulation of emotions feelings and events alike. He started as fiery revolutionary poet and remained revolutionary in the true sense of its meaning to the last day. He gave a fresh and most objective perspective to all the domains and topics that he touched, and did not leave many untouched either. He gave new meaning to live and a new level of consciousness to the art of aesthetics and poetry. He has the capacity of intellect to rationalize and analyze, and the integrity of character to fearlessly question and discard. And some of those questions were cutting too deep and too close to the core of the matter, hence he was punished. It is solemn, stirring, compelling and while given least credit, strangely life affirming. Josh may not be the slickest or most popular poet in recent times, and for obvious reasons, but definitely vision is the most important and relevant one to save us from this senseless fragmentation and self destruction. —Iqbal Haider, President, Josh Literary society of Canada (Calgary)
Jacobabad receives heaviest record rain spell in 100 years :MET PPP to fulfil promises Staff Reporter
I SLAMABAD —Special assistant to the Prime Minister Shahnaz Wazir Ali has said that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would fulfil all its promises made with the nation. Talking to a private television channel, she said that Local Bodies elections was also a principled stance of PPP to give relief to the masses. Shahnaz said that powers were transferred to the provinces after passing 18th amendment and now provinces have authority to conduct local bodies elections. Local Bodies System (LBS) would strengthen the democracy in the country and people could get easy access to their representatives, she maintained. Replying to a question, she said that conducting Local Bodies elections was a principled stance of PPP and present leadership of PPP always favored the LB system which was the need of time. She said that Local Bodies system would provide relief to the people and would also improve development in the country. She said that PPP was trying to make consensus of all political parties on Local Bodies polls, adding that PPP had made consensus with different political parties in Sindh province. Begum Shahnaz Wazir Ali said that it was collective decision of all political stakeholders of the country that the distortions in the constitution should be removed before anything else.
Varsity report sought Our Correspondent
H YDERABAD —Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf while taking notice of the crisis of Sindh University has asked submission of a detailed report in this behalf and assured to resolve it at the earliest. The PPP Member of National Assembly from Jamshoro Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur had briefed the Prime Minister about the issue along with other issues of his district in a meeting the other day, a statement issued here on Monday said. MNA Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur informed that the Prime Minister said that he himself was the students of University of Sindh and this higher learning institution will not be allowed to be destroyed. He said that he appealed to the Prime Minister to hold enquiry into the demand of the removal of the present Vice Chancellor being made by the civil society as well as the teachers and the students of the university and appoint Vice Chancellor on merit. Talpur informed that the Prime Minister also directed the authorities concerned for release of Rs. 80 million for supply of electricity to various villages of Jamshoro District and Rs. 20 million for completion of sewerage schemes in the district. The Prime Minister also asked submission of feasibility reports of other mega development projects of the district, he added. MNA Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur informed that he has requested to the Prime Minister for allocation of rupees one billion from rupees five billion released to Disaster Management Cell for completion of development schemes in hilly areas of Jamshoro District which experiencing aridity and lack of education, health and drinking water facilities. Attention of the Prime Minister was also drawn towards the substandard work for repair of Super Highway with the request for formation of a committee comprising Members of the National Assembly to investigate the matter, he added.
Political solution sought for Balochistan Our Correspondent
Sindh rain victims to get compensation Director MET and all adjacent areas includ- rain fall in Sukhar also which The recent spell of rain in HYDERABAD\JACOBABAD\DG Ali Bhurgari and Commis- years: K HAN —The adviser to sioner Hyderabad Division Muhammad Hanif has said ing Karachi will receive heavy recorded 100 mm rain so far. Koh-e-Sulemaan mountain Chief Minister Sindh, Haleem Adil Shaikh, has announced that Rs 200,000 compensation would be given to each rain victim in the province. Addressing a press conference here, the adviser said as many as 30 people have died in rain-related incidents across Sindh. “The media has reported 30 deaths in the province. The government will give Rs 200,000 to each adult victim, while Rs 100,000 will be given to the families of victim children,” the adviser said. Talking about rain aftermath in Hyderabad, the advisor said the district has received 76 millimeters of rain since Saturday morning. “All the low-lying areas and important roads in the city have gone under water and, therefore, the deputy commissioner has declared a rain emergency,” he said. He said the officials of the departments concerned and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) have been directed to carry out relief activities and drain stagnant rainwater from the low lying areas. Haleem Adil Shaikh said officials have been warned of disciplinary action if they fail to perform their duties. “We will not accept any excuse of shortage of funds or other excuses,” he warned. He said Sindh government’s relief department would bear all the expenses incurred on relief activities. The adviser said he along with Sindh Minister for Fisheries Zahid
Ahmed Bux Narejo visited different areas of the district. He informed that many sewage pumping stations have been made functional by providing diesel to
that Jacobabad received 380 mm rain during last 24 hours and this is the heaviest rain in last 100 years. Talking to PTV on Monday, he said that average rain in Jacobabad is
rain till Tuesday morning. He said that this system of rain is on its peak right now in Eastern Sindh and Balochistan which will cause heavy rain in 7 district of Balochistan in-
He said that 80 per cent nullahs of Balochistan are feared to be flooded as Eastern Balochistan to receive intensify rain in coming few days. 50 % DG Khan city ar-
SUKKUR: Citizens are busy WASA, while HESCO has been directed to restore power supply to pumping stations. Pakistan Muslim Leauge (Q) leader Chaudery Mazhar accompanied the adviser. Jacobabad receives heaviest rain spell in 100
in repair work after the wall usually about 11mm in the month of September every year adding all the upper areas of Sindh have received more than 100 mm rains so far. He added that this spell of rain is still persist in Sindh
of a house collapsed as flood cluding Sibbi, Naseerabad, Mosa Khel,Jhal Magsi, Dera Bugti, Darra Bolan and Kuhlu during next 48 hours. He said that intensity of rain in Jacobabad will decrease by the evening adding that this is most heavy
water entered the city. eas inundated; flood renders thousands homeless: Thousands of citizens became shelterless as several localities got submerged in flood water due to breaches in Dera Ghazi canal at four different sites.
3.8m children to be vaccinated in KP, FATA STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWAR —A three-day anti-polio campaign on Monday started in 12 venerable districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA wherein 3.8 million children below 5 years of age will be vaccinated. Senator Rubina Khalid and Vice Chancellor Islamia College University, Dr. Noor Jehan inaugurated the
She said polio have no border, geography or continent and time has come to forge unity against this menace adding media, academicians and ulema have to play a leading role to educate and create awareness among masses against it. Dr. Janbaz Afridi, Deputy Director EPI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa told APP that the campaign is being launched in Peshawar,
same facility with the help of 3000 teams. During the sub-national immunization days focus would be made to reach out to all the inaccessible areas and DCOs and political agents have been directed closely coordinate and supervise the drive. He said nine cases of polio were reported from Khyber Pakhtukhwa and 13 from
QUETTA —The political parties, human right activists and lawyers have called for political solution to the issue of Balochistan. Besides an open trial of the Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti’s killing, the missing persons of Balochistan should be recovered, said the speakers during a “National Conference on Balochistan issue” organized by Supreme Court Bar Association, here at a local hotel. Renowned Human Rights activist and former President Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Asma Jahinger, Dr. Jahanzaib Jamaldini of Balochistan National Party, Dr. Abdul Hayee Baloch and Dr. Abdul Malik of National Party, General retired Abdul Qadir Baloch of PML-N, Commander Khuda-e-Dad of Awami National Party, President Balochistan High Court Bar Association Zahoor Ahmed Shahwani Advocate, Sadiq Umrani of PPP and Raza Muhammad Raza of Pakhtoon Khwa Milli Awami Party were among those who addressed the conference. Human rights activist and former SCBA president Asma Jhangir said that political solution could steer the province out from prevailing crisis. She said that nobody was born a separatist in Balochistan, but they were born as nationalists and it was not a sin, adding that they have the right to work for the welfare of the people. She said, “It has to be decided who is going to rule in Balochistan: Elections must be conducted in a free environment. She demanded that a High Powered Commission should be created with complete mandate of reaching out all the stakeholders and implementing their suggestions. “The High Powered Commission should have the authority to take decisions” PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhunkhwa Governor Barristar Masood Kausar giving antiShe recommended that Supreme Court monitor the upcoming polio vaccine drops to a child at FATA Secretariat. elections so that they could be transparent and genuine leadNowshera, FATA this year. Two cases ership could come forward. Former President of Supreme Court campaign by administering Charssadda, Bar Association Ali Ahmed Kurd said that target killings had oral polio vaccine to children Kohat, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, were reported from Peshawar, turned Balochistan in general and Quetta in particular a highly in a function here. Speaking D.I.Khan, Upper Dir, Lower one each from Swabi, Kohat, D.I.Khan, volatile place, adding that those silent on acts of killing were on the occasion, Senator Dir, Tank, Hangu and Mardan Charsadda, a party to it. Rubina Khalid said that polio wherein 2.8 million children Mardan and two from Lakki was a crippling disease that would be vaccinated with the Marwat while 10 from Khyber Visits low-lying areas only can be combated by help of 8,809 teams while one Agency and one each from million kids would get the North Waziristan. waging Jehad against it. Our Correspondent H YDERABAD —The Member National Assembly Syed Tayyab Hussain and Divisional Commissioner of Hyderabad Ahmed Bux Narejo visited the low-lying areas of the district where the rainwater has submerged the roads and entered the residential units on Monday. Managing Director of Water and SaniOUR CORRESPONDENT lim ummah needed unity tation Agency (WASA) Saleemuddin, OUR CORRESPONDENT and everybody should work Municipal Commissioner Azhar Qadir Memon and other officials accompanied HUNZA—It was the top pri- G ILGIT—The top clerics of for love in all muslim sects. them during the visit. Talking to the media the MNA said ority of the government to Suni and Shia sects sat to- Qazi Nisar Ahmed in his due to increasing of sewage pumping stations in the dis- eliminate unemployment gether in Gilgit at Chinar speech also stressed the trict, the problem of drainage would be resolved. Hussain and poverty from the region, Bagh after combined efforts need for tolerance and said directed the officials to clear all the areas which had gone said Deputy Speaker Gilgit- of Parliamentary Committee the session will be benefiunder water within 24 hours. The Commissioner informed Baltistan Legislative Assem- of lawmakers and Masajid cial only if the rule of law is the MNA that the district administration provided de-wa- bly Jameel Ahmed on Mon- Boards. The function was ensured and writ of the state tering pumps, electric generators and fuel to the WASA day. Talking to APP he said organized by the administra- is maintained. He said that there should and municipality. “We wanted to ensure that the power Rs. 8 billion were allocated tion, which was addressed outages didn’t hamper the process of pumping out rain- in the budget for creating by both clerics Qazi Nisar be religious freedom but it water,” he said. According to the commissioner, rainwater posts in different department Ahmed and Aga Rahat ul should not hurt co existence had been cleared from 90 percent parts of the city while to reduce unemployment. Hussaini. Both the ulemas and hurt the feelings of othonly a few low-lying areas, especially the private residen- He said the government was read out code of conduct pre- ers. Qazi Nisar appealed the tial colonies with weak drainage system, were facing the also considering to grant in- pared by Masajid Boards chief minister GB and all govproblem. The MNA along with the officials also met people terest-free loans to the and a joint declaration which ernment functionaries to on the submerged towns and assured them of expeditious youth. Jamil said the Paki- spoke for the unity among all beefed up efforts for the welfare of the community. The efforts to drain the rainwater. Vice Chancellor Sindh Agri- stan Peoples Party (PPP) had ranks of muslims. He said Islam is a religion Chief Minister, Syed Mehdi culture University Tando Jam Prof Dr Abdul Qadir Mughal always fought for the rights has expressed his concern over the loss of Rs. 250 million of poor masses and the ex- of peace and tolerance but Shah also spoke on the ocfollowing demolition of the boundary walls of the campus ample of the development the real teaching was forgot- casion and said it was his buildings and residential colony of the university as a re- work done by the govern- ten by the muslim which re- dream to have both clerics sult of technical faults in construction of Hyderabad- ment could not be found in sulted in this chaos. The onboard in peace efforts and scholar said that the Mus- today it was fulfilled. the past. Mirpurkhas Dual Carriage Road.
Govt striving to eliminate poverty
GB Ulema adopt joint conduct code
range caused heavy flow of water in nullahs Notak and Waror which flow towards DG Canal. The heavy flow of water caused breaches in DG canal at four different points. This canal flows bearly half a kilometre from the city. Flood water entered different residential colonies including Siddiqabad, Shamsabad, Abdullahpur, Bahari colony, Railway colony, Canal colony, Government High School No-1 and No2,Mahajarwala graveyard, Indus colony etc and rendered thousands of people homeless. The public had to vacate their houses in haste amid dark of night. Thousands of citizens spent the whole night on roads in order to save their lives. According to locals the water level was continuously rising. DG Khan railway station, buildings of Food department and other important offices of government were also flooded. Local citizens—Mohammad Asif resident of Siddiqabad, Mohammad Attique, Khalique Ahmed residents of Shamasabad and others expressed concerns over the delay in help to affected citizens. They stated that only Rescue 1122 was offering services to affected people. Power supply system of city has been hit badly since Sunday mid night when various areas got submerged after DG Khan lake breach. The district administration has announced closure of schools.
Pesco active against defaulters, illegal hooks
Army called in to plug DG Khan canal breaches
STAFF REPORTER
M U L T A N — E n g i n e e r i n g down to 75,000 cusecs now
Corps of Pakistan Army has from 145,000 cusecs recorded
PESHAWAR—Detection teams reached Dera Ghazi Khan early Monday when it had hit constituted under the instructions of Chief Executive Pesco Tariq Saddozai are in action through out the province. In this connection Pesco surveillance team headed by Director Nasim Ullah raided in Pesco Rehman Baba sub division jurisdiction at new subzi Mandi and removed 16 direction connections. Similarly at Pandu Road 35 direction connections have been removed. FIRs have been lodged in local Police Station against electricity stealers and detection bills also served to these customers. Similarly Rs.3, 30,000/-have been recovered from the defaulters in only two days, which shows positive results against the defaulters.
with heavy machinery to assist the district administration to plug breaches in DG Khan canal that had triggered water rush to city areas early Monday forcing people to flee to safer places. Hill torrents including Wadoor, Shoori Lund and Soori Khosa witnessed surge in water level up to 145,000 cusecs, 82,500 cusecs and 22,000 cusecs, respectively due to rains over the Suleman mountain range. The three hill torrents hit DG Khan canal causing spillover and subsequent breaches at seven points driving water towards DG Khan city, said Xen irrigation Abid Rasheed. He said that water level of Wadoor hill torrent has gone
DG Khan canal along with other hill torrents. The deluge submerged areas including Siddiqabad colony, Shamasabad colony and some others in the city’s suburbs. Water could not reach main city area, however, areas nearer to main city had the water level ranging from six inches to 1.5 feet including the district government offices, district courts, police offices, DHQ hospital, and others. The official said that contractors of the irrigation department and the district administration were also actively working with the army equipped with dumpers, loaders and other heavy equipment to plug the breaches.—APP
Media urged to sensitze people about polio cure STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—Senator Rubina Khalid Monday has urged the television channels to run polio tickers on the campaign dates in order to inform the general public about the deadly disease that cripples a child forever. She was talking at the inauguration ceremony of three days antipolio drive in the province here at Islamia College University Peshawar University. Deputy Director EPI Khyber Paktunkhwa Dr Jan Baz Afridi, Vice Chancellor of Islamia College University Prof. Dr Noor Jahan, Health
Specialist UNICEF Dr Jamil, WHO Team Leader Dr Ubaid Ul Islam, faculty members, students and media persons attended the ceremony. Senator Rubina Khalid said that we need national spirit to bat out polio from the country and the same zeal that we display during Indo-Pak cricket match when we pray for the victory of our country irrespective of our races and tribes. She said that propaganda against the vaccine launched by certain quarters is very unfortunate and great injustice to the future generations of the country. Government or Health Department
alone can’t fight the disease, that remains endemic in Pakistan along with Nigeria and Afghanistan, unless people from all segments of society join the war, she maintained. She also urged the students to join the fight against polio and spread the message in their neighbourhoods so as to apprise the people of the devastating effects of the disease. ‘Our children will have to go abroad for studies and for jobs and we don’t want to close down these few windows of opportunities for our coming generations,” she said while talking about the possible future sanctions.
ZHOB: Trucks stand at Zhob-Quetta National Highways as road has been damaged due to torrential rains.
To internationalise issue of missing persons
MEDIA WATCH
Bridging US-Israeli gap on Iran
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N a surprising development, a United Nations working group on en forced or involuntary disappearances arrived in Pakistan Sunday to evaluate the case of missing persons. During their stay, members of the delegation would meet government officials and families of missing persons and also visit all four provinces and present their report to the UN Commission on Human Rights. Though it has been maintained at the official level that the group has been invited by the Government of Pakistan yet it is not clear who in the Government did so and whether this was done after considering all pros and cons of the issue. As the issue is necessarily related to Balochistan and the visit comes in the wake of hearing on Balochistan in the US House of Representatives and tabling of a resolution seeking right of self-determination for people of Balochistan, it is obviously part of a campaign to internationalise the issue. There are no two opinions that missing persons’ issue is a humanitarian one and that is why it is widely being debated in the country for quite some time. A Special Parliamentary Committee on Missing Persons was formed in May this year while a Judicial Commission, headed by retired Justice Javed Iqbal, is working on the issue. And above all, the Chief Justice of Pakistan himself is seized with the matter holding a number of hearings in Quetta on the issue. Only a few days back, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary issued a stern warning to the Government and the relevant agencies with regard to speedy recovery of the missing persons. Apart from this, as pointed out by Interior Minister Rehman Malik the issue has been overblown by some vested interests as the independent judicial commission and figures given by Provincial Government revealed that number of missing persons was not as high as was being claimed by some circles and many of those listed as missing persons were, in fact, in neighbouring countries engaged in anti-Pakistan activities. It is quite obvious that certain quarters are exaggerating the figure with a view to maligning Pakistan. It is a purely internal issue of Pakistan yet strangely enough some voices were heard inviting international attention to the issue. Anyhow, now that the Commission is here and vested interests would try to influence its investigations and outcome, we would urge the Government and its relevant agencies to treat the matter with all seriousness and provide minute details with facts and figures to the Commission to rebut the propaganda.
Mr Krishna! All this is just cosmetic I
NDIAN External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has not only summed up his trip to Pakistan as ‘very fruitful’ but his winding up activities also left the same impression. He had a busy day on Sunday in the Metropolitan city of Lahore where he enjoyed sumptuous lunch of the Chief Minister, visited Data Darbar and visited Pakistan Monument (Minar-ePakistan). His visit to Minar-e-Pakistan was surely a symbolic move aimed at reassuring people of Pakistan that India recognizes the reality of Pakistan. In a similar gesture in February 1999 the then Indian Prime Minister Attal Behari Vajpayee had also visited Minar-e-Pakistan and mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal before signing famous Lahore Declaration with the then Pakistani premier Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. We appreciate the spirit of the last day activities of Mr. Krishna during his visit to Pakistan as such moves go down well with local people. We would also urge Pakistani leaders to pay visits to Indian monuments whenever they happen to be in India. However, we would point out to Mr. Krishna that these things are basically of cosmetic value and would not yield the desired results until and unless there is will and determination to address key issues. We say so because Vajpayee’s visit to Minar-e-Pakistan, his speech there and signing of the declaration were interpreted by Pakistani people as signs of change of heart by India but their hopes were dashed as the Indian PM could not match his afterwards actions with his words uttered in Pakistan. Sustainable peace and friendship is possible only in a friction-free environment that demands resolution of the core issues.
Nobel Laureate demands trial of Bush & Blair P
ERIODICALLY voices are being raised questioning justification for invasion of Iraq and even Afghanistan and there had been a number of demonstrations in Europe and other parts of the world attended by millions of people against attacks on the two countries, which are still bleeding. Behind these killings are former US President Bush and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair who conspired and launched aggressions against the two Islamic countries. In latest of the many calls for trial of the two, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, who enjoys tremendous respect at international level, demanded that they be tried for tremendous loss of lives and perversion of international law. More than 1,10,000 Iraqis have died since invasion and many more are being killed in bomb attacks on daily basis. The death toll in Afghanistan is even higher. The Prosecutor of International Criminal Court stated in February 2006 that he had received 240 communications regarding various war crimes committed by US and UK in Iraq as the war was waged without UN authorization. The US and UK which claim to be champions of human rights and had been in the forefront forcing trial of those leaders whom they alleged for committing war crimes must also apply this rule on their leaders, Bush and Blair for atrocities against humanity. The precedence is there as three Latin American countries, Argentine, Chile and Peru have tried and sent their former leaders to prison for crimes of much less magnitude than those in Iraq War. Therefore the demand by Desmond Tutu is justified and let Bush and Blair be tried in the International Criminal Court, otherwise the US and UK would have no moral right to call for trial of people with less serious crimes.
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Race to the end GHK, PNS Mehran and more recently at Kamra airbase. He wrote: “Fears of that terrifying possibility were heightened Mohammad Jamil in August, when a Email: mjamil1938@hotmail.com group of militants assaulted a Pakistani base that some believe houses nuclear weapons compon 5th September 2012, For nents”. Despite being a veteran joureign Policy magazine car nalist, he does not know that nuclear ried a treatise captioned ‘Pa- weapons or components are not kistan and India: Race to the end’ stored at Kamra airbase. Or he is tryauthored by Tom Hundley. The ing to use this conjecture to advance main thrust of his article was Paki- his argument. He also tried to draw stani nukes, and while drawing comparisons of the US-Russia rivalry comparisons with India and other with the India-Pakistan rivalry, decountries he predicted that Pakistan scribing the latter more dangerous, as would surpass Britain and over time they officially fought three wars become third nuclear power after against each other since 1947. “They the US and Russia. He however di- have a festering territorial dispute in gressed from the main subject, and Kashmir. The 1999 Kargil conflict, in the very first para he wrote: “One waged a year after both countries of the more tenacious conspiracy went overtly nuclear, may have come theories that have taken root in the closer to the nuclear brink than even hothouse of Pakistan’s capital is that the 1962 Cuban missile crisis”. Osama bin Laden was not killed in Whereas the author is painting a the May 2, 2011 Navy SEAL raid gloomy picture so far as Pakistani on his compound in Abbottabad - nukes are concerned, but he does not that, in fact, he had already been discuss India where the Naxalite indead for years, killed in the caves surgency in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, of Tora Bora”. He conveniently for- Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttaranchal got that many writers and and other Indian States poses a threat commentriat in international media to internal security, as is evident had expressed similar opinion. from the declaration of a ‘Compact However, it is a matter of record that Revolutionary Zone’ of ‘Red CorriPakistan government had not even dor’ from Nepal to Tamil Nadu - acimplied or hinted about what was counting for almost a third of the published in international media. country’s total area’. Thus his comment about ‘hothouses As regards America’s concern of Pakistan’s capital’ is preposter- about Pakistani nukes, Tom Hundley ous. The author indeed raised the writes: “The United States, which is bogey of nuclear weapons falling duly concerned that Pakistan’s nukes into the terrorists’ hands as was done could fall into the wrong hands, alafter every terrorists attack on the most certainly does have a plan to
News & Views
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neutralize those weapons in the event of a coup or total state collapse. When the question was put to Condoleezza Rice during her 2005 confirmation hearings to become secretary of state, she replied, we have noted this problem, and we are prepared to try to deal with it.” This speaks volumes about the intentions of the US. In 2006, a small group of US military experts and intelligence officials convened in Washington for a classified war game explored strategies for securing Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal if the country’s political institutions and military safeguards began to fall apart. This was one of several such games the US government has conducted in recent years examining various options and scenarios for Pakistan’s nuclear weapons such as: How many troops might be required for a military intervention in Pakistan? Could Pakistani nuclear bunkers be isolated by saturating the surrounding areas with tens of thousands of high-powered mines, dropped from the air and packed with anti-tank and anti-personnel munitions? After end of the Cold War the US became the sole super power, and it is an irrefragable fact that without Pakistan’s support America would not have had achieved this status. But no sooner had former Soviet Union withdrawn its forces from Afghanistan than the US slammed sanctions on the grounds that Pakistan was developing nuclear weapons. The US leadership expects of other countries not to develop nukes, and destroy whatever arsenal they have because it feels that nuclear weapons represent gravest threat to US security. But those countries who feel their security threatened by the hostile neighbours or war mongers also seek to develop nukes to counter hegemonic designs of big or even regional powers, or those having an edge in conventional weapons and forces.
India has indeed quantitative and qualitative edge over Pakistan in conventional weapons such as tanks, aircraft and naval ships; still it is on buying spree and acquiring sophisticated weapons from the US, Russia, France, UK and Israel. However, it has to be mentioned that had Japan developed nukes, America would not have bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki with impunity. Of course, big powers do not have moral high authority to convince other countries not to produce atomic bombs especially when they are being threatened by hegemonic powers. The problem is that the US - the sole super power - has double standards, one for its strategic partners and the other one for rest of the world. Israel is an undeclared atomic power yet America would not like to see Iran or any Arab country develops nukes. The US itself has entered into a civil nuclear agreement with India, which has disturbed the balance of power in South Asia, which forces Pakistan to develop small-range atomic devices, to which the author has objected to. Of course, the US policy of making India a strategic partner has emboldened India to continue to be stubborn and balk at resolving Kashmir and other disputes. The author Tom Hundley concludes his treatise in these words: “This is the real nuclear threat that is festering in South Asia. It is a threat to all countries, including the United States, not just India and Pakistan. Both sides acknowledge it, but neither seems able to slow their dangerous race to annihilation”. Since the US and the West realize that the Kashmir is a nuclear flashpoint, they should use their clout to persuade India to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of all the stakeholders. —The writer is Lahore-based senior journalist.
he pointless kerfuffle in Char lotte over whether the Demo cratic Party platform would contain a reference to Jerusalem obscured the fact that the Obama administration and the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu continue to have a real and dangerous difference of opinion. The issue is not the location of Israel’s capital — President Obama’s position is identical to those of previous Democratic and Republican presidents — but the question of what to do about Iran’s nuclear program. That there are differences between Mr. Obama and Mr. Netanyahu over the urgency of considering military action against Iran has been evident for some time. The White House has been saying that, despite Tehran’s progress in enriching uranium and refusal to bargain seriously with an international coalition, there remains “time and space for diplomacy,” a position we’re inclined to agree with. Israel, suggesting that Iran is approaching a “zone of immunity” in which its program would be nearly invulnerable to attack, has been signalling that it could act unilaterally in the coming months. The acuteness of the differences was reflected in comments this week by Rep. Mike Rogers (RMich.), the chairman of the House intelligence committee, who said he witnessed “a very sharp exchange” between Mr. Netanyahu and Dan Shapiro, the US ambassador to Israel, during a Aug. 24 meeting. “It was very, very clear that the Israelis had lost their patience with the administration,” Mr. Rogers said in a radio interview. Though Mr. Shapiro and Israeli officials denied that an argument had occurred, Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak repeated Thursday that “the clock is ticking at a different pace” for the United States and for Israel in judging the Iranian threat. Many Israeli analysts believe Mr. Netanyahu will probably hold off on military action for now because of strong domestic opposition as well as pressure from Washington. But the disagreement is still damaging. It conveys to Iran that there is no need to worry about a war; certainly, the country’s leaders have been behaving as if they feel no pressure to compromise. It also creates the bizarre spectacle of senior US military and diplomatic officials focusing their time and attention on trying to prevent an Israeli attack rather than an Iranian bomb.— The Washington Post
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Japan running out of cash
India locked in Mumbai attacks J
sion of terrorist attack on the Indian parliament, New Delhi postponed the of dialogue. Sajjad Shaukat process Again, in 2008, India Email: sajjad_logic@yahoo.com suspended the ‘composite dialogue’ under the pretext of Mumbai terror attacks which were in uring the visit of India’s Ex fact, arranged by its secret agency ternal Affairs Minister S M RAW in connivance with Indian Krishna to Pakistan, home-grown terrorists. India and Pakistan had resumed Islamabad and New Delhi signed on September 9, this year, an agree- the new phase of talks in March, 2009 ment of liberalised visa regime and which were the first structured bilata memorandum of understanding on eral talks. But every time, prime mincultural exchanges, in addition to isters and foreign ministers of Pakiagreeing on new cross-Line of Con- stan and India have ended their meettrol (LoC) Confidence Building ings with issuance of positive notes, Measures (CBMs) related to trade and vowed that their parleys would and travel. Both the countries also pave the way for the settlement of real agreed to enhance air and sea travel issues, but the same failed without routes besides restoring Mumbai- producing tangible results due to InKarachi sea link. In a joint press dian hidden diplomacy. In this conconference, Pakistan’s Foreign text, Pakistan’s former Foreign MinMinister Hina Rabbani Khar and ister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had her counterpart Krishna showed rightly stated that India “was not great optimism regarding improve- mentally ready for talks, as it wanted ment of bilateral relations between to discuss only selective issues.” Notably, on November 10, 2011, the two countries. Khar stated that they discussed the then Prime Minister Gilani and all the outstanding issues such as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh terrorism, Kashmir, Siachen, Sir met on the sidelines of the SAARC Creek, Wullar Barrage, water etc. summit in Maldives. Singh pointed Earlier on his arrival, quite contrary out, “The time has come to write a to his positive statement, S M new chapter in the history of our Krishna warned that in case of countries.” Both the rulers agreed to Mumbai-like incident; relations improve their bilateral relations esbetween the two countries could pecially in trade, and also stated that lapse. Obviously Pakistan needed all the issues were discussed. Quite to do more on this front. Indian contrarily, two days after that meetshrewd diplomacy could be judged ing, Manmohan Singh stated, “I left from the fact that its rulers availed Gilani in no doubt that if public opinvarious crises so as to suspend the ion in India is not satisfied that jusprocess of Pak-India talks. For ex- tice is being done to those responsible ample, in 2002, under the preten- to the barbarous attack of Mumbai, it
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would not be possible to move forward with the peace process.” In Maldives, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik said about Pakistan’s position that Ajmal Kasab, the lone survivor of the 26/11 terrorincident is a “non-state actor…should be hanged, so should perpetrators of the Samjhauta Express blast.” As regards the Mumbai mayhem, while fully cooperating with New Delhi, Pakistan had took action against the banned organisations, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaatud-Dawah (JuD) by lodging FIR against some suspected persons, and also detained many individuals for investigation. But Lahore High Court had released Hafiz Saeel on bail, saying that there was no evidence agianst him about the Mumbai catastrophe. It is mentionable that interior secretaries of Pakistan and India talked at Islamabad in May, this year, but Indian Home Secretary RK Singh failed to produce any solid evidence about Hafiz Saeed’s involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks. On the other side, Rehman Malik confirmed that RAW was involved in the Samjhota Express incident. While the true story of the Mumbai carnage had been proved last year, when a day after the Indian media exposed the name of the terrorist, Wazhul Qamar Khan whose name was included in the list of 50 alleged terrorists given to Pakistan in March, 2011. But Wazhur Qamar “is living in the suburbs of Mumbai with his family” and “is regularly reports to a court that gave him bail” as reported by The Times of India. In this regard, Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram admitted that what the media described an embarrassing lapse—for preparing the list was true. Besides, reports suggest that another
most-wanted culprit, Feroz Abdul Khan who is supposed to be hiding in Pakistan has also been found out in India. It is notable that recently, Pakistan’s President Zardari and P.M Singh met on the sidelines of the NAM Summit in Tehran during which Singh repeatedly said that expeditious conclusion of the Mumbai terror attack trial in Pakistan would be a major measure in bilateral relations. Besides, he failed to give any definite date for his promised visit to Pakistan. In fact, India is not serious in resolving real issues with Pakistan like Sir Creek; Siachen, Wullar Barrage, Water and Kashmir. It is only interested in promotion of trade, friendly exchanges, tourism, relaxation of visas etc. because these favour Indian big economy. While taking positive steps, Islambad already signed a number of trade agreemens with New Delhi, which allowed India exports of mutltiple items across the Wagah border. It also granted India Most Favoured Nation status, which permits trade in almost everything. On the other hand, New Delhi has allowed investments by Pakistanis in India. Owing to Indian delaying tactics, Pak-Indian real issues have still remained unsettled. Particularly, India is determined to keep its illegitimate control on Kashmir. However, like the past such meetings, present one has created only wishful thinking among the people of the two countries as New Delhi is playing double game by promoting ties with Islamabad in other fields because it has locked its side in Mumbai terror attacks, which have continuously been employing by its leaders and diplomats to distract attention from the solution of key disputes.
apan, the world’s third biggest economy, might run out of money by December, the country’s finance minister warned as opposition parties blocked deficit-financing legislation. Budget funds will last through the end of November as the government reduces spending, according to Finance Minister Jun Azum. Opposition parties in the Upper House of parliament stymied legislation approved in the Lower House last month that enables the issuance of 38.3 trillion yen (Dh1.79 trillion) or about 40 per cent of this fiscal year’s budget, of deficit-financing bonds. The government seeks to save 5 trillion yen over three months by slowing spending, without cutting funding for health care, social welfare, the police or disaster prevention. It was the first time since World War II that the government had delayed scheduled budget spending in the middle of a financial year. The stand-off over funding complicates efforts to sustain a recovery as exports slide and the country risks swinging to a contraction this quarter. Failure in reaching a deal could have catastrophic consequences at a time when the country recovers from last year’s tsunami. Japanese politicians should rise to the occasion by looking beyond partisan interests and come to a compromise to save the struggling economy. At the end of the day, politics is about people — their welfare, economy and job creation. This is not the time to settle scores when people’s sufferings are set to multiply with rising debts that are increasingly becoming unmanageable. — Gulf News
Conscience is the inner voice that warns us somebody may be looking H L Mencken —US journalist
A threat to Pakistan’s existence Voice of the People
larly the people of Pakistan of all peace and prosperity. When we analyze the situation particularly Ali Sukhanver with reference to PakiEmail:alisukhanver@hotmail.com stan, we find this passion of hatred not alone for the US but for India also. Be it the worsening law and order situation of recent survey organized by Baluchistan or incidents of targeted the Pew Research Center killings in Karachi or suicidal attacks Washington regarding the in Khaiber Pakhtun Khawh, the Inpopularity of US in Pakistan says, dian intelligence agencies are active “Roughly three-in-four Pakistanis everywhere and unfortunately most (74%) consider the U.S. an enemy, of these notorious activities of India up from 69% last year and 64% three are strongly patronized by the US. Though the security agencies of years ago. And President Obama is held in exceedingly low regard. In- Pakistan are doing all their best posdeed, among the 15 nations surveyed sible to counter the involvement of in both 2008 and 2012 by the Pew Indian agencies in Pakistan but they Global Attitudes Project, Pakistan is have their own limitations. With their the only country where ratings for limited resources, the security agenObama are no better than the ratings cies of Pakistan have been trying sucPresident George W. Bush received cessfully to compete with the agents during his final year in office”. This of the CIA, MI6, Mussad and the hatred has no doubt very solid rea- RAW for the last many years and it sons and very realistic grounds. In is simply the skill and devotion of Pathe name of so-called war on terror kistani security agencies that US has and in the name of suspicious desire yet not succeeded in its plan of disinfor peace, the US policy makers tegrating Pakistan in collaboration have deprived the people of all these with India. Unfortunately in spite above mentioned countries particu- of having the knowledge that India
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is playing a very poisonous role in making Pakistan destabilized, some media houses in Pakistan, some journalists and some NGOs are continuously trying to popularize the idea of Indo-Pak friendship. They are doing their all effort to give a false impression to the people of Pakistan and to the world around that solution to all problems of Pakistan lies in cordial and friendly relationship with India. They are also propagating the thought that no one but only the Armed forces of Pakistan are creating hindrances in the way to IndoPak friendly relationship. As far as the idea of cordial relationship with the neighbours is concerned, no one in Pakistan is against this idea but as far as role of India is concerned, India in itself is a problem not a solution to the problems. Just glance at the state of affairs particularly in the last two decades , you would find a lot of disturbances regarding water issues, insurgencies, terrorism, spy-networking and defaming of Pakistan at international level; all supported by India. Here I remember the prediction of some prominent Indian congressmen like Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallahbahi Patel, Kirpalani and others that the truncated state of
Pakistan will collapse and fall apart within two to five years. The Indian lobby in Pakistan is now-a-days earnestly working for the approval of free-trade facilities between Pakistan and India. If unluckily approved, such trade policy would prove a catastrophic disaster for Pakistan. The ever-worst energy crisis in Pakistan has badly affected the industrial sector. The industrial units which have the capacity of working round the clock are compelled to work only for six to eight hours a day. This situation is not only making lives of the labourers a hell but also increasing the cost of production. If a free-trading policy is introduced between Pakistan and India, the industrialists of Pakistan would not be able to compete with the Indian products which would be no doubt cheaper in rates but inferior in quality at the same time. Ultimately the industrialists in Pakistan would either shift their machinery and investment to Bangladesh or to India or they would become importers rather than manufacturers. This situation is very much alarming. In the name of friendship we must not allow our enemy to shatter and scatter the very foundations of our country.
Pak should walk terror talk Sushil Vakil Email: sushilvakil@yahoo.co.in
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he relations between India and Pakistan have been strained since 1947 partition due to non demarcation of borders and no permanent settlement of Kashmir issue. The non resolution of the Kashmir dispute has led to numerous military conflicts and skirmishes on the border. Though the two neighbourly nations share historic, cultural, geographic, and economic links yet their relationship remains mired in hostility and suspicion. To end hostilities both the countries held many meetings in past but without tangible results. Another meeting of foreign ministers was held last week in Islamabad to discuss all bilateral issues. Now it is to be seen how far the two sides succeed in sorting out the core issues. No doubt, India and Pakistan are trying to establish diplomatic relations but Kashmir dispute usually overshadows their relationship. There have been numerous attempts to improve the relationship but all these failed due to Pakistan’s persistent stand to discuss Kashmir dispute first
and other issues later. Since independence, the two countries have fought three major wars, one undeclared war and have been involved in numerous armed skirmishes and military standoffs. Incidently, the Kashmir dispute has been at the heart of all of these conflicts. Well, permanent peace in the subcontinent is nigh impossible, till Pakistan remains obsessed with Kashmir and paranoid about India. Peace will remain a pipe dream, until Pakistan sheds antipathy towards India.F o r political consumption both the countries maintain that they are inching towards peace and mutual cooperation but the facts speaks otherwise. There is no denying the fact that India restarted the dialogue with Pakistan inspite of no action against the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai attack by Pakistan and now, there is talk of ministerial level talks, investments from Pak and cricket matches etc. How long will India continue to go soft on Pakistan? If tomorrow another major terrorist attack takes place, the government will restart the same chain of reaction as after 26/11. It is high time India stood firm on handing over of Mumbai attackers and people like Dawood before signing other agreements.
Pakistan maintains that it has taken “bold and unprecedented” steps to improve ties with India to resolve all bilateral disputes, including the key issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Describing India as a “vital neighbour” for Pakistan, Khar said during a speech at the German Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin that history would bear witness to the “level of effort exerted” by the current government in Islamabad to normalise relations between the two countries. “Granting the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status by Pakistan to India has injected a new momentum into the Pakistan-India normalization process,” Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said ahead of Indian foreign Minister’s visit to Islamabad. Not surprisingly, prior to Islamabad visit Indian External Affairs Minister Mr Krishna said “Dialogue is the best way to resolve issues between two sides. We have travelled some distance since our bilateral dialogue was resumed in February 2011. There has been some progress in the area of economic and commercial cooperation and promotion of friendly exchanges, including people-to-people contacts. However, in other areas like terrorism, much
more needs to be done and there are challenges that exist but that shouldn’t deter us from talking about how to resolve these difficult issues,” the Minister added. While sports enthusiasts and business community is overwhelmed over proposed Cricket matches and trade pacts etc. yet the fact remains that all that lose its relevance when Pak terrorists strike in any part of India. It’s clear that an enduring peace process will require Pakistan to witdraw all support to terrorists operating across the border at ISI’s behest. Moreover, there may be a relative improvement in political relations too if Pakistan changes its attitude of hatred and intolerance towards India. In the meanwhile, our government must bear one thing in mind that Pakistan can never be trusted even if it means playing Cricket or exchanging trade and goods. If Pakistan is really sincere in improving their sordid relations with us, it must stop sending infiltrators across the border, it must extradite notorious terrorists like Dawood Ibrahim and others and also close all the terrorist camps which train terrorists to strike in India. —The writer is New Delhi-based journalist.
Views From Abroad
Pakistan weary of Afghan refugees Alex Rodriguez
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akistan is growing increasingly impatient as host of the world’s largest refugee community — millions of Afghans who fled the Soviet invasion and, later, Taliban rule. At the end of the year, Afghans in Pakistan will lose legal status as refugees, making them vulnerable to deportation. Afghan refugees say they feel caught in the gears of conflicting agendas in their homeland and adopted land. Afghan leaders insist that a shattered economy and the 10-year war against Taliban insurgents make it impossible to begin accepting returning refugees en masse. Pakistani officials say they don’t have plans to immediately begin repatriating Afghans, but they also don’t plan to continue hosting an estimated 3.5 million Afghans in a country struggling to meet the basic needs of its own people. “We know what the situation in Afghanistan is, but that’s the failure
of the Afghan government and the international forces there,” said Engineer Shaukatullah, Pakistan’s minister of states and frontier regions, who oversees Afghan refugees in Pakistan. “In 10 years, they haven’t been able to provide refugees a secure place to live. That means the whole burden is on Pakistan.” There are 1.68 million registered Afghan refugees living in Pakistan, according to the UN refugee agency. An additional 1.8 million are unregistered and living in the country illegally, Pakistani officials say. Registered refugees are issued special identity cards that allow them to stay in Pakistan. Those cards expire December 31. Pakistan has yet to announce what action it will take. Officials in Kabul say large-scale deportations by Pakistan could destabilize Afghanistan at a time when the country is particularly vulnerable. Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s government is struggling to accept more of the burden of securing the country before Washington’s planned withdrawal of
troops by the end of 2014. UN refugee agency officials have been trying to persuade the Pakistani government to extend refugee status for Afghans in the country. But Islamabad isn’t ruling anything out. “They are looking at all the options, including forcing refugees back. That would have huge consequences,” said Neill Wright, the chief representative in Pakistan for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Nevertheless, the presence of Afghan refugees remains deeply unpopular in Pakistan, a sentiment Pakistani leaders are likely to weigh ahead of what are expected to be hotly contested national elections early next year. Many Pakistanis contend Afghan refugees are a source of rising crime and key players in attacks that continue to beset the country. “They are involved in it,” Shaukatullah said when asked about links between Afghan refugees and terrorism in Pakistan. “They have connections with these things.” So far this year, nearly 42,000 Afghan refu-
gees have returned home. Shaukatullah says that’s not enough, adding that the return rate is negated by the number of children born to Afghan refugees each year, which he said is about 83,000. Children born to Afghan refugees in Pakistan do not get Pakistani citizenship; many refugees who are in their teens or younger have never set foot in Afghanistan. Sangar is one of them. The 19year-old, who, like many Afghans, uses just one name, was born in Pakistan and grew up in the refugee colony in Khazana after his family fled Afghanistan more than 30 years ago. He runs his tailoring business from a tiny, darkened stall no bigger than a garden shed. “Even if they bulldoze our houses, we won’t go,” Sangar said, shooing away flies with a fan. “If I’m forced to go to Afghanistan, I don’t know what I would do there. I was born here, grew up here and studied here. Pakistan is my country.” — Courtesy: Los Angeles Times
Hero of Batala encounter BASHEER ALI The Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parveez Kiani in his speech on Shuhadas day dated 1.4.2010 had said “that we have not forgotten any sacrifice of our Armed forces from 1947 to date. We are remembering those shoudas, with love and respect who had given their blood in the foundation of Pakistan”. I am specifically highlighting the heroism of my shaheed brother Chief Petty Officer Mahboob Ali No.2940 of Pakistan Navy who was martyred on 3.10.1947 at the age of 27, when Pakistan State was only 7 weeks old, in Batala Encounter and successfully saved the lives of his 30 to 35 comrades and convoys of Muslim refugees on that day. Pakistan Navy in recognition of his supreme sacrifice for Pakistan had stated in their letter dated 2.5.1988: “ Pakistan Navy highly values the services rendered by your late brother and the gallant way he laid down his life”. Shaheed was awarded five medals during service including two ie Atlantic Star and Italy Star. Shaheed’s native village is Pakka Khan (Bewal) in Tehsil Gujar Khan. I have been struggling for the last 25 years for the grant of a gallantry award to my brother which he prima facie deserved. After my 25 years continuous struggle with Presidents and Prime Ministers of Pakistan, Min. of Defence, CNSs, GHQ, Shuhada Cell I have last year received a letter from a Section Officer of Ministry of Defence Rawalpindi in July 2011 and clearly written with the approval of PN stating: “No additional corroborating evidence of actual events is available therefore case cannot be processed further”. I humbly request CNS to look into the case of my brother sympathetically for the grant of a gallantry award to him who had prima facie upheld the greatest traditions of Pakistan Navy by giving his own life and saved his 30 to 35 comrades and convoys of Muslims refugees on 3.10.1947 in Batala encounter — an encounter well known to PN. —Islamabad
Cricket matches and gambling IFTIKHAR MIRZA According to news 11 people were arrested by Police in Lahore allegedly involved in bookmaking in Pakistan and Australia T-20 match. Rs.6 million, mobile phones, computers were also recovered from them. The menace of bookmaking has plagued our society. Some people consider it the easiest way to become millionaire over-night. This departure from hard realities of life approach has deprived gamblers of what small or big amount they had. On the other hand, bookmakers, the criminal slot of the society, is blossoming and making economic progress by leap and bounds. This trend gives rise to anarchy in society wavers the moral standards prevailing in society. Recent episode of involvement of Pakistani cricketers in match fixing, litigation on foreign soils, imprisonment, eventually ending their career brought shame and disrespect to Pakistan. There is a dire need to enact strict laws like those handling terrorism to curb nuisance of bookmaking in our society. Media should also play its pivotal role in bringing to book the culprits and ending this evil for good. —Islamabad
Equip women with education MUHAMMAD UZAIR NIAZI
A cat named flash..!
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esterday while visiting a friend, his cat came and sat on my lap, “Hey Bob, I’m surprised! I’ve never seen this cat being friendly to anyone!” he said and my mind went back to my own Persian cat: Flash. I remember the day Flash died! I never saw Flash being buried. It was a sad morning when my brother told me she was dead. “Bury her,” I said. “I don’t want to see her dead.” He did and I have no memories of her lifeless body. Flash was a little kitten when I brought her home. Our huge German Shepherd thought it was one
of her own pups and picked her up and carried her about. The dog died but Flash lived on. We changed city and Flash came along, sitting in the back of train seat or inside plastic basket as the steam engine blew smoke and coal into her lovely yellow eyes. She moved houses with us made friends with males around and delivered to us a horde of kittens. My father loved dogs, my mother cats and I both. But Flash was special, she was both cat and dog to me. She waited outside for me to come back from school and then with raised tail followed me around, dog like. She waited beside, as I climbed terrace with books to study. She climbed onto my bed, into my mosquito net and slept with her head on my twelve year old arm. A habit she had which I found strange was how she would climb up my mother’s sari to sometimes sit on
her shoulder. It was a habit that saved her life: We heard the meow. It sounded like it was coming from far away. My brother and I searched along with our mother, but there was no sign of her. Again we heard her cry. She sounded weak and something made me run to well and look in. There deep down was Flash. We threw the bucket gently into the water and tried with attached rope to guide her in, but Flash just wouldn’t get in. Suddenly my mother came running with a sari. We dropped the end into the well and watched with tears in all our eyes as an exhausted, tired and thoroughly wet cat climbed weakly out and onto my mother’s outstretched arms. Even now when little kids sing, ‘Ding dong bell pussy’s in the well..’ I smile. Flash was Persian, a black beauty, and she knew it. Hers was not
the wayside Tom, and she fought them off as they came a mating. She picked her mates with care as her kittens showed. But they came and fought for her and one battle royal took place with her inside my mosquito net, in which I came out with scratched and deeply bitten arm and head from rejected Tom. For once I bravely took the tetanus; it was a fight for Flash and a good cause. The scars are still there. But one day Flash died; somebody had hit her with a stone, she came home bleeding and was gone the next morning. I never saw her dead. But that morning, I pulled out my harmonica and played a tune. It’s a tune I still find difficult to play without tears sweeping my adult face. “Why do you cry dad?” they ask when I play that tune. I turn away. It’s not often they see me cry..! —Email: bobsbanter@gmail.com
Women are a main constituent of a society, with an ability to perform different activities. In rearing there is a plenty share of mother in everyone’s life. An educated mother has a tendency to lay establishment of a healthy and enlightened society. The entire personality of a person revolves around the sphere of mother training. The constitution of Pakistan has allocated different rights for women, so that they can easily excel in different walks of life. Women represent 51% of total population share in Pakistan, with a literacy rate of 36% and male 64%. In Pakistan the percentage of primary schools for girls is 4, with a school drop out rate of 50%. As Muslims, we all know that the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) laid great stress on the importance of education and said “It is the leading duty of men and women to acquire education”. Women education in Pakistan is facing different hurdles, with different natures. The overall size of the population is mounting rapidly, and
Unscrupulous TV ads COL SYED RIAZ JAFRI (R)
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n an anti-bacterial soap ad a doctor looking character is shown measuring germs on a children play ride with his hand held “germ meter” and pronouncing the ride full of germs dangerous to the health of the innocents. Is there a meter that can detect the presence of the germs on an object and read their numbers too on it? Similarly a mosquito repellent lotion ad informs us that the smoke from the Anti Mosquito Coil is more harmful than that of the smoke of 100 cigarettes !! Is it true? If yes, then how in the first instance the ad of such a harmful mosquito coils was allowed to be advertised through the media? And, if there is no meter that can detect and measure the number of the germs, why is the public being befooled by it? Isn’t there any law against such falsehood and mendacity to save the naïve public from being made fool of by the media and the industry? —Rawalpindi has resulted in further female illiteracy. In these circumstances the boys get more advantage from the family and continue their education, where as the girls are given some skills. This practice has contributed in limiting the overall presence of women to get education. A perception also prevails in our society, that the male has to be the part of the earning process and the women must not plunge in to any work in order to earn a better livelihood. Another hurdle that is also very vibrant is that most of the time the females are not allowed to go to universities, colleges, for continuing their education. As our society is a male dominated society and women are having different problems while mobility, so this problem also hinders in front of women education as their father, brother, never allow them to pursue education. Every government talks about the importance of women education, but in vain they never pay heat to it. Our government is spending 2% GDP on education, which is nothing more then nuts. Our neighboring countries Srilanka and India have developed a gender equality policy in education, and are flourishing very rapidly. In Pakistan media has brought awareness among the society, about the importance of women education. As a result many women are heading towards different professions of life. Kofi Annan said, “More countries have understood that women’s equality is a prerequisite for development”. It is not possible for a society to progress by restricting half of its population to acquire better education. Women have always played a main role in the building of nations, so for a better Pakistan it is important to equip our women with quality education. —Mianwali
A tribute to Josh Malihabadi IQBAL HAIDER Our beloved country, Pakistan has shown us time and again that it qualifies on all the above grounds to be that soil. Well, in a land where surprises are the norms of life somehow they still manage to shock us by rather an uncharacteristically pleasant one, and it’s on the intellectual and literary front too. You will know what I am talking about if you look at the names of the recipients of 2012 Civil Awards. It includes some very eminent people but at the same time very unlikely candidates for these awards. Because they have been stereo-typed, cast aside and victimized. These names should have been recognized a long time ago, but I guess it’s never too late to start afresh and write a new chapter. We all know about cause and effect, nothing happens without a reason. So when you see such a significant shift you start looking for a reason, especially when you the outcast like Josh and Munto being honored. You wonder if there is a real shift in paradigm, is there a different mindset behind the scene, are we beginning to think rationally or is it a mere coincident? Josh is dear to us for what he represents, what he stands for- the objective and undiluted rationality, and the deep-rooted, subtly crafted, meaningful shades of words of articulate and engage the sense data of human consciousness. Josh’s poetry will add unique dimensions to any literature let alone Urdu. He had this very rare combination of a diversified and panoramic vision and profoundly intricate diction. He started as fiery revolutionary poet and remained revolutionary in the true sense of its meaning to the last day. He gave a fresh and most objective perspective to all the domains and topics that he touched, and did not leave many untouched either. He gave new meaning to live and a new level of consciousness to the art of aesthetics and poetry. He has the capacity of intellect to rationalize and analyze, and the integrity of character to fearlessly question and discard. And some of those questions were cutting too deep and too close to the core of the matter, hence he was punished. It is solemn, stirring, compelling and while given least credit, strangely life affirming. Josh may not
be the slickest or most popular poet in recent times, and for obvious reasons, but definitely vision is the most important and relevant one to save us from this senseless fragmentation and self destruction. —Calgary, Canada
US & Haqqani network KHAWAJA UMER FAROOQ According to media news US authorities has declared Haqqani network as a terrorist organization and again accused Pakistan of links with Haqqani militant’s net work which is operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan. US have also blamed several deadliest attacks targeted Nato bases in Afghanistan to Haqqani militant’s net work, which killed several people. Now in his recent meeting with Pakistani foreign minister US security of state Hillary Clinton urged Pakistan to do more against militants groups on Pakistani soil. Recent allegations of US high authorities regarding Pakistan links with Haqqani militant are astonishing for everyone. True reality is that US allegations are against the ground realities in Pakistan. If Pakistan is enjoying good relations with militant groups like Haqqani network why country is facing worst wave of terrorist and suicide attacks. At the same day when US high authorities made their comments fifteen Pakistani security forces personals lost their lives in an attack on check post in North West frontier province border with Afghanistan. Next day militant’s targeted high level security Kamra Airbase in heart of Punjab province and killed eight people. More than forty people lost their lives in a busy shopping center in Peshawar when militants targeted pro government tribal elder. Government supported tribes and peace committee members have become main targets of militants groups and even mosque, shops, schools are not save. Militants attacks from Afghanistan Kunner province have become daily routine in Pakistani border cities. Afghan border cities have become safe haven for militants but Nato is doing nothing to stop aggression. After participation in US led war on terror more than four thousand Pakistani security personal s have lost their lives more than US and Noto soldieries who lost their lives in Afghanistan. Due to increasing militant’s attacks Pakistani economy suffered badly and total financial lost now have reached to 68 billion dollars. —Jeddah, KSA
Division of Sindh ANEELA CHANDIO There is a consensus across the country, that if there is a need to create new provinces, it must be done only on administrative reasons and not ethnic or linguistic basis. This ordinance issued late in the night of 6th September, effectively divides Sind into two different administrative units, where local governments of certain urban centers would be run in accordance with a particular system, while rural districts and towns will be administered through a separate system. The stage has been set for providing justification for division of Sindh. If ever there is a demand by those who resorted to wall chalking in Karachi, it will be justified on existing separate administrative systems in force. People of Sind gave a mandate to PPP and unfortunately this very mandate is being abused. It seems this PPP government will make any compromise for their power politics, irrespective of the consequences, or its fallout on the country. —Sukkur
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—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net
Why Drone Strikes Cede ‘Hearts and Minds’ to Taliban ROBERT DREYFUSS
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HE intricacies of Afghanistan’s mo saic of tribes, sub-tribes and clans, and its ethnic and sectarian fault lines have befuddled the American enterprise there since 2001. Although U.S. intelligence officials and military specialists have tried to create maps of the power structure in rural areas – including who owes allegiance to the Taliban and who doesn’t – for the most part it’s been a decade-long fool’s errand, since, among other things, those allegiances often change without notice. That’s why the August 18 drone attack in Kunar province, which killed dozens of Afghans, is so disturbing. So far, there appears to be no independent investigation of the attack, outside of the media, either by the United Nations or by human rights groups, and there’s plenty of disagreement about what happened. But all accounts agree that somewhere between two dozen and over fifty people died in a lethal drone strike conducted in a remote area of Chapah Darah district. Perhaps no one has looked into the truth of what occurred that day because the region is isolated and, like much of rural Afghanistan, not under government control. What’s known about the events that day goes as follows: A quarrel, apparently between families or clans erupted in a small village in the Chapah Darah district in Kunar, which sits hard against the AfghanPakistan border east of the capital, Kabul. Because the government has little or no authority there, tribal elders – who may or may not be loyal to the Taliban – summoned Taliban officials to the scene. “According to locals and the police chief of the Chapah Darah district,” the New York Times reports, “the insurgents had gathered after a quarrel between two families resulted in a death. The victim’s relatives surrounded those they said were responsible for the death and called in the Taliban to administer justice.”At least two
dozen Taliban gathered, presumably surrounded by the alleged perpetrators, aggrieved, and tribal observers, to carry out an execution of one or more of those involved. At some point during the affair, U.S.-directed drones bombed the gathering. According to various accounts, as many as 50 people died. The official statement by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which claimed that the Taliban commander in Kunar and his deputy were among those killed, is antiseptic in its report: “During the operation, the Afghan and coalition security force observed a large group of heavily armed insurgents engaging in insurgent activity. After ensuring there were no civilians in the area, the security force engaged the insurgents with a precision airstrike. After the strike, the security force conducted an initial follow-on assessment and confirmed the strike had not injured any civilians or damaged any civilian property.” But the statement raises many questions. How, exactly, does ISAF know that no civilians died? How do they distinguish between armed and unarmed civilians, those that may support or at least lean toward the Taliban, and hardcore Taliban fighters? According to news reports, the Obama administration dealt with the inevitable conundrum that drone strikes create by redefining combatants to include all “militaryage males” in a strike zone, “unless there is explicit intelligence posthumously proving them innocent,” to use the New York Times’ phrasing. This is a faulty, catch-all term that makes no real distinction between, say, the Taliban and civilians. It also gives the military an incentive to avoid conducting an extensive probe into drone strikes, as these might uncover “explicit intelligence” proving that some of the military-aged males were not combatants. Thus, it’s hardly surprising, then, that the ISAF statements merely says it “observed a large group of heavily armed insurgents engaging in insurgent activity,” and completely ignores the report that at least some of those killed were adjudicating a
local, family dispute. And, while ISAF says that it conducted an after-action investigation at the scene, an ISAF spokesman refused to say anything about how the inquiry was conducted or how thorough it was. According to Xinhua, the Chinese news service — which says “about 50 militants were killed” — Najibullah Khan, the district chief of police, said: “The drone targeted four suspected vehicles in Shinallai area of Chapah Darah district at around 1 p.m. local time Saturday, killing 50 militants, including 13 insurgent local commanders.” Even if those were the targets, it’s unlikely that 50 people were crammed into four vehicles, making it clear that many if not most of the dead were villagers who’d gathered for the event. Another account reports that the bombing occurred “as Taliban swarmed around their intended victim(s) in preparation of carrying out an execution.” That, like other reports, suggests that a large gathering was underway when the drones fired what ISAF calls a “precision airstrike.” The fact is that the word “precision” applies to little or nothing about this event. Instead, it’s yet another marker on a confused and misguided counterinsurgency strategy that, while scheduled to end in 2014 – with 200 U.S. bases already shut down – is achieving few of its declared aims. It’s a sad but sobering thought that the disputed death of 50 Afghans in Kunar on August 18 merited precious little news coverage and, so far, no real inquiry by either the government of Afghanistan or by most independent observers. At the same time, the cumulative deaths of 40 NATO service members so far in 2012 at the hands of Afghan army and police – only a small portion of which have been tied to the Taliban-led insurgency – have attracted widespread attention, investigations, commentary, and concern at the highest levels of the U.S. command. On August 23, just five days after the slaughter in Kunar, General John R. Allen, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, presided over a lengthy news conference during which he fielded numerous questions about the so-called green-on-blue attacks, but not a
Why a U.S.-China ‘Grand Bargain’ in Asia Would Fail RORY MEDCALF
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ROMINENT Australian security thinker Hugh White has sounded the alarm over Asia’s strategic future with his provocative new book The China Choice. Despite, or because of, its contentious recommendations, this work ought to inspire debate on the most critical question to the future of Indo-Pacific Asia and indeed all of global security. That is: how can the regional order incorporate a rising China and its interests without allow Beijing to become destabilizingly dominant? In often stark terms, Professor White outlines why the United States should share power with China to avoid rivalry, a new Cold War and potentially catastrophic conflict. This experienced former senior defense official presents a taut warning about the dangers ahead if the United States does not radically reconsider its Asia policy in light of China’s rise. Much of his diagnosis is hard to fault. Especially sharp is his dissection of America’s concept for taking on China in a so-called AirSea Battle which, weirdly, seems to wish away any risks of nuclear escalation. And it is all to the good that White robustly questions the notion that diplomatic business as usual will be sufficient to accommodate China’s expanding interests and expectations. Yet for all that, there remain troubling gaps in White’s recommendation – echoed this week by former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating – that U.S. allies and other third countries should urge America to set new limits on how and where it pushes back against China. It is one thing to counsel Washington towards a supposedly new way of thinking in which it accepts clear limits to its interests and influence in Asia to help ensure peace. It is entirely another to nominate where the line should be drawn. This is the harder task, yet The China Choice is frustratingly guarded on this score. At the heart of the book is an argument that the United States should partner with China in maintaining Asia’s stability through an exclusive ‘concert of powers’, and that this would include conceding to China a sphere of influence. The dangerous al-
ternative, says White, is that Washington will refuse to give up its quest to sustain military and strategic dominance in Asia, resulting in confrontation and quite possibly war. He fully agrees that U.S. pre-eminence long kept the peace, but says in effect that these days are over as China grows more confident in staring down American deterrence. He works through many of the states in Asia – from South Korea to Japan to Southeast Asia and India – suggesting reasons why America would not wish to risk war by fully backing them up in a crisis, and why they themselves would be unlikely to join America in somebody else’s fight with China. If solidarity is really so thin, then China can cease fretting about perceived American strategies of encirclement. This line of analysis also seems somewhat at odds with another of the book’s judgments: that even if the United States withdrew from Asia, Chinese dominance would be impossible because the rest of Asia collectively could balance against Beijing. If most Asian nations genuinely see the risks outweighing the benefits in helping America balance against China now, what would change their minds in the even more fragile setting of American retrenchment? The real problem, though, with The China Choice is also one of its virtues: the sheer neatness of its argument. It calls for a new order in which China’s authority and influence grow enough to satisfy the Chinese, while America’s role remains large enough to ensure China’s power is not misused. This elegant formula downplays the realities faced by the many other nations across Indo-Pacific Asia that place as much premium as China does on their own security and national dignity. To be fair, White does not deny that it will be exceptionally hard for America and China to negotiate mutually acceptable limits that would make their power-sharing arrangement possible or stable. Conscious that his idea is vulnerable to being caricatured as something like appeasement, he underscores that Washington would need to be absolutely firm and clear to China about these boundaries. Otherwise, there would be real risks – as he acknowledges – of initial American concessions giving China the false expectation of more, and leading
potentially to war through miscalculation. So far, so good. But what might those limits be? It may be unreasonable to expect one author to have all the answers on what Chinese and American spheres of influence would look like in a changed Asia. After all, this is not purely about drawing lines on a map but also about fine judgment regarding permissible Chinese and American policies towards third parties and their domestic affairs. Still, it is disappointing that, having identified some sort of Chinese sphere of influence as necessary for great-power peace, the book devotes just a few paragraphs to the “complex and delicate question” — some would say the crucial question — of what this space would look like. A workable sphere of influence, we are told, cannot directly affect the vital interests of other great powers. Most Asian countries are not named as candidates for being within the sphere. The potential status of the Koreas and Burma, for instance, is not made clear. Japan is explicitly excluded, since trying to include one great power in another’s sphere of influence would void the whole concert idea and lead to dangerous instability. Only Indochina is held out as a demonstration of what might need to be on the table. The political autonomy of Laos, or part thereof, is given as an example of what might reasonably be conceded in the interests of avoiding U.S.-China rivalry. This is hardly shocking news, being not far off a description of that country’s present status. Next the question of Vietnam is raised and left unanswered. One suspects the Vietnamese would have their own answers and on this issue, at least, they get a vote. Moving to the South China Sea, “to concede that would be to concede more than is compatible with the vital interests of other great powers”. Agreed – but there is no sign of China’s abandoning or even being willing to negotiate its sweeping claims in those waters, reinforced of late by the establishment of an island city and garrison.—Courtesy - Diplomat. [?Rory Medcalf is director of the international security program at the Lowy Institute, Australia].
single question on Kunar. Yet the events in Kunar may hold great significance for the ultimate success of the NATO mission in Afghanistan. That’s because events like the one in Kunar are what generate outrage and desperation among Afghan villagers, often pushing them closer to the Taliban or making them susceptible to Taliban propaganda about jihad against the foreign forces. That’s why the latest pronouncement about the course of the war by Stephen Biddle of the Council on Foreign Relations ought to be ringing alarm bells. Biddle, who maintains close contact with U.S. military commanders, has long been relatively optimistic that a political accord with the Taliban might allow for a settlement of the conflict before 2014. Now, he says, “I’m significantly less optimistic than I have been.” Biddle adds, “I am very concerned about the direction that the war has been taking because of some shortsighted decisions we’ve made that have undermined our long-term prospect for getting an acceptable result. When people ask the question, ‘How’s the war going?’ usually they are focusing on the short term and the battlefield. So the issue usually is: Are casualties up or down? Are we in
control of more of the country this month than we were last month? Are civilian causalities up relative to a year ago at this time, or down relative to year ago at this time? Those are all perfectly worthwhile questions, but the more important set of questions has to do with how we get to an acceptable outcome. Our ability to drive the war to a successful conclusion on the battlefield is nil at this point.” Perhaps a deal between the United States and the Taliban is still possible. But as the U.S. force in Afghanistan draws down, the United States is likely to rely increasingly on airstrikes like the one in Kunar to suppress the insurgency. And because airstrikes often lead to civilian casualties, more often than not they make things worse, not better, from a counterinsurgency point of view. That can only bolster the Taliban as America pulls out, and no doubt many within the Taliban leadership are arguing that it’s better to keep fighting rather than negotiate. Still, there are new reports that the Taliban is once again headed back to the bargaining table in Qatar, reinforcing Biddle – and the Obama administration’s – hope that a political settlement isn’t impossible.—Courtesy - The Diplomat.
A Forgotten Player in a Post2014 Afghanistan: Uzbekistan SARAH CHAYES
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ASHKENT’S proximity and ties to Afghanistan ensures it will play a central role in its future. The U.S. should enlist its help. The United States and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding detailing conditions for reopening the border with Afghanistan to NATO transit traffic, closed after a friendly fire incident killed 24 Pakistani soldiers last November. Thousands of fuel tankers and gaudily capar isoned cargo trucks are untangling sevenmonth-old snarls at ports and windswept border posts, to lumber back onto the roads. But that breakthrough should not detract from the importance another of Afghanistan’s neighbors: Uzbekistan. By demonstrating to U.S. and allied officials the fragility of the critical Pakistan land route, the long blockade abruptly raised interest in Uzbekistan. Negotiating teams from key NATO countries have been cycling through Tashkent to hammer out details of bilateral transit agreements. But Uzbekistan is worthy of attention not just for its infrastructure—the Friendship Bridge across the Amu Darya River and the lone rail link to Afghanistan embedded in its tarmac. Uzbekistan’s president and much of its top leadership have held office since a year after the Soviets departed Afghanistan across that same bridge in 1989. Their personal relationships with key Afghan actors are long-standing and intimate, their insights into Afghan dynamics profound. And they, like many Afghans, seem already to be operating in a post-2014 world. Washington might have something to learn. U.S. policymakers usually consider Afghanistan in its region by way of a two-state construct: AfPak. Further discussion may bring India into the mix, at least theoretically, and Iran, as a poorly defined threat to stability and the U.S. mission. China looms on the periphery, mainly noted for its ties to Pakistan and its investment potential. Uzbekistan is,
at best, an afterthought. And yet, a stroll through back neighborhoods in the Ferghana Valley, watered by canals and shaded by grape arbors vaulting the quiet streets, conjures nothing so much as what Kabul must have looked
like before the wars. The cultural commonalities with much of Afghanistan are arresting. While present in fewer numbers than in Pakistan or Iran, Afghans travel and live in Uzbekistan, and those encountered, from senior diplomats to an itinerant rug merchant, are enthusiastic about the country and the role it has played in theirs—in contrast to the attitudes of most Afghans toward Pakistan. That rug merchant boasts of forwarding 2 percent of his profits to Abdul Rashid Dostum, the former Afghan general and warlord, who was seen as a leader of the ethnic Uzbek community in Afghanistan. Every businessman he knows, claims the merchant, even non-Afghan citizens, tithes likewise. This active involvement in affairs across the border offers insight into the role the Uzbek government may also be playing in Afghanistan. U.S. officials privately bemoan what they describe as Uzbekistan’s standoffish attitude. They measure that by the government’s reluctance to participate in the grandiose international conferences that have punctuated international efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and plan for its future development: Lisbon, Kabul, Bonn, Tokyo. But just because Uzbek officials stay away from these highly orchestrated spectacles (perhaps judging them more flash than bang) does not mean they
are not paying attention to their southern neighbor. The Uzbek president, Islam Karimov, is believed to put little faith that the Karzai government has the legitimacy or competency to survive the withdrawal of most NATO troops by December 2014. He, like many others, seems to judge disintegration into civil conflict a likely scenario, with combat and extremist incursions potentially swirling up against his border. That outcome would represent a serious national security threat to Uzbekistan. Karimov’s implacable stance against radical Islam is legendary—though he may underestimate some of its secular drivers, such as the sort of acute corruption seen to characterize his rule. He maintains long-standing ties with key figures from the anti-Taliban fight of the 1990s, some of whom own homes in Uzbekistan. It is hard to believe that he or his people are not deep in discussions with them about contingencies—ignoring Karzai government and international institutions, and functioning, for all intents and purposes, under post-2014 conditions. The mid-July assassination in northern Afghanistan of an ethnic Uzbek former mujahideen commander and key opposition political figure, Ahmad Khan Samanghani, suggests that the Islamist militant side, too, is looking past 2014 and targeting Afghan leaders capable of rallying northern forces against a Taliban advance, whatever their connections to the Karzai government. Shafiullah Afghan, who was chief of staff to the provincial police chief in Balkh, the Afghan province that neighbors Uzbekistan, in 2004 and 2005, says significant arms shipments were crossing the Friendship Bridge into Afghanistan back then.[Sarah Chayes is a senior associate in the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment. Formerly special adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, she is an expert in South Asia policy, kleptocracy and anti-corruption, and civil-military relations]
Australia accused of funding private Somali army THOM COOKES
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N its latest report, The Somalia Moni toring Group at the UN looked at the case of Mr. Luitingh, a former merce nary in the South African apartheid era who also a prominent member of both Saracen and Sterling Corporate Service, two private military companies used extensively in Somalia. According to the group, Mr. Luitingh has been responsible for assisting, training and supervising security forces to carry out “the most brazen violation of the arms embargo by a private security company”. Luitingh, currently based in Sydney, is using Australia as the financial hub for money transfers that connect back to his activities in Somalia. Formerly known for his company’s illegitimate involvement in Papua New Guinea, Luitingh is now being closely watched by UN investigators. United Nations investigators say an Australian citizen is helping to fund and run a “private army” for the president of Somalia’s semiautonomous Puntland region. The Somalia Monitoring Group, a team of specialists ap-
pointed by the United Nations Security Council to investigate suspected arms embargo breaches, claims Lafras Luitingh is a leader of a group which is helping to train and equip a large militia force. Mr Luitingh w a s granted Australian citizenship in 2009. He lives in a glamorous penth o u s e apartment on Sydney Harbour and his neighbours are wealthy merchant bankers and socialites. As well as the penthouse, he is a half-owner of an apartment overlooking Sydney’s Bondi Beach and, according to UN investigators; he controls a string of companies and bank accounts in Australia and around the world. When the ABC called his Sydney apartment, Mr Luitingh
was not home. The places where he does business are far removed from his idyllic waterfront homes. He is a former South African mercenary and still very much in the guns-for-hire business. For the past two years, he has been working in war-torn Somalia. Since the collapse of the government there in 1991, the country has been ruled by gun-toting warlords and become a haven for pirates and Islamic extremists. There is no banking system, no border controls, and for the past two decades the UN Security Council has imposed a complete arms embargo there. The program is the largest scale military program in Somalia, second only to the African Union peacekeepers in Mogadishu. The program has established what is essentially a private army for the president of Puntland.
“The sanctions are about a country that already has far too many weapons, it’s about stopping them from reaching Somalia, and also denying military training,” said Alex Vines, a former UN arms inspector in Liberia and head of the Africa Program at Chatham House. The Somalia Monitoring Group has identified a complex web of companies, called Saracen and Sterling Corporate Services, that were hired to train and equip the largest militia group in Somalia. Matt Bryden, who heads the monitoring group, found the companies’ operations were shrouded in mystery. “Most of the requests the monitoring group made for information about what supplies were being brought into the country, the nature of the program, Saracen either failed or refused to answer,” he said. “There were a number of large shipments of military assistance for the force, and Saracen never sought to explain what these shipments were for to the monitoring group.” The men behind Saracen and Sterling are mostly former South African mercenaries and prominent among them is Mr Luitingh. He is a former member of special forces in the apartheid-era South
African defence force and went on to join a notorious covert unit known as the Civil Cooperation Bureau (CCB). The CCB was responsible for a campaign of bombings and assassinations of political opponents of the apartheid regime. During hearings of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Mr Luitingh was named as the handler for a CCB assassin. The assassin was jailed for life, after shooting dead an anti-apartheid campaigner in Johannesburg. After the collapse of apartheid, Mr Luituingh and some of his former colleagues went on to form the infamous guns-for-hire outfit known as Executive Outcomes. “Executive Outcomes is a private military company that hires mercenaries,” Mr Vines said. “It used people who had been very active in the apartheid system in South Africa to provide security services across Africa.” Mr Vines says he has studied Executive Outcomes in depth. “Mr Luitingh has been involved with Executive Outcomes right from the very beginning, as a key fighter and officer,” he said. —GPF
Rains, floods continue to play havoc; 78 killed
Rule of law From Page 1 the part of apex Court has not only improved the judicial system as a whole, but has also enhanced public trust and confidence in the institution,” he noted. Corruption is a great menace, which is required to be dealt with iron hands, he informed and added that a Cell for Eradication of Corruption from Judiciary has been established under the supervision of Chief Justices of High Courts for disciplinary action against corrupt and incompetent judicial officers and court officials. Stressing upon the role of judges in the political stability, CJP Iftikhar Chaudhary said the Judges are required to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution of Pakistan. He said that the obligation of protecting and defending the Constitution is cast on all government/public office holders and elective office holders in the national interest. He stated that the success of the Judicial Policy might be gauged from the fact that by the grace of Allah until 31 December, 2010, the figure of cases lying pending in the superior as well as district courts was successfully reduced from 1.75 million to about 1.35 million cases, despite institution of more than 3.2 million new cases. Attaching importance to the Islamic values regarding dispensation of justice, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary said Islam commands to do adal to everyone. “Doing adal is something more than doing justice. It is doing justice with mercy and compassion. It is close to the fear of Allah Almighty,” he maintained. He applauded the role of the bar as well as the litigant public in provision of speedy justice. He also appreciated the efforts of the Judges of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justices and Judges of the High Courts and the judges of the District judiciary as well as the support staff working with them for efficiently and competently executing the Judicial Policy. In the end, he thanked all the participants for their participation.—Online
Pak, India ties crucial to peace: China From Page 1 their disputes and achieve mutual development through dialogue and cooperation, he said. Krishna arrived in Islamabad on Friday for a three-day visit to push forward the peace process and boost people-topeople contact. During his visit, both countries signed the historic liberalized visa regime that will promote people-to-people contact between the two countries. They also reaffirmed their strong commitment to fighting terrorism in an effective and comprehensive manner. They expressed satisfaction at the outcome of their talks and saidPakistan and India have reiterated that they will resolve all issues peacefully and build a relationship of trust.—DNA
Nawaz invites PML-F to join From Page 1 has contacted Pir Pagara and invited him to join the opposition alliance against the ruling regime. Veteran politician Ghulam Mustafa Khar delivered Nawaz Sharif’s message, to join the opposition alliance, to the PML-F chief, Pir Pagara. According to sources, Pir Pagara has demanded some time from the PML-N for consultation over joining the opposition alliance against the government.—INP
262 criminals nabbed in one week LAHORE—Operations Wing of Lahore Police have arrested 262 criminals and recovered looted property besides illegal weapons and narcotics during last week. During crackdown against illegal weapons holders, the police arrested 73 persons and recovered weapons from them. The police have arrested 92 drug pushers and registered 72 cases and recovered 17 Kg hashish, four kg heroin and 535 bottles of liquor from their possession. The police have smashed eight criminal gangs and arrested their 21 members and recovered stolen property worth Rs 670,000 besides illegal weapons. The police also impounded 279 motorcycles and cars in various police stations during a campaign against suspected and without number plate vehicles.—APP
Office, District Headquarter Hospital, schools and various other commercial and residential areas were submerged. A state of emergency was declared by the district administration of Dera Ghazi Khan after floodwater entered the city, affecting thousands of people. Army was called into plug the breeches in a canal. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah declared rain emergency across the province on Monday following the recent wave of monsoon rains. He directed officials to shift the people to the safe places‚ look after the rain affectees and provide them all rescue and relief facilities including foodstuff. He asked the Livestock DeLAHORE: Consul General of Iran Muhammad Hussain Bani Asadi meeting with Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz partment to make arrangements for the treatment and the proSharif. vision of fodder to the cattle. The Chief Minister asked the Provincial Ministers‚ MPAs and the party office-bearers and workers to step forward and help the rain-affectees. From Page 1 The Chief Minister canshock and sorrow over the loss celled leaves of top government of precious lives. Soon after From Page 1 units—a promise that was shred posed Quaid and establishment receiving the news about the blast, the Governor directed the to pieces by the conglomerate of ternationally for softening up of Pakistan. civil, judicial and Praetorian such laws and defanging them Quaid wanted friendship concerned authorities to arrange bureaucracy in cahoots with the since those laws were used for with all—including India—with helicopter for shifting of the inforces of status quo—only to be terrorising minorities. Had it respect and honour. Zardari gov- jured to Peshawar to ensure best political and security issues, inredeemed by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto been any other government ernment is on its way to achiev- available treatment facilities for cluding regional stability and in his Constitution of 1973. Rimsha Masih would not have ing it. Our relations with United making their early recovery pos- combating terrorism and drug trafficking. However, the country was re- got her release. Under most in- Kingdom are “excellent” and sible. Referring to the cooperation The Governor said the terverted back to square one by timidating environment when “matchless”, so are our ties with military dictator General Ziaul Pakistan’s most popular leader China “higher than Himalayas rorists involved in the heinous existing between the two counHaq and after him those of his Benazir, her stalwarts like and deeper than seven seas”. We acts of terrorism will no more tries at the regional level, he uniformed kin through extra- Salman Taseer and Shahbaz have achieved much ingress into remain at large and would be welcomed Russian interest for participation in the CASA-1000 constitutional interventions with Bhatti were done to death by EU and its markets. We are back brought to justice sooner. Expressing his deep sympa- and the TAPI projects. He asthe backing of judiciary. religious terrorists, handling of in Commonwealth and playing President Zardari has suc- Rimsha Masih’s case is the best a positive role. With our Mus- thies with the members of the sured Pakistan continuing supcessfully brought the country to homage to the Quaid. lim brothers we have no dispute. bereaved families, the Governor port the Russian Federation in back to Quaid and Bhuttos comDemocracy was a passion We want peace and stability in has also prayed for the eternal these regional projects. The Minister of State mitment with the 18th amend- for the Quaid. So were the su- Afghanistan and Afghan-spe- peace of the departed souls and ment in the constitution by re- premacy of the Parliament as the cific resolution of all its prob- courage to them to bear the ir- thanked Russia for supporting solving the issue of provincial sole arbiter of power and an lems. With US we are back to reparable loss with patience. He Pakistan’s candidature for full has also wished early recovery membership of the Shanghai autonomy that had led to India’s elected government as its execu- building bridges. Cooperation Organization partition, break up of Pakistan tive hand. The fact that the Zardari’s most outstanding of the injured. (SCO). in 1971 and ushering in of fis- elected government is almost achievement—which Quaid During the Islamabad meetsiparous forces threatening completing its tenure unlike pre- would have liked to see— is ing presentations were made by country’s territorial integrity and vious ever, is an astounding the gradual shift in the relathe Russian Deputy Minister of its very existence. achievement of President tionship between India and Energy, the Representative of The Constitution of Paki- Zardari and yet another tribute Pakistan on the basis of trust the Gazprom International and stan— as of today—guarantees to legacy of the Quaid, the and profound commitment toInter Rao, the President of the fundamental rights and equality Bhuttos and the people of Paki- wards resolution of issues that From Page 1 Russian Business Council for to all its citizens. It also guaran- stan who have stood by him not- had kept the two neighbours at Cooperation with Pakistan, and tees for inter-faith harmony withstanding insurmountable loggerheads. The opening of At 4.05 pm, a feature pro- their counterparts in Pakistan. among all religions and sects. problems. trade, relaxation in visas, muThe Commission discussed Despite retrogressive clauses Quaid wanted Pakistan’s tual exchanges, sincere delib- gram titled ‘Quaid Azam in the added in the Constitution by foreign policy to aim at peace- erations and the so far achieve- eyes of foreigners’ will be enhancing mutually beneficial General Zia in the name of reli- ful and honourable co-existence ments are credit to the leader- broadcast to highlight the vision economic relations in the sectors and leadership qualities of the of Energy, Industries and Progion for their abuse for perpetu- within and abroad. President ship of the two countries. ating his illegal rule, the present Zardari has been exceptionally Like a statesman President great leader. It will be followed duction, Bilateral Trade and Ingovernment is following the successful at that. He has been Zardari has been successful in by a special discourse titled ‘Sa- vestment, Scientific and Techfootsteps of martyred Benazir steering the country out of mo- underscoring the fact that per- gacity of Quaid-e-Azam and nical Cooperation, Agriculture, Bhutto to eliminate abuse of rass of inherited chaos, retriev- manent decisions cannot be sub- Pakistan of Today’. Excerpts and other avenues of cooperasuch laws. ing its lost image and respect in servient to incident- related out- from the speeches of Quaid-e- tion. They also finalized the Bhutto was able to make the comity of nations. His bursts of temporary emotions— Azam will also be broadcast texts of Memorandums of UnZia-introduced laws more mod- government’s spearheading of a cardinal principle in the life of during the special transmis- derstanding for greater cooperaerate but those changes were re- war on terror is for protecting the Quaid who never allowed sion.—Online versed by the government of and preserving Quaid’s Pakistan emotions to play havoc with his Nawaz Sharif later on. from slipping into the hands of decisions and policies. President Zardari’s govern- the blood thirsty heirs of reli- —Author is Pakistan’s High From Page 1 ment is now being credited in- gious extremists who had op- Commissioner to UK however the plane was cleared for take off after the authorities realised the call to be a hoax. From Page 1 Later, the flight was rescheduled From Page 1 The boat’s owner, Umer, to leave at 2:00pm from Allama titled “Business Interaction growth for future generations. Iqbal International Airport.— said the boat had lost its balance due to high tides and capsized LAHORE—Partner schools of Group on Pakistan”. He will be The Prime Minister was INP soon after it entered the open the Punjab Education Founda- among panelists at other ses- warmly received by Zhang Jun sea. Since many other boats tion (PEF) are safe from dengue sions. Fang Vice Mayor of Tianjin here were sailing in the vicinity, 15 and all precautionary measures Finance minister Dr Abdul at the Tianjin Binhai Internapersons were recovered while have been taken to save students Hafeez Sheikh and Foreign Sec- tional Airport. Pakistan’s ambasthe others were swept away by from the virus. retary Jalil Abbas Jilani accom- sador to China Masood Khan From Page 1 the tides, he said. A spokesperson for PEF, in panied the Prime Minister. and other senior officials were a candidate for the office of a statement on Monday, said it The prime minister will hold present. had been instructed the partner talks with the Chinese leaderGirls attired in traditional prime minister. Subsequently, an schools to remain fully alert and ship on regional situation and Chinese dresses presented bou- arrest warrant was also issued, active to combat dengue. bilateral ties. He will also meet quets to the Prime Minister and he added. The minister said that a conMeasures have also been world leaders and leading entre- members of his delegation. adopted in PEF offices to save preneurs on the sidelines of the Earlier, before departure to spiracy was being hatched LAHORE—The Lahore High employees from the disease, summit. China from Islamabad, the against him. It may be noted here that Court on Monday barred young he added. On the instructions The Meeting provides a Prime Minister said, “Pakistan of Punjab Chief Minister platform for the rising genera- is proud of its ties with China as Shahabuddin and Musa Gilani, doctors from observing strike on Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, tion of global leaders from busi- Pak-China friendship is higher son of former premier Yousuf September 13 and September Members of National and Pro- ness and society to contribute to than Hamalays, deeper than Raza Gilani, were declared as 17. The court also directed the vincial Assembly as well as broader policy discussions and oceans and sweeter than honey.” absconders last week.—INP Punjab health secretary to subPML-N workers are taking an engage with the world’s top He said issue of Gwadar mit a report on the old and proactive part in anti-dengue ac- business executives. port and more cooperation in posed service structure of doctivities, and if the masses also Over 1,500 executives from energy sector will also be distors. fulfilled their social and moral world’s top companies, govern- cussed by him during his meetJustice Ijaz ul Ahsan passed responsibility, 100% results ment and corporate leaders from ing with Chinese leadership. the orders while hearing a peticould be achieved. He directed 90 countries have gathered here The Prime Minister, on the sidetion filed by Judicial Activism the concerned departments to at the northeastern Chinese city line of WEF, will hold bilateral Panel, a public interest litigation fulfill their responsibilities to to focus on national competi- meeting with Wen Jiabao, the STAFF REPORTER firm, against the young doctors achieve the targets.—APP tiveness and entrepreneurial Prime Minister of China. —NNI strike. L AHORE —PML-N President Earlier, a provincial law ofMuhammad Nawaz Sharif has ficer told the court that negotiasaid the thinking and ideology tions were in progress with of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad young doctors but meeting minAli Jinnah are still a beacon utes were not finalized yet. of light for us to combat seriThe petitioner’s counsel ous internal and external pointed out that young doctors problems. had again announced a strike on In a statement on the death September 13 and September anniversary of the founder of 17. Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif said, However, the court express“We will have to adhere to the ing displeasure observed that it thinking, ideology and charac- was protecting doctors’ rights ter of Quaid-e-Azam but they were not complying Muhammad Ali Jinnah to re- with court orders. The court solve prevailing problems”. warned doctors against observAccording to the vision of ing another strike and adjourned Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali the matter until September 17. Jinnah, there is complete proThe petitioner, in his petitection of fundamental rights of tion, contended the doctors’ all minorities in Pakistan’s Is- strike was not only against lamic, democratic and welfare PMDC’s code of ethics but also society, where rights of minori- a violation of fundamental huties are be equal to all other man rights. Pakistanis and minorities are He pleaded to the court that completely free to live their directions be issued to PMDC lives in accordance with their to cancel licences of young docLAHORE: A view of stagnant rain water in the parking area of Lahore Fort. own belief. tors.—APP
Zardari reverting Pakistan back to Quaid’s vision
Suicide blast in Parachinar
From Page 1 officials and health department officials. Record breaking rain was recorded in Jacobabad district of Sindh Monday, which according to an assessment broke the 100-year record as 380 mm rain was recorded. Heavy rains have been forecast in Sindh Province during the next 24 hours. Thousands of acres standing crops of paddy and cotton have been destroyed in the flash flood. In Sukkur floodwater has caused massive devastation and 4 to 5 feet water is standing in the city. In Khairpur holidays have been announced in schools and colleges due to flash flood. Meanwhile, fresh spell of heavy downpours continued playing havoc in various parts of Balochistan. Flood emergency was declared in some areas of the province on Monday. Emergency was declared in Dera Murad Jamali and its adjoining areas following 22 hours of continued rainfall
there. Pakistan Army has been called in as emergency was declared in Shikarpur as rains continued to unfold misery for the people. In Punjab, canals of nine barrages at four rivers have been closed due to flood fears. According to IRSA, canals emitting from Guddu, Sukkur, Taunsa and Kotri barrages at Indus River have been closed. Canals of Head Tremo and Head Panjnad at Chenab River have also been closed. Canals of Head Sulemanki and Head Islam at Satluj River were also closed. According to IRSA, Tarbela Dam will be filled within two days as water level is 1548 feet, which is only two feet below the highest level. Expressing deep concern over the havoc caused across the country by the rains, President Asif Ali Zardari has directed National Disaster Management Authority and its provincial components to gear up their efforts in providing relief to the affected people.
Russia to help Pak in Bhasha Dam
64th death anniversary of Quaid today
Bomb hoax
PEF steps against dengue
Raja to discuss vital issues
Boat with 37 capsizes off Karachi
Shahabuddin files pre-arrest bail
LHC bars doctors strike
Nawaz for following in Quaid’s footsteps
From Page 1 tion in various spheres. The co-chairs signed the Joint Minutes, which not only reviewed progress made since the First Session of the IGC in September 2010 but also laid strong foundations for future bilateral cooperation. In this context, the co-chairs also decided that the Third Session of the Pakistan-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation would be held in Moscow in 2013. The next meeting of the Commission will be held in Moscow next year. Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan regards Russia’s growing power as a positive feature in the present day world and welcomes greater role of Russia in regional and global affairs. The President expressed these views during his meeting with Mr. Vitaly L. Mutko, Minister for Sports of Russian Federation, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr Monday. President Zardari appreciated his efforts for positive outcome of 2nd Session of PakRussia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and expressed the hope his visit would help in realizing the economic objectives for with the Commission was formed. He said that being the important players in the region, Pakistan and Russia need to further strengthen their relations and increase contacts and exchanges at the highest level. The President said that frequent contacts would help boost bilateral relations and provide impetus to
efforts aimed at enhancing cooperation and trade. He aid that Pakistan was eager to promote greater connectivity with the Central Asian Republics through various transnational projects and welcomes Russian interest in Iran-Pakistan Pipeline Project, CASA-1000 and TAPI. Terming President Putin as a statesman, he lauded leadership qualities of his Russian counterpart. “Pakistan looks forward to welcoming Russian President and expressed the hope that the visit would provide momentum in cementing bilateral relations and promoting cooperation on various issues at regional level,” Zardari said. The President said that Pakistan desires extending collaboration with Russia in energy, transfer of technology and expansion and modernization of Pakistan project of Pakistan Steel Mills. Expressing satisfaction over the progress made by two sides in expansion and modernization of PSM, the President expressed the hope important milestone would be achieved in this regard during the visit of Russian President to Pakistan. The President also expressed satisfaction on the progress made by the two sides in cooperation in the energy sector. Mr. Vitaly L. Mutko thanked the President for warm welcome and said that Russia also desires strengthening of its relations with Pakistan being an important player in the region. Appreciating huge sacrifices made by Pakistani people in the war against terror the Minister also lauded the efforts of leadership of Pakistan in promoting regional peace and connectivity.
Singh due in Nankana Sahib on Nov 28 LONDON—Pakistan is said to Singh over this year itself as general assessment is that be preparing for Indian PM Manmohan Singh to visit Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak’s birthplace, on his birthday on November 28. Pakistani government officials shared this information with a leading international affairs think tank in London. The indication tallies with Pakistan foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar’s statement that she is expecting the Indian PM’s visit before the end of this year. Pakistan’s president Asif Ali Zardari and the PPP are said to be keen on having
LDA takes action LAHORE—Lahore Development Authority has initiated action against the sponsor and management of PIA Employees Co-operative Housing Society Ph-I for illegally selling out two plots, owned by LDA, worth millions. The Directorate of Estate Management LDA has submitted an application in the concerned Police Station to register an FIR against the President of the PIA Society. As per details, a school site in Block-E measuring 3 Kanal is owned by LDA through registered mortgaged/transfer deed but the same has been illegally sold out by the society where American Public School is presently functioning.—INP
KARACHI: Indian fishermen leave after their release from Malir Jail. Pakistani authorities released 48 Indian fishermen who were arrested while fishing in Pakistani waters in the Arabian Sea.
Taliban threaten to kill Prince Harry
Malik Ishaq granted bail
LAHORE—An additional district and sessions judge on Monday granted bail to Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) coStaff Reporter founder Malik Ishaq on the ISLAMABAD—Real estate submission of a surety bond tycoon Malik Riaz has worth Rs500,000. refused to appear before the Ishaq is not expected to inquiry commission in the be released today as the bail Arsalan Iftikhar case, headed has not been submitted, and by former police official Dr he is also currently accused Shoaib Suddle, his lawyer in other cases. Zahid Bukhari said Monday. He was arrested earlier this Riaz is likely to file a review month and was sent on a 14petition in the Supreme Court day judicial remand to Kot on the constitution of the Lakhpat jail in a case registered commission.According to his against him for giving a “procounsel, Zahid Bukhari, Riaz vocative speech to spread hawill not be appearing before tred” during a Khatm-ethe commission. The Nabuwwat rally near Lahore. commission, constituted on The case had been registered the Supreme Court’s orders, under Article 295-A of the Pahas obtained complete kistan Penal Code and Section record of the case from the 3 of the Amplifier Act. court and the National Accountability Bureau.
Malik refuses to appear
Staff Reporter
L AHORE —“While expressing deep sorrow over the physical and financial losses of people of Southern Punjab and Sindh due to heavy rains, APML has termed federal as well as provincial governments (Punjab and Sindh) responsible for all losses and said that governments are inefficient that’s why huge losses occurred once again as happened during the floods of 2010 and heavy rains of 2011”. Aasia Ishaque, Central Secretary Information APML on Monday has said this in a statement issued here from Central Secretariat of APML.
India does not share the exuberance emanating from Pakistan about a “sea change in the atmospherics” between the two countries. “Pakistan inevitably reaches out to India when it’s in trouble and then backtracks,” said an analyst. Clearly, the Pakistani government is facing multiple challenges from near financial bankruptcy to terrorist threats from within, not to mention tense ties with Afghanistan and a near collapse in its ties with an age old big brother ally, the US.—INP
Govt paid Rs142b to IPPs: NA told
KANDAHAR—The Taliban said Monday they were determined to kill Britain’s Prince Harry, serving in Afghanistan four years after his previous deployment was cut short over security concerns. A militia spokesman said the group had a “high-value plan” to attack the third in line to the British throne in southern province Helmand, one of President’s visit the toughest battlefields in the P ESHAWAR —President 10-year war. Asif Ali Zardari will “We will do our best to kill undertake visit to Khyber Prince Harry and Britain’s Pakhtoonkhwa, other troops based in Balochistan and Punjab Helmand,” the spokesman, phasewise as part of his who gave his name as election campaign. PresiZabihullah Mujahid. “It is not dent Zardari would visit important for us to kidnap him. Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa next We will target him and we will month in view of preparakill him,” he added. tions to the forthcoming The 27-year-old Apache general elections in the helicopter pilot, who hit the country. During his short headlines last month after he stay in the Provincial was photographed naked at a Capital, President Asif Ali party in Las Vegas, will spend Zardari will meet host of four months based at the party activists, MNAs in heavily fortified Camp Bastion Governor House while will in Helmand.—INP address party activists at various places in this ‘Provocative speech’ regard. President Asif Ali Zardari will also soon visit Balochistan, to address the grievances of the people in Balochistan. Strict security measures will be taken for the visit of STAFF REPORTER President.—Online
Govt responsible for huge losses
the country faces a general election early in 2013. Sources said Zardari is also pushing for Singh’s presence in Pakistan as there is virtually an allparty consensus for better relations with India. However, when the think tank contacted the Government of India to verify the Pakistani claim, New Delhi did not corroborate it. India remains firm that Pakistan needs to demonstrate purpose in prosecuting Pakistan-based masterminds of the terrorist attack on Mumbai in November 2008. The think tank’s
Kaira rejects reports about secret funds of ministry STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD — Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira has rejected reports about secret fund of the Ministry saying this is just an attempt aimed at political point scoring. Talking to newsmen in Islamabad on Monday evening‚ he said distorted figures were given to mislead the court. He said the court ought to take action against those responsible. Information Minister clarified that the total budget of the Ministry for the current financial year is about 5.58
billion rupees. This includes budgets for the main Ministry‚ Directorate of Films and Publications; Press Information Department and Information Services Abroad. Federal Government gives grants to Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation PTV, APP‚ Press Council of Pakistan‚ Institute of Regional Studies and other news agencies. Qamar Zaman Kaira said special secret expenditure for the year is just 12 million rupees for the year and this too has been approved by the National Assembly. He said there are rules for utilization of the secret fund
and the controlling authority of the Ministry has to file a certificate to AGPR in this regard. He aid the certificate is also challengeable in the court.Minister questioned as to how it was possible to indulge in sale and purchase of journalists through this much amount. He acknowledged that the fund is used to help deserving journalists for medical treatment and marriages of their daughters. He said there is complete transparency in the use of the fund and the Ministry would BAGRAM—The US forces in present details before the Su- Afghanistan on Monday preme Court. morning handed over the full control of a key U.S.-run prison — the Bagram Detention Center to the Afghan Defense Ministry, authorities said. “Today, we saw another significant step towards the transition process from coalition forces to the Afghan army and police by handing over resources for the power the control of Bagram detenprojects in the annual devel- tion center from our internaopment plan and extend co- tional partners to Afghan operation to check theft of army,” Afghan acting-Deelectricity through police. fense Minister Hinayatuula The meeting asked the KESC to make the closed plants functional. Issues relating to handing over of administration of distribution companies to the provinces, national electricity conservation bill, participation of provinces in Thar coal project also came under consideration.—INP
inces, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, Secretary Water and Power and senior officials. It was consensus at the meeting that energy crisis was a national problem which could be overcome only through joint efforts of the Federation and Provinces. WAPDA and PPIB officials gave a detailed briefing to the meeting about major hydel projects. All the provinces agreed to the proposal to finance major hydel projects, allocate
Iran, Pak agree on bilateral trade in national currencies B AKU —Iran and Pakistan have agreed to set up bilateral trade between the two countries, using their national currencies. Head of Iran’s Trade Commerce Yahya Ali Ishaq and President of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani
have met in Karachi, to discuss issues relating to trade. Entrepreneurs and representatives of various sectors from both Iran and Pakistan met as well. Sherani noted at the meeting, that since the problem of sanctions exist, there are certain difficulties with transferring money via banks, thus it
has been proposed to use rupees in bilateral economic relations between the two countries. Head of Iran’s Trade Commerce Yahya Ali Ishaq welcomed Pakistani side’s preposition, noting that he will discuss it with the representatives of Iran’s Central Bank upon his return to Tehran.—NNI
Taliban prepared to work with US on security in Afghanistan: Report LONDON—The Taliban are and a Mujahideen com- Mazar-e-Sharif and Kabul to sion, Mullah Omar had broad prepared to completely disown al-Qaeda, allow the US to retain several military bases in Afghanistan and agree a ceasefire deal to end its 11 year conflict with Nato, a major report released on Monday discloses. The report was compiled by the respected Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) following interviews with four senior Taliban figures close to the organisation’s leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar. These included former government ministers, one of the group’s founding members
mander. It sets out a detailed path to a negotiated settlement for Afghanistan that could allow the majority of western troops to withdraw in 2014 without the country descending into renewed chaos. According to the report, the Taliban representatives believe there is “no natural enmity” with the Americans, and that they would be prepared to accept a long-term US military presence in the country if it helped Afghan security. Under the plan, five US military bases could operate in Kandahar, Herat, Jalalabad,
help rebuild Afghanistan up to 2024. The Taliban figures expressed hope that military assistance would translate into economic assistance over time. According to the paper, the group’s leadership and ‘base’ deeply regret their past association with al-Qaeda and would obey a command to completely renounce the group once a ceasefire had been agreed. The four Taliban representatives, who did not want to be named, said that while they could not speak for the more hardline military commis-
from own sources. In case, if NEPRA allows distribution companies to include the financial cost of these loans in
their tariff determination, the same may be charged to consumers to the extent of notification by government.—NNI
US hands over key prison to Afghanistan
Provinces agree to finance hydel power projects ISLAMABAD—The provincial governments have agreed in principle to finance major hydel power projects in order to overcome the crisis of load shedding. A decision to this effect was reached here on Monday during meeting of the Committee on energy which was formed by the Council of Common Interest. The meeting was chaired by Minister for Water and Power and attended by Chief Secretaries of the four prov-
I SLAMABAD —Minister for Water and Power Chaudhary Ahmad Mukhtar on Monday informed National Assembly that government paid 142 billion to IPPs. He written informed that the house that on 30th June, 2012 circular debt payables were 460.6 billions against 383.1 billion receivables and government paid 142 billion paid to IPPs. He described major reasons for increasing of debt, as cost of generation increased due to surge of oil prices and no-availability of required quota of gas to power plants and less recovery from consumers. He said that in financial year 2011-12 a loan worth 142 billion has been obtained from commercial banks to reduce the circular debt. The payment mark up on these loans will be met by DISCOs
control over all factions and he supported the plan. However, they imposed several conditions on the deal. These would include rejecting the current Afghan constitution so that any ceasefire would not be considered a “surrender”, a refusal to negotiate with the “utterly corrupt” President Hamid Karzai and the Taliban being re-accepted into the international fold. “It will obviously be difficult for David Cameron to sell a deal with the Taliban when British troops are dying in Helmand. —INP
Nazari told the audience in a ceremony held here in the facility located near the Bagram Airbase, the main U.S. military base, some 50 km north of Kabul. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking Afghan, U.S. and NATO military officials. The top U.S. and NATO Commander in Afghanistan, General John Allen and the former Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak signed an agreement on March 9 over the transfer of
the facility to Afghan government within six months. According to the document signed on March 9, Afghanistan will consult with the United States before the release of inmates, including release prior to indictment of transferred detainees. The United States is to continue its presence at the facility in order to provide advisory, technical and logistical support for a period of one year starting from March 9 this year, according to the agreement.—NNI
Grape seed shows small effect on blood pressure
G
RAPE seed extract is marketed as a way to guard your heart health, but clinical trials so far suggest the supplement has small effects on blood pressure and heart rate, a new review finds. Pooling the results from nine clinical trials, researchers found that on average grape seed extract shaved about 1.5 points from people‘s systolic blood pressure — the top number in a blood pressure reading. The supplement also slowed users‘ heart rate down by an average of 1.4 beats per minute compared with a dummy pill. Those effects are modest — though still potentially meaningful, according to senior researcher Craig I. Coleman, an associate professor at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in Storrs. He noted that past studies have estimated that a blood pressure reduction of just 3 points can trim the risk of premature death among people who have heart disease or have suffered a stroke. “Not huge reductions,” Coleman told Reuters Health in an email, “but not inconsequential either.” Still, diet changes — like reducing sodium and getting plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein — have shown bigger effects on blood pressure numbers. So too have blood pressure medications, which some people may need to get their numbers under control. Even more importantly, those steps
may help prevent heart disease and stroke. “Unlike diet and exercise,” Coleman said, “there is no data with grape seed extract showing it will reduce patients` risk of heart attacks or strokes.” Among healthy seniors, the risk of stroke is generally low even with high blood pressure. Over 10 years, for instance, a 60-year-old man who doesn‘t smoke and doesn‘t have diabetes has a 3-to-10 percent chance of suffering a stroke, depending on his blood pressure. A number of studies have linked moderate wine intake with a lower risk of heart problems. That does not prove that wine deserves the credit, but researchers suspect there might be a heart benefit from the antioxidants found in wine. Antioxidants are substances that protect body cells from the damage that can eventually contribute to a range of diseases. The rationale behind studying grape seed extract is that the supplement could offer those antioxidants in a more concentrated form — without the alcohol. For their review, which appears in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Coleman and his colleagues combined the results of nine clinical trials where people were randomly assigned to take grape seed extract or not. Some trials included healthy people, while others focused on those with heart disease risk factors, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
RAWALPINDI: Activists of transport union holding protest demonstration against unprecedented increase in POL prices and heavy fines by the police on traffic violations.
US Defence official meets CJCSC STAFF REPORTER R AWA L P I N D I —Dr.
Peter Lavoy, US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs called on General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) on Monday. He remained with the Chairman for some time and discussed matters related to mutual cooperation and emerging geo-strategic situation of the region.
PMNH resents lack of working funds I SLAMABAD —The Pakistan
Public transporters strike
Commuters face hardship, taxi drivers make quick buck R AWALPINDI —Public transporters on Monday observed strike, demanding automatic adjustment in fare-chart according to petroleum prices and against imposition of heavy fines over minor violations by the Rawalpindi traffic police. Public transport except Taxi and Rickshaw remained off the roads at almost all the routes of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on a strike call given by the Muttahida Transporters Federation. Cashing the opportunity, taxi drivers made extra money from commuters who had to reach their destinations like offices, schools, colleges and courts in time. Attendance in offices and educational intuitions remained thin as everyone was not able to pay heavy fares charged by taxi drivers, who are operating under no check by the concerned de-
partments. “There is no mechanism to fix taxi fare per kilometer. They charge on their own keeping in view the situation and weather. If there is strike, gas holidays, late night time or rains, they will always charge extra money as they know there is nobody to check them,” said a furious commuter, Kabir Shah, who paid Rs 400 as fare from Swan Adda to Saddar. Talking to APP, General Secretary of the Muttahida Transporters Federation Malik Sultan Awan said the strike would continue till their genuine demands are not fulfilled. He said no official has so far contacted the federation to call-off the strike or negotiate on the issues of public transporters. “Not adjusting the fare chart as per petroleum prices is unjustified,” he added. Awan
said around 16,000 buses, wagons and Suzuki vans operating at different routes of the twin cities would continue the strike for an indefinite period, till introduction of a proper mechanism regarding farechart adjustment and reduction in fines imposed on traffic rules’ violations. He said the traffic police were imposing fine amounting to Rs 500, Rs750 and Rs1,000 on the transporters for minor traffic violations. “The provincial government has also increased the insurance guarantee fee from Rs 300 to Rs 3500,” he complained. The federation’s general secretary said different options, including extending the call to other districts of Punjab province, were under consideration to make the campaign more effective.—APP
Death anniversary of Quaid at Faisal Mosque STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—To commemorate the 64th death anniversary of father of the nation Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the Nazriya-i-Pakistan Council, Islamabad, has arranged Quran Khawani, at Faisal Mosque soon after Asar prayers on 11th September 20123. Ambassadors of Muslim countries, scholars, politicians, representatives of civil society and a good number of citizens of Rawalpindi will attend Quran Khwani while renowned religious leaders Pir Naqeeb-ur-Rehman of Aastana-i-Aalia, Eidgah Sharif, Rawalpindi, will offer collective prayer for the rest of the departed soul of Quaid-i-Azam and peace and prosperity of the country.
Museum of Natural History ISLAMABAD: Students taking keen interest in the paintings displayed during 10-day is facing funds shortage to exhibition organized by Pakistan National Council of Arts, in connection with Defence display the carcasses of Day at PNCA.—PO Photo by Sultan Bashir Saheli, a female elephant died at Margazar Zoo and a whale shark found dead at Karachi shore undergoing preservation process. The skeletons of both animals as well as stuffed body of the female I SLAMABAD —A puppet elephant are scheduled to be show organized by Pakistan displayed at the museum lift schemes that will give a in Prime Minister secre- this month as four-month tanSHARAFAT KAZMI National Council of the Arts new face to the federal capi- tariat, said following some ning period is almost over. and Ministry of National ISLAMABAD—A group in the tal in the near future. A news about some alleged Heritage and Integration here “We are facing funds bureaucracy and some local source in the Cabinet Divi- irregularities in auction of 16 shortage to execute both on Monday disseminated politicians are making efforts sion said President Asif Ali commercial plots in Blue projects as the government social messages among chilto remove Capital Develop- Zardrai has been asked that Area a committee was has slashed museum’s budget dren through their colorful ment Authority (CDA) Chair- the CDA chairman was not formed headed by Secretary by 20 percent,” Director of the performance. man Engineer Farkhand Iqbal taking care of interests of Cabinet Nargis Sethi to as- Museum Dr Rafiq told APP. The puppet show a reguto meet their vested interests, ruling Pakistan People’s certain the fact.they said lar feature of PNCA, highHe said the administrasources privy to this devel- Party (PPP) leaders because the committee has submit- tion was in search of fundlighted environment, educaopment told Pakistan Ob- Mr Iqbal has refused to ted its report to the prime ing from any organization as tion and health problems and server. Mr Iqbal, who was obey some orders of the lo- minister. narrated different tales to the people of Islamabad and The source said Prime Rawalpindi had been awaitappointed as CDA chief in cal leaders of the PPP which give information and create ten months ago on December were illegal and could cause Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf ing the display of these carawareness among children in 8, 2011 is also being loss to the national exche- will also present the report to casses as both would add to a light and entertaining way. President Asif Ali Zardari. It the attractions of the federal vicitimised in the media the quer. The colorful puppets and It has been learnt that is pertinent to mention here capital. “We are in talk with specific group. their animated expressions On the other hand the top officials in the Cabinet that the committee was con- Unesco to provide funds for showed concern over polluCDA chairman has broke the Division and Prime Minis- stituted on a baseless news the projects. The display of tion and educated children for status quo or non develop- ter Secretariat were trying report because the auction of shark’s skeleton would cost maintaining cleanliness in ment phase that prevailed to bring some one else from plot mentioned in it has so around Rs 0.7 million and Rs the surroundings. Management far not been conducted so 0.4 million are required for during last three to four years District The show presented in Islamabad and kicked off Group (DMG) on the post how a question of irregulari- that of the elephant,” Dr ISLAMABAD: Children offering grass to a deer as people visit Marghzar Zoo during performances on folk tales, cloudy weather. a number of long awaited up- of CDA chairman. Officials ties has arouse in it. skits, national songs and Rafiq said.—APP regional dances for the children of different institutions who came to attend the performance.—APP
CDA Chairman becomes target of conspiracies
Nine killed in roof collapse
I SLAMABAD —At least nine members of a family were killed and four others hurt when roof of a house collapsed in Swabi on Monday. According to a private news channel, the incident took place when a roof of a house collapsed due to heavy rainfall in Swabi, killing nine family members including women and children. Residents said that the house was already in fragile condition while the recent rains had further weakened its structure. The rescue teams started the relief operation and shifted the bodies and affectees to nearby hospital.—APP
Japan to give equipment worth $0.6m to Lok Virsa
ISLAMABAD—The Govern- oped by Lok Virsa, Khalid technological equipment be- educational activities and pres- of traditional cultural visual images of Pakistan’s folk ment of Japan has extended cultural grant of 49 million yen (approximately US$ 0.6 million) in terms of audiovisual equipment for the Media Centre of Lok Virsa. The grant is expected to materialize in December this year, said Executive Director Lok Virsa, Khalid Javaid while talking to media persons here on Monday. He said, Lok Virsa is working for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage of Pakistan since its inception in 1974. The media centre devel-
Javed said, performed the task of preserving and disseminating Pakistan’s folk arts, oral traditions and regional culture. The audio and video cassettes, CDs, VCDs and DVDs produced by its media centre were considered to be the most authentic source of cultural information among the public. For the lack of a stateof-the-art technology, it was difficult to retain those recordings in the analogue format for a longer period of time. The latest high definition
ing provided by Japanese government will help improving the audio-visual documentation and conservation of the recorded data in a digital format, he stated. Earlier, Japan extended the cultural grant aid to Lok Virsa for setting up audio-visual equipment at its media centre. The current aid will be utilized for the improvement of this audio-visual centre. Japanese cultural grant assistance is a part of the Official Development Assistance (ODA), provided to contribute to the promotion of cultural and higher
ervation of cultural heritage in developing countries. Explaining the benefits of the project, the chief executive Lok Virsa apprised that it aimed to preserve our rich cultural heritage through video documentation. He said it would also help create a sense of awareness and understanding of Pakistani heritage amongst urban people, to project Pakistani traditional culture abroad through video documentation, to enhance audio/ video archives of Pakistan for students, scholars and cultural people and to facilitate villageto-village video documentation
anthropology. The project also aims to serve scholars, researchers, all schools and colleges of the country as an educational facility and to project cultural identity promotion and preservation of cultural heritage of Pakistan. Other important benefits of the project are that it will help immensely in creating awareness in the global world about the multifaceted cultural life of Pakistan. Lok Virsa Media Centre endeavours to permanently record the living colourful
culture. Every month over 10,000 visitors including students of schools, colleges and universities, researchers and scholars visit Lok Virsa and benefit from its facilities. The new latest equipment being supplied by Japanese government will not only improve the functioning of Lok Virsa media centre for documentation of Pakistan’s magnificent culture but also serve to bring the people of both the friendly countries closer to each other.—APP
Puppet show disseminates social messages
Juma
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September 11 A CONSULTATION Workshop on ‘Girl Child Marriages’ would be held on September 11 (Tuesday) at 9: 00 a.m. at a local hotel urging for policy change to safeguard future of young girls. The workshop is being organized by ActionAid, Plan and Bedari as the phenomenon of “Girl Child Marriages” exists across the country due to conventional customs and traditions. September 12 PAKISTAN Science Foundation (PSF) in collaboration with European Commission Delegation will organize one-day Seminar on “EU Funding under Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)”,here on September 12. September 13 ONE-DAY Training Workshop for Young TV Anchors & Hosts will be held at 04:30 to 07:30 pm at Verite Media School, St # 31, sector I-8/2, main service road. For registration contact: 0321-5678733.
Gondal vows to continue fight against polio CITY REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Minister for Capital Administration and Development, Nazar Muhammad Gondal on Monday assured that fight against polio would continue until every child in the country was immunized against the deadly disease. Speaking at the launching ceremony of the polio eradication campaign here, the minister expressed resolve that efforts would continue untill the end of the crippling disease. He said that the nation has the resilience to face the devastating earthquake and the floods and will also rise to the challenge of polio eradication. The minister said extensive measures have been taken to ensure that all children moving in or out of the tribal areas are
immunized. “We cannot let this disease play havoc with our youth who are future leaders of the nation. I am convinced that no challenge is too daunting to be overcome if there is an unwavering commitment and devotion to achieve the goal.” He said participation of political leadership across party divide at the highest level is a reflection of national resolve to eradicate polio from the country. He recalled that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto had launched the anti-polio campaign in 1994 for the first time in the history of country when the number of polio cases was 23,500. He added Asifa Bhutto, who is the polio eradication ambassador, was the first child who was immunized, he said, adding that a poliofree Pakistan was the mission
of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. He said that the National Emergency Action Plan, which has been developed in consultation with all provincial governments and international partners, has introduced comprehensive strategies to arrest the rise in polio cases. He added the plan was characterized by greater ownership, oversight and accountability mechanisms at the federal, provincial, district and union council levels and proposed strategies to ensure access to troubled areas. “I am confident that with 100 percent implementation of the plan, we will be able to control the spread of the poliovirus to meet our targets,” he said. Earlier, the minister administered anti-polio drops to a child at Capital Development Authority (CDA) Model School I-9/4, Islamabad. ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Capital Administration and Development Nazar Muhammad Gondal launching polio campaign by administering polio drops to a child in CDA Model School I-9/4.
Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk AIOU to arrange Flyover’s construction Songs lauds judges judiciousness National 282 traffic wardens to Competition regulate traffic
ISLAMABAD —Lauding judi- Jammu and Kashmir and public there and they opined cial ‘bent of mind and judicious conduct of female judges, Judge Supreme Court of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Nasirul- Mulk has said that the litigant public usually views that the female judges neither discriminate nor grant unnecessary adjournments.” He expressed these views in the inaugural ceremony of one – week training course on “Management of Family cases inclusive of two-day workshop on challenges being faced by the female judges” for female judges of the Family Courts from all over Pakistan including Azad
Gilgit-Baltistan here at the Federal Judicial He Academy (FJA) on Monday. Sharing his experience about the appointment of two female judges in the then troubled terrain of Swat, honorable judge of the Apex Court said: when I was the Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court in 2004-5, I appointed two female judges in Swat. A month later, I visited Swat and got a mixed kind of reaction from the senior and junior members of the bar association. It is, indeed, natural but when I visited my relatives and met the litigant
that the female judges do not discriminate against, they do not grant unnecessary adjournments in the cases and they also asked me to replace male judges with female judges. This, indeed, testifies the integrity and judicious conduct of women judges.” Referring to two days workshop on ‘the challenges being faced by the female judges”, that which is a part and parcel of the ongoing orientation course, he urged the trainee Family Judges to take it very seriously and mention all those problems and challenges.—INP
Dilapidated IJ Principal Road causes traffic mess I SLAMABAD —IJ Principal Road and 9th Avenue are in dilapidated condition due to negligence of CDA. The transporters on IJ Principal road complained that the road has broken and causing worst traffic mess. Gull Khan a driver said that ditches and cracks on the road are hampering the smooth traffic flow. The condition of 9th Avenue is also very poor as the fractured road is causing road accidents at large scale. The residents said that they have complained to CDA several times but to no RAWALPINDI: Khateeb of Laal Masjid waving toward the media and seminary students avail. The transporters have after his acquittal from the Ranger’s soldier case, outside Special Anti Terrorism demanded of the higher au- Court. thorities to re-carpet and reconstruct the road on priority basis.—Online
Citizens data fully secure: NADRA
People protest against tout mafia ISLAMABAD —People have voiced protest against touts rule in district court Islamabad, saying these touts are plundering innocent people through deceitful tactics. “The whole day long these touts remain active to entrap the innocent people who come to district courts in connection with their cases”, an applicant from a suburban area of Islamabad. The people said that these touts entrapped them through glib talks and help them seek bail on forged papers. They have fixed their rates running into thousands of rupees, they added. Due to their forgeries the clients have to suffer heavily when their forgery is detected later. The social and political circles have demanded stern action against these touts to put to end their plundering.—Online
Free technical education for jobless youth ISLAMABAD—National Vocational and Technical Training Commission has asked for applications from unemployed youth for enrolment in professional education programs. According to details, free vocational training will be provided for men and women who want to pursue their career as beauticians, chefs, graphic and web-designers, electricians, welders, fibre-glass product makers etc.—Online
ISLAMABAD—National Data- mission of data. base and Registration Authority (NADRA) on Monday announced data of citizens is fully secure and to date no incidents of data breach have ever been recorded. The Authority has established information security department charged with evaluation and mitigation of external and internal security threats. It has deployed new technology tools to safeguard citizens against identity theft and to protect documents against alteration and forgery, NADRA’s Spokesperson said in a statement issued here. The Spokesperson said NADRA employs proactive means of protecting citizen data stored in National Data Warehouse and added that confidentiality, integrity and availability of data lie at the heart of the systems, policies and procedures that govern the trans-
She said the Authority after having analyzed through the behavioral trends of the data has become more vigilant and routinely takes notice of suspicious attempts to obtain Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) through use of fake documents. It instantly investigates such cases to hand over correct information to staffers. NADRA, which recently announced having successfully registered 92 million citizens with their biometrics, enforces information security standards and policies and employs Information Security certified specialists with decade long experience. The IS department does periodic penetration testing, data center security audit, network security audit and physical security assessments. Each
and every transaction in ID card processing is recorded and logged and it can be traced back that who touched whose CNIC during or post processing. Employees of NADRA have been trained how to protect privacy of the citizens and they know that breaching organization information or citizen’s trust would trigger strict disciplinary action. Chairman NADRA, Tariq Malik just announced his zero-tolerance policy in this regard. The Spokesperson added that internal security is just as crucial to NADRA, and the organization has lived up to its role as a pioneer of cutting-edge security solutions in the country and world-wide, implementing information security strategies, processes and protocols that ensure complete confidentiality, integrity and availability of data.—APP
I SLAMABAD —Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will arrange National Songs Competition amongst the students on September 13 to mark Defence Day of Pakistan. The competition will be held at Nusrat Bhutto Auditorium of AIOU and a number of students will participate and exhibit their talent. Vice-Chancellor, AIOU, Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmed Sangi would be the chief guest of the function. National Songs Competition amongst the students of Rawalpindi Region would also be held under the supervision of Rawalpindi Regional Campus, AIOU. The prizes would be distributed amongst the winners.—APP
Maulana Aziz and other 20 accused acquitted RAWALPINDI—Special Judge Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Chaudhry Habib-ur-Rehman on Monday acquitted Maulana Abdul Aziz and 20 others from the charge of killing a Ranger official during the Lal Masjid operation in 2007. The court found the evidences and witnesses “insufficient” against the accused and cleared them after around five years in the case registered with the Aabpara Police Station. The court also issued arrest warrants of four other accused for not appearing in the court.—APP
R AWALPINDI —282 Traffic Wardens and eight Inspectors of City Traffic Police (CTP) have been deployed in the city areas to regulate traffic on the city roads during the Sixth road flyover ’s construction period said City Traffic Officer (CTO) Superintendent Police (SP) Syed Ishtiaq Hussain Shah. He told that though a comprehensive traffic plan has been formulated for the period of building work of the flyover but, cooperation of the citizens is necessary to avoid traffic mess mainly on Benazir Bhutto Road (Murree road). He urged the citizens to use alternative routes instead of Chandni Chowk to Double road portion of Murree road
to reach their destinations during sixth road Flyover construction period. The CTO informed that under the traffic plan enhanced number of traffic wardens are performing their duties at the project site. He said all necessary arrangements regarding regular flow of traffic are being made aimed at facilitating the citizens mainly motorists. In order to mitigate the sufferings of general public and to avoid traffic mess on Benazir Bhutto Road (Murree Road) alternate routes have also been provided to the traffic to minimize the load on the busiest road of the town. The SP said the motorists should use other routes to reach their destinations in twin
cities instead of travel on Murree road particularly Double Road to Chandni Chowk area. The motorists particularly the commercial service vehicles will be allowed to use the route of Faizabad or Double Road, Saidpur, Kali Tanki, National Market, Chandni Chowk and Murree Road to reach Rawalpindi from Islamabad. Similarly, those wanted to travel towards Islamabad from Rawalpindi will also be allowed to use the same route. The service roads near Arid Agriculture University will also be available for the movement of the traffic and the vehicles can move on Farooq-e-Azam road, Transformer chowk and Chandni chowk.—APP
10 outlaws held 6.90 kilos hashish recovered CRIME REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Islamabad Police have arrested 10 outlaws from various areas of the city and recovered 6.90 kilogram hashish, 110 gram heroin, five pistols and 12 bore guns from their possession, a police spokesman said on Monday. On a tip off, Shehzad town police rounded up four drug pushers during routine patrolling and recovered a total of 3.670 kilogram hashish and
two pistols from their possession. These nabbed persons were identified as Rashid Mehmud, Niaz Akhtar, Muhammad Tariq and Zahir Hussain. CIA police arrested also drug peddler identified as Ibrar and recovered 1.100 kilogram hashish from him while Aabpara police arrested Akram Masih and recovered 110 gram heroin from him. Secretariat police arrested Shahid Ameen for
having 9 MM pistol while Shalimar police arrested Bilal for possessing 1.130 kilogram hashish and 30 bore pistol. Industrial area police arrested Jehanzeb in possession of 12 bore gun while SubInspector Muhammad Anar from Nilore police recovered two pistols from Attique and Rameez. Cases have been registered against these nabbed persons and further investigation is underway.
Drive against dengue launched in rural areas
ISLAMABAD—District Health Department (DHD), Islamabad has started cleanliness drive along with officials of union councils on Monday in the rural areas of Islamabad for taking effective preventive measures against the dengue virus. For this purpose, concerned officers visited rural areas including Tarlai, Sanam Chowk and Burma Town and challaned 20 cattle pens for violating hygiene and sanitation rules and causing pollution in the nearby human settlements. Assistant Commissioner (Secretariat) Nauman Yousef told that the cattle pens owners were also imposed heavy fines and directed to shift their pens away from human settlements ensuring the cleanliness and pollution free environment in the area. He informed that the drive would continue during the next week. District Health Officer, Islamabad, Dr. M. Azhar told that the municipal staff of union councils has also directed to ensure immediate disposal of solid waste from their areas. He said, “the on-going drive is also part of anti-dengue preventive measures and eradicate the breeding sites of mosquitoes for which local community was ISLAMABAD: Activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf holding a demonstration in sup- also being motivated and engaged.—APP port of their demands, at Super Market.
RAWALPINDI: Bomb disposal squad personnel defusing a bomb at Public Park Shamsabad.
Filthy Nullahs posing health hazards to residents I SLAMABAD —Residents of The residents said that the problems during monsoon. Bari Imam are facing health problems these days owing to Monsoon rains as they have to face not only repelling sight and smell of uncleared garbage dumps but also have hurdles in smooth flow of rainwater through nullahs. The Bari Imam residents, living just off the corridors of power, attribute their dilemma to the apathy of the concerned authorities who are reluctant to take responsibility. The nullahs in the area are not only presenting bad look but also give off foul smell in the localities surrounding the rainy streams.
garbage not only spreads bad smell but nullahs have become a big problem in monsoon as most of the nullahs are dumped with litter, thus making it well-nigh impossible for the rainwater to pass through. A resident of Slum at Bari imam recalled that once these nullahs contained so pure and clean waters that people would often jump into them in times of hot summer. The nullahs are now stuffed with garbage and litter. He said that Capital Development Authority (CDA) should clean these nullahs to avoid environmental and health
A medical practitioner, Dr Sharif at polyclinic while talking to APP said that this bad smell could cause different kinds of diseases including malaria, adding that this situation also causes environmental problems. He said that the residents living in surroundings of these nullahs must take safety measures to avoid diseases. Overall, unhygienic condition of the Bari Imam Market was keeping the shoppers away from the market. Vendors also find it hard to sell their products. Vendors are forced to use plastics for leaking roofs. —APP
Yasin for dialogues to resolve Kashmir, other issues KOTLI— Senior Minister AJK Ch. Muhammad Yasin on Monday, said the recent relaxation in visa policy by Pak-India will pave way for more Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between the two countries. The step would lead towards the resolution of tense issues including the core issue of Kashmir, he said. Talking to APP here he lauded the dialogue between Krishna-Hina and hoped that Pak-India would step forward toward peace through resolution of all issues including Kashmir issue. He stated that dialogues were the only mean of resolving issues and the Indian leadership should come on table with Pakistan. —APP
Tarigami welcomes Indo-Pak visa agreement
India always begged Kashmiris for talks: Eng. Rashid S RINAGAR —In occupied Kashmir, the member of socalled Assembly, Engineer Abdur Rashid has asked Farooq Abdullah and his party to show some respect toward the sacrifices offered by the Kashmiris. Engineer Rasheed addressing a public gathering at Lachampora Rajwar in Kupwara, advised the pro-India Kashmiri leader to show restraint from passing irresponsible comments. He was reacting to Abdullah’s statement in which he had stated “New Delhi wouldn’t beg for talks with the pro-freedom parties.”
MUZAFFARABAD: A view of Neelum River in flood.
Pro-movement leaders denounce Farooq’s statement about Kashmir
is ready tomorrow for added. SRINAGAR—Welcoming the ISLAMABAD— In Indian Occu- leader dialogue, Army will oppose it. While castigating Dr pied Kashmir pro-movement liberalised visa agreement between India and Pakistan, the CPI (M) has said similar facility should be extended to crossLine of Control (LoC) travel in Jammu and Kashmir. “It is a welcome step and a good beginning. This will help improve relations between the two countries,” CPI (M) State Secretary Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami said. He expressed hope that India and Pakistan would work on more Confidence Building Measures particularly focused on providing relief to the people of Jammu and Kashmir living on either side of the LoC. “We expect the two countries to provide similar facility for easing restrictions on the cross-LoC travel. India and Pakistan should also work out a mechanism for providing banking and communication facilities for cross-LoC trade in Jammu and Kashmir,” Tarigami said. The liberalised visa agreement today signed between External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik, introduces for the first time group tourist and pilgrim visas, separate visa for businessmen and visa on arrival for those over 65 years of age. —NNI
Candle light demonstration held in Jammu for child rights JAMMU—Members of a nongovernmental organization named Civil Society Group here on Saturday held a candle light protest and organized a signature campaign at the Press Club to push for bringing the State Juvenile Justice Act at par with the Central Act and establishment of a Child Rights Commission in J&K. “Children in conflict with law have increased in the recent past, The state Government has failed to deal with such children in a proper and humane manner. In absence of a Juvenile Justice System within the State, boys and girls are put in prisons and lock-ups because there is no observation home for them and several children in conflict with law are detained without trial,” the civil society members, who joined the protest, said. “Despite repeated reminders, the state government has not enacted appropriate laws for children in conflict with law. Even the Central government in a reminder in February 2010 had asked the state government to take necessary action for carrying out amendments to the Jammu & Kashmir Juvenile Justice Act, 1997 to bring them at par with the Central Act before they commence implementation of Integrated Child Protection Scheme.” The programme was organized by Civil Society Group in collaboration with SAFAR Foundation. —NNI
leaders reacting sharply to the statement of pro-India National Conference President and Indian Minister, Farooq Abdullah said that New Delhi had never respected the sentiment of the people of Kashmir. According to KMS, the Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that the APHC was never against the dialogue and in future too was ready for meaningful tripartite talks, which would have a say of Kashmiris also. “I don’t know on whose behalf Farooq Abdullah is talking but he should understand that New Delhi also needs to show some flexibility like repealing of black laws in which they have failed so far,” he pointed out. Mirwaiz maintained that there was confusion among Indian establishment. “When home minister offers dialogue, Army chief is against it. If any
Then what is the fun of entering into such a process,” he added. The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik, raising doubts over the seriousness of New Delhi to resolve the Kashmir dispute, in a statement said, “It is not the matter that who would initiate the dialogue process but what matters is the seriousness. The successive regimes in New Delhi have failed to make it happen.” “If Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India then why did late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah (NC founder) spearhead the Plebiscite Front Movement for 24 years?” he questioned. “(The) Kashmir issue cannot keep on lingering and it has to be resolved according to the aspirations of people. Indulging in mere rhetoric is not going to help anybody’s cause,” he
Farooq Abdullah, a spokesman for the forum patronised by the veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani, said that the forum was neither fond of meaningless dialogue with New Delhi nor would they ask for it. “Kashmir is not at all a part of India so there is no question of it being an integral part. Dr Farooq’s statement on this issue is just his attempt to get a better position in Indian cabinet and continue to be among favourites,” the spokesman said. “By giving such comments, he (Dr Farooq) is showing his loyalty for his bosses and is speaking their language,” the statement said, adding, “It makes him look like a classfourth employee and a joker in political circles.” Dr Farooq Abdullah in a statement had said that “New Delhi wouldn’t beg for talks with the pro-freedom parties.” APP
Wamiq Farooq death case
Court rejects probe team report SRINAGAR—A city court today conversant with true import of to be carried out into the rejected the status report filed by Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Police mandated to probe the cause and circumstances which led to death of a teenager Wamiq Farooq in January 2010 agitation. The SIT had submitted status report before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) with regard to its investigations into the matter. However, taking note of its content, the judge rejected it saying it was not coherent and in tune with orders passed by it especially on August 22 this year. “Apparently it reflects from the opening paragraph of the status report that SIT is investigating into the FIR number 12 of 2010 of police station Nowhatta. It appears that either SIT officials are confused or not
the orders passed by this court especially that of August 22, 2012. May be the SIT officials have not been conveyed a mandate of their docket. As was pointed out, the SIT had to investigate into the circumstances particularly the death of Wamiq Farooq and not those arising of FIR 12/2010. It was clarified in the last order dated August 22, 2012 but still the order has not been complied with. Investigation of FIR 12/2010 serves no purpose,” reads today’s order passed by CJM in the matter. The order reads further: “As such the report filed by the SIT is rejected. It is directed that the copy of order dated August 12, 2012 be provided to SIT officials for understanding the nature of investigation
matter....Copy of that order be sent to SP headquarters who is the head of the SIT through deputy director prosecution. The investigation be carried out within the ambit of that order.” Before passing the order, the court was apprised by advocate Aijaz Ahmad, the counsel for Farooq Ahmad, father of Wamiq that the SIT had called his client for recording of statements but number of material questions asked and replies rendered by the complainant have not been recorded by the SIT. However, the court has clarified in its order that the status report of SIT will be considered in light of the submissions made by counsel for the complainant.—NNI
Pahari community leaders seek permission to visit AJK JAMMU—In occupied Kashmir, the organisation of Pahari community has sought permission from the Indian government for visiting Azad Kashmir to meet community leaders in that part of the territory. According to Kashmir Media Service, the Jammu and Kashmir Pahari Peoples Movement (JKPPM) leader, Shahbaz Khan in a statement in Jammu said, “We will launch cross-LoC campaign for welfare of the Pahari people. We have decided to meet community leaders along the Line of Control to decide the future course of action regarding the welfare of the community on both sides of the Line of Control.” The organisation demanded of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to allow them to visit Azad Kashmir for the purpose. Shahbaz Khan said that after the Partition, 70 per cent of the Paharis remained on other side of the LoC (Azad Kashmir) leaving the 30 per cent in the occupied territory.
Novel’ The Half Widow’ released in IHK
S RINAGAR — In occupied Kashmir, a novel ‘The Half Widow’ by writer Shafi Ahmad has been released. The book, which was released at a function in Srinagar, portrays struggle of a widow, Salma, of Kupwara whose husband, Aslam, gets disappeared in Kashmir. She goes from pillar to post in search of him and finally lives by compromise. Reviewers said that the novel was reflection of the Kashmir Valley and had touched a significant issue of contemporary times. Justice (Retd) Bashir Ahmad Kirmani said, the novel touches every element of the Kashmiri society. “The novel is the reflection of real events like Kunanposhpora. The author has tried a different genre in which the plot has less importance than characters. The endnote is that Kashmir is not glittering. By saying so, we mock at ourselves,” he added. Columnist, Aijaz-ul-Haque in his review said, “The novel tells the story of those women who live in between hopelessness and hope. The imagination of the writer is paradoxically real. Everything seems real in the novel. The author has written about a situation, people and locale.” He said, details of the book are the matter of the fact and the narrative is about agonised women and that of conflict. Columnist, Dr Javid Iqbal said, “While reading ‘The Half Widow’ a reader can hear wails from the valley of wails. The novel is about the historical MUZAFFARABAD:AJ&K President Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob flanked by Hussain Lawai and socio-political happenings of Kashmir.” President Summit Bank cutting ribbon to inaugurate bank branch.
Engineer Rasheed said, “Had NC and its leadership performed their duties towards Kashmiri people, situation and history would have been different altogether.” The MLA reminded that it was because of NC’s failure and double standard that the Kashmiris had to take up arms. “NC failed to deliver on a political front to meet the aspirations of Kashmiris,” he added. “They created the atmosphere and space for coming up of Hurriyat Conference into existence.” Rasheed said that the Kashmiris had sacrificed at all fronts for the resolution of
the Kashmir issue and not for futile talks. He said the India had always been trying to buy time since 1947 as “it stands at a very weak pitch over the Kashmir issue.” “It has been the Government of India which had been begging for talks sometimes through Track II Diplomacy, sometimes through agencies and sometimes through retail shops of so-called Kashmir Committees,” Engineer Abdur Rasheed pointed out. “India has never been sincere in resolving the long-pending dispute.” —NNi
Peace in S Asia far-fetched cry without Kashmir settlement: Moosvi S RINAGAR — In occupied Kashmir, senior All Parties Hurriyet Conference leader, Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi has said that peace in South Asia will remain a far-fetched dream unless the internationally recognised Kashmir dispute is resolved as per the wishes of Kashmiris. Agha Syed Hassan AlMoosvi addressing a party meeting at Beerwah in Badgam, rejected the statement of Indian
Minister and National Conference President, Farooq Abdullah that Kashmir was an integral part of India. Moosvi said that the people of Kashmir had offered unprecedented sacrifices against the Indian occupation of the territory, which would not be allowed to go waste at any cost. The APHC leader maintained that the people of Kashmir were not against friendly relations between Pakistan and
India, but added that these relations could flourish only after settlement of the Kashmir dispute.Al-Moosvi said that Kashmir was the core issue between the two neighbouring countries, which could be resolved through tripartite talks as per the relevant UN resolutions. He urged the two countries to take steps for settlement of the dispute so that durable peace in South Asia could be ensured.— KMS
MUZAFFARABAD: Speaker AJK Assembly Sardar Ghulam Sadiq Khan meeting AJK Prime Minister Ch. Abdul Majeed.
Pak-India relations impact Kashmir situation: Omar SRINAGAR—Welcoming the cess between the countries”. signing of the much-awaited liberalized visa agreement by India and Pakistan, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said India-Pakistan relation has an impact on situation in Jammu and Kashmir. “This is a significant move. Such steps would facilitate and contribute positively in all measures aimed at bringing thaw in the ties between the two neighbors and resolving issues amicably and in peaceful atmosphere,” Omar said. He said smooth relations between India and Pakistan have good effect on Jammu and Kashmir and bad relations create an adverse result. “So we must welcome the dialogue pro-
Omar said internal dialogue between the state and Government of India (GoI) is also of significant importance and should be taken up on priority. “I hope that the two countries will devote attention to resolving smaller issues like converting cross-LoC trade into normal trade from the present barter status”. He said his party and government will continue to play its role as a facilitator of dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad and the central government and the state. Omar also welcomed the release of all Indian fishermen saying that it’s a “great gesture”.— NNI
Kashmir Inc pitches for LoC tourism SRINAGAR—As foreign minis- trade between the two parts of the ters of India and Pakistan held talks in Islamabad, the Kashmir Inc is pitching for inclusion of tourism across the Line of Control. The Valley business community said the inclusion of tourism across LoC would not only bring economic development of the two sides but would also help India and Pakistan get close to each other. President Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Federation (KHAROF), Faiz Ahmad Bakhshi said, “It is very unfortunate that tourism has not been included so far in the cross-LoC
Kashmir. ”Urging both the governments of Pakistan and India to include tourism in the trade, he said, “It will have positive impact on the relations between the two countries and will boost economy and promote all unexplored tourist spots. ”Tourism players also said that allowing tourists through LoC would work as biggest Confidence Building Measures (CBM’s) between the two countries and help build stronger relation with each other.— NNI
Love ruined lady from Germany in Kashmir SRINAGAR—Mohsin Shah, a Kashmiri business man who duped a Thiland born ‘lady’ is evading arrest and is absconding. Judge Small Causes Court in Srinagar has directed him to surrender before the Court till 11th of October, 2012. Sarwait Patarachokchai, daughter of Manite Patarachokchai presently residing in Berlin, Germany had arrived Kashmir as a tourist in the year 2007. “When I came here, I met a Kashmiri businessman, namely Mohsin Shah and we fall in love. He introduced me to his parents and other members of family and we both decided to get married after some time. Her mother treated me as daughter-in-law and I was overwhelmed the way they loved and showered affection towards me.” Sarwait told CNS. “Mohsin and his family were living in a weathered house in Nishat and hence the family was in need of money and they used this (Sarwait) lady. Their motive was to extract money from her and they succeeded in their designs.” A House Boat owner said and added that a single Kashmiri youth for sake of money has brought a slur on the fair name of Kashmir. Anxious and gloomy Sarwait said that she had gone mad and blindly loved the ‘cheater’ Mohsin and his family. “I failed to realize what was in their hearts. Apart from valuables including a car, I gave him (Mohsin) around Rs 36 lac.” She said.—NNI
Islamic scholar warns of New World Order Traps SRINAGAR—Islamic scholar and Executive Chairman of International Centre for Applied Islamic Dr Javed Jamil while delivering the series of lectures in different schools and colleges in Baramulla district called for “an all out ideological onslaught against the modern ideologies representing New World Order.”Jamil was invited by Idarah Falahu Darain, Baramulla to interact with students of various institutes. While speaking at Degree College Sopore on the topic, “Challenges for Muslim schol-
ars in the current world scenario”, Jamil stressed the need to understand the designs of the economic and political forces that rule the world. “The forces of globalization are bent upon exploiting human weaknesses for commercial gains. Muslim intellectuals need to challenge all the current policies, programme, definitions, concepts and ideologies that seek to destroy human values, family system and social peace,” Jamil said.He explained that “while the modern ideologies only stressed a two-dimensional system of Fundamental rights and duties, with greater emphasis on rights, Islam
gives a three-dimensional system comprising Fundamental Rights, Duties and Prohibitions”. He called upon Muslim scholars “to campaign for implementation of “Fundamental Prohibitions”, which should be incorporated in the constitution of all the countries.”On delivering a lecture at Baramulla Public school on the topic “Despite Shortcomings, Muslims Most Civilized”. He presented the strong arguments on the topic and it impressed the hundreds of the people present in the Auditorium. He said “All the current parameters and indices promoted by
international institutions are nothing but an attempt to paint Western civilization in attractive colors”.Jamil however admitted his dismay over international media for portraying Muslims as uncivilized, violent and retrogressive, something which is far from the truth. “Violence of all kinds is rampant in the Western world and Muslim countries are far behind in terms of murderous assaults, rapes, and other crimes.” He said “For the overwhelming majority of more than 160 million deaths in wars and civil wars in the last century, the 5 big powers are responsible and still
they preach the lessons of peace to the world”. He produced international statistics to show that even in terms of per capita income, life expectancy and literacy rates, Muslim countries are competing fast. He however said that there are certain fields where Muslim world need to improve, which include technical education, religious, political and economic integration of the Muslim world. Speaking to a gathering of the members of Falahu Darain on the subject of “Islamic Perspective of Health”. He argued that, the current international health policy gives supremacy to eco-
nomics, but Islam gives supremacy to the well-being and health of human beings. He said Islam makes family and socially systems health-protective and makes it binding on the authorities to ban all practices that have a damaging effect on health. He questioned the legitimacy of World Health Organisation in doing nothing against promiscuity, prostitution, alcohol; gambling and smoking, which together lead to at least 70 million deaths worldwide including 50 million abortions owing to the ‘Sexual Revolution’. He exhorted teachers to
campaign for changes in the current educational system, which is “primarily aimed at producing employees for the corporate and developing consumerism in the younger generation.” He argued that the “current educational system has been relocated on the wall street” and there is no attempt to inculcate abhorrence for practices that destroy human character and family and social equanimity. He lambasted the “Sexual Education” material and said that instead of warning young boys and girls against out of marriage relationships, it is teaching them safe sex. He also addressed stu-
dents of Women’s College Baramulla on the subject of “Modern feminism and challenges for Islamic women”. He said that the forces of economic fundamentalism have been busy in using every human weakness for their growth. Sex being the greatest weakness of human beings. “They have found in sex a hen that continuously lays golden eggs”Jamil said. He said that in order to attract women to all types of industries, including fashion, modeling, films, catering and sexual services, they thought that it was necessary to shatter the family system. —NNI
Urea import Staff Reporter LAHORE—Fertilizer Manufacturers of Pakistan Advisory Council (FMPAC) said on Monday that with the recent Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) decision to import 300,000 tonnes of urea, no further imports are required this year and even to the end of Rabi next year keeping in view the available Urea inventory in the country. The FMPAC Executive Director Shahab Khawaja said here that NFDC (National Fertilizer Development Corporation) in latest report showed urea inventory at the close of July 2012 at around 400,000 tonnes and with Kharif season demand is coming to end the urea inventory in the country is expected to pile up to above 800,000 tonnes by end this month. While, current offtakes trend also highlight that any further imports would add to the already very high inventories, urea offtakes during eight months of 2012 reduced by 5 percent.
PQ activity K ARACHI —Two ships carrying containers and edible oil were allotted berths on Qasim International Containers Terminal and Liquid Cargo Terminal during last 24 hours. Meanwhile more ships scheduled to offload chemical and furnace oil are also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during the same period, said a PQA press release on Monday. Berth occupancy was 45% at the Port on Monday where total number of five ships namely Maersk Missouri, Ananya Naree, AMS Pegauses II, AL Soor-II and Dong Bu Promy are currently occupying berths to load/offload containers, corn, cement, diesel oil and edible oil respectively during last 24 hours.—APP
Markets mixed H ONG K ONG —Asian markets were mixed on Monday, as weak data from China and the United States fuelling hopes for new stimulus measures were overshadowed by concerns over growth in the world’s two biggest economies. The euro, which surged on Friday after the European Central Bank (ECB) announced a bond-buying plan to help under-pressure nations, eased slightly in early Asian exchanges. Tokyo ended flat, dipping 2.28 points to 8,869.37, with a slightly stronger yen compounding figures showing the Japanese economy grew at a slower pace than initially thought. Seoul was 0.25 percent down, or 4.88 points.—AFP
“A process cannot be understood by stopping it. Understanding must move with the flow of the process, must join it and flow with it.” — Frank Herbert
President signs SEZ 2012 Bill into law STAFF REPORTER
sources. The President said Pakistan has a strategic location, rich mineral resources, and skilled manpower adding “We must utilize these assets for the economic development of the country”. President Zardari said the new law, which has been passed by the parliament with consensus, would help in reducing the cost of doing business. He said, the new law will increase exports, create jobs and enhance the rate of return to investors. “Under the new law all capital goods, machinery and equipment will be exempted from customs duties,” said the President. The President said the entrepreneurs of
these Special Economic Zones, will also be exempted from Income Tax for ten years. He said the law, has laid the basis of industrial development in the country. He said the incentives granted to the investors will be protected by Law and will enhance the investor’s confidence. The new law, he said, would ensure continuity of the economic policies in the country. Referring to the economic progress made in the neighbouring countries, the President said such laws had played major role in the economic development of China, India, Thailand and other regional countries.
Kuwait invites Asim to discuss investments STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Dr
Asim Hussain, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Petroleum Ali Zardari Monday signed and Natural Resources has Special Economic Zones been invited by Hani (SEZ) Bill 2012 with a view to Hussain, Oil Minister Kuwait setup especial economic to discuss opportunities rezones in different parts of the garding investment in the Oil country to promote foreign and Gas sector of Pakistan by Federal Minister for Water and Power, Ch Ahmed Mukhtar presiding over a meeting on investment in various secKuwait Foreign Petroleum equitable distribution of electricity. tors, enhance jobs and boost Exploration Company economic activities. (KUFPEC). Dr. Asim Hussain Addressing the signing along with a delegation will ceremony of the bill at a hold meetings on 11th Sepsimple ceremony held here at tember with Kuwait’s Oil Aiwan-e-Sidr, the President Minister, CEO of Kuwait Pesaid Pakistan has great ecotroleum Corporation (KPC) nomic potential and the govand other senior executives ernment has been taking a of the Oil Industry. It has been decided that SMEFD Circular No.15 AMANULLAH KHAN number of steps to ensure The meetings would forate of refinance under the dated October 31, 2009, will maximum facilities for the incus on possible investment KARACHI—The State Bank Export Finance Scheme appli- be adjusted accordingly vestors to utilize the full poopportunities available in the cable from September 10, 2012 keeping in view the revised tential of the available reOil and Gas Sector of Paki- of Pakistan (SBP) has re- and onward till further in- mark-up rates, the circular duced the refinance rate unstan, particularly with restructions shall be 8.50% p.a. added. gards to avenues created der the Export Finance The commercial banks shall The rates of service Scheme (EFS) and the serafter announcement of new ensure that where financing charges for Participating FiPetroleum (Exploration & vice charges under the facilities are extended by nancial Institutions (PFIs) Long Term Financing FacilProduction) Policy 2012. them to the exporters for and rates for end users unIt may be noted that ity (LTFF) and the Scheme availing refinance facilities der the Long Term Financfor Financing Power Plants KUFPEC has been operating under the Export Finance ing Facility (LTFF) have in Pakistan since 1987 and Using Renewable Energy Scheme, their maximum mar- also been reduced by 150 by 150 basis points or 1.5 there is pretty well potential to and mineral development etc. has invested over US $ 1 bilAMANULLAH KHAN export mangoes from Pakistan Australia must export uranium lion in the Oil and Gas Sector percentage points with im- gin/spread does not exceed basis points with effect from 1% p.a. says IH&SMEFD September 10, 2012. The to Pakistan as it is doing same with plans of making addi- mediate effect. KARACHI—Australian High to Australia. Now the exporters can Circular No. 4 issued to all rates of refinance under He said Pakistan is be- for India. Commissioner Peter Heyward tional investments. LTFF will now be 9.50% for get financing from banks banks today. Speaking on the occasion has said there are certain tech- stowed by immense natural reThe reimbursement of financing up-to 3 years, under EFS at 9.5 per cent nical requirements to ensure sources more than Australia Mian Abrar Ahmad , President, mark-up rate benefit to ex- 8.60% for over 3 years and per annum (p.a.). Earlier, the while Australia has edge on Karachi Chamber of Commerce that nuclear capability would exporters were getting the porters, on excess perfor- up-to 5 years and 8.20% for be used for domestic energy technology and both coun- and Industry said Pakistan financing under this mance under Part-II of the over 5 years and up-to 10 need and not for military pur- tries can join hands to create needs to build civil nuclear caScheme, as specified in Continued on Page 14 scheme at 11 per cent p.a. win /win situation and which pability to meet its energy repose and if Pakistan fulfills such condition Australia may would be beneficial for the quirements since ours is an ISLAMABAD—Emerging East think exporting uranium to Pa- people of the both sides. energy hungry country. Asia’s local currency bond Former president KCCI Mr. He also stressed the need kistan. During a visit to Karachi Majjyd Aziz said Pakistan is to import iron ore, coke for Pa- markets have expanded to Chamber of Commerce and In- converting its furnace and gas kistan Steel and sought Aus- nearly $6 trillion, but dustry (KCCI) he however plants to coal based and it can tralian help to have joint ven- policymakers in the region added that there are other seek help from Australian ex- tures for establishing and de- should brace themselves for veloping corporate farming in further shock and volatility forms of energy like wind, so- pertise in this field. There is huge potential in Pakistan. He said discriminat- from the global financial mar- ISLAMABAD —The Planning against total allocated for Reconstruction and Relar, bio-mass etc where AusCommission has released Rs.200.9 billion, social sector habilitation of Earthquake-hit trian expertise can be utilized. enhancing bilateral trade and ing policies of west and USA kets. This was stated in a re- Rs.38.3 billion so far against received Rs.17.4 billion areas. He said Pakistani mangoes cooperation in sectors like en- capped Pakistani exports in a PSDP 2012-13 envisages have magnificent quality and ergy, steel, corporate farming Continued on Page 14 port released by the Asian total Rs.360 billion under the against its total set target of Development Bank (ADB) Public Sector Development Rs.146.1 billion, Rs.0.5 billion an allocation of Rs22.88 bilon Monday. “Our local cur- Programme of current finan- released for other sectors lion for the railway projects, rency bond markets are cial year 2012-13. against its total budget of Rs50.87 billion for highways, emerging as a safe haven in The planning commission Rs.3 billion whereas Rs.0.8 motorways and roads, Rs10 the midst of the crisis, but we said it has released Rs.38.3 billion were released for billion for ERRA projects, should not be complacent,” billion in the first 67 days of ERRA against its allocation Rs34.56 billion for the consaid Iwan J. Azis, Head of the current fiscal year 2012- of Rs.10 billion. struction of Chashma ADB’s Office of Regional 13 against the total federal The Planning Commis- nuclear plant Nos. 3 and 4, Economic Integration, which development budget of sion is currently running 1080 Rs890 million for Karachi SINGAPORE—Pakistan State Petrochem at premiums of a spot cargo it recently pur- produced the Asia Bond Rs.360 billion, however it ex- projects which have a total projects of 1000MW and chased from Vitol for late Monitor report. Oil (PSO) bought less than $93-$106 a tonne. 300MW, Rs370 billion for the plained that the releases were cost of Rs2926.2 billion. It had initially required August, which was sufficient half its total oil requirements “Volatile markets can de- made against Rs.260 billion For the current financial re-construction of earthfor September to December 305,000 tonnes of gasoil, up to meet demand, one of the ter long-term investment and after excluding Rs.100 billion year 2012-13 Rs.873 billion quake affected national highdelivery, skipping gasoil and to 520,000 tonnes of high sources familiar with the mat- hurt the economy by making of foreign aid as this amount has been allocated for the way, Rs329 billion for the reslow sulphur fuel oil pur- sulphur fuel oil, 165,000 ter said. “With the increased it costlier for governments received directly by Economic public sector development toration and expansion of chases because of a dip in tonnes of low sulphur fuel oil rainfall, the diesel demand and companies to raise Affairs Division (EAD). plan out of which Rs350 bil- Shahrah-e-Karakoram and demand, industry sources and 315,000 tonnes of gaso- has dropped, so there was no funds. Moreover, uncertain The Planning Commis- lion allocated for federal de- Rs1.60 billion has been alloline. PSO decided to not buy need to buy spot, especially market reaction to policy ac- sion said out of total released velopment projects, Rs513 cated for the restoration of said on Monday. The state-owned com- gasoil because of high offers at such high numbers,” the tion is undermining the pre- amount of Rs.38.3 billion, billion for provincial govern- Shahrah-e-Karakoram afpany bought 260,000 tonnes and a dip in domestic de- source added. dictability and thus the effec- Rs19.6 billion were released ments’ projects whereas fected by the Attaabad PSO also decided not to tiveness of conventional for infrastructure sector Rs.10 billion would be spent lake.—Online of high sulphur fuel oil from mand due to increased rainBakri Trading and Vitol at fall, which has boosted hy- buy low sulphur fuel oil due policymaking,” Azis said. premiums of about $25 to $26 dropower generation, indus- to sufficient stocks and as the Greater regional participation company prepares to shift to in emerging East Asia’s bond a tonne above Middle East try sources said. The company also re- winter-grade from November. markets and cooperation are quotes. It might issue a separate needed to counter the volaIt also bought 280,000 ceived two term cargoes from tonnes of 87-octane gasoline its long term supplier Kuwait tender to buy the product to tility from external shocks from Gunvor, Trafigura, To- Petroleum Corp (KPC) for meet winter specifications, and to strengthen regional tal, Oman Trading and Gulf September and October and the source said.—Agencies financial safety nets. A special section in the Asia Bond Monitor assessing ISLAMABAD—The volume of overall e-banking transactions, through RTGS transactions the performance of the local overall e-banking transac- ATMs with a major share of aggregated to 101,779 and in bond markets of the People’s tions in the country has reg- 60.6 remained the leading chan- terms of the amount worked Republic of China (PRC), In- istered an increase of 5.6 per- nel. ATM transactions value out to Rs.28.97 trillion. This donesia, the Republic of Ko- cent to reach 74.6 million from and volume also showed an showed an increase of 4.8 rea, Malaysia, the Philippines, April to June 2012, State Bank increase of 5.9 percent and 7.4 percent in volume and 3.6 percent respectively. The av- percent in the value as comand Thailand shows that the revealed. erage value per ATM transac- pared to figures reported However, the value of spillover of the Lehman Brothers’ collapse and the ongoing transactions at 6.6 trillion was tion stood at Rs. 9,693. The vol- during third quarter. The maeurozone crisis in many mar- 4.4 percent less than trans- ume and value of transactions jor portion of RTGS transackets has been significant and actions reported in the quar- through POS terminals stood tions continued to be in reter ended March 31, 2012 due at 4.7 million and Rs. 21.49 bil- spect of settlements against may well continue. These spillover impacts to a 5.4 per cent decrease in lion depicting 4.5 and 2.1 per- securities followed by interwill be felt not only in the Real Time Online Branches cent growth respectively as bank Funds Transfers and compared to the figures re- settlement of retail cheques bond markets but in other (RTOB) transactions. ported in the third quarter (Jan- through multilateral clearing A State Bank official said financial markets in the recontributing 53.6 percent, gion too, including through the volume of transactions in- Mar) 2012. The official said the vol- 34.2 percent and 12.1 percent creased slightly by 1.8 perforeign exchange rates.— Federal Minister for Postal Services Sardar Alhaj Muhammad Umar Gorgaij inaugucent. In terms of volume of ume of large-value payments respectively.—Online Online rating electronic money order service.
ISLAMABAD—President Asif
SBP slashes refinance rate for renewable power plants
Australia willing to help Pak combat energy crisis
Eurozone crisis threatens East Asia’s bond markets: ADB
Planning Commission releases Rs 38b for development projects
PSO buys half of oil needed for Sept-Dec
Electronic transactions register 5.6pc increase
Macro-economic activities improved in 2011-12 STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The
half yearly data of fiscal year 2011-12 depicts an improvement in overall macroeconomic activity, particularly in agriculture and service sector, according to the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) Midyear Progress Report. The 27th PRSP Midyear Progress Report was released here on Monday by the Ministry of Finance that monitors pro-poor budgetary and non-budgetary expenditures.
According to the report stable weather conditions have resulted in a better yield of rice and cotton crops while services sector has also registered an increase due to growth in trade and profitability of banking sector. The risks to macroeconomic activity during the first half of FY2011-12 mainly stemmed from the external sector and fiscal imbalances, it said adding the Budget deficit was limited to 2.5 percent of GDP during H1- FY 2011-12 - lower than the 2.7 percent deficit registered in H1-FY 2010-11.
Nevertheless, strict fiscal discipline is required to achieve the targeted deficit during the latter half of FY 2011-12, it added. The Propoor expenditures substantially increased till the second quarter of FY 2011-12. Overall Year on Year (YoY) increase of 90.46 percent was recorded, from Rs. 482,815 million in H1-FY 2010/ 11 to Rs. 919,564 in H1-FY 2011/12. Significant increases in expenditure have been observed in all the sectors including Market Access and Community Services, Human Development, Rural
Development and Governance. The maximum YoY increase was witnessed in Peoples’ Works Programme II. There was reduction in expenditures in Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) and Natural Calamities and Disasters. The remarkable growths in Subsidies however lead to an overall positive growth in Social Safety Nets while on the provincial level, all the provinces depicted an increase in PRSP expenditures, except Sindh owing to decrease in educa-
tion expenditures. The composition of expenditures changed during the period under review while the percentage share of development expenditures increased by 3.03 percentage points during the first half of FY2011-12 against the same period in FY2010/11. The expenditures in Education sector showed a minor growth as compared to previous trends, it said adding this obviously is a matter of concern since the education expenditures are already limited. However, the Health sector expenditures in-
creased substantially. Overall transfers for protecting the poor and vulnerable registered a negative growth of 13.7 percent in grants and 21.4 percent in beneficiaries during H1 of FY 2011/12 when compared with the same period last year. During H1 of FY2011/12, Rs. 24.96 billion (78 percent) of the grants were of the budgetary mode and Rs 6.84 billion (22 percent) were of the non-budgetary mode against 86 percent and 14 percent respectively during the same period of PFY. During H1 of FY 2011/12 a
large proportion of the amount, i.e. 52 percent was disbursed through BISP, followed by 23 percent through Social Security and Social Welfare, 17 percent through EOBI, 5 percent through WWF, and 4 percent through PBM. These disbursements were made to 4.51 million beneficiaries which is 21 percent less than the beneficiaries of the same period last year. During H1 of FY 2011/12 a total of Rs.12.85 billion i.e. 608,080 loans under the micro-credit were disbursed which was 32 percent more against Rs. 9.71 billion i.e.
581,352 loans during the same period last year. This Mid Year Progress Report covers the status of the poverty reduction efforts during H1 of FY 2011/ 12 (July - December). Part one of the report gives a brief introduction of PRSP. Part two focuses on an overview of Pakistan’s economy along with a brief discussion on key macroeconomic indicators. Part three gives an analysis of the budgetary expenditures of 17 pro-poor sectors in general and education and health sectors in particular.
Gold miners, Bernanke push TSX higher TORONTO—Canadian stocks ended the week on a positive note, boosted by a speech from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke that kept stimulus hopes alive and as the soaring price of bullion helped gold miners. Bernanke stopped short of giving a clear signal the U.S. central bank would soon act but investors bet that his language made another round of bond-buying, known as quantitative easing, more likely. “QE is arguably very good for risk assets like equities, but also QE would have a not terribly indirect impact on commodities,” said Stephen Wood, chief investment strategist at Russell Investments in New York. Bullion hit a five-month high after the speech, helping Toronto-listed gold miners punch higher. Major players Barrick Gold Corp and Goldcorp Inc each gained more than 3 percent, Yamana Gold Inc jumped 4.3 percent and a slew of juniors jumped even more. Oil and copper prices also rose, lending support to the energy and materials companies that make up a large portion of the Canadian exchange.—Newswire
ZONG launches student package STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Keeping pace with the ever changing needs and wants of today’s youth, ZONG – the fastest growing network of Pakistan is introducing a brand new offer called Student Package for its young subscribers. The package will entail 3 more tariff plans named Talkie, All Rounder and Texter which are targeted at meeting the varying demands of youngsters according to their personalities. The telecom giant has once again emerged as the most considerate operator by offering reasonable rates which match the budget of students. Although other operators have also introduced various packages for youth, ZONG is the only one to truly understand that students want to remain connected but they have limited amount to spend on their communication needs. Thus, student package is designed to ensure that youth’s requirements are met in an affordable and comprehensive manner. Briefing about this latest interesting package Mr. Usman Ishaq, Executive Director Commercial, ZONG said, “We are always looking for ways to create more and more options for the future of our nation i.e. our youth. We want to give them maximum choice and variety from which they can pick and chose.
APCNGA demands weekly gas meter reading
Rains damage cotton crop
is not possible to us to carry on business in this situation” Paracha said. He said that Petroleum ministry changed pricing interval for liquid fuels from one month to weekly basis. Price of CNG being associated with petrol was also changed after Seven days alongside petrol by changing the gas tariff. However, despite instructions of the MOP, SNGPL & SSGC did not take readings at appropriate time and billed the CNG sector without proper accounting. As a result SNGPL & SSGC
standing cotton crop across the country and may also hurt the cotton production target of 15 million bales. The current rain spell hit almost the entire cotton belt in Punjab and Sindh, but major losses are expected in Sindh’s interior, where cotton crop was ready for harvest. They said that heavy rains had hit almost all cotton crop areas, including Mirpurkas, Sanghar, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta, Kot Ghulam Muhamad, Diplo, Tando Alahyar and Golarchi. In Punjab, cotton fields in Multan, Raheem Yar Khan, Bhalwalnagar, Bahawalpur, Vehari, Rajanpur and other cotton growing areas were affected. Although, the cotton situation is still under control, but danger looms large if rains continued at this stage and measures were not taken to save the crop, said Shekeel Ahmed Khilji director national seed and an cotton expert. We are closely monitoring the cotton crop. There are reports that all major cotton cultivation areas have received heavy rain, he said.
K ARACHI —Ongoing heavy ISLAMABAD—Central Chair- ministry’s policy, otherwise it are now holding millions in rains have badly hit the
man All Pakistan CNG Association, Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha has demanded government of weekly gas meter reading and fortnightly billing of CNG stations. Ghiyas Paracha said that SNGPL & SSGC despite the clear government orders did not change their system accordingly and held millions of rupees with out any proper accountancy from CNG stations. “We have sent application to petroleum minister to restrict Gas companies to work according to ECC formula under petroleum
excess and is not willing to adjust the amounts despite repeated requests and meetings by the All Pakistan CNG Association. On top of this SNGPL & SSGC will also benefit from the millions that it will earn through interest by keeping this amount in banks. All this profiteering will go unaccounted and the business man will suffer. MOP is requested to take serious notice of such practices. The CNG sector without proper gas meter readings and will benefit while people will suffer losses.— Online
Agricultural experts for rational use of pesticides
Dr Kevin Gallagher, FAO Representative, Dr Iftikhar Ahmed, Senior Advisor FAO, Dr M Sharif, DG, NARC, Dr Ali Abbas and Dr M Mubarak, DG, SARC briefing on pesticde residues arranged by FAP and PARC.
STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The agricultural experts here on Monday stressed the need for making Pesticide Residue Monitoring System operational to control the indiscriminate use of pesticides on exportable horticulture as well as other national crops. “The pesticide residue monitoring system has initially been approved by the federal government but it still needs resource allocation in order to make it effective and operational”, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed senior advisor on Programme Development FAO, said in a seminar on Pesticides Residues in Exportable Horticulture Crops held here on Monday. The seminar was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in col-
laboration with Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC). Director General, PARC, Mubarik Ahmad was of the view that the uncontrolled use of pesticides has imposed not only tremendous economical losses but also unacceptable hazards to human health. He said the country exports a variety of fruits including mango, dates and citrus fruits but the indiscriminate use of pesticides on these commodities is going to threaten the exports. He said despite having great potential in Pakistan to produce quality fruits in a large quantity, the country is not listed among top ten countries of fruits exporters mainly due to the uncontrolled application of pesticides. “Extensive use of pesticides on fruits and veg-
etables leaves pesticides residues among these commodities which cause risks to the human health”, Mubarik Ahmad said adding about 12 percent of our exported commodities get rejection from the European Union countries and United States. Itrat Rasool Malhi, representative from UNIDO, said while speaking on the occasion that frequent rejection of agriculture export consignments due to non-compliance of Special Programme for Strengthening (SPS) management results into huge loss of foreign exchange earnings. Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad said that the farmers should be educated about this issue and for this different sources including media should be used to create awareness about the hazardous outcomes of uncontrolled use of pesticides.
Moot on Google’s marketing products effective utilization in Pakistan STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Aimed at spread-
ing awareness about Google’s marketing products and its effective utilization in Pakistan, 6 top-notch professionals from Google spoke at a local hotel here in Karachi. Separate sessions were organized for marketers and tech enthusiasts. These events were organized in partnership with Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA) and managed by Terrabiz. Jana Levene, Emerging Market Development, Southeast Asia presented the keynote on ‘Making the Web work for Pakistan’. Jana advises on Google’s strategic direction in South and Southeast Asian emerging markets. She is reFrom Page-13 sponsible for launching partcertain limits besides Pakistan nership, marketing and educawas barred from developing tional programs in-market with nuclear capability to cope with energy challenges which is hindering and hampering its economic development, while its economic growth currently is M M ALAM far below than its potential. He further said that KCCI has broaden its horizon and ex- KARACHI—Regional Chairtended its activities worldwide man APTMA M. Yasin and recently Pakistan Afghani- Siddik hailing Government’s stan Joint Chamber of Com- decision to slash the Gas Inmerce and Industry, Karachi frastructure Development Bombay Joint Chamber of Cess (GIDC) by 50% has Commerce and Industry have stated that, in addition to been formed while Prague – other cost increases in a Karachi Joint Chamber is un- short span of time, the inderway besides negotiations to dustry could not have abform such joint chambers are sorbed the impact of Rs. 100/ going on with number of other MMcf. He was addressing a chambers. He also urged to Press Conference held at form joint chamber with KCCI’s APTMA House here on counterpart in Australia. Aus- Monday. Yasin Siddik admitting tralian High Commissioner H.E Mr.Peter Hayward thanked that by collecting the earMian Abrar Ahmad for his en- lier imposed GIDC of Rs. deavor to enhance and develop 100/MMcf the Government stronger trade and economic could heave generated Rs. 60 billion for infrastructure ties with Australia Zia Ahmed Khan, Vice development, held that it President, Mr. Majyd Aziz, would have increased the former President, Mr. cost of gas by 25% for the Muhammad Haroon Agar, industrialists who were alformer VP, Mr. Tahir ready paying Rs. 450/ Mahmood, Country Manager, MMcf. He said acknowlAustralian Trade Commission, edging the grievances of Karachi., Ms. Charlotte country’s largest foreign exchange earner, GovernKennedy, Mr. Asif Nisar.
Australia willing
STAFF REPORTER
ISE sheds 7 points STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Islamabad
APTMA hails cut on Gas Cess ment had contained APTMA’s demand to an extent. He said though they wanted further reduction, yet a cut of Rs. 50/- was a good result. Negating news item that appeared in a section of Press accusing APTMA of causing loss to the exchequer by getting concession from Government by using its leverage of being a powerful body, Yasin Siddik clarified that they had only highlighted
Bank Alfalah to launch first student ISIC co-branded debit card STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Bank Alfalah recently signed an agreement with Alive Asia for jointly launching the first cobranded International Student Identity Card (ISIC) in Pakistan. The ISIC allows students access to over 41,000 local and international benefits and services from 125,000 locations across 124 countries globally. It is the only internationally recognized student identity card acknowledged and supported by UNESCO, universities, academic institutions and governments worldwide. Alive Asia is the official licensed authority, appointed by ISIC Association, to issue, distribute, promote and develop the ISIC Card in Pakistan. It has partnered with
Bank Alfalah to bring this unique one of its kind debit card to the youth of Pakistan, offering them access to funds with countless benefits and discounts for their specialized educational and lifestyle needs both locally and internationally. Atif Bajwa, CEO Bank Alfalah said on the occasion, “The youth of Pakistan represents 40% of our population, and it has emerged as a potential untapped customer segment that has unique needs and preferences; be it for education, travelling, dining or interest based activities. We are confident that this partnership will give us the advantage to be the first financial institution in Pakistan to not only recognize the emerging needs of the youth but also be fully equipped to
offer them countless customized student benefits and service options along with readily accessible funds, locally and internationally through the recognized ISIC global outreach program menu that has been built over 50 years of insights into this particular segment.” Qaiser Raza Sheikh, CEO Alive Asia said, “ISIC is very excited to have Bank Alfalah in Pakistan as their banking partner of choice. We are most excited about providing the youth of Pakistan access to over 41,000 discounts at over 126,000 locations worldwide and foresee our partnership with Bank Alfalah strengthening with time as we create and provide immense value for money to the students and youth of Pakistan”.
Stock Exchange (ISE-10) here on witnessed bearish trend as the index was down by 7.26 points to close 3076.49 as compared to the previous day’s trading. Talking to media, Stock Analyst, M.M Hassan said that the local stock market had witnessed bearish trend because of the profit taking. Besides, the positions was also taken when the index went down resulting an increase in the turnover in the markets, he added. The punters were seemed to be keen to have traded in the lowpriced shares having low risk as compared to the other scrips especially KESC and Lotte Pakistan PTA, he said. Total volume of shares traded was 205,500, which was down by 143,400 as compared to a day earlier’s Atif Bajwa, CEO, Bank Alfalah along with the team of Bank Alfalah and Alive Asia at the closing. Out of 126 compa- signing ceremony for jointly launching the first co-branded International Student Idennies’ shares traded, the price tity Card. of 51 was increased while the price of 75 decreased. The price of top gainer Gatron Industries was increased by Rs.4.03 while the price of top loser Shield Corporation decreased by Rs.7.68.
SBP slashes refinance KARACHI: Badar Khushnood, Country Consultant, Google Pakistan, Andy Warner, Marc Warburton, Jana Levene, Tanya aidrus, Niken Sasmaya, Anand Tilak, and Aileen Apolo at a moot. the goals of growing Internet Warburton, who is part of the adoption and engagement. Emerging Market Sales Team Jana’s work focuses on markets gave a presentation on that are in the early stages of “Google Search - Be there for leveraging the Internet as a plat- those who need you”. Anand form for doing business. Tilak, Regional Manager Earlier Badar Khushnood, Agency Relations & Sales Country Consultant, Google Development, Google South Pakistan delivered the wel- East Asia talked about “Opcome address. Marc portunities Beyond Search”.
Fuaji Fertilizer Company Energy Limited has completed the 50MW wind energy farm in Jhimpir, Thatta in eight months. Chief Executive and MD FFC, Lt-Gen. (r) Naeem Khalid Lodhi and Project Director Brig (r) Tariq Izaz being briefed by engineers and partners from Nordex Germany and Descon Engineering.
From Page-13 years. Participating Financial Institutions‘(PFIs’) spread for these tenors will be 1.50%, 2.50% and 3.00% respectively. Hence, the end users’ rates for these tenors have now been reduced to 11.00% from 12.50%, 11.10% from 12.60% and 11.20% from 12.70% respectively, according to IH&SMEFD Circular No.5. Similarly, the rates of service charges under the Scheme for Financing Power Plants Using Renewable Energy have been re-fixed at 8.60% for financing up-to 5 years and 8.20% for over 5 years and up-to 10 years with effect from September 10, 2012. Banks/DFIs will be allowed to charge 2.50% and 3.00% spread respectively for these tenors.
few instances such as the gas rates in Bangladesh one of Pakistan’s biggest competitors – that was 6.45 cents while with an additional Rs. 100 Cess the rate here would have been 18.23 cents: “Sanity prevailed & the Government realizing our point of view decreased the Cess. There was neither any untoward or undertable deal nor APTMA has caused any loss to the ex- T OKYO —Japan’s current account surplus dropped chequer”. 40.6 percent in July due to an expansion in its trade deficit, official data showed Monday. The surplus, the broadest measure of external trade, stood at 625.4 billion yen ($8.0 billion), the finance ministry said, as exports to Europe and Asian neighbours tumbled, while energy resource prices jumped. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires and the Nikkei daily had estiKARACHI: M Yasin Siddik Regional Chairman APTMA mated a surplus of 438.2 biladdressing a press conference.—PO Photo Javed Iqbal lion yen.—AFP
Japan current account surplus slumps 40.6pc
Indo-Pak liberalized visa regime lauded STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD—President American Business Forum (ABF) Salim Ghauri has welcomed the signing of liberalized visa regime between Pakistan and India and termed it a landmark achievement in attaining much-awaited peace and prosperity in the Sub-continent. He said both the government of Pakistan and India deserve appreciation from the business community, as they succeeded in bridging gap after long debate and discussion for years. Easing down the traveling between two sides of the border would play vital role in bringing peace to the region, he
said. According to him, the business community has been facing hardships in free movement to finalise their business deals. SAARC was the forum where one year visa facility was introduced for the business community. However, this visa duration was revised down to three months later on, which disturbed the businessmen sentiment a lot. He has expressed the hope that the governments on both sides of the border would realize the potential of business activities and more flexible visa regime would be unveiled in near future. Salim said there is need of more exchange of busi-
ness delegations to benefit from each others’ potential. He called the liberalized visa regime a major Confidence Building Measure (CBR) between Pakistan and India and urged the leadership of both the countries to march fast in materialising the dream of regional peace and prosperity. He has further expressed the hope that the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would visit Pakistan to bolster bilateral relations ahead. Salim also lauded the role of President Asif Ali Zardari and his team, particularly the Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in promoting peaceful relations with India through an effective diplomacy.
AFCSR now on its second decade STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The annual AIM Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) enters its second decade with its biggest conference yet as it travels to Thailand to hold the 11th AFCSR at the Bangkok Shangri-La Hotel on October 25 and 26, 2012. Organized by the Asian Institute of Management – Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. Center for Corporate Responsibility (AIM-RVR Center), the AFCSR is known to be the most significant conference on corporate social responsibility in Asia. The event is attended by various professionals—senior business executives, academicians, civil society as well as government organizations. This year’s conference
offers productive and informative sessions and topics stemming from the theme, Innovative Approaches To Creating Value for Business and Society, and will be supported by a framework that showcases the creation of innovative CSR programs while generating stakeholder engagement. Plenary and breakout discussions will revolve around five core topics, namely: assessment of the firm’s culture; development of the program; prototyping and evaluating; systematizing and implementation; and finally, embedding and encouraging CSR. Introduced in Manila in 2002, AFCSR’s mission is to highlight innovative programs and best practices in CSR by corporations in Asia and to promote CSR as a key strategy in addressing pub-
lic needs and problems, to showcase corporate standards on CSR as strategy, and to build a network of CSR practitioners across Asia. Capping off the two-day event is the Asian CSR Awards and the Intel-AIM Corporate Responsibility Award ceremonies and gala dinner, which seeks to recognize companies in Asia for their projects and programs on CSR. The Asian CSR Awards will be given in four categories, namely: Environment and Value-Chain Management, Governance and Society, Labor and Employee Engagement, and Product Responsibility and Consumer Rights while the IACRA will go to an organization that has fully embedded CSR throughout the aforementioned focus areas.
Maliki under pressure BAGHDAD —A fugitive vice president condemned to death and rallying opposition to Iraq’s “sectarian” prime minister, fresh bloodshed in the streets and the entire Middle East divided by religion over the war across the border in Syria - Nuri al-Maliki has no easy task in holding his government, and his nation, together. The Iraqi premier was denounced on Monday by Sunni Muslim Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi as a conspirator and oppressor, in league with fellow Shi’ites in Iran and driven by religious hatred to engineer the death sentence handed down on Hashemi on Sunday for murders committed by sectarian death squads. The verdict against a mainstream leader of Iraq’s once dominant Sunni minority was accompanied by bombings and attacks on Shi’ite targets that killed about 115, making it one of the bloodiest days since U.S. troops pulled out in December. Maliki’s government was quick to blame Sunni insurgents. Hashemi, speaking from exile in Turkey, called for “calm” but firm opposition to a premier whose efforts to stitch together an administration uniting Shi’ites, Sunnis and Kurds have looked distinctly ragged since an arrest warrant for the vice president was issued the very day after the Americans left. “Yesterday Prime Minister Maliki and his ... judiciary concluded the final phase of the theatrical campaign against me using a kangaroo court,” Hashemi told a news conference in Ankara.—Reuters
Hasina warns police against unjust link BANGLADESH—Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday reminded the police personnel that the government has adopted a ‘zero tolerance policy’ to establish departmental discipline in the force and warned that none will be spared if found engaged in injustice. “Let me remind you, a zero tolerance policy has been adopted for departmental discipline. None will be spared if found engaged in injustice,” she said while addressing the passing out ceremony of the 29th batch of assistant superintendents of police (ASPs) at the Sarda Police Academy. Hasina directed the police officials to devote themselves for the public welfare applying highest professionalism as well as upholding the spirit of the war of liberation, the rule of law, justice and human values. She laid importance on the adoption of modern technology in the police force and gave top priority for the training of the police personnel as the types of crimes across the globe are changing fast. “Adoption of new technologies will have to be ensured to curb international and regional militancy and terrorist activities, cyber crime, money laundering, and other new modes of crimes,” she said. The prime minister said that the government has brought massive changes in the colonial-era police laws, rules and structure, and is now moving ahead for establishing the police force as a ‘service’.—UNB
Japan, China hold post-tension meeting T OKYO —Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Chinese President Hu Jintao met briefly on Sunday after weeks of tension over a territorial dispute, with Japan calling for the neighbours to deepen mutually beneficial relations, Japanese media said. The two met for 15 minutes on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vladivostok. No meeting between them had been scheduled, given the tension over their claims to uninhabited islands known as the Diaoyu in China and the Senkaku in Japan, but the Japanese prime minister said on Friday he would not shun a brief talk. Noda said Japan hoped to develop a mutually beneficial, strategic relationship with China and that he planned to deal with current relations from a “comprehensive perspective”, Japan’s Jiji news agency reported. Japan’s behaviour before and during the Second World War, when it occupied much of China and battled Chinese armies opposed to its rule, has soured relations with China ever since. Tension over the islands flared last month when Japan detained a group of Chinese activists who landed on them. That sparked anti-Japanese protests in several Chinese cities and China’s state news agency blamed Japan for pushing tension “to a new high” before Japan released the activists. The islands are controlled by Japan and owned by a Japanese family. China is also angry about a plan by Noda’s government to buy the islands, which are near potentially huge maritime gas fields.—Reuters
Greece digs in for tough talks with lenders A THENS —Greece acknowledged on Monday it was having trouble persuading its foreign lenders to accept a plan to save nearly 12 billion euros (9.6 billion pounds) over the next two years, essential to unlocking the aid payments the country needs in order to avoid bankruptcy. Hopes that Greece, now in its fifth straight year of recession, might get a quick green light on the package were dashed when inspectors rejected part of it after bilateral talks resumed on Sunday. There appeared to be little progress at a second round of talks on Monday between Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and the ‘troika’ of inspectors from the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund. “It is a difficult discussion,” Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras told reporters after the meeting. “We are trying to convince them on the soundness of our positions.” Troika officials rejected some of the proposed measures to cut public sector expenses and wanted a bolder plan to reduce the number of civil servants, a senior Greek official said. “They insist on rejecting the measures that concern the restructuring of the state,” the official said. “We insist that they accept them.” Slashing public sector jobs is a highly sensitive subject in Greece, where the constitution bars firing civil servants.—Reuters
Dutch PM popular: Poll A MSTERDAM —Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose pro-austerity Liberals are running neck and neck with the opposition Labour Party two days before an election, would best serve the country’s interests in Europe, according to a new poll on Monday. Rutte, prime minister since October 2010 until his coalition collapsed in April 2012 over budget cuts, scored highest on leadership and competence, with 52 percent of those surveyed saying he was a “real leader”, while only 41 percent saw his main rival, Labour leader Diederik Samsom, in those terms. Dutch Prime Minister and Dutch Liberal Party leader Mark Rutte smiles during a political debate in Hilversum August 30, 2012. REUTERS/Michael Kooren “Rutte is the man we can best send to Brussels to get the most for the Netherlands from the bureaucrats: the Liberal Party leader scores best on qualities including ‘competence’ and ‘real leadership’,” said Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant, which commissioned the poll by TNS Nipo and University of Amsterdam and which is generally considered a left-leaning publication.—Reuters
Russian Orthodox Church under attack MOSCOW—The head of the Russian Orthodox Church used a Sunday prayer service and a state TV interview to argue that the church he presides over is under attack from foes he said fear its post-Soviet revival and want to destroy its places of worship. Patriarch Kirill did not name punk music group Pussy Riot but was clearly referring to the collective, three of whose members were sentenced to jail for performing a “punk prayer” at the altar of a Moscow cathedral during which they criticised President Vladimir Putin. Speaking in a state TV interview and at a service at Moscow’s Christ the Saviour Cathedral commemorating the 1812 Battle of Borodino - which helped Russia defeat Napoleon Kirill used military imagery to make his point.—Reuters Palestinians stand near burning tyres during a protest against high living costs near the West Bank city of Ramallah.
UN chief urges justice in Syria ‘war crimes’ G ENEVA —U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called Monday for all war criminals in Syria to be brought to justice, as his human rights chief urged a probe into the slaughter of hundreds in the town of Daraya. “We must ensure that anyone, on any side, who commits war crimes, crimes against humanity or other violations of international human rights or humanitarian law is brought to justice,” Ban said in Geneva, where he opened the 21st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. “I am deeply troubled by the aerial bombardments of civilians by government forces, by the increasing sectarian tensions, by the deteriorating humanitarian situation and by the apparent choice of both sides to pursue a solution through force rather than dialogue,” he said.
Ban called on the rights council “to maintain its vigilance on Syria, including on the question of accountability”. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay for her part urged an immediate probe into the slaughter late last month of several hundred people in the Syrian town of Daraya. “I am deeply shocked by the reports of the massacre in Daraya and I urge an immediate and thorough investigation into this incident,” she said on the first day of the three-week rights council session. “I call on the (Syrian) government to ensure full and unhindered access to the (U.N.) Independent Commission of Inquiry,” she said, also calling for “full support” of the new U.N. and Arab League peace envoy for the Syria conflict, Lakhdar Brahimi. Brahimi, who succeeds Kofi Annan in the role,
was on Monday meeting with Arab League officials, Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi and other leaders in Cairo to discuss the crisis and finalize plans for a pending visit to Damascus. Brahimi has described the bloodshed as “staggering” and called the destruction “catastrophic”. More than 27,000 people have died since the violence began 18 months ago, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. In its latest report, published last month, the U.N. Commission of Inquiry accused the Syrian regime and, to a lesser extent, the opposition forces of committing crimes against humanity. The commission also announced that it was drawing up a confidential list of people responsible for the atrocities, in a first step towards eventually bringing them to justice. Before any
New Somali parliament to elect president M O G A D I S H U —Somalia’s new parliament is due to vote for a new president of the country’s fledgling government, a move that members of the international community say is a key step toward the country’s transition from a war-torn failed state to a nation with an effective government. While Somalia has had transitional administrations since 2004, it has not had a functioning central government since 1991, when warlords overthrew a longtime dictator and turned on each other, plunging the impoverished nation into chaos. Augustine Mahiga, the U.N. special representative for Somalia, implored parliamentarians to think of the good of their country and vote with a clear conscience on Monday. The U.N.backed process of electing the country’s next government has been criticized for
corruption and threats of violence. The International Crisis Group think tank has said the current political process has been as undemocratic as the Transitional Federal Government structure it seeks to replace, “with unprecedented levels of political interference, corruption and intimidation.” The U.S. government urged Somali lawmakers to act with courage, determination, and integrity in conducting a fair and transparent election. Patrick Ventrell, the acting deputy spokesman for the State department, urged those who lose the election to do so gracefully. Accept the result, and refrain from inciting violence or encouraging others to distance themselves from Somalia’s new federal governmental institutions, he said in a statement Friday. Somalia’s intricate clan politics and loyalties must be navigated in the selection of
3 anti-al-Qaeda fighters killed
Anti-nukes Indians wade into sea to evade police charge
B AGHDAD —Iraqi officials say gunmen have shot dead three anti-al-Qaeda fighters manning a security checkpoint north of Baghdad. A police officer says the fighters of the Sahwa or Awakening movement were attacked early Monday morning near the town of Dujail, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Baghdad. Two other Sahwa members were injured. A health official confirmed the casualty figures. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to release information. The Sahwa are Sunni Arabs who joined forces with the U.S. military to fight al-Qaeda at the height of Iraq’s insurgency. They have been regular targets for Sunni insurgents who see them as traitors. The shooting came a day after a wave of bombings and other attacks across Iraq killed at least 92 people.—Reuters
the country’s leaders. A clan that wins the post of speaker, for example, is not eligible to get the presidency. Somali elders were tasked with naming a full parliament, since a general election is impossible because of insecurity. An incomplete parliament elected former labor minister Mohamed Osman Jawari as the new speaker on August 28. The last day of the eightyear U.N.-backed transitional government was Aug. 20 and the U.N. wanted a new president in place by then. But political bickering, threats and seat-buying schemes delayed progress toward the selection and seating of 275 members of the new Parliament that will select a president Somalia has seen much progress over the last year. Al-Qaida-linked Al-Shabab militants were forced out of Mogadishu in August 2011, allowing businesses to thrive.—AP
CHENNAI—ndian riot police Daiichi nuclear plant, spewing fired tear gas to break up thousands of protesters on a beach near the country’s largest nuclear power project, due to fire up within weeks despite months of opposition. emonstrators waded into the crashing waves or escaped in fishing boats as hundreds of police advanced, television images showed. Rocks were thrown at police and several injuries were reported on both sides. Some 4,000 activists, mainly women and children from fishing villages, had camped on the beach about a mile from the Kudankulam power station to complain about the threat of radiation from the plant near the southern tip of India. First conceived in 1988, the Russianbuilt plant was supposed to have gone into operation last year, but protesters surrounded the compound after an earthquake and tsunami destroyed Japan’s Fukushima
radiation and forcing mass evacuations. They fear a similar accident in a region that was hard hit by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Last month, the government’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board gave clearance for fuel to be loaded into one of the plant’s two reactors, one of the last steps before producing power. Kudankulam will provide 2 gigawatts of electricity — enough to power millions of Indian homes and relieve a power crisis in the state of Tamil Nadu. Further reactors are planned. India suffers from a peak-hour power deficit of about 12 percent, slowing the economy. A grid failure on two consecutive days this summer caused perhaps the world’s largest-ever blackouts. Coal now accounts for 60 percent of India’s energy use. India plans to add 63 gigawatts of nuclear power by building 30 reactors by 2032.—Reuters
trials can happen though, numerous difficult steps need to be taken. First, the Human Rights Council will examine the issue in Geneva on September 17. After that, the U.N. will need to receive the goahead from its members — for whom consensus on the matter appears all but impossible — to ask the International Criminal Court to act. Since the commission headed by Brazilian Paulo Sergio Pinheiro was created a year ago, it has held more than a thousand interviews with perpetrators and victims in the conflict, but has not been able to actually visit Syria. The commission’s mandate will in principal end during the current council session, but the diplomats are set in coming days to discuss a new resolution on Syria that will allow the commission experts to continue their work.—Reuters
2 killed in land disputes N AIROBI —Attackers killed 32 villagers and burnt more than 150 houses in Kenya’s coastal region on Monday, the Red Cross said, the latest tit-for-tat attack in a long festering dispute between communities over land and water. “There was a fresh attack in the Tana Delta this morning. As for now we have established 32 people are dead,” Abbas Gullet, head of the Kenyan Red Cross, told. —Reuters
Hong Kong residents vote in key legislative polls HONG KONG—Hong Kong voted yesterday in legislative elections seen as a test for the pro-Beijing government, after it was forced to scrap mandatory Chinese patriotism class es in the face of escalating protests. The government has been besieged by protests since it took office in July with support from Beijing, and a strong vote for democratic parties will be seen as a rejection of the mainland’s growing influence in the former British colony. Tens of thousands of student-led demonstrators surrounded the executive building for a second straight night on Saturday, calling for the withdrawal of the unpopular plan to introduce Chinese patriotism classes into schools. Critics of the policy said it amounted to Chinese Communist Party brainwashing, citing state-funded course materials praising the benefits of one-party rule. In an election-eve policy reversal, the city’s leader, Leung Chun-ying, dropped the 2016 deadline for the classes to be introduced and said they would no longer be mandatory. The remainder are chosen by relatively small “functional constituencies” of electors grouped along economic and professional lines, including wealthy business leaders with strong financial ties to the mainland.—Reuters
French police re-examine Alps murder crime scene A NNECY —French police struggling to make sense of a quadruple murder at an Alpine beauty spot said yesterday they were re-examining the crime scene. Around 25 police on Saturday combed a large area for clues but failed to turn up anything of interest, said the police commander of the eastern HauteSavoie department Bertrand Francois. Investigators were also trying to nail down the exact movements of the AlHilli family before they were gunned down along with a French cyclist near Annecy last Wednesday, added police officer Benoit Vinneman. Saad Al-Hilli, his wife Ikbal and an elderly relative died in the attack during a family camping holiday. The couple’s two young daughters survived.—Arab News
US mission on Myanmar due today YANGON—A US mission cur- Rights and Labour Daniel Baer. rently visiting the Rakhine state of Myanmar to see conditions of the Rohingyas in the post sectarian violence will arrive in Dhaka on September 11, 2012 to discuss the US role in assisting the refugees. Diplomatic sources said a factfinding mission comprising four senior officials of the US Department of State went to Myanmar on September 8 and are expected to pay a threeday visit to Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar. They are: Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Joseph Y Yun, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Ms Alyssa Ayres, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Kelly Clements, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Bureau of Democracy, Human
The team will hold talks with government officials and representatives of international organisations regarding the role of the US in helping improve the living conditions of the Rohingya refugees. According to the programme schedule, US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena will also accompany the visiting team during their inspection at the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. Sources said the US team has discussed with Burmese government officials how to ensure long-term peace, security and humanitarian aid for the Rohi ngya pop ulation .Besides, the mission intends to discuss the issue with diplomats of various countries to seek their suggestions for an effective solution to the Rohingya problems, foreign ministry sources said. —Star
Obama’s August $114m out raises Romney W ASHINGTON —US Presi- bent broadened his donor dent Barack Obama’s campaign and its Democratic partners raised more than $114 million in August, narrowly beating Republican rival Mitt Romney for the first time in months as the race for the White House approaches its final stretch. Former Massachusetts governor Romney and fellow Republicans raised more than $111 million, continuing a string of highdollar hauls that leave him well equipped to contest the November 6 election. While Obama shattered every fundraising record in 2008 after becoming the first presidential candidate to opt out of a federal matching funds system, Romney has outpaced him significantly on the fundraising front since April. That has added to a cash advantage on the Republican side that is helped by the success of outside groups, or Super PACs, that have spent lavishly in support of the Republican candidate with unlimited funds from millionaire donors. In July the Obama campaign raised $75 million to Romney’s $101 million. That discrepancy shifted in August. The Democratic incum-
base last month with more than 317,000 donors who had never given money before, Obama campaign manager Jim Messina said in a statement. More than 1.1 million donors in total gave to the Obama cause. “The key to fighting back against the special interests writing limitless checks to support Mitt Romney is growing our donor base, and we did substantially in the month of August,” Messina said. “That is a critical downpayment on the organisation we are building across the country - the largest grassroots campaign in history.” Obama is counting on that grassroots “ground game” to help make up for the cash advantage enjoyed by Romney, whose campaign along with the Republican National Committee and state Republican parties reported having about $168.5 million in cash at their disposal. Before the August report, Romney and the joint Victory Fund he shares with the RNC already enjoyed a $60 million cash-on-hand advantage over Obama. Obama’s campaign takes pride in having a broad base of low-dollar donors.—Reuters
UN wants access to Iran nuke site VIENNA —The U.N. nuclear watchdog chief pressed Iran on Monday to grant his inspectors access “without further delay” to a military site where they believe Tehran may have conducted explosives tests relevant to the development of nuclear weapons. Yukiya Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said “activities” which had taken place at the Parchin facility - a reference to suspected clean-up work there - would have an “adverse impact” on the IAEA’s investigation, if and when it was allowed to go there. Iran told the agency in a letter last month that the allegation of nuclear-linked work at Parchin, located southeast of the capital Tehran, was “baseless,” Amano told the 35-nation governing board of the IAEA, according to a
copy of his speech. “However, the activities observed further strengthen our assessment that it is necessary to have access to the location at Parchin without further delay in order to obtain the required clarifications,” he said. Amano said “no concrete results” had been achieved in a series of meetings between senior IAEA officials and Iran since January aimed at allaying concerns of possible military dimensions to Tehran’s nuclear program. “This is frustrating ... We consider it essential for Iran to engage with us without further delay on the substance of our concerns,” Amano said. “Iran is not providing the necessary cooperation to enable us to ... conclude that all nuclear material in Iran is in peaceful activities,” he said.—AFP
Serena clinches fourth US Open title N EW Y ORK —Serena Will-
LONDON: Fireworks illuminate the sky above the Olympic Park after the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium.
Cycle yatra to Islamabad N EW DELHI —As part of a cultural exchange programme, Vijayawada city-based Active Bicyclers Association will organise a cycle expedition from New Delhi to Islamabad in Pakistan from November 1, reported The Hindu. In all, 32 cyclists will take part in the yatra-2012 covering a total distance of 1,400 km, including 1,000 km from New Delhi to Islamabad. Association general secretary V. Satyanarayana said that the yatra would pass through Sonepat, Karnal, Kurkshetra, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Lahore and culminate at Islamabad. It would take 25 to 28 days to travel up and down, he said. The purpose of the yatra would be to spread the message of friendly relations with neighbouring country and also to underscore the need to use cycle for health and environment protection. A six-year-old girl Akshara will also take part in the yatra along with her mother. The participants other include: V. Satyanarayana, V. N. Prathap, K. Rama Seshadri Rao, Ch. Venkata Mouli Prasad, Sruthi, C. Nandan Babu, D. Avinash, Chintakayala Kishore Kumar, Betha Charith, Bade Kartheek, Rakotu Vivek, Kalpatapu Bhavani Vara Prasad, Pilla Nooka Raju, Kothakonda Dharanidhar, Dereddy Yerraji Reddy, Bora Venkata Satya Naga Yerraji, Devarapalli Vijay Kumar, he said.—Online
Paralympics: Simmonds, Peacock extinguish flame L ONDON —Top British ath- title at the Olympic Stadium letes Ellie Simmonds and Jonnie Peacock on Sunday extinguished the Paralympic flame, signalling the formal end to the London Games and the start of the countdown to Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Swimmer Simmonds, 17, was a double gold medallist in Beijing four years ago at the age of just 13, and won gold in London in the women’s S6 200m individual medley and 400m freestyle, as well as silver in the 100m and bronze in the 50m. Peacock, 19, is the fastest single below-the-knee amputee sprinter over 100m with a world record of 10.85sec. He took “Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorius’s
The cauldon for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games was created by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, who is also responsible for re-envisaging London’s iconic red doubledecker Routemaster buses. The sculpture is made up of petals, each of which are inscribed with the names of all the participating countries. After the Games, each country will take home one of the petals. The Paralympic flame was created on August 28 at the spiritual home of the movement, Stoke Mandeville in southern England, from four “national flames” kindled on the highest peaks of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.—AFP
Saeed to get PCB’s special award for best perforamce BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT D UBAI —Though
Saeed Ajmal has not been shorlisted by the ICC for the best player of the Test team award, the 35-year-old Pakistani off-spinner will get the recognition from his home board. This was revealed by Zaka Ashraf, the PCB chairman. Speaking exclusively here, where Ashraf has arrived to witness the final S YDNEY —Crafty medium- Twenty20 game against pacer Clint McKay has re- Australia to-day, he said, turned to fitness in a big boost “We shall felicitate Saeed for George Bailey’s Australian Ajmal for his superb perforsquad ahead of the World mance in last twelve months. We shall also give Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. The big Victorian has him an award, if our protest missed the last two months is unheard by the ICC”. “We have been receivdue to a hamstring injury but ing support for him from all has been bowling at full pace in training ahead of Australia’s quarters and even all former opening match of the tourna- players have expressed ment against Ireland in Co- concern about his expullombo on September 19. The 29-year-old looms as a vital component in Australia’s title hopes, with his skilful changes of pace helping him become Australia’s leading wicket-taker in oneday internationals in 2012. He’s bagged 27 one-day ISLAMABAD—Former captain victims at 23.88 in 17 games Javed Miandad said on Monthis year despite missing the day that he had no problem in four matches in August and working with Pakistan head September against Afghani- coach Dav Whatmore adding stan and Pakistan in the that they share a common inUnited Arab Emirates. terest of improving the playMcKay has been sorely ers’ performance. missed during the current Miandad, who also serves three-match T20 series as Pakistan Cricket Board’s against Pakistan, which they (PCB) director-general said have already lost before the that PCB chairman Chaudhry final game (due to start at 0200 Zaka Ashraf had asked him to Tuesday AEST).—Online work with the batsmen ahead
McKay’s mixed bag key for World T20: White
last Thursday. The formal end came after Sebastian Coe said the Games had transformed attitudes towards disability, while International Paralympic Committee president Philip Craven said they were “the best Paralympic Games ever”. “The Paralympic Games has set new records every day, sporting records, records for crowds, for television audiences, for unbridled spirit,” London 2012 chief Coe told the crowd. “In this country we will never think of sport the same way and we will never think of disability the same way. The Paralympians have lifted the cloud of limitation.”
ICC should reduce Amir’s ban: Basit L AHORE —Former Pakistan cricketer, Basit Ali has called the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to intervene in order to reduce the ban on cricketer, Mohammad Amir. Amir is currently serving a 5 year ban from any form of cricket for his role in the spotfixing incident which shook cricket in 2010. The now defunct ‘News of the World’ had exposed the murky underground of cricket during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010. In an interview, Basit Ali came to the support of the young bowler claiming that he had changed as a person ever since the incident. “I have talked to Amir recently and he is a completely changed person now. He has accepted his wrong doings and got the punishment (for spot-fixing) by serving his time in jail and away from cricket. I appeal to the ICC to look into his matter and reduce his ban,” Ali said. “He made mistakes and he has already stated everything about it. I feel he should get the benefit of doubt as he was a teenager and the ICC should help him. I have no doubt in my mind that Amir will come back and will play for Pakistan and will come back as a better bowler and better person,” he added. Basit Ali said that he was alarmed by the decline of pace bowling in Pakistan and believed that it was imperative on the part of the PCB to knock on any door that would help reduce Amir ’s ban.—Online
sion”. objected. “According to us he is We take consolation that the most eligible player for our protest is made worldwide. Now at least the people have realised that Ajmal’s expulsion shows the flaw in the ICC system and we hope this flaw is rectified”, Ashraf added further. “The ICC should understand the feelings of Ajmal’s supporters in our country. By sitting here in Dubai, they (the ICC officials) may not have realised the public sentiments. We would have appreciated the visit by the ICC CEO (David Richardson) in our country to realise the situation there”, Ashraf added. “Ajmal’s snub is being discussed in the assembly and if the Pakistan parliament criticises the ICC, the situation is very embarrassing for SPORTS REPORTER us”, Ashraf concluded. this award. Had he been in The award ceremony is the shortlist, but not chosen to be held in Sri Lanka on Sat- LAHORE—The Union Council level of the Punjab Youth thereafter, we would not have urday. Sports Festival is continuing in all parts of the province with some of the districts have little activity due to natural calamity while the big cities have proper competitions on the third day of the start of this second level on Monday. In the other districts of of T20 World Cup, to be held planning to leave for Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka from September 18 on Wednesday to hold exten- the province, around 20,000 sive sessions with the batsmen participated in 170 events to October 7. “Let’s be positive. ahead of the mega event. from around 593 Union Coun“My priority is to serve cils. Whatmore and I have been assigned tasks by the board. my country and I will be happy Rawalpindi division got We have a collective respon- to work with the team in any response from 2107 particisibility and that is to make Pa- capacity and at anywhere. I’ll pants in 52 events and 117 kistan outfit a strong side,” he give tips to batsmen and try Union Councils. In to help them overcome prob- Rawalpindi City alone 373 told APP. The prolific former bats- lems in their batting during the took part in nine events. men, who scored 8,832 runs in practice session. After that my Chakwal remained active in 124 Tests and 7,381 in 233 One- job will be finished” he naat khani and qirat competiDay Internationals said he was added.—APP tions while armwrestling was
No problem in working with Whatmore: Miandad
iams captured her 15th Grand Slam title and fourth career US Open crown with a 6-2, 26, 7-5 victory Sunday over World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka. In the first three-set final at the US Open since 1995, American fourth seed Williams joined her sister Venus and Steffi Graf as the only women to win Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open in the same year. Pushed to her limit for the only time in the Flushing Meadows fortnight, Williams was down a break twice in the third set but battled back to win after two hours and 18 minutes when Azarenka swatted a backhand long. “I honestly can’t believe I won,” Williams said. “I was preparing my runner-up speech. I’m so shocked. It’s remarkable.” Williams, who turns 31 on September 26, became the second-oldest US Open women’s champion in the Open era. Australian Margaret Court was one month past her 31st birthday when she won the 1973 title. Not since Martina Navratilova in 1987 had a woman won the US Open title past her 30th birthday. Taking home a top prize of $1.9 million, Williams won her 45th career title after finishing second to Australia’s Samantha Stosur in 2011 following a year of health problems that included blood clots on her lungs. Williams won prior US Open titles in 1999, 2002 and 2008 and added Grand Slam crowns at the 2002 French Open, the 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010 Australian Opens and Wimbledon in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010 and 2012. Olympic bronze medalist Azaranka, whose 1-9 record against Williams in prior matches included losses in this year ’s Olympic and Wimbledon semi-finals, won her first Grand Slam title at this year’s Australian Open. But no women’s top
NEW YORK: Serena Williams holds the championship trophy after beating Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament. seed has won a US Open Azarenka, unbeaten in 12 title since Justine Henin in prior three-set matches this 2007 and none has won a year, broke Williams at love Grand Slam title since for a 4-3 lead, but was broSerena Williams in 2010 at ken back when she served for Wimbledon. the match in the 10th game, “Serena deserves to win. netting a forehand to pull She showed how true a cham- Williams level at 5-5. pion she is,” Azarenka said. The American held serve “I definitely gave it all today. and then watched as Stepping off this court I will Azarenka twice hit errant have no regrets.” shots when she was a point Williams, in a third set at from forcing the first third-set the US Open for the first time tie-breaker in a US Open since 2006, exchanged early women’s final since 1985. breaks with Azarenka in the Williams then won on her first final set. match-point chance.—AFP
Pakistan to hold domestic T20 League: Zaka D UBAI —Chairman Pakistan and probably next March is through in April. Cricket Board (PCB) Zaka Ashraf announced the idea of a domestic Twenty20 league, something he hopes will help bring international cricket back to Pakistan. He presented this idea here at a function, held to say farewell to the squad ahead of the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. “It will be like the pattern of the IPL (Indian Premier League), the BPL (Bangladesh Premier League) and the Sri Lanka (Premier) League,” he said. “We’re going to have league matches in Pakistan
our target. You will find international players will come over and play there and so that will be one of the major breakthroughs so teams can start coming.” Pakistan has not hosted Tests, ODIs or T20s since March 2009 when the Sri Lanka squad and match officials were targeted by gunmen in Lahore, leaving six Pakistani policemen and a driver dead. “I’m striving that some team will come before that (March 2013),” he added. A tour by Bangladesh fell
Ashraf did, however, rule out the possibility of playing a series against India in their current “home” of the United Arab Emirates. “We have already suggested that to the Board of Control for Cricket in India but they have reservations about the UAE, they don’t want to come and play here,” he said. Although the two sides have met regularly in multiteam tournaments, they have not played each other in a bilateral series since December 2007.—AFP
Punjab Youth Festival 2012
Contests in progress at Union Councils level another event that was keenly contested there. More than 500 people took part in these events while 800 involved in the activity in 17 events. In Sargodha, 4493 from 105 UCs participated in 41 events and here Khushab and Mianwali were the most active districts where nearly all the events were contested and was took part by 800 and 1696 people. In Gujranwala more than 9000 took part in 45 events. Meanwhile, in the nine towns of Lahore regular competitions started in the morning and continued till evening with participation from around 10,000 in 11 sports and 19 general events. The sports events includes athletics, badminton, billiard, cricket tape ball, tug or war, volleyball, bodybuilding, football and weightlifting while the
general events have naat khani, qirat and cooking while family event includes cooking, family dressing, healthy baby competitions and kitchen gardening while the education sector, have debate, essay writing, milli naghme, naat khani, painting and qirat competitions. The education sector competitions are being conducted by Education department at elementary schools level while the family and individual events are being organized by the Population department. In Gulberg Town, union council 31 and 32 participated in Cricket tape ball, Arm Wrestling and Tug of War. in the cricket, UC 32 of block 11 Mughalpura beat block 16 by 40 runs. Block 7’s Gunband Colony beat block 8 by 24 runs. Union Council 32’s Saleem beat Haris in Arm Wres-
tling competition and in Tug of War UC 32 beat it’s a team 2-0. In Badminton, UC’s 33 Syed Yawar and Mujtaba Ali won in doubles 20-16 against Salman and Muneeb while Aizaz and Danial won single tournaments against Shahzad and Aqeel. In Shalimar Town, UC 16’s block 2 Shahmeer defeated Block 4 4-0. In Arm Wrestling, UC 15’s Mubashir beat Aqif Ali 2-0. Muammil of union council 15 outplayed Hamid 2-0. Muzammil of union council 15 beat Mubashir 2-0. In Athletics, UC 16’s Hamid attained first position, Usama second and Ali Haider secured third position in the 100 matre race while in 200 M, Usmana of union council 16 block 5 bagged first, Mubashir second and Hamid acquired third positions.
Grape seed shows small effect on blood pressure
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RAPE seed extract is marketed as a way to guard your heart health, but clinical trials so far suggest the supplement has small effects on blood pressure and heart rate, a new review finds. Pooling the results from nine clinical trials, researchers found that on average grape seed extract shaved about 1.5 points from people‘s systolic blood pressure — the top number in a blood pressure reading. The supplement also slowed users‘ heart rate down by an average of 1.4 beats per minute compared with a dummy pill. Those effects are modest — though still potentially meaningful, according to senior researcher Craig I. Coleman, an associate professor at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in Storrs. He noted that past studies have estimated that a blood pressure reduction of just 3 points can trim the risk of premature death among people who have heart disease or have suffered a stroke. “Not huge reductions,” Coleman told Reuters Health in an email, “but not inconsequential either.” Still, diet changes — like reducing sodium and getting plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein — have shown bigger effects on blood pressure numbers. So too have blood pressure medications, which some people may need to
get their numbers under control. Even more importantly, those steps may help prevent heart disease and stroke. “Unlike diet and exercise,” Coleman said, “there is no data with grape seed extract showing it will reduce patients` risk of heart attacks or strokes.” Among healthy seniors, the risk of stroke is generally low even with high blood pressure. Over 10 years, for instance, a 60year-old man who doesn‘t smoke and doesn‘t have diabetes has a 3-to-10 percent chance of suffering a stroke, depending on his blood pressure. A number of studies have linked moderate wine intake with a lower risk of heart problems. That does not prove that wine deserves the credit, but researchers suspect there might be a heart benefit from the antioxidants found in wine. Antioxidants are substances that protect body cells from the damage that can eventually contribute to a range of diseases. The rationale behind studying grape seed extract is that the supplement could offer those antioxidants in a more concentrated form — without the alcohol. For their review, which appears in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Coleman and his colleagues combined the results of nine clinical trials where people were randomly assigned to take grape seed extract or not.
LG system real spirit of democracy: Altaf STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain has said that the local government system is the real spirit of democracy and opposing this system is, in fact, opposing the democracy. He said this while talking to the office-bearers of Lahore Zone and various districts the Punjab in the office of the MQM Lahore zone. Mr Hussain said that the opposition of various political parties on the introduction of the local government system in Sindh betrays that these political parties are not sincere in allowing the democracy to flourish for the solution of the problems being faced by the people at the grass roots level. Mr Hussain declared that the MQM wanted the problems of the people to be solved at their doorstep and their public representatives should be easily accessible to them. The office-bearers of the Lahore zone told Mr Hussain that the message of the MQM had spread to the levels of towns and tehsil and people belonging to the poor and middle classes were being attracted towards the MQM in large numbers. Mr Hussain asked the office-bearers to make the women wing, the labour division and other wings of the MQM functional in the Punjab. He said that them to use their full potential in spreading the message of the party.
PML-N, ANP support Sept 13 strike in Sindh
KARACHI: Relatives greeting Indian fishermen as Pakistan released 48 fishermen from Landi Jail as goodwill gesture.
Sharjeel asks Nawaz to learn politics first KARACHI—Provincial Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that the head of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Mian Nawaz Sharif, while criticizing the local bodies system in Sindh, is trying to get weightage in the province. He should not adopt policy of criticizing for nothing but should mend his ways. This he said in a statement issued here on Monday. He said that politics was not ground of cricket. Imran Khan still thought himself as captain. Now he should learn Sharjeel Memon the ethics of politics and Provincial Minister added, should clear his vision regarding cricket and politics. ‘Muslim League (N) and PTI
have no role in Sindh politics and they will not get even a single seat in Sindh, that is the reason political orphans and one man show parties are harping on same tune.’ He said that new local bodies system was in the interest of Sindh. Opponents to democracy were making fuss to get cheap popularity. He said, ‘Nawaz Sharif’s criticism on local bodies system was nothing but a hue and cry and showed that he was politically immature. ‘Sharif wants to avoid elections and to create disturbance, is his only agenda.’ Sharjeel Inam concluded.—NNI
KARACHI—Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on Monday announced to support the call of strike given by nationalists in Sindh against promulgation of local bodies ordinance. Talking to media persons here, the PML-N Sindh leader Liaqat Jatoi termed the new local government ordinance as evidence of ruling PPP’s anti-Sindh policies. Jatoi rebuffed the rumor of joining PPP, expressing resolve that his faction would no way support corrupt elements responsible for prevailing crisis facing the country. Meanwhile, Awami National Party (ANP) has announced to support the strike called by the nationalists in Sindh on September 13 to protest Sindh Local Government Ordinance 2012. According to a statement issued by ANP Sindh, the president of ANP Sindh has asked the people to remain indoors on September 13 to make the strike a success.—INP
‘Govt to help rain-hit people’ KARACHI—Provincial Minis-
ter for Revenue Jam Mehtab Hussain Dahar has said that Sindh Government will help out rain hit people at every cost and these rain effectees will not be left alone in lurch. This he said while talking to mediamen visiting different areas of Ubaro and Ghotki here. He said that unusual rains had affected various parts of the province. Government had taken very serious measures to cope up with the situation. Rain victims were being provided full assistance in this regard. Provincial Minister added, ‘People, living in lower areas, are being shifted to safer places. President Asif Ali Zardari and chief minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah have given special instructions to ministers, Advisors, members of national and provincial assemblies to reach to their respective constituencies to help the people there.’ He said that due to promotion of democracy demoKARACHI: Activists of Pakistan Sunni Tehreek chanting slogans against incidents of cratic institutions had got strength.—NNI target killings during their protest on MA Jinnah Road.
KARACHI: Ambassador for Polio Eradication Aseefa Bhutto Zardari presiding over meeting regarding polio monitoring and coordination with women parliamentarians of PPP at Bilawal House.
CM declares rain emergency in province Polio campaign postponed in Sindh STAFF REPORTER KA R A C H I—K A R A C H I — Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah announced rain emergency in the entire province on Monday following torrential rains during the last three days that have brought life to a standstill in Sindh, Balochistan and Southern Punjab with many areas cut of by the floods. Leaves of all the commissioners, deputy commissioners, revenue officers, health and livestock officials have been cancelled and they have been directed to report for duty immediately. Syed Qaim Ali Shah directed immediate shifting of the rain-hit people to safer places and provision of food and water besides medical facilities to them. Meanwhile, almost two million children across Sindh province would be affected after Sindh government decided to postpone polio vaccination campaign across the province due to the heavy
rainfall which could affect millions across the Sindh. According to World Health Oraganisation (WHO) sources, the polio campaign, which had to commence on Monday in Sindh, has been postponed by the provincial government. In 2010, the campaign was also postponed across Sindh due to the floods which affected larger part of the province. The decision had raised concerns regarding the increase of polio cases in Sindh as the rainy season helps polio virus to spread rapidly. “Except Gaddap and Sohrab Goth, the campaign would continue in Karachi,” they said adding that four districts of Punjab were also affected due to flood situation. It is to be mentioned here that there have been increased numbers of polio cases in Pakistan, instead of regular campaigns of vaccinations across country.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, has directed that the rain victims be shifted to safer places and be provided with shelter, food and medical treatment. He issued the directive to this effect here on Monday in the wake of heavy monsoon rains in the province. A statement said that the Chief Minister pointed out that keeping in view the emergency situation and due to heavy rains of Monsoon season, the grant of leaves of the concerned staff has cancelled with immediate effect. Qaim Ali Shah also directed to shift the affected people to safer places and shelter, food and medical treatment be provided to them. He has also directed officers of Livestock Department to make prompt measures for protection of livestock and animals in rain affected areas. Chief Minister further said that besides treatment, the animals be provided fodder.
Visa accord to boost Pak-India ties: Malik KARACHI—Interior Minister
Rehman Malik has said visa accord will strengthen Pak-India relations which would benefit peoples of the two countries. Talking to journalists at Karachi Airport on his arrival from Islamabad on Sunday night, he said an Indian visa office should be opened in the metropolis to facilitate Karachiites, adding that he has spoken in this regard. He further said KarachiMumbai ferry service, Khokhrapar rail service and raising the number of flights between the two countries figured in talks with Indian officials. The minister said Indian fishermen have been released unconditionally as a goodwill gesture. About the Sindh People’s Local Government Ordinance (SPLGO), he said local bodies is a provincial matter, and after provincial autonomy other people should not interfere in provincial matters. He said the mandate of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Sindh should be respected. Over differences on SPLGO between coalition partners, he said difference of opinion is the beauty of democracy as it encourages debate which brings improveKARACHI: Bodies of Al-Rehman launch victims are being shifted to hospital from ment.—APP Ibrahim Haideri.
One killed, three injured in violence spree
Steering Committee to help run Safari, Zoo affairs
KARACHI—At least one man one police constable Ejaz ons, cars, narcotic were recov- KARACHI—KMC Administrawas killed while three sustained severe injuries in separate incidents here on Monday. According to details in the area of Orangi town at sector 11 some unknown person opened indiscriminate firing on one man and he died on the spot. The deceased has not been identified yet while he was 30 years old. On getting information police reached the spot and shifted the dead body to hospital for autopsy. Meanwhile, some unknown armed persons opened indiscriminate firing in the area of Aziz Bhatti town as a result
Hussain, deployed at Zardari House, sustained severe injuries. In another incident some unknown armed persons opened indiscriminate firing on car near Essa Nagri Bridge as a result one man Mustafa sustained severe injuries. In another incident, in the area of Gul Bahar some unknown armed persons opened fire on Kashif imam and he sustained injuries and they were shifted to hospital for medical Aid. Meanwhile at least 46 criminals were arrested by District East police station and heavy cache of weap-
ered from them. On the directions of SSP Javed Ali, Mehar 12 police station have raided against criminals and arrested 46 criminals who were involved in robbery, street criminals, car and motorcycle theft narcotic and several other criminals cases. Police also recovered 5 repeater, 16 pistols, 2 riffles, 17 magazine, 110 bullets, one car, one motorcycle, stolen money and gambling money from them. SSP Javed awarded appreciation certificate among policeman for their good performance.—Agencies
tor Muhammad Hussain Syed said Safari Park and Karachi Zoo were being made exemplary with the cooperation of citizens. A steering committee comprising of animals and birds lovers and volunteers would be formed in this connection for consultation in the administrative affairs of these recreation points. He said this while chairing a meting on the improvement and up gradation of city’s recreation points. The meeting was attended by the Senior Director Sports, Culture & Recreation Rehan Khan, Director Karachi Zoo, Director Safari Park and other officers.—NNI
Half of women may have sleep apnea
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ULLY half of the 400 women given overnight sleep tests in a new Swed ish study turned out to have mildto-severe sleep apnea. In the random population sample of adult women who answered a questionnaire and were monitored while sleeping, half experienced at least five episodes an hour when they stopped breathing for longer than 10 seconds, the minimum definition of sleep apnea. Among women with hypertension or who were obese - two risk factors for sleep apnea - the numbers were even higher, reaching 80 to 84 percent of women. Many of the women in the study represent mild cases of sleep apnea. “How important is the mild sleep apnea, we don’t know,” said Dr. Karl Franklin, the lead author of the study and a professor at Umea University in Sweden. Terry Young, a professor in the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin, said mild sleep apnea is important to pay attention to. “We see that it doesn’t go away and it gets worse,” she said. Sleep apnea is tied to a higher risk of stroke, heart attack and early death. One recent study also found that women who have sleep apnea are more likely to develop memory problems and dementia (see Health story of August 9, 2011). Franklin said his group wanted to get updated evidence of how common the
condition is. The researchers selected 400 women between the ages of 20 and 70 from a larger population sample of 10,000, and asked them to sleep overnight at home with sensors attached to their bodies. The sensors measured heart rate, eye and leg movements, blood oxygen levels, air flow and brain waves. Each apnea event was defined by at a least a 10second pause in breathing accompanied by a drop in blood oxygen levels. Women who had an average of five or more of these events during each hour of sleep were considered to have sleep apnea. The study, which was funded by the Swedish Heart Lung Foundation, found that apnea became more common in the older age groups. Among women aged 20-44, one quarter had sleep apnea, compared to 56 percent of women aged 45-54 and 75 percent of women aged 55-70. Young said these numbers are higher than her own estimate, but that’s likely because she used a more strict definition of sleep apnea than Franklin’s group. Franklin also said his equipment, being newer, is more sensitive in detecting interruptions in breathing. Severe sleep apnea, which involves more than 30 breathing disruptions per hour, was far less common. Just 4.6 percent of women 45-54 and 14 percent of women 55-70 had severe cases.
Nawaz for following in Quaid’s footsteps STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said the thinking and ideology of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah are still a beacon of light for us to combat serious internal and external problems. In a statement on the death anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif said, “We will have to adhere to the thinking, ideology and character of Quaide-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to resolve prevailing problems”. According to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, there is complete protection of fundamental rights of all minorities in Pakistan’s Islamic, democratic and welfare society, where rights of minorities are be equal to all other Pakistanis and minorities are completely free to live their lives in accordance with their own belief. He said, “We must accelerate our efforts to transform Pakistan into a prosperous, self-respecting and sovereign country, in accordance with dreams of the Muslim League and crores of Muslims of the subcontinent, which they envisioned under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.”
LHC bars doctors strike
LAHORE: A view of stagnant rain water in the parking area of Lahore Fort.
PEF steps against dengue L AHORE —Partner schools Sharif, Members of Na- cerned departments to fulfill of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) are safe from dengue and all precautionary measures have been taken to save students from the virus. A spokesperson for PEF, in a statement on Monday, said it had been instructed the partner schools to remain fully alert and active to combat dengue. Measures have also been adopted in PEF offices to save employees from the disease, he added. On the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz
tional and Provincial Assembly as well as PML-N workers are taking an active part in anti-dengue activities, and if the masses also fulfilled their social and moral responsibility, 100% results could be achieved. These views were expressed by Member Provincial Assembly, MPA Haji Allah Rakha Chaudhry on Sunday while talking to the people during inspection of anti-dengue activities in various union councils in Aziz Bhatti Town . He directed the con-
their responsibilities to achieve the targets. He said that there was no substitute to human life and precious lives could be saved by controlling dengue. Meanwhile, addressing a seminar at Maryam Church at union council 58, Haji Allah Rakha said that government was utilizing all available resources for the elimination of dengue as a result of which positive results had been achieved. He said that because dengue was a social problem therefore, every individual has to play his due role to control dengue.—APP
Warraich greets Zardari for four years as president L A H O R E — P a k i s t a n was committed to holding right and deserving candiPeoples Party (PPP) Punjab President and Federal State Minister Imtiaz Safdar Warraich felicitated President Asif Ali Zardari on completion of four years and said a series of seminars would be held to celebrate his success. Addressing the media along with Chaudhry Manzoor and Aziz-urRehman Chan after meeting of the Punjab executive council on Monday, Warraich said the Peoples Student Federation (PSF) and Peoples Youth Organizations (PYO) would organise torch-bearing rallies and seminars in divisional headquarters. He said the government
local bodies elections. He flayed the Punjab government for creating hurdles to polls. He, however, said all impediments would be removed amicably. The state minister said the meeting had decided to organise a seminar to discuss pros and cons of the agenda of local bodies elections. He said PPP lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly would also be invited to attend the seminar. He maintained that fivemember committees would also be set up at divisional level to recommend candidates for awarding party tickets for general elections. “It will help choose
LAHORE—The Lahore High Court on Monday barred young doctors from observing strike on September 13 and September 17. The court also directed the Punjab health secretary to submit a report on the old and proposed service structure of doctors. Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan passed the orders while hearing a petition filed by Judicial Activism Panel, a public interest litigation firm, against the young doctors strike. Earlier, a provincial law officer told the court that negotiations were in progress with young doctors but meeting minutes were not finalized yet. The petitioner’s counsel pointed out that young doctors had again announced a strike on September 13 and September 17. However, the court expressing displeasure observed that it was protecting doctors’ rights but they were not complying with court orders. The court warned doctors against observing another strike and adjourned the matter until September 17. The petitioner, in his petition, contended the doctors’ strike was not only against PMDC’s code of ethics but also a violation of fundamental human rights. He pleaded to the court that directions be issued to PMDC to cancel licences of young doctors. Earlier, the court had ordered doctors to resume their work in hospitals and also suspended termination and transfer of doctors by the Punjab government besides ordering to restart negotiation.—APP
LAHORE: Consul General of Iran Muhammad Hussain Bani Asadi meeting with Chief Minister Muhammad Shahabaz Sharif.
Active coop among neighbouring countries call of time: Shahbaz SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that close cooperation among Pakistan, Iran, China, Turkey, Afghanistan and India is the need of the hour and in order to achieve progress and prosperity in the region, all countries of the area would have to promote economic cooperation. He said the goal of progress and prosperity can be achieved by sitting together and removing mutual differences. He said by promoting economic and commercial ties between Punjab government and Iran, bilateral relations can be further strengthened. Chief Minister was talking to Consul General of Iran Muhammad Hussain Bani Asadi in a meeting here Monday, during which various steps to promote cooperation in different sectors, alongwith matters of mutual interest came under discussion. Chief Minister said he was deeply saddened over loss of life and property in the devastating earthquake in Iran in recent days. He said, in this hour of difficulty, Pakistani people stand shoul-
der to shoulder with Iranian brethren. He assured that Punjab government would extend vigorous cooperation to Iran for relief and rehabilitation work in the earthquake-hit areas. He said even in the past, both countries have been cooperating in case of national disaster especially during devastating flood in 2010 in Pakistan, Iran had extended whole hearted assistance to the people of Pakistan. He said promotion of cooperation between Pakistan and Iran in different sectors is highly appreciable and Punjab government is working in collaboration with Iran for the development of Punjab Province, and establishment of modern slaughter house in provincial metropolis is a shining example in this regard. Chief Minister said that, alongwith Lahore, we want cooperation from Iran for setting up modern slaughter houses in other cities as well, alongwith forging greater cooperation from Iran in solar energy, irrigation and liver transplant sectors. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that a delegation of Punjab investors and businessmen would participate in
an exhibition to be held in Iranian city of Mashad in November. Talking about the regional situation, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that extremism is deadly for a peaceful society and economic progress. He said extremists have no religion or any area while, all countries of the region can eradicate the scourge of extremism by adopting collective strategy. Referring to his meeting with Indian Foreign Minister SM Karishna, Chief Minister said he made it clear that Pakistan and India have fought three wars, but as a result of which both countries and their people have achieved nothing except poverty, backwardness, unemployment and heaps of problems. He said both countries would have to move forward now on the journey of friendship and peace, whose positive beginning have been initiated and we are moving in the right direction. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that he had met SM Karishna in Islamabad two years ago and had stressed the need for negotiations on all contentious issues and, in the meeting held yesterday, it was agreed
Two shot dead over old rivalry
Robbers killed in police encounter
upon that Pakistan and India can only achieve progress and prosperity through mutual negotiations and can eliminate scourge of extremism and terrorism through bilateral cooperation. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif also regretted that there has been considerable reduction in foreign investment in Pakistan due to extremism, corruption, and loadshedding. During the meeting, Iranian Consul General Muhammad Hussain Bani Asadi extended invitation to Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif to visit Iran. He said Iran wants to increase its cooperation in other sectors as well and added that Iran is prepared to extend cooperation in establishment of slaughter houses in other cities as well, on the pattern of Lahore. Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif accepted the invitation to visit Iran and thanked Iranian Consul General for it. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif also congratulated Iranian leadership for holding non-aligned countries movement conference successfully. Chairman Planning and Development and other concerned officials were also present on the occasion.
262 criminals nabbed in one week
LAHORE—Two robbers were the culprits killed in fire ex- area of Lahore injuring them L AHORE—Operations Wing killed in exchange of fire when they tried to flee after police signaled them to stop here on Monday. According to details, the police during snap checking at Academy Road signaled to stop two motorcyclists but they did not stop and fled away. The police chased them and approached the fleeing robbers in nearby location but they started firing at police. In retaliatory fire both robbers were killed on the spot. The police recovered arms from the possession of
change. The bodies were shifted to dead house for postmortem. Police said that the robbers killed in the encounter were wanted by various police stations in several cases of robberies and street crimes. Meanwhile, two persons were killed in firing by armed men over old rivalry here late Sunday night. According to details, three armed motorcyclists opened fire at members of rival group present outside a general store in Kot Lakhpat
critically and fled the scene. The injured Mehmood Butt, 45, and his friend Naeem, 30, were shifted to General Hospital where both of them succumbed to their wounds. The dead bodies were handed over to heir after postmortem. The family and relatives of the deceased held protests demonstration against the incident and demanded to arrest the culprits. The police registered a case into the incident and started raids to arrest the culprits.—INP
British woman kidnapped
dates for upcoming polls,” LAHORE—A British woman he added. of Pakistani origin has been He condemned the kidnapped in Lahore city, Punjab government for police said Sunday night. misusing funds allocated The 20-year-old Aisha Ali for the development of came to Lahore to attend a southern Punjab. Besides, wedding ceremony and was he said, the PML-N leaderkidnapped at the Liberty ship was opposing the forMarket area in the city, acmation of an independent cording to police sources. province. She had come to Lahore Answering a question, a couple of days ago after Warraich said that the govhaving stayed with her relaernment enjoyed the suptives in Kashmir, said police. port of all coalition partThe police, however, ners and every vital decifailed to mention when the sion would be taken with kidnapping happened. The consensus. police have filed a report He termed cases about the case. Other deagainst PPP leader Shoukat tails about the incident were Mehmood Basra fabricated and called for withdrawing LAHORE: Residents of Rahim Yar Khan holding demonstration in support of their not immediately available.—Online them immediately.—APP demands outside Press Club.
of Lahore Police have arrested 262 criminals and recovered looted property besides illegal weapons and narcotics during last week. During crackdown against illegal weapons holders, the police arrested 73 persons and recovered weapons from them. The police have arrested 92 drug pushers and registered 72 cases and recovered 17 Kg hashish, four kg heroin and 535 bottles of liquor from their possession. The police have smashed eight criminal gangs and arrested their 21 members and recovered stolen property worth Rs 670,000 besides illegal weapons. The police also impounded 279 motorcycles and cars in various police stations during a campaign against suspected and without number plate vehicles.—APP