Ep18july2014

Plot to attack Prime Minister’s Raiwind house thwarted

Security official, two militants killed in 10-hour long battle MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—Law enforcement agencies successfully thwarted an alleged plot of targeting Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif ’s residence at Raiwind by launching a 10-hour long fierce target

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Contempt plea against Imran Khan filed in SC STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—A contempt of court petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chairman Imran Khan. The petition was filed by Naseer Kayani, president of District Bar Islamabad.

In his petition, it was stated that Imran Khan has been targeting judiciary during his speeches and interviews, adding that undue criticism falls under contempt of court. The petitioner also said that Imran Khan had been using critical and derogatory remarks against the judges.

The petitioner requested the court to take action against Imran Khan under Article 204 of the constitution.

It is to be noted that Pakistan’s top court issued a contempt of court notice to Imran Khan last year over his derogatory remarks against the Judiciary and the judges.

He was summoned before the apex court on August 2, 2013. However, later SC discharged contempt of court notice against him.

Four day Eid holidays announced STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The Federal government on Thursday announced a four-day holiday on account of Eidul Fitr.

According to a notification issued by the Federal Ministry of Interior, the holidays would begin from July 29 till August 1.

A meeting of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee would take place on July 29 to sight Zilhaj crescent, which would be attended by religious scholars and experts of Pakistan Meteorological Department.

Avoid operation as such in Lahore

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Tribals’ decisive support to Army ................................................

Israel inducts navy to crush Gaza

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of targeting Prime Minister’s house and in this regard, Law Minister Punjab Rana Mashhood claimed that terrorists killed and captured by security forces in Raiwind wanted to target Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s residence.

According to the police report, the

clash between the security forces and militants began at around 2am at the wee hours of the Thursday night when security forces started a search operation leaving a security official dead and three policemen injured while one

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Malaysian jet with 295 down in Ukraine

Afghan polls audit starts KABUL—Afghanistan on Thursday began a massive audit of 8.1 million ballots cast in the run-off round of its controversial presidential vote, hours after a brazen Taleban raid on Kabul’s airport.

The audit is aimed at reversing a destabilising political crisis that has threatened to widen the country’s ethnic fissures as foreign troops prepare to withdraw after more than a decade of war.

Some 23,000 ballot boxes are being transported by the Afghan army and Nato forces to the capital, where they will be examined at 100 verification stations.

“The audit will take two

operation against the militants hiding inside a house situated at Arayian village, virtually two and half kilometer away from PM’s Raiwind Palace on Thursday.

The Punjab government officially confirmed the report of alleged plotting

Govt, separatists deny involvement in plane’s destruction Premier Najib shocked, launches investigation GRABOVO—A Malaysian airliner was

RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was presented guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army on arrival at GHQ. The PM and COAS returning salute.

PM visits GHQ, receives briefing on operation

Nation stands behind Forces in fight against terrorists: Nawaz ISLAMABAD —Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Thursday said the whole nation stood behind the country’s Armed Forces who were valiantly waging the battle to bring peace and stability to the country.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during his visit to the General Headquarters of the Pakistan Army to get an update on the progress on the Operation Zarb-e-Azb and to pay his respects at the Martyrs Monument (Yadgar-e-Shuhada).

He said the Operation Zarb-e-Azb was meant to establish the writ of the state and expressed the resolve that the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and the intelligence services would continue to work till the elimination of the terrorists from its territory.

According to the PM House, the Prime Minister, accompanied with Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif, Minister for Interior Ch. Nisar, Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatmi, were briefed on the progress of Operation Zarb-e- Azb and its related stages by the Director General Military Operations.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the progress of the operation and said the Pakistan Army was achieving the intended objectives at the desired pace.

The meeting noted with appreciation the successful anti-terror operation in Lahore earlier in the day by the police, on a tip-off by a national intelligence agency.

The meeting noted with concern that there was an issue of effectively prosecuting terrorists in the courts of law as terrorists were not getting convictions which has negative impact on the efforts of the security forces in war on terror. It was agreed that the forces will get full legal backing.

The Prime Minister assured that the government gave high priority to national security and said the Army will be fully equipped and provided all requisite resources to fight this war.

He appreciated Pakistan Army for providing security to the Chinese workers on different projects across the country.

The Prime Minister also directed that damage assessment of the area be carried out for better and planned resource allocation and for

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Twin Hangu blasts leave six dead, four injured TARIQ SAEED PESHAWAR—Twin explosions in Hungu district on Thursday morning left at least six people including four kids dead and four others seriously wounded.

Three of the killed children are reported to be siblings.

Reports reaching here said some unknown miscreants had planted a locally made explo-

sive device in Dorri Banda area residential area on Zargerri road some 30 kilometers from Hangu City at the converge of Hangu and Aurakzai agency Thursday morning, that went off with a big bang though causing no casualties. As the people from the nearby houses gathered at the site of the blast, another explosion took place

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Monetary policy tomorrow AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—A 50bps cut in interest rate by the State Bank of Pakistan is strongly believed when it reviews the Monetary Policy for next two months on July 19, at this week end.

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Dar directs removal of Pak-Iran trade snags Urges UK companies to do business in Pakistan ISLAMABAD—The Finance Minister Senator are avenues which can be followed for trading Ishaq Dar chaired an inter-ministerial meeting on facilitating PakistanIran trade, within the ambit of UN sanctions, at the Finance Ministry on Thursday.

Finance Secretary Dr. Waqar Masood briefed the participants on the decisions made in the last meting held on July 5, 2014 and progress made so far. He informed that in consultation with all the stakeholders, there

with Iran on non prescribed items and through non sanctioned entities.

He said that NTDC is willing to clear outstanding dues of Iran on account of supply of electricity to border areas and in this regard, Commerce Ministry is taking appropriate steps for commodity exchange. It was further informed that Iran has already laid down transmission lines up to their border for possible power supply to Gwadar and adjoining towns.

Secretary Commerce informed the Finance Minister that consul-

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brought down over eastern Ukraine on Thursday, killing all 295 people aboard and sharply raising stakes in a conflict between Kiev and pro-Moscow rebels in which Russia and the West back opposing sides.

Ukraine accused “terrorists” - militants fighting to unite eastern Ukraine with Russia - of shooting down the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 with a heavy, Sovietera ground-to-air missile as it flew from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

Leaders of rebels in the Donetsk People’s Republic denied any involvement, although around the same time their military commander said his forces had downed a much smaller Ukrainian transport plane - their third such kill this week.

Reuters journalists saw burning and charred wreckage bearing the red and blue Malaysia insignia and dozens of bodies strewn in fields near the village of Grabovo, 40 km from the Russian border near the rebel-held regional capital of Donetsk.

The scale of the disaster affecting scores of foreigners could prove a turning point for international pressure to resolve a crisis that has claimed hundreds of lives in Ukraine since pro-Western protests toppled the Moscow-backed president in Kiev in February and Russia annexed Crimea a month later.

As word came in of what Ukraine’s Western-backed president called a “terrorist attack”, the Russian and US leaders, Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama, were discussing a new round of economic sanctions that Washington and its EU partners imposed on Moscow on Wednesday to try to force Putin to do more to curb the revolt against the Western-backed government in Kiev.

They noted the early reports during their telephone call, the White House said, adding that Obama warned of further sanctions if Moscow did not change course in Ukraine.

Malaysia Airlines said air traffic con-

trollers lost contact with flight MH-17 at 1415 GMT as it flew over eastern Ukraine towards the Russian border, bound for Asia with 280 passengers and 15 crew aboard. Flight tracking data indicated it was at its cruising altitude of 33,000 feet when it disappeared.

An emergency services rescue worker said at least 100 bodies had so far been found at the scene, near the village of Grabovo, and that debris from the wreckage was spread across an area up to about 15 km (nine miles) in diameter.

Broken pieces of the wings were marked with blue and red paint - the same colours as the emblem of the Malaysian airline which lost track of a Boeing 777 en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

“I was working in the field on my tractor when I heard the sound of a plane and then a bang and shots. Then I saw the plane hit the ground and break in two. There was

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Lahore tragedy: Worried relatives still await justice L AHORE —Pakistan Muslim League tragedy because in his presence no First Information Report (FIR) of vic-

(PML) senior central leader and former govt functionary could dare to tims heirs’ of the incident was still not registered by the police. He blamed Deputy Prime Minister Ch Parvez Elahi stand witness against him.

He said full month has lapsed to- police for the entire carnage that has said that one month has lapsed after Model Town tragedy but neither day but Shahbaz Sharif was sticking claimed over two dozen lives, most of police has registered the FIR nor Chief to his office quite daringly because t h e m Minister Shahbaz Sharif has tendered Shahbaz Sharif knew well that the mo- P A T his resignation, nor High Court or the ment he left his office, the govt func- supportSupreme Court taken its sou moto no- tionaries themselves would appear ers including tice and oppressed and worried rela- before the courts with evidence.

Ch Parvez Elahi said if the rulers women. tives were looking towards judiciary think that they would succeed in put- Dr. Qadri for justice.

In a statement Thursday, the PML ting the matter under the carpet then it a s k e d leader said that the police was trying was merely their wishful thinking, w h y to brush aside the matter because blood of the Model Town tragedy Shahbaz Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was martyrs would not go waste and the S h a r i f himself involved in this tragedy and nation would get rid of these brutal did not on his orders innocent people were and barbaric rulers soon, Insha-Allah. resign as Meanwhile, Pakistan Awami he was HYDERABAD: Supporters of Jamatud Dawa set on fire the US and Israeli flags during a protest demonstration bathed in blood.

Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr. Tahirul Qadri c h i e f He said parties attending the All against continued Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Parties Conference (APC) had said Thursday that Prime Minister culprit behind Model Town incident. stated unanimously in their decla- Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister He told his party workers that sacriration that till Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif will have to pay fice of PAT activists would not go in vain and those responsible for the inShahbaz Sharif resigned his office, price for the Model Town incident.

In a message released after a month cident would be brought to book.— no proper and justifiable inquiry could be held in the Model Town of Model Town tragedy, Dr. Qadri said NNI F A I S A L A B A D — Wa f a q i of Federal Ombudsman in De- Aleem, Rasheed Khan Kundi, Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Sec- cember 2012, at that time there Adalat Khan, Shahid Zia pendency of 6,486 com- Cheema, Shah Shahib, Ms. SKARDU—The session court retariat, Regional Office, was plaints registered with Re- Zaryab Mussrat alongwith Faisalabad, on the special dion Wednesday handed over gional Office, Faisalabad. local investigation officer. five accused involved in cor- rection of Federal OmbudsHe said, according to staResultantly, this has proman of Pakistan M. Salman ruption to Federal Investigatistics of the Regional Office, vided relief to thousands of tion Agency on three-day Faruqui, has decided all the additional 2,627 complaints complainants of this region.

9,113 complaints filed up to remand. were also lodged during the Most of the complaints filed The accused stated to be December 31, 2013.

This was stated by Dr Tariq year 2013 and to date, all cases were against WAPDA (its S WABI —Speaker Khyber STAFF REPORTER employees of Skardu educaAssembly registered up to 2013 had been companies FESCO/MEPCO), Pakhtunkhwa tion department were ar- Sardar, Director General/In- decided by the Special team SNGPL, EOABI, FIA, Asad Qaisar Thursday said rested proved guilty in mis- charge Faisalabad Regional of Advisors namely, Hafiz NADRA, Passport, Pakistan that tenders for all the devel- I SLAMABAD —Pakistan Telecommunication Authority PESHAWAR—Govt of KP is appropriation of National Office while speaking at a press Ahsan Ahmad Khokhar Reg- Post Office, SLIC, DAO, PIA opment schemes would be (PTA) alongwith Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has very keen to go ahead toVocational and Technical conference here on Thursday. istrar Wafaqi Mohtasib, Ali and Evacuee Trust Property floated through open tenders conducted a successful raid in Lahore and seized a func- wards uniform system of Education Commission He told that when M. Salman Arif, Jawed Akther, Saqib Board etc, he added.—APP and warned of strict action tional illegal gateway exchange. education. In this connecFaruqui assumed the charge (NVTEC) project funds. against responsible officials According to details, teams through combined efforts, tion, a consultative workThe detained culprits if found involved in taking carried out a raid at House No. 2/34, Street No. 2 Ahata shop was arranged in PC were presented before the bribe in the award of tenders Malik Muhammad Din Faiz Bag, Lahore where an opera- Peshawar. district and session judge Representation of prito the blue eyed contractors. tional illegal gateway exchange alongwith laptop, VSAT who gave them into FIA The corrupt officials dish and approximately 2000 SIMs of all mobile operators vate and public sector was custody on three-day judiwould made ‘Nishan e Ebrat’ were confiscated. One person was arrested on the spot very much encouraging. cial remand.—INP During this workshop, in the province, he said this and is in custody of FIA for further investigation. while addressing a gathering It may be added that PTA is observing the interna- Minister Education exof elites in his home con- tional traffic coming in to the country, round the clock. It is plained participants restituency Marghuz village, in done to identify the illegal gateway exchanges and track garding the importance of the subject. tehsil Topi. He told the people the elements operating them.

He further elaborated the that a network of the develPTA’s Enforcement Division, with the support of Zonal opment t schemes would be Directorates, is vigilant and making efforts to curb the grey concept of uniform education system and committed spread across the province. traffic in the country.

Asad Qaisar said there Chagai: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested two to his cause.

STAFF REPORTER During the group work, was no dearth of develop- persons for producing fake passports at zero gate at Pakparticipants explored chalment funds in the province Iran border in Taftan, on Thursday.

ISLAMABAD—Universal Seradding judicious utilization Officials said that Maqsood Ahmed, a resident of Sialkot lenges, opportunities and vice Fund (USF) has made a of the funds would ensure was trying to enter Iran while producing fake passport.He came up with recommendalandmark achievement by transparency in the execu- was taken into custody.Another person, a resident of tions. disbursing subsidy of Rs. 4.2 Minister assured to tion of the projects which will Shikarpur was arrested when he produced a fake passport billion in FY 2013-14 for its make these recommendacertainly promote confidence to FIA officials at the border gate when he returned back projects to provide telecom of the elected representa- from Iran.The two arrested accused were shifted to Quetta tions a part of policy reservices across the length forms. tives in the uplift schemes. where they were being interrogated.—APP and breadth of the country.

He said that officials of the It is pertinent to mention nation building departments here that this is so far the highest amount of subsidy FAISALABAD: Blind students of Al-Faisal Nabena (Blind) Center protesting in favour have already been told that there would be no comprodisbursed in any financial of their demands at Bilal Chowk. mise on the quality of the year by USF since its estabconstruction work and have lishment. been asked to keep a close It’s only been possible vigil on the projects. with the untiring efforts of the He said execution of deUSF Board of Directors and USF that the USF Projects ISLAMABAD—The Waseela- the UK Government (DfID) in departments for their coop- velopment projects in the embodying the provision of e-Taleem (WeT) programme Pakistan and Alexis Ferrand, eration and support in province delayed due to basic telephony and data ser- running under Benazir In- Group Head, Economic achieving the common ob- consultancy process howvices, broadband in un- come Support Programme Growth Group were part of the jective of maximizing the ever, he added it was necesserved urban areas, Optic Fi- (BISP) has been expanded to delegation while Shabbir enrollments for primary sary to plug the ways of corber to connect un-served 27 additional districts after Ahmed, Secretary BISP and education and attainment ruption and other irregularitehsils and e-services are cre- successful completion of its concerned officials were also of Pakistan’s Millennium ties. The people would feel ating immense socio-eco- test project in five districts present during the meeting. Development Goals com- a change in their lives due to better policies of the PTI nomic opportunities and of the country.

Baig apprised the del- mitment. playing a beneficial role in The Chairman said the government. He also urged BISP is committed to en- egation that under the Conimproving the lives of people roll one million children in ditional Cash Transfer Prime Minister of Pakistan the PTI workers and office bearers to consult elders of all over the country. schools through this project, (CCT), BISP has released Mian Muhammad Nawaz their areas in the implemenSo far, in Rural Telecom said Chairman BISP first payment of Rs. 84.114 Sharif is aspiring to take tation of the projects.

Programme, USF has aggres- Muhammad Enver Baig in a million to eighteen thousand BISP a step further in proHe told the people that sively been working to pro- meeting with a delegation of six hundred and sixty two viding relief to the impovervide basic telephony and Department of International beneficiaries of WeT initia- ished and vulnerable seg- execution of development projects would get a boost data services in almost 4,000 Development (DFID) of tive in May. ments of our society. muzas which include areas United Kingdom Government.

He informed that under He added that through after Eid ul Fitre and impressed upon the PTI workwhere people had to walk Judith Herbertson, Act- the initiative, launched vocational training and job ers to form Jirga system for CHITRAL: A view of dilapidated wooden bridge condition in the world’s most attractive kilometers to make a single ing Head of Department for with DfID’s support, BISP placements, BISP beneficiaresolution of petty nature and full of mysteries culture, traditions, religious practice and other wonderful qualiphone call.

International Development of has already signed Memo- ries will be graduating out problems.—APP ties of Kailash Valley. randum of Understandings of the Programme by earn(MoUs) with all the provin- ing a sustainable livelicial and regional education hood.—APP

Five govt employees handed over to FIA

Govt to strengthen Wafaqi Mohtasib

Development schemes to be tendered

USF disburses Rs4.2b subsidy on telecom projects

WeT expands to 27 additional districts

2 held for fake passports in Taftan

PTA raids on illegal gateway exchange

Uniform education system in KP

PESCO faces Rs 3b monthly loss for power theft: Hasan PESHAWAR—Chief Engineer Peshawar Elec- ness amongst the public especially

PESHAWAR: Speaker Assembly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Asad Qaiser distributing food items among the IDPs of NWA at Haji Camp.

11,545 more NWA IDPs registered NDMA continues relief assistance I SLAMABAD —The National Disaster Management Authority continues to provide relief assistance to the IDPs in Bannu and D.I Khan regions. According to Radio Pakistan quoting NDMA sources that the number of registered families of IDPs has risen to eighty three thousand five hundred and ninety.

Pak Army and United Arab Emirates have so far jointly distributed sixty eight thousand nine hundred (68,900) food packets while the world food programme has provided more than forty two thousand food packets among the IDPs. They said mobile Sims have so far been issued to 42000 IDPs. 37047 mobile Sims have so far been activated.

The sources added that financial assistance announced by the Punjab government at seven thousands rupees per family has also been disbursed among IDPs through mobile Sims. Meanwhile, it is reported that one thousand eight hundred and eighty-five families from North Waziristan have been registered as fresh internally displaced persons (IDPs) during the last 24 hours, Radio Pakistan reported on Tuesday.

These families comprised eleven thousand five hundred and forty-five individuals.

According to sources in FATA Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) these IDPs were registered in Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan and Tank districts. The number of IDPs has now reached to 992,649.

With this, the number of IDPs has now reached to nine hundred ninety-two thousand six hundred and forty-nine.

Meanwhile, World Food Programme and Pakistan Army have distributed over one hundred thousand food packets among the IDPs. UNHCR and Norwegian Refugee Council have also given over twenty-five thousand nonfood kits to the IDPs. Meanwhile, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, MNA Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha has said that federal and provincial governments are taking steps to cope with the challenge of IDPs. During a meeting with Pakistan Muslim League (N) trader wing regarding funds raising for IDPs, he said the government had to launch operation Zarb-i-Azb after the failure of dialogue process. He urged the philanthropists to play their role in helping IDPs. He stressed upon the members of the traders wing to participate in the fund raising drive for IDPs for a bright future of our children.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Muhammad Asif assured that PML-N traders wing have participated during the rehabilitation of flood effectees and now the wing would also participate up to their level.

District Coordination Officer (DCO) Saqib Manaan was also present on the occasion.

Later, the members of the trader wings announced funds for IDPs. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has deputed seventyfour doctors and Para-medics in camps established for IDPs from North Waziristan Agency.

According to reports of Provincial Health Department, twenty-eight doctors and para-medics are working in Bannu and twenty three each

in Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat respectively.

The doctors besides medical check-up are also providing free medicines to the patients.

As many as ten ambulances have also been arranged to shift serious patients to the major hospitals of the province for better treatement. The teaching community of the University of Peshawar presented a cheque sum of Rs. 1 million to the Governor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan as a token of their charity based share in taking care of the IDPs from North Waziristan Agency at Governor’s House, here on Thursday.

Besides the Provincial Minister for Higher Education, Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani and Chief Secretary, Amjad Ali Khan, the chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Prof: Dr. Mukhtiar Ahmad was also present.

Prof: Dr. Rasool Jan, Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar while presenting the cheque said that the amount has been collected on charity basis and the teaching community of the university will also surrender their one day salary shortly for this purpose.

The Governor talking on the occasion appreciated the spirit of the teaching community and said that displacement of such a large number of people from North Waziristan Agency is a big human tragedy and spirit of fraternity of the teaching community of the university in this respect is indeed a great source of strength. He also appreciated the good gesture being extended by the teaching community.—APP

PML-N mandate should be respected

ANF recovers 10.4 kg charas, 3.4 kg heroin, 5 held

younger generation about the prevailing energy shortfall and motivate them towards conservation habits so that they become agents for change in the future.

Our teams have visited a lot of schools and we are receiving positive response.

The weekly radio briefing is the part of Pesco’s campaign to educate its consumers about power sector issues and recent developments.

He informed that every week senior officers from Pesco speak about the issues that are of high importance and interest to consumers. He also informed the audience that Pesco is currently working with international donors such as USAID, and World Bank to bring improvements in communications, customer services, engineering, finance and linemen safety. He stated that they are providing assistance to PESCO in curbing electricity theft also.

For seeking customer cooperation PESCO has installed a toll free phone (0800 29999) to register the reports on electricity theft.

Faisalabad: The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) has issued shutdown programme for necessary repair, maintenance and expansion of electricity lines.

According to the programme issued by the company, power supply from Langrana, Khurdpur and Aminpur feeders emanating from 132-KV Narwala Road grid station will remain suspended from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 am on Friday (July 18, 2014).—APP

Scattered rains across country ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast scattered monsoon rains in the country during the current week.

The PMD said the mon-soon currents would produce scattered rain/thundershowers in Islamabad, Punjab, KhyberPakhtunkhwa, lower Sindh and Kashmir in the com-ing few days.

“Heavy rain, very heavy at times is also expected at a few places of upper Punjab (Rawalpindi, Sar-godha, Gujranwala and Lahore divisions), Hazara division and Kashmir on Thursday/Friday,” it said. It said the weak monsoon currents are penetrating in upper parts of the country, which are likely to inten-sify during next couple of days.

“The day tempera-tures are expected to fall 3-5 degrees in the upper parts and 2-4 degrees in lower parts of the country providing relief from the prevailing hot and humid weather conditions,” according to

the PMD. It said a well-marked seasonal low lies over north Balochistan and its trough is extending south-eastwards.

“Strong monsoon currents from Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal will continue penetrating upper/central parts of Punjab and Kashmir till Fri-day and are likely to weaken from Saturday,” it said, adding that a westerly wave is likely to approach upper parts of the country on Thursday (eve-ning/night).

The Karachi Meteorological Department Thursday forecast partly cloudy/cloudy weather with chances of light rain/drizzle during the next 24 hours.

According to the Met Office the maximum tem-perature will remain between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius.

While dust-thunderstorm/rain is likely to occur at a few places in Mirpurkhas and Kalat divisions, at isolated places in Hyderabad and Zhob divisions and at one or two places in Sukkur and Sibi divisions.—APP

Brother kills sister, injures father over property dispute

Enquiry into illegal recruitments in Sindh begins

7 die in road accidents

H YDERABAD —Sindh Gov-

MULTAN—A young man allegedly shot and killed his teenISLAMABAD —Anti Narcot- aged sister and injured his father over a property dispute at

S H E I K H U P U R A —Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanvir Hussain has said that politics of confrontation would have negative impact on democratic process in the country.

Talking to newsmen here on Thursday, he said, the PML-N leadership believed in promoting positive trends in politics and it was with this spirit that PTI was allowed to form government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “If PML-N leadership had so desired it could form coaliFAISALABAD: CPO Haider Ashraf and Chairman PTEA Sheikh Ilyas Mahmood inaugurating Criminal Record Office new building at Iqbal Stadium.

Kabul River in medium flood

Municipal staff put on alert to coup with monsoon challenges P ESHAWAR —On the advent of monsoon Tarbela, Chashma and Mangla reservoirs is tion government with other political parties excluding PTI,” he added.

Urging Imran Khan to respect the mandate given by people of Pakistan to the PML-N, he said his negative political activities would push the country backward.

He said the government was committed to overcome various problems facing the country with the support of masses and had launched various programmes in this regard.

To a question, Rana Tanvir said those talking of bringing change should tell as to what revolution they had brought about where they are in power for last one year.—APP

tric Supply Company (PECO) Hasan Fazil on Thursday said that Pesco was facing approximately Rs. 3 Billion loss monthly due to power theft and a campaign has been launched against pilferers.

He said this during a weekly briefing to Radio Pakistan, he said that Pesco has installed a toll free phone number here at Pesco Head Quarter Wapda House, to obtain cooperation to curb the electricity theft.

He said that the National Power Control Center is located in Islamabad, it distributes the available load throughout the country, and we have to manage the electricity according to our quota. But electricity theft and misuse has become our biggest concern which is the cause of the overloading of feeders and lines.

He said that now, the solutions to these problems are being devised in the form of the new management collaborating with the provincial government.

For instance, the provincial government has dedicated three police stations to Pesco in Peshawar, Charssada and Bannu, which, of course is a historical achievement on our part as police has registered 1900 FIRs against culprits he added.

Replying to a question, regarding energy conservation he said “Student’s energy conservation drive is one of the best initiatives taken by Pesco. He said that this is the most economical energy conservation at the beginning of this year the objective of this campaign is to create aware-

rains the Administrator, Municipal Corporation Peshawar (MCP), Rasheed Ahmad Khan has put all municipal inspectors and sanitation staff on alert.On the starting of the monsoon, the administrator MCP paid a detailed visit to Warsak Road, Khyber Road, Dalazak Road, G.T. Road, Gulbahar and Cantonment and directed all municipal inspectors and sanitation staff to remain on alert during rains to keep the water passages open.

Islamabad: The Federal Flood Commission (FFC) on Thursday said that all main rivers including Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej were flowing normal while the River Kabul was in Medium Flood in WarsakNowshera reach. According to daily FFC report, today’s actual river flows and reservoir elevations indicates that Tarbela and Mangla reservoirs are at elevations of 1472.17 feet and 1210.70 feet respectively, which are 77.83 feet and 31.30 feet below their respective Maximum Conservation Levels of 1550.00 feet and 1242.00 feet.

The combined live storage capacity of

7.667 MAF as compared to last year’s 9.099 MAF. According to Flood Forecasting Division, Lahore, yesterday’s feeble trough of Westerly Wave continues to prevail over Kashmir & adjoining areas, whereas yesterday’s Monsoon Low over Northeastern Madhya Pradesh (India) today lies over Northwestern Madhya Pradesh (India).

Seasonal Low lies over Northern Balochistan. Moist current from Arabian Sea is penetrating into Kashmir upto 5000 feet.As predicted by the Flood Forecasting Division, Lahore, scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy falls are expected over Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Sargodha and Rawalpindi Divisions and Southeastern Sindh including Kashmir during the next 24 hours.

Scattered thundershowers may occur over Malakand, Hazara, Multan, D.G. Khan and Bahawalpur Divisions including GilgitBaltistan, besides, upper catchments of rivers Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej during the same period.—APP

ics Force (ANF) has recovered 10.4 kg charas, 3.4 kg heroin and 300 gram amphetamine, arresting five drug smugglers.

ANF conducted raids in various cities including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Attock, Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan and Peshawar, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

According to details, ANF Rawalpindi arrested a lady Shamshad r/o Peshawar and recovered 2 kg heroin from her possession. She was arrested while travelling in a passenger vehicle at Iqbal Shaheed Toll Palaza, GT Raod Attock.

ANF Rawalpindi seized a parcel from DHL Office Islamabad containing four dolls and recovered five gm heroin from one of the dolls.

The parcel was destined for London, UK. After initial investigation, it was revealed that the parcel was booked

by Ishfaq r/o Peshawar and was to be received by Hashmat, Harrow Road, Wembley, London. UK. ANF Lahore arrested Muhammad Khalid r/o Lahore and recovered 8.4 kg charas from his possession.

He was arrested in an operation conducted in the area near Aik Moria Pull, Lahore.

ANF Lahore arrested Mujahid Sattar alias Balo r/o Muzaffargarh and recovered two kg charas from his possession. He was arrested in an operation conducted at a house in Basti Khudadad, Shair Shah Road, Multan.

ANF Lahore road check team arrested an accused namely Shafique Ullah r/o Peshawar and recovered 500 gm heroin, tactfully concealed in his shoes.—APP

Mauza Jalalabad, a suburban area of the city, police said on Thursday.Police said that Sarfraz attacked his father and sister with a firearm last Wednesday night. His sister Madiha (18) was rushed to Nishtar Hospital with wound in her head along with her father Altaf Hussain having a shoulder injury.

Madiha breathed her last at the hospital while his father was still undergoing treatment.Budhla Sant police have registered FIR against the accused on the report of his father.

Renala Khurd: Four people including a woman and two children were killed while two others sustained serious injuries when a truck fell onto them near Habib Abad locality on Thursday. According to police, five persons were returning their town Basirpur after performing ritual at the Shrine of Kharpeer Sharif by two motorcycles when a rashly driven truck (AJKC-3078) of a beverage company loaded with bottles fell onto them after its tie-rod dislocated near Habib Abad at Railway overhead bridge.

As a result, Muhammad Ahsan (7), Ali Hussain (12), Pathani Bibi belong to a same family and another Javed died on the spot while Muhammad Asif and an unidentified woman sustained serious injuries.The injured were rushed to THQ hospital Pattoki from where they were referred to Jinnah Hospital Lahore in precarious condition. Quetta: Three persons were killed and three others injured in a road mishap in Dhadar area of Bolan district, on Thursday. Levies sources said that a speedy car was coming from Sohbatpur to Quetta when it collided head on with a trailer coming from opposite side.—APP

ernment has taken serious notice of the complaints about illegal appointments in the provincial education department and started large scale enquiry to find out such cases where required legal procedures were not observed.

In this connection, Coordinator to Sindh Chief Minister on Inspection and Enquiries Haji Muzaffar Shujra Thursday held a meeting with the officers of Education and Finance Departments here at circuit house. The meeting pointed out appointment of 688 teachers against 419 vacant posts in Hyderabad district.

The Coordinator to Sindh Chief Minister asked the officers of the Education Department to submit report within one week about the justification of additional 269 appointments of Primary and Sindhi Language teachers in the district.—APP

DASKA: A view of the electrical poles fallen on a truck during the digging of the road for drainage purpose by the TMA.

Avoid operation as such in Lahore

MEDIA WATCH

Great lesson from IsraelHamas wars

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EDERAL Minister for States and Frontier Regions Retired Lt. Gen eral Abdul Qadir Baloch, who has been assigned the gigantic task of look after of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), has indicated expansion in the scope of the on-going operation Zarb-e-Azb. Talking to media in Lahore on Wednesday, he said apart from North Waziristan, operation would also be carried out in all other tribal agencies and Karachi and Lahore.

Being in the Government and intimately involved in the process of decision-making, the Minister or the authorities concerned might have justification for expanding the scope of the operation. Otherwise too, it makes sense that once the dens of the terrorists have been hit and militants reportedly fled to other places, the logic demands that they should be chased and eliminated once for all. Spread of terrorists to other cities and areas of FATA is fraught with serious consequences in future as they can always make the peace and security hostage to their whims. But we would remind the Government and those who matter in the war against terror that there is a hell of difference in chasing and targeting terrorists and launching an operation as such in other areas especially Lahore. The Government has already made it clear that it has alerted intelligence and security agencies to keep a close vigil on the movement of terrorists, pinpoint them and arrest them. There are reports that five hundred of them have been arrested so far and they are going to be tried under the new anti-terror law known as Protection of Pakistan Act. Selected and targeted operation against terrorists whenever there are reports of their presence in any part of the country is one thing but opening of formal fronts everywhere including Provincial capital of Punjab would be a myopic approach. Pakistan cannot afford broadening of the conflict and engaging troops everywhere in the country, as it will have serious ramifications. As for Punjab, it is on its way to development with a beeline of investors including those from China and Turkey coming to invest in different sectors. Launching of formal operation in Lahore would send highly wrong signal to them and therefore, the plan, if it exists, to launch such an operation in Lahore should be reconsidered.

Tribals’ decisive support to Army A

CCORDING to the latest reports, the decision to launch military op eration in Bajaur Agency has been postponed at the instance of local tribal leadership that has undertaken to take care of the problem of terrorism and militancy at their own. For this purpose, they have decided to form a grand Qaumi Lashkar (militia) to combat militants and prevent cross-border attacks.

Bajaur Agency too is in turmoil due to increased activities of militants especially those from across the border who carry out attacks resulting into loss of innocent lives. Thousands of people from five border villages of Mamond Tehsil fled their homes on Tuesday after the expiry of deadline set by the political administration of Bajaur Agency because of the likelihood of a military operation in the region. In this backdrop, the agreement between the security forces and tribals would come as a sigh of relief for local residents. The decision that Mamond Peace Committee would patrol the area and protect the border from where crossborder excursion have become a routine despite strong and repeated protests lodged by Pakistan to Afghanistan to stop such attacks. The arrangement is scoring success as security officials with the help of Peace Committee members launched a search operation in the area after receiving credible information about the presence of a militants group hailing from Afghanistan’s Kunar province, foiled their design to ambush a military post, killed two key militants and injured six others. While appreciating the arrangement carved out in Bajaur, we would recommend that the same model may be replicated in other restive agencies, as local support is the surest way to avoid bloodshed and restore sustainable peace. Tribal people are as patriotic as people in other parts of Pakistan, they have been rendering immense sacrifices for the cause of the country ever since independence and we are sure they have the determination and ability to eliminate those who have turned their land into a sort of hell.

Israel inducts navy to crush Gaza A

FTER intensified bombing of Gaza by air force and army hitting the homes of senior Hamas leaders and carrying out more than 50 air strikes in a heavily-populated area, the Jewish state has further widened the dimensions of the conflict as its navy shelled the Gaza beach on Wednesday killing four Palestinian boys. Journalists in the area said the boys aged between seven and eleven had been playing hide and seek among fishermen’s shacks on the wall and had no connection whatsoever with the ongoing fighting.

The objective of Israel is to utilize all the power at its command to crush the Gazans and the induction of Navy is part and parcel of that plan.

According to Palestinian medical officials, the death toll has climbed to around 230, including 47 children. Alongside bombings, Israel has threatened tens of thousands of residents of the northern town of Beit Lahiya and the Zeitoun and Shujai’iya neighbourhoods of Gaza City, all near the Israel border, to evacuate their homes. The warnings came by automated phone calls, texts and leaflets dropped from planes saying that large numbers of rockets were being launched from these areas and that Israel planned to bomb these locations. The people leaving these settlements said they were moving aimlessly with little belongings and do not have any information where to go for safety. Though a five hour ceasefire was observed Thursday to enable UN to deliver humanitarian relief supplies but diplomats believe a serious new ceasefire proposal was likely to emerge for several days and even then securing a deal looked very difficult. This shows that Israel has scant respect for human rights and the calls of the international community.

This is because rulers in Tel Aviv know that with US backing, they can go to any extent to crush the Palestinians but we would caution that this approach would have very negative impact in the long run. We would therefore urge the UN Security Council, the Human Rights Council as well as the world community to shoulder their responsibility and take measures to put an end to the Israeli aggression against the hapless Palestinian people.

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Modi’s wisdom: Engage, don’t avoid in holding back inflation.

Private industry has lost confidence in the country, such that there is significant capital flight. Mafias control the prices of many M D Nalapat staples of consumption, such as grains and vegEmail: mgnalapat@gmail.com etables, and in the financial industry, speculation based on insider trading RIME Minister Narendra has become the norm. It is going to Damodardas Modi is not a be a difficult climb out of such a man in a hurry, nor is he steep pit, and in between, it would wedded to short-term goals. Given be unrealistic to expect miracles.

Where Narendra Modi is exthat his party has a majority in the Lok Sabha (Lower House), he is pected to make a decisive change in clearly looking at at least a 60- a short time is in the improvement month time horizon for his of relations with neighbours and tasks,if not 120 months, on the as- friends. In the case of both Pakistan sumption that the BJP will again as well as China, the previous govprevail in the 2019 polls. There- ernment largely followed a policy of fore, judging his record or pre- keeping a distance. As a consedicting the future of his period in quence, opportunities were missed. office by just the first two months The fact is that in the case of both would be wrong. Given his de- Pakistan and ( still more) with liberative nature, it is likely that China, the opportunities for India as the contours of Team Modi will a consequence of engagement outbecome clear only within the weigh the risks inherent in outreach. coming months, as he carefully The best policy would be to embrace chooses individuals to fill key po- the opportunities while securing the country against the risks to the exsitions in his administration.

The first two years will get ex- tent possible. Given his practical pended largely in clearing away bent of mind, this is what the new the debris caused by the decade of Prime Minister is likely to do.

In the case of Pakistan, should rule by the Sonia-Manmohan duo, a period that saw the replacement that country be in a situation where of the India Dream with the India much prosperity comes from conNightmare. A country which was tact with India, and vice versa, the once admired globally for its chances for military conflict would promise is now mocked for its diminish. In the case of China as abysmal safety record concerning well, it would make sense to take women and a matchless penchant advantage of the opportunities for missing opportunities. Low rather than avoid them out of fear growth marches in step with high of the risks of closer contact. An inflation, with the Reserve Bank example is tourism. Out of 97 milof India refusing to accept that its lion Chinese who travelled abroad policy of boosting interest rates during the past year, less than has proved disastrous for the 45,000 visited India, a minuscule economy while being ineffective number. Much of the problem re-

Geopolitical notes from India

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lates to delays in getting a visa, and in poor infrastructure. Since the political situation changed in India, the Embassy of India in Beijing has significantly improved procedures, so much so that in all except a handful of cases, tourist or business visas take only 48 hours for processing, in place of the weeks which were the norm earlier.

And as for investment by China (again discouraged by the SoniaManmohan duo) ,it makes little sense to buy Chinese telecom and power equipment in the tens of billions of dollars while not allowing the companies concerned to set up production facilities in India. Given Modi’s pragmatism - something which comes naturally to the people of his home state, Gujarat - it is likely to be only a matter of a couple of years before large-scale Chinese investment begins to flow into India. Already, on June 30,the visit of Vice-President Hamid Ansari was utilised to sign an agreement for setting up Chinese Industrial Parks in locations across India, from Kerala in the south to Haryana in the north.

The countries of ASEAN are also likely to witness a fresh burst of engagement during the period in office of Prime Minister Modi.

While China has put forward the idea of a Trans-Himalayan partnership as well as a revival of the Silk Road and the creation of a maritime Silk Road, India is likely to join in such plans, now that a government confider of the country’s capacities has taken office. Also, what is likely is that work is likely to accelerate on an India-ASEAN trade and transit treaty that world significantly enhance air, sea and land linkages between India and neighbours such as Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar, besides of course Viet-

nam. An effort is also likely to improve the functioning of ports in India, so that shippers do not need to use Dubai, Colombo and even Singapore for transit of containers because facilities in India are so abysmal. All this will be very good news for a region hungry for growth, and which hosts a young population needing jobs. Connectivity is key to growth, and this has been a problem in India, including in the sphere of the internet, where browsing speeds in India are the slowest in Asia, and where less than a quarter of the population has access to the World Wide Web, unlike countries where almost the entire population is routinely online.

Use of the internet can promote efficiency in the delivery of services as well as transparency in its operations, and a big push needs to be given to the sector. The indications are that the new PM accepts this as a priority.

Within India, railway speeds are to be increased through partnership with Japan in the operationalising of high speed trains (the first being between Ahmedabad and Mumbai) and with China in ensuring that existing trains run much faster and more efficiently. Countries in Asia need high rates of growth to escape poverty and to ensure stability in a period of rising populations. Such rates can only come about through engagement and not avoidance. This is a fact that is expected to drive policy in the administration of a PM whose mantra is growth through good governance rather than Big Government.

—The writer is Vice-Chair, Manipal Advanced Research Group, UNESCO Peace Chair & Professor of Geopolitics, Manipal University, Haryana State, India.

Nexus among terror mongers Pakistan to ashes. Their foreign masters synchronized cowardly acts in darkSultan M Hali these ness to hurt Pakistan domestiEmail: sm_hali@yahoo.com cally, regionally and internationally. Take the attack on Karachi airport and the firing HE milieu in Pakistan pre on an international airlines aircraft in sents happy hunting grounds Peshawar. Both have caused the infor terror mongers of various ternational airlines to reconsider opilks. They find it prudent to have a erating through Pakistani airports. happy nexus to achieve their heinous Gradually various airlines have teragenda of destabilizing the state of minated their operations to and from Pakistan at the behest of their for- Pakistani airfields, completing the eign masters. The various compo- isolation of the war ravaged country. nents of this unholy nexus are the The 2009 atrocious attack on the Sri Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lankan cricket team at Lahore has Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Baloch already removed Pakistan from the Sub Nationals (BSNs) and other ter- sporting map of the world. Foreign rorist organizations’ with one odi- teams are reluctant to engage in sports ous aim: weaken Pakistan and bring fixtures staged on Pakistani grounds it to its knees at the bidding its for- and stadiums. As a result Pakistani standards of sports has deteriorated, eign mentors.

Even a cursory glance at recent being deprived of opportunities to test events points towards this machina- their mettle with foreign teams on tion. The carnage, which resulted in home ground. Pakistan’s sports inthe massacre of innocent Shia pil- dustry has suffered badly and the grims in Balochistan, the attack on people have been shorn of the opporKarachi airport and suicidal attack tunity to witness sports tournaments on Security Forces at Boya; all on home ground, adding to their fruswithin a span of 24 hours proves the tration and sense of deprivation.

Who is the beneficiary of this fact that TTP, LeJ, BSNs and other banned terrorists outfits have an un- bedlam and anarchy? The perpetraholy alliance with a single aim to tors of the original sin; those who subvert Pakistan. Like puppets on a move the strings of their treacherous string, the nexus is manipulated to puppets, willing to kill, maim and decome into action and their sleeper stroy at the bidding of their masters.

Foreign support to the nexus of cells are activated to strike at targets of opportunity. Their abhorrent terrorists and miscreants is neither a agenda is one: create chaos and may- figment of imagination of the Interior hem, cause enough bloodshed to Ministry of Pakistan, nor a means to traumatize the people, expose the find scapegoats for their failures to weaknesses in the law enforcing preempt the treacherous assaults. The agencies’ capacity and capability to cache of weapons and chemical sydefend their assigned vulnerable ringes recovered from the attackers at points and reduce the confidence of Karachi airport bore distinct Indian the masses in their leadership. All markings, leaving no doubt about their these detestable tasks are to reduce place of manufacture. This evidence

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is more than a smoking gun and is concrete proof of Indian involvement in manipulating the nexus of terror cobbled by India against Pakistan.

Since the TTP claimed responsibility for the Karachi attack, then by default with the evidence of recovered Indian weapons, ammunition and chemical syringes from terrorists clearly indicates that RAW is directly involved in all terrorist activities in Pakistan. According to unconfirmed reports, the head of TTP, Mullah Fazlullah, who has taken refuge in Afghanistan, is enjoying not only the hospitality of the Kabul government but is also being physically protected

by Indian spy agency RAW. The demonical attacks by the terror groups depict a method in the madness. The targets are carefully selected for their strategic value and after careful and meticulous planning, the assault aims at decimating Pakistan’s strategic assets. The demolition of Pakistan Navy’s maritime surveillance aircraft, the P3C-Orion, PAF’s AEW &C Saab 2000 equipped with Erieye Surveillance Radars, the attack on GHQ, attempted attack at Peshawar Air base to target the Cobra Gunship helicopters and fighter aircraft and the daring assault on Karachi air port were not meant to provide solace to the miscreants but to Pakistan’s arch enemy India, which stands to gain by Pakistan military’s loss to its defensive capabilities.

TTP engaged the government of Pakistan in a peace dialogue for which it was never serious. Despite declaring a ceasefire, terror attacks continued incessantly, including the cold blooded massacre of FC officials in their custody and the release of gruesome videos of Taliban playing football with their severed heads. The TTP were in fact gaining time to

launch a renewed barrage of assaults, which they did through their nexus in the Karachi Airport attack and others mentioned above. Pragmatically, the government of Pakistan gave the peace dialogue a chance to succeed but during the interlude, it provided finishing touches to its military operations plan, which came in the shape of “Zarb-e-Azb”.

It also consulted its allies regarding possible military action lest the talks failed to reach a positive conclusion.

It is to the government’s credit that its allies were on board with the decision and have provided moral support. The failed peace talks exposed the ugly face of the terror groups and the battered people of Pakistan have also put their weight behind the military operation and are wholeheartedly supporting the government and the military and now desire to see a conclusive end to the reign of terror.

The detestable plot and atrocious conspiracy hatched by Pakistan’s detractors to engage the nexus of terror mongers is to conduct brutal attacks against Pakistan’s assets to fulfill sinister designs while simultaneously maligning us in the international community and destabilize our commercial hub.

Pakistan’s economy, military as well as the will to remain united has been methodically targeted. This situation is intolerable and while Pakistan military is raining precision guided munitions on the terror camps in North Waziristan and its ground forces are pounding them, we must take up the issue internationally at the diplomatic level to expose the terror nexus and its master minds, seeking reprisal or cessation of their machinations.

—The writer is retired PAF Group Captain and a TV talk show host.

HE ideal of protecting civil ians in war is rooted in an cient religious texts, but it was put into international law only 65 years ago. Since then, each new conflict has been judged ever more closely on whether civilians are put in harm’s way. The latest IsraelHamas war, the third since 200809, is a good example. Both Hamas and Israel are under a harsher spotlight this time over civilian casualties compared with their first two conflicts. The tougher scrutiny mostly reflects a growing moral sensibility in the world toward applying the rules of war protecting the innocent, in large part because of a greater reverence for life.

For one, more countries have wised up to Hamas’s practice of hiding its armaments and fighters near – or even under – the homes of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. In the past, this cynical tactic has relied on world outrage over civilians killed by Israeli bombs to help extract the greatest concessions from Israel during the inevitable negotiations over a truce. Hamas, in other words, has exploited a rising global interest in civilian protection by encouraging innocent Palestinians to remain in the line of fire. And it does this even as it fires rockets into Israeli civilian areas. Fortunately, fewer world leaders or journalists are falling for this gambit. Hamas cannot both invoke this ideal and violate it. The rest of the world has come to embrace this rule of warfare too much to tolerate this contradiction.

At the same time, Israel faces harder questions about its military’s ability and willingness to prevent civilian deaths in the targeting of Hamas leaders and their rockets.

After the two previous conflicts, critical assessments of Israeli methods forced it to be more careful in adhering to international law and to be more precise in its operations – even at the risk of leaving some Hamas rockets in place. Israel’s heightened precaution means its fighter pilots and commanders must make an instant assessment on the potential for civilian casualties and weigh that against the value of a military target. It is not enough to simply warn civilians to flee an area before it is bombed. A strike must be “proportional” to the potential for civilians being killed. Israel’s inaccuracy in its bombing of military targets in Gaza needs to end.. Doing so will only help put greater pressure on Hamas to end its use of civilians as human shields to protect its fighters and rockets. Many wars of the past were started after the killing of civilians. These days, more wars end after too many civilians are killed. Modern wars are being contained by moral concerns.

This may be the greatest lesson from this string of Israel-Hamas wars.

— The Christian Science Monitor

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Tirade against PML-N

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LANS to question the legiti macy of Pakistan Prime Min ister Nawaz Sharif’s government, over allegations of fraud committed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) during the 2013 general elections, are coming too late in the day and will not stand up to the test. It is in the pursuance of such allegations that Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party and Dr Tahirul Qadri, head of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) party, are threatening to disrupt civilian life by calling for huge rallies in Islamabad, on Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14.

The time, however, is not appropriate for such action. Both politicians should reconsider their tactics and adhere to the policy of aligning themselves with the government as it tackles terrorism, energy crisis, poverty and illiteracy.

The moment calls for solidarity and unity. Exhorting people to take to the streets in protest against unproven allegations will serve no purpose. It could, conversely, affect Imran’s and Qadri’s credibility. The current government has assumed power after securing an overwhelming mandate from the people. It should be allowed to implement its policies instead of being asked to prove its legitimacy, which has been verified by appropriate officials and international observers. — Gulf News I agree with no man’s opinion. I have some of my own.

—Ivan Turgenev Russian novelist.

Holy Qur’an, Ramazan and Taqwa Voice of the People “Observing As-Saum (the fasting) in the month of Ramazan—the month in which the guidance for mankind, the Quran was revealed—is prescribed for Muslims to achieve Taqwa” (Q. 2: 183, 85)

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AMAZAN is the blessed month in which the holy Qur’an was revealed and fasting prescribed. Holy Qur’an in surah al-Baqarah (2: 185, 183) proclaims: “The month of Ramazan in which was revealed the Holy Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramazan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month”; “O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun”.

These verses clearly state that what Quran is all about: a guide to mankind with clear (signs) for guidance and a criterion (between right and wrong), and that it is in Ramazan that fasting was prescribed, with the purpose to “become righteous (or to achieve Taqwa).

Thus, one notes that the importance of the month of Ramazan is the advent of the Revelation of the Quran and it is through understanding followed by action, of the commandments in this blessed Book, that we are to achieve Taqwa (Righteousness or God consciousness), for Qur’an clearly states surah AzZumar, 39:28: “[It is] An Arabic Quran, without any crookedness (therein) in order that they may avoid all evil which Allah has ordered them to avoid, fear Him and keep their duty to Him.)”. We see a very important trio of bliss, delight, and gladness

here: fasting in Ramazan, the Quran and Taqwa—and this blissful connection is possible, at its highest level, only in the month of Ramazan. In this direction, this article throws light on the Qur’anic concept of Taqwa and its various the implications and connotations.

Taqwa, rendered into English as Piety; God-consciousness; Dutifulness; Righteousness; Good conduct; Guarding one’s tongue, hand and heart from evil, wrong, all sins, and from injustice; and Fear of God or God-fearing (which comes from the awe of Allah), is very frequently enjoined, directed and commanded in the holy Qur’an. The word generally applies and pertains to ‘abstinence from idolatry in the first instance, but is used to express a life of piety’. The holy Qur’an refers to piety in far more verses than it mentions either the sincere (mukhlis; a person possessing Ikhlas, sincerity) or Muhsinun, those with Ihsan (Perfection, Excellence, doing what is good). It is an attitude, mind-set and approach, that epitomizes, exemplifies and personifies every human good and, in the Qura’nic context, this good must be focused upon Allah.

Holy Qur’an proclaims: “Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous (pious and God-conscious) of you” (al-Hujjurat, 49: 13). The Qur’an repeatedly, constantly and continuously, commands and orders the people to have Taqwa, and the implication of the term is that one protects oneself by always keeping Allah in view. In other words, when we say something or do something, we do it as we see Allah and we are very careful, vigilant and cautious about this, because we know that Allah sees not only our actions and dealings, but also knows our thoughts and

intentions, what we conceal in the inner of our hearts. Holy Quran says: “And whatever good you do, Allah is Ever All-Aware of it” (AnNisa, 4: 128); “And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Knower of that which is in (the secrets of your) breast” (Al-Maidah, 5:7).

One of the implications and connotations of the word Taqwa is that

The Spirit Of Islam

Tauseef Ahmad Parray Email:tauseef.parray21@gmail.com people have to protect and guard themselves from something dangerous, hazardous and treacherous.

Hence, the Qur’an often makes the object of the word not Allah Himself, but His threats, punishment, chastisement, and warning. And the Qur’an reminds people that they have to face Allah and answer to Him for their actions. In this regard, for example, the following verses may be considered: “And fear Allah much and know that Allah is severe in punishment” (AlBaqarah, 2: 96); “O mankind! Be afraid of your Lord” (Luqman, 31: 33); “O my slaves therefore fear Me!” (Az-Zumar, 39: 16). The path of Taqwa is clearly the path brought by the Messengers, the path delineated by Allah`s Signs. As holy Qur’an declares: “Thus does Allah make clear His ayaat (proofs, evi-

dences, lessons, signs, revelations, verses, laws)… to mankind that they may become the pious” (AlBaqarah, 2: 187); “And verily, this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious” (Al-Anam, 6: 153).

When people protect themselves from Allah’s wrath and severity, they are brought under the wing of Allah’s mercy, and gentleness. In other words, the fruit of Taqwa is Paradise, as holy Qur’an states clearly in various verses; for example: “For al-Muttaqun (the pious) there are Gardens (Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow” (Al-Imran, 3: 15); “The description of the Paradise which the pious have been promised: Underneath it rivers flow, its provision is eternal and so is its shade” (ArRad, 13: 35). Thus, in sum, the way and means, mode and method, to achieve and to attain Taqwa is to worship Allah; that is, to establish Tawhid by being Allah’s perfect servants, as holy Qur’an, in verse 21 of Surah al-Baqarah (2: 21), clearly states: “O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah), who created you and those who were before you so that you may become al-Muttaqun (the pious)”.

(P.S.: The English translations of all the Qura’nic verses are taken from ‘Translations of the Meanings of the Noble Qur’an, M. Taqi-udDin Hilali and M. Muhsin Khan).

— The writer is presently “Iqbal (Post Doc) Fellow” at the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Pakistan, and has a deep interest in Qur’anic studies.

Views From Abroad

This shameful injustice in Gaza Seumas Milne

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OR the third time in five years, the world’s fourth largest mili tary power has launched a fullscale armed onslaught on one of its most deprived and overcrowded territories. Since Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip began, just over a week ago, more than 200 Palestinians have been killed. Nearly 80% of the dead are civilians, over 20% of them children. Around 1,400 have been wounded and 1,255 Palestinian homes destroyed. So far, Palestinian fire has killed one Israeli on the other side of the barrier that makes blockaded Gaza the world’s largest open-air prison.

But instead of demanding a halt to Israel’s campaign of collective punishment against what is still illegally occupied territory, the western powers have blamed the victims for fighting back. If it weren’t for Hamas’s rockets fired out of Gaza’s giant holding pen, they insist, all of this bloodletting would end. “No country on earth would tolerate missiles raining down on its citizens from outside its borders,” Barack Obama declared, echoed by a mostly pliant media. Perhaps it’s scarcely surprising that states which have themselves invaded and occupied a string of Arab and Muslim countries in the past decade should take the side of another occupier they fund and arm to the hilt.

But the idea that Israel is responding to a hail of rockets out of a clear blue sky takes “narrative framing” beyond the realm of fantasy. In fact, after the deal that ended Israel’s last assault on Gaza in 2012, rocketing from Gaza fell to its lowest level for 12 years. The latest vio-

lence is supposed to have been triggered by the kidnapping and killing of three Israeli teenagers in the occupied West Bank in June, for which Hamas denied responsibility. But its origin clearly lies in the collapse of US-sponsored negotiations for a final settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the spring.

That was followed by the formation of a “national reconciliation” government by the Fatah and Hamas movements, whose division has been a mainstay of Israeli and US policy. Israeli incursions and killings were then stepped up, including attacks on Palestinian civilians by armed West Bank settlers. In May, two Palestinian teenagers were shot dead by the Israeli army with barely a flicker of interest outside the country. It’s now clear the Israeli government knew from the start that its own kidnapped teenagers had been killed within hours.

But the news was suppressed while a #Bring Back Our Boys campaign was drummed up and a sweeping crackdown launched against Hamas throughout the West Bank.

Over 500 activists were arrested and more than half a dozen killed – along with a Palestinian teenager burned to death by settlers.

Binyamin Netanyahu’s aim was evidently to signal that whatever deal Hamas had signed with Mahmoud Abbas would never be accepted by Israel. Gaza had nothing to do with the kidnapping, but Israeli attacks were also launched on the strip and Hamas activists killed. It was those killings and the West Bank campaign that led to Hamas resuming its rocket attacks – and in turn to Israel’s devastating bombardment.

Hamas is now blamed for refusing to accept a ceasefire plan cooked up by Netanyahu and his ally, the

Egyptian President Sisi, who overthrew Hamas’s sister organisation the Muslim Brotherhood last year and has since tightened the eightyear siege of Gaza. But having already suffered so much, many Gazans believe no further truce should be agreed without the lifting of the illegal blockade which has reduced the strip to hunger and beggary and effectively imprisoned its population.

As the independent Palestinian MP Mustafa Barghouti puts it, the Egyptian proposal was a “game” Israel will now use to escalate the war.

Some sense of what can now be expected was given by the Israeli reserve major general Oren Shachor, who explained: “If we kill their families, that will frighten them.”

The idea that Israel is defending itself against unprovoked attacks from outside its borders is an absurdity.

Despite Israel’s withdrawal of settlements and bases in 2005, Gaza remains occupied both in reality and international law, its border, coastal waters, resources, airspace and power supply controlled by Israel.

So the Palestinians of Gaza are an occupied people, like those in the West Bank, who have the right to resist, by force if they choose – though not deliberately to target civilians. But Israel does not have a right of self-defence over territories it illegally occupies – it has an obligation to withdraw. That occupation, underpinned by the US and its allies, is now entering its 48th year.

Most of the 1.8 million Palestinians enduring continuous bombardment in Gaza are themselves refugees or their descendants, who were driven out or fled from cities such as Jaffa 66 years ago when Israel was established. It can’t seriously be argued that Israel’s refusal to withdraw from

the rump of the territory on which the United Nations voted to establish a Palestinian state in 1947 is because of rocket fire. It was after all during the period of quiescence over the past year that the Israeli government rejected the US plan for even a figleaf of a two-state solution – and stepped up illegal colonisation. As Netanyahu made clear this week, there cannot be “any agreement in which we relinquish security control” of the West Bank.

So we’re left with a one-state solution, operated on ethnically segregated apartheid-style lines, in which a large section of the population has no say in who rules over them, indefinitely. But it’s folly to imagine that this shameful injustice will continue without an escalating cost for those who enforce it. Palestinian resistance is often criticised as futile given the grotesque power imbalance between the two sides. But Hamas, which attracts support more for its defiance than its Islamism, has been strengthened by the events of the past week, as it has shown it can hit back across Israel – while Abbas, dependent on an imploded “peace process”, has been weakened still further.

The conflict’s eruptions are certainly coming thicker and faster. Despite heroic Israeli efforts to fix the narrative, global opinion has never been more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.

But the brutal reality is that there will be no end to Israel’s occupation until Palestinians and their supporters are able to raise its price to the occupier, in one way or another – and change the balance of power on the ground.

— Courtesy: The Guardian

Be proud of your scars..!

W

E had a father who was a drunk and it was ter rible the way he beat up ma!” some people tell me.

“Maybe that’s why you keep away from alcohol and treat your wife so well!” I say, “so don’t be bitter about those scars! They made a man of you!”

Some years ago, on a hot summer day in Africa, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swamp behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alliga-

tor was swimming toward the shore.

His father working in the yard saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran towards the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could.

Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late.

Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. Then began an incredible tug-of-war between the two: The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely

scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father’s fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs.

And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, “But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn’t let go!”

Those of us who cling onto the scars of our past should identify with that little boy. We have scars, too.

No, not from an alligator! But scars that have allowed us to live! Scars that have seen us make decisions which our parents didn’t make! If you have scars from a childhood of poverty and have given your family today enough and more than be

thankful for them! Those scars helped you move on!

Also remember that some of the hurts we go through are because we have a God above who refuses to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He’s there holding on to you.

We are children of the Almighty and He wants to protect us and provide for us in every way but sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That’s when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not let you go..! Do you have great scars you’d like to show off and not whine about?

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Ramazan and beggars NAUSHABA ABID

H

oly month of Ramadan is important for Muslims. Of course as a Muslim, we are all believers that it is a month of forgiveness and blessings and mercy. The purpose of month is, however, defeated into negativity when it comes to reality or experience. The matter of beggars particularly in Ramadan is a serious matter and also a security threat. Not just beggars but professional beggars make our lives miserable when we go out. They just exploit the people to fleece them and at time are a traffic hazard at the road side crossings. Beautifully dressed little girls with a begging voice and aunties with mirrored traditional dresses can be seen begging. I do not know whom they are working for and why do not they fear God. Professionally trained beggars and those behind them take this month as an opportunity to earn more and more before it ends. Their sole purpose is profit and to avail opportunity. So the begging is a profession with scope and profit and now-a-days the beggars are out there with zeal and enthusiasm. Allah said, I will give you whatever you want in this month, but He never said go out and start begging as a business and as a profitable business particularly in holy month in Islamic country by befooling others and pretending something else. Religion is for ease; we have made it difficult for us with our ways. These beggars are a security hazard. We all know what kind of security problems prevail in our country and what kind of crimes are committed here. Government should take a serious notice of this social evil and should unearth those who are behind these beggars and who leave them in groups for begging in large number. We are all affected with this, so the problem should not be overlooked by concerned ones, as it is not only a social evil and reflects badly on the image of the country but has also been eating up the self-esteem of the nation as a whole.

—Via email

Israel’s aggression M OSAMA AFNAN HANAFI

that. Then, as now, the international community turned a blind eye to what a former Israeli pilot described as war-crimes, until the number of the dead became ‘unbearably’ high beyond what the international community could digest.

A world that could stop employing double standards in its dealings with Israel would be the world that could be far more effective in its response to war crimes anywhere in the world. Cessation of the incremental genocide in Gaza and the restitution of the basic human and civil rights of Palestinians wherever they are, including the right of return, is the only way to open a new vista for a productive international intervention in the Middle East as a whole. It is time to raise strong voice with concrete steps against Israel to relieve the people of Gaza.

—Lahore

According to CNN, at least 175 Palestinian in Gaza have been martyred in Israeli air strikes and about 1260 Palestinian have been wounded.

Since the aggressor attack began last Tuesday, thousands of Palestinian has fled homes in northern Gaza.

Another Dastardly step of Israel is to cut down supplied power to Gaza affecting 70000 Palestinian. The UN has estimated that 77% of Palestinian killed in Gaza were civilians.

In addition 17,000 Palestinians in northern Gaza have sought refuge in its facilities and that 47 of the buildings have been damaged by air raids of Israel but Israel should remember that the bloodshed of innocent Palestinian will not go waste.

Now it is high time every Muslim country join hand and take counter steps against Israel’s aggression because Israel has already turned down SANAM TAJJAMUL the calls from UN Security Council for Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire.

—Karachi The ongoing struggle between Israelis and Palestinians began in the mid 20 century. This conflict is widely referred to as the world’s “ most intractable conflict”. Palestinians have failed to reach a final peace agreement. I’ve long been a critic of Israel HASHIM ABRO when it comes to its treatment of the Extra-judicial killings of political Palestinians, but have refrained from workers and petty criminals con- jumping in every conflict flare-up in tinue, with the government failing recent years. Why ? because it is so to acknowledge and address in- toxic and divisive what I am not sure volvement by the law enforcers and it goes any good venting about it.

The basic truths are ignored by local officials. This growing demonic tendency needs to be dis- media and all those who support Israeli actions in Gaza and the West couraged at all levels.

However, the national and in- bank. Israeli is occupying Palestine ternational organizations are re- illegally and is engaged in the ruthquested to launch such orientation less extermination of the Palestinians. courses / trainings, workshops and The latest flare-up of violence is no motivational seminars which hu- different. The problem is, the Palesmanize our police and sensitise them tinians’ lives are not seen as being to respect human dignity and also equal to Israeli lives. Legendary Iscivil and political rights of the citi- raeli military leader and politician Moshe Dayan once said , “ we don’t zens of the country. have a solution, and you will continue —Islamabad living like dogs and whoever wants can go, and we’ll see how this procedure works out”.

Israelis routinely claim that they have to defend themselves against Palestinian attacks. But occupying AZHAR THIRAJ someone else’ land is an attack itself, The current Israeli onslaught on so it’s impossible to defend yourself Gaza, which so far has resulted in if you are the person attacking. So 172 dead, as Israel is attempting to we should stop pretending Israel is give a final blow to Hamas after being attacked. many failed attempts, appears to —Karachi have been planned in advance, regardless of developments on the ground. Following the abduction of three Israeli youth and their subsequent murder several weeks ago, TASSAWAR ALI Israel laid the blame on Hamas although the latter denied responsibility and said it wants calm with Mental health is not a priority of any Israel. It then went on to conduct a regime and has always been the most major crackdown on the movement neglected field in Pakistan. Pakistan in the West Bank and arrested over is a disaster-prone country; many di500 people. Israel is now launch- sasters occur through natural and ing a massive aerial bombing cam- man made sources. Every disaster paign on Gaza, claiming its goal is brings physical and mental suffering. Our institutions and organizato eradicate Hamas.

Hamas was a convenient target tions always work to fill all of the for the Israeli government that has physical demands of disasters and been fretting over the fact that it leave blank the space for mental joined a unity government with the health. The mental health crises are PLO, which received international very deep-rooted and chronic in this recognition. By framing Hamas as country, where 15-20% of the poputhe culprit initially, Israel probably lation is suffering from mild-tosought to disrupt the government moderate psychological illness, and and chose an escalation at a time most of the sufferers are women.

Women in Pakistan mostly face when it was faced by increased international criticism as peace talks domestic violence; thus, they are with Palestinian President suffering different psychological Mahmoud Abbas collapsed. The disorders. There are limited number role of Muslim world is shameful of psychiatrists and clinical psyin this matter; all Muslim rulers are chologists; we calculate one psysleeping, they are reluctant even to chiatrist for more than 10,000 people. There is not a single mental condemn the Israeli cruelty.

We can call it a criminal silence. health care provider in the rural arFrom the Nile to the Euphrates, ev- eas of Pakistan, where 60% of the ery one is silent on this cruelty. population is living. Most of the paEgypt has also closed its border with tients go to traditional faith healers Gaza, Israel remains the occupying and visit different quacks. There is a power in strip due to siege it im- serious shortage of mental health proposes. It was also Israel, and not fessionals in Pakistan and a lack of Egypt, that occupied the area in awareness at all levels. Globally, it is 1967. Then, as now, Israel claimed now realized that poor mental health it was not targeting civilians inten- leads to abuses of human rights and tionally although it was doing just discrimination in society.

Illegal occupation of Palestine

Humanise law enforcers

Palestinians await world conscience

Mental health situation in Pakistan

Now economists have also realised that poor mental health is the main reason for a poor growth rate, and it leads to poor decision-making in all sectors. Mental health is not only a health issue; it links with country’s economic development, healthy political leadership and an organised social order. Good mental health enables peoples and societies to realize their potentials and increase their choices to live healthy, wealthy, and mentally stable lives. This is an unfortunate fact that, in Pakistan, constant poverty, ongoing stresses, and jobless markets and continuing stressful conditions are major factors for increasing mental illness. On the other hand, our political parties have no political will and no thinking about prioritising mental health through legislation and implementation. All political parties’ manifestos are without mental health agendas. The government should create space for the international community and provide facilitation for working on this mental health situation.

—Via email

Protection of Pakistan Act, 2014 MAZHAR ILAHI This is time to congratulate the nation as much desired legislation to counter the menace of terrorism while upholding the rule of law to the satisfaction of the apex court, has been politically negotiated and passed by both Houses of legislature in Pakistan. However, there appears to be an anomaly which has potential to bring the important institutions of State face to face again on the touchstone of much argued and politically debated principle of rule of law. In this respect, the point of concern remains the Article 10 (1) of the Constitution of 1973 that deals with the safeguards guaranteed to all persons against arrest and detention. This imperative constitutional provision, amongst other, ensures that every person who is arrested shall not be detained in custody without being informed of the grounds of such arrest. However, according to Constitution this privilege is not available to the person who for time being is considered as an “enemy alien”.

Yet, the Protection of Pakistan Act, 2004 appears to run slightly counter to this provision, in as much as, according to Section 9 (2) (b) of the Act of 2004 the denial of this right goes beyond the “enemy alien” and extends to the “militants” as well. On policy matter, though this is absolutely correct approach and need of the hour as well, yet, as a democratic state, the rule of law entails the legislature to remain within the limits prescribed by the Constitution of the country. I understand that the Section 9 has been worded very carefully by prefixing a statement of intention of legislature to this effect (“subject to the constitution”); and further that the term “enemy alien” as used in the Constitution may be considered wide enough to include the terms “enemy alien” and the “militants” as used in the Act of 2014. However, any authoritative clarification on this point of “ultra vires the Constitution” may take time putting the legislative efficacy of this much need Act of Parliament, though in individual cases, in turmoil. The law has just been passed and this is the time that this anomaly can be remedied quickly by appropriate legislation without having any effect on impact of the Act of 2014.

—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

300 Bosnian Muslim deaths Netherlands liability: Court H

Why Asia-Europe relations matter in the 21st century

THE HAGUE, (Netherlands)—A court has ordered the Netherlands to compensate the families of more than 300 Bosnian Muslims killed after Dutch peacekeeping troops handed them over to Bosnian Serb forces in 1995.

The civil court in The Hague cleared the Netherlands of liability in the massacre of nearly 8,000 others, saying that although those people sought protection in the UN safe haven of Srebrenica they were never directly in the custody of the Dutch troops.The ruling could be appealed, however, meaning it’s unlikely to resolve the Dutch national trauma over the country’s role in the worst massacre on European soil since World War II. The court ruled that the Dutch peacekeeping troops could have protected the 300plus men and boys who were among thousands of Muslims — mainly women, children and elderly people — taking shelter in a Dutch compound inside the UN-declared safe haven of Srebrenica.The troops — part of a Dutch UN battalion known as Dutchbat — handed over those in the compound two days after the town fell. The Bosnian Serb troops then killed the Muslim men and boys, who “would have survived if Dutchbat had

acted properly,” said Presiding Judge Larissa Alwin.

The court said the Netherlands could not be held responsible for people who had taken shelter in the town but who were not inside the Dutch compound. Those included thousands of other Bosnian Muslim men and boys who fled into the nearby forests when the town fell and were later rounded up and killed by Bosnian Serb forces.“Dutchbat cannot be held liable for their fate,” the ruling read.In an emotionally charged hearing attended by a handful of victims’ relatives, Alwin said the peacekeepers should have known that the men taken from the compound would be slain because there was already evidence of the Serbs committing war crimes.

“By cooperating in the deportation of these men, Dutchbat acted unlawfully,” Alwin said.

On July 13, 1995, the peacekeepers bowed to pressure from Bosnian Serb forces commanded

by Gen. Ratko Mladic and forced thousands of Muslim families out of their fenced-off compound.The Bosnian Serb forces sorted the Muslims by gender, then trucked the males away and began killing them in what would become the bloody climax to the 1992-95 Bosnian war, a slaughter that international

courts have ruled was genocide. The war claimed 100,000 lives in all.The Srebrenica bodies were plowed into hastily made mass graves, which were later bulldozed and scattered among other burial sites in an attempt to hide the evidence.Relatives of the dead welcomed the limited finding of liability Wednesday, but lamented that it did not go further.

“Obviously the court has no sense of justice,” said Munira Subasic, president of the Mothers of Srebrenica group that filed the case.

“How is it possible to divide victims, and tell one mother that the Dutch state is responsible for the death of her son on one side of the wire and not for the son on the other side?“ The court did not say how much compensation the families should receive. That will be worked out between lawyers and the government once any appeals have run their course. A lawyer for the relatives, Marco Gerritsen, said he would study the 89-page ruling before deciding whether to appeal.

It remains to be seen what effect the ruling will have on UN recruitment for peacekeeping missions.Defense Ministry spokesman Klaas Meijder said the Dutch government began insisting on stricter safeguards for its troops involved in

UN missions after the Srebrenica massacre, but wouldn’t speculate on whether Wednesday’s ruling would have a further impact.“What this means for future missions, I can’t say,” he said.

But analysts said the judgment could add to increasing concerns among Western nations about their involvement in peacekeeping missions.“Peacekeeping for quite a long time has been deeply fragile. Traditional donors have been pulling back,” said David Connolly of The Hague Institute for Global Justice.

The United Nations itself is exempt from prosecution. Earlier in the long-running case, judges said relatives of the victims could not sue the UN itself because its immunity is a cornerstone of peacekeeping operations.

UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Wednesday that the organization would need to study the ruling before commenting on it.

The Dutch peacekeepers’ involvement in the Srebrenica massacre has long been a source of national trauma. In 2002, the government of then-Prime Minister Wim Kok resigned following a report that blamed Dutch authorities and the UN for sending ill-equipped troops without a strong enough mandate to prevent the slaughter in Bosnia—AN.

Sino-Brazil cooperation boosting imperative: Xi

Typhoon ‘Glenda’ kills 20 in Philippines

BRASILIA—Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping told Brazilian parliamentary leaders that it is imperative that the two nations boost their cooperation.In a complex and profoundly-changing world, there’s great potential and broad space for stronger cooperation between the two major developing countries — the world’s second and seventh largest economy, respectively, Xi said during talks with Brazilian Senate President Renan Calheiros and Chamber of Deputies President Henrique Eduardo Alves.

The Chinese leader said he is delighted to visit Brazil this year as the two sides are commemorating 40 years of diplomatic ties. Bilateral relations are now at a critical stage connecting the past with the future, he noted.

Calling inter-parliamentary cooperation a crucial part of bilateral ties, Xi urged the two sides to strengthen exchanges to bolster mutual understanding and cooperation in such fields as law-making, supervision and state governing.

The Chinese leader encouraged Brazilian lawmakers to make further contribution in boosting the friendship between the two countries.

Calheiros and Alves said that the Brazilian parliament and various political parties agree that it is a policy priority for their country to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

They also hailed the outcome of the just-concluded sixth BRICS summit, especially the establishment of a development bank and a contingent reserve arrangement.

The Brazilian parliament firmly supports intra-BRICS cooperation, they said, vowing to work hard to strengthen exchanges between the legislative bodies of BRICS members. Also on Wednesday, Xi, accompanied by Calheiros and Alves, visited a photo exhibit depicting China-Brazil amity in the past 40 years—Xinhua

MANILA—Typhoon “Glenda”

The Dutch Supreme Court has ruled that the Dutch state is responsible for the deaths of 300 Bosnian Muslim men ordered to leave a UN compound in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre.

Malaysians see China as biggest ally, says survey KUALA LUMPUR—In terms of regional security, a number of Malaysians see China as the country’s greatest ally, a new survey has found.

Findings by the Pew Research Centre in its Spring 2014 Global Attitudes survey show that Malaysians shared this sentiment with Pakistan, contrasting with many Asian nations.

“Pakistanis, Chinese and Malaysians name the US as the biggest threat to their country. Outside of (these), every Asian nation surveyed considers the US its top ally,” the report read.

Data revealed that 27 per cent of Malaysians polled by the Washington-based think tank said Malaysia could rely on China as its most dependable ally in the future, though 19 per cent said the same of the US. At the same time, 26 per cent of people here saw the US as its greatest threat in

the future with only 5 per cent saying the same of China.

The findings were part of a report entitled “Global Opposition to US surveillance and drones, but limited harm to America’s image”.

Some 48,643 people aged 18 and above were interviewed in 44 countries, including 1,010 people in Malaysia.

The report added that 74 per cent of Malaysians polled in the survey had favourable views of China; a view shared by many predominant Muslim nations in Asia.At the same time, 69 per cent of people here felt that China’s growing economy was a boon to Malaysia.

However, 66 per cent of Malaysians were concerned about China’s recent territorial disputes with other nations in the South China Sea, with fears of a future military conflict there on the rise.

Though 40 per cent of Malaysians still

saw the US as the world’s leading economy, 31 per cent felt that China was in the lead.

When it came to defining who was the greatest superpower, 38 per cent felt that China will or has overtaken the US in this area, though 29 per cent didn’t share this sentiment.

When it came to international relations, 54 per cent of Malaysians were confident in Chinese president Xi Jinping’s ability to “do the right thing” in world affairs.

There was also public opposition towards US spying on local activites, with only 43 per cent of Malaysians saying that it is okay for the US to monitor suspected terrorists.

About 80 per cent of Malaysians also disapproved of the US’s use of drones to target extremists in countries such as Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. —ANN.

dealt Metro Manila only a glancing blow of about three hours but it was enough to shut down the capital, leave the megacity a shambles and without power, and take at least 20 lives as it blew out into the West Philippine Sea after cutting a wide swath of destruction from eastern to southern Luzon.The number of fatalities in the first major typhoon of the Philippines’ brutal rainy season was hard to determine, as most parts of the stricken regions had no electricity and the main disaster agency groped in the dark for information.

The powerful winds of Glenda (international name: Rammasun, which in Thai means “God of Thunder”) brought down trees, electric posts and ripped off roofs across Metro Manila, where government offices, schools and the stock market were shuttered for the day.Without electricity, the elevated commuter train services LRT and MRT were suspended and most of the city of 12 million people sweltered in the dark for more than half of the day.

Glenda’s powerful winds shut down the two runways servicing domestic and international flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) at 7am, paralysing the entire airport operations for most of the morning as the typhoon passed just south of the capital.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) opened the runways at 10:40am, bringing back airport operations.Not without incident, though.

Glenda’s powerful wind slammed two commercial airplanes into air bridges, damaging them.

Airport officials said the left wing of a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200 was broken after strong typhoon winds shoved the parked aircraft to an air bridge in Terminal 1.

A parked Malaysian Airlines Boeing 737-800 was also blown away, hitting the service stairs at the terminal—ANN.

Areas of Saudi-US cooperation JOSPEH W. WESTPHAL

H

AVING recently arrived as the US Am bassador in Saudi Arabia, my wife Linda and I have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome we have received here from Saudis of all walks of life. As I start to roll up my sleeves and get to work, I wanted to share some of my observations on how I see the US-Saudi partnership, both on a governmental level, and on a personal level.

I see diplomacy as a person-to-person interaction, and I look forward to meeting Saudis from a variety of backgrounds to advance our bilateral bonds in the coming years.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer my warmest greetings to the Saudi people for the holy month of Ramadan.

I hope that in Saudi Arabia and throughout the region we will keep the focus always on what brings us together: Family, compassion, charity, and peace.

This US-Saudi relationship is one of our closest and most valued relationships in the region, and indeed in the world. Over the years, Saudi Arabia and the United States have partnered to tackle some of the toughest challenges facing the world.

President Obama reaffirmed these close ties when he visited Riyadh on March

28. The US has had an important friendship with Saudi Arabia for many decades based on our shared interests in regional security, trade and investment, energy, and education, as the president, in that meeting of more than two hours, made clear.

US-Saudi trade now reaches $70 billion and Saudi Arabia is America’s 9th largest trading partner worldwide. The US remains Saudi Arabia’s largest trade partner, with US exports to the Kingdom growing by 76 percent since the beginning of President Obama’s administration in 2009.

The bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, signed in 2003, provides a forum for the US and Saudi Arabia to explore ways to advance economic relations, and less than a year ago we signed an Open Skies Agreement.

Our agricultural exports, which have reached record high levels in recent years, have provided Saudi consumers with unmatched quality and consistency. Our bilateral cooperation on agricultural, environmental and health issues has grown as well. Saudi Arabia is now our partner in the Global Methane Initiative, which strives to decrease the effects of climate change by lowering methane emissions.

Our two countries have been partners in the health sector for over 30 years — both in the public and private sector — and

this cooperation continues to grow between our health ministries and other ministries and organizations through research collaborations, university programs, and exchanges of experts. For example, the US centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works very closely with the Ministry of Health on the MERS-Coronavirus situation and has a team in Saudi Arabia now working daily with Ministry of Health experts. We also have excellent collaboration on renewable and alternative energy and energy efficiency.

We also enjoy robust collaboration on a range of energy issues, including renewable and alternative energy, a partnership that will only grow stronger as increasing US oil production further aligns US and Saudi interests in global energy markets.

Another important dimension of our ties is education. Saudi students have been attending American universities, colleges, and even high schools since the 1950s. One of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s accomplishments which we esteem the most is the scholarship program that bears his name.

In 2005, prior to the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP) there were fewer than 3,500 Saudi students in the US. Today, there are over 83,000 young Saudi men and women studying at our uni-

versities and colleges from coast to coast.

Saudi Arabia now ranks fourth among countries sending students to the US. As of the most recent academic year, more than 50 percent of the current KASP students study in the US. We are proud to be the preferred destination for Saudi students and know that these young ambassadors will build ties that will support our partnership for decades to come. We applaud his vision, and we hope to welcome even more students in the future.

Last year, we issued 38,306 student visas out of a total of 126,300 visas between our three diplomatic facilities in Saudi Arabia. More than 90 percent of Saudi visa applications are approved, which is one of the highest rates in the world.

All of these factors point to a country undergoing significant growth and modernization. Its place on the world stage is growing in importance and responsibility.

From that fateful day in 1944 when President Roosevelt met with King Abdul Aziz on the USS Quincy and gave US recognition and support to this new country, our friendship, economic and political ties have grown and strengthened.

—Courtesy: AN [The writer is the US ambassador to Saudi Arabia].

SHADA ISLAM

OPES are high that the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting — or Asem summit — to be held in Milan on Oct. 16-17 will confirm the credibility and relevance of Asia-Europe relations in the 21st century.

Asem has certainly survived many storms and upheavals since it was initiated in Bangkok in 1996 and now, with Asem’s 20th anniversary in 2016 approaching rapidly, the challenge is not only to guarantee Asem’s survival but also to ensure that the Asia-Europe partnership flourishes and thrives.

Talk about renewal and revival is encouraging as Asians and Europeans seek to inject fresh dynamism into Asem through changed formats and a stronger focus on content to bring it into the 21st century.Asem’s future hinges not only on whether governments are ready to pay as much attention to Asem and devote as much time and energy to their partnership as they did in the early years but also on closer engagement between Asian and European business leaders, civil society representatives and enhanced people-to-people contacts.

An Asem business summit and peoples’ forum will be held in parallel with the leaders’ meeting.

Significantly, the theme of the Milan summit — Responsible Partnership for Sustainable Growth and Security – allows for a discussion not only of ongoing political strains and tensions in Asia and in Europe’s eastern neighborhood, but also of crucial questions linked to food, water and energy security.

Engagement between the two regions has been increasing over the years, both within and outside Asem. Five of the 51 (set to rise to 52 with Croatia joining in October) Asem partners – China, Japan, India, South Korea and Russia – are the European Union’s strategic partners. Turkey and Kazakhstan have formally voiced interest in joining Asem, although approval of their applications will take time. There is now a stronger EU-Asian conversation on trade, business, security and culture.

Exports to Asia and investments in the region are pivotal in ensuring a sustainable European economic recovery while the EU single market attracts goods, investments and people from across the globe, helping Asian governments to maintain growth and development. European technology is in much demand across the region.Not surprisingly, Asia-Europe economic interdependence has grown. With total Asia-Europe trade in 2012 estimated at US$1.87 trillion, Asia has become the European Union’s main trading partner, accounting for one-third of total trade.

More than one-quarter of European outward investments head for Asia while Asia’s emerging global champions are seeking out business deals in Europe.

The increased connectivity is reflected in the mutual AsiaEurope quest to negotiate free trade agreements and investment accords.Asem’s connectivity credentials go beyond trade and economics. In addition to the strategic partnerships mentioned above, Asia and Europe are linked through an array of cooperation accords.Discussions on climate change, pandemics, illegal immigration, maritime security, urbanisation and green growth, among others, are frequent between multiple government ministries and agencies in both regions, reflecting a growing recognition that 21st century challenges can only be tackled through improved global governance and, failing that, through “patchwork governance” involving cross-border and cross-regional alliances.Discussions on security issues are an important part of the political pillar in Asem, with leaders exchanging views on regional and global flashpoints. Given current tensions over conflicting territorial claims in the East and South China Seas, this year’s debate should be particularly important.

Asian views of Europe’s security role are changing. Unease about the dangerous political and security fault lines that run across the region and the lack of a strong security architecture has prompted many in Asia to take a closer look at Europe’s experience in ensuring peace, easing tensions and handling conflicts. As Asia grapples with historical animosities and unresolved conflicts, earlier skepticism about Europe’s security credentials are giving way to recognition of Europe’s “soft power” in peacemaking and reconciliation, crisis management, conflict resolution and preventive diplomacy, human rights, the promotion of democracy and the rule of law.In addition, for many in Asia, the EU is the prime partner for dealing with non-traditional security dilemmas, including food, water and energy security as well as climate change.

—Courtesy: Jakarta Post.

[The writer is responsible for policy oversight of Friends of Europe’s initiatives, activities and publications. She has special responsibility for the Asia Program and for the Development Policy Forum.]

Recognise the enemy within MARTIN VENGADESAN

S

OMETIMES it feels like there is a war being fought by some people around us, even as the majority of Malay sians just try to muddle through in denial.Time and time again, the indications are there that extremism has been allowed to flourish in our midst.

The constant arrests of Malaysian militants who were drawn to violent causes of the al-Qaeda and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) variety is almost a natural extension of the first batch of radicalism that was inspired in the late 1970s by the Iranian Revolution and the Libyan regime of Muammar Gaddafi.

Since then, we have had the Memali standoff (1985), AlArqam arrests (1994) and Al-Ma’unah camp seizure (2000) and even an unusual Samurai sword attack in front of the Prime Minister’s office (2012) as flashpoints of extremist activity.

Additionally, there is ample evidence that those engaged in violent struggles in southern Thailand, southern Philippines and Sri Lanka have used Malaysia as a critical base for their activities.No doubt the fact that almost any Asian can blend into our general population has worked in their favour.

So what can be done to reverse the tide?

I think it is absolutely critical that Malaysians learn to analyse situations properly.For example, I understand one’s blood boiling at the injustice of the Israeli-Palestine conflict.

While killings happen on both sides, this is clearly a one-sided war that should have been settled by UN intervention a half century ago.Still, sympathy for the Palestinian plight does not justify expressions of support for the abhorrent Nazi ideology and genocide.I would like to encourage Malaysians who think that two wrongs make a right to march alongside neo-Nazis in the Western world and see just what a warm welcome they receive.Honestly, I feel that many Malaysians are easily brainwashed to fall into line ... along the divisive lines of race, religion and language.

I think many have been brainwashed about the importance of Malay, Mandarin and Tamil in relation to the English language.And that is insular thinking that is going to keep us sliding backwards in a knowledge-based global economy.

Most countries in the world don’t give two hoots about those other languages, while our advantage in having so many Malaysians proficient in the dominant global dialect is being whittled away every year.Even when Malaysia garners bad press overseas you can see how some of us are pre-programmed to be negative ... so willing to think the worst about Malaysia and loudly proclaim those views to all and sundry in a manner that is two steps short of treason.Another section of the population holds the converse view, invariably lauding our system and authorities and blind to any fault that we have.

The truth is clearly somewhere in the middle.

I have to say that I am concerned about just how much of the right kind of effort is being put into curbing the militant threat.

Five years ago when I attended a reunion of the Communist Party of Malaya guerillas, I was approached on three separate occasions by the Special Branch who seemed to be paying undue attention to a bunch of pensioners who had laid down their arms decades ago.

—Courtesy: The Star.

Nawaz to visit Muzaffarabad next month HAMEED SHAHEEN ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif accompanied by Kashmir Committee chairman MNA Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman is scheduled to visit Muzaffarabad for one day on August 10, 2014.

The visit news was broken by AJK Premier Ch Abdul Majeed in his media briefing on Thursday in his office.

Pakistan Premier would apparently address a huge Pakistan ‘Zindabad Rally’ in Muzaffarabad as part of Independence of Pakistan Day celebrations. AJK PM has sent invitations to political elites, Assembly members including Kashmir Committee chairman MNA Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman.

Regional watchers say this visit of Pakistan Premier seems vital as after his India visit in the recent past national circles were pointing fingers to him for missing mention of Kashmir tangle in his formal, informal talks with Indian leadership. Pakistan’s only core issue in Asia is undoubtedly Kashmir dispute.

On the other side of the Kashmir divide, Kashmiri political elders are still nursing the view that [maybe] Narendra Modi pick up the thread of Kashmir negotiations left by his party boss, ex-Premier Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee in talks with ex-President Pervez Musharraf at Agra.

Just days before Modi’s close aide Mr Pratab Vaidik in his interview with an English daily of Islamabad rolled forward the idea of giving independence to Kashmir. Vaidik spent 20 days in Pakistan exploring his politico-strategic ideas with politicians and select media persons in Islamabad.

Monetary policy

Raiwind operation From Page 1 of the militant was killed on the spot and the other one who was capture in critical condition, succumbed to injuries during medical treatment in Combined Military Hospital.

The militants were between the ages of 24 and 30 years. Sources said both the attackers were trained in South Waziristan. Around 40 to 50 security officials were actively engaged in the final attack, trying to get inside the house.

The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was called in at the Raiwand Road site after security personnel found three live grenades at the premises of the militant compound.

The two-storey house being resided by the suspected terrorists is located in the Al-Janat Colony of Arayian village on Raiwind road. According to initial investigation, the house is owned by a man named Dr Manzoor. Intelligence agency officers have reportedly arrested the owner for interrogation. For the last six months, the militants were residing in this compound which was only 2.5 km away from the residence of PM Nawaz. The operation was jointly conducted by local police, Punjab elite force, Rangers and army personnel.

Later, the dead militants has been identified as Ahsan Mehmood. He was a resident of Okara.

“Ahsan Mehmood’s three accomplices were also arrested three days ago in Okara and had informed the law enforcement agencies about the presence of militants in the house. On their tipoff, the security forces launched an operation against them,” it is learnt, During the operation, at least eight explosions were heard while recurrent bouts of firing continued between militants and security forces were also reported.

Commandos entered the main gate of the compound where the militants were holed up.

Fire also erupted in the compound when a rocket launcher was used to hit the upper story of the building.

According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Investigation Nawaz Marwat, the raid began at 2am on Thursday, as security forces received a tip-off regarding the presence of militants in Araiyan Pind near Raiwind Road. After an intense firefight where militants used heavy arms and ammunition against security forces, the militant compound was penetrated by the police around noon.

Later, speaking to media persons, IG Punjab confirmed that there were only two terrorists in-

side the house. One of them was killed in the action while another captured in injured condition.

He said religious literature, detonators, submachine guns (SMGs), explosives and two motorbikes were recovered from the house when troops thoroughly combed the place. Residents told Pakistan Observer that three men, a woman and a few children resided in the house. They had reportedly moved in six months ago.

Talking to media, Punjab Minister for AntiTerrorism Col. (retd) Shuja Khanzada earlier claimed the death of seven militants, and said that three others were injured, however, the CCPO later confirmed that one militant had been killed, with one injured.

Addressing a press conference at the end of the raid, Colonel Shuja Khanzada said those announcing a long march should know that rooting out terrorism is the main focus.

“There will be terrorism in every city, town and village,” he said, referring to the blowback from the North Waziristan operation. “Terrorists are targeting everyone. Long marches need to come to an end as wiping out terrorism is the number one priority.” “They [militants] appeared to be locals,” he said. “They are bearded and appeared fatigued. One is injured, if he recovers we will interrogate him and gain information.” He said that the operation was drawn-out because the police received reports that two women and children were also present in the compound, and that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had strictly ordered that they should not be harmed in the raid.

While giving his reaction on this operation against terrorists, Punjab Law Minister Rana Mashhood said the clash appeared to be a reaction of the military operation in North Waziristan.

Mashood said the premier could have been a possible target of the militants as Raiwind Palace was not far off from the scene of the clash.

He also said that the premier and top leadership of the government were receiving threats due to the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan. Mashood said measures were taken to ensure the safety of civilians in the area.

Punjab Chief MInister Shahbaz Sharif paid tribute to the police personnel who had lost their lives and instructed for the provision of the best medical facilities to the policemen injured.

Dar directs removal

From Page 1 proceeds, improved home remittances from over seas workers which touched the historic mark of $15 billion at the end of fiscal year 2014, It may be noted that UBL sell off of 19.8% shareholding of the government was done at an 8% discount to the market price, with 30% oversubscription.

PPL’s transaction generated more demand than expected, with over-subscription of more than 100% from the government’s offering of 70millionn shares.

All these factors are to contribute in strengthening the foreign exchange reserves and that the reserves stability is a good reason for the ccentral bank to go for a 50bps cut in its discount rate for the banks. At the moment the total liquid foreign reserves held by the country stood at US$14,513.6 million on 11July2014.The break-up of the foreign reserves position is as under: During the week ending 11July2014, SBP’s Liquid FX Reserves decreased by US$116 million to US$9,486 million compared to US$9,602 million in the previous week.

Afghan poll From Page 1 to three weeks, we are planning to form hundreds of teams for this audit,” Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani, chief of the Independent Election Commission told a Press conference.

“I hope both candidates accept the results this time after the overall audit,” he added.

The move was agreed upon by the two rival presidential contenders, Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani, following a deal brokered by US Secretary of State John Kerry. US President Barack Obama on Thursday hailed the “courage” of the two candidates, as well as Kerry’s efforts in breaking the deadlock.—AFP

From Page 1 tations are already at advanced stage for supply of Basmati rice and wheat to Iran on account of commodity exchange. He also informed that Iran has recently lifted ban on mango import from Pakistan and the gesture has set the pitch for enhanced barter trade.

Finance Minister directed the concerned Ministries and Departments to resolve outstanding issues immediately and remove impediments in order to exploit full potential of bilateral trade. He mentioned about putting on fast track all the pending issues for resolution in or before the Joint Economic Commission to be held soon. The Finance Minister said that during the Prime Minister’s visit to Iran, both the sides had reaffirmed their commitment that while remaining within the ambit of UN sanctions, mutual trade and cooperation will be enhanced with barter trade and commodities exchange mechanism. He said that we need to build mutual confidence to overcome the impediments in barter trade and commodity exchanges facili-

ties enabling the two countries to benefit from their proximity and neighborhood.

A delegation of UK based investors group led by Ms. Farah Waters also called on the Finance Minister, at the Finance Ministry, today to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan. In her presentation Ms. Waters told that the companies “Seacrest Shipping Company Limited” and Salfo & Associates are interested in doing business with Pakistan.

The companies provide services in the areas of port and shipping, engineering, infrastructure development and logistics and they would like to set up joint ventures with the Pakistani investors. “We would like to provide assistance in various projects related to infrastructure and energy.

As we know that Pakistan is keen on developing energy projects, we could provide help in coal transportation and consultancy Services in various Projects” said Ms. Farah. Mr. Loannis Foteinos from Seacrest Shipping Company

also informed the Finance Minister that transportation of Hajj pilgrimages through ships can be made on highly competitive rates as compared to air travel which is much more expensive.

The Finance Minister appreciated the interest shown by the delegation and said, “We appreciate the keen interest shown by investors group and hope that the group will participate in competitive biddings through a transparent procedure in order to do business in Pakistan. The Finance Minister directed chairman Board of Investment (BOI) Mr. Miftah Ismail to provide every help in arranging meetings with the concerned Pakistani businessmen.

The Finance Minister invited the investor group to huge opportunities in the exploration of Hydro-Carbons and said that success rate in Pakistan is very high as compared to other regions. He assured the investors group of support from government to FDI preferably on the model of joint-ventures with the private sector of Pakistan.

Hamas, Israel resume attacks From Back Page Amran, 43, a money changer in central Gaza City. The city’s streets returned to normalcy during the lull, with traffic jams, motorists honking horns and Hamas police directing traffic at busy intersections.

Hundreds lined up outside banks, with people jostling and shouting to get to ATM machines. In an outdoor market, shoppers filled plastic bags with fruit, vegetables and freshly slaughtered chickens.

Abdallah Jaber, 42, seized the opportunity to visit his 87-year-old father, Hosni, in a care facility for the elderly and disabled close to the Israeli border, in an area that has been targeted repeatedly by the Israeli army as a launching area for rockets.

Several tank shells hit the upper floors of the five-story Wafa rehabilitation center last week, punching large holes into the wall facing the border.

Israel has demanded that the building be evacuated, but director Basman Ashi said such a trip was too risky for his 17 patients, many of them unable to walk. Jaber said he couldn’t reach the center during 10 days of fighting and was worried about his father, who is on a respirator and suffers from dementia. “We would call every hour to get an update on his condition,” he said. Israeli strikes have killed more than 230 Palestinians, Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Kidra said.

One Israeli has been killed and several wounded in rocket attacks, officials said.—AP

Govt, Opp agree on procedure to form electoral reforms body OBSERVER REPORT ISLAMABAD—The government and opposition on Thursday agreed on a procedure to constitute a committee of the parliamentarians regarding the electoral reforms.

After attending a meeting of the lawmakers belonging to both treasury and opposition benches, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq told media that 33 parliamentarians of all the parliamentary parties will be part of the committee regarding the electoral reforms.

Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Leader of the House in Senate, Raja Zafarul Haq were also present in the meeting.

He said leaders from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N and the opposition parties will finalise names of the parliamentarians, adding that 11 members of the Senate and 22 members of

Nation stands From Page 1 effective reconstruction and rehabilitation. He also directed NADRA for fast-track verification process by employing additional manpower and equipment at Bannu. The meeting was also attended by DG ISI, CGS, DGMO, DG MI DG ISPR and DG Budget.

The Prime Minister has been regularly in touch with the senior military leadership since the launch of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb and is being regularly updated on the successes in the operation, aimed at clearing North Waziristan and other areas from terrorists and to eliminate their hideouts.

On arrival at the GHQ, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif received the Prime Minister and a contingent presented him guard of honour.

Prime Minister laid a wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada and paid rich tributes to the officers and Jawans who have rendered the supreme sacrifice by laying down their lives for the protection of their motherland.

The Prime Minister who earlier held separate meetings with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmood and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila at the PM House, discussed professional matters and the ongoing operation.—APP

the lower house will be part of the committee.

“There were some concerns shown by the members of the Senate regarding their representation in the committee or the lack of it … so it was decided that 11 senators of different political parties will represent the Upper House in the committee,” said Sadiq.

The speaker said that both government and opposition have agreed to provide the names of their representatives as soon as possible to set up the committee, adding that members of the committee will then select the chairman of the committee.

In a bid to counter the ongoing campaign regarding the electoral reforms of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wrote to the National Assembly speaker on June 10, asking him to constitute a special parliamentary committee with members of both houses of parliament to deliberate the issue.

He had suggested that the proposed committee should present strong recom-

mendations on free and fair elections, establishment of caretaker government and use of modern technology in polls.

Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf, which has called for a million-man march on Islamabad next month to press its demands around electoral reform demand, has already nominated three members for the committee.

The main opposition Pakistan People’s Party has nominated Aitzaz Ahsan, Raza Rabbani, Syed Naveed Qamar and Shazia Marri in the 33-member committee.

The ruling PML-N will be represented by seven members, including Deputy Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi and four ministers.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Science and Technology Minister Zahid Hamid, Safron Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch, Minister of State for Information Technology Anusha Rehman, MNAs Hakeem Baloch and Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry are the other members nominated by the party.

Malaysian jet with 295 down From Page 1 thick black smoke,” said a witness, who gave his name only as Vladimir.

A separatist rebel from nearby Krasnyi Luch who gave his name only as Sergei said: “From my balcony I saw a plane begin to descend from a great height and then heard two explosions.

He denied the rebels had shot the plane down.

“This could happen only if it was a fighter jet or a surface-to-air missile (that shot it down),” he told Reuters, saying the rebels did not have weapons capable of shooting shoot down a plane at such a height. All 295 people aboard the plane were killed, a Ukrainian interior ministry official said, blaming “terrorists” using a ground-to-air missile.

The incident comes four months after a Malaysian Airlines plane, MH370, went missing less than 90 minutes after taking off from Kuala Lumpur on March 8, 2014.

Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine’s interior minister, wrote on his Facebook page that the plane had crashed in Ukrainian territory after being hit by a missile fired from a Buk launcher. Associated Press said one of its journalists had seen a similar launcher near the town of Snizhne earlier on Thursday. Leaders of the self-declared Donetsk people’s republic denied any involvement, according the Interfax news agency. A member of the republic’s security council said the rebels only have weapons able to shoot down a plane at 3,000 metres and blamed Ukrainian military forces for the attack.

In a statement posted on his website, Ukraine’s president Petro Poroshenko said: “We do not exclude that the plane was shot down and confirm that the Ukraine Armed Forces did not fire at any targets in the sky.”

He called for the creation of a commission to investigate the incident. “This is the third tragic incident in recent days after Ukrainian

military An-26 and Su-25 jets were shot down from Russian territory. We don’t rule out that this plane was also shot down, and we stress that the Ukrainian military didn’t take any actions to destroy targets in the air,” he said.

Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, rejected the allegation, telling reporters: “We didn’t do it.” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said president Obama had told his team to stay in close touch with senior Ukrainian officials.

“We’re aware of reports of a downed passenger jet near the Russian-Ukraine border. The president has been briefed on these reports,” he said.

Earlier, Obama and Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone to discuss new US sanctions imposed on Moscow over its alleged failure to halt the flow of weapons and fighters to separatist forces in eastern Ukraine.

Several airlines, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Russia’s Transaereo announced they would avoid east Ukrainian airspace with immediate effect.

The Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak said via Twitter: “I am shocked by reports that an MH plane crashed. We are launching an immediate investigation.”

The country’s defence minister tweeted that he was “monitoring closely” claims that MH17 had crashed, saying: “No confirmation [sic] it was shot down! Our military have been instructed 2 get on it!”

The cause of MH370’s disappearance remains a mystery, with investigators suggesting the plane was deliberately diverted from its course, but there was no way of knowing whether the pilots were responding to an emergency or whether there was malicious intent.

That aircraft was a Boeing-777 – the same kind of plane as flight MH17.—Agencies

Twin Hangu blasts leave six dead, four injured playing hell among the crowd.

Initial reports said that five people including three minors between the age of 8 to ten years were killed on the spot while four others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment where another kid succumbed to his injuries taking the death toll to six. Three people were admitted to hospital for treatment.

“At least six people were killed while four others injured in two consecutive explosions here on Thursday morning”.

Local officials said adding the rescue teams arrived at the scene soon after the blasts and shifted the bodies and injured people to the District Headquarter Hospital.

Local sources said that three of killed children were siblings and their father had gone for Tableegh with the Tableeghi Jamaat The security forces are also reported to have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation in the region for the culprits involved in the heinous crime.

The Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak while strongly condemning

From Page 1 roadside remote-controlled bomb explosion in village Dardai Banda, Police Station Hangu Saddar has announced compensation for the dead and injured persons of the gruesome incident under Martyrs Package. According to the package the families of each eight dead persons of the incident will be paid Rs.0.5 million while three injured would be provided financial assistance of Rs.0.2 million each.

The Chief Minister directed the district administration Hangu for making arrangements to pay the compensation as soon as possible. He said that such kind of coward terror incidents could not demoralize the courage of the brave people of the province. He said that the people of the province would soon get rid of the cancer of terrorism. He explained that the nominal amount of compensation is no substitute to precious human lives and wounds of the innocent citizens. However, he said that it is a little attempt on

behalf of the government and people of KP to share the grief of the affected families.

Pervez Khattak regretted that targeting the innocent and poor people on the pretext of Waziristan Operation is inhuman act, which had no justification. Soon after getting information of the incident, the chief minister contacted the concerned authorities and directed police and district administration for bringing the miscreants to

justice, conducting inquiry of the incident and taking foolproof measures to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents in future. He expressed heartiest sympathies with the affected families, prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and early recovery of the injured.

Meanwhile the Chief Minister has asked the MPA from Hangu Shah Faisal to immediately rush to the area and meet all the injured and affected families to share their grief and problems.

Pakistan condemns bomb attack in Afghanistan

Kabul asked to stop terrorists from cross-border attacks STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Foreign Office spokesperson

I Johnny Winter dies GENEVA— Texas blues icon Johnny Winter, who rose to fame in the late 1960s and ’70s for his energetic performances and musical collaborations including with childhood hero Muddy Waters, has died. He was 70. His representative, Carla Parisi, confirmed Thursday that Winter died in a hotel room in Zurich a day earlier. The statement said his wife, family and bandmates were all saddened by the loss of one of the world’s finest guitarists. He had been on an extensive tour this year that brought him to Europe.

Winter, along with his younger brother Edgar, rose to prominence in their early 20s and turned heads both for their musicianship and starkwhite hair, a result of the musicians’ albinism. —AP

Tasneem Aslam said Thursday that Afghan authorities had been asked not to allow the use of their territory to launch attacks on Pakistani soil.

She was speaking during a weekly media briefing at the Foreign Office.

Commenting on the recent incidents of terrorism in Afghanistan, she said Pakistan strongly condemned terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, including the one in Paktika province, in which a large number of civilians were killed.

She said Pakistan welcomed the “amicable resolution” reached over the complaints of fraud in the second round of Afghan presidential elections, adding that it appreciated the efforts of all those who contributed to the peaceful negotiated outcome.

“We believe this is the success of democracy,” Aslam said. She said no cause justifies such despicable acts, especially in the holy month of

Ramazan. “We reiterate condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the FO spokesperson said.

Speaking about the conviction of Pakistani journalist Faizullah Khan in Afghanistan, Aslam said the Pakistani Ambassador in Kabul was actively pursuing the matter with Afghan authorities to secure the reporter’s freedom.

Commenting on the allegations levelled against Pakistani diplomats in Britain, Tasnim Aslam said the wives of the two diplomats in question had levelled those allegations in order to secure political asylum.

Answering a question, the spokesperson said Pakistan sought resolution of all disputes with India, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through the dialogue process. However, she said, attaching any preconditions may not be very helpful.

She said the Mumbai attack case was under way while no progress had been made in the case relating to the Samjhota train attack.

Hamas, Israel resume attacks after brief truce GAZA CITY—Gaza residents rushed to banks, vegetable markets and shops Thursday during a first U.N.-brokered lull in 10 days of IsraelHamas fighting, but a quick resumption of hostilities after it ended signaled that a permanent truce remains elusive.

Hamas fired 10 rockets at Israel after the end of the temporary truce, while Israel launched two airstrikes at the Gaza Strip, security officials said. Egypt persisted with diplomatic efforts to bring all sides to the table Thursday, with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas after Egyptian officials met separately with representatives of Israel and Hamas in Cairo. But the

gaps remain wide. Israel accepted Egypt’s call earlier this week to halt all fighting, but Hamas rejected the idea because it first wants to lock in achievements, such as easing the seven-year blockade of Gaza by Israel and Egypt.

Strict Egyptian access restrictions to Gaza over the past year, combined with long-running Israeli closures, severely weakened the Islamic militant group. During the humanitarian ceasefire, Gaza residents rushed to restock supplies after more than a week of being mostly holed up at home for fear of airstrikes.

“The situation is likely to get worse because there is no clear way out of it,” said Moussa

Continued on Page 7

Published by: Zahid Malik from Ali Akbar House Markaz G-8, Islamabad and printed by Gauhar Zahid Malik at Al Umar Printers

Gene therapy creates ‘biological pacemaker’ cells for the heart

R

ESEARCHERS have succeeded in turn ing ordinary cardiac muscle cells into specialized ones that deliver a steady heartbeat using a gene therapy procedure they predict could become an alternative to implanted electronic pacemakers. A study published on Wednesday involved pigs with a condition called heart block that makes their hearts beat too slowly. By injecting a human gene into a tiny region of the heart’s pumping chambers roughly the size of a peppercorn, the researchers reprogrammed heart muscle cells into a type of cell that emits electrical impulses to drive the beating heart.

In doing so, cardiologists at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles created “biological pacemaker” cells that restored a normal heart rate in the pigs. The procedure achieved the same result as implanting an electronic pacemaker that sends electrical pulses to the heart if it beats too slowly or skips a beat. “This development heralds a new era of gene therapy where genes are used not only to correct a deficiency disorder but actually to convert one type of cell into another to treat disease,” Dr. Eduardo Marbán, director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and leader of the research team, told reporters.

The researchers noted that pig hearts are very similar to human hearts. Dr. Eugenio Cingolani, director of the institute’s Cardiogenetics-Familial Arrhythmia Clinic, said “if all goes well” in further animal studies ex-

amining the procedure’s long-term effectiveness and safety, “we hope to be able to begin trials in humans within three years.” The researchers envision using the procedure initially to help people with heart rhythm disorders who cannot use a pacemaker because of device-related complications like an infection or in fetuses in the womb with congenital heart block.

Such fetuses cannot have a pacemaker implanted and risk severe heart failure often resulting in stillbirth. The researchers hope to develop an injection-based treatment to deliver the gene therapy to these developing babies. They said down the road the procedure might be used in a broader patient population as a realistic alternative to the pacemaker.

Marbán said about 2 percent of pacemakers lead to an infection requiring treatment. In the United States alone, about 300,000 people get pacemakers annually.

“Rather than having to undergo implantation with a metallic device that needs to be replaced regularly and can fail or become infected, patients may someday be able to undergo a single gene injection and be cured of the slow heart rhythm forever,” Cingolani said.

Using a minimally invasive catheter procedure, the researchers injected pigs that had complete heart block with a gene called TBX18 that is responsible for a protein that makes the heart keep the right rhythm. On the second day after the gene was injected, the pigs developed a faster, more normal heartbeat that lasted for the rest of the 14-day experiment.

Senate body assures regularisation of 395 ICT police personnel STAFF R EPORTER I S L A M A B A D —Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat was informed on Thursday that the government has lifted the ban on recruitment of needed staff in its departments and 395 contract employees of Islamabad police would be regularized before August 14, 2014.

The committee meeting was held under the Chairpersonship of Sena-

ISLAMABAD—Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Maroof Afzal on Thursday directed the Planning Wing to compile a new report based on fresh survey regarding non-confirming use of residential buildings. The chairman made these remarks while chairing a high level meeting which held at CDA headquarters Thursday.

The meeting reviewed the report about commercial and nonconfirming use of residential buildings in the city. While expressing his dissatisfaction over the report regarding non- confirming use of residential buildings the chairman CDA directed the Planning Wing to compile a new report based on fresh survey. The new report should be used to control non-confirming use of residential buildings in Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD—A Special Control

OBSERVER R EPORT ISLAMABAD—Writers and scholars of twin cities paid rich tributes to Madre Millat, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah in a meeting organized by the Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) in its monthly socio literary program Nuqta e Nazar, at Aiwan-i-Quaid, here today.

The meeting, presided over by eminent scholar, historian and critic, Saqib Akbar, was convened to commemorate the meritorious and matchless services of Motherma Fatima Jinnah during Pakistan movement as well as in rehabilitation of refuges in very hard and dire circumstances during the early years of independence of Pakistan.

This month particularly belongs to Madre Millat as her birth anniversary falls on 30 July and death anniversary on 9th July. So the month demands that we may arrange a number of programmes to refresh our minds with the memories of Madre Millat with reference to her unforgettable services for the cause of Pakistan, he said.

The other speakers included Dr. Ather Zaidi, Ammar Masud, Wafa Chishti,, Asghar Abid, Shaida Chishti, Sumera Hameed, Afshan Qureshi, Haider Naqvi, Dr.Saeed Ahmed, and Dr.Bushra Nafees.

Anjum Khaleeq of NPC conducted the proceedings.

Expressing their views, the speakers maintained that Motherma was a real source of inspiration and support for the great Quaid as she not only devoted her whole life to look after every need of her brother in his political and domestic life, but also motivated the women folk to actively participate in the independence movement.

Without that vocal and quantitative support of women, the dream of creation of Pakistan might not have come true, the speakers said.

The speakers also highlighted Fatima Jinnah’s role in keeping alive the democratic values set forth by Quaid-i-Azam for Pakistan’s system of governance, referring her courageous struggle against regime of Gen Ayub Khan.

contract employee would be rendered jobless.

Tajwar said 395 police employees of Islamabad police would be regularized before the 14 August 2014 and all related law requirements would be fulfilled in this regard.

Senator Rubina Khalid said police was fighting at front against the terrorism and their sacrifices were remembered.

STAFF REPORTER

STAFF REPORTER

Tributes paid to Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah for her services to nation

Islamabad Capital Territory.

There after,the contract period of these ex army men was extended from time to time and last extension in this regard was granted up to 2014, he said.

He said at that stage legal process was completed and Competent Authority has in principal approved the proposal to the extent of the services of 395 Ex-Army personnel who fulfilled the recruitment criteria. No

Non-confirming use of residential buildings

Special Control Centre for monitoring Azadi March, Revolution March

Ambassador of Brazil Alfredo Leoni with the Pakistani students who will participate in International Robotics Competition in Brazil.—PO photo Sultan Bashir

tor Kalsoom Parveen here at Parliament House.

Briefing the committee, Interior Ministry additional Secretary Imtiaz Tajwar said that due to imposition of ban on recruitment, the Islamabad Police had recruited 464 Ex-Army personnel on contract basis in 2009 for a period of two year necessitating the additional force requirements in the wake of terrorism and to maintain law and order situation in

centre would be established in the Ministry of Interior to ensure foolproof security arrangements and monitor the Azadi March of Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri’s Revolution March.

Sources said that all the concerned institutions would be required to feed required information to this centre and also act on the direction of the Cell that would be under direct control of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

Government sources said that the step has been taken in view of the security situation in the light of Zarb-e-Azb operation so that there was no untoward incident. Provincial Home Departments and concerned institutions have been issued directions to inform the control room about departure of each and every convoy for Azadi March from towns and cities.

A beautiful view of the colourful flowers at Constitution Avenue.

Death of ‘wandering falcon’ a capital loss ZUBAIR QURESHI ISLAMABAD—‘Sad. You did not write on the death of Jamil Ahmad, writer of The Wandering Falcon.’ The message in my inbox kept glaring at me for a couple of days. Meanwhile, a number of write-ups and reports appeared in various newspapers about the octogenarian writer and former bureaucrat who had served on a number of prestigious positions and breathed his last on Monday last (July 14).

It is true one sometime finds oneself so much awed by the death of a person ‘greater than life’ that words fail to express the loss. Jamil Ahmad’s death is indeed a capital loss for the residents of the federal capital.

Jamil Ahmad with his only book of short stories ‘The Wandering Falcon’ shot to fame very few writers with a number of titles to their credit simply dream of. A former chief secretary of Balochistan, Jamil Ahmad had not only command of writing skills, he also had a strong character and bowed out gracefully when the then president and the army chief as well Gen Ziaul Haq asked him to manipulate election results. With a tribal background, Jamil Ahmad always took pride in his tribal background.

Having met, rather seen the distinguished retired career civil servant on a

number of social gatherings, Jamil Ahmad always spellbound the audience with his arguments. However, the focus of most of his talks was unrest among the Pakistani tribes. “We need to come out of the current crisis by addressing the grievances of

the tribal people, the sooner, the better,” he used to say. The Wandering Falcon drew heavily on his experiences as an administrator in the border areas with Afghanistan and Iran.

The book, shortlisted for Asia’s top English-language literary prize in 2011, captures the raw romance — and brutality — of Pakistan’s tribal areas in the years before the rise of the Taliban.

Fascinated by tales of “cowboys and Indians” as a schoolboy, Ahmad had developed a lifelong passion for the way of life in Balochistan and the tribal areas along the Afghan border in the northwest.

Ahmad said he saw tribes as the earliest building blocks of humanity. “There’s a tribal gene somewhere embedded in each one of us,” he said. Ahmad joined the civil service in 1954 and later became commissioner of Swat. He also held the same post in Waziristan, today the scene of a major army offensive against the Taliban and other militants.

The Wandering Falcon, hailed by Kashmiri writer Basharat Peer as “one of the finest collections of short stories to come out of South Asia in decades”, almost never saw the light of day. After his wife Helga dismissed his efforts at poetry as “rubbish”, Ahmad turned to write about the tribal world he knew intimately.

The result was a manuscript finished in 1974 and tucked away in a drawer.

Helga, “like a bulldog”, kept showing it to people over 20 years.

Then Ahmad’s brother heard a short story competition on the radio, called up Helga for a photocopy and submitted the draft, which attracted local attention and ultimately wound its way to the publishers. The book is a collection of gently interlinking short stories, all but one featuring Tor Baz, a boy born to a couple who elope. He becomes the “Wandering Falcon” after his parents are killed. Ahmad is survived by his widow Helga Ahmad, two sons and a daughter.

Police arrest wounded dacoit from PIMS parking area ZUBAIR QURESHI I S L A M A B A D —Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of Islamabad police has arrested a wounded dacoit who was leading the gang that looted Rs. 1.7 million from the National Civic Centre Bhara Kahu on May 21 this year.

According to details, a number of robbers had stormed the National Civic Centre Bhara Kahu on the said date and took away prize bonds worth Rs1.76 million. Within a few minutes, the local police reached the spot, chased them and during exchange of firing one of

the dacoits got injured. However, the gang managed to escape.

Bhara Kahu police registered the case against unidentified dacoits under section 395/34 PPC on the written complaint of Muhammad Iftikhar, Incharge of National Civic Centre.

Police taking up the case as a challenge started investigation and following a number of clues, on Thursday was able to arrest Ahmed Sher s/o Sher Muhammad who had to visit the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment.

A source in the police department

revealed that Ahmed Sher was the gang leader and had been visiting PIMS regularly to get treatment for his injuries.

He had got bullet injury in his abdomen during the exchange of fire after the dacoity attempt. Giving further details, the source said the police on a tip-off enhanced vigilance there and arrested him from parking area of the hospital.

Terming the arrest a major breakthrough, police sources further told that with the help of the gang leader, other culprits involved in the dacoity would also be traced.

Monsoon brings a sigh of relief for people in Ramazan CITY REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Monsoon shower has brought a sigh of relief for the people of federal capital in the sacred month of Ramazan making congenial environment.

The scorching summer was itching the people confining their social and

Vehicles wading through the stagnant water after rain.

commercial activities but the monsoon rain brought a joy for them since Wednesday morning.

The people of twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi thronged to recreational points for enjoying the cool climate such as Skakarparian, Pakistan Monument,Lake View Park, Lotus Lake, Jasmin Garden,

Fatima Jinnah Park, Japanese Park,Chattar Park, Daman-eKoh and Pir Sohawa etc.

Hooria Ikram, a visitor to Margalla Hills, said “ I enjoys in such a lovely season and loved to breathe in an open air just like birds,due to this on the Margalla Hills and catching an eye bird view of the federal capital”,she added.

Sana Aly, an other visitor to Lake View Park, expressed that she loved boating in such a beautiful weather and this activity gives her immense spiritual pleasure.

Sher Dil, sitting at the brink of Lotus Lake in a depressive mood, said that this weather make him upset as he has some wonderful memories related to the rainy

weather.

Taking full advantage of the pleasant weather, a number of people inclined to shopping as Eid is arriving a bit closer.

Sonia Palvasha Khan, a shopper, said that she was just waiting for this weather as hot and humid weather was a hurdle on her way to eid shopping, she added.

Faithful to observe ‘Aitkaf’ from Saturday evening Fajar Zohr Asr

03:50 01:30 05:30

Meghrab at Sunset Isha 09:15 Brothers in Islam establish regular prayers & charity

Residents for adjusting water supply with power outage schedule R AWA L P I N D I —The city residents Wednesday underlined the need for adjusting water supply with the schedule of power load-shedding as they are facing water scarcity due to clash between power outage and water supply timings.

Talking to APP, they complained that for the last seven days they had been facing problems of water shortage. This practice deprives the residents of water as the supply motors are dysfunctional due to power outage, the residents said.

Nadeem Shahzad, a resident of Mohalla Karimpura, said the area residents have not received supply for the last two days. Ridha Mir, a housewife, said she was unable to wash clothes due to non-availability of water.

The residents demanded of the authority concerned to ensure regular water supply in the residential areas to facilitate them in the month of Ramzan.

When contacted, Managing Director Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Raja Shaukat Mehmmood said that load shedding was affecting the timetable for tube-wells and it had been decided to employ operators round the clock for the tubewells, to cope with unscheduled load shedding.—APP

STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Millions of faithful are preparing to observe ‘Aitkaf’ from Saturday evening in across the country mosques for a particular time period for the purpose of worshiping Allah Almighty.

Large city mosques usually become the centre of ‘Aitkaf’ where hundreds of worshippers gather for this religious duty called ‘Aitkaf’, an intensive worship ob-

served during the last 10 days of Ramazan.

Mosques in the Federal Capital of Islamabad are being decorated where places of the worshippers are allocated on the first-come-first-served basis because of an ever-increasing number of those willing to observe Aitkaf.

This year, over 1000 worshipers from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been selected to observe

Aitkaf in Faisal Mosque out of 1400 aspirants, an official of the mosque told reporter Thursday.

He said special arrangements have been made for “Mo’atkafen” (Aitkaf observers) to impart them education about ‘Fiqhai’ problems besides lectures from religious scholars.

Aitkaf sitting is a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and carries a multitude of blessings of the Al-

lah Almighty.

Men observe Aitkaf in small cubicles, set up by hanging large cloth sheets inside mosques, whereas women observe it at any corner or quite place in the house which is not frequently visited by others.

Normally, mosques invite requests from worshippers and managing committees allocate places to them.

These worshippers are provided

Sehri and Iftari by their relatives to facilitate them to concentrate on their worship. But as a part of worship and regular practice during Ramazan, many philanthropists and common citizens send food items for Sehri and Iftari in the mosques for the poor and needy.

As a part of security arrangements, mosques have also asked the worshippers to submit their particulars to the mosque committees.

Free legal service to be extended to heirs of Shuhada S TAFF R EPORTER ISLAMABAD —The government has established Shuhada legal cells with the mandate to extend free legal advice and assistance to the bereaved families and legal heirs of armed forces and civilian agencies’ personnel who have laid down their lives for the country. In this connection, the Shuhada legal cells have been established in the Federal Capital, Provincial capitals and places of Circuit Benches of the High Courts.

Those who wish to seek assistance, may contact the relevant law officers, official sources informed here on Friday.

Snaullah Zahid, Yousaf M Qureshi and Tallat Abbas Khan are law officers at Islamabad High Court.

Syed Zafar Abbas Gilani, Ehsan Ul Haq Mughal and Mian Khurram Jabbar are law officers at Lahore High Court Lahore, Mirza Waqas Rauf, Ch. Azhar Mehmood and Raja Faisal Mahmood for Rawalpindi Bench, Sh.

Naeem Goreja, Shaukat Bilal Khan Bangash and Zafar Hussain Dadri at Multan Bench, Naveed Khalil Ch, Mahmood Iqbal Khakwani and Khalid Nawaz Ch at Bahawalpur Bench.

For Sindh High Court Karachi, Ainuddin Khan, Tabasum Ghazanfar and Muhammad Javed are law officers while Abdul Sattar Bhutto and Yousuf Ali for Sukkur Bench and Jai Jai Veshno Mange Ram and Mushtaq Ahmed Korejo are law officers for Larkana Bench.

Manzoor Khan Khalil, Abdul Latif Khan and Farhad Khan are law officers at Peshwar High Court Peshawar while Bahlol Khattak, for Bannu Bench, Kamran Hayat for K.I. Khan Bench, Hussain Ali for Darul Qaza Swat Bench and Aurangzeb for Abbottabad Bench.

For Balochistan High Court Quetta, Sher Shah Kasi and Syed Shabir Hussain Shah are low officers who have been designated to extend free legal advice and assistance.

Qirat competition among students of religious institutions S TAFF R EPORTER R AWALPINDI —Rawalpindi Arts Council in connection with the holy month of Ramazanul-Mubarak organized a Qirat (Recitation of Quran) competition among the students of religious institutions of the twin cities here on Thursday.

Sheikh-ul-Hadees Dr Zafar Iqbal Jalali was chief guest while Resident Director RAC Waqar Ahmed presided over the competition.

Qari Majid Sultan, Qari Sajid Imran and

Qari Mushahid adjudged the competition.

Hayyan Ahmed from Al-Naeemia International Rawalpindi bagged first, Farman Ullah from Tahafzul Quran F-Block Satellite Town, Rawalpindi secured second, Inam Ullah of Al-Naeemia International Rawalpindi got third while Hafiz Fazal Majid from Injuman Faizul Islam remained fourth in qirat competition.

Dr Zafar Iqbal Jalali and Resident Director RAC Waqar Ahmed distributed certificates, shields and cash prizes among the participants.

Ramazan Bazaar set up by administration at Aabpara Chowk, is seen deserted due to non interest of the traders.

Rs17.5m already generated from the fundraising cricket match ISLAMABAD —PML-N stalwart Hanif Abbasi on Thursday said a total of 17.5 million has been generated from the fundraising cricket match to be held between Shahid Afridi-XI and Hamza Shahbaz-XI on July 18 at Pindi Cricket Stadium kept for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of North Waziristan Agency (NWA).

Addressing a press conference at the venue on Thursday, Hanif Abbasi said a fundraising cricket match for IDPs would

be held between Shahid Afridi-XI and Hamza Shahbaz-XI. At the occasion Abbasi also urged the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader Imran Khan to help the IDP’s. “Our objective of the friendly match is to generate funds for the IDP’s who are going through a very tough time in the Holy month of Ramazan,” he said adding helping IDPs is our national and moral duty.

Abbasi said the ticket-costs for the

match include VVIP: Rs 10,000; VIP: 2,500 and the normal ticket costs up to Rs 500. “All the tickets have been sold and we will be seeing a jam packed stadium on Friday,” he said.

Abbasi said cricket bats having cricketer’s signature have been also kept on auction starting from Rs 5,00,000.

Abbasi said no one will be allowed to enter the stadium without tickets. “Full scurity has been organized for the match,” he said.—APP

Electricity to be suspended ISLAMABAD—Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Colony, Dhok Babu Irfan, Gulshan Dadan and at other adjoinThursday said the electricity will be shut down at places of Rawalpindi due to the important and construction work being underway in the city.

According to a press release issued here, on July 18 the electricity will be closed from 6 am to 9 am at places linked with Satellite Town Grid Station.

Those places include Faizabad, from Noor Muhammad Feeders to Raja Town, Khana Road, Noora Road, Al-Noor

ing areas. Electricity will be suspended at places linked with MEF Grid Station. Those places include Azizabad and RA Bazar Feeders.

On July 19 electricity will be closed from 6 am to 9 am at places including from Jail Park Feeders to Chaklala Scheme 3, Khayaban-e-Tanvir, Khayaban-e-Sarfraz and at other adjoining areas. However the electricity would be supplied earlier if the work gets completed before time. —APP

Quran expo extended until July 22 ISLAMABAD—Deputy head of the 22nd International Holy Quran Exhibition announced the decision to extend the expo until July 22 in Iran, IQNA reported.

Barzin Zarqami said that the decision was made due to people’s warm reception of the exhibit according to report.

This year, with a change in the location of the exhibition, the number of visitors in the first few days was lower (than previous years), he said, adding that the number has significantly risen in the past few days and that led to the extension of the expo’s duration.

The 22nd edition of exhibition was inaugurated in the Holy Dr Zafar Iqbal Jalali and Resident Director RAC Waqar Ahmad with the participants of Mehfil-e-Qirrat organized by Rawalpindi Arts Council.

DCPC staff threatened to stop visiting markets R AWALPINDI —The staff of District Association Saidpur road Noor-ud-Din against violators under sections 11, 16, Consumer Protection Council (DCPC) are receiving threats not to visit markets or be ready to face dire consequences, sources in the council said Thursday.

“We are receiving threats from unknown persons as well from a trade body to stop performing field duties,” the source told APP requesting anonymity.

They alleged that President Carpets

Khan threatened the staff, saying that he will kill them if seen in the market vicinity again.

The sources said that matter has been brought into the notice of Assistant Commissioner City Qurat-ul-Ain, which was still pending for necessary action.

To a question, they said, DCPC issues challan tickets to shopkeepers for negligence and denying consumer rights, adding cases were framed

18 and 19 of the Punjab Consumer Protection Act-2005.

Elaborating, they said, DCPC has authority to check rate lists, ingredients, manufacture and expiry dates besides protecting interests and rights of the consumer by all means. The sources expressed the resolve that the council would continue to perform their professional duties without any fear or favour.—APP

Defense Garden-Museum in Tehran on Tuesday, June 24.

Several sections including children, academics, international and digital media have been arranged during the exhibit.

It is the first time the exhibit has been set up in the garden museum. In previous years, the Imam Khomeini (RA) Mosalla (prayers hall) hosted the event.

Zarqami further noted that special programmes will be held at the Quran exhibition during the Nights of Qadr (that commemorate the time when God revealed the Quran). He also said that the expo’s different committees have been tasked with arranging new programs for the following nights.—APP

BBH to have new emergency department, CT scan CITY REPORTER RAWALPINDI—Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) would have new emergency department and Computed Tomography (CT) Scan machine to facilitate patients, said Medical Superintendent Dr Asif Qadir Mir here Thursday.

Talking to reporter, he said the district government has acquired the land of BBH, where the emergency department is located, for Metro Bus project.

“Now, the Emergency Department will be set up at alternate site for which the provincial government has allocated Rs 60 million and construction work would start

shortly,” he said. Besides, he said, CT scan facility, which was out of order for the last two-and-a-half years would be installed next month with a new machine costing Rs 55 million. The non availability of the facility, a large number of patients were compelled to visit private hospitals and clinics, which charge heavily.

14 outlaws arrested ISLAMABAD—Islamabad Police have arrested 14 outlaws from various areas of the city and recovered weapons as well as stolen property from their possession, a police spokesman said.

According to details, Sabzi Mandi Police arrested four outlaws namely Javed, Abdullah, Adeel and Temur during special checking and recovered four pistols along with ammunition from their possession.

Shahzad Town police arrested two accused Afsar Ali and Shafia besides recov-

ering one pistol of 30 bore and one pistolof 12 bore alongwith ammunition from their possession.

Bhara Kahu police apprehended Zahid and Roshan, while Sihala police nabbed Ejaz for having one pistol of 30 bore.

Tarnol police arrested Khayal and recovered one pistol of 30 bore from him.

Golra police arrested drug pusher Waheed Khan and recovered 220 gram heroin from him.

Bani Gala police arrested accused Arshad involved in theft case. Separate

cases have been registered against these nabbed persons and further investigation is underway from them.

Meanwhile, Islamabad police nabbed two proclaimed offenders during crackdown against absconders and have also accelerated the efforts to arrest those who are being at large despite their involvement in crime of heinous nature.

Meanwhile, five vehicles and 58 bikes were also impounded during checking which were being driven without authentic documents.—APP

Motorists are seen standing in a long queue to get CNG from a filling station as the CNG stations are witnessing queues of several kilometres due to short time span to supply CNG. Motorists claim they had to wait for more than 6 hours to get the environmental friendly fuel.

Omar switches on tirade against PDP H ANDWARA (I HK )— Chief Minister aware about getting fooled by these policy, enhancing the retirement age of

Indian police arrested, the Chairperson of Kashmir Tehreek-e-Khawateen (KTK), Zamruda Habib when she was leading a protest march from Abiguzar towards Lal Chowk in Srinagar, demanding release of all illegally detained Hurriyet leaders and activists.

Troops biasedly ring temple bells at Azaan time

2 cops among 8 killed in Kishtwar accident

GANDERBAL (IHK)—Residents of Sonamarg in Ganderbal staged a demonstration on Srinagar-Leh highway to protest against the Indian troops’ communal attitude, deliberate and ill practice in the area. The angry protesters told mediamen that the Indian troops of the nearby Army’s High Altitude Warfare School ring bells of the temple located inside the camp at the very moment muezzins give prayer calls from various mosques in the vicinity in Sonamarg.

The protesters maintained that the deliberate and ill practice could lead to an untoward situation. Later, the protesters dispersed peacefully after registering their protest.—KMS

Youth dies of blast in Tosa Maidan TOSA MAIDAN (I HK)—A 26-year-old youth died after an unexploded shell exploded in his hands at the controversial Tosa Maidan field firing range. Bilal Ahmad Parray son of Ghulam Mohammad Parray of Cherhar Beerwah died after he picked up the shell from the artillery field late afternoon, police sources said. They said Bilal died on the spot. With scores of civilian casualties reported from the field firing range in last several years.—RK

KISHTWAR (IHK)—Eight persons including two policemen died after the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell into Chenab river on KishtwarDachan road. The ill-fated Sumo (JK-14/ 8968) was on way to Kishtwar from Dangdooro when it met with the accident near Pingradi. A police official said the driver of the taxi Ghulam Hassan on reaching near Pingradi, lost the control over the vehicle.

“The taxi rolled down a 350-ft deep gorge before falling into the Chenab river,” the official said, adding that 10 passengers were in the vehicle. He said that soon after the accident, district officials of the civil and police administration and army rushed to the spot and launched the rescue operation.

The deceased have been identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector of police Mushtaq Ahmed resident of JudaMohar (Reasi) and Constable Mangat Ram (36) son of Narayan Dass resident of Hanzal, VidyaLal (53) son of Dass Ram resident of JanakpurDachan, Ghulam Hassan (36) son of Habib Shah resident of PatiMohalla, Parvaiz Ahmed son of GhulamRasool resident of DangdoroDachan, Krishna Devi (36) wife of Narayan Dass resident of KalnoDachan, Sachin Kumar (17) son of Yashpal resident of KalnoDachan and a minor girl daughter of Romesh Kumar of KalnoDachan. The injured were identified as Abdul Hamid son of Muhammad Ramzan of Pingrari and Soni Raina wife of Rakesh Kumar of Prangus Dachan.—GK

Mirwaiz Yusuf Shah’s role for awakening Kashmir praised SRINAGAR (IHK)—Glowing tributes were paid to the renowned political, religious and spiritual leader of Kashmir and the former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the late Mirwaiz Maulana Muhammad Yousuf Shah. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq addressing a function in connection with his 47th death anniversary of Mirwaiz Maulana Yousuf Shah at Aali Masjid Eidgah in Srinagar, today, termed his political and religious services as unforgettable.

A large number of scholars, ulema, students and representatives of political and religious organizations including Maulana Abbas Ansari, Maulana Ghulam Ahmad Suharwardi and Maulana Khursheed Ahmad Kanoongo participated in the gathering. The participants offered special prayers for the late Maulana and martyrs of Kashmir. Addressing on the occasion, the Mirwaiz eulogized the sacrifices of Mirwaiz Yousuf Shah and his companions who laid the foundation of the Kashmiris’ struggle for right to self-determination.

He denounced the double standards of the world community towards the sufferings of the people of Palestine and Kashmir and called resolving the issues at the earliest. The meeting was also addressed by various political leaders and religious scholars Terming the contribution of Mahajir-e-Millat in freedom struggle as golden chapter in the history of Kashmir, the APHC Chairman said that the Maulana was the only leader who did not compromise on his stand and chose to live a life in exile.—KMS

TA trooper killed in Kulgam K ULGAM (I HK )— Suspected militants shot dead an Ikhwani-turned-Territorial Army (TA) trooper in the busy Qaimoh market of this South Kashmir district.

Police sources said 35-year-old Gowher Ahmad Mattoo son of Bashir Ahmad of Ganjipora village in Khodweni area of Kulgam was strolling in the Qaimoh market when suspected militants attacked him.

“He was shot in his head from very close range. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead,” they said. Immediately after the shoot-

SUNAINA MALIK RAJOURI

T

he word Peer-Gali itself indi cates that it has some auspi cious relevance, because the word peer means a person devoted to religion according to Muslim faith.

This holy place Peer- Gali is situated between two villages Poshana and Heer Pur along Mughal road. PeerGali is more likely to be called as heart of Mughal road. The history of this place dates back to the time of a holy and religiously elevated person named as Alam Daar-e- Kashmir Sheikh Noor-u- Din Noorani (1378t o 1441).

As per written records, this place got its name because of a converted Hindu saint Sheikh Ahmed Karim.

Barnier Francois a most famous French physician and traveller who happened to visit this place along with caravan of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb while going to Kashmir from Lahore in 1665 wrote that saint was living here from the of Mughal king Jehangir This saint could perform miracles by producing horrible voices .He could also bring storms along with hail stone and Snow. He was an old white bearded man he ordered the people not to create noise in this calm place of God, move silently and also demand offerings from them. Bernier Francois further wrote that he happened to met him inside his place of Meditation and told by him that Mughal king Aurangzeb and Shahjahan were wise enough as they crossed this

out, Police, Army and the CRPF men cordoned off the area and launched search operation to nab the militants.

Pedestrians were frisked and extensive searches carried out in the area till last reports came in. Matto had been serving in Territorial Army since last more than five years after the counter insurgent outfits were disbanded. He was serving at Army’s 62 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Sector-2 and is survived by his aging parents, wife and siblings.—RK

calm place Of God very calmly unlike Jehangir as a result of it he faced dangerous results.

The whole population of state still considered Sheikh Ahmed Karim as a saint of high value not in ancient times but even now he has been called for help when ever people caught in heavy storms and it is said that he always come to help the needy. Sheikh Ahmed Karim is also considered as living saint.

The story of his being famous as living saint dates back when he used to meditates in these hilly tracks according to written records and stories from generation to generation.

Once Sheikh Ahmed Karim was meditating before his being converted to Muslim faith he has been visited by a mother who has lost her son saint said her to go forward and search her son, your son might be coming accordingly the lady searched but failed she was again ordered by the saint to search this time .she got her son all this has been watched by Sheikh Noorani .He came to this Hindu saint and invited him to accept Islam as his faith so that he may reach heaven records says that saint refused and challenged Alam dare Kashmir that he could reach heaven with conversion to another religion Sheikh Noor-u- din Noonani accepted the challenge and demanded for a water melon from heaven with conversion to another religion. Sheikh Noor-u-Din accepted the challenge and demanded for a water melon from heaven. Both started their journey to heaven .

The shrine of “Peer Gali” is not

Omar Abdullah has said Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is amalgam of opportunists who have joined hands and unleashed malicious propaganda against National Conference to mislead people and pursue their agenda of dividing the voice of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing workers convention here the working president, National Conference asked people to scan political ideology, work done in the past and present activities of PDP leadership. “You will easily come to know that the party is actually a group of people who have always worked against the interests of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Don’t you see that all those charged with highest degree of corruption, land grabbing, malpractices along with turncoats, agents, opportunists and power greedy people are joining PDP and getting mandates to fight the upcoming assembly elections,” he said and asked the people to remain fully

IHK court stops constructions at Pampore P ULWAMA (I HK )— The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to ensure that no illegal constructions on agriculture land take place behind the court complex at Pampore—alongside Gousiya Colony—in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. The direction came after the division bench of Chief Justice M M Kumar and Justice Hasnain Massodi observed that its order of June 13, 2014 staying a construction in the area was being violated with impunity.

“It appears that the directions issued by the court on 13-6-2014 are being violated with impunity; even the Deputy Commissioner Pulwama has not taken any care to comply with the directions,” the bench said in its order. The bench directed that bail-able warrants be issued against land brokers, Tariq Ahmad and Nasir Ahmad Mir, saying “it is the only course left with the court to stop the illegal activities.”

The court directed the Superintendent of Police Awantipora to execute the warrants against a bail bond of Rs 50,000 with one surety of equal amount. The Court also sought the status of cases registered with regard to other illegal constructions at Pampore. Tehsildar Pampore, Abdul Rehman Dar, told the court that illegal construction behind the court complex Pampore “is in progress despite the fact that I submitted various reports to the police and got the cases registered against the violators.”—GK

government employees up to 60 years and those of job seekers to 40 years besides service benefits to ReTs are unnerving PDP leadership, as such, they criticize the measures of the Government taken for public good.

Omar said govt will continue to take measures to give relief to the people particularly in enhancing the scale of ration and reducing the electricity tariff. “We are working on these matters and I have asked the CAPD Minister to formulate a proposal for enhancing the scale of ration even if the state has to bear the cost on its own,” he said adding the exchequer is of people and he would not hesitate in spending as much as required for providing necessary succour to the people. Omar listed the achievements made in different sectors during the last over five years. He said the work done is so huge and result oriented that it has surpassed all the achievements made by any Govt.—RK

Kashmir youth take Gaza war to UN office SONAWAR (IHK)—Youth National Conference held a protest rally in Srinagar to protest against Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza. Hundreds of Youth National Conference (YNC) activists led by NC Youth President Salman Ali Sagar marched with black flags and raised slogans in favor of Gaza and Palestine and against Israel’s inhumane and barbaric war-crimes against innocent men, women and children in Gaza.

Senior NC leader and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s uncle, Sheikh Mustafa Kamal also participated in the protest rally to encourage the YNC activists and addressed the protesters and YNC activists at various places until the rally reached the UN Office at Sonawar.

“Israel should know that Allah has warned unjust and barbaric nations against his wrath.

Allah’s wrath cannot be averted by Israel no matter how many super-powers try to lobby for it. Israel, by killing innocent Muslims in the holy month of Ramadan has scorched the hearts of Muslims all around the world. NC youth activists have gathered to oppose Israel and extend their solidarity and moral sup-

port to the people of Gaza today,” Kamal said.

NC Youth President Salman Ali Sagar decried the UN office’s refusal to acknowledge the memorandum of protest and stated that United Nations cannot wash its hands off of their duty to protect the people of every nation and community from genocide and injustice. YNC activists raised slogans like ‘Down with Israel’, ‘Gaza Gaza, Save Gaza’, ‘Down with Injustice’, ‘Palestine Zindabad’, ‘NC’s voice – Save Gaza’ at various places and stops during the rally.

Besides Kamal and Salman, NC spokesman Junaid Azim Mattu, Vice Presidents Youth National Conference Imran Nabi Dar, Yunis Mubarak Gul, Najeeb Khan, Provincial Secretary YNC Mudassar Shahmiri, Joint Secretary YNC Farooq Ganderbali, YNC Organizer North Kashmir Advocate Jehangir Yaqoob, YNC Organizer Central Kashmir Ehsan Pardesi, YNC Treasurer Saleem Akhoon, Sara Hayat Shah, Hilal Ahmed Sofi and Sajad Mir among other youth activists and workers. NC Women’s Wing Provincial Vice President Sabiya Qadri also participated in the protest march.—RK

SRINAGAR: Complete shutdown was observed on Thursday, against the killing of seven persons and continued Israeli aggression in Gaza.

Kashmir shuts in response to separatists call Z A I N A K O T E (I H K )— Kashmir Thursday observed a shutdown in response to a strike call issued by separatists to mourn the death of seven civilians in a road accident in Zainakote. Seven passengers – five of them from Sopore town – died on July 16 when an Army pick-up truck rammed into a passenger cab on SrinagarBaramulla highway.

The accident sparked protests from locals who clashed with police for several hours. Private transport plied normally while public transport remained affected due to the

Spirituo-physical features of Kashmir

Saga, mystery of Peer-Gali peer’s grave (Mazar) but it peer meditating place Shrine has only imprints of his hands on a big stone inside it.

His grave (Mazar) is situated near the grave of Makhdoom sahib and in the north of grave of Bahu din Ganj Bakash in Kashmir. Numerous myth related to peer’s miracle are still inhibiting in the sub conscious of people of state.

The fore most myth is that Sheikh Ahmed used to come in dream of leader of caravan and informs him about the clearance of Path and safety of their lives along with their folk peer -is even now been prayed for safety and security while passing this Mountainous track. The belief that peer being a living saint and spiritually uplifted soul further established by a lady writer who happened to cross this hilly track along with caravan of Share Kashmir Sheikh Mohamed Abdullah in 1931 32 she stated ‘The peer appears on a white horse and says the road is safe’.In addition to a religious spot the Peer Gali is gaining popularity as beautiful tourist spot. Every day during summer Lakhs of people pay their and add more life to this miles stretched beauty . The snow covered peaks surrounding Peer Gali are incredible.

Single look towards these make you feel lasted in them. These attrac-

people through different tactics including their drama of pretending to be public friends. “History bears the testimony of their betrayal. They are time tested opportunists,” he added.

Omar castigated PDP for its duplicity and said it has admitted people with highest degree of corruption in its fold.

He asked the people to get the facts of their history sheet known through RTI means. He also referred to the accusation of the party against former IGP Crime Raja Ajaz describing him the killer of late Haji Mohammad Yusuf. “Now the party leadership has not only admitted him in the PDP but allotted mandate to fight the assembly elections.”

The chief minister said his government is taking path breaking decisions for the welfare of common people particularly youth and PDP gets frustrated by these initiatives and cry hoarse. He said the decisions of his government relating to revocation of employment

tive mountainous range have mesmerizing effect on reaching here one can feel him or herself in heaven on earth.

People from whole state can enjoy here the charming scenery and un bearable loving miracle of Almighty peer Gali has un ending, green refreshing meadow during summer its beauty gets doubled manifolds. The priceless thing which even the Kashmir (heaven on earth) devoid of is mist that mist can be found here in plenty you can swim in big clouds of mist.

People from nook and corner of state arrive here to enjoy this matchless bliss of nature Above all availability of horse ride enable you to feel the everlasting scene of peer Gali at its peak.

You can also get a chance to traditional tribes of Jammu and Kashmir who live in open huts called Taraas you can enjoy calm peaceful simple and real tribe life here as these tribes are our real treasure because they have made Possible the un ending supply of meat and milk for us by carrying this way of life the spot of Peer Gali is multidimensional in beauty and attraction not even Peer Gali shrine and its miles stretched meadows but there are so many other historical spots surrounding it.

Apart from Peer Gali shrine, there are some main historical spots along

strike. Shops and business establishments remained shut in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area.

However, shops remained open in some areas on the outskirts of the city. In city’s downtown area, authorities erected barricades at various cross-sections to curb the traffic movement. Private transport plied normally while public transport remained affected due to the strike. Shops and other business centres were closed and streets wore a deserted look. Kashmir shuts also to mourn death of 7 civilians in road accident.—Agencies

Mughal road which can entertain the visitors.

1) Ali Abad Sarai –This is one of Mughal forts constructed by emperor ShahJahan .It is situated in the south of Peer shrine The most famous story related to the construction of for it is that when the constructor (Ali Mardan Khan) who had also constructed.The track from Lahore to Kashmir along with Mughal forts started work he has been told by the inhabitants that the place is haunted by a man eater Lal Ghulam who throws every to death from this peak and later on eats them but according to stories the constructor Ali Mardan Khan was strong enough he entered inside and did not found vampire inside but his son Ali Mardan threw him from their later on nothing has been found about Lal Ghulam so far he later on completed his work calmly.

(2) POSHANA-Moving to other side of Peer Gali in the lap of Peer Panjal there is situated an ancient village Poshana. The village is between 33.38 latitude and 74.32 longitude .Historical relevance of Poshana is proved by its mention in Raj Tarangani (History of Jammu and Kashmir) by Kalhan.

Kalhan named Poshana as poshan Nad (Sanskrit word) means narrow track of air. He further writes that during third century poshana witnessed the political rift between (Sasals,Baksha Char and Parathvi Har).

There are so many auspicious spots relating to Alam dare Kashmir are situated here .You can visit the place where sheikh noorani used to

offer prayer that rock turned into a place for nemaz (prayers) by the orders of Noorani this place is known as stone of Sheikh. One can also visit a place where he used to take rest that spot has imprints of his arm.

There is a shrine in the village known as Dad Moog the story of this holy lady moves as there was a spiritual lady who had cows daily she distributed milk , curd and bread among poor and needy once she was molested by some molesters in order to save her modesty she prayed to God as a result soil broke into two parts and she disappeared but during all this her shoe and her dupatta remained out side one can still find it near her shrine according to written records real track of Mughals for reaching Kashmir was through poshana because many utensils which show their link with Mughals have been found by the inhabitants during the construction of their houses prove historical relevance as govt. is spending crores of rupee for developing the infra structure of Shrine our tourism department is also busy in beautification of spot by constructing parks, huts and restaurants govt. should also develop link roads towards these historical spots like Poshana so that tourists may have access to visit these places and entertain their self.

—Courtesy: Kashmir Watch [Author is a government school teacher posted in Rajouri. She can be reached at sunainamalik786@gamail.com]

Currency

Selling

Buying

USA

98.50

98.30

UK

168.82

168.48

Euro

133.27

133.00

Canada

91.73

91.54

Switzerland

109.71

109.49

Australia

92.20

92.01

Sweden

14.43

14.40

Japan

0.9700

0.9680

Norway

15.90

15.86

Singapore

79.33

79.17

Denmark

17.87

17.84

Saudi Arabia 26.26

26.21

Hong Kong

12.71

12.68

Kuwait

349.04

348.33

Malaysia

30.93

30.87

Newzealand

85.65

85.48

Qatar

27.06

27.00

UAE

26.82

26.76

Kr. Won

0.0955

0.0953

Thailand

3.062

3.056

French envoy meets Dar

ECC extends date for potatoes import on zero duty ISLAMABAD —The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) on Thursday approved the summary of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research for extension in date for the permission for the import of potatoes with zero duty. The ECC here under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar was also allowed the import of 100,000 metric tons of potatoes in addition to already approved 200,000 metric tons at zero duties; this extension will continue till November 15, 2014 when the new crop is expected.

The meeting was also attended by Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning and Development, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Zahid Hamid, Minister for Science and Technology, Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Minister for National Food Security, Abbas Khan Afridi, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Anusha Rehman Khan, MOS for IT and Telecom, Federal Secretaries and senior officials of the government.

The ECC on April 25, 2014 allowed duty free import of potatoes to bring down the high prices manipulated by hoarders and middle men. It was informed to the ECC that if immediate duty free import is not allowed, than the potatoes would be

Salt Secret natural therapy

ISLAMABAD—Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday said that managing the broken economy at a time when the new government took over one year ago was a daunting task but as a result of prudent economic policies of the government and guidance of the political leadership, the economy is moving in the right direction. Mr. Philippe Theibaud, Ambassador of France to Pakistan called on the Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar at the Finance Ministry.

The Ambassador briefed the Finance Minister about his country’s desire to expand trade relations between the two countries and an increased interest by the French companies to invest in Pakistan. He said that during the last fiscal year, there was foreign direct investment to the tune of $ 74 million by French Companies in different sectors. He said that the Government of Pakistan’s reform agenda with regard to economy is impressive and the results show that considerable progress has been made in this direction. He added that we are also very positive on GSP status and exports from Pakistan which will lead to enhancement of trade and economic cooperation. He informed that the French companies have made investments in Uch Gas Powered energy Project and now they are also looking for other energy related opportunities to enhance their investments.

Moreover, he added, French companies are also interested in automobile assembly projects and water and sanitation sector.

The Ambassador informed the Finance Minister that under the arrangement of the French Embassy, a Pakistani business delegation had a very useful visit to Paris in the last month of current year and now there are plans to bring in French businessmen group to Pakistan in the first quarter of next year. He concluded that his country will be looking forward to enhance economic exchanges. He said that after the first year of firefighting, we have put the economy on the right track and now we are in a comfortable situation to take forward our reform agenda. The Finance Minister further reiterated that we believe in trade and opening of new vistas to expand our trade and economic relations with the neighbors and beyond.

He said that Pakistan provided a good opportunity to international investors in Pakistan particularly in hydro carbon exploration, energy and infrastructure development sectors and urged for investment

by French firms. He assured the Ambassador that level playing field will be provided to foreign investors. The meeting was also attended by Secretary EAD, Saleem Sethi, Advisor to the Finance Ministry, Rana Assad Amin, Additional Finance Secretary/ SA to Finance Minister, Mr. Shahid Mahmood and senior officials of the Finance Ministry.—NNI

STAFF REPORTER

selling at very high price during Ramzan. It was in this context that the Finance Minister approved appropriate measures to control the prices, in coordination with the provincial governments. The Finance Minister said that it is our obligation to stabilize the prices of essential commodities during the month of Ramzan. “We have given the Ramzan Package of Rs 2 billion to serve the consumers and due to this subsidy package price of essential commodities remained under control”, he added. The ECC also considered a summary presented by Ministry of Industries and Production for the provision of natural gas as feed stock in the direct reduced iron process (DRI) to Tuwairqi Steel Mills Limited on concessional rates.

Altuwairiqi Group of Company had signed an MoU with the Government of Pakistan on May 28, 2004 for provision of 40 MMCFD gas for use as feed stock and 30 MMCFD for use as fuel on the same industrial rates as applicable to other such industries. The ECC formed a committee comprising members from Finance Division, Board of Investment, Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of Law and Justice and Ministry of Industries to study all aspects of the above mentioned MoU and present a report to the ECC. The Finance Minister said that agreements should be made on well thought out plans and such promises should not be made which are not implementable.—APP

KARACHI: Federal Minister of State for Frontier Regions, Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Qadir Balouch receiving memento from President FPCCI at Federation House.

Projects like Centaurus boost employment opportunities: Khattak

KARACHI—Hub Salt is pleased to announce to introduce the exclusive “Salt Secret” salt room, a first in Karachi. Salt Secret is a natural salt therapy center that creates a salt microclimate with suspended microscopic particles of salt that float in the atmosphere. This salt therapy is very popular as an alternative method of relief from illnesses, especially for asthma, lung diseases, breathing problems, flu, sinus problems, skin allergies, to name a few.

ZUBAIR QURESHI I SLAMABAD —Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pervaiz Khattak has called upon the business community and big multi-national companies to invest in Centaurus-like projects. Investment in such projects will not only bring huge profits but will also help eradicate poverty and unemployment from the country.

KP CM said this during his visit to the Centaurus Mall here on Wednesday. The KP chief minister was received by the President of the Pak-Arab Construction and CEO of

the Centaurus Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister praised the design of the Centaurus Mall and took a round of its various floors. He said it was a positive initiative and now the people can buy all they want under one roof.

“Time has come for our leaders to step forward and take Pakistan to further heights. The government should facilitate investors and businessmen in Centauruslike projects. This will not only generate new business/economic opportunities but will also restore foreign investors’ confidence in Pakistan’s economy,” he said.

PACRA maintains ratings of BAHL STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) has maintained long-term and short-term entity ratings of Bank AL Habib Limited (BAHL) at “AA+” (Double A Plus) and “A1+” (A One Plus), respectively.

The ratings of listed, unsecured subordinated TFC issue of PKR 1,500mln and two privately placed, unsecured subordinated TFCs issues of PKR 2,000mln and PKR 3,000mln have been maintained at “AA” (Double A). These ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk emanating from a very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. The ratings reflect BAHL’s strong performance, exceptional asset quality, and stable financial profile.

The bank’s business strategy derives strength from its positioning in its specific niche, namely, trade finance. The bank has also been focusing on diversification of its advances portfolio by establishing relations with business entities in various other sec-

tors. The ratings draw comfort from the bank’s experienced management team, prudent risk management policies, and deep rooted relationship with its clients - borrowers as well as depositors. The rating incorporates the bank’s ability to capitalize on its branch network and product innovation to expand its deposit base.

Notably, the bank’s deposits emanate from a wide client base, with a major proportion from individuals as compared with institutions.

Pakistan’s banking landscape - particularly for established banks like BAHL - is experiencing high competition and requires dynamism to retain the existing market position. BAHL’s ratings are dependent on sustainable market share of above 5% in both core deposits and advances. BAHL is already on this curve. A meaningful representation in the bigger financial services spectrum is important. The ensuing profitability should add further strength to core capital.

In order to sustain the pace of growth, continued emphasis on human resource and management development will be necessary.

Bayer Pakistan to support TCF Aagahi adult literacy program STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Bayer Pakistan has partnered with The Citizen’s Foundation (TCF) to fund 200 centres of the Aagahi Literacy Program in 2014. Aagahi has been designed Working towards educating women in Pakistan especially for poor neighborhoods to give an opportunity to women from the rural and urban slums around TCF schools to participate in the education process. At the end of this program, a learner acquires basic Urdu reading, writing, and numeracy skills.

Fit with Bayer’s CSR strategy The Aagahi program fits well with Bayer’s CSR strategy as it caters to not only education but also health and social needs. Studies have found that women who have taken literacy courses tend to make more active decisions around

health needs including maternal health and for their families. Therefore, by committing to the Aagahi program, Bayer would be contributing towards improving the ability of these women to make better health decisions for themselves, their children and set the stage for improving health and education standards in their families and perhaps their communities in the long run.

“We look forward to partnering with TCF in this noble cause. Educating women is definitely the first step in empowering them and is crucial for their personal and societal advancement.” said Mr. Amir Iqbal, MD Bayer Pakistan while presenting the donation cheque to the TCF team. Also present at the occasion were TCF’s director Mr. Ateed Riaz and other team members of TCF and Bayer.

Shoaib Warsi appointed MD SSGC STAFF REPORTER K A R A C H I —Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources has appointed Mr. Shoaib Warsi as the new Managing Director of the Sui Southern Gas Company, however a number of government organizations still looking for the right man to run the organizations. PIA also get the much sought after seat of CEO recently. Actually it extremely important to select the right man for the right place otherwise the state owned organizations will continue to be a heavy liability on the national economy.

The notification of Mr. Warsi’s appointment was issued by the Ministry today after the former MD submitted his resignation on personal grounds after leading the organization for around two years.

Mr. Shoaib Warsi brings in high level of professional experience as his marathon association with the gas utility spans over 37 years, mainly with Company’s Distribution and Transmission divisions spread over its franchise areas of Sindh and Balochistan. Having completed his MS in Environmental Engineering from NED University and BE (Mechanical) from Sindh University Jamshoro, he came into the folds of SSGC in 1977 as Trainee Engineer.

Home dream can come true if SMEs get govt support AMANULLAH KHAN

T

HE SME sector has urged the Finance MInister Sena tor Ishaq Dar to promote the housing industry on priority basis and encourage house finance products to enable people to build their own houses as it will develop several related industries in the sector. The small to medium sized entrepreneurs (SMEs) are the biggest stakeholders in Pakistan’s economy and need the best facilities of environment, finance, infrastructure, regular supply of energy amd uninterrupted supply of raw material advised the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) in a message to the convener of the 8th Pakistan SME Forum 2014 to be held on 19th August at a local hotel under the banner “Bringing SMEs to the forefront of National Priorities “.

President Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) Zulfikar Thaver thanked Menin Rodrigues chairman of Shamrock Conferences for arranging an SME Forum 2014 of all stakeholders from all over the country and pinpointed to him that the elected popular government of PML -N is dedicated, SME friendly and aware of the fact that the SME sector is the majority sector and plays the key role in employment generation. He said the finance minister (FM) Ishaq Dar has also invited the busi-

ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervaiz Khattak with President of the Pak-Gulf Construction Sardar Tanveer Ilyas.

ness community to submit their suggestions for fine tuning of the trade, industrial and financial policies and the planning ministry under the leadership of Professor Ahsan Iqbal is revisiting the SME policy, The federal commerce minister Khurrram Dastagir is equally keen to promote the sector. He said we now have good leadership and hope to achieve a lot for the sector with close integration of the 3 important ministries.

He stated that UNISAME has urged the FM to facilitate the sector by arranging leasing of premises, machinery, technology, raw material and bills on soft terms of easy repayment on installments. The union has also demanded facilities like the establishment of protection squads in industrial areas. The duty free imports of gasification systems for power generation and repayment on hire purchase. The early establishment of Exim bank for financing import and export under collateral management.

The establishment of SME export houses, SME credit insurance, SME fund bank and SME leasing companies.

Thaver said we are confident the 8th Pakistan SME Forum 2014 will play an important role in highlighting the issues of the sector and impress upon the policy makers to make the environment conducive and make efforts to reduce the cost of doing business.

ISLAMABAD: Commercial Counsellor of US Embassy called on Minister of State for IT, Anusha Rahman.

Faiq Sadiq, head payment services HBL and Shayan Siddiqui, Country Manager Sales and Marketing Speed Pvt Ltd.

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

3,058 14,382 3,338,157,454

Commodity ......................... Price Quotation ..................... Open ............. Close CRUDE OIL ........................ $ Per Barrel .............................. 100.74 ............ 102.34 SILVER ................................ $ Per Ounce ............................ 20.783 ............ 20.845 GOLD .................................. $ Per Ounce ............................ 1,299.4 ........... 1,304.8 GOLD .................................. Rs Per 10 gms ......................... 41,350 ............ 41,508 MTOLAGOLD ................... Rs Per Tola .............................. 49,482 ............ 49,710 GOLD .................................. Rs Per Tola .............................. 49,482 ............ 49,710 RICEIRRI6 .......................... Rs Per 100 kg .......................... 3,656 .............. 3,655 PALMOLEIN ..................... Rs Per Maund ........................ 4,301 .............. 4,295 SUGAR ............................... Rs Per kg ................................. 48.15 .............. 48.61 ICOTTON ........................... US Cents per pound .............. 68.74 .............. 68.43 WHEAT .............................. Rs Per 100 kg .......................... 3,425 .............. 3,458 On Thursday at Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) value traded was recorded at PKR 3.338 billion. Number of lots traded was 14,382 and PMEX Commodity Index closed at 3,058. Major business was contributed by crude oil amounting to PKR 2,061 million, followed by gold (PKR 1.221 million) and silver (PKR 56 million).

India fight hard as Prior errors hurt England LONDON—India battled to be 149 for in a weaker position had not England by Prior, diving to his right, off Stuart seven at lunch on the first day of the second Test against England at Lord’s on Thursday after being sent into bat on a seaming pitch. Ajinkya Rahane was 28 not out and Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4 not out.

However, India would have been

SCOREBOARD India 1st innings: Vijay c Ballance b Plunkett .......... 24 Dhawan c Ballance b Anderson ... 7 Pujara b Stokes .............................. 28 Kohli c Prior b Anderson ............. 25 Rahane not out .............................. 28 Dhoni c Prior b Broad ..................... 1 Jadeja lbw b Ali ............................... 3 Binny lbw b Anderson ................... 9 Extras: (b 8, lb 11, nb 1) ................ 20 Total: (7 wickets) ......................... 145 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-48, 3-86, 4-113, 5-123, 6-128, 7-145 Bowling: ........................... O-M-R-W Anderson ........................ 15.2-7-21-3 Broad .................................. 14-5-35-1 Plunkett .............................. 10-4-26-1 Stokes ................................. 10-2-24-1 Ali .......................................... 8-2-20-1

Talansky quits Tour despite brave ride BOURG-EN-BRESSE (France)—American Andrew Talansky quit the Tour de France before Thursday’s 12th stage due to the cumulative effects of several crashes, his Garmin-Sharp team said.

Talansky crashed heavily on Friday’s seventh stage before also coming off his bike the next day.

The 25-year-old had suffered badly on Monday’s tough mountainous stage in which he lost 10 minutes and saw his overall hopes go up in smoke.

But following Tuesday’s rest day, the Criterium du Dauphine winner woke up with a bad back and suffered terribly on Wednesday’s 11th stage, coming home alone and more than 32 minutes behind winner Tony Gallopin.

“I’m absolutely heartbroken to leave the Tour de France.I built my season around the Tour,” said Talansky in a team statement.

“I had hoped the rest day would allow some time to recover from my crashes. I was hopeful that I could get through yesterday (Wednesday)... but it proved to be too much.”Talansky was visibly in trouble from early on in Wednesday’s 187.5km run from Besancon to Oyonnax and even at one point climbed off his bike, seemingly giving up. But he continued with tears running down his cheeks and fought on for more than 100km totally alone to beat the cut-off time limit.—AFP

IDPs Relief cricket T20 match now after SL tour: Afridi KARACHI—Relief Twenty20 cricket match to raise funds for IDPs affected

by Zarb-e-Azb will be held after the Sri Lanka tour, chief organiser and former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said on Thursday.

“We wanted to hold the match just after Eid-ulFitr.But due to lack of preparation of pitches it will now be held after the Sri Lankan tour,” Afridi told APP. He said he recently approached Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for staging the match but was informed by the board officials that since the pitches are being prepared for the new domestic season, grounds are not immediately available.

Afridi said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and former Pakistan captain Imran Khan have already agreed to support this cause.

Funds generated through this match will be spent on the welfare of the IDPs. Shahid Afridi said this match was being shifted as Pakistan cricket is due to leave for Colombo just after Eid-ul-Fitr for the test and one-day series.First test starts in Galle from September 6.—APP

wicketkeeper Matt Prior dropped two catches.

He put down opener Murali Vijay on nought and then, off the last ball before lunch, dropped Kohli after parttime off-spinner Moeen Ali found the outside edge.

After England captain Alastair Cook called for a pitch with more pace and bounce following an excessively docile surface in the drawn first Test at Trent Bridge, it was no surprise he opted to field after winning the toss when confronted with a light-green strip at Lord’s.

James Anderson struck in the third over of the match when he left-hander Shikhar Dhawan well caught low down at third slip by Gary Ballance after the ball pitched outside the leg stump and cut away sharply to take the outside edge.

Dhawan’s exit saw Anderson become the most successful bowler in Tests in England, his 230th wicket surpassing the record of England fastbowling great Fred Trueman. India’s 11 for one should have become 11 for two when Vijay—who made a hundred at Trent Bridge—was dropped

Broad. Anderson didn’t concede a run until his 32nd delivery, with Vijay edging the Lancashire seamer unconvincingly through the slips for four.

England, though, were generally bowling too short in the conditions.

However, first-change Liam Plunkett was rewarded for pitching up when he dismissed Vijay, aiming legside, for 20 with the aid of another fine catch

by Ballance to leave India 48 for two.

Prior, who has struggled with Achilles and thigh injuries this season, then reprieved Kohli—a far easier chance than the one he dropped off Vijay.

Both teams were unchanged for the second of this five-match series. That meant England included Anderson and India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja after both players were charged by the opposition side for offences under the International Cricket Council’s code of conduct following a flare-up at lunch on the second day of the first Test.

They each now risk being banned from matches during the remainder of the series should an ICC judicial commissioner, at a date to be announced, uphold the charges.—AFP

Golf: Howell off to flyer start in British Open H OYLAKE (United Kingdom)—First man out David Howell made a storming start to the British Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Thursday.

The English former Ryder Cup star, who is working his way back after several years of injuries and poor form, opened with a bogey, but rebounded with three birdies in a row from the third to take the early lead at two under.

Italy’s Edoardo Molinari got going with a brace of birdies and was level wth Howell at two under after three holes.

W i t h playing conditions picture perfect all eyes early on were set to be rivetted on a “fit-again” Tiger Woods.

The player who has dominated world golf over the last 17 years with 14 major wins comes into Hoylake at a crucial juncture in his stupendous career.

The latest in a succession of swing-stress related injuries over the last few years saw him revert to back surgery in late March to relieve a pain that left him at times unable even to get out of bed.

Woods, 18 months shy of his 40th birthday, says that for the first time in years he is pain free and ready to go as

ENGLAND: US golfer Tiger Woods works with his coach Sean Foley during practice at Royal Liverpool Golf Course in Hoylake ahead of The British Open Golf Championship. he once again hones in on his lifelong obsession of matching and finally surpassing the

all-time major record of 18 wins held by Jack Nicklaus since 1986.—AFP

Lancashire not planning to replace Junaid Khan L ONDON —Lancashire are have been integral to the haven’t completely closed still considering whether to replace departing star Junaid Khan for the latter stages of the NatWest T20 Blast, although cricket director Mike Watkinson says the prospect is unlikely.

The Pakistani left-arm fast bowler, an expert in bowling at the death, plays his last match of the campaign today (Friday) when Derbyshire Falcons visit Emirates Old Trafford for the Lightning’s penultimate North Division fixture. Junaid Khan’s 17 wickets from nine matches, making him the joint most prolific bowler in the competition,

county’s march to the quarter-finals. He will hope to sign off before international duty by contributing to a ninth group win, to help Lancashire secure a home tie in the last eight.

Although the 24-yearold will be a major miss for the quarter-finals and, hopefully, Finals Day, Watkinson is confident that the existing Red Rose squad has enough quality to cope without him. Particularly now that former England captain Andrew Flintoff has stepped up with two impressive performances. “We

that door, but probably not,” said Watkinson, regarding the chances of a new recruit.

As for Flintoff, Watkinson said “Fred is loving it” ahead of a potential second home debut.—INP

LONDON: Gary Ballance gets down to the low catch to remove Shikhar Dhawan during England vs India, 2nd Investec Test at Lord’s on Thursday.

Touchme CC stuns Advance Telecom K A R A C H I — To u c h m e Cricket Club pulled off a shock and recorded a thrilling two runs victory over Advance Telecom to storm in the last four grade of 19th M.A.Shah Night Trophy Cricket Tournament at Asghar Ali Shah Cricket Stadium here on Wednesday night.

Southpaw Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan hit an awesome 84 off 45 balls with ten powerful boundaries and four huge sixes.

But after his departure, Advance Telecom failed to maintain rhythm.

Inserted to bat first, Touchme Cricket Club collected 159 for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs.

Haris Ali Khan hit three fours and pair of sixes in his 46 while Waqas Ahmed hit two fours and two sixes in his 30. Offspinner Shahid Khan took three wickets for 27 runs.

Advance Telecom after a flying start wad bowled out for 157 with three balls to spare. After Sharjeel’s blitz, Mukhtar Ahmed made 36 with three sixes and three fours. But rest of the batting crumbled.

Pakistan reject Soahil Khan claimed three wickets for 32 runs and offbreak bowler Shahid Khan took three wickets for 33 runs.

Summarized scores: Touchme Cricket Club 159/ 8 in 20 overs (Haris Ali Khan 46, Waqas Ahmed 30, Omar Khan 29, Shahid Khan 3/27) Advance Telecom 157 all out in 19.3 overs Sharjeel Khan 84, Mukhtar Ahmed 36, Babad Ragha 17, Babar Azam 13, Sohail Khan 3/32, Shahid Khan 3/33).

Friday semi-final: Omar Associates vs Touchme Cricket Club.— APP

K ARACHI —Fiery paceman Maroof Aziz Ground. snapped-up four wickets to bowl Pak Korangi CC into the semi-finals of RLCA T20 Ramazan Cricket Tournament with they beat Nazimabad Gymkhana by 32 runs in low-scoring tie on Wednesday night.

Youthful medium pacer Maroof Aziz snapped-up four wickets 26 runs in a lively spell and proved the architect in his team’s win at Korangi Stadium.

Awesome Maroof proved too got to handle as he dismissed Nazimabad Gymkhana for 99 in the 19th over as they were a chasing a modest score 132 for victory. Mansoor Khan hit a defiant 28 in 33 balls with three fours and two sixes.

Earlier batting first, Pak Korangi CC scored 131-7 in their 20 overs. Ashraf Ali made 30 with two sixes and one four. Junaid Naeem captured three wickets for 15 runs.

Veteran first class all-rounder Imran Javed hit a spectacular 49 off 26 balls with seven sizzling boundaries and brace of sixes as MHCC thrashed Al-Noor Gymkhana by seven wickets at the Gulburg

Al-Noor Gymkhana batting first, scored 116 for seven wickets in 20 overs, Daniyal Mansoor top-scored with 28 off 33 balls with two boundaries. Farrukh Rizvi hit two fours and one six in his 25. Test fast bowler Muhammad Sami and Aqeel Sharif took two wickets apiece.

MHCC in reply raced to victory for the loss of just three wickets in 14.5 overs. Owais Pasta gave good supports to Imran Javed by scoring an enterprising 37 in 23 balls studded five boundaries.

Summarized scores: Pak Korangi CC bt Nazimabad Gymkhana by 32 runs. Pak Korangi CC 131/7 in 20 overs (Ashraf Ali 30, Naveed Talib 28, Junaid Naeem 3/15) Nazimabad Gym 99 all out in 18.4 (Mansoor Khan 28, Owais Rehmani 21, Maroof Aziz 4/ 26, Jafar Qureshi 2/12, Tariq Murad 2/19).

M.Hussain CC bt Al-Noor Gymkhana by 7 wickets Al-Noor Gymkhana 116/7 in 20 overs (Daniyal Mansoor 28, Farrukh Rizvi 25, Aqeel Sharif 2/16, M.Sami 2/19) M.Hussain CC 120/3 in 14.5 overs (Imran Javed 49, Owais Pasta 37).—APP

Hockey team may embark on foreign tour ahead of Asian Games ISLAMABAD—Head coach national hockey coaching team had been trying hard to make team, Shahnaz Shaikh said on Thursday that he had suggested Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to arrange a tour of the national outfit to a foreign country to gauge strengths and weaknesses of players ahead of the Asian Games.

“Our team has not featured in any international event for the last nine months, while our rivals in Asian Games have played the World Cup and will now appear in Commonwealth Games. They will get a lot of practice and exposure before the Asian Games,” Shaikh told APP on Thursday.

Pakistan will take on their four toughest rivals, Malaysia, Germany, hosts South Korea and arch-rivals India in the Asian Games. The Games scheduled to be held in Incheon, South Korea in September, will also serve as qualifiers for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

Pakistan players are currently going through a tough training at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in the second phase of the camp for Asian Games.

Thirty-seven probable players for had been getting training in the camp that would conclude on Friday.

Shahnaz Shaikh said the members of his

the camp really productive. “Like the first phase of the camp, the second phase has been very productive. In the first phase we tried hard to improve our player’s game through fitness and skill-enhancing drills.

While in the second phase we’ve given them a lot of practice”, he said.

“We will resume training for the third phase on August 3, while the trials for team selection will be held on August 13 and 14,” Shaikh added.

He said he had suggested the PHF to either arrange fixtures with Asian teams such as Korea and Malaysia or organize a series with any of the strong European sides. “I have even proposed that we can play against top European clubs as playing against them too can benefit us a lot,” he said.

The head coach said he was trying his best to revive Pakistan hockey adding that his first target was to defend the Asian title.

He also appealed Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif to honour the national team by meeting them before their departure for Asian Games. “The meeting with Prime Minister will help boost the morale of the Green- shirts”, he said.—APP

Top cricketers to feature in IDP’s fund raising match

YRS camp begins I SLAMABAD —The first phase of the training camp of Young Rising Star Club (YRS), Rawalpindi for the preparation of National Women Football Championship began here at OPF College Ground, H-8 Islamabad.

Talking to APP, President, Young Rising Star Club, Haji Ghias Uddin Baloch, said that top 18 players are will be participating in the camp including Asmara Kiyani, Faiza Mahmood, Sahar Zaman, Nadia Bhatti, Yasmeen Tahira, Zara Sohail, Zara Iqbal, Fatima Ansari, Aman Kiyani, Ayza Waheed, Sonam Kamal, Iman Hussain, Anorina, Ayla Jannan, Dinah Waheed, Numrika, Laila and Zoha Shoaib.

He said that the National Women Football Championship will kick off from August 11. A total of sixteen teams from all over the country will take part in the extravaganza.

The teams include Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, KPK, Islamabad, FATA, AJK, Gilgit Baltistan, Young Rising Star Rawalpindi, Diya Club Karachi, Model Town Club Lahore, Frontier College Peshawar, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Wapda and Higher Educiation Commission.

The matches of the event will be played at four different venues of Islamabad, Rawlpindi, Lahore and Karachi.

Baloch said that Young Rising Star Club will defend the title in the championship. “YRS had won the National Championship five times and have also got a silver medal,” he said.—APP

Fiery Maroof bowls Pak Korangi CC in RLCA T20 Ramazan cricket semis

RAWALPINDI: Coordinator IDPs Fun Rising Committee, Hanif Abbasi addressing press conference regarding charity T20 match fot he IDPs of NWA between Pakistan’s A side and Hamza Shahbaz XI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

LAHORE—All the top players of the country are likely to represent national cricket team in an exhibition T20 cricket series being staged from July 19 to support the thousands of Internally Displaced Person (IDPs).

Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal, Umar Gul etc have expressed their keenness to be a part of Pakistan A in the fund-raising matches being played from July 19 to 26 in four different centres of the country.

People from all walks of life especially the young generation, are taking keen interest in the 4-match cricket series being organised under the aegis of Sports Board Punjab (SBP).

A large number of top actors, actresses, sports stars, politicians and other personalities will attend the cricket matches to make the fundraising campaign a success. Leading pop singers will also perform during the matches to offer maximum entertain to spectators and donors.A spokesman of Sports Board Punjab told that hundreds of male and female youth have contacted the SBP offices to gain complete information regarding the upcoming series. “The eagerness of the youth and other segments of the society shows that Pakistan

will tackle the IDPs crisis quite successfully.

The history reflects that our nation has extended every kind of assistance whenever the need arises,” he said.

The ‘A’ cricket team has already been announced for the fund-raising rubber. Following are the members of Pakistan ‘A’ team: Sharjeel Khan, Sami Aslam, Babar Azam, Nasir Jamshed, Faisal Iqbal, Haris Sohail, Sohaib Maqsood, Fawad Alam, Anwar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Raza Hassan, M Sami, Ehsan Adil, Yasir Shah and Imran Khan.

The selected ‘A’ team will play four exhibition matches at Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad and Lahore on July 19, 21, 24 and 26 respectively.

Meanwhile, In order to raise funds for the help of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), an exhibition of floodlit Twenty-20 match would be organized between Pakistan-A Cricket team and Faisalabad-XI on 24th of July at Iqbal Stadium for which necessary arrangements are being finalized. This was informed by Commissioner Faisalabad Division Sardar Akram Javed here on Thursday while presiding over a meeting to review the arrangements of T-20 match.—APP

Ton-up Duminy lifts South Africa in first Test G A L L E (Sri Lanka)—Jean-Paul Duminy hit a superb unbeaten century to put South Africa in a position of strength on the second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday. The left-hander came in to bat with South Africa placed at a shaky 331-7 but he batted sensibly under pressure to help his side declare their first innings at 455-9.

In reply, Sri Lanka were 30-0 when stumps were drawn for the day with Kaushal Silva batting on eight and Upul Tharanga on 20. Tharanga, playing his first Test in six years, showed little signs of nervousness, hitting four boundaries in his 40-ball innings so far. The Sri Lankan bowlers were made to toil in hot and humid conditions by the gritty rival batsmen who dug in to ensure their team did not lose the advantage of winning the toss and batting first on a placid track at the Galle International Stadium. It was Duminy (100 not out) who stole the show with a superb rearguard action after opener Dean Elgar had laid the foundation for a good total with a 103run knock on day one. Duminy, 30, frustrated the bowlers to take South Africa past the 400-run mark. His 206ball effort contained 10 hits to the boundary including an exquisite cover drive off skipper Angelo Mathews.

Mathews had to give himself the ball in the absence of pace spearhead Shaminda Eranga who remained off

World Cup winner Kroos joins Real M ADRID—Toni Kroos will be unveiled as Real Madrid’s latest high profile

signing on Thursday after the European champions agreed a six-year deal to sign the Germany World Cup winner from Bayern Munich.

The 24-year-old playmaker moves to the European champions on the back of an outstanding World Cup. He scored two goals in as many minutes in the 7-1 semi-final rout of Brazil, en route to overcoming Argentina 1-0 in Sunday’s final.

Kroos is due to be unveiled by his new employers at a press conference later Thursday.

Real hailed their latest catch as “one of the most important players of the moment”.—AFP

the field with a split webbing in his his debut in February, hit six fours in bowling hand. Duminy, dropped on his promising 90-ball innings. A 82 by Dilruwan Perera, was given a smashing cover-drive off slow bowler standing ovation from his mates in Dilruwan Perera (3-147) and another the dressing room after he completed through point that raced to the his fourth Test century. He shared boundary were the highlights of his valuable partnerships with tailenders innings.

Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel But Perera earned his revenge (22) whose dismissal in the 167th over when he sent back De Kock with a prompted new South African skipper sharp turning delivery that the batsHashim Amla to declare the innings. man edged in the slips to give Mahela Philander (27) was adjudged leg be- Jayawardene his 198th catch. The fore wicket off Mathews but the bats- second and final Test will be played man asked for a review as he felt the in Colombo from July 24-28.—AFP ball had hit him high on the pads.

However, Hawk Eye upheld the on-field umpire’s South Africa 1st innings 3-220, 4-246, 5-266, 6-290, 7call. He faced 96 (overnight 268-5): 314, 8-389, 9-455 balls and shared Petersen lbw b Perera .... 34 Bowling: ............ O-M-R-W 75 runs for the Elgar c Chandimal Lakmal ................ 33-12-75-3 eighth wicket b Lakmal ........................ 103 Eranga .................... 9-4-32-0 with Duminy. F. du Plessis c Silva Herath .............. 60-12-148-1 The morning b Perera ............................ 80 Mathews ............. 11-1-36-1 session be- H. Amla c Perera b Herath 11 Perera .............. 53.2-8-162-4 longed to AB de Villiers b Lakmal . 21 Sri Lanka 1st innings: Quinton de Kock Kock c Jayawardene K. Silva not out ................ 8 who hit a maiden b Perera ............................ 51 U. Tharanga not out ...... 20 Test 50 after re- D. Steyn b Lakmal ............ 3 Extras: (lb1, nb1) ............... 2 suming the day Duminy not out ........... 100 Total: (for no loss) ......... 30 at his overnight Philander lbw b Mathews 27 Bowling: ............ O-M-R-W score of 17.

M. Morkel b Perera ........ 22 Steyn ........................ 4-1-4-0 The rookie Extras: (lb2, nb1) ............... 3 Philander ................. 3-1-9-0 batsman, play- Total: (for 9 wkts decl) . 455 Morkel ..................... 3-2-4-0 ing his second Fall of wickets: 1-70, 2-195, Tahir ....................... 2-0-12-0 Test after making

Uganda to host ICC World Cricket League ISLAMABAD —International Cricket Council has selected Uganda to host the ICC Division III Cricket league scheduled in early 2015, Uganda Cricket Association claimed in a press release.

According to Daily New Vision, Uganda, the selection follows the successful hosting of the Africa Senior T-20 and One Day International, and the Africa Senior women events in Kampala.

Uganda Cricket Association chief executive officer Justin Ligyalingi has said that six teams will compete in the event; with the top two earning promotion to ICC World cricket league Division 2, which is scheduled for early 2015.

“It is a very big boost to us after hosting the ICC Africa Division One World Cup Qualifiers and the ICC Africa under 19 Boys World Cup Qualifiers last year. We are looking forward at seeing that the trust given to us becomes a reality,” said Ligyalingi.

The tournament is due on October 26 to November 2nd and will see the utilisation of the Entebbe, Lugogo and Kyambogo cricket ovals.

Uganda will be joined by Bermuda, Nepal, USA and the top two teams from the World Cricket Division IV to battle for the slots that will come with a better stipend and development grant from the international cricket body.

During the opening of the Africa Cricket Council general assembly at Hotel Africana early this year, state sports minister Charles Bakkabulindi challenged the national cricket association to start hosting events outside Africa as they have already proved their worth with African events.

“You have shown that you can do it and please do not relax. Go for them as they will help market the game and also the country,” Bakkabulindi had said.—APP

Germany tops FIFA WC Rankings ISLAMABAD—Four-time World Champions Germany is reaping the rewards of their triumph at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil in this edition of the FIFA Coca-Cola World Ranking.

The World Cup final against Argentina was also a duel for the leading position in the world ranking with Joachim Low’s team coming out on top on both counts, says a press release issued here.

Germany led the table for the first time

in around 20 years, followed by Argentina and the Netherlands. The Netherlands third-place finish at the World Cup has propelled them 12 positions up the table and back into the top ten.

All of the teams that exited the World Cup in the quarter-finals have climbed up the ranking: Colombia (4th, up 4), Belgium (5th, up 6), France (10th, up 7) and Costa Rica (16th, up 12 - the highest-ever ranking).—APP

OYONNAX: France’s Tony Gallopin celebrates as he crosses the finish line at the end of the 187.5 km eleventh stage of the Tour de France.

GALLE: Morne Morkel was bowled by Dilruwan Perera for 22 during Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 1st Test on Thursday.

Russia rechecks 2018 FIFA World Cup stadiums I SLAMABAD —Three Russian cities are rechecking their existing and prospective stadiums for 2018 FIFA World Cup after the governing body of international football hinted it may cut the number of arenas.

The double check of the construction projects will be held in Volgograd in southern Russia, western exclave of Kaliningrad and Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains, Xinhua reports.

The three cities are in danger of being blacklisted

by FIFA because of excessive spending on the tournament’s preparations, as well as lack of proper medical facilities and transportation infrastructure, according to Russian sports media R-Sport.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Monday questioned Russia’s preparations for the 2018 World Cup, saying FIFA will discuss the possibility of reducing the number of stadiums to be used in four years time.

Blatter also said he intended to visit Russia in September to monitor the preparation work.—APP

Cycling-Attacking Gallopin claims Tour de France 11th stag O YONNAX (France)—Two days after wearing the yellow jersey, France’s Tony Gallopin claimed the 11th stage of the Tour de France thanks to late attacks in a nervous finale on Wednesday.

German John Degenkolb was second and Italian Matteo Trentin took third place at the end of a 187.5km ride from Besancon.

Italian Vincenzo Nibali retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey after staying safe by the front of the bunch in the final descent.

Gallopin, who gave France its second stage win this year after Blel Kadri prevailed last week, powered away in the last climb and after being rejoined by Michal Kwiatkowski, Peter Sagan and Michael Rogers, he counter-attacked 2.5km from the line.

The Lotto-Belisol rider looked back several times but held off the peloton to cross the line with the bunch breathing down his neck.—APP

Argentina give Pope signed jersey B UENOS A IRES —World Cup runners-up Argentina have sent their compatriot Pope Francis, a die-hard football fan, a jersey signed by the team, midfielder Maximiliano Rodriguez said Wednesday on Twitter.

The player posted a picture of himself holding up the sky blue and white jersey alongside national hero Lionel Messi, winner of the Golden Ball award for best player at the World Cup.

“This is the present the team sent to our Pope Francis!” Rodriguez wrote.

Francis is known as a lifelong football fan and card-carrying member of Argentine club San Lorenzo.

But the Vatican’s chief of ceremonies, Guillermo Karcher, said the pope had refrained from watching Sunday’s World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro—in which Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany in extra time—as “a matter of neutrality.”—AFP

Pope Francis receiving Signed Jersey from World Cup Runners-up Argentina.

Ozil donates WC winnings for surgery of 23 children in Brazil BERLIN— Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil has declared that he is donating his World Cup winnings to good causes in Brazil and would pay the surgery of 23 children in the South American country.

Ozil, who helped Germany win a fourth world crown in Brazil, had paid for the surgery of eleven sick children in the host country ahead of the tournament, in conjunction with the charity Big Shoe.

Now, Ozil has revealed on his Facebook page that he would raise that number to 23 to mark the number of players in the German squad, as a personal thank-you to the people of Brazil for their hospitality during the last month, The Mirror reported.

Ozil said that prior to the World Cup he supported the surgery of eleven sick children in Brazil, adding that since Germany’s victory is not only due to eleven players but to their whole team, he would raise the number to 23 now.

Ozil’s decision to pub-

licly announce what he was doing came following a false story that had earlier declared that the midfielder would be donating his World Cup winnings towards the crisis in Gaza.

The Arsenal star’s rep-

resentative Roland Eitel said that the claim that Ozil donated money is not true, adding that it might happen in the future, who knows, but for now he donated money to causes in Brazil.—AP

Gene therapy creates ‘biological Teachers’ training important to pacemaker’ cells for heart improve standard of education R ESEARCHERS have succeeded in turn ing ordinary cardiac muscle cells into spe cialized ones that deliver a steady heartbeat using a gene therapy procedure they predict could become an alternative to implanted electronic pacemakers. A study published on Wednesday involved pigs with a condition called heart block that makes their hearts beat too slowly. By injecting a human gene into a tiny region of the heart’s pumping chambers roughly the size of a peppercorn, the researchers reprogrammed heart muscle cells into a type of cell that emits electrical impulses to drive the beating heart.

In doing so, cardiologists at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles created “biological pacemaker” cells that restored a normal heart rate in the pigs. The procedure achieved the same result as implanting an electronic pacemaker that sends electrical pulses to the heart if it beats too slowly or skips a beat. “This development heralds a new era of gene therapy where genes are used not only to correct a deficiency disorder but actually to convert one type of cell into another to treat disease,” Dr. Eduardo Marbán, director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and leader of the research team, told reporters.

The researchers noted that pig hearts are very similar to human hearts. Dr. Eugenio Cingolani, director of the institute’s Cardiogenetics-Familial Arrhythmia Clinic, said “if all goes well” in further animal studies examining the procedure’s long-term effectiveness

and safety, “we hope to be able to begin trials in humans within three years.” The researchers envision using the procedure initially to help people with heart rhythm disorders who cannot use a pacemaker because of devicerelated complications like an infection or in fetuses in the womb with congenital heart block.

Such fetuses cannot have a pacemaker implanted and risk severe heart failure often resulting in stillbirth. The researchers hope to develop an injection-based treatment to deliver the gene therapy to these developing babies. They said down the road the procedure might be used in a broader patient population as a realistic alternative to the pacemaker.

Marbán said about 2 percent of pacemakers lead to an infection requiring treatment. In United States alone, about 300,000 people get pacemakers annually.

“Rather than having to undergo implantation with a metallic device that needs to be replaced regularly and can fail or become infected, patients may someday be able to undergo a single gene injection and be cured of the slow heart rhythm forever,” Cingolani said. Using a minimally invasive catheter procedure, the researchers injected pigs that had complete heart block with a gene called TBX18 that is responsible for a protein that makes the heart keep the right rhythm. On the second day after the gene was injected, the pigs developed a faster, more normal heartbeat that lasted for the rest of the 14day experiment.

Residents of Kunda-infested Sultanabad attack KE personnel STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Karachi Electric (KE) said it was aggrieved to learn that residents of Sultanabad attacked KE staff that was busy at work on July 16 on the Rickshaw PMT near Saddar and manhandled KE personnel. Giving details the press statement added that these residents, who got their electricity supply from the Rickshaw PMTs (2), owe KE almost Rs 10.3 million. The recovery ratio from those 2 PMTs was at a mesmerizingly low level and since Sultanabad was a Kunda-infested area. It was categorized

as a high-loss area. Despite being defaulters, those residents resorted to protests where only a couple of days back they had blocked off a road which affected the traffic flow as well.

The KE staff was working near the Rickshaw PMT area to restore supply after a fault on the over-loaded PMT had occurred, where unknown persons misbehaved and tortured KE’s linesman. The KE vehicle was also targeted in this unfortunate incident. This was not the first time KE’s team faced resistance from the residents of Sultanabad, as such instances occurs almost every alternate day.

Mafia fearlessly minting money STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Car Parking Mafia was fully active in Karachi around major shopping centres in Karachi. Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Karachi Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of 5 districts of Karachi, Police and other law enforcement agencies had utterly failed to eliminate the car parking mafia.

On the other hand, contractors of legal car parking sites under the administrative control

of KMC were minting extra fee for parking of cars at Tariq Road, Clifton, Hyderi, Saddar, Old City Areas. The contractors of legal car parking sites were compelling families that arrive at city’s major shopping centres to pay Eid fund along with car parking fee.

However, Pakistan Rangers Sindh had claimed to have nabbed 40 associates of car parking mafia from different areas of the city including Hyderi Market, Water Pump, Karimabad, Super Market, Millennium Mall and other main shopping centres.

WB delegation calls on KMC Administrator STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Administrator Rauf Akhtar Farooqui said no study could prove productive without having the understanding of the basic problems and their solution.

World Bank group study on the earthquake and floods protection should also pinpoint the actual problems in Karachi and suggestions for their solution.

Old Karachi buildings and multi storey structures in city slums could prove to be dangerous whereas majority of city drains were incapable of draining out heavy floodwater due to the existence of encroachments at their edges

STAFF REPORTER

KARACHI—Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Qaim Ali Shah has expressed his satisfaction over providing professional training to more than 29000 School teachers, faculty members and education managers and directed the authority concerned to expedite their work and ensure training to more 5000 school teachers before the end of this financial year 2014-15 under the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funded project.

Fayyaz Leghari to be new IG Police IRFAN ALIGI

(S&GAD) of Sindh government had failed to implement Sindh Chief Minister’s orders for recovery of expensive and luxury cars from those officials, who were not legally authorised to use government vehicles.

Use of government luxury cars along with monthly allocation for free fuel, accessories and maintenance was a huge fiscal burden on taxpayers’ pockets. Perhaps the situation was naked to Sindh CM and hence the bureaucracy had furnished a

Education and Research (PILER) at PILER Centre here to discuss the current situation of the workers and their unions, the trade union leaders underlined the need for a joint struggle to get back the collective bargaining powers of the workers in all the industrial and service sector companies.

The meeting attended by senior trade union leaders Habibuddin Junaidi, Lateef Mughal, Mirza Maqsood Ahmed,

Anti-polio drive postponed

KARACHI—Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) Rabita Committee has condemned long duration of unannounced load shedding in different parts of Karachi during Iftar and Sehri. They have termed it tyranny and injustice against people of Karachi. In a statement Rabita Committee said, “K-Electric has been making claims that they will not implement load-shedding during Sehri and Iftar. However, despite their claims different parts of Karachi

K ARACHI —The anti-Polio drive in Karachi was overnight postponed on the pretext of lack of proper security arrangements. Thus, around 24000 children would stay deprived of getting the anti-Polio vaccine drops.

The law enforcement agencies had regretted for not assisting the volunteers and thus the volunteers were asked to stay home and avoid visiting areas of Karachi’s West where a large number of internally displaced persons had also been settled recently.

Cleanliness of Eidgahs before Jumatul Wida STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Sindh Chief Secretary (CS) Sajjad Saleem Hotiana has taken a serious view over the insanitation around the Jamia Masjid Samanabad Trust Block-18, F.B. Area, Karachi, where filthy sewerage not only deteriorating the roads and walls of mosque and nearest ground where the congregation of Eidul Fitr prayer also takes place.

Retired officials keeping official cars unlawfully KARACHI—Services and General Administration Department

STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Trade unions and civil society leaders have expressed concern over the deteriorating collective bargaining position of the workers in the private sector organizations, especially after the globalization of the economy and privatization of the industries and banking in Pakistan.

Speaking at a consultation meeting, convened by Pakistan Institute of Labour

STAFF REPORTER

fresh summary to the Chief Executive of the Province for purchase of new expensive and luxurious cars for officials.

According to law, S&GAD only had the legal powers to allocate cars to eligible officials and members of Provincial Cabinet but in violation to the legal restriction, the S&GAD had allowed certain Senators, members of Sindh assembly, retired officers and their spouses to use luxury cars at the expense of taxpayers.

Sources privy to this violation of rules and regulations, Sindh Chief Secretary despite he had full knowledge about this problem preferred to stay silent.

prove the standard of education and asked the officers of education department to accept this challenge, complete this running project and to ensure training to at least total 30,000 teachers by the end of this project in June 2015.

He directed the officers also to conceive and come up with another effective teachers training and infrastructure development project and expressed his optimism that Economic Affair Division to extend its full support to Sindh government in the move towards improvement of the standard of education.

Collective bargaining for workers in private sector

KARACHI—Federal government had consented to approve Sindh government’s proposed Fayyaz Leghari as coming Inspector General of Police, Sindh, with which the issue of appointment of Sindh’s IG, which had become a bone of contention, was resolved.

It would be as late as Friday (today) or Saturday that Sindh Home Department would issue an official notification for the appointment of Leghari as new IG Police.

which have almost chocked the passage. He expressed these views while talking to a four member World Bank delegation which headed

by Haris Khan called on Administrator Karachi in his office.

The delegation informed him that the World Bank was conducting a study in Karachi on the lines of its study for the big cities of the world to devise the strategy for dealing with the conditions like flooding or earthquake. All the details and matters regarding city infrastructure including the buildings, water drainage system, slums and katchi abadies, flyovers, bridges, utility supply lines, water and sewerage system would be reviewed and studied in detail in this study.

IRFAN ALIGI

He said that Sindh government considering the education as the 1st step towards progress and prosperity is planning more teachers training programmes and infrastructure development in education sector, and invited the CIDA to extend its investment for implementation on such programmes.

This he said while presiding over the meeting to review the progress of the CIDA funded teachers training programme being run by provincial education department held at CM House Thursday. The CM termed the teachers training very important to im-

Shafeeq Ghauri, Rehana Hakeem, Yousuf Khattak, General Secretary of Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum Saeed Baloch, Deputy General Secretary of National Trade Union Federation, Pakistan Nasir Mansoor, Executive Director of PILER Karamat Ali, Mir Zulfiqar Ali, Hassan Athar, Qamrul Hassan and others felt it necessary to assist the industrial workers to gain their collective bargaining powers.

MQM condemns unannounced load-shedding STAFF REPORTER

are experiencing load-shedding. People who are on fast are experiencing difficulties and problems. They are not able to perform their Taraweeh prayers properly because of heat.”

“People of Karachi are using the most expensive electricity. They are paying their bills regularly. They are experiencing excessive billing by K-Electric too. It is tyranny and injustice to subject them to unannounced load shedding despite their regular payment of bills. K-Electric’s action is highly condemnable, “Rabita Committee said.

Gene therapy creates ‘biological pacemaker’ cells for heart R ESEARCHERS have succeeded in turn ing ordinary cardiac muscle cells into spe cialized ones that deliver a steady heartbeat using a gene therapy procedure they predict could become an alternative to implanted electronic pacemakers. A study published on Wednesday involved pigs with a condition called heart block that makes their hearts beat too slowly. By injecting a human gene into a tiny region of the heart’s pumping chambers roughly the size of a peppercorn, the researchers reprogrammed heart muscle cells into a type of cell that emits electrical impulses to drive the beating heart.

In doing so, cardiologists at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles created “biological pacemaker” cells that restored a normal heart rate in the pigs. The procedure achieved the same result as implanting an electronic pacemaker that sends electrical pulses to the heart if it beats too slowly or skips a beat. “This development heralds a new era of gene therapy where genes are used not only to correct a deficiency disorder but actually to convert one type of cell into another to treat disease,” Dr. Eduardo Marbán, director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and leader of the research team, told reporters.

The researchers noted that pig hearts are very similar to human hearts. Dr. Eugenio Cingolani, director of the institute’s Cardiogenetics-Familial Arrhythmia Clinic, said “if all goes well” in further animal studies examining the procedure’s long-term effectiveness

and safety, “we hope to be able to begin trials in humans within three years.” The researchers envision using the procedure initially to help people with heart rhythm disorders who cannot use a pacemaker because of devicerelated complications like an infection or in fetuses in the womb with congenital heart block.

Such fetuses cannot have a pacemaker implanted and risk severe heart failure often resulting in stillbirth. The researchers hope to develop an injection-based treatment to deliver the gene therapy to these developing babies. They said down the road the procedure might be used in a broader patient population as a realistic alternative to the pacemaker.

Marbán said about 2 percent of pacemakers lead to an infection requiring treatment. In United States alone, about 300,000 people get pacemakers annually.

“Rather than having to undergo implantation with a metallic device that needs to be replaced regularly and can fail or become infected, patients may someday be able to undergo a single gene injection and be cured of the slow heart rhythm forever,” Cingolani said. Using a minimally invasive catheter procedure, the researchers injected pigs that had complete heart block with a gene called TBX18 that is responsible for a protein that makes the heart keep the right rhythm. On the second day after the gene was injected, the pigs developed a faster, more normal heartbeat that lasted for the rest of the 14day experiment.

Country can’t afford any long march or sit-in LAHORE—PML-N lawmakers in the Punjab Assembly have urged the opposition to eschew playing politics of non-issues.

In a joint statement issued here on Thursday, Rana Mohammed Arshad, Majid Zahoor, Yasin Sohail and Azma Bokhari said, politics of agitation could push the country into chaos and confusion at a time when positive changes are taking place.

They said, opposition parties especially the PTI should show maturity in its conduct and

supplement government’s efforts to the rehabilitation of displaced persons.

They said, since the country was confronting with a number of issues, it could not afford any long march or sit-in.

They said, country’s future is heavily depend on success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and every body is praying for its success.

The said, steps taken by the government would yield positive results to make the country a citadal of peace.—APP

Amnesty scheme approved to waive past dues of PESSI LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has approved an amnesty scheme for industrial, commercial and trade sectors for new registration with Punjab Employees Social Security Institute (PESSI) by waiving all past dues. This was told by Punjab Minister for Labour Raja Ashfaq Sarwar while

presiding the 126-Governing Body meeting of PESSI in which Secretary Labour Farhan Aziz Khwaja, Secretary Industries Ali Sarfraz, Commissioner PESSI Ishrat Ali, Director Finance and other members of GB from employers and employees also participated. —APP

LHC seeks suggestions for improving courts’ security LAHORE—A division bench of the Lahore High Court on Thursday adjourning the hearing of petitions against inadequate security measures in the court premises sought suggestions from the petitioners for improving it.

The division bench headed by Justice Anwaar ul Haq was hearing the petitions filed

by Sajid Iqbal, Abbas Ali Chaudhry and others. As proceedings started, Lahore High Court Bar Association Secretary Ahmad Chachar said that the litigants and others face serious threats due to inadequate security measures in courts. He pointed out that the bench had already passed many interim or-

Pak Army is fighting for survival of the country OBSERVER REPORT LAHORE—Former President Rafiq Tarar, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Dr. Farrukh Javed and Member Provincial Assembly Sheikh Allauddin met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif here Thursday and presented cheques for a total amount of Rs.42 lakh for the help and assistance of displaced persons of North Waziristan.

Talking on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif said that Pak Army is fighting for survival of the country and the whole nation is united against terrorism. He said that government and people of Punjab are standing by their displaced brethren and sisters at this difficult time.

The Chief Minister said that an amount of Rs. forty million has so far been distributed among more than 5300 displaced families of North Waziristan on behalf of Punjab government and the process of payments to IDPs will be completed within next few days.

He said that 20 trucks of fodders have been sent to Bannu for the livestock of IDPs while more trucks will also be sent. He said that the people of North Waziristan who have displaced as a result of war against terrorism are passing through the most difficult phase of their life and are waiting for help.

Rescue service provided to 396 persons CITY REPORTER LAHORE—The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) provided rescue service to 396 victims of 476 road accidents in all 36 districts of the province during the last 24 hours.

As many as 81 accidents were reported in Lahore with 84 victims, 56 in Faisalabad with 67 injured and 35 in Gujranwala with 42 victims.

According to the data, 352 motorbikes, 64 auto rickshaws, 55 motorcars, 26 vans, 06 passenger buses, 20 trucks and 68 other types of auto vehicles and slow moving carts were involved in aforesaid road traffic accidents.

According to the data of Provincial Monitoring Cell of the Rescue 1122, the staff shifted the injured to different hospitals.

ders which were not implemented till now.

However, the bench said that security of litigants, Lawyers and judges would be ensured by all means. The bench observed that it was a sensitive matter and it could be sent to full bench, if needed.

The bench adjourning the hearing till August 6 sought suggestions from petitioners’ for improving courts’ security.

The petitioners through their petitions voiced concern regarding inefficiency on the part of concerned agencies about inadequate security measures in the Court premises resulting in continuous untoward incidents.—APP

Former President Rafiq Tarar is presenting a cheque to Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for the IDPs of North Waziristan.

Govt providing best facilities to establish healthy society OBSERVER REPORT LAHORE—Minister for Excise & Taxation, Finance Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman has said that youth are the future of the nation and government is providing them state of the art healthcare facilities to establish healthy society in the country.

He said that protective healthcare programmes would be continued to save the children from epidemic, communicable and non-communicable diseases. He said that Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) aims at reducing morbidity, disabilities and mortality caused by vaccine preventable diseases and during the week, vaccination against debilitating dangerous minor ailments such as Polio, Tetanus, Measles, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Hepatitis-B, Pneumonia and Meningitis.

He said that immunization of children against nine deadly diseases will be free of cost at hospitals, health centers and

even by mobile teams. He said that government has reserved Rs.2 billion to achieve the millennium development goals(MDGs) whereas government has also provided Rs.121.80 billion for health sector to provide the state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to the masses in the province.

While talking to various delegations at his residence, Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman, said that purpose of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was reducing morbidity, disabilities and mortality caused by vaccine preventable diseases and by vaccinating all children below one year of age, in addition, all pregnant women are vaccinated against tetanus. The priority targets of the programme are polio eradication followed by elimination of Neonatal Tetanus & Measles, he added. He said that 7.5 lakh Pakistani children die of various diseases every year while a large number of children is

Terrorism will be rooted out from the country: Shahbaz OBSERVER REPORT LAHORE—Minister of State for Education and Interior, Balighur-Rehman met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here Thursday.

Matters of mutual interest, political issues and overall situation of the country were discussed in the meeting. The Chief Minister said that Pakistan Muslim League-N government is

Struggle against polio to continue till eradication SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Health Khawaja Salman Rafiq has reiterated that the struggle against polio would continue till its complete eradication. He appealed to the people to participate enthusiastically in the government’s struggle against polio and got vaccinated their children to prevent them from permanent disability.

He said this while talking to the residents of Shafiqabad Bund Road area after administering polio drops to the children in a Pashtoon locality in connection

with one day anti polio campaign in 23 high risk union councils of Lahore.

EDO Health Lahore Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, DDO(H) Data Ganj Baksh Town and other officers were present on the occasion. Kh. Salman Rafiq administered polio drops to the children and distributed handbills to the public to highlight the importance of immunization.

EDO Health informed that 160 thousand children was the target in 23 union councils for which 1200 teams have been constituted. He said that the campaign would continue in Lahore until the environmental samples of Lahore were re-

ported negative. He disclosed that another one day anti polio campaign would be launched on July 24.

Meanwhile, Khawaja Salman Rafiq also visited Jinnah hospital to inquire after the health of injured police official, wounded during anti terrorist operation in Raiwind. He directed to the hospital administration for provision of best treatment facilities and special care to the jawans. While talking to the media, Kh. Salman Rafiq said that terrorists would be rooted out from the country and said that whole nation is standing behind Pakistan Army and law enforcing agencies.

crippled and by administering simple treatment through immunization we can save the precious lives.

He further told that during the nationwide measles campaign, 62493411 children were vaccinated against measles with the additional dose while 33329819 children were given polio OPV during the measles campaign, therefore, awareness campaign may be launched by medical community and public representatives.

The Minister said that in order to achieve the results of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the major focus is on protecting the health of people trough strengthening of Primary Health Care & Disease Preventive Programmes and Rs.1.80 billion are being spent for the launching of a healthcare facilities programme to mother and child, whereas, at present new born mortality rate is 54/1000 which would be reduced upto 25 by year 2015.

Vehicles wading through the stagnant water after rain.

determined to cope with all challenges being faced by Pakistan.

He said that terrorism will be rooted out from the country and it will be made a haven of peace. He said that Pakistan will be steered out of all crises under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He said that economic situation has improved due to solid measures taken by the government.

He said that selfless service to the people and their welfare is the agenda of PML-N government.