e-Paper Feb 14, 2013

SC rejects Qadri’s petition challenging ECP Court doubtful about TMQ chief’s intentions the court had asked the TMQ chief as to how his fundamental I SLAMABAD —The Supreme rights had been violated with the Court on Wednesday discarded current makeup of the commisthe petition filed by Tehrik-iMinhajul Quran (TMQ) chief, Dr Tahirul Qadri, seeking reconstitution of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The court said Qadri had failed to convince the bench over his petition and the intentions behind filing it.

The court ruled that Qadri had failed to show that the question that he was raising came under the ambit of Article 184(3) of the Constitution.

The bench also hinted at initiating contempt proceedings against the TMQ chief but Chief sion.

In his remarks, the chief jusJustice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry advised the court to tice had said a number of politiexercise restraint in the matter. cal parties were not part of the A three-judge bench of the current parliament but they had apex court, headed by Chief Jus- not expressed any reservations tice Iftikhar, heard the petition. on the ECP’s constitution.

The chief justice had also Earlier during the hearing,

STAFF REPORTER

President notices Pakistanis stranded in S Arabia ISLAMABAD—Taking note of media reports about the plight of nearly 700 Pakistani workers stranded in Saudi Arabia allegedly because of invalid visas, President Asif Ali Zardari has called for a report from the concerned authorities.

Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President has directed the concerned officials to investigate the matter and take appropriate measures immediately for resolving the issue and rescue the stranded workers. —INP

inquired as to how the TMQ chief had suddenly returned from Canada to question the commission’s organisation, adding that Qadri would have to convince the bench over his sincerity in the matter.

The bench had moreover questioned Qadri as to how his fundamental rights had been violated with the current makeup of the ECP. The bench had questioned the petitioner as to when he was elected as a member of the National Assembly, responding to which Qadri had said he was elected as a representative from NA-127 in 2002.

The court had also asked the TMQ chief as to when he acquired Canadian citizenship and the chief justice had later remarked that Qadri did not identify himself as a Pakistani when abroad.

Responding to which, Qadri had said he believed that he was

being tried for being a dual national and that his loyalty to Pakistan was being questioned.

Also during the hearing, Qadri had waved a photo of the oath-taking ceremony of the chief justice from former military ruler Pervez Musharraf. In response to which, the bench had barred the TMQ chief from continuing his arguments.

A series of dialogues had been exchanged between the bench and Qadri and the chief justice had said the cleric had ridiculed the court, adding that the petitioner’s intentions appeared to be malafide.

Moreover, Attorney General Irfan Qadir had argued that Qadri satisfied the requirements in terms of locus standi, adding that the petitioner’s intentions could not be questioned in the absence of evidence to support the claim of insincerity.

An argument had also en-

Zardari for early completion of Pak-Iran gas project LAHORE—President Asif Ali

US-Taliban talks fail to make headway in Qatar

Dunford meets Karzai KABUL—Gen. Joseph Dunford met with President Hamid Karzai for the first time since taking over command of US and Nato troops in Afghanistan from Gen. John Allen.

“The intent of Wednesday’s meeting was to pay respects to the President, reaffirm Isaf’s support to the campaign, and continue the productive relationship between Isaf and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” Isaf said in a statement.

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Sindh EC submits affidavit on Karachi electoral lists STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The counsel for the Chief Election Commissioner Sindh Wednesday submitted an affidavit before the Supreme Court regarding verification of voter lists in Karachi.

A three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry,

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Iranian border security kills 7 Afghans KABUL—According to local authorities in western Farah province of Afghanistan, at least seven Afghan civilians were killed by Iranian border protection security forces.

A local security official speaking on the condition of anonymity said the deceased civilians were looking to enter Iran illegally to find a job and

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Pak decides not to unblock Youtube STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—The government has decided not to lift a ban on Youtube due to lack of cooperation by the video sharing website.

An inter-ministerial committee on Wednesday produced a report to the National Assembly’s standing committee on Information Technology regarding the Youtube.

Ministries of Law and Infor-

mation Technology said complete blocking of sacrilegious content on the video sharing website was not possible. They also said the Youtube was indifferent to extend cooperation to the government of Pakistan.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority officials said as many as 682 thousands websites carrying blasphemous content and 500 anti-state websites were blocked in the country.

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PPP, PML-Q to devise seat adjustment formula today MUZAFFAR ALI L AHORE —Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PMLQ) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaderships will meet Today (Tuesday)to hash out a future co-action plan as well as a seat adjustment agreement for the Continued on Page 7

No surrender: Obama was ready to ‘rain hell’ on Pakistan during bin Laden raid W ASHINGTON —US Presi- Seal 6 commando who shot bin mando also makes known his death or a Pakistani prison, dent Barack Obama vetoed the idea of a Seal 6 team tasked with killing Osama bin Laden surrendering if surrounded by Pakistani troops. Instead, he planned to “rain hell” on the Pakistani military in such an eventuality, stirring new insights into the Abbottabad invasion that nailed the world’s No.1 terrorist has revealed.

An exhaustive account of the Abbottabad raid in Esquire magazine by Phil Bronstein, former Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, provides granular details of the foray based on interviews with the

Laden dead, identifying him merely as the “shooter.” Discussions during the planning stages looked at what would happen if they were surrounded by Pakistani troops. The original plan was to surrender and have VicePresident Joe Biden fly to Islamabad and negotiate their release.

But President Obama called it differently. “This is hearsay, but I understand Obama said, Hell no. My guys are not surrendering. What do we need to rain hell on the Pakistani military?” Bronstein paraphrases the shooter as saying. The com-

admiration for the President: That was the one time in my life I was thinking, I am f**king voting for this guy. I had a picture of him lying in bed at night, thinking, You’re not f***king with my guys. Like, he’s thinking about us.

The Seal6 team later gets word that the US would be scrambling jets on the border to back up the raiding party. The Shooter talks of writing tearstained letters to his children to be delivered in case of their death because the chances of returning alive were not initially rated very high. “It was either

salaries here,” he said. taking oath from Queen ElizaMoreover, he said Chief Jus- beth is different from taking an ISLAMABAD—Soon after the tice Iftikhar Chaudhry had him- oath from Musharraf,” he said.

Earlier during the hearing, Supreme Court on WednesQadri had also referred to the day threw out Tahirul Qadri’s chief justice’s oath under the petition against the Election Musharraf’s PCO. Commission on Wednesday, Following Qadri’s televised the Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran outburst, Lahore High Court Bar (TMQ) chief accused the deAssociation urged the SC to procision of being political ceed with contempt of court rather than constitutional. charges against the TMQ chief.

Speaking to reporters outLHC Bar Association President side the SC premises followShahram Sarwar Chaudhry said ing the hearing, a visibly anthat it was unfortunate that Qadri noyed Qadri said that the bench had used such words against the did not even hear his plea. court both during and after the He accused the court of inhearing. sulting him by calling him a Condemning Qadri’s reforeigner. “Hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis residing self taken oath from former dic- marks, he said the apex court abroad remitting money back tator Gen Pervez Musharraf. should hold Qadri in contempt home makes up for people’s “Somebody should tell me how for his remarks.

STAFF REPORTER

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Zardari on Wednesday said Pakistan attached great importance to early completion of Pak-Iran gas pipeline project in view of energy crisis in the country.

The President called for stepping up efforts for early completion of all the bilateral projects of Pakistan and Iran, in meeting with Speaker of IraDOHA/ISLAMABAD—Talks anian Majlis Shura Ali Ardeshir between Afghan Taliban and Larijani at Bilawal House here. the United States failed to Spokesperson to the Presimake any headway despite the dent Senator Farhatullah Babar fact that the JUI-F chief said the President during the Maulana Fazlur Rehman was meeting reiterated Pakistan’s in the Qatari capital Doha to commitment to implement exhelp the process succeed. peditiously all mega projects, Talks between Taliban and including the Pak-Iran gas pipeUS continued for five days in line, the 1000 MW TaftanDoha but concluded without Quetta transmission line, 400 any result. Though, according MW Gwader power supply to sources, the US negotiators project, Noshki-Dalbandin highassured to meet most of their way and up-gradation of the LAHORE: Speaker of Iranian Majlis Shura, Ali Ardeshir Larijani presenting a book to demands, but Taliban Continued on Page 7 President Asif Ali Zardari at Bilawal House on Wednesday.—Online photo representatives did not show any inclination that they have

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Decision political, not constitutional: Qadri

where we’d be raped for the rest of our lives,” he says.

The actual confrontation itself resulting in his nailing bin Laden dead lasts only a few seconds, as the Shooter encounters him on the third floor of the Abbottabad mansion. “He had his hands on a woman’s shoulders, pushing her ahead, not exactly toward me but by me, in the direction of the hallway commotion. It was his youngest wife, Amal...the SEALs had nightscopes, but it was coal-black for bin Laden

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Fakhruddin hails verdict STAFF REPORTER

FBR, SBP to provide defaulters details to ECP

I SLAMABAD —A high level by candidates in their nominaISLAMABAD—Chief Election meeting in the Election Com- tions papers that can be verified Commissioner (CEC) Fakhruddin G Ibrahim has welcomed Supreme Court verdict on Tahirul Qadri’s petition.

Reacting on SC verdict, CEC Fakhruddin said formation of election commission was as per the constitution of Pakistan, adding such kind of verdict was expected on Tahirul Qadri’s petition.

Supreme Court and ECP both want elections on time, he asserted.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed Dr Tahirul Qadri’s petition after three-day hearing.

Dr Qadri pleaded his case personally.

mission held Wednesday discussed ways and means to implement the provisions contained in Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution especially pertaining to bank defaulters, tax evaders and national tax numbers.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of FBR, State of Bank of Pakistan and NADRA. During the meeting, the FBR’s team assured the Election Commission of Pakistan that FBR shall extend full cooperation in the forthcoming elections. The team specifically explained that in the scrutiny process during forthcoming elections, FBR can help Election Commission on NTNs provided

quickly.

It assured that contents of the Statement of Assets & Liabilities filed by candidates along with their nomination papers shall be verified within ten days time after the receipt of same from Election Commission. Particulars of candidates who are born on tax roll but they are not filing their tax returns shall be shared with Election Commission.

The FBR assured that information of all potential tax payers who are not filing their returns or not borne on tax roll shall be shared with Election Commission.

FBR shall formulate its rec-

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PM holds discussion with MQM chief on domestic issues IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—The Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf had a discussion with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain on phone. The PM had enquired about the well-being of later as he had been ill for several days. He had recovered from Respiratory tract infection.

The MQM Chief thanked the PM and told him that he was feeling well. Both the leaders exchanged views on the formation of caretaker government, the law and order situation and the overall political situation prevailing in the country.

Regarding the formation of

ANP APC today ISLAMABAD—All Parties’ Conference organized by the Awami National Party would be held here on today (Thursday).

More than 27 parties including mainstream, religious, nationalists and lawyers association have expressed their consent to attend the conference, organized by the ANP to evolve consensus policy on the security challenges including terrorism faced by the country including dialogues with Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.

Awami National Party Senator Zahid Khan in an interview said that 27 parties including mainstream, religious, nationalists and lawyers association have expressed their conContinued on Page 7

the caretaker government, the PM told the MQM chief that he would soon write a formal letter to the Leader of the Opposition. He said that consultations would also be held with the allied parties before finalizing the name of the caretaker prime minister. He said that the issue would be resolved with consensus and steps would be taken for making the general elections fair and transparent.

Hussain told the PM that he wanted fair and transparent elections. He said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should also be impartial and honest so that no one may point a finger towards it.

He also took up the is-

sue of terrorism in Karachi and other cities of the country and called for effective steps to overcome the problem. He said that the strength of the police force in the country was not in proportion to the increasing population of the country.

He said that strength of the police force should be increased on emergency basis in order to curb terrorism. He said that the police force should be equipped with latest equipment, weapons and vehicles to fight against terrorism effectively.

Ashraf agreed with the views of Hussain and reiterated the position of the government.

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TTP urged to announce ceasefire before talks STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The government on Wednesday urged the Pakistani Taliban to announce a 30day ceasefire as a precursor to peace talks which the militants offered earlier this month, adding the nation had rejected their campaign of terror.

The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction has stepped up attacks in recent months, leading to fears that violence could mar general elections scheduled to take place by mid-May. In a video message handed out to journalists on Feb 3, TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan proposed talks with Islamabad provided that certain opposition politicians, including main op-

position leader Nawaz Sharif, act as guarantors.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief welcomed the peace talks offer but refused to be a guarantor.

“First there should be ceasefire and peace talks can be held only after it,” Interior Minister Rehman Malik told reporters in Islamabad on Wednesday.

“The nation has rejected the system of Taliban, this is voice of majority, come forward, announce a one-month ceasefire and then hold negotiations,” Malik said.

In December, TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud, who has a $5 million US bounty on his head, said he was open to peace talks but refused to disarm.

Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)’s taechings beacon for humanty M ULTAN —The teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) are beacon for us and a source of peace of mind and heart, said NMI Chairman Board of Management Khawaja Jalaluddin Romi. Addressing the annual Seerat Conference as a chief guest held at Dr Hayat Zaffar Auditorium on Wednesday, he said holding of such conferences nurtured soul and body.

He said doctors were treated as ‘Messiah’ by people and added that they could get respect and regard in society by following the lifestyle (Seerat) of the Last Messenger of Allah Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Romi said “By following the Seerat of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), we can bring about a revolution”.

Speaking on the occasion, Head of Physiology Department at Nishtar Medical Institute Prof Dr Zafar H Tanveer said uneasiness in society was owing to a fact that they had forgotten the teachings of the Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).—APP

PTI intra-party elections rigged: Younis

Dr Ebad urges world monetary institutions to fund Karachi uplift project IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan has said that the port city of Karachi had despite limited resources achieved excellent results with regard to development and it had completed all necessary preparations for the Mass Transit System in the city. The people of the city would soon hear some good news on the subject.

The supply of potable water project for the people of the city was one of major segments of the MST and the work on that scheme had already been nearing completion as the authorities concerned had expedited the

pace of laying the necessary installation in that regard.

With the financial assistance of the foreign investors, the said scheme would be kicked off shortly.

The Governor said that the essential facilities that were required for any mega city in the world were already available here and hence it was possible that with the utilization of the facilities available, the city could be transformed as one of world class city. He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of the World Bank, which had called on the Governor Wednesday at the Sindh Governor House. World Bank Sector Manager Ming Zhang

had led the delegation.

The Governor told the delegation that the city had immense opportunities for the direct and profit-oriented foreign investment as the city had been contributing around 70 percent of total revenue generated in the country and added to the National Exchequer. He informed the delegation that despite the challenging situation in the country, the Multi-national companies had injected more capital to their businesses in the city because the Multi-national companies were convinced of the reality that the port city was the epicenter of trade and economic activities.

The Governor with heavy heart said that the city had the issue of its real identity but there were some section of the Media that had been portraying the unrealistic picture of the city while taking some petty incidents into account. The city had despite all the issues and adverse situations continued to enhance its trade and economic capacity. The negative projection of the city by some sections of the Media had cause the direct foreign investment to decline. The resolution of issues of the city was dependent on foreign investment and in order to facilitate the foreign investors, due attention was paid

Rice cultivation major threat to Mohen-Jo-Daro sites NAZIR SIYAL LARKANA—Sindh Culture Department organized an awareness rally to save Mohen-JoDaro followed by “media and public sensitization” workshop here at Mohenjo Daro rest House on Wednesday Sindh Culture and Tourism Director Qasim Ali Qasim led a large

number of media and civil society representatives from the Rest House to Stupa Mohenjo-Daro and hosted the media and pulic sensitization workshop. The participants carrying banners raised slogans to save Mohenjo Daro and proper demarcation of the sites of DK area, VS area and other parts of archaeological areas and

boundaries according to the world heritage demand, they said.

On the occasion, the experts, engineers and curators of the sites among Shamsuddin Jatoi, Ghulam Hussain Burdi, senior journalists Altaf Pirzado, Abdul Haq, Nazir Siyal, Monis Bukhari, Ali Hyder Gadhi and others pre-

sented their recommendations to the authorities.

Speaking to the session, it was highlighted that rice cultivation is a major threat to the Mohenjo Daro’s all four corners of the sites, so that the demarcation should be finalized and protected by a boundary around and removed all possessions.

SHER GONDAL M ANDI B AHAUDDIN —PTI intra-party elections held at union council level were rigged and completed despite a stay order against the elections. This was disclosed by Younis Shahid, ex-secretary information PTI. Talking to media, he said land mafia with the strength of money high jacked the election, prepared bogus voter lists and filed nomination papers of their favorites as candidates by paying for their nomination fee of Rs 500 for each.

Kashif Hayat Ranjha, a PTI member filed a civil suit against district PTI election commission for preparing bogus voter lists, but election commission violated the court stay order and conducted the election of UC level as per schedule.

Younis Shahid and other party workers called upon PTI chief Imran Khan to take notice of the rigging in intra party election being conducted in this district otherwise he warned that tsunami of PTI was likely to turn into disgrace to the true HYDERABAD: Girls selecting Valentine Day gifts from a shop. party workers.

Country rich in educational, cultural potential: US scholars T AXILA —Pakistan has rich educational and cultural potential and time has come that the world should change its misconception about Pakistan society as it is today transformed in enlightened and tolerant. This was stated by educationists from North Carolina’s Appalachian State University while talking to newsmen after attending a cultural show organized in their honour at Heavy Industries Taxila Educational City (HITEC) Taxila on Wednesday. The show was organized to showcase the rich traditional culture of four provinces to the foreign guests.

The US educationists have said that time has come the world in generally and European society especially removes their misconception about Pakistan and its people who consider Pakistani people as intolerant and fundamentalist. The delegation comprising Associate Vice Chancellor Jesse Lutabingwa and senior educationist from different schools of North Carolina’s Watauga and Ashe county schools of Appalachian State University including John Spagnolo, IT Expert Appalachian State University, Craig Wright Asstt Principal Wautaga High School, Ms. Susan Lawrence, Teacher Wautaga High School, Ms Maria Jamal Teacher, Teacher Green Valley School, Jesse Stollings, Teacher Wautaga High School, Russel Hiatt, Teacher Harden Park School, Ms. Linda Mccalister, Program Director Appalachian State University, Ms. Mary Smalling, Principal Harden Park School, Ms. Emily Rothrock Teacher.

Hardin Park School and Phillip Griffin, Principal Green Valley School. It is the third

structure, safe and secure, sustainable economic clout, ease of doing business, cost of doing business and high prosperity, demographic dividend and liabilities and life style assets were unavoidable. However, the political will and strong determination, these challenges could easily be overcome at the state level.

The Governor said that the port city was among the cheapest cities across the world while the population was comparatively higher but still the burden of increase in population was affordable due to existing infrastructure, which was also being expanded.

Rain likely at Balochistan, Malakand, Kashmir, GB I SLAMABAD —Pakistan Me- Punjab, Islamabad and Sindh teorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday forecast mainly cold and dry weather for most parts of the country during the next 24 hours. Light rain with snowfall over the hills is likely at few places of Northeast Balochistan, Malakand division, Kashmir and GilgitBaltistan during next 24 hours. According to the synoptic situation, a fresh western disturbance likely to approach western parts of the country during evening is likely to grip upper and central parts of the country during next 24 hours.

Mainly cold and dry or partly cloudy weather is expected in most parts of the

during next 24 hours. Mainly cold and dry or partly cloudy weather is expected in most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

FAISALABAD—The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) has issued a shutdown notice for necessary repair, maintenance and expansion of electricity lines. According to the programme issued by the company here on Wednesday that power supply from Five Star and MSC feeders emanating from 132-KV Phalahi Wala grid station, Farooq Abad, Mansoor Abad, Jubilee, New Madina Town, Rafhan, Saeed Colony, Fateh Abad and Canal Road feeders originating from 132KV OTP grid station, Marafco, Koh-e-Noor City and Mobilink feeders emanating from 66-KV OTP grid station will remain suspended from 9:00am to 2:00pm while Shadman feeder originating from 132-KV OTP grid station will observe shutdown from 9:00am to 1:00pm on Feb 14.

Similarly, electricity supply from F-5 feeder emanating from Sitara Energy grid station and Rehmat Town feeder originating from 132KV University grid station will remain suspended.—APP

Notices issued to absentee doctors Q U E T TA—Secretary

with chances of light rainsnow is likely at a few places of Malakand division during next 24 hours. In Balochistan, the weather will remain dry and cold in most parts with chances of light rain-snow at isolated places of Northeast Balochistan.—APP

Health Government of Balochistan Naseebullah Bazai issued notices to the lady doctors absent from their duties and expressed annoyance over the poor hygienic condition in the Civil Hospital Quetta. Secretary health accompanied

by Medical Superintendent of the Civil Hospital Nawab Kibzai paid surprise visit to civil hospital and inspected various sections of the health facility.—APP

Election conduct code to be fully implemented MAIRAJ ANSARI

S A H I WA L —Commissioner Sahiwal Division Barrister Nabeel Ahmed Awan has said that during forthcoming general elections, code of conduct will be enforced strictly in the division for peaceful election campaign as conveyed by Election Commission and soon seminars will be arranged at district level to educate potential candidates and political workers in this regard.

This he said while chairing a meeting at his office to review law and order situation in the division. Provincial Minister Zakat & Ushr Malik Nadeem Kamran, MPA Nadeem Abbas Rabeera, Ch. Muhammad Javed, Dr. leg of the educational and plore it for the strengthenRussel Hiatt, Teacher visiting HITEC become a Farrakh Javed and Pir Khizer cultural exchange plan ing and development of Pa- Harden Park School, speaking unique experience in his de- Hayat Shah Khagga, RPO launched by Public Affairs kistani society. on this occasion has said that cades long education career. Farooq Mazhar, DCO Section of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad with 266,197 US dollars grant between North Carolina’s Appalachian State University and Heavy Industries Taxila Educational City (HITEC) last year. Speaking on this occasion, deputy head of the delegation and Program Director Appalachian State University Ms. Linda Mccalister said that visit to HITEC has opened new horizons to the US educationists and it found it complete different environment which has been shown in the world media. Responding a question she said that teaching methods and quality of the education at the HITEC could be compared with any educational institute of USA. She said that the educationists visits various class rooms and help the HITEC faculty to improve teaching methods.

Ms. Emily Rothrock Teacher of Hardin Park School while talking on this occasion has said that she is impressed with the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan. She said that before her visit to Pakistan, she was unaware that Pakistan harbors the rich Buddhist heritage and Buddhism flourished from here. She said that all about Pakistan and Pakistani society is “unawareness” by the world. She said that with people to people contact like visit of the HITEC students and faculty to US in December last year and now US delegation to Taxila would remove such things and people of both countries came together. She said that Pakistan has great potential in education and culture sector and world should come forward to ex-

‘Time ripe for the world to correct misconceptions about Pakistan’ DR M RAMZAN RANA

on laying the necessary infrastructure and development.

The Governor told the delegation that in fact the World Bank and all other international monetary funds were fully aware of the innate trade and economic capacity of the port city, hence they should take measures for provisioning the necessary funds. While referring to standards required for any World Class city, the Governor quoted the World Bank Consultant University of California Prof. David Dow saying that high skilled innovative workforce, technology adept, excellent transportation and infra-

FESCO shutdown

Zulfiqar Ahmed Ghumman, Syed Gulzar Hussain Shah and Syed Hyder Iqbal, DPO Syed Muntazar Hehdi and Sarfaraz Falki and AC (G) Rana Saleem Ahmed also attended the meeting.

The Commissioner said that public representatives and politic leaders should educate their workers for strict compliance of this code of conduct. He assured that administration will fully cooperate to all political parties for smooth election campaign. Provincial Minister Malik Nadeem Kamran suggested that on time information sharing should be ensured among law enforcement agencies and strict vigil should be made on anti-state elements to safeguard the lives of the public.

RPO Farooq Mazhar told

the meeting that a comprehensive security plan will be chalked out to ensure the public safety during election campaign. Meanwhile, District Coordination Officer Zulfiqar Ahmed Ghumman has expressed concern over public complaints regarding overcharging of essential commodities and directed price magistrates to daily inspect the implementation of the prices fixed by market committees and heavy fine should be imposed on shopkeepers who overcharged the general public.

Chairing a meeting at his office he said that it is the duty of District Administration to implement the fixation of prices and to discourage over-charging and hoarding.

He said that so far performance of price magistrates is not satisfactory.

Shaukat awards certificates to 174 students of KITE Directive for industrial waste disposal HYDERABAD—The Divisional Commissioner Hyderabad Ahmed Bux Narejo has directed the officials concerned to stop the inflow of industrial waste in to Kotri Barrage (KB) feeder and to recommission the water treatment plant within a week. Addressing a meeting here Wednesday he said that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has taken serious notice on the reports about contamination of incoming source of Keenjhar Lake, has directed to ensure water quality of Keenjhar Lake and to make it safe for human consumption.

Ahmed said that Government has installed a combined water treatment plant at Kotri site with its capacity of 2.5 MGD but the same was yet to be commissioned for technical reasons. He also directed the Management of SITE to ensure its functioning within a week and get the inflow of industrial waste stopped into KB feeder. Ahmed said that regular sampling/testing and monitoring of the Keenjhar Lake, its inlets and outlets was very much essential to keep vigilance and ensure safe drinking water to the people of Karachi and other areas of District Thatta and Jamshoro.

The MD Karachi Water and Sewerage Board opined that instead of depending on water treatment plant, the wastage of Kotri Site be diverted toward Naeen Baraan. The Commissioner in response to this suggestion said that since this diversion needs another project, funds and more time it would affect on-going efforts to keep the Keenjhar Lake pollution free lake. He directed the Water Consultants to start their water testing of Keenjhar Lake at least twice a week and report him regularly. Senior officials of the departments concerned attended the meeting.—APP

KP govt for revolutionary steps to promote vocational training STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWA R —The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Engr. Shaukat Ullah Khan here Wednesday awarded certificates to 174 students after successful completion of their education and vocational training in 9 different technical courses here at Khyber Institute for Technical Education, (KITE). Addressing the 13th annual certificate distribution ceremony of the KITE held under the aegis of 11 Corps of Pakistan Army and Fata Development Authority (FDA) at Garrison Complex, Peshawar Cantt, the Khyber

P ESHAWA R —Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Labour, Sher Azam Wazir has directed the all officers and employees of his department for according top priority to labourers welfare-oriented projects to play their due role in guaranteeing getting the due rights of workers from employers. He expressed these views while presiding review meeting of the five-year performance of his department here Wednesday. He appreciated the services of Secretary Workers Welfare Board and directed all concerned authorities for indiscriminate daynight service and welfare of workers in the province. The provincial minister also directed social security officers for conducting consecutive visits to all industrial units and beside mitigating the grievances of labourers they should also persuade industrialists for the registration of their employees with Employees Old-Age Benefit Institute (EOBI) and to guarantee the benefits of dowry fund, death grant, educational scholarships, pension and other officially announced incentives. He expressed sorrow over some employers, who in bid of avoiding meager deductions take benefit of the unawareness of workers do not register their employees, resulting in depriving millions of labourers of huge official incentives. The provincial minister also urged Director General (D.G), Employees Social Security and senior officials of the department for further activation of social security hospitals and dispensaries for provision of better and immediate medical facilities to workers in nooks and corners of the province.

positive activities and urged the successful students to utilise their skills for the well being of the people and prosperity of the country. He said the Government was making revolutionary measures for promotion of quality education and vocational training in KP and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) as it was the only way forward to bolster peace efforts and make the country’s developed.

The Governor said the Government was giving top priority to equip tribal stu- PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Engr Shaukatullah along with Corps Comdents with ornament of edu- mander Lt General Khalid Rabbani visiting a stall of Khybe Institue of Technical education. cation vital to improve their socio-economic conditions.

KP Minister urges JI, PTI to participate in APC STAFF REPORTER

Priority to labourers’ welfare projects Staff Reporter

Pakhtunkhwa Governor has lauded the services being rendered by KITE to the under privileged youth of the society, particularly from tribal areas, to lead them to the mainstream of the society.

Corps Commander Peshawar, Lt Gen Khalid Rabbani, Inspector General Frontier Corps, Ghayoor Mehmood, Chairman KITE, Brigadier Abdul Naeem Bhatti and Chief Executive Fata Development Authority Shah Sahib were also present on the occasion. The Governor said KITE was playing a vital role by involving the youth in constructive and

P ESHAWA R —The Khyber Pakthunkhwa Minister for Environment and Forests, Wajid Ali Khan here on Wednesday urged the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Pakistan Tahrik-e-Insaf (PTI) to review its decision and attend the All Parties Conference (APC) convened by Awami National Party (ANP) in Islamabad on Thursday for restoration of peace and tackling the menace of terrorism. Talking to APP here, the Minister said ANP has

not convened the APC for political gains but took this important decision in the country’s larger interests to formulate a national policy for restoration of durable peace and tackling the menace of terrorism and militancy on permanent basis.

The decisions come out from the APC would help provide a clear road map to future Governments to bolster peace process and get rid of menace of terrorism and militancy once and for all. He expressed the hope the leadership of PTI and JI would re-

view their decisions of boycotting the APC and will send their representatives to attend this important political moot and will share their valuable input.

He said PPP, PML-N, PML-Q, JUI-S and JUI-F have shown willingness to participate in the APC that was a good omen. He said ANP has invited all political parties to attend the moot and to take all the political and religious parties on board.

The idea of the APC was initiated after the assassination of ANP senior leader.

JUI-F for removing fake entries in voters lists

PESCO power shutdown STAFF REPORTER

P ESHAWAR —The Peshawar Q UETTA —Jamiat Ulema-e- Electric Supply Company Islam (Nazriati) on Wednesday demanded for correction of voter lists of Killa Abdullah district to avoid rigging in the forthcoming general polls. Addressing a press conference here, JUI-F central leader Maulvi Mohammad Hanif alleged that some political parties had made fake entries in the voters lists in connivance with the staff deputed for preparation of these lists.

He said free, fair and transparent elections in the absence of flawless voter lists were not possible, adding that in this manner the citizens of Killa Abdullah were being deprived of their basic right to vote.—APP

(PESCO) here Wednesday issued power shutdown for Peshawar, Mardan and Shabqadar Charsadda districts due to technical reasons. As per PESCO Spokesman here, due to maintenance work, power supply will remain closed from132 KV Shahi Bagh grid station on Feb 14 from 9.a.m to 4.p.m and resultantly the consumers of 66 kv Warsak, Warsak pumping station, 66 KV Badbher, and 11 kv Mathani feeders will face inconvenience.

Similarly, power supply will remain suspended from 220 KV Mardan Grid station on Feb 14 from 8.a.m to 8.p.m and resultantly the consumers of 132 kv Swabi,Hussai &

Daggar grids will face problems. From 132 KV Peshawar University grid station on Feb 14 from 8.a.m to 2.p.m the consumers of 11 kv Abdara, Acdemy Town, Circular Road, Rahat Abad,Gribabad feeders will wait for electricity.

Power supply will remain closed from132 kv Peshawar City Grid station on Feb 14 from 8.a.m to 12.p.m as a result the consumers of 11 kv Nishtarabad and Islamabad feeders will face inconvenience.

From132 KV Shabqadar grid station on Feb 15 from 8.a.m to 2.p.m power will not available, resultantly the consumers of 11 kv Adizai and Palwan Qila feeders will face inconvenience. Likewise, power supply will remain closed from132 kv Swabi grid station.

US Ambassador Olson visits Northern Sindh JACOBABAD—U.S. Ambassa- Medical Sciences, a state-of- the health care system in Pador Richard Olson, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Director Jock Conly, and the U.S. Consul General in Karachi Michael Dodman, joined by Sindh Minister for Health Dr. Sagheer Ahmed and Sindh Minister for Rehabilitation Muzaffar Shujra, attended a groundbreaking ceremony to officially initiate construction of the Jacobabad Institute of

Conspiracy for polls postponement Staff Reporter

P E S A H WA R —The

the-art hospital. USAID is investing $10 million to build the Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences and expand access to quality health care services for the residents of Jacobabad, Sindh, and Balochistan.

Ambassador Olson said, “The United States is committed to working with the Government of Pakistan to carry out innovative health projects, which strengthen

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Pir Sabir Shah has said that a conspiracy is being hatched to postpone the upcoming elections. He expressed these views while addressing a ‘Guest hour’ programme arranged by Peshawar Press Club (PPC) on Wednesday. He BAHAWALPUR: Activists of Young Doctors Association hold a demonstration rally in alleged that chiefs of Tehrik-e-Mimhaj- support of their demands. ul-Qur’an ((TMQ) Tahir-ul-Qadri and PTI Imran Khan have planted to sabotage holding of M ULTAN —MQM’s Member timely elections in the country. “Only free and fair elecQ UETTA —Quetta Electric Coordination Committee tions can change the destiny of the nation,” he said and ficial of Directorate of Tech- rently as many as 1,424 stu- Supply Company (QESCO) Iftikhar Randhawa on STAFF REPORTER praised the PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif for putting all ponical Education FATA Secre- dents are enrolled with Gov- will close its Grid station includlitical forces on single platform against the tactics being P ESHAWAR —Federally Ad- tariat Wednesday said that ernment Colleges of Manage- ing Quetta City Grid, Shaikh Wednesday demanded of Chief Election Commissioner made to delay election commission demanded by TahirTVET sector is beneficial not ment Sciences Bajaur, Manda grid, Western Bypass, Fakharuddin G Ibrahim to ministrated Tribal Areas ul-Qadri, adding that no compromise would be made to only for the individuals in the Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram FC and other areas on Feb 14. derail democracy in the country. “Appointment of new (FATA) Secretariat is re- perspective of their employ- and North Waziristan Agency This was announced on take notice of police raid at vamping, rehabilitating and his house on and alleged it Khyber Pakhtunhkwa Governor is a first step towards ability but the industry and from FATA. These technical Wednesday by QESCO adpre-polls rigging in FATA,” he alleged and added non- constructing Technical Vo- service sectors also enjoy the institutions are imparting ministration, the power of was an attempt to harass famicontroversial person should be made as governor keep- cational Education Training availability of the desired training and education in vari- Quetta City grid station, lies of MQM’s workers by the Punjab government. ing in view the prevailing crisis in tribal region. He said (TVET) centre to provide skilled workforce. ous short and long courses Shaikh Manda grid, Western Addressing a press conthat the PPP-led government had failed in all fronts to better employment opportuHe said TVET plays a piv- including DAE in Electrical, Bypass, FC, Industrial grid, provide relief to the masses against law and order situa- nities to male and female otal role in the country’s eco- Telecommunication and Civil, Pashtoonabad, Express and ference on Wednesday, tion, inflation and unemployment during the last five youth of FATA with brining nomic marginalized segment B.Com, D. Com, BBA, BIT new Pashtoonabad feeders Iftikhar Randhawa claimed that PML-N was afraid of risyears. “PPP and its coalition are also equal responsible about consequential impact of society, adding that cur- and DIT. will remain close from 10 a.m ing popularity of MQM in of poverty reduction.

An offor unrest in Karachi and Baluchistan”. He maintained. to 2 p.m, Marriabad.—APP “Flawed policies and lack of proper management put the national institutions PIA, Steel Mill, Wapda and Railway on the verge of collapse. Businessmen are shifting to Middle Eastern countries as they have no investment opportunities in such worst law and order situation in the country,” he lamented. However, he lauded Supreme Court of Pakistan for issuing number of verdicts on merit and in favor of the country.

SALAHUDDIN HAIDER sulate, the Kuwaiti consul chairman, Pakistan Russian rican muslim state of Morocco always busy in collecting general Nassir Al-Muattairi, Business Council of the Fed- as its representative in Karachi. people at his consulate for T was a starry night. The who is now the deal of the dip- eration of Pakistan Chambers Francis Blanc is here for 6 get together, had taken us all Nishtar death anniversary observed Consul General of the lomatic corps in Karachi, the of Commerce and Industry, months, and is very jolly per- back to the historic summit P ESHAWAR /K ARACHI —A prominent Russian Federation Saudi consul general Mr Ahsan Siddiqi, Director of the son. between India and Pakistan figure of Pakistan movement, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar was remembered Andrey Demidov had hosted Rohaili, the Turksih consul a function to general Murat M Onart, on his death anniversary on Wednescelebrate the Byram Avari, the well known day. Movement of Pakistan’s key charD i p l o m a c y second generation hotelier, acter, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar was Day, an inno- with his wife Goshpi, who toborn on June 13, 1899 at Peshawar. He vative idea in gether had won twice the belonged to Kakar tribe. He was edud i p l o m a t i c Asian gold medals in cated at Edwards College, Peshawar, parlance. But Yatching, Byram’s son, Punjab University, Lahore and Musthe turn out Dinshaw and his wife, Byram lim University Aligarh. During College was great in- Avari and Gosphi are delightdays, he joined Khilafat Movement in 1927. He took an deed. A gal- ful personalities, very active part in the boycott of Simon Commission. For some time he remained in the Indian National Congress axy of invitees filled the vast humble, cordial and known but soon left it to join the All India Muslim League keep- dome-like hall at the Consu- the world over with their ing in view the dual nature of Hindus. In 1936, he was late. There were the acting chain of hotels in Karachi, appointed a Member of the All India Muslim League Governor, Nisar Khuhro, the Lahore, Dubai, Toronto, and Council. One of the most trusted and closest associates MQM deputy convenor and a number of major hotels and of the Quaid-e-Azam, Sardar Nishtar was elected to the federal minister for overseas motels planned for the future Provincial Assembly in 1937. In 1943, he became the Pakistanis Dr Farooq Sattar, in various Pakistani cities.

So is Kuwaiti diplomat Finance Minister in Sardar Aurangzeb’s Muslim League Sindh Chief Minister Adviser Cabinet in the North-West Frontier Province. In 1946, Rashid Rabbani, were the Muttairi, and the UAE acting consul general, married to a he was elected to the Constituent Assembly of India prominent among VIPS. Then there were a host Pakistani lady, and almost a and became Minister for Communications in the Interim Government. After independence he worked indefatiga- of foreign diplomats serving Pakistani. He is likely to be elbly for the fledgling country. He was a member of the in Karachi. Noticeable among evated to be the new consul first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. He held the port- them were the US consul generala of UAE in place of folios of Federal Minister for Communications, Gover- general Micheal Dodman, Suhail Al_ketbi who has now nor of the Punjab, and the Federal Minister for Indus- British Deputy High commis- gone to Kazakhistan after serv- KARACHI: A group photograph taken at the Russian Consulate with Acting Governor tries from 1947 to 1953. Later, when he left the Govern- sioner Francis Campbell, the ing 8 years in Karachi. We all Nisar Khuhro and Russian Consul General Andrey V Demidov. ment, he led Pakistan Muslim League, the then biggest German consul general Dr will miss him. But his replace The French consul gen- of late Ayub Khan and Lal party of the country, as its President. He was also a Klinner, Malaysian consul is equally humble and impres- same council and also of Pakigifted poet. His poetry reflects the highest human val- general Abubakar and his sive man, loves Pakistan and stan-Ukraine Business Coun- eral is currently on leave, has Bahadur Shastri, President ues and a sincere urge for social reforms. He died on wife, The Italian consul gen- its people Representing the cil at the FPCCI, The Beg broth- the US consul general and Prime Minister of the February 14, 1958 and was laid to rest in the courtyard eral, Francis Blanc currently business community were ers, Ikhtiar and Ishtiaq both Dodman is gone abroad for countries. They had fought the head ot eh French Con- Mohammad Farooq Afzal, whom represent the north Af- holidays. Andrey Demidov, their first full fledged war in of Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum.—INP

FATA youth technical edu being revamped

QESCO power station to remain close today

kistan. We are delivering on that commitment today by launching construction of the new Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences. This hospital will help the residents of Jacobabad, Sindh, and Balochistan lead healthier lives and reach their full potential by significantly expanding their access to high quality health care services.”—INP

MQM member condemns police raid at his residence Punjab. He alleged that the workers of MQM were being harassed deliberately after the MQM’s announcement to participate in elections from all constituencies of Punjab. He informed that a large number of local people were present at his residence to condole death of his close relative.

However, DSP Jahanian alongwith contingent of police came and harassed women and kids present inside the house, he informed. —APP

Starry night at the Russian Consulate

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1965, but had collected at the Russian (then USSR) city of Tahskent, the capital of Uzbekistan for peace talks. That negotiations was a journey into the past as it brought alive the memories in the form of a film on Tashkent negotiations with the then USSSR premier Alexy Kossygin playing the host. The meeting led to a declaration known as the Tashkent declarartion in which the two countries promised to work for peace in subcontinent, and look for the betterment of their two people and also for peace in the region and peace in the world.

The film on Tashkent summit was a vivid reminder to many. The conference proved an anti climax when the Indian premier suffered a stroke and left the world forever. Demidov had done a yeomen service by showing to the people what could aptly be described as memorable movie. Not many people in Pakistan had seen that before, and it did create a lot of enthusiasm and were talked about for several minutes. Journalists were there too to enjoy the occasion. Guests were served with delicacies as refreshments.

New nuclear headache for US

MEDIA WATCH

After Benedict XVI

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HILE remarks of the Iranian Speaker Dr Ali Larijani that his country was a virtual nuclear power but has peaceful intentions sent shockwaves among the US-led West, a major jolt came on Tuesday when North Korea confirmed reports that it successfully conducted the third nuclear test. Though it was a miniaturized nuclear bomb thought to have been based on Plutonium but it doesn’t belittle the reality that DPRK has become a virtual nuclear power capable of making further strides in the field.

The development has understandably sent alarm bells around the globe with the United Nations condemning the blast and vowing to take stern action against the country while the United States too has hinted at further squeezing of the DPRK. China, which is considered to be the major benefactor of North Korea, too has expressed concern over nuclear detonation and observers foresee ripples in their bilateral relationship in future. Though Pakistan is not directly impacted by the North Korean move but it too thought it appropriate to issues a statement of regret. The world reaction means more trouble for the already highly sanctioned country and this would lead to its further isolation. However, we believe that this policy of pushing a country to the wall will not work and instead of intimidation and pressure tactics, the issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue. North Korea has been cooperating in talks but unfortunately commitment made with it have not been fulfilled in letter and spirit and instead the course of brow-beating has been adopted that forced North Korea to take measures to safeguard its national security and honour.

Dr Larijani, who has been Iran’s principal negotiator in nuclear talks with IAEA, has rightly pointed out that you cannot stop proliferation when the United States continues to develop more and more nuclear bombs and uses depleted Uranium in wars and conflicts, fueling sense of insecurity among smaller and vulnerable countries. You cannot serve the goal of non-proliferation by sharpening nuclear teeth of Israel and India, countries that are known for expansionist designs.

CJP buries speculations deep C

HIEF Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary has definitely emerged as savior of democracy and the system as he effectively thwarted a number of moves aimed at derailing or undermining the democratic process. That he is fully determined to pursue the path at all costs has become evident from the proceedings of the court during hearing of petition of Dr Tahirul Qadri about dissolution of the Election Commission.

The viewpoint that a person with divided loyalty cannot be allowed to throw spanner in the works is shared by majority of people. Irrespective of the personal stature and knowledge of Shaikhul Islam and genuineness of his concerns about reforming the electoral system, no one can or should be allowed to hamper the process of smooth transition from one democratic government to another so close to the end of tenure of the government and the approaching election date. It is because of untimely moves of Dr Qadri that speculations are rife about his real intentions and as to who was behind him. Strangely enough the Government too is adding to the confusion and uncertainty by keeping treacherous mum over polls’ date and the date for dissolution of the assemblies as well as non-initiation of the process of consultations for appointment of caretaker Prime Minister. By all accounts, it is now less than a month for the dissolution of the National Assembly and one fails to understand the logic of mysterious silence over the issue. PMLN leader Mian Nawaz Sharif, who underwrote the system by demonstrating remarkable patience during the last five years, too has demanded of the Government to announce date of the election and start consultations for appointment of a caretaker Prime Minister. With the judiciary firmly behind democratic process, there is no room for conspirators and therefore, elections must be held without delay of even one hour.

Thunderous clapping over return of US soldiers P

RESIDENT Barack Obama in his first State of the Union address since winning re-election, offered an expansive second-term agenda focused heavily on the economy and jobs, but he received thunderous clapping and a standing ovation from lawmakers when he announced that after a decade of grinding war, American men and women in uniform were coming home, reflecting a mood of jubilation. He announced that 34,000 troops would be pulled out of Afghanistan in the next year and vowed that by the end of 2014 the US war in the country would be over.

The warm welcome to the announcement about troops withdrawal reflects that the Congressmen who represent the US people were keenly waiting for this overdue announcement. It is a fact that the American society and people in the West were in no way on board for attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq and there were persistent demands for withdrawal.

Thousands of occupation troops including Americans were killed and even more suffered grievous injuries in addition to hundreds of billions of dollars of expenditure on keeping the troops and arms. That had a dampening impact on the American economy and now the country is forced to reduce defence spending. Anyhow the circumstances forced Obama Administration to withdraw from Afghanistan but there is a lesson for the world’s only super power that it must stop interfering in the internal affairs of other countries for the attainment of its petty objectives. The killing of Washington’s Ambassador in Benghazi, Libya, situation in Middle East and Africa should be an eye opener for those at the Capitol Hills not to meddle in the affairs of other countries and better pay more attention to domestic issues including economy and jobs.

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Is Kargil haunting him?

Army and the president of the country? He until today unforthinks that the army Ali Ashraf Khan tunately and army operations are someEmail:balti@super.net.pk how an isolated action that is within the discretion of the army and that such a decision he Kargil issue has been in and operation can be judged sepathe headlines again after Re rately from the political, diplomatic, tired General Shahid Aziz even economic outfall of it. He brought it up in his book and blamed should have at least read the history Musharraf for the disaster. We have of military warfare and public incommented on the details of the war volvement.

When Dwight D Eisenhower revealed by Gen Shahid Aziz before. This time we would like to said about war: “All free men rememcomment on General (R) ber that in the final choice a soldier’s Musharraf’s insistence that Kargil pack is not so heavy a burden as a was a military success which he has prisoner’s chains.” So how can we expressed publicly in an interview forget, what damage you have made on 31st January 2013. There he towards the Kashmiri cause and nastated among others that:” We lost tions solidarity with the sole aim to the Kargil war on table, which was perpetuate in power by hook and a big success militarily, because of crook. What kind of understanding Nawaz Sharif,” said Musharraf. “If is this in a globalized world where he had not visited the US, we would Pakistan is a nuclear power situated have conquered 300 square miles of in a volatile region between Afghanistan and India with open conflicts Indian territory in Kargil.

Well to set the record straight I with both of those neighbors? If this still remember that General is what generals are taught in their Musharraf was visiting Karachi for senior staff courses then there is some official assignment when he something seriously lacking in the was asked disturbing questions Army training. Kargil episode in about the fate of this ongoing war 1999 was perhaps a conspired miliby media at the airport in which he tary adventurism with foreign hidden very calmly replied that there is agenda that was not discussed as renothing to worry, Mian Nawaz quired at the proper forum of Army, Sharif, the Prime Minister of Paki- and that opened an opportunity for stan is going to Washington to sign US to win India as an ally; risking a declaration within a day or two. the volatile situation just described in Now what do we learn from this this adventure, it could have ended about the vision and understanding in a nuclear war.

Does Gen. Musharraf really beof a retired general who has once been the COAS of the Pakistan lieve that if Prime Minister Nawaz

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Sharif had not visited the US on 4th of July 1999, the army could have retained those 300 square miles? Next the Indian army would have attacked Lahore and that with the military and technical support of the US and the ‘victory’ in no time would have become a military defeat. In addition, Pakistan’s weak international position would have been under even more attack for such a military adventure which would have erased whatsoever creditability Pakistan has in the international arena. It is high time that the Pakistan army rethinks its position if this is the position which they are taking until today. In today’s world there is no isolated military success without sustaining it politically. The US is making this experience right now in Afghanistan, in Egypt, Syria and Lebanon.

The much publicized Arab spring in Libya that led to killing of its leader Muammar Ghadafi has not been sustained: Only two years later today the Libyan people refuse to celebrate 2nd year of his removal by foreign supported rebels. History teaches that every Military success needs to be sustained by the political ability to explain it to the world and the defeated people. In the case of Kargil war of 1999 both would have been a problem; India would have never accepted it as their military defeat because of their political claims on Kashmir. Same would have been the case in the international arena; Pakistan making itself so dependent on political and military alliances with others, the US and NATO in the first place, and because of becoming un-

popular due to increase in corruption and nepotism and total dependence on economic aid and borrowing can not afford to endanger this for 300 square miles of territory.

And on top of that we have to realize the way the army and the then COAS has dealt with the then Prime Minister of the country - The Prime Minister, who according to the constitution is the highest authority the Chief Executive of Pakistan, clearly shows that the Pakistan army was not maintaining the position which it has been given in the constitution. The army is not an independent institution that has the right to develop its own policy. It is an instrument of the government and parliament financed by the people of Pakistan and subject to their interests.

And the national interest of Pakistan is the security and well-being of its people. In both the army has an important role to play: to keep the country secure by avoiding military adventures and by keeping military expenditure within a certain range so that the economy might not be burdened unnecessarily. And political rulers also have no right to use the country and its resources to fulfill their personal agenda. While economic disparity is enlarging and rulers are building their personal fortresses at the cost of the nations well being which is unacceptable in any case, whether be it democracy or any autocratic ruler. The Kargil debate again is showing that not all is well in our country and it is high time to address the evil that have crippled Pakistan and its people. God bless Pakistan.

If PPP is voted out of power! was involved. Yet to Column from Dallas save democracy from being short-circuited either on the call of the adversaries or clamor Saeed Qureshi of the proponents of the Email: qureshisa2003@yahoo.com army rule or under pressure from rampant violence was indeed accomplishment of a et us first of all give due proverbial Herculean task that is credit to the chairman of Pa simply admirable. kistan People’s Party( PPP), But beyond that marvelous also the president of Pakistan Asif achievement, the PPP government Ali Zardari for achieving an historic and its ministers have earned more milestone despite heavy odds and flak and infamy for willful misuse visibly insurmountable obstacles. of power and all kinds of massive The bandwagon of the democracy malpractices such as gulping that took a fresh start with the 2008 nation’s funds, manipulating kickgeneral election was somehow backs and extracting commissions. saved from being derailed or am- President Zardari has earned the sinbushed. There were several occa- gular notoriety of being the most sions for the army to step in and corrupt head of state, having scores reestablish military rule. One such of offshore accounts to launder or elephantine occasion came upon the conceal the wealth earned through assassination of Osama Ben Laden dubious and questionable means. on May2, 2011. The army could The PPP coalition government, in have exploited the collusion of the the overwhelming public view, is not government with the United States an efficient and honest dispensation. for providing vital information to It is a common perception that its the latter and sidetracking the army stalwarts were obsessed only with and indirectly creating a subterfuge fattening their kitties and bank acto malign the army for its inability counts. The ill-gotten money pours to intercept the helicopters carry- in buckets from top notches greedy traders, the stock holders, the land ing the killer navy seals.

The internal deteriorating law grabbers, the importers and exportand order situation, the lingering ers, the industrialists and similar Karachi mayhem, the sectarian midnight dacoits. strife, the depleting civic amenities, Due to rampant and unrelenting the soaring cost of living, the lawlessness, the inexorable anarchy mounting stories about the un- and religious militancy, Pakistan has bridled corruption of the PPP min- immensely suffered both economiisters and standoff with the judi- cally and socially during the last five ciary were some of the grave right years of the democratic rule than earor wrong pretexts that could have lier periods both political and milienticed or impelled the army to take tary rules. The PPP government has over power. There was also a strong failed to restore peace and order. possibility for the PPP government Even now mayhem of bloodletting to be divested of power, after the spawned by the sectarian or crimiPMNL left the government at the nal gangs is vigorously rife taking center. Mr. Zardari very shrewdly away lives of the helpless citizens. erected another coalition with the There is a lurking suspicion in the smaller parties MQM, ANP and minds of so many Pakistanis that later with the PMLQ to sustain the some stalwarts of the PPP along with democratic set up. Although in such army conspirators were behind the an endeavor, PPP’s own interest broad day light murder of the PPP

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chairperson Benazir Bhutto on 27 December 1977. This apprehension also involves the ferocious Taliban but they have defiantly debunked the charge of being responsible for BB’s assassination. One thing is good about Taliban that they do not mince words and state stark truth.

Then rental power units’ mega scam might be another stumbling block for the people to vote for the PPP candidates in droves and with traditional fervor. The incumbent prime minister is seen as the main culprit in that billion dollars rental power scandal crafted with great dexterity. Mercifully, due to the robust intervention by the superior judiciary, that all time high fraud had came into the public limelight. Pitiably, the man who was responsible for such a mammoth financial fiasco was elevated to the highest office of the premiership. But the most overriding complaint that the people of Pakistan nurse against the PPP under the incumbent leadership is that it failed to address the most urgent and pressing problems of the downtrodden people of Pakistan. As we all know these relate to power outrages and black-outs, the escalating poverty, the mounting cost of living, the adulteration in every everything for human consumption, be it sugar, flour, the food products, the medicines, spices, gas and oil.

Rape, homicide, mugging, snatching cars and mobiles, torching opponent’s shops and factories and extorting money are now common crimes that the PPP government has been taking lightly. One vital step of confiscating illegal weapons has not caught the attention of the government. Obviously, if there is no check on guns, the killers would use them to kill the peaceful citizens. With this backdrop of dismal performance and poor track record of serving the people of Pakistan, how would the PPP return to the power with the popular mandate? For these five years Pakistan has been in a state of inertia because of the morbid sta-

tus protected and maintained by the rulers. Or else it was seized by a virulent commotion because of the burgeoning violence and a civil war. Sindh province considered to be unassailable forte of PPP seems to be cracking and there are strong indications that the votes would be divided between PPP and other political outfits. In other provinces the turnout would not be very promising for the PPP because of the entrenched disenchantment with the miserable performance of the present government and the widespread impression of its being corrupt and devious.

With supposedly PMNL taking the lead and forming the government, the political chess would be juxtaposed. All those cases adjudicated by the courts and verdicts handed over but stalled by the PPP regime could be reopened and enforced. Many of the linchpins of the PPP would have to face the consequences which could be grave. All the hushed up money scams and sleazy scandals would resurface and the PPP cohorts and others involved would face the jarring music. Zardari’s offshore accounts cases, the memogate case and rental power bombshell, Benazir’s mysterious murder, several similar outstanding cases could also be revived.

The perpetrators of all those crimes and gross dereliction of duty would try to flee away to safe havens abroad where they were before the proclamation of the NRO. They might be declared absconders and could be brought back in Pakistan to face the ominous consequences. But there would be one disheartening development. The legendary chief justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry would have retired by time and perhaps no one could replace him for the boundless courage and conviction that he possesses to safeguard the dignity of the judiciary.

—The writer is a senior journalist and a former diplomat.

n nearly eight years as pope, Benedict XVI embraced a tra ditionalist — and to many critics, authoritarian — view of both the papacy and of church teaching.

So it’s ironic that he will be remembered for his revolutionary decision to relinquish the Chair of St. Peter rather than die in office, the first such abdication in nearly 600 years.

Benedict’s announcement Monday that he will retire at 85 because his “strength of mind and body” had deteriorated reflects an admirable acknowledgment of the reality of physical decline. But it also will discomfit conservative Roman Catholics, who worry that the existence of a former pope might dilute the mystique of the office. It is liberal Catholics who have argued that bishops of Rome, like other bishops, should resign when their duties become a burden.

Early in his career as a theologian, Joseph Ratzinger could have plausibly been described as a liberal Catholic. But in the years after the Second Vatican Council, in which he participated as theological advisor, he became disenchanted with the results of the council’s call for an engagement with the modern world. As pope, Benedict continued to rein in dissident theologians, revived the widespread use of the Mass in Latin and rescinded the excommunications of bishops from a breakaway Catholic sect that rejected the teachings of the Vatican Council.

In an initiative that strained relations with Anglican churches, he made special provision for the reception into the Roman Catholic Church of groups of conservative Anglicans (including married priests). The pope’s reverence for the traditional authority of the church may also have figured in his failure to respond forcefully to the church’s child sex abuse scandal.

Those controversial actions didn’t completely define his papacy. He also issued eloquent encyclicals about love and hope, presided over a “New Evangelization” and, in a subtle rebuke of fundamentalism, insisted that faith was compatible with modern science.

They also might — and should — choose a pope who will be a credible champion of children abused by members of the clergy.

Both before and after his election, Benedict was insufficiently vigilant about the sexual abuse of minors

by Catholic priests and the hierarchy’s self-protective impulse to cover up the crimes. Whatever his other opinions and accomplishments, the man chosen to be the next bishop of Rome should have an impeccable record of protecting children from wolves in shepherd’s clothing. — Los Angeles Times

*****

Let Kim face complete isolation

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isplaying an aversion to conform to global diplo matic benchmarks, North Korea is wavering on the edge of being slapped with further crippling sanctions. Slowly, but surely, the country’s isolation is becoming complete, thanks to its aggressive posturing — its latest controversial action being the initiation of a nuclear test on Tuesday.

The time for indulging this rogue nation is over. Friends and foes alike should now come together to ensure that President Kim Jong-un and his cohorts are held accountable for their self-centred actions that can only be a catalyst for creating further volatility in the region. Long-time ally China had earlier displayed an irritation with Kim and his pathetic efforts to grab global headlines which will be, in the long run, catastrophic for the people of his country. Chinese aid flows into North Korea, but having sensed that the leadership is not committed to reforming its economy, at the cost of propping up defence, the enthusiasm for a future partnership is beginning to wane. The nuclear test has thus put the brakes on progress. The international community should do more instead of resorting to stern strictures and sanctions. The people of North Korea are being held to ransom by a megalomaniac. They need to be freed from his clutches.

— Gulf News Deliberation is the work of many men.

Action, of one alone.

—Charles De Gaulle French statesman

Olive branch or bellicosity Shams uz Zaman Email:smszmn72@yahoo.com

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he US Congressional proposal to cut defence spending by over $42 billion in next seven months and up to $500 billion over a decade would have serious implications not only for the US of shore balancing but for its allies as well.

States, heavily dependent on the US aid and protective shield would be profoundly affected by these cuts including Pakistan. The Deployment of Harry S. Truman Aircraft Carrier in the Persian Gulf has already been postponed, outgoing Defence Secretary Leon Panetta is about to suggest pay cuts in the salaries of the US military and there is a proposal that due to high cost involved in pulling out military equipment from Afghanistan, US might sell some of these outfits to regional countries. Apparently it looks like another empire is coming to its age.

It is yet a little early to predict that the whether the “Graveyard of Empires” would stand to its reputa-

tion or would the US be an exception. But the plausibility of this prophecy coming true has increased. As Alfred McCoy wrote in December 2010 that the history dictates that despite these empires might give an omnipotence outlook, they actually remain very fragile units, especially once things start spiralling out of their control to turn worst. So they could disentangle at unprecedented speeds.

Like it took an year for Portugal, two for USSR, eight for France, eleven for Ottomans and almost seventeen years for the British Empire to become history. The US, according to him, is in a visible decline since 2003 and might face the same fate possibly within a decade or so.

These are the US economic woes which have compelled her to negotiate peace with the Taliban, whom it had once regarded savage and barbaric people deserving no mercy.

However, their human rights violations look like dwarf once one take an account of the US government killings of around 1.5 to 2 million Muslims, including women, children and elderly of between since 2001 according to varying estimates. These esti-

mates do not include people killed in Iraq, between 1991 - 2003, due to sanctions and surgical military strikes. In a startling development, now the Taliban have extended an olive branch to Pakistani government.

The offer had generated mixed reactions from various quarters within Pakistan. It is ironical that while most liberals fervently advocate peace between India and Pakistan despite a deep ideological divide and unresolved disputes these liberal “war mongers” strongly oppose a peace with the Taliban militant groups. This might give a clue that whom agenda they might be following.

A stereo type logic offered by these hawks is that in past there have been repeated peace attempts without yielding any result and thus peace is not possible with them. This however is not the complete truth as most of these peace attempts were either sabotaged by the US or were broken down due to ongoing military operations in which both sides accused each other. The successful deals with some of the militant commanders in North Waziristan prove that these deals can be kept intact if the pres-

sure from the US is resisted. These militant groups, despite their illegitimacy, were not hostile towards Pakistan prior to 9/11 and only collided with the state once Pakistani government decided to take them on due to American pressure. It is now becoming evident that due to precarious economic condition, the US after leaving this region would drastically reduce aid for Pakistan.

Then will an economically downtrodden Pakistan be able to continue this war at its own? If great empires like Britain, USSR and the US could not win over their guerrilla tactics, Pakistan doesn’t stand a chance. Probably now we are approaching our last “critical juncture or crossroad” of destruction or destiny. If we desire peace, for sake of prosperity, we need to hold the olive branch, but if we are hallucinating to eliminate them then we need to move down the policy of bellicosity, the course adopted by all the great empires, ultimately leading to their self-destruction.

—The writer is an M.Phil scholar at NDU.

Truth must be acknowledged Malik M Ashraf Email: ashpak10@gmail.com

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uaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan in a speech during 1944 said “No nation can rise to the heights of glory unless its women are side by side with men; we are victims of evil customs. It is a crime against humanity that our women are shut up within the four walls of the houses as prisoners. There is no sanction anywhere for the deplorable condition in which our women have to live” After partition, the situation in Pakistan in regards to the participation of women in the national effort and their rights was also as dismal as described by the Quaid-i-Azam.

The factors that hindered the mainstreaming of women and their participation in the nation building process included: lack of education, poverty, patriarchal value system, religious misinterpretation, antiwomen legislation and the prevailing judicial system. No discernible or worthwhile effort was made to end discrimination, harassment and violence against women. They continued to be treated as inferior human beings and deliberately kept out of the national mainstream by the successive regimes whose prime concern was to protect their vested interests through perpetuation of the archaic feudal system of governance

that discouraged participation of women in the task of nation building. The society also remained criminally oblivious to this injustice and blatant abuse of human rights.

The first serious and genuine initiative to break the gridlock came through the first PPP regime under Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who professed building an egalitarian social order in the country. He gave the country 1973 constitution that guaranteed gender equality and prohibited all kinds of discrimination on the basis of race, religion and sex; a legal force that was so vitally needed to determine the status of women as equal citizens. To ensure political empowerment of women, seats were reserved in the national assembly for them in addition to their right to contest on general seats. Similarly the doors of the prestigious civil services of Pakistan were opened for them.

He also gave the country its first ever educational policy in 1972. A vast network of colleges was established all over the country.

University Grants Commission, predecessor to the present Higher Education Commission was established to encourage and facilitate higher education with greater emphasis on increasing enrolment of women in the universities. By mid-seventies Women represented 55% and 35% of the enrolment in Karachi and Punjab Universities respectively. A report of the task force constituted in 2002 to make recommendations for improving higher education in the country,

acknowledged the fact that during 1970-77, enrolment at all levels of education had increased tremendously, particularly at the university level which recorded an unprecedented increase of 56%.

Today, as a result of those pioneering efforts Pakistani women are conspicuous by their presence in every field of national activity. The successive PPP regimes exhibited unflinching commitment to the social revolution set in train by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Benazir Bhutto during her two truncated stints as Prime Minister made a sterling contribution towards emancipation of women. She created Ministry of Human Rights to watch monitor and investigate human rights abuses, particularly against women. Pakistan ratified UN Convention for the Elimination of All Forms Of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). On the development side First Women Bank was established for providing easy credit to women to encourage entrepreneurial undertakings by them and to strength process of their economic emancipation. A network of vocational training centers was also set up through out the country to improve skills and the chances of employability of women in productive pursuits. In the health sector 133,ooo lady health workers were recruited to provide employment to women as well as to address reproductive health issues.

This initiative has invariably been touted as Pakistan’s showpiece

health programme by all the governments. The launching of women police and appointment of women judges in the superior courts also represented a radical and positive departure from the unenviable past.

The present government can also rightly boast of legislating on another very important and sensitive issue of domestic violence. For years the issue of domestic violence has been a source of public concern but no previous government ever dared to delve into it. The adoption of The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act 2008 in line with the National Policy of Empowerment of Women and zero tolerance for violence against women, The Anti-Acid Bill 2010 passed by the parliament recently to address a burgeoning practice of throwing acid at women, The Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Bill enacted in December 2011 prohibiting forced marriages and denial of share from the inherited property to women, are significant initiatives in regards to emancipation of women. All these legislations have been hailed as land mark steps by the international community and world bodies vouching for women rights. Similarly granting of complete administrative and financial autonomy to the National Commission on Status of Women and fixation of 10% quota for women in the government jobs in addition to the initiation of the process to review all the discriminatory laws against women are also laudable steps in that direction.

Views From Abroad

Want a good reputation, just be honest Jeff Randall

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f all the courses at leading business schools, none is hot ter than reputation management. In a world where banks and food companies seem routinely to cheat customers, understanding what’s behind a sustainable reputation has overtaken financial wizardry as the aspiring executive’s must-have attribute. RBS, Barclays, Tesco, Findus and many others are learning the hard way that reputation management is not just a form of crisis management. If done properly, it’s crisis avoidance. As the Harvard Business Review points out: “Knowing about first-aid is not the same thing as protecting your health.”

Neither is reputation management a version of public-relations sophistry. The message matters, but only if it’s authentic. Those who think they can improve a company’s reputation without imposing higher val-

ues are confusing form with substance. Aggressive rebuttals are not a substitute for integrity. Steve Marshall, who became Railtrack’s chief executive soon after the Hatfield rail crash, which killed four people in 2000, concluded: “The fundamental truth, which you discover only when you have gone through the fires of hell, is that your reputation will always mirror the absolute reality of what you are.”

In the short run, a positive image can be conjured up by over-exuberant PR. But when it creates undeliverable expectations, the risk of disaster rises. Reputation enhancement is not about saying what you are. It’s about doing what you say you are – especially when the regulators are asleep.

After the Libor scandal had blown away Barclays’s chairman, chief executive and chief operating officer, one of the bank’s remaining directors, Rich Ricci, admitted: “We’ve always scrutinised our busi-

nesses based on their ability to generate returns. Now, however, I feel it is appropriate to modify that assessment by explicitly looking at reputational risk.” This is hardly a new idea. More than 2,000 years ago, the philosopher Socrates said: “The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavour to be what you desire to appear.”

Antony Jenkins, Barclays’s chief executive, should reflect on that. His priority is to close the gap between what the bank claims to be and what it really is. As part of the effort to rebrand itself as an ethical business, Barclays has identified five key buzzwords, or “values” as its spin doctors prefer to label them: Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship.

They sound like something dreamt up by David Brent in The Office. Indeed, Mr Jenkins accepts customers will be sceptical until they see good intentions turned into action. In Britain, we judge liars par-

ticularly harshly. In 2005, when Lord Browne was running BP, the oil company’s Texas City refinery suffered a catastrophic explosion, killing 15 workers and injuring 170 others. The company was hit with a record fine for hundreds of safety violations, yet Lord Browne kept his job. Two years later, he slipped out a falsehood in court about his private life and was forced to resign.

The conclusion is unavoidable: perjury is regarded as a more serious failing than presiding over the death of 15 employees.

Case studies of reputational disasters are often laced with management-speak and techno-babble. Strip them down to bare essentials, however, and there is one enduring truth: honesty is at the core of all good reputations. Deceit does more lasting damage than a thousand unfortunate mistakes and a botched cover-up is usually judged more harshly than the original sin. Ask Lance Armstrong.

— Courtesy: The Telegraph

Missed call..!

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rust us for coining words that have no parallels. “Give me a missed call!” I told my American friend as I left him at his hotel. “A what?”

“A missed call!” I explained.

“What’s a missed call,” he asked still looking perplexed, “Either I call you or I don’t call you. You can miss my call, if your phone is off, or when you are on another call, but I can’t give you a missed call!” “Oh yes you can,” I said,

grabbed his phone from him and rang my own number, “Now watch!” I heard my own phone ring and grinned at him. “Now see what it says. What does it say?”

“It says you missed a call!” said my American friend, “Is that what you mean by ‘missed call’?” I grinned with happiness, I was happy he’d finally come to know how we people operated, “A missed call,” I said, “Tells me you have called, and I can call you back at my own time.

A missed call,” I also explained, “is used by wives to remind their husband about something she told him in the morning, used by mothers to tell their children they are being remembered or well loved and for a host of numerous reasons!”

“All this without paying a paisa!” said my American friend with wonder. “We are an ingenious people!” I said. “I am sure you are!” he said looking at me seriously. “What happens if I accidentally pick up the phone?” he asked.

“That could be disastrous,” I whispered, “But then here in our country nobody does, we give time to the other party to place a missed call, then we pick it up on the third ring!” “But if I picked it up on the first ring?”

“You would be considered very impolite, and would find nobody calling you at all.” “But then when you make a missed call to me, you expect me to call you back, isn’t it?” asked my American friend. “Yes of course,

and within the minute, otherwise it would be considered very impolite!” “So in other words I pay for the conversation which you want to have with me?”“Right!” I said, smiling at him, for picking up so quickly. “Suppose I don’t call you back?” “You will,” I said, “Suspense is what the missed call is all about. You know you have to pay for the call, but it’s easier making that call, than spending time in suspense, and finally an ulcer!”

“You are a clever people!”

“Which is why we will become the largest economy in the world in twenty years time,” I said, “On all your missed calls, we don’t pay for..!”

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Voice of the People Police involved in crimes REHAN ALI

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orture cases have become a norm in our society. Just recently a death due to torture took place in police custody and during the investigation, eight police officials were found involved in the death of an innocent laborer and the offenders also contacted his widow to bribe her and keep mum about the incident. Police teams are investigating the case of torture in detail. During the investigating period, one alarming thing that has come up is that the ASP himself is involved in this heinous crime with other eight police officials of torturing the laborer to death. The institution that is responsible for maintaining law and order and protecting citizens safe from criminals and murderers, is itself involved in murder and criminal activities. This is why, Pakistanis don’t trust their police because they themselves are corrupt and involved in murders, rapes and other criminal activities. The Police Department, should take strict action against these murderers to set an example for the rest of the police department.

—Islamabad

Troubles ahead SHAISTA AWAIS The dollar has reached the dreaded Rs 100 mark. Our hopes have been dashed and our lives are about to get much harder. Now that there seems to be no end to the downward spiral of the Pakistani rupee, we can look forward to more backbreaking costs, inflation and rising food and basic necessity prices.

Too many people are already living a life of complete despair without any hope for betterment.

With the present dispensation doing absolutely nothing for the masses and Pakistan’s currency suffering from a nosedive, is it any wonder that people with a fraction of talent and expertise are trying to get out?

What is the government going to do about this mess?

—Lahore

Why ‘tax amnesty scheme’?

The Concerned Citizens of Pakistan Society (CCP) strongly condemns the government’s proposal of giving legal cover to a ‘money whitening’ scheme through a controversial Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, which is likely to become law before the general elections after hasty passage by parliament. The proposed law provides for legalising undisclosed assets on payment of less than one percent tax. Such legislation is a mala fide exercise of legislative power, the intent being to protect those parliamentarians and their cronies who have amassed vast assets through illegal means and through abuse of power. Such fraudulent tax amnesty schemes dissuade conscientious citizens from paying taxes.

The assertion that this scheme will help to bring non-taxpayers within the tax net are unfounded. According to media reports, the last amnesty scheme resulted in receiving only Rs 2.5 billion, which pales into insignificance in view of the increased trust deficit between the citizens and the government as a result of these moves. Such measures also result in a skewed tax structure, which exempts the elite class and shifts the burden of taxation onto the poor. Only two percent of the population pays tax on its incomes. There is an urgent need to bring asset-seizure legislation to confiscate the untaxed assets of those who are the intended beneficiaries of this ploy.

The tax ombudsman has revealed that 70 percent of parliamentarians have failed to pay their taxes.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and FIA, instead of investigating these serious allegations, are ignoring them under government pressure. The CCP urges the election commission to disqualify and bar proven tax evaders from contesting elections by enforcing Articles 62 and 63 of the constitution. Otherwise, the assemblies will again be filled by dishonest and self-serving legislators for another five years.

—Lahore

NAB officer’s death MUHAMMAD DAHEEM The death of Kamran Faisal, an assistant director at NAB, is still a mystery, unresolved. His dead body was found in his federal lodge room in Islamabad. He was part of the team investigating high-profile power projects scam against several persons including the then minister of water and power.

It is now presumed, under strong circumstantial evidence, that Kamran Faisal was harassed from at least two persons: these are NAB Chairman Fasih Bukhari and Director-General of HR at NAB Kausar Malik. It has now been officially admitted that Faisal was summoned to see both these men on the night/ next day he died, and that there was a two-hour meeting in which he came under severe pressure to change the content of the report that he had written. He sent an important message to his friends and colleagues that DG of HR wanted him to ‘...backdate regarding change from case.’ Within hours of communicating this message he was found

dead in his room. Police has accused the NAB high-ups of destroying evidence from the crime scene by intruding into Faisal’s room and keeping it in their possession for two hours.

“During the first two hours all belongings of the victim were under custody of NAB officials who did not call police.

His death came a few days after the Supreme Court ordered the arrest of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and 15 others in connection with Rental Power Projects scam. According to Faisal Saleh Hayat “NAB is sub-ordinate body of the government and it would not implement he judgment of the Supreme Court in Rental Power Projects case. The whole nation is now looking to the court proceedings and its outcome in the near future. Several NAB officers have shown their strong speculations that Faisal was murdered and did not commit suicide. The high-ups of NAB seem to be involved in giving protection to powerful and influential politicians. It is important to note that, according to press reports, one of the NAB DGs offered million of dollars to the father of Kamran Faisal during investigation.

Recently the Punjb Forensic Science team, headed by Rana Naseer Ahmed, has excavated Kamran Faisal’s body to examine it. The basic purpose of this team is to determine whether “ it was a suicide or murder.” Kamran, though suffering from depression, was a man of strong nerves. His several colleagues and family members believe that he was murdered. The head of the family had shown confidence in the findings of the Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.

The apex court is trying to find facts behind the death of NAB officer. The high- profile scam investigators feel insecure and need proper safety measures. It is hoped that apex court would succeed to find the real cause of Kamran Faisal’s death.

—Via email

India invites more troubles MASOOD KHAN How does one describe the Kashmiri youths’ reaction to Afzal Guru’s execution at Tihar jail in Delhi — anger, frustration, alienation and abandonment? His hanging may be a short-term relief for the Congress-led central government but, apparently, its impact in the long run will prove Afzal’s executioners wrong. If, for a moment, we keep the humanitarian issue aside, the Indian government and judiciary have not done a job that will elevate their status among nations. Apparently, he was sentenced to death to meet the general public’s expectations, not to meet the criteria that you are innocent till proven guilty beyond doubt.

How come Guru could not get a good lawyer to plead his case? How come he was left to be handled by a junior lawyer more loyal to his payers — the government? No doubt, the Indian parliament was attacked, all the attackers were killed during the response operation by the forces, and, similarly, all those who provided logistical support should have been punished — but not in this way. Unannounced hanging, no last meeting with family members, a dead body not handed over to the family; this is not a bright day for India. The Congress-led government might have scored a point against the BJP’s attacks but forceful clampdown, indefinite curfew and suspension of cable TV, internet and mobile phone services in Indian-Kashmir tell some other story.

Since Pakistan turned its back on Kashmiri militants in the last decade, armed militancy declined. However, Guru’s execution may revive the militant forces. Everyone is talking about Maqbool Butt’s execution in 1984, which became a starting/rallying point for the armed insurgency in 1989. Who knows what Guru’s hanging will bring for the future? One thing is for sure: Guru’s hanging is a bad omen for those Indians, Kashmiris and Pakistanis who have been advocating a peaceful solution of the Kashmir conflict. We see such well wishers of the Kashmiri people going onto the sidelines while communal forces such as the BJP, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) and Jaishe-Mohammed are taking over. That is a horrible thought, is it not?

—Jubail, Saudi Arabia

Outlet for thoughts MUHAMMAD ZAHEER ABBAS Wall chalking has become a permanent menace in Pakistan. The walls of houses and other properties in residential and commercial areas are used for political messages such as political slogans and political marketing not only by political and religious parties but also by student federations, unions and other organisations. Wall chalking is excessively used, without any fear or restriction, as a mode of cheap marketing by low-level companies, palmists and so-called health clinics. Apart from ignorance and lack of awareness, one of the possible reasons of widespread wall chalking in the country may be lack of forums or platforms to express one’s emotions. People ruin the aesthetics of the city to vent their frustrations and use other people’s property as an outlet for their thoughts.

The attention of parliamentarians and the authorities concerned is being drawn towards this issue in the wake of the upcoming general elections. The Election Commission of Pakistan should give due importance to this issue and bar political parties from eroding the beauty of cities during their election campaigning. Advanced countries like the UK have strict laws in this regard and anyone caught indulging in wall chalking is arrested and prosecuted under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 and AntiSocial Behaviour Act 2003. In Pakistan, there is a need to devise effective laws to combat this practice, but parliamentarians do not take this issue seriously, possibly because of the fact that all political parties deface our cities with wall chalking, especially during their election campaigns.

—Islamabad

Know your limits!

DR IRFAN ZAFAR President Asif Ali Zardari spent his first day at the ‘bombproof Bilawal House’ spread over an area of several acres. Our brave president needs to be reminded that the world renowned singer Michael Jackson used to sleep inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber with the aim of achieving a longer life. Despite all this, he died untimely at a comparatively young age. What Mr Zardari fails to understand is that when someone’s time comes, neither a life enhancing chamber nor bombproof bunkers will be of any help.

—Islamabad

Metro Bus Service HANNA AZIZ One holds many lofty dreams and hopes for the Metro Bus Service.

The citizens of Lahore have waited a year and have suffered massive inconvenience just to be able to avail this facility. As a means of mass transit, the bus service does hold serious potential but, if the first day is anything to go by, the mainstay of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif may prove to be an idea that just could not work. Apparently, the buses were extremely overcrowded and people kept making a mad dash, jumping across the rails and steel bars, to get to the buses on time.

This could be because of the free fares for the first month of operations but one can fathom the Pakistani public never really learning a lesson on basic civility and manners.

Along with the bus service, Mr Shahbaz Sharif should also have published some books and instructional manuals on the etiquette of bus travel so that the public learn a thing or two as well.

—Lahore

READERS are requested to type their letters legibly with double spacing and only on one side of the paper.

—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

7 reasons China and Japan won’t go to war TREFOR MOSS Even as tensions between Beijing and Tokyo grow by the day, there are good reasons to believe outright conflict can be avoided.

The sequel seldom improves on the original. Yet Shinzo Abe, Japan’s newly re-elected prime minister, has already displayed more conviction during his second spell at the Kantei than in the entire year of his first, unhappy premiership.

Political energy is a plus only when it’s wisely deployed however, and some fear that Abe is picking a fight he can’t win when it comes to his hardline stance on China. Rather than attempting to soothe the tensions that built between Beijing and Tokyo in 2012, Abe has struck a combative tone, especially concerning their dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands – a keystone for nationalists in both countries. Each time fighter aircraft are scrambled or ships are sent to survey the likely flashpoint, we hear more warnings about the approach of a war that China and Japan now seem almost eager to wage.

The Economist, for example,recently observed that, “China and Japan are sliding towards war,” while Hugh White of the Australian National University warned his readers: “Don’t be too surprised if the U.S. and Japan go to war with China [in 2013].” News this week of another reckless act of escalation – Chinese naval vessels twice training their radars on their Japanese counterparts – will only have ratcheted up their concerns. These doomful predictions came as Abe set out his vision of a more hard-nosed Japan that will no longer be pushed around when it comes to sovereignty issues. In

his December op-ed on Project Syndicate Abe accused Beijing of performing “daily exercises in coercion” and advocated a “democratic security diamond” comprising Australia, India, Japan and the U.S. (rehashing a concept from the 2007 Quadrilateral Security Dialogue).

He then proposed defense

rather than creating the conditions for one. And he undoubtedly has a more sanguine view of the future of Sino-Japanese relations than those who see war as an ever more likely outcome.

Of course, there is a chance that Chinese and Japanese ships or aircraft will clash as the dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands

ronment which the two countries co-inhabit. Specifically, there are seven reasons to think that war is a very unlikely prospect, even with a more hawkish prime minister running Japan: 1. Beijing’s nightmare scenario. China might well win a war against Japan, but defeat would also be a very real possi-

Even as tensions between Beijing and Tokyo grow by the day, there are good reasons to believe outright conflict can be avoided. spending increases – Japan’s first in a decade – and strengthened security relations with the Philippines and Vietnam, which both share Tokyo’s misgivings about China’s intentions. An allianceaffirming trip to the U.S.is expected soon, and there is talk of Japan stationing F-15s on Shimojijima, close to the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands.

However, Abe would argue that he is acting to strengthen Japan in order to balance a rising China and prevent a conflict,

rumbles on; and, if they do, there is a chance that a skirmish could snowball unpredictably into a wider conflict.

But if Shinzo Abe is gambling with the region’s security, he is at least playing the odds. He is calculating that Japan can pursue a more muscular foreign policy without triggering a catastrophic backlash from China, based on the numerous constraints that shape Chinese actions, as well as the interlocking structure of the globalized envi-

bility. As China closes the book on its “century of humiliation” and looks ahead to prouder times, the prospect of a new, avoidable humiliation at the hands of its most bitter enemy is enough to persuade Beijing to do everything it can to prevent that outcome (the surest way being not to have a war at all). Certainly, China’s new leader, Xi Jinping, does not want to go down in history as the man who led China into a disastrous conflict with the Japanese.

In that scenario, Xi would be

Obama the European?

ANA PALACIO

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ARACK Obama began his second term as US President with an inaugural address that presented a broad vision of American government. In Europe, the prevailing reaction highlights that, between the lines, America’s first self-proclaimed “Pacific president” delivered the most “European” inaugural address in recent memory.

Obama’s speech not only embraced the core principles of social democracy as understood in Europe, but also heralded a new era of American engagement in global governance issues. But, notwithstanding Obama’s Euro-enthusiasm, valid questions remain concerning his administration’s foreign policy. Along with frequent references to America’s founding principles and to the touchstones

Obama called for cross-party support to head off those cuts and find a compromise. of US history, Obama presented a vision of society, government, and foreign relations with which most Europeans could identify, including explicit references to women’s rights and, for the first time in such a high-level speech, gay rights.

The address also embraced social welfare (“The commitments we make to each other through Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security, these things do not sap our initiative, they strengthen us”) and the idea of fraternité (“preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action”).

For those who see Obama becoming more “European,” the climax of the speech was his mention of the “threat of climate change” – again, for the first time in an American inaugural ad-

dress. In the same vein, Obama’s pledge to “renew those institutions that extend our capacity to manage crises abroad” was hailed as another telling sign that Obama’s views coincide with Europe’s.

The last reference to international institutions in an inaugural address was President John F. Kennedy’s pledge to support the United Nations in 1961. But, while Obama’s emphasis on institutions is particularly striking when compared with other major US presidential addresses, the starkest contrast is with British Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech about Europe, delivered two days later.

Cameron’s remarks (“the EU is seen as something that is done to people rather than acting on their behalf”) came closer to the institutional skepticism of Ronald Reagan’s inaugural address in 1981 (“[I]t is not my intention to do away with government,” but “to make it …work with us, not over us”) than to Obama’s “European” vision. But is Obama’s inaugural address an indication of a renewed vigor for US-backed/led multilateralism?

At the outset of his first administration, Obama spoke of the need “for a global response to global challenges,” which was followed by a move toward multilateral engagement, most notably in Libya. But his administration’s persistent failure to address the crisis in Syria effectively, along with its backseat approach in Mali, suggests that such concerted multilateralism was an exception.

In a recent interview, Obama emphasised America’s “extremely effective” participation in multilateral organisations and its role in developing international rules and norms as successes of his firstterm foreign policy. To the extent that an institutional approach was taken, however, it was largely taken outside the framework of formal institutions such as the United Nations. Rather, it highlighted soft or ad hoc structures, such as the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the Open Government Partnership, or the various G’s, particularly the G-20.

The hard truth is that the US remains reluctant to trade its sovereignty for multilateral solutions. Notably, it is not a party to a large number of important international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (one of only three UN members that has not ratified the CRC).

It remains to be seen whether Obama’s inclusion of institutional renewal in his inaugural address marks a turning point in America’s approach to multilateralism. —Courtesy Straits Times Ana Palacio, a former Spanish foreign minister and former Senior Vice President of the World Bank, is a member of the Spanish Council of State.

doomed politically, and, as China’s angry nationalism turned inward, the Communist Party probably wouldn’t survive either.

2. Economic interdependence. Win or lose, a Sino-Japanese war would be disastrous for both participants. The flagging economy that Abe is trying to breathe life into with a $117 billion stimulus package would take a battering as the lucrative China market was closed off to Japanese business. China would suffer, too, as Japanese companies pulled out of a now-hostile market, depriving up to 5 million Chinese workers of their jobs, even as Xi Jinping looks to double per capita income by 2020. Panic in the globalized economy would further depress both economies, and potentially destroy the programs of both countries’ new leaders.

3. Question marks over the PLA’s operational effectiveness.The People’s Liberation Army is rapidly modernizing, but there are concerns about how effective it would prove if pressed into combat today – not least within China’s own military hierarchy. New Central Military Commission Vice-Chairman Xu Qiliang recently told the PLA Daily that too many PLA exercises are merely for show, and that new elite units had to be formed if China wanted to protect its interests. CMC Chairman Xi Jinping has also called on the PLA to improve its readiness for “real combat.”

Other weaknesses within the PLA, such as endemic corruption, would similarly undermine the leadership’s confidence in committing it to a risky war with a peer adversary.

4. Unsettled politics. China’s civil and military leaderships remain in a state of flux, with the

handover initiated in November not yet complete. As the new leaders find their feet and jockey for position amongst themselves, they will want to avoid big foreign-policy distractions – war with Japan and possibly the U.S. being the biggest of them all.

5. The unknown quantity of U.S. intervention. China has its hawks, such as Dai Xu, who think that the U.S. would never intervene in an Asian conflict on behalf of Japan or any other regional ally. But this view is far too casual. U.S. involvement is a real enough possibility to give China pause, should the chances of conflict increase.

6. China’s policy of avoiding military confrontation. China has always said that it favors peace-

7. China’s socialization.

China has spent too long telling the world that it poses no threat to peace to turn around and fulfill all the China-bashers’ prophecies. Already, China’s reputation in Southeast Asia has taken a hit over its handling of territorial disputes there. If it were cast as the guilty party in a conflict with Japan –which already has the sympathy of many East Asian countries where tensions China are concerned – China would see regional opinion harden against it further still. This is not what Beijing wants: It seeks to influence regional affairs diplomatically from within, and to realize “win-win” opportunities with its international partners.

In light of these constraints,

Political energy is a plus only when it’s wisely deployed however, and some fear that Abe is picking a fight he can’t win when it comes to his hardline stance on China. ful solutions to disputes, and its actions have tended to bear this out. In particular, it continues to usually dispatch unarmed or only lightly armed law enforcement ships to maritime flashpoints, rather than naval ships.

There have been calls for a more aggressive policy in the nationalist media, and from some military figures; but Beijing has not shown much sign of heeding them. The PLA Navy made a more active intervention in the dispute this week when one of its frigates trained its radar on a Japanese naval vessel. This was a dangerous and provocative act of escalation, but once again the Chinese action was kept within bounds that made violence unlikely (albeit, needlessly, more likely than before).

Abe should be able to push back against China – so long as he doesn’t go too far. He was of course dealt a rotten hand by his predecessor, Yoshihiko Noda, whose bungled nationalization of the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands triggered last year’s plunge in relations. Noda’s misjudgments raised the political temperature to the point where neither side feels able to make concessions, at least for now, in an attempt to repair relations.

However, Abe can make the toxic Noda legacy work in his favor. Domestically, he can play the role of the man elected to untangle the wreckage, empowered by his democratic mandate to seek a new normal in SinoJapanese relations. Chinese assertiveness would be met with

a newfound Japanese assertiveness, restoring balance to the relationship. It is also timely for Japan to push back now, while its military is still a match for China’s. Five or ten years down the line this may no longer be the case, even if Abe finally grows the stagnant defense budget.

Meanwhile, Abe is also pursuing diplomatic avenues. It was Abe who mended Japan’s ties with China after the Koizumi years, and he is now trying to reprise his role as peacemaker, having dispatched his coalition partner, Natsuo Yamaguchi, to Beijing reportedly to convey his desire for a new dialogue. It is hardly surprising, given his daunting domestic laundry list, that Xi Jinping should have responded encouragingly to the Japanese olive branch.

In the end, Abe and Xi are balancing the same equation: They will not give ground on sovereignty issues, but they have no interest in a war – in fact, they must dread it. Even if a small skirmish between Chinese and Japanese ships or aircraft occurs, the leaders will not order additional forces to join the battle unless they are boxed in by a very specific set of circumstances that makes escalation the only facesaving option. The escalatory spiral into all-out war that some envisage once the first shot is fired is certainly not the likeliest outcome, as recurrent skirmishes elsewhere – such as in Kashmir, or along the Thai-Cambodian border – have demonstrated. — Courtesy Diplomat Trefor Moss is an independent journalist based in Hong Kong.

He covers Asian politics, defence and security, and was AsiaPacific Editor at Jane’s Defence Weekly until 2009.

Historical ambiguity swirls in isles dispute

T

HE solitary islands of the East China Sea used to be the fancy of poets and fishermen. But today, these rocky outposts are at the heart of a tug of war churning the waters between Asia’s two biggest economies. The cluster of islands, which Japan calls Senkaku and China, Diaoyu, have become the lightning rod for what is seen as the worst downslide in bilateral relations between the two Asian powers, in 40 years.

“What really matters right now is who is physically occupying these islets. It is a fact that China did not show any serious interest in the Senkakus until the late 1960s when it was speculated that they were rich in oil, gas and other mineral deposits in the seas around the islands”, says KV Kesavan, an East Asia specialist at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi.

The five uninhabited islands that stand 400 kilometers off Okinawa, are submerged in the conflicting historical legacies of China, Japan and Taiwan (also a claimant), thus complicating the sovereignty issue of the isles.

Japan pegs its ownership of the Senkaku to 1895, claiming the islands were terra nullius, or belonging to no one when it took control of them. Japan refutes Chinese claims that it seized the islands following its victory over China in 1895, under the treaty of Shimonoseki, which ended the Sino-Japanese war.

With Japan’s surrender in the World War II, these desolate islands acquired new owners. The Americans took military control of the Senkaku and Okinawa, transferring them back to Japan

only in 1972. Experts say the US intentionally left the ownership issue ambiguous, not wishing to hurt a rapprochement with China under then US president Nixon.

Despite their close trade ties, the stormy exchange between China and Japan, the world’s second and third largest economies continues to escalate.

China squarely rejects Japan’s 19th century assertion of ownership. It traces its legitimacy over the Diaoyu back to the 14th century, to the Ming and Qing dynasties, claiming Chinese envoys and traders discovered the islands during their maritime voyages. The

mental right to its own version of history, experts say, there is also an urgent need to accommodate solutions that are acceptable to all.

A similar saber-rattling is reverberating across the South China Sea, making these busy sea-lanes choppier than usual.

The theme is familiar — a race for resources fueled by rising nationalism, with China as the common denominator. Vietnam and China are fighting over the Paracel islands that lie southeast of China’s Hainan Island. Further south, high tides are battering the Spratlys, contested by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and

The current intransigence over these islands underscores the importance of historical interpretation, given that the sovereignty issue of the islands is inextricably linked to the chronological lineage of the sparring nations.

Chinese still harbor deep resentment toward Japan’s military past, accusing it of seizing the islands from China during its imperial expansion. Furnishing ancient maps to bolster its case, China states the islands undisputedly belong to them.

The current intransigence over these islands underscores the importance of historical interpretation, given that the sovereignty issue of the islands is inextricably linked to the chronological lineage of the sparring nations. With each country pegging its claim to a historical precedent, it makes a resolution of the problem intractable.

While every nation has a funda-

the Philippines. To assert its ownership, China is using the controversial nine-dash line, a map that demarcates its control over more than 80 percent of the South China Sea, including the Paracel and Spratly islands. This line has riled Southeast Asian nations, who say it violates international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. The Philippines, which is protesting Chinese assertions over the Scarborough Shoal, has taken the dispute to a UNCLOS tribunal.

A move it says it was forced to take after peaceful negotiations failed. While no one really knows

the extent of oil and gas reserves in the South China Sea, estimates vary. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) pegs it at around 30 billion barrels, while China estimates nearly 200 billion barrels exist, calling it the “new Persian Gulf”. Hungry for resources, China is therefore not likely to steer clear from these waters anytime soon. “Resource nationalism”, explains professor Thayer, “has trumped international law and common sense”.

Meanwhile, China is keeping a watchful eye on the United States deepening interest in Southeast Asia, a region with which China shares a flourishing business and economic partnership, and is its top trading partner.

China is wary of US President Barack Obama’s “rebalance” or “pivot” to the Asia-Pacific region, a policy translated in Chinese as America’s “return to Asia”. China maintains it wants bilateral solutions with each of the claimants in the South China Sea, and is opposed to the so-called “internationalization” of the issue, involving the United States.

“The Obama administration’s ‘rebalancing’ moves portend a worrying trajectory for the SinoAmerican strategic relationship,” says Zhu Feng, deputy director of the school of international studies at Peking University. China, according to Zhu, is feeling insecure at what it perceives as America’s growing clout in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN countries, he advises, should not alienate China by engaging deeper with the US. —Courtesy Jakarta Post The writer is a freelance journalist based in Singapore and a former reporter for BBC Asia.

Scotland ‘New State’ outside EU, UN if splits: Britain ANDREW OSBORN

T

HE British government has released a legal opinion arguing that, if Scotland were to secede from the United Kingdom, it would have to reapply for membership into various international organizations, including the EU. The release of this legal opinion appears to be part of an effort by David Cameron’s to persuade Scottish voters to vote against Scottish independence in an upcoming referendum. The political implications of secession are manifold, and the warnings from the Cameron administration are disputed by supporters of independence, but it would likely weaken the UK politically. The pro-independence Scottish National Party has argued that the transition to independence would be negotiated, rather than legally preordained, and the UK would be acting against its own interests if it endeavored to prevent Scottish membership in international institutions.

The British government has intensified its campaign to stop Scotland leaving the United

Kingdom, publishing a legal opinion saying it would forfeit its membership of international bodies such as the European Union if it chose independence.

The pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) that runs Scotland’s devolved government plans to hold a referendum on the politically sensitive and emotionally charged subject next year, and has played down the impact of a “Yes” vote on Scotland’s international status.

But the 57-page legal opinion - drafted for the British government by two independent experts on international law - said the implications could be farreaching, likening the situation to the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union when Russia was declared the USSR’s legal successor but the 14 other Soviet states had to forge their international relations anew.

The overwhelming weight of international precedent suggested Scotland would be legally deemed a “new state”, it said - a scenario that would force it to reapply to join international bodies such as the EU, the United Nations and NATO. The

government’s unusual decision to publish such an opinion reflects its concern that Scots may vote for independence, triggering the break-up of a United Kingdom comprising England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“If Scotland became independent, only the ‘remainder of the UK’ would automatically continue to exercise the same rights, obligations and powers under international law as the UK currently does, and would not

have to re-negotiate existing treaties or re-apply for membership of international organizations,” the government said.

CAMERON LEGACY: That is a position backed by European Commission President

Jose Manuel Barroso who, when asked about Scotland, has repeatedly said that any new state that breaks away from an existing EU state would have to re-apply to join the bloc. Spain’s government is facing a similar challenge with Catalonia, where at least one poll has shown that more than half of Catalonian voters would choose independence if given the chance.

Prime Minister David Cameron intervened in the British debate on Sunday, conceding that Scotland had what it takes to be an independent nation, but arguing it enjoyed “the best of both worlds” as part of the UK. “Put simply: Britain works.

Britain works well. Why break it?” he wrote in an article published in Scottish newspapers.

Cameron’s political future and historic legacy are on the line.

He has pledged to contest the next British election in 2015 and his own Conservative party would never forgive him if he presided over the break-up of the UK. London’s main parties are campaigning jointly against independence, knowing that Alex EDINBURGH: The First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond shakes hands with Britain’s Salmond’s SNP is a highly motiPrime Minister David Cameron, after signing the referendum agreement in St Andrew’s House. vated political machine that will

spare no effort to win a vote on its flagship policy. Tapping into an emotive cocktail of historical rivalry and a perception that the British parliament in London does not nurture Scotland’s national interests, the “Yes Scotland” campaign wants independence to be a reality by 2016.

Scottish secession could create serious problems for the remainder of the United Kingdom.

Britain’s Trident nuclear submarine fleet is based in Scotland, revenues from Scottish North Sea oil remain important to its coffers, and analysts say Britain would find it harder to maintain its voice in international bodies such as the U.N. Security Council as well as in European Union decision-making.

ARROGANT: An SNPbacked working group is due to publish proposals on Monday setting out economic reform options for an independent Scotland. The SNP published a document this month suggesting the transition arrangements could be made relatively swiftly, and that Independence Day for Scotland could come in March 2016, a timetable opponents dismissed as

unrealistic. Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP’s deputy leader, told BBC radio on Monday that different legal experts gave different views on the international status of an independent Scotland.

“These are matters that will be settled not by law but by negotiation and agreement,” she said. “If the UK government is really saying that they would, in the event of a yes vote, go out of their way to make life difficult for Scotland, not only is that very arrogant but it would also put them in a position of arguing against their own interest.”

Opinion polls suggest support for independence has stalled, with around one third or less of voters backing it and just under half opposing it. But Cameron and politicians from other parties remain nervous. One of the central planks of Cameron’s argument is that Scotland already enjoys a high degree of autonomy through its own parliament, and he has hinted that it would be able to repatriate even more powers if it rejected full independence. “This must not be a leap in the dark, but a decision made in the light of day,” he told Scots. —Reuters

Afghan president welcomes withdrawal

Iranian border security kills 7 Afghans From Page 1 were shot dead on AfghanistanIran border.

The source further added that the incident took place in Lash Joyand district.

Killing of Afghan civilians

by Iranian security forces is not a rare but such incidents frequently take place on the border region between the two countries.

Several Afghan civilians are heading towards Iran without proper travel documents and become victims of Iranian security forces.

In the meantime provincial governor spokesman Abdul Rahman Zhwandai said at least seven people were killed following the incident and three others are missing.

He said the individuals were drug smugglers and were looking to smuggle 400 kilogram of opium from Lash Joyand district to Iran.

Local residents in Lash Joyand disrict warned to protest against the killing of civilians and urged Afghan officials to respond to Iran security forces attack.

According to reports at least ten people were looking to cross the border and the remaining three individuals have been arrested by Iranian security forces.

—NNI

No surrender From Page 1 and the other residents. He can hear but he can’t see...He looked confused. And way taller than I was expecting...He was holding her in front of him. Maybe as a shield, I don’t know,’ the Seal 6 shooter recalls.

Further: “He’s got a gun on a shelf right there, the short AK he’s famous for. And he’s moving forward. I don’t know if she’s got a vest and she’s being pushed to martyr them both.

He’s got a gun within reach.

He’s a threat. I need to get a head shot so he won’t have a chance to clack himself off [blow himself up]. In that second, I shot him, two times in the forehead.

Bap! Bap! The second time as he’s going down. He crumpled onto the floor in front of his bed and I hit him again, Bap! same place.”

The raid is not without its moment of humor and pathos.

The Shooter describes how going into the raid he had a full bladder and had to relieve himself into a bottle.

“I forgot until later that when I shot bin Laden in the face, I had a bottle of piss in my pocket,” he recounts.

He also talks of listening later to phone calls between alQaida operatives trying to figure out who ratted on bin Laden.

He quotes “funny terrorists” as saying, “I heard he did it to himself. He was locked up in that house with three wives.” — Online

SC discards Qadri’s petition From Page 1 sued between the attorney general and the chief justice over whether Qadri’s plea to reconstitute the election commission months prior to the upcoming polls could be considered as sincere.

Earlier on Tuesday, the issue of locus standi (right to appear) was discussed by the apex court. Qadri had apparently failed to establish that he had the right to knock at the doors of the Supreme Court and seek the ECP’s reconstitution.

“Dr Sahib our anxiety is that you are not an ordinary individual but a jurist, a scholar, rather Sheikhul Islam, and deliver lectures in over 90 countries to bring people to the folds of Islam, but you are showing allegiance not only to Queen Elizabeth but also her successors,” Chief Justice Iftikhar had said on Tuesday.

“This petition of yours asks us to think over these issues,” the chief justice had stated and had repeatedly asked how Qadri could attack a constitutional institution by approaching another institution when in a third country he was not a Pakistani.

Pak decides not to unblock Youtube From Page 1 PTA said officials from the Youtube were expected to visit Pakistan by the end of current month.

Pakistan snapped Youtube in the aftermath of violent protests against an anti-Islam video posted on the website.

KABUL—The Afghan govern-

LAHORE: Girls selecting cards from a shop to celebrate the Valentine’s Day.

London property no longer looks so safe LONDON—London’s property from abroad - up from 61 per- covery,” said Investec property is losing its attraction for investors as they start to venture out of ‘safe havens’ and worry that the city’s prices look high given a slowing British economy.

A reputation as a safe place to park money during global market turmoil helped drive central London office prices up 52 percent between mid-2009 and the end of 2012. Prices in the smaller luxury residential market grew at a similar pace.

As investors feel calmer about the world in general, they are looking more closely at London property holdings.

“I cannot help but conclude that London is in bubble territory,” said Ben Habib, Chief Executive of First Property Group, which owns British and Polish real estate. “The returns available are very low and capital values vulnerable to a shock.”

Commercial property deals reached nearly 21 billion pounds last year, according to research group Real Capital Analytics.

That was double the amount for Paris and four times Berlin.

Over 64 percent of money coming into the market was

cent in 2011 and 55 percent in 2010. But fears of a euro zone breakup, a slew of U.S. tax rises and spending cuts or sharply slowing Chinese growth have diminished - removing factors that had driven the flow of money.

Meanwhile, concerns over Britain itself have grown.

The economy shrank in the last quarter of 2012, Britain’s AAA credit rating looks in danger and the pound is at a 6month low against the dollar in part because of outflows from government bonds that had themselves been seen as a safe haven. A weakening pound “may start the unwinding of the great wall of money,” said Jefferies real estate analyst Mike Prew. “A prime London asset denominated in a secondary currency loses much of its investment appeal.”

Not all agree that London property has run out of steam, citing strong lettings in buildings outside top locations.

“If this is a recession, then not only is London doing rather well but imagine the impact of any economic and financial re-

analyst Alan Carter.

When the investor focus turns to yield rather than preserving capital, sceptics say it is harder to make the case for London property.

Yields for some Mayfair properties are under 4 percent.

They are below 3 percent for the Rolex store under the One Hyde Park luxury flat scheme in Knightsbridge. That compares to a longer term trend of about 5 percent in the wider West End district. “We don’t believe there is good value in prime central London and are selling to reinvest elsewhere,” said Richard Gwilliam, head of property research at PRUPIM, a real estate investment arm of British insurer Prudential that has about 15 billion pounds under management.

With signs of some half-full or vacant buildings starting to drop rents, that could also hurt values. A succession of job cuts announced by banks have added to concerns over demand.

The luxury residential market is already in something of a hiatus after rises in sales tax for the priciest homes.—AP

ANP APC today From Page 1 sent to attend the conference.

He said terrorism is the major problem faced by the country, which is badly affecting our economy and all the stakeholders have to collectively find solution. No government alone can tackle this menace.

He said around 27 political parties including PPP, PML-N, JUI-F, MQM, Pakhtunkhwa Awami Milli Party and major bar associations have confirmed their participation in the APC. He said ANP is still in contact with Jamat-e-Islami for their participation in the APC, however, Pakistan Tehrik-eInsaf has not responded to our invitation.

Referring to Tehrik-eTaliban Pakistan, he said we would prefer negotiations and TTP also has shown their intentions to sit on the table.

He said we want to formulate the roadmap for coming government and security forces with consensus so they may follow it to ensure peace in the country since Awami National Party believe extremism the root cause of all our problems.— Online

Dunford Rights group: Sindh EC submits affidavit meets Karzai From Page 1 Israel violated on Karachi electoral lists Isaf did not elaborate on 1 what was discussed in the laws of war Justice Gulzar Ahmed andFrom Page its and the verification process meeting.

Dunford took control of the Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed was should be carried out purely in Gaza Nato-led combat mission in Afhearing the case regarding the with the help of armed forces

ghanistan on Sunday in an and FC personnel. reforms.

JERUSALEM —A U.S.-based electoral Later, during the hearing elaborate ceremony as outgoing According to the affidavit,

rights group said Israel violated laws of war in a series of airstrikes it conducted during an eight-day military operation last November against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Human Rights Watch said it counted 14 airstrikes in which there didn’t appear to be a valid military target, and four others targeting militants, but which used disproportionate force.

HRW said the attacks killed more than 40 Palestinian civilians. They included a bomb attack on a home in the northern Gaza Strip town of Jebalia that killed Fouad Hijazi, a 46-yearold janitor, and two of his children, ages 4 and 2.

Israel’s air assault came after weeks of increased rocket fire by Palestinian militants in Gaza toward Israeli communities.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said the army “established an inquiry board” headed by a major general to look into the eight-day operation, including incidents raised by HRW. She said the board’s work hadn’t yet been completed.

“It is regrettable that the organization has opted to publish unverified claims,” the spokeswoman said. She could not be identified, citing military policy.—AP

the provincial election commission carried out verification of voter lists in five districts of the metropolis with the help of army.

In December last year, the Supreme Court had asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to carry out fresh verification of voters’ lists in Karachi, with the assistance of the army and the Frontier Corps.

During the course of proceedings, the bench also took up two individual applications, on the same subject, submitted by Hussain Mehnati and Syeda Tehsin Fatima.

The chief justice remarked that the process of verification was going well by and large with the help of armed forces in Karachi.

He said that the court would also ask the secretary defence to disclose exact number of troops involved in the verification process.

The bench stated that the process was still continuing and if any grievance was raised, it should be redressed by the provincial election commission.

The court reiterated that the election commission staff should make door-to-door vis-

of original case, the bench observed that the election commission had to provide some kind of modality for providing the overseas Pakistanis to exercise their right to vote.

Justice Gulzar Ahmed remarked that postal ballots could be very precarious as there were chances of rigging in the process.

Hamid Khan, counsel for PTI chief Imran Khan, said that in any case the ECP had to evolve a mechanism, which could give about 44 million Pakistanis residing in different countries, the right to vote.

Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed held that the process of postal ballots was not an easy one as it demanded a lot of exercise, finances and time at the same time.

Upon this, the CJ remarked that the time was very short and the ECP had to be very vigilant in making a strategy for overseas Pakistanis.

He directed Attorney General Irfan Qadir, who was not present, to appear before the court in next hearing to clear the government’s point of view in this regard. The court adjourned the hearing to Thursday.

PPP, PML-Q to devise seat adjustment formula today forthcoming general elections.

Earlier, the meeting was scheduled to be happened on Friday but at the suggestion of the President Asif Ali Zardari, the representatives from both the sides would meet on now Today and if another meeting is required then resume the talk on Friday to finalize the seat adjustment formula.

According to the sources, it is decided that PML-Q would support the PPP candi-

From Page 1 date in a constituency where PPP candidate already won the seat in 2008 general elections and vice versa. In a case a constituency lost either by the PPP or PML-Q candidate in the previous elections, the runnerup of the respective party would be nominated as a joint candidate.

The sources further claimed that in a few constituencies the candidates of both

the parties could contest the upcoming general elections independently on the platform of their respective party.

The sources said PPP leader Ahmed Mukhtar wanted to contest elections in Gujrat similarly Chaudhary brothers also interested in the same constituency so it is decided that in exception case some candidates could contest elections even against each other in some certain constituencies.

ment on Wednesday welcomed President Barack Obama’s decision to bring home half of the 66,000 American troops in Afghanistan within the next year, and said its forces are ready to take responsibility for the country’s security.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been pressing for a faster pace in the withdrawal of foreign combat troops from Afghanistan and agreed with Obama last month to accelerate the handover of security responsibilities to his country’s newly trained security forces to this spring — instead of late summer as originally planned.

“Afghanistan welcomes the announcement by President Obama,” Karzai’s office said.

“This is something Afghanistan has wanted for so long now. The withdrawal in spring of foreign forces from Afghan villages will definitely help in ensuring peace and full security in Afghanistan.”

The Afghan Defense Ministry said it was ready to take on the responsibility.

“We are ready to fill the vacuum and we are ready to take full responsibility for security in 2013,” ministry spokesman Mohammad Zahir Azimi told The Associated Press.

Many Afghans, however, worry that a quick drawdown will destabilize a country that is still fighting a war with insurgents more than 11 years after the U.S. invasion. They also fear that the nearly 352,000 strong Afghan army and police forces are not ready to take the lead for security.

Although the drawdown was widely expected, the announcement for the first time put numbers on the withdrawal plan and for many Afghans brought home the fact that foreign troops are indeed leaving.

“I heard on the news this morning about the withdrawal and became very sad. This is bad news for me,” said Mohammad Naim, a 45-year-old Kabul restaurant owner. “The presence of the U.S. soldiers increased the morale of the Afghan people, the country was stable. I don’t believe Afghan forces can keep security. For example, you can see that there is still fighting in the provinces.”

He recalled the civil war that followed in the years after the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, and said he was worried history would be repeated.

“The U.S. lost men and women in this country and spent billions of dollars. We should never forget this. If all the troops leave, the future of the country is dark,” Naim said.

Obama said Tuesday in his State of the Union address that the first 34,000 troops will leave within a year and more in 2014, when all foreign combat forces are to leave the country. But he did not reveal what U.S. military presence would remain after 2014 to help advise and train the Afghan forces, and fight alQaida and other extremist groups.

That may stem from the lack of an agreement so far on a bilateral security deal between the United States and Afghanistan that would regulate the status of those forces, including the con-

Rights group: Israel violated laws of war in Gaza JERUSALEM —A U.S.-based rights group said Israel violated laws of war in a series of airstrikes it conducted during an eight-day military operation last November against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Human Rights Watch said it counted 14 airstrikes in which there didn’t appear to be a valid military target, and four others targeting militants, but which used disproportionate force.

HRW said the attacks killed more than 40 Palestinian civilians. They included a bomb attack on a home in the northern Gaza Strip town of Jebalia that killed Fouad Hijazi, a 46-yearold janitor, and two of his children, ages 4 and 2.

Israel’s air assault came after weeks of increased rocket fire by Palestinian militants in Gaza toward Israeli communities.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said the army “established an inquiry board” headed by a major general to look into the eight-day operation, including incidents raised by HRW. She said the board’s work hadn’t yet been completed.

“It is regrettable that the organization has opted to publish

unverified claims,” the spokeswoman said. She could not be identified, citing military policy.

HRW based its report on interviews with residents, who were asked whether there was militant activity nearby attack sites. It also crosschecked the names of slain Palestinians against lists issued by Gaza militant groups to ascertain whether they were civilians. Gaza militant groups tend to announce the deaths of their fighters.

In the past, Israel has blamed Hamas for civilian casualties, saying the group uses schools, mosques and residential areas for cover while carrying out attacks. But cases of mistaken identity or faulty intelligence have also been known to result in civilian casualties.

The HRW report said attacks included bombings of civilian locations like homes and farm groves, “without any apparent military objective.”

That included a strike on Nov. 21 that killed a 48-year-old farmer, Talal al-Asaly, and two of his children, Ayman, 19, and Abeer, 11, in northern Gaza while working in their garden.

Another drone strike two days earlier killed Ibrahim al-

Gen. John Allen departed after 19 months at the helm.

Karzai did not attend the handover, although other high-ranking Afghan government officials were present, including the Minister of Defence.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dunford praised the Afghan and international troops in Afghanistan saying they are “winning” the fight against the insurgency and stressed that this will not From Page 1 change with the leadership trans- any confidence in the fice said, while appreciating fer.—NNI assurances. Taliban insisted on Washington’s announcement. the release of all their prisoners In a statement from the Presifirst and refused to accept the dential Palace, Karzai hoped the government of President Hamid exit of NATO troops from Afghan Karzai. villages would pave the ground for They said that Maulana durable peace in the country.

Fazlur Rehman was specially inThe pullout was taking place vited to Qatar to act as a guaran- with an already agreed plan, ForFrom Page 1 tor but Taliban refused to accept eign Ministry spokesman Janan Quetta-Taftan track.

The President stressed upon him as such, indicating they has Musazai told a news conference in Kabul. The defence ministry the need for devising appropri- no confidence in him.

The US-Afghan Taliban talks spokesman, Gen. Zahir Azimi, ate mechanisms to finance these were the result of efforts of Qatar, said the Afghan National Army critical projects.

The Iranian dignitary is vis- Saudi Arabia and the United King- (ANA) was ready to fill any iting Pakistan for participation dom. A spokesman for the JUI-F vacuum created foreign troops’ in the meeting of Parliamentary commenting on the reports said pullout and shoulder the security Assembly of the ECO countries that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had responsibility in 2013.—INP gone to Qatar on a private visit in Islamabad. —APP and he never tried to meet the Taliban representatives.

However informed sources insisted that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had gone to Qatar on the request of the United States and stayed at the costly hotel “RitzCarlton”. One room after hotel LAHORE—During an operation costs $4,000 per day. against illegal constructions on Meanwhile, the Afghan governWednesday, staff of the Town ment on Wednesday welcomed Planning Wing of Lahore Devel- US President Barack Obama’s opment Authority demolished decision on the withdrawal of two shops that had illegally been 34,000 American troops, believconstructed on plot No 326 of ing the move would cause no security vacuum.

N Block Johar Town.

Late on Tuesday, Obama The LDA staff also sealed three workshops that had been called his Afghan counterpart functioning on three plots of R- Hamid Karzai to inform him of his decision to withdraw some I Block without permission.

According to the LDA offi- 34,000 of the American 60,000 cials, residential building plans troops currently stationed in Afhad been got approved from ghanistan in the next one year.

The Afghan government had LDA for plot No 6,23 and 30 of Block R-I but workshops had long been calling for the foreign been established there ille- soldiers to step back into a support role, President Karzai’s ofgally.—APP

US-Taliban talks fail

Zardari for early completion

Shops demolished, workshop sealed

tentious issue of immunity from prosecution under Afghan laws.

If no agreement is struck, the U.S. will not retain any forces in Afghanistan after 2014, just as Washington pulled all of its troops out of Iraq at the end of 2011. No other NATO forces are expected to remain either if the Afghans don’t strike a deal with the Americans.

The U.S.-led NATO coalition has about 100,000 troops in Afghanistan, including the 66,000 Americans. Many countries are also expected to accelerate their own withdrawals.

Britain, which has 9,000 troops here, is expected to drop to 5,200 by the end of the year — although they and the U.S. troops are expected to start the main withdrawals after the summer fighting season.

Before making the announcement, Obama had briefed Karzai in a video conference.

Karzai’s office said the two leaders discussed the pending security agreement, strengthening and equipping the Afghan forces, and the pullout of U.S. forces.

“This drawdown will continue. And by the end of next year, our war in Afghanistan will be over,” Obama said, adding that al-Qaida was no longer the threat it was on Sept. 11, 2001.

The U.S. invaded less than a month later to rout al-Qaida in Afghanistan and overthrow its Taliban supporters.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid also welcomed the drawdown, but said it wasn’t enough. The coalition, he said, should leave immediately.—AP

Astal, 48, and his nephew, Omar al-Astal, 14, in the southern area of Khan Younis.

In each case, residents said they did not observe Palestinian militants trying to fire missiles nearby, the usual target of such Israeli strikes.

The report said other strikes appeared to have military targets but caused disproportionate harm to human life and property.

They cited an attack on Nov. 20 may have targeted the home of a Palestinian militant, killing three civilians and wounding at least 20 others. Another strike hit the home of a man that Israeli officials identified as a Hamas militant, killing 12 civilians.

The report comes after other criticisms of Israel’s conduct during the military operation, including attacks on reporters working for Palestinian news outlets sympathetic to militants.

One attack killed two cameramen, another wounded seven media workers and a third strike on a media office inside a residential building killed a 2-yearold boy. Human Rights Watch has also criticized Hamas for firing rockets at Israeli civilian areas.—AP

FBR, SBP From Page 1 ommendations with reference to desired changes in the current format of Declaration of Assets to be filed by candidates with Election Commission. The representative of State of Bank of Pakistan also assured ECP of their full co-operation.—INP

PM holds discussion From Page 1 The prime minister also informed him about the details of his visit and meeting with the British Prime Minister David Cameron.

No delay in national elections: Kaira ISLAMABAD—Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has said there would be no delay in coming elections and the government would consult all the stakeholders for the interim set-up to ensure free, fair and transparent polls.

In an interview, Kaira said that all the stakeholder, including political parties, judiciary, media and civil society wanted free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

The Minister said that according to the constitution, Interim setup would be establish through the systematic institutional procedure. He added that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has introduced the structural reforms

Dead body found D ERA I SMAIL KHAN —The

within the constitution parameter to initiate the new interim setup.

Replying to a question, Kaira said that now democratic institution are mature enough to take political initiatives and decisions to hold free, fair and transparent election in the country.

He said that Parliament is supreme institution to follow the voice of common masses of the country and to maintain strong democracy in the country.

Kaira said that interim Prime Minister would be nominated with the consultation of leader of the house and leader of the opposition with consensus of all stakeholder, according to the constitution. Replying to another question, he said that PPP did not believe in any conspiracy as the

party had given scarifices for democracy. He added that in past some of the institutions had bleak history to interfere in interim setup, which was against the democratic norms.

He urged the media to play a positive role to maintain conducive environment for free, fair and transparent election.

He said that the Chief Election Commissioner was appointed with the consensus of all political parties, who was fully committed to conduct free and fair polls. Khair said that democratic government had followed democratic norms to promote culture of tolerance in country.

PPP has always respected the judiciary and its decisions, he added. —APP

body of an unidentified person was found near Tipachani here on Wednesday, police said. The body of 30-year old person was FAISALABAD: Residents of Railways Colony blocked the railways track during a demonstration against closure of elecrecovered by Proakay police sta- tricity supply to the colony. tion. The police shifted the body UNITED NATIONS—UN Sec- Indian soldiers were killed in claimed one of its soldier was to hospital for autopsy and retary-General Ban Ki-moon an incident in which India beheaded. —APP started investigations. —APP on Tuesday called for a dialogue between India and Pakistan to ease the tensions in InPolice to be dian-held Kashmir that have escalated following the weektough with law end execution of Kashmiri acbreakers tivist Afzal Guru.

STAFF REPORTER BHAKKAR —All sources would P A R I S —Sanctions by the tion continued to edge lower would have to retain their pay“We are following the develbe utilized to maintain law and West on Iran succeeded in in January and may fall further ment for the oil, and allow it ISLAMABAD—Neither any tor- opments closely,” the secretaryorder and stern action would be slashing Iran’s oil export rev- in coming months following to be used only for Iranian pur- ture marks were found on the general’s spokesperson Martin taken against the outlaws to mini- enue by $40 billion in 2012, implementation on February 6 chases of goods from them. body of NAB investigation of- Nesirky said in reply to a quesmize crime rate in the district. the International Energy of additional sanctions by the That has apparently suc- ficer Kamran Faisal nor was he tion on the latest developments in This was stated by SSP Abdul Agency said on Wednesday, as US,” the IEA said in its ceeded in tightening Tehran’s poisoned, according to a report India-held Kashmir at the regular Qader Qamar while chairing a production last month hit a monthly report on the world ability to freely use the money prepared by the Punjab Foren- noon briefing.He called for a diacrime control meeting attended three-decade low point. logue to overcome the difficulties it gets from oil exports, which sic Science Agency. oil market.

Sources on Wednesday said in the way of settling the issue.

by SHO’s. He directed the SHo’s The latest sanctions are have already been sharply conThe IEA, the oil monitor- part of US legislation adopted stricted by international sanc- that Islamabad police have reto make the prosecution fair deTensions between the two ceived the report from the foren- neighbours have escalated since spite political pressure. He di- ing and policy arm of the last summer and “effectively tions on the country. sic lab according to which there the turn of the new year when a rected them to take stern action OECD, said Iranian oil output bar Iran from repatriating earnThe move on oil revenues against drug peddlers, robbers, fell to 2.65 million barrels per ings from its oil exports, de- came six months after the US was resemblance in DNA border altercation resulted in Ingamblers and to activate Rescue day in January, down from the priving Tehran of much needed said it would deny access to samples collected from Faisal’s dia kiling a Pakistani soldier. Pa15 service to provide speedy re- 3.7 mbd in late 2011 before the hard currency,” the agency the US financial system to body and the rope which he used kistan retaliated in which two to hang himself from the ceillief to the masses in need. —APP sanctions imposed on the Is- said. countries buying Iranian oil, lamic Republic by the US and The US Treasury said ear- with certain countries given ing fan of his room.

European Union took effect. lier this month that countries Law and order to wind down their Dr AQ Khan meets “Iranian crude oil produc- continuing to buy Iranian oil exceptions trade.— AP

UN chief calls for Indo-Pak dialogue

Sanctions cost Iran $40b in 2012: IEA

Nawaz

Staff Reporter LAHORE—Tehrik Tehffuz-e-Pakistan (TTP) head Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan met PML-N President Mian Nawaz Sharif at his Raiwind residence on Wednesday to condole with him over sad demise of his brother Mian Abbas Sharif. Dr Khan remained there for some time and also offered “fateha” for the eternal peace of departed soul. PML-N leaders Sardar Mehtab Khan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, Tariq Azeem and others were also present on the occasion. Sources claimed that during the meeting, views were also exchanged over current political and economic situation in the country besides matters pertaining to upcoming general elections.

The sources said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan stressed for a greater alliance of the right-wing political forces before the general polls.

No charges in Britain over Taliban body part claims LONDON—Three British mili- Scottish battalion’s tour of insufficient evidence,” the tary personnel accused of keeping dead Taliban insurgents’ body parts as “souvenirs” will not face charges due to a lack of evidence, Britain’s Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.

The ministry said an independent investigation had found that no further action should be pursued over the allegations, which centred on a

Corps Commanders Conference today STAFF REPORTER

Drive against measles continues M U LTA N — Commissioner Muhammad Khurrum Agha Wednesday vowed to continue a campaign against measles in the division. Addressing a meeting on taking measures against the disease, he said a conclusive programme would be launched in different parts of the city. The commissioner also intended to organise different seminars at tehsil and district levels to inculcate awareness among the masses about the disease. Nishtar Hospital principal Dr Sameeh stressed upon creating awareness among the masses about benefits of vaccine. EDO Health Dr Iftikhar Qureshi said the campaign against measles would be continued for a week. —APP

YDA stages sit-in outside Governor’s House Muzaffar Ali LAHORE—Young Doctors Association (YDA) conducted a protest rally from Jail Road to Governor’s House and staged a sit-in outside the Governor House in protest against manhandling of young doctors at the hands of the police on the occasion of Rapid Transit Bus’ inauguration ceremony. The protesting male and female doctors started their rally from their hunger strike camp outside the Services Hospital here on Wednesday and staged a sit-in outside the Governor’s House in favour of their demands. Workers hailing different political parties also participated in the rally.

RAWALPINDI—Monthly meeting of the Corps Commanders will be held here on Thursday.

Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani will chair the meeting that will discuss professional matters and security situation in the country and at the borders.

Iran, Russia, China can resolve Syrian knot: Salehi HAMEED SHAHEEN ISLAMABAD—Iran has built a new hopeful horizon on murky Syria, saying: ‘Iran, Russia and China cooperation can solve Syrian problem peacefully and by the Syrian sides’.

Media quotes Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akber Salehi’s press talk in Moscow late Tuesday as asserting ‘opponents in Syria range from mercenaries to people who seek civil freedoms’.

‘On the other side , there is the legal government of Syria which has the power to confront the mercenaries who have been armed from abroad and is not to collapse as thought by some people at the beginning,’ said Salehi. ‘We should let political process in Syria move forward in a natural way, in other words, Syrians themselves should sit at negotiation tables and solve problems.’ There is no other solution and Mr. Moaz al-Khatib the President of the National Coalition for Opposition Forces and the Syrian Revolution has said he is ready to negotiate .

duty in Afghanistan between September 2010 and April 2011.

The allegations included claims that dead Taliban fighters’ fingers were cut off and kept as “trophies”.

“After consideration, the director of Service Prosecutions directed that no charges should be brought against any of the three individuals, due to

Ministry of Defence said.

It added that officials had considered taking “internal administrative action” against the three individuals, but that information relating to this was protected under data protection law.

Britain still has around 9,000 troops in Afghanistan ahead of a scheduled withdrawal in 2014.— Agency

‘Kamran Faisal neither tortured nor poisoned’

Stocks close higher as KSE 100 Index gains 85 points

KARACHI—The stock prices at the local capital market closed higher on Wednesday, led by interest in telecoms and the energy sector. The Karachi Stock Exchange’s (KSE) benchmark100-share index ended 0.48 percent, or 85.05 points, higher at 17,696.45.

Telecommunication Corporation Ltd. saw 45 million shares traded as it announced its December quarter earnings, the company’s first profit in two years.—Reuters

Indian poet Gulzar pulls out of Karachi Literary Festival

K ARACHI —Leading Indian advised the poet to return to Inpoet Gulzar, who won an Oscar for writing song lyrics for the smash hit movie “Slumdog Millionaire”, has pulled out of the Karachi Literary festival at the last minute, organisers said Wednesday.

Syed Ahmed Shah, one of the organisers of the Karachi Literature Festival, confirmed Gulzar had pulled out – just two days before the start of the event.

“We can’t say about the reasons and circumstances that led to his return home without attending the festival,” Shah told AFP. Indian officials denied Pakistani media reports that they had

dia. Vishal Bhardwaj, an Indian director traveling with Gulzar, said there was “nothing political” about the withdrawal.

The 76-year-old was simply “emotionally overwhelmed and stressed” after visiting his birthplace, in Pakistan, for the first time in 70 years, Bhardwaj insisted. But a Pakistani film director, who met Gulzar during his visit, told AFP on condition of anonymity that he left the country “because of some security concerns”.

Gulzar was scheduled to read from his poetry as well as take part in discussion groups and Shah said his absence would disappoint millions of admirers in Pakistan.. —AFP

Sindh Assembly in-camera session today STAFF REPORTER

K ARACHI —An in-camera session of the Sindh Assembly on Karachi law and order situation would be held today.

According to a spokesman, lawmakers would not be allowed to share details of the incamera session with the media.

Speaker Nisar Khoro has issued directives for closure of guest and media gallery to keep the proceedings secret.

Kids’ sugary drink intake drops when calorie

W

HEN calorie data on sugary drinks is displayed in convenience stores, teenagers buy fewer of them, especially African-Americans and children from lower-income neighborhoods, researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reported in the American Journal of Public Health.

Sara Bleich, PhD. and team set out to determine how three ways of providing teenagers with calorie data might impact on their purchasing and consumption of sugary drinks. They placed three kinds of different posters: Calorie poster - one said that a fruit drink has 250 calories Percentage of daily intake poster - it said that the fruit drink had 10% of their daily recommended calorie need Physical activity poster - this one informed that they would need to run for 50 minutes in order to use up the calories contained in a fruit drink or soda The authors found that purchases of sugary drinks dropped by approximately 40% if posters were displayed, compared to providing no information at all.The physical activity poster had the greatest impact - this reduced sugarsweetened drink purchases by 50%.The authors informed that their study is unique in comparing how different types of posters influence teenagers’ purchasing habits.

“Teenagers were less likely to purchase a sugar-sweetened beverage and more likely to select a healthier choice like water after they

saw the calorie information signs,” said lead researcher Sara Bleich, PhD, assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.”

The sale of non-calorie or very low-calorie drinks, such as diet soda or water went up from 6.7% of all purchases at the start of the study to 12% to 14% at the end, after the children had been exposed to the posters.

“This study showed that Black teenagers will use calorie information, especially when presented in an easy- tounderstand format, such as a physical activity equivalent, to make healthier choices when it comes to buying a drink at the local corner store. Most consumers underestimate the number of calories in a can of soda, and they often do not realize that such calories can add up quickly.”

The posters were placed on four convenience stores. All the stores were near middle/high schools in lower-income neighborhoods in Baltimore city. The majority of residents were African-Americans. The three types of posters were randomly selected and placed in the stores.

According to prior studies, adolescents in the USA consume approximately 300 calories each day from just sugary drinks.

Regular sugary drink consumption has been shown to significantly raise the risk of becoming overweight and obese, which in turn increases the individual’s chances of developing serious and chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

ISLAMABAD: Girls buying balloons and flowers from a stall at Flower Market on the eve of Valentine Day.

Group painting at RAC highlights role of women in national progress ISLAMABAD—Rawalpindi Arts

ISLAMABAD: Federal Secretary Information and Broadcasting Agha Nadeem and PIO Press Information Department Chaudhry Muhammad Azam posing for a group photo with Editor-in-Chief Pakistan Observer Zahid Malik, Executive Editor Pakistan Observer Gauhar Zahid Malik and Editors of various newspapers at a reception hosted by Mr Agha Nadeem.— PO photo by Sultan Bashir

Homage page to late Lt Gen Jahandad STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Al-Shifa Trust – the leading charitable organization working in the field of prevention of blindness, paid homage to its great founder late Lt. Gen. Jahandad Khan on 13 February 2013 at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi.

Late Mr. Jahandad Khan was an icon in the field of prevention and control of blindness in Pakistan. He served Al-Shifa Trust as its first President from 1st April 1991 to 13th Feb. 2011, till the time of his death. His efforts and leadership qualities have made Al-Shifa Trust one of

the leading centers of excellence in eye care in the country and the region.

Speaking on the occasion, the trustees from Pakistan and abroad eulogized his services for poor and destitute of the country.

Lt. Gen. (retired) Hamid Javaid, who took over the reins of Al-Shifa after the death of Mr. Jahandad Khan also paid tributes and described the steps which have been taken to further develop the Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospitals into regional centers of excellence.

He informed that shortly we will start work on Al-Shifa Tow-

ers which will serve to provide funds for the treatment of needy people in all of our hospitals.

The Pharmaceutical Project is also nearing completion which will produce high quality eye medicines for use at national and regional level.

On this occasion, the gold medals and awards were also given to outstanding doctors and students.

The Jahandad Khan gold medal went to Dr. Kashif Habib.

In addition, gold medals were awarded to other doctors and optometrists who had shown excellent academic and clinical performance.

Council (RAC) organized a group painting exhibition based on landscape by famous artists, Maryam Rasul and Humaira Malik here Wednesday, to highlight the contribution of women in national progress.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Senator Najma Hameed and Member National Assembly Tahira Aurangzeb along with Naheed Manzoor and Resident Director RAC,Waqar Ahmed .

Maryam Rasul daughter of landscape maestro Ghulam Rasul and her contemporary artist Humaira Malik brought Islamabad outskirts into canvas.

A total of 40 paintings of different size were put on display.

The color of spring and autumn dominated and lush green trees provided soothing to the visitors.

Both the artists had same taste and selection. Maryam Rasul did her masters in fine arts from Punjab University and has expertise in still life, figure composition and landscape.

She has a number of exhibitions nationally and internationally to her credit especially in India and UK and her collection also available in Sweden, Japan, Malaysia, Norway and Washington DC. Humaira Malik has also done masters in fine arts and exhibited her work throughout Pakistan.

Senator Najma Hameed addressing after the inaugural ceremony said that Pakistani women were very talented and gender discrimination had been abolished.

Tahira Aurangzeb said that the art of landscape painting was very difficult but both the artist produced reality in their work.—APP

Valentine Day today

Expression of sentiments for dear ones C ITY REPORTER

A flower decorator of Commercial Market, Satellite Town, Rawalpindi Maqsood Ahmed Mayo stated that as compared to past, the fervor of Valentine’s Day is increasing with the passage of time and all segment of society including kids, girls, boys and married couples enjoying this colorful loving occasion by expressing their heartfelt feelings to their friends and relatives.

He said most of the person’s present gifts of red bouquets with greeting cards to their lovers similarly; married persons also present red roses to their life partners on Valentine’s Day to reiterate their long-lasting devoted

sentiments of love and faithfulness.

RAWALPINDI—All preparations Some students busy in have been finalized to celebrate shopping on Wednesday comValentine Day today (Thursday). menting on the event, termed The enthusiasm of Valentine Day it an exciting moment when is geared-up expression of love they share their feelings and sentiments to near and dear exchange gifts along with ones. good wishes with those whom Meanwhile modern display they love and care.

Experiences as Senator centers, shopping malls and Referring to the religious gift centers illuminated with radaspects some people absoish ornaments, gifts , greeting lutely rejected this event by cards and flower bouquets. saying it is not our culture and According to a survey it only western society permits has been observed that the this type of un-Islamic and passion of Valentine’s Day is anti-social festivity in which in full swing in all the posh young generation particiSTAFF REPORTER area commercial centers and pates without any l imitaespecially the youngsters were tions and its ultimately rekeenly purchasing gifts on this sults in collapse of their so- ISLAMABAD—The new book of Mr. S. M. Zafar has been pubauspicious occasion. cial and marital life. lished by Saghir Publications and will hit the market in next few days.

The book is about his experiences as a Senator during the period of 9 years in the Senate of Pakistan. The book also revisits the discussions and dialogues on sensitive national issues of the author with towering national leaders, like Mian Muhammad Mumtaz Daultana, Wali Khan, Field Martial Muhammad Ayub Khan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Nawabzada Nasarullah Khan, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and others.

Its contents consist of a ISLAMABAD: Winners of dog categories at pet show with their prizes held by Beacon treasure of information previHouse School H-8 Margalla Campus on Wednesday.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir ously unknown even to the media relating to the inner story of why General. Pervez Musharraf, the ex-President of Pakistan, did not keep his promise of giving up his uniSTAFF REPORTER form and how the American establishment thereafter deISLAMABAD—Foundation Uni- cided to ease out Gen. Pervez versity Islamabad (FUI) orga- Musharraf from the politics of treaty (NPT) and now taking She was of the view that nized a two-day workshop on Pakistan and includes the reashape of fissile material cutoff the demands from Pakistan Faculty Development at its sons why he failed to unite the treaty (FMCT) and also mani- and India to sign NPT were Rawalpindi Campus. Maj. Gen. two Muslim Leagues (PML-Q) fested in international agree- “untenable” because the two Gul Muhammad HI (M) (Retd), and (PML-N). ments like CTBT and certain nuclear states would not give Rector FUI was chief guest at Mr. Zafar has drawn many IAEA initiatives. up their capability. She sug- the concluding ceremony on lessons from how leaders Referring to the most recent gested proactive diplomacy Wednesday. Prof. Dr. Aftab missed from history and has in and third nuclear test by North and concerted effort for an Ahmad, Director Foundation his narration gone backward Korea, she said that such actions additional protocol to the NPT University Rawalpindi Campus and forward in comparing the could be taken with almost im- that would recognize the two was also present on the occa- past with the present times. punity because the most signifi- nations as nuclear weapon sion. Participants included the He is optimistic that notcant treaty in the current inter- state parties. withstanding many challenges FUI faculty members. national setting with respect to On FMCT, she said that The workshop focused on and difficulties that Pakistan is nuclear capability, NPT, is being Pakistan could not afford to roles and responsibilities of a facing, the state of Pakistan undermined by its proponents. In agree to it because no other faculty member, basic principles would continue but he has this respect she highlighted and nation except Pakistan would of teaching, FUI computer man- raised for the first time in the criticized US-India nuclear deal. suffer if it came in operation. agement system (CMS), plan- history of Pakistan his finger of Following the precedent set by She lauded the policy of the ning of course profiles, course alarm that while state may conUS, France and Britain too have government of Pakistan for management tools, building tinue, the Pakistan nation may signed such deals with India in consistently resisting “yet an- conceptual knowledge, creative no longer exist, leading to contravention of their NPT ob- other discriminatory measure” thinking, experimental approach chaos unless the civil society ligations. in the field of nuclear energy. and conduct of examination. plays its part.

Pakistan has neutralised India’s Cold Start Doctrine: Mazari Proposes joint nuclear power plants on Pak-India border ASHRAF ANSARI I S L A M A B A D —Prominent scholar and strategist, Dr. Shireen M. Mazari says, Pakistan has successfully neutralised India’s Cold Start Doctrine by testing tactical nuclear missile, Naser.

She said this while delivering a lecture on Emerging Nuclear Scenario, at Institute of Policy Studies Wednesday.

Dr. Mazari said that the country had missed some opportunities yet it had used its options quite fairly to maintain deterrence and credibility.

Recently tested Naser missile with 60 KM range was a “necessary as well as well-timed move” and demonstrates that

Pakistan has acquired the technology and capability to counter India’s ‘cold start’ and ‘second strike’. Contrary to what some US sections perceive, Naser was not a battlefield weapon and does not signal a shift from deterrence towards war mode, she said.

She also saw the development of Pakistan’s own cruise missiles as ‘critical’ in view of India’s development of missile defense capability. She iterated that Pakistan should stick to its principles of “minimum credible deterrence” and “strategic restraint” and continue acting responsibly but more cautiously and wisely.

She said Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine is based on maintain-

ing credible minimum deterrence. Pakistan over the years have been able to maintain the deterrence and is determined to offset any development in India that could disturb the nuclear balance between the two countries. Pakistan also believes in agreement with India on Strategic Restraint Regime. However India has been reluctant for such a regime in both nuclear and conventional areas.

Dr. Mazari proposed that Pakistan and India can join hands in the setting up of joint nuclear power projects on their mutual borders. Strategic and security experts attending the seminar found the proposal as quite innovative but most of them thought it was not possible

in the current political and strategic scenario.

The participants also said that the proposal for joint nuclear power plants would not be acceptable to India and it was almost bound to get a cold Indian shoulder like other Pakistani suggestions for lasting peace in the region. It was also observed that confidence building mechanisms including trade could not work until real progress was made on the core issue of Kashmir.

Dr. Mazari observed that the nuclear arms control and disarmament area has always been premised on two parallel tracks: one being the “US-favoured discriminatory approach” embodied also in non-proliferation

New book by S M Zafar published

Workshop on Faculty Dev

06:20 01:30 04:30 07:45

February 14 FIRST Ahmed Faraz Literary seminar, organised by Ahmed Faraz Trust, at the National Language Promotion Department, (Muqtadara Qaumi Zaban), Pitras Bokhari Road, Sector H-8/4, Islamabad, 2 pm.

February 15-16 PAKISTAN National Council of the Arts has scheduled Mystic Music Sufi Festival at 7 pm at PNCA Auditorium.

February 23 ANNUAL Alumni Reunion of the CB College for Women, Kashmir Road, at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Islamabad Club, 4 pm.

LHC orders to complete BB trial in three months

Wild boars play havoc in federal capital CITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Wild boars have played havoc in several areas of federal capital including Rawal town, Rawal dam, Shahzad town and Morian due to non conducting of any operation against them.

The dense forests located in the rural areas of federal capital are infesting with these wild boars and they continue to roam freely in the populated areas and towns of Islamabad day in day out in search for their sustenance.

They flock on the roads

Play Land turns into wasteland I SLAMABAD —Due to negligence of the authorities, a children’s park that was gifted

by Japanese government to Pakistan about 28 years ago, namely Play Land, has now turned into a wasteland.

The swings in the park have been broken and thus pose a threat to the life of the children.

As a result the number of visitors has fallen down massively, while heaps of garbage further worsen the state of affairs.

In the past, Play Land was a famous picnic spot, but now the park that was opened for children in the reign of General Ziaul-Haq now presents picture of a wilderness.—Online

generally but park road crossing particularly has turned into their safe passage due to initiation of no action for their elimination by the concerned authorities.

Due to their thick presence and roaming on the roads, road accidents have become a common phenomenon and a phenomenal rise has been witnessed in such accidents stemming from unbridled movement of these savages.

“My father who is elderly person was driving his car on Park road and all of a sudden a flock of wild boards emerged

from one side of the road and blocked it. In the struggle to pull out his car he was injured by these boars and was taken to hospital, said Ghulam Rasool, a resident of Rawal town.

A day back these wild boars made thrust into Rawal town in broad day light and continued wandering freely for several hours in the streets of the town. Several pedestrians and a motorcyclist were overtaken by them and they sustained fatal injuries. The citizens have demanded immediate operation against the wild boards to pre-empt any fatal accident.

76pc want their daughters to study in all-girls schools I SLAMABAD —76 percent of 21 percent said co-education Pakistanis would prefer that their daughters study in an allgirls school, a survey report published on Wednesday said.

According to a Gilani Research Foundation Survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, a nationally representative sample of men and women from across the four provinces was asked Imagine that the standard and expenses are the same for both, then would you prefer to send your daughter to a coeducation or all-girls school?

Responding to this, 76 percent said all-girls school and

school. However, 3 percent did not give a response.

The study was released by Gilani foundation and carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International.

The recent survey was carried out among a sample of 2732 men and women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during January 27, 2013 February 03, 2013.

Error margin is estimated to be approximately 2-3 per cent at 95 percent confidence level.—Online

R AWALPINDI —The Rawalpindi Bench of Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday ordered the special court to hear Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto murder case on daily basis and complete the trial within three months.

The two-member bench comprising Justice Ali Baqar Najfi and Justice Mazaahir Ali Naqvi was hearing a petition filed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) seeking order for the Special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) to hear the case on daily basis.

The FIA, in its petition, had pleaded that Chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was martyred on December 27, 2007 in Liaquat Bagh and it was regrettable that the trial of high profile case could not be completed even after lapse of five years.

Senior Public Prosecutor of FIA Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali contended that a trial court, under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, was bound to hold daily hearing of the cases for their quick disposal.

He apprised the court that counsel for all the accused were using delaying tactics to linger on the case, which was evident from the fact that not even a single case of 2007 was pending in the ATC-I except this one.

He also mentioned the murder case of Punjab governor Salman Taseer, which was decided in just ten months.—APP

80 outlaws arrested

RAWALPINDI: Young doctors hold a demonstration in support of their demands at Holy Family Hospital.

Painting contest to disseminate road safety message

Route No 101, a nuisance for commuters

CITY REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Instead of bless- another private firm employee

ing for commuters travelling on expressed his views.

Many a times, commuters Route No 101 has become nui- clinging on the buses’ gates lose sance for them as in most of the grip and fell on the road receivcases, they have not choice to ing fatal injuries, he added.

A female commuter said: board out-dated buses in an ex“The coachers already have less tremely dangerous fashion.

The travelling problem on number of women’s seats but the route is inter-linked with a unfortunately occupied by male large number of commuters, passengers”.

Majority of passengers also waiting on both sides of IJ Principal road, a merging area lim- complained about unjustified its of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, rules adopted by transporters, and the plying of out-moded saying the coaches have many stopovers and do not move until coasters.

Salman Ahmed, a govern- the next bus arrives.

Adil Arshad underlined ment employee while narrating his ordeals of travelling on that the coach takes stopover Route No 101 said: “Most of the at Aabpara Bust Stop and in buses plying on Route No 101 come case waited even for are in bad condition and despite more than 5 minutes and same “Lucky” passengers managed to exercise repeated at F-6-1 bus get seats, standing passenger stop and a sources of irritation have to face immense humilia- for schoolchildren and emtion on the hands of conductors”. ployees.

Many among them were of “Many people risk their lives by boarding the rooftops of the view that monopoly of the buses, especially the young- transport companies should be sters, but the concerned authori- discouraged with the introducties never bother about such tion of other public transopen violations,” Zaka Ullah, port.—Online

ISLAMABAD—The students at busy IJ Principal Road, the a painting exhibition with the main theme on ‘Road Safety’, came with innovative ideas to maintain traffic discipline in the city.

The ideas were focussed at delivering message that responsible attitude, patience on roads care the only ways to ensure safe road environment and avoid fatal accidents.

This contest arranged by Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) in connection with its 7th years’ celebration was open for all educational institutions and students from various schools and colleges participated in it. Minister for Interior A. Rehman Malik was the Chief guest on the occasion while, IGP Islamabad Bani Amin Khan, DIG (Headquarters) Sultan Azam Temuri, SSP (Traffic) Dr. Moeen Masood and SP (Traffic) Khalid Rashid, panelists from ‘Hunerkda’,and other police officials were also present on the occasion.

ISLAMABAD—Rural Zone of Islamabad police have arrested 80 alleged outlaws including 25 proclaimed offenders during last one month and recovered 291 kilogram of hashish, over 70 pistols and other sophisticated weapons from them.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, SP (Rural) Sardar Sadaqat said that special teams were constituted for effective crackdown against outlaws and proclaimed offenders in the rural area following the directions from IGP Islamabad Bani Amin Khan. He said that SSP Islamabad Yaseen Farooq also supervised the whole policing affairs during this period, encouraging the policemen to combat effectively against anti-social elements.

Owing his guidance and commitment of policemen, Rural Circle Police arrested 55 outlaws including 25 proclaimed offenders wanted to police for their alleged involvement in crime of heinous nature.

DSP Khursheed Khan, DSP Arshad Khokhar and other senior police officials were also present on this occasion. SP (Rural) said that police team of this zone recovered cache of illegal weapons, two cars and 291 kilogram hashish from these accused.

The recovery of weapons, he said, included over 70 pistols, ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik showing the painting of a participant durguns and thousands of car- ing prize distribution ceremony of Road Safety Painting Competition organized by Islamabad Traffic Police at Open Air Theatre. tridges.—APP

ISLAMABAD: Senator Aitzaz Ahsan speaks during a seminar on Faiz Ahmad Faiz at Academy of Letters. Chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters Abdul Hameed and Iftikhar Arif are also seen in the picture.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

Water filtration plants to be upgraded

Faiz Ahmed Faiz remembered on his birth anniversary

R AWALPINDI —Cantonment Board Rawalpindi (CBR) has decided to upgrade water filtration plants to ensure supply of clean drinking water to the citizens.

Sources said that CBR was finding it hard to arrange repair works in respect of 28 filtration plants operating in several areas of cantonment board due to lack of funds, therefore, it decided to upgrade them. A grant amounting to Rs 20 million has also been allocated for this purpose.

This grant will be utilized for repair work of cartage, chlorine and replacement of filter media, UV lamp and iron containers.

The upgradation of the plants will provide a great relief to the residents of the areas as they were forced to drink brackish and contaminated water due to lack of supply of potable water.—Online

ISLAMABAD—Revolutionary Amritsar, in the present day In- ets. In 1971, after the bifurca-

Chinese new year celebrations at PNCA I SLAMABAD —The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan will celebrate Spring Festival and the Chinese new year, which is called as the Year of Dragon, in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) here on Thursday.

The occasion will start with the opening of an informal Chinese photograph exhibition, followed by cultural performances at the PNCA’s National Ar Gallery (NAG).

The other activities the event will incluse the national anthems of China and Pakistan, Trilingual Choir on new year, Pakistani dance, Chinese song and dance, Lion dance, ChinaPak national costume show and drama.

Chinses Ambassador to Pakistan Liu Jian, representatives of Federal Ministry for Cultural Heritage and PNCA and the Chinese embassy will also be present at the occasion.—APP

poet and journalist Faiz Ahmed Faiz remembered on his 102 birth anniversary on Wednesday.

Several ceremonies and events were organised across the country to pay rich tributes to the legendary poet on his birth centennial.

Faiz was born in 1911 in Kala Kader village, Sialkot, where he received his early education. Afterwards, he got admitted to the Government College (University), Lahore.

He began his professional career as a lecturer of English in an educational institute in

dian Punjab.

After the Second World War, Faiz entered the field of journalism and distinguished himself as the editor of Pakistan Times. As a poet, Faiz began writing on the conventional themes of love and beauty, but soon these conventional themes got submerged in larger social and political issues of the day.

The poetic works of the late legendary poet has won the hearts of the people of South Asia. His first published accumulation was Naqsh-e-Faryadi, which inspired many young po-

tion of united Pakistan, the newly-elected government appointed him as a cultural adviser, the period, in which he laid the foundation of the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA).

His remarkable books were ‘Nuskha-e-Hai Wafa’, ‘Naqshe-Faryadi’, ‘Dast-e-Saba’, ‘Zindan Nama’ and ‘Dast-e-Tahe-Sang’. Faiz was the first Asian poet who was awarded with the Lenin Peace Prize by the former Soviet Union in 1963. He was also nominated for the Nobel Prize shortly before his death in 1984.—APP

CDA fails to get advantage Scholar completes from real estate boom IPhD degree in edu SLAMABAD —Ms

Shazia

ISLAMABAD—Capital Devel- the view that CDA introduced Zamir, a faculty member of Eduopment Authority has failed to benefit from boom in the real estate business while private housing societies have gained full advantage of the situation.

The private housing societies are selling plots at nominal rates due to which the buyers are not paying heed to purchasing plots that come under the CDA administration.

The reason for the downfall of CDA’s real-estate business is corruption and incompetence.

The property-dealers are of

certain housing schemes like Park Enclave and Margalla Housing Society but development work here has not been completed by now. In contrast, the private housing societies attract customers by expediting development work.

Chairman CDA Syed Tahir Shahbaz was of the view that, due to paucity of funds the development in certain sectors of the federal capital is going at a snail’s pace. Measures are being taken to better the speed of work, he added.—Online

cation Department, has completed her degree of PhD in Education from National University of Modern Languages (NUML).

She was awarded the degree of PhD after a successful defense of her thesis on February 12.

The title of her thesis was “An Analytical Study of Occupational Stress and Personality Types Among Academic Managers at Higher Education Level”.

Dr. Azhar Mehmood was her supervisor for the PhD thesis.—APP

CDA fire-fighters skylifts go operational ISLAMABAD: MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar, Javed Jabbar, Members of Strings Band

ISLAMABAD—The fire-fighters and others posing for a group photo with the children during the launching ceremony of of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) now feel confident to tackle any emergency and disaster as all four fire-fighting skylifts have become operational.

They have become operational for the first time after the establishment of Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate.

Sometime back, the CDA had imported four fire-fighting snorkels worth millions of rupees to tackle any fire incident in highrises, particularly after the inferno gutted Shaheed-eMillat Secretariat and Marriott Hotel.

Since establishment of the department, the fire apparatus had never been in state of high preparedness; however after months-long repair work by Finnish engineers, the skylifts had now started operating.

In this connection, the Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate held a demonstration of all four skylifts with capacity of two each to reach the heights of 68 and 29 meters respectively.—APP

Ailaan for education, at PNCA.

DCW holds Seerat-eSahabyaat Conference CITY REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Mrs. Jouhra Abdullah Al-Arifi, Wife of ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan has said that, the history reveals that the followers of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) were not only Sahaba but Sahabyaat were also very followers of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and these celebrities keep in memories each and every moments of the Life of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and make it parts of their daily lives.

She was addressing as a chief guest to the “Seerat-eSahabyaat Conference” organized by Dawah Centre For Women (DCW) of International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI). Dr. Zaitoon Begum, Director Female Cam-

pus presided over the ceremony while renowned religious scholars from twin cities and women were also present on the occasion.

She said that its time to make a promise that we will follow the life of our holy prophet (p.b.u.h) as a guide line for ourselves so that all the Muslims in the world could proud being Muslims and defend their identities and Islamic values. She added that the following of Sahabyaat is the key of success for the Muslims in their lives and life here after.

Dr. Zaitoon Begum, Dr. Kousar Firdous, Dr. Qurat ul Ain TAhira, Dr. Farhat Hashmi, Dr. Noora Zoi, Somia Aziz, Iffat Khalid and Incharge Dawah Centre For Women Shagufta Umer also addressed on the subject.

LCDDP organizes 2-days fashion designing training ISLAMABAD—Leonard Cheshire Disability and Development Programme (LCDDP) in collaboration of Yousf Bashir Qureshi, a fashion designer of world fame is organizing a 2 days Fashion Designing Training for persons with disabilities.

In total 22 males and females with speech and hearing impairment and locomotor problems are getting training.

MNA Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) Dr. Donia Aziz and Director General (DG) of Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) Mr. Tauqeer Nasir will also present in the event. On the completion of the course the participants will be given certificates.

The programme is schedule at LCDDP office (255, St 90, I-8/4 Islamabad) On Feb 13, 2013 at 03:15 pm at LCDDP office.—APP

Experts urge maximum saving of energy P ESHAWAR —Expert on energy has urged industry and domestic consumers for maximum energy savings, which they attributed as only way out from the prevailing energy crisis in the country. The views were expressed by energy experts while addressing a seminar organized under the auspices of Industry Support and Environment & Business Sustainability Cell (IS&EBSC) of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) in collaboration with Industrialist Association Peshawar.—APP

Draw of prize bond Rs 1,500 on 15th FAISALABAD—The 53rd draw of prize bonds Rs 1500 will be held in Quetta on February 15. According to a spokesman for the National Savings, first position holder will be awarded a prize of Rs 3 million while three prizes of Rs 1 million each have been reserved for second position holders. Similarly, third prize of Rs 18,500 will be awarded to each of 1,696 position holders, he added.—APP

SNGPL declares 25% dividend, 10% bonus KARACHI—Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd (SNGPL) has posted a higher profit after tax of Rs 3.043 billion during the year ending June 30, 2012 and declared a dividend of Rs 2.5 per share and 10% bonus share.

According to SNGPL’s financial results sent to KSE here on Wednesday, the pre-tax profit also surged to Rs 4.740 billion compared to Rs 1.687 billion last year. —APP

SBP rejects all bids for PIBs KARACHI—The State Bank of Pakistan has rejected all bids for Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) of 3, 5 and 10 years tenor, while no bid was received for 20 years tenor bond. According to SBP here Wednesday, no bid was received from primary dealers (banks) for PIBs of 20 years maturity. The coupon rates for 3 years was 11.25, 5 years 11.50 and 10 years 12.00 per annum. —APP

Conversion rates KARACHI—The following rates will be applicable for conversion into rupees of Foreign Currency Deposits, Dollar Bearer Certificates, Foreign Currency Bearer Certificates, Special U.S. Dollar Bonds and profits thereon by all banks and for providing Forward Cover on Foreign Currency Deposits (excluding F.E. 25 deposits) by the State Bank on Feb 14.

The rates are U.S. Dollar Rs 98.1088, Japanese Yen Rs 1.0511, Pound Sterling Rs 153.5108 and Euro Rs 132.2114.—APP

Pakistan investors friendly state: Premier L ONDON —Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that Pakistan has a friendly climate and conducive environment for foreign investment and business ventures in assorted sectors of the economy. Speaking at a dinner-cum-reception hosted by the UK Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UKPCCI) Tuesday night in his honour, the Prime Minister invited Pakistani diaspora to invest in their country which had great potential as well as slew of opportunities for business.

First Lady Nusrat Pervez Ashraf, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan, UKPCCI President and other office-bearers were present on the occasion.

Pakistan is an investment-friendly country and

international companies are the nation had the courage the challenging situation. He against terror to protect the promote lasting peace in the working there smoothly, and commitment to survive said Pakistan was fighting nation and making efforts to country as well as in the rewhich is reflective of normal situation prevailing in the country, he added.

The Prime Minister urged investors, businessmen and representatives of international business organizations, attending the reception, to invest in public-private business ventures since liberal economic policies allowed the foreign investors to repatriate principal as well as profit without hindrance.

Raja Pervez Ashraf said that negative and distorted perception portrayed about difficult situation in the country, needed to be countered and corrected since ground realities were contrary to that.

The country was exposed to some difficulties and challenges which could be overcome, he said and added that Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf addressing participants of a dinner hosted in his honour by UK PCCI.

Pak economy offers opportunities to foreign investors

ISE-10 stays bullish ISLAMABAD—Islamabad

Stock Exchange (ISE-10) here on Wednesday witSTAFF REPORTER nessed bullish trend as the index was up by 37.31 to L AHORE —A number of close at 3449.55 as comsectors in Pakistan includpared to the previous day’s ing infrastructure developtrading. Stock Analyst, M.M ment, coal, energy, agriculHassan told APP that the ture, livestock, leather, texresult sessions of corporate tiles and pharmaceutical, sector led the positive senoffer lucrative investment timents in the local stock opportunities to foreigners. market.

These opportunities can be “SNGP, PTCL and tapped by adopting proper Dawood Hercules have anand well tailored marketing nounced their results with strategies, Pakistan Tanners the better earning with cash Association (PTA) central dividend along with bonus chairman Agha Saiddain which also created positive said here on Wednesday. activities in the bourse”, he “Pakistan is a land of opporadded. tunities and naturally has all Hassan said that besides that, the other economic indicators were performing better due to prevailing the favorite atmosphere in the country.

Of total volume of shares traded was 66,500, which was down by 8,300 when compared it with a day earlier’s closing.

Out of 153 companies’ shares traded, the price of 83 was increased while price of 70 decreased.

The price top gainer National Foods was increased by Rs.14.67 while the price of top loser Unilever Pakistan decreased by Rs.75.00.

Fauji Cement, PTCL and Lafrage Pakistan Cement remained volume leaders, Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif offering Dua after ground breaking with volume of 26,500, of Vehari Industrial Estate.

20,000 and 10,000 shares respectively.—APP resources to become an economic tiger and there is a need to adopt proper techniques to highlight its potentials in the world,” he added He expressed concern on decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in recent months and stressed the need of adopting a comprehensive policy to counter the issue.

The economic managers of the country should remove the bottlenecks in the way of foreign and domestic investment, he said. He said that incentives should be offered for seeking investment in energy sector. Long term

solutions of the energy crises should be find out, through consistent policies.

In order to tackle energy shortages, the PTA chairman said the government would have to allocate maximum funds for construction of dams and water reservoirs, tapping of Thar Coal, completion of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and establishment of LNG terminals. Agha suggested lowering of tariffs on smuggling-prone items and increasing the share of direct taxes in revenue to achieve key economic targets.

Country gripped in darkness, Burshane LPG 10pc poverty, unemployment: CM declares dividend SALIM AHMED

LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Zardari and his cronies have caused serious problems for the country due to their loot, corruption and wrong policies. He said that the country is facing darkness while poverty and unemployment is rampant. He said that national economy has reached the verge of disaster.

However, he said, all these issues can be resolved through Whenever you find yourself on the side of bringing Pakistan Muslim the majority, it is time League-N led by Mian Nawaz Sharif into to pause and reflect. Muhammad power in the forthcoming gen—Mark Twain eral elections. He said that

PML-N after coming into power will eliminate loadshedding within two years. He said that development projects have been completed in Vehari at a cost of Rs. 10 billion. He said that establishment of Vehari Industrial Estate will bring prosperity to the area and 25 thousand people will benefit from job opportunities.

He was addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of an industrial estate in Vehari, on Wednesday. Vehari industrial estate to be constructed over 212 acre land will cost Rs. one billion. Former Speaker Punjab Assembly Saeed Ahmed Khan Manhais, Member National Assembly

Tehmina Daultana, Assembly Members from District Vehari as well as a large number of people were present on the occasion. Addressing the function, the Chief Minister said that Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif laid the foundation of industrial and economic development during his tenure and started such projects as motorway, Gowadar Port, Ghazi Brotha Dam and green channel facility.

He said that Muhammad Nawaz Sharif rejected American offer of five billion dollars aid and carried out six nuclear tests which brought honor to the people of Pakistan while India was given a befitting reply.

gion, he added. He opined that media, which got freedom in the democratic environment, would get matured with the passage of time to perform its professional obligations in a more responsible manner.

The Prime Minister said that collective wisdom could bring intrinsic improvement.

The forum of such collective wisdom is parliament which can take all decisions to put the country on the rails of sustained development and progress, he added. He said fulcrum of power was 180 million people of Pakistan, who could safeguard democracy as well as interests of the country against any threat and challenge. He reiterated that the people should not become hostage to any complex, rather they ought to be a role model for rest of the world by delivering even against all odds in difficult circumstances.—APP

SECP positions itself better to prosecute insider traders STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a notification to specify the manner and form for the disclosure of inside information by the listed companies and by the persons discharging managerial responsibilities in listed companies. The notification was issued under Section 15D of the 1969 Securities and Exchange Ordinance read with section 40B of the 1997 Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, said a press release issued by the SECP here on Wednesday.

The notification will result in clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of the company as well as the per-

son possessing the information. It also describes the obligation of stock exchanges with respect to dissemination of information so that no person takes undue advantage of the inside information. Now the Commission will be in a better position to prosecute the persons involved in insider trading as the presence of newly introduced statutory obligation will restrain the persons alleged of insider trading from citing legal justifications for their illegal acts in the presence of clear requirements.

It is pertinent to mention here that dissemination of material information by the listed companies through the stock exchanges is also a requirement of listing regulations. The

said provision of the 1969 ordinance states the obligations of persons including listed companies, persons who possess inside information, the persons discharging managerial responsibilities in listed companies with respect to discloser of information and persons associated with the persons discharging managerial responsibilities in a listed company. Accordingly, the SECP in line with international practices and the existing provisions of the law, has approved a consolidated statutory form to meet the requirements of Section 15D of the ordinance, whereby, the Commission has specified the mode to disclose the requisite information to Commission and the public (through the stock exchanges).

PTCL posts record profit of Rs 8.6b in Q4 of 2012 STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), country’s largest integrated telecommunications services provider, has posted a record net profit of Rs. 8.6 billion in the 4th quarter ended 31st December 2012 along with 37% revenue growth compared to the previous quarter.

The company announced these results in the audited accounts for the six months’ period ended 31st December 2012,

after the change of financial year of PTCL Group to correspond with the calendar year.

These results were announced at the company’s Board of Directors meeting held today in Lahore The increase in the company’s revenue streams is an indicator of our dynamic corporate identity and increasing customer base. Whether it was through launching innovative wireless products and bundles or segmented propositions, offering unmatched

affordable packages, investing in our network for even better customer services, or expansion of our infrastructure for reaching-out to the remotest areas of the country, PTCL maintained an aggressive position that reaffirms our core philosophy of providing latest and most affordable information communications solutions to our customers”, commented Walid Irshaid, President & CEO PTCL, after the meeting of the company’s Board of Directors.

K ARACHI —Burshane LPG Pakistan Ltd has posted a lower profit after tax of Rs 31.470 million during the half year ending December 31, 2011 and declared an interim cash dividend of Rs 1 per share.

According to financial results reaching Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) Wednesday, profit before tax also declined to Rs 50.105 million during the period under review compared to Rs 76.653 in the same period last year. The earning per share trimmed ISLAMABAD: BISP Chairperson Farzana Raja speaking during the dialogue on Social to Rs 1.39 as against Rs 1.99 Protection in Pakistan: Design, Institutional and Financial Challenges arranged by the Institute for Development and Economic Alternatives. in 2011.—APP

Pak e-banking upped to global status shape in real-time online services AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—Ninety-four percent of banks’ branches in Pakistan are now offering Real-Time Online services as 484 more branches were added to the RTOB network during the second quarter of the current fiscal year (FY13), according to Payment Systems Review for the second quarter of FY13 released today. Overall

9,896 branches of banks out of 10,523 now offer RTOB services across the country.

The value and volume of RTOB transactions also increased by 18.82 percent and 14.29 percent respectively during the second quarter as compared to the previous quarter of the current fiscal year, the Review added.

The value and volume of overall e-banking transactions in the country in-

creased by 18.02 percent and 11.31 percent during the second quarter to reach Rs. 7.6 trillion and 79.45 million respectively as compared to the first quarter, according to the Review.

The Payment Systems infrastructure in the country maintained an increasing growth trend during the second quarter of FY13 and 245 more Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) were in-

stalled by banks bringing the total number of ATMs in the country to 6,232, the Review said, adding that ATM transactions, in terms of volume of overall e-banking transactions, have a major share of 61.12 percent with an average value of Rs. 9,779 per transaction.

The overall value and volume of ATM transactions increased by 10.33 percent and 10.68 percent respec-

tively in the second quarter as compared to the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

The share of ATM transactions in overall e-banking transactions in value terms was 6.27 percent during the second quarter.

The Review said that the number of plastic cards in the country also witnessed an increase of 5.33 percent in the second quarter compared to the preceding quarter as over

20.72 million plastic cards were issued in the country by the end of December, 2012.

The value and volume of transactions through Point of Sale (POS) terminals stood at Rs. 22.1 billion and 4.5 million in the second quarter which showed a growth of 6.25 and 5.06 percent respectively as compared to the first quarter of the current fiscal year, according to the Review.

The Review pointed out

that the recorded value and volume of large-value payments through Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) was Rs.42.13 trillion and one lakh twenty one thousand six hundred sixty three (1,21,663) respectively in the second quarter, depicting an increase of 9.46 percent in value and 10.35 percent in volume as compared to the first quarter. The major portion for the increased number of overall Pakistan Real

Time Interbank Settlement Mechanism (PRISM) transactions during the second quarter was contributed by Interbank Funds Transfer (IBFT) which increased by 14.06 percent as compared to the last quarter. Similarly, the largest contribution in the value of overall PRISM transactions in the second quarter was due to securities settlement which increased by 14.96 percent, the Review added.

USA

97.90

97.70

UK

154.66

154.35

EURO

130.92

130.65

Canada

97.46

97.26

Over $21b trade deficit to wash away $5.5b FDI target SALIM AHMED

Switzerland

106.59

106.37

LAHORE—Taking strong ex-

Australia

100.80

100.60

Sweden

15.21

15.18

Japan

1.0583

1.0562

Norway

17.71

17.68

Singapore

79.04

78.88

Denmark

17.55

17.51

Omani Riyal

255.00

245.00

Saudi Arabia

26.10

26.05

ception of the new investment policy of the government, setting target of $5.5 billion’s Foreign Direct Investment during the next five years, APAT central general secretary Naeem Mir has said the Board of Investment’s target should be at least $10 billion, as trade deficit of over $21.5 billion will evaporate all benefits of foreign investment leading to the deficit of $8.5 billion in spite of including foreign remittances of $13 billion. The investment policy cannot be implemented without providing comprehensive framework for creating conducive business environment to attract investors, he added.

Mir suggested the Board

Hong Kong

12.62

12.60

Kuwait

347.41

346.70

Malaysia

31.60

31.53

Newzeland

81.54

81.37

Qatar

26.89

26.83

UAE

26.65

26.60

KR WON

0.0893

0.0891

Thailand

3.286

3.279

Gold Tezab Silver Tezabi

53,700.00 968.57

Gold Tezabi (24-Ct)53,850.00 Gold 22 Ct 48,600.00 SilverTezabi 970.00 Silver Thobi 895.00

FPCCI congratulates Khawar Rashid MUZAFFAR ALI L AHORE —Sheikh Abdul Waheed Sandal, Regional Chairman Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and Azhar Majeed Shaikh, Vice President FPCCI has congratulated Khawaja Khawar Rashid, Chairman FPCCI Regional Standing Committee on Law and Order on his appointment as Chairman Citizen Police business Liaison Committee Lahore (CPBLC) and thanked Police high ups for honouring Khawaja and Business Community as well.

At the time of crises like energy issue, political instability and worst situation of law and order this appointment will enhance the confidence of business community and provide the congenial environment for smooth business activities across the province and especially in provincial capital while country is facing horrible situation of law & order.

Business community is disappointed as robberies, kidnapping for ransom are at their peek, they said.

Establishment of CPBLC will build the confidence of business community to the Police Force and necessary mutual relations of Police and business community will strengthen in future, they hoped.

Oil prices in Asia turn mixed S INGAPORE —Oil prices turned mixed in Asia on Wednesday as US President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address lacked dramatic announcements that could swing markets, analysts said. New York’s main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in March, increased 12 cents to $97.63 a barrel in the afternoon while Brent North Sea crude for March delivery shed ten cents to $118.56.

“People were anticipating Obama’s speech, but there were no dramatic announcements that could move markets one way or the other,” said Jason Hughes, head of premium client management at IG Markets Singapore. “It was very much as expected as he addressed issues like economic reforms,” Hughes told AFP. Obama used his speech to wager his second term on an ambitious bid to strengthen America at home by reigniting its economic engine, cutting gun murders and fixing immigration.—AFP

of Investment to evolve a mechanism to become more effective in facilitating investments in the country and for this purpose oversees Pakistanis should be given incentives to invest in agriculture, transportation, telecom and energy sectors, which have huge potential, besides auction of 3G and privatization of public sector institutions. He said that it was ironic that Pakistan‚ which had one of the best investment policies on paper‚ failed to attract foreign investment, as the present process of approval of projects was cumbersome and discourages investors.

There is need to work on a one window system where the investor can be provided all necessary information and facilities.

APAT general secretary asked the bureaucracy to work on simplification of procedures by revisiting the existing processes without compromising on transparency so that the investors were comforted. He said that foreign private capital flows showed a negative growth of 38 percent against the world average surge of 20 per cent.

Even poor neighbouring country of Bangladesh managed to maintain pace with the global trend of foreign investment.

He said that Pakistan would have to repay $2.9 billion to the International Monetary Fund in 2012-13 in 12 monthly installment of $241 million each while the country has already repaid $1.2 billion to IMF in 2011-12, out of the total loan of around $8 billion.

PRI helps raise remittances to bolster ailing economy ISLAMABAD —Economic experts have termed the rise in remittance as a strong cushion for the country’s ailing economy, providing a bailout package at a much needed time to bring about stabilization. “Being the one of most important positive indicators, the record increase in remittance is very good for the economy of the country,” Former Finance Minister, Dr. Salman Shah told APP. He said that the boost in remittance would also help ease the pressure of balance of payment of the country.

Dr.Salman was of the view that Overseas Pakistan were the one of the biggest resources to boost economy of the country adding that Overseas Chinese and Indians have made huge invest-

ment in their respective countries.

“If Pakistani government serves its overseas Pakistanis and take initiatives by providing them incentives then they can play a vital role in boosting Pakistan’s economy through their remittances and investments for the socio economic prosperity of Pakistan”, he remarked.

Citing another reason for increase in remittances, he said due to the recovery in various economies including USE, Saudi Arabia where overseas Pakistan lives, the remittances have increased considerably.

It is pertinent to mention here that The Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) launched by the government to facilitate overseas

Pakistanis has been bearing fruits as the remittances have touched record high during the seven months of the current fiscal year. The government had launched PRI in April 2009 through the joint cooperation of State Bank of Pakistan, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and the Ministry of Finance in order to provide an ownership structure in Pakistan for remittance facilitation.

This initiative facilitated and supported faster, cheaper, convenient and efficient flow of remittances.

PRI had taken a number of steps to enhance the flow of remittances through formal channels which including (i) preparation of national strategies on remittances.—APP

Minister of State for Finance/Chairman BoI, Senator Saleem H. Mandviwalla meeting with the delegation of Vitkovice Machinery Group from Czech Republic to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan.

PQ shipping activity KARACHI—MT Bunga Azalea carrying 11,998 tonnes palm oil was allotted berth at Liquid Cargo Terminal at Port Qasim on Tuesday, port sources said here Wednesday. Berth occupancy was managed at the Port at 64% on Tuesday where nine ships namely C.V Maersk Kingston, C.V Hanjin Irene, C.V Nedlloyd Mercator, M,V Thai Hawk, M.V Aurora SB, M.T Bunga Azalea, M.T Strilen, M.T Liberty-N and M,T Akaki occupied berths at PQA to load/ ofload containers, cement, palm oil, LPG and furnace oil during te last 24 hours.

A record cargo handling was achieved at the Port on Tuesday where a cargo volume of 0.158 million tonnes, comprising 0.104 million tonnes imports and 0.054 million tonnes exports inclusive of containerised cargo carried in 4,483 containers (2,261 imports and 2,222 exports TEUs) were handled.—APP

MIH awarded ‘Brands of the Year Award’ STAFF REPORTER KARACHI —Maroof Interna-

Gems and Jewellery Training, Manufacturing Center established STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) has established a state of the art Gems Exchange Center and a Gems and Jewellery Training and Manufacturing Center (GJTMC) in Quetta.

Balochistan is a province with great potential with respect to colored gemstone sector and is famous for its colored varieties of quartz.

Gem Exchange center provides all indispensable facilities for gemstone buyers, seller and exporter under one roof so that they can trade, invest and export with maximum confidence. Ac-

cording to official sources, GJTMC impart essential training to the industry and is helping in bridging technological gap prevailing in the industry.

Both of these facilities are equipped with state of the art equipment and are successfully serving the industry with vital support, official said. It is equipped with latest Lapidary Machines, Gemological tools and equipments and carving machines. The prime motive of GJTMC-Quetta is to upgrade the skill and technology of the Gems and Jewellery sector of Balochistan and to provide a platform to the Gems and

Nokia launches FPCCI supports range of windows ban on plastic items phone 8 devices STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The Federation of Pakistan Chambers Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has announced its full support to ban on plastic items. A meeting chaired by Mirza Abdul Rehman, Vice President-FPCCI. Atif Ikram Sheikh, Chairman Coordination-FPCCI Capital Office, Malik Sohail Hussain, Chairman Diplomatic Affairs, Media & PR-FPCCI, Munawar Mughal and other Executive Committee Members of FPCCI were also present.

Mirza Abdul Rehman said that this law which has been passed by Federal Government and Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) would play vital role in eliminating the increasing pollution by plastic

tional Hospital (MIH) has the honour of being the only hospital in all Pakistan to be awarded the “Brands of the Year Award” for 2011-2012.

Dr. Fuad Hameed Rai (Executive Director Maroof International Hospital) has received this award on behalf of the hospital in a prestigious award distribution ceremony held at Karachi. Mr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh Federal Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs has consented the occasion as Chief Guest and distributed the awards.

The delegation from Maroof Int’l Hospital also comprised of Mr. Ch. Munir Arshad Corporate Director STAFF REPORTER MAROOF Int’l Hospital. More than thousand participants has attended the ceremony from F A I S A L A B A D —Malaysian across the Pakistan and from High Commissioner (HC) in Pakistan Dr Hasrul Sani different organizations.

Mujtabar said same day visa would be issued to the businessmen of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) to enhance bilateral trade between PakiTOKYO—Tokyo stocks closed stan and Malaysia which is down 1.04 percent on Wednes- the need of the hour.

Addressing a meeting at day, dragged down by profittaking and a stronger yen fol- FCCI Complex here on lowing a G7 statement that Wednesday, he said there warned over volatility in global were numerous opportunities forex markets. The benchmark available for joint ventures in Nikkei 225 index lost 117.71 education, health, tourism points to 11,251.41, while the and other sectors as Free Topix index of all first-section Trade Agreement (FTA) beshares was down 1.19 percent, tween the both countries has provided a lot of opportunior 11.48 points, at 957.02.

Selling pressure emerged ties.

He said “Pakistan is the from the outset as the yen climbed after the G7 said on second largest importer of Tuesday that “excessive vola- Palm Oil from Malaysia and tility” in exchange markets the Malaysian government is threatened financial stability, providing enough facilities as talk of a global currency war for launching business in heats up before this week’s Malaysian to the foreign inG20 talks in Moscow.—AFP vestors.”

He said “Malaysia has

items, therefore the Businessmen and Traders supports this law.

According to the statement, Mirza Abdul Rehman, Vice President FPCCI said that Pakistan is facing alarming situation in plastic pollution, which can not only be resolved by imposing ban on plastic items but to spread the use of biodegradable items. He added that government through this step not only saved the jobs of people belonging to plastic energy but also save the environment from plastic pollution, which is appreciable.

Atif Ikram Sheikh and Malik Sohail Hussain expressed their hope that by imposing this law practically and with the help of people belonging to plastic industry, Pakistan should be pollution free soon.

Same day visa issuance to FCCI members evolved

KARACHI: Dr. Fuad Hameed Rai, Executive Director Maroof International Hospital receiving ‘Brand of the Year Award’ from Abdul Hafeez Shaikh Federal Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs. Editor-in-Chief Pakistan Observer Zahid Malik is also present on the occasion.

Businessmen demand decision-making opportunity STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Mr.Iftikhar Ali Malik, Vice President of SAARC Chamber of Commerce, former President FPCCI and Co-Chairman of Business Panel Forum visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) and met with Mr.Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI. Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Iftikhar Ali Malik discussed the matters of mutual interest with ICCI President and stressed on devel-

oping strong networking among the Chambers and business associations of the country for effective advocacy on common issues. He said that Chambers and associations must play their vital for resolving businessmen problems.

Mr.Malik also highlighted the role of SAARC Chamber of Commerce which is working efficiently to explore potential of tradable goods and identify joint ventures in the SAARC region. He said that

countries around the world are promoting regional trade to strengthen each other economy and to improve the living standard of the people, therefore, our government should further build economic relations with its neighbouring countries to help accelerate businesses in these countries. Mr.Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI lauded the role of Mr.Iftikhar Ali Malik for resolving the problems of business community at all relevant forums.

Tokyo stocks close 1.04pc lower

Service trade deficit narrows 119pc as services exports rise to 60.84pc STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Despite the challenges faced by the national economy on domestic and international fronts, major economic indicators including exports of services from the country are showing positive growth as they grew by 60.84 percent in the first half of current financial year. The services sector trade deficit narrowed to 119.47 percent and reached to US$ 260.13 million during July-December 2012 against the deficit of US$ 1,336.09 million during same period of last financial year.

According the data re-

leased by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), exports of services grew by 60.84 percent and reached to US$ 4,161.12 million in first half of current financial year which was recorded at US$ 2,587.13 million during the same period of last year.

Meanwhile, the imports of services in the country during the period under review decreased by 0.57 percent as it came down from US$ 3,923.22 to US$ 3,900.99 million during the same period of last year. The data raveled that services sector balance of trade narrowed by 474.86 percent in month of December, 2012 as compared to the

same month of FY 2011 as it was recorded at US$ 583.17 million in the period under review against US$ 155.57 million of same period last year.

The exports of services from the country during the month of December, 2012 stood at US$ 1,207.14 million as against US$ 512.74 million during the same month of last financial year, it added.

On the other hand the imports of services in the country during the period under review slipped by 6.63 percent as it came down from US$ 668.31 million to US$ 623.97 million. On month on month basis, services sector balance of trade from the country nar-

Jewellery manufacturers and businessmen of the region to avail the manufacturing facilities through state of the art machineries and equipments, resulting in improvement in quality and value addition, leading toward enhancement in exports, official said.

GJTMC Quetta strives for the development of the Gem and Jewellery industry of the region from mine to market, official said,adding it contains latest advanced lapidary machineries imported from Germany and Japan and latest Gemological equipments from Germany for the identification of gemstone both natural and synthetic.

FTA with ASEAN countries and businessmen having their business set up in Malaysia can avail a market of 500 million people there to take benefit of the FTA with ASEAN.” He lauded the quality of Pakistani textile products and urged for increasing exports under FTA. He advised the Pakistani business community to actively participate in international conventions scheduled to be held in Malaysia in forthcoming months.

He said the Malaysian International Furniture Fair, 10th International Halal Showcase, Malaysia International Jewelry Festival (Spring Edition) and Malaysia International Jewelry Festival (Autumn Edition) are going to be held in March, April and October 2013, respectively. Earlier, FCCI president Mian Zahid Aslam, in his welcome address, said Pakistan and Malaysia had always enjoyed extremely cordial and friendly relations.

STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Nokia Pakistan introduced the highly anticipated Lumia range powered

by Windows Phone 8 in the country today. The device portfolio which was unveiled here consists of flagship device Nokia Lumia 920, Nokia Lumia 820 and Nokia Lumia 620.With the latest range of Lumia Windows 8 devices, Nokia Pakistan is all set to lead the change for the Windows Phone ecosystem with its Lumia differentiators.

Speaking on the launch, Alessandro Lamanna, vicepresident marketing - IMEA (India, Middle East, Africa) at Nokia said, “We are focused on redefining the future of smart devices and continue to invest towards delivering truly compelling experiences to consumers across price points. With the launch of Lumia Windows Phone 8 range, we aim to usher an era of unique innovations in the smart phone market. The announcement today is yet another giant leap in the remarkable progress we have made against our strategy announced in February 2011.” He further added, “We are working with partners across the board to take the Lumia experience to more and more consumers faster. The roll out of not two, but three devices marks not just our intent and agility, but also reflects our commitment to our consumers in Pakistan. With a range of accessories and partnerships to bring wireless charging outside the home, we are also boosting wireless charging into the mainstream. All this innovation adds up to one thing – it’s Time to Switch to Lumia!”

Commenting on the occasion, Salman Siddiqui, country lead - Channel Sales, Microsoft Pakistan said, “With Windows Phone 8 we created a new way to think about smartphones, one that puts people at the center.

rowed by 295.22 percent in the month of December, 2012 compared to the month of November. During the month of December, 2012 the exports of services recorded growth of 270.07 percent while imports witnessed negative growth of 0.15 percent.

Services worth US$ 1207.14 million were exported in month of December, 2012 as compared to the exports of US$ 326.19 million of the month of November, 2012.

The imports of services during the month of December stood at US$ 623.97 million which was recorded at US$ 624.91 million in the month of ISLAMABAD: Oleh Shevchenko Deputy Head of Mission of Ukraine embassy in a group photo with the delegation of Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

November 2011.

Syrian air base falls, Assad forces under pressure Resigning for ‘good of church’ VATICAN CITY—Looking tired but serene, Pope Benedict XVI told thousands of faithful Wednesday that he was stepping down for “the good of the church,” speaking in his first public appearance since dropping the bombshell announcement of his resignation.

The 85-year-old Benedict basked in more than a minute-long standing ovation when he entered the packed audience hall for his traditional Wednesday general audience. He was interrupted by applause by the thousands of people, many of whom had tears in their eyes. A huge banner reading “Grazie Santita” (Thank you Your Holiness) was strung up at the back of the hall. Benedict appeared wan and spoke very softly, but his eyes twinkled with joy at the flock’s warm and heartfelt welcome. He repeated in Italian what he had told his cardinals Monday in Latin: that he simply didn’t have the strength to continue. “As you know, I have decided to renounce the ministry that the Lord gave to me on April 19, 2005,” he said, to applause. “I did this in full liberty for the good of the church.” He asked the faithful “to continue to pray for the pope and the church.” Benedict is the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years, and the decision has placed the Vatican in uncharted waters: No one knows what he’ll be called or what he’ll wear after Feb. 28. The Vatican, however, has made it clear that Benedict will play no role in the election of his successor, and once retired, he will be fully retired. He plans to live a life of prayer in a converted monastery on the far northern edge of the Vatican gardens. As a result, Benedict’s final public appearances are expected to draw great crowds, as they may well represent some of the last public speeches for a man who has spent his life — as a priest, a cardinal and a pope — teaching and preaching. And they will also represent a way for the faithful to say farewell under happier circumstances than when his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, died in 2005. “We were just coming for vacation, and now we are getting all of this!” marveled Terry Rodger, a tourist from New Orleans as he headed to the audience. —AP

Ethnic peace process BURMA—Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi offered to help negotiate an end to conflicts between the government and ethnic minority groups, a challenge the country’s president called essential to building democracy. Suu Kyi made the offer in a video address to members of her National League for Democracy party on Union Day, which marks when her late father Gen. Aung San signed a 1947 agreement with leaders of the country’s ethnic minorities to gain independence from Britain together. The occasion is a reminder of an issue that has destabilized the country since even before it obtained independence in 1948 under the name of Burma. Rebellions by ethnic minorities striving for greater autonomy were hard for a democratic parliamentary system to handle, which increased pressure for strong central authority and helped lead to an army takeover in 1962. Military rule persisted until 2011. The government of elected President Thein Sein has reached cease-fire agreements with most of the major ethnic groups but is still engaged in a bitter struggle with the Kachin in northern Myanmar. Thein Sein in his Union Day address stressed the importance of ‘political stability and the end of armed conflicts.’ ‘At present, political stability and the end of armed conflicts is of prime importance for the flourishing of democracy in the country,’ he said in a speech delivered by Vice President Sai Mauk Kham, a member of the Shan minority. Suu Kyi said she would take part in peace talks if the parties involved asked her to do so. ‘I have been criticised by some people for not taking part in peace talks regarding the Kachin conflict. I have always said I am willing to take part in the peace process if the concerned parties wanted me to,’ she said.

Suu Kyi’s father was assassinated before independence after negotiating the1947 Panglong Agreement with the minorities. Many in Myanmar believe his removal from the scene was the reason the pact failed to keep the peace. —AP

Meeting on horsemeat scandal LONDON—British and European Union officials will try to work out on Wednesday how to contain a scandal over horsemeat sold as beef which has shocked consumers and exposed flaws in European systems of food safety control. The scandal, affecting a growing number of European countries and retailers, began in Ireland when its food safety authority discovered horsemeat in frozen beef burgers. The revelations raised questions about the food supply chain and prompted governments to send out an EU-wide alert. Owen Paterson, Britain’s Environment Secretary, told parliament that he would meet EU officials in Brussels on Wednesday to work out an action plan. “It is clear from my conversations with European ministers and Commissioner (Tonio) Borg that the European Commission recognises the urgency of the current incidents,” he said. The issue first came to light on January 15 when during routine tests the Food Safety Authority in Ireland discovered horsemeat in frozen beef burgers produced by firms in Ireland and Britain and sold in supermarket chains including Tesco, Britain’s biggest retailer. It has caused particular anguish in Britain, where eating horse flesh in virtually taboo. Concern grew last week when the British unit of frozen foods group Findus began recalling its beef lasagne on advice from its French supplier, Comigel, after tests showed concentrations of horsemeat in a range from 60 to 100 percent. Food experts say globalisation has helped the industry grow but has also given rise to a complex system which has raised the risk of adulteration, either by those looking to fraudulently pass off cheaper products, or by neglect. Mark Woolfe, a former senior food safety official, said the European Commission’s decision to reclassify a product which closely resembled mince as “mechanically separated meat” had forced suppliers to seek cheap alternatives elsewhere. —Reuters

Soft drinks need health warnings WELLINGTON—A New Zealand food industry association on Wednesday rejected a coroner’s call to add health warnings to softdrink labels following the 2010 death of a woman who drank about 2 gallons of CocaCola a day. Coroner David Crerar issued a final report Tuesday into the death of 31-yearold Natasha Harris, concluding that the mother of eight died from a heart attack. He said the large amount of Coca-Cola she drank likely led to metabolic imbalances that gave rise to her heart problems, adding that Coke was likely a “substantial factor” in her death. But New Zealand Food & Grocery Council Chief Executive Katherine Rich said “there isn’t a labeling regime in the world” that could have prevented the death of somebody who chose to drink Coke in such large quantities. The New Zealand branch of the Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Company, the world’s largest beverage maker, disputed the coroner’s findings, noting that experts could not agree on the most likely cause of Harris’ death. Crerar recommended that soft-drink makers consider including caffeine levels on the labels and warnings about the ill health effects if the drinks are consumed in excessive quantities. Under New Zealand’s food labeling system, warnings are mandatory on drinks with caffeine levels higher than 145 milligrams per kilogram. That covers many energy drinks, but not most soft drinks. Rich said the coroner’s recommendations were wellintentioned but ill-informed. She said that coffee, tea and chocolate also contain significant amounts of caffeine and that New Zealanders are unlikely to support the notion of health warnings every time they walk into a cafe or buy a chocolate bar. She said the huge volume of Coca-Cola that Harris drank meant she couldn’t receive adequate nutrients from other food sources. “It doesn’t matter what the food is. If it’s consumed in excess, there will be ill health effects,” Rich said. —AP

AMMAN—Syrian opposition centres. The Syrian authorities ture for Assad. In the first direct paper. But he said the authorities missioner for Human Rights, said from here,” said one woman. fighters captured a military airport near the northern city of Aleppo on Tuesday in another military setback for President Bashar al-Assad’s forces which have come under intensifying attack across the country.

The airport is the latest military facility to fall under rebel control in a strategic region situated between Syria’s industrial and commercial centre and the country’s oil- and wheat-producing heartland to the east.

The opposition said an army base situated near Aleppo Airport, which is both civilian and military, was overrun by rebels seeking to neutralise Assad’s air power, which has been instrumental in preventing the rebels from taking over major urban

have banned most independent media from the country, making verification of events on the ground difficult.

A Middle East-based diplomat following the military situation said the opposition “appears to be making significant advances” in Aleppo and along the Euphrates River to the east.

The diplomat said opposition fighting units have encroached on central Damascus by breaking through the ring road and establishing footholds in areas near the historic heart of the city of 2 million people.

Fighting in the nearly twoyear-old conflict has intensified in the three weeks since the political leadership of the opposition offered to negotiate a depar-

government response, Syria’s minister for “national reconciliation”, Ali Haidar, said he was willing to travel abroad to meet Moaz Alkhatib, the Cairo-based president of the Syrian National Coalition opposition group.

Authorities previously had said they would talk to the “patriotic opposition” - figures who have not allied themselves with the armed rebellion. But most centrist opposition figures have left the country since Abdel-Aziz al-Khayyer, a proponent of dialogue and non-violence, was arrested last year.

“I am willing to meet Mr Khatib in any foreign city where I can go in order to discuss preparations for a national dialogue,” Haidar told the Guardian news-

rejected any dialogue that aims “to hand power from one side to another” and insisted that formal negotiation must take place on Syrian soil.

The main push for talks is coming from U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, who helped mediate an end to civil war in neighbouring Lebanon and warned that Syria could become a failed state.

The Syrian uprising is the bloodiest of the Arab revolts that toppled four autocrats in Libya, Egypt, Tunis and Yemen.

With the minority Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shi’ite Islam, dominating power in Syria, the conflict has deepened the Shi’iteSunni divide in the Middle East.

Navi Pillay, the U.N. High Com-

on Tuesday the death toll in Syria is likely approaching 70,000 with civilians paying the price for the U.N. Security Council’s lack of action. In the capital Damascus, residents and activists said the army had moved tanks to central Abbasid Square to shore up its defensive lines after rebels breached it last week and then struck several security targets in the heart of the capital.

Jets bombarded rebel held areas in the east of the capital and in an expanse of farmland and urban areas known as Eastern Ghouta, from where rebels have launched an attack to cut off the loyalist supply lines.

“The bombing has been terrible. The centre of Damascus is shaking. You can hear the jets

Despite a large military arsenal - opposition activists reported several Scud missiles being fired at unknown targets from an army base north of Damascus Assad’s forces appeared to be on the defensive in many parts of the country.

The army and a plethora of security forces remain entrenched in fortress-like bases in Damascus and the provincial capitals, where their advantages in air power and heavy weaponry have kept the opposition from taking over the major cities.

Video footage showed fighters from the Islamic Free Syria Movement inspecting the airport.

Several fighter jets were shown on the ground at the airport and in concrete shelters.—Reuters

Bahrainis divided as leaders start reconciliation talks M ANAMA —For

Maryam Abdullah Jawad, a Shi’ite Muslim, grief at the loss of her son prevents her even contemplating the idea of solving Bahrain’s political ferment by talking to its hereditary rulers.

“Ali was like a flower and they plucked him,” said the 40year-old schoolteacher, whose eldest son was killed in August 2011 aged 14 during a protest.

Two years of political conflict in strategically vital Bahrain has left the island’s small population bitterly divided over the country’s future, even as its political leaders make tentative moves towards reconciliation.

The Sunni-led government, led by the Al Khalifa family, and Shi’ite-dominated opposition have resumed a “national dialogue” for the first time in 18 months, aimed at resolving a crisis that began with mass prodemocracy protests in February 2011. But Jawad’s comments reflect a political atmosphere charged with mutual recrimination, and with the authorities unwilling to budge on the opposition’s main demand for an elected government, nobody on either side pretends a breakthrough will be easy.

Even accounts of Ali’s death are contested. Although independent investigators, including those of an inquiry last year led

by Egyptian-American jurist Cherif Bassiouni, found his injuries compatible with witness accounts he was hit by a tear gas

canister, the government’s own report said he had not been.

For all the glimmers of hope at a luxury desert resort that hosted the new talks on Sunday, it takes only a brief excursion into poorer Shi’ite Muslim neighborhoods to sense the extent of Bahrain’s problems. The tarmac of roads leading to Jawad’s neighborhood of Sitra has been

torn up to make crude barricades against police cars and houses in the area bore stenciled portraits of the dead, including Ali. In Sitra, a district of fishing villages before the seafront was pushed back via land reclamations, graffiti demands the fall of the Al Khalifa and urges justice for those killed in unrest. Two crude effigies, representing a riot

Reuters. Early exchanges in the talks have focused entirely on procedural issues such as the agenda and the composition of participants, signs that the opposition remains very wary about a dialogue it fears may be intended purely for show. Rajab looks askance at the possibility, raised by the opposition, that it could quit the talks if it does not like the way the discussions are going.

“So far the statements (the opposition) made after the first session was not positive,” she said. “They keep saying they are not sure they will continue the dialogue. On the other side, they push the violence on the road.”

Both sides fear a repeat of what happened during previous, unsuccessful, attempts at dialogue. Ruling family moderates lost influence to hardliners after the opposition delayed its response to the Crown Prince’s offer of talks. Then, in a formal dialogue in July 2011, the opposition quit when it became clear it would be vastly outnumbered by pro-government representatives.

“Some people are saying this dialogue is a trap. We are really very, very careful,” Abduljalil Khalil Ebrahim, a senior official in Wefaq, the main opposition group. But Western observers in Manama say the fact that Crown Prince Salman was able to push for this round of talks, and that the state press has toned down its rhetoric about the opposition, MANAMA: Anti-Government protesters with banners reading, ‘I Love Bahrain’ march during a rally organized by the suggests the government position may be softening.—Reuters main opposition Wefaq on the streets of Sitra.

Egypt floods Gaza tunnels to cut Palestinian lifeline

policeman and a ruling family member, swung by the neck from lampposts nearby.

Bahrain, home to the United States’ main Middle East military presence via the fifth fleet, lies on a sectarian fault line aggravated by the regional tussle for influence between Shi’ite Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia. Its Shi’ite majority has long com-

UN experts in Iran for new nuked talks

plained of entrenched discrimination, and their loyalty has been openly questioned by members of Bahrain’s Sunni ruling family, bound by historical and marriage ties to that of Riyadh.

“For us it is very important (the dialogue is successful) and I hope it is the same for the other groups,” Bahrain’s Information Minister, Samira Rajab, told

Neighbours alert militaries after N-Korean nuke test

SEOUL—North Korea’s neigh- capable of striking the United bors bolstered their military States.

T EHRAN —Senior U.N. investiGAZA—Egyptian forces have stroyed since last August follow- worsened since the election of North Korea said it tested a preparations and mobilized scigators are in Iran for a new round

flooded smuggling tunnels under the border with the Palestinian-ruled Gaza Strip in a campaign to shut them down, Egyptian and Palestinian officials said.

The network of tunnels is a vital lifeline for Gaza, bringing in an estimated 30 percent of all goods that reach the enclave and circumventing a blockade imposed by Israel for more than seven years.

Reuters reporters saw one tunnel being used to bring in cement and gravel suddenly fill with water on Sunday, sending workers rushing for safety. Locals said two other tunnels were likewise flooded, with Egyptians deliberately pumping in water.

“The Egyptians have opened the water to drown the tunnels,” said Abu Ghassan, who supervises the work of 30 men at one tunnel some 200 meters (yards) from the border fence. An Egyptian security official in the Sinai told Reuters the campaign started five days ago. “We are using water to close the tunnels by raising water from one of the wells,” he said, declining to be named.

Dozens of tunnels had been de-

ing the killing of 16 Egyptian soldiers in a militant attack near the Gaza fence.

Cairo said some of the gunmen had crossed into Egypt via the tunnels - a charge denied by Palestinians - and ordered an immediate crackdown.

The move surprised and angered Gaza’s rulers, the Islamist group Hamas, which had hoped for much better ties with Cairo following the election last year of Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi, an Islamist who is ideologically close to Hamas. A Hamas official confirmed Egypt was again targeting the tunnels.

He gave no further details and declined to speculate on the timing of the move, which started while Palestinian faction leaders met in Cairo to try to overcome deep divisions.

Hamas said on Monday the Egyptian-brokered talks, aimed at forging a unity government and healing the schism between politicians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, had gone badly but had not collapsed.

While Gaza’s rulers have been reluctant to criticize Mursi in public, ordinary Gazans are slightly more vocal. “Egyptian measures against tunnels have

Mursi. Our Hamas brothers thought he would open up Gaza.

I guess they were wrong,” said a tunnel owner, who identified himself only as Ayed, fearing reprisal. “Perhaps 150 or 200 tunnels have been shut since the Sinai attack. This is the Mursi era,” he added.

The tunnellers fear the water being pumped underground might collapse the passage ways, with possible disastrous consequences. “Water can cause cracks in the wall and may cause the collapse of the tunnel. It may kill people,” said Ahmed Al-Shaer, a tunnel worker whose cousin died a year ago when a tunnel caved in on him.

Six Palestinians died in January in tunnel implosions, raising the death toll amongst workers to 233 since 2007, according to Gazan human rights groups, including an estimated 20 who died in various Israeli air attacks on the border lands.

At one stage an estimated 2,500-3,000 tunnels snaked their way under the desert fence but the network has shrunk markedly since 2010, when Israel eased some of the limits they imposed on imports into the coastal enclave.—Reuters

UK police make six more arrests in phone hacking scandal LONDON—British police in- International, repeatedly hacked sell details about the phone-hackvestigating the hacking of mobile phones to generate stories at Rupert Murdoch’s now-defunct News of the World tabloid made six more arrests of journalists or former journalists on Wednesday.

The phone hacking in the new arrests was believed to have taken place in 2005 and 2006, the police said. Five suspects were arrested and taken in for questioning in London and one in Cheshire in northern England.

Operation Weeting was set up to investigate the allegation that journalists and private detectives working for the News of the World tabloid, owned by News Corp’s British arm News

into mobile phones. Revelations that the hacking extended from celebrities and politicians to crime victims, including murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, caused public outrage.

The scandal escalated into a wider crisis embroiling the top echelons of the British political establishment, media, and police, and led to Murdoch closing down the News of the World in July 2011.

The latest arrests involve a suspected conspiracy separate to the one under which charges have already been made.

Earlier this month, a senior police officer was jailed after she was found guilty of offering to

ing inquiry to the tabloid, the first person to be convicted as part of the investigation.

Prime Minister David Cameron’s former media chief Andy Coulson, who was editor of the News of the World between 2003 and 2007, and Rebekah Brooks, the former boss of News International and a confidante of Murdoch, are among those charged with criminal offences.

Last week, News International agreed to settle most outstanding civil lawsuits brought against it by phone hacking victims, including actor Hugh Grant and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.—Reuters

of talks with government officials over allegations that Tehran may have carried out tests on triggers for atomic weapons.

Iranian state TV said Wednesday that talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency could be extended beyond the day, “if necessary.”

The visit by the U.N. team, led by Herman Nackaerts, comes a day after Tehran raised prospects that the IAEA may be allowed to inspect Parchin, a military site where the agency suspects nuclear-related experiments were conducted.

Iran denies any such activities and insists Parchin is only a conventional military site.

The U.S. and its allies fear Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

Tehran denies the charge, saying its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.—AP

Thai insurgents attack Army base, troops kill 16

entists Wednesday to determine whether Pyongyang’s third nuclear test, conducted in defiance of U.N. warnings, was as successful as the North claimed.

The detonation was also the focus of global diplomatic maneuvers, with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry reaching out to counterparts in Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo. President Barack Obama used his State of the Union address to assure U.S. allies in the region and warn of “firm action.”

“Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only isolate them further as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile defense and lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats,” Obama said.

The nuclear device detonated Tuesday at a remote underground site in the northeast is seen as a crucial step toward North Korea’s goal of building a bomb small enough to be fitted on a missile

“smaller and light A-bomb, unlike the previous ones, yet with great explosive power.” Still, just what happened in the test was unclear to outsiders.

Intelligence officials and analysts in Seoul raised the possibility of another nuclear test and of ballistic missile test-launches.

North Korea’s Foreign Ministry said the latest test was merely its “first response” to what it called U.S. threats and that Pyongyang will continue with unspecified “second and third measures of greater intensity” if Washington maintains its hostility.

South Korea has raised its military readiness alert level, and on Wednesday it used aircraft and ships, as well specialists on the ground, to collect air samples to analyze possibly increased radiation from the test, according to the Defense Ministry. Japanese fighter jets were dispatched immediately after the test to collect atmospheric samples.—AP

Conditions on disabled cruise ship in dispute

BANGKOK—A pre-dawn raid on HOUSTON—A cruise line says it “We obviously are very, very a Thai military base ended with 16 Muslim insurgents killed on Wednesday in the deadliest violence in the country’s south in nine years, marking a dangerous escalation in one of Asia’s leastknown conflicts.

Acting on a tip-off, marines lit flares and opened fire as up to 60 insurgents wearing military fatigues approached the base at about 1 a.m. in Narathiwat province on the Malaysian border, said Internal Security Operations Command spokesman Pramote Phromin.

He revised the death toll to 16 from an earlier 17. None of the Thai military defenders of the base was hurt, he said.

Violence is common in Thailand’s south but the scale of the attack and targeting of a marine base illustrate the difficulty Buddhist-majority Thailand faces in preventing the low-intensity Muslim insurgency from turning into a more dangerous conflict.—Reuters

is making the passengers stranded aboard a disabled ship in the Gulf of Mexico as comfortable as possible with running water and some working bathrooms, contradicting the accounts of some passengers who told relatives of filthy, hot conditions and limited access to food.

The ship, the Carnival Triumph, is still at least a day from being guided to a port in Mobile, Ala. Carnival President Gerry Cahill said the ship has running water and most of its 23 public restrooms and some of the guest cabin bathrooms were working.

He downplayed the possibility of an outbreak of disease from unsanitary conditions, saying the ship had not seen an abnormal number of people reporting to the infirmary as being ill.

“No one here from Carnival is happy about the conditions onboard the ship,” Cahill said at a news conference in Miami.

sorry about what is taking place.”

Jimmy Mowlam, 63, whose 37-year-old son, Rob Mowlam, got married Saturday onboard the ship, said his son told him by phone Monday night that there is no running water and few working toilets. He said passengers were given plastic bags to “use for their business.”

Despite a forecast of brisker winds and slightly higher seas, the Coast Guard and Carnival said they did not expect conditions to deteriorate aboard ship.

A cold front was expected to cross the central Gulf where the vessel is under tow, bringing north and northwesterly winds of 15 to 25 mph and seas of 4 to 6 feet, said Dennis Feltgen, spokesman for the National Hurricane Center.

However, such conditions shouldn’t affect conditions aboard ship, said Bill Segelken, spokesman for the Coast Guard Galveston command centre.—AP

Australia vs West Indies, Only T20

Charles, Pollard end West Indies’ 16-year drought BRISBANE—Three days ago, since the Perth Test in Feb- but Kieron Pollard was Man from 33 balls, had looked esJohnson Charles scored his first international hundred but couldn’t stop an Australian victory. This time, a brisk Charles half-century was enough to set West Indies on the way to their first win over Australia in Australia in any format for 16 years, as they showed why they are the reigning Twenty20 world champions. Australia might have swept the ODIs 5-0, but West Indies will at least fly home on a happier note.

They had not beaten Australia in this country

ruary 1997. The only man from that contest involved in this drought-breaking match was Paul Reiffel, then a fast bowler, now an umpire. It didn’t worry West Indies that Australia fielded one of the least experienced sides they have employed in many years. In international cricket, a win is a win, and this win brought relief for a group of men who have been disappointed with their own efforts over the past two weeks.

Charles set up the victory

West Indies innings: Gayle b Hazlewood ......... 8 Charles b Coulter-Nile .. 57 DM Bravo run out ........ 32 Pollard b Faulkner ......... 26 DJ Bravo b Faulkner ..... 13 Russell not out .............. 23 Sammy c Marsh b Faulkner ...................... 20 Deonarine not out ........... 6 Extras: (lb 4, w 2) ............. 6 Total: (6 wickets) ......... 191 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-99, 3106, 4-139, 5-141, 6-172 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W McKay .................. 4-0-44-0 Hazlewood ........... 4-0-36-1 Faulkner ................ 4-0-28-3 Coulter-Nile .......... 4-0-36-1 Cutting .................. 4-0-43-0 Australia innings: Finch b Sammy ................ 4 Marsh run out ............... 21

Voges run out ................ 51 Bailey b Narine .............. 15 Rohrer c Deonarine b Pollard ......................... 16 Haddin b Pollard ........... 22 Faulkner c Sammy b Pollard ........................... 7 Cutting b Narine .............. 0 Coulter-Nile not out ...... 16 McKay not out ................ 6 Extras: (b 1, lb 2, w 3) ...... 6 Total: (8 wickets) ......... 164 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-79, 382, 4-96, 5-121, 6-139, 7-139, 8-141 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W TL Best ................. 3-0-19-0 Sammy .................. 3-0-30-1 Narine ................... 4-0-19-2 Russell .................... 1-0-9-0 N Deonarine ......... 3-0-37-0 DJ Bravo ............... 2-0-17-0 Pollard ................... 4-0-30-3

of the Match, for his quick 26 with the bat and 3 for 30 with the ball. In an enormous chase of 192, the Australians relied on Adam Voges with a half-century and then held out slim hopes while Brad Haddin was at the crease, but when Pollard got rid of Haddin and the debutant Ben Rohrer, the last remaining specialist batsman, as well as the dangerous James Faulkner, it was all but over.

Australia then needed 51 from three overs with only the bowlers at the crease. Not surprisingly, they didn’t get close, losing by 27 runs as Sunil Narine, Pollard and Tino Best proved difficult to get away. Narine collected 2 for 19 from his four overs and was the key man with the ball for West Indies. None of Australia’s batsman seemed comfortable against him and he did not concede a boundary, while also having George Bailey caught sweeping for 15.

Things hadn’t started well for Australia in their chase when Aaron Finch played on to Darren Sammy for 4. Shaun Marsh (19) and Voges then put on a 74-run stand that could have put Australia in a position to push for victory, but both men were run-out within four balls of each other, costing Australia valuable momentum. Voges, who made 51

pecially threatening and carried on the form from his maiden international hundred on Sunday.

The same could be said of Charles, who justified Sammy’s decision to bat first.

With the exception of the impressive James Faulkner, an inexperienced Australia attack struggled to contain the world champions, who also had useful contributions from Darren Bravo, Pollard and Darren Sammy.

Early in the innings West Indies lost Chris Gayle, who was passed fit having missed the final two one-day internationals with a side injury. On 8, Gayle miscued a pull off the debutant Josh Hazlewood and was brilliantly caught by another man in his first international, Nathan Coulter-Nile, who ran back from mid-on and claimed the catch above his head despite having to twist and turn to keep the ball in his sights.

But it was Gayle’s opening partner Charles who set the tone, turning the ball behind square regularly to keep the runs ticking over and swinging hard when he had the opportunity. Charles struck seven fours and one six, a whip over midwicket off Coulter-Nile, and he brought up his half-century from 31 balls before falling for 57 from 35 when he played on off a

Coulter-Nile slower delivery.

However, the 88-run partnership between he and Darren Bravo had set West Indies up well. Bravo was less adventurous and scored 32 from 27 balls before he was the victim of a terrible mix-up with Kieron Pollard when both men ended up at the same end. Pollard managed two fours and one six but he wasn’t able to hang around until the end, caught at longon off Faulkner for 26.

Faulkner was comfortably the best of Australia’s bowlers, collecting 3 for 28 from his four overs, and it was only a couple of monstrous sixes clubbed by Sammy in the 19th over that prevented Faulkner’s figures being even better. He stopped Sammy (20 off seven balls) doing further damage by having him caught at deep midwicket, having started his wickettaking earlier by bowling Dwayne Bravo for 13.

Andre Russell, who hit a late 23 from 11 balls, and Narsingh Deonarine (6 not out) pushed the total into extremely worrying territory for the Australians; only four times in 302 Twenty20 internationals ever played had the team batting second chased down more to win.

And at the end of the night, it had still happened only four times.—AFP

Junaid doubtful for Cape Town Test

BRISBANE: West Indies overcame Australia for the first time in their tour by defeating them by 27 runs in the Only T-20 match on Wednesday.

Russia counting on Sharapova, Kuznetsova in Fed Cup M OSCOW —Russia’s Fed Cup captain Shamil Tarpishchev said Wednesday he is still hopeful that top players — Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova — will be available for April’s Fed Cup semifinal against Slovakia.

“I need to study the playing schedules of our girls before starting to plan the line-up for the match with

never forget about her personal interests. We must try to minimise any losses for those who are battling for the top places in the rankings.”

Russia’s top player Sharapova has played just three Fed Cup ties in her career so far, making her debut in 2008 to help satisfy Olympic Games qualification criteria.

After playing again in

her desire to play for Russia in this season’s Fed Cup campaign, and that he had been keen to call her into his squad for the later stages of the competition.

“If Masha (Sharapova) has a relatively simple tournament schedule ahead without a series of top-class events in America we will call on her,” he said.

“But otherwise the trans-

Slovakia,” Sport Express daily quoted Tarpishchev as saying.

“Of course Sharapova would strengthen our team a great deal, but we should

2011, she also featured in the quarter-final win over Spain in 2012 in the run-up to the London Games.

Tarpishchev said that Sharapova had expressed

Atlantic flights and time zone changes can seriously harden the battle for the top spot in the WTA rankings.

We’re not going make her life even tougher.”—AFP

K ARACHI —Pakistan’s left-

MUMBAI: West Indies players react after defeating Australia to reach their first Women’s World Cup 2013 final.

arm quick bowler Junaid Khan is doubtful starter for the second Test against South Africa starting in Cape Town on Thursday, a website reported on Wednesday.

He took a tumble a few days ago and the wounds on his thigh are still healing so he is unlikely to be considered for selection.

That would mean a likely debut for seven feet two inch tall quick bowler Muhammad Irfan at Newlands Stadium.

Junaid missed the twoday practice match against the Emerging Cape Cobras.

Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore said he will be available for the third Test at Centurion but could not decisively confirm his availability for tomorrow’s Test.

Whatmore added that two changes are likely which suggests Irfan could have played even if Junaid was fit and a second spinner, the left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman, could make an appearance on what is expected

No honeymoon: Cheteshwar Pujara to join camp immediately after his Valentine Day’s reception

Windies, Australia in Women’s World Cup final N E W D ELHI —The West Indies stunned mighty Australia by eight runs on Wednesday to enter their first women’s World Cup final, a result that knocked out defending champions England.

The West Indies and Australia topped the Super Sixes table with eight points each, while England can finish with only six points even if they defeat New Zealand in their last match later on Wednesday.

The West Indies, who were shot out for 164, hit back to dismiss Australia for 156 in 48.2 overs in a dramatic finish in Mumbai, with left-arm seamer Shanel Daley claiming three for 22 in 9.2 overs.

Off-spinner Stafanie Taylor took two for 26 as the Australian women collapsed

spectacularly with Alex Blackwell playing a lone hand of 45.

The upset win was set up

by Deandra Dottin, who smashed one six and 10 fours in her 67-ball 60 that lifted the West Indies to a challenging total.

It was Australia’s first defeat in the tournament, but the five-time champions will get a chance to avenge the loss when they clash with the West Indies in Sunday’s final in Mumbai.

In another match, South Africa registered their first win in the Super Sixes round when they beat Sri Lanka by 110 runs in Cuttack. Both teams finished with two points each.

Sri Lanka, chasing a 228-run target, were bowled out for 117 in 36.4 overs.—AFP

BIPIN DANI OBSERVER W Indies Women innings: Nero c Fields b Schutt .... 1 McLean lbw b Ferling .. 26 Campbelle lbw b Schutt . 0 Kyshona b Ferling .......... 8 Taylor b Ferling ............... 5 Aguilleira b Sthalekar ..... 7 Dottin b Osborne .......... 60 SF Daley b Schutt ........... 4 Quintyne b Osborne ..... 15 A Mohammed not out .... 5 Smartt c Haynes b Hunter10 Extras: (b 5, lb 3, w 15) .. 23 Total: (all out) .............. 164 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-31, 336, 4-53, 5-59, 6-86, 7-92, 8135, 9-151, 10-164 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W ML Schutt .......... 10-1-50-3 JL Hunter .............. 8-2-22-1 HL Ferling ............ 7-1-27-3 LC Sthalekar ....... 10-2-24-1 EA Osborne ......... 9-4-16-2 RK Chappell ......... 3-0-17-0

Australia Women innings: Lanning b Daley .............. 0 Haynes b Daley ............. 21 Cameron b Quintyne .... 39 Blackwell lbw b Taylor . 45 Sthalekar run out ............. 6 Fields c Nero b Smartt .. 18 Osborne b Daley ........... 19 Hunter run out ................. 0 Chappell lbw b Taylor .... 3 Schutt run out ................. 1 Ferling not out ................. 0 Extras: (lb 3, nb 1) ............ 4 Total: (all out) .............. 156 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-32, 379, 4-89, 5-130, 6-130, 7-131, 8-140, 9-156, 10-156 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W Smartt .................. 10-4-22-1 Daley .................. 9.2-1-22-3 Taylor .................. 10-1-26-2 A Mohammed ...... 9-2-38-0 Dottin .................... 4-0-16-0 Quintyne .............. 6-0-29-1

CORRESPONDENT

to be a dry surface.

Pakistan have been hit by injuries and illness on this tour. Taufeeq Umar and Haris Sohail were sent home, Asad Shafiq almost missed the first Test with a hand injury, wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed was hit on the nose but will play, Nasir Jamshed turned his ankle but has also healed and Mohammed Hafeez had a viral, website said.

Misbah-ul-Haq’s Pakistan team suffered a massive 211 runs defeat in the opening Test in Johannesburg.—APP

M UMBAI —No honeymoon trip is being planned by Team India’s Cheteshwar Pujara, according to his father, Arvind Pujara.

Speaking exclusveily from Rajkot, Cheteshwar’s father, Arvind Pujara (he played first class matches for Saurahtra (1976-1980) said from Rajkot, “my son is getting married to-day and reception is planned for tomorrow i.e. on Valentine’s Day. (The venues for both functions have not been announced for security reasons). He has to immediately report at the BCCI arranged condtioning camp in Bangalore”.

“Cheteshwar is an inter-

national cricketer and can’t afford to skip the national camp. No exemption is sought to miss the camp. He will leave for Bangalore the very next day”.

“We have invited all members of the current team.

It is to be seen how many of them can come. Perhaps very few can make as all have to attend to the camp. We have also invited former Test players, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble etc. with whom Cheteshwar has played the game”, he added.

“In this wedding, Cheteshwar will certainly miss his mother (Reena) who died a few years ago.

Cheteshwar carries many similar habits of his mother.

Her blessings are however with him always”, the father said emotionally.

Pujara family is very de-

voted to Shree Ranchhodrai Maharaj-founded ashram (in Gondal and Rajkot). Before going to play any major tournament abroad, Cheteshwar never misses to visit the ashram and seek Haricharandasji’s blessings.

“We have invited the saint for this wedding and efforts are on to bring him from Allahabad, where he has been on a Maha Kumbh mela”, the father added.

“We hope Pooja’s entry in my son’s life will bring good luck. Our surname (Pujara) has her name (Pooja) and we hope it will be a very happily married couple”, the father hoped.

Puja’s family had arranged a few pre-marriage functions at their native place in Jam Jodhpur, where their to be son-in-law made his presence marked.

Kids’ sugary drink intake drops when calorie

W

HEN calorie data on sugary drinks is displayed in convenience stores, teenagers buy fewer of them, especially African-Americans and children from lower-income neighborhoods, researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reported in the American Journal of Public Health.

Sara Bleich, PhD. and team set out to determine how three ways of providing teenagers with calorie data might impact on their purchasing and consumption of sugary drinks. They placed three kinds of different posters: Calorie poster - one said that a fruit drink has 250 calories Percentage of daily intake poster - it said that the fruit drink had 10% of their daily recommended calorie need Physical activity poster - this one informed that they would need to run for 50 minutes in order to use up the calories contained in a fruit drink or soda The authors found that purchases of sugary drinks dropped by approximately 40% if posters were displayed, compared to providing no information at all.The physical activity poster had the greatest impact - this reduced sugar-sweetened drink purchases by 50%.The authors informed that their study is unique in comparing how different types of posters influence teenagers’ purchasing habits.

“Teenagers were less likely to purchase a sugar-sweetened beverage and more likely to select a healthier choice like water after they saw the calorie information signs,” said lead

researcher Sara Bleich, PhD, assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.”

The sale of non-calorie or very low-calorie drinks, such as diet soda or water went up from 6.7% of all purchases at the start of the study to 12% to 14% at the end, after the children had been exposed to the posters.

“This study showed that Black teenagers will use calorie information, especially when presented in an easyto-understand format, such as a physical activity equivalent, to make healthier choices when it comes to buying a drink at the local corner store.

Most consumers underestimate the number of calories in a can of soda, and they often do not realize that such calories can add up quickly.”

The posters were placed on four convenience stores.

All the stores were near middle/high schools in lower-income neighborhoods in Baltimore city. The majority of residents were AfricanAmericans. The three types of posters were randomly selected and placed in the stores.

According to prior studies, adolescents in the USA consume approximately 300 calories each day from just sugary drinks.

Regular sugary drink consumption has been shown to significantly raise the risk of becoming overweight and obese, which in turn increases the individual’s chances of developing serious and chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

KARACHI: Rangers are standing alert outside the closed shops of Golimar area after the killing of a trader.

KW&SB irked by flushing of industrial toxic sewage in Keenjhar Lake IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Despite repeated reminders from Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KW&SB), not only contaminated industrial water but residential sewerage water of Hyderabad and Kotri, coming from Kotri and Noriabad, is entering Keenjhar Lake through K.B Feeder. The contamination entering K.B Feeder is not only endangering human lives but the marine life and environment as well.

Ghauri asks DG Ports and Shipping for release of detained Pakistani seamen in India KARACHI—Federal minister KARACHI: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Syed Samsam Ali Shah Bukhari addressing to a seminar on Meidia’s role as Soft Power at Air War College.

‘Education is the strongest weapon to combat terrorism’

Soft power of media can be a blessing: Sumsam

KARACHI—The “soft power of any nation if it is used in a judiK ARACHI — The Pakistani media” can be a great blessing cious manner and within the limyouth must focus their efforts on education to combat the prevailing national crisis. The need is to channelize their potential in the right direction.

These thoughts were shared

by Mr. Shoeb Siddiqui, Secretary, Youth affairs department, Govt. of Sindh, while addressing the students of Newports Institute of Communications and Economics (NICE) during the ongoing Student Week.

He appreciated the organizing committee on arranging a unique event for students that provides them with extensive knowledge in seminars coupled with practical exposure by visiting various organizations during the week. —NNI

for any nation if it is used judiciously and within the limits it is supposed to operate.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Syed Sumsam Ali Bukhari. He was speaking as chief guest at a seminar organised by the PAF Air War College here on Wednesday. The theme of the moot was: “Media as an element of national power.”Media can play a very positive role in defending the national interests especially in the prevailing geo-political regional environment, the State Minister said.

The Minister was of the view that the soft power of the media can be a great blessing for

its it is supposed to operate and that it can also have a destructive impact on a society if it is allowed to operate like a loose cannon.

“That is why it is said that the media and nations rise and fall together.” If they work together in a positive way they can work miracles in regard to achievement of the national objectives and strengthening the state and the things can move in the opposite direction if that cohesion and cooperation is missing. Media and the government have a complementary role in the task of nation-building. Both aim at promoting peace, tranquility, progress and well being of the people.—APP

for ports and shipping, Babar Khan Ghauri, has vowed to shore up those Pakistani seamen who have been detained on a foreign vessel anchored at an Indian port for the last four months.

Ghauri said he has directed the Director General Ports and Shipping to jump into action.

“We have also contacted the family members of the mariners under ship-arrest and assured them of all-out help”, the minister said.

Reports have it that Indian authorities had seized a ship owned by a Bangladeshi national after it defaulted on port payments last year. It is pertinent to mention that there are five Pakistanis among the crew. Three of the five seamen are the residents Karachi.—INP

In this regard Commissioner Hyderabad Ahmed Bakhsh Narejo called a high level meeting at this office. KW&SB Managing Director (MD) Misbahuddin Farid, Deputy Managing Director (DMD) Planning Mashkoorul Hasnain, DMD Technical Services Iftikhar Ahmed Khan and Deputy Chief Engineer Azam Khan as well as representatives of Irrigation Department, Environment Department, SITE limited, Police and Zonal Administration were also

present in the meeting. The MD briefed the meeting that not only contaminated industrial water but residential sewerage water of Hyderabad and Kotri is entering K.B Feeder putting millions of citizens in Karachi at risk along with the marine life and the environment. The arrangements made in this regard recently are only temporary, he added.

Moreover, he stated that residents of the surrounding areas also cause the contaminated water to enter since they need sewage of

the rain water during the rainy season by opening the gates on the feeder and breaking the blockades.

A serious and long term practical strategy must be devised and implemented, M.D protested.

Commissioner Hyderabad briefed that a monitoring cell has been established under Dr. Ahsanullah Siddiqui whereas; the Deputy Chief of the monitoring cell would be Chief Engineer Azam Khan. Water Board would be providing an office to the monitoring cell at Chalia.

150 outlaws held in targeted operations

Appointment of the Opposition leader in SA

3 gunned down, 3 injured in city violence

STAFF REPOETER

IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Karachi Police had on Wednesday conducted targeted operations had held 150 outlaws including 104 proclaimed absconders and 8 culprits with head money on them during last 24 hours.

The Police had busted 3 gangs of criminals and had 3 encounters with the criminals.

The Police had recovered 38 pistols, 1 rifle and 3 cell phones from the possession of the arrested outlaws. The Police had

only in East Zone, arrested 90 outlaws and recovered 10 pistols, a large cache of hashish (40220 grams), 16 gram of heroin, Rs100, 000, one car and one truck from their possession The Police had registered FIRs against the arrested and started onward investigation.

On the other hand, unidentified armed men had killed 2 traders of New Sabzi Mandi, Shaheen Khan and Sharbat Khan. The traders of New Sabzi Mandi had closed their businesses after the incident.

The Police had recovered a body of an unidentified man packed in a sack from Mirza Adam Khan Road near Chakiwara, Liyari. According to Police, the victim had signs of brutal torture. In Hussain Hazara Goth, two were injured in an incident of firing, while in Jamshed Town area near Parda Park, a 33 year old Jawaid son of Hameed was injured.

In Bihar Colony, street No 15, a 30 year old Nomi son of Abdul Yaqoob was killed by unidentified armed militants.

Customs foil bid to smuggle 4.5 heroin IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI–Pakistan Customs

Drug Enforcement Cell, Jinnah International Airport Unit foiled an attempt to smuggle 4, 5 Kgs (Net) contraband Heroin out of Pakistan through an aircraft.

According to details, the Customs Drug Enforcement Cell’s staff posted at International Departure Hall, Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, recovered and seized 4.5 Kgs (net) Heroin powder which was kept / concealed in cavities behind the covers of two toilets of the aircraft bound for London via Lahore as flight No. PK-787.

Consequent upon recovery & seizure of contraband heroin, prosecution case under Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 1997 has been registered. Efforts are afoot to KARACHI: Mirza Omair Baig son of Dr Mirza Iftikhar Baig has been appointed as Hon. apprehend the Mafia involved Consul of Poland in Karachi. This picture was taken during a ceremony held in this connection. in the offence.

KARACHI: Speaker Sindh Assembly Nisar Khoro chairing the provincial assembly session in Karachi.

Hamdard organizes children’s Seerat Conference AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI —Shafquat Sultana President, First Women Bank Limited, addressing seerat conference organized by Hamdard for Children has said that it was our first duty to get to know the children about the very purposes of Pakistan’s creation and to make them able to fulfill the objectives of Pakistan. It was the responsibility of all mothers to make an all out efforts to mould

the mindset of their children according to the teachings of Islam and Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.), because mother’s lap was the first school of a child, she added.

Commending the talents of the child speakers of Hamdard Naunehal Assembly she said they were very intelligent and promising as she judged them by their speeches and saw a very bright future of the country in them. “I am thankful to Mrs.

Sadia Rashid who invited me here and provided me a chance to look at the bright future of Pakistan, she maintained.

Mrs. Sadia Rashid, President Hamdard Foundation Pakistan while addressing the Seerat Conference said that Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) came in this world with the message of peace for all humanity. His life was filled with great examples of tolerance, justice, morality and equality.

KARACHI—Speaker Sindh Assembly Nisar Ahmed khuhro has said that the appointment of the Opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly will be done on the basis of rules as the procedure to appoint the leader of the Opposition has been defined in the Rules of Procedures.

He was talking to media persons here on Wednesday in the Sindh assembly cafeteria after inauguration of the party calender 2013.on the Occasion Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and other MPA,s were present. Speaker Sindh Assembly Nisar Ahmed khuhro said the care taker set up in Sindh will be formed after the completion of Sindh Assembly tenure,while the Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh and Caretaker setup will be formed with the consensus of all the political parties.

He said the Caretaker CM Sindh will be nominated with the consensus of all the political parties. He said after assassination of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto we inaugurates the yearly calender with the name of Peoples Party. He said Sindh Assembly is going to complete its five years tenure in the history of Pakistan thats why i wish Mubarak bad to all political parties who have played their role for the democracy in Pakistan. pro to speaker

Karachi traders protest against extortion, killings KARACHI—Traders and shopkeepers of Gulbahar area of the city Wednesday staged a protest against increasing incidents of extortion and killings. he shopkeepers closed their shops, burnt tyres, blocked roads and chanted slogans against extortionists and killers. Because of the protest, traffic jam was witnesses which caused trouble for commuters at Nazimabad and Lasbela road.

The protesters demanded security to earn their livelihood in peaceful conditions. The protest was ended after police and Rangers assured the traders of full security.—INP

‘Calcium sponge’ to tackle diastolic heart failure

R

ESEARCHERS have used molecu lar genetic engineering to opti mize heart performance in models of diastolic heart failure by creating an optimized protein that can aid in highspeed relaxation similar to fast twitching muscles.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota‘s Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the Lillehei Heart Institute were behind the breakthrough.

Within heart cells, calcium plays a major role in orchestrating normal heart pump function.

However, in diastolic failure the calcium signaling process is slowed; calcium levels rise to the peak needed for the squeezing action of the heart but don‘t then drop quickly enough for an efficient relaxation period - the condition known as diastolic heart failure.

University researchers were able to pinpoint a specific protein, parvalbumin - which aids in high-speed relaxation of fast twitching muscles in nature - and optimize it to become a calcium sponge for heart muscle.

As a result, the optimized protein, ParvE101Q, soaks up excess calcium at a precise instant, allowing the heart to relax efficiently after contraction.

The advance offers a solid conceptual step forward in solving the puzzle

of diastolic heart failure. The next step will be determining the best possible small molecule or gene delivery mechanism for the protein, which should allow the discovery to be used in clinics.

“In nature, there are unique organisms known to be able to contract and relax muscles quickly. We hoped research and discovery could help identify what was promoting this highly efficient activity so we could harness it for use in the heart.

We`ve discovered that our optimized variation of parvalbumin can fulfill that role by treating diastolic heart failure,” said Joseph M. Metzger, Ph.D., a University of Minnesota Medical School professor and chair of the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology.

According to Metzger, who also serves as the Maurice B. Visscher Endowed Chair in Physiology, the sponge mechanism works as a temporary depot for calcium along its normal pathway. It increases productivity in the relaxation phase of the heart cycle without negatively impacting the contracting phase.

If they can develop an ideal delivery system for the optimized protein, the researchers believe they may have found a unique clinical application to treat diastolic heart failure.

Dr AQ Khan meets Nawaz STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Tehrik Tehffuz-ePakistan (TTP) Head Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan met PML-N President Mian Nawaz Sharif at his Raiwind residence on Wednesday to condole with him over sad demise of his brother Mian Abbas Sharif.

Dr Khan remained there for some time and also offered “fateha” for the eternal peace of departed soul. PMLN leaders Sardar Mehtab Khan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, Tariq Azeem and others were also present on the occasion.

Sources claimed that during the meeting, views were also exchanged over current political and economic situation in the country besides matters pertaining to upcoming general elections.

The sources said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan stressed for a greater alliance of the LAHORE: Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan met PML-N President Nawaz Sharif at his Raiwind residence and condoled the right-wing political forces death of his brother Abbas Sharif. before the general polls. Dr Khan requested the PML-N chief that all right-wing patriotic forces should get united ahead of elections.

Khan is also learnt to have said that Nawaz Sharif should play a lead role in this regard. Views were also exchanged over law and order situation in the country, the sourrces added.

Democracy sure option for prosperity: Rukhsana L AHORE—Political Advisor

LAHORE: Student giving final touch to her creation during All Pakistan Dry Flower and Poster Competition at Government College University.

HRCP urges early return of crew stuck up in India STAFF REPORTER L A H O R E —The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called upon the government to immediately intervene to help five Pakistani crew members stuck on their ship at anchorage in India who have not been paid their salaries for months and only have food left for a few more days.

The Commission said in a statement on Wednesday, “HRCP wants to urgently draw the government’s attention to the plight of crew of a ship, MV Fatahur Rahman, which

Shops demolished, workshop sealed LAHORE—During an operation against illegal constructions on Wednesday, staff of the Town Planning Wing of Lahore Development Authority demolished two shops that had illegally been constructed on plot No 326 of N Block Johar Town.

The LDA staff also sealed three workshops that had been functioning on three plots of R-I Block without permission.

According to the LDA officials, residential building plans had been got approved from LDA for plot No 6,23 and 30 of Block R-I but workshops had been established there illegally.—APP

has been at Vishakhapatnam anchorage in India for over five months.

During that period, the 24-member crew comprising five Pakistanis and 19 Bangladeshis stuck on the ship have not been paid their salaries and have been all but abandoned by their employer. The vessel is said to be owned by a Singapore-based company, which has an agent in Karachi and also one in Vishakhapatnam, India.

HRCP has come to know that food onboard the ship is running so low that the lives of the crew

members are at risk. It is outrageous that a company treats its employees in such shabby manner but it is even more shocking that it has gotten away with that for so many months.

The government of Pakistan must take immediate steps to bring the Pakistani crew members home and help them settle their affairs with the company that employs them. We request the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistani high commissioner in New Delhi in particular to immediately intervene and end the crew members’ plight at the earliest.”

PPP afraid over PML-N’s soaring popularity STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Provincial Minister for Law, Rana Sanaullah has said that the PPP leaders have become afraid of increasing popularity of PMLN in the masses. He asked Raja Riaz to wait for elections and he would see who wins and who is defeated?

Commenting upon the statement of Raja Riaz, Rana Sanaullah said that like byeelections, PPP will face defeat in general elections.

He said that the champion of corruption Zardari has broken all previous records of loot and plunder

and robbed the country during the last five years but the politically conscious people will give a shameful defeat to the PPP leaders and the patron of thieves and dacoits Zardari, during the general elections.

Rana Sanaullah said that PPP always raised slogan of Roti, Kapra aur Makan and got vote in the name of the poor but did nothing for them.

He said that PPP always exploited the poor people but now they cannot be hoodwinked and will take revenge of their deprivations through vote in the forthcoming general elections.

to President Rukhsana Bangash MNA has said democracy is the only option for prosperity of the nation.

Talking to a delegation of Peoples Labour Bureau here on Wednesday, she said the party was following the vision of Shaheed leaders who had sacrificed their lives for democracy and country.

She said the PPP did not believe in dishonesty and deceiving the people, adding it believed in serving the people which was a national responsibility.

She said the party would continue its struggle for strengthening democracy, adding that democratic forces wanted elections on time and there should be no ambiguity in it.

Opponents of the PPP will be rejected in elections by the masses.

She also condemned police torture on Deputy Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Shaukat Basra and doctors, and demanded the court to take a notice of the situation.—APP

Shahbaz advises people to be civil in metro bus trips

SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that vigorous trust of the people is clear reflection of the success of Metro Bus System, and its opponents have now been rendered speechless, over its splendid success.

He said the people will have to adopt a disciplined way to travel in this modern transport, which is a unique project of its kind in Pakistan, and has achieved tremendous popularity, within three days.

Members National and Provincial Assembly, including senior office-bearers of Pakistan Muslim League(N), have been given responsibility to maintain discipline at the bus stations and to provide guidance to the travelers.

The Chief Minister was presiding a high-level meeting to review Metro Bus System operation at Model Town on Wednesday. Member National

Assembly Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, Chairman Lahore Transport Company Kh. Ahmad Hasaan, Special Assistant Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Managing Director Punjab Metro Bus Authority, CCPO Lahore, CTO, DGPR and concerned officers were present.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister said that every bus has a capacity of 150 passengers, therefore it should be ensured that over-crowding does not take place, while women should be given priority, so that they can reach their destination on time.

He directed that police officials should be deputed to maintain law and order at bus stations as well as inside the buses. He said civilized nations respect the women and the elderly, and indecent behavior is not expected from a cultured nation.

The Chief Minister directed that special arrangements should be made in the buses for women and the

aged, while strict action should be taken against those indulging in hooliganism.

He said effective steps should be taken to stop people from coming on to the bus tracks, besides taking strict action against them.

Managing Director Metro Bus Authority informed that significant improvement has been registered in the bus operation.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has appealed to the people that Punjab government has inaugurated Metro Bus System for the people, which is a modern transport facility in accordance with the developed countries of the world, making it a unique and foremost project of its kind. He said people have warmly greeted international level comfortable and speedy bus service which is exemplary.

However, he said, few incidents of damage of buses have happened during the first two days of bus service, due

YDA stages sit-in outside Governor’s House MUZAFFAR ALI L AHORE —Young Doctors

66 wardens deputed alongside routes of MBS LAHORE—Chief Traffic Officer Sohail Chaudhry has deputed 66 traffic wardens under the supervision of traffic sector in charges to ensure uninterrupted operation of the Metro Bus Service.

During visit of MBS route from Gajumata to Shahdara Chowk to review smooth traffic alongside the MBS track, he said that wardens would perform duty in three shifts at different points, including crossing points Nishtar Uturn, Chungi Amersidhu, Ghazi Road, Gulab Devi, Azadi Chowk and Niazi Chowk. Besides, two inspectors have been deputed to supervision of the Metro Bus System during night.

The CTO directed wardens to perform their duties with dedication. About 250 officials of Mujahid Squad have been deputed for security of the route of Metro Bus Service. SP Mujahid Romail Akram said that the personnel would perform their duties at metro bus stations.

A squad would also perform duties from Shahdara to Gajumat from 7.00am to 3.00pm and 3pm to 11pm.—APP

to rush of people, which are highly regrettable. He said Metro Buses and all related instillations are a precious asset of the nation and it is the responsibility of the people to protect them. He said people’s favorite Metro Bus Service can only continue successfully, if no damage is caused to buses and its instillations.

Chief Minister said that people should protect their precious asset, like all civilized societies and display exemplary discipline while traveling on Metro Buses.

The Chief Minister said he believes that the people would prove through their attitude that they do not lag behind any developed nation in respect of sense of responsibility and discipline.

LAHORE: Girls selecting cards from a shop to celebrate the Valentine Day.

Navy officers visit Lahore Chamber STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—115 Navy officers of 42nd Staff Course of Pakistan Navy War College Wednesday visited Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to explore role of the business community for the economic well being of the country.

Talking to the Navy officers, LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar and SVP Irfan Iqbal Sheikh and VP Mian Abuzar Shad stressed the need for implementation of new economic policies to put the economy back on track. Pakistan Navy War College delegation was led by Commodore Shahid Rao, while

former LCCI President Mian Muzaffar Ali and Executive Committee Members Mian Zahid Javaid, Husnain Reza Mirza and Mudassar Masood were also present.

The LCCI president said no country could ever achieve its aims and objectives until and unless it has a strong system backed by strong institutions as weak institutions are bound to expose a country or a state to all types of challenges.

Giving a detailed briefing on LCCI role in policy making, Farooq Iftikhar said the Lahore Chamber is playing its due role for promotion of trade and industry in the

country. Over 120 sector-specific Standing Committees collect private sector feedback, analyze and after a thorough debate it is forwarded to the concerned government departments for consideration at the time of preparation of the Federal Budget.

He said the Chamber monitors the budget, anomalies are identified and these coupled with revised proposals are again communicated to the relevant policy making departments. The LCCI, he said, also keeps liaison with the commercial sections of the Foreign missions and an exchange of information is ensured.

Association (YDA) conducted a protest rally from Jail Road to Governor ’s House and staged a sit-in outside the Governor House in protest against manhandling of young doctors at the hands of the police on the occasion of Rapid Transit Bus’ inauguration ceremony.

The protesting male and female doctors started their rally from their hunger strike camp outside the Services Hospital here on Wednesday and staged a sit-in outside the Governor’s House in favour of their demands. Workers hailing different political parties also participated in the rally.

During the sit-in, the Governor ’s representative met the protesting doctors and assured them the federal government’s help to young doctors in this regard. After this assurance, the doctors dispersed peacefully, however, YDA would continue their hunger strike camp until their demands are fulfilled.