Ep17november2013

Army called in Pindi, Multan, Chishtian 9 killed in Rawalpindi clashes, curfew imposed Mobile phone services blocked for indefinite period Judicial enquiry ordered by Chief Minister Persons involved in incident to be brought to justice Religious leaders appeal for harmony OUR CORRESPONDENT

Fazl conveys concern to PM, CM ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has assured Chief of Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam Fazl ur Rehman that Rawalpindi incident would be taken as a test case and action would be taken against all responsible without any discrimination.

According to Central Secretary Information JUI Maulana Amjad, Maulana Fazl ur Rehman made telephonic contact with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and expressed his concern over the Rawalpindi clashes in which a murder of precious lives were lost and scores were wounded.

Maulana Fazl conveyed

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Probe into Haqqani killing ordered ISLAMABAD—Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has ordered an inquiry into the murder of leader of Haqqani network, Nasiruddin Haqqani.

Interior Ministry spokesman Umer Hameed told the BBC that the Interior Minister has asked the police officials to investigate the incident from every aspect. Nasiruddin Haqqani was shot dead in Islamabad on Sunday last.

The spokesman avoided to give answer when asked whether the inquiry has been ordered about disappearance of the dead body from the site of the incident but said that inquiry is ordered in serious matter. —INP

army was called in to control stay at homes as violation of troops in the city and later the situation. curfew would not be toler- imposed a full curfew as solClashes erupted in the ated. diers patrolled the streets to RAWALPINDI—The city disAngry protesters at- stop protesters coming in trict administration relaxed garrison-city when a procesfrom 9pm Saturday to mid- sion coincided with a sermon tacked the mosque and semi- from other cities. night the curfew that was imposed in the wake of Friday’s deadly violence and the funeral prayers for those who lost their lives in the tragedy will be held at Liaquat Bagh today.

The administration was making efforts to calm the situation down with the help of Ulema and other notables after army was called in Rawalpindi.

Meanwhile, the death toll from Friday’s sectarian clashes in Rawalpindi rose to nine and more than 60 injured on Saturday.

The army was also called to quell sectarian unrest in Multan and Chishtian as clashes spread to other cities of the Punjab province on Saturday after nine people were killed in violent attacks RAWALPINDI: Army soldiers dispersing the people who were trying to violate curfew rules. in Rawalpindi.

Violence also erupted in As Shia Muslims massed at a nearby mosque near nary, torching its building and an adjacent cloth market, the southern city of Multan to mourn, a group of miscre- Fawara Chowk.

As the troops took con- where workers on Saturday and Chishtian town, where ants at 3:00pm reportedly snatched guns from police trol of the city some of roads were still battling to extin- civil authorities called in troops to maintain law and personnel deployed in the in the garrison city were also guish the fire completely. blocked with shipping conRival groups then atorder. area for security, and opened Deeba Shehnaz, a fire. As panic spread, un- tainers and mobile phone ser- tacked each other, TV camknown people set a portion vices were suspended as a eramen and security forces spokeswoman for rescue serand also fired gunshots. vices, told media: “Accordof the cloth market in Raja security measure.

The district administraThe authorities de- ing to the latest figures, we Bazaar on fire. The situation soon got out of hand and the tion warned the citizens to ployed large numbers of can now confirm the death of

3 Es major challenges posed to country: Dar Govt to construct Dasu, Diamer Bhasha dams SALIM AHMED

commitment, hard work and Speaking at the Lahore prudent policies.

Chamber of Commerce and LAHORE—Terming three Es “A few hands have taken Industry (LCCI), Dar said i.e., economy, energy and ex- the whole economy of the that the recently imposed tremism as major challenges taxes were the outcome of Picture on Back Page posed to the country, Ficaretaker government’s nance Minister Ishaq Dar commitment with the IMF. Saturday said the govern- country hostage but we will However, he said the govment was utilizing all its en- not allow them to play at the ernment is focused on narergies to resolve them with cost of the country,” Dar said.

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Sri Lanka rejects UK call for int’l human rights probe

COLOMBO—Sri Lanka flatly denied the need for an international investigation into its controversial human rights record here on Saturday that was proposed by British Prime Minister David Cameron if issues are not addressed by March 2014.

Sri Lanka’s head of Parliament Nimal Siripala de Silva OBSERVER REPORT ISLAMABAD—Chief of Air emphasized Sri Lanka is a the Staff‚ Pakistan Air Force sovereign country and thereContinued on Page 7 Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt was among 33 Air Chiefs who participated in the International Air Chiefs Conference held in Dubai on Saturday.

The Air Chief was among the few privileged SEVERODVINSK—The longspeakers‚ to address the delayed and much-awaited selected audience from $2.3 billion aircraft carrier around the globe, says a report received from Dubai. INS Vikramaditya was on Air Chief presented his Saturday inducted into the Indian Navy in a strategic personal vision on the boost to India’s maritime integration of this new concept and its far reaching warfare capabilities.

The mammoth 44,500implications on the employtonne warship was commisment of air power. While sioned into the Indian Navy Continued on Page 7 at the Sevmash Shipyard in

PAF chief attends air chiefs moot in Dubai

4 dead as rockets hit Lyari STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Four

more people lost their lives in Lyari as rival groups exchanged fire and rockets in several parts of the area.

A rocket attack at an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) killed a policeman and injured another.

Two more persons were

shot and killed, one near Slaughter House, and another near Koila Godam.

Elsewhere in the area, rival groups exchanged fire and rockets, forcing the residents to stay indoor.

The police had been reluctant to go to the area following calls of troubled resi-

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Janan named new Afghan ambassador to Pakistan OBSERVER REPORT I SLAMABAD —Afghanistan appointed its Foreign Ministry spokesperson Janan Mosazai as ambassador to Pakistan on Saturday, revealed Afghan Foreign Ministry sources in Kabul and diplomats in Islamabad.

Mosazai has replaced Umer Daudzai who was appointed Interior Minister in September.

He will assume his new position in Pakistan at a time when relations between the two countries face many challenges.

“I can confirm that Janan Mosazai has been designated as Afghanistan ambassador to Pakistan,” an Afghan official told media. He also said that President Hamid Karzai has approved a summary from the Foreign Ministry.

Sources in Islamabad say that the new ambassador is Continued on Page 7

India inducts aircraft carrier in navy this northern Arctic port at a handing over ceremony attended by defence minister AK Antony and Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin and senior government and naval officials of the two countries.

The Russian flag on the vessel was lowered and the flag of the Indian Navy was raised in its place. In a tradi-

tional Indian ritual, a coconut was broken against the ship’s side.

The commissioning papers were signed by deputy director of Russia’s arms exporter Rosoboronexport, Igor Sevastyanov and the ship’s captain Suraj Berry, Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency reported.

The warship was first

scheduled to be delivered in 2008, but the deadline was repeatedly postponed over the period.

The carrier will be escorted to India on a near two-month voyage by a group of warships to secure a safe sail to its base at Karwar on the Arabian Sea coast.

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nine people from the sectarian violence on Friday. At least 68 others were wounded during the clashes.”

Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, said the perpetrators will be brought to justice under the anti terrorism act.

Shahbaz Sharif, the chief minister of Punjab, told an official meeting following the clashes that the government ensure the culprits for the clash are brought to justice.

“We condemn the act of

violence in Rawalpindi and sympathise with the aggrieved families. We will take the culprits to the task,” he said in his statement.

A contingent of 5,000 policemen also reached from provincial capital, Lahore, to strengthen security in the city.

Meanwhile, authorities on Saturday decided to block mobile phone services in Rawalpindi for an indefinite period. They said that mobile phone companies had been informed about the decision

to block the services.

All entry points into Rawalpindi were blocked, resulting in traffic chaos on Saturday morning Incidents of arson were also reported during the time of the clash in which shops in a cloth market in the city’s Raja Bazar and a seminary were set alight.

Television cameramen and members of the security forces were also caught in the crossfire on Friday be-

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PM discusses tragic incident with Shahbaz

Nisar orders strict action against culprits

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minis- Inspector General of Police

ter for Interior and Narcotics Punjab, Secretary Interior,

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Control Chaudhry Nisar Ali senior officers of Rawalpindi/

Muhammad Nawaz Sharif phoned Chief Minister of Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif Saturday and sought details on the Rawalpindi incident. A statement from the Prime Minister’s House here said the Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister at length on the measures taken by the government to defuse tension in the area.

The Chief Minister informed the Prime Minister

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Khan Saturday directed the administration to identify the culprits involved in the Rawalpindi incident and bring them to justice.

He issued this directive at a high level meeting chaired by him here at the Ministry of Interior. It was participated by three provincial ministers of Punjab, including Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, Khanzada Shujah and Chief Secretary Punjab,

Islamabad administration and intelligence agencies.

The meeting expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of nine lives and valuable properties in Rawalpindi on Friday.

The minister also directed that a transparent enquiry be conducted to identify the perpetrators and the conspirators, planning to disturb the sectarian harmony.

The meeting deliberated

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Khattak pays tributes to LEAs for effective duties STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWA R —The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak while expressing satisfaction over the foolproof security arrangements for maintaining peace in Muharram especially on Yom-e-Ashoor has eulogized the role of Divisional, district administrations, police and other security agencies and paid rich tributes to them for discharging their duties effectively.

The chief minister contacted various authorities and apprised himself of the law and order situation. He appreciated that the divisional, district and police

authorities adhered to the sensitivity of the prevalent critical circumstances and ensured exemplary atmosphere of peace and tranquility in nook and corner of the province.

He said Ashura processions and Majalis in all big cities were held in most congenial environment while ideal atmosphere of fraternity and integrity was witnessed among all schools of thought during all these days.

“The credit of such an outstanding development besides the reconciliatory role of Ulema and Zakireen, also goes to the commissioners and police authorities all over the province”. Pervez Khattak said adding match-

less integrity and cohesion was seen among all sects of Muslims throughout the province owing to their tireless efforts, contacts with the Ulema and general people while the masses for the first time in our history heaved sigh of relief and performed their religious rituals in mosques and Imambargahs with peace of mind, he contended. Similarly he said the miscreants and terror elements could not succeed in their nefarious designs of playing havoc with lives of innocent citizens while a number of terror bids were foiled due to brisk security arrangements in the province.

The Chief Minister said

he was right to assert that our local administrations and security authorities were coming up to the expectations of the people and gov,t as he said, the public was also satisfied of their precautionary security arrangements.

He also paid rich tributes to Police Jawans and said that they responded to any challenges and threats well in time and even sacrificed their lives for the protection of general people. He also thanked media for projecting the feedback and views of the people on law and order during Muharram that he said always set the directions for the govt and local administrations.

ISLAMABAD—A Pakistan Parliamentary delegation headed

by Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq visit Saudi Arabia from November 16 to 24 on the invitation of Chairman of the Majlis ash-Shura Saudi Arabia, Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al ash-Sheikh.

The delegation to meet with their Saudi counterparts besides, meeting with the Chairman, Majlis ash-Shura, Saudi Arabia, said a press release issued here on Friday. The delegation will also perform Umrah. Besides, the Speaker National Assembly the delegation consists of MNAs Muhammad Anwar Chaudhry, Amer Ali Khan Magsi, Khalid Hussain Magsi, Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Usman Khan, Tariqullah Khan, Bismillah Khan, Raja Aamer Zaman and Secretary, National Assembly.—APP

KP ministers not to join PTI’s Nato sit-in P E S H A W A R — K h y b e r kistan have accused the US will assume responsibilities Pakhtunkhwa cabinet ministers will not participate in a sit-in organised by the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) to block Nato supplies going via the province.

Earlier, PTI chief Imran Khan had vowed to block Nato supplies from crossing through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in response to the US drone strike that killed Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud on November 1 and ‘sabotaged’ peace talks.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is one of the two key routes Nato supplies move in and out of Afghanistan and is seen as crucial as US-led allied forces prepare to draw down from the war-torn country in 2014.

Opposition parties in Pa-

of using the drone strike to stymie the peace process before proper talks had even started. Khan, whose party leads the provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, had said: “Even if we lose our provincial government, we will not let Nato supplies pass through as long as drone strikes do not stop.”

The sit-in, scheduled to take place on Nov 20, will not be attended by KP chief minister Pervez Khattak, provincial ministers and other government officials.

Khan has directed the provincial government to remain distant from the sit-in whereas the party’s central and provincial leadership

JI sees foreign hand behind Rawalpindi clash

HYDERABAD—An alleged nar-

L AHORE—Ameer, Jamaat e

cotics smuggler was arrested during snap checking in the limits of Hatri police station here on Saturday.

According to ASP Cantonment Umer Tufail, on a tip-off that a drugs’ consignment was being smuggled into Hyderabad, the police and Anti Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) together started checking vehicles in Hala Naka area. During the checking of a rickshaw, 15 kilogram heroin and eight kg hashish were recovered from alleged smuggler Asadullah Brohi, a resident of Benazirabad district, he added. He said an FIR had been lodged on the complaint of AVCC’s Sub-Inspector Ghulam Raza Mari against the suspect at Hatri police station under section 9C of Anti Narcotics Act. He said the police were conducting raids to arrest his accomplices. **** The police Saturday arrested three foreign suspects here who were travelling to Karachi in a bus. According to Hatri police, the suspects were arrested from the bus near a hotel on the National Highway near the police station. They were coming from Waziristan and heading to Karachi. The police said they were investigating about the identities of suspects and travel documents. *** A young man was shot dead by unidentified assailants in SITE area here on Saturday.

According to the SITE police, the deceased was identified as Adnan Zaidi, a resident of Labour Flats in the SITE area.

The police said three suspects riding a motorbike fired multiple shots at Adnan, who was standing near the flats. He died before being taken to hospital.

The motive of the killing could not be ascertained so far, police said.—APP

Masses hail distt admin, police for maintaining peace

ABBOTTABAD: People protest against incident on Ashura procession in Raja Bazar Rawalpindi.

Pak Parliamentary delegation leaves for KSA

Narcotics smuggler arrested

of the event.

Accoridng to reports, in order to transport PTI workers from other cities to Peshawar, arrangements have been made on a largescale.

Moreover, arrangements have also been made to bring workers from tribal areas and from internally displaced camps to participate in the sit-in.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Information Secretary Dr Shireen Mazari earlier took strong exception to Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid’s attack on Imran Khan and PTI’s decision to stop Nato supplies.

In a rejoinder here, she said the minister was not only confused over the issue but was trying to defend the indefensible the U-turn of the prime minister on drones.

Mazari stated that there was a deliberate attempt by the government at spreading disinformation regarding the PTI call for stopping of Nato supplies.—INP

STAFF REPORTER M ANDI B AHAUDDIN —Citi-

HYDERABAD: SSP Hyderabad Fida Hussein Mastoi presenting the recovered drugs (15 kg heroin & 15 packets of chars) from an arrested person.

Protesting doctors refuse to treat patients Q UETTA —Doctors across Balochistan on Saturday announced suspension of their services in all governmentrun hospitals as part of an ongoing protest for the recovery of senior cardiologist Dr. Manaf Tareen, who was kidnapped earlier this year.

Armed gunmen had picked up Dr. Tareen on Sept 17 from Pishin Stop area, located in a high security zone in the provincial capital. Law enforcers are still clueless about the whereabouts of the kidnapped doctor.

Doctor Haq Dad Tareen, a senior member of the Pakistan Medical Association, told a private news channel that doctors would only be treating patients in emergencies and they would not treat the out-door patients.

Patients remained the worst sufferers of the strike.

People are dependent on Civil Hospital and Bolan Medical Complex Hospital in terms of medical treatment.

Hundreds of patients were forced to go back home in frustration after wait hours outside the OPDs of Civil Hospital as no doctor was

available to treat them. Apart from Balochistan, patients from parts of volatile southern Afghanistan also come to Quetta for treatment.

Doctors have been protesting against the kidnapping of their senior colleague for almost two months to press the authorities to rein in the kidnappers. The PMA has also established a hunger strike camp at the Civil Hospital as part of their protest.

“Government’s silence over kidnapping of doctors has forced us to take this extreme step,” Dr. Tareen said while justifying the suspension of services.

Incidents of kidnapping for ransom are on the rise in the troubled province. According to statistics provided by the PMA, more than 100 doctors and professors have left Balochistan owing to threats to their lives. Similarly, around 20 doctors have been killed in different incidents of targeted shootings and explosions.

“We cannot perform our duties under these conditions,” said Tareen.—Online

Islami, Pakistan, Syed Munawar Hasan, has expressed deep grief over the loss of life and property in a sectarian incident in Rawalpindi, and said that foreign agencies were involved in the incident.

In a statement here on Saturday, he said that government had failed to maintain law and order. He said, after the Gujranwala incident, the security should have been high alert but the government was content with routine security measures and the miscreants got an opportunity to achieve their goal.

The JI Ameer said, the government would have to take extraordinary measures to avert sectarian clashes in the country because the anti state and anti Islam forces never missed any opportunity to harm national unity and harmony. Syed Munawar Hasan called upon the government to convene a meeting of the leading Ulema from the both sides to reach the roots of the matter and the side that was found at fault, must be given stringent punishment so that no body had the courage to disturb peace again.

He said it was the duty of the police and security institutions to ensure that the mourning procession adopted its set route and did not divert from it, as had been the cause of the clash. Syed Munawar Hasan also appealed to the both sides to display patience and tolerance as Islam preached love and brotherhood. Shedding the blood of fellow Muslims was not permissible n Islam and it also undermined unity of the Ummah, he added.—Online

One killed, 3 injured in road mishap Q UETTA —One person has been killed and three have been injured in a road mishap in Mach Bolan area, on Saturday.

Levies sources said that a speedy car fell down from the bridge of Quetta-Sibi road, resulting in killing of one person and injuring of three others. They added that the injured include a woman.

The dead and injured were shifted to hospital where condition of the injured was out of danger.

The Balochistan doctors’ strike entered 42nd day, here on Saturday.—APP

zens of Mandi Bahauddin district complemented the district administration at all tiers, especially the police, for taking excellent security measures and doing their job well during observance of Muharram.

President Divan Asad Adrees, General Secretary Muhammad Amin and Babu Bashir of Traders Association congratulated the DCO Imtiaz Niazi and the DPO Ameer for ensuring the safety of hundreds of processions held in main city and other major towns of the district including Phalia and Mandi Bahauddin. It was not a small task to provide security cover to every procession but it was a good planning of the police and its proficient implementation on ground that did not allow even a small untoward incident to occur, they said.

They further added even the Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab Mansha Allah Butt, Commissioner Gujranwala Khawja Shamoil and Regional Police Officer Sahad Akhtar Bharwana, during their visit to Mandi Bahauddin on 10 Muharram could not resist offering their appreciation over implementation of fool proof security measures when they participated in the main proces- ATTOCK: People participating in anti-dengue awareness walk led by state minister Sh sion of mouners in Sadar Bazar. Aftab Ahmed, DCO Attock Muhammad Iqbal and TMO Attock Sardar Aftab Ahmed Khan.

Arrangements finalized to vaccinate children under 5 B AHAWALPUR —A five-day anti-polio campaign will start from November 18 (tomorrow) under which 5,45,198 children up to five years of age will be vaccinated across the district.

DCO Imran Sikandar Baloch said this while presiding over a meeting here.

The DCO said that all available resources would be utilised to make the campaign a success.

The campaign focus would be on high-risk union councils (UCs), he said, adding that special teams would SANGHAR: DC Sanghar Sikandar Ali Khushk supervising polio drops to a child dur- cover all entry and exist ing Polio Immunization campaign. points of the district so that

no child could remain unattended.

He said that no negligence on part of the officials concerned would be tolerated during the anti-polio campaign.

The participant of the meeting were informed that 1,284 teams will take part which include 1,019 mobile teams which will go door-to-door for vaccinating children while 145 teams will be deployed on fixed locations including Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur, THQ Hospital, RHCs, Basic Health centres, Municipal Health Dispensaries to vaccinate children.

The DCO directed EDO

Agriculture, EDO Community Development, BVH BVH MS, and Administrator Auqaaf, the DPO, SP Motorway, SP Traffic and Additional District Collector to cooperate during the antipolio campaign. The polio eradication campaign would be started from 18 November in Federal Administered Tribal areas as all the arrangement has been finalized to vaccinate children in the tribal areas under the age of five years.

The Expanded Program of Immunization Fata announce that on 18,19,and 20 November polio vaccination

campaign would be started in Fata of all seven agencies while this time 25 % area would be also covered of South Waziristan. An official of the health department of Fata secretariat said that because for the last two years polio campaign was not started in North and South Waziristan as around 260,000 children were missed out from polio vaccine in North and South Waziristan.

He also added that the Fata health department were specially focus on polio eradication in Fata but because of the continuous military operation in Fata as well as the

militants banned they were not be able to start vaccination campaign in the concern tribal agencies. An official of the World Health Organization said that because of the growing increase of polio cases from Fata and because of the militants banned polio is a big challenge for Pakistan.

He further said that some of the reports were also indicate that the current outbreak of polio cases in Syria were also shows that the virus was transmitting from Pakistan, adding that polio virus can easily go to any place.—Agencies

1 commits suicide, 9 killed in accident

3 brothers burnt alive

Masood donates cash to orphanage

RAHIM YAR KHAN—Three serious injuries in an accident

I S L A M A B A D —Ambassador Masood Khalid and Mrs Sonia Masood visited an orphanage here, mingled with children, presented cash and famous Pakistan’s Basmati rice. On arrival at ‘Er Tong Fu Li Yuan’, Ambassador Masood Khalid and his wife were received by Mr. Zhang Feng Liang, President of the orphanage and his team says a message received here from Bejing. They were briefed about the activities being carried out for the orphans. Later Ambassador Khalid and his wife witnessed various facilities available there. The orphanage, established in 1982 by the government is home to almost 400 children from new born babies to 14 years old. The institution provides education and specialized care for all the children including disabled. The Ambassador made a cash donation that was collected by a drive within the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, said a statement here Friday. At the occasion two hundred kilos of Pakistani Basmati Rice was also gifted to the orphanage. Mr.& Mrs. Masood Khalid interacted with the children and distributed gift bags among them. Speaking on the occasion the Ambassador appreciated the efforts of the team managing the impressive facility. He pointed out that the orphanage was providing true service to humanity and that children all over the world are entitled CHAMAN: FC personnel checking travel documents of local people at Pak-Afghan border. to protection, love and care, especially ones in such need. “It is our duty to do our best to encourage and support such initiatives”, he added.—APP

100 suspicious persons arrested

Govt to overcome dengue fever

He added that Pak Army at Shah Shams Tabraiz while M ULTAN —Regional Police A T T O C K —Minister of State for Officer (RPO), Capt (rtd) contingent along with police passing through Katchehry

Paliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed said on Saturday the provgovernment was taking all measures to avoid the spread of dengue fever and to provide the best possible treatment to its patients at government hospitals across the province.

Addressing a seminar here at Fatima Jinnah Hall, he said the Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was himself looking after the anti-dengue campaign. He said dengue was a curable disease and could be controlled through timely treatment and prevention. Full sleeve shirts must be worn by the people in the morning and evening, with antimosquito sprays at homes and use of mosquito repellent lotions. The minister said the safety precautions had been ensured at government level, however, public must also cooperate for their own benefit. He emphasised upon the people to ensure cleanliness in their houses and surrounding areas, and ensure that water was not accumulated in open areas. He said any one suffering from fever must immediately visit government hospitals, where all facilties were available there.

Later, the minister led a walk which was organized to create dengue prevention awareness among the people.

The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) cleaned 981 open plots in the city during anti dengue campaign. Plot clearance operations were carried out in all towns with a special focus on rural areas where open plots are observed frequently to be turned into heaps of garbage.—APP

Muhammad Amin Wains said that police have arrested more than 100 suspicious persons during MuharramUl-Haram.

Addressing press conference here he said that tight security arrangements were made to maintain law and order during Muharram-UlHaram. He said, due to tight security arrangements no untoward incident was occured in the city during Muharram.

He said, about 100 suspicious persons were arrested during Muharram to avoid any untoward incident.

RPO said that the security personnel were also deputed at the roofs of the buildings and walk through gates were also installed for proper checking.

were also deputed at various areas to handle any emergency.

Amid the suspension of cell phone services and tight security measures, the faithful observed the 10th of Muharram with religious reverence on Friday.

About 100 small and big Tazias processions were taken out from different places of the city. The main traditional Tazia of “Ustaad Shagird” procession appeared from the Pak Gate and marched towards the Karbala Shah Rasal, where it concluded peacefully.

The second big procession was taken out from Hira Haideri Imambargah while third big procession was started from Imambargah Laal Shah which concluded

Chowk, Ghanta Ghar and Dolat Gate.

After the majlis and processions at various areas, the mourners offered Namaz-eZohrain at Ghanta Ghar Chowk. Tight security arrangements were made by the district government to maintain law and order situation during Muharram- UlHaram. Beside this, Scouts, organisations, rescue services’ ambulances, fire brigade and officials of the local administrations also facilitated the mourners. The air surveillance of the main Ashura procession was also carried out through a helicopter.

However, the Pak Army contingent also visited different areas to deal with any emergency.—APP

PM’s Colombo visit to bring prosperity ISLAMABAD —Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Anusha Rehman said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s current visit to Colombo would bring economic prosperity for the people of the region. She said that Pakistan holds vast opportunities in the Information Technology and Telecom sectors. She said that main purpose of the IT and Telecom was to provide access to the people living in the far flung areas, besides information. She said that stability in the economy can be brought through collaboration and cooperation of the regional countries.

Talking to Pakistan Television, she said that the government is providing opportunities in the field of Information Technology and Telecom sectors. Anusha Rehman said that Pakistan is located at a very important place and added that collaboration and cooperation of the regional countries could help enhance the growth in the region. She said that Pakistan is a peaceful, moderate and developing state, adding that there is dire need to utilize the skilled manpower of the country for the betterment of the area. She said that focus should be given to the manufacturing sector to achieve objective in the IT and Telecom sectors. To another question she said that vast opportunities are available in different sectors including Information Technology and Telecom sectors. The opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting started here Friday under the chair of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse. The heads of states and representatives of around 53 states were attending the Summit. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is representing Pakistan in the Summit along with his delegation including Begum Kulsoom Nawaz Sharif, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom Anusha Rahman and Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbasi Jilani. President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his wife have been greeting leaders from Commonwealth countries across the world. — APP

Jail police recover drugs from visitor

M U LTA N —Police have recovered drugs from a visitor of Central Jail who went to meet a prisoner here on Friday. ccording to police, a man namely Asmat Ullah went to Central Jail here to meet his relative who was a prisoner in the jail. During routine checking at the entry gate police recovered 22 capsule of drugs and 110 gram Hashish from his possession.

Shah Shams police have registered the case against the accused and started investigation. Rescue 1122 has provided first aid to 1330 mourners and shifted 11 injured to Nishtar Hospital during Youm-e-Ashur here on Friday.

According to Rescue 1122, 18 vehicles of Rescue1122 were deputed at various locations along with mourning processions and Majalis to provide medical facilities to the mourners.

Rescue 1122 has provided treatment to 1330 mourners and shifted 11 to Nishtar Hospital for further treatment. About 5211 police officials perform security duty on 10th Moharram in district Multan.—APP

brothers were burnt alive when fire broke out in their residential quarter at Medical Colony here on Friday late night. According to rescue 1122, Muhammad Rafiq, an employee of Sheikh Zayed Hospital/Medical College here, was residing in a quarter of Medical Colony of the hospital/college.

Last late night when the house inmates were asleep, fire broke out suddenly due to short circuit in the quarter.

WAH CANTT: A person committed suicide and another was killed in a raod accident in limits of Taxila and Wah Saddar police stations on Saturday.

According to police, Aamir Shah, father of two, shot himself dead over some domestic dispute in Mohallah Warrain in limits of Taxila Police Station.

Meanwhile, Waqar Aslam, student of a private technical college, was crossing Grand Trunk (GT) Road in Wah Saddar Police station limits, when he was hid by a speeding dumper. He died on the spot.

KHANEWAL: Two people were killed while another sustained

near here on Saturday. According to Rescue 1122, three motorcyclists- Mahr Ali, Allah Ditta and Yaseen- of 178-10R were going home on a motocycle when a speeding trailer hit them near 168/10-R chowk. As a result, Mahr and Allah Ditta died on the spot while Yaseen received injuries.

Rescue 1122 shifted the injured to a nearby hospital.

RAHIM YAR KHAN: Six people including two brothers were killed and three others injured in a road accident at Ahmedpur Lamma road on Friday.

According to police, the accident took place at Sui Gas Chowk where a motorcycle (RNM-92) carrying four persons including children collided with another motorcycle (RNO-2972) which was also carrying five persons including children. As a result, Wasim Usman, his brother Naveed Usman, Siddiq Ahmed, two minor boys and an unidentified youth died on the spot while three others including two minor girls and a woman suffered grievous injuries.—APP

Cold, dry weather expected across country I SLAMABAD—Cold and dry at a few places of Quetta and weather is expected in most parts of the country, with mostly cloudy weather conditions and chances of light rain at a few places in Quetta and Zhob divisions and western parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), during next 24 hours.

Cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of Punjab and Islamabad while partly cloudy, cold and dry weather is likely in most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Mainly dry weather is expected in most parts of Sindh, Balochistan, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during next 24 hours. However, partly cloudy weather conditions are expected with chances of light rain at a few places in Quetta and Zhob divisions. Meanwhile, weather remained cold and dry in most parts of the country during last 24 hours.

However, light rain occurred

Kalat divisions. The Karachi Met Office forecast a fair or partly cloudy weather with hazy or misty morning in the

metropolis during the next 24 hours. It said the maximum and minimum temperature is expected to remain in the range between 30 to 32 and 17 to 19 degrees centigrade, respectively. Rain/thunderstorm with snowfalls over the hills is likely to occur at a few places in Zhob and Quetta divisions. Rain/ thunderstorm at a few places in Kalat, at isolated places in Sibi divisions, partly cloudy.—APP

Integrated plan to ameliorate life style of farmers M IRPUR —Azad Jammu & MULTAN: Mourners attending the Zuljinnah procession at Ghanta Ghar Chowk on 10th of Muharramul Harram in remembrance of the Shahadat of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).

Baba Guru Nanak birth anniversary celebrations LAHORE—The three-day cel- would participate in the pilgrim- Punja Sahib Hassanabdal from

ebrations of 545th birth anniversary of Sikh spiritual leader Baba Guru Nanak Dev Jee have begun A large number of Sikh yatrees from India and other countries have arrived in Nankana Sahib to participate in the celebrations. The government has made special arrangements for their transportation, security and medical healthcare. Syed Faraz Abbass, the Deputy Secretary Shrines Evacuee Trust Property Board Anti-Polio campaign at MB Din (ETPB), said nearly 2,000 foreigners from countries includSher Gondal M A N D I B A H A U D D I N —DCO Imtiaz ing US, UK, Canada and France Niazi kicked off the polio campaign by giving polio vaccine to children under five years age at DHQs Hospital, here on 16 Nov. The campaign will start from18 Nov to 20 Nov. EDO Health Dr. Amjad Iqbal, DO Health Dr. S U K K U R —Youm-e-Ashur, Ziaullah, MS Dr. Tanveer, Coordina- Muharram-ul-Haram 10, was tor Mother and Child Program Khalid observed in Sukkur, Ranjha, DMS Dr. Makhdoom Tariq, Dr. Khairpur, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Mehdi , Dr. Umar Paracha,and Arif Jacobabad, Kashmore, Hussain Dar were present on the occasion who also Noshehroferoze and other administered polio drops to the children. In a meeting districts of upper Sindh on with doctors, the DCO said doctors are Messiahs there- Friday with due solemnity. fore they should treat the patients with courtesy and Tazia, Alam and Zuljinah kindness. The patients pin hope in doctors for their re- processions were taken out covery and if doctors deal with them with due kindness in all big and small cities and and in a pleasant mood, half of their disease disappear. towns across the interior Appreciating doctors for their good performance, he Sindh which after passing said with their efforts and dedication to service our dis- through their traditional trict was declared free from Polio and Dengue diseases. routes terminated at the main He said on the directions of CM Punjab, they would not Imambargahs. leave any stone unturned till complete end of these killZakirs and religious ing diseases. He urged doctors to work with coopera- scholars highlighted the sigtion of all segments of the society to implement protec- nificance of the supreme sactive measures to avoid spread of diseases. Cleanliness rifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain is our half faith, he said. Earlier EDO in his briefing on (RA) and his companions outline plan of polio campaign, said that he had ap- who laid down their lives for pointed 118 Area In charge, formed 544 Mobile Teams, the supremacy of justice and 63 Fixed Teams, 46 Transit Points, and 1243 Teams and righteousness. they would cover the area of whole district to give polio Heavy contingents of drops to children under five years of age. police and rangers were de-

age for ten days.

He said that Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) have made elaborate security arrangements for the safety of the visiting Sikh devotees.

Abbas said luggage scanners would be installed at the entrance of Gurudwaras. Additional walk-through gates and surveillance cameras have also been installed at various places where the devotees would perform their rituals.

Abbass said that the pilgrims would perform rituals at

November 18 to 20, including Yatra Punja Sahib, Matha Taki and Ashnan. They would also visit shrine of Baba Wali Qandhari at the hilltop and recite from the Sikh holy book, Guru Garanth Sahib.

He said that on November 21, the Sikh pilgrims would board a special pilgrimage train to visit Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore and from there they would return to India on November 24. The Sikh yatrees will also visit Hassan Abdal besides their other holy places including Succha Soda and Kartarpur.—Online

Kashmir (AJK) government here on Saturday decided to launch an integrated plan to ameliorate the life style of the farmers.

A senior official of the State ministry of Livestock and Animal Husbandry told APP that bright and largescale potentials to promote the livestock and dairy sector are already available in AJK and under this plan special attention will be given for breeding of the improved breed cattle heads to raise the production of milk and meat.

These measures would lead to improving the living standard of the farmers community already affiliated in the livestock and dairy field, he added.

According to the official, the existing veterinary hospitals and the subordinate centers including a hospital and over 40 centers in Mirpur district, are being enlarged to provide the required medical HYDERABAD: A large number of mourners attending a facilities.—APP Tazia procession of Muharramul Harram.

Youm-e-Ashure observed with religious solemnity ployed at various points to avert any untowrd incident.

Rangers and police also carried out patrolling.

Radio Pakistan Khairpur and local FM channels presented special programmes to highlight the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.

Sabeels and first aid camps were set up by the scouts groups and welfare organisations and political parties.

A number of social organisations had also set up their medical camps throughout the route of the processions.

People visited graveyards in each city and offered fateha for their deceased family members, besides showering flower petals on their graves.

In Sukkur the main Zuljinah, Alam and Tazia processions were brought out from Markazi Imambargah Gharib Abad, Shikarpur Road.

Zuljinah processions, taken out from different Imambargah joined the main procession.

All these processions converged at Clock Tower where “Zohrain” prayers were offered and mourners were addressed by religious scholars. The main procession then culminated at Markazi Imambargah.

Zakirs, Naat Khwan and other religious scholar shed light on the supreme sacrifices offered by Hazrat Imam Hussian (RA) and his companions.

In Khairpur, the main Ashura procession termi-

nated at Imam Bargah Hyderi peacefully after passing through its designated route.

The procession, led by Imamia Scouts started from New Goth after a majlis.

People set up sabeels of milk and cold drinks for the “azadaran” (mourners) along the entire route besides distributing free meal.

Like other parts of Sindh, Youm-e-Aashure was also observed with great religious reverence in Rohri, Babarloi and Kot Diji.

In Ghotki, Youm-e-Ashure was observed peacefully with all the reverence and solemnity. The main Zuljinnah procession which started from Mirpur Road terminated at “Karbala” after passing through different areas.

In Shikarpur, about 30 Alam and Zuljinnah proces-

sions were taken out from different Imambargahs in the district. The main procession, which was taken out from Haathi Dar and Imambargah Hussaini, culminated peacefully at the same place after passing through the traditional route. The small Alam and Zuljinnah processions, which were taken out from Noshehroferoze amid tight security, also joined the main procession.

In Jacobabad several processions were taken out from various Imam- bargahs.

These processions after passing through traditional routes peacefully culminated at Pakistan Chowk. Similar processions were taken out in Kashmore, Kandhkot, Ghouspur and Guddu.

Thousands of faithfuls participated in the proces-

sion and performed “Zanjeerzani” on the occasion. Religious scholars stressed the need for promoting unity and harmony among the Muslims to effectively cope with the present day challenges.

In the evening, Majalise-Ghariban were held at Imambargahs in various parts of Sindh, culminating the 10-day long mourning.

The district police and rangers jointly made elaborate security arrangements to check any sort of untoward incident during Majalis-eAza, “Alam” and “Tazia” processions.

All shops, hotels and houses located on traditional routes of the procession were earlier sealed to ensure safe passage of the procession.—APP

Govt to respect people’s mandate

MEDIA WATCH

Enter new dragon

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RUE to his initial policy of respecting mandate of other political parties, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has made an appreciable de cision not to take advantage of the fluid political situation in KhyberPakhtunkhwa (KP) due to rift between PTI and QWP resulting into latter’s goodbye to the coalition government in the Province. The policy of the Government was reiterated by its chief spokesman and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Pervaiz Rashid who held out an assurance that PML-N will not become part of any efforts to destabilize the PTI Government in KP. This is strictly in line with the policy adopted by PML-N immediately after general elections when Mian Nawaz Sharif did not entertain frantic attempts made by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to form the Provincial government sidelining the PTI, which bagged more seats than other parties. PML-N could have exploited the situation to its favour but it preferred to stick to principles and respect the mandate given to PTI by people of the Province. Similarly, PML-N wholeheartedly allowed PPP to form the Government in Sindh and voluntarily ceded its right to form government in Balochistan despite numerical superiority and offered both the offices of the Governor and the Chief Minister to smaller parties for the greater good of the Province and the country. Similar policy was demonstrated towards Azad Kashmir where the Prime Minister took a categorical decision not to destabilize the PPP Government there. Pervaiz Rashid’s remarks that the party which has been given mandate by people of KPK has the right to rule the Province, is indicative of the maturity of our political parties. It shows that PML-N leadership has learnt lessons from the chequered history of the country on this account and wants to uphold the true spirit of democracy. We believe that this is the way forward as we can address the challenges facing the country through mutual accommodation and foresight. Pakistan seems to be on the right track and this has been acknowledged by Turkish President Abdullah Gul while talking to Pakistani Parliamentary delegation by pointing out that Pakistan is moving in the right direction.

Sri Lanka snubs Cameron T

HOUGH British Prime Minister David Cameron ignored warnings and protests by the Commonwealth summit host, the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and visited former war zone Jaffna to meet survivors of war and Tamil opponents but the stand adopted by Sri Lanka was truly of a self-respecting nation. Sri Lankans were justified in maintaining that Cameron and others have no right to bring the issue of human rights up on the occasion of Commonwealth summit as they were not invited on that basis and that they were behaving like colonialists.

It is regrettable that former colonial powers are finding it difficult to come out of their old mindset and spare no opportunity of launching scathing attack on small countries completely ignoring their own loathsome past and the present. Leaders including Cameron who came to Sri Lanka to attend the summit should not have dared to interfere in the internal affairs of the country and try to spoil the show. Tamil Tigers have all along been known as a terrorist outfit responsible for killing of thousands of innocent Sri Lankan people. The hands of the UK are soaked in blood of thousands innocent souls mercilessly killed in Iraq and Afghanistan but the killings are justified on the pretext of elimination of terror. However, there is different yardstick to judge the conduct of the Sri Lankan Government. Sri Lanka deserves credit for overcoming its 37 year old conflict and moving steadily on the path of progress and development but peace and march on the road to prosperity has become a sore for imperialist forces. It is time that Cameron and others with similar mindset should discard the tendency of adopting double standards and respect other nations on the basis of universally accepted principle of sovereign equality.

How militant groups become monster L

AW enforcement agencies through their untiring efforts tried to en sure peace and order during Ashura by foiling a number of terrorism bids in different cities, yet an unfortunate incident took place in Rawalpindi in which ten persons were killed in firing during procession and the authorities had to impose curfew in the city. A major bid of terrorism was also foiled when six alleged militants from a banned organisation were killed during an exchange of fire with police personnel in Mauripur area of Karachi who were planning to launch attacks during processions in the volatile city.

The scene in Karachi where the clash between the outlaws and the CID police took place looked like a battlefield. There should be no doubt that the militant groups have established their empires in different localities of the city where no one can enter without their nod. It is because of the fact that the police ignored activities of criminals in the beginning and now they have become monsters challenging the writ of the state. This situation cannot be accepted in a civilized society and while the clean operation in Karachi is going on, these dens of criminals would have to be eliminated in the first opportunity. We would warn that if any leniency like entering into negotiations with the miscreants was shown, it would be taken as weakness of the government and there would be no end to killings of innocent people as well as members of the law enforcement agencies as we witnessed in the past. Turning to the firing incident in Rawalpindi, it was least expected because hitherto, the Ashura processions passed off peacefully. Full facts of the case would be known once the inquiry is complete, but it appears that some anti social elements were behind the tragedy, who wanted to ignite sectarian clashes. We hope that religious leaders of all schools of thought would realize the grave situation the country was passing and help the authorities in maintaining peace and arresting those behind the conspiracy that claimed innocent lives.

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Unintended consequences of policies this society but also at the real sive and unnecessary expenditure? interactive levels where citi- Can an imaginative person come as are involved. Ask your- CDA chairman? Where is the last Dr Zafar Altaf zens self simple questions like can Chairman of CDA? Where is he Email:dr_altaf@hotmail.com I go to the police station to cooling his heels? If the current poseek their help? Can I get to lices of the Federal Government the patwari to seek remedy in and indeed of the Provincial land NE has always wondered at the administration of the lands with- dealing authorities are not subjected the unintended conse out bringing him? Can the Board of to serious consideration then the enquences of policies and why Revenue and the Collectors [a term tire system will be subjected to a cognitively positive individuals in used for the Deputy Commissioner citizenry that is unhappy and when the government fail to recognize the in the management of the lands of that happens their will be lore of symptoms underlying disease[s] the colony districts rise to the occa- social time bombs that will explode. that may be affecting the social har- sion to respond to So make sure that Can winners of there is social harmony of a country. The other day a the present-day local elections chance visit to the areas on either needs. mony. side of the Murree road in the viThe Bhara provide respect and Will local level cinity of Bhara Khau [suburb of Kahu area that I elections lead to dignity to the Islamabad] led me to the conclu- have spoken about the harmony that I sion that we are developing a new is the area that is losers? This is learnt have spoken Lyari right under our nose. The area about 12 kilometers in the sports. Can about? Elections of is heavily populated and the ap- from Islamabad. If ilk are alwe take a defeat in whatever proach gali is hardly five to six feet one rightly recalls ways divisive. That wide and even that is encroached there have already sports in good spirit is not to be exat places. I was off to what is called been three serious or the heroes of plained by what Janat colony and that I found was a terrorist activities. yesterday become happens in other good fifteen minutes walk. The A raid on the house countries. In the devils of today mid nineteenth scattered electric wires could play led to some arrests havoc in area, which is exposed to of terrorists, an at- simply because they century the subone catastrophe or the other due to tack on a mosque have lost a match? continent was subthis unfortunate phenomenon. We and a vehicle full of jected to Morleykeep on being informed by the me- terrorist material The current series Minto reforms and dia of the consequences of short was also im- against South Africa Pakistan had Discircuits in the industrial sector. pounded. There is a case in point. So trict Boards to adWhat will happen when this area is have been three the rural local elections have minister affected by one of these afflictions? such activities and areas. Devolution I shudder at the thought. there will be many to be held and how was already there.

The policies followed by CDA more due to the mais the local level Why was all this in the past have led to mass exodus nipulated policies dismantled at the harmony? from Islamabad and pressure of of the CDA. Can a advice of the Vilhousing on the peripheral areas of management, as well as a financial lage Aid that was given by the west? the town. CDA employees them- audit of CDA be done?

Why cannot we be our own masters? selves have amassed real estate How have they pilfered the lands Why do we have to destroy the soproperty and I know of some that of the federal territory in the past? cial structure of the rural areas? We have plots of land in double digits. How have policies been articulated lost East Pakistan because of the reThe upfront personal of the service where the land belonging to the poor forms that we carried out under the institutions are involved in service have been usurped by the powerful East Bengal State Acquisition and to themselves. Reforms are needed and the rich? Why should there be Tenancy reforms known by the now not only at the upper echelons of such policies that have led to exces- infamous EBSATA-1958. When

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will we learn that Warren Hastings permanent reforms in Sindh and Bengal were pieces of social reforms that could have led to better understanding of the rural structure and how it is to be handled?

Can the winners of local elections provide respect and dignity to the losers? This is learnt in the sports. Can we take a defeat in sports in good spirit or the heroes of yesterday become devils of today simply because they have lost a match?

The current series against South Africa is a case in point. So local elections have to be held and how is the local level harmony? Are local elections meant for wealth collection or to help in the local people? We in Pakistan do not have the luxury of time. The time frame has taken a beating and is now restrictive because of the electronic media.

Our forays in to local elections and devolution are slogans that fail over time. Devolution has done more harm than one can imagine.

It is well thought out but the players involved in the bureaucracy played it according to their own rules and managed to destroy all the files that were to be subjected to audit. Audit itself has to undergo reforms but the line is always very thin between reforms and deforms.

Take the police reforms of 2002 and see for your self whether these led to better management practices in the police. Whether the citizen is better served? It could have been better served if they had done something on improving the values and attitudes of the police and linked to output. Perhaps the philosophy of Allama Iqbal on ‘Khudi’ or selfrespect could help? Alas we have lost our philosophy as well.

—The writer is a retired Federal Secretary.

Has the military right to respond?

Munawar Hassan’s remarks was ‘good’ for democracy. Though one would not know in what context he said, yet Mohammad Jamil Jama’at-i-Islami took Email: mjamil1938@hotmail.com exception to these remarks and said that it was open interference in Pakistan’s internal matter. He raised AMA’AT-i-Islami Secretary the question whether British General Liaquat Baloch has Government would allow military to written a letter to the Prime criticize its political leadership?

Jama’at-i-Islami leadership is Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif drawing his attention towards ISPR perhaps not aware that military release condemning and describing leadership in Britain and other Munawar Hassan’s remarks countries at times criticize the irresponsible. While acknowledging political leadership and even the the sacrifices rendered by the Armed government. It would be appropriate Forces, JI was of the view that all to give some examples of criticism the institutions should be bound to and candid remarks by the military work within the limits stipulated in Commanders and Generals in the 1973 Constitution unanimously Britain, the US and other countries adopted by elected representatives where they highlighted the professional and operational needs of the people.

Some analysts are also of the of the Armed Forces in a given view that instead of issuing a press situation and even took exception to release, the military should have the acts and policies of the political brought the matter to the prime governments where they felt the minister of Pakistan conveying an policy-makers were going astray. In impression that Armed Forces have 2006, a blistering assessment of no right to respond to the allegations British policy in Iraq from country’s or insults heaped on the institution top soldier General Sir Richard by politicians, commentriat and Dannatt had left Tony Blair reeling media men? Instead of offering when he said that troops should come justification and prolonging the home within two years.

This in fact contradicted the debate, one word ‘sorry’ was enough to end the controversy. Over the last then Prime Minister’s policy that few years, one could observe that the military will stay “as long as it military and political leaderships and takes”. In unprecedented comeven top judges have acknowledged ments, he had warned that the army the mistakes made in the past, which could ‘break’ if British soldiers will augur well for the future. JI were kept too long in Iraq. He critileadership is losing its cool, which cized the then PM Gordon Brown can be detrimental to its interests. The for his government’s failure to arother day, British High range proper gear and equipment Commissioner Adam Thomson in an for the forces in Afghanistan, holdinterview said that military statement ing him responsible for the deaths over Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief of British soldiers. American com-

News & Views

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manders also at times criticised their government. Then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen had written an essay, in which he was critical of US government’s efforts regarding strategic communication with the Muslim world, stating that no amount of public relations will establish credibility, if American behavior overseas is perceived as arrogant, uncaring or insulting. He wrote: “The Muslim community is a subtle world we don’t fully — and don’t always attempt to — understand.”

There was yet another example of American General criticizing political leadership. In response to Secretary Defence Robert Gates’ Memorandum of 25th June 2009, Commander NATO/ ISAF Stanley McChrystal submitted his comprehensive report on 31st August 2009, in which he had demanded 40,000 additional troops if the war was to be won. As a compromise, President Obama agreed to send 30000 troops to Afghanistan. He had rejected calls for the war effort to be scaled down from defeating the Taliban insurgency to a narrower focus on hunting down Al Qaeda, as suggested by Vice President Joseph Biden as part of the White House strategy review. In his speech he had talked about plight of the Afghan people and crisis of confidence. He rejected proposals to switch to a strategy more reliant on drone missile strikes and Special Forces operations against AlQaeda. He had gone to the extent of saying that the formula, which is favoured by Vice-President Joe Biden, would lead to “Chaos-istan”.

It is quite normal in almost all the countries of the world that military man has to calculate or estimate the extent of the threat to the

state because military and intelligence agencies have the relevant information that could have bearing on security and even on foreign policy. It is true that the politicians/statesmen set the goals on the basis of information provided by the military leadership, and allocate necessary resources to be used in attaining that goal. In all democracies, kingships or dictatorships military appears to be the only institution capable of enforcing and preserving political stability and order. Of course to remain relevant to the people, political leadership should take measures to solve the problems of the people, ensure socio-economic justice, and last but not the least the elected leaders should not give overriding consideration to their personal interests over the national interest.

In Pakistan, certain elements, even in media remain preoccupied with pitting one institution or pillar of the state against the other to prove that media is independent.

When terrorists were destroying schools, colleges and beheading people in Swat, they used to say that agencies were in league with the terrorists and are behind those heinous acts. When people started demanding military action against the terrorists and action was taken, they started criticizing the army for killing their own people. One could criticize or even condemn military adventurers who had abrogated the Constitution, but it might be unfair to criticize the present military leadership because of the steps General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in support of the democracy in Pakistan.

—The writer is Lahore-based senior journalist.

visit to South Korea has now given the ruler of Kremlin a ninth-degree black belt conferred by no less than the World Taekwondo Federation.

There are instances galore of the world lavishing academic and economic degrees on its leaders. Some, like Sarah Palin, even have beauty titles. But a martial art tribute!

Could that be the reason why US President Barack Obama has not dared to tangle with Moscow despite his anger at the latter opening its arms in wide welcome to whistleblower Edward Snowden?

It would not have required the American National Security Agency to tap the phone of the taekwondo federation to learn of the latest addition to the Russian arsenal. Putin, like Lance Armstrong’s long history of steroids, has an established martial art background. He has been belting it out since 2008, with his DVD Let’s learn judo with Vladimir Putin, that must be a top tourist souvenir outselling the matryoshka dolls in the Russian GUM stores. Critics of the Sochi Olympics, who are urging a boycott of the games, should be extra careful now for sharper than the KGB’s punch is the chop of a judoka president.

However, even Achilles had his vulnerable heel and Samson his hair. The president should therefore guard his strength carefully lest it becomes his greatest weakness.

Earlier this year, US lawmakers were told that Putin’s fellow dan, seventh degree black belt holder Hollywood action star Steven Seagal, had used his aikido skills to create a sense of comradeship and gain access to Putin and other Russian politicians. Delilah-like, Seagal then used proximity to arrange meetings between them and Congress representatives. Gone are the good old James Bond days of cloak and dagger when Mataharis came with garter belts. Now they are coming with muscles and are hitting below belt.—Khaleej Times

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Israel making a sham of peace efforts

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HE antics of the Israeli gov ernment have reached the point of ridiculousness. On one hand, Tel Aviv talks of wanting a lasting peace with Palestinians and engages in talks. At the same time, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approves tenders for the construction of more than 20,000 new houses in colonies on land stolen and illegally occupied by his Jewish state. While he has put this latest affront to the repressed Palestinian people on hold — for now, and temporarily it would seem given his dismal track record — enough is enough.

Last Wednesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced his peace negotiators had resigned over the lack of progress in US-brokered statehood talks clouded by Israeli colony building.

Let us be clear: The Israelis under Netanyahu have never been serious in reaching a deal. When it came to the release of Palestinian prisoners as a precondition for attending the talks, few — but those nearing the end of their long sentences — were free. And more colony homes were announced to coincide with the talks. When US VicePresident Joe Biden visited Israel to push for talks, Netanyahu responded with an announcement of more colony homes. And when Secretary of State John Kerry visited to move the talks along, even more colony homes were announced. When Palestinians seek talks on having unfettered access to their own territory, they are met with plans for homes and colonist communities where olive trees stood for generations.

When Palestinian negotiators talk about values of equality and justice, they are met with the spectre of bulldozers and the homes of their people are razed to ground to make way for new colonies where transplanted Jews can steal sweet water from their aquifers and turn Palestinian wells dry. And when all right-thinking nations try to stop these colonies they are met with the veto and sole support of US as it backs Israel in its unjust march to new colonies. —Gulf News All is fair in love and war.

—Proverb

Grabbing GSP plus opportunity Maria Syed Email: mariaumair@gmail.com

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HE International Trade Com mittee of the European Union (EU) Parliament has approved the GSP plus status for Pakistan. The decision was passed after voting. This will now formally be granted by the European Parliament’s session that is to be held in December 10. Under the GSP plus scheme 75 Pakistani products will have a duty free access to EU market. However, any product cannot exceed the 6 percent ceiling import of EU. Concessionary access to Pakistani products was earlier granted by EU in 2002 for three years. Since then Pakistan has been pursuing for similar concessions. Pakistan applied for the GSP plus status in March this year. If endorsed by the EU Parliament, it will give the much-needed boost to country’s exports. It has been granted to Bangladesh and India; latter has now transcended from a GSP plus to a GSP status. Bangladesh textile exports have benefited immensely from the scheme, to the disadvantage of Pakistani textile exporters. Pakistan had to pay substantial duty for entry into EU market, 3.2 per cent

for cotton yarn to 9.6 percent for textile made-ups while the textile products from Bangladesh did not have to pay any customs. Pakistani products will now be at par with textile products from BD and Sri Lanka.

GSP stands for Generalized System of Preference. It gives exemption from general rules of World Trade Organization (WTO) particularly its principle of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) that obliges a WTO member state to give equal treatment to imports of other member states, i.e., not worse than the ones granted to its MFN State. The GSP system reached the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The GSP is granted to least developing countries by the developed countries. The GSP plus, otherwise called “Special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance”, is a special arrangement under GSP. The difference between the two is that while GSP reduces tariffs substantially, a GSP plus gives a complete waiver on certain trade products that are specified by the agreement. The GSP plus beneficiary states have to ratify and implement international conventions on human and labor rights, good governance and environment. Another special arrangement under the GSP

is Everything But Arms (EBA) that provides duty and quota free access to all products except arms.

The GSP Plus status will become operational from January 1, 2014 for the next ten years. This development has been hailed by the value-added textile sector of Pakistan. Pakistani’s textile exports has a room to grow three times under the GSP plus, estimates put a surge of $6-8 billion through textile exports to EU and annual boost of $2 billion. However, with this opportunity come great responsibilities. GSP Plus is subject to implementation and strict adherence to all twenty-seven conventions on human rights, good governance, labour standards and environment. It is important as for some countries the GSP system has been suspended temporarily such as Myanmar and Belarus. Non-compliance with administrative cooperation requirements may also prove deleterious to the beneficiary states.

Pakistan has to travel miles in order to meet the GSP plus criterion.

Pakistan will have to strictly enforce environment protection laws, adhere to human rights conventions and maintain international labour standards. Of course this needs close cooperation of private sector with the government. The government needs

to closely monitor implementation of these conventions and must not tolerate any violation. The government must conduct awareness campaigns so as to educate industry to conform to international standards on environment and labour rights.

Exports-oriented industry will generate employment and economic activity in general. While there is huge potential for exports growth, the question is whether we are prepared to cope up with growing demand of our products? The economy suffers grave challenges such as energy shortage, poor law and order situation and high credit costs. The gas supply to industry will be suspended for the next three months in Punjab. In such energy-parched scenario, how will industry work? It all comes back to issue of governance which is in dire need of improvement in Pakistan. Economic growth cannot be made in isolation with other spheres of state and society. It is all interrelated. Real progress can only be made if it is carefully planned out, diligently pursued in a cohesive manner and effectively enforced. If GSP plus opportunity has come our way, we need to grab it with both hands, not let it slip by.

—The writer is a researcher at Islamabad Policy Research Institute.

Pak-Saudi nuclear connection Hasan Ehtisham Email: hasanehtisham@yahoo.com

R

UMORS of Pak-Saudi nuclear deal have been circu lating in International Media after the inexplicable reporting of BBC that Saudis could obtain atomic bombs at will from Pakistan. Western analysts are now tending to refer security concerns as primary motivators for Saudi Arabia in procuring nuclear weapons and Pakistan is most frequently cited as country willing to export these nukes to Riyadh.

If we consider the argument that security apprehension is leading factor for Riyadh’s quest for nuclear weapons then neither Saudi official statements nor appropriate Saudi actions endorse that this factor is currently convincing Saudi Arabia to seek a nuclear deterrent, or that such aspect has previously encouraged Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons. The factors such as Saudis fear of encirclement by its regional adversaries and Iran’s nuclear threshold could compel Riyadh to develop nuclear weapons but there is no publicly available evidence which confirms that Saudi Arabia is actually

seeking a nuclear arsenal. If Saudis would want to proliferate, then, Saudis have to incur deep strain on USSaudi relationship, perhaps to an irrevocable degree.

Not only by getting nuclear arsenal Riyadh will violate Non Proliferation Treaty, would also breach a Memorandum of Understanding inked with Washington in 2008, promising US assistance with civil nuclear power on condition that Riyadh would not pursue sensitive nuclear technologies. Therefore Riyadh’s objective to uphold a robust association with Washington prevents any appetite to develop Saudi nuclear weapons. Kate Amlin, a nuclear analyst at the U.S.-based Monterey Institute of International Studies, believes that Saudi leaders would not want to suffer the political and economic repercussion resulting from quest of a nuclear arsenal, at a time when they are trying to participate further into international economy.

Despite media and political claims on the Saudi ambitions Pakistan to the contrary, has always behaved like a responsible nuclear state.

Despite these rumours, the Pakistanis recognize that the primary threats to the security and stability of Saudi Arabia are domestic against which

nuclear weapons have no value but by assisting Riyadh for nuclear deterrent will elevate grave apprehensions in international community.

Actually, providing a complete nuclear weapon would come at unlimited political cost i.e. Pakistan will be further treated as unreliable nuclear state and Washington would drive into further nuclear cooperation with India. At regional level providing Riyadh with a Pakistani nuclear umbrella would also escalate the probability of convergence of interests between New Delhi and Tehran.

Pakistan’s mature relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are inhibiting it from taking sides. Pakistan never evaluated its connections between these countries on the basis of Sunni versus Shiite inference or through the prism of Iran-Saudi rivalry.

Therefore Pakistan will always sidestep such collaboration which will initiate the nuclear arms race between Tehran and Riyadh.

If Islamabad and Riyadh cooperate in nuclear field then this will merely for cooperation in the civil nuclear technology. As in recent years, new trends have emerged in the energy policy of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s attention has been gradually shifting from further increasing the invest-

ments in the oil and gas industry towards environmentally friendly and renewable sources of energy (nuclear, solar), which, until recently, have not played a significant role in the national energy mix. However Pakistan will not want to collaborate at level which contains nuclear reactors because of possibility of diversion and subsequently possible military nuclear programmes. Any cooperation is probably going to be in benign areas like regulations, medicine and agriculture etc.

Considering the Riyadh’s current security environment there is very less chance that Saudi Arabia will proliferate. It will be extremely challenging for Saudis to develop a nuke domestically or through buying nuclear bombs from countries such as Pakistan — since both countries would face substantial political and economic backlash after such trade. As Pakistan’s image in the world has improved due to its responsible stance on its nuclear programme, neither Pakistan could endure international criticism nor could Saudi Arabia bear the cost of this trade. Therefore, BBC’s fears, apprehensions and mind-gobbling reports are seemingly unfounded and thus logically baseless.

Views From Abroad

Is Russia back in the game?

Ihab Abdel Hadi

O

VER the last 40 years, Egypt has tried to keep good rela tions with Russia. However, these relations were not able to develop into strategic cooperation similar to what they enjoyed before the 1970s. But a recent visit by two top Russian officials to Egypt implied a new shift not only in the RussianEgyptian relations but also in the Egyptian foreign policy as a whole.

On Thursday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov paid a visit to Cairo, where they met with Egypt’s interim President Adly Mansour, Defense Minister Abdel Fattah El-Sissi and Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy.

During their meetings, both sides discussed boosting political and military cooperation between the two countries. The timing of the visit was really significant as it came when a traditional ally, the United States, withheld the delivery of some military aid to Egypt. US-Egyptian rela-

tions have soured lately over Washington’s criticism of the ouster of former Egyptian President Muhammed Mursi on July 3. Washington froze a large chunk of about $1.5 billion in annual military aid to Egypt, which covers the delivery of tanks, helicopters and fighter jets.

“The visit is just a warming-up for the relations with Russia and no concrete results will appear before several months,” said Hany Khalaf, former assistant foreign minister.

Khalaf said that both sides have given green lights for their officials to sit together and put concrete projects to be implemented. He said the visit can offer the interim Egyptian government a great service as it will assure Egyptians of the capability of their government to hold talks with big powers like Russia. “And I expect similar visits and talks with China to happen soon,” Khalaf told Xinhua. During their meetings, Egyptian and Russian officials agreed to form technical committees that will meet to prepare for a higher joint committee that will convene early next year. Egypt was one of Moscow’s closest Arab allies for two

decades, starting in the 1950s, under Egypt’s late nationalist leader Gamal Abdel-Nasser, but relations between the two countries froze in the 1970s when former President Anwar ElSadat shifted Egypt’s foreign policy and military alignment toward the United States soon after the 1973 Egyptian war with Israel and the signing of a peace treaty in 1979.

Osama El-Dalil, political analyst at Al-Ahram El-Araby Magazine said that the visit showed the determination of both sides to build real strategic cooperation they failed to achieve over the last 40 years. “For the last four decades, Egypt’s alliance with the US has prevented it from developing strategic relations with other powers such as Russia, but today Cairo is not going to repeat the same mistake as it now vies for real partnership relations,” said El-Dalil. El-Dalil expected that the Egyptian rapprochement with Russia would raise concerns of the United States and make it to review its policies to Egypt. “Russia also vies to make balance for powers in this region. They will also look for investment chances especially after

losing their investment in Libya,” El-Dalil told Xinhua.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy met with Lavrov, talking about political, economic and trade ties, bilateral relations, regional issues, UN reform and the Egyptian initiative on rendering the Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. At a joint press conference following the meeting, Fahmy stressed the importance of Russia in the international arena while tackling Middle East issues. Lavrov echoed Fahmy’s comments by saying that Egypt is an essential partner for Russia in the Middle East and Russia looks for a “stable Egypt with strong economy.” “Russia respects Egypt and won’t interfere in its internal affairs,” the Russian foreign minister added.

Gamal Salama, professor of political science at Suez Canal University, sees the visit of top Russian officials as significant as it sent a clear message to the world that Russia is taking side of the Egyptian people, which may relieve some of the pressure on the interim government.

—Courtesy: Xinhua News Agency

Will you be missed?

A

friend of mine lost his fa ther two days ago, and he asked me to write the obituary and place it in the local newspaper. When I looked the next day to see whether it was there I realized what I thought was a work of art, was more or less what the others had written.

What all the obituary notices showed to some extent was that the

person who died would be sorely missed. A big construction company recently hired several cannibals.

“You are all part of our team now”, said the HR manager during the welcoming briefing.

“You will get all the usual benefits and you can go to the canteen for something to eat, but please don’t eat any of the other employees”. The cannibals promised they would not.

Four weeks later their boss remarked, “You’re all working very hard, and I’m satisfied with you.

However, one of our Technical Assistant’s has disappeared. Do any of you know what happened to him?” The cannibals all shook their

heads indicating “no”. After the boss had left, the leader of the cannibals said to the others, “Which one of you idiots ate the Technical Assistant?”

A hand rose hesitantly, to which the leader of the cannibals continued, “You fool!! For four weeks we’ve been eating Managers and Supervisors and no one noticed anything, but now, you had to go and eat someone who actually works!!!!”

What about you? Will you be missed when you are gone? Imagine the cannibals ate all the managers and supervisors and no one realized they had disappeared. Could that happen to you also? It could

you know! Are you a family member who doesn’t contribute much to decisions and income? No doubt you are a lovable person and worth a mention in the obituary column, but for how long will you be missed. One week? Two? A month?

“Do you remember Tom?” “Who?” “Tom, he used to work here last month?” “Sorry, I don’t remember the fellow!” Or it could be Jane, or Prem! There is a wonderful song with the title, “Only remembered by the things we have done!” Have you done enough to be remembered? Will you be missed?

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Voice of the People Road safety plans ARIFA ABDUL RAHIM

P

edestrian bridges are constructed for pedestrians. These are designed to allow people to cross road easily as it is very risky to cross road without a bridge because the dangerous across-the road crossings have taken many innocent lives. Government spend million to build pedestrian bridges which is necessary to make the city roads safer for pedestrians. On these deadly roads vehicles use to move at high speed without thinking about the pedestrians due to which many innocent people lose their life while crossing the road. In Karachi most of the people prefer to cross these dangerous roads without using pedestrian bridges; they jump over the grilles which is totally risky just because they think that this is the short cut to cross the road instead of walking through a pedestrian bridge which takes a lot time; they also ignore the footpaths just to save their time. This is totally wrong because to save their time people put themselves to risk and don’t care about their life which is priceless. On the other hand, if any accident takes place then people blame the drivers without accepting their own mistake. People also avoid pedestrian bridges because of untidiness and mugging threats. Beggars, psychologically ill and drunk people are sitting on the pedestrian bridges. They also attack on pedestrians while they are walking on the bridge. So this is also dangerous for them. I would like to highlight this issue and draw attention of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation towards this issue and the government or the administration should devise a strategy to construct more pedestrian bridges at different point in order to facilitate the citizens as it is very dangerous for them to cross these deadly roads. It is also necessary to get these bridges cleared from the drug addicts, criminals and miscreants.

—Karachi

Tie the knot of unity MAHRUKH IBRAHIM While thinking about the history of Pakistan Army, I want to get into flashback of our past by highlighting the most significant historic month for our country – September 1965, when our brave soldiers sacrificed there lives for our better future. Let me go into reminiscence of that scenario when our hostile enemy imposed unexpected war on us. Pakistan is our country where we are free to lead our lives and for that we exclusively owe to these valiant soldiers. I particularly want to highlight the main difference between 1965 and 1971 war. The former was an unanticipated war where we bashed our enemy; however the later one was more likely anticipated but we lost it.

We primarily attribute that defeat to our internal intrigues, the moral of the nation and our Armed Forces was badly affected by the disputes aroused due to intrigues of our neighbours. They prepared the force called “Mukti Bahni” to create internal strife in our ranks and files. Our Armed Forces anxiously put there foot down but unfortunately the animosity embedded to the grass root level jeopardized the unity of the nation and gave a big setback even to our existence. Now a days, the situation is not different as the internal extremists are disrupting the situation in Karachi, Balochistan is under severe problems and the Line of Control is being threatened. Despite having new technology, modern war weapons, high morale, vigilant Military, we cannot embark the journey of triumph if we lack unity and solidarity. I must say “United we stand, Divided we Fall” —Abbottabad

Women in courts HASHIM ABRO In the recent past there has been a great deal of consternation over the under-representation of women in the legal and judicial professions in our country. However, things have definitely improved in our legal and judicial professions. Like my home province, Sindh and my home district Larkano, one can witness an encouraging number of women working as Judges, civil judges, senior civil judges, additional district and sessions judges and district and sessions judges, in the district judiciary and also as Attorneys, Law Officers / Prosecutors, and advocates in different parts of the country.

It is also a fact that now we have women judges in the Provincial High Courts (but still none is there in Islamabad High Court), chairpersons and presiding officers of different courts of the Ministry of Law and Justice but no Lady Judge is there in the Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan.

One can also witness women working as the court personnel in different capacities but there number is abysmally low throughout the country. Similarly, there are not enough women in the legal profession because of which the representation of women among senior advocates is less.

It is also reported that women often do better work than men and they make every humanly possible effort to lessen the miseries of the litigant public. With gender discrimination making headlines in our society, now the question is: can the key stakeholders of our legal and judicial system themselves claim to be fair in providing women equal opportunities and a nurturing culture in the country? However, if one goes by the numbers, the Pakistani judiciary, both, superior and district judiciary, it needs to ask itself some serious questions about gender justice. It is an undeniable fact that nowadays competence and other

noble personal and professional virtues have taken a back seat in our Pakistani society. Unfortunately, the criteria for appointment against any post has become fraught with biases and favouritism and lack of transparency but it really augurs well that the members of legal and judicial fraternity are alive to this rude social reality and it is hoped that they would put in practice their judicious efforts to give competent and men of character at all levels selected thorough wellshielded and merit-oriented system to our legal and judicial system of Pakistan to cerate a ‘just society.”

—Islamabd

Plight of T& T Pensioners MUHAMMAD TAUQEER As much as 42,000 retired Civil Servant families which include at least 13,000 widows and orphans throughout the country are in deep economic crisis for last four years. These people have served the country and Government of Pakistan for their lives but now neglected by their own government they had long served.

PTET (Pakistan Telecommunication Employees Trust) after being constituted in 1994 used to pay all the increases as announced by the Government of Pakistan for fourteen consecutive years as remained in vogue during the past. A deviation by PTET occurred in 2009 during previous regime and it denied pensionary benefits to its beneficiaries as per announcement of the government by exceeding from its powers. Despite clear orders by the government, clarifications by the courts and National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology, PTET is denying implementation of these orders/recommendations/directives.

The current Minister of State for IT is also mum despite being most vocal participating member of the Standing Committee in the previous Assembly. As the current government has been elected under the slogan of merit, justice and no to any influence towards delivering justice, the Minister of State for IT, Prime Minister and Chief Justice of Pakistan are requested to kindly help this old, sick and helpless community of the country.

—Sialkot

Law & order in Karachi HIRA ASHRAF I am a student and due to terrorism in our city Karachi all the students have to suffer loss in our studies. Often we are trapped in our university and cannot go to our homes due the law and order situations in the city.

This agony motivate me to write a few lines on the sad state of affairs.

As everybody is aware that our city Karachi is the business hub of Pakistan. Due to terrorism like suicide bombing, kidnapping and target killings, the city, every now and then, goes on strikes and all the business activities are wound up for a day or two and sometimes even for three days. As a result of these strikes our country Pakistan suffers a great economic loss.

Schools, colleges, universities are closed, students are deprived of having the scheduled practicals, lectures, examinations. All the preparations get waste and as a result students of all the levels suffer a big loss in studies. Everybody has to suffer from this terrorism whether he is a businessman, an employee, a teacher or a doctor etc. Our Government should make some special plans to stop this terrorism. In my opinion Government can deploy Army in Karachi to control terrorism. It is also required that the illegal weapons should be banned; Government should hold conferences of the political parties on Karachi; educational institutes, student vans / points should be given security; Law & order departments should be placed at high alert until the terrorism is controlled. I wish Karachi to be a peaceful and terror free city

where every person can feel safe to perform his duties —Karachi

Terrorism in Pakistan GHAZAL JADOON I want to draw the attention of the authorities about the terrorism which is affecting our country. That terrorism or the illegal use of force for political or criminal purposes should be checked. A typical form of terrorism here is bomb blasts by terrorists at important public places.

I would make the following suggestions. First of all we should be as neutral or non attached in world politics as possible. We should try to make friendly relations with all the big powers. We should keep all the Afghan and other refuges within the areas of their camps. Fresh lists of the new and old refugees should be prepared and kept. The government should make possession of all arms with the refugees. It should make arrangements to stop all the fresh supplies of arms to them. Inside the country, the identity cards, places of stay and contacts of all doubtful people should be checked. The terrorists should be given exemplary punishments.

The people will surely cooperate with the government in its effort to deal with terrorism.

—Via email

Karachi sans MQM Governor SALAR LATEEF This is with reference to the letter “Karachi sans MQM governor” by Younis Nawaz Bhatti, published in Pakistan Observer on 13th November. The write-up unveiled bombastic and shocking facts for the “wellwishers” of Pakistan. Indeed each and everything was not an impute but it was the reality.

This is a fact that MQM is responsible for Karachi unrest. The eyes of the people of Sindh were on PML-N, hoping the action to replace the Governor Sindh with an honest, fair and loyal icon, before elections; but after the polls and taking over the reins of power by the party, the situation remains the same, thus giving birth to many questions. Despite knowing the real face of MQM, PML-N paid a homage by visiting nine zero to get vote in Presidential elections from MQM and as a result, the Governor is still enjoying his ecstasy without any accountability. This aches the bruise of people of Sindh.

All those parties, which were part of 10-parties alliance against PPP before elections, are also responsible of this situation as they seem onlooker of whole scenario. What is the myth behind it? No one knows…

Moreover, Younis Nawaz Bhatti made a mistake by pointing Mohabbat-i-Sindh rally in Karachi.

According to him, it was Awami National Party of Ayaz Latif Palijo but I would like to correct that it was Sindhi Awami Tehrik of Mr. Palijo which is known as Qomi Awami Tehrik these days whereas Awami National Party is of Asfandyar Khan Wali and houses a great significance and a salute of entire nation as it did its best to coup-up with terrorism when they were in previous government of KP. We remember their every sacrifice. As for as Karachi situation is concerned, cure of this disease lays in replacement of Governor.

—Via email

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

—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

The persistence of the old order in the Middle East

‘Quite possible’ Iran, powers can reach nuclear deal next week: US W

WASHINGTON—Major pow- Ashton and Iranian Foreign limited to the peaceful genera- according to a source close with Iran but also among the that Western powers may ers and Iran are getting closer to an initial agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program, a senior U.S. official said, adding it is “quite possible” a deal could be reached when negotiators meet November 20-22 in Geneva.

“For the first time in nearly a decade we are getting close to a first-step ... that would stop the Iranian nuclear program from advancing and roll it back in key areas,” the official told reporters. “I don’t know if we will reach an agreement. I think it is quite possible that we can, but there are still tough issues to negotiate,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official said EU foreign policy chief Catherine

Minister Javad Zarif were to meet on November 20 in Geneva. They will be joined later the same day by a wider group known as the P5+1 comprising Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. The talks are likely to last through November 22, the official added.

The talks will seek to finalize an interim deal to allow time to negotiate a comprehensive, permanent agreement with Iran that would end a 10-year deadlock and provide assurances to the six powers that its atomic program would not produce bombs.

Iran has denied that it is seeking the capability to produce atomic weapons and insists its nuclear ambitions are

tion of electricity and other civilian uses.Negotiations last week in Geneva ended without an agreement, although the sides appeared to be close to a deal that would defuse their standoff over the nuclear program.

U.S. President Barack Obama has urged skeptical U.S. lawmakers not to impose new sanctions on Iran while negotiations are ongoing and called for a pause in U.S. sanctions to see if diplomacy can work.

In addition to lobbying lawmakers, the White House this week also reached out to progressive groups supportive of diplomacy with Iran to make sure they stay aligned with the Obama administration’s approach,

to the matter. Senior administration officials told supporters that they are guardedly optimistic about reaching an interim deal with Iran in Geneva and that the P5+1, including the French, are ready to present a unified position there, the source said.

The senior U.S. official who met with reporters Friday said that published estimates of direct sanctions relief being offered under a preliminary deal - which have ranged from $15 billion to $50 billion - were “wildly exaggerated.”

“It is way south of all of that and quite frankly it will be dwarfed by the restrictions that are still in place,” the official said, saying to impose further sanctions threatened the negotiations not only

six major powers. “The P5+1 believes these are serious negotiations. They have a chance to be successful,” the official said. “For us to slap on sanctions in the middle of it, they see as bad faith.”

A senior administration official estimated that Iran has about $100 billion in reserves, the vast majority of which is held up in overseas bank accounts, which Tehran has limited or no access to.

U.S.-imposed sanctions have hit Iran’s economy hard.

U.S. officials estimate that the economy contracted by more than 5 percent last year and its currency lost about 60 percent of its value against the U.S. dollar since 2011.

Global oil prices slipped lower on Friday on the reports

reach a deal but then rose slightly as markets weighed Libyan supply outages.

Commenting on a U.N. inspection report released on November 14 that said Iran had stopped expanding its uranium enrichment capacity, the official said the development was “a good thing” but did not resolve fundamental questions and concerns about Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. “We appreciate the step but the reason for our negotiation is to get at certainty that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon and we are a long way from that,” the official added.

Western diplomats said one of the sticking points during talks was Iran’s argument that it retains the “right” to enrich uranium.—Reuters

Senior Chinese leader appeals for unity over reform plan B EIJING—A senior Chinese leader has appealed to members of the ruling Communist Party to unite around a key reform plan and shoulder the “historic” responsibility of making sure it is followed through, state media said.

Zhang Dejiang, number three in the party’s hierarchy and head of China’s largely rubber-stamp parliament, told officials that the reform plan was an “important political task”, Xinhua news agency said. The article was published in full on Saturday by the official party newspaper, the People’s Daily.

“Fully understand the important meaning of the plenum,” Zhang said, referring to the party’s meeting which agreed on the reform roadmap. “Work as one to put into effect and enact the policy decisions and plans,” he said. China unwrapped its boldest set of economic and social reforms in nearly three decades on Friday, relaxing its one-child policy and further freeing up markets in order to put the world’s second-largest economy on a more stable footing. The announcement of the sweeping changes helped dispel doubts about

the leadership’s zest for the reforms needed to give the economy fresh momentum as three decades of breakneck expansion show signs of faltering. However, the reforms may take years to implement.

A document released by the Communist Party following the conclave of its senior leaders promised land and residence registration reforms needed to boost China’s urban population and allow its transition to a western-style services- and consumptiondriven economy.

Still, Xi and his team gave themselves until 2020 to achieve “decisive” results - a tacit acknowledgement of the risks involved in Beijing’s balancing act between letting market forces eventually take over and preserving financial and social stability and the Communist Party’s political monopoly.

A protester against the government-backed amnesty bill shouts slogans as she joins others in a rally at Ratchaprasong Zhang said the document intersection, in Bangkok. had “deep historic meaning” and that party members must “dare to take on responsibility” to follow and enforce its directives. State newspapers on Saturday largely confined themselves to reprinting the lengthy document in full without comment.—AP M ADRID —The spying rev- M ALE —Voters in the elect a president in three at- the day after the Nov. 9 vote. elations by former National Maldives cast their ballots tempts since September and It also ordered Hassan to conSecurity Agency contractor Saturday in a presidential run- after incumbent President tinue in office despite the ofEdward Snowden have made off that was held amid inter- Mohamed Waheed Hassan ficial end of his term on Nov. it a high-pressure, high- national concerns that the tiny extended his term in office by 11. stakes time to be a top media archipelago nation may slip six days, purportedly to avoid The European Union executive. back to strongman rule after a constitutional void because warned that the country In Britain, the editor of long delays in the election. the country is past the legal might slip back to autocratic the visit, billing the event as the Guardian pulverized enThe runoff was contested deadline to elect a new presi- rule and said it is considering the “crown” on efforts to end tire hard drives of data leaked between the country’s first dent. “I always support “appropriate measures” if the a three-decade insurgency by by Snowden to keep the gov- democratically elected leader Nasheed for his democratic Maldives failed to elect a new Kurdistan Workers Party ernment from seizing them. and the brother of a longtime values and work ethic. president Saturday. It said (PKK) militants which has cost In the United States, The autocrat.

That’s why I voted for further delays would be seen 40,000 lives.

New York Times pointed out The results are expected him,” said Mohamed Shafraz, as attempts to prevent Kurds, often described as in a major NSA expose this early Sunday. Mohamed a 23-year-old student.

Maldivians from exercising the world’s largest stateless month that it agreed to self- Nasheed, who was elected Mohamed Rasheed, an their democratic rights. ethnic group, number about 30 censorship of “some details president in the country’s electrician, said he voted for U.S. State Department million, concentrated in parts that officials said could com- first multiparty polls in 2008, Yaamin because he has spokeswoman Jen Psaki said of Turkey, Iran, Syria and Iraq. promise intelligence opera- is favored to win after receiv- proven himself as a good man- earlier in the week that While they have had partial tions.” ing nearly 47 percent of the ager of the economy. Yaamin Hassan’s decision to stay beautonomy in Iraqi Kurdistan And in Spain, the El vote in the first round on Nov. has been part of Maumoon yond his term endangered the since 1991, nationalist move- Mundo newspaper said last 9. His failure to get at least 50 Abdul Gayoom’s administra- people’s right to elect a new ments have long been sup- week it would turn over percent for an outright win tion. The Supreme Court an- leader and called for the elecpressed in Turkey, Syria and Snowden documents to pros- required a runoff against nulled results of a Sept. 7 elec- tion to be concluded soon.

Iran. ecutors inquiring whether the Yaamin Abdul Gayoom, a tion because it found that the The Maldives has seen Turkey’s efforts to make privacy rights of Spaniards brother of 30-year autocratic voters’ registry contained much upheaval in the five peace with the PKK has been had been violated. ruler Maumoon Abdul fake names and those of dead years since its first multiparty given a fresh sense of urgency As revelations about the Gayoom. people. election. There has been conby Syria’s 2-1/2 year civil war, staggering scope of the Police stopped a second flict between the judiciary, Yaamin received 30 perin which Kurds have made NSA’s surveillance have cent of the first-round votes attempt at holding the election Parliament and the presimajor territorial gains in recent leaked out, newsroom leaders and is courting the support because all the candidates did dency, which often worked in weeks, paving the way for their around the world have been of the third-placed candidate, not accept a new voters’ list different directions. The judilong-declared plans for inde- weighing ethical decisions tourist resort owner Qasim as the court had mandated. ciary and bureaucracy were pendent governance in parts over how much they should Ibrahim, who received 23 per- The court intervened again to often accused of being loyal of Syria just over Turkey’s reveal about intelligence- cent. The Maldives is un- change the runoff election to Gayoom, the former autosouthern border.—AP gathering capabilities. —AP der scrutiny after failing to date, which had been set for cratic ruler.—AP

European, US media face new tests with NSA spying

Maldives votes in presidential runoff after delay

Kurdish president, Erdogan seek to bolster ties DIYARBAKIR—The president of Iraqi Kurdistan visited southeastern Turkey for the first time in two decades, a trip meant to shore up support for a flagging Kurdish peace process there and bolster Turkey’s influence across its troubled southern borders.

Thousands gathered as Masoud Barzani arrived in a long convoy of cars, a police helicopter buzzing overhead, in Diyarbakir, the main city in Turkey’s Kurdish-dominated southeast, for a meeting with Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan. Crowds waved green, white and orange Kurdistan flags ahead of ceremonies due to include a performance by Kurdish poet and singer Sivan Perwer, who had fled Turkey in the 1970s, and a mass wedding of 300 couples.

“We will see a historic process in Diyarbakir this weekend,” Erdogan said ahead of

Can Iraq be saved?

SALAH NASRAWI

B

Y passing a new law on the allocation of seats in parliament, on November 4, the Iraqi parliament ended a lingering dispute among the country’s feuding ethno-sectarian factions, and cleared the way for polls to be held next year.

The breakthrough, however, could be just another halfstep that creates only hot air in the rivals’ endless bargaining for consensus, instead of real problem-solving progress.

Iraq’s disruption since the US invasion in 2003 is a national, if not an existential, quandary of great proportion that cannot be assessed by a vote on new election laws, or even by the election of a new parliament. It is the predicament of the massive failure to rebuild the Iraqi state and society after they were

ruined by more than a decade of occupation, civil strife and mismanagement.

In a rare analytical and courageous testimony on post-US occupation era, Kurdish politician and one of the architects of the transition, Barham Salih, described Iraq as being “in a very worrisome situation”.

“Iraq is moving from a perilous situation to another which is more perilous. From bad to worse,” Salih told the London-based Asharq alAwssat in an interview on November 9. Other Iraqi leaders can hardly pretend otherwise.

Today Iraq stands on the brink of being a failed state, and its fall into the abyss has so far been averted due to a wide-range geopolitical and geostrategic factors that depend on Iraq’s stagnancy rather than watching it be torn to pieces with spill-overs into

all its neighbours, and probably beyond. Is this downward slide irreversible and can Iraq be saved from this disaster?

Many of Iraq’s problems stem from its political leaders who are exploiting the ethnosectarian divisions in their favour to grab more power.

Iraq’s problem is that of transition. The scale and scope of the transformation that the country embarked on after the demise of Saddam Hussein’s autocratic regime by the US, is unprecedented.

Iraq has had to wrestle with political, social and economic transformations to clear the legacy of both Saddam’s era and the US occupation.

Analysis of the transitional process, however, shows that the outcome has been abysmal, underscoring a gap between aspirations and achievements.

The clearest manifesta-

tion of this problem is the failure of nation-building following Saddam’s ouster. This factor contributed to the disastrous ethno-sectarian conflicts and their violent ramifications. While the US’ failures in nation building are well documented, there is much evidence that the new rulers in post-Saddam Iraq are also to blame. Their biggest problem remains to be incompetence, mismanagement, corruption, and indulgence in self-interests. Their lust for power, sectarianism and lack of leadership skills are largely responsible for Iraq’s poor governance and the failure of the transitional period.

Iraq’s main ethnic and sectarian groups - Kurds, Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims- each with its own militias, have to share power.

Iraq cannot be ruled by one side, nor divided among all. It was in dire need of visionary,

credible and strategic leadership to unite people and lead the transition to democracy.

That collective effort was, and still is, absent, creating competitive and even violent approaches to power. One of the enduring sources of instability in Iraq is the policies and tactics of the political class to either maximise gains, or stop the other side from doing so, all at the expense of the common good.

Many of Iraq’s problems stem from its political leaders who are exploiting the ethnosectarian divisions in their favour to grab more power.

Their failure to craft an inclusive democracy has deepened rivalries and given rise to sectarianism, ethnic chauvinism and authoritarianism. Even the constitution which has established a term of reference to solve the power-sharing problems, has been breached time and again.

Among key violations are the absence of a functioning Constitutional Court and a Supreme Federal Council, which would ensure that constitutionally established rules are applied and that the government functions according to the law of the land which stipulates separation of powers. Perhaps the most immediate effect of the lack of these two institutions in a federal system such as Iraq’s, is the absence of basic democratic rules and institutions in which the power to govern is shared between communities. This situation allows authoritarianism to permeate all levels of government.

Moreover, the parliament has failed to pass legislation regarding political parties, a prerequisite for a sound multi-party and democratic system.

—Courtesy Aljazeera

HISHAM MELHEM

E are approaching the third anniversary of the be ginning of the season of Arab uprisings, or what was erroneously called the “Arab Spring,” when a 23 year old street vendor in the central Tunisian city of Sidi Bouzid, in an act of desperation and defiance, set himself on fire. The self-immolation of Mohammad Bouazizi, who snapped after a humiliating encounter with the local police, also set ablaze the cruel world that millions of angry and alienated Arabs in Tunisia and beyond inhabit. The stunning unfolding of events that followed in the next few weeks in Tunisia and Egypt brought to mind Vladimir Lenin’s smart insight that “sometimes decades pass and nothing happens; and then sometimes weeks pass and decades happen.” Later, the fire consumed Libya and then spread from Africa to Asia to burn Yemen, Bahrain and Syria. At times it seemed that to varying degrees of intensity every Arab country was potentially combustible. In those heady days, it appeared that Bouazizi’s ultimate sacrifice ended the decades-long stagnation and decay and gave rise to weeks and months of rapid and, at times, bewildering change.

During that “moment of enthusiasm,” particularly in Egypt that led to the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak, many spoke of the promise of revolution and change, of a youth movement that creatively mobilized previously disparate social strata through the use of social media, and of the radical transformational trends in society and polity that would sweep the region and with it all the entrenched inheritance of oppression suffocating Arab societies since formal independence. Three years after the initial intoxicating days of rage and wild celebrations in the streets following the demise of the supposedly last despots in Tunisia and Egypt, even those who dubbed the uprisings, the shining “Arab Spring,” admit now that their spring, maybe with the exception of Tunisia has turned into a dark long winter.

It is true that it may be too early to render a definitive judgment about the long arc of these uprisings and whether it will bend towards positive change, it is also clear that the harvest so far has been very meager; and the uprisings, have pushed the Arab region into a terra incognita.

Yes, decades did happen in few weeks in Tunisia and Egypt when the tip of the old despotic pyramid was toppled, and yes presidents Ben Ali and Mubarak are gone, however the whole pyramid or the super-structure of oppression remains intact. This structure encompasses the old political and economic order as well as the cultural/religious inheritance. All the countries that were swept by the uprisings are still going through varying degrees of intense transitions; those that achieved limited results through removing the tip of the old order ; Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen, and the remaining two, Bahrain where the uprising was rolled back by domestic coercion supported by outside intervention and in Syria where the besieged Assad dynasty is fighting ferociously to crush an uprising that turned violent and plunged the country into a frightening civil war-cum regional conflict with terrible consequences for the already tense Sunni-Shiite fault lines. Looking at the mixture of complex politics, violent mobilizations on the part of religious ,tribal groups, militias and the security apparatus of the old order, growing political, sectarian/ethnic/tribal tensions and other strange phenomenon during these tumultuous transitions, one can begin to see the wisdom in Antonio Gramsci’s brilliant observation of the complexities of transitions : “The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in the interregnum, a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.”

It was thought initially that Tunisia, and to a lesser extent Egypt, are likely to achieve transition to representative governance not marred by violence and intimidation, partly because both countries are largely homogenous with wellestablished cultural and national identities and relatively developed civil societies. However, the political polarization in Egypt and the violence that marred both the rule of the armed forces immediately after Mubarak’s ouster and the Mursi/ Muslim Brotherhood year in power and the bloody overthrow of the Brotherhood has plunged Egypt into an open ended transition that is not likely to end soon or without much blood, sweat and tears. Tunisia remains the only country with realistic, albeit difficult prospects, of graduating from its current transition towards a more representative governance and political and economic reforms, mainly because of its secular tradition, its relatively tolerant polity, educated women, labor unions and a small armed forces with no history of violently oppressing domestic dissent.

Much has been written by academics, historians and journalists about the roots of the uprisings and their brittle achievements so far. One such study is published in the current issue of the Journal of Democracy, titled “Why The Modest Harvest” by Jason Brownlee, Tarek Masoud and Andrew Reynolds. The essay attempts to provide a regional model for the explanation of the various outcomes of the six uprisings as well as the resilience of autocracy in the Arab world. The authors believe that there are two variable or preexisting regime traits that account for the modest harvest of the uprisings: Oil wealth and hereditary rule (they include Syria in this category). Oil rents which endow the rulers with material resources to address economic grievances and repressive capacity with which to crush rebellions particularly when the ruler (the Assads for example) create “personalistic dictatorships” where the bonds between the despot and the agents of repression are very strong. Of course, there exceptions to this theory; oil resources could not help Qaddafi remain in power because of NATO’s military intervention, and President Ben Ali, Mubarak and Saleh of Yemen did not have enough oil rents and did not command the strong allegiance of the military.

The stunning unfolding of events that followed in the next few weeks in Tunisia and Egypt brought to mind Vladimir Lenin’s smart insight that “sometimes decades pass and nothing happens; and then sometimes weeks pass and decades happen” However, there are other interpretations for the meager harvest of the Arab uprisings that do not fit neatly into the “models,” “theories” and “paradigms” that scholars like to create. Given the homogeneity of the Tunisian and Egyptian societies, and a modern history unmarred by the sectarian, political, and ethnic violence that shaped the politics of heterogeneous states such as Iraq, Syria, Algeria, Lebanon, Sudan and Yemen there was little possibility of the tumult in Tunisia and Egypt spiraling into civil wars. In homogenous societies it is relatively easier for the political opposition to articulate alternative visions and strategies.

The specter of civil wars has always haunted the heterogeneous states in the region when fundamental differences could not be mediated politically, thus allowing the brittle sectarian, tribal, regional and ethnic cleavages to collapse.

In heterogeneous societies it is more difficult for the opposition to articulate alternative policies, given the different priorities of various groups and communities. Also, it is relatively easier for the autocrat in these societies to play on the concerns, fears and aspirations of the disparate components in these diverse societies. Baathists dictators in Iraq and Syria ruled and fought by the swords of their minorities (the Sunni Arabs under Saddam Hussein in Iraq, and the Alawite minority in Syria under the Assads).

The history of social and political upheavals from the French Revolution to the Arab uprisings shows that most of them don’t succeed and all of them including those that created new orders were resisted, sometimes stubbornly by the old order in various forms of counter-revolutions.

Already the forces opposed genuine reforms and democratization are fighting back.

—Courtesy Alarabiya

4 dead as rockets hit Lyari

Fazl From Page 1

the situation transpiring From Page 1 after the clashes to the PM dents asking them for assis- War had fired 2 rockets from and said that an attempt tance, due to the escalated Koila Godam (Coal godown) was made to disrupt the law violence in the area. and Dubai Chowk in Lyari of and order and harmony of Earlier Saturday, five which one hit a water tank of a the country. people were injured in multiple mosque and the other hit a A high level judicial enclashes between two groups police APC. One cop Essa and quiry should be held into the the same area of the city. one head Constable Asad incident and all people inThe clashes took place at were injured by the rocket that volved in this act of terrorDubai Chowk, Gul had hit the police APC but ism should be arrested and Mohammad Lane, Essa succumbed to injuries brought to book.

Hangorabad and Ahmed Shah Two cops were also targeted Prime Minister Nawaz in Kharadar area and the cops Bukhari Road.

Sharif assured Maulana Fazl People were forced into had sustained bullet injuries Ur Rehman that this incident their homes when the groups and were shifted to hospital. would be taken as a test case threw hand grenades and fired The militants freely used greand all responsible would be rockets at each other. nades and automatic weapons bought to book without any The militants of Lyari Gang such as machineguns in the discrimination and no one would be allowed to disrupt the law and order.

Maulana Fazl on the occasion also assured the PM that every cooperation would From Page 1 be extended to the governtween the groups whose his sorrow over the loss of prement as we also want peace members resorted to stone- cious human lives in the tragic and harmony to prevail in pelting and also fired gun- incident of Rawalpindi. Excountry. shots. pressing sympathies with the Meanwhile Maulana Fazl The Jaffria Alliance con- bereaved families he said the also contacted Chief Minisdemned the violence in blood of deceased persons ter Shahbaz Sharif, provincial Rawalpindi and demanded would not go waste. He said law minister Rana Sanaullah, from the provincial govern- that implemen-tation on the Chief Secretary Punjab and RPO Rawalpindi and ex- DUBAI: JF-17 Thunder aircraft taxiing out at Al Makhtoum Airport to practise aerobatics at Dubai Air Show-2013. ment to bring to justice those law would be ensured at all who had resorted to gunfire. costs.He appealed to the changed extensive views on Hospital officials said that people to remain peaceful and the Rawalpindi incident and those wounded in the vio- maintain the atmosphere of sought details. Punjab Chief lence on Friday had multiple brotherhood and public peace.

Minister Shahbaz Sharif said a injuries.The violence appears Shahbaz Sharif directed judicial inquiry has been ordered to have erupted when an police officers to further eninto Rawalpindi incident and Ashura procession coincided hance security in their respecassured those involved in the with a sermon at a nearby tive areas and also depute incident will be brought to jusmosque. “The clash started police officials in plain clothes tice.—Online O BSERVER REPORT From Page 1 when a sermon was being at public places. He said that rowing down the foreign ac- to revamp these entities on growth by 2% and halted the DUBAI—Pakistan Air Force is delivered from a mosque ban on provocative speeches count and budget deficit. modern lines through partial way of further industrialization participating in Dubai Air which was on the procession and illegal use of loudspeakFrom Page 1 ers should be implemented On the issue of shortage privatization but in this process in the country. Our GDP Show-2013, which will be in- route,” Ahmed told media. likely to arrive in Islamabad Police officer Afzal strictly. He said that police of energy, the Minister said the respective employees growth has stuck at a level, augurated today.

Three JF-17 later this month as the Afand Super Hussain said earlier that par- officers should remain in ghan embassy has to deal that the government was striv- would be given full protection. which is half of the level of Thunder ticipants of a procession beat touch with ulema and take all ing to ensure supply of The Minister assured the Pakistan’s long term trend poMushshak aircraft of Pakistan with important developments to death three men from a semi- necessary measures for maincheaper energy to masses and businessmen that there would tential of about 6.5% per Air Force along with the PAF including Prime Minister nary in Rawalpindi for insult- taining peaceful atmosphere for this purpose, it has be no witch hunting by the annum.He said that the LCCI contingent comprising PAF Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Kabul. ing them as their procession with their consultation. launched medium and short FBR to broaden the tax net.

He highly appreciates governpilots and technicians are parA delegation of the Afpassed the religious Punjab Chief Minister, term plans.

He said that work said 165A is meant for tax evadment for taking corrective meaticipating in Dubai Air Show. ghan High Peace Council is school.The procession mem- Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif on Neelum-Jehlum, Diamirers only.

Name a single tax sures to address the prevailThe participating pilots have also planned to visit bers dragged the harassers out while expressing his satisfacIslamabad to meet the senior Basha and Dasu dams were registered person who has ing issues including law and successfully completed the of the seminary after hearing tion over the overall law and well on way and their complebeen given notice under 165A, order situation in Karachi, cirrehearsal of Aerobatics.

Taliban leader Mullah Abdul tion would help end power he asked. Dar said increas- cular debt, initiating plans to The JF-17 (Thunder) the shouted insults and beat order situa-tion during YoumGhani Baradar. shortage in next three years. ing the tax to GDP ratio to 15 restructure public sector enterjointly co-developed (by PAF them to death, Hussain said. e-Ashur throughout Punjab Mosazai has served as a The clash triggered a appreciated the performance He said that the government percent of the GDP is the first prises and reduction in dura& CATIC), and co-produced freelance journalist and civil stampede in the procession of the administration of the was also working on Civil goal of the government which tion of load shedding. by PAC (Pakistan Aeronautical society activist in Kabul. He He said that Pakistan has Complex) and CATIC (China which caused more casualties. province. He said that except formerly worked as a political Nuclear Technology and wind can be achieved only by regA senior police official in the tragic incident in energy projects.

He said that istering new taxpayers.

He said lowest tax to GDP ratio in the Aero-technology Import Exaffairs officer with the United Multan said that at least 12 Rawalpindi, all functions of the government was deterthat the government is hoperegion and we also support the port Corporation) has been put Nations in Afghanistan. Born people were injured when Ashura-e-Muharram ended on March 21, 1980 in Kabul, mined to add 8500 MW of elec- ful of fully reviving growth and government initiatives to up for static as well as aerial dis- peopletook to the streets to peacefully throughout the tricity into the ational grid by economy in next five years. broaden the tax net instead of play in the Air Show. he got his primary education He said even adverse con- squeezing the people who are This year Dubai Air Show protest the Rawalpindi inci- province and no untoward inin Kabul and continued his year 2016.He added that Dasu cident happened. He also power project will help generditions the economy showed already in the tax net.

He said is being held at Dubai World dent, leading to clashes. higher studies in Bishkek, Maulana Tanvirul Haq thanked ulema of all schools ate 4‚500 megawatts of elecrobust growth in the first quarthat the industrial sector conCentral Airport instead of where he studied political sciThanvi of Muttahida Bainul of thought who played their ence and international tricity. The World Bank has ter of this fiscal. He said for- tains 20.9% of GDP contribut- Dubai International Airport. Muslimeen on Saturday de- effective role for the success agreed to provide seven huneign direct investment ining two third in the tax revenue The new location is at a disrelations.He migrated to nounced the Friday’s of efforts of Ittehad Bain ul Canada, where he got his Mas- dred million dollars for the creased by 83 percent, portfo- whereas agriculture sector ac- tance of 30 KMs from Dubai Rawalpindi tragedy which left Muslameen. project, he added. lio investment jumped by 101 counts for 21.4% of the GDP city.

More than 200 compaters in Journalism at Carleton The Punjab Chief MinisThe Finance Minister said percent and the large scale but its share in the state rev- nies from all over the world several people dead and dozUniversity, Ottawa in 2010.

Diamer Basha dam project is manufacturing grew by 8.5 per- enue is less than 1% and ser- are displaying their aviation ens injured. Talking to media, ter appealed to the people to Maulana Tanvirul Haq Thanvi forge unity and maintain important because it will not cent in the first quarter of this vice sector with a share of 57% products and aircraft. only help generate electricity fiscal. The negative trends in is contributing much below its Amongst the 150 aircraft termed the violence in brotherhood in their ranks. He but also store water for irriga- growth have been stopped and potential. He said that it is need which are on display at the Air Rawalpindi on the occasion of said, every Pakistani is From Page 1 tion purposes. He said acqui- now we are moving on, he of the hour to reduce customs Show, JF-17 Thunder stands Yaum-e-Ashur as tragic and grieved over Rawalpindi inciINS Vikramaditya is a Kiev sition of land for the project added.Ishaq Dar said the rat- duty on smuggling prone out due to its agility and le- demanded of the authorities dent. He said that the persons class aircraft carrier which was has been started. ing agencies have acknowl- items to encourage legal im- thality. The manoeuvring and concerned to nab the culprits involved in this incident were commissioned by Russian Ishaq Dar said difficult de- edged Pakistan’s performance ports. It will not only increase performance of JF-17 Thunder and bring them to justice. He enemies of both Paki-stan and Navy in 1987 under the name cisions have been taken to put and have upgraded its rating. government revenue due to aircraft will also be witnessed appealed to the people to ob- Islam. He said people of Pakistan have played their due Baku. It was later renamed as the economy on the right track He said donors have offered lu- enhanced import but also ad- along with UAE aerobatics serve calm.

Shahbaz Sharif expressed role for the stability and digAdmiral Gorshkov and last and achieve sustainable crative loans to appreciate the dress the issue of competitive- team Al Fursan and the Red sailed in 1995 in Russia, before growth. He assured that all de- efforts of the new government. ness on the part of commercial Arrows team. The JF-17 Thunbeing offered to India. cisions would be taken in naDar spoke at length on all importers. The smuggling der is likely to win applause The warship with a tional interest.About fall in the issues being faced by the prone items may be identified by a large crowd. length of 284 metres will have value of Pak rupee, Dar warned economy and the measures in consultation with trade and MiG-29K naval combat air- the speculators to refrain from being taken to overcome these industry. The case of massive From Page 1 craft along with Kamov 31 speculations or be ready to face challenges. He said that a smuggling of plastic raw-maFrom Back Page and Kamov 28 anti-subma- the music for causing huge fi- three-year well tailored eco- terial (Chapter 39) from Iran can fore will resist attempts for important meeting of the rine warfare and maritime sur- nancial loss to the entire nomic revival plan had already be taken as an example, he sources, the IED blast oc- an international investiga- 53- member bloc. curred near a police mobile veillance helicopters. economy for their petty gains. put into the motion that would added. Mian Tariq Misbah tion.

The island country, reThe MiG 29-Ks would LCCI Acting President yield positive results. said that imports against TT on Kohat Road in Scheme He was responding to covering from three deprovide a significant boost to Mian Tariq Misbah, LCCI Vice The Finance Minister an- are increasing due to massive Chowk area in the outskirts Cameron’s stance that Brit- cades of war that ended in Indian Navy with their range President Kashif Anwar, nounced to form two commit- misuse of the facility. It needs of Peshawar Saturday morn- ain will push for an inter- 2009, has come under seof over 700 nautical miles, ex- former Presidents Mian tees comprising LCCI former to be discouraged and appro- ing. The blast, as the reports national probe by the UN vere international pressure tendable to over 1,900 nauti- Muhammad Ashraf, Mian President Mian Muhammad priate legal framework for this say, led to serious injuries to Human Rights Council if for its human rights record cal miles with mid-air refuel- Anjum Nisar, Mian Misbahur Ashraf, Sheikh Muhmmad purpose may be introduced. two policemen and two Sri Lanka does not address with prime ministers from ling, and an array of weapons Rehman, Iftikhar Ali Malik, Asif, Mian Anjum Nisar, Furthermore, import of luxury passers-by. The victims were its human rights issues Canada, Indian and like anti-ship missiles, beyond Bashir A Baksh, Sheikh Iftikhar Ali Malik and FBR items e.g. vehicles should also shifted to Lady Reading Hos- that include deaths of ci- Mauritius boycotting the visual range air-to-air missiles Muhammad Asif, Shahid Chairman Tariq Bajwa to look be discouraged instead of al- pital for treatment.

Police high ups said the vilians during the last event. and guided bombs and Hassan Sheikh, Mohammad into the issues of steel indus- lowing amnesty schemes for The Commonwealth police van was the target of phase of the war by March rockets.After almost nine Ali Mian, Irfan Qaiser Sheikh, try, under invoicing, smuggling such smuggled items.

2014. should be a platform for the the blast and 4 to 5 kilograms years of negotiations the ini- Mian Muzaffar Ali spoke on and Sales Tax Refunds. He Pointing out that “this member states to interact of explosives were used in tial $1.5 billion contract for ret- the occasion and highlighted said that whatever decisions the blast that also caused is not a new threat by Brit- with each other to reach rofitting the carrier and buy- their issues. Chiarman Federal were taken by the committee panic in the area. Security ain,” de Silva, also minis- consensus, and nobody From Page 1 ing 16 MiG-29K, K/UB deck- Board of Revenue Tariq Bajwa would immediately be impleforces cordoned off the area ter of irrigation and water has the right to pass judgupon relaxing of curfew and based fighters was signed in and Deputy Governor State mented in letter and spirit. resources, insisted that the ment on the other’s issues, 2004.The aircraft carrier deal Bank of Pakistan were also Speaking on the occasion, directed that the law enforc- after the incident and started Sri Lankan government he said. had become a major irritant in present in the meeting. the LCCI Acting President ing agencies should remain investigation while search would appeal to other “Every country in the operation was also lunched bilateral relations between InAbout the transporters Mian Tariq Misbah said that alert and deployed. members of the UNHRC to Commonwealth enjoys It was directed in the to net the culprits who re- stave off an external inter- equal status. We should dia and Russia.By the end of strike, the Minister said that he the business community fully 2007, when it became clear that was going to Karachi and understands the worst eco- meeting that all medical facili- mained at large.

In the meanwhile at least ference into the human respect each other and not Russia will not deliver the radi- hopefully in a day or two the nomic conditions inherited by ties be provided free of seven people were injured in rights issues of Sri Lanka. to interfere in other ’s iscally redesigned vessel by goods transporters would be your government. When the charge to the injured.

“The Commonwealth sues, “ de Silva told a press a suicide bomb explosion The meeting called upon the 2008 deadline, ties dipped back to business since their PML(N) government tookover will not be used as another conference on the sidelines to an all-time low.However, issues were pertaining to the the charge, there were severe the Ulema from all sects to targeting a security forces global policeman,” he said of the CHOGM in Colombo. the two countries inked an ad- government of Sindh. challenges faced by economy play their role in forging convoy in the outskirts of vehemently.

Referring to the alleged Bannu on Saturday. Those ditional agreement under About the Public sector including power outages, low peace and harmony.

Sri Lankan President human rights violation in The meeting also di- sustained injuries in Bannu Mahinda Rajapaksa is the northern Sri Lanka, he said which India agreed to pay a enterprises, he said that a economic growth, circular higher price for its refit.—PTI mechanism had been devised debt, falling investment, huge rected the administration to blast include three army men chair of the Commonwealth that most people in the fiscal deficits, inflation, un- evaluate the losses to prop- , two police cops and two ci- till 2015. north have been looked afprecedented floods, terrorism erty for subsequent compen- vilians. Contingents of secuSri Lanka is also host- ter, and allegations that the rity forces rushed to the site sation.

It appealed for a calm and worst law & order situaing the Commonwealth country has violated hution. These factors resulted in among public and sought of the explosion and shifted Heads of Government man rights are unfounded. flight of capital from Pakistan their cooperation in identify- the injured to various hospi- Meeting, which is the most —NNI tals for treatment. that shaved off annual GDP ing the culprits.—APP

area as the two rival groups of the militants, Baba Ladla group and Uzair Baloch group had fought for taking over various localities in their control including Ahmed Shah Bukhari Road, Eedo Lane, Phool Patti Lane, Raangi Wara, Panjgori Mohallah, Kalri and other areas.Due to indiscriminate fierce exchange of fire, 6 persons were injured including 2 minors, Amna Yousuf,10 and Ameena Yousuf, 6. Among the injured that were shifted to CHK were Qasim 70, Hamza, Fahim and Sabir.

Army called in Pindi, Multan, Chishtian

3 Es major challenges posed to country: Dar

JF-17 Thunder will shine in Dubai Air Show 2013

Janan

India

Blasts in KP

Nisar orders

Sri Lanka

nity of the country and the na-tion by rising above sectarian approach in all phases of national history. He said that the enemies of Pakistan want to achieve their ulterior motives through destroying public peace by fanning sectarian differences.

He appealed to ulema to play their positive role for the promotion of unity and brotherhood among the people.

Religious and political leaders have strongly condemned the incident that claimed lives of innocent people and caused damage to property worth millions of rupeesin Rawalpindi on Friday. They said it was an attempt to destroy peace in the country and demanded of the government to thoroughly investigate the matter and award exemplary punishment to the cul-prits.

Amir of JUI(F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman demanded that the government should immediately investigate the tragedy as it was a conspiracy to destroy peace.

Maulana Muhammad Ahmad Ludhianvi and Maulana Samiul Haq termed the incident as inefficiency of the Rawalpindi Adinistration.

Tanzeem Ahle Sunnat has convened its meeting on Sunday while Majlis-eWahadatul Muslimeen has condemned the tragedy in the strongest words. Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi described the incident as unfortunate and asked the Chief Minister to take steps at the personal level to normalize the situation.

PAF chief From Page 1 dwelling upon the topic‚ Air Chief shared the PAF experience of networking usefulness during current operations against miscreants.

He also stressed that Pakistan has offered great sacrifices for the peace and prosperity of the World.

His visit coincides with Pakistan’s Pride JF-17 Thunder ’s second appearance at the bi-yearly International Dubai Air Show. Air Chief referred Dubai Air Show event as good opportunity for JF-17 marketing and exposure to the World.

He highlighted the JF-17 features as it offers cutting edge technologies at affordable cost.

The Air Chief will be visiting the Dubai Air Show‚ which starts today.

PM discusses From Page 1 that he and his team were monitoring the situation on minute-to-minute basis in consultation with Pakistan Army, intelligence agencies and Ministry of Interior.

The Prime Minister directed that miscreants responsible for this incident should not be spared and their nefarious designs of creating discord in the society must be defeated.

The Chief Minister also briefed the Prime Minister on the responsible and mature role of media in handling the incident.

Pak to fight economic, security challenges: PM Announces $100,000 for CW Youth Council COLOMBO —Prime Minister Commission in Colombo.

Roof collapse kills seven S WAT —At least seven people of a same family including three children and two women were killed when roof of a house collapsed in Sarbanda area of Swat the other day. Police said that a dilapidated roof of house of Faridoon collapsed killing instantly his wife Shah Mina, one son and daughter in law instantly. While three were severely injured. The three injured were taken to Matta Civil Hospital and later transported to Saidu Sharif hospital due to severity of injuries however they succumbed to their injuries on the way. The dead and the injured persons had come to Swat from Karachi. The funeral prayers of the deceased were offered in a somber environment in which a large number of people participated. —Online

2,000 sikh yatrees arrive L AHORE —More than 2,000 Indian sikh yatrees arrived here on Friday by special trains to celebrate the 544th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Jee. Additional Secretary Shrine, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Khalid Ali, President Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) Sardar Sham Singh and other officials received the sikh yatrees at Wahga railway station. Pakistan Rangers and police department made foolproof security arrangements for them while immigration, customs, bank and medical departments had setup special counters to facilities the sikh pilgrims at Wahga Railway Station.

Expressing their views at Wahga Station, the yatrees appreciated the security and other arrangements made by the government of Pakistan.—APP

Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Friday said that his government was committed to a long-term strategy of sustained and inclusive growth by providing equal opportunities to all Pakistanis. He was addressing the first Executive Session of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting here.

Speaking on the theme of the summit, “Growth and Equity: Inclusive Development,” the Prime Minister noted that equitable development was indeed one of the most significant contemporary challenges confronting the world at large and the Commonwealth in particular.

He said that Pakistan was faced with challenges of weak economy, poverty, acute energy shortages, successive natural calamities and rising militancy, said a press release issued by Pakistan High

Expressing full understanding of these problems, the Prime Minister assured that his government was determined to address these challenges urgently and simultaneously.

The aspirations and dynamism of the people of Pakistan has strengthened his resolve to steer the country towards a new and bright future, he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the opening ceremony of the meeting along with other heads of the government.

He also attended the lunch hosted by Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales for a select group of Commonwealth Heads. He would also attend a dinner hosted

by Prince Charles for all heads of the delegations.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif

on Friday announced a special donation of $100,000 at the Commonwealth Summit in Colombo for the newly established Commonwealth Youth Council. The contribution, which demonstrates the importance Pakistan attaches to the youth agenda, is intended to fund the youth-led development projects of the CYC in its early years.

The Commonwealth Youth Council was formally launched during the 9th Commonwealth Youth Forum held on the margins of the Commonwealth Summit. The newly established autonomous youth-led body would serve as the representative voice of 1.2 billion young people in the Commonwealth and provide a framework for youth-led development initiatives.

The Government of Sri Lanka has offered to host the Secretariat of CYC.—APP

One cop martyred, 19 wounded in Peshawar, D I Khan, Bannu blasts sources the police convoy area and kicked off search opTARIQ SAEED was on his way to Hangu eration to net the culprits.

PESHAWAR—Three powerful when a suicide bomber exIn the provincial metropoblasts targeting the security forces in Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu on Saturday resulted in the martyrdom of at least one cop and serious injuries to 19 others including 15 men in uniform.

In a suicide explosion targeting the police force in Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan on Saturday afternoon a policeman was martyred and eight others sustained injuries.

According to police

ploded himself near a police mobile near Kulachi police station. “One policeman was martyred and eight were injured in the blast when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive laden jacket close to police mobile van that was also damaged badly”, police officials said The injured personnel and dead body was shifted to the nearby hospital as the security personnel cordoned off the

lis Peshawar too, the unknown miscreants targeted the men in uniform leaving as many as two cops and equal number of civilians seriously wounded.

At least four persons including two policemen were injured when an improvised explosive device exploded near a police van in Peshawar Saturday morning, police said.

According to the rescue

Continued on Page 7

COLOMBO: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott on the sidelines of Commonwealth Conference.

Libyan protest turns deadly as militias open fire C AIRO —Dozens of people were killed in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, on Friday after militiamen opened fire on unarmed protesters, setting off some of the worst violence in the capital since the revolt against Col. Muammar elQaddafi almost three years ago.

The bloodshed at the protest on Friday afternoon quickly devolved into clashes involving armed citizens and rival militias, witnesses said. At hospitals, bodies arrived mangled by heavy-weapons fire. Air force jets flew sorties over the city, as pickup trucks carrying reinforcements of fighters raced to the clashes.

The protest that led to the violence was part of a rising tide of citizen anger against Libya’s multitude of militias, made up of thousands of men who fought Colonel Qaddafi’s forces and never laid down their arms.

The militias have fed Libya’s chronic insecurity, fighting among themselves while exerting control over vital installations and even resources like oil.—NYT

Karzai calls on Taliban to participate in jirga K ABUL —Afghan President Secretary of State John ment has supporters who Hamid Karzai on Saturday called on the Taliban and their allies to join an assembly on a security pact that could allow some US troops to stay in the country after 2014.

Around 2,500 tribal elders and civil leaders are expected to take part in an assembly known as a “loya jirga” next Thursday, to decide whether to accept the draft Bilateral Security Agreement between Afghanistan and the US. “We invite them, please come to this national jirga of Afghanistan, raise your voice, raise your objection ... and share your views,” he told a news conference in Kabul.

The draft pact was hammered out in Kabul last month during a visit by US

Yameen wins Maldives presidential election

M ALE —Abdulla Yameen, half-brother of former ruler Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, on Saturday clinched an unexpected victory in the presidential run-off elections by defeating former President Mohamed Nasheed, who had led in two recent aborted polls.

The winning candidate, a 54-year economist also known as Yameen Abdul Gayoom, contested as a Progressive Party of Maldives candidate. He bagged 51.39 per cent of the votes, compared to 48.61 per cent ballots secured by Nasheed, senior government official Masood Imad told PTI. Over 90 per cent of eligible voters exercised their franchise in the second 130 passengers round of the much delayed election to choose a new escape crash LAHORE: Senior Vice-President Mian Tariq Misbah presenting a shield to Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar president amidst a constituQUETTA—Lives of 130 pas- during his visit to LCCL. (Story on Page 1) tional crisis. sengers were saved when a tyre of an aircraft of a private airlines bursted while taking off from Quetta International Airport. Civil Aviation Authority official says that plane was about to take off TIRANA, ALBANIA—The in- is in the middle of a raging when the tyre got bursted; ternational effort to destroy civil war, and the OPCW however, the pilot showed Syria’s chemical weapons has described that scenario excellent presence of mind was dealt a major blow Fri- as the “most viable” option. and managed to control the day when staunch AmeriThe OPCW had no implane.— NNI can ally Albania rejected a mediate comment on its next BERLIN—Many of Ameri- airports to detain them, a and an air base in Ramstein, can drone strikes for tar- joint-report by German TV it claimed.

U.S. request to let the de- step.

US intelligence services Albania had been con- geted killings in places like channel NDR and the struction take place on its sidered its strongest hope, Pakistan and Afghanistan Munich daily Sueddeutsche also sifted through the Plea against soil. records of asylum-seekers in The surprise refusal by and few diplomats expected are planned and carried Zeitung said.

Farooq rejected Germany and collected inforGermany’s collusion with the NATO country of 2.8 out from US military bases the small and impoverished KARACHI—The Election Tri- Balkan country left the Or- million people to reject what in Germany as it has be- US anti-terror operations mation which could provide bunal has rejected a plea ganization for the Prohibi- Prime Minister Edi Rama come as a crucial strategic started in the aftermath of the clues to identify possible taragainst the Muttahida Qaumi tion of Chemical Weapons said had been a direct re- hub for anti-terrorism op- terrorist attack on September gets for drone attacks, the 11, 2001, it said. report said.

Movement leader Dr Farooq without a country to host quest from the U.S. erations.

The Central Intelligence Investigations showed Sattar. The plea was filed by the eradication of Syria’s But the plan was unThe US has been Pakistan Peoples’ Party’s estimated 1,000-metric ton popular in Albania, and organising kidnapping and Agency organised the plan- that the drone strikes in PaAbdul Aziz Memon. The plea arsenal, which includes young protesters had torture of suspected terror- ning and construction of top kistan, Afghanistan, Middle was rejected on technical mustard gas and sarin. camped outside Rama’s of- ists in other countries from secret rendition and torture East and Africa are organised grounds as the documents Syria has said it wants fice to oppose it, fearing it Germany and American se- centres abroad from the US from Stuttgart and from the attached with it could not be the weapons destroyed would be a health and envi- curity forces used German command centre in Stuttgart US military base in Ramstein. verified. —INP outside the country, which ronmental hazard.—AP

Albania rejects request to destroy Syrian weapons

Kerry. But he left without a final deal as Afghan President Hamid Karzai said only a jirga had the authority to decide the contentious issues.

These include a US demand to retain legal jurisdiction over its troops in Afghanistan, which would give them immunity from Afghan law. The request emerged as the main sticking point after Kerry’s visit.

The Afghan Taliban have rejected the jirga and warned its members that they would be punished as “traitors” if they endorsed the deal.

Hizb-i-Islami, a Taliban affiliate has also refused to send members to the jirga calling it “legalising the US occupation”.

“This security agree-

Mr Imad said the new President would be sworn in after the announcement of official results by the Elections Commission today.

The Majlis or Maldivian Parliament has scheduled a special session on Sunday for the swearing-in ceremony.

The results are likely to end more than a year of political turmoil since 46-yearold Nasheed resigned under duress in February 2012 in a controversial transfer of power. In the first round of elections held in September, Mr Nasheed led over Mr Yameen and Jumhooree Party candidate Gasim Ibrahim but failed to secure a more than 50 per cent of the votes.

But before a run-off could be held, the results were annulled by the Supreme Court which cited irregularities in the voters’ list.—PTI

support it without reasoning and also has oppositions who oppose it without reasoning,” Karzai said.

If the agreement is passed by both loya jirga and parliament, between 5,000 and 10,000 US troops would stay in Afghanistan to help fight Al Qaeda remnants and train the national army.

Washington had been pushing for the agreement to be signed by the end of October to allow the US-led Nato coalition to plan the withdrawal of its 75,000 combat troops by Dec 2014.

The collapse of a similar security agreement with Iraq in 2011 led to the US pulling all its troops out of the country, which is currently suffering its worst sectarian violence since 2008.—AFP

Tanvir Ahmed Khan passes away I SLAMABAD —Former Foreign Secretary Dr Tanvir Ahmed Khan passed away here on Saturday. He was 81.

The funeral prayers of the deceased will be held( T o d a y ) Sunday at H-8 graveyard after Z u h a r prayers at 1:3 p.m President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressing their grief and sorrow over the demise of Dr Tanvir Ahmed have said that the deceased’s diplomatic services were invaluable and prayed that Allah Almighty grants him the highest place in Jannah.—Online

Plans for many US drone strikes are hatched in Germany The US embassy in Berlin, however, dismissed the reports as speculations. The United States in principle will not involve in kidnapping or torture nor will it tolerate or support if any other country resorts to such illegal measures, the embassy said in a statement.

Germany’s opposition parties expressed their outrage over the allegations and demanded an explanation from the government.

Green party’s Hans-

Christian Stroebele, who met NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden in Moscow two weeks ago, said if the allegations turned out to be true, then it means that the government has lied before a parliamentary inquiry committee. L e f t Party MP Jan van Aken criticised Germany’s alleged support for the US drone strikes. “Such drone strikes are executions without a charge or a verdict and they are illegal,” he said. —INP

Women may have harder concussion recovery than men

A

FTER a concussion, women tend to have worse symptoms than men. That’s the case even when athletes were injured playing the same sport, according to a new study of young soccer players. Some recent studies have found gender differences in memory and other symptoms after concussions, with women generally doing worse.

The new results support findings that women take longer to recover than men, Tracey Covassin said. She led the study at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

“Results from this study may impact sports medicine clinicians on being more cautious when returning female concussed soccer athletes back to participation,” Covassin told Reuters Health.

“Moreover, healthcare professionals need to be aware that females could report more total concussion symptoms compared to male concussed athletes,” she added. Researchers looked at 39 male, 56 female soccer players who sustained a concussion. All were in high school or college.

The athletes took computer tests that measured their learning and memory skills, reaction time and physical symptoms before the soccer season started and again eight days after their concussion. On the preseason tests, men and women scored fairly similarly. But eight days after their concussions, women scored lower on a test that measures a person’s ability to remember visual images - 69 percent, on average, compared to 77 percent among men. Scores on other thinking and memory tests were still comparable.

Women also reported more total symptoms post-concussion than men. Both men and women said they had minimal amounts of body pain or mood changes. But women reported migraines and sleep difficulties more than twice as often as men, according to results published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. “This study presents data from a large bank of injuries in a young population and those data will ultimately help answer some of the questions of how and why there are differences,” Susan Saliba said.

Saliba is a physical therapist, athletic trainer and associate professor at the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. She was not involved in this study. One very similar recent study did not find thinking and memory differences between men and women after a concussion.

The author of that study, Dr. Scott Zuckerman, was surprised the results did not align. “It’s a well-done study, and thorough, but we can’t draw global conclusions from the body of evidence yet,” Zuckerman, from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, told Reuters Health. The only difference in the studies was that this time, Covassin and her colleagues accounted for athletes’ body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight relative to height, in their results.

They suggest larger people have more neck strength and are better able to stabilize the head on impact, suffering a less severe concussion as a result.

Benazir Bhutto Road is seen deserted during curfew after armed clashes during the Ashura procession on 10th Muharram.—PO photo Sultan Bashir

Seven vehicles, 36 bikes impounded CRIME REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Islamabad police

Firefighters extinguish fire after a mob burnt several shops in Raja Bazaar.

CJP retirement

SC to hear corruption cases from Monday ISLAMABAD—With the retire- Power case, petroleum price of majority cases. Two member ment of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry drawing close, Supreme Court (SC) has placed all important corruption cases for hearing. The SC has placed cases of 12 mega corruption scandals for hearing and it would hear total 27 cases in the coming week The cases include writing off of 54 billion rupees loans, Hajj corruption, Interior ministry secret fund case, 3-G technology case, Load shedding case, Rental

hike, NRO implementation case, PIA corruption case, Raise in flour prices case, torture on lawyers and murder case, Masood Janjua case of missing persons and others have been put up for hearings.

The SC formed six benches for hearings of all cases and the three member bench comprising of CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Jawad S Khawaja and Justice Ameer Muslim Hani would resume hearing

bench comprising of Justice Saqib Nisar and Justice Ijaz Afzal Khan would resume hearings of missing persons case and appointment of Vice Chancellor Quaid-e-Azam University case.

Three member bench comprising of Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Musheer Alam would summon cases of appointment of World Bank Executive Director and appointment of EOBI important officials. —Online

Youngsters playing cricket to enjoy continued holidays in Rawalpindi.

during general holdup impounded and shifted seven vehicles and 36 motorcycles in different police stations while 19 tinted glasses were removed from the vehicles, a spokesman said on Saturday.

According to the details SSP Islamabad Muhammad Rizwan directed all SDPOs and SHOs that they keep vigilant eye on the mischievous elements, tightened the duty at Naka Bandi points and to enhance patrolling/security measures in different areas of the city. Following these directions the different police stations of Islamabad during general holdup shifted 7 vehicles in police stations, while 36 motorcycles were also shifted in police stations.

Besides this, 19 tinted glasses were removed from the vehicles, while more than 13 suspects were arrested including an Afghan national. The actual aim of this general holdup is to maintain law and order situation in the capital and to curb the criminals’ activities.

IGP Islamabad Sikandar Hayat and SSP Islamabad Muhammad Rizwan have appreciated this performance of police officers. The IGP also directed that they further enhance security in their respective areas so that the miscreants and mischievous elements could not be success in their criminal activities.

People enjoy traditional foods ISLAMABAD—The sale of winter foods has witnessed surge in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with the mercury going down sharply.

The people have started enjoying the traditional local winter foods like doodh jalebi, rasmalai, gaajar halwa, chicken corn soup, Kashmiri tea, fried fish and coffee etc.

Several markets including Melody, Karachi Company, Super Market, Jinnah Super, Aabpara, F-10, Blue Area, Commercial, Saddar, Raja Bazaar and other places are witnessing stalls of winter delights and are doing good business, due to high demand for winter foods.

A chicken corn soup stallholder at Sittara Market said that soup is high in demand these days, adding that he prepares two large utensils of corn soup on daily basis and it all sells out.

A vendor said that fish consumption multiplied in winter, which was evident from a dramatic surge in their sale during the cold weather.

In addition to regular fish shops in the twin cities, mobile fish vendors roaming around with their ware on bicycles and hand- pushed carts are a common sight these days, and usually they offer a good price margin.—APP

Vigilant on dengue but poor on security

Pindi administration failed to secure Muharram route ZUBAIR QURESHI RAWALPINDI—Friday clashes between two groups during a Muharram procession near Raja Bazar could be prevented if the Pindi administration had taken preventive measures and secured the route.

According to a senior official of the Punjab government, Rawalpindi administration remained occupied rather over-occupied with anti-dengue drive and paid little heed to the sensitivity of the Muharram and Youm-eAshur.

“Even a week before the Youm-e-Ashur, Commissioner and DCO were busy in meetings with health officials over dengue surveillance and reported to the Punjab chief minister about it in

a live video conference,” said the official. The conference was also attended by the local PML-N leaders and the one-point agenda was to monitor anti-dengue operation in the city. “No one raised the subject of maintaining peace in the city during Muharram processions.”

Pakistan Observer on November 10 had cautioned against the lethargic attitude of the Pindi administration warning it might result into serious catastrophe.

On that day, the newspaper had reported: “With Ashura less than a week away, Rawalpindi administration is yet to ban fiery clerics, both Shia and Sunni, in order to ensure the city’s peace and religious harmony during that solemn occasion.” However, no such preventive measures were

PM must be back home immediately: J Salik ISLAMABAD—Former Federal should left the Common Wealth Minister J Salik, Saturday, expressed immense grief on the last day’s incident in which we lost many valuable lives and dozen are injured.

In a statement here, he said that Chief Justice of Pakistan should take immediate notice of the worst incident and he should not bother about Sunday.

He said that Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif was not present in the country on such an important event of Muharum ul Haram because of Common wealth Conference.

The Common Wealth is not as significant as the current position in the country is, so he

Conference immediately and should call the meeting of Federal Cabinet tonight on urgent basis, he said.

He said that the presence of Prime Minister in the Common wealth conference was not compulsory for us because we open our eyes independently.

He said that Common Wealth is the gathering of slaves, we got independence on 14th August 1947, then why did we join Common Wealth the very next day on 15th August, 1947 and become slaves again because of which we were bound to ignored Muharum ul Haram and to participate in the conference.—Online

taken and city saw worst Shia Sunni clashes in its history claimed more than eight lives.

Around 40 persons were wounded. A couple of statements and visits by Law Minister Rana Sanaullah and members of provincial Aman Committee did not prove fruitful in face of muchtrumpeted anti-dengue drive.

The violence appears to have erupted when an Ashura procession coincided with Friday sermon at a nearby mosque. Had the city administration convinced the elders of the Shia sect or the Sunnis to change their respective time of the procession or Friday prayer, the situation could be avoided, said the senior official.

DCO Sajid Zafar Dall when contacted said the city administration had taken all the preventive mea-

Imran concerned over spreading sectarian violence STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Saturday, expressed grave concerns over the incitement to sectarian violence that was spreading across the country.

He appealed to the people of Pakistan to ensure that the nefarious designs of hate mongers and enemies of Islam and Pakistan are thwarted by a show of unity across the land.

“Those who are spreading this message of hatred amongst Muslims are clearly enemies of Islam and Pakistan and are deliberately destroying the stability and peace of the country. PTI condemns all such agendas”, Khan declared.

Anusha for utilising skilled youth to achieve progress I SLAMABAD —Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Anusha Rehman underlined the need for utilizing youth equipped with technology and telecommunication facilities in a proper manner.

She said that there is need to make progress through youth getting degrees in the information technology and telecom sectors.

In an interview, she said that the government is providing opportunities in the field of Information Technology (IT)

and Telecom so that young people could make progress in an appropriate manner.

Anusha Rehman said that Pakistan is located at a very important place and added that collaboration and cooperation of the regional countries could help boost the economy.

She said that Pakistan is a peaceful, moderate and developing state, adding that there is dire need to utilize the skilled manpower of the country for betterment of the area.

Replying to a question she said that 125 million people are

sures but a handful of rogue elements took advantage of the Friday prayer coinciding with Muharram procession on a city route. He denied allegations of oversight and insisted it was all because of the miscreants who wanted to destabilize sectarian harmony and peace in the city.

An eyewitness told Pakistan Observer he could see dead bodies of eight persons lying in the mortuary of DHQ Hospital.

“All of them were students of Madrasah Taleem-ul-Quran.

These students were brutally killed in the presence and weapons of police and for two hours rescue teams were stopped from operation. Students were burnt after firing and later a cloth market Madina Market was also set on fire.”

using the mobile facility. She added that this industry is growing day-by-day in the region. The focus should be given to the manufacturing sector to achieve objective in the IT and Telecom sectors, she added.

The state minister said that Pakistan wants peace in the region for prosperity of people.

To another question she said that vast opportunities are available in Pakistan which should be utilized through youth equipped with information technology and telecom facilities.—APP

4,204 scholars sent abroad on scholarships ISLAMABAD—Higher Education Commission (HEC) has sent 4,204 scholars abroad on scholarships under various development initiatives being financed from public sector development programmes during last five years.

The Commission also awarded 4,108 indigenous scholarships during the said period (2008-2013).

According to HEC here, 8178 students were also extended financial assistance under different need based programmes.

The scholars sent abroad have explicitly signed the deed agreement with HEC to return back and serve Pakistan for a period of five years.

Under Indigenous scholarships, the scholars are bound to serve Pakistan for a period of five years. Out of scholars awarded scholarships during the said period, 18 foreign scholars have violated the terms and conditions of the bond agreements.—APP

Capital Police arrest 13 suspects

Iqbal Day at AIOU on Nov 25 I SLAMABAD —Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will observe ‘Iqbal Day’ on November 25 at 10:00 a.m. at its main Auditorium.

A special function has been arranged to celebrate Iqbal Day in which Farzand-e-Iqbal, Justice (R) Dr. Javed Iqbal will deliver his keynote address on “The soul of Islamic culture”.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal will grace the occasion as a Chief Guest and ViceChancellor, AIOU Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmed Sangi will preside over the ceremony, said a news release issued here on Saturday.

Prof. Dr. Shahid Iqbal Kamran, Chairman, Department of Iqbaliyat, AIOU will highlight and apprise the participants with the idealogy of Iqbal while Iqbal Feroz, Patron-in-Chief, Rebaate-Iqbal will address on the topic “Iqbal ka Pegham Nojawano Kay Ley”.

Iqbal Day function is being held by the Department of Iqbaliyat, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) with the support and collaboration of Directorate of Students Advisory, AIOU and ‘Rebaat-e-Iqbal Pakistan’.—APP

CRIME REPORTER Zohr

05:40 01:30 04:00 07:00

Brothers in Islam establish regular prayers and charity

November 19 TALENT carnival for students, organised by the student Affairs Forum, at the Rawalpindi Arts Council, Cultural Complex, Shamsabad, Rawalpindi.

Continuing EXHIBITION of paintings by Najmul Hasan Kazmi, at the Nomad Art Gallery, House 72, Street 32, Sector F-6/1, Islamabad, 10 a.m - 7 p.m, continuing up to Nov 20.

PM condoles Tanwir’s death

ISLAMABAD—Islamabad Police during general holdup impounded seven vehicles, 36 motorcycles at different police stations, while they arrested 13 suspects including an Afghan national.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Islamabad Muhammad Rizwan has directed all SDPOs and SHOs that they keep vigilant eye on the mischievous elements, tightened the duty at check points and to enhance patrolling/security measures in different areas of the city, said a press release issued here on Saturday.

The aim of this general holdup is to maintain law and order situation in the capital and to curb the criminals’ activities.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Sikandar Hayat and SSP Islamabad Muhammad Rizwan have appreciated this performance of police officers.

The IGP also directed that they further enhance security in their respective areas so that the miscreants and mischievous elements could not succeed in Mourners carrying banners during main Ashura procession in Rawalpindi. their criminal activities.

ASHURA PICS

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has expressed his condolences over the sad demise of Dr Tanvir Ahmed Khan, former Foreign Secretary.

Terming his death a national loss, the Prime Minister said that services of Dr Khan in the realm of foreign policy and diplomacy will be remembered long.

Sympathizing with family members of Dr Khan, the Prime Minister prayed to Almighty Allah for resting the departed soul in eternal peace and granting courage to the bereaved to bear this irreparable loss with courage and fortitude. Dr Khan’s Nimaze-janaza will be held on Sunday at 1:30 PM at H-8 graveyard, Islamabad.—INP

Students perturbed as private hostels increase rents

Youm-e-Ashur observed with religious fervour CITY REPORTER

RAWALPINDI—Youm-i-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram, was observed here with solemnity and religious sanctity to pay tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions for the supreme sacrifices rendered by them for the cause of truth, justice and righteousness.

The day is observed to commemorate the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his 72 companions at Karbala to uphold the truth.

Big and small Muharram processions were taken out under tight security measures and culminated after passing through their designated routes.

As many as 80 ‘Zuljinah’ Quaid Millat Jaffaria Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Mosavi talking to newsmen during main and mourning processions were Ashura procession. taken out on ‘Youm-i-Ashur’ (10th Muharram) from different areas of Rawalpindi city and its adjacent areas.

Today the Ashura processions of the city including procession of Ashiq Hussain Imambargah of Taili Mohalla, Imam Bargah Hifazit Ali Shah Bohar Bazar, first gathered at the Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain and after passing through traditional routes the main procession culminated at the Qadeemi Imambargah. This year, strict security measures

ISLAMABAD—Students hailing from far-flung areas of the country are in a fix due to the sudden surge in the room rents of the private hostels situated in the federal capital. Due to the unprecedented influx of students and job seekers in the Capital during last few years, the students have to pay skyrocketing rents.

Private hostels are charging Rs 7000 to Rs 10,000 for a single bed accommodation without providing proper facilities.

Sajid Ali, a university student told APP that due to lack of hostels in universities, the students have to face a lot of problems to find a reasonable residential place at reasonable rates.

The students demanded of the educational institutes to set up hostels in the universities as they Pakistan Army soldiers took control of Rawalpindi during curfew after armed clashes on are facing lot of problems while 10th of Muharram.—PO photo Sultan Bashir residing at private places.

Muddssar Bashir, another student stressed that the educational institutions should be bound to provide boarding, lodging and other facilities to its students. “It is extremely difficult to find a room for a student near his campus on reasonable rate,” he added. The students demanded of the concerned authorities to take result-oriented measures to resolve the student’s problem.—APP

NBF endeavouring to promote reading habit CITY REPORTER Security personnel checking mourners attending Zuljinnah procession at Raja Bazaar in

ISLAMABAD—National Book connection with Muharram-ul-Haram.

Security put on high alert ISLAMABAD—Security in the Federal Capital was on Saturday put on high alert, besides deployment of additional contingents of police at sensitive places and important buildings.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sikandar Hayat has directed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Muhammd Rizwan to ensure elaborate security arrangements in all sensitive areas, said a press release.

The SSP is supervising the security arrangements along with high police officials.

The police started strict checking at all the entry and exit points of the city. Similarly, patrolling in the city was further enhanced while police commandoes were deputed in sensitive areas and important buildings. The policemen equipped with sophisticated weapons were also performing duties at the rooftops.—APP

Applications for attending Khwaja Moinud Din’s Urs sought

Foundation (NBF) through its various programmes is endeavouring to promote reading habit for enrichment of our social, cultural and intellectual life and to promote the book culture in the country. The major part of the book promotion campaign is the creation of network of Readers ISLAMABAD—Ministry of ReliClubs, said a press release.

NBF will launch Readers gious Affairs and Interfaith HarClubs on November 18 for the mony has asked intending pilcitizens of the country. Members grims to submit applications for will be entitled to purchase books attending Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Moin ud Din Chisti (RA). of their own choice at 50% disThe last date for submission count from registered booksellers on the panel of Readers Club of applications is November 18 at Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, and a non-refundable bank draft Wah Cantt, Multan, Peshawar, of Rs 1,000 is also required with Abbotabad, Dera Ismail Khan, the application, said an official here on Saturday.

Quetta, Karachi, Hyderabad, The Urs celebrations will Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Gilgit and Volunteers distributing free food among mourners during Zuljinnah procession at Raja start on May 1, 2014 in Ajmair Bazaar.

Muzafarabad.

Shareef, India.—APP

were adopted for the security of the mourning procession and complete route was fully covered by the security personnel, which passed through the traditional route of Jamia Masjid Road, Sarafa Bazaar, Fawara Chowk, College Road, Liaquat Road, Bhabra Bazaar, Committee Chowk, Trunk Bazaar, Bara Market and Banni Chowk. The mourners performed ‘zanjir zani.’

A large number of sabeels of water and milk, including ‘langar,’ were arranged for the mourners.

The major ‘Zuljinah’ and ‘Maatmi’ processions were appeared from Gora Syedan, Shahpur, Jhangi Syedan, Dhoke Syedan, Sadiqabad, Satellite Town , Shakrial, Sihala, Dhama Syedan, Dhoke Juma, Gorakhpur , Girja Village , Adiala Road , Shah Piyara, Shah Chan Chiragh, Shah Nazar Bridge , Dhoke Awan and other areas.

According to the city district government, the local management ensured presence of doctors and ambulances on all traditional routes to provide first aid to the mourners.

The ‘Rescue 1122’ staffers and Civil Defence officials were also present on this occasion to provide necessary assistance to the mourners. Walk-through gates were installed besides extra-ordinary security arrangements at the sites of ‘majalis’ and

‘imambargahs’ to maintain security. Police were present along all the mourning procession routes.

Security officials were deployed on the rooftops of nearby buildings and along roadsides to avoid any untoward incident. Hospitals were directed to remain alert for any emergency situation and provide relief to the mourners.

Besides air surveillance by army helicopters during Zuljinnah processisons, more than 5000 police personnel were deployed in the city for the security of more the processions and worship places already declared ‘highly sensitive’ on Ashura.

Total 10,000 security personnel were deployed in Rawalpindi region on Ashura.

Contingents of Army and Rangers were also available in four districts of the division.

Total 209 mourning processions were taken out in Rawalpindi region including 65 of Chakwal district, 49 of Attock district, 30 of Jhalem district.

The main Zuljinnah procession of Rawalpindi city was given a ‘box formation’ security.

Police personnel, including Elite Force commandos, personnel from special branch, bomb disposal experts and women police personnel were deployed for the security of Ashura processions.

Personnel of Punjab Constabulary were also performing secu-

rity duty. The entry of the participants of the processions was allowed through walk-through gate while no vehicle was permitted entry into the processions.

Parking of vehicles was allowed 200-metre away from the procession and nobody was allowed to park his vehicle near Imambargahs or any other worship place.

Pillion riding was banned in Rawalpindi district on Ashura.

Mobile service was also suspended here from 6 am Friday on 10th of Muharram to protect gatherings and processions held in connection with Yaum-eAshur.

A central control room was set up at DCO office to monitor the processions and coordinate with the police deployments. As many as 120 close circuit television (CCTV) cameras were installed at 27 different points in Rawalpindi city and cantonment areas. Commissioner Rawalpindi Khalid Masood Chaudhary, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Zaheem Iqbal Sheikh and District Coordination Officer (DCO) Rawalpindi Sajjad Zafar Dall visited the control room.

Meanwhile, the city traffic police had chalked out a separate traffic plan to facilitate the mourners and Ashura processions and a control room was also set up at the traffic headquarters.

Rawalpindi tragedy was govt’s failure: Rashid I SLAMABAD —Chief Awami policemen that killed 10 to 12 shop owners supply goods not Muslim League Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad has termed Rawalpindi tragedy as failure of administration and conspiracy to spoil peace of Rawalpindi.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday here at National Press Club Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad reminded that not a single incident took place in the hundred year’s long history of the city.

Sheikh Rasheed demanded that Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif help those people whose shops were destroyed due to sectarian clashes which erupted at a Muharram 10 procession while lamenting the government over negligence and ill security arrangements during Muharram.

“Protestors opened firing on masses by snatching guns from

while injured more than 70,” he added.

Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad demanded of the authorities to probe the incident under the supervision of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP).

Rasheed said that if this was any city other than Rawalpindi, a lot more action would have been taken already.

“I would like to tell the country, Shahbaz Sharif and the government that this is a total failure of the administration.” “We are sandwiched between the armed forces and diplomats,” the MNA added.

He appealed to the public and the ulema asking them to respect all sects of Islam, adding that one should “maintain his own beliefs while respecting others’ beliefs as well.” He said that the affected

only in Rawalpindi, but to all parts of Pakistan and help should be given to them in this situation.

He also appealed the Ulema of all sects to live in peace and do not irritate other by arising sectarian issues.

AML chief alleged that Fire Brigade was not let to extinguish fire under a well thought conspiracy.

To a query, he said that there is only media after God because of which he came out from the curfew He asked people not to pay heed to rumours, adding that the incident was an attempt to destroy peace in the city.

Sheikh Rasheed said he himself met with Ulema, and the conclusion was up to 11 people were killed and over 100 injured in the violence.—Online

418 projects of IT students funded to promote research STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoIT) has provided funding for 418 selected Final Year Projects (FYP) of undergraduate ICT students this year to encourage research and development culture at grassroots level.

These students were provided financial support under a project - National Grassroots ICT Research Initiative - which was launched by National ICT R&D Fund, an attached department of

the Ministry. Official sources at National ICT R&D Fund said that out of around 1,000 applications received, the Fund selected 418 projects and provided them financial support.

They said the initiative was aimed to promote, enable and encourage research and development culture at the grassroots level by funding relatively high calibre R&D projects initiated by ICT related undergraduate students under the mentorship of faculty members in chartered universities of both public and private sector.

The Fund provided financial support to selected Final Year Projects (FYP) of undergraduate students enrolled in ICT related disciplines like Computer Science & Information Technology, Electrical, Electronics, Telecom, Computer, and Software Engineering.

The financial assistance under the initiative enabled students to undertake Final Year Projects (FYP) in building prototypes and working models to showcase their creativity and innovation by applying hands on engineering and development skills.

Restrictions can’t keep people away from freedom struggle

Mirwaiz placed under house arrest: Hurriyat (M) S RINAGAR —Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that the restrictions on his movement were a failed attempt to weaken the Kashmiri association towards Islamic teachings, freedom struggle, social reforms, and over all welfare of the people according to Islamic principles.

In a statement issued here, a spokesman of the Hurriyat (M) said that Mirwaiz was placed under house arrest.

Quoting Mirwaiz, the Hurriyat (M) spokesman said that apart from restrictions on political

activities, government was usurping the religious rights of Kashmiris.

Mirwaiz has said that inspite of hardships the people of Kashmir are committed to work for the realization of their rights, specifically the right to self determination at any cost.

“Government on Friday once again resorted to dictatorial tactics by imposing undeclared curfew in many areas of Kashmir including Srinagar to stop mourners from taking out the Ashura processions and people from

offering Nimaaz in Imam Baras and Masjids,” Hurriyat (M) spokesman added.

He added that the police and other forces had also laid siege around Jamia Masjid ‘to forcibly prevent people from not attend the Friday prayers.’

“As this was not enough, the authorities on the early Friday morning placed APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest at his Nigeen residence. A large police contingent prevented Mirwaiz from leading the Friday

prayers and his scheduled address at Alam Sahab (RA) Shrine Narwra thus directly interfering into his religious affairs and once again restricting his social, political and religious activities,” the Hurriyat (M) spokesman added.

Quoting Mirwaiz, the Hurriyat (M) spokesman condemned the government for ‘forcibly prohibiting Ashura processions in several areas, using wanton force against mourners, and restricting movement of religious leaders.’—NNI

Jamaat-e-Islami supports Geelani’s poll boycott call

Restrictions imposed on Ashura KSC lauds Pakistan Fighting oppression best against democratic norms: Hurriyet stance on Kashmir tribute to martyrs of Karbala

State terrorism by the Indian Army officials against innocent Kashmiris in Srinagar.

O SLO —Sardar Ali ISLAMABAD—Hurriyet lead- Nowhatta, Hawal, Maisuma, city. The authorities had S RINAGAR —Influential po- ers including Aasiya Andrabi, Basant Bagh, Bohri Kadal, placed APHC Chairman, Shahnawaz Khan, Executive Director of Kashmir Scandilitico-religious organization M.R. Gunj and other areas of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, under Jamaat-e-Islami came in support of Syed Ali Geelani and categorically stated that it would not participate in the 2014 Assembly and Parliament elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Muhammad Abdullah Wani told CNS that it has asked its cadre to stay away from forthcoming elections. “We also appeal to the people of Kashmir to boycott the elections as they did in past. It is the policy of Jamat to stay away from polls since 1987 and this time also we will adhere to this policy,” Wani said.

He said though Jamat will boycott the elections but it will not start a campaign in this regard as it has limited time to do so. “Propagation of religion is our basic priority but as Kashmiri, we support Kashmir Cause and wish that the issue should be resolved without any delay,” he said.

“Jamat wants that UN resolutions should be implemented and in case India does not do so then it should include Kashmiri leadership into dialogue process. I do agree with Mirwaiz Umar Faroo in which he has said that Kashmir issue could be resolved either through UN resolutions or triangular dialogue,” he said adding that any dialogue between India and Pakistan will be futile unless Kashmir’s are involved in the exercise and their aspirations are honoured, he said..

Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Muhammad Abdullah Wani castigated Government for patronizing liquor trade in Kashmir.—CNS

Five Indian troops injured in Kupwara attack S RINAGAR —Five

Indian troops were injured in an attack on an Army convoy in Kupwara district, today.

The army convoy was on its way to Handwara from Kupwara when it was attacked by unknown persons at Dhobi Mohalla near Drugmulla in the district.After the attack, Indian troops laid a siege in the area and started a search operation to nab the assailants. Further details are awaited.—KMS

Yasmeen Raja, Fareeda Behanji, and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front-R Chairman, Farooq Ahmad Dar while condemning restrictions on Muharram processions and other repressive measures termed these acts as totally against the democratic norms.

According to sources, the authorities had imposed stringent restrictions to prevent people from taking out Aashura processions in Srinagar on Friday. The occupation authorities had declared curfew and other restrictions deploying hundreds of troops and police personnel at

the city to thwart the mourning processions. The authorities had also sealed the areas of historical Jamia Masjid in Srinagar disallowing people to offer Juma prayers. Indian police personnel resorted to brute force injuring many mourners at Lal Chowk in Srinagar.

Hurriyet leaders, Agha Syed Mujtaba and Ghulam Mohammad Nagoo were arrested along with dozens of people on the occasion. Defying restrictions, people came out on streets and staged anti-India demonstrations in different areas of the

house arrest to prevent him from addressing public meetings.

Senior APHC leaders, Agha Syed Hassan AlMoosvi, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Zafar Akbar Butt, Syed Bashir Ahmad Andrabi, Javed Ahmad Mir, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Mohammad Yousuf Naqash and Dr Ghulam Mohammad Hubbi, addressing separate processions amid pro-freedom slogans in Badgam and Pahalgam areas said that the Kashmiris would continue their struggle for securing their inalienable right to self- determination.—APP

navian Council (Norway) has welcomed Pakistan stance to include Kashmiri leadership in to talks between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue.

He was referring to the statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry therein he stated that Kashmir is the core issue between the two countries and its solution lies in dialogue process and Kashmiri leadership should also be part of the dialogue process.

Khan maintained that bilateral talks have proved futile over past six decades.

India has always been using bilateral talks to gain time and contain resistance movement. The recent strong stance of Pakistan has given hope to the people of Kashmir and also revived international community’s interest in the Kashmir issue. —CNS

‘No dialogue with India until it accepts Kashmir as a dispute’ SRINAGAR—The Chairperson

Brussels: AJK President Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan attending European Parliament Council session, minister for social welfare Ms. Farzana Yaqoob also present on the occasion.

India not serious in resolution of Kashmir dispute: Shabbir SRINAGAR—The All Parties to be fulfilled despite the pas- of Kashmir from continuing Hurriyet Conference senior leader, Shabbir Ahmad Shah has said that India is not serious and sincere in peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

Shabbir Ahmad Shah in a statement issued in Srinagar said that it was India that had taken the Kashmir dispute to the UN Security Council and had promised with the people of Kashmir of giving them their right to selfdetermination.He deplored that the commitment was yet

sage of over six decades. He said that Kashmir was an internationally recognised dispute, which could be settled through tripartite talks in line with the relevant UN resolutions.

The APHC leader said that India had always tried to suppress the Kashmiris’ just liberation struggle through use of brute force. However, he said that killings, arrests, torture, molestation of women and other repressive tactics could not prevent the people

their liberation struggle.

Shabbir Shah said that Hurriyet leadership had time and again demonstrated willingness for resolution of the lingering dispute through tripartite dialogue but the process could not succeed due to India’s continued stubbornness. He also condemned the imposition of restrictions by the puppet authorities to thwart Muharram processions, use of brute force against mourners and ill-treatment of illegally detained youth.—KMS

I S L A M A B A D — K a s h m i r i he sacrificed his life and Kashmir is also a struggle by Hurriyet leaders have said that the best way to pay tribute to the martyrs of Karbala, including Imam Hussain (AS) is to fight against oppression.

Veteran Hurriyet leader Syed Ali Gilani, addressing a gathering in Hyderpora area of Srinagar, said Imam Hussain (AS) was the hero of Muslim Ummah. “He stood against tyranny, oppression and despotism and did not bow his head before the evil forces,” he added.

Syed Ali Gilani said that real tribute to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) was to follow into his footsteps and adopt his mission for which

those of his whole family.

“Our youth are being killed, our mothers and sisters are being molested and our land is being snatched from us. The situation demands that we adopt the path of Imam Hussain (AS) and raise a banner of revolt against oppression,” .

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik, addressing a gathering at Zadibal in Srinagar, said Imam Hussain (AS) and Hussainiat demanded people to side with the oppressed and not the oppressors.

“Struggle in Jammu and

the oppressed against the tyrants of the time,” he stated.

APHC leaders Shabbir Ahmad Shah and Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, in their statements, paid tribute to the martyrs of Karbala and said Imam Hussain (AS) by launching Jihad against the monarchial rule of Yazid set an example that must be followed by all in letter and spirit.

Meanwhile, an APHC spokesman in a statement said that various Hurriyet leaders participated in the Ashura processions and addressed gatherings across the Indian occupied territory.—APP

Youm-e-Ashur observed with religious respect, honour MIRPUR—Amidst extra-ordinary security, Youm-e-Ashur, the sanctified day in the universal history and the supreme sacrifices rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions for upholding of Islam, righteousness and justice, was Friday observed with religious solemnity and reverence across Azad Jammu & Kashmir with a steadfast resolve to fight against the tyrannical forces.

This day dawned with special prayers at all mosques and Imambargahs, on both sides of the LoC with

Nimaz-e-Fajar.

Alam-o-Zul’jinnah and Tazia processions were brought out from Imambargahs which ended peacefully at their respective destinations after passing through their tradition routes including Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Haveili, Hattiyan, Kotli, Bhimbher, Bagh, Sudahnoti, Rawalakot and Neelam valley besides all other major and small towns.

A large number of social and political and religious organizations representing all sects of the society as well

as individuals had established stalls and sabeels of drinks and on the processions’ route for the mourners.

Public and private hospitals, welfare organizations and Rescue 1122 also provided ambulances and fire brigade to facilitate the processions.

Re-calling the supreme martyrdom of Hazarat Imam Hussain (AS), Ulema and Zakerin have delivered speeches highlighting the great essence of the day.—APP

of Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), Aasiya Andrabi, has said that dialogue with India will never be acceptable until New Delhi accepts disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir.Aasiya Andrabi in a media interview in Srinagar said that India had the same policy vis-à-vis Kashmir dispute and all the pro-India political parties had the same stand.

“They issue different statements regarding Kashmir issue during elections but once they come to power, their policy about Kashmir remains the same,” she added. “How can there be dialogue with India when it says that Kashmir is its integral part and Kashmiris are their own people?” the DeM Chairperson maintained.

Aasiya Andrabi said that unless the core issue was addressed, the demand of revocation of draconian law, Armed Forces Special Powers Act, and demilitarization would be meaningless and such demands would only be vital if India acknowledged that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of MIRPUR: Mrs. Teena Hameed, Director Portal Education Consultants, Lahore conthe Kashmiri people.—KMS ducting teachers training workshop in the guidance house.

Genocide of Muslims of Jammu since 1947 I

T is one of the least known genocides in modern history. It was carried out with such a precision that it is difficult to find its traces, except in the memories of the survivors, and the tales of horror they passed on to their next generations.

Around 500,000 Muslims were killed with military precision. It was such an operation that language lacks words to express this offence of demolition of human being.

Though the targeted killing had already started in Jammu around mid July 1947, the operation got a fillip immediately after a fleeing Maharaja Hari Singh and his wife reached Jammu on 26 October 1947. An organised carnage was orchestrated to kill Muslims, wherever found or spotted in Jammu.

British daily The London Times quoting its special correspondent in India stated that the Maharaja, under his own supervision, got assassinated 2,37,000 Muslims, using military forces in the Jammu area.

The editor of Statesman, Ian Stephen, in his book Horned Moon writes that till the end of autumn 1947, more than 200,000 Muslims were murdered in one go. Horace Alexander wrote in the Spectator (16 January 1948) that the killings had “the tacit consent of State authority” and put the figure at 2,00,000.

The Hindu Dogra ruler’s main aim was to change the demographic composition of the region by eliminating the Muslim population. Such was the intensity of carnage that in Jammu province about 123 villages were ‘completely de-

populated’. Kathua district ‘lost’ almost fifty per cent of its Muslim population. Thousands of Gujars were massacred in mohalla Ramnagar. Village Raipur, within Jammu cantonment area was completely burnt down. The Dogra State troops were at the forefront of attacks on Muslims. The State authorities were also issuing arms not only to local volunteer organizations such as the RSS, but also to those in surrounding East Punjab districts such as Gurdaspur.

The State administration had not only demobilised a large number of Muslim soldiers serving in the state army, but Muslim police officers had also been sent home. In the Jammu city, the Muslim military were disarmed and the Jammu cantonment Muslim Brigadier replaced by a Hindu

Dogra officer. Muslims seeking refuge in police stations and Deputy Commissioners’ offices were openly handed over to RSS beasts by the Dogra officers themselves.

Meanwhile, Maharaja of Patiala was not only supplying weapons but also a Brigade of Patiala State troops were operating in Jammu and Kashmir, without whose help and assistance, the objective could not have been achieved with such precision. The Times of London reported the events in Jammu with such a front page headlines: “Elimination of Muslims from Jammu”, and pointed out that Maharaja Hari Singh was “in person commanding all the forces” which were ethnically cleansing the Muslims.

That there was a design to change the demographics is

evidenced by another well-reported incident. Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehr Chand Mahajan, upon arrival in Jammu told a delegation of Hindus, which met him in the Palace, that now when the power was being transferred to the people they should better demand parity.

When one of the delegation members wanted to know how that was possible, Mahajan, pointing to the Ramnagar natural reserve below, where Muslim corpses were still lying said, “the population ratio too can change” like that (“Elimination of Muslims from Jammu” II, The Times, London, 10 August 1948, page 5. See also Ved Bhasin’s interview to Kashmir Life).

Both documentary and oral sources suggest that the crime committed on the Mus-

lims was nothing less than an organized holocaust. Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, who was appointed “Chief Emergency Administrator” on 30 October 1947 could not prevent the carnage. He writes in his autobiography Atish-eChinar (page 312) that the carnage got impetus after the arrival of Union Home Minster Sardar Patel, Union Defence Minster Baldev Singh along with the Maharaja of Patiala, a person known for his antiMuslim bias, in Jammu. The trio met various Hindu organizations and delegations, after which the massacre attained a great momentum. Hindu fanatics, aided and abetted by government forces, started burning down village after village inhabited by Muslims.

Women were raped at will.

Weapons were distributed

freely to marauders from the Kachi Chawni house of Pandith Prem Nath Dogra and motivated by Balraj Madhok.

On 6 November surviving Muslims were told to assemble in an open ground, to be sent to Pakistan, herded in trucks like cattle and killed mercilessly with machine gun fire between the Digiana and Samba belt.

Women were abducted and raped. Even the daughter of the legendary Chaudhary Ghulam Abbas was not spared. Many women preferred death than falling prey to the cruel beasts who wouldn’t tire calling themselves as secular people.

On the ground, the killing operations were organized, directed and supervised by Maharani Tara Devi in league with her debauch Guru Sat Dev and the governor of Jammu, Chet Ram Chopra. At the politico-

administrative level, Sheikh puts the blame solely on the Dogra ruler Hari Singh and Prime Minster Mahajan. At one point of time, Sheikh had even thought of initiating action against the duo for crimes against humanity (Atish-eChinar, page 331). But why didn’t he translate his thoughts into action remains shrouded in mystery. Did he surrender this right before Sardar Patel as quid pro quo for prime ministership, which came his way in March 1948?

As is generally known, the government of India and the Dogra ruler were only interested in conceding him a limited role in a “Mysore type of government”. But later this plan was changed and Sheikh was offered full-fledged prime ministership.

—Kashmir Media Service

Expo 2014 WASHINGTON—Organizers of Pakistan American Trade Expo 2014 are confident that keen interest and enthusiasm shown by entrepreneurs of both countries would make it a successful event and contribute to expanding bilateral trade and economic ties. The Expo, to be held from May 2 to 5 next year, will bring together Pakistani and American entrepreneurs and provide a unique opportunity for prospective businesses to explore and identify potential areas of investment and exports. “We are striving to make the event unique with mix of business and culture named, featuring exhibitions of wide-ranging products as well as music and entertainment in a way that lends creativity to doing bilateral business,” said Nasimuddin Mirza, chairman of the Trade Expo and owner of Nazu Group America. In line with the spirit of the U.S.-Pakistan relations, which after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with President Barack Obama, is emphasizing trade and economic dimension of the relationship, the Trade Expo will be a celebration of the motto “Trade Not Aid,” he said.—APP

MDBs deliver $27b in climate change financing STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Multilateral development banks (MDBs) provided almost $27 billion worldwide in financing to address the challenges of climate change in 2012, according to the second joint MDB report on climate finance. The report was released in line with the commitment by MDBs to enhance the transparency of their investments in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The report analyses the financial commitments by the in-

stitutions to support climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the information provided has been expanded since the first edition to include better sectoral and regional breakdowns of MDB financing.

Of the total $27 billion in climate finance, 78% or more than $21 billion was dedicated to mitigation, while 22% or nearly $6 billion was applied to adaptation.

Of the total commitments, 8% or $2 billion came from external resources, such as bilateral or

multilateral donors, including the Global Environment Facility and the Climate Investment Funds.

In terms of regional coverage, Latin America and the Caribbean received the highest share of MDB climate finance (18% of total funds), while the EU-13 countries received 11%.

Sub-Saharan Africa received almost equal amounts of adaptation and mitigation finance (15% of total funds, representing 31% of total adaptation finance and 8% of total mitigation finance).

Rs2b released for new dams STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The government

has released so far Rs 2,076 million for construction of dams and water reservoirs during current financial year 2013-14 to effectively meet future power needs.

The amount released also included Rs 231.51 million which is WAPDA’s self-financing. WAPDA sources said the government has set nine goals to achieve long-term vision of sector and overcome its Textile exports may power challenges. be cancelled These are building a power generation capacity that can Staff Correspondent FAISALABAD—Ten million meet Pakistan energy needs in a sustainable manner, creating a dollar worth textile export goods destined for Christmas culture of energy conservation season sales are endangered and responsibility, insuring gento be cancelled due to goods eration of inexpensive and afcarriers’ strike and blockage at Karachi port. These apprehensions were expressed by Abaidullah Sheikh Chairman Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association Punjab & KPK Zone while talking to newsmen. ElaboSTAFF REPORTER rating he said big stores and textile importers in Europe, America and other countries LAHORE —The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF), place orders for Textile Goods for Christmas season criticising the State Bank of Pakistan’s move to increase disand fill their stocks by the end of November for annual count rate by 50 basis points sales in December. Millions (bps) and describing it as a blow to the industry, has called for of Dollar worth Textile regionally competitive interest Goods are being shipped rates and urged the central bank from Pakistan for this to bring its key policy rate to a purpose. But, these goods single digit to counter weak have been stuck up at growth and revive private inKarachi port for last eight days due to Goods Carriers’ vestment.

APBF Chairman Nabeel strike, he said. If the strike is not ended urgently the export Hashmi said the SBP has made orders would be cancelled, he a U-turn by raising the discount rate to 10 percent from 9.5 perstated. There will be huge cent in the Wednesday’s monfinancial loss not only to Exporters, Export Trade and etary policy statement.

“This will hinder the investeconomy of the Country and forex but also the reputation ment in industrial sector once in the world suffer huge setback and the foreign buyers would direct their export orders to Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka, he said.

fordable electricity for domestic, commercial and industrial use.

The other features are minimising pilferage and adulteration in fuel supply, promoting world class efficiency in power generation, creating a cutting edge transmission network, minimising inefficiencies in distribution system, minimising financial losses across the system and aligning the ministries involved in energy sector and improve governance.

Moreover, the sources said the government also plans to construct a power park at Gadani, Balochistan with total capacity of 6,660 megawatts (MW).

They said only two units of 660 MW each at Gadani will be installed in public sector on im-

ported coal which will contain less than 1.0 percent sulfur. The plant will not cause any harm to human health and the marine life as the following emission control technologies will be applied on these units.

Electrostatic precipitators particulate matters, Flue Gas Desulphurisation to control Sox and Low Nox burners with overfire Air Ports and selective Catalytic Reduction system.

The sources said a stack height of 210 metres is proposed for wider dispersion of emission and thereby dilution. A higher stack will also effectively disperse the normal pollution from the stack. Properly designed wastewater treatment system will also be employed at power station to treat the wastewater before its disposal.

SBP criticised for interest rate hike

PQ remains active K ARACHI —Three ships arrived at port load/offload containers at QICT, palm oil at LCT on Friday. Berth occupancy was maintained at 50% at the port on Friday where a total seven ships namely M.V KPS-I Alican Bey - Powership, M.V Alam Sayang, M.V MSC Carla, M.V MSC Kerry, M.T Bunga Angasana, M.T Zao Galaxy, M.V Lito and currently occupying berths to load/offload containers, cement, palm oil, sunflower seed. Cargo handling operations were carried out smoothly at the port where a cargo volume 25849 tonnes comprising 19668 tonnes import, 6281 tonnes export and (363) Tues was handled at the port during last 24 hours. M.T Bunga Angasana sailed on Friday afternoon M.V MSC Carla sailed on Saturday morning. M.V MSC Kerry at QICT, M.T Sea Ambition at EVTL, M.V CMB Coralie, M.V Tian Wangxing at M/WHARF arrival on Saturday.—APP

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

—Walt Disney

again and result in expanding defaulters’ list.”

He said there was no levelplaying field in the region in terms of interest rate as well as energy tariff. Pakistan is far ahead of the regional competitors so far as the interest rate benchmark was concerned, charging now 10 percent against 7.25 percent in India, 6.0 percent in China and 7.75 percent in Bangladesh, he observed.

According to the APBF chairman, average electricity tariff for industry in the South Asia region was below 10 cents against 15-18 cents in Pakistan, as tariff cost in China, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were 8.5 cents, 11.3 cents, 7.3 cents and 9.2 cents, respectively.

Hashmi said that the inter-

est rate should not be higher than 8.0 percent for the sake of expansion in investment activities and for creating jobs for the millions of young people entering the job market every year. He said that availability of cheaper money is absolutely necessary for bringing down the cost of production as it is like any other industrial input. If its price is raised, the cost of production also goes up.

APBF Central President Rashid Mehr said that Pakistani goods had already lost their due place in the global market for being uncompetitive. He said that high interest rate also keeps the manufacturers from investing money in capacity expansion, in technological

Call for diversified investment in agriculture STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—There must be diversified investment in the agriculture sector. This was stressed by Ms. Danielle Nierenberg co-founder of the organisation called the Food Tank. She was speaking at the World Technology Summit and Awards 2013 in New York, says a message received here.

In her address she highlighted the importance of the indigenous crops. Citing an example, she pointed out that potatoes may seem fairly humble, but there are more than 4,500 species of potato in the world.

Likewise, there are at least 1,000 pepper plant varieties, 7,500 tomato species, and 7,500 known apple varieties worldwide.

However, she maintained, the incredible variety of the planet’s plant life is disappearing and added that the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that approximately 75 percent of the Earth’s plant genetic resources are now extinct. Another third of plant biodiversity is expected to disappear by 2050. This is no small problem—humans eat biological diversity. Unfortunately, she added, most investment in agriculture is for crops such as wheat, rice, and maize, rather than more nutritious foods—and this focus has had devastating consequences.

Global obesity rates have doubled over the last 30 years, increasing the risk of diet-related illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease in industrialised and developing countries alike. But many indigenous crops can be environmentally sustainable, improve food security, help prevent malnutrition, and increase incomes.

Nine Pakistani companies participate in ATF Expo STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—Nine companies, under the umbrella of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), representing an array of trade sectors would participate in Apparel, Textile, Footwear & Machinery Trade Exhibition (ATF) Expo, being held in the port city of Cape Town, South Africa from NoContinued on Page 14 vember, 20-22.

According to a press release of High Commission of Pakistan South Africa reaching here Friday, ATF is South Africa’s only sourcing show for the clothing, textile & footwear industries.

The main objective of the event is to offer manufacturers, suppliers & service providers in these industries a truly effective opportunity to reinforce business with South African buyers, establish new contacts in Africa & to explore various other global trade opportunities.

It is expected that ATF will attract over 3,300 trade professionals and more than 120 exhibitors from over 10 countries. Cape Town is the ‘Retail Headquarters’ of these industries.

ATF has been organized regularly for the last 12 years and attracts companies from difNEW DELHI: Naeem Anwar, Minister Trade, High Commission of Pakistan in India, VP ferent countries across the world FPCCI Gulzar Firoz, President Saarc Chamber Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Arvind Mehta, including competitors of PakiJoint Secretary Indian Ministry of Commerce with President FPCCI Zubair Ahmed Malik stan like Bangladesh, China and India. at a roundtable.

KARACHI: A large number of containers are stuck in Karachi Port due to strike called by goods transporters.

Service sector needs support STAFF CORRESPONDENT K ARACHI —The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has urged the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to recommend facilities for the service sector of the economy which contributes 35 per cent to employment and is instrumental in the growth of the industrial sector.

President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver said all the developed economies have a strong service sector and in fact many advanced countries have service sector based economies.

In Pakistan we have an agricultural based economy and next to it we have the manufacturing and agro based economy followed by the service sector

which provides various services at different levels to entrepreneurs including information technology services, professional services and consultancy.

Thaver said the service sector needs full-fledged support from the government to enable it to grow and advance scientifically to meet the growing needs of the manufacturers and agriculturist and offer services as agents and facilitators for exports, imports, distribution, marketing, transportation, advertising, legal, leasing and warehousing. The service sector offers fumigation and farm equipment and their maintenance to the farm sector.

There is practically no financial support to non-manufacturing units and only companies manufacturing tangible goods are financed by the banks. The State

Bank of Pakistan must direct the commercial banks to finance consultants on the basis of their experience, clientele and income to enable them purchase modern equipments to modernize their practice.

Distributors, wholesalers, retailers, professionals such as management and information technology consultants, doctors, lawyers, architects, engineers are not financed by the banks despite the fact that they have positive cash flows and provide services to manufacturing units and play an important role in the economy and have potential.

The service sector enables the manufacturing sector to improve the efficiency and productivity and needs to be recognized as important players in the economy he emphasized.

CAP extends hand of coop for revival of construction industry STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Constructors Association of Pakistan (CAP) Chairman Afzal ur Rahman has urged the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to join hands with it for revival of construction industry of Pakistan resulting in the socioeconomic uplift of the country in a befitting manner.

Afzal made this offer to WAPDA Chairman Engr. Syed Raghib Abbas Shah in reply to his letter in which Raghib Abbas congratulated Afzal on assum-

ing the charge of CAP Chairman. Afzal in his letter paid gratitude to Raghib Abbas for felicitating him on assuming the CAP Chairman and said that this recognition takes another special meaning when we find that nation building organization like yours are so serious as to take on board the other nation building partners like CAP. He said WAPDA is one of the biggest department playing pivotal role for direct economic uplift and socioeconomic uplift of Pakistan. CAP wants to further restrengthen the WAPDA’s

role as a partner in the area for direct economic uplift and particularly in the area of socioeconomic uplift of Pakistan.

The construction industry boosts all the segments of economy and also provide employment opportunities and vocational training during the construction phase to the unskilled workers and by value addition after getting skill, the skilled construction workers are contributing 7 to 8 US billion dollars remittances per year from Middle East and Overseas markets i.e., critical support to buildup Pakistan foreign exchange reserves.

Non-duty paid tobacco brands flood market AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—In the year 2012, 66.5 billion cigarettes consumed in 11 Asian countries were illicit.

With 86.3%, the domestic illicit cigarette volumes and consumption of illicit cigarettes were highest in Pakistan whereas the Non-Domestic Illicit was 13.7%.

This scenario resulting in Tax Revenue losses of about more than USD 250 million in 2012 only. These were the outcomes of the study, “Asia-11 Illicit Tobacco Indicator 2012” conducted by Oxford Economics recently.

Apart from the issue of nonduty paid tobacco brands in Pakistan, the situation is quite different in Sri Lankawhere tobacco consumption is hardly one percent in Sri Lanka. Under the law, the cigarrette manufacturing is not allowed in Sri Lanka.

Unlike in Pakistan facing the ugliest form of sectarian hatred, the religious scholars have managed to create a cosmopolitan culture enabling different communities to live together in harmony. However the manufacturing of cigarettes is not allowed in that country.

On the other hand the cigarette manufacturing in Pakistan is a great source of manufacturing. Although the advertisement on tobacco brands is banned in Pakistan yet the cigarette manufacturing has been allowed at a much larger scale in Pakistan which is itself contradictory to the policy of prohibition on advertisement of tobacco brands in media whiled the source of evil has been spared!

The Illicit trade of tobacco brands manifests itself in three major and interrelated ways: smuggled, counterfeit and local tax evaded products. It is a glo-

bal phenomenon, covering all continents and high and low income countries alike. Cigarettes, being highly taxed, easy to transport, and possessing a lucrative risk to reward ratio, are among the world’s most illegally trafficked goods.

The study “Asia-11: Illicit Tobacco Indicator 2012” conducted by Oxford Economics, is the first quantitative benchmark for governments in the region to track and understand the problem. The study covered Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and demonstrates that illegal tobacco significantly impacts developed and developing countries alike - occurring in jurisdictions with both high and low tax and price levels, as well as in those with strong reputations for law and

Continued on Page 14

FPCCI calls for immediate MFN status to India for mutual prosperity SALIM AHMED LAHORE—The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has asked Islamabad to grant Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India without further hesitation so that the two neighbours could achieve goals of poverty reduction and prosperity.

Bilateral trade between Pakistan and India has

doubled in the last two years to US$ 2.7 billion which can be pushed up to USD 8 billion by adopting some simple measures, said Zubair Ahmed Malik, President FPCCI. Speaking to a roundtable on ‘India Pakistan Economic Relations: The Next Milestone’ organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi, he said that strong political will is needed to realise the actual trade potential which in

no less than 50 billion dollars per annum.

The FPCCI Chief said that both countries should ease visa restrictions to actualise the real potential which will only flourish if free movement of people is allowed, tariff as well as nontariff barriers are lifted and issues like bureaucratic hurdles, high import tariffs and lack of infrastructure are resolved.

Zubair Ahmed Malik said that FPCCI and FICCI have been working together since for

two decades to further bilateral economic agenda, adding that FPCCI will extend full cooperation to FICCI in organising the second edition of the ‘India Show’ in Lahore from February 14 to 16.

“I believe that MFN will not be a death knell for the Pakistan economy as regarded by some Pakistani sectors, it only suggests that for trade purposes a WTO member country will not be discriminated by other member countries,” said Zubair.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Senior Executive Committee Member of FICCI said that we need political will on both sides to exploit growing opportunities for which reduction in information gap is imperative.

Gluzar Feroz, VP FPCCI asked the India to allow direct sales of certain items to Pakistan like chemicals, dyes and heavy machinery which will reduce

costs and improve relations.

Naeem Anwar, Minister of Trade at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi said that Islamabad has completed the consultation and hoped that negotiations on issuing the MFN status to India would start soon.

Joint Secretary in the Indian Commerce Ministry Arvind Mehta said Pakistan need to continue dialogue if it wants the Indian market to open for its businessmen for

which Islamabad mush accord non-discriminatory access to Indian products after which India will do the same. The dialogue process needs to be uninterruptible and irreversible as under the SAFTA process both countries would bring down the duty level on 98 per cent items to 0-5 per cent range.

It may be mentioned that presently Zubair Ahmed Malik is in India heading a powerful business delegation.

Currency

Selling Buying

USA

105.40

105.20

UK

169.96

169.64

EURO

142.60

142.33

Canada

103.11

102.92

Switzerland

115.56

115.34

Australia

100.05

99.86

Sweden

16.56

16.52

Japan

1.0706

1.0686

Norway

18.11

18.08

Singapore

84.70

84.54

Denmark

19.12

19.09

Omani Riyal

256.00

253.00

Saudi Arabia

28.10

28.05

Hong Kong

13.59

13.57

Kuwait

371.93

371.22

Malaysia

33.33

33.26

Newzeland

88.47

88.30

Qatar

28.95

28.90

UAE

28.70

28.64

KR WON

0.0985

0.0983

Thailand

3.398

3.391

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

RS PER 10 GRAMS KARACHI: Gold Tezab Silver Tezabi

45428.00 720.00

MULTAN: Gold Tezabi (24-Ct) Gold 22 Ct SilverTezabi Silver Thobi

46030.00 42090.00 789.00 760.00

Only capital investment not enough for growth STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Mere capital investment will not suffice for making the elusive dream of sustained economic growth possible unless it is reinforced with properly trained and managed human capital.

Therefore, a well-planned technical education system is the imperative for the much needed economic growth that eludes the country. One important foundational step that Pakistan can take for a start is increase its active participation in international educational forums like the International Forum for Education 2020, the Forum for International Networking in Education (FINE), and World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE). These initiatives have been taken to address the need to revolutionize education in the wake of the fast occurring socio economic global changes.

There is no denying the fact that socio-economic development of any society mainly depends upon the quality and extent of education accessible to its members. Therefore its development is to be taken like a challenge, because prosperity and development of any society is linked with the significant and sustained investment in higher education.

This challenge demands efficient and judicial use of available resources that may come from the government, private sector, civil society groups and development partners.

However, Pakistan’s record on the education front has not been impressive due to number of factors so far and the future demands further dynamism and coherence in our policies at macro and micro levels.

Pakistan has been formulating educational policies for past many years but none of them have been adequately implemented. Despite formulation of so many policies, the higher education system is still lacking far behind international competitive standards. The enrolment rate to higher education in the country stands at a meagre 8% whereas India stands at 20%, hence, the difference in the level of economic growth of the both countries.

Efforts of USAID have also been magnanimous as far as investment in education is concerned. USAID is investing $87 million in higher education, helping develop a cadre of expertise and leadership in the areas of civil service, education, civil society, and business.

Along with investment from various sources, both government and private, the most essential factor which should be the focus of attention by the stake holders is the need for innovation in education. Participation is the aforementioned international forums and interactions made in them can help stakeholders in really improving the innovation in education agenda.

Denmark to spend $50m on economic uplift STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Denmark will spend $50 million for programmes focusing on economic and democratic development, education, human rights and gender equality in Pakistan.

Denmark’s Minister for Development Cooperation Christian Friis Bach early this month launched the new development programme 2013-16 for Pakistan here.

Denmark will almost double its commitment from around $8 million annually to $14 million over the next three and half years as a continuation of the first program launched in 2010. Aid to Pakistan is a small portion of Denmark’s overall strategy for Pakistan and is expected to become a catalyst for broader social and economic change, gender equality and transformation in lives of people.

The main objective of the

programme is to contribute to improving the lives of poor people and their ability to create a better life for themselves.

The new program consists of two major components.

The first component aims to provide support to peace building, livelihoods and education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Balochistan. The support will be provided through a Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) with a total budget of $15 million, which is administered by the World Bank and implemented by the provincial authorities.

The MDTF programme focuses on reconstruction and economic development in the areas bordering Afghanistan and will strengthen the writ of the state.

In addition, $11 million will be channelled to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for early recovery of educational services in the border areas.

The second component focuses on enhanced democratisation, human rights and gender equality. Approximately $7 million support will be provided to state building, including statutory bodies in the human rights area and provincial assemblies in their role as duty bearers and $13 million for civil society organisations as rights holder representatives in the areas of democratisation, human rights and gender equality and $4 million for strengthening of bilateral ties through people to people partnership programmes.

The Danish development programme framework reflected the strategic choices made to support Pakistan in its democratic transition, especially taking account of the continued conflicts in the north-western border areas. The Danish development strategy has a rightsbased approach and focuses on

FPCCI shows concern on interest rate hike STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Shaheen Ilyas Sarwana, Acting President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has shown his concern over the recent upward revision in the interest rates by 50 basis points to 10 percent due to inflationary expectation as announced by SBP in new monetary policy statement on November 13, 2013. This is the second increase during the last two months, as previously in September the SBP raised the discount rate by 50 basis points to 9.5 percent.

He indicated that government has signed policy framework paper with the IMF for the next three years. According to

section 16 of Para B( Monetary and Exchange rate policies of the Memorandum of Economic and Financial policies signed by Finance Minister and SBP Governor with the International Monetary Funds (IMF), to address declining reserves and a projected rebound in inflation, the SBP will adjust monetary and exchange rate policies.

Though the Memorandum with IMF covers monetary and fiscal policies, taxations, and trade policy, however, private sector has not been consulted before signing and finalization of the document.

Though Governor SBP officially declared a significant reduction in the bank borrowing by private sector but despite of this fact he announced an in-

crease in interest rate. FPCCI is seriously concerned with significant decline in private sector lending from commercial banks.

The Governor SBP has admitted in his statement that Private sector is reluctant to borrow from commercial banks due to energy crises and deteriorating law & order situation, while Government has borrowed Rs.722.3 billion from banks to finance its deficit since July 2013. The lack of borrowing by private sector indicates the severe problem in industrialization and investment process. It reflects also the lack of investor’s confidence and deindustrialization in the country which is a cause of growing unemployment.

Potato rates hit record STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—For the first time in the country’s history potato rates have surged to a record level of Rs 50 per kilogramme (kg) at retail outlets in the port city posing severe financial hardships to the lower segment of the population.

Ironically it was considered as the vegetable mostly used by the poor population specially those who can ill-afford prevailing burgeoning prices of other vegetables, pulses and different varieties of meat, which have spiraled beyond the buying capacity of a large segment of the population.

With this latest increase in potato rates, which is a local product and every year exported to a number of countries across

the globe in bulk to earn valuable foreign currency, an overwhelming segment of the population can hardly financially afford to make their desired quantity purchase.

It transpired during a visit to some of the retail outlets across the city situated in different markets that the retail price of potato increased to Rs 50 per kg last Tuesday, against the officially fixed retail price of Rs 41 per kg.

The vegetable was available at retail outlets some two to three weeks ago at around Rs 40 per kg but owing to a host of factors its rates increased to such a high level that a majority of the poor population has stopped buying it and those who are able to make some purchases are buying very small quantity from

retail outlets.

Falahi Anjuman Wholesale Vegetable Market President Haji Shahjehan said never before cold storage potato was sold at such high rates of Rs 50 per kg at retail markets. The wholesale price of cold storage variety is available at Rs 35-40 per kg.

He claimed that as stocks from cold storages are depleting fast, supplies from new crop would improve from November 15, which may stabilise potato prices.

He said the new potato crop had started arriving from Punjab in smaller quantities as hardly two to three trucks are reaching the market instead of previous 10 to 15 trucks. The price of new crop potato (small size) is Rs 50 per kg in the wholesale market.

ICSTSI making inroads in business community: Butt STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Chairman Founder Group Dr. Shahid Rashid Butt on Sunday said that Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI) has started making inroads in the business community so that it can serve them employing all the skills and resources.

The ICSTSI has already inked MoUs for cooperation with various chambers of commerce including Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he said.

The veteran business leader said in a statement that with largest representation of traders and

small businesses, we have decided not to ignore women and home-based businesses which are a source of livelihood for thousands of people.

Shahid Rashid Butt said that we have seen extraordinary growth in home-based businesses therefore we have decided to pay special attention to serving more of the business community.

Home-based businesses are an important segment of the business community and getting more important all the time but this sector is ignored on policy and other level, he remarked.

The home-based businesses continue serve people all over the world and, yet they are prac-

tically invisible, he lamented.

This is a massive, multi-billion dollar market and it is an opportunity for chambers that is not to be ignored as future of our young generation of entrepreneurs in tied to it. Butt said that chambers of small traders are essential to the economic growth of individual and trading communities and the body that cannot provide value to its member would fade away eventually.

Today’s environment call for increased focus on networking, updating information, advice regarding promotion of business, improve communication tools, information dissemination through forums, workshops and seminars, said Butt.

the underlying power relations and fundamental causes of discrimination and poverty, giving priority to actions aimed at benefiting the poorest.

Denmark is keen to share its expertise in agriculture and energy sectors particularly wind mills and solar energy, with Pakistani entrepreneurs. Several leading Danish companies are already operating in Pakistan in pharmaceutical and dairy industries.

The Danish embassy, for the first time, will open a commercial section later in 2013 in order to strengthen the commercial relations. In 2012, the total Danish export of goods to Pakistan was around $93 million and for the first five months of 2013 the export of goods to Pakistan has increased by around 30 percent compared to the same period last year. It is estimated that there will be an increase of 10 percent in the export of goods to Pakistan in 2013.

Land price escalates in Capital STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—In Capital city,

Cellular cos to bear over Rs2b losses

FBR officers reshuffled STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has transferred and posted its eight officers of the Pakistan Customs Service (BS-18-20) with immediate effect.

Syed Tanveer Ahmad (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-20) has been transferred and posted as Director, Directorate of Reforms and Automation (Customs), Karachi. (He will continue to draw his pay from the office from where he is currently drawing it.) Amer Rashid Sheikh (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) has been posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Reforms and Automation (Customs), Karachi.

Meanwhile, Irfan Javed (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-19) is transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Reforms and Automation (Customs), Karachi. Farrukh Sajjad (Pakistan Customs Service/BS19) is transferred and posted as Additional Director, Directorate of Reforms and Automation (Customs), Karachi.

According to the notification, Syed Aftab Haider (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-18) is posted as Additional Director, (OPS) Directorate of Reforms and Automation (Customs), Karachi. Azhar Hussain Merchant (Pakistan Customs Service/BS-18) is posted as Deputy Director, Directorate of Reforms and Automation (Customs), Karachi.

Meanwhile, Ali Zeb Khan (Pakistan Customs Service/BS18) is posted as Deputy Director, Directorate of Reforms and Automation (Customs), Karachi.

speculators have taken land prices to a level where urban land cost is now the single largest item in ‘fixed capital cost’ of business.

According to a property dealer Shahzad in Blue Area, property dealers purchase properties and hold them for some time. Next, they collude to purchase properties from each other on paper and raise the prices. A similar method is applied by builders launching new schemes.

They book several properties for themselves on paper to create a market impression that there is great demand for propAMANULLAH KHAN erty to induce potential buyers on the fence to actually make a KARACHI—The trade & indusbooking, sometimes at a pre- try has urged upon the law enmium. forcing agencies to work with the same zeal and spirit they demonstrated for security measures during Moharram which From Page 13 has subsided the wave of crime upgradation and product diver- to a great extent. sification.

Vice President of the He said that the availability Karachi Chamber of Commerce of liquidity to the business com- and Industry (KCCI), munity is need of the hour as the Muhammad Idrees, while reSBP’s tight monetary policy in viewing the overall performance the name of financial discipline of Law Enforcing Agencies, aphad already caused irreparable preciated the strict security meadent to the private sector growth sures undertaken by police and and brought in an unusual surge rangers to ensure peace and sein unemployment. He said that curity in Karachi city during neither any industrial expansion Ashura. took place nor any investor put “Consequently, the overall money in any new business ven- law and order situation of the ture. entire city was efficiently mainAPBF office-bearers includ- tained and adequate security aring Yaqub Tahir Izhar, Imtiaz rangements for various Rastgar and Munir Bana also Imambargahs and Ashura prorejected the monetary policy and cessions were also ensured”, he said that mark up at 10 percent added. would add more to the non-perIn a statement issued, forming loans and unemployment in the private sector.

S TAFF R EPORTER K ARACHI —The suspension of mobile services all over the country to avoid any untoward incident during Muharram 9 and 10 processions has been estimated to cost cellular operators Rs 2.28 billion losses.

The cellular services were suspended in several cities of the country in light of security concerns during Ashura holidays. In Sindh, cellular services remained suspended in the cities of Karachi, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Rohri and Jacobabad.

While all main cities of Punjab, Khyber Pkahtunkhava, Azaad Kashmir and Balochistan also witnessed full day of mobile service suspension. According to the government agencies, cellular services will remain blocked on Friday (today) across the country.

On the basis of latest Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) statistics, a careful estimate suggests that cellular operators will suffer approximately Rs 2.28 billion losses in two days of service suspension in as many as 80 cities of the country during peak hours. The national kitty will also be deprived of around Rs 296 million by this security measure taken by the regime to halt any unpleased

incident.

Similarly, PTA’s data said that mobile revenue for all five operators of the country stood at Rs 411.37 billion at the end of fiscal year 2011-12, thus the calculations on the basis of it, resulted in Rs 2.28 billion losses for two days. Similarly according to the PTA’s figure, the telecom sector’s contribution to the national exchequer was Rs 133.4 billion by the end of FY 2011-12; therefore it can be projected that the government will miss the hefty amount of around Rs 296 in terms of taxes and other duties owing to mobile service suspension in almost all major cities of the country.

Inside sources said that the telecommunication companies had suffered billions of rupees losses during the last government’s tenure due to frequent suspensions of services on different occasions, now, this incumbent is also following the preceders which will suppress even more the already dwindling revenues of the telecom operators due to unending economic and energy crises in the country.

Telecom industry sources said that the mobile phone companies are already under immense pressure by the government, establishment and other administration as every government organisation has a habit of blaming mobile operators in case any horrible incident takes place.

Business community urges LEA to keep up spirit shown in Moharram

SBP criticised

World Bank, Intel to boost joint IT investments W ASHINGTON —The World Bank’s private-sector lender plans to work more closely with Intel, the world’s top chipmaker, to invest in technology firms in developing countries, a senior World Bank official said.

The World Bank’s International Finance Corp and Intel Capital, the chip company’s investment fund, will work more closely to identify opportunities in the still underdeveloped IT sector in Africa and elsewhere, Kent Lupberger, global head of technology, media and telecoms at IFC, said.

“What we’re looking at is venture and growth capital investment, primarily with equity, so companies grow without being concerned about having immediate pay-back,” Lupberger said.—Newswire

Muhammad Idrees said that the government also decided to shut down cellular phone services in some of the major and most sensitive cities of Pakistan during 9th and 10 Muharram-ul-Haram which created some problems for the public and the business community but it was accepted keeping in view the possibility of any terror strike which is usually followed by the devastating backlash resulting in loss of precious lives and damage to public and private properties.

“I must appreciate the police department and Pakistan Rangers Sindh for utilizing all available resources and taking extraordinary measures with a view to ensure that no unpleasant incident occurs during Ashura which is undoubtedly a commendable achievement”, Muhammad Idrees said while paying tribute to Additional IG Karachi Shahid Hayat and DG Rangers Sindh, Maj. Gen. Rizwan Akhtar.

Vice President KCCI added

that dozens of containers utilized by law enforcers to seal routes of Ashura processions must not be left lying on the roadsides for weeks and they must be swiftly removed to ensure smooth flow of traffic at some of the busiest roads of the city.

He further urged that the determination shown by LEAs towards ensuring security and tranquility during Ashura must also be displayed every day across the city in order to save the city from rising lawlessness.

He said that the business community, despite many assurances by the government and actions taken under Karachi Operation, fears that the operation has come to halt or has been postponed without achieving the prime objective of completely cleansing the city from criminals. “The government must intensify its action against criminals and should not just remain confined to hunting down terrorists of banned outfits.

Non-duty From Page 13

order.

As per the published study; in Pakistan, the consumption of illicit cigarettes is 25.4%. It is important to highlight that these illicit cigarette sales focus on minors who cannot buy products legally and on those on low incomes. Illicit distributors also often supply other illicit products such as alcohol, drugs and firearms. Where there is a good distribution chain and a ready market for illicit products, the rule of law is undermined and corrupt practices thrive.

The domestic illicit consumption makes up 21.9% out of the 25.4% of the total illicit consumption in Pakistan; making the country as a market of consuming about 19 billion domestic duty-non-paid cigarettes, which is the highest amongst the 11 surveyed countries. However currently the Non-Domestic Il-

licit is only 3.5%; There is an economics side to illicit trade, as it is demand and supply driven. Consumers want to buy cheap products; criminals want to take advantage of high taxes, which they do not pay to make high profits with low risk of being caught and penalized.

Other major factors include lop-sided fiscal policies, disparities in tax-driven prices, corruption, weak enforcement by the law enforcing authorities, porous borders poor transit controls, growth in illegal distribution networks, and public tolerance and awareness.

As per Euro monitor International 2012, Local Duty Non Paid (DNP) cigarettes are primarily produced by manufacturers located in KPK and Azad Kashmir regions. These can be sold at less than 37.5% of the price of the legitimate cigarettes,

simply because of evasion of duties. A blatant example of such an act is the cigarette brand by the name of “Cricket’ manufactured by Wattan Tobacco Company of Azad Jammu & Kashmir which is surely and slowly making its inroads in the markets of central Punjab. End During a market survey it was also revealed that the pack of the brand carried price tag of PKR22.60 + PKR3.40 Sales tax whereas in the market the brand was being retailed at PKR 12 per pack, leaving the question, how the brand was selling even below the minimum excise duty which is PKR 17.6 per pack and should be payable to the national exchequer.

The various researches confirm that illicit trade in tobacco is a serious problem, with implications for government revenues, and for the operation of legal markets.

World Bank to support Punjab in delivering quick results TARIQ KHATTAK I SLAMABAD —The World Bank on Thursday approved a package of assistance worth US$50 million to support the implementation of Punjab Public Management Reform (PPMR) Program, a subset of the government’s Governance Reform program that focuses on addressing critical constraints to service delivery. The program will help improve transparency and resource management of targeted departments of Punjab.

“Despite being the country’s biggest and wealthiest province, Punjab

faces significant governance, poverty reduction and inequality challenges,” said Rachid Benmessaoud Country Director for the World Bank Pakistan.

“The program will help the Government of Punjab in delivering quick results in public services while sustaining the reform momentum”.

The most critical constraint to improving service delivery in Punjab is the weak performance management of the departments responsible for providing public services. Moreover, citizens face significant challenges in accessing government services due to the strongly entrenched position of field officials and

other structural handicaps such as distance, language, cultural practices, and lack of information about services.

Without good administrative data, it is difficult to assess whether government programs are achieving their goals, identify the required corrections and hold government agencies accountable.

The provincial government is acutely cognizant of these challenges and has undertaken several initiatives to improve the efficiency of service delivery. It has shown its commitment to address the governance constraints to service delivery and improve the re-

sults focus of the public administration, including several performance management innovations supported by the Bank.

“The absence of reliable information about performance and service delivery, limits accountability of those along the service delivery chain”, said Zubair Khurshid Bhatti, the task team leader of the program.

“This operation will support the Government of Punjab in collecting information about service delivery and performance, making it available to citizens and decision-makers, and strengthening feedback loops for improved accountability”.

The instrument that will be used for this operation is a Program for Results (PforR) credit.

The PforR design provides financial and non-financial incentives to deliver Program results, and supports counterparts along the reform process through the agreed results targets linked to disbursements. Disbursementlinked indicators (DLIs) have been carefully selected to provide incentives on critical roadblocks to improving the Program’s effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.

The PPMR Program is the first Bank operation that will utilize the PforR lending instrument in public management sec-

tor in Pakistan. It aims to leverage Punjab’s track record in results management, its experience with Bank’s results-based operations, and the overall engagement on governance and service delivery with the Bank.

Besides financial incentives, the PforR instrument and the underpinning institutional arrangements also have the potential to influence government management of day-to-day service delivery beyond the targeted departments. By disbursing against the national budget on the basis of key milestones achieved, it aims to foster a discussion between Finance and line departments on results and

value for money. By focusing on key cross-cutting results, it aims to facilitate dialogue within public agencies and across layers of government.

Some of the systems supported by the Program, such as the citizen feedback mechanisms, have already been incorporated into the Bank-funded Land Records Management Information Systems Project, and could also benefit the rest of the portfolio in the province.

The credit is financed from the International Development Association (IDA), and will be on standard IDA blend terms, with a maturity of 25 years, including a grace period of 5 years.

Irfan injured, Riaz dropped for SA tour L AHORE —Pakistan

fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has been ruled out of Pakistan’s short limited-overs trip to South Africa this month due to injury. Another quick bowler Wahab Riaz, who went wicketless in three ODIs against South Africa in the UAE, has been dropped. Two

would stay back in the UAE for further treatment.

His absence for the South Africa tour will dent Pakistan’s attack as earlier this year he was the biggest positive Pakistan had from the tour.

He took 25 wickets in seven matches across all formats.

Bhatti is one of the few pros-

players, medium-pace bowling allrounder Bilawal Bhatti and fast bowler Anwar Ali, were added to the limitedovers squad which lost the T20s 2-0 and the ODIs 4-1 to South Africa in the UAE. Irfan suffered an injury during the second T20 in Dubai when he knelt down after the fourth ball of his second over. After rubbing his hip, where he felt the pain, he was helped off the field.

He had an MRI scan in Dubai and according to the PCB he

pects from Pakistan’s domestic circuit in recent years, forging a reputation with his allround play. He has been in national contention for the last two years, but was left behind on the back of an injury he sustained last year. He is one of the few nippy bowlers in Pakistan who can bat fluently, and has two firstclass hundreds to his name for domestic side Sui National Gas Pipelines Ltd. Anwar, 25, first gained prominence with his swing

Pakistan slide to 4th in ICC T20I ranking KARACHI —Pakistan

team slipped to fourth from second spot in International Cricket Council (ICC) Twenty20 International (T20I) ranking back to the back loss in T20 series which concluded in Dubai on Friday. South Africa won the opener on Wednesday by nine wickets and then made it two out of two by winning the second match at six runs to take the series 2-0. Pakistan, which entered the series in second position and had an opportunity to top the rankings, has dropped behind Sri Lanka (128 ratings points), India and South Africa (both 123 ratings points) in fourth position on 120 ratings points - ahead of the West Indies by a fraction of a point, according to ranking released

by ICC on Saturday.

The series result means South Africa has collected five ratings points and has joined India on 123 ratings points but will be ranked below Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s side by one-hundredth of a decimal point. Pakistan and Protease will now lock horns in a two-match series to be played on November 20-22 in Johannesburg and Cape Town respectively.—APP ICC T20I Rankings after Nov.15 Rank ------ Team ---- Rating 1 ---------- Sri Lanka ------ 128 2 ------------- India --------- 123 3 -------- South Africa ---- 123 4 ---------- Pakistan ------- 120 5 -------- West Indies ---- 120 6 ----------- England ------- 112 7 ------- New Zealand ---- 103 8 ---------- Australia ------ 102 9 ----------- Ireland --------- 81 10 ------ Bangladesh ----- 72 11 ------ Afghanistan ----- 68 12 -------- Scotland ------- 62 13 ------ Netherlands ----- 51 14 ------- Zimbabwe ------ 46 15 ---------- Kenya --------- 41

bowling during Pakistan’s successful Under-19 World Cup campaign in Sri Lanka in 2006. He made his international debut in 2008 and has played three T20s for Pakistan so far, the most recent being on the Zimbabwe tour in August.

While there has been a reshuffle in the bowling, it is the batting that has repeatedly let Pakistan down in recent series, a department in which there were no major changes. The PCB press release confirmed that Misbahul-Haq - who was expected to be rested for the South Africa tour - remains Pakistan captain while Mohammad Hafeez will continue to lead the Twenty20 squad. The was also a change in the plan for the wicketkeeping department as the selectors picked Umar Akmal as the only wicketkeeper for the tour.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was part of the ODI squad in the UAE, returned home without playing a game.

The 17-man squad left for South Africa to play two Twenty20s and three ODIs. Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain ODI), Mohammad Hafeez (captain T20), Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal (wk), Umar Amin, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik, Sohaib Maqsood, Sohail Tanvir, Anwar Ali, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Nasir Jamshed, Asad Shafiq, Bilawal Bhatti.—Agencies

Tanvir fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct D UBAI —Pakistan

all- accepted the sanction imrounder Sohail Tanvir has posed by ICC Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle without the need to convene a disciplinary hearing.

Through his admission, Sohail was found to have breached Level 1 Article 2.1.6 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion by a bowler or a fielder upon the dismissal of a batsman during an International Match”.

The incident happened in the 18th over when Sohail, after dismissing South Africa’s AB de Villiers, pointed the batsman towards been fined 10 per cent of his the dressing room with both match fee for breaching the hands. On-field umpires ICC Code of Conduct during Ahsan Raza and Zameer his side’s second and final Haider, third umpire Shozab Twenty20 against South Af- Raza and fourth umpire rica in Dubai on Friday. Tanvir Ahmed Shahab brought the admitted to the charge and charge.—Agencies

BEIJING: Le Clos wins gold in the 200m butterfly in ‘Watercube’ National Aquatic Centre.

Training camp for Junior Hockey World Cup from Nov 18

ICMS Talent Hunt Swimming: Le Clos, Hosszu Cricket Tournament dominate at World Cup in Beijing from Nov 25

P ESHAWA R —The training camp of national junior probables preparing for participation in the Junior World Cup will be commencing at National Hockey Stadium Lahore from November 18, 2013.

The Junior World Cup will be played in New Delhi, India from December 6-15.

The PHF has directed following probables to report to Olympian Anjum Saeed, Coach and Camp Commandant on November 18, 2013 in the afternoon at National Hockey Stadium, Lahore, positively.

The 29 probables comprising Mazhar Abbas (GK), Amin Yousaf (GK), Amjad Ali (GK), Muhammad Khalid, Syed Kashif Shah, Muhammad Kashif Javed, Muhammad Aleem Bilal, Muhammad Faisal Qadir, Zohaib Ashraf, Muhammad Rizwan Jr., Muhammad Tousiq, Ammad Shakeel Butt, Tasawar Abbas, Muhammad Mushtaq, Muhammad Sohaib, Muhammad Umair, Muhammad Umar Bhutta, Muhammad Dilber, Ali Shan, Ahmed Zubair, Muhammad Suleman, Muhammad Irfan, Hafiz Rizwan Ali, Arslan Qadir, Adnan Anwar, Ayub Ali, Rizwan Ali (HEC), Asad Bashir and Abdul Kareem Khan.—APP

B EIJING —South Africa’s edged out his idol, Ameri- terfly, clocking 2:05.35.

Chad Le Clos racked up the wins on the last day of swimming’s short-course World Cup, boosting his total gold medal count to 24 with two more first-place victories at Beijing’s “Watercube” National Aquatic Center. Hungarian powerhouse Katinka Hosszu, who like Le Clos this year claims her second series title, took home an additional three bronzes and one silver on Thursday and boasted a total gold count of more than 30.

Their victories put Hosszu on track to take home at least $300,000 and Le Clos at least $280,000 in prize money after this year’s eightleg series, which kicked off in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, in August and continued on to Berlin, Moscow, Dubai, Doha, Singapore, Tokyo and finally Beijing.

Le Clos, 21, famously

can swim star Michael Phelps, at last year ’s London Olympics to win the 200m men’s butterfly gold.

On Thursday, the South African pulled out a dramatic victory over another American, Tom Shields, in the 100m butterfly, clocking 49.41 to Shields’ 49.45. Le Clos also surged to gold in the 200m medley, beating away a challenge from China’s Wang Shun. Another Chinese swimmer, Mao Feilian, placed third.

Swimmers also waged a hard-fought battle in the men’s 100 breaststroke, which Hungary’s Daniel Gyurta narrowly edged out Russia’s Vladimir Morozov to win 57.34 to 57.39. Hosszu, who has competed in a gruelling 10 events in Beijing and is building up to the European short-course championships next month, won silver in the women’s 200m but-

But the 24-year-old Hungarian was bested by Spain’s Mireia Belmonte, who shot to victory in the event with a sizzling 2:04.20. Belmonte also overtook Hosszu to win gold in the women’s 400m individual medley in 4:25.23, while Hosszu dropped to third with 4:27.66, trailing both Belmonte and Great Britain’s Hannah Miley.

Some good news came for hosts China in the women’s 400m freestyle as Chinese swimmer Shao Yiwen claimed victory in 3:58.92, with New Zealand’s Lauren Boyle a close second.

Australian swimmers have set four world records this World Cup in the mixed 4x50m medley relay, and on Thursday, a quartet of Australians took gold in another relay, the mixed 4x50m freestyle, clocking 1:30.52 in the night’s most highly-anticipated event.—AFP

Edwin believes he has all tools to defeat great Andre Ward

Afridi, Razzaq should honorably quit now, advises Basit KARACHI—Veteran all-round- T20 and ODI games. Similarly ul-Haq was at the verge of ers Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq should retire honorably now to make the way for young players, former Test batsman Basit Ali said on Saturday.

It is time for Afridi and Razzak to quit keeping in view their form and fitness, he told APP in an interview. Everyone watched the ODI and T20 series the way Afridi and Razzaq performed. It is time for them to quit in their own and interest of Pakistan cricket. he commented.

Afridi ended the T20 and ODI series with 79 runs in seven innings and taking eight wickets for 238 runs. Afridi failed to take any wickets in his last four

Razzaq scored a first ball duck and conceded 14 runs in lone over in Dubai and scored 10 in first T20 after staging a comeback after a year.

He personally felt it was difficult for both Afridi and Razzaq to survive in international cricket. Both rendered great services to Pakistan cricket. But one-day, they got to think for their country, he said. Developing and preparing pool of players for the 2015 World Cup should be most important agenda for the PCB, but they are not doing it, he remarked.

Basit revealed that Misbah-

ouster but late development forced PCB to appoint him ODI captain. He expressed his surprise over not including Younis Khan for the ODI series and added that talented batsmen like Harris Sohail and Ali Waqas should have been included in instead of spent forces.

He said PCB Selection Committee should show the grace by resigning after disastrous home series against South Africa. Basit said Moin Khan should not accepted responsibility as manager. Moin should have joined accepted the role of chief coach or chief selector.—APP

Hunt Cricket Tournament, carrying 8-top team will commence from November 25, 2013 at Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, Organizing Secretary and former first class off-spinner Bakhtiar Khan told APP here on Saturday.

Bakhtiar Khan said that a total of eight teams which included players in the age of Under-16, Under-19 and Under-21 players. He said the teams comprising ICMS Junior, Malik Colts, MCA, Cantt Academy, Malik Sports Junior, Khyber Star Junior, Malik Star, Sports Club.

The tournament, he said, will be played on league basis and each team will have four Under-16, Under-19 players and five Under-21 players. The aim and objective of the tournament is to provide better competition to the youngsters of different age groups associated with various clubs.

The eight teams have been divided in two groups with group-A comprising ICMS Junior, Malik Colts, MCA and Cantt Academy while in group-B Malik Sports Junior, Khyber Stars, Malik Star and Sports Club.

Bakhtiar Khan, who is also a PCB Level-II coach, said that Director ICMS Malik Tajamal Hayat is the Chairman of the Tournament, Malik Farman, Senior Vice President Peshawar District Cricket Association, will act as President of the Organizing Committee while Asim Sheraz will look after the media affairs as media coordinator.—APP

Del Bosque signs Spain contract extension until 2016

W

RAWALPINDI: A group of youngsters playing cricket to enjoy the continued holidays.

P E S H AWA R —ICMS Talent

HEN Ronnie Shields was asked if he was interested in training Edwin Rodriguez, he didn’t immediately say yes. It’s not often that a trainer doesn’t jump at the opportunity to work with a highly touted unbeaten prospect, but Shields wanted to watch some film of Rodriguez first to see if he felt they’d mesh.

What stuck out as Shields watched many hours of fight footage of Rodriguez was the lack of defense. But Shields also noticed brief moments when Rodriguez showed extraordinary boxing skills. “I knew this was a guy I could work with,” Shields was saying a few days before the biggest challenge of Rodriguez’s professional life, when he meets the great Andre Ward on HBO on Saturday for the WBA super

middleweight title. “Edwin had a lot of offense, but he was lacking defense. He was making mistakes he shouldn’t have made. “But what I saw was that he had the ability to do it, and to mix the two. He just needed to work on it and improve on some things.”

That may not lead to long, successful careers, but it does make for good television. Shields talked the bout up repeatedly as a toe-to-toe slugfest, but he had a little secret that he kept to himself.

“Edwin’s a very smart guy and he was picking things up very quickly, and as we did things, he realized that he could box when he needed to,” Shields said. “I challenged him in that fight with Donovan George. I told him, ‘Listen, Edwin. You can box this guy and make this an

easy fight. That’s what you need to do. Go out there and box him.’

“Everyone thought it was going to be this toe-to-toe slugfest, a knockdown, dragout brawl. But we’d worked on Edwin’s boxing so hard, and he went out and boxed the guy beautifully.” It was that performance that announced Rodriguez as a legitimate title contender. He cemented that status in a tournament in Monte Carlo, when he defeated former Argentine Olympian Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna in March and then knocked out Denis Grachev in the first round in July.

When the opportunity to fight Ward, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist and the best fighter in the world not named Mayweather, Rodriguez never hesitated.—AFP

M A D R I D —Spain manager Vicente del Bosque said Friday he has signed a twoyear extension to his contract which was set to run out at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The new deal means Del Bosque will be in charge for Spain’s qualifying campaign for the 2016 European Championships in France.

“I can confirm that I have renewed until 2016,” he told reporters in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, ahead of Spain’s friendly match against the the west African nation on Saturday.

Sports daily Marca had earlier reported that he had extended his contract.

Del Bosque, 62, took over as Spain coach when Luis Aragones stepped down shortly after guiding the country to victory at Euro 2008. Under Del Bosque’s watch, Spain won the World Cup for the first time in their history when beating The Netherlands 10 after extra-time in the final in Johannesburg in 2010. Two years later they defended their European title in Poland and Ukraine by beating Italy 4-0 in the final in Kiev.—AFP

Legend Tendulkar tearfully bows out from game MUMBAI—Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar wept as he left the pitch for the final time on Saturday after his 200th Test match, ending a dazzling career spanning nearly a quarter of a century.

The master batsman, waved to thousands of cheering, emotional fans and wiped tears from his eyes as he left the field through a guard of honour formed by his teammates at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium.

At the age of 40, Tendulkar is retiring from the game as the world’s leading scorer in both Test and one-day cricket and the only man to score 100 international centuries.

In a lengthy and poignant speech on the field after the match against the West Indies in his hometown, Tendulkar thanked everyone who had supported him, from family members and friends, coaches and managers through to teammates and ardent fans.

He began by paying tribute to his father who passed away in 1999, saying that “without his guidance I don’t think I would be standing in front of you”.

The cricketer thanked his mother and other relatives individually, prompting tears from his wife Anjali as he praised her and his “two precious diamonds”—his son Arjun, 14, and daughter Sara, 16—who stood close by as he spoke.

Calling Anjali “the best partnership I’ve had in my life”, he promised his children “the next 16 years and beyond, everything is for you”.

“I know there are so many guys who’ve fasted for me, prayed for me, done all sorts of things for me. Without all that life wouldn’t have been like this for me,” he told the teary-eyed crowds in comments broadcast on Indian television.

“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and say that time has gone by rather quickly, but the memories that you’ve left with me will always be with me for ever and ever.” He said the chanting of “Sachin! Sachin!” would “reverberate in my ears until I stop breathing”, prompting deafening shouts of his name from spectators.

Tendulkar was then hoisted on to his teammates’ shoulders for a victory lap around the field, waving a giant Indian flag. To the disappointment of his ardent followers, the “Little Master” only batted for one innings during his final match, failing to clinch a fairytale final century when he was out for 74 on Friday.

Meanwhile, Former England captain Michael Atherton said India great Sachin Tendulkar had achieved something “few can comprehend” in playing international cricket for more than two decades. Widely regarded as one of cricket’s greatest batsmen, the 40-yearold Tendulkar is currently playing his 200th and final Test, against the West Indies, in his home town of Mumbai.

He is ending an international career which began in 1989 and during which time MUMBAI: Sachin Tendulkar is carried on a lap of honour around the Wankhede during he became the all-time lead- India vs West Indies 2nd Test on Saturday.

South Africa seal T20 series after rush of Pakistan wickets DUBAI—South Africa sparked to 112-7. South Africa won the handle the pressure. Credit the toss and batted. another Pakistan batting collapse to win the second Twenty20 international by six runs in Dubai on Friday, taking the two-match series 2-0.

It was another batting failure for Pakistan, who, chasing 151, were cruising along nicely at 101-3 in the 14th over before being restricted to 144-9 in their 20 overs.

Paceman Wayne Parnell took 3-25 while leg-spinner Imran Tahir claimed 2-21 and spearhead Dale Steyn finished with 2-20 to rock Pakistan who lost seven wickets in the space of 43 runs. Sohaib Maqsood top-scored with 37 while Shahid Afridi (14) tried valiantly but failed in the end.

Pakistan lost Ahmed Shehzad (21) and Mohammad Hafeez (nought) in quick succession but Maqsood carried on in style, hitting two boundaries and a six off 26 balls before Pakistan lost three wickets at 112.

Tahir bowled Shoaib Malik (15)and Abdul Razzaq (nought) off successive deliveries while Quinton de Kock held a smart catch off Parnell to dismiss Maqsood as Pakistan slump from 112-4

first match by nine wickets on Wednesday.

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis hailed his team’s comeback. “It’s a great achievement by the team. We played really well under pressure and Pakistan were in a position to win but we pulled it back remarkably,” said Du Plessis. “We said we wanted to come here and win 2-0 and we did that. As a bowling unit we have certainly grown a lot over the last couple of months. Credit to them for the time and effort they have put into it. There is always room for improvement.

“Nice to be back in South Africa and looking forward to another series against Pakistan. We will try to beat them again 2-0,” said Du Plessis of the coming two T20 and three one-day series in South Africa between November 20-30.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez bemoaned his team’s inability to see out matches.

“I think this is the sequence of the (one-day) series,” said Hafeez of Pakistan’s 4-1 loss.

“Not finishing games very well. When we needed to play normal cricket, we didn’t

goes to South Africa for bowling in the right areas. Every time we thought we were there, we couldn’t finish it.”

South Africa rode on Du Plessis’s 48-ball 58 not out and a sedate 41-ball 48 by Hashim Amla, who lifted the innings during their 78-run second wicket stand after they won

De Kock chipped in with a quickfire 19-ball 30, studded with six boundaries to give his team a rapid start. Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal pulled things back for Pakistan by dismissing De Kock and Amla. Amla hit two sixes and three boundaries before he holed out on Ajmal.—Agencies

South Africa innings: Q de Kock b Ajmal ......... 30 Amla c Shoaib b Ajmal .. 48 F du Plessis not out ....... 58 Villiers c Nasir b Sohail .... 5 Miller lbw b Saeed Ajmal 4 H Davids b Sohail Tanvir 0 Extras: (lb 2, w 3) .............. 5 Total: (5 wickets) .......... 150 Fall of wickets 1-37, 2-115, 3-137, 4-147, 5-150 Bowling ............. O-M-R-W Irfan ..................... 1.4-0-12-0 Abdul Razzaq ....... 1-0-14-0 Shoaib Malik ...... 1.2-0-12-0 Sohail Tanvir ......... 4-0-21-2 Saeed Ajmal .......... 4-0-25-3 Hafeez .................... 4-0-21-0 Shahid Afridi ......... 4-0-43-0 Pakistan innings: Nasir c Amla b Davids ... 19 Shehzad c McLaren ....... 21 Hafeez lbw b Parnell ........ 0

Shoaib b Imran Tahir ..... 15 Sohaib Maqsood c de Kock b Parnell ........................... 37 Umar Akmal c Imran Tahir b McLaren .......................... 11 Razzaq b Imran Tahir ....... 0 Afridi c du Plessis .......... 14 Sohail Tanvir b Steyn ...... 6 Saeed Ajmal not out ........ 7 Irfan not out ...................... 2 Extras: (b 2, lb 2, w 7, nb 1) 12 ..........................................

Total: (9 wickets) .......... 144 Fall of wickets 1-39, 2-39, 346, 3-75, 4-101, 5-112, 6-112, 7-112, 8-121, 9-139 Bowling ............. O-M-R-W DW Steyn ............. 4-1-20-2 LL Tsotsobe .......... 3-0-30-0 R McLaren ............ 4-0-38-1 WD Parnell ............ 4-0-25-3 H Davids ................. 1-0-6-1 Imran Tahir ............ 4-0-21-2

Golf: Scott leads Singh by four into final Masters round M E L B O U R N E —Defending

ing Test and one-day batsman and the only man to score 100 international centuries. It seemed as if he might reward his adoring fans with yet another century but instead ‘The Little Master’ fell for 74 on Friday in what could well be his last Test innings.

“Whatever the rest of this Test brings, he completes a feat — almost 2= decades in international sport - that few can comprehend, let alone contemplate,” wrote Atherton, now cricket correspondent of The Times.

Atherton added Tendulkar’s longevity was “remarkable when you think that it gets harder, not easier, the longer you play, especially in the craziest cricketing country on Earth”. Atherton was on the opposite side when Tendulkar scored the first of his record 51 Test hundreds at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, in 1990.

“There was your correspondent sending down some filthy leg-spin; a svelte Angus Fraser gliding in to bowl; and Devon Malcolm, who hit the

17-year-old Tendulkar on the helmet in the first innings.

David Gower and Graham Gooch looked on from slip,” Atherton recalled. “I remember how still he (Tendulkar) was at the crease, how composed he looked and how understated his hundred celebration was.

“Remarkably little changed with Tendulkar’s game... fundamentally his technique has remained constant and pure.

“But what changes Tendulkar has witnessed, on the field and off it. Commercialisation; the dominance of television; the match-fixing crisis; the advent of Twenty20; the rise of franchised leagues to threaten the primacy of international cricket.

“Through it all, Tendulkar remained a constant, free of scandal, as fixing embedded itself all around him.” Atherton said Tendulkar’s retirement was “a significant moment for the game”. “He is the last of his kind to be brought up in an age when Test cricket and international cricket was preeminent and without challenge. A remarkable journey, for man and country.” —AFP

West Indies 1st innings182 India 1st innings ........ 4 9 5 West Indies 2nd innings Gayle c Dhoni b Ojha .... 35 Powell c Shami b Ashwin 9 TL Best lbw b Ojha .......... 9 Bravo c Vijay b Ashwin . 11 Samuels st Dhoni b Ojha .. .......................................... 11 Chanderpaul lbw b Ashwin41 N Deonarine c & b Ojha .. 0 D Ramdin not out ........... 53 DJG Sammy lbw b Ojha ... 1

Shillingford lbw b Ashwin 8 Gabriel b Shami ................ 0 Extras: (b 4, lb 5) ............... 9 Total: (all out) ............... 187 Fall of wickets 1-15, 2-28, 343, 4-74, 5-87, 6-89, 7-157, 8162, 9-185, 10-187 Bowling ............. O-M-R-W B Kumar ................... 3-0-4-0 Mohammed Shami 7-0-28-1 R Ashwin ............. 17-4-89-4 PP Ojha ................ 18-6-49-5 SR Tendulkar .......... 2-0-8-0

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in rain-hit third ODI D AMBULLA —Sri Lanka’s spinners spun a web around New Zealand’s batsmen to win the rain-hit third and final one-day international in Dambulla on Saturday and draw the series 1-1. The Black Caps, set a Duckworth-Lewis target of 216 in 33 overs, were 126-6 in 25 overs when bad light ended play early in this central Sri Lankan town.

The tourists, who should have been 162 at that stage, were declared losers by 36 runs as per the D/L method to determine rain-affected matches. Sri Lanka, sent in to bat, had made 211-8 from 33 overs after the start was delayed by 90 minutes and a further rain interruption reduced the game to 33 overs each.

New Zealand had won the second match in Hambantota on Tuesday after the first match was rained off.

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath claimed three wickets and off-break bowler Sachithra Senanayake took two as the tourists slumped to 63-6 by the 19th over.

James Neesham and Nathan McCullum smashed 63 for the seventh wicket in just 36 deliveries to lead a fightback before the umpires called off play. Neesham was unbeaten on 42 and McCullum was on 35 off 19 balls. Earlier, Tillakaratne Dilshan hit 53 and put on 91 for the first wicket with Mahela Jayawardene, before Sri Lanka slipped to 146-6 against the steady Black Caps attack.—AFP

Chile down England in friendly

champion Adam Scott will take a four-shot lead into the final round of the Australian Masters after another dominant round at Royal Melbourne on Saturday. The Augusta Masters winner leads a group of four— among them, Fijian former world number one Vijay Singh—as he bids for backto-back Australian tournament victories after winning last week’s Australian PGA title on the Gold Coast.

World number two Scott fired seven birdies and two bogeys in a five-under 66 to be on 14 under.

“It was a good round out there today for sure, it puts me in really good position for tomorrow,” Scott said. “If there’s enough holes with that quality of golf tomorrow, a good score is going to be out there for me. “I’m giving myself so many opportunities every round. If I do that, I’m going to make a few of CHILE: Alexis Sanchez of Chile scores a second goal past England’s goalkeeper Fraser Forster while England’s Chris Smalling looks on during their international friendly them (birdies).—AFP soccer match.

Forster and L ONDON —England’s World matches. England manager Fraser Cup preparations began with Roy Hodgson, meanwhile, will Southampton pair Adam a whimper on Friday as hope for a more impressive Lallana and Jay Rodriguez, Alexis Sanchez scored twice showing from his side against while Manchester United’s to give Chile a 2-0 victory in Germany next week, when he Phil Jones started at centrea low-key friendly game at is expected to name his stron- back. Chile were without inWembley Stadium. The in- gest starting line-up after shuf- jured midfielder Arturo Vidal KIEV—France are in serious form Barcelona forward fling his pack on Friday. “The and the visitors initially danger of missing out on the struck in the seventh minute experimenting does not totally looked set for a long night, World Cup finals for the first and again in injury time, tak- explain the result,” Hodgson with goalkeeper Claudio time in two decades after los- ing his tally of goals to 10 in said. “We played against a Bravo athletically repelling a ing 2-0 to Ukraine in Kiev in nine games for club and coun- very good team and from a header from Jones and then their play-off first leg on Fri- try and condemning England goal down, it was always go- preventing one of his defendday. Roman Zozulia gave the to defeat for the first time in ing to be difficult. “We came ers from putting through his back into the game well, but own goal. However, the visihome side a deserved lead in 11 matches.

Fifteen years after a 2-0 win Chile knew how to take the tors’ very first attack yielded the 61st minute and Andriy Yarmolenko scored from the on their last visit to Wembley, sting out of the game. There a goal, with Sanchez stealing penalty spot with eight min- Chile left with a spring in their were a lot of stoppages and to in front of Leighton Baines utes left after Laurent step ahead of Tuesday’s be frank, Chile were the better to head home Eugenio Mena’s left-wing cross at the Koscielny had brought friendly game with Brazil in team.”

Hodgson had handed end of an incisive counterdown Zozulia inside the area. Toronto, having extended their Arsenal defender own unbeaten run to 10 debuts to Celtic goalkeeper attack.—AFP Koscielny was then sent off following a clash with Oleksandr Kucher at the taking seven death, before the Ukrainian S YDNEY—England tuned up matches and helping England Bairstow defender was also dismissed for next week’s Ashes series pass a target of 148 with 16.2 catches in the match and provas tensions between the opener with a comfortable overs to spare and just before ing himself ready to take over teams spilled over. seven-wicket victory over the the onset of heavy rain. En- from Matt Prior should the the Nevertheless, Ukraine were Cricket Australia Invitational XI gland lost the wickets of skip- first-choice gloveman fail to worthy of their win and, hav- in Sydney on Saturday. The per Alastair Cook (21), recover from a torn calf in time ing denied France an away goal, tourists dodged showers to Carberry and Kevin Pietersen for the Brisbane Test. Boyd are now strong favourites to go claim their first win on their (6) in their pursuit of the win- Rankin finished with three for through to their second World Australian tour ahead of the first ning target with Ian Bell hit- 46 and Steven Finn three for Cup finals. France, meanwhile, of five Tests against Michael ting the winning runs to remain 88 in the Invitational XI’s secrun the very real risk of missing Clarke’s Australians in 33 not out off 30 balls and ond-innings 261 all out at Jonathan Trott unbeaten on lunch. Cook was bowled trya major tournament finals for Brisbane on Thursday. ing to cut a leg-break from the first time since the 1994 Opener Michael Carberry 38.

There were plenty of posi- James Muirhead, while World Cup in the United States scored 50 off 71 balls to ceunless they can turn the tie ment his claims for a second tives for England ahead of the Carberry completed his 69-ball around at home next Tues- Test cap after reaching half- opening Ashes Test with half-century with a coverday.—AFP centuries in all three warm-up backup wicketkeeper Jonny drive off Muirhead.—AFP

France could miss WC finals after Ukraine defeat

England’s seven wicket win tonic forAshes opener

DUBAI: Victorious South African team with the T20 trophy after beating Pakistan in the second T20.

Women may have harder concussion recovery than men

A

FTER a concussion, women tend to have worse symptoms than men.

That’s the case even when athletes were injured playing the same sport, according to a new study of young soccer players.

Some recent studies have found gender differences in memory and other symptoms after concussions, with women generally doing worse.

The new results support findings that women take longer to recover than men, Tracey Covassin said. She led the study at Michigan State University in East Lansing. “Results from this study may impact sports medicine clinicians on being more cautious when returning female concussed soccer athletes back to participation,” Covassin told Reuters Health.

“Moreover, healthcare professionals need to be aware that females could report more total concussion symptoms compared to male concussed athletes,” she added. The researchers looked at 39 male and 56 female soccer players who sustained a concussion. All were in high school or college.

The athletes took computer tests that measured their learning and memory skills, reaction time and physical symptoms before the soccer season started and again eight days after their concussion. On the preseason tests, men and women scored fairly similarly. But eight days after their concussions, women scored lower on a test that measures a person’s ability to remember visual images - 69 per-

cent, on average, compared to 77 percent among men. Scores on other thinking and memory tests were still comparable.

Women also reported more total symptoms post-concussion than men. Both men and women said they had minimal amounts of body pain or mood changes. But women reported migraines and sleep difficulties more than twice as often as men, according to results published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. “This study presents data from a large bank of injuries in a young population and those data will ultimately help answer some of the questions of how and why there are differences,” Susan Saliba said.

Saliba is a physical therapist, athletic trainer and associate professor at the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. She was not involved in this study. One very similar recent study did not find thinking and memory differences between men and women after a concussion.

The author of that study, Dr. Scott Zuckerman, was surprised the results did not align. “It’s a well-done study, and thorough, but we can’t draw global conclusions from the body of evidence yet,” Zuckerman, from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, told Reuters Health. The only difference in the studies was that this time, Covassin and her colleagues accounted for athletes’ body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight relative to height, in their results.

Advisor to the Prime Minister Khwaja Zaheer Ahmed presiding a meeting to review the Karachi Operation strategy at the office of Chief Secretary Sindh.

Unity and harmony among different sects stressed IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Pakistan was passing through critical situation, which could only be overcome with unity and sectarian harmony among different schools of thought. Islam was the religion of peace and there was no room in Islam for shedding blood of a Muslim on sectarian basis or otherwise while Islam had also ensured protection of the non-Muslims. Intolerance had penetrated deep in our minds that needed to be washed out so that we could play our role for putting the country on the path of progress.

This was stated by the member national assembly (MNA) Sajid Ahmed while talking to the newsmen during Moharram procession that was produced in Malir.

A view of damaged road on the way to Korangi Industrial area near Malir River which needs attention of the concerned authority.

9th Build Asia 2013 Exhibition & Conference from Nov 19

Resolution of goods transporters grievances KARACHI—Federal Minister agreed to accept the demands of

for Ports and Shipping Kamran the transporters including pay-

KARACHI—The 9th Build Asia Micheal has assured that the ment of compensation for their 2013 International Exhibition and Conference will be held here at the Expo Centre from November 19.

The three-day event will be organized by the Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan, said a press release on Saturday.

Speaker of Sindh Assembly, Agha Siraj Khan Durrani, will be the chief guest at the inaugural session.

The event will feature over 85 exhibitors ranging from major suppliers to regional agents and distributors.—APP

grievances of the goods transporters would be resolved as early as possible.

The assurance was given by the Minister in a meeting with the representatives of United Goods Transporters Alliance here on Saturday.

The demands of the goods transporters were discussed in the meeting which was also attended by MNA Humayun Khan.

The Minister informed that the Federal as well as provincial governments in principle have

burnt vehicles, cut in tax, allotment of land by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and provision of security on roads to their vehicles.

It may be mentioned here that the strike of goods transporters entered 11th day on Saturday and the industrial activities have been affected badly due to non- transportation of raw material from the ports.

The strike call was given by the United Goods Transporters Alliance for acceptance of their demands.—APP

IGP for security measures on Imam Hussain’s Soyem KARACHI—Inspector General of Police Sindh Shahid Nadeem Baloch has directed the police officials to take concrete security measures on the Soyem of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) to be observed on Sunday (today) keeping in line with the measures remained in place from the first to tenth of Muharram.

According to a press release issued by the police department, the IGP instructed that under proactive policing measures, police force should be deployed to guard the Majalis and processions taken out on that day and police mobile and motorcycle patrolling should also be conducted to further fortify security arrangements.

Other measures including picketing, snap checking, surveillance of entry and exit points, intelligence collection and sharing should be given special attention.—APP

PM’s Advisor stresses need for proper investigation K ARACHI —Advisor to the Prime Minister Khawja Zaheer Ahmed has stressed the need for proper investigation and conviction of the accused, arrested during the targeted operation, for permanent peace in Karachi.

This he said while attending a briefing on law and order at the office of Sindh Chief Secretary here Saturday. He said there should be no injustice with any-

one during the operation and it should be carried out as per ground realities and free from doubts and confusion.

He directed that prosecution of the cases should be carried out as per law to make the operation free from doubts and confusion.

Sindh Chief Secretary Sajjad Saleem Hotiana, Director General Rangers Major Gen-

eral Rizwan Akhtar, IGP Sindh Shahid Nadeem Baloch, AIGP, Karachi, Shahid Hayat and Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui also attended the briefing, arranged by the Additional Secretary (Home).

The meeting also discussed different matters related to targeted operation and performance of Anti-Terrorism Courts in Sindh.—APP

Youm-e-Ashur observed with religious fervour K ARACHI—Youm-e-Ashure, merged into the main mourning religious scholar highlighted the the 10th of first Islamic month Muharram-ul-Haram was observed amid unprecedented security arrangements with due solemnity to mark the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions, here on Friday. The main procession of Youm-e-Ashure was taken out from Nishter Park here, under strict security arrangements including aerial surveillance by helicopter.

Earlier, the participants of procession attended a Majlis at Nishter Park, where Maulana Shahanshah Hussain Naqvi shed light on the importance of Youme-Ashure.

The participants of the procession offered Juma prayers led

by Maulana Ghulam Abbas at Imambargah Ali Raza, M.A. Jinnah Road, near Numaish Chowrangi.

Various small processions which were taken out from different parts of Karachi also

procession.

Mourners beat their chests, beat their backs with chains and walked over smouldering coal to express their mournful sentiment over the supreme sacrifice offered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in all the processions taken out.

Zuljinah accompanied the various processions. So did several artfully made “Tazias”. The main procession, after passing through its traditional route of Nishter Park, Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Road, Mehfil-e-Shah- eKhurasan, M.A. Jinnah Road, Mansfield Street, Preedy Street, again M.A. Jinnah Road, Boulton Market, Bombay Bazar, Kharadar, Nawab Mahabat Khanjee Road culminated peacefully at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah,Kharadar.

At the end of the main procession, addressing the Majlis Sham-e-Gharibaan, a prominent

significance of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions. Strict security arrangements were made by the law enforcers along the whole route of the main Ashura-eMuharram procession. Cellular phones services were shut and pillion riding was also banned as a precaution against their misuse by anti-social elements.

Besides a heavy contingent of police, around 8500 rangers personnel were deployed for Muharram security in Karachi.

Total 376 majalis and 134 mourning processions were organised in the largest city of the country.

Volunteers of scouts organisations protected the procession from any intrusion by forming a rope barrier around its head. The scouts bodies’ volunteers also coordinated with police, rangers and other law enforcement agencies to control law and order situation.—APP

Moderates commemorates International Day for Tolerance AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—The International Day for Tolerance (16 November) was commemorated by Moderates – a private sector Think Tank dedicated to strengthening tolerance, interfaith harmony and democracy.

The International Day for Tolerance is an annual observance declared by UNESCO in 1995 to focus world attention on the dangers of intolerance.

The Board of Directors of Moderates also met to discuss the need to promote awareness

about accepting religious differences between people.

Syed Jawaid Iqbal, Chairman Moderates, said that it is a great coincidence that the Ashura is followed by the International Day for Tolerance and commended the emphasis laid by the government on tolerance to ensure security during Muharram. He said that the month of Muharram was truly symbolic of the tolerance that we exercise towards each others’ religious values.

Jawaid suggested that the government should increase its

efforts towards raising public awareness about tolerance and also take concrete measures to promote the concept of interfaith harmony.

Tolerance and respect towards other religious beliefs is of significant value in Islam.

The Holy Quran says: “To you your religion; and to me my religion”. Tolerance was a prime element in the very basis of Quaid-e-Azam’s vision for Pakistan as well. Whileaddressing the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, the Quaid had said: “You are free to go to your

temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the state.”

Dr. Azmat Mumtaz Khan, a member of the Moderates Board of Directors, hoped the government would continue to stress on tolerance even after Muharram and recommended that emphasis on tolerance towards other faiths should be a cornerstone of the national KARACHI: Mourners offering Zohrain prayers during the procession on 10th of policy.

Muharramul Haram.—PO photo by Sultan Chaki

Governor lauds law enforcers for ensuring security on Ashura KARACHI—Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan on Saturday lauded the security measures taken by police, rangers and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in the entire province to maintain peace on Ashura.

The Governor, in a statement here, also appreciated the role of Ulema of various schools of thought who promoted religious harmony, which helped the administration in maintaining peace during the Ashura.

He appreciated the efficient hardwork done by police and Rangers personnel under the command of Inspector General of Police, Sindh and Director General, Rangers (Sindh) for maintenance of a peaceful atmosphere during Ashura in entire province.—APP

Pillion riding ban extended for two days CITY REPORTER K ARACHI —The Sindh government has extended ban on pillion riding for two more days till Sunday, said a statement issued by the provincial government.

The ban was imposed by the Sindh Home Department as part of security arrangements for the 9th and 10th Muharram.

However it decided to intact the ban for two more days over security concerns.

A high-level meeting of the top security officials was held in Karachi after conclusion of Muharram 10 processions on Friday to ponder over security arrangements and ban on pillion riding. The meeting expressed satisfaction over the performance of security men and decided to continue ban on pillion riding for two more days till end of the Soyem.

The Chief Secretary of Sindh issued notification, after the meeting, of two-day extension of pillion riding ban in the province.

Women may have harder concussion recovery than men

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FTER a concussion, women tend to have worse symptoms than men. That’s the case even when athletes were injured playing the same sport, according to a new study of young soccer players. Some recent studies have found gender differences in memory and other symptoms after concussions, with women generally doing worse.

The new results support findings that women take longer to recover than men, Tracey Covassin said. She led the study at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

“Results from this study may impact sports medicine clinicians on being more cautious when returning female concussed soccer athletes back to participation,” Covassin told Reuters Health.

“Moreover, healthcare professionals need to be aware that females could report more total concussion symptoms compared to male concussed athletes,” she added. The researchers looked at 39 male and 56 female soccer players who sustained a concussion. All were in high school or college.

The athletes took computer tests that measured their learning and memory skills, reaction time and physical symptoms before the soccer season started and again eight days after their concussion. On the preseason tests, men and women scored fairly similarly. But eight days after their concussions, women scored lower on a test that measures a person’s ability to remember visual images - 69 percent,

on average, compared to 77 percent among men. Scores on other thinking and memory tests were still comparable.

Women also reported more total symptoms post-concussion than men. Both men and women said they had minimal amounts of body pain or mood changes. But women reported migraines and sleep difficulties more than twice as often as men, according to results published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. “This study presents data from a large bank of injuries in a young population and those data will ultimately help answer some of the questions of how and why there are differences,” Susan Saliba said.

Saliba is a physical therapist, athletic trainer and associate professor at the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. She was not involved in this study. One very similar recent study did not find thinking and memory differences between men and women after a concussion.

The author of that study, Dr. Scott Zuckerman, was surprised the results did not align. “It’s a well-done study, and thorough, but we can’t draw global conclusions from the body of evidence yet,” Zuckerman, from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, told Reuters Health. The only difference in the studies was that this time, Covassin and her colleagues accounted for athletes’ body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight relative to height, in their results.

Mourners touching the Zuljinnah during the main Zuljinnah procession on 10th of Muharram ul Harram Inside Old City, Rang Mahal.

Rescuers services on Ashura acknowledged CITY REPORTER LAHORE—The Director General, Emergency Services (Rescue 1122) Dr. Rizwan Naseer appreciated the efforts of Emergency Ambulance, Rescue & Fire staff, whose leaves had been cancelled and they remained on duty for providing emergency services to the mourners in the processions and majalis.

The responsibility of Rescue 1122 increased two fold as they not only had to respond to the routine emergencies but also remain present around the Muharram processions. In this regard, staff of all shifts was asked to report to the

stations and perform extra duties.

The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) provided first aid to 17699 mourners and shifted 294 mourners to different hospitals in Punjab, besides responding to 1924 routine emergencies including 571 road traffic crashes, 813 medical cases, 49 fire incidents, 431 other nature of emergencies. The activities of the districts were monitored by the Director General from the Provincial Monitoring Cell. He presided over a debriefing meeting at Rescue 1122’s Headquarters on Saturday, participated by rescue officers. The Director (Admin) Brig Dr. Arshad Zia briefed the Direc-

tor General that the Service provided emergency cover to the mourning processions in Punjab, as many as 8500 Rescuers along with 793 volunteers performed duties on this occasion. He specially appreciated the rescuers of Rawalpindi who even during physical violence, protest, and firing continued to do fire fighting and providing emergency care to the victims of clash between religious groups.

The Provincial Monitoring Cell further briefed that Rescue 1122 remained on high alert and rescuers provided emergency cover to the majalis and processions on 9th & 10th of Muharram.

Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar called on Governor Punjab Ch. Muhammad Sarwar at Governor House.

Security beefed up LAHORE—Capital City Police Officer Ch Shafiq Ahmad has beefed up security in the provincial metropolis after the Rawalpindi incident.

Presiding over a meeting in Police Lines Qilla Gujjar Singh on Saturday, he directed all SPs, DSPs and SHOs to remain in their respective areas and continue the security duty in the city like Ashura.

He expressed satisfaction on the performance of police during Ashura and hoped that they would continue their duty to maintain law and order.

He said that all staff of the investigation wing would remain in the field and cooperate with the operations wing for security and directed all divisional SPs, SDPOs and SHOs to depute more police force in sensitive Imambarghas and mosques in their areas.—APP

Youm-e-Ashur observed with religious fervour LAHORE—The main Zul Jinnah lives in Karbala for the cause of different parts of the city.

procession of the city culminated peacefully at Karbala Gamay Shah here on Friday at 8:35 pm.

While, a large number of the faithful paid rich homage and offered Fateha for their forefathers and other late relatives at graveyards in the city throughout the day of 10th Muharramul Haram.

The main mourning procession, which was appeared from Nisar Haveli, Mochi Gate at 10:45pm on Thursday last, marched through its traditional route including Kashmiri Bazaar, Masjid Wazir Khan, Rang Mahal, Paniwala Talab, Bazaar Hakiman, Taksali and Bhati Gate.

During the procession, the mourners held Majalis-e-Azadari at main chowks of the route and also flagellated themselves to extheir deep sentiments and LAHORE—Thirty four new cases press aspirations with Hazrat Imam of dengue were reported from the Hussain (RA) and his compancity hospitals of Punjab during the ions, who laid down even their last 24 hours. With new cases, the total number of dengue affected persons across Punjab has mounted to 1832.

Meanwhile, the citizens have expressed their concern over the surge in dengue virus and treatment facilities at government-run hospitals across the province.

They urged the provincial gov- LAHORE—More than 2,000 Inernment and health authorities for dian sikh yatrees arrived here on taking on ground steps to control the Friday by special trains to celdisease instead of making tall claims ebrate the 544th birth anniverand issuing statements to satisfy the sary of Guru Nanak Dev Jee. Additional Secretary Shrine, masses.

Dengue usually starts with fe- Evacuee Trust Property Board ver within four to seven days of the (ETPB) Khalid Ali, President mosquito bite. The patient would Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Committee have flu-like high fever, accompa- Parbandhak (PSGPC) Sardar Sham Singh nied by muscular and joint pains.

According to the doctors, it is and other officials received the easy to differentiate between viral sikh yatrees at Wahga railway fever and dengue. In viral infection, station.

Pakistan Rangers and police the patient would have running nose, throat pain, mild body ache and department made foolproof security arrangements for them weakness. —NNI while immigration, customs, bank and medical departments had setup special counters to fa-

34 new dengue cases confirmed

justice, righteousness and elevation of Islam.

While, Anjuman Shiiti Haider-e-Karar and other Shiiti organisations made arrangements to facilitate the mourners by serving them meal, beverages, tea and milk along side the procession’s route.

The law enforcement agencies made elaborate security arrangements to ensure full protection to the participants of the procession as well as the public and private property.

At the end point of Karbala Gamey Shah, the particpants of the mourning procession started Shaam-e-Ghariban.

Meanwhile, mourning processions and Majalis-e-Azadari were also held in all the Imambargahs including Imambargah Gulshan-e-Zahra Bhekewal Mor, Bibi Pak Damiyan Empress Road, Qasre-Batool Shadman Colony, Khaima-e-Sadaat Islampura in

2,000 sikh yatrees arrive cilities the sikh pilgrims at Wahga Railway Station.

Expressing their views at Wahga Station, the yatrees appreciated the security and other arrangements made by the government of Pakistan.

Soon after their arrival at Wahga Railway station, the sikh yatrees left for Nankana Sahib where they will perform rituals.

During their stay, they will leave for Sucha Sauda, Farooqabad, Punja Sahib Hassanabdal, Dera Sahib Lahore, Rohari Sahib and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib to perform rituals.

The sikh yatrees will return home on November 24.—APP

Nohas were recited throughout the processions’ journey paying homage to the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions at Karbala. Zakirs and orators also held the Majalis to highlight the patience and commitment of these sacred personalities.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Khan Baig visited Karbala Gamey Shah and inspected the security arrangements made for main procession of 10th Muharram. The police chief also visited the route of main procession and directed the police officers to implement the security plan strictly. The IGP said that about 125,000 policemen had been deputed at processions routes and Majalis in the province to provide security cover to the participants.

He said that close circuit cameras had been installed at procession routes while special monitoring cells had also been set up to keep vigil on suspects.—APP

Hajvery University hosts a lecture by British MP OBSERVER REPORT LAHORE—Hajvery University (HU) hosted a lecture on Entrepreneurship by Mr. Anas Sarwar, Member British Parliament.

Mr. Anas Sarwar in an inspiring and motivational speech on the challenges of being Entrepreneur and the positive role that youth can play for a progressive Pakistan.

He spoke on how he saw things from abroad, being a Muslim and a Pakistani by origin and gave tips on how to face our current challenges.

The students evinced keen interest in his address.

CS inquires after health of dengue patients SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Chief Secretary Punjab Naveed Akram Cheema has said that vigorous measures have been taken by the government for the treatment of dengue patients in the hospitals and eradication of dengue.

He said that diagnostic and treatment facilities are being provided free of cost. He asked the people to play their active role for checking the breeding of dengue mosquito.

He said this during his visit to Mayo Hospital on 10th Muharram while talking to the attendants and inquiring after the dengue patients. Advisor to Chief Minister on Health Kh. Salman Rafique, Special Secre-

tary Health Babar Hayat Tarar, Vice Chancellor King Edward Medical University Prof. Dr. Faisal Masood, Secretary Information Momin Ali Agha, Director General Health Punjab Dr. Zahid Pervaiz and focal person on dengue Dr. Tahir Khalil were also present on the occasion.

The Chief Secretary inquired after patients and while talking about dengue awareness said that controlling breeding of dengue mosquito inside houses is very important.

He stressed upon the people not to let accumulate water in their houses and eliminate hotspots of dengue breeding.

Naveed Akram Cheema inquired from the patients and their attendants about the medical facilities

upon which patients while expressing their satisfaction over provision of free treatment facilities thanked Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.

He also inquired about the health of two youth injured due to “zanjeer zani” under treatment in emergency ward. He also reviewed the arrangements of emergency treatment facilities.

Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary along with Advisor Health, Special Secretary, Secretary Information, DG Health and other concerned officers also checked the indoor dengue surveillance teams engaged in the work of eradicating dengue and creating awareness at Gulshan Ravi Bund Road. He also enquired from the

residents of the area about the government measures, upon which, they informed that spray has been carried out while awareness regarding dengue is being created. The Chief Secretary also reviewed the performance of indoor teams comprising nursing students and appreciated their performance.

He said that despite holiday on 10th Muharram, they are performing their duty which is a great national service. He said that Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and the entire government machinery are engaged in anti-dengue activities and expressed the hope that the situation will soon be overSikh Yatrees waiting their turn for immigration clearance at Wahga Railway Station to come. attend birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Jee.

Traffic police register cases against 509 during Ashura LAHORE—City traffic police registered cases against 509 persons for violation of pillion riding on Muharram 9 and 10.

CTO Lahore Sohail Chudhry said they had also registered cases against 2,320 motorcycles without number plates and 1,452 vehicles for tinted glasses.

He said a crackdown would continue against vehicles with tinted glasses and motorcycles without number plates. He appreciated the performance traffic officials who performed duties during Ashura.—APP

Faithful pay homage to late relatives LAHORE—A large number of faithful paid homage and offered Fateha for their forefathers and other late relatives, while visiting the respective graveyards in the city throughout the day of 10th Muharramul Haram (Friday).

Keeping in view the religious importance of the Youm-e-Ashura (10th Muharramal Haram), the faithful laid floral wreath, and put rose petals and datepalm leaves on their graves, besides filling the fixed pots at graveyards with pulses and water to feed the pigeons and other birds.

Many moving moments were witnessed at the graveyards when the faithful remembered their departed relatives with tearing eyes and recalling their sweet memories. They also offered Fateha Khuwani and recitation from the Holy Quran for the departed souls as well as sought forgiveness, eternal peace and best niche in the paradise from Allah Almighty.

There was a great deal of rush at the Mian Mir Graveyard, Miani Sahib Graveyard, Firdosia Graveyard, Mominpura Graveyard and other large and small graveyards in various localities of the metropolitan city.

Meanwhile, the rose petals and other relevant commodities sellers around the graveyards made best businesses, while taking advantage of the day and sensing the need and obligations of the faithful.—APP