Ep19august2015

Afghan forces retreat from key district LASHKAR GAH—Afghan security forces have “tactically retreated” from a key district in the southern province of Helmand that foreign troops battled for years to secure, as the Taliban make a late summer push to expand areas they control in a traditional stronghold.

The Taliban have made a grab to secure territory in the north and south this summer, but despite some gains, have struggled to hold ground, even though most foreign forces withdrew from Afghanistan in 2014.

Officials in Helmand said security forces had shifted the Naw Zad district governor’s office to a safer location about three kilometres away to avoid civilian casualties during Taliban attacks, and that they had retained control of the district.

“The previous compound was surrounded by civilian homes and civilians could be harmed during Taliban attacks,” said Omar Zwak, a spokesman for the Helmand governor.

A senior provincial government source said the Taliban had occupied the compound and the surrounding area. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmad said the militants made “thousands of

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Secret IS document found in Pakistan OBSERVER REPORT ISLAMABAD—A document, allegedly belonging to the Islamic State was found in the tribal areas of Pakistan by the American Media Institute (AMI).

According to reports, the document titled ‘A Brief History of the Islamic State Caliphate (ISC): The Caliphate According to the Prophet’, was discovered in the tribal areas of Pakistan, written in Urdu.

The 32-page document includes a graphic depiction of the six stages of the Islamic State.

A US intelligence official who confirmed the authenticity of the document stated that according to the diagram, the fifth phase declares the caliphate will be followed by a final phase, “open warfare” in 2017.

US Defense Intelligence Agency Director General Michael Flynn stated, “While the world is watching videos of beheadings and crucifix

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18 more killed as PAF jets pound Shawal valley TARIQ SAEED PESHAWAR—The Pakistan Air Force jet planes continued their offensive against the trouble makers in Shawal valley of North Waziristan agency, believed to be the last strong hold of the insurgents, on the third consecutive day as fresh strikes on the alleged terrorists’ hideouts resulted in killing of 18 more militants.

A number of militants’ hideouts were also destroyed in the fresh bombings as the Operation Zerb-e-Azb paced up most probably in the wake of deadly terrorist attack in Attock a few days back.

Reports said the PAF war

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‘Third party’ sabotages Afghan peace talks

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Reluctance to hold LB polls ................................................

India comes close to UAE

See Page 04

MQM leader Godil shot, injured in attack President, PM, Altaf, others condemn incident IRFAN ALIGI K ARACHI —Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Abdul Rashid Godil, MNA was critically wounded after unidentified armed men opened fire at his vehicle near his residence in Karachi’s Bahadurabad area on Tuesday.

Godil was in his parked car at a traffic light when four attackers riding on two motorbikes began firing on his vehicle.

Gulshan SP Abid Qaimkhani said that unidentified motorcycle-riding armed men intercepted Godil’s vehicle and fired eight 9mm bullets at Muttahida leader. Godil was travelling with his driver and a family member when the attack took place.

Hospital sources said that the MQM leader suffered five bullets wounds on his chest, head, jaw and arm. Godil’s wife was in the car at the time of the attack but remained unhurt.

Fear and panic gripped the city as markets and shops were closed down. The MQM leader was shifted to a nearby hospital where his condition was stated as critical owing to excessive loss of blood. He underwent surgery at a private hospital following which the MQM leader was put on the ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit of Liaqat National Hospital.

Hospital sources said that Godil’s driver, who was also injured in the incident, succumbed

to his wounds during treatment. MQM leader Syed Ali Raza Abdi tweeted that Godil’s condition was stable and wished a speedy recovery of the wounded leader. On the other hand, policemen cordoned off the area recovered eight 9mm bullet shells from crime scene.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah telephoned Inspector General (IG) of Sindh Police and directed him to immediately submit a report regarding the incident.

The IG formed a four member committee under DIG East to investigate the matter. SSP East Javed Jaskani told media that the police were recording eye witness statements and had obtained the CCTV video of the attack site. President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have condemned the terrorist attack on MQM leader Rashid Godil and prayed for his early recovery.

The Prime Minister has directed the concerned authorities to arrest the culprits at earliest. Health Minister Sindh Jam Mehtab Ali spoke to reporters outside the hospital and said Godil’s condition was stable and he was out of danger.

MQM Leader Altaf Hussain has strongly condemned the incident of firing on MNA Rasheed Godil by terrorists. He has appealed to people to pray for the life of Rasheed Godil. Mr

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at PM office.

One more killed in Indian forces fire across Sialkot WB FAISAL KHAWER SIALKOT—The Indian Border

Pakistan, India talks

Top civil, mily leadership huddle to finalise agenda Indian meddling to be agenda point

Forces (BSF) again opened unprovoked firing and shelling at Charwah sector of the Sialkot New Dehli.

ZEESHAN JAVAID Working Boundary on Monday Sources privy to the inside story told Pakinight and Tuesday morning add- ISLAMABAD—The political and military lead- stan Observer that both civil and military leading to dozens of violations of the Continued on Page 7 ership expressed their serious concern over the cease fire in recent months by ership is on the same page regarding the upcom- Indian alleged involment inunrest and support ing scheduled session of Pakistan-India talks as the Indian forces. for terrorism activities in Pakistan and “unproDue to intensified firing office of the chief executive has taken General voked” firing on Line of Control (LoC) and Headquarters (GHQ) into confidence over the and shelling from the Indian Working Boundary which witnessed killing of BSF, a Pakistani civilian agenda items including Indian interference in innocent civilians.

Pakistan and unprovoked firing at Line of ConMuhammad Sharif was Both the military and civil leadership agreed martyred in village Thathi trol (LoC) on priority.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General that the said concerns would be raised before Khurd late at Monday night. the Indian managers of foreign affairs during A number of houses and Raheel Sharif and Director General (DG) Inter the 2-day scheduled visit of Advisor to Prime Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant General other properties were reported Minister on National Security and Foreign Afas damaged. Meanwhile, the Rizwan Akhtar on Tuesday called on Prime fairs, Sartaj Aziz to New Dehli.

Minister Nawaz Sharif following the recent inPakistani Chenab Rangers also India’s former premier Manmohan Singh consultative meeting between premier and ISLAMABAD—The Supreme Court on Tuesday is constitutional violation. The provinces have returned the unprovoked Indian house his close aides to finalize the agenda items of and former president of Pakistan Gen ® no local bodies for last many years. firing and shelling in a befitdirected the Election Commission of Pakistan Pak-India talks scheduled on 23-24 August in Continued on Page 7 Justice Dost Muhammad Khan remarked ting manner. to perform its constitutional duties of holding that current government has passed half of its local body elections in Sindh and Punjab, disposing off two petitions seeking SC directives tenure and last PPP led government completed for postponement of LB polls in both provinces. its tenure without holding LB polls. The intenThree member bench of apex court compris- tion of Parliamentarians has been diverted from ing Chief Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, Justice legislation towards funds. It is the gift of Ziaul Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Qazi Faez Haq, who showed the way of funds to the parEssa during the hearing of the case observed that liamentarians, he added.

The counsel for ECP Muneer Paracha said STAFF REPORTER Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) can direct provinces for holding LB polls instead of that due to the flood in both provinces the holdseeking polling dates from court. ECP should ing of LB polls is impossible on September 26 ISLAMABAD—US Secretary IRFAN ALIGI because the manpower would be required from of State John Kerry called decide the dates of polls in both provinces.

Justice Qazi Faez Essa, remarked that un- provinces.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif K A R A C H I — M u t a h h i d a Meanwhile the law officers of both prov- on Tuesday evening and dis- Qaumi Movement (MQM) has der article 140, ECP is constitutionally bound to hold LB elections in all provinces but here inces assured the court that provincial govern- cussed relations between the given positive signals to Jamiat ECP failed to perform its duty and is asking ments are ready to hold the LB polls.

United States and Pakistan and Ulema-e Islam Fazal (JUI-F) The Election Commission of Pakistan has the regional situation. another institution (SC) to permit the violation Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, of constitution. If ECP cannot perform its con- issued the schedule of local bodie’s elections in The call comes as ties be- who has been chosen as man Punjab and Sindh provinces here on Tuesday. stitutional function then it should resign, Justween Pakistan and India dete- of trust by the Prime Minister Earlier on Tuesday Supreme Court of Pakistan riorate ahead of bilateral talks Mian Muhammad Nawaz tice Essa added.

Justice Faez Essa said that delay in LB polls scheduled to be held early next Sharif and leader of opposition Continued on Page 7 week. in National Assembly Syed Earlier on June 16, US Sec- Khursheed Shah with a task to retary of State John Kerry had convince the MQM to come appreciated the prime minis- back to the Parliament. ters’ counter-terrorism policy Following a scheduled and his strong resolve and de- meeting with the MQM coortermination to defeat terrorism. dination Committee in MUMBAI—Hindu extremist Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ Senator Kerry had tele- Karachi, Maulana Rehman visorganisation, Sena Sena on said, rubbishing the contents of LAHORE—Chief Minister of phoned Prime Minister Nawaz ited Headquarter of MQM KARACHI: JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman speaks along with MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar after meeting at Tuesday defended its founder an article published in the Punjab Shahbaz Sharif on Continued on Page 7 Continued on Page 7 Nine Zero.—INP Bal Thackeray’s ideology say- magazine, Tuesday decided to keep the Sena workers had yester- Punjab Home Ministry portfoing he created “a fear of Hindus” solely in “national inter- day staged protest at Nariman lio himself after the martyrdom est” and hit out at a weekly Point area in South Mumbai of Col (r) Shuja Khanzada in magazine for its article against against the magazine, tearing Attock suicide blast. and torching its copies. A case the late party supremo.

The provincial government “People have lot of love was also filed in adjoining has finalized a notification in and respect for Balasaheb Thane district in connection this regard.

Sources said that Shahbaz Thackeray and feel proud of his with the article.

The outfit on Tuesday said, Sharif has taken the decision of nationalist ideals. He surely Tareen by issuing him a letter of Intent After drafting and getting it legally ZEESHAN JAVAID instilled the fear of Hindus “Hindus should be able to live keeping the home ministry (LOI) for 26 MW Bagas based power vetted, they presented it to the Board in among people,” an editorial in portfolio himself.—INP Continued on Page 7 ISLAMABAD—A powerful bureaucratic project without approval of competent the 28th meeting of AEDB, but Board cartel in country’s power sector includ- authority and the board. Aimed to alleg- did not approve the LoI as presented, and sought a presentation, addressing the ing Alternative Energy Development edly facilitate JDW business group.

Thorough investigation in this par- questions raised by the members.

Board (AEDB) is restricting federal govIt was disclosed during investigation ernment moving fastly to overcome cur- ticular regard revealed that co-generation Policy for this project was approved by that the presentation was made to the rent power crisis.

Favoritism, which Prime Minister the Economic Coordination Committee Board members on 8th June 2013, but Nawaz Sharif announced to uproot from (ECC) but it did not approve this particu- the LOI was again not approved. Failing the country, seems to be still ruling the lar LOI, while approving the proposal of to get the Board’s approval, another atJDW, the Panel of Experts, headed by Dr. tempt was made to obtain the (anticiparoost in AEDB. however the market sentiments took a turn on AMANULLAH KHAN Musaddaq Malik, the advisor to Basharat Bashir recorded their decision tory) approval of the former Minister the reports about attempt on life of MQM leader prime minister on energy sector is the one (April 13, 2013) which was required to Water and power/ Chairman AEDB; KARACHI—KSE-100 Index opened on a posi- as the Index was down by 182 points. The inleading this latest violation of PM orders obtain approval of the Legal Expert on however Minister did not approve the tive note with 22 points plus but was soon by doling out contracts to his buddies the in-house prepared LOI and get the proposal.

Continued on Page 7 plunged down with 182 points AEDB then made an unprecedented without caring for any rules and regula- approval of the AEDB Board before isafter reports regarding attempt effort to get another legal advice (from tions. On the directives of Musaddaq suance of the LOI. on the life of MQM leader AEDB’s legal counsel also advised its own legal Counsel Aqlal associate) on Malik, the former chief executive of MNA Rashid Godil here this AEDB in the capacity of acting charge, for the necessity of approval of the AEDB how to issue the LOI without approval morning.

Dr Basharat awarded a multi billion Board before the issuance of the LoI; of the competent authority. In his advice In fact the index moved in a project to leader of Pakistan Tehrik –e- however AEDB former chief approved dated Aqlal May 29th, 2013; he informed zigzag fashion through out the Insaf Jahangir Tareen to pocket just a few and issue the LOI to JDW as using with- that the CEO cannot issue the LOI withday which began positively note millions, informed members of the board out approval the competent authority, out the approval of the Board. The CEO with the beginning of talks to adding that the sitting and former CEOs Dr. Basharat ignored the advice of the said on condition of anonymity. resolve controversy of resignaThe documents available with daily of AEDB made extraordinary efforts, to legal counsel and the advice from AEDB tions of MQM Assembly mem“Pakistan Observer” revealed that former get the LoI format approved from the professionals and he issued the LoI. bers on the arrival of Mualana AEDB chief Dr. Basharat facilitated Mr. Board.

Continued on Page 7 Fazlurehman this morning,

LB polls in Sindh, Punjab

SC allows ECP to decide dates

Kerry telephones Nawaz, discusses regional situation

Shiv Sena advises Hindus to invade Pakistan

Fazl talks with MQM productive

Shahbaz to keep Home Ministry portfolio

Former AEDB’s chief violates rules to accommodate PTI leader

KSE-100 zigzags along political waves

Khuhro condemns KARACHI— Sindh Minister for Information, Nisar Ahmed Khuhro Tuesday said that the attack on MQM Parliamentarian, Rasheed Godil was a conspiracy to disturb peace and political atmosphere of city. The conspiracies would be coped and their nefarious designs would be curbed he said, adding that the city’s peace would be maintained at any cost.

Talking to the media persons here, he said that we would not let to disturb the peace of the city and operation would be continued till complete eradication of terrorists.—APP

Red Crescent, religious community to spearhead safe, healthy Pakistan drive OBSERVER REPORT ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) Managing Board comprising representatives from five provinces, AJK and FATA approved new strategic initiatives for the Red Crescent.

The new strategic initiatives includes Implementation of PRC drive ‘Safe and Healthy Pakistan-an integrated Preventive Health Care/Risk

Reduction Program with the RC/RC Movement and through Charter of Humanity with Ittehad Tanzemat Madris, Initiation of the Road Safety Program, Activation of Restoring Family Links Programme and changing PRCS motto to “Saving Lives, Changing Minds & Uniting People”, Prisoners’ Blood Donor Program for Major Emergencies, Initiation of National Ambulance

Service, Initiation of National Ambulance Ser-vice and Establishment of National Ambulance Service College.

The Managing Board meeting chaired by PRC Chairman Dr Saeed Elahi was attended by Arshad Ahmed, Senior Joint Secretary Ministry of Finance, Qaiser A Sheikh, Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami, Qamar Zaman, Dr Jamal Nasir, Najeeb Ullah Malik, Mumtaz Haider Rizvi,

Ms Farzhana Naek, Mian Muhammad Hanif (SI), Zahid Ali Shah, Ikram Ullah Jan Kukikhel, Muhammad Wali, Bashir Ahmed and Dr Talat Jabeen representative of Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations.

Briefing the board, PRC Secretary General Dr Rizwan Naseer said that these new initiatives of PRC Chairman Dr Saeed Elahi will further boost the Red Crescent ac-

Reviews law & order NAWABSHAH— Sindh Home Minister Suhail Anwar Siyal held a meeting Tuesday and reviewed the prevailing law and order situation in the Division. The meeting, held at DIG office, was attended by Deputy Inspector General Police Farhat Ali Junejo, Senior Superintendent Police Shaheed Benazirabad Pervez Khan Umrani, SSP Naushehro Feroze Niaz Ahmed Chandio and SSP Sanghar. The Home Minister expressed his satisfaction over performance of police of all the three districts. He distributed Commendation Certificates and cash awards to police officials on good performance.—APP

tivities especially during the peace time.

He said that PRC took an initiative by signing a ‘Charter of Humanity’ with ‘Ittehad Tanzemat e Madaris Pakistan (A representative body of all religious school of thoughts). Under the Charter, PRCS plans to positively engage the religious community for effective implementation of preventive health care and blood donation advocacy and activities. Hence PRC shall launch its nationwide drive for a safe and healthy Pakistan (an integrated Preventive Health Care/Risk Reduction Program with the RC RC Movement and through Charter of Humanity with ITM and Volunteers).

Dr Naseer said that another landmark initiative will be the setting up a ‘Prisoners’ Blood Donation Program’ with the technical help of its Blood Transfusion Centers for emergency blood collection in case of any major emergency or disaster.

LHC grants interim bail to Kasur scandal accused L AHORE —A Lahore High Court division bench on Tuesday granted pre-arrest interim bail to Tanzeel ur Rehman, involved in Kasur scandal, till August 31. The bench directed the accused to submit two surety bonds of Rs 200,000 to avail the bail. The bench comprising Justice Muhammad Anwaar ul Haq and Justice Erum Sajad Gull heard the matter.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel arguing before the court submitted that the police had nominated his client in four different cases registered in connection with the Kasur scandal.

He said that cases were registered 15-months after the incident on mere statements, whereas, no evidence was available against the accused. He said that his client wanted to join investigations to prove his innocence. He pleaded the court to grant benefit of the bail to accused.

The bench after hearing

arguments granted pre-arrest bail to the accused till August 31 and sought record of the case from police. Meanwhile, Justice Muhammad Anwaar ul Haq also granted protective bail to accused Tanzeel ur Rehman and directed him to approach the trial court by August 24.

The court directed the accused to submit two surety bonds of Rs 100,000 for the purpose. The court passed the orders while disposing an application filed by the accused for the purpose. The petitioner pleaded the court that he was innocent and wanted to appear in concerned court but fear arrest.

He pleaded the court to grant protective bail.

The Lahore High Court on Monday overruled the objection on a petition, seeking constitution of a commission to fix responsibilities of Kasur incident and to make comprehensive plan in order to protect minors from such incidents in future.—APP

SBBU rules of business approved P ESHAWAR —Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Gov- budgetary expenditures, remove deficit and

ernor, Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan has di- ensure positive changes in the academic rected administration of Shaheed Benazir priorities. He was briefed on overall strucBhutto University to adopt broader mecha- ture and summery of actual budget, income nism and follow better financial discipline and receipt sources as well as the total exin line with rules and regulations of finance penditures and payments. He was also department. Chairing the senate meeting briefed on the estimated budget 2014-15 and of SBBU, he said that it would also im- 2015-16 and proposed business plan of the PESHAWAR: KP Provincial Minister for Zakat, Auqaf and Religious Affairs Haji Habib-ur- Rahman seeing off the prove the quality of education in the larger university for next five years.

Hajj pilgrims at Bacha Khan Air Port on Tuesday.

The governor approved rules of business interest of students and the community.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Special of the university and commended business Secretary Higher Education Department, plan for next five years. He urged the varsity Secretary Finance, Chief Information Com- authorities to focus improvement in academic War against missioner and other concerned officials standard and quality of education. The governor also directed university administration to also attended the meeting. terrorism to The governor said that the university utilize financial resources in a transparent way continue was an autonomous body and its adminis- and in accordance with the financial action ISLAMABAD— tration should manage better financial dis- plan. He stressed the need for proper monitorMinister for cipline in an appropriate way to minimize ing and evaluation of the university.—APP Commerce Engineer He apprised the delegation members OBSERVER REPORT Khurram Dastgir paid about his launching the prosecution serL AHORE —PML-Q Central Leader Ch vice and providing employment to about NASIB SHAH SHINWARI tribute to martyred Col (r) Shuja Khanzada saying Pervaiz Elahi on Tuesday said PML-Q was three thousand lawyers and performance terrorists could not weaken working on its election manifesto of con- of his established Consumer Courts for de- K HYBER A GENCY —The the reslove of nation for structing KBD in order to overcome energy cision of disputes in three days without any martyred soldier of FC continuing the war against crisis. He expressed these views during a fee. Ch Parvez Elahi said that he had got a (Frontier Corps) personnel terror till its logical end. meeting with Chairman Pakistan Justice bill passed by the Punjab Assembly for pro- in Balochistan laid to rest in Talking to media, he said Party (PJP), Malik Mansab Awan who an- vision of lawyers’ services by the State for Landikotal. Lance Naik Noor late Punjab Home Minister nounced support for the PML-Q initiative poor and deserving people but Shahbaz Wahab resident of LoeyCol (r) Shuja Khanzada on Kalabagh Dam (KBD). Ch Pervaiz Elahi Sharif govt has not given this practical Shelman was martyred during clashes with militants in played a vital role in the said KBD was the solution to energy and shape till now. war against terrorism. He water crisis. He said experts were of the Malik Mansab Awan said that not only Chaghi area of Balochistan. himself became victim of opinion that KBD would provide viable so- for the lawyers Ch Parvez Elahi had accom- Sources said on Tuesday.

The sources said that terrorism, he added. “His lution to energy needs of the country. plished many revolutionary and historical martyrdom is highly He said PML-Q has launched a cam- works including Parha Likha Punjab, Res- that FC soldier had been regrettable but such acts paign under the leadership of Central Leader cue 1122 Service, free medicines and free martyred when militants athave further strengthened Moonis Elahi to mould public opinion on education facilities for all segments of the tacked on a security forces the government’s resolve KBD issue. Ch Parvez Elahi said that imme- society particularly common and poor man. check post at Daal badeen to purge the country of diate and only solution for energy and wa- He said N-League and Tehrik-e-Insaaf had area of Chaghi in Blochistan terrorism,” he said. ter problems is Kalabagh dam and interna- raised the slogan for construction of some days before. During the Meanwhile, Chaudhry tionally reputed experts are of considered Kalabagh dam but now they are diverting exchange of firing with miliIrmughan Subahni, PML-N opinion, PML is running a movement from it and Pakistan Muslim League is the tants Noor Wahab received MNA, Chaudhry Tariq headed by Moonis Elahi for highlighting only party which is sticking to its promise bullets injuries and died. The Subhani PML-N MPA and importance of this dam and to mobilize pub- and because of this our party fully sup- martyred soldier of FC was Khush Akhtar Subani lic opinion in its favour seminars are being ports PML over Kalabagh dam issue. Del- laid to rest in his ancestral Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan, KP Governor and Chancellor Shaheed Benazir Bhutto former MNA.—APP organized at district level. egation included Ahmad Samundar Khan. graveyard in Loy-Shalmaan. University chairing the 5th meeting of the varsity Senate at Governor’s House on Tuesday.

PML-Q working on construction of KBD to overcome energy crisis

Martyred FC soldier laid to rest in Landikotal

SIL makes history by achieving two first-class LLB honours STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Two Pakistani

HYDERABAD: A view of submerged houses in Babo Lal Goth village near Indus River.

44 teams to conduct survey of flood losses

Sutlej river flood inundates dozens of villages, crops KASUR —Dozens of villages and tional Disaster Management Au- vey of flood losses with the help of emergency response partner, Pakistan standing crops were inundated as water level increases in Sutlej river at Ganda Singh Wala was recorded 62,000 cusecs which is likely to reach to 70,000 cusecs in the evening, said irrigation department sources. As many as 30 villages and standing crops at hundreds of acres of land in Hakowala Warda, Nagar, Gatti Klanjar, Mabuki, Bheki Wand, Sehjra, Ratneywala, Basti Chanda Singh, Mastey Ki Basti Bangladesh and other villages were affected by the flood water.

The volunteers of Rescue 1122 were carrying out rescue operation in flooded villages while district administration was making announcements to get vacated low lying areas and the areas of other side of River Sutlej.

Meanwhile it is repoted that two helicopters requisitioned by the Na-

Paramedics office-bearers take oath GUL HAMAAD FAROOQI

thority (NDMA) have so far transported 45,000 kg food items and evacuated 725 marooned persons from various locations of Chitral.

According to an NDMA spokesman, on the request of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, the authority had sought the services of two helicopters from Anti-Narcotics Force for carrying out relief activities in far flung and inaccessible areas of Chitral.

The helicopters had so far flown 59 sorties to alleviate the sufferings of the flood-hit people of Chitral, he added. The spokesman said immediately after flash floods in Chitral, the KP government and NDMA in collaboration with Pakistan Army had started relief activities in the flood-hit areas.

Layyah: Additional District Collector (ADC) Dr Lubna Nazeer said that 44 teams would conduct a sur-

latest technology, in 102 mauza of the district. During the training session of survey teams here on Monday, she said that teams had been given android mobile phones to carry out foolproof and authentic surveys. EDO Works and EDO Agriculture would lead surveys of damaged houses and crops, respectively, she added. The ADC stressed upon the teams to complete survey within stipulated time period so that flood affected people could be compensated.

Telenor Pakistan to contribute in flood relief efforts of Gilgit Baltistan: Aimed at extending relief and assistance to the flood affected people of Gilgit Baltistan, Telenor Pakistan has announced a contribution of over Rs 20 million. A statement here on Tuesdya said that the relief goods were being provided by Telenor Pakistan’s

Red Crescent Society (PRCS), to over 268 flood affected families.

The contribution is being utilized

by PRCS to provide over 1,876 individuals with nonfood items including shelter, blankets, solar lamps, stoves etc. Food items being distributed mostly consist of dry ration parcels packed with nutrition. As part of the relief efforts, four mobile healthcare units have also been stationed at different locations to provide basic medical aid to the flood victims as well as to prevent any outbreak of disease in the flood-hit areas. Muhammad Aslam Hayat, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Telenor Pakistan expressed his solidarity with the flood victims of Gilgit Blatistan and said, “Telenor Pakistan stands with the people of Gilgit Baltistan in their time of loss and grief.—APP

CPEC to open big job opportunities ISLAMABAD—Guo Lingzhen, a senior offi- Peshawar: The Chinese government has cial Kashgar prefecture customs management committee has said the economic corridor provides huge incentives to expand businesses and create jobs in Xinjiang and Pakistan. “The growing opportunities will attract more companies,” he said in an interview adding the economic corridor will bring easier access to neighboring Pakistan, a big market to them.

With construction of pipelines, telecommunication, energy and infrastructure projects, the volume of goods transported from Kashgar to Pakistan and other neighboring countries will increase dramatically.

The latest efforts took place last week at the first China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Forum in Xinjiang, with the two countries signing 20 cooperation agreements worth 10.35 billion yuan (1.6 billion U.S. dollars).

Companies have already enjoyed benefits from the economic corridor. In April, a solar photovoltaic plant with an installed capacity of 100 megawatts, built by Tebian Electric Apparatus Stock Co., Ltd. (TBEA), went into operation in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar and Xinjinag’s city Karamay have decided to strengthen their ties a sister cities, under CPEC. In this connection, Chen Xinfa, secretary of Karamay’s communist party committee and Karamay Mayor Zhang Hongyan met officials from Gwadar and decided to develop cooperative partnership in wideranging areas of bilateral interest. The meeting took place on the sideline of the CPEC’s forum that hel in Karamay last week Pakistan people are close friends.

agreed with the proposal of the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal, making the collaboration between Pakistan and China in space technology as part of the Karamay declaration under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

At the Pak-China forum meeting held in Karamay-Xinjiang last week, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal proposed space technology collaboration between China and Pakistan, an official of the forum told. His proposal was approved and made a part of the Karamay-Xinjiang Declaration. The declaration was later approved unanimously after the two-day meeting ended August 11-12. At the concluding session, Ahsan Iqbal said that bilateral collaboration on space technology would take PakistanChina relations to new heights.

He stressed upon a joint launch of space missions which consist of astronauts from both countries. He said “This is the strength of the CPEC to increase more connectivity between the two friendly countries. It will shape up the future destiny of both the nations through communication linkages”. Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan, Sun Weidong, was also a part of the CPEC forum. He labelled the meetings as successful in increasing understanding among the related stakeholders for implementing the CPEC. He pointed out the field of energy and communication as a major part of the CPEC. Over 300 officials, businesspersons and public figures were a part of the two-day forum.—APP

C HITRAL —Newly elected office bearers of paramedical association Chitral took oath in a oath taking ceremony at District Headquarters Hospital Chitral. Member provincial assembly Saleem Khan was chief guest on the occasion while Haji Bashir Ahmad divisional President administered oath to newly elected cabinet of paramedics who also presided over the ceremony.

Addressing on the occasion the newly elected president Sardar Wali said that health departments facing acute shortage of paramedical staff. And the existing staff facing great problems like shortage of residential quarters, proper office and transportation from doctors colony. As well as outsiders people living in official quarters of health staff which were sublet by them. They also demanded for up-gradation of paramedical staff who working day and night for welfare of patients.

MPA Saleem Khan announced 1 million for maintenance and pipeline of water tanker for hospital and rupees 20000 for organizing committee of Paramedics.

Rahmat Ghazi PTI leader condemned the previous government who purchased diesel generator for DHQ hospital worth a huge amount but it could not used for a single day from the day of its purchasing and lying useless.

He said that PTI government brought reforms on revolution basis in health sectors and millions of rupees were released to DHQ hospital for purchasing of medicines in first time of the history of Chitral. Dr. Faizul Mulk MS of DHQ Hospital, Waqar Ahmad vice president, Jamaludin chairman paramedical association, Haji Bashir Ahmad and other also spoke on the occasion. The following officer bearers took oath of CHITRAL: Newly-elected office-bearers of Paramedical Association Chitral taking their office. oath at District Headquarters Hospital, Chitral.

Torkham border remained closed for an hour

students at School of International Law (SIL) have set a unique record by scoring first division in the University of London LLB (Hons) while in total three Pakistani students are ranked among top ten distinctions awarded globally this year.

Pakistan has three first class students this year; all female. Two of them, Zunaira Shahid and Zainab Samantash studied at School of International Law, an institution in Islamabad committed to providing “the complete law school experience.”

Nida Tareen, Principal of SIL, says, “We are ex-tremely proud of our students who have generally scored very well in the examinations, with numerous distinctions and merits in individual subjects.

Zainab and Zunaira have of course set a world re-cord for us as no Pakistani institute has ever produced 2 First Class Honours in the same year!”

The University of London Undergraduate Laws Blog states, “With ten firsts this year we match our record year of 2013. After their notable absences from last year’s first class roll call Hong Kong and Malaysia return to the fore but Pakistan continues to build on last year’s precedent providing our top scoring first class undergraduate student of 2015.”

Zainab attributes her success to hard work, the support of her parents and family and the School of International Law “for providing its students with the most conducive environment and bringing together the most amazing teachers”.

Zunaira tells of early experiences on the LLB, “I still remember waiting for my first year results, having already decided alternative degrees in case I failed”.

SUP rejects NAB bargaining system WAHEED PHULPOTO SHIKARPUR—The people of Sindh have rejected the “Bargaining” System of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and demanded the cleanup operation to be conducted against the corrupt officers of Government Departments as well as against the MNAs, MPAs and Ministers belonging to any political parties in order to uproot the corruption culture from the public servants and the Civil Society if the Apex Committee and the rulers were really sincere to improve the socio-economic life of the people and discourage the terrorists and criminal activities which caused to create the panic, unrest and insecurity problems for the people to face, when the people of the province of Sindh were awaiting to breath the sigh of relief and live their lives in peaceful atmosphere which was their democratic and legal right to avail.

This was stated by Syed

Zain Shah the General Secretary of Sindh United Party (SUP) while talking to media men on the occasion of party meeting of Larkana Division held at residence of SUP Central leader Agha Qamar Mushwani here at Shikarpur on Monday evening.

He expressed his deep concern over the action to exercise the practice of conducting investigation against the corruption committed in Government Departments including Local Bodies Institutions through Anti-Corruption offices who were already involved in corruption which he termed as a petty drama being played to take the record of corrupt officers in possession of Sindh Government through Anti-Corruption Department in order to defend them so that the ruling party men and the favorite officers appointed and posted in different Nation Development Departments including Local Bodies Institutions.

Rain thunder storm at isolated places ISLAMABAD—Rain thundershower is expected at isolated places in Lahore, Gujranwala divisions, Kashmir and its adjoining hilly areas during next 24 hours while mainly hot and humid weather is expected in most parts of the country. Met office reported that seasonal low lies over northwest Baluchistan and adjoining areas with its trough extending Eastwards. Weak monsoon currents are penetrating into northeastern parts of the country.

During last 24 hours weather remained hot and humid in most parts of the country. However, rainthundershower occurred at

isolated places in Kashmir.

Rainfall recorded during last 24 hours remained Muzaffarabad=17 mm and Garhi Dupatta=4mm.

Highest temperatures recorded during this time span was Dalbandin 43øC, Nokkundi 42øC, Turbat,

Sibbi, Sukkur 41øC, Sibbi 42øC, Rahim Yar Khan 41øC, Islamabad 34øC, Lahore 38øC, Karachi 34øC, Peshawar 36øC.—APP

OUR CORRESPONDENCE K HYBER A GENCY —The Pak Afghan border at Torkham remains closed for a hour here on Tuesday. The reason behind the closure of the border was the exchange of harsh words between the border officials.

The official sources said that Pakistani border authorities stopped a suspected person for body search while entering into Pakistan and in response the border authorities of Afghanistan used harsh and immoral behavior with Pak ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Water and Power, Khawaja Muhammad Asif in a meeting with Chief Minister of Balochistan, Dr Abdul Malik. security officials.

‘Third party’ sabotages Afghan peace talks

MEDIA WATCH

UAE & India redefine power of partnership

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N internal investigation by Taliban has revealed that no one from them was involved in the recent series of bomb blasts in Afghani stan especially in capital Kabul, which resulted into significant loss of life and property. After investigating the matter on their own end, Taliban have declared that ‘Third Party’ was involved in these attacks and that they would go deeper into the matter to unearth motives of those behind these acts. Taliban not only publicly condemned the attacks but also sympathized with affected families.

It has now become a fashion to conveniently put blame on Taliban for everything going wrong under the sun and as such accusing fingers were raised towards them after recent bombings in Kabul. But categorical statement of Taliban made after thorough investigations has exposed the truth and it should serve as an eye opener for all stakeholders especially those who are striving to restore peace in the war torn Afghanistan. We believe that the ‘third party’ involved in these terrorist attacks has achieved twin objectives of derailing the nascent but credible process of peace talks between Afghan Government and Taliban and creating a wedge between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was unfortunate that some elements within the Afghan Government especially their allies started accusing Pakistan of backing Taliban who carry out attacks inside Afghanistan. This is despite the fact that Pakistan fulfilled all demands made by Afghanistan including release of important Taliban prisoners and bringing Taliban onto the negotiating table. It was also for the first time that Taliban publically committed to the dialogue process, raising strong hopes for positive outcome of the talks. After successful first round, the parties were ready for the second round, which was also being hosted by Pakistan with the active cooperation of China. However, the enemies of peace in Afghanistan started hatching conspiracies on multiple fronts and first they created fissures due to issue of death of Mullah Omer and election of his successor and then stage-managed blasts in Kabul. By doing so they not only scuttled prospects of peace in Afghanistan and the region but also tried to disfigure image of Pakistan, which sponsored peace talks and earned a lot of goodwill of the international community. The ‘third party’ has done disservice to Afghanistan and the region and must be exposed by all.

Reluctance to hold LB polls O

NCE again, the Provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh have expressed their inability to hold Local Bodies’ elections in October this year as per schedule announced earlier. At a meeting of the Election Commission in Islamabad on Monday, officials of the two Provinces took the plea that they can’t hold the polls because of pre-occupation of the administration with flood related activities, security environment, Moharram, disposal of litigation about delimitation of constituencies and training of staff for elections.

The position adopted by the two Provinces clearly indicates that they are in no mood to devolve powers to the local level and are determined to thwart all attempts aimed at empowering people at gross-roots level.

This is because most of the issues, except flood, would remain there for a long time and therefore, this effectively means avoiding the elections for an indefinite period. The Federal as well as Punjab and Sindh governments have so far aborted all attempts by the Supreme Court, which is focused on the issue of holding of LB polls and their attitude during the last two years is a clear pointer towards that. The Federal Government dodged elections in Islamabad by way of faulty legislation and Punjab and Sindh governments advance different excuses on different occasions to wriggle out of their responsibility to hold these polls. One can easily conclude that these governments are not sincere in devolving their administrative and financial powers to local level and are also apprehensive of emergence of opposition leadership in some pockets.

This is despite the fact that LB system serves as a nursery for grooming of political leadership and some of the leading figures of today got prominence due to their active role in local governments in the past. All political parties claim to be champions of democracy but it seems they believe in selective democracy and not an all inclusive.

India comes close to UAE I

NDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a successful two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during which both the countries decided to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and chart out a new course for cooperation in key areas like trade and investment, defence, security, maritime security and intelligence sharing.

The visit to the Gulf State by an Indian leader after 35 years brought dividend far beyond expectations as the two sides agreed to set up an Infrastructure Investment Fund with a target of $ 75 billion and establishing a mechanism for regular meetings between their security agencies to improve operational cooperation.

The outcome of the visit indicates that it was quite meticulously planned and the targets were well set. According to the joint statement, the two countries decided to establish a dialogue between their national security advisers and national security councils with bi-annual meetings and agreed to cooperate in the manufacture of defence equipment in India, work together to promote peace, reconciliation and stability in the region, promote cooperation in space technology and projects and cooperate in peaceful uses of nuclear energy. On the economic front the two countries will facilitate participation of Indian companies in infrastructure development in the UAE; they will also promote strategic partnerships in the energy sector, including UAE’s participation in the development of strategic petroleum reserves and upstream and downstream petroleum sectors in India. By upgrading the bilateral relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”, Modi plans to open different sectors of the Indian economy to investment from the UAE. India hopes to benefit from the $800 billion UAE sovereign wealth fund and the joint statement gives room for optimism. While interacting with a delegation of top industrialists in Abu Dhabi, the Indian Prime Minister made an open offer to them saying there is an immediate possibility of one trillion dollars of investment in India. From these achievements, one should give credit to Indian leader and bureaucrats that they are exploring all possible avenues simultaneously to gain financially and advance their political and diplomatic interests, to the mutual benefit of the two sides.

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MPs: No business, no allowances Left, supported the idea and left it to the individual members to Kuldip Nayar follow their desire. I forwarded Email:kuldipnayar09@gmail.com the Law Ministry’s opinion to deduct the allowance to the then Lok Sabha Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee who, I bewas a member of the Rajya Sabha some 12 years ago. The House lieve, placed my case before the busiwould be disturbed over one mat- ness committee of the House. But it ter or the other constantly. During my rejected it. I wish the 25 members, who six-year tenure, I saw both the Con- were suspended by the Lok Sabha gress and the Bharatiya Janata Party Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, would (BJP) vying with one another in do- write to her that they were not entitled ing so, with no difference in passion to the daily allowances because they or planning. On occasions, the par- were not present in the House. If this ties tried to outdo each other. I felt were to become a practice, members strongly that we, the members, were would be less unruly and more disciwasting public funds to the disap- plined. Ever since the proceedings in pointment of the already disillusioned Parliament were telecast there is an impeople. So the question was, should provement in the dress the MPs wear. we at all draw the daily allowances, Earlier, some came in night pajamas!

The reason why I have placed my particularly when we had not transacted any business. I wrote to the example here before the public is the Chairman saying that I did not want precedent that exists. MPs should inany allowance when the House was trospect individually whether they are adjourned without doing any work. justified in drawing the daily allowThere cannot be any dispute over ances when they have not put in a spot the contention of some members that of work. Yet, this does not provide they were “working” because at the an answer to the larger question: the end of the day, the Secretariat issues working of Parliament. The Congress a bulletin to summarize the day’s pro- stance that it would not allow the sesceeding. When there is no business sion to take place until Sushma transacted, it says so. The Chairman Swaraj and the “corrupt” state Chief referred my request to the Law Min- Ministers of Rajasthan and Madhya istry because there was no precedent Pradesh did not quit.

However, weighty the Congress to guide him on the matter. The Law Ministry upheld my plea. My daily demand, there has to be a proper inallowance was deducted whenever quiry to substantiate the charges. The no business was conducted in the Congress demand for Sushma house. The Chairman informed the Swaraj’s resignation is not fair. The business committee of the House charge against her is, at best, the misabout the deduction of the allowance. use of discretion to allow Lalit Modi, None of the parties, including the a fugitive from justice, to visit his wife,

I

suffering from cancer, in Portugal.

There is no money involved. It is unfair to make it a case of corruption.

The larger question is that of Parliament’s session. The Congress defence that it was doing what the BJP had been doing, is neither morally right nor intellectually proper. One wrong does not justify the other mistake. I am saddened by the otherwise courteous Sonia Gandhi. She is the one who is leading the cheer crowd and shouting slogans. The entire thinking and their action is juvenile.

In the same way, the sectarian reaction by a large section of the Muslim community to the hanging of Yakub Memon is amazing. Merits and demerits of the case apart, he was tried by the different Indian courts of law, including the Supreme Court of India, and declared him guilty of master minding the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. Still my opinion is that the death sentence awarded to him should have been converted into imprisonment for life because, one, he had cooperated with the government and, two, he had agreed to come to India from Nepal to face the trial. According to many reports, he had made such disclosures which the government could have never known on own.

But this does not mean that he was not guilty. Even his ardent supporters have had not put forth this plea in their defence. All that they pressed was that he should not be hanged. The Court in its wisdom rejected this line of thinking. How can the verdict be interpreted as the travesty of justice? In the past 22 years, the time consumed on the trial, the supporters of Memon used

all avenues available to them to have him free. The Supreme Court met for the first time past midnight to hear the last-minute plea on his birthday and rejected it. It looks that the Supreme Court, too, was keen to give the culprit every opportunity to prove his non-involvement.

But to communalize the issue is regrettable. Those Muslims who have done so have given a handle to the Hindutava forces, which point out that the Muslims, covert even a crime into a community issue. This once again proves how fragile is our secular polity. There is so much mistrust between the two communities that it ultimately dictates their attitude, even on minor things. I must commend the Mumbai Police for handling the situation as any law and order problem would be tackled. It is an open secret that the police are influenced by the environment, which is becoming increasingly sectarian. People were generally divided on the basis of community to which they belonged. The police stood firm and did not allow passion to take over.

Examples which communalize the situation should not, however, lessen our faith in the idea of India— democratic and secular. The ethos of our national movement was pluralism. Some people who are trying to harm it are the ones who never participated in the freedom struggle.

They cannot and should not be allowed to defeat the purpose of our freedom movement.

—The writer is a veteran Indian journalist, syndicated columnist, human rights activist and author

Ghani goes the Karzai way Iqbal Khan Email:wonderous101@gmail.com

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N an erratic move, Afghan gov ernment has walked away from the second round of the peace talks with mediation of any second country, and has asked Pakistan to take action against Taliban leadership in its territory instead of bringing them to the negotiation table. The former President, Hamid Karzai, who recently opposed Ghani’s soft stance toward Pakistan has supported the new change in the strategy of Afghan government. However, taking a pragmatic position, the United States has reiterated that bilateral talks and cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan is the only way for stability and security in the region. US State department had praised AfghanistanPakistan talks following the deadly attacks in Afghanistan Kabul. John Kerby, spokesman of US State department had said, “Bilateral talks between Afghan-Pakistan governments are commendable”. John Kerby further added that America is committed to cooperate and help Afghan forces and will not abandon Afghanistan in any way.

Taliban insurgents have killed scores of people in suicide and other bombings in Afghanistan during the past few days. The violence has picked up since the disclosure of the death of Mullah Omar, and is likely to continue till amicable resolution of leadership related irritants, which is indeed a tall order. Spike in deadly attacks across Afghanistan underscores the capacity and capability of insurgent elements, hence the need for peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. A recent UN report indicates that civilian casualties in Afghanistan since January 2015 have reached record levels.

On August 07, the insurgents launched a flurry of attacks in Kabul; a truck bomb in residential blocks; a suicide bombing at the national po-

lice academy; and a ground assault on a coalition base. Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, reportedly claimed responsibility for the bombing. He said the bomber had “targeted occupying foreigner forces” and that all of those killed were foreigners.

Reacting to the spike of violence, in an abrupt shift from his fence-mending outreach with Pakistan, a visibly angry Afghan President Ashraf Ghani lashed out at Pakistani leaders. He said on August 10, that the Afghan people are in urgent need of long-lasting peace in their country and closure of terrorist sanctuaries in neighbouring Pakistan. “The doors of government are open for peace, peace with those who are Afghans and believe in humanity and renounce terrorism”. Taking the cues, CEO Dr Abdullah Abdullah has also started firing anti-Pakistan salvos; much of the difficulties in Pak-Afghan relationship owe their initiation to Dr Abdullah’s erratic foreign policy initiatives during the Karzai era.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his visit to Afghanistan months ago had categorically stated that “the enemy of Afghanistan is the enemy of Pakistan, “Ghani told the press conference, adding that it is the time to act upon word…We hoped for peace but we are receiving messages of war from Pakistan…In my telephone call with Pakistan Prime Minister (on August 09), I told Pakistan to see terrorism in Afghanistan the same way it sees terrorism in Pakistan,” he said.

Since coming to power Ghani has courted Pakistan, expending substantial domestic political capital in the process, his comments on August 10 are the strongest yet against Pakistan.

“Since I took office, Afghans have been waiting for Pakistan to show their tangible commitment” to peace, Ghani said. “But attacks in the past two months and now in Kabul have shown us that it is still the same as the past.”

Response by Pakistan’s foreign office was measured: “Having been the biggest victim of terrorism itself with human losses exceeding 60,000, the people and the government of Pa-

kistan can feel the pain and “in the past 10 months we have shown a strong will on peace and discussed with Pakistan that both sides should fight terror,” “The reality is that Pakistan is busy holding gatherings to discuss its undeclared war in Afghanistan.”

Pakistan’s National Security Adviser, Sartaj Aziz, dismissed Ashraf Ghani’s charges, saying there are “all kinds of (militant) factions” operating in Afghanistan, making it difficult to ascertain who is behind the bloodshed.

“We very much condemn all the terrorist attacks in Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan and we have constantly worked with the Afghan government to try to restrict movements across the borders so that no terrorist goes from here to commit any act there,” Aziz said. Pakistan can persuade the Taliban to re-engage in talks with the Afghan govt only after the group resolves its leadership problem. Pakistan has been urging the Taliban to talk rather than fight because ultimately fighting is not a solution, “Aziz added.

Taliban have ceded phenomenal space and have come to negotiating table. Ashraf Ghani should reciprocate and start sharing political power with them, a fairly elaborate framework in this regard was agreed upon during Karzai era. Political incentives would broaden the constituency of moderate factions of Taliban, and they will be able to attract extremist splinters to join the dialogue process. President Ashraf Ghani should do background homework and hint about his political intent at the earliest. Moreover, as long as Afghan leadership continues to mixup militancy based political struggle— insurgency— with terrorism, no durable head-way is likely to come-by.

The silver-lining is that after the outburst by the Afghan President, a delegation led by Afghan Foreign Minister has visited Pakistan to discuss the contentious issues, especially the ‘nonpaper’ earlier communicated by the Afghan side, demanding of Pakistan to take action against Afghan Taliban on its soil. During Afghan Foreign Minister’s visit, Afghan side conveyed

its concerns over the spate of recent attacks in Kabul and sought cooperation. Pakistan pledged full cooperation against terrorism and emphasised that the two countries should have trust in each other and “discourage spoilers and detractors”. Premier Nawaz assured the Afghan delegation of all-out support but also suggested that implicating Pakistan’s security institutions in the attacks was regrettable. PM’s adviser informed the delegation that the Pakistani government had serious concerns about Afghan soil being used against Pakistan. “But we believe in using appropriate channels to convey our concerns instead of going public with allegations,” Aziz said. However, the delegation did not report back to its boss positively.

President Ashraf Ghani’s frustration is understandable, but his approach to resolve the issues is unfortunately getting more and more erratic. More than a decade long Pakistan bashing neither did help Americans, nor Ashraf’s predecessor; it is not likely to help him either. Americans have corrected their course, and it would serve Ashraf well, if he follows the suite. Afghan conflict needs a professional handling. President Ghani should have done his calculations before signing the Bilateral Security Agreement with America that a very powerful component of Taliban is not likely to compromise on presence of foreign troops on American soil. Despite stern tone in his comments on Pakistan, Ghani failed to come up with something concrete to achieve desired objectives.

Afghan leadership should comprehend that it is an exercise in futility to assume that Pakistan has compelling influence on Taliban. Bad experience of cobbling together a broad based Mujahedeen government in the wake of Soviet withdrawal from Kabul in the 1990s is not a distant memory; and ever since, Afghan insurgent leadership’s psyche has not changed much.

—The writer is consultant to IPRI on Policy and Strategic Response.

HE rousing reception for Modi in Abu Dhabi and Dubai is proof the two nations are natural partners, or allies in a rapidly changing, but violent world. The UAE and India have redefined partnership during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country. They are at a comfortable stage in their relationship that we would not be going too far to say an economic and strategic alliance is in the works. The rousing reception for Modi in Abu Dhabi and Dubai is proof the two nations are natural partners, or allies in a rapidly changing, but violent world. Strategically, New Delhi envisages a larger role for the UAE in Asian and global affairs, and views it as an ideal foil against terrorism.

There’s synergy of power, purpose and potential, as Modi described it. This is a relationship that has been built on respect and mutual trust, which can now serve the strategic interests of both emerging nations. But three decades are a long time and the Indian PM realises that there is much catching up to do in all spheres of this partnership.

Modi’s high-profile visit officially puts ties with the UAE on a pedestal, so to speak. It’s a special bond that both countries wish to nourish for the benefit of their people. Some 2.6 million Indians live and flourish in the UAE. They have benefited from liberal economic policies of the government and remit money home. It has been a mutually beneficial relationship thus far, and leaders of both countries know why it is important to keep the momentum going, while branching out into avenues for deeper, meaningful cooperation.

This could include security and defence partnerships. India, a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, has maintained close links with both Russia and the United States, while pursuing its own national policies. Its secular credentials also draw it closer to the UAE, a land which has been an oasis of tolerance, a sea of calm, as tumults raged on all sides. Why else would the UAE allocate land for a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi during the Indian PM’s visit? The UAE can gain from rapid strides made by India in space and software as it seeks to grow into a knowledge economy. The Indian Prime Minister is keen that the UAE invests more in his country - in sectors like tourism, infrastructure, tourism and retail. ‘Prosperity should be shared’, is the mantra. UAE companies can, therefore, ‘Make in India’ and Indian firms can ‘Make in the UAE’. There are opportunities to grow together and joint investments propel the powerhouses. In this regard, the two countries have agreed to set up a joint $75 billion investment fund to boost infrastructure projects.

India, the world’s largest democracy, had a stable government when former prime minister Indira Gandhi visited in 1981, but could not shed the socialist tag back then, which held back its growth. Modi’s visit, on the other hand, is shorn of economic ideology - if one ignores his rightist political leanings. The prime minister lugs some past baggage as successive governments in New Delhi failed to elucidate their foreign policy vis-a-vis the UAE and other Gulf states. Policy hangover aside, the current Indian government is better positioned to move ahead with reform in all sectors. Which is why progressive countries like the UAE will get pride of place as New Delhi rejigs its economic priorities for youth and industry.

Enterprising economies like the UAE fit perfectly with the Indian plans for sustainable growth. New Delhi also realises it can play a neutral role in the Middle East with its soft power. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said New Delhi could play a key role in resolving regional issues, a sign that the UAE recognises India as a country it can rely on in times of need in the Middle East. One reason why it said it backs India’s candidature for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. For India, the UAE is not just an Arab or Gulf player, it is an Asian power - a recognition of its growing influence beyond the region.—Khaleej Times An ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit — Proverb

Targeted killing of Col Khanzada Voice of the People of terrorism but at the same time it does not mean that the scourge Ali Sukhanver of terrorism is incurable.

Just cast a look at the devastated Email:alisukhanver@hotmail.com and ruined lands of Sri Lanka a few years back. The enchanting island of waters and mountains ECENT suicide-attack on Col had been the ever-worst victim to the (R) Shuja Khanzada is a proof terrorist activities of the LTTE for that the terrorists still need to about three decades. The LTTE bebe dealt with more ruthless hands. For gan conducting extensive and deadly the last many weeks, it has been a terrorist attacks against the Sri very popular statement of different Lankan government and civilians in politicians, defence analysts and of 1983. As a result of this brutal terrordifferent TV anchors that the Opera- ism more than 80000 people lost their tion Zarb-e-Azb is reaching its cli- lives and thousands got seriously inmax. This statement gives an impres- jured. The LTTE terrorists pioneered sion that the menace of terrorism has the use of suicide bombings with the been completely uprooted from the help of women and children suicide Pakistani society and that there is no bombers. The LTTE terrorists did all they could do to destroy the whole of more danger from their side now.

But the fact of the matter is that the social structure of the Sri Lankan the Operation Zarb-e-Azb still needs society. From the ordinary common to be carried on for a long time. Ev- people to the political leaders, from erywhere terrorism is the name of a government officials to the represendisease which could never be treated tatives of other countries posted there with simple medicines; it always ends in Sri Lanka, journalists, Army ofup in a surgical treatment followed ficers; in short no one was safe at the by a long term follow-up. And in most hands of the Tamil fighters. Under the of the cases this disease adopts the umbrella of moral and financial supform and shape of a malignant tumour port of India, the LTTE’s terror war which ultimately becomes a serious continued for more than 26 years.

At last in May 2009 the Sri threat to life if not properly taken care of. In short one has to be very much Lankan army succeeded in putting an offensive in dealing with the menace end to this war by killing the LTTE’s

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main leader Prabhakaran. Talking of the 1983 riots in Sri Lanka, Shenali D Waduge, a world known Sri Lankan analyst on strategic affairs says, “The 1983 July riots said to have been caused as a response to the LTTE killing of 13 soldiers remains a very contentious topic even 30 years later. It was the first time that a large number of military personnel had been slaughtered in one go and was a shock to not only the families of the deceased but a shock to the military itself. Aware of its own limitations in military hardware Sri Lanka was unaware that India had not only been training LTTE and other militant groups but had also been arming them and financially supporting them as well. This means that whatever weapons, ammunition and even LTTE targets had to have been with the explicit knowledge and even instructions of India and its intelligence agencies which were handling them.”

Now same is the situation the people of Pakistan have been passing through for a long time. Whether it is the so-called sectarian blood-shed or suicide attacks on innocent citizens or the brutal slaughtering of the children at the Army Public School Peshawar or the so-called separatist movement in Balochistan, the Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan

have solid proofs of Indian interference in all these incidents. So many times these proofs have been presented to the Indian authorities but these authorities never showed a positive response to these proofs. Instead of looking into the matter sympathetically, the Indian authorities have always showed a very soft corner for the terrorists involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan. A recent example in this regard is of granting bail to Swami Aseeman and, the main culprit behind the Samjhota Express tragedy.

This culprit had openly admitted that he was involved not only in the Samjhota Express tragedy but also in so many of other terrorist activities.

Samjhota Express was bombed in February, 2007 resulting in the death of 42 people. The government of Pakistan and the Military authorities of Pakistan are very well aware of the horrible reality that the terrorists working in Pakistan are enjoying a very strong support and favour from the countries hostile to Pakistan. Terrorism in Pakistan is not the handiwork of a small group of people; it is something far more than that. To treat this scourge, we need more consistency, determination and will.

—The writer is freelance columnist based in Multan.

India: Imperialism won’t work Khurram Minhas Email:khurram.minhas89@yahoo.com

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MID growing uncertainty about the future global order and the capacity of its actors to successfully deal with global challenges such as climate change, energy security and financial crisis, there seems to exist a consensus among scholars of international relations, that regions and their regional institutions are appropriate forums to deal with local and regional conflicts and would maintain global security. Regional powers are considered to be potential facilitators in this whole scenario. End of cold war has arguably created space for regional powers to emerge as key actors assuming important roles in questions of regional and global governance.

Indeed, trust is often placed in regional powers to take care of conflicts, economic deprivation and political instability in their regions. Examples can include the South Africa after 1994 by which the international community hoped that South Africa’s economy could act as an engine of growth to pull along other countries of the region, which later it did particularly

during the Swaziland’s economic crisis. Brazil is another example which also promoted regional economic and political integration within South America. This kind of engagement stands in sharp contrast with India’s apparent attempts to establish its hold in South Asian region through its intervention in various conflicts. India showed distinct lack of interest in cooperating with its regional partners including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. India often does not play its role as facilitator in various conflicts; rather it emerges as spoiler or party by showing lack of interest in resolving Kashmir dispute, water disputes with China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and by interfering in Sri Lankan internal affairs such as LTTE’s case.

Brazil policy’s main principle was non-intervention and non-interference in the domestic affairs of Latin America. Unlike Brazil, India has been unable to establish its stature as mediator in the region. Its water and territorial disputes mark it opposing party rather as mediator for solving disputes among its neighbouring countries.

Kenneth Conboy and James Morrison in their book ‘The CIA’s Secret War in Tibet’ disclose that the CIA and the Indian intelligence services cooperated

in the training and equipping of Tibetan agents and Special Forces troops and in forming joint aerial and intelligence units such as the Aviation Research Centre (ARC) and Special Centre. During the 1970s, India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) helped to train and arm the LTTE. India, unlike other regional powers, remains preoccupied with meeting its economic demands and its needs for energy resources. One third of the world’s extreme poor, live in India. It is home of most poor anywhere else on earth. Eight states of India live more below the poverty line as compare to Sub Saharan Africa.

Thousands of people are forced to work whole day for just one bread.

Moreover, India has the highest number of fewer than five year deaths in the world. As the recent OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) report says, 836 million people in India live below the poverty line. These people are living on less than 50 cents per day.

Contrary to popular belief, India’s income inequality has grown considerably. Through complex system of bureaucracy and poor management most the funds cannot reach the lower

masses. Unlike Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa, inequality in earnings has doubled in India over the last two decades, making it the worst performer on this count of all emerging regional economies. Its scarcity in the field of energy does not compel its ambitions as an economic giant in South Asia. Furthermore, over 165 million people in India continue to be subject to discrimination, exploitation and violence simply because of their caste. The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) issued a series of statements and a report based on its analysis of India’s failure to uphold its international legal obligations to ensure Dalit rights.

Being a regional power in today’s globalized world is, however, not just about assuming power and preserving autonomy. It also entails taking an active part in the development of regional system based on economic support of regional poor states, promoting political and security stability in the region by refraining from exerting influence on regional states.

India does not qualify any of such determinants proving that unlike its assertions, it is far behind to be known as regional power.

—The writer works for IPRI.

View From Abroad

Don’t let Libya down Linda S Heard

L

IBYA is embroiled in bloodshed and chaos, terrorized and plun dered by Daesh and feuding armed militias. Toothless rival governments – one operating out of Tripoli dominated by the Libyan Dawn, the other out of Tobruk, supported by the forces of Gen. Khalifa Haftar – render the country virtually leaderless.

Once the wealthiest nation in the African continent Libya is on a fast-track to bankruptcy and a failed state, thanks to fall in oil prices and low production. This is not what the people had asked for when they turned against their longtime leader.

I’m pretty sure that many, if not most, Libyans today look back on the Col. Muammar Qaddafi era as golden years. For all his weirdness – his travelling tent, his little Green Book, his burly female bodyguards – the ‘reign’

of Col. Qaddafi brought stability and massive social benefits, including free education, medical treatment and electricity.

Women enjoyed equal rights and equal pay. Citizens benefited from interest-free loans and 50 percent government subsidies on vehicle purchases. Aspiring farmers were provided with land, equipment, seeds and livestock. The unemployed received salaries and on marriage couples were gifted US$ 50,000 to begin their lives together. Just as importantly, Qaddafi, although perceived as an authoritarian figure, was no dictator and didn’t deserve to end the way he did. People’s committees were legally empowered to override his decisions. Reagan’s anti-imperialist “Mad Dog of the Middle East” had mellowed and, ironically, before he was forced out of power he had dismantled his nuclear program and entered into strategic relationships with America and Europe.

The Libyan people were lured by western-style democracy just as many

of their neighbors did; they were caught-up in the romance of revolution and now they are paying a heavy price. A former unnamed activist quoted by McClatchy DC under the heading “Now fearful Libyans recall when life was sweet under Qaddafi” summed up the general mood. “We are not fighting for a civil state anymore or other rights like freedom of expression or freedom of anything,” she said.

“We are just talking about freedom of life and freedom of food.” In a place where assassinations and bombings are weekly occurrences, Libyans who speak out prefer to do so anonymously.

It was NATO’s intervention that turned the tide against the Qaddafi regime, but although the member countries, the US, France and Britain, helped break it, they have no appetite to help fix it, at least not in any meaningful fashion. President Obama has admitted Libya was his greatest foreign policy mistake; that’s arguable.

But if that’s what he believes, then why doesn’t he feel duty-bound to assist in

putting the country to rights? He had no problem rushing in to topple Qaddafi, but is less enthusiastic to cleanse the country of terrorists.

Endless conferences or United Nations mediation won’t cut it. Military might brought Libya to its knees and only military might can free the country from the scourge of violence and terrorism. Let’s suppose for the sake of argument that the two governments were able to form a government of national unity; not an easy task when they hold wildly opposing world views. That would be a good start but without a fully functioning military, does anyone imagine that self-interested militias, armed secessionists and Daesh that has a foothold around Derna, are going to melt away? The legitimate internationally recognized government in Tobruk has admitted its forces lack the weapons to take on Daesh; it’s asked the UN Security Council to lift the weapons embargo, thus far to no avail.

—Courtesy: Arab News

Where Home Minister is not safe...

KHAZIR KLASRA

P

unjab Home Minister Col (R) Shuja Khanzada was killed along with dozens of others in a suicide blast at his political office in Shadi Khan near Attock on Sunday. According to Punjab Government, the Home Minister Shuja Khanzada was killed in the suicide blast. After the attack on Home Minister Col (R) Shuja Khanzada, Law Minister Punjab Rana Sana Ullah confirmed to media that the Home Minister was receiving threats from different groups and he was reluctant to visit his native home town Attock. On the other side a Taliban-affiliated militant group, Lashkar-e-Islam, claimed responsibility for the attack on Col (R) Shuja Khanzada. Here question arises, when Government of Punjab was aware of the life threats to Home Minister (R) Col Shuja Khanzada, why it had not taken pre-cautions to protect his life and he lost his life with other people at his ‘Dera’ in the village Shadi Khan. It is gross negligence of the government that provided soft target to enemies of country who then easily targeted Col (R) Shuja Khanzada and other innocent people of the area. An inquiry should be conducted to dig out the facts as to why, despite the threats to the Home Minister, the government did not provide him proper security.

—Islamabad

Hafeez Jalandhari – a poet par-excellence M WAJID MUNIR Amidst the din created by terrorism and ‘revolution’ we forgot some of the luminous heroes. Amongst them is Hafeez Jalandhari. It is sad to note that our new generations do not know much about such a remarkable poet who wrote our national anthem. Ironically media, besides spreading sensations, broadcasts short documentaries whenever any Bollywood star dies, but sadly these channels are oblivious of the achievements of our great national heroes who rendered invaluable services in nation building.

Even PTV does not show anything to educate the coming generations. Hafeez Jalandhari was not just author of national anthem but one of the greatest poet of all times. His ‘Shahnama Islam’ remains one of the most sublime poetic works of our national history. It is the time media should qualify some grandiloquent harangues and show some veracious stuff. It is niggardly to write we have no respect for such a guileless national hero. The best tribute to Hafeez Jalandhari would be to un-earth the manuscript of the unpublished part of his Shahnama Islam and get it printed in a befitting manner.

—Islamabad

Civil & Military Awards JAVAID BASHIR Like every year President Mamnoon Hussain has approved 158 Civil and Military Awards on this auspicious day amid Independence Day celebtations. These awards are bestowed on the conferees making extraordinary contributions in their chosen professions. These are prestigious medals which reflect that State recognizes their noble efforts for the progress of the country.

34 persons have been awarded Sitara e Imtiaz (SI), 45 Taghma e husn e Karkardagi (Medal of Pride of Performance), 39 martyrs have been given Tamgha e Shujaat (Medal for Bravery) and 23 individuals get Tamgha e Imtiaz (Medal of Distinction). Prominent among these are persons like Parvez Butt Chairman PAEC, former Governor State Bank Dr. Ishrat Hussain, distinguished scientists Anwar Ali, Ejaz Ahmad Mukhtar, Actress Zeba Ali Chairperson Censor Board, Dr. Asif Mahmood, Prof Khalida Tareen, Dr. Farhat Abbas, Dr. Mubarak Ahmad, Agha Nasir, Masud Asher, Khalid Butt and scores of others.

We congratulate them all on the conferment of awards.

I think that in making choices of persons, we should always consider the merit and nothing else. There are some persons who have been selected for their political affiliations or brown nosing the higher authorities. This is great injustice to the deserving individuals. Honour and Awards must be bestowed upon honourable persons.

—Karachi

Hazards of cell phone towers BUSHRA QAMER

The gate..!

M

ANY years ago in the Land of Andhor, there lived a mighty king who loved to do pleasing things for his subjects the people of Andhor! One day while holding court there came to him many wise men from his kingdom who pleaded with him that bandits and other robbers of bad repute jumped over the walls of his kingdom and played havoc with the people living inside, “Oh mighty king,” they prayed, “build us walls to keep away these bandits!”

The king summoned his horse and rode to the outskirts of his city

and saw for himself that what his subjects said was true, “No expense will be spared,” he told his subjects, “to protect you!”

The next day his subjects looked with joy as labourers and craftsmen, the best in the kingdom of Andhor came to the outskirts of the city where the city walls were to be constructed and started their work.

They looked with joy as they heard the sound of hammering and riveting, of blacksmithing and chipping and knew their days of anxiety were soon to get over. Knowing the problem was in the safe hands of their majesty they even stopped going to the outskirts of the city to see the progress of the work.

And then one day they heard the sound of drums. They knew the sound, the king was arriving on his trusted

steed, to inaugurate the walls. They rushed in large numbers to the outskirts of the city.

The king had arrived. “My dear subjects!” said the king as he broke a coconut or whatever it was they broke those days in the Kingdom of Andhor, “From today you will be safe!”

The people were silent: There was no wall, but in its stead rose a mighty gate, with gold and silver, and the king’s crest of arms painted on to it.

With a royal flourish that only men of royalty possess, the king broke the coconut or whatever they broke those days on the mighty gate and opened it for the people and the king went back to rule his kingdom.

A sage passing by, asked, “What use of the gate when there are no walls?” The people were silent. “That gate,” said the wise sage, “symbolizes

many of us! We hold huge rituals, ring bells outside temples, light candles in churches, yet don’t build walls of will and discipline, which are safeguards against evil!”

The people listened in silence, till suddenly the silence was broken by the whoops of dacoits as they came over the non-existent walls, with swords and sticks, thrashed and robbed the people of Andhor, as the sage and mighty gates looked on in sadness.

Today as you hear about bullet trains even while rail accidents increase everyday, economy going sky high, while our poor are still starving, plans of metros running all over cities, while a small thunder shower floods our roads, let us remember the gates of the kingdom of Andhor..!

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Federal Government, Provincial governments and the people should think about the effect of mobile phone radiation on human health as there is enormous increase in mobile phone usage throughout the Pakistan, India and the entire world around. While the enormous use of mobile phones is very dangerous to our health, the cell phone towers are also damaging the human (and animal) health, beyond our imagination. People should be aware of the surrounding areas and city (cell phone towers). Cell tower number has grown exponentially in recent years. The number of telephone sets in our pockets close to our heart chambers, has gone to millions while the numbers of cellphone towers is also on the rise proportionately but nobody is thinking about it; after few years, it will cause every one below mentioned effects.

Individuals differ in their response to similar levels of EMF radiation. If you detect more than 100

mv/m (millivolts per metre) in places where you spend several hours a day, you must plan a relocation. Short term effects from cell tower radiation exposure may include headaches, sleep disorders, poor memory, mental excitation, confusion, anxiety, depression, appetite disturbance and listlessness. Long term effects from cell phone tower radiation exposure give way to the development of brain tumours etc. I request the government to take necessary steps to minimize cell phone towers and people should minimize cell phone usage. Live a Long Life —Via email

Attock suicide attack TARIQ FARUQI In an apparent suicide attack, on his political house, the Punjab Home Minister Colonel (Retd) Shujah Khanzada was killed along with 13 others.

Sources of Interior Ministry say that banned militant outfit Lashkar e Jhangvi has claimed the responsibility of the attack. The attack seems to be a revenge of the killing of LeJ’s leader Malik Ishaq in July. If the said claim is true then the perpetrators should be brought to justice as soon as possible. This is not only a killing of Home Minister but also is an attack on the state’s sovereignty. If the Home Minister can become a prey of these terrorists then what one can think about the vulnerability of common people.

As the ongoing operation Zarb e Azb continues, the attack shows that the militant outfits are still in power and can easily sabotage peace of the country. Like the incident of Peshawar massacre, this attack should also be made an example. It’s an open call to trigger more intensive operation against terrorists. On this hour of grief the whole nation stands with the civilian and military leadership. With these acts of sheer cowardice, terrorists cannot scare us; rather, they are strengthening our determination to root out the menace of terrorism.

—Karachi

Another gem lost JAVAID BASHIR The Interior Minister Shuja Khanzada embraced martyrdom along with 16 other persons at Attock. Two suicide bombers attacked his office. Parvez Elahi expressed his anger over this incident. He highly praised him. He said he served in his Cabinet as a Minister too. He was an honest, brave and dedicated person. He served the country in various capacities as colonel in the army and also in the Pak Mission in USA. He had received death threats from terrorist organizations. He was not provided adequate security. He has been carrying out successful operations against the terrorists. He participated in 1971 Indo -Pak war. Army Chief highly praised Khanzada. He said these incidents can not deter our resolve against terrorism.

Prominent Political leaders including Governor Punjab, Chief Ministers of Punjab and KPK, and others expressed their grief over his Martyrdom. They paid glowing tributes to him. He was later laid to rest in the ancestral graveyard in village Shadi Khan. It has been a sad day for the entire nation, we have lost two brave soldiers – Col. Shuja Khanzada and Gen. Hameed Gul. May Allah rest the departed souls in His eternal Bliss.

—Karachi

Dengue, surfaces again ILYAS HUSSAIN Allah has created many flying insects which are beneficial like honey bees as well as harmful insects like mosquito (dengue) that can be seen with the human eye having large size than a normal home mosquito. Dengue virus is derived from dinga in the Swahili phrase Ka-dingapepo (disease of an evil spirit). In 1789, a renowned physician and United States Founding Father Benjamin Rush, used the term “breakbone fever” during an epidemic in Philadelphia. The causative agent of Dengue fever is called as dengue virus and vector is Aedes (Aegypti)

female Mosquitoes. A very clever insect which resides close to the den of her prey-human body-inside home and nearby dark, watery and cool places.

Baskets, pots, plant jars, water tanks and vehicular tyres where rain water falls are her saloon. She enjoys here and lays eggs, which become a complete mosquito in 10 days. The female mosquito is able to bear larva (young insect) even in a spoonful of water. She attacks particularly at the time of rising sun and sun sets, but is capable to bite according to her mood at any time of day all during the year. The virus enters the skin together with the mosquito’s saliva and remains from 2 to 7 days. It can transform only in these days. In some particular areas she can enjoy Monkeys.

Her attack leaves symptoms which include high fever, joint pains, loss of appetite, pain in the eyes, skin rashes (measles), black sputum, sleeping, belly pain, etc. She likes chick as severe disease is seen more common in babies and young children. Dengue shock syndrome is present if pulse pressure drops to = 20 mm Hg. Its mortality is relatively safe but Mortality risk increases in case of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (life-threatening) resulting in bleeding, low levels of platelets and blood plasma leakage, or into dengue shock syndrome, where dangerously low blood pressure occurs. In the wretched year 2011, there were 21,292 confirmed cases and reported deaths were 354 in Punjab, However, fluky year 2013 decreased it as there were found 03 confirmed cases and no death on the record.

It is dangerous that there is no Vaccines or antiviral drugs in the world that can prevent us from dengue fever caused by this evil spirit, conversely to maintain proper fluid balance is vital. Oh! No worry! Wearing clothing that fully covers the skin, using mosquito net and insect killers are most effective. Clinically Paracetamol is used for fever whereas ibuprofen and aspirin are kept away to avoid bleeding risk. Reciting of Allah’s name “AlMuhaymin”- the controller, is the practical Islamic vaccine. In 2009-10, the then Chief Minister, Punjab Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif declared A War against the evil spirit and got our hands on measurable results. The surfacing of the Dengue patients in the country has stirred feelings of awe and concern once again. The governments in Pakistan do wake up but late. As the rainy weather is suitable for the growth of Dengue, we need to be extra careful. Being human beings, it is our duty to save lives of our beloved ones by adopting the precautions and taking part in the war against deadly Dengue.

—Via email

Islamic Arcana society; IIUI FAIZA LATIF Being a Muslim and a Pakistani, it is the obligation of everyone of us to help others in their hard times. I am a member of Islamic Arcana Society. We have arranged a lot of campaigns and events just to support those people who are currently going through the toughest periods of their lives. Recently we have started a campaign in collaboration with an NGO “Aashiyana” to help poor families who are unable to meet their daily expenses of life.

Just think for a moment that may be it is a challenge to us from our God to bring them out of this situation and put their forgotten smiles back on their faces. I am not compelling anyone to support us in this noble deed neither am I trying to publicize our social work.

It’s just an invitation to join us only if you are looking for a reliable platform to give your donations. You can give your useless items too… Our manifesto is “A noble struggle for Pakistan” —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

Syria regime slams UN envoy for criticism of air strikes

Xi urges accurate implementation of reforms

B EIRUT —Syria regime on Tuesday slammed United Nations envoy Staffan de Mistura for his criticism of army air raids that killed nearly 100 people in a rebelheld town.

“In his recent comments Staffan de Mistura has strayed from neutrality,” Syrian state media said, citing a source at the foreign ministry.

The source accused de Mistura of “making statements that lack objectivity and facts and rely on what is promoted in circles known for their hostility to Syria.” The criticism came after de Mistura said government strikes that killed nearly 100 people in the rebel-held town of Douma on Sunday were “unacceptable.”

“The government’s bombing of (Douma) yesterday is devastating,” de Mistura said on Monday.

“Hitting crowded civilian markets killing almost one hundred of its own citizens by a government is unacceptable in any circumstances.”

Syrian regime accuses de Mistura of making statements that lack objectivity and facts and rely on what is promoted in The Syrian Observatory circles known for their hostility to Syria. for Human Rights monitor said at least 96 people were rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta outside the capital Damascus blockade on the area.

It also accused rebels in the region of war crimes for firing killed in a series of 10 gov- and is the regular target of government air strikes.

Last week, Amnesty International accused the government rockets indiscriminately into Damascus. More than 240,000 ernment air strikes, many of which hit a marketplace in of committing war crimes in the region, saying its aerial as- people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with Douma. The town is in the saults were compounding misery created by a tight regime anti-government protests in March 2011.—AP

BEIJING—President Xi Jinping on Tuesday urged Communist Party of China (CPC) and government officials to step up efforts to implement reform and achieve targets. Xi made the remarks at the 15th meeting of the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform, which was established in late 2013 to manage the ongoing reform drive. Reforms in many areas have made solid and steady progress since the beginning of the year, and new breakthroughs have been reported in critical areas, Xi noted. He emphasized that CPC organs and governments at all levels must show greater determination and perseverence in advancing reforms, and find solutions to new problems arising from the reforms. He called for the setting of accurate targets and concrete implementation of reform measures. Premier Li Keqiang, senior leader Liu Yunshan and Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli also attended the meeting.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the leading group adopted six reform plans on strengthening the top legislature’s power to correct problems revealed by audits; improving judicial accountability of courts and procuratorates; developing world-class universities; promoting compulsory education in under-developed regions; and on the management.—Xinhua

Forget egos, sign peace China condemns Bangkok deal: Uganda to S. Sudan blast, calls for full probe KAMPALA/JUBA—Regional power Uganda told South Sudan’s warring factions on Tuesday to put their egos aside and make peace, a day after President Salva Kiir refused to sign a deal to end a 20month-old conflict.

The blunt words underlined growing exasperation among African and global leaders over a string of broken ceasefire and accords in the world’s newest nation. Washington has threatened sanctions if no deal is sealed.

Kiir asked for another 15 days of discussions, shrugging off pressure from regional mediators to meet a Monday deadline for an agreement. His spokesman told journalists in Juba on Tuesday the deal on the table had been a “sell-out”, without going into details.

A line-up of African leaders flew in to join the negotiations in Addis Ababa and press for an agreement, including Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni who at one stage stormed out of the venue.

“The Ugandan government knows how strenuous it is to achieve peace between belligerents, especially when the belligerents have big egos and when those belligerents put their personal egos above national interests,” Ugandan government spokesman Shaban Bantariza said in Kampala.

“We can only continue to mediate, to encourage every side to realize that their country is superior to every one of them individually,” he added.

OIL, CHAOS South Sudan, an oil producer which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, descended into chaos in December 2013 when a political row between Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar spiraled into armed conflict that reopened ethnic faultlines.

Rights groups have accused both sides of abuses in clashes and raids often pitting Machar’s Nuer group against Kiir’s Dinkas. Fighting has killed more than 10,000 people and forced more than 2 million to flee their homes in one of Africa’s poorest countries.—Reuters

BEIJING—China on Tuesday expressed strong condemnation of the explosion that hit downtown Bangkok Monday night and killed at least 20 people, including four Chinese nationals.

“We convey our deep condolences to the victims and families of this tragedy, and sympathies to the wounded,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying in a statement.

The blast happened at about 7 p.m. local time near Erawan Shrine at the Ratchaprasong intersection, a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Hua said four Chinese tourists were killed, including two Hong Kong residents, and more than 20 Chinese tourists were injured in the bombing.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassy in Thailand began an emergency response after the explosion happened, Hua said.

The Chinese embassy has maintained contact with the Thai government, and urged Thai authorities to investigate the incident, find out the cause, and make all efforts to treat the injured and handle the aftermath, she said.

China also urged the Thai government to take effective measures to ensure safety of Chi-

nese nationals and organizations in Thailand, she said.

According to Hua, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called an inter-ministerial coordination meeting on Tuesday morning to collect the information of Chinese nationals in Thailand and analyze the security situation.

Hua said all government departments involved have planned their response to the incident, including making arrangements for victims and their families, treating the injured, and carrying out official communication with the Thai government.

An official in charge of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry summoned principal officials from the Thai embassy in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon, urging Thailand’s full investigation into the incident, severe punishment of the perpetrators and effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and agencies, she said.

China will continue to maintain close communication with Thailand and do its utmost to deal with the aftermath in order to safeguard the security and interests of Chinese citizens and agencies in the country, Hua said.—Xinhua

Tunisia allows Libyan flights after six-month shutdown TUNIS—Tunisia said it would reopen its air- withdrew from Libya after security collapsed

Tunisia, hit by two major armed attacks this year, had banned the flights since March.

space to flights to and from Libya on Tuesday as safety standards in its neighbor’s airports had improved. Tunisia, hit by two major armed attacks this year, has banned the flights since March, fearing more violence could spill over from Libya where two rival governments and other factions are vying for power.

Most other foreign airlines and embassies

following the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi.

But Tunisia remains a major refuge and transit point for Libyans trying to escape violence.

“The decision came after audits carried out by security teams in ... eastern and western Libyan airports,” the transport ministry said in a statement. —AFP

Al-Qaeda’s emir strikes back After almost a year of silence, Ayman al-Zawahri, the 64year-old emir of al-Qaeda, late this week issued two audio messages. In one he proclaimed his loyalty to the new head of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor.

In the second, he introduced a longer message from Osama bin Laden’s favorite son Hamza urging attacks on America, England, France and Israel. Zawahri is back in the game.

BRUCE RIEDEL

Z

AWAHRI’S last message to the public was in September 2014, when he announced the creation of a new al-Qaeda franchise in India (private covert messages to his followers giving instructions never ceased). The 2014 audio message was followed almost immediately by al-Qaeda’s most audacious terror plot in over a decade — an attempt to hijack a Chinese built Pakistani navy frigate named the Zulfiqar.

The plan was to seize the frigate with al-Qaeda recruited members of the Pakistani navy, take the ship into the Arabian Sea and attack an American aircraft carrier or other suitable target. The goal was to spark a war between the United States and Pakistan, a history-changing terror attack even bigger than 9/11.

Bold and dangerous, it was a vintage Zawahri plot.

The two new videos were released by al-Qaeda’s media arm As-Sahab, literally meaning “in the clouds,” an allusion to the jihadi symbolism that al-Qaeda’s core base operates in the mountains of the Hindu Kush. According to the Pakistan newspaper Dawn, As-Sahab recently relocated its real ground game from Pakistan (where it has been operating since 2002) back to Afghanistan in Helmand province.

The Afghan Taliban supported the move and provides safe haven for al-Qaeda, which means that 14 years after Operation Enduring Freedom began, al-Qaeda is again running operations out of Afghanistan.

Zawahri’s message underscores that al-Qaeda remains close to the Taliban. Three al-Qaeda franchises in Syria, Yemen and the Maghreb jointly eulogized the late Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar in an earlier message. According to Dawn, senior As-Sahab official Qari Abu Bakr said, “The bond between us and our Taliban brothers is a solid ideological bond.

The Taliban opted to lose their government and family members just to protect us. There is no question of us moving apart now after going through this war together.” In a warning to the United States, he said, “Our common enemy does not know what is coming its way.”

In Zawahri’s new message, Osama bin Laden appears first in old footage promising his loyalty to Omar as the commander of the faithful. Then Zawahri eulogizes Omar, the founder of the Taliban, as a hero of the global jihad along with bin Laden and Abu Musab Zarqawi. Omar is lauded by Zawahri for creating the first true Islamic emirate since the fall of the Ottoman Empire a century ago.

He makes no mention of reports Omar died two years ago in a Pakistan hospital in Karachi under the protection of the Pakistani intelligence service, the ISI. Then Zawahri promises that global jihad will continue until all Muslim lands are freed from Islam’s enemies, especially Jerusalem. Zawahri calls for the recovery of lost lands such as Kashmir and Spain (Al-Andalusia). He makes no mention of the Islamic State or his rival Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, who has proclaimed himself Caliph Ibrahim. Mansoor is the rightful leader of the global jihad for Zawahri, while Baghdadi is an upstart not worthy of comment.

Al-Qaeda has always been much more vocal about its ties to the Afghan Taliban than the Taliban is about its ties to al-Qaeda.

The Taliban focuses its attention on Afghanistan and enjoys close support from the ISI. It has engaged in a furious offensive this year to defeat the Kabul government, an offensive Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has recently said is backed by the ISI. The Haqqani network of the Afghan Taliban which has gained influence in the movement with the ascension of Mansoor is very close to both al-Qaeda and the ISI. For tactical reasons, the Taliban does not advertise its partnerships with al-Qaeda and the ISI, which would undermine its claim to be Afghan nationalists.

The second message is introduced by Zawahri, but most of the almost hourlong monologue comes from Hamza bin Laden.

Hamza bin Laden was with Osama bin Laden in his hide-outs in Pakistan before the SEALs found his Abbottabad lair in 2011.

This is Hamza bin Laden’s first message for al-Qaeda. He calls upon al-Qaeda franchises to attack their enemies, specifically urging followers in Kabul, Baghdad and Gaza to attack Washington, London, Paris and Tel Aviv.

The message dates from sometime in May or June but was only released this month. A statement of support and thus loyalty from the son of bin Laden, who is in his early 20s, is a powerful endorsement for the aging Zawahri in his struggle with Baghdadi. Both Baghdadi and Zawahri claim to be the true successor to bin Laden, but Zawahri can now say he has the backing of his predecessor’s favorite offspring.

Zawahri’s 11-month silence probably was due to concerns about his security after the Zulfiqar operation was foiled. The Egyptian terrorist has survived in his business for 35 years since he first played a small part in the assassination of Anwar Sadat.

He is the ultimate survivor who has outlasted his enemies.

—Courtesy: Al Monitor

Taliban Present Gentler Face but Wield Iron Fist in Afghan District JOSEPH GOLDSTEIN AND TAIMOOR SHAH a 45-year-old shopkeeper, Esmatullah Baghrani, themselves caught in the cross hairs of the war, ten to music,” one man in Baghran said. But

I

n Kabul in 1996, a Taliban militiaman at tacked and arrested a man after he was found with half a kilogram of opium.

As they have captured more territory in Afghanistan this year, the Taliban have twinned their military offensive with a publicity push.

Their pitch goes something like this: We’ve learned the lessons from our time in power, and we’re ready to moderate a bit.

At international conferences, delegates from the Taliban — infamous for outlawing girls’ schools during their rule from 1994 to 2001 — have made a point of being willing to meet and talk with female officials. Old hardline stances against music and photography have been softening.

But for insight into how the Taliban might rule if they succeed in holding large stretches of Afghanistan, consider Baghran district, in the southern province of Helmand. Police officers at the site of a deadly car bombing Monday near the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Attacks in Kabul over the past four days have left almost 70 people dead and hundreds wounded.

There, where the Taliban were scarcely ever out of power, the harsh old policies of the ’90s are still in full swing. Men are hauled into jail if they shave beards, and spot turban checks are still in place to expose any fancy haircuts. And there is still no freedom for women to travel or learn.

The Taliban in Baghran are not an insurgent force but the government, and a long-established one at that. “In Baghran, you feel like you are in a mini-emirate of the Taliban,” said

referring to the Taliban’s formal name, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

“When I am out of Baghran, I feel like I am in a different world.” There is no cellphone service in Baghran, reflecting the Taliban’s wishes. Instead, people communicate with the outside world through a handful of “public call offices” — phones in stores near the bazaar.

Through more than a dozen interviews with the men who answered these phone lines, as well as men standing nearby, a rare sketch of life in the Taliban’s most secure stronghold began to emerge. The New York Times also interviewed Baghran residents in person in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital. There is probably nowhere else in Afghanistan more completely under Taliban rule. Officially, the Afghan government acknowledges having lost only four out of roughly 400 districts to the Taliban. Of these, Baghran was the first to fall, about a decade ago.

“You have to obey the rule of the Taliban, and you have to be a good man and not even think of bad things,” said Omar Khan, a shopkeeper. “You have to live the way Taliban want you to live: You have to wear the proper clothing, and a turban, and grow your beard, and offer your prayers in a mosque five times a day, avoid listening to music, and avoid unnecessary chats with people.

You can’t meet friends at night for card games.” But the Taliban’s rule has still proved attractive, or at least tolerable, to many rural Afghans who have endured decades of war.

Residents of other parts of Helmand, who find

have sought out Baghran’s relative security, migrating away from the front lines.

“People are suffering under constant war, but we don’t suffer those kinds of problems,” said Hasti Khan, a farmer in Baghran. Some things have changed. Public executions, a feature of the Taliban’s national rule, were halted in Baghran in 2007 after an American airstrike killed a large number of Taliban fighters and residents who had assembled for one, residents recalled.

But in most ways, the social restrictions that made the Taliban international pariahs during their reign have been resurrected in full in Baghran. Women leave home only with their husbands or male family members, and then only to visit a doctor or a few other authorized destinations. There are no girls’ schools, and education for boys is limited, too.

The Taliban here converted schools to madrasas, which boys typically attend for perhaps three years before returning to family farms. The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, once famous for pummeling women who went out and men who played music, is back on patrol in Baghran.

Vice-prevention officers often carry scissors so that they can deal, on the spot, with haircuts deemed excessively vain.

Despite the rules, many in Baghran take a few risks, here and there, continuing to meet for card games. Radios are ubiquitous and tolerated for their news stations like BBC Pashto, Mashal radio and even Voice of America. “We are not supposed to listen to music, but sometimes when the Taliban are all inside we do lis-

Baghran’s main mud-brick prison often has 100 and sometimes twice that many transgressors, like Nazir Ahmad, 19, who served three days for his curly bangs. “It’s a style I like,” he said in an interview in Lashkar Gah, where he had come to find work.

The Taliban, which have a robust propaganda arm and a news website featuring lengthy interviews with local commanders across Afghanistan, rarely talk about Baghran.

That may be in part because of its importance in the insurgency’s lucrative narcotics business. For years, it was home to an unusual concentration of heroin processing plants, so many, in fact, that they occasionally attracted Afghan military and counternarcotics raids. As the raids intensified, the Taliban ordered heroin production to move out of Baghran so as not to undermine security there, one local man explained. Baghran has not been entirely untouched by the war.

Western and Afghan troops have occasionally conducted forays into Baghran, initially in search of Mullah Muhammad Omar, the Taliban’s supreme leader, who Western military officials suspected might have sought refuge there after his government was toppled in late 2001. Mullah Omar died more than two years ago in a Pakistani hospital, the Afghan government recently announced.

The post-2001 Afghan government lost Baghran in a matter of three years. When a Taliban insurgency began to take shape, elders simply asked the 15 police officers in the province to quit and return home, recalled a tribal elder, Hajji Wali Mohammad, an uncle

of one of those officers. With that, the Taliban became the dominant force. “The government did not last long,” Omar Khan, a 35-year-old shopkeeper in Baghran, said. “People were getting used to democracy, and then the Taliban came again.”

Some Taliban officials, particularly those sent to international conferences, have grown savvier during their long exile, and they suggest that the movement has grown more moderate.

For example, the group no longer puts much effort into stamping out television or music recordings now that cellphones have become a fact of life across much of Afghanistan. Taliban-themed ringtones have become common. And the Taliban’s own propaganda wing, which provides battlefield videos and photographs of insurgent commanders and suicide bombers, makes a mockery of the old prohibition on photography and other depictions of the human form.

Where the Taliban remain an insurgency competing with the government for the people’s loyalties, the group’s social restrictions do in fact appear to have mellowed slightly, particularly in the country’s north.

“The Taliban have realized imposing Islamic laws by force will not make people admire us,” a Taliban commander named Fazlullah, who operates in Afghanistan’s far northwest, said in a recent phone interview. “It is our good governance and performance that will win people’s hearts and minds.”

—”Courtesy: NYT. [Joseph Goldstein reported from Lashkar Gah, and Taimoor Shah from Kandahar, Afghanistan].

Afghan forces retreat From Page 1 police and army forces” leave the district after heavy fighting late on Monday.

“We have control of the district,” he said in statement. Mohammad Asif, an elder from the area, said Afghan forces and the Taliban were still fighting on the outskirts of town on Tuesday.

Small towns in the fertile Helmand river valley saw some of the heaviest fighting by British and U.S. troops against the Taliban before foreign forces largely withdrew from combat missions.

U.S. soldiers used a drone strike

against “individuals threatening the force,” on Monday in Wardak Province, spokesman Colonel Brian Tribus said. Afghan media reports said drone strikes in Wardak killed seven insurgents on Monday.

The Taliban has a strong presence in Helmand, and controls the Baghran district next to Naw Zad. It captured Naw Zad in July, the day after news broke of the death of elusive Taliban leader Mullah Omar.

It was then retaken in August by Afghan forces, who have since come under

fierce attack.

A Taliban video released Aug. 10 showed the July battle. After intense exchanges of fire, the militants overrun a hill base and are shown driving in a U.S. Humvee truck apparently previously captured from Afghan forces.

The film ends with hundreds of fighters pledging support for new Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour. The Taliban are trying to heal a rift after the death of Omar, and are keen to show both unity and operational strength.—Reuters

MMfDUNESCO digital security workshop starts ISLAMABAD—A two day digi-

tal security workshop – Connected and Safe for women journalists and bloggers started at Media Matters for Democracy on Tuesday. The workshop is being conducted with support from UNESCO Pakistan and brings together 15 journalists, bloggers and other media professionals to discuss issues related to digital threats.

The workshop was attended by journalists from Capital TV, The Nation, Pak From Page 1 Observer, Radio Pakistan, Daily Talou, Sach TV, Hussain expressed his deep sorrow at the slowed down over a speed breaker. the terrorist involved in the attack. death of the driver of Rasheed Godil in Doctors at the Liaquat National HosPPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, DailyNaiBaat and Daily the incident. pital said they had removed all the bullets Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, and PPP Saama. Faculty members from MQM Co-ordination Committee has from Godil’s jaw, neck but his condition Women Wing President Faryal Talpur also media department of SZABIST started discussions on the future line of was still critical. strongly condemned the attack on Godil. University were also present. action after the unfortunate incident. MQM Following the incident, a committee Zardari had in particular called Sindh CM Independent female bloggers leader Haider Abbas Rizvi condemned the to probe the incident has been constituted and directed him to ensure the attackers with an interest in formalising their media connection were attack calling it an incident of terrorism. and the East Zone DIG Muneer Ahmed would be arrested at the earliest.

“Doctors say the next 48 hours are critical Shaikh would head the said committee.

Faryal Talpur while strongly condemn- also a part of the training.

MMfD team leads and for Rashi Godil.”

DSP and SHO Bahadurabad would be ing the attack on Godil said the PPP is He added that a team of experts were committee members. The committee has standing with Godil’s family. The attack digital security trainers Sadaf treating Godil. “The bullet wounds to the immediately started work. was a plan to sabotage the peace and tran- Khan and AsadBaig discussed the key concepts of digital sejaw and neck are not life threatening, howDIG claimed Godil’s wife was not quility of the city. ever the shot to the chest has impacted his with at the time the incident took place.

She urged upon the law enforcement curity, basic digital hygiene and lungs.”

Police have started investigations on the agencies to utelise all available resources considerations for secure online communications. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the incident with the help of the footages ob- to apprehend the culprits.

National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and tained from CCTVs installed privately by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali training started with particiMurtaza Javed Abbasi, have strongly de- the residents of the area.

Shah also condemned the coward attack pants sharing their own expeplored the attempt on life of MNA Abdul Almost every political leader has and sought a report of the incident form riences within the digital realm.

Their needs, expectations and Rashid Godil. strongly condemned the attack on Godil the Police chief.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker ex- and in this regard, the Prime Minister Mian Sindh Senior Minister Nisar Ahmed fears in the digital sphere were pressed their grave concern and shock over Muhammad Nawaz Sharif condemned the Khohru, Awami National Party Chief also discussed.

The training workshop fothe attack, Abdul Rashid Godil seriously attack and termed the attack was an act of Asfandyar Wali, Begum Naseem Wali injuring him and loss of his driver’s life. sheer cowardice. khan, PMLQ leader Haleem Adil Sheikh, cuses on women in media in They termed it cowardice and shameful Jamiat Ulema-e Islam Fazl chief Pasban Pakistan President Abdul Shakoor, hopes that by understanding act of terrorism and said that such ghastly Maulana Fazlur Rehman and MQM leader PPP Karachi Division President Syed technological and digital threats, women journalists can attack could not deter fight against terror- Dr Farooque Sattar termed the attack was Najmi Alam condemned the attack. ism. They called for thorough investiga- a plot to fail the ongoing process of negoThe paramilitary Rangers spokesper- equip themselves with tools tion into the incident so that culprits be- tiation for the return of the MQM lawmak- son also condemned the attack on Godil and techniques that can help hind this heinous act could be apprehended ers to assemblies. and vowed that the attackers would be ar- them lead a vibrant and secure digital life. The digital empowand brought to justice. They expressed Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf Chairman rested soon. their heartfelt grief over the loss of life of Imran Khan, Asad Umer, Jamaat-e Islami Police has on the basis of forensic re- erment of women in media driver of Mr. Godil and prayed for speedy Pakistan Naib Ameer Rashid Naseem con- port on empty shells of 9mm hand gun would help improve the disprorecovery of Abdul Rashid Godil. demned the attack on Godil. used in the attack on Godil said the hand portionate representation of Karachi Police Chief Additional InNaseem said the incident was a big gun was not used in any prior attack and male and female journalists spector General of Police Mushtaq question mark on the performances of the the attackers preferred to use a fresh 9mm online.

Tactical Tech’s digital seSukhera, who had reached the crime scene, law enforcement agencies. The attack on calibre hand gun to dodge the investigacurity resource Security in a said police have found 8 empty shells of Godil was a plan to sabotage the peace tors. [https:// 9mm calibre hand gun from the spot and process in the city.

The paramilitary Rangers have also Box Godil has received 6 shots.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad started investigation son attack on Godil securityinabox.org/en] has He said that Godil was returning home Khan while taking serious notice of the from various aspects and are confident that formed the basis of this trainafter shopping from a market in close vi- incident placed his orders to the authori- the culprits would soon be apprehended. ing. MMfD acknowledges and cinity of his mother’s home and that the ties concerned to complete the investiga- They have expressed solidarity with Godil thanks Tactical Tech for the creation of this invaluable reterrorist had attacked him when his car had tions at the earliest and ensure arrest of and vehemently condemned the attack. source and being generous enough to share it with us.

MMfD remains committed to the cause of journalist safety From Page 1 in Pakistan and this training is dex however recovered almost another attempt to help imFrom Page 1 145 points on the positive reprove the security situation of A history of IS and its previous missions journalists in Pakistan.—PR ports that the injured MNA’s ions in Iraq and Syria the Islamic State is movwas also explained in the document which the health was stable and he is out ing into North Africa.”

IS recently released pictures of fresh atroci- AMI claims stated, “Accept the fact that this of danger. Finally the index closed with a slight decline of ties being carried out by their supporters in Af- caliphate will survive and prosper until it takes over the entire world.”

42 points to close in red at 35, ghanistan Swiftly ignoring the group’s ongoing misFurther, while it remains unclear as to why 546 levels at the end of the day.

From Page 1 The market volumes also the militant group aims to proceed towards sion in Libya and other countries in the West, India as its future battleground rather than the document contained another statement by declined to 277 million shares in this country with pride and traded Tuesday, while K Elec- Western Europe, IS, in the document, conve- the IS which suggested the group was now aim- his (a Hindu’s) voice should roar ing to move towards the Arab world, “focusing niently declared that Pakistan and Afghanitric was the volume leader with like that of a lion. If an answer a trade of 41 million shares to stan are set to be its next areas for terror on the armed uprising for the establishment of has to be given to Pakistan exthe caliphate.” camps. their credit while PACE Pakitremists, Hindus will also have stan Dewan Cement were secto become highly religious.” ond and third volume leaders “To answer Pakistan, Hindus with a trade of 12.86 and 12.71 need to become human bombs million shares respectively. and invade their country,” it said in controversial remarks.

Defending the thoughts and ideology of Thackeray, the Sena said, “If his stand that Pakistani extremists should be From Page 1 responded in their own terms Nine Zero in Azizabad. host, Dr Sattar said the MQM with the MQM remained very can be called as terrorism, then From Page 1 The MQM Coordination had warmly welcomed the del- positive and added that he has this kind of terrorism was in the Sharif evening and conveyed Committee gave a warm wel- egation under the aegis of been successful in convincing national interest.”—INP him best wishes and regards come to Maulana Fazlur Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the MQM to play a role in the Rehman and the workers of the has assured him of positive Parliament, which they have from the US Administration.

While exchanging the MQM sprinkled tons of rose steps would be taken by the responded in positive.

He said a consensus was views on regional situation, petal to make Maulana Fazlur MQM with regard to coming needed to reach a unanimous Senator Kerry lauded prime Rehman feel the warmth, back to the Parliament.

From Back Page This indicated the initial decision and the MQM had minister’s commitment to- which is a tradition of the MQM to receive the guest at talks remained quite successful showed a very positive stance wards establishing a peaceful most senior and seasoned poand its is very likely that the and would soon be back to the licemen in the investigation. neighbourhood in South Asia. Nine Zero.

What was discussed inside MQM would after a second Parliament.

‘This is a serious business, and closed doors is unknown to round of talks in Islamabad be Maulana Fazlur Rehman it cannot be left at the mercy of everyone except those present back on their seats in the Par- had stressfully asserted that the inefficient and unwilling workinside and engaged in political liament. reservations of the MQM have ers. Onward action would be and reconciliatory dialogue, While talking to the news- to be addressed or else it would taken against the concerned From Page 1 Maulana Fazlur Rehman and men, Maulana Fazlur Rehman not be difficult for the MQM SHOs and IOs if a case of terhis colleagues and the MQM said that he had also talked to to retender collective resigna- rorist nature is lost in the court Many signi?cant changes leaders. the MQM chief Altaf Hussain tions, which would be as harm- of law,” he said categorically. were made by the former CEO On completing the initial and told him that as per tradi- ful as it is today.

The IG told the meeting before issuance of the LOI. process of the dialogue, Dr tions, the guests are always welHe said it is the prime obAccording to the information / Farooque Sattar on behalf of comed and never seen off bare ligation of the State to ensure that he had posted 23 most exrecord (on ?le and verbal and the MQM and Maulana handed on which the MQM protection of the citizens and perienced inspectors in Counter email) the changes made were Rehman as common represen- chief assured him he would be the State could not ignore this Terrorism Department (CTD) to investigate terrorist cases. on the advice and desires of tative of the Parliament chat- leaving his residence empty basic obligation.

‘This move is bound to produce JDW, without consulting any ted to the newsmen. handed. Maulana Fazlur good results,” he said. The CM He lauded the MQM for other stakeholder.

Taking the dice first as Rehman said the initial talks adhering to dialogue despite a directed the Prosecutor General To sum up, and strictly gobig tragedy of deadly attack on to appoint more prosecutors ing by the record, the legally purely on merit basis.

Rasheed Godil. vetted draft prepared by AEDB and presented for approval was changed based on “inputs” provided directly to the former CEO on e- mails or by JDW. LoI was issued to the JDW, CITY REPORTER however, this LOI was neither issued by the competent authority, nor did it have the approval LAHORE—Chairperson Town Emergency Response Commitof the competent authority. tee for Dengue Lubna Faisal (MPA) has urged the departments Clearly, the former CEO had concerned to focus on residences during surveillance as more the opportunity to / bulldoze the larva was reported from houses.

Presiding over a meeting on anti-dengue campaign here on process and sign the LoI (illeTuesday, she said that anti-dengue activities had been accelergally).

Clearly the bene?ciary was ated in the areas of Cantonment, Lahore cantonment and Walton JDW. (Only JDW has been is- cantonment boards under the direction of cabinet committee for sued an LOI to date) What was dengue.

She directed the departments to ensure arrangements of drainthe motive of the former CEO that made him by pass all rules, age of rainwater from graveyards, ponds and parks on preregulations, and advice in a emptive basis.

She said that strict action would be taken against the responhurry? May be it was due to reasons political, monitory, sible without distinction if any complaint of larva presence rebureaucratic or some self-inter- ceived, adding an FIR would be registered on negligence. All est, whatever, it needs to be district officers, health officers, heads of educational institutions and representatives of DHA were present on the occasion. looked at.

MQM leader Godil shot

KSE-100

Secret IS document

Shiv Sena advises Hindus

Kerry telephones Nawaz, discusses regional situation

Fazl talks with MQM productive

Qaim unhappy

Former AEDB’s chief

Anti-dengue teams urged to focus on residential areas

18 more killed From Page 1 birds that have been pounding the militants positions in Shawal valley and its outskirts for the last three days killing over hundred miscreants on Sunday and Monday, again went for incessant bombings on the militants’ dens in Shawal Tehsil on Tuesday and mowed down 18 more alleged terrorists.

“Eighteen terrorists were killed and their hideouts destroyed in precise aerial strikes in Shawal today”, says a release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations to media Tuesday late evening.

The Security forces, it may be recalled, have restarted their offensive against the militants after a relative pause on Monday and killed 40 insurgents the same day while the PAF air machines again struck hard on militants’ hideouts in Shawal and Gharlamai areas in NWA and Rajgal area in Khyber agency on Tuesday killing 65 alleged terrorists.

The military sources said, the Operation Zerb-e-Azb initiated against the militants challenging the writ of the state over the years in the tribal belt on June 15, 2014, was advancing successfully and entering the last phase as ninety per cent of the area has been cleared of the miscreants who are on the run as their backbone has almost been broken. During this period over 3,000 alleged militants have been killed, around nine hundred hideouts destroyed and 253 tons explosive recovered, though in the process 347 officers and soldiers also embraced martyrdom since launch of the military operation.

SC allows ECP From Page 1 had termed that it was the responsibility of ECP to hold LB polls in provicnes under Article 140-A of the constituion.

According to a private TV channel, the Election Commission has issued the schedule to hold local body election in both provinces in three stages.

According to the details of phased local government elections in Punjab and Sindh, as per which, the first phase of elections will take place on November 14, 2015, the second on November the 29th while the third one on December 19th.

In the first phase, the elections will take place in Punjab cities of Lodhran, Vehari, Okara, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Toba Tek Singh, Sargodha, Kasur, Nankana Sahid, Gujrat, Attock and Rawalpindi. In Sindh’s phase one, the election will take place in Sukkur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Larkana, Qambar Shahadat Kot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad and Kashmore.

Punjab’s second phase, the elections will take place in Khanewal, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Khushab, Mianwali, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Chakwal and Jhelum.

The second phase in Sindh will entail elections in Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushahro Feroze, Dadu, Matiari, Jamshoro, Tandu Allahyar, Tandu Muhammad Khan, Thatha, Sajawal, Badin, Umarkot, Tharparkar, Sanghar and Mirpur Khas.

The election in third phase will take place in Punjab cities of Pak Pattan, Layyah, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Jhang, Bhakkar, Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan and Multan. For Sindh’s third phase, the election will take place in Karachi and Hyderabad.—SABAH

Top civil, mily leadership From Page 1 Pervaiz Musharaf in 2006 had agreed to setup a Joint AntiTerrorism Mechanism (JATM), however the issue went into cave because of continuous tension between Pakistan and India, however both military and civil leadership believed that the setting up of counter terrorism mechanism with mutual agreement of Pakistan and India can bring stable peace in South Asia region.

A senior official of ministry of foreign affairs informed this scribe that after the prior approval of Prime Minister, now the agenda will be sent to new Dehli, adding that “It has decided that the Pakistan will emphasized on India to lay out counter terrorism mechanism to bring a stable peace in the region”, he maintained.

It was also learnt that Advisors to Premier, Sartaj Aziz and Tariq Fatimi during the meeting also presented their view point about the upcoming Pak-India strategic talks.

The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Sartaj Aziz and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.

The matter of internal security and recent wave of terrorism in Punjab, which witnessed the killing of Punjab Home minister Col ® Shuja Khanzada among 21 others and the successful military operation Zarb-e-Azab, remained the center of discussion between civil, military leadership.

The meeting was also attended by finance minister Ishaq Dar and federal minister of Interior and Narcotics Control Ch Nisar Ali Khan.

Earlier, while handling the day to day business of PM office, Premier Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Staff Qatar Armed Forces Major General Ghanim bin Shaheen Al Ghanim set thier seats at PM office to discuss the matters relating to bilateral relations. A statement issued from PM office stated that the prime minister emphasized the importance of Qatar in the region and expressed satisfaction that Pakistan has always had a close relationship with Qatar, the strong foundations of which have been laid by the leadership of the two countries.

The premier said Pakistan wants to strengthen relations in all fields. He saw lot of scope of boosting bilateral cooperation in defence and industry.

During his visit, the chief of Qatari armed forces said his country wants warm ties between the two countries to further grow in all fields of bilateral cooperation.

Better opportunities for educated youth LAHORE—The govt is strenuously working to rid the country of all evils including poverty and joblessness so that the country could soon emerge as an ‘economic giant’ in comity of nations. The policies are aimed to help improve quality of life through education-promotion as well as creating better opportunities for the educated youth to play its proactive role in national-development and prosperity. Chairman PEF Engr. Qamar ul Islam Raja stated this while addressing the seminar on ‘professional success: tips and tricks’ at library & information science department of Punjab University.—APP

Khanzada’s cousin From Back Page One more explosion happened outside the office. The second explosion was carried out by the second terrorist out on the street behind the office which made its roof to cave in on the people present inside.

The suicide bomber on the outside used 10 kilograms of explosives. It was a powerful blast, shredding a cow walking past the bomber. Its flesh was found littered in a wide of radius of 100 metres.

The investigation is inconclusive whether the second blast was carried out by a man outside or the cow which might have been strapped with explosives. The findings also state that the attackers had not just come to kill the people present inside the office but to destroy the building as well.

Col (retd) Shuja Khanzada and his three companions received severe burn injuries and a big part of his body suffered badly as a result of an 8-tonne piece of roof collapsing on him.

Reham From Back Page Karachi and visit NA-246 during the by-election as they wanted to challenge the fear factor and get women out to vote.

Meanwhile, after the statement of Imran Khan, Reham Khan tendered an apology for attending the political events.

“Sincere apologies to all the PTI related events I was invited to. I will not be attending any events linked to PTI anymore,” Reham wrote in a microblogging website.

Reham Khan also took to Twitter on Tuesday and expressed her support for the PTI cause saying that “it is something my husband has devoted his life too.” Rehman said she would have supported anything her husband had put his heart and soul in, adding that she sees him working long hours alone for the future of the nation.

“Khan and I have the same goal to see Pakistan prosper. He pursues it via a political party and I work voluntarily for educating our children,” Reham tweeted.

CTP to launch crackdown on juvenile drivers LAHORE—The City Traffic Police (CTP) will launch a crackdown against juvenile drivers in the city from September 1.

Addressing a press conference here Tuesday, Chief Traffic Officer Tayyab Hafeez Cheema said a comprehensive strategy was evolved to discourage juvenile drivers, adding that an awareness camp would be set up and lectures would be delivered to create awareness among people.

He said the CTP had taken action against 68,965 vehicles with tinted glasses and on violation of traffic rules, 26,910 without number plate vehicles while cases were got registered in police stations against 926 wheelie doers, he added.—APP

No room for terrorism, extremism in country: Shahbaz that operation Zarb-e-Azb of Pak Army is continuing successfully and enemies of peace and LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad the country are being rooted out. He said that the war against terrorism is aimed at Shehbaz Sharif has said that there survival of the country and the is no room for terrorism and exwhole nation is standing shoultremism in the country. He said der to shoulder with the Pak that National Action Plan is a joint Army. national strategy against terrorists He said that war against terand their facilitators and it is berorism will continue and the mening effectively implemented in ace of terrorism will be comPunjab. pletely eliminated. He said that He said that police and law enterrorists and their facilitators will forcement agencies should spare find to place to hide and will be no effort for eliminating the elecompletely rooted out. He said ments involved in terrorism bethat a new history will be written sides their facilitators. He said that by defeating terrorism and Pakiall out measures should be taken stan will be made a haven of for the protection of life and proppeace. Shehbaz Sharif said that SIALKOT: Women showing bullets holes in her house that was damaged by unprovoked Indian firing at Thati Minderwal erty of people.

He expressed these views while addressing security arrangements should be further improved alongside Working Boundary. a high level meeting, here today. The meeting and Cabinet Committee on Law and Order should reviewed law and order situation and implemen- play an active role in this regard. He said that tation on National Action Plan while it was also concerned institutions should maintain a close decided to further accelerate the operation against coordination with regard to intelligence sharing. terrorists and their facilitators. The Chief Minis- He directed that the law regarding ban on loudter said that National Action Plan reflects deter- speaker should be fully implemented and effecmination of the nation to root out terrorism. He tive implementation of the law regarding wallsaid that there is a need for unity and courage to chalking and publication and distribution of obrid the country of the menace of terrorism. He jectionable material should be ensured.

The Chief Minister directed that indiscrimi- ISLAMABAD—Chief of Staff said that the nation has united to completely eradinate action should be taken against banned or- Qatar armed Forces Major Gencate terrorism.

The Chief Minister directed that all out mea- ganizations as well as those providing them eral Ghanim bin Shaheen Alsures should be taken for the protection of life financial assistance. Provincial Minister for Ghanim called on Prime Minisand property of citizens. He said that activities Law Rana Sanaullah, Chief Secretary Khizar ter Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at RAMALLAH —Israel’s opposition leader on new intifada, or Palestinian uprising, from of banned organizations should be curbed with Hayat Gondal, Inspector General Police, PM House on Tuesday.Matters Tuesday warned that a new Palestinian uprising breaking out. full force and the steps under National Action Secretary Home and senior officers attended relating to bilateral interest were could be brewing, saying both sides should work “We first and foremost must prevent a third Plan should be continued. Shehbaz Sharif said the meeting. intifada and we have agreed that in order to pretogether to contain a recent spate of violence discussed in the meeting. vent a third intifada we must combat terror on The Prime Minister said that and resume peace talks.

The meeting came at a time of rising vio- the one hand aggressively, and on the other hand Qatar is very important country lence.

On Tuesday, hundreds of Palestinians at- move toward a diplomatic process,” he said. in the region and Pakistan has Israel and the Palestinians have held onclose relationship with Qatar for tended the funeral of a man who was killed by again, off-again peace talks over the past two Israeli forces a day earlier after stabbing an Iswhich strong foundation has decades but have never managed to agree on a been laid by the leadership of the raeli policeman.

Tensions have been high since a July final deal. two countries.

The most recent round of talks, brokered by firebombing attack by suspected Jewish exThe Prime Minister said that the relationship between two tremists in the West Bank last month killed an U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, broke down countries will be further strength- 18-month-old Palestinian toddler and his fa- more than a year ago and show no signs of reened and there is a lot of poten- ther. Since then, there have been a series of starting.

“We must ignite the process yet again and pal Secretary to CM Alamuddin 1618 cases pending in four Anti- tial for cooperation in the field Palestinian stabbings and a firebombing on IsSTAFF REPORTER Bullo, Secretary Home Mukhtiar Corruption Courts. They dis- of industry and defence coopera- raelis, and three suspected attackers shot dead. give it another effort,” Herzog said.

Abbas did not join Herzog during his adAddressing reporters in Ramallah, Herzog KARACHI—Sindh Chief Minis- Soomro, Prosecutor General posed of eight cases in June 2015 tion. The Chief of Qatar Armed dress to reporters. But in a statement, the Palessaid he and Abbas held an “in-depth” discusSindh, Secretary Law and othand granted acquittal in seven Forces said that the brotherly ter Syed Qaim Ali Shah expresstinian leader, an outspoken critic of violence, cases and conviction in one case. and warm relations between the sion that lasted more than an hour. ing displeasure on the investiga- ers. affirmed his commitment to reaching a peace He said both men agreed on the need to The CS while briefing the The acquittal ratio comes to two countries will further grow tion and prosecution of the cases, deal with Israel.—AP calm the deteriorating situation and prevent a meeting said that in the month 12.5percent. in all fields of bilateral cooperaparticularly under trial in ATC The CM expressed his dis- tion.—INP courts has decided to constitute of June 2015, all 19 ATC disa four member high power com- posed of 101 cases, of them 77 pleasure on the performance of mittee to keep an eye on the per- was acquitted and 24 were con- prosecution and investigation. formance of each and every case victed. “The shows 23.7 percent “This could not be tolerated. The conviction ratio,” he said. culprits are arrested after a lot of in the court.

He said that in all the 27 dis- hard work and sacrifices of the He took this decision while “Once the sanctions against OBSERVER REPORT presiding over a meeting to re- trict courts 2075 cases were dis- police, paramilitary Rangers and Iran are completely lifted, the posed of in the month of June other agencies but the poor inview performance of prosecution ISLAMABAD—A military expert country will definitely renovate and progress of investigation 20015, of them acquittal was vestigation and prosecution wash STAFF REPORTER revealed on Tuesday that Paki- its civilian and military aircraft granted in 1,472 cases and conaway the entire exercises,” he here at CM House Tuesday.

STAFF REPORTER stan may be the first buyer of fleets. The J-10 is a good option viction in 603 cases.

“This shows said.

He directed the Inspector KARACHI—ARY Digital NetThe meeting was attended for the Iranians because it can

by Chief Secretary (CS) 29.6 percent conviction ratio,” he General (IG) of Police, Sindh work CEO Salman Iqbal on China’s J-10 fighter jet which fulfill all operations they want to Ghulam Hyder Jamali to post Tuesday announced the was initially set to be sold to Iran conduct,” said Wang Yanan, I S L A M A B A D — P a k i s t a n Siddique Memon, CM’s advisor concluded.

The CS said that there are company’s takeover of now after the lifting of UN sanctions. Deputy Editor-in-chief of Aero- Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman on Law Murtaza Wahab, PrinciContinued on Page 7 Fu Qianshao, an aviation Imran Khan said on Tuesday defunct Bol TV’s management. equipment expert with the space Knowledge Magazine. that his wife Reham Khan will Vowing to get the channel Yanan’s remarks came in the on cable, the founder of ARY People’s Liberation Army Air backdrop of speculation in for- not contest elections on a party group said the media group Force, said that Pakistan may eign media that China and Iran ticket and would not hold any would launch the channel overtake Tehran in becoming the are discussing a deal for 150 J- position in the party, hold any first overseas buyer of the multiposition in the Khyber within three weeks.

10 fighter jets. role aircraft, which Chinese exPakhtunkhwa government or Terming the move to take “It is natural that Iran is inover Bol as second biggest perts claim is comparable to the terested in the J-10. Iran has a be given official protocol, she revolution in the media indus- latest version of the US’ F-16 very limited range of choice in was “politicised”. ily at their house.

OUR CORRESPONDENT Fighting Falcon.

“PTI is opposed to all INP adds: The finding of initial investiga- try in Pakistan after the anCiting Japanese website The terms of arms procurement. In forms of nepotism. Reham nouncement of the launch of A TTOCK – Late Shuja Khanzada’s cousin tion into the deadly suicide attack on Col (retd) channel, Iqbal said the basic Diplomat, the report said Paki- regard to military aircraft deals, Khan will hold no political poAmrez Khan on Tuesday embraced martyrdom Shuja Khanzada reveals that there may be two aim of the move was to pro- stan had signed a deal for the I guess it can only choose be- sition, no position in KP; nor tween China and Russia,” Fu men who executed the bombings using 15 kiloas he succumbed to wounds in hospital. vide job security to the thou- purchase of 36 J-10 jets in 2009. said. Fu added, ”The J-10 is able will be given any official proThe report further stated that Authorities have started compiling records grams of explosives. tocol,” Khan tweeted.

According to the finding, one of the attack- sands of workers who lost Pakistan, which jointly produces to confront any of the third-genof telephone calls made three hours before and The PTI Chairman claritheir jobs when Bol TV was two hours after the suicide attack in Shadi Khan ers entered Khanzada’s office, shook hands with not allowed to launch due to the J-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, eration fighter jets operated by fied that Reham had only atIran’s neighbouring countries be- tended PTI functions at the him and then stood beside a pillar of the veVillage. its link with Axact. “We can- had been showing interest to acDeath toll of the Attock attack has reached randa and detonated the explosives strapped to not let thousands of people quire J-10, while adding that cause it features supreme maneu- constant insistence of PTI 20. On the other hand, flocks of people con- his body. He used 4-5 kilograms of explosives. stay unemployed,” he added. China was wooing Iran to buy verability, strong firepower and members, especially the cutting-edge avionic equipment.” women. “I am appalled and disContinued on Page 7 150 J-10s. tinue their visit to offer condolences to the famgusted by attacks on Reham after our loss in NA-19 elections. She only went to campaign there on the insistence of the candidate.”

Imran Khan went on to say that Reham was politicised and one of the greatest achievements of the PTI dharna (sitNational Office for Migration and Germany and Sweden — with effecBERLIN—Germany expects up to jobs. The number of attacks on refu- Eritrea. in) was to make our women and There is also a flood of asylum Refugees for six months to get tive asylum structures accept the ma750,000 people to seek asylum this gee shelters has soared this year. youth politicised. He added that jority of refugees,” he said.

The interior ministry declined to seekers from Balkan countries. Al- through the backlog. year, a business daily cited governpeople can only fight for their After Germany, Sweden is the Both Merkel and President ment sources as saying, up from a comment on the figures reported in most half of the refugees who came rights effectively and against previous estimate of 450,000, as some the Handelsblatt but is set to issue its to Germany in the first half of the year next most generous recipient of asy- Joachim Gauck have urged Germans injustice when they are lum seekers in Europe. In 2014, it re- to shun intolerance and hostility tocities say they already cannot cope latest predictions this week. Its pre- came from southeast Europe. politicised.

Along with a shortage of refugee corded 81,200 application and anti- wards foreigners. and hostility towards migrants surges vious estimate for asylum applications “Reham Khan already has in 2015 was already double those re- lodgings in cities including Berlin, immigration sentiment is on the rise.

In the first six months of the in some areas. too much on her plate, espeMunich and Hamburg, Germany also The U.N. High Commissioner for year, Germany saw 150 arson or The influx has driven the issue of corded in 2014. cially working with street chilGermany is the biggest recipient struggles to process applications, refugees Antonio Guterres told Die other attacks that damaged or deasylum seekers high up Germany’s dren. In future, she will not atpolitical agenda. Chancellor Angela of asylum seekers in the European which can take over a year. Merkel Welt daily that Germany and Sweden stroyed refugee shelters, nearly as tend any PTI function/event.”

Merkel has tried to address fears Union, which has been overwhelmed has long said this must be accelerated. were bearing too much of the burden. many as in the whole of last year.

Khan added that he had inOn Tuesday, the finance ministry “In the long run it is not sustain- Many have taken place in former among some voters that migrants will by refugees fleeing war and poverty sisted that Reham come to eat up taxpayers’ money and take their in countries such as Syria, Iraq and seconded 50 customs officials to the able that only two EU countries — Communist eastern states.—Reuters

SALIM AHMED

Indian President’s wife passes away NEW DELHI—Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s wife Suvra Mukherjee passed away on Tuesday morning.

Suvra Mukherjee, had been ill for some time. She was admitted to the hospital on Friday evening and had been brought to the hospital with a respiratory problem. A heart patient, she had been kept in the intensive care unit. In a statement, the Rashtrapati Bhawan said, “It is informed with deep sorrow that First Lady Smt. Suvra Mukherjee passed away this morning (August 18, 2015). She left for her heavenly abode.”—INP

Malala to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres show WASHINGTON—The youngest change activist in the world — Malala Yousafzai — is claiming a foothold in the west as she is all set to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show with none other than Hillary Clinton.

Host Ellen DeGeneres took to Twitter to announce the participation of the Noble Prize winner along with the United States’ Presidential candidate and former Olympian Bruce Jennerturned-Caitlyn Jenner during the show’s premiere week.

These 3 women are changing the world. They’re also on my premiere week, starting September 8th. Malala previously appeared on Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show — that aired it’s last episode earlier this month. Nothing that Malala Yousafzai achieves seems startling anymore but she continues to make Pakistan proud. —AP

Rajapakse concedes election defeat COLOMBO—Sri Lanka s former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse told AFP Tuesday he has conceded defeat in parliamentary elections, ending his hopes of returning to power just months after he was toppled as president. “My dream of becoming prime minister has faded away,” Rajapakse told AFP. “I am conceding. We have lost a good fight.”

Rajapakse accepted that his United People s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) had lost even before Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya could announce the final results. It was a major reversal for Rajapakse, who led Sri Lanka for a decade before he was dramatically ousted by President Maithripala Sirisena in January.—AFP

PM for strengthening Pak-Qatar coop in defence

Israeli opposition leader fears new Palestinian uprising

ARY announces Bol TV takeover

Pakistan may be first buyer Reham won’t of China’s J-10 fighter jets attend PTI

Only 23pc conviction in ATC

Qaim displeased at prosecution of terror cases

events in future: Imran

Khanzada’s cousin succumbs to wounds

Germany may receive up to 750,000 asylum seekers this year

Continued on Page 7

Low-fat diet more effective than low-carb diet for losing body fat

W

HEN it comes to weight loss, opinions are divided as to what the best diet is for reducing body fat. To investigate, a team of researchers compared a low-fat diet with a low-carbohydrate diet, finding that cutting fat intake resulted in greater body fat loss.

Image of man running from obese to healthy weight. During this short-term study, a lowfat diet led to the greatest overall body fat loss.

The small but precise study, published in Cell Metabolism, assessed the weight loss of 19 obese adults who were confined to a metabolic ward for two 2week periods. Kevin Hall, a metabolism researcher at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), states that many people have strong beliefs about what matters for weight loss, yet the data these opinions are based upon are sometimes lacking.

“I wanted to rigorously test the theory that carbohydrate restriction is particularly effective for losing body fat since this idea has been influencing many people’s decisions about their diets,” he explains. Unfortunately, there are many difficulties that researchers can experience when attempting to monitor how effective a particular diet is.

Ensuring that participants stick to meal plans accurately and are truthful in self-reporting

can be tricky to achieve.

By keeping the study participants on a ward, however, the researchers were able to control and record precisely what was being eaten. The participants were admitted to the metabolic ward for two separate dieting periods.

During the first, 30% of the participants’ baseline calories were cut solely by restricting carbohydrates while fat intake remained the same. In the second period, 30% of baseline calories were cut by restricting fat intake while carbohydrate intake was unaffected. Body fat loss was calculated by measuring the difference between daily fat intake and net fat oxidation while participants were inside a metabolic chamber. With a mathematical model, Hall hypothesized that the low-carb diet would lead to changes in the amount of body fat burned by the body and that the low-fat diet would result in the greatest overall body fat loss.

At the end of the study, Hall’s hypothesis was found to be accurate. Although more fat was burned when participants were following the low-carb diet, more body fat was lost during the low-fat dietary period. “There is one set of beliefs that says all calories are exactly equal when it comes to body fat loss and there’s another that says carbohydrate calories are particularly fattening, so cutting those should lead to more fat loss,” states Hall.

A view of traffic jam at Express highway near Zero Point on Tuesday.—INP

PILDAT releases list of the probables

21 leaders have potential to become PM in next 15 years ZUBAIR QURESHI ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development & Transparency (PILDAT) has released a list of most potential candidates for the slot of Prime Minister in next 10 to 15 years. These personalities, according to the PILDAT list have the potential and vision to run the country if they continue to work with ambition and devotion. The exercise of developing fact-based and concise profiles of such leaders aims at informing and facilitating citizens for their engagement with such political leadership and to enhance “Public focus” and ‘Critical

Dean of Diplomatic Corps Rodolfo Martin Saravia and CEO Serena Hotel Aziz Boolani presenting a souvenir to newly appointed Chief of Protocol Foreign Office Tasawar Khan during a reception. Outgoing Chief of Protocol Moin ul Haque is also seen in the picture.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

Govt agrees to keep PIMS federal status separate from university

Saudi Envoy to present credentials on 21st August STAFF REPORTER I S L A M A B A D —The new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.E.

Appraisal’ of the leaders that will help future leadership development, says a Pildat handout.

The 21 potential future Prime Ministers of Pakistan have been evaluated based on the PILDAT-devised 13point criteria that includes role in political party, engagement with public, personal charisma demonstrated ability to run a government at any level, vision about future of Pakistan, level of understanding about political issues,

knowledge about internal affairs, financial integrity as indicated in the statements of assets and liabilities and taxes paid, no criminal record, independence of views, stances on political issues, demonstrated capacity to transcend differences and potential and likelihood to become Prime Minister of Pakistan in the next ten to fifteen years.

According to the PILDAT list, the 21 identified leaders are Ahsan Iqbal, Aitzaz Ahsan, Asad Umar, Aseefa

STAFF REPORTER ZUBAIR QURESHI I S L A M A B A D —After weeks and months rather years of protest and strike by the employees of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the administration has relented finally agreeing to separate PIMS from Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical University.

However, an amended bill will be tabled in the Parliament in this regard allowing the both to work parallel. An agreement has been reached between the workers, officers and hospital doctors and the administration of the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical University administration.

According to the agreement, the PIMS employees have been given status of civil servants and their job security is ensured. Like government employees of other departments and ministries, PIMS employees will be entitled to all perks and privileges. In a lengthy meeting that lasted for hours, Tuesday, Vice Chancellor Dr Javed Akram approved the demands of the protesting employees.

It was also decided in the meeting that no vacant post in the hospital would be filled in by the university employees and the university would get approval for new posts. An amended bill would be submitted in the Parliament and the vice chancellor instead of opposing it would play his role in getting it approved.

an account of their personal and political journey, major influences in life, elected and other offices held and holding, political affiliations, financial transparency, achievements and major positions taken on ideological, political and social issues. The data used to produce this book has been taken from various sources including Mass media, Publications, Official websites of individuals and face-to-face interviews in some cases, the handout further says.

CDA expedites degree verification process of its officers

Employees postpone strike for one month Senior doctor of PIMS, Dr Jamal Zafar addressing the participants of the PIMS Restoration Committee that the Vice Chancellor had assured all their demands would be met and in case the doctors and employees of the hospital were betrayed there would be no future negotiations.

Officers Association President Zameer Naqvi said everyone was struggling to separate PIMS from university and achieving consensus on this single point was indeed a success on everyone’s part.

He thanked Deputy Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi and MNA Maj (Retd) Tahir Iqbal for taking up the PIMS case and for giving word they would introduce the amended bill in the National Assembly.

The employees of the hospital have shown their resentment to the government’s move to convert the institute into Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical University since the day one.

They (employees) are of the view that the move would put the future of 4,000 employees at stake.

Besides, as a result of new status the government will stop releasing the annual budget of Rs2 billion which will affect free treatment facility. On February 21, 2013 the National Assembly passed the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad Bill, 2013 despite criticism and protest by the then opposition consisting of PML-N and MQM.

Bhutto-Zardari, Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Ch Nisar Ali Khan, Hamza Shahbaz, Hina Rabbani Khar, Humayun Akhtar Khan, Imran Khan, Ishaq Dar, Khurram Dastagir Khan, Liaqat Baloch, Marvi Memon, Maryam Nawaz, Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Omar Ayub Khan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Shahbaz Sharif and Shazia Marri.

The profiles compiled thus highlight the identified leaders’ socio-political careers and give

I SLAMABAD —The Capital Develop-

Mr. Abdullah bin Marzouk Al-Zahrani will present credentials to the President of Pakistan on 21st August (Friday).

ment Authority has expedited the verification process of the academic degrees of its officers. A three-member committee has been tasked to verify degrees of the CDA staff including officers. In this regard, a meeting to review progress about the verification of academic degrees of officers of the Authority held here at Capital Development Authority (CDA) Headquarters Tuesday. The meeting was presided by the Member Administration and Estate, Amer Ali Ahmed.

The meeting was apprised by the

three-member committee about the progress of the degrees verification process. The three-member committee comprising of Director General Administration, Director General HRD and Secretary to the CDA Board was constituted in line with the directions of Chairman CDA, Maroof Afzal.

Member Administration and Estate, Amer Ali Ahmed was apprised by the committee that 300 out of 1100 officers have submitted their academic degrees to the committee, which are in process of verification with Higher Education Commission (HEC).

The committee apprised Member Administration and Estate, Amer Ali

Ahmed that most of the officers have failed to submit their degrees to the committee. Member Administration and Estate said that the officers be finally warned for verification and further submission of their academic degrees.

He directed the committee for giving final notice to the officers who failed in submission of their academic degrees. He said that this 15 days notice will be the final one as after the final notice, the officers will be considered without required academic qualification and degrees and stern action would be taken against them under the prevailing service rules.

Alpine Club to hold hiking contest for families, students ISLAMABAD —Alpine Club of Paki- cluding female and children would ries, including Under 10, Under 14 stan (ACP) will hold hiking competition for families and students at Guliyat, Abbottabad in next month to provide an opportunity to people to take part in healthy activities.

“We will invite applications for participation in the event in next few days,” Secretary ACP Abu Zafar told APP on Tuesday.

He said that the contestants, in-

be taken to either Nathia Gali or Dunga Gali in buses from Islamabad Sports Complex.

Trekkers from different parts of the country, including GilgitBaltistan and Azad Kashmir would be welcomed to apply for the contest.

Abu Zafar said the contests would be held in different catego-

and open category.

The winners will be awarded medals, while all the participants will be given away certificates for taking part in the event, he added.

He said the Club was making all out efforts to promote rock, ice and sport climbing, trekking and other adventure activities in the country.—APP

Education key to ensure bright future of Pakistan: Barrister Usman Fajar Zohr Asr

04:40 OBSERVER REPORT 01:30 SLAMABAD —Barrister Usman, 05:30 Ifor Capital Administration has

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

Condolence reference for IIUI president’s mother ISLAMABAD—A condolence reference was held for late mother of Dr. Al-Draiweesh, President International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) at new campus of the university on Tuesday.

On the occasion, Fateha was offered for the President IIUI’s mother and other deceased relatives of IIUI officials, said a news release issued here.

Dr. Al-Draiweesh, speaking on the occasion thanked all the participants and those who showed sympathies and grief on his mother ’s demise. He shed light on importance of parents and said that parents are precious blessing and there is no alternate of this blessing.

He maintained that mother’s demise is no doubt is an irreparable loss, while he thanked for support he got from university and conveyed his thanks to the Rector IIUI and all the institution population.—APP

Minister stressed the need for promoting education to ensure bright future of the country.

To provide education to all is the foremost priority of the present Government.

We are taking many steps in this direction. However the factual position is quite disappointing as unfortunately Pakistan is standing at the lowest level in respect of rate of education as compared to other countries of the region.

He was speaking as Chief Guest at Aiwan-i-Quaid in a function arranged by Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) to welcome a contingent of 300 out of school boys and girls students at a recreational/ educational trip under the auspices of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE).

He said, these out of school children have now become part of the education

system in the main stream which will help shape them as responsible citizens of Pakistan in future.

Speaking on this occasion, Senator RazinaAlam Khan, Chairperson National Commission for Human Rights, senior member of NPC Executive Committee and Incharge of Taleem Network project (TNP), being run by NPC, maintained that this organization was also carrying out a similar project in the leadership of its Chairman Mr.Zahid Malik. “I am pleased to hear that Federal Directorate of Education is very successfully making nationally important endeavour of providing education to the out of school children that would benefit the whole nation in Minister of State for CADD Usman Ibrahim speaks during a ceremony in honour of Out of School Children orgafuture”, she said.

Anjum Khaleeq of NPC, ShehnazRiaz nized by Nazriya Pakistan Council at Aiwan-e-Quaid.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir DG FDE, Mr Saleem Ullah and Imran Ahmed also expressed their views on this occasion while some of the students presented popular national songs to add to the festivity of the occasion.

14 outlaws arrested

Strict action against butchers selling unhygienic meat R AWALPINDI —Executive District Officer conducted raids in different areas of the Health, has warned butchers of strict action in case selling unhygienic meat in the city.

“Following the directives of EDO, action has been taken to control sale of unhealthy meat in the city,” District Food Inspector Shahid Mehmood told APP. A First Information Report (FIR), has been registered against those allegedly found involved in selling water injected meat, he said. “We are conducting raids on information given by the people about sale of under-age chicks.”

Giving details, he said that teams had

city including Khana Road, Sadiqabad, Bagh Sardaran to stop them from selling unhealthy meat.

Besides this, action was also being taken against shopkeepers allegedly found involved in supply of sub-standard food items.

To a question, he said in a crackdown, a number of butchers, allegedly found involved in selling meat of dead and sick animals have been apprehended. Several others were arrested during the raid conducted against the elements selling adulterated milk.—APP

IHC orders FIA not to arrest ex-Chairman PEMRA I S L A M A B A D —Islamabad High Court during hearing of a case against former Chairman PEMRA Chaudhry Abdul Rashid directed that he should neither be arrested nor any action taken against him till further notice.

Justice Noorul Haq Qureshi of the IHC heard the case on Tuesday and asked the Director General Students waiting for transport while sitting FIA to personally appear at the next hearing on 25th August.

During the hearing the Counsel for Ch Abdul Rashid said that his client was restored three times by I SLAMABAD —Federal Government Emthe court but the govern- ployees Housing Foundation (FGEHF) ment continued to accuse has directed the Green Tree and National him of illegal recruitments. Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) He said the FIR registered to expedite completion of survey at Bhara against the former Chairman Kahu site and submit its report alongwith revised layout plan within one month.

PEMRA was illegal.—INP

R AWALPINDI —Rawalpindi police arrested 14 outlaws and recovered drugs, weapons and bottles of liquor from them.

According to a police spokesman, Pirwadahi police arrested Ashraf and Haji Ahmed with 550 gram charas and 520 gram charas respectively. Banni police arrested Waheed Gul with 5 liter liquor and Pirwadahi police nabbed Sirajuddin with 20 liter liquor and a 30-bore pistol with four rounds.

Waris Khan police arrested Mian Mehmood on recovery of a 30-bore pistol with three rounds while Banni police held Mohsin for having an illegal 30-bore pistol with five rounds.

Kahuta Police arrested Hashim Naseer on recovery of a 30bore pistol with three rounds and Rawat Police nabbed Husnain Shafique with a 30bore pistol.

Waris Khan police registered cases against four tenants Ikram, Shafqat Ali, Zohaib and Sajid Hussain for violation of Punjab Information of Temporary Residence Ordinance 2015.—APP

Comedy play on August 22 I SLAMABAD —Stage play

under shadow of roadside trees.—APP

Layout plan of Bhara Kahu site The FGEHF official Tuesday told APP that Joint Session of Executive Committee of the Foundation and its Steering Committee has passed instruction for early completion of lay out plan so the development work can be initiated without further delay.—APP

‘Adam Kay Betay’ will be performed at Air Foundation School System G-5 campus on August 22.

The play has been written , directed by Ali Zaib and produced by AtoZ Production. Other Cast includes Ali Zaib, Ahsen Zameer, Ashi Khan, Asfand Qayyum and Nuaman Baig.—APP

Senate body urges solid steps to face climate change threats

I SLAMABAD —Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change on Tuesday said that Climate Change is a big threat for the country and solid steps were needed to face the challenge.

The committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Senator Yousaf Badeni here at Parliament House.

The ministry of Climate Change should also take all other related ministries on board to fight against the threat.

The committee member Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said the government should ensure the protection of wild animals.

Chairman Senate Standing Committee suggested that Pakistan Television should telecast awareness programme on Climate Change to educate the people.

The Secretary Ministry of Climate Change Arif Ahmed Khan said cutting of

forests is the main reason of flood in the country.

Former Federal Minister Senator Muhshahid Ullah Khan said that a national forest policy was drafted and sent to provinces for input. He urged to get vacated forest land from illegal occupants.

The committee expressed displeasures over massive cutting of forests on Murree Express Highway. Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said a large number of government buildings are without emergency exits.

The Committee members praised the efforts of Senator Mushahid Ullah Khan as Federal Minister for Climate Change.

The committee meeting was attended

by Senators Mushahid Hussain Syed, Ahmad Hussan, Nehal Hashmi, Nuzhat Hashmi, Samina Abid and In charge Minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid.—APP

Measures being undertaken to control dengue STAFF REPORTER R AWALPINDI —The Punjab Government has taken measures to control spreading of Dengue in city.

This was stated by Ahmad Ali Zafar, Additional Secretary Task Force Punjab, during inspection of fruit and vegetable and grain markets of the province.

He visited fruit, vegetable and grains markets in different districts including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Attock to check cleanliness and monitor the sites that may spread Dengue.

He urged the officers dealing the market affairs to ensure supply of clean and hygienic food in markets.

He said Punjab Agriculture department was using all resources for dengue free environment.

He told the officers to ensure proper disposal of waste and spoiled/rotten fruit and vegetables on regular basis.

He directed that rain water was drained out from offices, markets to check spread of dengue larvae and mosquito.

He said water stored in empty tyres, fruit crates, bottles, plant pots, tree holes and other similar places were breeding ground for dengue spread.

He urged the local community to play their role in making the environment clean so that dengue breeding could be controlled.

Additional weekly flight from Islamabad to Beijing launched

District Manager PIA, Bashiruddin with passengers of PIA’s flight to Beijing from Islamabad.—INP

I SLAMABAD —Pakistan International

An aged man selling pieces of cloth to earn some livelihood for his family.—NNI

Airlines (PIA) has launched an additional weekly flight from Islamabad to Beijing from Tuesday (August 18).

A statement here said that this was PIA’s third weekly flight to Beijing.

The flight PK 854 departed from Benazir Bhutto International Airport.

The passengers of the flight were seen off by PIA district Manager, Bashiruddin Khan.

PIA’s 3rd weekly flight also marks

the 51st anniversary of the airline’s operations to China. PIA, after the introduction of this flight, the capital cities of the two brotherly countries have been connected every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.—APP

Citizens demand by-pass road from Rawat to Tarnol I SLAMABAD —The residents of the ings of Islamabad Expressway is add- lighted by the citizen is load of heavy twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have demanded of the authorities concerned to construct a bypass road from Rawat to Tarnol, reducing the burden of heavy traffic on Expressway and IJP road.

The increasing population of the twin cities especially in the surround-

ing to traffic on Islamabad Express Way. The loaded vehicles plying on GT road from Lahore to Peshawar passing through the capital city roads are putting more burden on the already congested roads.

One of the major problems, high-

traffic like trucks, 22 wheelers and loaded vehicles, irritating the passengers.

The heavy vehicles are causing problems, especially for the daily commuters on the two main roads, Islamabad Expressway and IJP Road of the federal capital.

There is an urgent need to solve the problem by allotting heavy traffic a separate route to lessen the traffic load and facilitating daily road users.

Bilal Asghar, an employee at private organization F-8 said, the load of heavy vehicles during morning hours disturbs the flow of traffic

causing delay for commuters to reach their destinations.

The road from T-Chowk to Koral Chowk is already congested but heavy wheelers are causing more difficulties for the public transport, he added.

Another government servant, Uzma Shah described the situation as

irritating due to ruthless driving and violation of traffic rules by the heavy vehicle drivers. “These drivers seldom observe lane discipline once they cross the Koral chowk on way to Rawat. Absence of traffic police personnel especially at night time also makes it free for them to drive as per their will.”—APP

Asiya showed love of Kashmiris by waving Pakistan flag: Hurriyat (G) Plan must to counter RSS backed BJP policies SRINAGAR—Hurriyat (G) has termed the government move to register a case against Dukhtaran-e-Millat Chief Asiya Andrabi for hosting Pakistan flag on the country’s Independence Day as “unjustified and without any reason”.

Condemning the move to book Andrabi under Unlawful Activities Act, a spokesman of Geelani-led Hurriyat said the waving or hoisting of Pakistani flag in Jammu & Kashmir is not new.

“It is a usual process and tradition right from 1947 and if the restrictions on that day will be lifted by the government, every Kashmiri will come out with a Pakistani flag in his hand on the Independence Day of this country,” said Ayaz Akbar. Akbar said that Andrabi hasn’t committed any crime by waving the Pakistani flag. “She has represented the aspirations and sentiments of the whole nation,” he said.

“Whole Kashmiri nation has extensive love and affection with Pakistan and it is a normal and natural process because Pakistan is the only country in the world which supports the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.”

Meanwhile, while reacting over the creation of proposed Sainik colony in Kashmir, Dukhtaran-e-Millat president Syedah Aasiyeh Andrabi has said that India is busy playing dangerous games in Jammu Kashmir and the fresh plans of RSS are in continuance of that. She said that these are all tactics of changing the demography of the ‘occupied’ state.

In a statement to media, Dukhtaran-e-Millat president cautioned that any such move will have

to see a tough resistance from the people who are in no case ready to allow Hinduta forces succeed in their ill intentioned designs. She said, “India knows it for sure that she has to shun the arrogance and allow a plebiscite in the state sooner or later and this too is a known fact that once the plebiscite is done India has to leave.

This is the reason that India is trying hard to change the demography of the state in its favor”.

She said that since BJP has come into power in the state all the Hindutu forces have intensified their efforts which include the plans of settling the refugees and suggesting a settlement of army personal in the state.

“Besides plans of changing demography of the state the suggestion of settling of army personnel could be with the intention of spreading RSS and VHP goons to do killings and other wickedness all over the state” she said and cautioned the so called rulers against RAWALPINDI: AJK President Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan offering Fateha for late Gen (Retd) Hameed Gul at his residence. the approval of such moves. “Though the so called rulers have surrendered everything for lust of power however they should bear it in mind that it will be difficult for them to find a safe place for their graves if they actually got the army personal and the refugees settled in the state” Syedah Aasiyeh Andrabi said and added that the people of state have sacrificed a lot for the freedom of state and will never allow any move against the movement even attack in Attock, security has been beefed up across Jammu & Kashmir Choudry Abdul Majeed has OUR CORRESPONDENT on the cost of their precious lives. She asked the Azad Jammu & Kashmir to frustrate any attempt strongly condemned the unprovoked firing and shellthe leadership to devise an impressive strategy to foil the ill designs of RSS backed, so MUZAFFARABAD—A man was axed to death over a of subversion and terrorism, official sources said. The ing by Indian forces from across the Line of Control land dispute while a girl died of electrocution in two prevailing system of ascertaining identity of all those and working boundary on civilian population in Pacalled, government.—GK/KW different incidents in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) travelling to and from AJK has been intensified at kistan and Azad Kashmir. While addressing to differhere on other day. In the first incident, Muhammad entry and exit points at bordering areas with adjoin- ent delegations in Kashmir House here on Tuesday, Ishaq allegedly killed his uncle, identified as Babrah, ing Punjab and KPK provinces. Extra police force he said that civilians have become soft target for Inwith an axe over a land dispute in the Tatapani area of has been deployed at all the entry and exit points to dian border forces and are being targeted on LOC as Rawalakot. The police arrested the suspect after a raid augment security across the liberated territory. Police well as Working boundary regularly. He called upon on a hideout where he had taken shelter after com- have been put on alert to maintain law and order and International community, UNO, OIC and human rights mitting the crime, said police officials. In the second discourage any terror attempt, a senior AJK govern- organization to take serious notice of Indian unprovoked firing on civilian’s population of Azad Kashincident, a 16-year-old girl was electrocuted in Kotli ment official told the Nation on other day.

AJK Prime Minister Ch Abdul Majeed on Mon- mir at LOC. District. According to the police, Ireeba Butt, a firstyear student, died of an electric shock after she came day directed the law enforcement agencies and all the He said India has started a war of terror to harass the Bukhari held a meeting with Law Secretary, in contact with a live wire while fixing a fault in a district and divisional administrations to take strin- civil population along the line of control , however Muhammad Ashraf Mir and Advocate General, home appliance. gent measures to maintain peace in the state. Address- made it clear that the morale of the people of Azad Jehangir Iqbal Ganai to finalize the response the She was rushed to the district headquarters hos- ing a high level meeting, attended by Mirpur Divi- Kashmir is high and India couldn’t suppress the onState government has to give on the issue to the pital Kotli where doctors pronounced her dead on ar- sional Commissioner Raja Amjad Pervez Ali Khan, going liberation struggle by using such heinous tacMinistry of Home Affairs (MHA). rival. Meanwhile, the Kotli police have arrested two and DIG Dr Khalid Chouhan, DC Ch Muhammad tics. Talking about the forces of Pakistan, he said that The sources said the response would soon Afghans for staying in the area without proper docu- Tariq, SSP Raja Urfan Salim and other senior offi- Kashmiries have proud on Pakistan Army and even be sent to the MHA. Talking to Rising Kash- ments. The arrested persons were identified as Rasul cials, the administration was directed to intensify se- children below than 7 years old, have the slogans of mir, the law minister said, “There is no hurry Khan and Najeeb ullah. The police shifted them to curity in all three districts of Mirpur division. “Addi- patriotism and love for army. Kashmiries would faand the State will present its viewpoint as per the local police station for further investigation. The tional police deployment is being across the AJK in- vor Pakistan Armed forces at any cost as Pak Armed the constitution.” police also arrested the owner of the house where they cluding all three districts of Mirpur division to main- forces always protect Kashmiries and in return Opposition political parties National Con- were staying.

Kashmiri nation would always support Pakistan and tain law and order,” the official said. ference and Congress have warned of serious Pakistan Armed forces at any cost. He further said ramifications if any attempt was made to weaken that the betterment of marginalized segments is our Condemns Indian shelling at LOC Article 35A. Earlier, former Union Minister and agenda and our politics based on the welfare of poor senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz had urged MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister State of Azad people.

MUZAFFARABAD: In the aftermath of terrorists the State government to take the issue of scrapping of Article 35A seriously and fight it in the Apex Court will all the seriousness.

NC has also reiterated its resolve of opposing any move aimed at weakening the special status of J&K. NC Provisional President Nasir Aslam Wani said people of Jammu Kashmir wanted to know what the State government’s reHe was shifted immedisponse was to the petition challenging Article 35 S RINAGAR —A policeman Tujer Sharief in Sopore town north Kashmir ’s ately to nearby hospital A. Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader was killed after suspected of Nirmal Singh’s had said BJP would continue to militants attacked a police Baramulla district on Tues- where doctors declared him post guarding a shrine at day. A police official told brought dead. fight for revocation of Article 370.—RK media that militants, beThe assailants also delieved to be two in numbers, camped with the service rifle opened indiscriminate fire (INSAS) of the deceased upon the policemen, guard- cop. ing the shrine, in Tujjar Soon after the incident, Shareef this afternoon. heavy contingent of army, In the incident, a police- CRPF and SOG have corman identified as Fayaz doned off the whole area and Ahmad of Wadura, Sopore launched massive hunt to nab Freedom is our destination - Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik making joint sign. was injured critically. the attackers. —KW

AJK News

Man axed to death, girl electrocuted

Indian SC calls for J&K’s response on Art-35A by Nov 3 SRINAGAR—The Supreme Court (SC) has set a fresh deadline of November 3, 2015 to the State to respond to a petition of the RSS-backed thinktank challenging Article 35A of the Indian Constitution before the Apex Court.

The State government has been given the fresh deadline of November 3 to give its response even though the case is still at the registry stage, officials of the Law department said.

GoI had earlier sent notice to the State government and sought its views after an RSSbacked think-tank ‘Jammu Kashmir Study Centre’ had challenged the constitutional validity of Article 35A. According to the think-tank, Article 35A confers special rights and privileges on permanent residents of J&K and debars non-residents from buying land or property, getting a government job or voting in the Legislative Assembly elections.

The RSS think-tank had challenged the constitutional validity of Article 35A, claiming “there is no power conferred on the President of India to amend constitution by incorporating any new Article in the constitution.”

Meanwhile, sources said, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Syed Basharat

Security beefed up across AJK

Cop killed in Sopore, assailants decamp with his rifle

Sopore shooting death toll 2

No alternative to Pak, India reconciliation: PDP

BARAMULLAH, IHK—Civil- SRINAGAR—The ruling Peoples Democratic dialogue between our country and Pakistan. ian identified as Abdul Rahim Lone, 70, has succumbed to injuries he sustained in an attack on a police post outside a shrine in Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Tuesday, police said.

Earlier, a cop Fayaz Ahmad had died in the attack by suspected militants outside Tujjar Sharief Shrine in the area today afternoon.

The attackers also decamped with the service rifle of the cop.—GK

Protest in Jammu over disrespect to religious books

Party Tuesday said the heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) should remind India and Pakistan about the “inevitability of dialogue” to find a just and pragmatic solution to all the contentious issues. Asserting that there was no alternative to reconciliation between the neighbouring nations, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti underlined the importance of finding a solution to the jolt received by the peace process, in the wake of a series of violations in the recent past.

“PDP visualizes and is striving for a space of dignity and opportunity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in a larger paradigm of friendship between India and Pakistan. We cannot visualize any alternative to reconciliation and

“The hostility between the two countries has hit the people of the state the hardest and the incidents on the borders and LoC should keep reminding the two countries the inevitability of sitting across the table to find a just and pragmatic solution to all the contentious issues,” she said.

Mehbooba was addressing a party workers convention in Anantnag district of south Kashmir. She expressed grief and shock over the recent civilian killings in Balakote sector of district Poonch in shelling. “While I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of innocent victims of cross-border shelling, I would request the stakeholders to de-escalate the tension and allow the people of the state to live in peace,” she said.—GK

Why do Kashmiris Observe August 15 as Black Day? DR. GHULAM NABI FAI

T

HE people of Jammu & Kashmir on both sides of the Cease-fire line and worldwide observed the 69th anni versary of India’s Independence Day as a black day because of India’s failure to honor its pledges that it has given to the people of Jammu & Kashmir at the United Nations. This year, the Kashmiri leadership had summoned all Kashmiris all over the world to demonstrate on August 15th, as a symbol of their unity and harmony. Their unity in mourning demonstrated their will to resist India’s illegal occupation and defiance of the United Nations Security Council resolutions mandating a selfdetermination plebiscite for the 18 million people of Jammu & Kashmir.

It is a historical fact that the dispute over the status of Jammu & Kashmir can be settled only in accordance with the will of the people which can be ascertained through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite, internationally supervised.

This was the common ground taken by both India and Pakistan. It was supported without any dissent by the United Nations Security Council - and prominently championed by

the United States, Britain and France.

The United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolution of August 13, 1948 and other resolutions of the Security Council state clearly that “the Government of India and the Government of Pakistan reaffirm their wish that the future status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir shall be determined in accordance with the will of the people.”

These are not resolutions in the routine sense of the term.

Their provisions were negotiated in detail by the UNCIP and it was only after the consent of both Governments was explicitly obtained that they were endorsed by the Security Council. They thus constitute a binding and solemn international agreement about the settlement of the Kashmir dispute.

India has defied United Nations Security Council resolutions for more than 69 years because she knows Kashmiris will never vote in her favor. The irony of the fate is that even President Obama would like India to be the member of the Security Council whose resolutions have been blatantly violated by India right from 1948.

It is beyond any doubt that for more than half a century, India has treated Kashmiris more like ink blots to be ignored than as human beings to be respected. Indian Government has

betrayed most of its high-minded ideals in Kashmir that marked its entry into the family of nations after long years under the British raj: shocking human rights violations, including more than 100,000 killings in the last two decades alone, torture, rape, mutilations, arson, plunder, abductions, arbitrary detentions, and draconian punishment for the exercise of peaceful political dissent; and, contempt for international law and binding self-determination resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

Indeed, India’s gruesome record in Kashmir is far worse than the records of the Federated Republic of Yugoslavia in Kosovo, Indonesia in East Timor, and Russia in Chechnya, all of which provoked international outrage and more. But not a word has been uttered by the world powers to bring the human rights violations in Kashmir to an end.

The studied unconcern by the United Nations in Kashmir has given a sense of total impunity to India. It has also created the impression that the United Nations is invidiously selective about the application of the principles of human rights and democracy.

All experts of South Asia discount the United States hopes that the dispute over Kashmir could be settled through bilateral

peaceful talks between India and Pakistan. They recount the litany of failed bilateral efforts between New Delhi and Islamabad. At the same time, the people of Kashmir have steadfastly mainlined that talks between the three parties, India, Pakistan and the Kashmiris, are the only way to resolve the Kashmir issue.

We hope that the leadership of India and Pakistan recognize that there can be no settlement of the Kashmir dispute, without the active and full participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir living on both sides of the Ceasefire Line.

We urge the United States to resist the temptation to jettison its traditional foreign policy championing democracy and human rights in the case of Kashmir for in the name of big power politics or economic opportunities in India. Down that road lies a troublesome blow to international law and amity.

A promising first step towards a just and peaceful settlement of the Kashmir tragedy would be the recognition by the United States, Pakistan and India of the leadership of the people of Kashmir as an equal partner in any future negotiations to settle the Kashmir dispute.

—Email: gnfai2003@yahoo.com

Punjab govt, Chinese Co. ink MoU to establish cement plant in Salt Range

Female Banker of the Year Staff Reporter KARACHI —Meezan Bank VP/ Product Manager Labbaik Hajj & Umrah -Ms. Shazia Zuberi was recently honored with “Female Islamic Banker of the Year” at the Islamic Finance Awards 2015 ceremony organized by Emend Pvt. Ltd. at Karachi. The purpose of the event was to recognize the efforts of the prominent Islamic Bankers in the industry.

Ms. Zuberi has been associated with Meezan Bank for the last 11 years and is currently managing Labbaik Hajj & Umrah for the Bank. A pioneer in Islamic banking, Ms. Zuberi successfully managed the initiative of collection of Hajj applications through Meezan Bank’s branches for the Government’s Hajj Scheme and through this initiative, this year the Bank will Insha’Allah facilitate 4,500 Hajj Pilgrims. The winning of this award is a testament to Meezan’s commitment to gender diversity.

Shipping Activity at Port Qasim KARACHI—Five ships carrying containers, canola, chemical and edible oil were berthed at Qasim International Containers Terminals, FAP Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal and Liquid Cargo Terminal respectively Monday.

Meanwhile three more ships carrying Containers, Cement and Steel Coil also arrived at outer anchorage of Prot Qasim (PQ) during last 24 hours.

Berth occupancy was 55% at the Port on Tuesday where a total six ships namely DS Dominion, MSC Carolina, Aelion Vision, MT Yas, Ex Quisite and GSW Fabolous are currently occupying berths to load/ offload Containers, Canola Seed, Chemical, LNG and Edible Oil respectively during last 24 hours.—APP

LSE down by 10.27 points

SALIM AHMED

LAHORE: Officials of Pakistan and China sign MoU to install modem cement plant in Salt Range.

SECMC signs master shareholder, loan-financing accords worth $500m STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) signed key agreements with leading corporations of Pakistan and China along with top financial institutions of Pakistan in a landmark collaborative effort earlier today. Amidst the presence of Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah – and officials of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) a master shareholders’ agreement was signed between Engro, Thal Limited (House of Habib), Habib Bank Limited, HUBCO and CMEC (China Machinery Engineering Corporation). The Master Shareholder Agreement will cover the entire common equity subscription of SECMC’s Thar Coal Project and demonstrates the confidence of leading sponsors in the project. The Financing agreements worth PKR 50 billion signed with leading banks of Pakistan will ensure availability of entire local financing at agreed terms and conditions.

In addition, SECMC has also signed Implementation Agreement with the Government of Sindh which entails approvals and commitments required from Government of Sindh for the project. Chief Minister Sindh while speaking at the occasion appreciated the hard work and dedication shown by the directors and management of the company. He further said that commercial production of Thar Coal will transform the energy scenario of Pakistan and Thar region. Furthermore, he thanked the

Prime Minister of Pakistan for the continued support of this project.

Sharing the development that has happened on the project, Shamsuddin Ahmed Shaikh – CEO SECMC – also informed that the term sheet for Chinese financing had also been finalized and the documentation process currently is at an advanced stage with foreign financial closure expected very soon.

Khursheed Jamali, Chairman Board of Directors, SECMC further added, “This major breakthrough has only been made possible through the instrumental support provided at all forums by Government of Pakistan, Government of Sindh, Engro, Thal Limited (House of Habib), Habib Bank Limited, HUBCO, CMEC (China Machinery Engineering Corporation), UBL, Bank Alfalah, Faysal Bank, Askari Bank, Sindh Bank, Meezan Bank and Bank of Punjab.A number of top local industrial groups and investors that have joined hands with SECMC today which is a testament to the remarkable progress that has been made on the Thar Coal Project since its inception.” SECMC has achieved substantial progress on the Thar Coal Project project during the 2014 – 2015. Firm EPC contracts have been signed, all security packages completed and the physical work at mining sitestarted with 3 million m³ overburden already been removed since May 2014.

Company is expected to start producing coal by 2018.

LAHORE—Lahore Stock Exchange here Tuesday witnessed bearish trend by loosing 10.27 points, as the LSE Index-25 opened with 6279.26 points and closed at 6268.99 points. The market’s overall situation also did not correspond to an upward trend as it remained at 1.121 million shares to close against previous turnover of 6.448 million shares, showing an upward move of 5.327 million shares. While, out of the total 98 active scrips, 12 moved up, 21 shed values and 65 remained equal. The Major Gainer of the day was Highnoon Laboratories Limited, National Refinery Limited and National Bank Limited by recording increase in their per share value by Rs 18.10, Rs 2.40 and Re 0.50, respectively. Pakistan Oil Fields Limited, Honda Atlas Cars (Pak) Limited.—APP

I was told to avoid the business all together because of the rejection.

People would say to me, ‘Don’t you want to have a normal job and a normal family?’ I guess that would be good advice for some people, but I wanted to act.

—Jennifer Aniston

PESHAWAR: Shams-ul-Qayyum, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Khyber inaugurating BOK Raast Islamic Banking branch at Gul Bahar.

IFTECH 2015 New tech trends on display from September 1 STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —The International Exhibition of Food & Beverage Processing Packaging Technologies is known as the largest annual gathering of food and beverage technology leaders and professionals in Pakistan. The mega event on technology is commences from september1-3, 2015 at Karachi Expo Centre.

IFTECH is also a B2B event, is second to none in attracting the leading global suppliers of dairy, meat, poultry, fruits & vegetable processing, packaging, bottling & filling lines, bakery, confectionery and commercial kitchen equipment, flavors and aromatics in relation to the corresponding growth of the local industry.

Pakistan is the 8th largest consumer market of the world and amongst the top 15 economies, which are on the watch list for major investments. Food, beverage and restaurant business in Pakistan is booming. Leading international fast food franchises and consumer brands are successfully doing business in Pakistan.

The local brand owners are working their way up for global recognition, which in turn has spiked the need for latest processing packaging technologies and equipment.

IFTECH Pakistan is receiving a strong online registration from all over Pakistan and from abroad. The brand owners, influencers and decision makers are going to meet international exhibitors coming from Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, India, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA. The event is well supported by government, trade bodies, publications and local food and beverage industry

LAHORE—A memorandum of understanding was signed between Punjab government and Chinese cement company, Yantai Baoqiao Jinhong regarding setting up of a modern cement plant in Salt Range.

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was the chief guest at the signing ceremony held at Model Town. Under the agreement, the Chinese company will set up a latest cement plant in Salt Range with an investment of 350 million dollars. Secretary Minerals Dr. Arshad Mahmood and Chairman of the Chinese company Li Baolu signed the document.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the agreement between Punjab government and Chinese company regarding setting up of a modern cement plant will result in Chinese investment and benefiting from Chinese technology besides creation of job opportunities. He said that Punjab government welcome investment

by Chinese company in cement industry in the province. Shehbaz Sharif said that all out facilities are being provided to foreign investors regarding investment in the province and Punjab government will also extend maximum cooperation to the Chinese company in the establishment of the cement plant.

He said that establishment of latest cement plant by the Chinese company in Salt Range will also result in transfer of modern technology. He said that Punjab government wants to benefit from Chinese technology in other sectors as well. He said that a number of Chinese companies are already

making investment in Punjab due to which economic cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries are strengthening. Shehbaz Sharif said that China is investing billions of dollars in Pakistan under historic Chinese package of investment.

He said that mega projects are being established in energy, infrastructure, industry and other sectors under CPEC. The Chief Minister said that a new era of economic cooperation between Pakistan and China has started after the visit of Chinese President to Pakistan. He said that China is a great friend of Pakistan and helped it in every hour of need. He said that friendship between Pakistan and China is unprecedented in the history of the world. The Chairman of the Chinese company said that his company wants to set up a state of the art cement plant in Punjab, which will be environment-friendly and based on modern technology. Members of Chinese delegation said that Pakistan is their second home and they will be pleased to invest in the country.

Chinese delegation strongly condemned suicide blast in Attock and expressed deep sense of grief over the loss of precious lives of Provincial Minister Col. Retd. Shuja Khanzada and others. Provincial Minister for Minerals Ch. Sher Ali, President Pak-China Yantai Chamber of Commerce Cheng Xiaoyun, Vice President Yang Qing, President of the Chinese company Luan Shengbo and other representatives of the company besides Press Secretary to Chief Minister Shoaib bin Aziz and concerned officials were present on the occasion.

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar chairing a meeting to review working of Economic Advisory Wing of Finance Ministry.

Monitoring economic trends

Dar stresses proactive approach MIAN ARSHAD I S L A M A B A D —Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Tuesday, called upon Economic Advisor’s Wing to adopt a proactive approach in monitoring economic trends in the national and international markets.

Chairing a meeting to review the working of Economic Advisor’s Wing of Finance Division, he emphasized monitoring of news report with a view to offset negative propaganda. Economic Advisor, Syed Ejaz Ali Wasti briefed the Minister about the functions and responsibilities of the Wing including the all important task of publishing the annual Pakistan Economic Survey which is widely disseminated and facilitates important research work on economic subjects.

He apprised the Minister about mea-

sures that the E.A Wing was undertaking to make this document all comprehensive.

He said that the E.A Wing kept a close look on important economic issues and prepared its reports/material, which were utilized by various stakeholders. He said the Wing provides inputs on important policy matters besides keeping a close watch on inflationary trends.

The Minister appreciated the role of the Economic Advisor and his team and called upon them to adopt a proactive approach in monitoring economic trends in the national and international markets.

Finance Minister added that quality report preparation and provision of useful inputs would always come in handy in formulating economic policies. Senior officials of the Ministry of Finance attended the meeting.

Pakistan ready to hit Halal markets of UAE & Saudi Arabia OBSERVER REPORT ISLAMABAD—Pakistan is all set to enter into the multi-trillion dollar global Halal market with the recent establishment of Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA). Pakistan plans to take full advantage of its geographical location close to the vibrant Muslim world including the principle markets of UAE, Saudi Arabia and North Africa, said an article published in Khaleej Times, the leading newspaper of Gulf. Pakistani exports of processed meat which were $40 million in fiscal year-2000 rose to $ 90 million in fiscal year-2005, but then picked up to $240 million in fiscal year-2015.

According to article, Pakistan Halal Authority, which has been just approved by the National Assembly will certify all items for export ranging

from meat, to food, processed foods, cosmetics, cold drinks, pharmaceuticals and toiletries. However, Pakistan will have to compete with already well-established and major sources of Halal products, say Muslim-Malaysia and non-Muslim Brazil, the world’s producer and exporter of Halal products, the article added. The global Halal market will continue to rise on a fast track at a 6.9 per cent compound growth rate.

It will grow into a $1.6 trillion market in three years to 2018. Pakistani share in Halal exports, as of now, is around five per cent of the world trade, according to official estimates. About processed meat, the article mentioned that the export of Pakistani Halal beef and mutton products has already been moving up, from 1.887 million tones in fiscal year-2014 to 1.951 million tonnes in fiscal year-

2015.

The mutton exports rose from 657,000 tonnes in fiscal year- 2014 to 671,000 tonnes in fiscal year2015. Before undertaking the full plunge, and afterwards, Pakistan will have to seriously look into its own cost of production and the volume of various products that it figures out to export. The PHA comes into being on the back of passage of the PHA law-2015 and the law aim to: “promote import, export, trade and commerce with foreign countries.”

The PHA law will help promote this business and its board of Governors will include various stakeholders, from the federal and provincial governments, Shariah scholars and Pakistani chambers of commerce and industry. In order to raise production and exports of Halal products, Paki-

stan announced in the National Budget in June this year, that meat processing plants which will be installed by December 2015, will enjoy a tax holiday - and will be exempt from payment of Income tax - for four years.

This tax-free status of meat processing plants should go a big way to gear up Halal exports. The foreign interest is marked by the recent raising of capital from the Pakistani stock market by foreignowned Al Shaheer Corporation, which is considered to be a leading processor and exporter of meat. Also, the retired military men’s welfare organisation, the Fauji Foundation, will finance the Fauji-Meat Ltd. It plans to produce 100 tonnes of meat per day - including, 85 tonnes of beef and 15 tonnes of mutton - for the domestic and foreign markets.

Currency

Selling

Buying

USA

101.70

101.50

UK

158.54

158.23

Euro

112.63

112.41

Canada

77.66

77.50

Switzerland

103.96

103.75

Australia

74.95

74.80

Sweden

11.93

11.90

Japan

0.8172

0.8156

Norway

12.38

12.35

Singapore

72.27

72.12

Denmark

15.09

15.06

Saudi Arabia 27.11

27.06

Hong Kong

13.12

13.09

China

15.86

15.83

Kuwait

335.91

335.25

Malaysia

24.63

24.58

Newzealand

67.07

66.94

Qatar

27.93

27.87

UAE

27.69

27.63

Kr Won

0.0858

0.0856

Thailand

2.861

2.855

Warid customers to get 85pc discount in Saudi Arabia STAFF REPORTER I S L A M A B A D — Wa r i d Telecom has announced a special offer for its customers travelling to Saudi Arabia whereby all Warid Postpaid and Prepaid customers will be entitled to avail 85per cent discount on International roaming rates.

Warid customers in Saudi Arabia can select STC (Saudi Telecom Company) as their preferred network to avail this discounted offer. In order to facilitate its roamers during Hajj, a special discounted rate of Rs. 15/ min+tax is being offered for receiving incoming calls from their loved ones in Pakistan and Rs. 19/min+tax for calling back to Pakistan. These discounted rates will be offered throughout the upcoming Umrah & Hajj season.

Warid Postpaid roamers can also use internet at a rate of Rs 13/MB via Warid’s International GPRS roaming service.

STC holds the largest subscriber base in Saudi Arabia and is the one of the best providers of voice and data services.

Warid and STC have partnered together to facilitate Warid’s valuable customers travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj.

SMEDA organizes training on time management skills SALIM AHMED LAHORE—The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) organized a one-day training program on “Time Management Skills for SMEs” in collaboration with The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI).

The objective of this learning session was to help existing and prospective SMEs gain knowledge of the concept Time Management and learn relevant strategies for efficiently managing time to avoid losses and gainfully undertake business deals.

Mr. Rehmatullah Javed, Chairman, SME Standing Committee on SMEs, FPCCI, while inaugurating the session, highlighted the significance of the topic in relation to the SME sector along with emphasizing the importance and contribution of this sector to the country economy.

Mr. Naseer Akhtar was the Resource Person of the session. He provided detailed information on the theory and key skills of Time Management and its practical implementation in businesses and professionalism.

Mr. Muhammad Ijlal, Regional Business Coordinator SMEDA, Lahore briefed the participants about SMEDA services the major activities to be performed by SMEDA in Lahore region.

Bosan desires strategy to tackle Int’l prices of agri products MIAN ARSHAD ISLAMABAD —Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan, Tuesday, directed the concerned departments to devise a broad strategy to tackle the upcoming difficult situation related to

international prices of agricultural products. Chairing a meeting to overview the plight of farmers due to higher cost of production and falling prices of agricultural commodities in international market, he observed that provinces shoud also be taken into confidence under the leadership of Prime Minister Director General Agriculture Policy Institute Dr Aslam Gill and Cotton Commissioner Dr Khalid Abdullah briefed

the minister on rice and cotton (2015-2016) Crop Intervention Price respectively. DG API stated that rice production during 2014-2015 is estimated around 7 million tonne. The rice price in international market is likely to remain stable in view of normal demand and supply situation.

API proposed that government may consider Intervention Price for rice paddy 2015-2016 crop around Rs 1800/40kg for Basmati in Punjab and Rs 850/40kg for IRRI paddy in Sindh in case of need. In order to ensure sustainable production in the country it was agreed that government would set intervention price for rice paddy at appropriate time in order to support the rice growers.

Cotton commissioner briefed that cotton production was recorded 12-13 million bales and still ninety six thousand bales of cotton are present with TCP. Various mechanisms for intervention price were discussed for the upcoming cotton crop. It was highlighted that despite surplus production, export of agricultural produce remained low as Pakistan lags behind in marketing. The federal minister directed to pay immediate attention to marketing and branding of Pakistani agricultural produce. Secretary NFSR proposed that cropping patterns should be reviewed. Farmers must be given incentives on growing other crops as soya bean and pulses in addition to major crops. Dr Farrukh Javed Minister Punjab, Minister for Agriculture KPK, Additional Secretary Agriculture KPK, Chairman PARC and Additional Secretary NFSR also attended the meeting.

Pak-Thai Business Council mulls trade expansion scopes STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—M. Akram Farid, Vice President FPCCI in his welcome address to the members of Pak-Thai Business Council meeting held at Islamabad, pointed out several issues including energy sector of Pakistan mentioning Thar Coal the 5th largest in coal mine in this region to be address by the investor of Thailand and offer them to visit site for further to invest. So the energy sector of Pakistan will have supportive investment from Thailand to fulfill the needs of both demotic and industrial consumers of Pakistan. He also address the Gawadar port as one of the deepest sea port in the region for which he said it is important to do more trade in the sector of Food and Agriculture (Fisheries, Poultry Industry) in near future and from where South Asian Countries shipping will be easy and time saving, as the journey from Gawadar to these countries of the region is in short Spain of time.

He said that FPCCI platform has to be use for enhancement of bilateral trade also in the sectors in which both the

countries are not having trade till now like paper business, cement industry etc.

As it is third JBC under the plat form of FPCCI, I suggest my counterparts to make delegation from both sides in different sector of trade industry for enhancement of trade between Thailand and Pakistan.

M. Akram Farid said that small plant of Thai Pakistan Business Council has been nature today that’s why in very short period of time it’s our 3rd meeting of Joint Business Council today. I am pleased to see you here in Pakistan especially on the occasion of Independence Day and hope for better trade relations from both sides in fields of food and agriculture, tourism and energy sector.

Prominent business figures of Pakistan from different field of trades participated in Joint Business Council meeting which includes, Zubair A. Malik, Former President FPCCI, Arif Suleman, Chairman PakThai Business Council, Atif Ikram Sheikh, Sheikh Aamir from Sector of Sugar, Edible Oil & Ghee, Karim Aziz Malik, Food, Agriculture and Steel, Mian Shaukat Masud, Textile are present.

UBL Fund launches mobile App AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI —UBL Fund Managers Limited (UBL Funds) announced the launch of the ‘UBL Funds Smart Savings’ App – the first of its kind mobile application by the Asset Management Industry in Pakistan. The UBL Funds Smart Savings application is available on iPhone and Android phones and can be downloaded on the app store and Google play.

The app demonstrates UBL Funds commitment to innovation and their ability to strengthen the brand and evolve their business to keep abreast of the new trends emerging in the market. The UBL Funds Smart Savings App is a convenient and easy application that gives investors access to their investment account on the go.

It has an easy to use interface and design allowing investors to check their investment portfolio, make transactions round the clock and update their profile information. The app also gives details on the latest UBL Fund prices, keeping investors updated for all their investment needs. Once registered on the UBL

Funds Online Portal, Investors can use same the login ID and password for the UBL Funds Smart Savings App. Mir Muhammad Ali, CEO UBL Fund Managers, said “At UBL Funds we believe innovation is the key. In today’s fast moving technological world, it is imperative to keep up with the changing trends and provide cutting-edge technology based solutions so as to continue to facilitate our clients’ requirements at every step.”

He further added, “The UBL Funds Smart Savings app is a revolutionary addition to the Asset Management Industry in Pakistan. With the upward trend in mobile and internet services in Pakistan, we felt it necessary to bring forth a mobile application that will help make investing easier and more accessible for our clients.” Additional features on the UBL Funds Mobile Application include Portfolio Value, Allocation and Analytics, downloading Account Statements, Making E-Transactions, Searching the nearest Investment Center location amongst other features.

Pakistan offers liberal foreign investment regimes STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Joseph Ziomek, Director Finance and Mr. Sekar Menon, Director Corporate Affairs of M/s Philips Morris Pakistan Limited visited Board of Investment and met with Minister of State/Chairman, BOI Dr. Miftah Ismail to discuss different investment opportunities available in Pakistan and issues faced by M/s.

Philips Morris Pakistan. The MOS/Chairman, BOI welcomed the Philips Morris delegation and informed them that Pakistan has one of the most liberal foreign investment regimes in South Asia. 100% foreign equity is permitted in the manufacture and infrastructure sectors as the country has a more market-oriented economy, with rapidly growing private sector.

M/s. Philip Morris Pakistan limited is a leading Tobacco Manufacturing Company entered in the Pakistani market in 2007 with an initial investment of over US$ 700 million. It is one of the largest tax-payer with employees over 2200.

SCCI ready to hold expo for businesswomen

ISLAMABAD—Vehicles sale in Pakistan shot up almost 30 percent to 162,151 units in first eleven months of the current fiscal year, reinforcing signs of economic recovery with a sustained demand on cheap financing. Analyst at Topline Research said the growth was backed by the launch of new model of Toyota Corolla, taxi scheme of Punjab government and a surge in car financing due to 42-year low interest rates.

Last month the central bank had cut interest rate for fourth straight time to a 42-year low of 7 percent from 8 percent in a bid to spur economic growth, according to Engineering Development Boars (EDB) sources.

Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) said the Pak Suzuki Motors (PSMC) sales increased by 64 percent to 11,477 units in May 2015. Volumes also improved five percent on Month-on-Month (MoM) basis. The taxi scheme was the main catalyst behind the increase of PAMA’s last month. During JulyMay of fiscal 2014-15, PSMC sales raised to 89.08 units versus 69,866 units corresponding period last year.

Analyst said the improvement was attributed to invoicing of cabs under the ‘Taxi scheme’. Indus Motors (INDU) sold 5,507 units in May 2015 compared to 2,917 units during the same month last year. On MoM basis, INDU sales decreased by six percent from 5,837 units in April 2015. During 11MFY15, sales increased 58 percent

ISLAMABAD: Dr. Miftah Ismail, Minister of State/Chairman Board of Investment in a meeting with Joseph Ziomek, Director Finance and Sekar Menon, Director Corporate Affairs, Philips Morris Pakistan Limited at board office.

M. Akram Farid, Vice President FPCCI presenting memento to Issara Vongkusolkij, Chairman Thailand Chamber of Commerce on 3rd Joint Business Council meeting at Islamabad. Zubair Malik, Arif Suleman, Atif Ikram, Mian Shaukat Masud, Sheik Amir, Dr. Sombat and Ms. Aranya were also present.

SIALKOT—The Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has finalized necessary arrangements for holding mega event ‘Exhibition for Women by Women’ in September said SCCI President Fazal Jilani. The exhibition will provide an opportunity to businesswomen to exhibit their products, network with each other, learn from others experience and form collaboration and partnerships for mutual benefits, he said.

Talking to APP on Tuesday, the SCCI President revealed that two-day exhibition will be started from September 12 at Govt College Women University Auditorium.—APP

Vehicle sales in Pakistan up by 30pc OBSERVER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan meeting with the representatives of Pakistan-Japan Business Forum.

Year on Year basis (YoY) to 51,485 units. Honda Cars (HCAR) sold 2,353 units in May 2015 compared to 2,260 units in the same month last year. On month-on-Month basis, HCAR sales decreased by one percent in May 2015 from 2,376 units in April 2015.

Sales of HCAR have remained fairly stable at 21,134 units in 11MFY 15 versus 21,002 units in the same period last year. Analyst said HCAR maintained its sales growth despite new model of Toyota Corolla launched by its competitor Indus Motors. Analyst added that local car sale is likely to grow by 30 percent to 177,825 units while 37 percent growth in tractors sales is also expected during the current year. He further said the volumetric growth coupled with weak Japanese Yen (JPY) against US dollar will have a positive impact on the profitability of auto sector.

Tractor segment also posted decent growth of 34 percent during 11MFY-15 to reach 42,784 units, primarily due to reduction in General Sales Tax (GST) to 10 percent from 16 percent. The analyst said the government’s decision to maintain GST at 10 percent in the federal budget for the next fiscal year will support the growth momentum in tractors volumes.

Analysts added that a healthy growth in auto sector is indicative of increase in per capita income, improved farmer economics and overall recovery of the economy. Car financing is also picking up gradually, currently estimated at 30 percent versus five percent few years back.

PESHAWAR: Nominated President of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Muhammad Yousaf Sarwar addressing Board of Trustees’ meeting at a local hotel.

LAHORE: Candidates submitting their papers for the annual elections of Pakistan Flour Mills Association to the Secretary General PFMA.

Depleted teams face off in low-stakes clash CENTURION—It would be impossible anyone’s guess. to look ahead to this fixture without remembering the drama that took place the last time South Africa and New Zealand met in an ODI. Irrespective of whose side you were on, or even if you were on no-one’s at all, the enormity of the occasion, the tension and the emotions would have had an impact. It would be equally impossible to expect anything close to that happening in this series.

That match in March was being played for a place in the World Cup final. These three matches are being played to fulfill a scheduling obligation. Just that fact reveals how low the stakes are. That’s a good thing because this series is flying under the radar in the cricketing world, where the final Ashes Test and Kumar Sangakkara’s retirement are stealing headlines, and their own countries, both rugby-obsessed, are gearing up for the World Cup. In New Zealand, the television channels were unable to secure the rights to broadcast the series so fans have to be content with radio commentary, if they feel like staying up through the night. South Africans have received it a little better. They are enjoying the return of cricket after seven months, despite it not being the season for it just yet.

Winter conditions could be revealed for the first time after the T20s were played in what may have seemed like summer. Durban’s tropical weather and a warm Centurion afternoon would have chill seem like a myth but both teams will experience it on Wednesday night. Evenings on the Highveld can be bitterly cold and how that could impact play is

Bad weather foils attempt to take a cycle ride on Broad Peak summit

South Africa have never played an ODI at home in August before. So neither side will be sure if chasing will provide any advantage, as it can do in summer when dew becomes a factor. That won’t be the only unknown they are grappling with. Both teams are without some of their regulars - South Africa are sans Quinton de Kock (dropped), JP Duminy and Morne Morkel (paternity leave) and probably Faf du Plessis (injured) while New Zealand don’t have Brendon McCullum and Tim Southee (rested) and Trent Boult and Ross Taylor (injured) - and will want to test combinations and trial new players.

After being given the limitedovers leg of the Bangladesh series off Dale Steyn is back to the fiftyover format and will have to lead a South African attack still trying to decide who its premier pacemen in this version are. Vernon Philander, Kyle Abbott and Kagiso Rabada are all in the squad, with Morne Morkel out on paternity leave. Steyn and Rabada are likely to be the shoo-ins, which might leave Abbott and Philander competing for a spot.

Colin Munro is 28-years old but is still considered part of New Zealand’s new crop and this is his chance to change that. He has only played nine ODIs - just two since being recalled to the format for this tour - and will want to kick on better than he did the first time he toured South Africa, in his debut series. In 2013, Munro scored the first of two half-centuries in his short ODI career so far before falling off the radar. This time, he will want to stay on it.

Team news Dean Elgar has been added to South Africa’s squad as cover for Faf du Plessis, who has a knee injury. A late call will be taken on his availability but if he is ruled out of either the first match, or the full series, Farhaan Behardien will take his place in the XI, probably slotting in at No. 6. Rilee

Talpur honours Pakistan women’s and seniors for BFAME Bridge triumph

I S L A M A B A D — A c c u m u - K ARACHI —Pakistan Bridge Federation

lated snow and heavy monsoon rainfall have prevented former Tour de France cyclist Nathan Dahlberg from fulfilling his dream of riding a bike atop over 8000 metres mountain peak in Gilgit-Baltistan.

After abandoning his attempt to ride at the Summit of 8047 metres high Broad Peak, the 50-year-old New Zealander has deferred his attempt at a world record for sometime in the coming years.

“Dahlberg had launched his attempt to reach the Summit before riding a lightweight bike but inclement weather foiled his attempt,” an official of Tourism Department of Gilgit-Baltistan told APP on Tuesday.

“He is likely to return next year or may be later,” the official added.—APP

Rossouw should get a promotion to No. 3 and one of Kyle Abbott and Vernon Philander may have to miss out to accommodate David Wiese in the allrounder’s role at No. 7. Imran Tahir is back to take over the specialist spinner’s role.

South Africa: (probable) 1 Morne van Wyk (wk), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Rilee Rossouw, 4 AB de Villiers (capt) 5 David Miller, 6 Farhaan Behardien, 7 David Wiese, 8 Kyle Abbott/Vernon Philander, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Dale Steyn 11 Imran Tahir Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill opened in the T20s, but Williamson is likely to drop to No.3 for this format, with Tom Latham at the top. New Zealand will probably only have room for one spinner which could mean one of Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, Ben Wheeler, Doug Bracewell or Matt Henry has to miss out.

New Zealand: (probable) 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Tom Latham, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Colin Munro, 5 Grant Elliott, 6 James Neesham, 7 Luke Ronchi (wk), 8 Nathan McCullum, 9,10 and 11 Adam Milne/ Mitchell McClenaghan/Ben Wheeler/ Doug Bracewell/Matt Henry Pitch and conditions Pre-spring conditions in Centurion were not as welcoming to cricket as they were in Durban and South Africa found it more difficult to adapt to what AB de Villers called “not a perfect,” surface. It was cracked but while there wasn’t much turn, a brutish short ball could rear up. There were plenty of runs so maybe it’s the outfield the hosts were unhappy with. “Looked like anyone would break a leg there,” coach Russell Domingo said of the unstable ground, which had to be painted green to hide its winter coat. “Hopefully they can spray the pitch as well,” Domingo joked.

The strip is not likely to get any more spicy and there may also be the added conundrum of how it will behave under lights. Domingo said his gut feel is to bat second at SuperSport Park but that’s in summer when dew becomes a factor. It may not be the case in August. At least the weather will play along. A clear day is forecast with a high of 28 but it will get chilly in the evening when temperatures will get as low as 11 degrees.—Agencies

(PBF) President Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur honoured Pakistan women’s and national seniors for winning the 18th Bridge Federation of Asia and Middle East (BFAME) in the Jordanian capital of Amman.

“Pakistan women’s and national seniors’ made us proud by winning the BFAME crown,” he said in his address at a dinner reception hosted in the team’s honour here at his residence on Monday night.

He showered praise on the teams for bringing honour and glory to the country.

Winners’s trophies were also put on the display on the occasion.

As a reward, the PBF Chief handed over the cheques of Rs.300,000 each to women’s team captain Rubina Agha and seniors’ captain Kamran Ibrahim to celebrate victory in the month of Independence Day of Pakistan.

The women’s team defeated arch-rivals India by the slim margin of 80-79 International Match Points (IMPs) and earned the honour to represent Pakistan in the Venice Cup - World Women’s Bridge Championship being held in Chennai next month. Seniors team will be featuring in Bermuda Seniors Bowl.

The team comprising Qudsia Dossa, Roshan Bokhari, Zeenat Azwer and three generations of one family in their fold, grandmother, mother and daughter Rubina Agha, Rubina Hai and Fatima Reza respectively, retained their title after winning their maiden honours in Ahmedabad in 2013.

Yousuf Talpur, himself a bridge player of international repute, said he was now looking forward to bring in fore new generation to take over from the seniors.

He said it was time to induct young blood into the national team with an eye on the future. Talpur said the development of youth was imperative for the future of sport in the country.

Led by Kamran Ibrahim with seasoned campaigners Zakir Mahmood, Shouq Hussain, Masood Mazhar and Azhar Hameed in the fray, Pakistan won the seniors title.

SVP World Bridge Federation Mazhar Jafri, former presidents of PBF Khurshid Hadi, Tariq Rasheed Khan, Secretary PBF Gulzar Bilal and Treasurer Masood Mazhar and leading bridge players of the country Rashid-ul-Ghazi, Shahin Iqbal, AR Allana, and other national players also attended the glittering reception.—APP

Ryan Broekhoff of the Boomers takes a rebound during the game two match between the New Zealand Tall Blacks and Australian Boomers at at TSB Bank Arena.

Liaquat Ali eager to showcase talent at IAAF World Championships

LAHORE—Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has quired documents so that PSB could assess I S L A M A B A D —Pakistan’s said that Pakistan Boxing Federation has not the authenticity of the election. In absence of fastest sprinter Liaquat Ali is hopeful of producing a good show at the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing saying that he will try his best to showcase his talent.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Championships, which feature some of the best trackand-field stars from around the globe, are set to begin on August 22 and will last for nine days of competition.

Ali, who is Pakistan’s sole athlete to feature in the event, will depart for China on Thursday to compete in 100 and 200 metres race. He is also national record holder in these two races.

“I will not disappoint the federation and my people and try my best to finish at some respectable place,” he told APP on Tu e s d a y.

Ali has been undergoing a tough training here at Pakistan Sports Complex for the past several days. He hailed Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) President Maj Gen (R) M Akram Sahi for providing best possible training to him.

He said excellent facilities were being provided to him and other athletes by Pakistan Sports Board.—APP

yet submitted the required documents for getting NOC and financial assistance for Pak teams participation in the Asian boxing championship being held from August 25 in Bangkok.

In accordance with the Government instructions, for participation in any international sports competition at abroad, each federation is required to submit a complete case on PSB prescribed proforma along with invitation, computer clearance proforma, surety bond, undertaking and departmental NOC at lease six weeks before departure of the team, ‘ said a spokesman of PSB on Tuesday.

He said PBF has not yet submitted the required documents inspite of PSB letter of July 27 , 2015. However, PBF vide letter its letter dated August 15 has requested the PSB for release of special grant of Rs.2, 151, 340/without any document and Government NOC. Throwing light on PBF affairs, he said the elections of Boxing Federation held in 2012 were disputed. The federation did not invite the representative of PSB to watch the elections proceedings so the elections process can not be certified.

The federation did not submit the minutes of the election meeting along with re-

the required documents PSB is unaware about the office bearers of the Pakistan Boxing Federation and legitimacy of the election process, ‘ he asserted. On the other hand, President, PBF Doda Khan has addressed a letter to PSB and informed his address for future correspondence whereas, Secretary, PBF Iqbal Husain has also setup another office which is causing confusion, he maintained.

‘It may also be noted that there are cases filed in the Sindh High Court, Karachi regarding embezzlement of funds by Doda Khan, ‘ he added.

The spokesman said, however, in realizing the Lausanne agreement PSB through a letter invited some information from all the National Sport Federations but Pakistan Boxing Federation has failed to submit the same till to-date. It was clearly mentioned in the reminder that the federations those failed to implement the requisite S.R.O will not be funded. ‘In spite of PSB’s letter of August 5, PBF has not submitted the requisite documents and even did not respond as yet, ‘he said adding Keeping in view the promotional interest of boxing, PSB will try to arrange funds for the participation of boxing team after obtaining NOC from the Government.—APP

SAF Games training camps established L AHORE —Pakistan Sports

Independence day sports competitions L AHORE —Pakistan Sports Board will organize a number of sports events here on August 20 to mark the independence day celebrations.

“We will be organizing cycling, ju jistu, karate and squash competitions which will be participated by both male and female players”, said a spokesman of PSB on Tuesday.—APP

Lahore win independence day kabaddi L A H O R E —Lahore divi-

Athletic Bilbao’s players hold the Spanish Supercup trophy after beating Barcelona.

Boxing federation did not fulfil requirements: PSB

sion scored a narrow 4947 points victory against Sheikhupura division to win the independence day kabaddi match organized

by Punjab kabaddi association here on Tuesday.

Both the teams dazzled with their skilful play and technique and the fate of the match was decided in the dying stages of the play when Lahore emerged winners due to their collective efforts and splendid work done by the man of the match Rafaqat Ali. Khawaja Akhtar Abbas, Treasurer Pakistan Kabaddi federation was the chief guest on the occasions and gave away the cash awards and trophies to the members of both the teams.—APP

WAKAYAMA, JAPAN: Hurdler Michelle Jenneke of Australia trains during the Australian Flame Team Camp, training session held at Kimidera Athletics Stadium.

Board said on Tuesday that as many as a dozen of training camps in various disciplines had been established for preparing the national athletes to take part in the South Asian Games to be held from January 10 next year Guwahati and Shillong, India.

‘We received a letter from Pakistan Olympic Association on July 13 regarding participation of Pak contingent in the SAF Games and we issued a letter on July 14 to the concerned national federations to setup the camps.

He said seven camp have started functioning in wrestling, wushu, athletics, weightlifting, handball, taekwondo and table tennis at PSB complex Islamabad.

Boxing camp is in progress at Karachi while cycling, karate and ju-jitsu camps have been established at PSB coaching centre Lahore with judo camp at PSB coaching centre Peshawar,’he maintained. He said the three remaining camps including badminton, Kabaddi and Squash would start functioning soon.—APP

PTF invitational masters’ tennis event from tomorrow MIAN ARSHAD ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), Tuesday, announced to hold a PTF Invitational Masters’ event, from tomorrow till August 28 here in the federal capital.

According to PTF, a total of 8 players will participate in the eight days’ event, with one off day during the period. Top national players, presently in Pakistan, have been invited in this first of what is hoped to be an annual event.

The event allows nomination of one to two wild card entries to encourage high-quality ‘tennis playing Pakistanis living abroad to participate and test their skills against the best here.

The matches, on a best of five sets, Round-Robin basis, will not only help in providing the players with excellent practice for tournaments, they will also enable the PTF to assess the form and fitness levels of players.

This is of particular importance to the Federation before major international events.

With 8 players, each player will play one match a day, a total of seven during the event. The first two matches will commence at 9:00 am daily, while the other two will commence in the afternoon session.

To encourage and reward the players the two who emerge as a winner and runner-up, based on the points obtained, the President - PTF announced an award of Rs.75,000 and Rs.50,000, respectively.

From amongst top players currently in Pakistan, Aqeel Khan, Abid Ali Akbar, Ahmed Chaudhry (members of the Davis Cup squad of 2015), Shahzad Khan, M. Abid and Yasser Khan, top ranked in Pakistan, have been invited to participate.

Two Pakistani youngsters who reside abroad, Hamza Mahmood (the UK) and Asad Siyyid (Canada), with considerable credentials during their play overseas, have been invited as ‘wild card’ entries for this event.

England hero Wood resigned to the axe L ONDON —Fast bowler Mark Wood, who took the final wicket in the fourth test to seal England’s Ashes triumph, is expecting to be dropped for the fifth and fin a l match against Australia at The Oval t h a t starts o n Thursday. James Anderson missed the last game in Nottingham due to a side injury but is fit to return.

“Jimmy’s got 400 wickets and he’s England’s lead bowler,” Wood told reporters on Tuesday. “He had a bowl yesterday and he seemed fine and if he’s fit and ready to go it looks like he would get the nod.

“It’s out of my hands but I’m going to prepare how I’ve prepared for every other game.”—APP

IOC chief Bach to meet 2018 Games organisers S EOUL —Olympics chief Thomas Bach will meet organisers and key sponsors of the 2018 Winter Games on Wednesday and pay a visit to South Korea President Park Geun-hye to discuss government support for the Games, Pyeongchang’s organising committee (POCOG) said. International Olympic Committee Presid e n t Bach, w h o w i l l travel t o Beijing o n Thursd a y for the world athletics championships, will be accompanied by Gunilla Lindberg, the head of the IOC’s Coordination Committee for the Pyeongchang Games.

“Bach will arrive in South Korea on the morning of Aug. 19 and meet with Cho Yang-ho, the president of Pyeongchang Organising Committee, and participate in a welcome luncheon,” POCOG said in a statement. Tier-1 sponsors of the Games would also be at the luncheon, the statement added.—APP

Messi named in Argentina squad for U.S. tour BUENOS A IRES—Argentina coach Gerardo Martino quashed any lingering speculation that Lionel Messi might take a break from internationals by naming the Barcelona player in his U . S . t o u r squad o n Mond a y .

Messi w i l l lead Argentina in friendlies against Bolivia and Mexico in Texas next month as they prepare for 2018 World Cup qualifiers that start in October. Argentine media had suggested the former World Player of the Year might not take part in the tour after his team lost the Copa America final to hosts Chile on penalties last month, with some criticising his performance in the Santiago decider.

Martino, whose squad was announced on the FA w e b s i t e (www.afa.com.ar).—APP

Anwar Ali, from child labourer S Lanka to give Sangakkara victorious send-off to Pakistan’s latest star K ARACHI —Pakistan

all-rounder Anwar Ali, who once ironed socks for a living as a teenage factory labourer, may have finally found his feet in international cricket after years of unfulfilled promise.

Ali smashed a 17-ball 46 with four towering sixes and three fours to help Pakistan clinch a last-gasp over win in the second Twenty20 against Sri Lanka in Colombo in their recently concluded tour, prompting fans to hail him as the second coming of talismanic all-rounder Shahid Afridi.

“I am thankful to Almighty who helped me reach this point,” Ali, 27, told AFP. “My life was once very tough as I used to work in a sock-making factory but I clung to the dream of playing for Pakistan.”

Ali migrated as a child from the small village of Zaka Khel in the militancywracked Swat Valley that is also home to Nobel peace prize-winning activist Malala Yousafzai.

His family was amongst those who left after extremists began a campaign to rule the valley.

The family made their base in a rundown industrial area of Karachi, where Ali, who lost his father when he was still young, began working as a child labourer for a meagre 150 rupees ($1.50 in current terms) per day.

“Those were very tough days, we came to Karachi in search of peace and safety and as one of the boys of the family I was required to earn and not play,” said the broad-built Ali. While on the way to the factory, Ali would watch boys play in the street, spurring his dreams of one day making it to the national stage.

“I requested my boss to put me in the night shift so that I could play cricket in the day and he very kindly obliged,” recalled Ali. Ali got his lucky break when he was spotted by local coach Azam Khan, who he now calls his mentor and guide.

“I found him enormously talented and asked him to come for the trials,” recalled Khan. “Initially he excused

himself because he would have lost his daily wages in case the trials ran later than scheduled. So, I promised to pay him the 150 rupees if he comes.

“The next day he came and he conquered the trials and everyone was amazed at his bowling,” said Khan.

“But... I couldn´t keep paying him.

Luckily Ali got a job in the Karachi Electric team and from there he never looked back.”

Ali said: “My late father was against my playing cricket but his opinion changed once I made my mark and

started earning from it.”

- Promising start Ali was later picked for the Pakistan Under-19 team which won the Junior World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2006.

It was his banana-swing bowling which turned the tables on arch-rivals India in the final at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo.

Defending a paltry target 109, Ali made the ball turn corners as he finished with figures 5-35, shooting India out for 71.

His victims included Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindar Jadeja — all of whom have made their mark for India in international cricket.

Two years later Ali made an inauspicious international senior debut, in a Twenty20 match against Zimbabwe in Canada. Figures of 0-19 in two overs

meant he was instantly discarded from the team which had Abdul Razzaq as its main all-rounder.

Cast into the wilderness for the next five years, he made it his goal to lift his family from poverty and build them a modest house.

He set about playing in England´s Lancashire league and all but gave up on his international goals. But finally, his hard work paid off.

“I worked on my bowling, on my batting and, above all, my fielding and that brought me back in the Pakistan

team in 2013,” he said.

Ali and Bilawal Bhatti, another promising all-rounder, made their oneday debuts memorable by helping Pakistan record a history-making series win in South Africa in November 2013.

But it was the recent tour of Sri Lanka that established Ali´s place in the Pakistan team after years of inconsistency saw his bowling average balloon to 58.

“It would not be wrong to say that Ali has finally come of age on this Sri Lanka tour,” said coach Waqar Younis. “His fielding is extraordinary and he has improved as batsman as well as bowler. If he keeps working hard he will be our main all-rounder.”

For his part, Ali hopes that he can continue to knock the socks off every opponent.—AFP

Nadal bullish on season-ending success C I N C I N N AT I —The ever-positive Rafael Nadal is confident he can end a disappointing season on a high note as he prepares for an assault on the US Open.

The 14-times Grand Slam winner is competing this week at the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Masters, which he won in 2013, the last time that he played the tournament.

After an injury absence which decimated his 2014 season, the 29year-old has been fighting all year to make improvements to a ranking which dropped to tenth after he failed to win a tenth Roland Garros title in June.

“The last part of the season is important. I want to finish feeling better than when I started,” said the eighth seed.

“This is an important week for me.” Nadal arrived in the Midwest after losing a Montreal quarter-final to Japan’s Kei Nishikori,who withdrew from the American tournament with a hip muscle problem which should be right for the US Open starting in a fortnight.

“I played OK in Montreal, but every week is a different test – a different story. I’m working more than ever to change the dynamic,” said Nadal.

With a two-hour rain interruption slowing a full day’s schedule Ivo Karlovic still found time to produce the first upset of the week as the Croatian hammered 35 aces in a 6-4, 6-7 (1/7), 6-3 defeat of French 10th seed Gilles Simon.

Belgian 13th seed David Goffin beat Lu Yen-Hsun 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.

Former top 10 American Mardy Fish began winding up his Cincinnati career with a defeat of Serb Viktor Troicki 6-2, 6-2.

Fish, who has suffered from a heart-scare problem and full-fledged anxiety attacks, will end his time on court at the US Open after dealing with his worries since 2012.

“I was a little surprised at my level, I hadn’t practised a ton or (practised) particularly well for a little while. I was struggling with my serve,” said the winner, 2010 finalist against six-time champion Roger

Federer.

Fish moved into a second-round challenge with third seed and world number two Andy Murray, who comes to Cincinnati after his Montreal title at the weekend over Novak Djokovic.

Australian Bernard Tomic reached the second round over Sergiy Stakhovsky 6-4, 6-3 while fellow Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis eliminated Fabio Fognini 4-6, 6-2, 63.

In the women’s draw, veteran Venus Williams and young compatriot Coco Vandeweghe both notched wins over Kazakh opposition.

The 35-year-old Williams came back after the rain interruption to finish off Zarina Diyas 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, while Vandeweghe beat Yulia Putintseva 6-3, 6-2.

Wimbledon finalist Garbine Muguruza, the Spanish eighth seed, lost to Yaroslava Shvedova 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) while Roland Garros semi-finalist and 12th seed Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland went out 6-4, 6-3 to Madison Keys.—Agencies

Monaco more important than Otamendi

VALENCIA (Spain)—Valencia

Rafael Nadal of Spain practices during the ATP/WTA Cincinnati Masters, at the Linder Family Tennis Center in Ohio.

coach Nuno Espirito Santo insists his side cannot be distracted by the imminent departure of Nicolas Otamendi as they prepare for the first leg of their Champions League playoff against Monaco on Wednesday.

The Argentine centreback was Los Che’s player of the year last season as they moved to the brink of a return to the Champions League after a three-year absence. However, reports in Spain suggest the 27year-old is on the verge of a move to Manchester City.

“The most important thing is the game tomorrow,” said Nuno at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “We have known for some time that we are going to prepare for this game without the option of Otamendi, but the important thing is that we are going to play a fundamental match for us.”—AFP

C OLOMBO —Kumar Sangakkara gets a chance to bow out in style by leading Sri Lanka to a series-cliching victory in the second Test against India starting in Colombo on Thursday.

The prolific left-hander, the highest run-getter among those still playing at the highest level, will bid adieu to international cricket after the match, ending a glorious 15-year career.

With Sri Lanka leading the threematch series after conjuring a brilliant come-from-behind win in the first Test in Galle by 63 runs, the stage is set at the P. Sara Oval for a Sangakkara special.

The 37-year-old will be desperate to end an unusually barren streak at the venue where he has fallen for zero in each of his last three Tests, including a first-ball duck against Pakistan in June.

Sangakkara scored five and 40 against the Indians in Galle, where Sri Lanka snatched a remarkable victory after seemingly heading for a crushing loss.

The hosts had been reduced to 95-5 in their second innings before lunch on the third day, still 98 runs away from avoiding an innings defeat, when Dinesh Chandimal led the recovery with a brilliant 162 off 169 balls.

Chandimal shared valuable partnerships with Lahiru Thirimanne (44) and Jehan Mubarak (49) to lift the hosts to 367 before veteran left-arm spinner Rangana Herath took over.

Herath grabbed seven wickets as Virat Kohli´s men, chasing a modest victory target of 176, were skittled for 112 soon after lunch on the fourth day.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said nothing less than a series win would be a fitting tribute to Sangakkara.

“We will definitely go for the kill,” he said. “Sangakkara deserves the best possible farewell and only a win can do that. There is so much to play for in this Test.”

Indian team director Ravi Shastri said it hurt to lose at Galle after domi-

nating the Test till the third afternoon, but promised to set things right in the next two matches.

“Matches like Galle hurt you more than some others, because you have dominated the Test and still lost it,” the former all-rounder said.

“You learn from this kind of result quicker than any other kind of result.

Hopefully you will see it in the next few days.” The Indians, victims of several contentious umpiring decisions in Galle, paid dearly for the defiant refusal by their powerful cricket board to adopt the Decision Review System (DRS) for bilateral matches.—AFP

Rogers confirms retirement after Ashes finale LONDON—Chris Rogers is retiring from in- Rogers had suggested it was his plan to make ternational cricket after this week’s Ashes finale against England, the Australia opener announced on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old joins his captain Michael Clarke in retiring from international career after the fifth Test.

He said: “I have had an amazing couple of years playing for Australia and enjoyed it and been part of some pretty special

things—but everything comes to an end.”

England wrapped up the Ashes with victory in the fourth Test that put them 3-1 up in the five-match series.

Tuesday’s confirmation comes after

the Oval his international swansong in what will be his 25th career Test.

Rogers, who has more than 24,000 firstclass runs to his name, made his Test debut in 2008 but did not win his second cap until the start of the 2013 Ashes - at the age of 35.

The determined left-hander has since scored five Test centuries, most recently in Australia’s only victory of this Ashes series at Lord’s.

Rogers suffered a dizzy spell in the second Test at Lord’s and was forced off the field on 49 in Australia’s second innings.

Medical tests revealed the injury was related to a balance problem in the inner ear caused when Rogers was hit on the helmet by a James Anderson bouncer during his Test-best 173 in the first innings. Despite injury doubts he was able to play at the next Test at Edgbaston.

Explaining his decision to accompany Clarke into retirement, Rogers added: “You are never 100 percent sure, but I felt like this (Test at The Oval) was the last one.

“There’s been a few things, particularly the head issues lately, so I am quite happy to call it a day...I’ve been hit in the head a few too many times of late.—AFP

Demand for tickets very high for Sanga’s farewell Test: A precious surprise gift at P. Sara Oval Bipin Dani OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT MUMBAI—The SLC (Sri Lanka Cricket) board officials are not sure whether free entry to the spectators can be granted at P. Sara Oval in Colombo where their legendary cricketer Kumar Sangakkara will be playing his last Test match (August 20-24) of his career. The fans had free entries in certain stands at Galle where Sangakkara played his 133rd Test.

“The demand for tickets and complimentary passes for Sangakkara’s farewell Test is very high and we are not sure whether we can keep gates open for general public for this match”, Kushil Gunasekera, the vice president of the SLC said exclusively over telephone from Colombo.

“No specific demand for number of tickets has been received from Sanga yet, but yes, he will be given as many tickets as he wants and all his family members, relatives and friends will be accommodated in the VIP enclosures. His Trinity College students will form a special enclosure”, he added.

Sangakkara had studied in Kandy’s Trinity College (Kandy), where his principal at the time Leonard de Alwis had ad-

vised Sanga’s mother to encourage him to play cricket and not tennis. “Sanga will have a colorful farewell in many many areas. There will be huge hoardings and colorful decoration in the ground.

His records will be relayed on public announcement system during the breaks”, Gunasekera added. Sangakkara is an ambassador for Foundation of Goodness, a charity institution in Sri Lanka. “Sony company has donated ten thousand US dollars to this institution because of Sanga’s involvement in the project”.

“SLC will give a very precious surprise gift to Sanga on his farewell Test”, he further added.

“The price of this surprise gift can not be weighed in terms of rupees but it will be a life-long remembrance”, Gunasekera added. A golden bat mounted on a crystal bat not costing less than 1.7 Sri Lankan rupees is a “surprise gift” for him, it is learnt here.

The similar gift was presented to Mahela Jayawardene also when this former captain retired last year.

It could not be confirmed the presence of other special invitees for this big occasion, but BCCI’s joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary has already landed in Sri Lanka, it is learnt here.

Low-fat diet more effective than low-carb diet for losing body fat

W

HEN it comes to weight loss, opin ions are divided as to what the best diet is for reducing body fat. To investigate, a team of researchers compared a low-fat diet with a low-carbohydrate diet, finding that cutting fat intake resulted in greater body fat loss.

Image of man running from obese to healthy weight. During this short-term study, a low-fat diet led to the greatest overall body fat loss.

The small but precise study, published in Cell Metabolism, assessed the weight loss of 19 obese adults who were confined to a metabolic ward for two 2-week periods.

Kevin Hall, a metabolism researcher at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), states that many people have strong beliefs about what matters for weight loss, yet the data these opinions are based upon are sometimes lacking.

“I wanted to rigorously test the theory that carbohydrate restriction is particularly effective for losing body fat since this idea has been influencing many people’s decisions about their diets,” he explains. Unfortunately, there are many difficulties that researchers can experience when attempting to monitor how effective a particular diet is. Ensuring that participants stick to meal plans accurately and are truthful in self-reporting can be tricky to achieve.

By keeping the study participants on a ward, however, the researchers were able to control and record precisely what was being eaten. The

participants were admitted to the metabolic ward for two separate dieting periods. During the first, 30% of the participants’ baseline calories were cut solely by restricting carbohydrates while fat intake remained the same. In the second period, 30% of baseline calories were cut by restricting fat intake while carbohydrate intake was unaffected.

Body fat loss was calculated by measuring the difference between daily fat intake and net fat oxidation while participants were inside a metabolic chamber. With a mathematical model, Hall hypothesized that the low-carb diet would lead to changes in the amount of body fat burned by the body and that the lowfat diet would result in the greatest overall body fat loss.

At the end of the study, Hall’s hypothesis was found to be accurate. Although more fat was burned when participants were following the low-carb diet, more body fat was lost during the low-fat dietary period.

“There is one set of beliefs that says all calories are exactly equal when it comes to body fat loss and there’s another that says carbohydrate calories are particularly fattening, so cutting those should lead to more fat loss,” states Hall.

“Our results showed that, actually, not all calories are created equal when it comes to body fat loss, but over the long term, it’s pretty close.

The mathematical model suggests that over a longer period, the body will act to reduce body fat differences between diets that contain equal amounts of calories, regardless of their carbohydrate-to-fat ratios.

Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah presiding over a meeting regarding village gasification at CM House.—NNI

Attack on Godil, murder of Intelligence Officer

Nisar Khuhro doubts a conspiracy to disturb city’s peace STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Sindh Senior Minister for Information Nisar Ahmed Khuhro has said that the murder of Intelligence Officer and attack on MQM Parliamentarian Rasheed Godil was the conspiracy to disturb the peace and political atmosphere of Karachi, which will be coped and their nefarious designs would be curbed and added that city’s peace would be maintained at any cost.

He said that we wouldn’t let the terrorists to dis-

KMC initiates survey of 30 acres recovered land KARACHI—A survey has been initiated of the 30 acres of land recovered by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) in the city’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar area. A KMC official said on Tuesday that those who were Grandeur Art Gallery Zamzama arranged a paintings exhibition on occasion of Indepen- given plots during the now dedence Day. CEO Neshmia Ahmed and other participants are seen in the picture.—PO photo funct KDA either through auction or allotment would be given the possession after the demarcation of the plots.

The Administrator Karachi, Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, chaired a meeting on Tuesday in which it was decided that the survey and demarcation of the area would be carried out where roads, street lights, green belts and amenity will be specially focused on youth in the educaCITY REPORTER tional institutions, teachers, parents and religious plots were allotted.—APP K ARACHI —A drug prevention campaign leaders. “Drug awareness campaign is extremely “Drugs No - Never Ever” was simultaneously crucial four society and it is also the need of launched here Tuesday in nine cities of Sindh hour to sensitize all sections, particulalry youth with around 570,000 people, aged between 15 about social, psychological, economic and to 64, hooked to drugs in one or the other form. physical hazards of drug addiction,” he said.

The Sindh Governor appreciated that the Governor of Sindh, Dr. Ishrat ul Ebad Khan addressing a joint launching ceremony for the overall aim of it is to raise public awareness on campaign said the project gains all the more rel- drugs and its harmful effects on individuals, evance as country under its National Action Plan families and society in general.

Known cricketer, Shahid Khan Afridi, apis strongly committed to combat criminals and terrorists with equal focus on eliminating drug pointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for UNODC’s drug prevention programme to help financing.

The project is being initiated at Hyderabad, youth in Sindh on the occasion refered to reLarkana, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Badin, Mirpur search showing that young people can improve Khas, Nawabshah, Jacobbad, and Khairpur their self-esteem through participating in posijointly by United Nations Office on Drugs and tive social and cultural activities and sports.

These are not only essential tools in better Crime (UNODC), Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, Bureau of International Narcot- handling of stress, increasing academic perforics, Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)-Pakistan mance and improving relationships with family and friends but essentially also strengthens will and US Department of State.

Dr. Ishrat ul Ebad Khan appreciated that this power needed to avoid addiction, he said. more

UNODC’s drug prevention campaign launched in 9 cities

turb the peace of Karachi and operation would be continued till the complete eradication of terrorists.

He said that all the political parties, government and law enforcing agencies were on a same page to eradicate the terrorism from the country.

He informed that a committee has been formed to probe into the attack of MQM leader Rasheed Godil and all the aspects of the attack were being investigated and said that law enforcing agencies would reached to the culprits of the attack and would be ar-

rested soon. He said that if we could arrested the responsible of Safoora Goth tragedy we could also arrest the culprits involved in attack on Rasheed Godil.

He strongly condemned the attack on Rasheed Godil and underlined the need to take action against the terrorists in a more organized way so that people could feel themselves secure. He said that government is taking action without any discrimination and therefore target killing, extortion and other terrorists’ activities is decreased.

Heist: Rs 1m looted from a local bank IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Karachi was jolted on Tuesday by a number of high profile bids of terrorism including attempt to murder on Mutahhida Qaumi Movement (MQM) member national assembly Abdul Rasheed Godil, encounter of paramilitary Rangers with Al-Qaeda terrorists and a bank heist.

In Gulshan-e Iqbal, armed terrorists broke into a private bank, injured a security guard on showing resistance and robbed the bank. They looted millions and

managed to escape in daylight. The bank heist was completed almost in few minutes, which indicates the terrorists were highly trained and had completed their homework for completing their crime with confidence.

It looks as if the terrorists are robbing the banks in order to gather funds for meeting their vested designs of heinous crimes.

According to eyewitnesses, the bank robbed in Gulshan-e Iqbal had seen 4 armed men entering a local branch of Soneri Bank at around 10 a.m. As soon as they entered the bank premise, they attacked a security

guard Zafar Bux 30 with automatic weapon and injured him after which they held the entire bank staffers hostage on gun point and then finished their task of robbing it.

According to Police, the robbers looted around Rs.10 million. Investigation Unit chief SP Farooq Awan while inspecting the bank after the incident, it was observed that the SOP was not fully adopted and even the security guard, who has been injured in the bank heist was also untrained to use weapon he held in his hands.

30pc hike in electricity tariff of residential consumers condemned STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Karachi MPAs Syed Zia Abbas, Sajid Jokhio, Khairun Nisa Mughal and Shamim Mumtaz condemned the abrupt 30 percent hike in electricity tariff for the residential consumers by the Karachi Electric (KE).

In a statement issued from the PPP Media Cell Sindh, they said the KE has claimed that the recent 30 percent hike in electricity

tariff for the residential consumers is made on directives of the federal government.

This unjust and huge increase in electricity tariff would have serious negative impacts on the country as it would push the masses into the dark alley and poverty and pricehike would escalate further, which in return promote the extremism and terrorism.

They said the increase in electricity tariff would create unrest and would hurt the sincere efforts for bringing the terror-af-

fected situation to a stage of normalcy. In return, the government would have to spend manifold to control the unrest and agitation.

They said that though the KE is directly accused of 1300 deaths in Karachi in past months and a case is under hearing in the higher court, the federal government has allowed the KE to carry economic massacre of the residential consumers by increasing 30 percent of the electricity tariff.

Senator Taj Haider for implementation of code of conduct on TVs STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI—Pakistan People’s Party Sindh chapter General Secretary Senator Taj Haider said the PPP wants to keep the political differences in a limited circle with due respect to the political opponents and hence the Pakistan Electronic Media regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has the legal and moral obligation to ensure that the electronic media should confine it in a code of conduct in strict accordance with the existing law of the country.

This he said while representing the PPP in the PEMRA’s council for the complaints and grievances of the people that

emerged as a result of views expressed on private television channels by selective persons against a particular party or a segment of the society, Tuesday.

The PEMRA’s council was headed

by University of Karachi Professor Innam Bari while other members from civil society including Hoori Noorani, Anjum Ara and Lal Majeed were also present.

Senator Haider urged upon the PEMRA to ensure that anything that would contain derogatory, insulting and humiliating and would be lacking proof and just sheer allegations is blocked and not allowed to be telecast.

He said that the PPP leaders in their appearances on television ensure that the debate is done within the established parameters of respect and dignity and avoid leveling of allegations without concrete proof so that the pure political culture should prevail in the society.

The PEMRA council agreed with Senator Haider and endorsed his views on implementation on code of conduct and existing laws that govern the electronic media. They also assured him that in order to seek implementation on recommendations, a detailed report would be sent to the PEMRA for necessary action in this regard.

Rikshaw drivers have parked their vehicles in middle of road to protest against ban on rikshaws in city.—INP

Low-fat diet more effective than low-carb diet for losing body fat

W

HEN it comes to weight loss, opin ions are divided as to what the best diet is for reducing body fat. To investigate, a team of researchers compared a low-fat diet with a low-carbohydrate diet, finding that cutting fat intake resulted in greater body fat loss.

Image of man running from obese to healthy weight. During this short-term study, a low-fat diet led to the greatest overall body fat loss.

The small but precise study, published in Cell Metabolism, assessed the weight loss of 19 obese adults who were confined to a metabolic ward for two 2-week periods.

Kevin Hall, a metabolism researcher at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), states that many people have strong beliefs about what matters for weight loss, yet the data these opinions are based upon are sometimes lacking.

“I wanted to rigorously test the theory that carbohydrate restriction is particularly effective for losing body fat since this idea has been influencing many people’s decisions about their diets,” he explains. Unfortunately, there are many difficulties that researchers can experience when attempting to monitor how effective a particular diet is. Ensuring that participants stick to meal plans accurately and are truthful in self-reporting can be tricky to achieve.

By keeping the study participants on a ward, however, the researchers were able to control and record precisely what was being eaten. The

participants were admitted to the metabolic ward for two separate dieting periods. During the first, 30% of the participants’ baseline calories were cut solely by restricting carbohydrates while fat intake remained the same. In the second period, 30% of baseline calories were cut by restricting fat intake while carbohydrate intake was unaffected.

Body fat loss was calculated by measuring the difference between daily fat intake and net fat oxidation while participants were inside a metabolic chamber. With a mathematical model, Hall hypothesized that the low-carb diet would lead to changes in the amount of body fat burned by the body and that the lowfat diet would result in the greatest overall body fat loss.

At the end of the study, Hall’s hypothesis was found to be accurate. Although more fat was burned when participants were following the low-carb diet, more body fat was lost during the low-fat dietary period.

“There is one set of beliefs that says all calories are exactly equal when it comes to body fat loss and there’s another that says carbohydrate calories are particularly fattening, so cutting those should lead to more fat loss,” states Hall.

“Our results showed that, actually, not all calories are created equal when it comes to body fat loss, but over the long term, it’s pretty close.

The mathematical model suggests that over a longer period, the body will act to reduce body fat differences between diets that contain equal amounts of calories, regardless of their carbohydrate-to-fat ratios.

Provincial Minister for Population Welfare Begum Zakia Shahnawaz speaks during Global Breast Feeding week at Fatima Jinnah Medical University.—DNA

Independence Day celebrations at MCB Bank Head Office STAFF REPORTER

LAHORE—It was a very well attended event with participation from Bank’s staff and their children in large numbers. The ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Bank, Mian Mohammad Mansha and the President & CEO, Mr. Imran Maqbool along with senior management.

The ceremony started with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by flag hoisting. A live band was especially called for the event to play patriotic songs. The Chairman and President also gave out cash prizes to the security personnel of the building who also conducted the parade at the beginning of the ceremony.

Addressing the occasion, the Chairman and the President thanked the staff for their energetic participation. They also reiterated the need for staying together as one nation and to Chairman MCB Bank Mian Mohammad Mansha and Mr Imran Maqbool CEO MCB stay optimistic to encourage cutting ceremonial cake with children of MCB staff.—PO photo positive development in the country.

They further emphasized inculcating positive image in our children through such events as they hold the key to the future of Pakistan.

The event also included activities for the kids i.e. face the invaluable services of Col (R) Shuja Khanzada paintings, games and henna art STAFF REPORTER for the development and welfare of the people of etc. Overall, the ceremony was celebrated with vigour and zest.

LAHORE—Provincial Minister for Minerals and district Attock will be remembered forever.

He said that people of district Attock have Mines Ch. Sher Ali Khan has termed the martyrdom of Col (R) Shuja Khanzada as an irrepa- been deprived of a visionary leader like Col (R) rable loss for the country and the nation. He said Shuja Khanzada. Ch. Sher Ali Khan said that he that Col (r) Shuja Khanzada was playing an im- has also been deprived of a best friend. He said portant role in the ongoing mission of eradicat- that Col (R) Shuja Khanzada did not care the ing terrorism and maintenance of peace in threats of terrorists and sacrificed his life for rooting out the menace of terrorism from the country.

Punjab.

Ch. Sher Ali Khan said Col (R) Shuja He said that the sacrifice of Col (R) Shuja Khanzada was a precious asset of the nation and Khanzada will not go waste and every patriot citithe country and in his death, the country has been zen will further his mission and continue the deprived of a brave and honest hero. He said that struggle till the elimination of last terrorist.

Martyrdom of Shuja Khanzada is irreparable loss to nation: Sher Ali

Tributes paid to Shuja Khanzada

MPs vow to win war against terrorism at all costs CITY REPORTER LAHORE—Punjab Assembly lawmakers paying homage to Shaheed Home Minister Shuja Khandaza have reiterated the government’s resolve to win war against terrorism at all costs.

“Khanzada fought bravely against terrorism and embraced martyrdom. His death is an irreparable loss to the country and now all of us should pledge to con-

tinue late’s mission to root out terrorism from the country,” they added.

MPAs Khawaja Imran Nazir, Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Rana Mohammed Arshad, Yasin Sohal and Lubna Faisal said that Pakistan was confronting with the menace of terrorism and the need was to crusade collectively against this menace.

They said, the nation was fully united behind Pak army and pray for complete success of operation Zarb-e-Azb. They

said, nasty acts of terrorism were a matter of few months and Pakistan would be free from terrorists in near future.

They said, every Pakistani was ready to foil nefarious designs of anti-Pakistan elements who were dancing at the tune of foreign masters.

The MPAs paid glowing tribute to Shuja Khanzada and recounted his contributions in fight against terrorism for return of peace in the country.

CTP to launch crackdown on juvenile drivers L AHORE —The City Traffic Police (CTP) will launch a crackdown against juvenile drivers in the city from September 1.

Addressing a press conference here Tuesday, Chief Traffic Officer Tayyab Hafeez Cheema said a comprehensive strategy was evolved to discourage ju-

venile drivers, adding that an awareness camp would be set up and lectures would be delivered to create awareness among people.

He said the CTP had taken action against 68,965 vehicles with tinted glasses and on violation of traffic rules, 26,910 without number plate vehicles while cases

were got registered in police stations against 926 wheelie doers, he added.

The CTO said that cash rewards and commendatory certificates were awarded to DSPs and inspectors on showing outstanding performance during motorcycle rally on the occasion of independence day.—APP

Anti-dengue teams urged to focus on residential areas CITY REPORTER LAHORE—Chairperson Town Emergency Response Committee for Dengue Lubna Faisal (MPA) has urged the departments concerned to focus on residences during surveillance as more larva was reported from houses.

Presiding over a meeting on anti-den-

gue campaign here on Tuesday, she said that anti-dengue activities had been accelerated in the areas of Cantonment, Lahore cantonment and Walton cantonment boards under the direction of cabinet committee for dengue.

She directed the departments to ensure arrangements of drainage of rainwater from graveyards, ponds and parks on pre-

emptive basis.

She said that strict action would be taken against the responsible without distinction if any complaint of larva presence received, adding an FIR would be registered on negligence. All district officers, health officers, heads of educational institutions and representatives of DHA were present on the occasion.

Better opportunities for educated youth

Court extends remand of Qasim Zia

LAHORE—The govt is strenuously working to rid portunities for the educated youth to play its proac-

LAHORE—An accountability court on reau (NAB) Punjab officials produced the the request submitting that his client resigned

the country of all evils including poverty and joblessness so that the country could soon emerge as an ‘economic giant’ in comity of nations. The policies are aimed to help improve quality of life through education-promotion as well as creating better op-

tive role in national-development and prosperity.

Chairman PEF Engr. Qamar ul Islam Raja stated this while addressing the seminar on ‘professional success: tips and tricks’ at library & information science department of Punjab University.—APP

Tuesday extended physical remand of Qasim Zia, Ex-president PPP Punjab Chapter and Ex-president Pakistan Hockey Federation, in a Rs 80 million scam.

Earlier, National Accountability Bu-

accused before Accountability Court-IV Judge Khaqan Babar and requested the court to extend physical remand for another 15-days.

However, Qasim Zia’s counsel opposed

as director Ali Usman Securities in 2008 after he came to know about irregularities in the firm. He further submitted that the accused had already made payment of Rs 35 million from his pocket to the affectees.—APP

TEVTA appoints Placement Officers SALIM AHMED LAHORE—In order to provide job opportunities to its pass-outs, TEVTA has appointed Placement Officers at Institute level. Institute Placement Officers (IPO) will visit industries of their concerned Districts to arrange jobs.

These appointments will help TEVTA to achieve its target to place 60,000 TEVTA graduates in industry during the year across the province of the Punjab.

It was stated by Chairperson TEVTA Irfan Qaiser Sheikh while addressing a meeting at TEVTA Secretariat.

The meeting was attended by Chief Operating Officer Jawad Ahmed Qureshi, General Managers Hamid Ghani Anjum, Abdul Qayyum, Azhar Iqbal Shad, Abdul Qayyum and other officers.

Irfan Qaiser Sheikh said that TEVTA has enhanced its placement activity at lower level.

At present, TEVTA has posted 20 district placement officers.

Now, the appointment of institute placement officers at institute level will make better coordination with local industry to provide them trained manpower.

Institute Placement Officers are

properly coordinating with concerned district placement officers and placement cell at TEVTA Secretariat to provide placement information on daily basis.

Chairperson TEVTA further said that seven placement officers are working on a special task to visit different industrial zones like Sundar Industrial Estate, Quaid-i-Azam Industrial Estate, Gulberg Industrial Estate, Sheikhpura Road Industrial Estate and Ferozepur Industrial Estate etc. to identify the vacant jobs in various industrial organizations and provision of job opportunities to TEVTA pass-outs.

Chairperson TEVTA Irfan Qaiser Sheikh addressing a meeting. The CEO TEVTA Jawad Ahmed Qureshi, Ahmed Shafiq, Azhar Iqbal Shad, Akhtar Abbas Bharwarna are also present.—DNA