Ep2015dec03

Regulating the media and its right to information Situationer M Ziauddin

T

HE much celebrated vi brancy in our media needs a bit of a pause and urgently too for a self-obligatory introspection to see how we are doing on the credibility and integrity aspects—the most essential media characteristics—and self-correct lapses that may have appeared as sideeffects that go hand-in-hand when the much needed sense of responsibility gets ignored not because of impunity but perhaps because of inadvertently taking the eye off on the ball while enjoying to the hilt our hard-earned freedom.

Meanwhile, the government in its own interest and in the national as well as in the interest of democracy needs to liberate the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) from its control and at the same time the state, again in its own as well as in the national interest must stop blocking the passage of the all important Right to Information Bill.

Let me elaborate. There are many aspects of the PEMRA law that need improvement.

But even in its present form it can serve as a powerful mediaregulatory instrument without becoming too intrusive or too draconian if it is enforced via Parliament rather than through the information ministry.

Media manipulation by the government, any government, even by governments in the advanced democracies is not considered an unhealthy or undemocratic practice. But no government, not even the one with the best of democratic intentions would find it almost

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Today’s issue of Pakistan Observer carries one Page Special Report on International Interfaith Conference, 2015 Islamabad on Page 12.

Karachi killings: Need to step up the operation

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IAEA lauds Pak N-security record ................................................

Hopes for revival of Afghan peace talks

See Page 04

4 involved in APS massacre hanged

Sindh to have 30 more ATCs

ATC sentences two terrorists to 14 years in jail

KARACHI—The pace of ongoing targeted operation in Karachi

TARIQ SAEED PESHAWAR—As the nation prepares to observe the first anniversary of the martyrdom of over 152 people brutally massacred at the Army Public School attack on December 16 last year, four militants declared guilty by the military court of the deadly attack on the APS were hanged in Kohat Central Jail Wednesday morning.

The Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif had signed the black warrant of these convicts on November 30 after the President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussein rejected their clemency pleas.

A group of heartless terrorists had on December 16 2014 carried out one of the most horrific attacks in the history of Pakistan and massacred more than 150 people including 135 school children in Army Public School, Peshawar.

While the incident brought the government and political parties on the same page as they expressed a renewed resolve to fight terrorism in the country, the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also lifted the moratorium on the death penalty in terrorism cases.

Those hanged on Wednesday include Hazrat Ali s/o Awal Baz Khan, Mujeeb ur Rehman alias Ali alias Najeeb Ullah s/o Gulab Jan and Sabeel alias Yahya s/o Atta Ullah and Maulvi Abdus Salam s/o Shamsi Hazrat Ali was convicted of involvement in collecting funds to carry out the APS attack.

Mujeeb ur Rehman alias Ali

PESHAWAR: A soldier standing in a devastated classroom after the 2014 attack by militants on Army Public School. (File photo) alias Najeeb Ullah was found involved in transporting 10 suicide bombers for the attack on a PAF Base in Peshawar and abetment in the APS attack.

Sabeel alias Yahya also found guilty of involvement in the PAF base Peshawar attack as well as abetment in the APS massacre, while Maulvi Abdus Salam, who was a government servant and performing the duties of Peshimam Irrigation department mosque, was found guilty of providing shelter to the terrorists in-

Camp Jail receives threat from banned outfit DR WAQAR CH

volved in the APS attack.

All four terrorists were alleged to be the active members of the Toheed wal Jihad Group (TWJ), reportedly a faction of the Pakistani Taliban and admitted their guilt before the Magistrate and trial court after which they were awarded the death sentences.

The hanged militants were awarded death sentenced along with two other militants by the Military courts set up under the National Action Plan. Two more

convicts Taj Mohammad alias Rizwan and Attiq Ur Rehman alias Usman are still waiting execution on their death sentence.

However, the seventh accused was handed a life term.

In the meanwhile an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Peshawar has awarded 14-year imprisonment to two terrorist after they were convicted in a case for carrying explosives. Shah Husain and Aziz Jamal allies Mahaz were charged for possessing explosives and illicit weapons by

Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in April this year.

The police had caught Shah Hussein red-handed while Jamal had succeeded in fleeing.

Later police arrested him in a surgical raid.

The counter-terrorism personnel had also seized weapons and ammunition from their possession after arrests were made.

The culprits have been shifted to Peshawar Central Jail after sentence on Wednesday, the jail sources said.

Sushma Swaraj may visit Pak next week

LAHORE—The centrally located 85 years old Camp Jail with a

LIAQAT TOOR

population of around 3000 inmates in city on Ferozpur road Wednesday received attack threat from banned outfits.

The official sources told this subscribe that Superintendent Shahram Tauqir Khan today received a 3-line letter through postal services in which it was threatened that “ in coming days jail will be attacked” and name of one of member of the banned outfit with cell number was mentioned. It was brought to the notice of high ups of law enforcing agencies which have started thorough probe into the matter after taking possession of letter packed in the envelope of Pakistan Post Office.

Meanwhile Prisons Department Punjab and city police have been put on high alert while IG Prisons Mian Farooq Nazeer and DIG Lahore Region Mubashar Continued on Page 7

ISLAMABAD—After, the considered to be an ice-breaking meeting between Prime Ministers —Nawaz Sharif and Narendra Modi in Paris, there are bright chances of visit of the Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Pakistan next week to attend the regional conference on Afghanistan, diplomatic sources said.

Indian media quoting reliable sources said on Wednesday in New Delhi, Sushma Swaraj may visit Pakistan next week. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will also attend the moot.

On the sideline of the Global Climate

Change summit in Paris, both leaders shook hands warmly and held a brief talk termed by Nawaz Sharif as ‘good’.

Though Nawaz Sharif declined to give any information about the talks, but he said, “doors of dialogue should open.”

The last Sharif-Modi meeting was held in Ufa in Russia in July last where they decided to go for a meeting between their National Security Advisers in New Delhi. But, it could not be materialised due to Indian insistence to keep it a limited affair. The differences on the agenda ended in its cancellation. Pakistan Foreign Office has not confirmed the visit of Indian Minister.

NAP to cover entire province IRFAN ALIGI would be accelerated and its span would also be expanded. Under the national Action Plan (NAP) the number of anti-terror courts would be increased and 30 more courts would be set up so that the cases of terrorism could be speedily finalised.

Despite the fact that Sindh government always showed reluctance in approving Rangers to act across the province, the incident in which two Military Police personnel were martyred has founded the basis for the extension of role of the paramilitary Rangers across the province. In this regard, the Sindh Apex Committee (SAC) that met Wednesday decided that the law enforcement agencies would also chase the terrorists, who have fled to rural part of Sindh, which means that the paramilitary Rangers would also have the powers to play a wider role against the terrorists across Sindh province as the SAC discussed about the fleeing of the terrorists to safer heavens in rural Sindh.

Chandio while sharing details with the newsmen about this particular and important point also disclosed that the SAC meeting also discussed about the escape of terrorists to rural parts of Sindh and that the meeting has decided that those terrorist that have fled to rural parts of Sindh would also not be spared.

This was decided in an exigent meeting of the Sindh Apex Committee (SAC), which the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah had summoned on Tuesday after the sad incident in which terrorists had targeted two Military Police Personnel, who embraced martyrdom.

The SAP meeting was co-chaired by the CM and Sindh governor Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan. Karachi Corpse Commander Lieutenant General Naveed Mukhtar, Pakistan Rangers Sindh Director General Major General Bilal Akbar, Inspector General of Police, Sindh Ghulam Haider Jamali Sindh Chief Secretary Siddique Memon, Karachi Commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Home Secretary, heads of law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies attended.

The CM’s adviser on information with ministerial status Maula Bux Chandio briefed the newsmen about the decisions taken during the SAC meeting.

Continued on Page 7

2 terrorists killed in Karachi shootout Rs2.5m reward for tip-off MPs assailants STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—At least two suspected terrorists were killed in a shootout with Rangers personnel in Karachi’s Mai Gari Northern Bypass area, said a press release issued by the paramilitary force Wednesday.

Acting on a tip-off, the Rangers conducted a surgical operation targeting the hideouts of suspected terrorists. Upon seeing the Rangers personnel, the suspected terrorists opened fire at the paramilitary force, reads the statement.

Rangers personnel responded with retaliatory firing as a result of which two suspected terrorists were killed.

The targeted terrorists, whose identities were being ascertained, were involved in recent killings of law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) personnel, the paramilitary force said.

The Rangers personnel also arrested at least 10 suspects during raids in different areas of the city within the last 24 hours.

The raids come just a day after two masked men on a motorbike shot dead two army personnel as they targeted a Military Police jeep on MA Jinnah Road, one of the city’s busiest arteries, sowing fear and panic in the neighbourhood.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the Rangers announced a Rs2.5 Continued on Page 7

Rule of law key to stable society STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWAR — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Labour and Mineral Development, Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli has said the rule of law has always played a dynamic role ensuring equilibrium in the human society. The students attached with the faculty of law should prepare themselves to face the new trends and challenges and play their role for the tangible rule of law. The government had already taken fruitful initiatives and was also demonstratively committed to continue its struggle in this regard.

This she stated while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the new campus of Frontier Law College at Pajagi road, Peshawar, on Wednesday.

Security of media houses M ULTAN —City Police Officer Azhar Akram said on Wednesday that security of media houses was being made foolproof to avoid any untoward incident.

Holding a meeting with mediapersons alongwith DCO Zahid Saleem Gondal here, CPO Azhar Akram said that quick action would be taken on threats to media persons and strict monitoring would be made on entry and exit point of media houses. He urged media houses to ensure proper body search of everyone before entering in the building and set up single entry gate, security cameras and scanners.—APP

KP offers attractive opportunities for foreign investment: Khattak

Offensive strategy against militants, extremists stressed

vate sector to operate the mechanism influenced certain independent per- the highest level of gov-ernance with a dominant role. formance monitoring organizations to among all provinces of Pakistan.

He told that such drastic reforms place the present KP government at The Chief Minister further inP E S H AWA R — K h y b e r Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has said that the provincial government is offering attractive opportunities for foreign investment and Malaysian investors should also come forward to exploit the investment potentials in energy, minerals and tourism sectors of the province.

He made this offer to the High Commissioner of Malaysia, Dato’ Dr. Hasrul Sani Mujtabar, who called on him at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat here Wednesday.

The High Commissioner was also accompanying by his wife while the Ad-ditional Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Hamad Awais Agha and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. Shahzad Khan Bangash were also present.

Apprising the High Commissioner of Malay-sia of the reforms introduced by the present PTI-led government, Mr. Khattak said that his government was pursu- PESHAWAR: DATO Dr Hasrul Sani Bin Mujtabar, High Commissioner of Malaysia called on CM KP Pervez Khattak. ing the agenda of change following the aspirations of formed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa established to boost tourism in the be followed by the other prov-inces. youth of the province who Government was also concerned province.

He told that the Pakistani manpower voted the PTI to power. about alarming climate change occurExpressing his views on this occa- studying and working in Malaysia was He said that most public ring across the globe, and in order to sion, the Malaysian High Commis- contributing greatly in economic upservice as well as economic address this issue our government had sioner, Dato’ Dr. Hasrul Sani Mujtabar lift of Malaysia. sectors had been reformed taken a gigantic initiative for planting observed that new era of progress and He said Malaysia has also many and new legislation was en- 1.2 billion trees to grow new forests opportunities of socio-economic de- other attractions for Pakistani tourists, acted and policies framed to throughout the province besides in- velopment was evolving in Khyber immigrants, students, investors and reduce the public sector in- troducing a policy to curb the menace Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of Paki- traders etc. and governments and fluence on the service deliv- of illicit tree cutting. He said that nec- stan and hoped that improvement in people of both countries enjoy corery system and involve pri- essary infrastructure was also being KP’s governance system would also dial friendly relations.

STAFF REPORTER

STAFF REPORTER

Parents, teachers, Ulema, Anti-Corruption Week media coop vital to end polio M IRPURKHAS —Additional deputy

BASHIR AHMAD REHMANI

HAFIZABAD: District Coordination Officer, Hafizabad, Muhammad Usman has said Schools to get IT labs that active cooperation of parents, teachSTAFF REPORTER ers, religious leaders and media is vital for PESHAWAR— eliminating of fatal polio disease from the Khyber country while notable personalities belong Pakhtunkhwa to different segments of society should Minister for also realized their obligations to achieve Education, target of polio-free Pakistan.

Muhammad He was addressing a meeting of DisAtif Khan has trict Anti-Polio Committee, Hafizabad held said that importance of in district complex Wednesday. Arrangeinformation technology ments for three-day anti-polio campaign was widely accepted being lunched from November 14 to 16 adding that education and were reviewed in the meeting. information technology He directed the officers and officials of were indispensable for the health department to take part in antieach other. Any sector polio drive with the passion of national without information service to ensure success of the drive. He technology cannot grow, appeal to the parents, social workers, therefore, the PTI provin- elected representatives, Ulema and teachcial government would ers to cooperate with health worker for establish IT Labs in all ensuring 100 per cent administering of government schools in anti-polio vaccine to the children.MPA the province. These views Malik Fayyaz Ahmad Awan, EDO Health he expressed while Dr. Muhammad Aslam Shaheen, GAR presiding over a briefing Saeed Ahmad Khan, representatives of at a local hotel in World Health Organisation, Dr. Junaid Peshawar regarding Solat and Dr. Abdul Rehman and members establishment of IT Labs of the committee attended the meeting. in government schools.

The meeting was informed that 476 po-

lio teams have been constituted for administrating drops of anti-polio vaccine to 195890 children upto five years children in the district while 81 area incharges and 42 zonal supervisors have been appointed to monitor the drive. Representatives of WHO Dr. Junaid Solat and Dr. Abdul Rehman highlighted importance of antipolio campaign and stated that 289 polio cases were reported from 38 districts of the country during last year and situation was improved by the struggle of health department and International Organisatins in the country.

They said that only 45 polio cases were reported from 19 districts of the country during this year and only one case was reported from district Chakwal of the Punjab. Meanwhile in Sargodha District, anti-polio cam-paign will start from December 14 and will continue till 16. According to a spokesperson of the health department, over 560,000 children under age 5 would be administered anti-polio drops.

He told, all arrangements were being finalized in this regard added that it will be the last campaign of the year as anti polio drops were being administered every three month through door to door campaign. He said that hundred percent results have been achieved in previous campaigns and hoped that the target will also achieved in future.

Commissioner Nisar Ahmad Memon said on Wednesday that all institutions and civil society will have to play their important role in eradicating the menace of corruption from the society.

Addressing a meeting here to chalk out arrangements to observe Anti-Corruption Week from December 7, he said that there were many ways and means for corruption.

He said that to create awareness against corruption, different programs have been planed. He said that programs included FMradio talks, distributing handbills and banners as well as speech competitions among the students beside awareness-walk. Additional commissioner directed to all deputy commissioners to conduct meeting for marking a successful Anti-Corruption Week in their respectively districts.

During the meeting all departmental officers assured their full cooperation for observing the Anti-Corruption Week. The meeting was attended by additional

commissioner I Mirpurkhas Asghar Joyo, additional deputy commissioner I Umerkot Sabhash Chunder, additional deputy commissioner II Tharparkar Nisar Ahmed Memon, Director Secondary schools education and others concerned officers.—APP

P ESHAWAR —The RPOs’ conference held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Inspector General of Police,.

Nasir Khan Durrani in the Central Police Office, Peshawar.

During the meeting, the prevalent security situation was discussed and it was decided to beef up the security of all the sensitive installations.

All the Additional IGPs and the Regional Police Officers of Peshawar, Mardan, Hazara, Malakand, DI Khan, Bannu and Kohat divisions participated in the meeting. It was resolved to adopt offensive strategy against the militants and extremists. The IGP stressed on carrying out joint search and strike operations to purge the settled areas of any militant sleeper cells and their facilitators-cumsympathizers.

It was also highlighted that the police checking on the arteries connecting FATA and tribal areas to the settled areas would be enhanced. While identifying the unregistered motorcycles plying without number plates as the mode of transport of most terrorists and criminals, the IGP directed to launch the crackdown against such motorcycles and vehicles and adopt zero tolerance policy.

It is pertinent to mention that the CIA police pickets have been launched at the jails throughout the province for surveillance of accused / convicts involved in the commission of offences against property (Dacoity, Robbery, Burglary, MV Theft / Snatching), extortion, kidnapping for ransom and ATA cases.

The IGP directed to expedite the process of linking up of the CNIC record of proclaimed offenders of murder cases with the central database. These would be made available on android gadgets handed over to the police personnel deputed at snap checking points and police pickets for arresting the POs of murder cases.

First Aid training for Levies ends FAUZEE KHAN MOHMAND GHALANAI—Two days basic first aid training for local Levies forces concluded here at the office of Assistant Political Agent at Bahi Daag on Wednesday. The course was conducted by First Aid Trainer Muhammad Tariq of the Pakistan Red Crescent Mohmand, who also introduced PRC, the subject of first-aid, treating wounds and bleeding, dealing with burns and respiratory emergencies On the occasion he advised levies forces to adopt basic first-aid methods prescribed by the Pakistan Red Crescent while treating emergency cases.

Muhammad Tariq said that the efforts of the Red Crescent to train target groups of youth for vol-untary work so that the Red Crescent was able to attain their objective of providing “one first-aider in every home”. APA Biazai Abdullah Shah was the chief Guest on the occasion he emphasized the importance of first Aid in our life and said that first aid is not a medical subject.

QUETTA: Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party’s Mehmood Khan Achakzai addressing a public meeting on occasion of Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai’s death anniversary.

World witnessing change from unipolarity to bipolarisation DR WAQAR CH L AHORE —Although, discussion of global political machinations needs space and time for which a Whatsapp group is not quite well suited but still useful reading can be shared like wars and the world going from unipolar to bipolarisation.

Vice President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman United Business Group and veteran trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik said while talking to this scribe tracing the history said that after the World War II people around the world thought that it was last major war on Earth. However, this does not look appearing now.

In 1944, major countries of the world gathered in New Hampshire (Bretton Wood Conference) to declare dollar as a world currency backed by gold (Gold Standard). The United States had reserved gold to print paper money and hence the US started printing money and was enjoying the economic boom at home.

He said from 1945 to 1965 everything was fine but in 1965 the US had war with Vietnam and as a result the American economy started tumbling.

Until 1970 US was printing more and more dollar to overcome financial cri-

sis. This made countries to start disbelieving in dollar and asking for gold in return of dollar. As the US had printed more dollar than gold it had. Redeem of gold would have destroyed US economy. Therefore, the then US president Richard Nixon ended gold back dollar and started printing more and more dollar to strengthen the economy.

Iftikhar further stated that dollar value in international market was gradually plunging, as it was only paper money not backed by gold. President Nixon took very smart move, as he went to Arab and asked to take dollar in exchange of oil. The US President also promised to give protection and weapons (This is called PetroDollar system). This was first seed sow for current war. Other OPEC members (Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela) also followed Arabia exchange policy. The US economy started emerging but other countries (China and Japan etc) had to make export oriented policy to get dollar to purchase oil. The US economy is like a vehicle, which cannot run without oil, he added.

In 1999 enemy of dollar had come into the picture “Euro”. In 2000, Iraqi President (Russia-China pro) Saddam

Hussain decided to sell oil in Euro and counter-pole. Natural gas has become assured death warrant of him. US the favored “clean energy” source for economy (dollar) might derail if Iraq the 21st Century and the EU is the and other OPEC members follow it. In world’s largest growth market for gas, 2003 Bush invaded Iraq pretending of a major reason US wants to break the chemical weapons to save their dollar Russia-EU supply dependency to and destroy the entire country. Iraq weaken Russia and keep control over again started selling oil in dollar. the EU via loyal proxies like Qatar.

Libya’s Gaddafi deHe said that the world’s clared to use gold Dinar largest known natural gas for oil in 2010. He also reservoir sits in the middle tried to form African of the Persian Gulf stradunion and was plandling part in the territorial ning to launch a satelwaters of Qatar and part in lite which was going to Iran. China signed agreeserve African nations. ment with Iran to develop Gaddafi step was gas pipeline infrastructure against US and Euroto bring the gas to China. pean nations who have In July 2011, the governbeen sucking entire Afments of Syria, Iran and Iraq rica continent for years. signed an historic gas pipeSo, the US and EU in- Iftikhar Ali Malik, Vice line energy agreement and vaded Libya and killed President SAARC CCI this triggered US-SaudiGaddafi. Syria moved away from the Qatari war to remove Syrian president dollar in 2006 and Iran in 2008.

Assad. This pipeline would run from the He stated that now US has to keep Persian Gulf (in Iran), to Damascus in Russia and China away from natural Syria via Iraq territory. The agreement resources (oil and natural gas) and has would make Syria the center of assembly to compete Euro/Yuan/Rubel as well. and production in conjunction with the Today the US-backed wars in Ukraine reserves of Lebanon. This is a geopolitiand in Syria are but two fronts in the cal strategic space that geographically same strategic war to cripple Russia opens for the first time, extending from and China and to rupture any Eurasian Iran to Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.

Shortly after signing with Iran and Iraq, on August 16, 2011, Bashar alAssad’s Syrian Ministry of Oil announced the discovery of a gas well in the Area of Qarah in the Central Region of Syria near Homs.

Russia, with Assad in power, would be a major investor or operator of the new gas fields in Syria. Iran ultimately plans to extend the pipeline from Damascus (Syria) to Lebanon’s Mediterranean port where it would be delivered to the huge EU market. Syria would buy Iranian gas along with a current Iraqi agreement to buy Iranian gas from Iran’s part of South Pars field.

Iftikhar Ali Malik said that Qatar, today the world’s largest exporter of LNG, largely to Asia, wants the same EU market that Iran and Syria eye. For that, they would build pipelines to the Mediterranean. Here is where getting rid of the pro Russian-Iranian-Chinese Assad is essential. In 2009 Qatar approached Bashar al-Assad to propose construction of a gas pipeline from Qatar’s north Field through Syria on to Turkey and to the EU. Assad refused, citing Syria’s long friendly relations with Russia.

That refusal combined with the Iran-Iraq-Syria gas pipeline agreement in 2011 ignited the full-scale Saudi and

Qatari along with US assault on Syria and cause of rise of ISIS. ISIS is now war army of US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and many other countries. The US announced attack on ISIS but wanted to capture Syria. Now in counter attack Syrian president called his alliance Russia and China.

Now world is on the verge of polarization; Russia, China, Iran, Syria, Iraq... and US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UK...The US is trying to rapture EU economy to down euro using IMF by weaken its member countries economies. Greece is one of the victims recently (Spain, Italy, Portugal are in queue). Saudi Arabia is manipulating oil price to weaken Iran indirectly Russia. China is in currency war with US. China did de-value its currency to compete with dollar (China market crash in Aug-Sept).

France voted against Israel for Palestine in UN in Sept-Oct 2015, recognized as a state and stabbed to Israel, and looking for 2 states solution theory. France had to pay for this by attack in Paris. China is capturing African countries and making lot of investment. Mali is recently attacked because its President went to china door to ask help and get rid of US occupied gold mines ends.

PTI activists stage sit-in BASHIR AHMAD REHMANI HAFIZABAD—The activists

HYDERABAD: Members of Sindh United Party holding a rally against killing of Dr Anwar Laghari on Wednesday.

Pak, US share experience of managing diversity: US Consul FAISALABAD —US Consul General Lahore Zachary V. Harkenrider said on Wednesday the United States and Pakistan were sharing their experience of managing their diversity through democratic systems of government. He said this during his visit to the Lincoln Corner at Government College University Faisalabad. He gave an interactive presentation on the US Federal Government and Federal Elections to the students from various disciplines of the university.

“We have much to learn from each others experience”, he said. He said the Lincoln Corner, which was opened to public in January 2014,

Security forces defuse two IEDs FAUZEE KHAN MOHMAND

was a partnership between the US Embassy, public libraries, and other institutions in Pakistan. He said the Lincoln Corners located within universities, public libraries and other institutions, were platforms for providing information about the United States, English Language learning, Education USA, cultural programmes and alumni activities.

These corners also promote open dialogue, counteract negative preconceptions and build bridges of understandings, he said, adding that visitors of Lincoln Corners gain free access to Wi-Fi and current and reliable information about the United States through books, maga-

Notorious dacoit arrested WAHEED PHULPOTO S HIKARPUR —A notorious dacoit Kalia Banglani was arrested in an encounter took place at link road between the police and the dacoits in Katcha area in the jurisdiction of Naparkot po-lice station on Wednesday in early hours.

Receiving the spy information the Criminal Investigation Agency [CIA] Police party led by CIA incharge Abdul Qadir Chandio raided on the dacoits hiding in katcha area.

The dacoits opened fires on police when they saw police coming towards them.

As a result of an encounter one of the notorious dacoit identified as Abdul Majeed Aka Kalia Banglani wanted in many heinous offences was injured and arrested with a Kalashnikov. While the other his accomplices dacoits slipped away from the place of firing.

The injured dacoit was admitted in District Headquarter [DHQ] Hospital Shikarpur here for medical treatment. Further police investigation is underway till this story was filed.

During meeting, the VC GCUF appreciated the efforts of US Embassy for disseminating knowledge at the grass root level. He said that it was time to tell the people about the services of US which were being rendered in different fields like strengthening of defense, economic stability, cultural exchange and restoration of peace.

He stressed the need for peace and said that it was necessary for prosperity and development in the country. Dr. Haq Nawaz Dean Faculty of Art and Social Sciences GCUF and Coordinator Lincolns Corners Ms. Kinza Umar Khan were also present on the occasion.—APP

STAFF REPORTER KARACHI —Rich tributes were paid to the great visionary and reformer of the subcontinent Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and his educational efforts were highlighted in the seminar held by Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology at the campus. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan devoted his entire life for emancipation of Muslims of South Asia and Islamic renaissance.

Addressing the seminar, Jawaid Anwar, President, Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys’ Association (AMUOBA), and Chancellor, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), said that Sir Syed Ahmed Khan intro-

duced the thought of Islamic culture in the subcontinent and promoted the idea of getting western education without affecting religious doctrines and character.

He established an institute that imparted modern education to the Muslims focusing on character building. He pointed out that Muslims are still in the state of disintegration and confusion. And it is our duty to find its solution. The fact is that when Muslims ignored education, they were left behind in the world. Now is the right time to follow the Sir Syed’s ideology and take guidance from his philosophy. It is hard to neglect the importance of Sir Syed’s educational efforts.

Foggy weather lurks I SLAMABAD —Mainly dry weather is expected in most parts of the country during the next 24 hours. However, foggy conditions are likely in Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Multan and Sukkur divisions during morning hours. According to the Met office, weather remained cold and dry in most parts of the country.

However, fog blanketed plain areas of Punjab during last 24 hours.

In the city minimum tem-

perature was recorded 10.8 degree celsius while maximum remained 23 degree celsius on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Multan Met of-

fice has forecast dry weather for the city and its suburbs during the next 24 hours.—APP

Governor approves several uplift schemes STAFF REPORTER

P ESHAWA R —Khyber Pakhtunkhwa GHALANAI—Security forces Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan defused two Improvised Explosive Devices planted by unknown miscreants in the Pak-Afghan border area of Mohmand tribal region here on Wednesday security officials told newspersons.

Security officials said that locals resident told the security officials that some IEDs were planted by unknown miscreants in Sheikh Baba Gulono area of Safi tehsil.

Security sources said that Bomb Disposable Squad personnel were called from Mamad Gat FC camp where they first defused one IED while when they were going ahead they defused another IED in the same area.

Security forces also cordoned off the adjoining areas and conducted search operation in the area but no one arrested till filling the report.

zines, videos, internet, database, and programs for general public.

He said that currently, there are 16 Lincoln Corners in various cities of Pakistan including Faisalabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Muzaffarabad, Peshawar, Karachi, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Khairpur, Larkana, Hyderabad, Skardu and Multan.

Each corner has been staffed by Lincoln Corner Coordinator, a bilingual Pakistani professional who is available to assist visitors with specific interests about the United States, he added. US Consul General Harkenrider during his visit also met with the Vice Chancellor of GCUF Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali.

of PTI staged sit-in demonstration in front of the DCO office to protest against the manoeuvring the fake victory of Ch. Afzal Hussain Tarar father of State Minister for National Health Services ,Regulations and Coordination, as Chairman Union Council No.8((Kolo Tarar).

Led by former MNA Ch. Mehdi Hassan Bhatti ExPresident PTI Hafizabad District Ch. Amanullah Sandhu, the charged activists raised vociferous slogans against the DCO, Returning Officer Allah Ditta Warraich and Afzal Tarar for changing the November 19 local bodies election in which Ch. Mamoon Jafar Tarar had been declared elected as Chairman of the Union Council.

They further said that the RO made bogus recounting of votes by rejecting the votes of the winner of PTI. Ch. Mehdi Hassan Bahtti and Ch. Amanullah Sandhu alleged that the RO and the local administration manoeuvred fake victory of Ch. Afzal Hussain Tarar as Chairman Union Council No.8 (Kolo Tarar) to please his daughter.

They declared that they would continue ‘gherao’ of the office of the DCO and RO and called upon the Election Commission of Pakistan to probe into the ‘new style of rigging” made by the RO by yielding to the pressure of PML-N rulers.

‘Sir Syed’s education services can’t be ignored’

has approved various development schemes of over Rs.1609 million for the development and prosperity of tribal region and reiterated his pledges that the incumbent government will not leave a single stone unturned in his endeavour to bring lasting peace and socio-economic development of this marginalized region.

He further emphasized that with the dignified return of TDPs, drastic measures would be taken for their immediate settlement and rehabilitation.

He said that socio-economic uplift

and the development of Federally Administered Tribal Area was the foremost priority of the incumbent government not only to address the grievances of tribesmen but also to ensure a better future of tribal people.

He expressed these views while chairing a 1st meeting of the FATA Development Council here at Governor’s House Peshawar on Wednesday. Besides, Additional Secretary SAFRON, Tariq Hayat, Additional chief secretary FATA, Muhammad Aslam Kamboh, Secretary Law & Order FATA, Shakil qadir, Secretary AI&C FATA Zaheer ul Islam, Secretary Social sector FATA, Waqar ul Hassan, Additional secretary Planning & De-

velopment FATA, Yousaf Ra-heem, Chief Economist FATA, Shah Mehmood, Political Agent Khyber agency and other relevant officials from FATA Secretariat also attended the meeting.

A detailed briefing was also given to the governor regarding the different development schemes in FATA. During the meeting, FATA Development Council under the chairmanship of the governor approved the total development outlay of Rs. 1609.455 million for the various development schemes in FATA. In which Rs. 307.579 million has been approved for the construction of 19 Kms Bara to Teerah Maidan road.

Seminaries urged to teach tolerance, harmony C HAKWAL —Religious seminaries should wards the rights of people having differplay their vital role in promoting harmony and pluralistic approach, said leading religious scholars while addressing a series of training sessions on “how to shun sectarianism” held here at different religious madaris on Wednesday.

Shaoor Foundation for Education and Awareness (SFEA) conducted different sessions on religious schools of Chakwal city including Jamia al Habib, Jamia AbuHanifa and Madrassah Anwar-ul-Islam while leading religious scholars like JUI (F) District President Maulana Atta ul Rehman, Allama Mahmood ul Hassan Naqshbandi, Tanzeem-E-Ahl-E-Sunnat District President Maulana Mumtaz Qadri and Allama Hafiz Zaheer Haleem addressed the sessions and enlightened the students regarding Islamic preachings to-

ent faiths or different school of thoughts.

First session was held at Madrassah Anwar-ul-Islam, which is being run by one of very prominent religious personality Maulana Abdul Haleem. While addressing the session, Head of Education at Madrassah Allama Hafiz Zaheer shared his viewpoint and discussed in details that Islamic teachings never allow its follow-ers to impose their beliefs on others. He said that “we shall respect others’ beliefs and rather than using forceful tactics or by maligning others, we should only try to attract by our good deeds and positive behavior”. While quoting different examples and incidents of the Prophet (PBUH) life, Allama Zaheer emphasized on religious and sectarian harmony and termed it the major player in national growth.—APP

‘PPP, PML-N govts did nothing for people’ SHER GONDAL M ANDI

B AHAUDDIN — President of Mustaqbil Pakistan Union Council Wasu Mian Arshad Mahmood has said that PPP and PML-N during their tenure of rule have done nothing in Mandi Bahauddin district for people belonging to rural area. He was addressing here at Wasu while distributing MP identity cards to new members.

He said farms to markets roads are in shamble. Health facilities are not only inadequate but also poor. He said establishment of DHQs hospital was approved in 2005 but PPP during its tenure stopped the project on the pleas of short of funds. However, later construction of the project began in 2010 but again the work stopped due to reasons not known to public.

He said billions of funds were being wasted on projects in metropolitans but sadly enough incumbent government has deliberately ignored rural areas for providing inhabitants their basic rights – access to health facilities and education. He said similarly education schools are less in number to meet children education. Parents have to get their children admitted in private schools where fees are very high.

He said people have lost confidence in the old political parties and were in search of some new party. He said Mustaqbil Pakistan Party is the one which can put the country on the right path; path CHAKWAL: A view of active sessions on ‘How to Shun Sectarianism’ in religious schools. to development, prosperity.

ZHOB: Commandant Col Hayat handing over a cheque of Rs 50,000 to Headmaster of Government High School, Khankai, in presence of Deputy Commissioner Sherani Azeem.

Pak asylum-seekers return from Norway ATLE HETLAND

country. However, most of them are returned to the counISLAMABAD—Norway has a try where they came from, if large and well-established that country is considered Pakistani community of safe, such as Russia. “Many some 40,000 people, includ- have already been returned to ing successful profession- Pakistan as their applications als, business people and are obviously without merit”, politicians. Gujratis and oth- says Tore Nedrebø, Norwegian ambassador in Pakistan.

Like in other European countries, the high number of asylum seekers has recently increased sharply. By the end of 2015, Norway will have received up to 40,000 applicants, including some 400 from Pakistanis, and a higher number from Afghans.

Many of them are single young men, and they are rarely genuine asylum seekers. “Few are entitled to protection and they are putting Tore Nedrebø, Ambassador an unnecessary burden on of Norway to Pakistan the Norwegian system”, says ers began coming to Nor- Nedrebø. Last week, new legway in the 1970s, and today islative amendments were the community is made up passed so that asylum seekof three generations new- ers, who are obviously not entitled to protection, can be Norwegian citizens.

Family reunifications asked to leave speedily or rehave added to the number turned forcefully. However, of the original immigrants. Norway is generally known For other potential immi- for its generous refugees asgrants, it is very difficult to sistance programme.

Ambassador Nedrebø enter Norway. Norway already has over half a million explains that for a person to people born outside the be considered for asylum country in a total population under the international Refugee Convention he or she of about five million.

Recently, as part of the must be in real need of prolarge European immigration tection; those who are likely and refugee crisis, some Paki- to be denied asylum will have stanis also try their luck ap- to leave. “Applications from plying for residence in Nor- Pakistani nationals generally way, often crossing the bor- fall in this category”, says the der station at Storskog from Norwegian ambassador in Russia in the far north of the Islamabad.

Arrested CMC students doing papers inside police station GHULAM RASOOL GORAR L ARKANA —Arrested students of Chandka Medical College (CMC) of Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU) attempted examination papers inside Police Station, Larkana. College administration deployed the Rangers and Police in and outside examination hall during ongoing examination.

Apprehended 12 students of 2nd year appeared in examination inside Civil Lines Police Station, Larkana, who were booked in FIR lodged with Rahmatpur Police Station by Principal of CMC Dr Sher Muhammad Shaikh against 30 students who were allegedly involved agitation and attack on administration block and breaking of glass gates and ransacking furniture of final years lecture hall during the symposium.

Clash had erupted between students of 1st year and administration of Chandka Medical College during Anatomy paper, college administration alleged that students were using unfair means during theoretical paper of Anatomy and deployed the Police and Rangers inside the exam hall and outside the premises of college to maintain the law and order situation. On the other side, student leaders told media that college administration called the police.

Karachi killings: Need to step up the operation

MEDIA WATCH

Strategy against ISIS needs to be clearer

T

ERRORISTS struck a blow once again to the peace and order return ing to the mega city of Karachi when two Military Police personnel were martyred during the broad daylight on Tuesday. It was the second such assault on security forces in two weeks in a sudden surge of targeted attacks which indicate that the remnants of terrorist organisations were regrouping and desperately targeting the law enforcement agencies and sow a sense of fear and uncertainty among the people for the attainment of their nefarious designs.

Stray attacks cannot be ruled out when clean up operations are carried out any where but the targeting of the military men on the busy MA Jinnah road after which the terrorists on a motorcycle escaped without any challenge indicates that there was a thorough planning for the execution of the heinous act. The killing of two military police personnel is an attack on Pakistan army and the State and we are certain that the perpetrators of the act would be nabbed soon and punished for their crime. The incident has been condemned from the President and the Prime Minister to the Chief Minister while the Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif made it clear that such attacks cannot shake the national resolve to root out terrorism from our soil once and for all. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan announced for speeding up the operation but as we have been pointing out its success depends on wholehearted cooperation of the political leadership to the security forces and political expediency should in no way be allowed to come in its way. Unfortunately when some one belonging to a political party is arrested on charges of supporting terrorists, politicians of that party start levelling allegations of partiality. The same is happening in Sindh these days and majority of the concerned citizens are talking about slow down in the operation. We would, therefore, impress upon all the stake holders, the Rangers, Police and the government to speed up the operation against terrorist outfits and gangs of all sorts and their backers as those working against the country and attacking its institutions deserve no leniency.

IAEA lauds Pak N-security record D

IRECTOR-General International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano has spoken high of Pakistan for its nuclear safety and security record, expressing satisfaction with the implementation of IAEA safeguards in consistent with its undertakings. The appreciation came during a meeting of Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhary with him in Vienna where he told him that Pakistan accords highest importance to nuclear safety and security as its national responsibility.

The Foreign Secretary also briefed his Austrian counterpart, among other things, on nuclear safety and security issue, telling him that as a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan’s nuclear policy rests on the twin pillars of restraint and responsibility, and is exclusively geared towards maintaining strategic stability in South Asia. This is not for the first time that Pakistan has affirmed its position vis-à-vis nuclear security and safety and the IAEA has reposed confidence in the ability of the country to take care of its nuclear facilities.

The IAEA has always been satisfied over safety measures taken by Pakistan at safeguarded plants and facilities. It is understood that if the country can effectively manage affairs at IAEA safeguarded facilities then it also has the capability to do so in the case of weapons-related installations and assets.

Pakistan’s command and control system also been time and again appreciated by experts and leaders in the United States but despite all this some vested interests continue to mount propaganda campaign against Pakistan’s nuclear assets. They have been hammering out the idea that these could fall into the hands of extremists and terrorists, forgetting that if the United States and other countries are unable to exactly locate these assets then how is it possible for non-state actors to lay hands on them. This jaundiced and highly prejudiced approach justifiably raises questions about real motives of those behind this propaganda. There is no other way to address the nuclear issue in South Asia than to apply a uniform policy and openly acknowledge the reality that Pakistan like India is also a nuclear power. Discriminatory attitude is real cause of alarm in Pakistan and the country is forced to pay more attention to diversify its nuclear programme with a view to safeguarding its security interests.

Hopes for revival of Afghan peace talks A

FTER a hiatus of several months, there are now hopes for revival of the stalled Afghan reconciliation process as the Afghan Government seems to be taking renewed interest in resumption of the process. Pakistan has consistently been offering that it is more than willing to facilitate reconciliation but Kabul had been cold-shouldering the offer.

Pakistan has proved its credentials as an honest and sincere peace-broker by successfully holding first round of Kabul-Taliban face-to-face talks in Murree but the process was scuttled by Afghan officials by deliberately leaking information about death of Mullah Umar. Since then Pakistan always maintained that it would facilitate the process if so desired by Afghan Government but there was no positive response from the other side. According to reports, the Afghan President was not even in a mood to meet Pakistan Prime Minister and the ice melted after a delegation of Pakhtoon political leaders visited Kabul and persuaded him to come out of non-cooperative mode. This followed a bilateral and trilateral meeting between Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Afghan President (trilateral with the British Prime Minister) in Paris. Now there are reports that representatives of Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the United States would sit together to hammer out plan for next round of talks and some progress is expected during forthcoming visit of Mr. Ashraf Ghani to Pakistan to attend Heart of Asia conference. Prolonged conflict has ruined Afghanistan and there is dire need to take measures for restoration of peace and stability there but one fails to understand the lukewarm attitude of Afghan Government towards the reconciliation process. The process has chances of success especially because Pakistan has launched a decisive action against all kinds of militants and there is now conducive atmosphere for taking the dialogue process to fruition. It, however, seems that like his predecessors, President Ghani too is relying more on continued presence of foreign troops on his soil to crush resistance forces, an approach that is unlikely to yield any positive outcome.

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A matter of shame perjury carries exemplary punishment, ruthless enough for to try and avoid giving Ikram Sehgal people a statement under oath lest that Email:ikram.sehgal@smswppl.com statement (or part thereof) be detected to be false.

To quote my article “TargetALSELY accusing its security ing perjury” (July 15, 2010), “Loss of officer of burning pages of the faith in the judicial system can become Holy Quran. A violent mob a very potent breeding ground for vigiconsisting of people from the adjoin- lantes. Social upheaval turning violent ing villages attacked the Pakistan can spill over into the Pakistani heartChipboard Factory in Jhelum on Nov land. In criminal trials, the punishment 20. Sent by Chief Minister Shahbaz should be exactly what the accused Sharif when the riots broke out, MPA would have got if the evidence had Mehar Muhammad Fiaz claims most been held to be correct.” At the same men in the mob were drunk and were time we must avoid polarising society only there to steal valuables. Accord- by fuelling the controversy of amending to the Punjab lawmaker, “Though ing/changing the blasphemy laws, both it had nothing to do with religion, they Ms Benazir and Musharraf tried it stormed the factory on the excuse of without success. If the laws are made blasphemy allegations.” strong against bearing false witness, The police arrived too late to pre- miscarriages of justice will not take vent the mob vandalising the factory place, and it will not be confined to and premises on an organised basis, blasphemy alone. taking away every usable item. By Consider the sacrifices rendered the time the military arrived around by our minority communities in the 12:30 am the factory had burnt to wars that Pakistan has fought, Capt ashes. Taking advantage of the inef- (later Lt Col) Javed Jalal, given up for ficiency/indifference of the law en- dead with 27 bullets in his body, or forcement agencies (LEAs), mobs Maj (later Maj Gen) Julian Peter, also torched Ahmadi places of wor- wounded commanding a rifle comship in Jhelum over those false blas- pany and refusing evacuation and phemy allegations the next day. fighting on till the surrender on Dec The Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) 16, 1971? One of the few Nishan-imust introduce draconian punish- Haiders awarded in 1971 went to ments for bearing false witness. My Lance Naik Mehfuz of 15 Punjab, the article, “Perjury” (Feb 12, 2010), said unit Col Cyril Leonan was commandthat “giving false statements under ing in battle. Late Group Capt Cecil oath is perjury plain and simple, and Chaudhry more than deserved his perjury is a punishable offence. The Sitara-i-Jurat (SJ) in 1971 for pressOxford Dictionary defines perjury as ing home his low-level attacks on In‘an act of willfully telling an untruth dian air bases despite heavy ground when on oath,’ and goes on to use fire. Other than religion, nothing is the words, ‘lying, mendacity, men- more sacred to Pakistan than our daciousness, falsification, deception, nuclear assets, explain why Brig untruthfulness, dishonesty, duplicity.’ Simon Sharaf (Retd), an esteemed A perjurer is a criminal and must be colleague in the Pakistan Ex-Servicetreated as one.” In most countries, men Association (PESA), was trusted

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by GHQ to help craft our nuclear policy? One can go on and on!

At around midnight on Dec 12, 1971, Lt Col (later Brig) Mohammad Taj SJ & Bar, Commanding Officer (CO) 44 Punjab (now 4 Sindh) assembled his orders “O” Group adjacent to Sanohi village near Chor. 60 Bde of 33 Div had been moved posthaste from Rahimyarkhan to reinforce the Chor-Umerkot line and stop the rot that had made 55 Bde almost nonexistent, at least for some time. HQ 33 Div had taken over operational responsibility from 18 Div on 12 Dec. Till we were force-marched to Chor under incessant air attacks, there was no infantry between Sanohi Bridge and the guns of 26 and 40 Field. Among the grim faces in the semi-darkness were Lt Gen K M Azhar, Governor (than) NWFP and Maj Gen Nasir GOC 33 Division, both had been wounded during an Indian air attack during the day. The mission given to 44 Punjab was rather desperate, capture the ridge overlooking Sanohi Village in a two-company attack before first light Dec 13 so as to deny the Indians physical domination of Chor and the area surrounding by direct fire. In many ways it was a last throw of the dice, it was do or die! When the CO asked for questions, one of the company commanders excused himself as having heart pains, another said his ankle was badly sprained. There was stunned silence in the makeshift dugout!

Col Taj calmly turned to Capt (later Maj Gen) Fahim Akhtar to take over the left forward Alpha Company, he ordered my Delta Company to replace Bravo Company as the right forward company. Contrary to all our teachings, our Forming Up Place (FUP) was next to a battery of 40 Field commanded by Maj (later Lt Gen) Hamid Niaz. Offering us “tea, sukhi

roti and Dal,” Hamid Niaz cheerfully announced we could not be “Shaheed” on an empty stomach.

Capt Naseer Tariq and 2/Lt Hanif Butt (or Singawala as we affectionately knew him) vociferously volunteered to go with us into the unknown.

To quote my article “The Ides of March Again” on March 2013 “A captain and second lieutenant stood out cheerfully brave in the Chor desert in December 1971, fighting for their country and willing to die for it.

Being “Ahmadis” they left the Army a few years later as Majors, retiring as outstanding soldiers.

One is proud that these courageous sons of the soil are still my friends 42 years later, notwithstanding their shortened career they still swear by the uniform they wore and the country they boldly defended, and later again in Balochistan in 1973.

Where were “the defenders of the faith” (of the warped version that is) when these two were willing to give the ultimate sacrifice?” unquote.

Leaders must take action to protect the minorities, realising their responsibilities they must have the courage to go with conviction. To quote David Seabury, “Courage and conviction are powerful weapons against an enemy who depends only on fists or guns. Animals know when you are afraid; a coward knows when you are not”. Those that raise their hand on the weak and helpless are nothing but animals and cowards.

Naseer Tariq is the owner of the ashes that is left of Pakistan Chipboard. Tariq, you were there when this country and we needed you, we can only hang our head in shame that neither this country nor we were there for you when you needed us!

— The writer, retired army officer, is a leading defence and security analyst.

Bangladesh war crimes tribunal of alleged war crimes committed in 1971 by people who were fighting for the unity Ali Ashraf Khan lawfully of Pakistan.

Email:balti1551@gmail.com David Bergman, a British journalist and human rights activist who is married N Sunday last Bangladesh to a Bangladeshi and lives in executed two opposition Bangladesh has been watching the leaders for the war crimes trials of the disputed tribunal and committed during the country’s 1971 criticizing the proceedings on the insurgency also considered a ‘War for pages of a blog because his critical Independence’; despite threats of vio- articles would not be printed in lence by their supporters and inter- Bangladeshi newspapers. Bergman national concerns that the legal pro- analysed the trial for many of the ceedings were flawed and the very accused in detail in his blog. With establishment of Bangladesh War regard to the proceedings of Crimes Tribunal in 2009 was not in Salahuddin Chowdhury he pointed accordance with International stan- out six basic flaws that were comdards. Critiques say that the verdict mitted by judgesm were heard of trihas no moral ground as the charges bunal. First and foremost the judge framed against those leaders of op- restricted the number of witnesses position parties could not be credibly to only four that defence was alpersecuted by a tribunal of doubtful lowed to produce in order to counter credentials. In addition; The tribunal 20 separate offenses that had been has been neglecting the fact that the put up against Choudhury. How can accused at that time have been acting 20 offenses be countered by only under the law of the land that was four witnesses?

Pakistan and can’t be tried under the And what more, the Tribunal did laws of another land. not impose any restriction on the numThese men – Jamat-e-Islami gen- ber of witnesses that the prosecution eral secretary, Ali Ahsan Mohammad could summon, and the prosecutors Mujahid, and Bangladesh National- called 41 witnesses; all of them were ist Party leader Salahuddin Quader heard. Another complaint is the reChoudhry had been convicted two stricted time that had been provided years ago by the Bangladesh war to make defense case, compared to crimes tribunal investigating abuses time provided to the prosecution. And during the revolt of Awami League- at the end, the judge did not acknowlled anti-Pakistan secessionist move- edge affidavits of six witnesses from ment in 1971 for independence from Pakistan and the US alleging that those Pakistan, which was financed and were ‘manufactured’. physically supported by India whose Toby Cadman, a British lawyer present Prime Minister has publically who represented a number of the men admitted having played an active part accused of crimes committed during by personally participating with the country’s independence war of Bengali insurgents against pro-Paki- Bangladesh, has denied that he ‘manustan forces on the soil of East Paki- factured’ affidavits ‘to save his client stan. This tribunal was set up in 2009 Salauddin Quader Chowdhury’, as to investigate and prosecute suspects stated in a judgment handed down by

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appellate division. The six affidavits were given by individuals living outside Bangladesh, including a former prime minister of Pakistan, a former United States ambassador, and chairman of one of the country’s leading media group, who claim that Salauddin was not in Bangladesh at the time these crimes were committed; rather he returned back after establishment of Bangladesh and since then has been elected as Member National assembly eight times and untill now no such allegation exist against him that could have debarrad his candidature.

There are many more flaws in the proceedings that clearly show that the conviction of the accused was a foregone conclusion and a political victimisation of opposition members.

To put the record straight the events of 1971 have been target of various interpretations but most students of history in this part of the world will agree with me that East Pakistanis did have a some grief of socio-economic discrimination and then in spite of landslide victory in 1970 elections, when the assembly session was postponed to snatch the election victory from the Awami League. After that the protests were escalating in East Pakistan with horrible atrocities committed on both sides.

After three years of the creation of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujeebur Rehman was accorded warm welcome in Lahore when he came to attend the 2nd Islamic Summit in1974. When he returned back not only a tripartite agreement was signed in Delhi on April 09, 1974 to bury the bitter past but Mujeebur Rehman declared Amnesty for all those atrocities and proPakistan politicians and activists detained in jails were pardoned and released that included Khwaja Khairuddin, Fazalul Qadir Choudhry,

Khan Sabor Khan and many others.

By backtracking from this facet of history one thing is proven that his daughter is now undoing the reconciliation that had been started by her father. Mujeebur Rehman had been not innocent in the escalation of the situation in East Pakistan when he from the 1960s was hobnobbing with the Indians in Agartala: Sheikh Mujeebur Rehman had publically conceded this fact on June 7, 1972 while addressing a mammoth gathering in Ramna Race Course ground while Sheikh Hasina Wajid was quoted in a book published in 1977 from London “Mujeeb’s Bangladesh in the eyes of foreign journalists” having said that her father had visited Agartala (India) in 1962 to organize help from India for the secession of East Pakistan and Agartala Conspiracy case was a factual case registered against him.

The Foreign Office of Pakistan has expressed its “deep concern and anguish” over the latest execution and demanded that ‘there is a need for reconciliation in Bangladesh in accordance with the spirit of the Pakistan-India-Bangladesh agreement of April 9, 1974.’ This now gives Pakistan a reason to take up the war crimes case against Sheikh Mujeebur Rehman and his accomplices and Narendra Modi etc. in the International War Crime court & Genocide Commission for crimes of subversion against the state! leading to massacre and genocide of innocent citizen if humanity matters to them.

In any case, flawed trials and political murder like that of Choudhry and Mujahid are not going to deliver justice and thus will create new violence in the country. God bless Humanity and Pakistan.

—The writer is a senior columnist based in Karachi.

ONSERVATIVE whips have spent the weekend ringing MPs to establish how they will vote if David Cameron asks Parliament to support the extension of British air strikes against ISIS targets from Iraq into Syria. This is not an unusual exercise – except that they have been calling Opposition backbenchers as well because Labour’s position is so difficult to discern. Mr Cameron does not want the Commons divided down the middle on such a crucial matter.

The chaotic position in which Labour has found itself is hardly a surprise. Jeremy Corbyn, the party leader, was elected by an overwhelming majority of activists who were fully aware of his pacifist credentials. Mr Corbyn has spent his entire career opposing military action by the West in the Middle East and elsewhere. The Stop the War coalition, an umbrella group of Far Left campaigners, was the vehicle that sustained Mr Corbyn and his closest followers during their years on the fringes of politics. Mr Cameron is expected to return to Parliament this week to obtain its endorsement for action in Syria. Given Mr Corbyn’s implacable opposition, it is unclear whether Labour MPs will be given a free vote. A majority of between 50 and 100 could none the less be achievable and would allow Mr Cameron to proceed, but it would not represent the consensus he had hoped for. A majority of 400 supported the initial action by RAF planes against ISIS in Iraq last year; a majority of 263 backed Tony Blair’s decision to join the American invasion of Iraq in 2003. It is not just Mr Corbyn and the Left who have misgivings about the course of action set out by Mr Cameron. A minority of Tories remain unconvinced. Their principal concern is not whether ISIS is an evil organisation that poses a threat to our security, but over the end game: what happens if and when the Islamists are beaten and their embryonic caliphate dismantled? What takes its place and, in particular, what role will Bashar al-Assad play? Too often in this region, intervention has unleashed forces that have been hard to control because of a lack of planning for the aftermath. Mr Cameron may win his vote; but he and other powers lining up to take on ISIS need to be clearer about what its defeat would entail.

— The Telegraph

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Rethink unviable projects

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HE World Bank in its latest Public Expenditure review has found that 22 per cent of the development projects over the last five years have not expended any monies allotted to it at all. That a fifth of the annual development plan (ADP) has seen no action raises grave questions about the viability of such projects on financial grounds. We also find that about 13 per cent of projects are facing delays, but what is worrying is the static projects keep getting allocation year after year. This is a colossal waste of resources, which could otherwise have been used for more productive sectors in the economy.

A rethink is necessary at policy level as to what projects ultimately make it into the development portfolio. The current practice is to include populist projects lacking in viability but are included nonetheless as it has become a practice for lawmakers to promise everything to constituents at election time. The ad-hoc system of planning and adopting projects without parliamentary discussion raises the risks of both cost overruns due to slow implementation and adopting projects that address short term goals as opposed to strategic ones.

We can only emphasise the need for better planning at the time formulating the development plan.

— The Daily Star (Bangladesh) The wish to hurt, the momentary intoxication with pain, is the loophole through which the pervert clims into the minds of ordinary men.

— Jacob Bronowxki British scientist

France as bull’s eye of terrorists west, though some of the latter countries are compulsively attached with the Reema Shaukat long war of power and poliEmail:reema.asim81@gmail.com tics, causing more harm rather than estimated payback, France carnage is the RESENT-day vigorous US in latest example. There have been specvolvement broadly into the re tacular terror incidents across Middle gions of Middle East, Africa and East, Afghanistan and Pakistan killing Afghanistan has a history of more than not hundreds but hundreds of thoutwenty five and fifteen years respec- sands of people during this period. tively. This intervention is hugely sup- However, over the last fifteen years ported by the western countries either there have been a number of large and directly through diplomatic and politi- devastating terrorist attacks in Westcal coalitions or under the umbrella of ern countries too, as a result of US pure military partnerships. A small policies leading to intervention into number of Muslim countries particu- aforementioned regions.

From the description, designation larly Turkey and Jordan have opted voluntarily to join US lead west to en- and perspective of violent joy certain fringe benefits that are organisations like Al Qaeda, Taliban, gradually proving nuisance especially Boko Haram, Al Shabab, Daesh or in view of re-emerging powers like ISIS, West includes whole of Europe, Russia and China on the world arena United States, Canada, Australia and to checkmate US hegemony as well Israel. Spectacular incidents that ocas avenge the vengeance. Several curred in the West since US intervencountries like KSA, Egypt and UAE tion in regions like Asia, Africa and have joined due to security and eco- Middle East, includes the 9/11 attacks nomic obligations, mainly petro-dol- of its kind which killed more than three thousand innocent people. Another lar commitment.

Consequently most part of Middle devastating incident was Madrid train East, Africa and complete region of bombings which killed nearly two Afghanistan are in a great shambles hundred people likewise the Norwedue to unending upsurge of terrorism gian massacre which caused death to and violence, in other words an intri- more than seventy and the London uncate style of proxy war by the US lead derground bombings which killed

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nearly sixty persons.

Latest terror incidents in France of November 13, 2015 that caused 132 deaths and immeasurable psychological and reputation impact on the standing of France are indication of how US policies unveil in the Middle East.

A new research has revealed that since September 11, 2001, most of the attackers in the US claiming or appearing to be motivated by extremist Islam were either US-born or naturalised citizens but none were refugees displaced from volatile regions. In case of Paris attack the tread goes to Belgium that is suffering the stigma of a failed state which was ineffective to realise and interpret the intelligence provided by Turkey.

It is important to compare significant events with the more persistent and severe impacts of terrorism occurring in the rest of the world. According to the recent Global Terrorism Index GTI-2015 report attacks in Western countries accounted for a small percentage incidents, representing 4.4 per cent of terrorist incidents and 2.6 per cent of deaths over the last 15 years.

The four large attacks listed above excluding the November 13, 2015 Paris attack, make up 91 percent of deaths from terrorism in the West during this period.

More recently ISIS has replaced Al-Qaeda as the biggest threat for at-

tacks in the West through lone wolf tactics, but the West now cannot claim that Paris attack was a lone wolf incident. This means that ISIS is adopting better tactics in Europe against the perceived or propagated perception of lone wolf tactics. One must recall that on September 22, 2014 the spokesperson of ISIS called for sympathisers to engage in attacks in Western countries. Despite this link between MiddleEast and South Asia based terrorist groups and attacks in West, the West was wrong to think that it was not the main focus of these groups.

Most recently Israel has blatantly accused US for supporting ISIS by providing them weapons and finances. This clearly is an indication of what USA wants for and from its partners in West; surely US has called for forming of a World Coalition after realising that rest of the western countries are loosing interest in previously constructed Coalitions to further US goals. Paris incident followed

by Turkey’s shooting of Russian Jet and calling for a world coalition by the US is a telltale of future scenarios in the regions of Middle East, Africa and South Asia, in which France is likely to play a lead role as major proxy of the global power.

— The writer works for Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, Islamabad.

Geo-strategic importance of CPEC Zumra Nawaz Cheema Email:zumracheema22@gmail.com

R

ECENTLY, Pakistan and China signed a mega project called as China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as an endorsement and continuation to the enhancing bilateral friendly ties between the two countries. The CPEC project is being viewed as very beneficial not only for the states involved but also for the region as well. Regional connectivity and economic development are two major aspects of the project.

Furthermore, the land-locked Central Asian countries and Afghanistan will get short and easy access towards the warm-watered Indian maritime under the implementation of CPEC .

The project will prove helpful to tackle the menace of terrorism from the region as well, which is a major risk for the security and stability of the region. Moreover, through the economic uplift of Pakistan under CPEC, there are chances for the betterment of India-Pakistan relations.

Likewise, there is probability of stability in Afghanistan, because China would easily access and invest in Afghanistan through the stability and

improved infrastructure of Pakistan.

Therefore, Pakistan’s President Nawaz Sharif called CPEC as a “Game-Changer” and “Corridor to Peace” for the region.

The project has tremendous importance for a weaker country like Pakistan. Pakistan and China signed 51 agreements worth of $46 billion under CPEC, The four main areas of collaboration between the two countries are; infrastructure, transportation, energy, and industrial cooperation. The route of the CPEC has not yet been confirmed, and all that is certain for the moment is its reach from Kashgar to Gwadar. The CPEC also has immense importance for China. China considers CPEC as “flagship project” because through this project China will get easy and short routed reach towards the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Additionally, China’s market will further boost up, and it will become economically stronger.

China can also counter the US dominance in the region through the accomplishment of CPEC. China can play a significant role in the Asian region in terms of economic uplift and regional stability being emerging as an economic giant and future super power. China will also get the chance to develop its North-western province

Xinjiang, which is an under developed area. In Xinjiang separatist movement has started by Uyghur’s Muslims.

Thus, China wants to develop the socio-economic framework of that region. Only in this way, China can curtail aggressive sentiments against its central government.

China sees US “pivot to Asia” strategy against its fundamental interests. China has view that US wants to hamper its progress and development by improving cooperation and making alliance with rising powers (India, Singapore, Malaysia, North Korea and other East-Asian countries) so that it can keep its supremacy and hegemony in the South-Pacific region. Another Chinese concern over CPEC is to find an alternative to Strait of Malacca. The South-China Sea, which is a rich source of resources and a way towards Strait of Malacca is being disputed among China and other Southeast Asian countries. China imports largest part of its oil supply through the Strait of Malacca, so it has some reservations that, if other East Asian countries make alliance against China, then they can impose naval blockade on narrow Strait of Malacca and can choke China economically.

Along keeping in view the importance of CPEC, both the coun-

tries should keep various challenges and constraints under consideration. Administrative issues, political instability, militancy problems and resentment in the domestic labor force in Pakistan are some of the major challenges, which could impede the proper execution of CPEC. All of these issues need to be address for smooth implementation of the project. In the past, Pakistan and China have achieved various difficult plans, which were appeared unattainable due to the involved challenges and risks. The Karakorum Highway is an exemplary to the fact.

Currently, there is a need to have better understanding between both participant countries to achieve expected results. Both countries would have to join hands to assure security situation at the workplace of the project. Moreover, there is a need to achieve proper public support, therefore, both countries should make clear to their people that the project has huge importance for both countries. This will further catalyse the speedy and timely completion of the CPEC. — The writer is Researcher at Strategic Vision Institute, Islamabad.

View From Abroad

Fears of a Muslim woman in Britain Masuma Rahim

I

have despaired at much of what I have seen and heard over the past 15 years. There was a time when people asked me quite frequently whether I was pro al-Qaida; whether I thought the 9/11 attacks and the 7/7 bombings were a good thing.

I thought it was a bit offensive to ask that, but I was only in my early 20s and I reasoned that at least they were asking rather than assuming I was sympathetic to hateful ideology.

The fact is that over the past few years, I have felt increasingly ill at ease. This is what it’s like each time I hear of yet another atrocity. First, there is always horror, and a hope – a fervent hope – that the perpetrators do not consider themselves Muslim.

Then I detest myself for hoping that, but I know if they do claim to be Muslim, the backlash will be terrible.

It frightens me. Next, I feel I have a duty to distance Islam from the acts

of supposed Muslims. I resent feeling I have to do so; to “out” my faith as non-violent. I am tired of defending my belief system and myself. I have committed no crimes.

And though I am awed at the outpouring of grief – at the solidarity with those whose safety and way of life has been so cruelly violated – I wonder why we rarely see similar outpourings when atrocities are conducted in non-western countries. I become angry, but then I worry that this anger, while understandable and valid, is dangerous and divisive. I worry about the impact on me.

Since the Paris attacks I have been more frightened than ever. There has been a 300% increase in reported Islamophobic attacks. A number of Islamic centres, including the Finsbury Park mosque, have been targeted in arson attacks. This is against a backdrop of videos of verbal and physical Islamophobic attacks on public transport – and it is notable that, while people are happy to film these incidents, few appear keen to

step in and assist.

I’m a Muslim female of small stature. I use public transport to get everywhere. I often come home late.

I wear the hijab. I am an easy target.

But I have never, aside from one incident where a man called me “fucking scum” and then left me alone, had any trouble. I mean, I think a boy on the bus called me “clothhead” circa 1999, but we can hardly count that.

In fact, sometimes I am amazed that I have never had a torrent of abuse thrown at me or been beaten up – yet. I roam around London, my home city, in a constant state of high alert; hyper-aware of a look or a person walking behind me. I have been wearing the hijab for 20 years and it has never hindered me. But in the past few days I have, for the first time, had fleeting thoughts about taking it off. I have no intention of doing it, but that’s what things have come to. My visibility puts me at risk, and a small part of me thinks that the only way to survive is to deny that I’m Muslim. In almost 10

years of working in mental health, with often violent, dangerous, desperately unwell people, I have never had any trouble because of my faith.

But now I am waiting for the day a patient refuses to work with me, or does worse, because I am Muslim.

Some time ago an old friend said to me: “It won’t always be Muslims who are the enemy. One day it will be someone else. One day it will be different and it will be easier.”

You cannot fully understand unless it is your reality too. You cannot understand the helplessness and the rage I feel when I hear my bright, sensitive, gentle 11-year-old nephew has had to deflect racist and Islamophobic comments from his ignorant schoolmates. I am terrified for the world my sister’s children are going to have to live in; for all those at the mercy of people who spread hate and promote aggression. I wish that Isis were the only enemy in that regard. Sadly, ISIS is simply the tip of the iceberg, which is showing no sign of shrinking.

— Courtesy: The Guardian

Relying on your own muscle..!

V

ERY often in my life I’ve seen that when I’ve struggled hard against a problem, when I’ve used all my resources and everything is failing, then I look up in helplessness and suddenly something divine happens and I am rescued. Whenever this happens, I ask God why he had to wait till the last moment before rescuing me.

“Why did I have to go through so much tension? Why, so much

anxiety and hurt?” Today as I write this piece I feel Him smiling and saying, “It’s because Bob, you were relying on your own muscle! It’s only whenever you found you couldn’t do it yourself, you turned to me!”

Why do we call upon God only at the last moment? Why only when all else fail do we look upward? The scriptures say, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

God cares so much about you today.

Not only does He love and care about you, He cares about the things that concern you as well.

If you have concerns, worry or anxiety about something in your life; finances, relationships, your job or anything else, know that

God already has a plan to take care of those things for you. It’s a good plan, and He wants to show Himself strong on your behalf. The Holy Scripture reminds us that the lilies of the field and the birds of the air are cared for, how much more will your heavenly Father take care of you?

Today, cast all of your anxiety on Him and choose to trust that He will take care of you. Refuse to dwell on your problems. Don’t let them steal your peace and joy any longer. Instead, meditate on His Word and declare His promises over your life.

Cast your cares on Him because He cares for you!

Pray and say, “God, I choose to-

day to cast my cares on You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I bless and magnify You today” It’s that total surrender that God wants, when we as individuals tell Him that we are just putty in his hands and he can handle the situation the way he wants to, then believe you me, the situation gets handled alright and more.

Yet, when a problem comes up the next time, we start worrying all over again. We start trying to find solutions that make us even more worried. Instead trust God, ask God, and stop relying on your own muscle..!

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Voice of the People Breast cancer, risks & remedies ZOBIA ABBAS

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reast cancer is the malignancy encountered by the women of today. It is estimated that 1 in 9 Pakistani women develop breast cancer at some stages of their life. Every woman’s risk is dissimilar and depends upon combination of factors such as women who gain weight in adult life before menopause are at increased risk. Women who do not have children after the age of 30 are also at increased risk. Family susceptibility to breast cancer accounts for approximately 25% of all breast cancer cases.

BRAC1 and BRAC2 genes are involved in breast cancer. A women who has two or more first degree relatives with breast or ovarian cancer before the age of 50 may be carrying the BRAC1 and 2 genes.

Other factors are gender, race, geographic location, age of menarche and age of menopause. Treatments available for patients are hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. Being a student of applied bio-sciences, I request the authorities to develop breast cancer prevention and screening strategies. Aspiration toward excellence should be the goal of every physician. National cancer registries should be present to understand epidemiology and causative factors of cancer.

—Islamabad

Feudalism in Sindh ANEES AHMED GILAL Feudalism has its roots in Sindh even in technological era. Now a days it has changed its shape but not the sense.

We do not find feudals maintaining private armies or collectting taxes as some decades before. But what we find now are the large landholdings, bonded labour as well as total submission and subordination of peasants in lieu for economic support and personal protection.

As a result there is a very strong control of feudals and ‘Wadheras’ in all parts of Sindh who have direct influence on economic life of the poor people and also enjoy control over Thanas and official machinery in the Province.

Education system is very vital and has far reaching effect on the overall situation, children do not attend schools because schools are used as autaques of waderas. It is because the feudals are not willing to see the children educated. They regard it as the token of threat to their sway.

—Khairpur

Child beggars SHOAIB NAWAZ Children are the future of our nation.

But in Pakistan child begging is increasing day by day. The reason of this social curse is not poverty rather it reflects the disguising tricks and techniques to emotionally exploit the people. It is noted that these beggars are not needy rather they are greedy. 80% adult beggars are the part of drug addiction, prostitution and pick pocketing.

What is the future of Pakistan?

Beggars on the roads, streets, restaurants, public busses and parks destroy the image of Pakistan in front of other civilized countries. The Public of Pakistan is having the misconception that by giving charity to children, they please God. Well educated people also give charity either out of fear of God or out of pity. No doubt God knows their intentions. But the question is if they help them by giving money then why they are not willing to drag them from those circumstances. Unfortunately this is a never ending misery, the one who involves in it becomes its prey. This evil profession gives way to other evil practices.

Government of Pakistan, scholars, intelligentsia, welfare organizations and media must play their role to get rid of this social evil. Begging should be banned and education must be free for poor children. However, the deserving class should be helped to stand on their feet rather than motivating them to become professional beggars.

—Islamabad

WW-III in perspective S SADAM HUSSAIN Last night I woke up with a daunting dream of Third World War, the wounded peoples, the dead bodies, the joblessness and all the scenes were atrocious. In the last century two World Wars were fought which ended up in nearly 40 million people killed and 12 million people injured. The reason behind every war is the politics and interest. In the Era of Third World War International politics shifted its position towards the phenomenon “no war, no peace”.

The ruthless reality of international politics is its immorality at systemic level which is the cause of war and bloodshed. The world war III started with the Afghan Jihad which at first place created the non-state actors of strategic importance but the architect was the United States of America. Jihadists were first created and later on were labelled as terrorists by the same United States.

After 9/11 the war on terror started against the newly constructed enemy. In retaliation to war on terror, Pakistan suffered mass atrocities, thousands of people were killed, migrated, displaced; the war affected the economy badly and it worsened the living standards in Pakistan. The socio-economic and political condition in Pakistan deteriorated due to war on terror. Despite spectacular sacrifices by Pakistan, the United

Sates signed civil-nuclear project with India, not with Pakistan. This Policy shift has disturbed the balance of power in the South Asian region.

Sincerity, friendship, morality has nothing to do with international politics; it is all about game of interest.

The 9/11 attack, the Charlie Hebdo attack, the Paris attack and all the terrorist attacks in the world are the result of the suppressions, injustice and invasions. Now IS has become so strong that it has targeted across the border for the very first time. The European stance to stop refugees and emigrants is irrational.

The anti-Muslim sentiments and stopping the refugees to enter into Europe in the light of Paris attack will help IS to recruit more European Muslims in their Army. Nearly 4000 European Muslims are fighting for IS. Now the entire story is pointing out towards the emerging terrorist threats to the peace and security of the world.

The question is who created the terrorists at first place?

The mass atrocities and destruction of World War III would be three times more than the two world wars.

I urge the states in the world to follow the model of European Union and start cooperation at regional and global level. War can never bring peace, and it will only lead to destruction, political instability, poverty and horrors. Cooperation will lead to the development and happiness at regional and global level. This is the job of the states to decide, which lens they want to wear liberal or realist.

—Islamabad

Plight of vet doctors SHABBIR AHMAD According to estimates, more than a thousand veterinary doctors are jobless in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is evident from the fact that more than 1100 doctors applied for 70 posts of Veterinary officers this year. Although there are hundreds of vacancies in the government hospitals/dispensaries in the Province and veterinary hospitals are not even present in a large number of rural areas in KP and FATA, the intake of the students in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programme is increasing every year but unfortunately government is unable to accommodate even a quarter of these doctors which has led to disappointment and frustration among veterinary doctors which was evident in the protest arranged by some of these jobless veterinary doctors last week.

According to the international standards, there should be one veterinary doctor for 12000 - 15000 animals in a locality but unfortunately Pakistan in general and KPK in particular is lagging far behind even the countries of Africa and Asia. In KPK one “employed” doctor is available for about 70,000 animals which gives opportunity to quacks and un-qualified technicians to practice medicine and surgery.Government needs to appoint vet doctors for all the hospitals and dispensaries.

A veterinary hospital should be available in every Union Council especially in rural areas. Government should also construct model dairy farms in different areas of the Province which will not only provide employment to the vet doctors but also promote the livestock sector in the Province and may serve as source of revenue for the government. Veterinary doctors should also be appointed for the private abattoirs to ensure the supply of good quality meat to public. Unemployed veterinary graduates should be given unemployment allowance.

—Via email

The selfie craze

selfies but even boys are affected by this trend. In fact, it can be seen that people get so caught up in getting selfies that they are outright disrespectful, ignoring everyone and everything around them.

This is making their lives socially less active. In any gathering instead of talking to the person sitting next to them, taking a selfie is much more important. The selfie war is destroying our lives. We all are in a race of getting likes on social networking sites rather than been liked by the people who are substantially around us. Capturing a moment and making memories is nothing bad but doing this all the time is not a good practice. We must have a balanced life in which we get to enjoy both social media life as well as our normal lives with our families.

Selfie sticks are not restricted to one class, from elite to lower class it is a heavily demanded accessory.

The selfie sticks are available in every price range and are affordable to buy. Selfie stick not only helps an individual to capture himself but it also captures the entire background along with him. It has become essential attachment for the tourists and for the people who love travelling around the world.

The word selfie stick became common in 2013. It generated a huge hype on social media, a lot of pictures of people can be seen on Facebook and Instagram capturing group selfies by using selfie stick. The biggest advantage of selfie stick is to provide an opportunity to the people to adjust their positions according to their wills. As selfies has become a global phenomenon so we can say that selfie stick is a unique tool in the present world.

—Via email

Perversion of child abuse MAHEEN AHMAD Have you heard of a 15 month old baby Peter who was abused and brutally killed by his step-father in London? Peter’s mother immediately denied allegations of any abuse in the court hearing. The baby was choked every time he cried, he was made to sit on a chair and his step dad would swing it around until he fell off and hurt his head. Policemen saw his blue coloured eyes and blonde hair and immensely thin body lying on the floor on the day he was killed.

In another case a 13 year old girl was raped by over eight men making it the worst case of sexual abuse ever.

Approximately 5 children die every day due to child abuse. The figure is alarming, more than 90% of the time children know the perpetrator in some way and 68% of the time they are abused by a family member. In UK almost 85% of child abuse cases are not reported and remain undetected.

Commissioner who was investigating the 13 year old girl’s rape case said that “Online child abuse is also not an isolated matter, since the world has become a global village. The children surfing the internet need to be monitored by their parents” Boys (48.5%) and girls (51.2%) become victims at nearly the same rate. The blame game happening around the Kasur child abuse scandal has seen some of the most heart wrenching human tragedy. There were nearly 280 children who were abused and used for pornography material. Victims were usually frightened as they thought if they “tell” on their abuser they will be doubly abused and victimized. On 23rd November charges were framed against three held responsible for the Kasur child abuse case. Those three were prime suspects of the case. Anyone can be a child abuser, you just have to take care of your baby and be a little selfish there.

—Via email

NARJIS HASSAN The latest trend of taking selfies is making people self-obsessed.

Whether it is a feast of rejoice or a sad incident such as a funeral, you can see people taking selfies almost everywhere regardless of the situation. Maybe they take selfies because they think they are way too beautiful and want to show off their lives on the social media. Everyday around yourself, you may observe hundreds of people taking selfies. You will observe that not only girls are taking

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

Kashmir: 14000 FIR’s lodged against innocent people since 2009

Slapping another PSA on Masarat state terrorism: Geelani SRINAGAR—Reacting harshly against the slapping of another Public Safety Act (PSA) on incarcerated Muslim League chairman and Hurriyat leader, Masarat Alam Bhat, Hurriyat chairman, Syed Ali Geelani on Wednesday said that this was the 31st PSA against Masarat since 1991.

Geelani was addressing

Kids selling varied capacities kangris (portable fire bowl) Listen to crying Kashmir to ward off freezing weather in Srinagar.

a press conference during his house detention at Hyderpora. He said that the present Mufti Mohammad Sayeed regime has slapped PSA on 72 political leaders and activists so far. He appealed International Human Rights organizations to take a strong note against what he called “the state terrorism” in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pertinently, authorities on Tuesday slapped fresh PSA on Masarat who is languishing in Kot Bhalwal jail Jammu.—RK

AJK turned into education empire: Premier M UZAFFARABAD —Prime Minister of schools & colleges in last four years tion, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh

SRINAGAR—Lamenting over the deteriorating health of the caged Kashmiri prisoners in different jails all across India, Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Geelani Wednesday said that 14000 people mostly teenagers and political workers have been detained under FIR’s only since 2009.

Addressing a press conference at his Hyderpora residence Geelani said that hundreds of prisoners are languishing in state and outside jails of India. He said 60 prisoners are languishing in District Jail Kotbalwal Jammu alone. “The rest of the prisoners in the state are languishing in District jail Amphala Jammu (15), District Jail Khutwa Jammu (18), District Jail Hiranagar Jammu (5), District Jail Udhampur Jammu (18), District Jail Kishtwar Jammu (41), District Jail Reyasi Jammu (15), District Jail Poonch (15), District Jail Dangri (Rajouri), Central Jail Srinagar (130), District jail Baramulla (15), District jail Kupwara (8), District jail Islamabad Mattan (8), JIC Kashmir Humhama Budgam (5) and Police Station STF Humhama (15).”

“119 prisoners have been detained in various jails outside the state as well,” he said, including 64 in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, 11 in Rajasthan Jaipur Jail, 4 in Jodhpur Jail, 3 in Ahmadabad Jail, 17 in Sangroor Jail, 3 in Agra Jail, 2 in Gazi Abad Jail, 2 in Bangalore and 3 in Ghaziabad Jail. He said since November, several PSAs were slapped against the leaders and political activists, including on Masarat Aalam Bhat, Showkat Ahmad Dar Kulgam, Fayaz Ahmad Rather, Mohammad Amin Parray, Mudasir Maqbool Radwani, Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, Tariq Ahmad Bhat, Zubair Ahmad Turay, Asadullah Parray, Zahoor Ahmad Kana, Bilal Ahmad Mahand and Mushtaq Ahmad.

Geelani said since 2009, 14,000 FIRs have been filed against the youth and political activists across valley. He said that total 38 life convicts are behind the bars at the moment.

Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Geelani castigated the Mufti Sayeed government for unleashing arrest spree and said that the state is being run at the “behest of brute force”. Lambasting the Mufti’s “Battle of Ideas”, he said that Mufti has unleashed terror in every nook and corner of the state and has left no stone unturned to stay in power. “Mufti, when not in power, had promised of providing political space to all shades of opinion, however soon

was India’s number one terrorist Azad Kashmir Ch Abdul Majeed has “ he told.

Meanwhile speaking about the organisation. said on Wednesday that People’s Meanwhile the Prime Minister conParty government is committed to occupied Kashmir he said that provide basic necessities of life to Kashmir was not a border dispute, demned the fresh Indian brutalities in but it was an issue of life and death occupied kashmir and said according people at their doorsteps.

Addressing a workers gathering of over 15 million people of Kash- to various reports Indian troops in their at Trarkhel the premier said that pro- mir. The president of PPP Azad Kash- continued acts of state terrorism viding of education ,health and in- mir pointed out that India was the martyred 10 Kashmiris including a frastructure facilities to the masses main hurdle in settlement of the lin- young boy during the last month of gering Kashmir dispute. He ex- November. is our government top priority.

During the period 173 Kashmiris “Major portion of budget is al- pressed the hope that Pakistan located for social sector “ he added. would remain steadfast on its were critically injured when Indian police and paramilitary personnel used He announced that an agricultural stance on Kashmir.

AJK Premier called upon the brute force against peaceful demonstrauniversity will be set up at Mong global community to intervene tors. The police and paramilitary forces soon. “ We changed the AJK into an against the restrictions on freedom arrested 990 people, mostly Hurriyet SRINAGAR—Five years after education empire by establishing of speech and movement imposed leaders and activists. The troops also killing of a 13-year-old boy five Universities ,three medical col- by Indian. Ch Abdul Majeed further molested seven women during the Wamiq Farooq in tear gas lege s and upgraded hundreds of said that extremist Hindu organiza- month,he said.—KW shelling by the cops, two policemen allegedly involved in the minor’s killing were jailed on late Tuesday after they surrendered before a local court, here.

KUPWARA—With the Army operation The accused cops- ASI in Manigah forests of Kupwara disAbdul Khaliq Sofi and contrict entering 21 day on Wednesday, stable Mohammad Akram – surrendered by Court of S RINAGAR —Police have detained scores the Board similarly announced poor re- the prolonged siege has taken a toll of students who have enrolled their forms sults, a fellow student Adnan couldn’t on the local residents.

The civilian population in the area in the different polytechnic colleges af- bear the news and committed suicide. It ter they staged protest against Technical later turned out that Adnan had actually has complained that they are being subjected to collective topped the test.

Board for announcing “poor results.”

“Today they are doing the same thing punishment.

The protesters raised slogans as poAs one moves towards the licemen pushed them in a vehicle at again. We demand overhaul of the Board Srinagar ’s Press Enclave here while fe- and accountability of those who are as- besieged Manigah area - lomale students raised cry to demand the signed to check our answer sheets,” the cated some 10 kms north of release of their classmates. Earlier, stu- protesters demanded. “The present Board Kupwara town, it is akin to a war zone. Vehicles are dents of KITE Polytechnic stopped at four security barCollege Rangreth, Master riers – Shatpora, Humandar, Pro, SSM College Pattan Glassdaji and Manzhar- on and Royal Polytechnic asthe only road link leading to Forest Magistrate BA sembled at Press Enclave the besieged area. and raised anti-board sloMunshi today.

Uncertainty prevails in the The court had last week gans. entire area. People fear for their issued arrest warrants The protesters were also lives. They are not sure when against the accused cops holding placards displaying the exchange of fire between Army and for their involvement in kill- ‘we want Justice’ and were the trapped militants would start and ing of Wamid and had di- demanding rechecking and when will it all end. rected SSP Srinagar to en- revaluation of papers to be A residential house was reportedly sure their presence in the carried by Board on its own caught in the exchange of gunfire last court today. and announcement of new week for two consecutive days as the Forest Magistrate BA results.

Munshi said the accused “Few days ago, the board had an- officials and paper checkers have proven area turned into a battleground. The inpersons are involved in nounced results for 2nd and 3rd semes- themselves murders who forced our col- mates survived the nightmare to narrate heinous offence and hence ter examinations in which only three per- league Adnan to commit suicide,” they the harrowing tale to their relatives.

Ahmad, a resident of Sanjipir locannot be released on bail cent students have been declared quali- alleged.

They also demanded that their answer cality, said many families have left the at this stage and the trial fied. “Students who have been toppers of offence under 304 can in earlier exams have been put under the sheets should be provided to them along area while many others have sent their be done exclusively at category of failures,” said the protesters. with name and contact numbers of paper children to their relatives for safety.

“Last night, for the first time in alThe students said that last month when checker.—RK session’s court.—KW

Wamiq Farooq murder: 2 cops jailed after 5 years

Police detains student protesters

A LI S UKHANVER

I

NDIA has once again started blaming Pakistan of supporting the freedom fighters in the Indian Oc cupied Kashmir through it premier intelligence agency the ISI. The tradition of dragging Pakistan into Kashmir conflict is very old but after Modi’s coming into power this tradition has become stronger. On one hand where Muslim actors, film directors, poets and singers are being victimized in India, the blame game with reference to the Indian Occupied Kashmir is also on its bloom. Every day the Indian newspapers are replete with the anti-Pakistan statements of the Indian extremist leaders.

Mr. Modi is the commander and the in-charge of this anti Pakistan movement. The only demand of the Kashmiris is the solution of Kashmir conflict in the light of the promise made by the first Indian Prime Minister Mr. Nehru; the plebiscite or the right to vote.

Most of the Kashmiri leaders are of the opinion that a simple plebiscite is the only solution to this chronic problem of Kashmir.

The government of India is never willing to act upon the resolution of UN or on the idea promoted by Mr. Nehru. Instead of talking to the Kashmiri leaders, the government of India is trying its best to crush the Kashmiris by force. Every day one finds countless examples of human rights violations in Kashmir. Uncountable numbers have yet been wounded and

Kupwara militants-army standoff enters 21 days most three weeks, I managed to sleep for more than five hours. As our area hasn’t been electrified yet, nights get more horrendous in such a hostile situation,” said Ahmad.

At least 90 percent of habitations

including Tanda, Soni and Batibalaia have not been electrified yet and the residents depend on firewood for cooking, heating and lighting.

The villagers complained about shortage of firewood in a predominately tribal population as Army men have prohibited villagers from venturing in the nearby forests.

The villagers claimed of losing cattle and livestock for want of fodder. Children of Primary Sonipati School prefer to stay home as the

Views from Srinagar

Listen to crying Kashmir maimed, mass imprisonment and exile and even the use of rape as a tool of occupation has ever been the lot of the Kashmiris and they are so helpless that except Pakistan no other country is ready to plead the case of helpless Kashmiris openly. The international community continues to engage India in trade, commerce, military, nuclear, and cultural relations, without insisting on answerability for the violations committed by its government and military and paramilitary forces. Moreover , publicly the Indian authorities are never willing to accept the reality that Kashmir is a controversial issue but inwardly they are very well aware of the fact that one day they will have to surrender before the local and international pressure and hold a plebiscite.

The Indian government is continuously depriving the people of Kashmir of their basic human rights.

Executive Orders like AFSPA are simply making the life of Kashmir people painful as much as possible.

Armed Forces Special Powers Act grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in so-called disturbed areas. This Act of 1958 is commonly known as ‘a dra-

after coming into power, he has trampled the voices of Hurriyat leadership and Youths across the state,” he said. Geelani said that 72 draconian PSAs (Public Safety Act) have been slapped on political workers of Hurriyat and other youth since Mufti took over as the “puppet” CM of the state. “14000 people mostly teenagers and political workers have been detained under FIR’s only since 2009.”

The Hurriyat Chief said that since this past November, 12 leaders and political activists have been detained under PSA. Geelani lambasted Mufti for slapping another PSA on incarcerated Muslim League chairperson and senior Hurriyat leader Masarat Alam Bhat.

While terming the move as an act of “state terrorism”, Geelani said that the authorities smacked PSA on Aalam, presumably to stop his release from the jail. “This is for the 31st time since 1990 that a PSA has been slapped on the incarcerated leader,” he said. Masarat Aalam was arrested in April this year for raising a slogan (in favour of Pakistan) in Srinagar and was taken to Kot Balwal jail.

“Court this year ordered shifting of Masarat to a Srinagar jail. However government snubbed the court directive and illegally detained Masarat in Kot Balwal jail.” Geelani said the government has started an arrest spree across Kashmir by detaining political leaders and youths. The octogenarian leader said that the government is arresting youth and political leaders on flimsy grounds and lodging them in different jails and police stations across the state. He termed it a “human rights violation”. “I appeal the human rights organisations to take a strong note of the human rights violations in the state and help Kashmiris to put an end to it.” The senior Hurriyat leader said that the Mufti Govt is even denying seminar’s on Islam.

“We had proposed a seminar on Islam, Denouncing Terrorism, but the preachers of ‘battle of ideas’ didn’t allow it to take place and even detained dozens of Hurriyat activists to foil the seminar.”

Geelani on the occasion also condemned the act of terrorism in France that killed more than 130 people. “Islam in no way promotes terrorism. Killing innocents to take revenge of something that they didn’t do is terrorism,” Geelani said while reacting to the attacks of France in Syria.—KW

conian law’ and it allows even a junior non-commissioned officer to ‘shoot to kill’ on mere suspicion in order to maintain ‘Public Order’. This license to murder is widely misused by the security forces in India particularly in Indian Occupied Kashmir. Some of the moderate politicians of India call this license ‘a trigger-happy culture of governance’.

The Act has been employed in the Indian administrated state of Jammu and Kashmir since 1990. As per rules and regulations the security forces of any country must be the custodians of human rights and civil privileges but in the Indian Occupied Kashmir the situation is altogether different. Under the shield of AFSPA, the security forces are butchering and slaughtering the innocent people of the Indian Occupied Kashmir. Various human rights activists have ever been expressing their reservations regarding this inhuman and brutal Act but they are never listened to.

The Indian occupation forces are trying their utmost to suppress the freedom movement in Kashmir by using coercive techniques to intimidate Kashmiris but they have yet not succeeded in defeating the

school building is being used for military purposes. The school has been temporarily shifted to a nearby house belonging to the widow of Sardar Khan.

MLA Langate, Engineer Rashid had earlier questioned the logic of holding people hostage for no fault of theirs. A massive combing operation is underway in over two dozen habitations belonging to Manigah A, B and C Panchayat Circles and some other areas to track down the militants.

Refuting the reports of the siege causing discomfort to residents, SSP Kupwara, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat said they have minimized their footprints in the area and people were free to graze cattle and collect firewood. He said checkpoints have been erected for the “benefit” of civilians.

The SSP also clarified that Army personnel have vacated from the school building that was earlier being used for military purposes. He said police has established a police post in the area where the aggrieved people can register their grievances, if any, with the officers on duty.

He, however, said the operation would continue to prevent militants from sneaking out.—RK

people of Kashmir who are determined with an unwavering resolve to fight for their just cause in order to get their rights of self-determination. The Indian media is making an effort to confuse the world by portraying the Kashmir movement as a Muslim movement. Some of the ‘paid’ analysts are struggling to connect this freedom movement with jihad and Muslim extremism. But there are countless Hindu and Sikh scholars to whom the Indian occupation on Kashmir is the worst example of human rights’ violation.

At present the innocent Kashmiris are passing through the ever-worst phase of their life but the International community has done nothing so far for them. The scenic paradise of the Indian Occupied Kashmir has been blazing with flames of fright and terror for the last many decades. Countless innocent Kashmiris have yet been injured and so many deprived of their lives. Schools, markets, offices, mosques and even the small mud-houses are presenting picture of a wasteland.

Indian obstinacy to delay meaningful dialogue on Kashmir and presence of its Army in the state are the main causes of delay in resolution of Kashmir dispute. The situation demands for a serious action including ban on draconian laws like AFSPA. The Kashmiris are a nation according to any definition.

They must be given the same rights which other nations are enjoying.

—Courtesy: Kashmir Watch

UNICEF to provide financial, technical assistance to eliminate Child Labour STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Provincial Minister for Labour and HR, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar has lauded the role of UNICEF for its financial assistance of Rs. 50 million to eliminate Child Labour through its collaboration in Provincial Child Labour Survey, conducted by Punjab

Labour & HR Department with a total ADP project cost of Rs. 140.187 million. The survey conducted at household and grass root level, will be completed in 18 months till May 2017.

He said this during a meeting with Chief Child Protection UNICEF Pakistan Sarah Coleman. Child Protection

Specialist UNICEF Pakistan Sohail Abbas, representative of UNICEF Lahore Chapter Dr. Noman Ghani, MPA Saira Iftikhar, Secretary Labour Ali Sarfraz, Project Focal Person Wahid Arshad, Dr. Javed Gill and other concerned officers attended the meeting.

The meeting was informed that previously Child

Labour Survey was conducted in 1996, however a huge increase in the number of industrial and commercial units has been observed during last few years which required an updated, authentic and credible survey regarding accurate facts and figures about child labour occurring in the province.

Regulating the media ....

From Page 1 impossible not to press into service a legal instrument like the PEMRA if its controls were in its hands for media manipulation.

On the other hand even if the law is used for legitimate reasons against an errant media house by a government holding the whip-hand through the PEMRA instrument, the ‘victim’ would find it too easy to mobilize public opinion against such an action by presenting it as an attempt by the government or the state to curtail legitimate media freedom allowed under Article 19A of the Constitution!

That is exactly is what is happening since the advent of private broadcast media in the country and the promulgation of PEMRA ordinance. Either the governments of the day have misused it to promote or/and safeguard their own political interests or the ‘victims’ have escaped from being made accountable under PEMRA law by mis-labelling the action as a government inspired attempt to silence democratic dissent.

The way out of this logjam is to transfer PEMRA from the government to Parliament. A bipartisan parliamentary committee could constitute a board of governors for PEMRA oversight consisting of representatives from all sections of society including women, legal fra-

ternity, labour, health, minorities, youth, education etc. One of the two most important functions of this board of governors would be to continuously monitor PEMRA laws’ application to see if the relevant laws are being enforced in letter and spirit; and the other one is to choose a suitably qualified person to head PEMRA. To ensure a smooth and by the book application of the PEMRA law the head of the regulatory authority be made accountable to the board of governors and the latter to the bipartisan parliamentary committee which in turn would be accountable to the entire parliament.

Now let us discuss the right to access information. Most governments, no matter of what kind would always remain the store houses ofrelevant information, essentially that which overwhelmingly impinge on the lives of all of its citizens. A media which is not allowed access to this store house of information is often seen indulging in half truths, rumours and speculations, creating more problems for the government and the state than if access is allowed to this information store house without of course jeopardising the essential most interests of the state. Indeed, the emphasis should be on the essential minimum and not on the ‘essential’

maximum under which one has seen even the most innocent information being treated as national secrets.

There was a time in this country when even the rate of inflation used to be treated as national secret. In the 1980s one saw a circular issued by the Finance Ministry to all nationalized banks not to disclose the amounts that the overseas workers send home as remittances.

The system of differed payment for oil supplies from Saudi Arabia was also treated as national secret for years together.

Many of the ‘harmless’ information, especially concerning the economy and finances kept as national secrets are sold by the bureaucracy to the interested private parties for a price.

And this is one more reason for the resistance by the interested political and civil-bureaucratic sections to the demand for enacting a meaningful Right to Information Act. Still, Pakistan became the first country in the region to introduce a Freedom of Information Ordinance in 2002. But this law has a long list of exemptions and its implementation machinery was found to be too weak.

In August 2013, KhyberPakhtunkhwa promulgated an RTI Ordinance which became an Act in November 2013 and was followed by the Punjab Transparency and Right to In-

formation Act 2013. These two provincial laws are considered amongst the best RTI laws in the world. Sindh and Balochistan still do not have their own respective RTIs. But the biggest failure has been that of the Federation which has been holding on to a draft version of its RTI for a number of years mainly because the state, especially the deep state does not feel very comfortable with the degree of transparency that the draft bill would introduce once it becomes an Act. That is why perhaps the deep state has been sitting on the draft for so many years. And going by the current mood of this particular part of the state, one feels it highly unlikely that the draft would be approved in its present shape or even with amendments any time soon.

What is not being, however, realised by the deep state is that the delay in getting this Bill off the ground is causing a lot of damage to the very national interests that it is trying to protect by keeping a tight lid over the store of information revealing most of which would only promote our national interests rather than jeopardise it in any way.

The result: A free-for-all media which has not only lost most of its credibility and integrity but in a way has become something of a truth demolishing squad.

Students should focus on character

Special persons hold a protest in favour of their demands on the eve of International Day of Persons with Disabilities outside KPC.—INP

Germany has vast opportunities for studies STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Director German Exchange Program DAAD Islamabad Lars Bergmayer said that there are vast opportunities of research and higher studies in Germany whereas in the most cases tuition fees is waived off and in very affordable cost, young re-

Sindh to have 30 ....

From Page 1 He told the newsmen that during the meeting the CM had vowed to take the NAP to its logical conclusion and besides appointing 200 new prosecutors, Sindh government would on priority set up 30 new ATCs in the province. The prosecutors would be provided per-

Cabinet body reviews law & order situation SALIM AHMED LAHORE—The Cabinet Committee on Law and Order reviewed security arrangements for Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), local government elections and Urs of Hazrat Data Gaanj Bakhsh.

A meeting of the Cabinet Committee was held at Civil Secretariat here on Wednesday.

Camp Jail From Page 1 Ahmad Khan have issued express instructions for further strengthening the security in and around the jails besides beefing up round the clock patrolling.

Taliban leader nd

PU VC Dr Mujahid Kamran addressing inaugural session of 2 International Conference on engineering sciences at AlRaazi Hall. work together for promotion of members scholars from abroad also stressed that should work MUZAFFAR ALI education. and Pakistan and a large num- together in collaboration with each other so that the country LAHORE—Punjab University He was addressing inaugu- ber of students were present.

Addressing the ceremony, find it solution of its probVice Chancellor Prof Dr ral session of two-day 2nd inMujahid Kamran has said that ternational conference on engi- the PU VC stressed that stu- lems. there is no alternative to posi- neering sciences organized by dents should not focus on gettive thinking and teachers must Institute of Chemical Engineer- ting high scores only but they ing & Technology at Al Raazi should aim at learning knowlHall here on Wednesday. edge but no one could become On this occasion Prof Dr. knowledgeable without the Ihtesham ur Rehman from UK, strength of character. He said Dean Faculty of Engineering that knowledge was headspring and Technology Prof Dr Taqi of power.

Muhammad Taqi Zahid Butt, The vice chancellor emDirector ICET Prof Dr Amir phasized that we have to proIjaz, Principal CEET Prof Dr duce knowledgeable and Rafiq Ahmad, senior faculty practical professionals. He LAHORE—Two international flights on Wednesday were diverted to other stations after up-to-date landing system at the Allama Iqbal International Airport failed to assist in dense fog. A Qatar Airlines flight, 628 from Doha was directed to Karachi while a private airlines jet, 413 was instructed to land in Islamabad.

Both flights were Lahorebound however, the international airport, despite being equipped with modern landing technology could not help amid fog that has engulfed several parts of the province today.

Sight-limit at the runway was reported at least 300 metres which was optimum for the landing system to function in fog-related situations.

The authorities had claimed that the state-of-theart system would function till 50 metres of range.

It should be mentioned here that Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif had inaugurated the technology at Allama Iqbal International Airport on November 28.— NNI

Lahore airport unsupportive to fog-landing despite upgradation

searchers and students from different countries of the world are studying in Germany.

Public sector universities are free from any sort of state control and censorship.

Germany is well known for education and especially innovation in research.

He was addressing at a

From Page 1 within the fractious militant movement. Mansour was seriously injured. He was rushed to hospital and we are not sure if he survived his wounds,” Sultan Faizi, told AFP.

sonal and job security.

He further said that SAC meeting also decided to appoint 8, 000 cops to fight terrorism.

The decisions taken in all previous SAC meetings would be implemented in letter and spirit and the implementation on decisions taken in previous meetings would be reviewed in upcoming meetings.

The CM’s adviser said that the Karachi Corpse commander Lieutenant General Naveed Mukhtar did not show any distrust on Sindh government and there are no differences among the Sindh government and other institutions as all are on a same page. He said that the SAC meeting also decided that all annoying things would be sorted out.

Lecture entitled “ Prospects of Studying Social Sciences in Germany” organized by Faculty of Social Sciences University of Karachi Wednesday at Council Room Faculty of Social Sciences University of Karachi.

He informed that 427

higher education institutions are functioning in Germany that have a greater collaboration with the industries.

Researchers can choose their subjects freely for their research work which indeed plays a greater role to promote innovative research.

Pak producing state-of-the-art defence products: Mamnoon

TOKYO— Japan’s Prince Mikasa, uncle of Emperor Akihito and brother of the wartime emperor Hirohito, turned 100 years old on Wednesday. The prince is the oldest member of the Imperial family, living through the reign of three different Emperors in the Taisho, Showa and Heisei eras.

He is the only living royal family member to have served in the military during the SinoJapanese war from 1937 and the Pacific Theater of World War II. “Nothing will change just because I turn 100 years old,” the prince said in a statement issued through the Imperial Household Agency.

Together with Princess Yuriko, 92, Prince Mikasa routinely exercises for about 30 minutes a day at their residence in Motoakasaka, Tokyo.—INP

Security men sacrifices won’t go in vain Staff Reporter ISLAMABAD— Federal Minister for Defence and Water & Power, Khawaja Asif on Wednesday said sacrifices rendered by personnel of security and law enforcement forces for restoration of peace in Karachi will not go in vain.

In a statement issued, he said forces that have taken the Sindh capital hostage will be abolished. The statement comes a day after two soldiers of Military Police were martyred after their vehicle came under attack on M A Jinnah Road in Karachi. An inquiry committee has also formed and tasked to identify and arrest the perpetrators of the attack. According to a notification issued by the Sindh Police here, DIG South Dr Jameel will head the committee and will be entitled to seek anyone’s assistance within the city range.

Reham leaves exhibition in anger Observer Report LONDON—Reham Khan, the former wife of PTI chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday left an exhibition’s inauguration ceremony after students began asking her difficult questions. The exhibition is being held regarding the FATA. The former BBC presenter was visibly annoyed when some young people confronted her with questions such as why was she selling a story of her personal matters with the PTI chairman Imran Khan.

She was even being blamed for character assassination of the PTI chairman and her ex-husband.

Reham chose not to answer any of the questions, and left.

ISLAMABAD—Election Com-

mission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday while announcing the verdict of Kissan Package ISLAMABAD—President review case halted the impleMamnoon Hussain, Wednesday, mentation of one of its point till said that Public Private PartnerDecember 5. ship in Defence Production and Election Commission orexport would help the governdered immediate implementament to formulate first defence tion of two points whereas production and export policy working on the point related to frame-work of the country. the aid of Rs 5000 was impeded While addressing a two-day and will be carried out after the the inaugural session of seminar local body polls.

“Public Private Partnership in The verdict of the case was Defence Production and Export: announced by Chief Election Challenges and Way Forward” Commissioner Sardar Raza President observed that seminar ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain addressing Khan. was an excellent example of pub- Inaugural Session of the seminar on Public Private PartnerFor increasing the produclic private partnership where ship in the Defence Production Export: ‘Challenges and Way tion, ECP has given permission both the public and private sec- Forward’. to raise the aid amount from Rs tor defence industry stakehold2000 to Rs 4000 whereas iners and think tanks like CISS Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) is to fulfill and meet the terest rate has been reduced for were involved in this exercise of (MoDP) for promoting defence requirements of armed forces the cultivation of rice and cotformulating policy recommen- exports. ‘I urge all the partici- through both procurement and ton. dations for the government to pants to direct their dedicated indigenous production of deDuring the hearing, Chief enhance public-private partner- efforts for this important national fense products and export the surplus output to the maximum Election Commissioner once ship aimed at boosting defence cause,’ President added.

Federal Minister for De- extent possible. again got furious on stay order R & D. production and exports ‘This goal has been directed issues and said that High courts Seminar was organized by fence Production Rana Tanveer issue stay order on every verDefence Export Promotion Or- Hussain said the mission of the towards attaining self-reliance in dict of ECP. ganization (DEPO), an arm of Ministry of Defense Production defence production so as to usher He stated that courts do not have any authority to interfere in the matters of ECP. He also said that 50 percent strength of ECP is wasted in solving such issues.

PM Nawaz had announced the Rs 341 billion Kissan package on September 15 on which STAFF REPORTER BEIJING—The Asian Infrastructure Investment Europe. “The AIIB should not be limited to Asian the Election Commission took QUETTA—Three coal miners Bank,(AIIB) , the new international development countries, and it can only succeed if European and notice and termed it as a violation of code of conduct.—INP were killed and two others were bank led by China, plans to lend $10 billion to $15 countries from other continents join,” said Jin. Jin, however, said that the idea of having more injured as result of a blast in a billion a year for the first five or six years, a top members is not because Asia is not up to the job, coalmine in the Dukki area of official said.

Balochistan on Wednesday.

The new lender, which will be inaugurated later but rather the emphasis that developed countries, The miners were engaged to this month, plans to conduct its first board meet- particularly European countries, could share their extract coal 1,000 feet below the ing next month and will support infrastructure de- experiences in running international institutions.

“It is crazy to reject any other countries in the ground when the blast occurred. velopment and connectivity in Asia, said Jin world and not to seek advice in running the bank, LAHORE —Federal Finance “All the bodies have been Liqun, the president-designate of the AIIB. retrieved from the mine,” Abdul “The bank is neither a Chinese bank nor a and for European countries, joining the AIIB is an Minister Ishaq Dar on WednesKhaliq, a police inspector who bank owned by the Chinese government, but one opportunity to do different things and do things day reviewed overall performance of the Pakistan Internareached the mine after the inci- owned by all participating countries,” said Jin in differently,” Jin said. tional Airline Corporation.

The United Kingdom applied to join the AIIB dent disclosed.

Beijing.

The injured were rushed to Jin did not specify any priority projects for as a founding member in March, and this has Board of Directors of the naa nearby health unit for medical the AIIB or the countries that would be the ben- prompted more European countries to follow suit, tional flag carrier, including Prime Minister ’s Special treatment. However, there was eficiaries of initial loans, but said around 30 coun- he said.

Suma Chakrabarti, president of the European Assistan on Aviation Shujaat no qualified doctor nor medi- tries are waiting in line for membership and this Bank for Reconstruction and Development, said Azeem, PM’s Special Assistant cines available at the health unit. would increase the bank’s capital.

The dead miners were iden“There are 50 applicants in the fray for the earlier that the AIIB has important implications on Revenue Haroon Akhtar tified as Wali Muhammad, position of deputy head of the AIIB,” said Jin, the for EBRD as the combined strength of the two Khan, Civil Aviation Authority Muhammad Ashraf and Nazar former chairman of investment bank China Inter- could allow them to take on much larger projects. (CAA) Secretary Irfan Elahi According to Jin, the US dollar would be the op- and the PIA Chairman Naseer Shah.“Nobody asks the owners national Capital Corp. about our safety,” Muhammad Urging European experts to join the lender, erating currency of the AIIB for its convenience Jaffer held a meeting with the lamented while describing the Jin said their services are necessary for the AIIB while the bank would also take into consideration federal finance minister here at incident, which claimed the during the growth phase. Going forward, the AIIB financing requests in other currencies, including 90-Shahra Qauid-i-Azam.

During the meeting, Federal lives of his three colleagues. will look to jointly fund infrastructure projects in the yuan.—INP Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was briefed about the overall performance of the PIA. The Minister was informed that a number of steps ISLAMABAD—Friendship with China is and can now be termed as corporate stra- ture generations. Welcoming the visit of the had been taken in the recent the cornerstone of our Foreign Policy. tegic partnership. Pakistan-China friend- Member of Central Committee of the Com- months which had greatly imSenator Pervaiz Rashid, Federal Minister ship is unique in a sense that it enjoys munist Party, he said that Pakistan would proved the quality of service for IB&NH said this in a meeting with across-the-board political, institutional and also like to strengthen its interaction with of the Airline.

The meeting also disWang Sanyun, Member of Central Com- popular support in Pakistan, Pervaiz the Communist Party of China as it would mittee of the Communist Party of China Rashid added. He said that Pakistan be- provide an opportunity to learn to each other cussed various suggestions to further improve facilities for and Party Secretary of Gansu Province of lieves that practical benefits of our excel- experiences and best practices.

Information Minister said that Pakistan air-passengers. Financial matPeoples Republic of China, who called on lent strategic ties should accrue to the people is working with international community to ters of the national flag carrier him on Wednesday along with a delega- of two the countries.

Senator Pervaiz Rashid also under- curb the menace of terrorism and extrem- also come under discussion. tion in Islamabad.

Finance Minister, while He said that Pakistan attaches highest scored the importance to deepen the people ist. Terrorists have neither any ideology nor priority to its relations with China as this to people exchanges by collaborating in the faith and they are enemies of mankind, the appreciating the recent bond is mooted in will of the people of fields of media, information and culture. He Minister added. He said that Operation imporovemnts, stated that the said that cooperation in the field of media Zarb-e-Azb is a full swing and producing good work needed to continue both the countries.

Information Minister said that CPEC and bilateral cultural exchanges would in- positive results. We will continue to target on a permanent basis, so that has further expanded the relationship by deed play a pivotal role in transmitting the terrorist unless they are eliminated, he em- PIA can regain its status as an airline of choice. —NNI providing it a solid economic foundation rich traditions of our friendships to our fu- phasized.—INP

MIAN ARSHAD

Prince Mikasa of Japan turns 100

Kissan Package implementation on one point halted till Dec 5

Coal mine blast kills three in Dukki

in a level of self-sufficiency and substituting imported defence equipments.

In this endeavor public sector defence production organizations have reached some milestones which are worth mentioning,’ said the minister, adding that Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) has manufactured JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, Mushak and Super Mushak trainer aircrafts.

And Heavy Industries Taxila manufactures Al-Khalid and Al-Zarrar tanks besides armored personnel carriers, while Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) produces small arms and medium-sized weapon systems for armed forces.

‘All this indigenous defence production has met our national needs to the tune of $1.5b per annum.

Had defence production units not been established, we would have spent this huge amount on imports from other

MUMBAI—In another act of cricketing and cultural ties spewing venom against Pakistan, Indian extremist party Shiv Sena has called the Centre to shutdown the office of the Pakistan high commissioner in New Delhi.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut ranted and claimed that the Pakistan High Commission is a breeding ground for spies.

“This is a very serious matter. Look how far they have penetrated. The people, who were arrested on Tuesday, have links with Pakistan High Commission.

The Pakistan High Commission in Delhi should be locked and the key should be thrown away. It should be closed,” he said.

Raut asked the government if it was worth having

with Pakistan under the prevailing circumstances.

“The people having links with the ISI are sitting in the Pakistan High Commission here and they are using our people. Is it not a threat to the national security? Despite all this do we want cricketing and cultural ties with them? It is dangerous,” alleges Raut.

One of the extremist wings in India, Sena which has a stronghold in Maharashtra is casuing problems and making headlines for the past few months. The recent acts of violence could only be described as insane. It seems like India could not hold unjust hatred and aggression against Pakistan a moment longer and burst.—NNI

AIIB to lend up to $15b every year: Jin Liqun

Dar reviews PIA performance

Friendship with China cornerstone of our policy: Pervaiz

Muslim hero of Paris attacks Salim Toorabally stopped suicide bomber from entering stadium PARIS—In the hours after a 42-year-old Mauritian immilast month’s terror attacks in Paris, a Muslim security guard at the Stade de France was hailed as a hero after it was reported that he prevented one of the suicide bombers from entering the stadium.

However, it turned out that the guard, identified as Zouheir, was not the person who turned away the terrorist — spoiling a hopeful story that went viral in the wake of the Nov. 13 massacre.

But, according to NBC News, a Muslim security guard did, in fact, help prevent the attack: Salim Toorabally,

Shiv Sena demands closure of Pak HC

grant who was checking tickets at a turnstile when a man in a dark jacket tried to sneak past him.

“He didn’t have a ticket, so I stopped him,” Toorabally told NBC. “I said, ‘If you don’t have a ticket, I’m not letting you in.’” The man insisted he was meeting a friend inside who had a ticket for him, Toorabally said, but the guard didn’t waver.

Toorabally said he then spotted the same man trying to enter the stadium through another turnstile, and warned the guard not to let him in. A few min-

utes later, the man, later identified as 20-year-old Bilal Hadfi, blew himself up along

with two other suicide bombers outside the stadium. One bystander was killed.

Toorabally says he can still “hear” and “smell” the explosions. “It stays with me,” he said. “The air was burning.”

“I felt the explosion right in the heart,” Toorabally continued. “I knew it wasn’t fireworks coming from inside the stadium. But I didn’t see anything happening in the streets.”

Toorabally said he went to the aid of the guards who had been wounded and helped evacuate the stadium, not knowing the man he stopped was one of the bombers. Only

later, when police showed him a photograph of Hadfi, did he realize his brush with terror.

“I didn’t pay attention to his clothes, but I got a good look at his face,” he said. “I saw this man alive.”

The terrorists killed 130 people and wounded hundreds more in a series of coordinated attacks across Paris. But had the suicide bombers managed to get into the stadium, the death toll could have been much, much higher.

Toorabally, though, doesn’t consider himself a hero. “I could have been a victim too,” he said.—AFP

Published by: Zahid Malik, Printed by Gauhar Zahid Malik,33-Queens Road, Lahore at Barex Printers.

Sindh minister Sharjeel Memon removed IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—One of the influential minister in Sindh Cabinet, Sharjeel Innam Memon is now just a member of provincial assembly (MPA) of Pakistan people’s Party in Sindh.

He held three portfolios, information, local government and archives. Almost a month ago, he was removed as provincial minister for information and archives and placed under the aegis of Sindh Senior Minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro.

However, during second major reshuffle in Sindh cabinet, the portfolio of information was taken from Khuhro and given to Maula Bux Chandio, who was a few days ago appointed as adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister for Information with minister status.

He is at present adviser-

cum-minister for information.

Memon was then given the portfolio of Works and Services, and on Wednesday that too was taken from him.

The law enforcement agencies had few months ago raided Memon’s residence in DHA Karachi and recovered around Rs2 billion. However, he had refuted such claims and media reports.

Memon had for a couple of times travelled to Dubai. His first departure to Dubai was widely discussed in the national media claiming that he would not return. However, he continued to travelling to Dubai, which dissipated media reports.

However, his extended stay in Dubai endorsed suspicions.

The withdrawal of his last portfolio is the final endorsement that he might not return to Pakistan for fear of action from the LEAs for alleged corruption.

Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour injured K ABUL —Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was injured in a firefight following a verbal dispute at a meeting of militant commanders in Pakistan, officials said, exposing the deep divisions within the fractious militant movement.

“Mansour was seriously injured. He was rushed to hospital and we are not sure if he survived his wounds,” Sultan Faizi, the spokesperson for the Afghan first vice president, told

AFP. An Afghan intelligence source confirmed his account, and insurgent sources also told AFP Mansour had been injured.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid denied that any such firefight took place.

Mansour was announced as the new Taliban chief on July 31, after the militant movement belatedly confirmed the death of Mullah Omar, who led the movement for some two decades. —AFP

4 arrested in UK anti- terrorism probe OBSERVER REPORT LONDON—British police arrested four men in the town of Luton on Wednesday on suspicion of plotting acts of terrorism, police said in a statement.

The men, all in their 30s, were taken into custody at a London police station.

Searches were being con-

ducted at seven addresses in Luton, north of London, and several vehicles were also being searched, police said.

The arrests and searches were part of an ongoing investigation of individuals in the Luton area and were not connected to the Nov 13 IS (Daesh) attacks in Paris, the statement said.

Healthy Thanksgiving: the science of overeating and avoiding food poisoning

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HANKSGIVING - the gluttony sea son where the masses unashamedly unbutton their pants due to dinner-table overindulgence - has arrived. Medical News Today take a look at the chain reaction inside our bodies when we overeat and how to avoid a food-poisoning disaster that will sour your celebrations. It is that time of year again: when celebratory food is everpresent, and temptations are equally abundant. A time when even the most health-conscious diner succumbs to the lures of the holiday buffet.

Holiday eating can result in an extra pound or two of weight every year but is pigging out a harmless indulgence or a real health concern? The most common side effects triggered by the Thanksgiving Day binge involve indigestion, flatulence and a large dose of drowsiness. However, vast helpings of turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes travel on an epic journey around the body, activating a simultaneous release of hormones, chemicals and digestive fluids.

Research from the Calorie Control Council indicates that the average American may consume an enormous 4,500 calories and a whopping 229 g of fat during a typical holiday gathering. This gastronomical excess can quickly amount to 45% of calories derived from fat and a holiday meal equal to three sticks of butter. The human stomach can comfortably hold a volume of around 1

liter of food, about the size of a burrito, and can stretch to a capacity of 3-4 liters after a blowout meal. While the stomach will not burst, overeating will make your body work harder.

When we finally flop on the couch, feeling sluggish, either submitting to or fighting off the urge to nap, our body is busy dealing with the Thanksgiving-splurge aftermath. Heartburn occurs when the acid contents of the stomach pass backward up into the food pipe (called the gullet or esophagus). The stomach is jam-packed full of culinary delights resulting in it squeezing against other organs and giving you the sensation of feeling “stuffed.” The stomach and intestines fill with gasses, adding to the swollen feeling along with air jetting along for the ride with every bite - especially if soda or beer is also consumed.

The gasses that make drinks fizzy fill much more space in the stomach than the liquid it arrived in, leading to your body expelling the excess gas in one way, or another! Heartburn is often an unwanted after-dinner guest. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid to break down food - more food means more acid - irritating the stomach lining and creeping up the esophagus to create an unpleasant burning sensation.

Antacids, such as calcium carbonate, use bases to neutralize the acid, which causes more carbon dioxide to increase the feeling of fullness, until your next burp.

Mental reactions are every bit as important when feeling full.

Chinese Ambassador’s wife Bao Jiqing speaking during inaugural ceremony of Azhar Hafiz’s photo exhibition of Chinese province Xinjiang at Comsat Art Gallery.—INP

Absar appointment challenged STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—A petition has been moved in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging appointment of the senior journalist Absar Alam as Chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).

The federal government in a notification issued on November 11, 2015 ap-

pointed Absar Alam as chairman of the Pemra.

Asif Hussain, the petitioner, in his petition submitted with IHC has nominated Secretary Establishment Division, Secretary Information, Pemra and Absar Alam as parties and has claimed that Absar Alam has been elevated to the prestigious post of the Pemra chief on the basis of his close links with the government.

A large number of mourners attending the Chehlum procession of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).—APP

President urges unity of Muslim Ummah to achieve peace STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday said the Muslim Ummah should unite to achieve peace and prosperity in their countries and work for end of sufferings of the people. The President stated this while talking to Nobel Peace Laureate, Mrs. Tawakkol Abdel-Salam Karman, who along with a delegation called on him here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Welcoming Mrs. Tawakkol Abdel-Salam Karman and her delegation to Pakistan, the President said that award of Nobel Peace Prize to her was met with a great deal of joy in Pakistan as well.

Tawakkol Karman is a Yemeni journalist and human rights activist. She is a co-recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the first Yemeni, the first Arab woman, and the second Muslim woman to win a Nobel Prize and the second youngest Nobel Peace Laureate to date.

The President said Mrs. Tawakkol Abdel-Salam Karman, one of the youngest Nobel Prize laureates, was a representative of youth and women. He termed Tawakkol Karman

Nobel Peace Laureate, Mrs. Tawakkol Abdel Salam Kamran called on President Mamnoon Hussain at Aiwane-Sadr. and Malala Yousafzai as role models for youth. The President urged upon the Nobel laureate to speak up for the oppressed in Palestine, Kashmir, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and elsewhere.

He President stated that the people of Pakistan had also been the victim of terrorism, adding that the operation

against the terrorists and criminals would continue till their complete elimination.

He said that Pakistan desires peace in Afghanistan and the region and wants to have friendly relations with all countries particularly its neighbours.

The President called Mrs. Tawakkol Abdel-Salam Karman as the daughter

Romanian National Day

Pak-Romania trading ties are growing bassadors in Pakistan who considered Pakistan as his second home. Very popular figure in diplomatic community and the people of Pakistan, he has been trying hard to bring Pakistan and Romania closer to each other.

His efforts have borne fruit as trading ties and people to people con-

LIAQAT TOOR I S L A M A B A D —A lovely gathering to celebrate National Day of Romania in a splendid hall of a local hotel on Tuesday evening reflected very close and cordial relations between Pakistan and Romania which also reminded days of 70s when all-round ties started growing up on a fast track.

Located in Southeastern Europe bordering Black Sea, Romania has all potential to develop trade relations with Pakistan which has already crossed figure of $200 million.

A perfect setting in the hall to hold festivity beautified the scenario as politicians, parliamentarians, a large number of envoys, professionals, businessmen and friends of Romania thronged the venue to share greetings with the Romanian Ambassador Emilian ION. Emilian ION is one of the longest serving am-

Ambassador of Romania Emilion ION, Ambassador of Poland Piotr Opalinski. Ambassador of Bosnia Nedim Makarevic, and others cutting the cake during a ceremony to celebrate the 97th Anniversary of the National Day of Romania at a local hotel. —PO photo by Sultan Bashir

tacts have grown considerably.

Romania, a member of European Union has several Pakistani companies working to boost commercial and investment opportunities. If the present momentum continues, the trade volume will cross $1billion in near future.

Atmosphere in the hall was very pleasant where guests were busy in gossips in a friendly manner discussing everything happening around. The guests were presented tasteful dishes.

of Pakistan and wished her and the visiting delegation a pleasant and fruitful stay in Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Tawakkol Abdel-Salam Karman said that she is honoured and overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown to her by the government and people of Pakistan and considers Pakistan as her second home.

Plots of Park Enclave to be given to allottees this month ZUBAIR QURESHI ISLAMABAD—Capital Development Authority (CDA) is initiating the process of handing over plots to the allottees of Park Enclave housing project from December 28, 2015. Initially, possession in the areas where 100 pc development work has been completed, will be given while possession in the areas where final touches are being given to finishing work will be handed over by February 2016.

Chairman CDA, Maroof Afzal in this regard visited the Park Enclave Housing Project site Wednesday and reviewed the progress of ongoing development work.

On this occasion Member Administration and Estate Amer Ali Ahmed was also accompanied him.

Project Director of Park Enclave Housing Project briefed the chairman about the progress of development activities. He apprised that Park Enclave Housing Project was launched on July 5, 2011 but development work on this project remained stalled for years, however, sitting CDA management not only prioritized the project

but also devised an effective plan and started development work on this project in the August of last year.

CDA management took concrete steps to root out all hurdles hindering the development activities and carried out development on war footing basis, now, after completion of development work CDA would start handing over possession to the allotteess from December 28, 2015 and finishing work in the remaining areas would be completed at fast pace.

Book Park: Another feather in NBF’s cap

Fajar Zohr Asr

06:00 01:30 04:00

Meghrab at Sunset Isha 07:00 Brothers in Islam establish regular prayers & charity

December 4

Creative artwork show THE Horticulture Society of Capital Development Authority (CDA) will organize a special children’s creative artwork flower show on December 4 at Rose and Jasmin Garden.

December 8

Literary conference JOSH Adabi Foundation has organised Josh National Literary Conference on December 8 (Tuesday) to pay homage to great revolutionary poet. The conference is being organised in collaboration with Rawalpindi Arts Council to mark 121st birth anniversary of the poet.

UNIC launches poster competition I SLAMABAD —The

“Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always” poster competition was launched today in Pakistan by the United Nations Information Centre. The competition aims at giving school-aged children an opportunity to create a poster that illustrates human rights issues.

The competition is open to primary school children, aged between five and eleven, and secondary school children, aged between twelve and eighteen.

The poster competition reflects the theme of freedom and is open to all schools across Pakistan, including vocational training institutions and any special schools.

Winning posters will be printed and disseminated as part of the campaign. In addition, the wining entry from Pakistan will be included in an online art gallery showcasing the entries of the competition from around the world.

Vittorio Cammarota, Director UNIC, said, “The competition will allow children to learn about Human Rights. This will be a good opportunity for students to represent Pakistan on an international forum, and be a part of the global human rights movement.” All entries would be sent at info.islamabad@unic.org with the subject title “Poster Competition Submission.”

The final deadline for submissions is 24th January 2016.—INP

Importance of books has not been and can never be denied ZUBAIR QURESHI ISLAMABAD—Eminent columnist, writer and poet Atta-ul-Haq Qasmi has commended the National Book Foundation’s (NBF) efforts in promoting reading culture in society through various projects. He was addressing as chief guest the launching ceremony of ‘Book Park’ at NBF premises here on Wednesday. Readers’ club, book ambassadors, NBF book corners, stone book, book clubs are some of the projects that are contributing to the sale of books, he said. The latest ‘Book Park’ is yet another unique project conceived by the management of the NBF that will serve to bring people closer to books, said Qasmi.

Noted writer and critic of our times Prof Fateh Mohammad Malik, Chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) Qasim Bughio, media person Ammar Masood and Managing Director of the NBF Dr Inam-ul-Haq Javed also spoke on the occasion.

Atta Qasmi was of the view that importance of books has not been and can never be denied, rather with the passage of every day there is a steady rise in the number of readers, especially youths who are turning toward reading books and taking interest in the written word. About the NBF Managing Director’s efforts, he said NBF MD keeps giving pleasant surprise to visitors with such unique book-friendly projects.

He hoped under his leadership the NBF Famous writer Atta ul Haq Qasmi inaugurating Book Park at National Book Foundation. Managing Director NBF Dr would continue to inspire general public Inaam ul Haq Javed is also seen in the picture.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

Women Empowerment a way to educating future generation ISLAMABAD—Special Assistant to PM on Law/ MoS Ashtar Ausaf Ali has said that women empowerment is a very useful and effective way towards educating future generations.

He said this while talking to Patrick Moody, Deputy British High Commissioner to Pakistan who paid a courtesy call to SAPM. Mr. Ashtar Ausaf Ali has said that a working woman would like her child to attend school instead of working to support parents. This will not only lead to eradication of issue of out of school children but will help to a great deal in improving the enrollment at

schools and increasing to literacy rate in the country, the SAPM continued.

He informed the visiting envoy about the measures and initiatives taken by the present government for the women empowerment and eradication of child labor. He said that government is set to introduce right kind of changes in laws and statues governing the industrial and service sector to create a congenial working environment for women at work place.

This will encourage the working women to focus on their job with peace of mind resulting better quality of fin-

ished products and citizenship, he added.

Mr. Ashtar Ausaf Ali also discussed with the Mr. Moody the opportunities and avenues available in Pakistan where partnership between the two countries can be further enhanced. He said that a comprehensive mechanism of dispute resolution is being developed to provide foreign investors, businessmen and traders ease of doing business in Pakistan.

He hoped that such investment environment and opportunities being offered in Pakistan will attract investors from all around the globe.—NNI

Students from KP visit Aiwan-i-Quaid

Committee to resolve medical students problems

Members of Special Social Welfare Organization cutting cake on the eve of International Day of persons with Disabilities.—INP

STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Minister of

Students of Haripur University with representatives of Nazriya Pakistan Council, during visit to Aiwan-I-Quaid Islamabad.

OBSERVER REPORT ISLAMABAD—A contingent of 60 students

visiting delegation led by Prof. Dr. IftikharKhokhar, Advisor, SSS. AnjumKhaleeq Director (Media), NPC, briefed the students on various activities of NPC with particular reference to its endeavors of educating the new generation on Ideology of Pakistan and the responsibilities of our youth towards making Pakistan a progressive and prosperous country.

The visit was also featured by exclusive speeches and patriotic songs rendered by the students, besides an awards giving ceremony, headed by Dr. Sohail Hassan, Director Dawah Academy. Representatives of the Helping Hand were also present on this occasion.

from different high schools of KPK cities visited Aiwan-i-Quaid, today, at the concluding stage of a three day winter camp organized by Shining Stars Society (SSS), in collaboration with Dawah Academy, Islamabad.

The winter camp is part of Orphan Support Programme being run by welfare organization Helping Hand on country-wide basis to provide financial assistance to orphans for educational purposes.

IshratMasum Director (Programmes), RAWALPINDI—Two persons Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) received the were killed while two others sustained injuries in a gas cylinder blast near a mosque in Dheri Hassanabad here on Wednesday.

According to Rescue 1122 sources, the deceased were identified as Sher Ali and Muhammad Ajmal and the injured included Adnan and another.

Talking to media, City Police Officer (CPO) Israr Ahmed Abbasi said the blast took place when a shopkeeper tried to cut open the gas cylinder, in the vicinity of Pathan wali Mosque.

He clarified that it was not a act of terrorism. Israr Ahmed said the injured were shifted to District Headquarter hospital. The intensity of the blast was so high that glasses of cars and nearby buildings were broken, he added.—APP People gathered on the scene of gas cylinder blast in Dheeri Hassanabad.—INFN

Two killed, two injured in blast

with its book-friendly schemes and new projects.

Dr Fateh Mohammad Malik also praised the efforts by the NBF management in promoting and projecting books. NBF’s book park, he said provides ideal opportunity to visitors to sit and read something as once it used to be and everyone had time to relax and read.

Dr Bughio said NBF was representing the collective intellect of the country and the books being printed here are of great value.

Prof Inamul Haq Javed briefed the audience about the NBF’s projects. We have ensured transparency and modern techniques while launching our projects, he said. Giving a brief outline of the recently held book fairs at all major cities of the country, Prf Inamul Haq Javed said these book fairs turned out to be great success and people of all age groups arrived there and bought titles of their choice. Islamabad is much ahead of other cities in sale of books.

In December, he said the NBF has launched ‘Annual December Sale’ on books and a discount ranging from 10pc to 90pc is being offered on all the books. About book park, he said it was set up in the memory of great poets, writers and philosophers of the country. ‘Under guidance of eminent writers like Prof Attaul Haq Qasmi, Fateh Mohammad Malik and others NBF will keep attracting people towards books to contribute to reading culture in the country,’ he concluded.

State for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar taking the notice of ongoing protest of Pakistani students who completed their medical education from China has constituted a three member committee to address their issues. The committee members comprises of Dr. Assad Hafeez Director General Health, Dr. Abid Farooqi Member PMDC and Member from Law Division Mr. Khashi-ur- Rehman The committee will convened its first meeting on 7th December, 2015 and will submit its report by 10th December, 2015.

Minister has requested An open nullah near a slum at Zero point G-7 causing pollution. the medical students protesters to avoid making any inconvenience to PMDC in its working. She directed the local administration to handle the situation amicably.

The Minister had taken this decision after having meeting officials of PMDC, local administration besides representative of the delegation of protestors.

Three human traffickers arrested I SLAMABAD —Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Islamabad zone arrested three human traffickers from different cities besides recovering passports and other documents on Wednesday.

A Spokesman of FIA said that the investigation agency launched operations in Sargodha, Pindi Bhattian and district Kotli of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

He said that during actions three culprits involved in sending people abroad through illegal means were detained along with passports and other documents.

The spokesman said that the detainees were being interrogated and more arrests were expected.—INP

Daily wages teachers holding a protest demonstration in favour of their demands in front of Parliament House.—DNA

All set for local Govt election in Rawalpindi R AWALPINDI —1771 Polling Stations have their been established in Rawalpindi for the local government election while the training process of the electoral staff has been completed.

According to details 22 Lac, 81 thousands and 483 voters from all the rural and urban areas of Rawalpindi district will use

right of vote on 5th December,(Saturday) to elect their choiced candidates for Metropolitan Corporation, six municipal committees and district councils. For the election process 1771 Polling stations have been established, said District Retuning officer Jawaid Khan Afridi while giving a briefing.—INP

Netanyahu confirms Israeli forces are in Syria JERUSALEM —Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted for the first time confirmed that Israeli forces have been operating in Syria, where the Iranbacked regime is battling rebels including ISIL. “We occasionally carry out operations in Syria to prevent that country from becoming a front against us,” Netanyahu told report-

ers during a visit to northern Israel.“We also do everything to prevent weapons, particularly lethal ones, being moved from Syria to Lebanon,” he added. Netanyahu did not provide further details and his comments were the first public recognition that Israel has been active in conflict-riddled Syria.

Several purported strikes have occurred in recent months, targeting alleged Iranian arms transfers from Syria to Lebanon and destined for Israel’s archfoe, the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah.

But these strikes were not officially acknowledged by Israeli authorities.

Israel opposes the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which has been battling an armed rebellion since March 2011, but has sought to avoid being dragged into the war in neighbouring Syria.

Russia, an ally of the Assad regime along with Iran, launched an air campaign against his opponents in late September.

On Sunday, Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said a Russian warplane had recently entered Israeli-controlled airspace from Syria but the intrusion was resolved without incident.

“It was apparently an error by the pilot who was flying near the Golan,” Yaalon said.Israel seized most of the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 and later annexed the territory in a move never recognised by the international community.

Yaalon said Israel and Russia had made arrangements to avoid clashes over Syria, with the agreement said to include a “hotline” and information sharing.

Netanyahu echoed his comments on Tuesday, saying the Israeli and Russian military forces “are in close coordination to avoid such incidents”.

Their remarks came in the aftermath of the downing by Turkey over a Russian warplane which Ankara said had entered Turkish airspace — a claim denied by Moscow.—AP

China-Zimbabwe all-weather friendship set for more coop

BRUSSELS—The Iraqi government is fully briefed on U.S. plans to deploy American special forces to Iraq and the two governments will consult closely on where they will go and what they will do, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Wednesday. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Tuesday Washington would deploy a new force of special operations troops to Iraq to combat Islamic

HARARE—China and Zimbabwe agreed have agreed to translate their time-honored friendship into stronger impetus for bilateral practical cooperation so as to achieve common development and prosperity. The consensus came as Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is here for a state visit to the African country, and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Robert Mugabe, held talks in the State House and jointly charted the course for the future development of bilateral tie China and Zimbabwe, with their traditional friendship both having a long history and growing ever stronger now, are “real all-weather friends,” said Xi, adding that they should not only be good friends in political sphere but also be good partners in promoting development.

Noting that the two countries have supported each other and carried out sincere cooperation during their respective development endeavor, Xi stressed that China will never forget its old friends.

China will, as always, support Zimbabwe in safeguarding its interests in sovereignty, security and development, and playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs, added the Chinese leader, who traveled to the National Heroes Acre and laid a wreath at the memorial site.

Mugabe, for his part, extended a warm welcome to the Chinese president, and expressed deep appreciation for China’s sincerity in dealing with Zimbabwe and other African countries as well as profound gratitude for China’s longrunning valuable support for his country

UK’s military interventions from Kosovo to Iraq Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. British The relative success of the missions in troops, most of them deployed in the violencehit south, spent 13 years in Afghanistan.

The country was the second largest contributor to the international mission after the US, with 9,500 troops there at the conflict’s peak in 2011. A total of 454 Britons died while serving in Afghanistan. In 2003, Britain again joined the US under President George W. Bush to invade Iraq and topple dictator Saddam Hussein.

Blair has since been dogged by claims that his government “sexed up” evidence about weapons of mass destruction in both Kosovo and Sierra Leone is seen by ana- Iraq to make the case for war.

A total of 179 British personnel died in lysts as having emboldened Blair to take furthe war and the last UK troops left Iraq in 2011. ther military action in future After the September 11, 2001 attacks in A much-delayed British inquiry into the war the US, Britain joined the US-led invasion of which started work in 2009 is due to be pubAfghanistan, where the Taliban had harboured lished mid-2016.—AFP

LONDON—Syria looks set to become the lat- intervene in the country’s civil war. est in several overseas military operations for Britain in recent years, as lawmakers prepare Wednesday to vote to join air strikes against the Islamic State group. Here are the main recent operations since Blai: Britain joined the 1999 NATOled air strikes in the Kosovo war.

Elected in a landslide in 1997, Blair was the We s t e r n leader who pushed hardest for ground troops to be sent in to push back Serbian forces before its leader Slobodan Milosevic accepted a peace plan.

One year after the Kosovo conflict in 2000, British troops were deployed to Sierra Leone, formerly part of the British empire, to

Iraq briefed on US special forces plan:Kerry

in various fields. Calling China an “allweather” friend of Zimbabwe, Mugabe said his country hopes to learn from China’s experience in socioeconomic development, receive more assistance from China and expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as agriculture, industry and infrastructure.

After their talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of a bilateral economic and technological cooperation agreement and a series of other deals covering such fields as infrastructure construction, production capacity, investment and financing, as well as wildlife protection. China and Zimbabwe boast a timehonored brotherly relationship that dates back to the former’s provision of substantial assistance for the latter’s struggle for

national liberation and independence.

Since the two countries established diplomatic relations on the very day of Zimbabwe’s independence, bilateral ties have witnessed steady and fruitful development. China has become a major trading partner of Zimbabwe and its largest source of foreign investment. Two-way trade reached 1.24 billion U.S. dollars in 2014, marking a year-on-year increase of 12.7 percent.

In a sign of the strong public support for the China-Zimbabwe friendship, tens of thousands of local people lined up along the airport road to welcome the Chinese president, and leading Zimbabwean newspapers are rolling out an extensive coverage on Xi’s visit and bilateral friendship.—Xinhua

FMs of Turkey and Russia to meet soon

State militants who have seized swathes of Iraq and neighboring Syria. The group is also known as IS and ISIS. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s office said it welcomed foreign assistance but Iraq’s government would need to approve any deployment of special operations forces anywhere in Iraq.He also said foreign ground combat troops were not needed in Iraq, although it was unclear whether Baghdad viewed these U.S. special operations forces in that role. “The government of Iraq was of course briefed in advance of Secretary Carter’s announcement,” Kerry told reporters at NATO. “We will continue to work very, very closely with our Iraqi partners on exactly who would be deployed, where they would be deployed, what kinds of missions people would undertake, how they would support Iraqi efforts to degrade and destroy ISIL.”—Reuters

US, Russia resolve to choke off IS finances

BELGRADE—Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei ducing visas for Turkish visitors.

UNITED NATION—The United

Lavrov said Wednesday he was willing to meet his Turkish counterpart this week for the two countries’ first highlevel face-to-face talks since Ankara shot down one of Moscow’s warplanes.

Lavrov said Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was “insisting” on holding talks on the sidelines of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Belgrade on Thursday and Friday.

“We will not be evading this contact”, Lavrov said. “We will hear what Mr. Cavusoglu has to say. Perhaps there will be something new after what has already been said publicly.”

Ties between Russia and NATO member Turkey have badly strained after Ankara last week shot down the Russian plane along its border with Syria.

Both sides have squabbled furiously over whether the jet breached Turkey’s air space.

Moscow has unleashed a raft of sanctions against Ankara, including banning imports of some Turkish foods, stopping the sale of package holidays to the country and reintro-

U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power told reporters that the draft resolution “will consolidate and streamline the council’s recent efforts on ISIL financing” and introduce “new steps to make the sanctions more effective.”—Reuters

President Vladimir Putin snubbed a meeting with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the climate conference in France on Monday, after Lavrov had earlier scrapped a visit to Istanbul in the immediate wake of the plane downing.

Erdogan has rejected Putin’s demands to apologise over the incident, saying that Turkey was acting well within its rights to protect its border. US President Barack Obama on Tuesday met Erdogan and called on both leaders to end their dispute and focus on fighting the common enemy ISIL group.

Asked by a journalist on Wednesday what Ankara could possibly do to mend relations, Lavrov said relations can no longer be “business as usual” due to the “hostile” act against Moscow.

“I am not going to talk about what Turkey should do. I believe our colleagues, our Turkish neighbours, should understand themselves what they must do,” he said, without elaborating.—AA

States and Russia are drafting UN resolutions aimed at ramping up global efforts to choke off the ISIL group’s sources of financing, the envoys said late Tuesday.

The proposed new Security Council measure would build on a resolution adopted in February that sought to cut off millions of dollars in earnings from ISIL smuggling of oil and antiquities.

How Israeli media misread the Intifada RAMZY BAROUD

I

SRAELI commentators Yaron Friedman, of Ynet News, and Haviv Rettig Gur, of The Times of Israel, are clueless about the driving force behind the Palestinian mobilisation and collective struggle.

In two recent articles, and with unmistakable conceit, they attempted to highlight what they perceive as the failure of the current Palestinian uprising, or Intifada.

Gur argues that the Palestinians “terrorism” is not a surge in opposition to Israel, but a “howl against the pervasive sense that resistance has failed”.

He reduces the Intifada to the mere act of stabbing of Israelis, and points out the painful truth that the Palestinian Authority “elites” are paying lip service to the “martyrs”, while “simultaneously acting with determination on the ground to disrupt and stop attacks”.

In his long-winded article “Losing Palestine”, Gur essentially claims that the current struggle against occupation stems mostly from Internet fervour and is more a declaration of defeat than a strategy for victory, and that no Palestinian leader dares to be the first to accept this.

Friedman, on the other hand, describes the “knife Intifada” as a “fire without coal”, saying that the “insane actions of the stabbers” is designed to ignite religious fervour ultimately aimed at blaming the Jews.

Those who launched the Intifada “have no real internal or external support (financial or weapons) and it broke out at a time when the nightmare of all the Arab world’s leaders is the social protests turning into anarchy”, he wrote.

There is little sense in arguing against the unsympathetic approach Zionist commentators use to describe Palestinians,

against their insistence on seeing Palestinian collective action, violent or otherwise, as an act of “terror”, their refusal to see any context behind Palestinian anger or the way they inject a religious narrative at every turn, and lob “anti-Semitic” accusations unfairly, whenever they see fit.

But what is particularly interesting about the Israeli take on the Palestinian Intifada, as presented by Friedman, Gur and others in the media, including some within the Israeli political establishment, is the attempt to display an exaggerated sense of confidence that unlike other uprisings, this one is a farce.

In fact, the Israelis are certain that the uprising is likely to deflate once the limited tools at its disposal are contained. This supposition has led Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely to meet with representatives of YouTube and Google “to discuss ways to cooperate in what she calls the fight against ‘inciting violence and terrorism’,” reported Middle East Monitor (MEMO), citing Israeli daily Maariv.

This self-assurance among Israeli state officials and media is predicated on several suppositions. First, while the Palestinian Authority has not yet moved to take part in crushing the Intifada, it has done its utmost to thwart the people’s effort at mobilising Palestinians beyond the limited confines of the ruling Fateh faction and its worthless promises of peace and statehood.

The PA knows well that if the Intifada escalates beyond its current scale, it could undermine — if not entirely challenge — the PA itself, which has served for many years as a line of defence for the Israeli occupation.

Thanks to the “security coordination” between the Israeli army and the PA, Palestinian resistance in the West Bank has been, until recently, largely contained.

Second, Hamas, although it has openly called for an escalation of protests against Israel, is swamped by its own problems.

T h e siege on Gaza, tightened further with the closure of the Rafah border, and the desperate need to rebuild what successive Israeli wars destroyed, makes it difficult for Hamas to take part in any effort that could open up another war front with Israel. One must recall that the Israeli war on Gaza in the summer of 2014 was an Israeli attempt at redrawing the battle lines.

At the time, a momentum for an Intifada was taking shape in the West Bank, following an increase in Israeli army and settler violence against Palestinians.

The war on Gaza managed to change the narrative of that budding conflict into an Israeli war aimed at defending its borders, as Israeli hasbara dictated.

Israel is now relying on the assumption that Hamas would avoid, at least for now, a repeat of that scenario, which cost Palestinians over 2,200 lives and thousands of wounded and maimed, let alone the massive destruction of the already impoverished strip. Third, Arabs are consumed with their own internal or regional fights, whether for political or sectarian domination.

Almost every Arab country is somehow, either fully or partially, involved or is affected by the various wars and conflicts under way in Syria, Libya, Egypt’s Sinai, Iraq and Yemen.

The supposedly successful Tunisian model is suffering its own fallout, too, from militant violence, whether homegrown or that which spills over from violent neighbours.

Previous Intifadas succeeded, or so goes the Israeli logic, because of Arab backing. But the most that Arabs have done was to pay lip service and nothing more.

But then, if the PA itself is keen on spoiling popular Palestinian initiatives, little can be expected of the Arabs who are busy fighting each other. However, the Israeli argument is, as has always been the case, narrow minded in its view of history, or it conveniently applies history to fit whatever political argument Israeli officials or mouthpieces deem handy.

Just a few weeks ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu absolved the Nazis of the idea behind the Holocaust and pinned the blame on the Palestinian mufti instead.

Previous Intifadas, but more importantly the 1987 “Intifada of the stones”, was not constructed as a strategy for liberation, but was a spontaneous reaction to a series of Israeli provocations and the failure of the Palestinian leadership, all positioned within the larger context of the ongoing Israeli occupation.

Palestinians do not revolt when “the time is right” for them to do so, but whenever their collective suffering culminates to the point that they cannot be silenced anymore.

—Courteswy: TJT [The writer, www.ramzybaroud.net, has been writing about the Middle East for over 20 years. He is an internationally syndicated columnist, a media consultant, author of several books and the founder of PalestineChronicle.com].

CCP to hold 32-Road shows in 21 chambers

ISE-10 index witnesses bullish trend I SLAMABAD —Islamabad Stock Exchange witnessed bullish trend here on Wednesday as the ISE-10 index was up by 58.22 points and closed at 2753.51 points.

A total of 3500 shares were traded, which were down by 70,800 shares when it compared with previous day’s trading of 74,300 shares. Out of 148 companies, share prices of 130 companies recorded increase while share prices of 13 companies registered decrease where as no company remained stable in today’s trading. The share price of Atlas Battery increased by Rs. 33.48 per share while Ghandhara Industries remained the top loser whose share price decreased by Rs. 15.55 per share. United Bank, Silkbank and Bank of Punjab remained the top trading companies in Wednesday’s trading with 1800, 1000 and 500 shares respectively. — APP

PIA performance reviewed L AHORE —Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reviewed overall performance of the Pakistan International Airline Corporation to bring it at par with international standards and further improve its credibility.

Board of Directors of the national flag carrier, including Prime Minister’s Special Assistan on Aviation Shujaat Azeem, PM’s Special Assistant on Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Secretary Irfan Elahi and the PIA Chairman Naseer Jaffer held a meeting with the federal finance minister here at 90-Shahra Qauid-iAzam. During the meeting, Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was briefed about the overall performance of the PIA and the Board members also presented him various suggestions to further improve facilities for air-passengers.—APP

DR. WAQAR CH

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar addressing officers of Inland Revenue and Pakistan Customs at FBR.

Pak foreign reserves cross $15b mark: Dar SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Federal Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday that country’s foreign exchange reserves had crossed $15 billion due to dynamic policies being pursued by the government and hoped it would reach to $21 billion in coming days. Addressing the tax officers in the Federal Board of Revenue office here, he said the government had to turn towards the International Monitory Fund (IMF) for paying back old debts taken by previous governments.

He said that sustained economical growth would make Pakistan an economically sovereign state by 2018. Saluting to FBR team and tax officers for their tremendous performance for the year 2014 and 2015 regarding tax collection, Ishaq Dar said the FBR did the work in two years instead of four years, in collecting huge amount of tax and bringing thousands of people into tax net.

Expressing satisfaction over the FBR officers’ performance, he stressed for fixing more difficult and aggressive target of

KSE-100 Index registers sharp gain of 712 points AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—After breaking below its trend line to come down at 31779 levels in the previous session, the index witnessed a sharp gain of 712 levels to close in green after series of 9 negative session to close

CDNS collects Rs 111b ISLAMABAD—The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has collected Rs. 111 billion as against the proportionate target of Rs 125 billion till November 28, during the current fiscal year (2015-16). An official of the CDNS informed APP here on Wednesday, the estimated target of the national savings for the year 2015-16 has been set for Rs. 302 billion.

Likewise, he said during the first quarter of current fiscal year, the CDNC collected Rs. 82 billion as against the proportionate target of Rs. 66 billion.

The official said the federal government has also started making adjustments in the profit rates on new saving schemes from December 01, 2015. He said the instant revision was made in the backdrop of current market scenario and in accordance with the government’s policy to provide market based competitive rate of return to the investors of National Savings.—APP

In the business world, everyone is paid in two coins: cash and experience. Take the experience first; the cash will come later.

—Harold S. Geneen

tax collection for next year. Dar said the PML-N government had to take tough and unpopular decisions of tax collection, and the nation would enjoy its fruits in days to come as famous economists of the world had declared Pakistan as “a state set to take off”.

It was the PML-N government which made 40 percent cuts in non-development budget and took so many hard decisions after taking charge and the PML-N had already given a road map to restore economy in its manifesto which was still on the website of the party, he added.

He said the PML-N government started work and made comprehensive plans to stabilise Pakistan’s economy while it was in opposition and by the grace of Allah Almighty, Pakistan would be the 18th biggest economy of the world in next some years.

The Minister asked all political parties to get united and join hands with the government for complete restoration of Pakistan’s economy. Chairman FBR Nisar Muhammad Khan, Special Assistant to PM on Revenue Haroon Akhtar and other officers were also present on the occasion.

at 32,421 levels here on Wednesday. Although 32,500- could act as an important support as the market is already in oversold conditions and could revive bullish momentum yet clarity in direction has yet to come.

It is important to note that the start of the month brought fresh taxation measures announced by the Finance Minister like increase in prices of cigarettes by up to aver-

age 4% (CPI impact ~10bp), and packaged food etc may impact CPI to some extent, however it is likely to be comfortably offset by the seasonal decline in vegetable and fruits prices coinciding in Dec 2015 due to onset of crop harvest. Additionally, the increased sown area of minor crops this year should improve output and ease price pressure to some extent. The food inflation is likely to remain a key swing factor, which could determine the extent of increase in CPI in coming months.

On the oil prices front, the prices initially rallied to US$42.20/bbl but the gains were short-lived as industry group, API, reported that inventories rose by 1.6mnbbl, while analysts had expected a decrease of 471,000bbl. Going forward, all eyes will be on official inventory data due today and the OPEC meeting to be held on Friday. The market volume also look a little bit improved at 191 million shares where Bank of Punjab was the volume leader with a trade of 17.71 million shares to their credit. The second and third volume leaders were 16 million shares while Pak Elektron 13.47 million shares respectively.

Pak, Iran need steps to facilitate trade relations I S L A M A B A D —Chairman Standing Committee of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) on Horticulture & Agriculture Produce, Ahmad Jawad has said Pakistan and Iran, being important neighbours should take concrete steps to facilitate trade. He expressed these views while talking to Mostafa Razavi Zadeh, Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of Iran who called on him here on Wednesday.

Jawad said FPCCI showed great importance to Iran and its business community and we have immense potential to increase the trade volumes. It’s time both countries may come forward and remove trade barriers, so that collectively we would give strong message in the region as a strong trading partner, he added.

The Chairman Standing Committee said that for this purpose both sides may implement the preferential trade agreement (PTA) in letter and spirit which was signed in 2006. As tariff concessions were granted to Iran on 309 tariff lines while Pakistan was offered concessions on 338 tariff lines. Major sectors covered under the PTA were rice, fruits, cotton, cotton yarn, pharmaceutical products and cutlery; he remarked. Jawad said we understand that some confusion is still there which hampers the bilateral trade, but we should also understand Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline project and trade issues are two different subjects.

Mostafa appreciated the vision of FPCCI Chairman Standing Committee; and said it’s a matter of great satisfaction that we are meeting twice on this issue and the seriousness showed by the FPCCI will definitely overcome the barriers between two sides. Pakistan has rich potential in agriculture products especially in Rice, kinnows and halal meat and we are keen to do trade in it, but unavailability of banking channels was the big issue.—INP

LAHORE—The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has chalked out a 25-days long comprehensive nationwide plan to hold as many as 32-road shows-Competition Caravan at 21 Chambers of Commerce and Industry kicking off from Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and CNG association on Dec 04. Dr. Shahzad Ansar, member (Advocacy and OPT) told this scribe on Tuesday that CCP on the special directive of its Chairperson Ms. Vadiyya Khalil has tailored a plan for holding road shows to create awareness among the stakeholders and the people at large as their genuine grievances can be redressed under one window and their legitimate rights are fully protected in commission which was established on 2 Oct 2007 under competition commission ordinance 2007.

He said that commission is an independent quasi-regulatory, quasi-judicial body and competitive forces are unhindered in all spheres of commercial and economic activity to enhance economic efficiency and to protect consumers from anti-competitive behavior across the country. He said that Chairperson will personally monitor overall performance and feed back of the road show. He said that details, date and timings

of the road shows have already been communicated to chambers and associations concerned for fully ensuring maximum participation of the stakeholders so that its purpose could be achieved. Unfolding the details, he said shows will be held at women Chamber Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Mardan, Haripur, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Sialkot, Wazirabd, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sargodha, Lahore, Multan, Bahwalpur, Rahimyar Khan, Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Quetta.

He said that Pak Electric Fan Manufacturing Association, Gujrat, Surgical Instrument Manufacturers Association, All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association, APCMA, PAAPAM, Pak Cotton Ginners Association, Pak Crop Protection Association, OICCI, ABC and PBC will also be given detailed presentation during the nationwide tour. Meanwhile presidential candidate for FPCCI Abdul Rauf Alam and Vice President FPCCI Hameed Akhtar Chadda who is also patron-in-chief of All Pakistan Stainless Steel Cutlery Manufacturers and Export Association Wazirabad hailed the decision of CCP for conducting nationwide road shows which they added was a long standing demand of the stakeholders and consumers besides promoting healthy lawful competition safeguarding the interests of the consumers.

ISLAMABAD: Walid Irshaid, President and CEO PTCL and Liu Dianfeng, CEO Zong exchange documents after signing MoU at PTCL Headquarters.

Zong to use PTCL network for 3G, 4G services MIAN ARSHAD ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Zong (CMPak), Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here regarding using PTCL network by Zong. The MoU will facilitate Zong to avail PTCL’s vast network footprint and infrastructure for their rapidly growing 3G & 4G-subscriber base. President & CEO PTCL Walid Irshaid and CEO Zong Liu Dianfeng signed the MoU here at a signing ceremony.

Both companies have emphasized the need for stronger partnership in future to provide innovative and cutting edge telecommunication services to serve the Pakistani market. In April 2014, four cellular companies including Zonng, Ufone, Telenor and Mobilink submitted their bids to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to participate in 3G and 4G technology license auction.

The government earned $903 million from 3G auction and $210 million from 4G

auction with total revenue of $1.1 billion from both auctions. Zong won the first ever 4G license in Pakistan from 1800 MHz band.

In 3G category, Zong along with Mobilink won 2x10 MHz license from 2100 MHz band.

Ufone and Telenor won 2x5 MHz license for 3G from the same band It is pertinent to note here that 3G, short form of third generation of mobile telecommunications technology, is based on a set of standards used for mobile devices and mobile telecommunications use services and networks that comply with the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specifications by the International Telecommunication Union.

Similarly, 4G, short for fourth generation of mobile telecommunications technology, succeeding 3G. A 4G system must provide capabilities defined by ITU in IMT. Potential and current applications include amended mobile web access, IP telephony, gaming services, high-definition mobile TV, video conferencing, 3D television, and cloud computing.

Pakistan, China can produce competitive products for global marts: Ahsan CPEC to be a corruption free project ISLAMABAD —Federal Minister Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said Pakistan and China can work on joint ventures in industrial sector to produce competitive products for global markets. The real potential of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) lies in industrial sector, he said adding relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan offers economic dividends to both countries because of cheap labour available in Pakistan.

“Industrialization always thrives on cheap labour and Pakistan is the most attractive destination for industrialization because of low cost of labour here”, Ahsan Iqbal stated this at a meeting with the delegation from Shaanxi province of China with Pakistani officials and people from industrial sector at Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform. He talked extensively on the relationship between China and Pakistan, which he said are time tested and all-weathered. Ahsan Iqbal pointed that out that 1st phase of CPEC is related to Chinese investment in energy, infra-

structure and Gawadar. The real potential of this mega project is related to Chinese investment in industrial sector of Pakistan, on which both countries are working speedily.

Minister said Pakistan is located at centre of three engines of growth i.e.

South Asia, Central Asia and China; therefore “we can integrate it to create into a big market of three billion people”. He said CPEC has a win-a-win proposition and Pakistan has advantage to serve as manufacturing and service hub through CPEC and China side to have economical route for its goods to world markets.

About the significance Gawadar, Ahsan Iqbal

informed the Chinese delegation that deep-sea port in Gawadar will serve both China and Pakistan to harness opportunities of regional connectivity through maritime trade to Middle East, Africa and Europe. The Minister said that China and Pakistan always enjoyed exemplary political relations in past and CPEC added economic dimension to these cordial and brotherly relations when both countries demonstrated their desire to take the relationship to strategic economic cooperation after Prime Minster Nawaz Shari’s visit to China in July 2013 and Chinese President’s visit to Pakistan in April 2015. “CPEC is the first drop of big ocean to pave the way for more Chinese investment in various sectors”, he added. About the visit of Shaanxi province of China to Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal hoped that it would open new avenues of cooperation in trade, commerce and industry.

He stated, “it is heartening to note that the people from industrial, infrastructure and financial sector are part of this delegation. We look

forward to active participation of Shaanxi province in CPEC projects”. Talking to media he added that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be a corruption free project and fate changer for Pakistan. Talking to a private news channel, he said there was zero chance of corruption in the project as out of total 46 billion dollars 40 would be invested in power sector through private investors and private sector would have to get return of its investment.

The remaining 6 billion dollars would be a concessional financing from Chinese government for the projects of infrastructure, he said and added that Chinese government would nominate a panel of three reputed companies in this regard.

The minister said the bidding would be made among all the three companies and the lowest bidder would be awarded with the contract. Replying to a question, he said national institutions had fixed the tariffs for different energy projects of investment including coal, wind, hydel and solar in country’s energy policy.—APP

Currency

Selling

Buying

Iran gas pipeline best option: Khaqan Abbasi

USA

105.20

UK

158.53

105.00 158.23

ISLAMABAD—Pakistani Minister for Petroleum and Natu- media after the first session. “But as long as US sanctions

Euro

111.70

111.48

Canada

78.66

78.51

Switzerland

102.42

102.23

Australia

76.96

76.81

Sweden

12.11

12.08

Japan

0.8551

0.8535

Norway

12.18

12.16

Singapore

74.77

74.63

Denmark

14.97

14.95

Saudi Arabia 28.04

27.99

ral Resources Khaqan Abbasi has said that Iran gas pipeline project remains the best option for Pakistan.

Pakistani minister: Iran gas pipeline best option Mr. Abbasi and Energy Minister Khawaja Mohammed Asif inaugurated a two-day seminar in Washington, highlighting business opportunities in the clean energy sector in Pakistan.

“We are running against time to meet energy deficit.

We want energy sources that are both renewable and affordable,” Mr. Asif said in the conference.

“The Iran gas line project is the best option for Pakistan,” said Mr. Abbasi while speaking to the Pakistani

Hong Kong

13.57

13.55

China

16.44

16.41

Kuwait

345.48

344.83

Malaysia

24.90

24.85

Newzealand

70.07

69.94

Qatar

28.91

28.85

UAE

28.64

28.59

Kr Won

0.0907

0.0905

Thailand

2.941

2.935

Holding back energy sector reforms can bankrupt country: PBIF I S L A M A B A D —Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) on Wednesday said delay in critical reforms in the energy sector has the potential to bankrupt country.

The official power sector losses which are Rs320 billion are over half of the amount allocated in federal developmental budget while independent experts view losses at Rs 370 billion, it said. The circular debt is at Rs 661 billion while theft and wastage has increased from 18.6 percent to 18.7 percent, said President PBIF, All Karachi Industrial Alliance and First Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI Mian Zahid Hussain.

He said that Nepra has allowed power distribution companies to recover 15.2 percent losses from consumers who were earlier paying 13.1 percent of the total losses. Mian Zahid Hussain said that sale of Discos might have improved situation which has been delayed by nine months. Some bureaucrats in the gas utilities are failing LNG project, he said, adding that agreement for import of gas has been delayed by nine months.—INP

Aquaculture fast growing food production sector in Pakistan STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —Director General Fisheries Dr. Mohammad Ayub has said that by motivating the people of rural areas towards fish farming, employment opportunities and their income could be enhanced. Less fertile and less quality land can also be used for aquaculture.

He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of zoology students of various universities, in his office, here today.

Dr. Ayub said that people engaged in agriculture, livestock, poultry and other related fields could easily manage fish farming and increase their income as well as contribute to national economy.

He said that Fisheries Department is encouraging youth of rural areas towards aquaculture.

Dr. Mohammad Ayub told that a healthy and balanced diet is of vital importance and fish is a part of the diet of nearly 4.3 billion people of the world. He said that fish is good source of protein, vitamin, mineral and Omega-III acids and by including fish in our diet, we could protect ourselves against memory loss, arthritis, heart disease, colon cancer and paralysis etc. He said that fish improves immune system of our body and is useful in the production of hormones. He said worldwide average fish consumption is 19.2 kg per capita annually.

are there, we cannot buy gas from Iran.” The minister noted that relations between the United States and Iran were improving rapidly after the two signed a nuclear deal earlier this year. “This is good news for us. We hope that sanctions will be removed soon,” he said.

Mr. Abbasi rejected a perception that Pakistan would be forced to pay penalty if it did not buy gas from Iran now. “Not our fault. We made several attempts in the last 18 months to complete the project on our side. But no investor, no builder came forward,” he said. “Once the sanctions are lifted, we will work on this project. A pipeline is always more reliable than other options.’—NNI

SBP has confidence in NBP’s BOD, management STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —State Bank of Pakistan is interalia, responsible for the stability of the financial system. After the international financial crises, the regulators around the world have particularly given more emphasis to the systematically important banks due to their role in financial stability. Pakistan is no exception to that and the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) is one of the systemically important banks in the country. In a certain section of the press a news item refers to a letter from SBP to NBP portraying lack of confidence being shown by SBP on the management of NBP and their Board of Directors.

This is malicious and undermines the governance of the largest and systemically important bank in the country and can potentially shake the confidence of its stakeholders. The communication by the SBP is a normal course of business action that is taken to ensure compliance of measures as

considered fit by it. Corporate Governance initiatives are a part of the over-arching role of the State Bank of Pakistan and it does not undermine the role of the Board of Director (BOD) of any bank or for that matter NBP in particular.

State Bank of Pakistan has confidence on present NBP’s BOD and its Management as they have already started showing progress keeping in view the challenges of a large Public Sector Commercial Bank. Further, NBP has to comply with the requirements of Banking Nationalization Act (BNA) as well while other private/privatized banks are not required to follow BNA. Fit and Proper test (FPT) of Management and BOD is a normal process carried out by SBP for all banks, and in all cases of Key Executives, FPT documents are submitted to SBP. Since all the existing board members and President of the NBP have been appointed following due process after SBP’s clearance, as such no question arises about confidence in NBP’s BOD and management.

Khushhalibank expands branch network in Punjab SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Khushhalibank Limited has announced opening of two new branches in Punjab, further expanding it’s geographic spread as the pioneer microfinance bank of Pakistan. Inaugurated in 2000, Khushhalibank Limited continues to evolve its mission and expand its outreach to cater to the financing needs of more than 500,000 active borrowers through over 125 branches, of which 15 are dedicated to facilities to small business. Adding two more branches to its existing network at Ayubi Plaza, Faisalabad and Anarkali, Lahore respectively, KBL

continues to deliver financial products geared towards MSME business opportunities to customers, achieving yet another milestone in its stride towards growth targets for the 2015 Financial Year.

Adressing the media, President Khushhalibank Ghalib Nishtar said: “In the last 15 years a large number of people have benefited from microfinance and it is estimated that more than 4 million individuals have taken advantage of the microfinance services, and the number is fast growing.

Today Khushhalibank has taken another step towards it’s goal to provide quality banking services to all underserved segments of Pakistan. Our priority is and will remain development of society of Pakistan through expanding the outreach of micro, small, medium enterprise financing services in semiurban and rural regions.”

The Bank intends to further increase and deepen its presence and outreach by opening more branches, to benfit more people by its services. Access by small business owners to financial services is an integral part of the national developmental agenda.

Sugar production estimated at 4.7m tons ISLAMABAD—The domestic production of sugar during the current season has been estimated at 4.7 million tons besides carry-forward stock of about one million tons from the last year’s production. Total domestic requirements of the sugar was estimated at 4.2 to 4.3 million tons per annum whereas it is expected that domestic stocks would further boost up during the current year.

Meanwhile, sugarcane crushing has been started in Punjab Province as the provincial government had fixed the commodity support price at Rs. 180 per 40 kg to ensure proper rate of return to farmers for their produces, said National Sugarcane Coordinator in Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Sohail Muhammad Khan here on Wednesday.

Talking to media, he said that surplus sugar production was expected this year too despite sugarcane cultivation was decreased in lower Sindh areas. The main reason behind declining crop in Sindh province was failure of the provincial government in implementation of official fixed price of Rs.172 per 40 kg of sugarnce during last year’s crop season.

The exploitation of farmers by the millers had discouraged the farmers to cultivate the sugarcane crop in the Sindh and growers of nearby areas of Punjab had forced the farmers to sell their crop to sugar mills in Punjab as it was offering good price for their produces, he added. He said, till now, sugarcane crushing has not started in Sindh province, as the millers were reluctant to purchase the sugarcane.—APP

LCCI demands consultation in trade, industry decisions

Federal Minster for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Federal Minister for Water & Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif attending US-Pakistan Clean Energy Business Opportunities conference.

STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Wednesday urged the government to take trade and industry related all decision in consultation with the stakeholders to overcome the economic challenges.

While talking to a delegation of traders, the LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad, Senior Vice President Almas Hyder and Vice President Nasir Saeed said that it would also help much needed confidence building between government and private sector.

They said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry had already started spade work to this regard to identify the challenges being faced by the trade & industry. The LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that trade and Industry is the backbone of the economy as the government generates more than 90 per cent of its total resources from this sector therefore it can make a great contribution in turning Pakistan into one of the greatest nations in the world provided due facilitation and an enabling business atmosphere are ensured. He said that lowest tax-to-GDP ratio and inefficiency of Public Sector Entities are the reasons of sharp economic decline. He stressed the need for strengthening of institutional framework for being a prerequisite to economic stability, progress and prosperity.

He said that only strong institutions could guarantee good governance but unfortunately never-ever in the past due attention was given towards strengthening of institutions. He said that weak institutions always weak system and no country can achieve its targets with a weak institutional framework. The LCCI President said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry acts as a bridge between the Government and the business community. It has always tried to ensure a businessfriendly environment through sharing views with the government and by taking all the stakeholders onboard on all the economy related issues. The primary objective of LCCI is to protect the interests of the business community while remaining committed to the cause of development of the country.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan chairing a meeting to discuss issues to improve working conditions in industry.

PESHAWAR: President KPCCI, Zulfiqar Ali Khan presenting chamber crest to DATO Dr. Hasrul Sani Bin Mujtabar, High Commissioner of Malaysia at Chamber House.

KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Younus Muhammad Bashir presenting bouquet to Consul General of Japan, Akira Quchi. Senior Vice President KCCI, Zia Ahmed Khan, Vice President KCCI, Muhammad Naeem Sharif and Mrs. Akira Quchi are also seen in picture.

Hashwani hosts Unisame urges to include GI, Basmati dinner for dignitaries rice trademark in agenda meeting AMANULLAH KHAN

KARACHI —The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has urged the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to include the issues of Basmati Rice trademark and Geographical Indications (GI) besides other issues of decline in exports of basmati rice in the meeting of standing committee on rice on 10th December 2015 and recommend remedial measures to strengthen the cases in the forums.

President Unisame Zulfikar Thaver requested Rafique Suleman chairman of standing committee FPCCI on rice to address the issues of basmati rice trademark and GI in the meeting to be chaired by him. He said both the matters are under litigation and need careful and strong advocacy and the meeting needs to look into the matter and examine the cases and study the arguments submitted by the counsels in both the cases. As far as basmati rice ownership is concerned it is simple truth that India and Pakistan are the only producers of basmati rice in the whole world and no other country grows basmati rice which is aromatic, elongates on cooking and has distinctive features.

Thailand has jasmine rice, which is aromatic but does not qualify as basmati rice because it lacks the characteristics and features of basmati rice; likewise other countries have different varieties of rice but not basmati. Unfortunately a firm from a non-basmati growing country has claimed ownership of the basmati trademark, which is challenged by India

and Pakistan both in the international forum. The meeting on 10th December 2015 at the FPCCI needs to examine the progress made in the case. Secondly the matter of GI is also under litigation in the Indian courts and Pakistan needs to include Sialkot and Narowal and other areas eligible and qualified to be called basmati on merit under the GI. The GI indicates that only basmati rice cultivated at the foot of the Himaliya mountains is basmati and all other rice grown elsewhere cannot be labeled as basmati because it is devoid of the features and characteristics of the basmati variety. The standing committee on rice needs to study the case and take steps to ensure that the case is represented well in the Indian courts and ensure that no omissions are made as it is of prime importance to include every area, which comes under the radius. Thirdly the question of basmati rice grown in other areas with basmati seeds and resultant produce of matching variety also needs to be examined thoroughly.

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the Basmati Growers Association of Pakistan (BGA) and the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and the standing committee on rice in the FPCCI need to work jointly for the cause without putting the entire burden on one of the organization and collectively and jointly work for the national cause. Unisame is confident that the meeting will surely discuss the decline in export of basmati rice and remedial measures to be taken to enhance exports to non-traditional markets and facilities required for export to third world countries.

I SLAMABAD —Well known society. The dinner hosted Former CJP Justice Iftikhar Pakistani businessman and Chairman of Hashoo Group Mr. Sadruddin Hashwani has hosted a dinner to houner reputed personalities from Pakistan belonging to different walks of life.

The party turned into a gala of Pakistanis representing various segments of the

by Mr Sadruddin Hashwani here at Marriott Hotel lastnight was largly attended by politicians, retired and present bureaucrats, judges, senior officials of armed forces, businessmen and many more. Afew prominent among those attended the dinner included

M. Chuadhry, Zahid Muzzafar, Aitazaz Ahsan, Sen. Anwar Baig, Salim Saifullah, Lt. Gen (R) Munir Hafeez, PirNaqeeb ur Rehman, Omar Sharif, Nisar Memon and his daughter Marvi Memon, Dr, Waqar Masood Khan and Lt. Gen (R) Talat Masood.—PR

Pakistan to play in 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup: Shahbaz PESHAWAR—Secretary General Olym- ing international exposure to players. He Games Beijing, 1990, 12th Champions pian Shahbaz Ahmad Senior Wednesday said that Pakistan Senior Hockey team will participate in the forthcoming 25th

Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup to be played in April 2016.

Talking to media persons, Shahbaz Ahmad Senior said that after overwhelming support substantiated by Tayyab Ikram, CEO, Asian Hockey Federation, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has extended an invitation to PHF for participation of the Pakistan Senior hockey team in the next edition of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to be played from April 7-17, 2016.

He said, Pakistan hockey team participated in every edition of this event since its inception except for 2014 and 2015 editions and playing in this prestigious event will provide fast track, more exposure and experience to our players.

He termed it very vital for provid-

said due to lack of funds PHF was not able to send its team to various foreign tours.

“Now the situation will soon be improved as far as international exposure to the junior and senior teams are concerned”, once called as artisan of hockey Shahbaz added.

He said after his appointment as Secretary General PHF, efforts afoot to bring the hockey back on the right track and in the right direction.

He said President PHF Brig. (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Kokkar is striving hard and is constant touch to bring international hockey back to Pakistan.

“President PHF has many meetings in this connection with the members of AHF and FIH and all of them want to support Pakistan Hockey”, Shahbaz added.

Born on Sept 1, 1968 in Faisalabad, Shahbaz was called a Maradona of Hockey and considered to be among the best forwards in the history of field hockey.

He joined the Pakistan National Hockey Team in 1986, and was captain of the national side, that led his team to the 1994 Men’s Hockey World Cup victory.

After the Atlanta Games in 1996, he played for Dutch club Oranje Zwart and for German club Harvestehuder THC from Hamburg for a couple of years.

Nicknamed The Maradona of Hockey represented Pakistan in the Champions Trophy Hockey Tournaments held in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989; 3rd Asia Cup, New Delhi 1989; 7th Hockey World Cup, 1990, Lahore, BMW Trophy Amsterdam, 1990, 11th Asian

Trophy, Melbourne and Hockey World Cup, Sydney, 1994. He made his world famous run down against Australia in the same tournament.

“But in 1994, at the Sydney World Cup, in the pool match between Australia and Pakistan, Australia had a similar free hit just outside the Pakistan circle which was intercepted and moved onto Pakistan’s Shahbaz who then executed his famous run with Australia’s Ken Wark chasing him. Shahbaz drew a covering defender and reverse-stick the ball to Kamran Ashraf, who scored.” He played at three Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal in 1992.

Shahbaz was declared the best player in the 7th World Cup, Lahore, 1990, and received the BMW Trophy, Amsterdam, 1990.

He has won gold medals in the 3rd Asia Cup, New Delhi, 1989; Asian Games, Beijing, 1990; silver medals in Champions Trophy, 1988; 7th WC, Lahore, 1990; BMW Trophy, Amsterdam, 1990; and a bronze medal in 8th Champions Trophy, 1986.

Shahbaz Ahmad is regarded as one of the best forwards in the game. He is the only player in history of Field Hockey to win two consecutive player of the tournament awards in the 1990 WC in Lahore, and at the 1994 WC in Sydney. He leads the list of most-capped Pakistanis with 304 caps in international field hockey.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution in the field of hockey, he was awarded the President’s Pride of Performance Medal in 1992 by the Govt of Pakistan.—APP

Top seed Aqeel moves into quarterfinal of Subh-e-Nau I SLAMABAD —Aqeel Khan continued his journey without any resistance from his opponents as he reached quarterfinal of Subh-e-Nau National Tennis Championship here on Wednesday.

He thrashed Raja Shahid in a one sided contest.

Young Aman Atique shocked sixth seed player Usman Rafique in another match of Men’s Singles to reach quarterfinal. Usman Rafique, a seasoned player had no answer to Atique’s aggressive game and bowed out in straight sets.

Other players who qualified for quarterfinals include M. Abid, Yasir Khan, HeeraAshiq, Ahmed Ch, M. Mudassir and Shahzad Khan.

Pair of Hameedul Haq and Jibranul Haq reached quarterfinals of Men’s Doubles event after an easy victory over Irfanullah and Ijaz Khan.

M. Muzammil, Ahmed Ibrahim, Aqib Umar, Ilham Khan, SaqibUmer, Zain Rohail and Aman Atique reached quarterfinals of Boys U-18 after beating their respective opponents. Eight players including Hamza bin Rehan, Obaidullah and other reached quarterfinals of Boys U-14.

Matches of Ladies Singes will be played on Thursday due to only 8 entries in this category.

Sara Mansoor is the top seed, while Sara Mahboob is second seed in the tournament.

Subh-e-Nau has announced to award equal prize money among Men and Ladies categories to encourage ladies tennis in Pakistan.—APP

Mr. Wajahat Husain, President & CEO United Bank Ltd. (UBL) presenting the UBL Cup to Eoin Morgan, Captain of the England T20 Cricket Team. England won the UBL sponsored Pakistan vs. England T20 series 3-0. The series was held in the UAE.

Six-member Pak squad to feature in world men’s team squash C’ship ISLAMABAD—A six-member Pakistan squash plex Islamabad and they were in good shape. “Our squad will leave for Egypt on December 10 to feature in World Men’s Team Squash Championship, scheduled to kick off in Cairo from December 12-18.

“The squad includes four players and two officials,” Secretary Pakistan Squash (PSF) Federation Group Captain Aamir Nawaz told APP. Nasir Iqbal, Farhan Zaman, Danish Atlas and Tayyab Aslam will represent the country in the event, while former World Champion Qamar Zaman will accompany them as team manager and Faheem Gul as coach.

Nawaz said that during the event Qamar Zaman would convince world’s top players to play in various events in Pakistan, which the federation was planning to hold in future. “He will also request PSA to hold over fifty thousand dollars tournaments in Pakistan,” he added.

He said that Pakistan players were undergoing an intensive training at Mushaf Squash Com-

team is consisted of best players we have at present. They are highly talented and we are expecting some really good results from them.

Meanwhile, the World Squash Federation (WSF) has strongly criticised six countries for “banding together” and withdrawing from its Men’s World Team Championships over security fears.

England has joined five other countries France, Germany, Finland, Canada and the US in pulling out of the team event. The WSF however described the reasons behind the decision to “their unease about travelling to participate” in the event in Cairo. Its chief executive Andrew Shelley in a statement said: “This is both disappointing and a little difficult to understand as there has been no security threat there.

He said a “full range of protection measures are in place” and this had been conveyed to the participating nations.—APP

Cairns’ vindication major blow for anti-corruption struggle WELLINGTON—The acquittal of former New Zealand captain Chris Cairns on match-fixing-linked perjury charges is a serious blow for efforts to stamp out cor-

ruption within the game, commentators said Wednesday.

A London court on Monday cleared Cairns of perjury and perverting the course of justice after prosecutors failed to convince a jury of his guilt over the course of a nine-week trial.

New Zealand Herald journalist Dylan Cleaver, who originally broke the story that the International Cricket Council (ICC’s) anti-corruption unit was investigating Cairns, said the result was a triumph for

the former all-rounder.

He said the treatment of witnesses such as current Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum would have players questioning why they should come forward to report corruption.

“Who’s going to want to be the next one to put their heads above the parapet and expose themselves to a skilled advocate who makes a living from shaping words to suit an argument?” he said.

“Nobody, that’s who,” he concluded, noting that players who cooperated with investigators had confidential testimony leaked, then had their characters assassinated by defence lawyers. Former England captain Mike Atherton, writing in The Times of London, echoed the sentiment.

“The verdict could impact upon the sport’s fight against corruption, if, as a result, players think twice about whistleblowing and authorities long and hard about bringing cases to court,” he

wrote. Charges were brought against Cairns after he sued Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi for libel in 2012 over a 2010 tweet in which the administrator accused him of match-fixing.

The allegations against him resurfaced in December 2013 when the ICC confirmed it was investigating match-fixing claims involving three former New Zealand internationals.

Cricket historian Gideon Haigh said the ICC anti-corruption unit already had a credibility problem before the Cairns case, citing the July acquittal of Indian paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and two other players of spot-fixing.

Haigh said the case against Cairns was not helped by the fact that the prosecution’s star witness, former Kiwi batsman Lou Vincent, was a confessed match-fixer with a life ban from cricket.

“After the collapse of the three IPL (Sreesanth) spot-fixing cases, the game’s anti-corruption ramparts, where they exist at all, appear decidedly porous,” he wrote in The Australian broadsheet.

New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association chief Heath Mills said the case showed the police, not the ICC, needed to be in charge of investigating corruption.

“This is criminal activity,” he told commercial radio.—AFP

FAISALABAD: Haji Akram Ansari, MNA giving away trophy to winner of Inter-District Kabaddi Tournament.

Gold Cup Kabaddi from Dec 05

Amir deserves a second chance: Wasim

F AISALABAD —Faisalabad Gold Cup Kabbadi Tournament will be held here from December 5, at Technical High School, D-Ground Faisalabad.

Acting President Divisional Kabbadi Association Ch. Perwaiz Iqbal Kamoka and chief organizer told APP that nine teams would play in the event.

These include Butt Kabbadi Club, Rehman Kabbadi Club, Bandesh A Kabbadi Club, Gujrah Toobah Kabbadi Club, Itehad Kabbadi Club, Gillani Kabbadi Club, Sher Kabadi Club, Alam Kabbadi Club and P. Muazam Kabbdi Club.

He said that Rs 5000 will be given to each team participating the event, while Rs 50,000 will be awarded to winner team and Rs 25000 to runners up.

Divisional Kabbadi Association, the organizer would provide all possible facilities to the teams, he assured.—APP

ISLAMABAD—Former captain Wasim Akram feels pacer Muhammad Amir should be given a second chance saying our religion Islam teaches to forgive those who ask for forgiveness.

Wasim said Amir has served his time and has been rehabilitated, and is bowling brilliantly.

“His return to International cricket is not in the hands of individuals who may or may not want him back,” Pakpassion.net quoted him as say-

Al Faisal Club beat Kiran Club in Football ISLAMABAD—Al Faisal Club beat Kiran Club by 5-3 on penalty kicks in Staff Welfare Organization Football Tournament here at the Karachi Company ground.

In the 10th minutes of the first half, Kashif scored a goal for Kiran Club and Umair doubled the margin 2-0 in the 30th minutes. Kiran Club was leading 2-0 goal at the end of the first half.

In the 28th minutes of the second half, Ahtasham reduced the margin 2-1 and Asad equalized the match 2-2 in the last minute of the scheduled times. 20 teams of Islamabad are taking part in the tournament. The quarter finals will be played from December 12. Semi finals will be held on December 19 while final will be played on December 20.

Chaudhry Iftikhar Ahmed Barsa was the chief guest and inaugurated the tournament.

Chief Welfare Officer, Chaudhry Hafeez Ullah, Welfare Office Malik Javed, President, Islamabad Football Association Saleem Chaudhry, Vice President Muhammad Zaman, Secretary Syed Sharafat Hussain Bukhari , PFF former Information Secretary, Rana Tanveer Ahmed and a large number of peoples were also present on the occasion.—APP

PBF holds badminton course ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Badminton Federation (PBF) on Wednesday inaugurated the badminton coaching course here at the Pakistan Sports Complex with an aim to groom players and coaches about the game.

At the occasion, Development Director, Asian Badminton Confederation (ABC), Sam Banthan gave lecture to the coaches and players. He also briefed and taught the young badminton players about the rules and tactics of the game.

He said there is a lot of talent in Pakistan but we need to groom and polish the upcoming players. “Better coaches and facilities are needed in this regard,” he said.—APP

ing.

He said it is up to the PCB to make that decision and player power will not dictate this decision. “My opinion is that Amir deserves a second chance. He has to be praised because he is doing so well, what else should we expect from him,” he said.

Wasim said my simple advice to the players who are speaking against Amir is to mind their own business and only keep an eye on your performance and success will follow. “I am following the progress of our players in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and am really enjoying that,” he said.

Wasim said Misbah-ul-haq’s batting in the first game and Amir’s performance in helping his side win the game was fun to watch. “Misbah’s shot selection is excellent and it was very unfair of us to have given names to Misbah like Tuk Tuk,” he said.

Wasim said if Misbah has not done tuk-tuk then we would have been bowled out for 7080 in every other game. “We should thank Misbah for the way he bats. He has learnt now to bat in tough conditions,” he said.

He said its Misbah’s style to come in and settle first, get the strike rotation going.

“Misbah has now retired from Twenty20 and ODIs and he is now enjoying Test cricket,” he said.

Speaking about the Pakistan ODI team performance, he said he is not impressed by looking at the Pakistan ODI batting lineup. “Mohammad Rizwan and Sarfraz Ahmed are good batsmen but are they good enough to play as batsmen alone,” he said.

He said Babar Azam scored 50 at number six but then he was sent to open. “Should have either opened with him from the beginning or let him bat in the middle. It appears that no one has ever taught us how to run between wickets,” he said.—APP

HED KP Inter-Division Girls Games from Dec 15 P ESHAWAR —The 3rd Inter-Division Girls Games under the aegis of Higher Education Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be commencing from December 15, 2015 here at three different venues Nowshera, Mardan and Peshawar.

This was stated by President HED InterDivision Girls Games Sports Committee Shagufta Nisa while talking to APP here on Wednesday after presiding over a meeting of the members of executive attended by representatives from Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Kohat, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swat, Abbottabad.

She said that a total of nine games including volleyball, basketball badminton, table tennis, netball, football, cricket, hockey and athletic. She said the hockey event will be organized at Post Graduate College for Women Mardan while Govt Girls College Pabbi, District Nowshera will hold Netball event.

Cricket will be organized at BISE ground Peshawar, athletic will be organized at Qayyum Sports Complex while football, volleyball, bas-

ketball, table tennis and badminton will host by Frontier College for Women.

Flanked by Director Sports HED Rashid Anwar and Organizing Secretaries Raham Bibi and Najma Qazi, Shagufta Nisa emphasized the need of holding more sports events by involving the female students in healthy activities.

She said a healthy mind resides in healthy body. She said being president of the sports committee all out efforts would be taken to facilitate the players during the Games.

Professor Shagufta Nisa said that the opening and closing ceremonies will be organized in Frontier College for Women. She also directed the concerned quarters in the respective Division to complete their event well before the commencement of the Games so that strong teams could field.

She also lauded the efforts of the members of the executive council Kokab Khan (Swat), Shagufta Suliman (Dera Ismail Khan), Gulshan Ara (Kohat), Shakeela (Bannu), Suria (Kohat), Talat (Malakand), Shakira Shaheen (Pabbi) and Suria Mumtaz (Nowshera).—APP

Cricketer Abdul Razzaq turns 36 ISLAMABAD—Famous Pakistani all rounder for Pakistan. He made his Test cricket debut for Abdul Razzaq turned 36 on Wednesday.

Born on December 2, 1979 in Lahore the right arm fastm e d i u m bowler and a right-handed batsman emerged in international cricket in 1996 with his One Day International debut against Zimbabwe at his home ground in Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, just one month before his seventeenth birthday.

Overall he played 265 ODIs and 46 Tests

Pakistan against Australia in Brisbane on November 1999.

In the 1999-2000 Carlton and United Series, he rose to fame and was named man of the series for his all round performance. During a match in Hobart against India, Razzaq scored a half century and took five wickets. In the same tournament, he hit former Australian fast bowler, Glenn McGrath for 5 fours, which totalled to 20 runs in one over.

In 2009, he was selected into Pakistan’s squad for the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 in England and played an important role in Pakistan’s victory in the tournament, taking 5 wickets at an average of 14.80 and an economy rate of 5.92.

His figures of 3 wickets for 20 runs, played a significant role in Pakistan’s victory against Sri Lanka in the final.

Razzaq played his last international match was a T20 encounter against South Africa in November 2013.—APP

Luis Enrique sad to see Suarez miss out on Ballon d’Or BARCELONA —Barcelona boss Luis Enrique admitted he feels for Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan missed out on joini n g teammates Lionel Messi a n d Neymar as one of the three finalists for the 2015 Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo will join Messi and Neymar on the podium in Zurich on January 11 to crown the world’s best player, with Messi the hot favourite to land his fifth Ballon d’Or. However, many in Barcelona believe Suarez’s contribution to Barca’s treble winning campaign last season ought to have been recognised ahead of Ronaldo despite his goalscoring feats for Madrid.

“As a coach I always want all my players to be on all the awards lists, but you have to understand that there are other players from other teams of a very good level,” Enrique said on Tuesday ahead of Barca’s Copa del Rey tie against third-tier Villanovense. —AFP

Tennis: Bouchard to make comeback in Hobart S YDNEY —Glamour girl Eugenie Bouchard will attempt to get her career back on track at the Hobart International, she said Wednesday, after a head injury scuppered the end of her 2015 season.

T h e 2 1 yearo l d , named one of t h e most marketable athletes in the world this year, showed her huge potential by making her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in 2014, and cracking the world’s top 10. But she suffered a big setback at the US Open in September when she sustained a head injury after slipping in the locker room.

She was forced to pull out of her fourth-round match at Flushing Meadows with concussion and remained troubled as she later withdrew from an event in Wuhan, China, and retired midway through a firstround match in Beijing with dizziness. —AFP

Younis, Sarfraz, Yasir in ICC Test team I S L A M A B A D —Pakistani trio on the starting team, with India’s Wednesday was picked in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Team of the Year, chosen by a specially appointed selection panel chaired by the ICC’s Cricket Committee chairman and

former India captain Anil Kumble.

The ICC has announced its Test and ODI Teams of the Year on Wednesday and included Younis Khan, Sarfraz Ahmed and Yasir Shah in the Test side, says a press release issued here.

Alastair Cook has been named as the captain of the side that includes three Englishmen in Stuart Broad and Joe Root. This is the fifth time since 2009 that Broad has been selected in the ICC Test Team of the Year having previously been included in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2014. For Cook, this is his fourth selection and his second as captain having achieved that feat in 2013.

Steven Smith is one of three Australian players selected alongside opener David Warner, for the second successive year, and pace bowler Josh Hazlewood. New Zealand duo Trent Boult and Kane Williamson make up

Ravichandran Ashwin named as 12th man.

The qualification period ran from September 18, 2014 to September 13, 2015 and the selection panel included

past greats of the world game including former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop, ex England batsman Mark Butcher, former Australia women’s Captain Belinda Clark and G. Viswanath, Deputy Editor of The Hindu and Sportstar.

The winners of the individual awards will be announced later this month.

ICC Test Team of the Year 2015 (in batting order) includes David Warner (Australia), Alastair Cook (England) (captain), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Younis Khan (Pakistan), Steven Smith (Australia), Joe Root (England), Sarfraz Ahmed (Pakistan, wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad (England), Trent Boult (New Zealand), Yasir Shah (Pakistan), Josh Hazlewood (Australia) and 12th player Ravichandran Ashwin (India).

ICC ODI Team of the Year 2015 (in batting order) Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka), Hashim Amla (South Africa), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka, wicketkeeper), AB de Villiers (South Africa, captain), Steven Smith (Austra-

lia), Ross Taylor (New Zealand), Trent Boult (New Zealand), Mohammed Shami (India), Mitchell Starc (Australia), Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh), Imran Tahir (South Africa) and 12th player Joe Root (England).

The Chairman of the ICC Awards Selection Panel, Anil Kumble, said it is an achievement for each of them to be proud of and recognition for their good performances in the qualifying period. “Team selection is one of the toughest jobs and when you have a large pool of outstanding players to select from in a 12-month period then it becomes even more difficult,” he said.

“While selecting these squads, the selectors considered various combinations and took into account several factors in overall performances. Congratulations to all of the players on their selections.”—APP

Shades of Maradona as Higuain double takes Napoli top MILAN—Displaying a form at the San when Yuto Nagatomo saw red in the 44th the day in joint second with Napoli, were Paolo stadium not witnessed since Diego Maradona’s exploits, Gonzalo Higuain struck in either half to put Napoli top of Serie A with an extraordinary 2-1 win over Inter Milan who twice hit the woodwork in stoppage time after playing the entire second half with 10 men.

Napoli leapfrogged Inter for the Serie A lead, moving one point ahead of the Milan club as they seek their first Serie A title since Maradona led the southern squad to the championship in 1987 and 1990. Napoli haven’t had sole possession of the lead since their second title 25 years ago.

minute.

The contest seemed to be over when Higuain struck again on the counter just after the hour by sprinting past two defenders and chipping in a delightful angled shot.

But Inter were not finished and Adem Ljajic reduced arrears in the 67th with a fine individual strike before Stevan Jovetic headed against the post and Miranda’s header was somehow tipped on to the upright by Napoli keeper Pepe Reina in an unforgettable finale.

“Higuain is extraordinary player and unfortunately he can make an impact with

held 1-1 at Sassuolo.

Napoli lead the table with 31 points from 14 games after winning nine and drawing two of their last 11 matches. Inter have 30 points and Fiorentina are third with 29.

Sassuolo is an impressive sixth, level on 23 points with AC Milan one point behind four-time defending champions Juventus.

In a match that highlighted Giuseppe Rossi’s struggle to return to form after a series of knee injuries, Borja Valero gave Fiorentina a fifth minute lead at Sassuolo and Sergio Floccari headed the hosts level

NASSAU (Bahamas)—Tiger Woods painted a and just tried to loosen up my hip. And OK, bleak picture Tuesday on when he can return to golf or even get back to doing anything more than just walking.

Woods had two back surgeries in a span of 18 months followed by what he described only as another “procedure” in the same area in October. He has not started rehabilitation and does not know when his back will allow for that.

“The hardest part for me is there’s really nothing I can look forward to, nothing I can build toward,” Woods said. “It’s just taking it literally just day by day and week by week and time by time.”

Woods is at the Hero World Challenge as the tournament host, not one of the 18 players at Albany Golf Club. The only time he touched a club was to pose for a photo, and he leaned on it while talking to Justin Rose and Zach Johnson on the putting green.

A month away from turning 40, the smile did not come as easily for Woods.

He has not competed since Aug. 23 at the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he attracted record crowds in his first appearance and played his best golf of a bad year. He went into the final round two shots behind and tied for 10th.

He didn’t realize that would be his last event of the year, and last tournament for longer than he knows.

“Was it a surprise? Yeah,” Woods said. “Because as I was alluding to that week and subsequent weeks, I felt my hip was killing me and I didn’t think it was coming from my back. We worked out in the trailer each and every day

fine, we went out and played. But I didn’t feel any back discomfort.

“Come to find out it wasn’t my hip, it was coming from my back.”

He had another microdiscectomy Sept. 16 and then he revealed he had another “procedure” Oct. 30, which he said was in the same spot. Asked the degree to which he can func-

tion, Woods said, “I walk. I walk and I walk some more.”

Woods, who has spent 683 weeks at No. 1 in the world ranking, is now at No. 400, his lowest as a professional. He has not won since the Bridgestone Invitational in 2013, when he was the PGA Tour player of the year.

And now he can’t even begin to imagine when he might play again. “I have no answer for that, and neither does my surgeon or my physios,” he said. “There is no timetable.”—AP

Umar Akmal’s BPL debut: ‘One run costs 80,000 taka’ KOLKATA—Umar Akmal’s employers in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) treated him like a VIP on the eve of his debut in the league on Monday only to see him fail miserably.

Prothom Alo said when he got off the helicopter at a girls’ college ground next to the stadium, Akmal looked like a “movie star” in his black tee, blue denim and dark shades.

But if the Vikings were hoping to see their star help the team defeat the Riders, they were being overly optimistic; Akmal let them down with an eight-ball stay that yielded just one run.

Shakib enticed him in the eighth over to stride forward with a tossed-up delivery on the off stump, and got him to nick back to the keeper.

Akmal did not look happy at all but he had to go after spending a mere eight minutes at the crease.

The Bengali daily headlined the report: ‘One run costs 80,000 taka’.Chittagong Vikings, who also have Mohammed Amir and Saeed Ajmal on its rolls, are third on Umar Akmal flown in by chopper for debut game. the points table with six points According to Bangladeshi daily Prothom from three wins in five outings till Monday night.

Making matters worse for Chittagong ViAlo, Akmal was flown straight to Dhaka from the UAE on Monday after Pakistan’s last T20 kings, they lost to Rangpur Riders by nine fixture against England the night before, and wickets with three overs to spare.

Umar Akmal’s brother Kamran, who also then flown to Chittagong in a chartered helicopter for his BPL debut match a few hours turned up for the Vikings, did not bother the later. The paper said his team Chittagong Vi- bowlers either. He stayed at the crease for eight kings had shelled out 80,000 Bangladeshi taka, minutes, played seven balls, but hit a six and a or PKR 108,350, to get Akmal to the match four to score 12. He picked the wrong ball off venue on time for the game against the Shakib Arafat Sunny to play the cut, misread the script and paid the price.—Agencies al Hasan-led Rangpur Riders.

Safety of umpires on field becoming a real risk: Wentzel B IPIN D ANI O BSERVER CORRESPONDENT

Gary Neville named Valencia coach

MUMBAI—John Ward, the Australian umpire,

MADRID—England coach and Manchester United lege n d Gary Neville h a s been named Valencia boss for the rest of the seas o n , t h e Spanish side announced on Wednesday. “Valencia have reached an agreement with English coach Gary Neville for him to be coach of the first team until June 30, 2016,” the club said in a statement. “Neville will officially begin his work on Sunday, December 6 ahead of the Champions League match against Lyon which will take place at Mestalla on Wednesday, December 9.”

Neville’s brother Phil has been at the club since the start of the season, working as an assistant to Nuno Espirito Santo before he left the club after a poor run of results on Sunday.—AFP

No timetable for my return: Woods

Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic saves on Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne during a Serie A soccer match between Napoli and Inter Milan at the San Paolo stadium in Naples, Italy.

“It was a magical evening,” Higuain told Sky Sport.. “I think we deserve first place, it’s not often we’re in the lead ...

Although there’s still a long way to go in the season and it’s going to be a struggle.

I don’t know any squad that hasn’t won something without a struggle.”

After just 64 seconds, the moody Argentina forward — now the league’s leading scorer with 12 goals — took a pass from Jose Callejon inside the area and used one touch before unleashing a powerful shot that Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic had no chance on.

Inter were shell-shocked by the lightning start of Maurizio Sarri’s men and their hopes of staying top suffered a blow

just one touch,” Inter coach Roberto Mancini said.

Napoli haven’t lost since a 2-1 defeat at Sassuolo in their season opener — the debut of new coach Sarri.

Sarri was widely criticized when Napoli drew their second and third matches of the season — with even Maradona questioning the credentials of a coach who had never managed a big club before.

But Napoli have been a force since the end of September and Higuain has acknowledged that Sarri’s impact on him has been decisive after the forward struggled under Rafa Benitez last season.

Earlier, Fiorentina, who had started

just before halftime.

The United States-born former Italy international returned in August after 15 months out following the latest surgery on his right knee, which he first injured four years ago while with Villarreal against Real Madrid and is scoreless in eight Serie A appearances.

Fiorentina coach Paulo Sousa said his side were “tired” after a 2-2 Europa League draw at FC Basel last week.

“I’m disappointed, we paid for our efforts last Thursday and after the interval Sassuolo moved up a gear,” Sousa said.

“We missed the chance for 2-0, then in the second half we got tired and lost concentration.”—AFP

who is being treated for his head-injury in Madurai will leave for home (Melbourne) after being discharged from the hospital probably in next 48 hours.

The 53-year-old Ward has been officiating in India as part of the umpires exchange programme mutually agreed between BCCI and Cricket Australia (CA).

He has been shifted in the Platinum Room of the Apollo Hospital in Madurai.

“He had some micro vessel bleeding and is under medication and advised rest. No surgery is required and we plan to discharge him on Thursday”, Dr. S. Sundarrajan, the treating neurosurgeon, speaking exclusively from the hospital, said on Tuesday morning.

The cricket-fan surgeon has not advised the umpire to wear helmet while officiating on field but Karl Wentzel, another umpire from his country, may suggest him to do so.

Helmet, a must for umpires Wentzel is known to be the only umpire wearing helmet.

Speaking exclusively from Australia, he says, “my wearing a helmet is as a result of a freak accident which took place in 2001 when I was umpiring a cricket match. I was umpiring at the bowler’s end when a batsman hit the ball hard, straight at me. Whilst I moved away it unfortunately ricochet off the bowler’s hand and struck me in the mouth”.

“The ball was hit so hard that it knocked 5 whole teeth totally from my gums (onto the pitch), splitting the gums (which required 8 stitches) and splitting my lips. The incident happened so fast that I did not even register being hit and the Doctors in the hospital de-

scribed it as a severe head injury caused by a freak accident (which could have been a fatal accident if the ball had struck the side of the head or the neck). It took 6 months of visits to the doctors and dentist (costing $44,000) to repair the mouth and install tooth implants”, he added.

“To continue my involvement in the sport that I love so much and to prevent any future accidents or insurance claims I decided to wear a helmet. I played cricket for many years as an opening bat and wearing a helmet was no problem. In fact it aids the keeping of my head still which is very important whilst umpiring”, he added. “I have heard many stories from umpires describing near misses of accidents where the ball just missed their head during a match”.

“My wearing a helmet during umpiring is as a result of an accident. Accidents do happen (whether they are freak or not) and with the hard hitting batsmen today (eg David Warner, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers etc) and the more powerful bats the chances of accidents have substantially increased”.

“The safety of umpires have become a real risk and I would like to see all cricket governing bodies to become more proactive and mindful of the dangers and do something now rather than later when it may be too late for someone”, he further added.

“Rather than joke that I am the only cricket umpire in Australia (and probably in the world) that wears a helmet I now find that more and more cricketers (including Chris Gayle) have complimented me during the past year on being very sensible in wearing a helmet during a cricket match”.

“I feel totally safe when umpiring and feel that I have taken precautions to prevent any severe or fatal injuries if struck by a hard hitting ball on the head”, Wentzel concluded.

Healthy Thanksgiving: the science of overeating and avoiding food poisoning

T

HANKSGIVING - the gluttony season where the masses unashamedly unbut ton their pants due to dinner-table overindulgence - has arrived. Medical News Today take a look at the chain reaction inside our bodies when we overeat and how to avoid a food-poisoning disaster that will sour your celebrations. It is that time of year again: when celebratory food is everpresent, and temptations are equally abundant. A time when even the most healthconscious diner succumbs to the lures of the holiday buffet.

Holiday eating can result in an extra pound or two of weight every year - but is pigging out a harmless indulgence or a real health concern? The most common side effects triggered by the Thanksgiving Day binge involve indigestion, flatulence and a large dose of drowsiness.

However, vast helpings of turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes travel on an epic journey around the body, activating a simultaneous release of hormones, chemicals and digestive fluids.

Research from the Calorie Control Council indicates that the average American may consume an enormous 4,500 calories and a whopping 229 g of fat during a typical holiday gathering. This gastronomical excess can quickly amount to 45% of calories derived from fat and a holiday meal equal to three sticks of butter.

The human stomach can comfortably hold a volume of around 1 liter of food, about the size of a burrito, and can stretch to a capacity of 3-4 liters after a blowout meal. While the stomach will

not burst, overeating will make your body work harder.

When we finally flop on the couch, feeling sluggish, either submitting to or fighting off the urge to nap, our body is busy dealing with the Thanksgiving-splurge aftermath. Heartburn occurs when the acid contents of the stomach pass backward up into the food pipe (called the gullet or esophagus). The stomach is jam-packed full of culinary delights resulting in it squeezing against other organs and giving you the sensation of feeling “stuffed.” The stomach and intestines fill with gasses, adding to the swollen feeling along with air jetting along for the ride with every bite - especially if soda or beer is also consumed.

The gasses that make drinks fizzy fill much more space in the stomach than the liquid it arrived in, leading to your body expelling the excess gas in one way, or another! Heartburn is often an unwanted after-dinner guest. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid to break down food - more food means more acid - irritating the stomach lining and creeping up the esophagus to create an unpleasant burning sensation.

Antacids, such as calcium carbonate, use bases to neutralize the acid, which causes more carbon dioxide to increase the feeling of fullness, until your next burp. Mental reactions are every bit as important when feeling full. Messenger molecules, or leptin hormones (the satiety hormone), signal to the brain when it is time to put the fork down and stop eating.

Failure to submit waste management plan

Notices issued to 30 hospitals management STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—On the directives of Minister Environment Dr Sikandar Mandhro, notices for personal hearings under Section 21 (1) of Sindh Environmental Protection Act 2014 have been issued to 30 hospitals in the province for non compliance of the directives requiring them to submit comprehensive Hospital Waste Management Plan and they have now been directed to appear before the environment protection agency (EPA) director general (DG) Sindh on Dec 8, 9, 2015 and explain their position for their failure to comply with the orders.

Director (Technical) Sindh Environmental

Protection Agency, Waqar Hussain Phulpoto, who has issued notices, regretted that hospitals have not complied with the directives of the Agency which is flagrant violation of Section 14 92) of Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014.

Dr Mandhro had made it clear that strict action would be initiated against such hospitals management and concerned institutions, which were not implementing orders adding that the government would not tolerate violation of law, Dr Mandhro further directed that strict legal action must be taken against violators of EPA Act 2014 which include sending such cases to the Environmental Tribunal.

Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Ishratul Ebad Khan presiding over Apex Committee meeting at CM House. Corps Commander Karachi and GD Ranges Sindh are also present in the meeting.—PO photo

Mega development projects being carried out in Karachi STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Sindh Chief Secretary (CS) Muhammad Siddique Memon has said that Karachi was one of mega cities of the world; therefore large scale development projects are being carried out in the city which include K-IV Project for Water Supply S-III, Greater Sewerage project, Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) and Combined Effluent

Two crushed to death KARACHI—Two youngsters died, three hurt when an over speeding container ran over a bike riders and later overturned on the road here on Wednesday.

Police said the accident occurred near Guru Mandar area of Karachi where an over speeding container ran over a motorcycle killing both riders on the spot and later turned turtle leaving three people injured.

The bodies and injured were moved to hospital for medico-legal formalities and the police after registering a case into the incident have started an investigation.—INP

Treatment Plan (CETP) in 5 industrial areas of Karachi.

He was addressing a group of under training police officials of National Police Academy, who met him at the Sindh Secretariat, on their province’s study tour on Wednesday. Secretary Implementation SGA&CD Rashid Hussain Kazi, Additional Special Secretary Home Riaz Soomro also attended the briefing.

It was briefed that under the National Action Plan, since Sep 5, 2013 till Oct 10, 2015, Pakistan Rangers Sindh had arrested 904 terrorists, 511 target killers, 350 extortionists and 85 kidnappers, and secured release of 50- kidnapped persons.

It was further told that in 229 encounters, the law enforcement agencies killed 378 criminals and 214 criminals were apprehended. The CS asserted that situation has much improved in the province.

Pakistan needs measures to reduce mother, child deaths STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Pakistan can make much more progress towards promoting the health of pregnant women and newborns, and meeting the sustainable development goal on health, by strengthening policy, targeting specific health system bottlenecks and investing in improving access to quality health services.

This was the discussion at the International Conference on Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Medicine organized by the Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health in col-

laboration with the Neonatology Group, Pakistan Pediatric Association (Centre) in Karachi.

Pakistani women continue to die either from pregnancy complications or in childbirth, and one mother’s life is lost every 40 minutes. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) may have declined from 521 in 1990 to 332 in 2012 but it is still far behind the proposed MDG target of 130 by 2015. There are also wide variations between provinces, with the MMR being the lowest in the Punjab at 227 and highest in Baluchistan at 785 deaths.

“It is universally agreed that no country

can progress without improvement in its health indices if there is no substantial and meaningful improvement in maternal, fetal and neonatal health,” said Dr Sohail Salat, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, AKU and Convener, Neonatology Group, PPA (Centre).

Ending preventable child deaths requires a focus on a healthy start. Globally, close to 3 million newborns die annually, accounting for 44 per cent of deaths in children under age five, and an additional 2.6 million babies are stillborn each year, with almost half the deaths occurring during labour.

Germany has vast opportunities for higher studies STAFF REPORTER

A large quantity of Charas seized by MCC Gwadar being shown to people at Customs House Gaddani.—PO photo

KARACHI—Director German Exchange Program DAAD Islamabad Lars Bergmayer said that there are vast opportunities of research and higher studies in Germany whereas in the most cases tuition fees is waived off and in very affordable cost, young researchers and students from different countries of

the world are studying in Germany. Public sector universities are free from any sort of state control and censorship.

Germany is well known for education and especially innovation in research.

He was addressing at a Lecture entitled “ Prospects of Studying Social Sciences in Germany” organized by Faculty of Social Sciences University of Karachi

Wednesday at Council Room Faculty of Social Sciences University of Karachi.

He informed that 427 higher education institutions are functioning in Germany that have a greater collaboration with the industries.

Researchers can choose their subjects freely for their research work which indeed plays a greater role to promote innovative research.

Police chalks out Chehlum security plan Staff Reporter KARACHI—Sindh police have chalked out the contingency plan regarding security of the mourning procession of the Chehlum in Karachi that would start from traditional venue, Nishter Park and would conclude at the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah while passing through different routes on Wednesday Dec 3, 2015 (today).

The route of the main procession would walk through Nishter park, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto road, father Jaminis road, Mehfil-e Shah-e Khurasan, M A Jinnah road, Mansfield street, Preedy street, again M A Jinnah road, Boulton market, Bombay Bazar, Kharadar, Nawab Mohabbat Khanji road to Hussainian Iranian Imambargah.

On the commencement of the procession from Nishter Park, all vehicular Traf-

fic coming from city side will be diverted towards Soldier Bazar Road from the junction of M.A. Jinnah road / Dr. Dawood Pota Road. All kind of traffic coming from Nazimabad side will be diverted Lasbella towards Nishter Road towards Zoological Garden to reach their destinations.

According to the chalked out contingency plan, all kind of traffic coming from Liaquatabad side shall be diverted from Dak Khana left side towards Altaf Ali Bralvi Road, University Road, “U” Turn, Jail Flyover, PPP Chowrangi, Dada Bhoy Noorji Road, Kashmir Road, Society Light Signal, Shahra-e- Quaideen, Sharae-Faisal, Lucky Star, Sarwar Shaheed Road, Fawara Chowk, Shaheen Complex, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Tower.

Further, all kind of traffic coming from Stadium Road side shall proceed via New M.A. Jinnah Road. These vehicles

shall be diverted at Dada Bhoy Noorji Road towards Kashmir Road, Society Light Signal, Shara-e Quaideen to Sharae Faisal.

All kind of traffic coming from Superhighway side shall be diverted from Liaquatabad No. 10 towards Chowrangi No.2 Nazimabad and shall proceed via Habib Bank Chowk, Estate Avenue Road, Sher Shah to Mauripur Road. For return journey these vehicles shall adopt the same route.

Sindh police have decided that no vehicular traffic would be permitted to proceed towards M.A. Jinnah Road from the junction of M.A. Jinnah, Preedy Street when the procession clears this intersection. In addition, No vehicle will be permitted to park along the route of the procession and the route will be kept clear from all kind of parking and other obstructions.

Special persons hold a protest in favour of their demands on the eve of International Day of Persons with Disabilities outside KPC.—INP

Healthy Thanksgiving: the science of overeating and avoiding food poisoning

T

HANKSGIVING - the gluttony season where the masses unashamedly unbut ton their pants due to dinner-table overindulgence - has arrived. Medical News Today take a look at the chain reaction inside our bodies when we overeat and how to avoid a food-poisoning disaster that will sour your celebrations. It is that time of year again: when celebratory food is everpresent, and temptations are equally abundant. A time when even the most healthconscious diner succumbs to the lures of the holiday buffet.

Holiday eating can result in an extra pound or two of weight every year - but is pigging out a harmless indulgence or a real health concern? The most common side effects triggered by the Thanksgiving Day binge involve indigestion, flatulence and a large dose of drowsiness.

However, vast helpings of turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes travel on an epic journey around the body, activating a simultaneous release of hormones, chemicals and digestive fluids.

Research from the Calorie Control Council indicates that the average American may consume an enormous 4,500 calories and a whopping 229 g of fat during a typical holiday gathering. This gastronomical excess can quickly amount to 45% of calories derived from fat and a holiday meal equal to three sticks of butter.

The human stomach can comfortably hold a volume of around 1 liter of food, about the size of a burrito, and can stretch to a capacity of 3-4 liters after a blowout meal. While the stomach will

not burst, overeating will make your body work harder.

When we finally flop on the couch, feeling sluggish, either submitting to or fighting off the urge to nap, our body is busy dealing with the Thanksgiving-splurge aftermath. Heartburn occurs when the acid contents of the stomach pass backward up into the food pipe (called the gullet or esophagus). The stomach is jam-packed full of culinary delights resulting in it squeezing against other organs and giving you the sensation of feeling “stuffed.” The stomach and intestines fill with gasses, adding to the swollen feeling along with air jetting along for the ride with every bite - especially if soda or beer is also consumed.

The gasses that make drinks fizzy fill much more space in the stomach than the liquid it arrived in, leading to your body expelling the excess gas in one way, or another! Heartburn is often an unwanted after-dinner guest. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid to break down food - more food means more acid - irritating the stomach lining and creeping up the esophagus to create an unpleasant burning sensation.

Antacids, such as calcium carbonate, use bases to neutralize the acid, which causes more carbon dioxide to increase the feeling of fullness, until your next burp. Mental reactions are every bit as important when feeling full. Messenger molecules, or leptin hormones (the satiety hormone), signal to the brain when it is time to put the fork down and stop eating.

UNICEF to provide financial, technical assistance to eliminate Child Labour STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Provincial Minister for Labour and HR, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar has lauded the role of UNICEF for its financial assistance of Rs. 50 million to eliminate Child Labour through its collaboration in Provincial Child Labour Survey, conducted by Punjab Labour & HR Department with a total ADP project cost of Rs. 140.187 million. The survey conducted at household and grass root level, will be completed in 18 months till May 2017.

He said this during a meeting with Chief Child Protection UNICEF Pakistan Sarah Coleman. Child Protection Specialist UNICEF Pakistan Sohail Abbas, representative of UNICEF Lahore Chapter Dr. Noman Ghani, MPA Saira Iftikhar, Secretary Labour Ali Sarfraz, Project Focal Person Wahid Arshad, Dr. Javed Gill and other concerned officers attended the meeting.

The meeting was informed that previously Child Labour Survey was conducted in 1996, however a huge increase in the number of industrial and commercial units has been observed during last few years which required an updated,

authentic and credible survey regarding accurate facts and figures about child labour occurring in the province.

Therefore, Punjab Government decided to initiate a provincial level survey with the partnership of Board of Statistics, measuring exact figures of child labour which will help to curb this menace from the society with concrete efforts of all the stakeholders. Chief Child Protection UNICEF Pakistan Sarah Coleman said that UNICEF will provide all possible financial as well as technical assistance to Punjab Government to eliminate Child Labour.

She lauded the efforts of Punjab Government for its different projects initiated to eliminate all forms of Child Labour, particularly appreciating the Integrated Project to Eliminate Child & Bonded Labour from the province worth Rs. 5.2billion. Minister Labour Raja Ashfaq Sarwar informed UNICEF representatives regarding different programmes of Labour Department including a Rs. 180.832 million project to eliminate worst form of Child Labour, successfully continue in Jehlum, Layyah, Jhang and Chakwal to educate poor children, enabling them to get skill training and proper jobs hereafter.

Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Ishaq Dar offering dua during Mehfil-e-Sama at the shrine of Data Gang Bukhsh.—APP

Shahbaz felicitates PML-N victorious candiadtes LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has congratulated Muslim League-N candidates on their victory in local bodies elections in Islamabad. According to handout issued here on Tuesday, he said, after the first and second phase, people have again voted for the politics of decency, service and honesty in local bodies elections. He said the masses have once again proved that they deeply love PML-N leadership.

He said the elements that tried to create hurdles in the process of development of the country through politics of sit-ins last year had been rejected by the people. The CM said the journey of selfless service to the people would continue under the leadership of PM Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.—APP

Cabinet body reviews law & order situation SALIM AHMED LAHORE—The Cabinet Committee on Law and Order reviewed security arrangements for Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), local government elections and Urs of Hazrat Data Gaanj Bakhsh.

A meeting of the Cabinet Committee was held at Civil Secretariat here on Wednesday.

The Committee ordered beefing up security throughout the province besides issuing necessary directions regarding law and order.

Urs celebrations

Ishaq Dar attends Mehfil-e-Samaa at Data Darbar CITY REPORTER LAHORE—Federal Finance Minister and Chairman Data Darbar Religious Affairs Committee Muhammad Isahq Dar attended Mehfil-e-Samaa on the occasion of 972nd Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri (RA) known as Hazrat Data Gunj Bakhsh here on Wednesday.

The second day of Mehfil-e-Samaa today was also attended by Secretary Auqaf Nayyar Iqbal, DG Auqaf Tahir Raza Bukhari,Khateeb Data Darbar Masjid Mufti Muhammad Ramazan, Organiser Mehfil-e-Samaa Ch Zulfikar and others.

Several Naat Khawan and qawals presented devotional poetry and Qawwali during the Mehfil which was highly ap-

preciated by hundreds of visitors present on the occasion.

Later, Mufti Ramzan offered dua for the development, prosperity of the country, as well as complete elimination of terrorism. The organiser of the event Ch Zulfikar presented souvenirs to chief guest Ishaq Dar and officials of Auqaf department.

Service structure to be implemented soon: Azam MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—The Home Secretary, Punjab Maj. (r) Azam Suleman Khan Wednesday visited Rescue 1122 Headquarters and announced that Service Structure of the Emergency Service would be implemented soon; emergency allowances/ incentives be increased and heavy emergency equipment

be purchased to further enhance operational capacity of the Service.

He said that he himself witnessed standard of professional training; practical gallantry work of Rescue 1122 at the incident site, Attock, on martyrdom of late Home Minister, Punjab, Col. (r) Shuja Khanzada, Sundar Industrial Estate Factory Collapse, Lahore, and other major

emergency operations.

Earlier, Director General, Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) Brig. (r) Dr. Arshad Zia in his welcome address, said that Rescue 1122 evacuated 103 live victims and retrieved 45 dead bodies from Sundar Factory Collapse. He said that Rescue 1122 was always ready to go in any place of the country to respond any nature of emergency.

AFPGMI delegation visits ESA STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —A delegation of Armed Forces Post Graduate Medical Institute (AFPGMI), Rawalpindi, led by Maj. General Zahid Hamid visited Emergency Services Academy on Wednesday and inspected different emergency management stalls & techniques including Deep Well

Rescue; Fire Fighting, Urban Search & Rescue, Rescue from Height, Hazmat Training, First Aid Stalls and repelling from height.

The delegation comprised of Commandant, AFPGMI & Course Director Maj. Zahid Hamid and 36 Student Officers, which was received by Registrar Emergency Services Academy Dr. Farhan

Khalid and other academy staff.

The aim of the visit was focusing on imparting contemporary knowledge on modern concepts, practices, and techniques of health care management. Dr. Farhan Khalid briefed the delegation about origin & objectives of the Service, success story of Rescue 1122, emergency staff, training standards and set practices.

Students should focus on learning

An attractive view of blooming flowers displayed during the Annual Flower Show organised

by PHA at Jilani Park.—APP

Lahore airport unsupportive to fog-landing despite upgradation LAHORE—Two international flights on spite being equipped with modern land- till 50 metres of range.

Wednesday were deviated to other stations after up-to-date landing system at the Allama Iqbal International Airport failed to assist in dense fog.

A Qatar Airlines flight, 628 from Doha was directed to Karachi while a private airlines jet, 413 was instructed to land in Islamabad.

Both the flights were Lahore-bound however, the international airport, de-

ing technology could not help amid fog that has engulfed several parts of the province today. Know also: Dense fog blankets several cities of Punjab Sight-limit at the runway was reported at least 300 metres which was optimum for the landing system to function in fog-related situations.

The authorities had claimed that the state-of-the-art system would function

It should be mentioned here that Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif had inaugurated the technology at Allama Iqbal International Airport on November 28.

Qatar had donated ILS CAT-IIIB technology worth at least USD 25 million to Pakistan. The upgradation at the Lahore airport was completed within four months.—NNI

PU VC Dr Mujahid Kamran addressing the inaugural session of two-day 2nd International Conference on engineering sciences at Al-Raazi Hall.

MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran has said that there is no alternative to positive thinking and teachers must work together for promotion of education.

He was addressing inaugural session of two-day 2nd international conference on engineering sciences organized by Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology at Al

Raazi Hall here on Wednesday.

On this occasion Prof Dr. Ihtesham ur Rehman from UK, Dean Faculty of Engineering and Technology Prof Dr Taqi Muhammad Taqi Zahid Butt, Director ICET Prof Dr Amir Ijaz, Principal CEET Prof Dr Rafiq Ahmad, senior faculty members scholars from abroad and Pakistan and a large number of students were present.

Addressing the ceremony, the PU VC stressed that students should not focus on

getting high scores only but they should aim at learning knowledge but no one could become knowledgeable without the strength of character. He said that knowledge was headspring of power.

The vice chancellor emphasized that we have to produce knowledgeable and practical professionals. He also stressed that should work together in collaboration with each other so that the country find it solution of its problems.