Ep2015oct15

Iran starts sending troops to Syria

It is the money, stupid!

Situationer M Ziauddin

T

echnically Ayaz Sadiq has regained his Lahore seat (NA 122), but politically it was Imran Khan who won the day. The narrow margin with which the former National Assembly Speaker retained his seat plus the victory of PTI’s Shoaib Siddiqui in PP 147 on the same day against his PML-N rival amount to a shrill wake-up call for the Sharifs. The results also herald a degree of permanency to the arrival of the PTI in Lahore.

Meanwhile, it seems it is the money, not ideology or performance that has made all the difference in the three by elections (including NA 144, Okara) held in the Punjab on October 11. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should be held squarely responsible for this massive irregularity and made accountable so that steps are taken to curb such criminal use of money in future elections.

The Sharifs should seriously worry about the forthcoming local government polls in the Punjab. You win Lahore, you win Punjab and when you win Punjab, you win Pakistan.

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NATO vows military support to Turkey

RISALPUR: ‘Sherdils’, the PAF Academy Aerobatics team, at the graduation ceremony at PAF Academy.—(Story on page 2)

PM rejects accusations of receiving money from ISI Threat to CPEC must not be underestimated: Nisar STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister

Iran shows footage of underground missile base TEHRAN—Iranian state television broadcast unprecedented footage Wednesday of a deep underground tunnel packed with missiles and launcher units, which officials said could be used if “enemies make a mistake”.

The pictures were released just three days after Iran tested a new long-range missile that the United States said may have breached a UN Security Council resolution.

The footage also came a day after Iran´s parliament approved the country´s July 14 nuclear deal with six world powers. Iranian officials have said the nuclear agreement will not affect its military forces, particularly its ballistic missile programme.—AP

Pak declare at 523-8 ABU

D HABI —Openers

Alastair Cook and Moeen Ali batted solidly to take England to 56-0 after Shoaib Malik’s double century lifted Pakistan to a mammoth total in the first Test in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Cook was unbeaten on 39 and with him Ali 15 not out as England trail by 467 runs in reply to Pakistan´s first innings of 523-8 declared after day two at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

England batsmen will have to bat out of their skins to thwart Pakistan´s pace/spin attack on a pitch which did not help the bowlers on the first two days but can change its nature as the game progresses.—AFP

(Details on Sports Page)

Ridiculous challenge to Saudi Hajj management

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Defaming Bank Islami and Islamic Banking ................................................

To build monster of Daesh

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Nawaz Sharif in his statement before the FIA’s Anti-Corruption Wing in the Asghar Khan case has rejected the accusation of having taken any money from the ISI. The Prime Minister said, “Neither have I taken any money from anyone, nor did I receive any offer, and neither was I contacted by anyone,” reports a private TV channel.

Nawaz Sharif in his statement also said that till this day no evidence has been found and neither has anyone presented any evidence regarding the accusation.

He added that just because his name was written in a diary that doesn’t mean anything.

The PM also pointed out that even Younis Habib, the former Mehran Bank president, had retracted his allegations regarding making any pay-

ment.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ahmad, addressing a press conference on Wednesday said the statements of others were also being recorded. “The FIA is facing problems in recording the statements of some former army officials.”

He further said there was no other example of transparency and rule of law that a sitting prime minister on his own had recorded his statement.

The minister added that developments in the case are expected soon.

Air Marshal (r) Asghar Khan, the petitioner in the case, had alleged that the country’s premier intelligence agency, ISI, had distributed Rs140 million among politicians in the 1990 elections to form the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad and prevent Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Benazir Bhutto from winning the polls.

Modi calls Muslim’s murder unfortunate NEW DELHI—Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence Wednesday over the lynching of a Muslim man suspected of eating beef, calling it “unfortunate”, after criticism over his failure to speak out.

Modi accused the opposition of trying to stir up controversy over the incident last month in which Mohammad Akhlaq was dragged from his home and beaten to death over rumours he had eaten beef.

Cows are considered sacred

by Hindus, and beef eating has become a highly contentious issue since Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took power, with several

states banning the practice.

The attack in the northern town of Dadri on the outskirts of India’s capital came against a background of growing concern over the influence of Hindu nationalist groups.

Last week one group with ties to the BJP forced the cancellation of a concert by a wellknown Pakistani singer in the western city of Mumbai.

“The Dadri incident and refusal to allow the Pakistani singer to hold a concert are unfortunate and unwanted incidents,” Modi told the Ananda Bazar Patrika daily in comments published Wednesday.—NDTV

Meanwhile, Ch Nisar also sent out a loud and clear message to the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf that the voter list for NA-122 was frozen August 26 onwards, hence there was no possibility of any changes after that.

The minister dismissed PTI’s accusations regarding transfer of votes from the NA122 Lahore constituency and said that 25,929 votes were added to the NA-122 voter list up till August 26.

Nisar went on to say that the National Database Regulatory Authority is time and again made a scapegoat and erroneously blamed to justify politically motivated actions.

“NADRA has no association to the Pakistan Muslim LeagueN, it is a national institution.”

The interior minister said that NADRA is not authorised to make any amendments to votes on its own and any such

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7 killed as blast hits MNA’s office in DG Khan OUR CORRESPONDENT D ERA G HAZI K HAN —At least seven people were killed and several injured in a blast on Wednesday at the political office of Sardar Amjad Farooq Khosa, a Member of National Assembly belonging to the ruling PML-N, in Taunsa Sharif tehsil of Dera Ghazi Khan district, police said.

District Police Officer DG Khan Ghulam Mubashir Maiken had earlier said five people were killed in the blast

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2 killed, several injured in East Punjab protests FARIDKOT—At least two people were killed and over 100 people, including cops, injured during clashes between Sikh community protestors and police over an alleged incident of desecration in Faridkot district of Indian Punjab.

Sikhs belonging to Faridkot and its adjacent Moga district in Indian Punjab have been holding protests for past two days after more than 100 torn up pages from Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book were found near a gurdwara in Bargari village of the district on Monday.

The holy book was reportedly stolen from the Gurdwara in June.

Two people were killed in violent clashes between the police and protesters at Vaibhal Kalan village, 10 kilometres from?Kotkapura, the biggest city of district.

Police used batons and water cannons to disperse the protestors. Meanwhile, Bathinda’s Inspector General of Police was also wounded during the clashes.

The police said they had arrested Sikh leaders including Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhadriyan Wale, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala, Panth Preet Singh, Jaskaran Singh Kahan Singh Wala and members of the Parmeshar Dwar Trust, Nirvair Khalsa Jatha and Ek Noor Khalsa Fauj.—INP

BEIRUT— Iran has sent hundreds of troops into northern and central Syria in the first such open deployment in the country’s civil war, joining fighters from its Lebanese ally Hezbollah in an offensive against rebels and taking advantage of cover from Russia’s air campaign, a regional official and Syrian activists said Wednesday Their arrival is almost certain to fuel a civil war in Syria which has already claimed the lives of more than 250,000 people and displaced half of the country’s population. It also highlights the far-reaching goals of Russia’s military involvement in Syria.

Russia began carrying out airstrikes in Syria on Sept. 30, and Syrian troops and allied militiamen began a ground offensive against rebels in central Syria a week later. Russia says its airstrikes are meant to weaken the Islamic State group and other terrorists in Syria, but Western officials and Syrian rebels say most the strikes have focused on areas in central and northern Syria where extremist group does not have a strong presence.

The arrival of Iranian troops fighting under the cover of Russian air power further strengthens the view that Russia’s main goal is to shore up Syrian President Bashar Assad’s embattled government.

“Sending more troops from Hezbollah, and Iran only increases the shelf life of the Syrian regime, which is destined to end,” Maj. Jamil Saleh, the leader of Tajammu Alezzah, a CIAbacked Free Syrian Army faction, told The Associated Press. “It will only add more destruction and displacement.”

He said their presence on the ground is not new, but was kept quiet. “Now they are taking cover behind Russia since it is a super power and strengthens their position,” Alezzah said.

The official, who has deep knowledge of operational details in Syria, said the Iranian fighters — currently numbering around 1,500 — began arriving in Syria about two weeks ago, after the Russian airstrikes began, and have accelerated in recent days. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah group has also sent a fresh wave of fighters to Syria, he told AP. Stollenberg talked up Turkey having the “second-largest army” in NATO and having a “capable” Air Force capable of being “first responders” in a conflict against Russia.

Addressing questions about the possibility of Turkish threats against Russian warplanes escalating into a full-scale war, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stollenberg committed NATO to providing military support in such a conflict, since NATO is there to “help and assist” Turkey.

Stollenberg talked up Turkey having the “second-largest army” in NATO and having a “capable” Air Force capable of being “first responders” in a conflict against Russia. It is unclear what metric Stollenberg was using to assess Turkey’s army in this way.

The whole notion of a conflict on this line stems from Russia’s air war against ISIS, and Turkish complaints that Russian planes briefly violated their airspace during one of their bombing runs. Russia insisted the violation was accidental, and Turkey

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Remembered KARACHI— Tributes were paid to Shaheed-i-Millat Khan Liaquat Ali Khan, the first prime minister of Pakistan, ahead of the 64th anniversary of his martyrdom. In this regard, the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) organized a memorial meeting at its campus here on Wednesday. A former chief justice of the Federal Shariat Court, Justice (R) Haziq ul Khairi, presided over the meeting. Shedding light on the personality and achievements of Shaheed-i-Millat, he said that Liaquat Ali Khan always stressed the need of fostering unity and cohesion in order to make Pakistan strong. Justice Khairi said that after the demise of the Father of the Nation.—APP

Valiant armed forces fully prepared to take on any misadventure: Naval Chief

Provincial Minister for Zakat and Ushr Malik Nadeem Kamran has said a six-month installment of Rs 591,012,000 has been released under the head of subsistence allowance for 100,000 destitute persons through mobile banking and they can collect their amount from their nearest easypaisa shop. He said this while presiding over a meeting regarding distribution of subsistence allowance among deserving people, here at his office on Wednesday. Secretary Zakat & Usher Habib-urRehman Gillani, Administrator Zakat Muhammad Yousaf Butt and concerned officers were present on the occasion. The Minister said that Punjab government is providing funds to the deserving persons in a transparent manner while their self-respect is also being ensured.—APP

GHULAM RASOOL L ARKANA —Pakistan Asso-

Zakat grant LAHORE—

Blind people need special love, affection

RISALPUR: Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Chief of Naval Staff awarding branch insignias to graduating officers at the Graduation Ceremony held at PAF Academy, Risalpur.

RISALPUR—Chief of Naval Staff, Paki- and peaceful co-existence with all 104 under training officers including stan Navy, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah said on Wednesday that Pakistan’s valiant armed forces are fully prepared to give a befitting response to any misadventure. Any attempt to browbeat Pakistan would neither succeed nor serve the purpose of peace and prosperity in the region. He made these remarks while addressing as chief guest at the graduation ceremony of 134th General Duty Pilot, 79th Engineering and 14th Administration and Special Duties cources here.

Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Chief Marshal Suhail Aman was also present. Admiral Zakaullah said that Pakistan is a peace loving country and seeks harmonious

countries but its desire for peace must not be construed as a sign of weakness. He said in the current security scenario certain extremist elements abetted externally are out to disrupt our peace and harmony.

“Our defence forces alongwith the nation are fighting the menace bravely and effectively,” he added. Commenting on Pakistan Air Force role in operation Zarb-e-Azb, he said, the PAF has extended all out support to Pakistan Army in combating anti-state elements. He acknowledged PAF’s significant and meaningful contributions in the success of ongoing military operation against terrorists.

During the ceremony, a total of

eight women were passed out. The chief pinned badges to the graduating officers and Aviation Cadets and presented trophies to the position holders. He presented sword of honour for overall best performance in CFT to Pilot Officer Muhammed Kashif while sword of honour for overall best performance in CAE was presented to Pilot Officer Shahan Qamar.

The CAS’ Trophy for the best performance in flying was presented to Pilot Officer Muhammed Kashif and the CAS’ Trophy for the best performance in Engineering was won by Pilot Officer Shahan Qamar. Trophy for the best performance in 14 A&SD was awarded to Pilot Officer Jawad Jehangir Khan.—APP

KP unveils plan to prepare youth for tech-based jobs STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWAR —The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government

on Wednesday unveiled a comprehensive plan to linking youth to growing number of technology and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)based jobs. Under the plan, Rs 40 million would be invested to directly train youth of KP seven divisions for 3000 jobs in digital economy.

Senior Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahram Khan Tarakai addressing a

press conference here said the provincial government has declared 2016 as the Year of Technology in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa adding the government would invest in skilling youth for the knowledge based jobs for the future and emphasize support for youth tech entrepreneurs to launch their own business.

He said that foundation of the plan is the initiative

of KP Information Technology Board with partners such as World Bank to make KP hub of technology-based opportunities.

He said that it is the beginning and a foundation for a greater programme to develop jobs for youth in Information Technology sector. KP Apps Challenge and Digital Youth Summit would take place in coming next few months.

Sindh tribal clashes claimed score of lives WAHEED PHULPOTO S HIKARPUR —A number of prominent, people addressing a peace and cultural festival have said that clashes between the tribes have claimed scores of lives while forced marriages and forced conversion of faith and other issues had developed in Sindh because of the bad governance, as there was lack of rule of law.

The seminar was organised by Strengthening Participatory organization at Sukkur Press Club. MNA Nouman Aslam Shaikh, Syed Farukh Shah , Advocate Kalapna Devi, Dr. Dodo Maheri, Mustafa Baloch, Rubia Tabasum, Abida Zafar, Sheeraz Chandio and Anwar Mahar, Naveed Alam Abro , Waheed Phulpoto, Zahid Bhanbhro, addressing a seminar titled

“Peace is my right” said that Sindh is a soil of Sofis and people of Sindh detested hater and believe in peace and people of Sindh have rejected the Waziristan based religion.

They said they were living in miserable condition and depriving the children from education was a conspiracy to ruin Sindh and its ancient culture and civilization. They said existence of the “Saad Bhello” is the evidence of religious harmony. They said under a project of First Citizen, when they examined the cities of Sindh, found lack of education and lack of health facilities.

It was a tragedy that where there were children, no teacher was found and where there was hospital and patients but, doctors were not available. Most of the villages are deprived of gas, sweet drinking water, proper sanitation and drainage facilities.

HYDERABAD: Pak Army, Rangers and Police personnel demonstrating professional skills to handle any emergency during holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram.

ciation of Blind District Larkana organized a seminar to mark International event “White Cane Safety Day” here at Auditorium Hall of Shaikh Zayed Children Hospital, aimed at highlighting blind and visually impaired people’s achievements and their problems.

The Deputy Commissioner, Javed Ali Jagirani speaking on the occasion said that blind people are part of our society and they deserve special love and affection, they are contributing their services in every field and proved an asset of the nation.

Talking about the importance of event, he said that objective behind the celebration of World Day was to recognize their services and remind people how white cane can play an important role in helping the blind and the visually impaired lives with greater independence, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner announced that a Rehabilitation Centre will be established in Larkana for the welfare and wellbeing of blind people and district administration will provide 10 computers for centre.

Jagirani assured that he would implement two percent disabled quota for them in Larkana and announced Rs o.5 million grant every year so that administration could purchase modern equipments for blind people.

Chief Patron Pakistan Association of the Blind, District Larkana, Ali Asghar Qazi, President Riaz Memon, Anwar Ali Chan, Tanveer and others also addressed.

They said there was need to create awareness among people regarding the problem faced by visually impaired persons in the society, adding that International White Cane Day promotes the white cane as a positive means of independence and mobility for people who are blind or have low vision.

The United States Congress, by joint resolution had approved on October 6, 1964, designated October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day.

HEREF to be utilised for innovation of research: Ghani STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWAR —A high level meeting regarding the utilization and investment policy of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education Research Endowment Fund (HEREF) was held under the chair of Minister for Higher Education Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani on Wednesday.

Additional Secretary Higher education department informed the meeting that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education Research Endowment Fund has been established with initial seed money of Rs. 500 million.

The fund is operated under Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education Research Endow-ment Fund Act, 2004 and governed by Board of Directors notified under the Act. The meeting was informed that the profit of the HEREF shall be used to provide cost sharing to Higher Education institutions ie Universities, Degree Awarding Institutes (DAI) and centers of ex-cellence for the promotion of scientific research, education research focusing on solution of social issues, development of linkages with industries development, designing and updating of curricula and syllabi according to market demands.

The fund would help for enhancing the financial resource line of the benefiting Higher Education Institutions and it shall be utilized for financing research in natural and social sci-

ences in public sector universities.

After deliberate discussion, the meeting has decided that the original value of research endowment fund would be invested in top ranking and well-reputed bank and in this connection the investment policy would be followed as per Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Research Endowment Fund Act 2004.

The forum has constituted a committee for smooth implementation of the program, the committee will analyze the act and will propose the amendment if needed.

The committee shall submit recommendations within 15 days for consideration of the board of directors; it has been decided in a meeting. The composition of the committee is 12 members, which cover the experts from different sector.

Talking to the participants of the meeting Minister Information said, HEREF would be fruitful for the public sector universities for innovation of research. He said the fund would be invested in the banks with high profit rates may be preferred keep-ing in view their credibility and stability.

The meeting was attended by Senior Minister for Health Shahram Tarakai, Secretary Higher Education Dr Attaurhaman, Special Secretary HED Gha-foor Baig, VC Peshawar University Dr Rasool Jan, VC UET Peshawar Dr Imtiaz Gilani and others.

Khattak opens high-security prison at Mardan STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak has inaugurated the high security central jail at Mardan on Wednesday and ordered to convert the old district jail into a modern family recreational park. The new jail was constructed on an area of 324 Kanals of land at a cost of Rs 1729.199 million having capacity to house 2200 prisoners including high security arrangements for 62 prisoners. It was told to the Chief Minister at a briefing held on this occasion.

The Provincial Minister for Education Muhammad Atif Khan, Advisor to the Chief Minister for Jails Malik Qasim Khan, the Chairman DDAC Mardan Iftikhar Mashwani, MPAs Muhammad Zahid Durrani, Ubaidullah Mayar, Chief Secretary Amjad Ali Khan, Additional Secre-tary Home & Tribal Affairs department, Inspector General Prisons, Commissioner Mardan Division and other officer was also present.

The Chief Minister appreciated the provision of necessary and modern living facilities at the jail as well as standard of its construction. He, however, was dissatisfied over deputation of untrained IT and other staff to operate the security system and issued orders to further upgrade the system by training the staff and installing the higher power security equipments that could bring the jail at par with international standards.

Shahbaz takes notice of child death IJAZ MALIK

He ordered to take whatever measures are required for making the security system fully foolproof in every aspect. He also asked the authorities concerned to shift the inmates of old district jail Mardan into the new

building as soon as possible and dismantle the building of the old prison which was in dilapidated condition and built a modern park over the land.

During another briefing about uplift and beautification of Mardan

city, the Chief Minister also expressed concerned over delay in rehabilitation and reconstruction of the three parks of Mardan and issued orders to remove impediment for early completion of the parks which include the jail park,

PM calls for playing positive role for country’s progress STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD —Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has urged the nation to shun all the negative tendencies and play a positive role for progress and prosperity of the country. In his message on the advent of new Hijri year 1437 and the first month of the Islamic calendar Muharram ul Harram, the Prime Minister stressed the need to adopt a path of broth-erhood, affection, unity, tolerance and spirit of sacrifice, so that it could help promote a more conducive and cherished atmosphere in the country.

He prayed for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and the whole Islamic world on the arrival of the Holy month. The Prime Minister noted that the country was confronted with numerous challenges including terrorism, sectarianism, regionalism, target killing and extremism. “To resolve

KP announces 1st Muharram public holiday PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak talking to mediamen after opening of high security central jail at Mardan on Wednesday.

Gujar Garhi Park and Sheikh Maltoon town park.

He also directed to provide most modern facilities and recreational installations in the parks. While talking to media later the Chief Minister Pervez Khattak said that old district jail of Mardan will be converted to modern Family Park. He said that need of the

purpose built high security jail in the province had been fulfilled. He said that in order to detect prohibited articles in possession of the prisoners the security system was being made more stronger.

To a question the Chief Minister told that Mardan uplift and beautification project has been initiated and

all modern civic facilities provided to Peshawar were now being expanded to Mardan and other divisional headquarters of the province. He said that approval had been accorded for establishing a women University at Mardan while improvement of Sheik Maltoon Town Park and the sanitation system was also underway.

Nandi Pur Hydro power operational soon I SLAMABAD —Minister for Defence and Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif Wednesday said that the Nandi Pur Power Project would be made operational soon after converting its oil treatment plant to liquified natural gas. Talking to media, Khawaja Asif said that technically the government had not taken over the Nandi Pur Power Project yet.

He said that the government had no objection on any audit or any kind of inquiry or investigation to probe into the project. The minister said that the governmnet has maintained the circular debt at Rs 314 billion which

has not been increased. The agreement for the production of electricity on liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and reverse payment plan with the Ministry of Petroleum for purchase of LNG would be finalized soon, he added.

To a question, the minister said that the load-shedding was decreased from twelve hour and maintained at six hours per day during the incumbent regime.

The Minister said that NEPRA had never stated that the 70 percent of the electric meters were faulty. Replying to another question, Khawaja Asif said that initially five old faulty power plants including Muzaffargarh, Multan,

GUJRANWALA—Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has took serious notice of child’s death incident who fell down in an open man hole in front of MD Wasa’s residence. On the direction of CM an inspection team reached Gujranwala on Wednesday and enquired about the matter.

Earlier funeral prayer of deceased Faizan was offered in which Assistant Commissioner city and other officers participated.

Meanwhile, DCO Gujranwala Amir Jaan visited the victim’s house and condoled with his father.

DCO told media that strict STAFF REPORTER action would be taken against the responsible of- L AHORE —Health department of Punjab ficers and officials. has also barred private medical colleges, paramedical and pharmacy schools from inStudent honoured creasing their fee this year. No private institution shall charge fee during academic Pakistani youth are highly year 2015-16 at the rate higher than the fee talented and proving their charged during the academic year 2014-15. mettle all over the world, It is pertinent to mention here that the Govthere is a need to encourage ernment of Punjab has promulgated “Punjab them for their more suc- Private Educational Intuitions (Promotion cesses in life. & Regulation) (Amendment) Ordinance Director Super Asia Group 2015”, to regulate fee structure of private of Industries Haji Muhammad educational institutions.

Ashraf said while speaking at Under this ordinance, the fee of private annual talent award ceremony institutions will be brought back to the level held here under the auspices of last year. Any enhancement of fee may only of Gujranwala Chamber of be made in consultation with the central reguEducation. Haji Muhammad latory authority, in case of any violation, the Ashraf said that education specific institute will be punished accordingly play a vital role in progress by the authorities, ordinance stated. and prosperity.

A well informed source in the Health

Guddu, Kotry and Jamshoro would be replaced to minimize the oil consumption for providing low cost electricity.

Appreciating the Operation Zarb-eAzb, the minister said that Pak Army and the civilians had rendered unprecedented sacrifices to eliminate terrorism from the country, adding the Shawal Operation would also be completed soon. The Minister said “Our brave nation and army wrote the history with its blood to eliminate terrorism.” While giving the example of Afghanistan, the minister said that the forces of 16 countries equipped with stateof-the-art facilities could not succeed to establish a stable government.—APP

Health Department bars private medical colleges to charge extra fee Department familiar to this development told Pakistan Observer that a letter has been issued by the Health Department to Vice Chancellor, University of the Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore subjected “Enhancement of tuition and other fee in the private medical colleges/institution of the Punjab” stated that the Punjab private educational Intuitions (Promotion & Regulation) (Amendment) Ordinance 2015, directing the private educational institutions affiliated with various universities/ Boards etc, not to charge during the academic year 201516, the fee from students at a rate higher than the fee charged for the class during the academic year 2014-15.

Letter says, as per ordinance ibid, the word “fee” means admission fee, tuition fee, security fee, laboratory fee, library fee or any other fee or amount charge by an institution from a student other than hostel fee etc.The private medical colleges/institutions affiliated with public universities.

Pillion riding banned RIZWANA CHAUDHRY V EHARI —District Coordination Officer Nasir Jamal Hotiana has imposed section 144 and banned Mushtaq Ahmad Saqi, son of Muhammad Yar Bhatti, resident of Mailsi from delivering speeches of any kind for two months. In case of any violation strict action would be taken.

Under Section144 pillion riding on Muharram 9th and 10th has been banned due to security reasons. However ladies, students who had examination roll number and government officials having permission would be exempted. Strict action would be taken in case of any violation of this order.

STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced public holiday across the province on the occasion of 1st Muharram. In a notified issued here the provincial government has announced public holiday for Friday (today).

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar.

On the first day of Muharram, the Islamic New Year is observed by Muslims. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year. Hence it is a little different from the Gregorian calender that is used in the western nations.

these issues, there is a dire need that we must emulate the sublime teachings of the greatest bene-factor of the humanity; our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Peace be Upon Him (PBUH). Under these teachings, we are required to work for the progress and prosperity of the nation and country by shunning the limited regional, ethnic and regional prejudices” he added.

The Prime Minister said the Muharram ul Har-ram was a sacred month, having a very historic significance. The month was treated with respect prior to the dawn of Islam upon the world and its esteem was further enhanced

by Islam. “The arrival of the new Islamic year also remind us about the great tragedy of the Karbala and the Shuhada. We hold them in the highest esteem and regard,” he added.

The Prime Minister urged the nation to tread the right path by keeping the supreme sacrifices of these Shuhada in mind.

Rain, thunder storm at upcountry isolated places isolated places of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar, Mardan, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore divisions and Islamabad. However, mainly dry weather is expected in most parts of the country. Met office reported that during last 24 hours, rain-thunderstorm occurred at isolated places in upper KhyberPakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir however, weather remained dry in other parts of the country.

Highest temperatures recorded on Wednesday, R.Y.Khan, Padidan 41ø C , Dalbandin, Sh. Benazirabad 40ø C , Nokkundi, Mithi,

Sukkur 39ø C . Islamabad 26ø C , Lahore 30ø C , Karachi 26øC, Peshawar 28øC, Quetta 32ø C , Gilgit 27ø C ,

Hunza 19ø C , Muzaffarabad 25ø C , Murree 16ø C , Skardu 22øC, Faisalabad 31øC, Multan 36ø C , Hyderabad 38ø C , Kalat 27ø C .

Pollen count remained 22 per m3 of air during this time period.

Meanwhile, the Multan Met office has forecast partly cloudy weather with chances of dust storm.—APP

LG candidates dismayed over election process SHER GONDAL M ANDI B AHAUDDIN —People in general and candidates contesting LG elections for chairman, vice chairman slots and general member seat particulary have expressed dismay over process of elections and distribution of party tickets. To start with Halqabandi of union council wards were changed and their number was reduced after announcement of the election schedule which amounts to pre-poll rigging, they said.

Candidates filed nomination papers for general seats of union councils but during scrutiny returning officers rejected some applications on the contention that wards mentioned in nomination papers were wrong.

Then the stage reached for allotment of patty tickets. MNAs, MPAs and other local leaders of PML-N granted party tickets to their favourites, ignoring the merit and work of the party members. This annoyed the party workers and members and the applicants for general seats and chairman/ Vice chairman did not withdraw their papers. Now candidates from the same party are contesting election against each other.

Similar case is with main parties that is PTI and PPP. Some candidates who failed to get party tickets have demanded their fee deposited in the bank account of PMLN. They blamed PML-N government for

making money out of LB elections. They said the government first announced that those persons who deposited fee during the previously announced LB election would not deposit fee again while submitting fresh nomination papers in the current election. But later they were asked to deposit security amount again before filing nomination papers.

It may be mentioned here that PML-N received Rs 5000 for considering grant of ticket for contesting election on seat of chairman union council, vice chairman union council Rs 3000 and general councillor seat.

Total nomination papers filed with returning officers across the district are 527 for Chairman and vice chairman UC against 80 seats, 1392 for union council general member seats against 480, 173 for Mandi Bahauddin MC general councillor against 33 seats, 89 for Phalia MC general councillor against 17 seats and 83 for Malakwal MC general councillor against 12 seats.

After scrutiny and disposal of petitions by appellate authority symbols have been allotted to candidates and electioneering has intensified. The candidates and their supporters are visiting voters of their localities door to door and seeking their votes in their favour. As usual they are making promises to change the destiny of their respective localities.

Paradox of good governance ASIF NIAZI

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HILE I was wandering in the cities of the South East Asian countries, a question was continuously hammering my mind, my instinctive urge; as to why can’t we get these facilities which are the basic necessities of today’s life. While sky trains, mono rails, sub ways, bullet trains, overhead air conditioned walk ways, automatic elevators, underground shopping malls, automatic security surveillance systems, ferry services, overhead and underground express ways, multistoried sky scrapers etc. may be the metaphysical revelations for most of us; But, Why can’t we give clean drinking water to our people if not a two time food in a day? Why can’t we ensure their safe return to their homes if not a respectable livelihood? Why can’t we give even primary education to our children if not a educated society? Why didn’t we get rid of the diseases like malaria, dengue, polio that are nonexistent in the countries like Somalia, Afghanistan and Nigeria? Why our infants die of diarrhea? Why our elders die of flu and mosquito borne diseases? Why

can’t we set a schedule for the electric and gas load shedding if not an uninterrupted power supply? Why do we fall in dismay when few hundred foreign sponsored terrorists challenge our sovereignty or even existence?

Why are we non-represented? Do we really deserve this treatment? Where did we go wrong? Why this dark night has become long drawn misery? When will we come out of this vicious circle?

When will this vacuum of the leadership end? Who will be our savior and where is he? If Singapore can get Lee Kuan Yew, Malaysia can get Mahatir Mohammad, China can get Chu An Lai, Thai land can get King Bhumibol Adulyadej and so much so if Rwanda can get Paul Kagame; why can’t we get a ‘Quaid’?

One liner answer to the above stated questions, if I may say, is the “Pakistani MAGNA CARTA” that will ensure awareness of the masses through objective education, focused hard work with lot of hope and confidence. Mind you, evolution of a nation is not a 100-meter shoot; rather, it is a marathon. Nations, especially in the west spent centuries to rise to this level; but the case of South East Asian and the East Asian societies is of a peculiar nature whereby, they climbed the ladder of prosperity in less than three decades.

This was made possible because of the magical personalities of the leaders they chose for themselves. Their visionary leaders united their masses through national convention, gave their people hope and confidence, identified their potentials, channelized their energies and took bold decisions.

This is how they travelled through centuries in decades. Leaders are not found elsewhere, they are within you.

You have to give them space to come forward and lead.

Giving space, in general terms, is free, fair and transparent system of election and selection. If we really want to get out of this vicious circle, we will have to say good-bye to the corrupt political mafia and create an institutionalized political culture. Without a real political culture and independent institutions, we cannot get rid of these parasitic political personalities. Our establishment cannot be part of political solution. Had they been, we would have been out of this mess.

Instead of mesmerizing ourselves with the magic of personalities, we should critically, rather bluntly discuss the policies of the political entities and educate our masses in whatever capacity we are.

Pakistan surely doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment. Pakistan is not a secluded far land like Fiji, Newzeland,

Iceland or Antarctica. It is also not an islet like Malta, Maldives or Mauritius.

It is the land of 200 million conscious souls whose IQ level is one of the best in the world. It is located at the hinge of the world. It is the land which decrowned three super powers in the past (Alexander, Soviets & British).

US, despite her heavy losses and her public’s disapproval, is not being able to get rid of this octopus.

It is the land which Columbus, Wasco da Gama and many others voyaged to and bet their lives; and if they did it, we can surely do. It is the land of all sweet seasons and of flora and fauna. It is the cross road of the populated world. It is the exact mid way of the world trade route (Between East and the West). We are located at the mouth of the world oil mine (Gulf). We are land locking 70% of the world natural gas reservoirs (Central Asia). We are immediate neighbor of the world 2/ 3rd population. World largest commodity producer and exporter (China) has safest route through our land. We are the 6th nuclear power of the globe.

USSR perished but we stand.

To establish the writ of the state and the rule of law, we will have to use the “IRON HAND” of the state to thwart the outlaws. May it be Democratic, autocratic or kingship, legitimate “IRON HAND’ of the state against

centrifugal forces working on various axis e.g. traitors, nepotists, corrupts, nincompoops, terrorists. etc. is of utmost importance. Military rule, civil rule, this rule, that rule are all futile discussions, it is the attitude and the capacity of the government that matters.

Politicians taking the credit of Metro bus or Establishment taking the credit of Zarb-e-Azb, is equal because it is not the matter of favor which both try to extend but it is a sacred duty; And who is under the heavy debts of their “favour”, no one else but Pakistan.

If the DUTY replaces “FAVOUR”, Pakistan will take off. Singapore, Bangkok, Malaysia, Korea etc. will not be able to catch its dust even.

State is a political living being that has a divine backing. Its capacity cannot be adjudged in tangible terms.

It can crush anything that hinders its way. People are the major component of the state; if they are aware & made united, state can withstand all the hurdles in days.

Good governance is another feather in the caps of South-East Asian emerging economies that calls for economies of scale and scope, right person for the right job, Law and not the persons be obeyed, writ should be felt and not seen; Last but not the least is MERIT. Economy of scale and scope in terms of Good governance is

shedding the burden of various Govt organs/ departments. e.g. our district revenue departments are being “mismanaged” by a long trail of DCO, DOC, EDOR, DOR, DDOR, Tehsildar, Naib Tehsildar, Girdawar and Patwari.

Our Secretariats are being “mismanaged” by a long organizational tree of Section officer, Assistant Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary, Secretary, Chief Secretary, Advisor, FA and Minister.

Likewise, our establishment also couldn’t remain aloof from this disease. Zero error syndrome and undue career consciousness (in some circles) caused complications in procedures and delays in decisions...

Because everyone’s job is no one’s job. Violating the rule of ‘Right man for the right job’ is our major dilemma.

Nepotism and corruption caused us to have diplomats in PCB, Generals in foreign relations, Judges in administration and administrators as personal servants of the political elite. How will it work? Over 80% of Thai and Malaysian population through a random sampling didn’t know their Army Chief or Interior minister but over 80% of them knew the connotation of their law.

They don’t require a ‘Raheel Shareef’ to implement their law but are confident to have a law that puts all their “Shareefs” in order.

Ridiculous challenge to Saudi Hajj management

MEDIA WATCH

India’s boiling communal cauldron

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HE Mina stampede and the resultant tragedy is being used as a shield by some vested interests to advance old but firmly rejected notion of joint management of the Hajj arrangements. In view of its implications and ramifications, the Saudi Government has rightly and justifiably dust-binned the proposition terming it as an infringement on its sovereignty.

Saudi Arabia has been managing Hajj and Umra affairs ever since the faithful from around the world started visiting the Holy Land for discharge of this religious obligation. Whether it was pre-oil discovery period when Saudis were having financial problems or post-oil boom period, Saudis always made best arrangements for the comfort of the pilgrims and Zaireen. They spent thousands of billions of Riyals for expansion of Harmain ush Sharifain both in Makkah Mukarramah and Madina Munawwara besides creation of monumental facilities at Mina, Arafat and other relevant places. The very term ‘Khadim-e-Harmain Sharifain’ connotes the sincerity and intention of Saudi rulers, the Government and people, who consider all visitors and pilgrims as guests of Allah Almighty whose comfort is their number one priority. In this backdrop, challenging Saudi right to manage affairs of Hajj is nothing but a political stunt being raised by some quarters to advance their nefarious objectives. Accidents or natural disasters cannot be forestalled or avoided by any country of the world. How on earth joint management can prevent accidents like the one we witnessed in Mina? If individual countries cannot prevent fatal rail and road accidents in their own countries then how can they check such tragedies at a place where about three million people converge? The proposal is non-sense and is continuation of absurd proposal advanced in the past in a piece of writing demanding handing over of management of Hajj to UN. We believe that instead of indulging in Satanic thinking like this, all Muslim countries should pay attention towards proper training of the intending pilgrims so that they behave like disciplined citizens of their countries while in the Holy Land. If you cannot train a few thousand pilgrims going for Hajj from your country then how can you contribute towards better management of Hajj affairs in the Kingdom?

Defaming Bank Islami and Islamic Banking T

AKING over of the KASB Bank by Bank Islami Pakistan has been made a subject of criticism and controversy; and a rather intense malicious propaganda has been launched with fabricated and twisted facts. To counter the criticism, Bank Islami came out with detailed and convincing information, which makes it abundantly clear that the whole exercise of the merger was done through a transparent procedure.

We may say that it was not the only merger but in the past several banks were merged with each other or taken over in Pakistan and the world over as well. The banks and other institutions are either merged with or taken over by the strong institutions to avoid their going bankrupt, or for some other legitimate reasons. Thus the taking over of the KASB by Bank Islami was a normal business activity. So far as Bank Islami is concerned, it is one of the elite banks of Pakistan and enjoys par excellence reputation as a financial institution which excelled in all respects in the Islamic banking. The President and CEO of the Bank Mr Hassan A Bilgrami is a highly respected towering personality in the banking industry who contributed a lot in giving boost to Islamic Banking in Pakistan. In our view the tirade against Bank Islami is a handiwork of a group of vested interests who are indulging in character assassination and maligning their competitors to advance their interests. We are of the considered opinion that the propaganda was entirely aimed at causing harm not only to the good name of Bank Islami but also the Islamic banking which is a buzzword now a days. Secondly, the supporters and stakeholders of interest based capital system are apprehensive of the way the Islamic banking is progressing and thus they are indulging in conspiracies to defame the Shariah based system. One is not certain as to who are behind this unholy fabricated propaganda but certainly its contours would be known in the days to come. We may emphasise that this newspaper is spearheading to create an enabling atmosphere for the promotion of Islamic banking and we feel deeply concerned over this development. Therefore, in our view, it is incumbent upon the regulatory authorities to come out with categorical detailed facts and figures to blunt the charges and establish the transparency of the deal. Anyhow, we are certain that all concerned who wish to see Islamic Banking flourishing in Pakistan might have been saddened by this character assassination campaign.

To build monster of Daesh D

ESPITE repeated denials by no other than Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan, some circles are adamant to prove that Daesh is active in Pakistan. This has assumed a nature of propaganda as the other day IG Police Sindh was quoted to have said that Daesh was very much there in the country and now so-called sources have been attributed to have said that a list of 53 terrorists has been prepared who are affiliated with the terrorist outfit known as Islamic State or Daesh.

We believe that this is the easiest excuse to justify terrorist attacks against some particular sects but proponents of theory forget many things while indulging in such propaganda. In the first place, the most dreaded terrorist organizations of Al-Qaeda and Taliban have been rooted out and their back broken by our valiant Armed forces and law-enforcing agencies. If local organizations with significant local support are now on the run how can a foreign organization take root in the country? Of course, there are some criminal elements who are trying to get publicity and terrorize people by using the name of Daesh but this is perfectly in line with the practice of hardened criminals. We must also bear in mind that no less than the Army Chief himself has categorically stated that Daesh would never be allowed to take roots in Pakistan and it is understood he must have declared this on the basis of real world happenings. There are, of course, some local elements and their foreign masters who first did everything to help TTP pose a challenge to the state and might be planning to re-enact the drama in the name of Daesh as part of their nefarious plans to destabilize nuclear Pakistan. Therefore, our authorities concerned should be extra-vigilant to foil the designs of these forces.

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The day after ‘the elections’ ticularly in the city of Lahore.

One cannot also deny that Khan has emerged as an Ikram Sehgal Imran almost equal force in the Email:ikram.sehgal@smswppl.com Punjab. A low turnout always favour the Establishment, but a high turnout always favours the ESPITE their incumbency Opposition, PTI again failed to get and having overspent mul the vote out. A tragedy that the once tiple times over (eg Metro) dominant party in the Punjab, the in many flagship projects in the PPP, has become almost irrelevant. city, PML-N managed a “Houdini” The narrowness of the NA win will act in Lahore’s NA-122, Ayaz encourage PPP followers out in the Sadiq prevailing over Aleem Khan democratic cold to desert en-masse, by only about 4000 votes in the more or less in the ratio they are doover 1,50,000 cast. The PML-N ing now, 4 to PTI, 1 to PML-N. While threw their entire incumbent might Central Punjab may hold for the behind Ayaz Sadiq to ensure a face- PML-N, this will be more telling in saving result. The PTI clawed back PPP stronghold in Southern Punjab. some advantage by taking the PPP- Bad news for the PML-N. The PPP’s famous Bhutto147 seat by about 3000 votes, Shoaib Siddiqui defeating crafted slogan, “Roti, Kapra aur PML’N’s Mohsin Lateef. More im- Makan”. (“Bread, Clothes and portantly, compare the small mar- Houses”) stoked the poor man’s gins to the overwhelming PML-N dreams, upsetting the applecart of wins the general elections, it con- deeply entrenched politicians in firms the disturbing fact that elec- 1970 and remaining potent till 2008. tioneering chicanery was alive and My friend Imran Aslam has written well in PML-N getting the lop- an excellent play “Roti, Kapra or Ayyan,” spells out the state of play sided election result in 2013.

If anything the margin provides of a once-upon-a-time Pakistan’s common sense evidence that the premier political party. Ayyan the 2013 elections were badly flawed, fashion model is not the punch line, and purposely so. Without the pres- by substituting “or” for “aur” (which ence of the Army to guarantee the means and), Imran Aslam said it all, freedom of the vote, the presently the leaders of today’s PPP have no controversial ECP cannot conduct resemblance conceivable with those free and fair elections. The code of who made the party in the 60s and conduct was violated many times then took it through the turmoil of over, with the ECP unable to im- the 70s, surviving the Zia-onslaught pose their dictat even in a couple in the 80s and Musharraf’s in the or more constituencies in any by- first few years of the 21st century election. What is going to happen i.e till he came up with the NRO. Musharraf’s NRO destroyed the in any general elections when consummate riggers manipulate the country by putting Zardari in power, voting across the broad spectrum Asif Zardari in turn has successfully destroyed PPP. It is now an “endanof the electorate?

NA-122 has shown that Mian gered species” in Punjab, KP and Nawaz Sharif is still a force to be Balochistan. Whether it can survive reckoned with in the Punjab, par- a free and fair election in Sindh rig-

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ging and manipulating without the free use of its power of incumbency is a moot point. Individual PPP leaders will win elections in their home constituencies,they will be few and far between. Getting the MQM back in from the cold is good politics on PML-N’s part. Any by-elections during this period in the Sindh urban areas would have strengthened PTI and other parties in the NA and Sindh PA. Such gambits are necessary to remain in power. With their power in the streets diminished to a great extent (if not altogether eliminated), and their bluff called, MQM were certainly desperate not to become politically irrelevant.

What pound of flesh did the PML-N agree to mollify the MQM to come back to Parliament? And what will it cost the peace in Karachi?

The Army is going to be subjected to any number of “Dirty Thicks” (DTs) to somehow stop the accountability process. The Superior Courts are busy giving criminals either bail or medical dispensation. The Military Courts were established because of the failure of the judicial system to act under the present flawed “Evidence Act” in the face of “Clear and Present Danger”. The “unknown Rangers” advertisement did come out of the blue but out of thin air.

Certainly emanated far above the Secretary Information or the SSP level. Some hand desperate to escape accountability was fine-tuning it by remote control from a safe distance.

Raheel Sharif downwards we all know who it is, “Hoshiar, Hoshiar, Hoshiar” and yet we fail to act because we do not want to upset the political applecart, his pervasive corruption notwithstanding.

This hypocrisy creates obstacles for any accountability process, he has the money to fund any amount of DTs. And this is not in Sindh

alone, what is happening in the Punjab? It is no use handing over lists of those who are guilty of corruption and mis-governance to the PM, if such a list exists those in it must be apprehended and subjected to sustained enquiry. That is the crux of our problems, the undercutting of the credibility of the accountability process by selective targeting of criminals mostly down the chain of culpability. The public availing perception is not wrong that there is a different set of laws for those with money and influence, and a different set of laws for others. This selective justice we practice is an inherent part of the feudal system, the feudal barons now ruling the country belong both to the rural and urban areas.

A full accountability and the much delayed national census must precede general elections. Those acquiring wealth by illegal means, found living far beyond their known means of income and paying taxes far less than what is their annual calculated earnings must be taken out of the governance process. NAB and the various intelligence agencies have quite some proof about misdoings of the elite and influential presently in the corridors of power. Any failure to address this blatant corruption, which is any case has a nexus with organized crime and terrorism, will have an adverse effect across the broad spectrum of our “war against terrorism” within the country. The Army has gone past a “fail-safe line” in attacking this evil nexus, it cannot afford to either slow down on stop the ongoing remedial action. The backlash if the Army fails to sustain this accountability process would be fatal for the country!

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

All are equal before law posh is in Karachi the gutter of the city, which comes unthe responsibility of DHA, Ali Ashraf Khan der Karachi and Clifton CantonEmail:balti1551@gmail.com ment Board. A recent complaint going unheard is without public notice/information HE Supreme Court last around 200 residential plots on month directed the Auditor Beach Avenue, Phase VIII extenGeneral of Pakistan (AGP) sion (Sahil) has been converted as to audit the accounts of 13 state in- Commercial in violation of rules, stitutions including the Defense while owners of these plots have Housing Authority (DHA) Lahore. made windfall profits the owners of The court ruled that the Auditor residential plots on both side of this General of Pakistan is a constitu- row have lost value because of tional body hence he should pro- commercial facing, hence undesirceed with auditing the accounts of able for living. these institutions. The court diBut the beach has been derected the DHA to provide the AGP stroyed and defaced by our DHA in with relevant documents. The coun- other regard as well. An ugly strucsel of the DHA had protested ture called ‘the swimming kitchen’ against this order claiming that it is damaging the sea view and has should be exempted from audit. It never recaptured any of the investis a good sign that the Supreme ment that was put into it. The same Court has dismissed this protest and case is the beach huts that are supordered Auditor General of Paki- posed to house eateries. They are so stan to go ahead. Unfortunately, badly and cheaply constructed that though, DHA Karachi has been already after a year they started despared so far though matters in teriorating and today most of them DHA Karachi are ‘stinking’ on sev- are ruins damaging the sea view eral accounts. even more. The latest damage has One central problem is the ex- been done to our beach by the ugly orbitant spending of DHA in con- new Beach view Club managed by nection with a mistakenly planned DHA. The barren concrete construcrain drain nullah system that has tion imposes itself on the people who destroyed all roads in DHA, in ad- are looking for rest and recreation. dition the fuel consumption of the The main club building was demolcars has gone up due to driving on ished / renovated and it took more these roads. Besides, what was than 2 years but imprudent managemeant to be a rainwater drainage ment continue to bill the fixed system seems to be used as a sewer charges from those who were not that is stinking through the open availing any services during that holes all over the different phases period of time. of DHA and is going untreated into While Rangers has launched a the sea. This means that the shore drive against extraction of Bhatta and the beach of the Arabian Sea from people, DHA Beachview club that in all abutter states is the best is doing the same under the guise of living space, well developed and DHA nomenclature, which is not fair

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all claims levied during this period should be reimbursed to members not visiting during renovation/construction period, which is on record.

Even before this new structure had come up for which the neighbouring plots were acquired after squeezing the owners out the service. In any case what should draw the attention of the Supreme Court towards an audit is that DHA in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad have been mismanaging money for so many years with all their projects complete disaster and economically unviable. If they would be in the free market they would have not survived. That they are still in business and able to continue their mismanagement and money squandering is due to their ability to milk the DHA inhabitants.

DHA Karachi Vigilance department once effective now become dormant the reason being that complaints about opening of the tuition centres or colleges in residential areas such as the ones near Saba Avenue and college on Khyaban-e-Shaheen and Seher intersection is violation of clause 28 of DHA By-Laws (Construction By-Laws of 2000) But no action has been taken. It is high time that an auditor should have a close look at the books of DHA office in Karachi and the clubs under it under the same Article 170 (2) of the Constitution of Pakistan. DHA residents face difficulties in commuting when the roads are blocked by 100to 200 cars every single day dropping and picking the kids without any parking facility available especially during 12 noon to 3 p.m. This is causing traffic gridlock and a nuisance for the residents who suffer from the wild car parking and the noise pollution. This exasperating situation is going on for many

months. Though the people of Pakistan whole-heartedly support Zarb-e-Azab and Karachi Operation and are relieved of National Action Plan and Military Courts to restore normalcy, the story of DHA goes back to 1980 era when Defence Officers Co-operative Housing Society registered under the Cooperative Societies Act was arbitrarily converted into DHA due to personal whims and caprices of the then Governor of Sindh who also happened to be the Corps Commander.

Since then a new position of Administrator, who happens to be a serving officer has been brought into practice and is continuing in spite of resident’s grievances about governance. Now when the face of the constitution has been changed through over 23 amendments and rulers are claiming of supremacy of parliament, constitution and judiciary, we cannot disagree in spite of mockery of democracy that has destroyed the national fabric and thrown Solidarity, Unity and Rule of Law to the winds.

We the residents of DHA Society’s in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad hope that the old Defence Officers Cooperative Housing Society nomenclature is restored and governed according to book by adhering to Accountability and Transparency in the operation and management of these giant housing complexes, where unprecedented mega corruption is reported. Especially when the present COAS has shown his determination to eradicate the menace of corruption from all segments of our society. God bless Pakistan.

—The writer is a senior columnist based in Karachi.

HE murder of three wellknown rationalist writers in the space of two years, the public lynching of a Muslim man over a slice of meat, the ad hoc imposition of beef bans in several states, the cancellation of Pakistan’s gazal legend Gulam Ali’s concert and now a paint attack on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adviser for organising the launch of a former Pakistan foreign minister’s book in Mumbai.

The communal cauldron in India is boiling over with the shrill rhetoric of intolerance and the returning of the country’s highest literary award by more than a dozen writers in protest against the murders is a reflection of that grim reality. But even that unprecedented protest has only triggered a few murmurs of discomfort from the ruling BJP establishment and a brazen silence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trend of returning the Sahitya Akademi award was started last week by Nayantara Sahgal, a niece of India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and a renowned author, whom no one certainly can accuse of partisan bias. The authors’ protests continued to grow even as a batch of hooligans from Shiv Sena dumped litres of paint on Sudheendra Kulkarni on Monday for organising the launch of Khursid Kasuri’s memoir. Kulkarni, once a trusted aide to Indian prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and former BJP chief L.K. Advani, delivered a fitting snub by continuing with his public engagements as black paint dripped from his clothes. It was a very successful putdown and Kulkarni’s blackened face will surely trend on social media. But for India, with its long history of a resilient democracy, what will not be forgotten any time soon is the strangling of the voices of dissent, whether over meat, music or a memoir. — Gulf News

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Dump Assad for peace gains

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IYADH has a point as it told Moscow to train its energies against the Daesh (ISIS) and not to be seen as one supporting Bashar Al Assad. In a clearly worded message, Saudi Arabia warned Russia of dangerous consequences, as the latter’s intervention in the wartorn country could ignite sectarian emotions. The four-year-old conflict has already claimed more than 250,000 lives and half of its population is in a state of diaspora. With 10 million people languishing on the frontiers or spilling over into neighbouring countries and beyond the Mediterranean, peace and security of the entire region is on the tenterhooks.

Saudi Arabia rightly made it clear that Russia’s renewed involvement with its lone Arab ally, Syria, could lead to a snowball reaction wherein militants and mercenaries from around the world might flock to the devastated country once again.

It could be a déjà vu of sorts as it happened in Afghanistan.

Washington’s intervention in the South-west Asian country slid it into a quagmire of militancy, drug-peddling and human-trafficking. Not different could be the case of Syria, where a proxy war is already going on at the behest of Iran and its politico-militant organisations in the Middle East. Going after the Daesh is the considerate opinion of all sections of international community, and that is what the Russians should respect. The fact that Moscow’s air strikes are emboldening the regime in Damascus is a counter-productive development. Assad has no choice but to make room for a transition government. Any attempt on the part of Russia to keep Assad in office will land it in more trouble than ever, and make the intervention part of the problem rather than a solution. — Khaleej Times Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.

Abraham Lincoln —US President

Modi-led RSS usurping minorities’ rights Voice of the People the existing provisions of the Indian Constitution, as also in the “Sacher Col M Hanif (Retd) highlighted Committee Report 2006” and Email:hanifsardar@hotmail.com Kunda Committee Report (2014). The Kundu Committee Report, commissioned to ODI government in India is evaluate the implementation of the creating a lot of frustration Sacher recommendations, had said among Indian Muslims, that though a start had been made yet Christians, Sikhs and other minorities serious bottle- necks remained. In and marginalised classes in India such fact, apart from other recommendaas Dalits, Mahadalites, scheduled tions the Sacher Committee had also castes, scheduled tribes, etc. Even recommended the grant of special Patel community in Gujrat protested “reservation “ (quota) in government in large number during last month. But jobs and educational institutions to in the whole scenario, Muslims are the the Muslims.

Under this environment in India, worst sufferers. The Prime Minister of India, Mr Modi, being an active Modi-led BJP Government is all out member of the RSS portrays himself to downgrade Indian Muslims to the being a non-communal person by air- lowest ebb in the Indian society, since ing some deceiving jargons such as his according to most of the social indiflagship development slogan ‘sabka cators Muslims were on the margins saath, sabka vikas’, (Together with or even worse than the Scheduled All, Development for All), but not Castes and Tribes.Modi led BJP Govimplementing such commitments in ernment is also out to crush the freedom movement and the rights of the the Muslims inhabited areas.

In this context the Muslims are people of the Muslim majority State the main target who has become the of Jammu and Kashmir since indisprey of RSS led anti Muslims cam- criminate use of force is being made paign of denuding them of their exist- there by the Indian security forces and ing rights what to talk about giving BJP Government also has the agenda them the rights allowed according to of changing the special status of the

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State by amending Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. Presently Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari is under criticism by BjP and extremist Hindu organizations for giving a statement recently, that the Government should take concrete steps to address the issues faced by the Muslims in India such as the question of granting them jobs quota in various departments as allowed in the Indian Constitution and also recommended in the Sacher Committee Report and several other reports commissioned by the successive Governments.

Mr Hamid has also stated that Indian Muslims are facing issues like ‘identity and security”, education and empowerment, equitable share in the state funds and a fair share in decision-making. Criticizing Hamid Ansari, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Joint General Secretary, Surendra Jain alleged that Ansari’s this statement was nothing else but a “political and Communal” one. Stating that the Muslims had already more rights in India, Surendra demanded an apology from Hamid Ansari.

The BJP is trying to further marginalise the Muslims by releasing politically sensitive religious census data ahead of elections in the States

such as Bihar, Assam and West Bengal. This effort is aimed at creating the bogey of the so-called Muslim dominance. In an attempt to correct history, Delhi Government last week, even announced renaming the “Aurangzeb Road” as AJP Abu Kalam Road. In this environment of RSS engineered rising anti Muslim sentiment in India, Mr. Modi is likely to attend the three-day Samanway baithak-Coordination Meeting of the RSS being held in New Delhi.

In view of the foregoing, it can be concluded that the recent Modi led and RSS philosophy guided BJP dominated political environment in India will largely harm politico-social and economic interests of the Indian Muslims much more than the other marginalized segments of the Indian population and they will suffer from more Hindu extremist violence than in the past. Moreover, divisive politics of BJP is also likely to take India towards internal hatred, increasing anti Muslim violence, and economic downturn. If RSS dominated BJP continues to come to power in India time and again.

—The writer is working for Islamabad Policy Research Institute.

Afghans must negotiate peace Reema Shaukat Email:reema.asim81@gmail.com

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HE Taliban captured Kunduz City, the capital of Kunduz province on Sept 28, 2015 and ruled the city for three days before they were pushed back from some key areas by Afghan security forces. According to media reports, it was not so that Kunduz was attackedsuddenly, the insurgents had intensified their fighting in the province over the past two years. They are the dominant militant group in the province, with an estimated 2,000 fighters andabout hundreds of foreign fighters associated with al-Qaeda, so-called Islamic State and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) have also been reported in Kunduz.

It is worth mentioning that the attack came a day before the first anniversary of President Ashraf Ghani’s unity government.The Kunduz defeat is an embarrassing setback for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who had a troubled first year in office.Taliban took over the control of Kunduz to test the waters, but ironically the whole episode of this attack was once again linked to Pakistan.Afghan Chief Ex-

ecutive Abdullah Abdullah proclaimed at UNGA, 70th session that Pakistan is involved in said incident which clearly reflects his pro-Indian mind set.

Associating “Kunduz” incidence with Pakistan is totally unrealistic and whimsical as the area is located on the north of Afghanistan- nearly six hundred kilometres away from Pakistan’s border. Pakistan has also exhibited diplomatic altruism over disheartening response on statements and allegations

by Afghan regime regarding Pakistan involvement in Kunduz happenings.

Pakistan has always desired for peaceful and flourishing Afghanistan and endeavoured to strengthen friendly, cooperative and progressing relations with its western border neighbour.

Such threatening intrigues by pro Indian Abdullah Abdullah and exPresident Hamid Karzai are creating problems for Ashraf Ghani government. In the past and at presentHamid Karzai has been consistently affianced in intrigue to perturb the present incumbent government. He has been using all opportunities to create suspicion about Pakistan’s efforts for peaceful and stable Afghanistan.After Kunduz attack, one rationale also instigates that RAW-NDS nexus is behind this bout so that on behest of India, Pakistan’s

stance on freedom struggle in Kashmir could be discredited.

Another surprising element of the incident which came up in media was that the attack was propelled by Mullah Abdul Salam Akhund and Mullah Muhammad Hasan Akhund. They both are the Taliban leaders who were arrested by Pakistan some three years back but were released on intervention and assurance of Hamid Karzai.

As both leaders maintained close relationship with Hamid Karzai, there remains no speck of doubt that Kunduz episode was a staged and synchronized attack followed by outpourings of Abdullah Abdullah to malign Pakistan.

United Nation’s General Assembly, 70th session was exploited by leadership of both India and Afghanistan to adverse Pakistan with terrorism and project it as an extremism proprietor state. One notices that due to strong receptiveness of Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah towards India, blame game of targeting Pakistan is intensifying and even forcing Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to follow the same schizophrenic posturing.

One cannot afford to remain oblivious that Indian NSA/ establishment through un-proportionate presence in Afghanistan is engaged in fuelling all sorts of radicalism against

Pakistan through proxies like AlQaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and TTP. ISIS phenomenon in Afghanistan has also strong shades of India and is already striving to exploit any available vacuum. With all such varying elements, law and order, and security situation of Afghanistan remains unpredictable. Affairs of the coalition “National Unity Government” led by President Ashraf Ghani seem unsmooth and driven by intense power games.

In a nutshell, Afghan issue cannot be resolved through use of force and all the relevant stakeholders will have to eventually return to negotiation table. However, there are certain forces who are hell bent to keep Afghanistan in the turmoil as peaceful Afghanistan is not in their interests.

The ill-timed announcement of Mullah Omar’s death by relevant Afghan authorities served no Afghan interests, rather created problems for Afghanistan. Now its stint for Afghan communal to distinguish between their supporters and adversaries, as relying on perplexed command and NDS may not help restoring stability in Afghanistan.

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

View From Abroad

Intolerant India threatens Modi’s image Vir Sanghvi

I

MAGES of Sudheendra Kulkarni, his face and body blackened by the ink flung at him by protesters, are now being flashed all over the world.

As the protest was over Kulkarni’s willingness to help a former Pakistan foreign minister launch a memoir, the message that has gone out is this: How can there ever be peace between Pakistan and India when there are extremist groups within India that are bitterly opposed to any contact — let alone the peace process — with Pakistan?

This tears a gaping hole in the Indian messaging — carefully calibrated over the years — that India wants peace but that the Pakistani regime is in the grip of extremists, fundamentalists and terrorists. What makes it worse is that, till recently, Kulkarni was a pillar of the BJP establishment.

He was a senior member of the Vajpayee PMO and an adviser to LK Advani. Worse still, the people who doused him in ink were not extremists from some little-known fringe

organisation. The Shiv Sena is the BJP’s ally and a part of the Maharashtra government, the same government that is supposed to protect citizens against such attacks.

Every way you look at it, the Kulkarni-Kasuri incident is a disaster for India. It does not help that it comes on the heels of the Shiv Sena’s refusal to allow Pakistani singer, Ghulam Ali, to perform in Mumbai. The two incidents, on the heels of each other, in what was once India’s most liberal and cosmopolitan city, illustrate the dilemma that Narendra Modi now faces.

In the case of the Shiv Sena he can distance himself by arguing that he cannot be held responsible for everything an ally does.

But this position seems weaker when the violence, intolerance, and hatred emanate from closer home. The murders and attacks on liberal writers, the hysteria over beef, and the abuse of Muslims, that have dominated the headlines, all emerge from the Hindutva right wing, from members of the extended Sangh Parivar, from the BJP and even, from Modi’s own ministers. The prime minister can

claim, with some justification, that he does not condone such attacks or such statements. He can point to his own record at South Block and say that he has never said or done anything that could be construed as communal.

But his critics will ask the obvious questions. Does he not see that there is now a mood of Hindu triumphalism in which a Hindutva fringe believes that the BJP’s victory in the last general election gives them the right to reshape the idea of India to match their own bigoted vision?

Does he not notice or mind when his avowed supporters ask people who believe in the old liberal idea of India to immigrate to Pakistan? Does he not worry when so many writers return their awards, resign from the Sahitya Akademi, and declare that they are distressed by the rising hatred and intolerance in India?

So, he cannot be pleased by what is going on. But he has a problem.

There has been a three-step evolution in Modi’s image: From a dedicated Hindutvawallah to a development champion, and now, to a global statesman. Unfortunately, like some house

of cards, each layer and image have been dependent on the one that came before. If he was not a Hindutva icon, then the Sangh would never have backed him as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. The Hindutva hard core is the basis of his support and therefore his rise to power. Alienate this hard core and the whole house of cards risks collapse.

This is why Modi has been so reluctant to speak out against the hate-mongers till public pressure leaves him with no choice. For instance, he could have ended the beef hysteria if he had spoken up right after the Dadri incident. But he dilly-dallied and only issued a veiled condemnation after the president had spoken out. If India becomes a cauldron of intolerance, will Modi still be treated as a respected global statesman the next time he meets a world leader? The answers are clear. Sooner or later, Modi will have to speak out for tolerance and act against those who spread hatred. If not for India’s sake, then for his own.

— Courtesy: Hindustan Times

Bartering with God..!

V

ERY often I pass church, temple or mosque and see crowds outside. Initially I used to think that God must be so pleased to have so many worshipping him, till I realized very few came to worship, most came to barter with him, “God, please give me a promotion, and I will give you my whole month’s salary!” or “I will come to church every Sunday!” or “I will give up smoking or drinking!”

Says writer Ben Edwards, ‘We’ve all heard it, and most of us

have either thought it, or even prayed it.” “God, if You do this thing I currently want, then I’ll do something I probably should do but haven’t.” We find ourselves in a situation we don’t like or lacking something we crave, yet we feel incapable of attaining our desire.

Thus, we turn to someone we believe is capable of accomplishing what we want and hope God will show us favour. And that’s how the world works; people want something in return for something done or given.

People don’t just give away favours.

They want something in return. So we begin to barter with others when we are seeking their favours.

We started doing this when we were young, trading our veg sandwiches for our friend’s non-veg. The

other person has something we want— either an item or the ability to accomplish something, so we offer him something we think he wants. In our society the most common bartering item is money—you give me something and I give you money in exchange. But we occasionally offer other goods or services, housing and food in exchange for childcare; use of vehicles in exchange for professional work, etc. In each situation, the offer is successful only if both parties have something the other lacks or needs.

But there’s a problem when we try to barter with God. God doesn’t lack or need anything!

The truth that God does not need anything is part of a larger truth of God’s self-sufficiency. This means that God’s existence comes from Himself,

thus He is not dependent on anyone or anything else. You are wasting your time bartering with Him. And if in the process of doing this bartering, you get something you asked for, it is because of God’s grace, and his love for you and not for anything you promised in return. So what does God want? He wants you to have a change of heart. He wants you to become pure like He is. He wants you to give up the things that make Him sad.

Next time you go to worship Him, come out a changed person, come out with a transformed heart and that is the only barter God knows, and wants: Exchanging your old self and getting a new self in return..!

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

October’s scars ANSA JAVIAD “Scars have the strange power to remind us that our past was real”. The month of October reminds us many horror stories. It was 27th October 1947 when Indian troops landed in Kashmir, as the Maharaja declared its accession to India. Liaquat Ali Khan was shot in Liaquat Bagh Rawalpindi on 17th October 1951. The first Martial Law was imposed by General Ayub Khan on 8th October 1958, that was the first blow to democracy; another blow was given on 12th ctober 1999 when Nawaz Sharif, the elected Prime Minister was removed and placed under house arrest.

The deepest of all the scars was the devastating earthquake that hit Kashmir and northern parts of Pakistan on 8th October 2005 that took about 80,000 lives and left the nation mournful. In spite of all these unfortunate events, we have never lost hope.

This is the reason we are having our share in success though it is little but no matter, one day we will make it really an advanced, prosperous and peaceful country because Fortune favours the bold and we are bold.

—Faisalabad

De-weaponise Karachi for peace MADIHA ATHER HASHMI

T

he peace and prosperity of Pakistan lies in the peace of Karachi.

Karachi used to be a very peaceful city. Years of neglect and entry of subversive elements have taken a heavy toll. City deserves special attention. It doesn’t matter how many Rangers, Police and Army operation you do in Karachi, you can’t achieve anything until this city is completely de-weaponised. Karachiites deserve lifetime standing ovation for courage they have been showing all these years for their survival. Taking away weapons from civilians and leave them defenceless and vulnerable to criminals bearing illegal weapons is not a fruitful deal at all. De-weaponization will only empower the militant wings of Political parties, unless we don’t have a strong, honest and law abiding and law enforcing police force. Rangers are not here to stay forever...

—Via email Aleem Khan (PTI) challenged him.

It became a do and die situation. Both the parties locked horns to a gruelling fight. Ayaz Sadiq survived by narrow margin of votes. There is no reason to rejoice over this victory. The whole machinery of federal and provincial governments participated in curving this victory. Lahore is considered the fort of PML(N), and it did not wanted to lose control over Takht e Lahore.

It is all power politics and money that speaks. “Money makes the mare go”. PTI accepted the defeat with reservations. It has sent a letter to E C P in this regard expressing its reservations. It has also won the consolation Prize by winning the PP 147. When the dust will settle, the inside story would be told, how the victory was SABA AKHTAR bought.

In this era, mobile phones play appre- —Karachi ciative role in our society; we feel incomplete without a mobile phone because it has helps us communicate with NABIHA IQBAL people easily. It is now a big demand of our society. Unfortunately, the facility is being misused by some people Street crime has become a common that cast negative impact on our soci- issue these days in the city of Karachi ety. Late night packages and offers in and almost everywhere the youth is targeted in these crimes and the most Pakistan are too much.

These are the packages to attract common target to snatch are mobile student community. Every cellular phones.

These robbers come well armed company offers a lot of packages at night timing and also on weekends, and well prepared both physically and which are now spoiling the character psychologically to commit the crimes. as well as health of the students. Doc- These people overpower the victim by tors say, late night packages are re- fear and weapons. The youth these sponsible for many mental and physi- days is very much in fear whether to cal diseases among students. Sleepless carry a mobile phone or cash while nights are hazardous for human body; travelling at any time of the day. It is this may cause serious mental disor- not just night time that is dangerous ders. I want to draw attention of the but also day time. Anytime, anyplace masses that this social network should and by any means these culprits get be used just to facilitate ourselves, oth- hold of helpless and innocent people erwise it’s just a wastage of time and walking on the street and rob them of all valuables, cash and mobile phones. detrimental for health.

And if anyone resists or refuses to sur—Karachi render mobile or anything, they target (kill) him within a minute.

I request the authorities responsible for security in the city to further HASHIM ABRO keep a watch for these culprits that are While reading a famous book on Po- a danger to the youth as well as other litical Science, I happened to explore citizens of the city. this noble quotation of a noted Ro- —Via email man philosopher, politician, lawyer, orator, political theorist, and constitutionalist, Marcus Tullius Cicero, who once said, “The more laws, the less justice “and whenever I reflect MAHAM ASAD upon these words, I am pained to say that my country today has become a This is not a fight between two parties classic example of it.

Here organizations, may not be or groups; it’s a fight of corruption. many, but a few are run without em- why people are not understanding and ployees service rules, the employees becoming short tempered, why they are kept deprived of their career lose their temper easily when they lisgrowth and other employment right, ten something against their political here only little thieves, involved in leader though they are not even supcrime and corruption, are caught but porting and giving votes to the party. the great ones always escape, just see It has become a trend even someone what is happening in the Province of doesn’t even know which party is Sindh and other parts of the country. nominated and what’s going on; they just talk crap.

—Islamabad We shouldn’t be fighting with our relatives, friends, colleagues or random people about the things we don’t know. Politics is not everyone’s job.

We all the time take it so personal that it becomes dangerous for us. The UROOJ ANIS whole world is watching Pakistani’s Unfortunately citizens of Karachi are political situations and they are laughfacing poor conditions of roads since ing on us. This wasn’t the Pakistan many years. Almost all the roads in which Quaid e Azam dreamed of. the city have been ruined. Instead of Continuity of fights will make us a overcoming this problem, the people weaker nation and other countries of Karachi are facing worst conditions will get a chance to attack us once than before with the passage of time. again. Pakistan has been invaded As a result of these problems many many times in the past and has been occupied and settled by many differaccidents are happening daily.

It also causes severe damage to ent people, each of whom have left vehicles. Because of not having proper their imprint on the current inhabitroads, the residents of Karachi are ants of the country.

After 6 decades of the creation bearing terrible traffic problems which result in getting late and not reaching of Pakistan, we as a Pakistani have on time. Present situation has become to realize we shouldn’t be fighting. distressing and unbearable. I request We should stand against corruption the concerned authorities to please take not against each other. There is only necessary action as soon as possible. one thing which will make us strong Having proper roads is a fundamental is unity.

—Karachi right of the citizens.

—Karachi incident. I also admit that women should be given equal rights but if they think that they can compete or rather are superior to males is their utmost misperception; had it been so, Islam would have given them equal evidence powers, order for earning, travel without any mahram which is even not allowed for noble religious purposes of Hajj and Umrah. So on this account, they should admit their fragility and ensure to spend their lives solely according to the commands of Almighty Allah and Holy Prophet (PBUH).

—Via email

Intellectual crisis Excessive use of causes militancy mobile phone C S HANGEZI

ANDHU

The whole Muslim world has been the victim of intellectual crisis for hundreds of year. Like West, there is no freedom of speech, questioning and thinking. Because of intolerance and stagnant intellectual groups for the sake of material benefits, the Muslim world could not produce even a philosopher or thinker after Averroes (Ibn e Rush’d) etc. And more disgusting was the attitude of the Muslim public and rulers towards scholars. History shows, the period was beginning of intellectual crisis of the Muslim nation when more than 108 books of Averroes were incinerated in the town square of Cordoba , in 1195.

Execution of philosophers started and teachings of philosophy was banned by the Muslim rulers. Different Libraries were burnt and remaining books were thrown into rivers by public with the help of their governments. Another important factor behind the decline was the Muslim world followed and projected the philosophical thoughts of extremist and irrational philosophers and rejecting and punishing rational Muslim philosophers like Ibn e Rush’d, Ibn e Sina (Avicenna), Qadarites and Mutazilities etc. We may assume that the new wave of Muslim militancy is a consequence to follow extremist and irrational thinkers who passed the declaration to kill Muslim rational philosophers is legal in Islamic Jurisprudence.

The intellectual crisis of the Muslim world can be checked by giving space to rationalist Muslim thinkers and Sufis in educational text, whose thoughts will help to think logically, to raise questions, and create harmony and peace and love in hearts of all humans.

—Lahore

Woman not a mystery NASIR KHAN Apropos Rumsha Khan letter dated 12-10-015. “Frailty thy name is woman” she has rightly defined the characteristics of women. The rights and respect given to women in Islam is exemplary as no other religion in the world gives the same to women.

Before the emergence of Islam, women were treated like slaves and they were buried alive as they thought them as a stigma to the then society.

But it is very pathetic that now a days due to undue influence of Indian dramas, films, morning shows of our own creed and media especially the mobile phones have tremendously affected the minds of our 52% population comprising of females and they are now at the stage of rebellion to disobey all the orders of Islam. This is a very alarming situation and if not controlled may ruin our future generation as the first alma matter is the mother’s cradle.

If the mother is not a role model for a child then he has to adopt the same characteristics. I don’t oppose the education of females but they should follow the Islamic commands and to keep them in such an atmosphere where nobody could bother them for the reason that the males are perverted and detracted when females wear ultra-modern stuff, wandering out of home without needs and keep close liaison with males in offices, colleges and universities etc and from this point their humiliation starts as our society is full of black sheep who do not spare a moment to harass the females; even small kids are not safe as evident from recent Kasur district

Street crimes

The less justice

Fight against corruption

Poor condition of roads

Victory of PMLN candidate JAVAID BASHIR At last PML (N) has heaved a sigh of relief after winning the N.A 122 Seat.

It must be noted that Mr. Sadiq was de-seated by an election tribunal due to massive irregularities and rigging in the general elections. He decided to contest the by-elections. Abdul

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

UK to record anti-Muslim hate crimes separately

I am sick of planned parenthood criticism: Hillary

Palestinian despair at boiling point

“I want to build a national coalition to gion,” he added. “Hate crime has no place “Our Counter-Extremism Strategy will LONDON—Islamophobic hate crimes are to be recorded as a separate category for challenge and speak out against extremists in Britain and I am determined to make be published later this month and will the first time by police in England and and the poison they peddle. I want British further progress to ensure we can eradi- introduce a wide range of measures to Wales, UK’s Prime Minister David Muslims to know we will back them to cate this deplorable act. “Working with defeat all forms of extremism. These Cameron has announced. Due to this stand against those who spread hate and to police to provide a breakdown in religious- will empower communities to confront move anti-Muslim attacks and anti-Sematic ones will be treated as same.

UK’s Home Office is expected to release new tatistics which are expected to show a rise in numbers of hate crimes over the past year, continuing the trend seen in 2013-2014, when offences involving religious hatred soared by 45 per cent and race hate crime by 4 per cent.

Speaking at the first meeting of a new Community Engagement Forum PM David Cameron also announced that his government will provide new funding to boost security at religious buildings as a precaution against religious hate attacks.

The Forum brings together representatives of faiths including Islam from around the country, and is intended to provide the PM with an opportunity to hear directly from those challenging extremism in the community.

Announcing its creation in a speech in Birmingham in July, Cameron said it was part of a drive to isolate extremists and “actively encourage reforming and moderate voices” in Muslim communities. “We all have a role to play in confronting extremism. That’s why I have invited important Muslim and non-Muslim figures to join the new Community Engagement Move comes as Home Office prepares to unveil statistics showing a rise in numbers of hate crimes over the past year.

Forum, so I can hear directly about their work in our communities, the chal- counter the narrative which says Muslims based hate crime data will help forces to extremist ideologies, and build more lenges they face and so that they can be do not feel British. “And I want police to build community trust, target their re- cohesive communities where everyone part of our One Nation strategy to defeat take more action against those who perse- sources and enable the public to hold them feels able to succeed,” Home Secretary Theresa May said.—Reuters cute others simply because of their reli- to account. it,” Cameron said.

WASHINGTON—“I’m sick of

S Palestinian protests against Israeli occupation enter their third week, there is little evidence that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is aware of the political and security costs of the cycle of violence that he deliberately unleashed through his brash and poorly conceived policies in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Whether this is indeed a third Intifada or not will become clear in the coming days. The ramifications of Israel’s “iron fist” policy will be dire and answering peaceful protests with live ammunition will prove reckless and short-sighted. Hamas and some Palestinian officials dubbed Palestinian protests, which spread to Israel proper and Gaza Strip, in addition to Jerusalem and the West Bank, as an Intifada. Pundits say that what differentiates this from the last two uprisings is that it is leaderless; it is spontaneous and reflects the level of anger and frustration that tens of thousands of Palestinian youth feel two decades after the signing of the Oslo accords and the birth of the Palestinian Authority (PA).

In the absence of a genuine political process, Palestinians have lost faith in their leaders as Israel stepped up its plans to empty East Jerusalem of its Arab population, encroach on Al Aqsa compound and partition the West Bank, while maintaining a ruthless siege over the Gaza Strip.

In light of the increasing Israeli provocations and horrific crimes carried out by Jewish settlers against hapless Palestinians, it was a matter of time before young Palestinians, most of whom do not belong to any party or group, would decide to vent out their anger against their tormentors. Despite the use of knive and stone against Israeli soldiers and Jewish settlers, this has been largely a peaceful uprising.

More than 30 Palestinians were killed, the majority in cold blood, in addition to four Jewish settlers. Over 500 Palestinians have been injured as occupation soldiers were encouraged to use live ammunition against youth throwing stones and firebombs.

The Palestinian leadership has been unable to take the initiative. President Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel of escalating tensions, but stopped short of carrying out his threats to halt security cooperation or disband the PA. There is ferment among young Fateh cadre who have little faith in their leadership or in the promise of a two-state solution.

On the other side, Netanyahu is finding that he has little room to manoeuvre. His right-wing government is the most extreme in Israel’s history. His coalition partners want him to adopt even harsher measures and send in the army to occupy what is left of the West Bank.

Politically, he has nothing to offer Abbas, even as some observers talk of an attempt by the International Quartet to press for a resumption of peace talks in return for a settlement freeze.

This Palestinian uprising will not be overrun by the Israeli military or by Abbas’ own security personnel.

Palestinians are aware that if they relent now, there might not be another chance for them to tell the world about their plight and the great injustice they have suffered for many generations.

But it is also true that the world is slow to react.

The US appears unwilling to engage the two parties in an attempt to revive peace talks. The international community is focusing on Russia’s latest gambit in Syria, and the Arab countries are occupied with internal and regional crises.

The UN and the Arab League are paying lip service and some Arab leaders would like to see a quick end to this Palestinian uprising. But it is also true that Israel is finding itself in a difficult position. The protests have spread inside Israel and Netanyahu’s militant response will not end the uprising as the media are forced to focus on Israel’s occupation and Palestinian despair.

One possible way out, as some Israelis suggest, would be for Netanyahu to wage another war on Gaza in order to shift attention from the peaceful uprising in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Netanyahu, his right-wing ministers and Jewish settlers believed that provocations in Al Aqsa would facilitate changing the status quo in the Noble Sanctuary. They would have succeeded too, but Palestinian despair and anger have reached a boiling point.

What Israel did not expect, or want, is the flare up of a third Palestinian Intifada. With Abbas losing political ground inside and outside Palestine, this new generation of Palestinians has become a ticking time bomb. Israel has miscalculated when it decided to bury the two-state solution, while failing to honour its commitments under Oslo. Now all those associated with that accord are paying the price. This is becoming an important milestone in the history of Palestinian national struggle. It is doubtful that Israel’s iron fist policy or Abbas’ security men will be able to contain what is slowly turning into a widespread rebellion, one that rests on civil disobedience and peaceful rejection of occupation.

it!” Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton

passionately declared near the final minutes of late Tuesday night’s debate, calling out Republicans on what she deemed as their “big government” hypocrisy when it comes to women’s health care.

It was perhaps the defining moment of the first Democratic debate for Clinton, who for two minutes shed her usual cautious talking points and level cadence and instead decided to get mad.

CNN moderator Dana Bash asked Clinton what she thought of GOP candidate Carly Fiorina — the only other woman in the combined presidential field — claiming that small businesses would be hurt by federal policies encouraging more generous paid family leave.

“This is typical Republican scare tactics. We can design a system … that does not put the burden on small business,” Clinton began, pointing to the success of Fiorina’s home state of California’s laws on the issue.—AP

Turkey warns US, Russia OIC SG condemns over Syrian Kurds support ongoing Israeli crimes A NKARA —Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet the fight against IS. The PYD’s Kurdish fighters control large Davutoglu on Wednesday warned the United States and Russia against “unacceptable” mili- parts of northern Syria on the Turkish border, tary and political support for Syrian Kurdish where they have for months engaged in bitter forces fighting the Islamic State (IS) group in fighting with IS jihadists.

Turkey is currently waging a two-pronged Syria.

Turkey earlier summoned US and Russian “war on terror” against both IS and the PKK, alenvoys to warn against supplying arms and support for Syrian Kurdish forces fighting the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria.

“We have a clear position.

That position has been conveyed to the United States and the Russian Federation,” Davutoglu said in televised comments.

“Turkey cannot accept any cooperation with terrorist organisations which have waged war against it.”

A Turkish foreign ministry official told AFP that the US and Russian ambassadors were called to the ministry Tuesday “to con- A Kurdish fighter guards a checkpoint near the Syrian town vey Turkey’s views” about Demo- of Ain Issi. cratic Unity Party (PYD), the though so far air strikes have overwhelmingly fomain Kurdish group in Syria.

“Necessary warnings were issued,” the offi- cused on bases of the Kurdish militants in northcial added. Turkey labels the PYD as the Syrian ern Iraq.

Davutoglu said Wednesday that there was an offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) which has waged a bloody insurgency “organic bond” between the PKK and the PYD. “We know that some of those who fled since 1984. US-led coalition forces have parachuted in ammunition to anti-IS rebels in north- from (Turkish) operations against the PKK ern Syria, stepping their backing for groups bat- in northern Iraq joined the ranks of the PYD in Syria,” he said. “We have a clear stance tling jihadists.

The move follows the Pentagon’s an- against terrorist organisations which waged nouncement last week that it would halt its a war against Turkey. We have the same atmuch-criticised programme to train moderate titude against their affiliates ,” Davutoglu rebels, and instead focus efforts on equipping said.

He warned the United States and other pre-screened rebel leaders from groups actively allies against any cooperation with the PYD. fighting IS. Russia is intervening in Syria with bombing “Just as the United States and other friendly raids in support of the regime of President Bashar allies fight against Al-Qaeda linked groups, al-Assad. A top Russian official last week held Turkey is determined to fight against the talks with PYD leader Salih Muslim to discuss PKK and its affiliates,” he said.—AFP

JEDDAH—The Secretary General of the Organiza- eration (OIC) is proceeding with the implementation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), SG Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani, expressed his strong condemnation of the escalated acts of killing civilians perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in the occupied city of Al Quds/Jerusalem, as well as the intensified terrorist acts carried out by the extremist Israeli settlers against the Palestinian citizens, which led to the martyrdom of more than 28 innocent people and the wounding of hundreds of others, including women and children, since the beginning of this month. All of these acts form crimes which, the Secretary General noted, represent a flagrant violation of the Geneva IV Agreement and of international humanitarian law.

Furthermore, the Secretary General affirmed that the Knesset’s recent decision to allow the occupation forces to shoot at the Palestinians in the occupied city of Al Quds/Jerusalem represents an official cover and endorsement of the criminal operations, and a public authorization of the killing and oppression of the Palestinian citizens without any legal or humanitarian dissuasion. The Secretary General held the Israeli occupation responsible for the escalated tension due to its segregationist policies and its continual murder crimes which fuel extremism, violence and racism. Mr. Iyad Madani pointed out that the Organization of Islamic Coop-

T

HE call by South Africa’s governing party to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) has implications for the rest of the continent. But it is not going to happen any time soon.

When South Africa joined the ICC in 1998 the country had just emerged from the scourge of apartheid. South Africans were fresh victims of gross human rights violations and had hoped that the rest of the world would join the ICC. But some of the most powerful countries did not follow. And now the governing African National Congress (ANC) is calling for the country to leave the ICC - which would make it the first to do so.

‘Hitler of Africa’? The chairman of the ANC’s commission on international relations, Obed Bapela, said that the ICC had “lost direction”. Omar al-BashirImage copyrightGetty Images Image caption Mr Bashir was able to fly out of South Africa in June despite a warrant for his arrest for war crimes. This move away from the ICC comes not long after the South African government was criticised for allowing Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir to leave the country despite an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes

in Darfur. Mr Bashir denies the allegations, saying they are politically motivated.

Mr Bapela insisted South Africans were “very keen” to hear the stories of the victims of Darfur, as they had heard the victims of political crimes committed during the apartheid era at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“Human rights matter to us but we want a fair system,” he said. The ICC and global justice: Came into force in 2002 The Rome Statute that set it up has been ratified by 123 countries, but the US is a notable absence It aims to prosecute and bring to justice those responsible for the worst crimes - genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes In the court’s 13-year history it has only brought charges against Africans. What does the ICC do?

But not everyone in South Africa supports Mr Bashir. Some South African government officials have referred to him before as “the Hitler of Africa”.

South African troops have also been in Darfur as part of the UN-African Union peacekeeping force and have seen for themselves the destruction of Sudan’s western region. In 2009 and 2010, government officials openly stated that if the Sudanese leader landed in South Africa he would be arrested.

A

tion of the resolution issued by the extraordinary meeting of Foreign Ministers, held early this month, including the Islamic Group’s action at the level of the UN to call for an emergency session of the Security Council as soon as possible to review the serious deterioration of the situation and to seek the provision of international protection for the Palestinian people.

Also, Mr. Madani indicated that the Islamic Group in Geneva intends to initiate action at the level of the Human Rights Council to seek an emergency session to deliberate on the violations perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces and the extremist settler groups, with a primary focus on the aggressions faced by the city of Al Quds/Jerusalem and the Holy Al Aqsa Mosque. Mr. Madani further called for the establishment of an international committee to investigate these Israeli crimes.

Meanwhile, OIC has expressed its concern at a statement issued by the Afghan Taliban on 12th October wherenews channels and journalists in Afghanistan were specifically identified as potential —Courtesy: TJT. targets.The OIC called on all sides to respect and protect the right to freedom of expression. It said [The writer is a journalist and political commentator based that journalists, according to international humani- in Amman] tarian law, are civilians, and that any attack on themis against the rule of law. Journalistslegally have the right to freedom of expression.—Email

This helicopter is Putin’s Xi’s visit to open new chapter weapon of choice in Syria

in China-UK relations BEIJING—As the comprehensive strategic partner- on a new journey based on the consensus of peace, ship between China and Britain enters its second decade, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first state visit to the country, scheduled between Oct. 19 and 23 at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II, will open a new chapter for bilateral ties. President Xi’s visit to Britain will further revitalize the forty-year-old China-Europe partnerships as the two sides embark

growth, reform and civilization.

At a time when China’s sweeping reforms are entering a decisive year, and as China is drafting its 13th five-year plan, China’s top leader will take this significant visit as an opportunity to continue declaring China’s peaceful development and its determination of reform and opening-up.—Xinhua

What S. Africa leaving International Criminal Court would mean MILTON NKOSI

OSAMA AL SHARIF

So some may argue that the ANC’s move has little to do with South Africa’s support for President Bashir and more to do with the African Union (AU), which has repeatedly complained that the ICC treats Africans and Africa unfairly.

And the ANC would prefer the AU to pull out of the ICC as a continental block. South Africa does not want to be isolated from the rest of Africa as it was under apartheid and more recently in the aftermath of the recent xenophobic attacks. African Court of Justice Whatever the reasons for the proposal, it must first be agreed on by parliament.

South African parliamentImage copyrightGetty Images Image caption Withdrawal from the ICC still needs to be debated in South Africa’s parliament Members of both the lower and the upper houses would have to vote individually on the motion, as the international obligations of the ICC have been incorporated into domestic legislation.

With the ANC’s overwhelming majority in parliament, this is likely to pass, but then the president would then have to endorse the decision.

It is worth noting that in Kenya, after parliament voted for the country to withdraw in 2013, President Uhuru Kenyatta - who was himself an indictee of the ICC at the time - did

not endorse the withdrawal, which means that to this day the East African nation remains an ICC member.

Nevertheless, the South African government is taking the idea seriously, with Minister for International Relations Maite NkoanaMashabane saying that the matter is on the agenda for the next meeting of ICC members at The Hague in November.

Ottilia Maunganidze, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies and a legal expert on international criminal law, says that if the rule of a law is followed to the letter, it would take South Africa at least a year to fully withdraw.

Throughout this period, she told me, South Africa would remain a “state party to the Rome Statute”, the treaty that established the ICC. However, Mr Bapela said that South Africa’s “walk-out” would not mean that the ICC could not be reconstructed “once it collapses”.

“It will be like the League of Nations which had to give rise to the United Nations,” he told me. The process could even lead to proper establishment of an African Court of Justice, which the AU has struggled to get off the ground, to try those accused of human rights violations in Africa, he said.

—Courtesy: BBC

HENRY JOHNSON

S

OON after Moscow began its air campaign in Syria, both supporters and opponents of the regime of Syrian Presi dent Bashar al-Assad began posting videos of attacks by Russian Mi-24 attack helicopters, a hybrid transport aircraft and gunship unique to the Russian military. And it is the low-flying Mi-24, not warplanes flattening the Syrian landscape from thousands of feet up, that has the potential to hand Assad’s beleaguered military some much-needed battlefield wins.

The videos show the Mi-24s, also known as Hind helicopters, flying close to the ground — sometimes just above the treetops — and often in pairs, firing off barrages of rockets at nearby rebel positions.Syrian pilots have long flown Russian helicopters, so there’s no way to conclusively tell who’s in the cockpit. But close observers of the conflict say it’s likely that Russians are piloting the aircraft because of the technical skill of the pilots and the fact that the specific models being flown are newer versions of the Mi-24s known to be in the Syrian arsenal. The helicopters shown in the recent videos, for instance, have two 30 mm guns instead of the single, smaller gun found on older models, according to Nick de Larrinaga, the Europe editor of Jane’s Defence Weekly.

Christopher Harmer, an analyst at the Institute for the Study of War and a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, said a video of a pair of Mi-24s flying low to the ground and firing rockets showed a “top shelf, highly trained, very courageous, and highly aggressive Russian helicopter crew.” “When you see higher quality airmanship and precision fires coming from helicopters, that’s 100 percent Russian pilots,” he said. The skill of the Mi-24 pilots may be doubly important to Russia if the aircraft also happens to be carrying Russian troops. The Russian helicopter combines the attack capabilities of an American Apache helicopter with the troop-carrying capabilities of a U.S. Huey helicopter; Harmer said Washington has no exact parallel of the Mi24 in its arsenal.

Since the Mi-24s combine heavy weaponry with a transport hull, they can ferry teams from Russia’s special operations divisions to the front line. That, in turn, could allow the Russian forces to focus on “directing airstrikes, calling in helicopter gunship support, and directing long-range air-to-surface and surface-to-surface missile fire,” Harmer said. The entrance of Russian helicopter pilots into the Syrian theater of war could also help address what Harmer says is one of the Assad regime’s most worrisome problems: a steady loss of foot soldiers. The recent videos, said both Harmer and de Larrinaga, indicate a shift in helicopter tactics, whereby pilots are getting much closer to the ground than before and more precisely hitting targets in support of the allied troops doing the heavy fighting. The finesse of the Russian pilots is “a qualitative technical advantage that the Syrian military just doesn’t have; it’s going to significantly reduce Assad’s casualties,” Harmer said.

—Courtesy: FPM

Samjhota Express resumes today SALIM AHMED L AHORE —The service of Samjhouta Express between Lahore and Amritsar will resume service day. A spokesman of Pakistan Railways told Pakistan Observer that the Indian Railway authorities have confirmed resumption of the service. He said that Samjhauta Express will leave at 8am on Thursday as usual.

Iran starts...

From Page 1 responded by threatening to shoot down future Russian planes.

After similar complaints about Syrian planes, NATO sent some additional air defense assets to the Turkish border, though it was clear this was not done at the time with an eye toward starting a new world war against Russia, a fact that may be lost on the Turkish government, which in the run-up to elections is eager to please nationalists with a show of force.—Agencies

Sindh Govt relieves sixth Home Secy in a year IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Sindh Home Secretary Mukhtar Ahmed Soomro is the sixth Secretary, who has been changed in a year. The security forces have time and again raised the issue of frequent change of Home Secretary in Apex Committee meetings with the Sindh Chief Minister but Sindh government

preferred to ignore objection.

The change of Home Secretary on the eve of Moharram Al Haraam, in which threat are always high for the terror attack especially the sectarian riots and attacks on the Shiites mourners in first 10 days of Moharram Al Haraam might widen the gulf between Sindh government and the security forces.

Millions recovered in KSE raid STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted a raid at the Karachi Stock Exchange(KSE) on Wednesday.

According to sources, during the raid local and foreign

currencies in the millions were recovered.

The sources also revealed that the money was being sent abroad through Hundi which is an illegal method to transfer money from place to place.

Two employees were also arrested during the raid.

It is the money, stupid!

From Page 1 That has been the political history of this country from day one or at least since the late ZA Bhutto’s PPP carried Lahore in the 1970 elections.

The establishment had realized this truth about Pakistan’s politics very early in the day. Remember how the late Ghulam Ishaq Khan, the then President had waited until after the PML led by the then establishment’s favourite Nawaz Sharif had won over enough independents to form its government in the Punjab to invite Benazir Bhutto whose party had won the most seats in the National Assembly in the 1988 elections to form the government at the centre. The fear was if she was invited to form the government at the centre earlier, most of the independents in the province would have gone to the PPP and helped it form government in Punjab.

The establishment has never allowed the PPP to regain its political ground in Lahore or in Punjab since.

And the Sharifs have ruled the Punjab since minus the eight years of Musharraf. And by the end of its current tenure in 2018 it would have had full control of the province for almost 22 years and ten years in a row since 2008.

So, when the Sharifs returned to the Punjab in 2008 there was nothing on the political horizon which to them appeared even remotely challenging their complete political hegemony over the province.

The PPP under Zardari was committing hara-kiri on itself in full view of the nation and was well on the way to self- destroying itself. The PMLQ had already crumbled into nothing.

And Imran Khan was no-

where on the PMLN’s political radar. In fact it was nowhere on even the national political radar. But then happened November 2013 in Lahore—a historic public meeting of the PTI. Since then the rise of the PTI on Pakistan’s political horizon has been simply phenomenal.

It gave the PMLN run for its money in the 2013 general elections and polled the second largest number of votes closely following the PMLN. Soon the attention of the entire nation was fixed on Islamabad’s D-Chowk where the PTI had staged a sitin protesting against what it called planned rigging of the elections by the PMLN. It turned out to be the longest ever sit-in in the country’s political history. And by the time it ended it had almost brought down the PMLN government.

The judicial commission set up to enquire into the PTI’s allegations of massive planned rigging of the 2013 elections found very little evidence of the charges but identified massive irregularities in the conduct of the elections on the part of the ECP. Meanwhile the tribunals hearing the complaints of PTI candidates in the four very high profile constituencies (NA122, NA144, NA 154, NA 125) declared them null void on the grounds of irregularities and ordered fresh elections.

The PTI had kept the PMLN engaged politically all these 17 months. It had even monopolized the media like Altaf Hussain of MQM used to do until the recent past using strong arm tactics. But Imran, on the other hand, kept the entire nation as well as the media riveted to his ever escalating political feud with the ruling

party using tactics considered the world over as legitimate in a democratic system. And that is the reason why the PTI almost won the NA 122 by elections and trounced the PMLN in the PP147 by-elections.

Having detected the weakest point in the body politics of the PML-N, Imran is now pressing on hard with the new allegations that someone had doctored the voters’ list in NA 122. Alim Khan is asking for recounting and Sarwar is asking the CEC for the voters’ list.

Without meaning to be supporting the PTI’s latest allegations, one would not be averse to look at these allegations at this juncture as one more political tactics of the PTI to keep its supporters fully mobilized keeping its eyes on the forthcoming local government elections.

The sound and fury that these allegations are likely to kick up mostly by a sensation mongering media would perhaps even force the PML-N to hit the panic button and commit unintentional blunders, like the one Chief Minister Shahbaz committed when he allegedly ordered his police to open fire on the Minhajul Quran protestors in August last year that had left 18 protestors dead. This should be avoided at all costs. And the PTI on its part should keep its protests and agitation within the confines of the political system, never letting its movement to fall into the hands of men like Tahirul Qadri and Sheikh Rashid, the two who had almost led the PTI to its political demise when they goaded the Party workers to attack the Parliament building during the peak days of the sit-in at the D-Chowk.

and added that rescue personnel had rushed to the blast site and shifted the victims to District Headquarters Hospital DG Khan.

The condition of four wounded was reported as critical, according to hospital sources. The nature and intensity of the explosion was not known. A large contingent of police and security personnel, including the Bomb Disposal Squad, reached the site.

Eye-witnesses said two motorycycle-riding attackers drove into the residence of the PML-N leader following which the blast took place. The witnesses added that a local Pakistan Muslim League - N leader was among those killed in the blast.

The political office of the legislator caught fire as a result of the explosion and a huge plume of smoke was visible in the air, according to eye-witnesses. The veteran politician was in Islamabad at the time of the attack while around 40 people were present at his political office. People usually gather at the office to address their grievances.

Sardar Amjad Farooq is the cousin of estranged PML-N leader Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa and was elected from the DG Khan’s NA-171 constituency.

Making KASB… From Page 13 Against all odds and malicious propaganda, Bank Islami has, Alhamdulilah professionally handled the takeover of weakest Bank in the industry which included paying more than Rs. billion to the depositors. Do we need any further credentials?

The above factual observations have been released by the management of Bankislami in response to what they called a series of programs being conducted by a Television channel starting from September 29, 2015 which appears to be purposely conducted to create a malicious mis-understanding in the minds of General public about our takeover of the defunct KASB Bank Limited (the ‘KASB’), the business of BankIslami Pakistan Limited (‘BIPL’), its shareholders, key Officers and market reputation.

The Bankislami as a responsible corporate citizen has at all times conducted its affairs according to the highest standards of transparency, honesty, integrity and professionalism.

We are never reluctant to respond to queries or inquiry of any investigation agency and if there is any, they will have our fullest co-operation. That said, to protect our business, our shareholders, our clients and our employees, the financial sector in Pakistan and even the business environment, we will never submit to any harassment and blackmail of anyone. If we submit, perhaps next set of economic and regulatory decisions will be taken on talk shows or worst or worst no decision will be taken which is fast becoming a national dilemma. Our resolution speaks of the confidence all of you have shown on us. We cannot thank you enough and we will not let you down. Our website and other social media sites are updated regularly for your information.

CORRECTION OF NAME I JIBRAN KHAN S/D/O ALI BAHADUR Resident of KHUDA NOOR KALAYPO PA R H O T I MARDAN Appeared in SSC Annual Examination 2004 under Roll No.715069 and Registration No. 0445610014 announce through Daily Pakistan Observer that my actual Name is JIBRAN KHAN Whereas on my SSC Result Card/ Certificate mistakenly written as JIBRAN, hence it is requested that the same may be changed/ corrected.

CORRECTION OF FATHER’S NAME I SAJJAD QAYYUM S/D/O MUHAMMAD QAYYUM Resident of SARDAR KARYANA GENERAL STORE, STREET NO.27, JAMILABAD TAXILA Appeared in SSC Annual Examination 2011 under Roll No.173148 and Registration No. 1055021070 announce through Daily Pakistan Observer that my actual Father’s Name is MUHAMMAD QAYYUM Whereas on my SSC Result Card/Certificate mistakenly written as MUHAMMAD QAYYUM KHAN, hence it is requested that the same may be changed/corrected.

PM rejects...

From Page 1 permission can only be granted by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Even the ECP can only do so once a request is filed by the voter, he clarified.

Censuring the PTI, Nisar said being defiant and confrontational on every single subject matter is not in national interest, adding that if political parties misbehave, hurling cursive words, then how can it be called democracy.

“I hope the PTI leadership will now onwards think before it speaks and understands that accepting defeat is also a big achievement.”

The minister further said that on the behest of PTI, the Judicial Commission was formed, the army was deployed in the constituencies where byelections were being held, and CCTV cameras were also installed.

The interior minister read out figures of transfer of votes from five constituencies of Punjab, claiming the PTI leadership once again hurled baseless allegations without any prior investigation.

“Nadra automatically sends information to the ECP of all voters who attain the age of 18 years,” he said.

Nisar said the government accepted all demands of PTI leadership, i.e. constitution of a judicial commission to probe 2013 polls, installing cameras in polling stations, etc.

“There should be a limit to Imran’s demands. I hope the PTI leadership will first investigate before hurling allegations,” he said, adding the party should learn to accept its defeat.

Meanwhile, Interior Min-

ister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan on Wednesday said that Pakistan and China must not underestimate the threats to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project from the elements that oppose socio-economic development of the region and feel uncomfortable with growing strength of Pak-China time tested and all-weather friendship.

Talking to the Chinese Ambassador who called on him here in Punjab House, the Interior Minister said that those who are opposing the project can’t see this region and especially Pakistan marching towards a new era of socio-economic prosperity and were also reluctant to acknowledge new realities where China has much larger role to play in the region being a major power and stakeholder of peace, prosperity and development of the region and an ally and time-tested friend of Pakistan.

The Interior Minister said that despite all challenges, the Government of Pakistan is firmly committed to early completion of the project in view of its importance as a ‘game changer’ and its role in further deepening strategic Pak-China equation.

The Minister said that the Government and the people of Pakistan greatly appreciate Chinese support and assistance towards the country and for always standing shoulder to shoulder in every testing times.

Talking about multi-facted cooperation and various strands of strategic dialogue, the Interior Minister observed that the two countries need to raise the level of strategic dialogue particularly in the areas of coop-

eration in security, intelligence sharing and forging greater cooperation to fight the menace of terrorism in the region.

Regarding the security of the Chinese workers in Pakistan and the CPEC project, the Interior Minister said that the Government would continue making every possible effort to ensure fool-proof security of our Chinese friends. A special force to this effect in being raised on fast track basis, continued the Minister.

The Interior Minister also put forth a suggestion that the two countries may work out a comprehensive and integrated mechanism and evolve SOP for ensuring security of the Chinese nationals. Under this SOP NADRA would maintain the record of Chinese nationals residing and visiting Pakistan and would share this database with all federal and provincial authorities of the country.

The Interior Minister also observed that there is a need to further strengthen the existing mechanisms for evolving common strategies and policies in view of shared geo-strategic interests and concerns of the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong handed over to the Interior Minister letter of thanks from his Government for ensuring safe recovery of the abducted Chinese citizen who was kidnapped in May 2014.

Appreciating vision of the Interior Minister, the ambassador reiterated that Chinese Government, its leadership and the people of China were committed to further strengthen their ties with the Government and the people of Pakistan.

Aasia Bibi isolated in prison after security fears ISLAMABAD—Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman on death row for blasphemy has been put in isolation over fears of attacks by vigilantes enraged over a high-profile ruling in another blasphemy case that moderates said struck a blow against religious extremism.

Prison officials and rights activists said this week that they were concerned for Asia Bibi’s life due to the security threat and her worsening health.

The mother-of-five, whose plight has prompted prayers from the Vatican, has been on death row since she was convicted in 2010 of committing blasphemy during an argument with a Muslim woman over a bowl of water. She was put in solitary confinement last week at the women’s prison in the city of Multan, an official there told AFP. The move came after “genuine” threats to her life were issued in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the death sentence for Mumtaz Qadri, the killer of a politician who sought blasphemy law reform in a separate, high-profile case.

Although, blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in Pakistan, the country has never executed anyone on the charge — but anyone convicted, or even just accused, of insulting Islam risks a violent and bloody death at the hands of vigilantes. Last year a British-Pakistani citizen who had been sentenced to death for blasphemy was shot and wounded by a guard at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.—AFP

PM keen on early completion of energy projects ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister of these projects. Ministry of

Osama in Pakistan?

ISLAMABAD— Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, who was Pakistan’s defence minister between 2008 and 2012, has denied telling CNN-IBN that President Asif Ali Zardari, then army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and the joint chief of staff were aware that Bin Laden was living in Abbottabad. Late on Tuesday, CNN-IBN reported that Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership knew about Osama bin Laden’s presence in the country much before the United States navy SEALs killed him in a raid in Abbottabad in 2011, while quoting the then defence minister. However, Mukhtar denied making any such claims on Wednesday, saying that that the reporting

by CNN-IBN was “utter nonsense.—AFP

Emory University Student held OXFORD—A 21year-old sophomore at Emory University’s Oxford campus was arrested and charged with making a terrorist threat after she claimed online she was going on a shooting rampage at the Georgia campus, according to police. Emily Sakamoto was arrested and jailed Sunday, police said.

She was released Tueasday night after posting $1,500 bail, Newton County Sheriff’s Capt. Keith Crun told INSIDE EDITION. “I’m shooting up the school.

Tomorrow. Stay in your rooms. The ones on the quad are the ones who will go first,” Sakamoto allegedly posted on Yik Yak, an anonymous messaging app.—AFP

Texas to execute man AUSTIN, Texas—Texas plans today {Wednesday} to execute Licho Escamilla, who was convicted of fatally shooting a Dallas police officer who was working in 2001 as an off-duty security guard at a nightclub in the city.

Escamilla, 33, is scheduled to die at 6 p.m. local time by lethal injection at the state’s death chamber in Huntsville. If the execution goes ahead, it will be the 12th in Texas this year, the most of any state. Prosecutors said Escamilla, then 19, got into a fight at a valet parking stand at a nightclub called DMX. Officer Christopher James and three other Dallas police officers were working as off-duty security. As James and another officer approached, Escamilla opened fire. —Reuters

Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has directed for maintaining an enhanced inter- ministerial coordination for early completion of energy projects.

‘Transparency and adherence to relevant laws and rules must be given topmost priority in all these projects’, stressed the Prime Minister.

Nawaz Sharif said this while chairing a high level meeting of Cabinet Committee on Energy at PM House Islamabad to review progress FARIDKOT: Clashes between Indian police and Sikh protestors continued on Wednesday of energy sector projects. over an alleged incident of desecration in Faridkot of Indian Punjab.

The Prime Minister was briefed on the status of various energy sector projects, especially projects earmarked under the umbrella of China Pakistan Economic Corridor. The Prime Minister was informed that apart from speedy work on the energy related projects, work on establishing transmisKABUL—U.S. airstrikes and Afghan ground ghan government took charge. sion lines is also underway so In the most recent offensive, “The U.S. con- that energy could be effectively forces dismantled al Qaeda training sites in southern Afghanistan over five days in one of ducted 63 precision airstrikes while Afghan evacuated upon the completion the largest joint operations the two countries forces engaged in several battles on the ground against al Qaeda networks at two related sites,” have undertaken, the U.S. military said.

The operation left “numerous” militants the U.S. military said.

One target was a “well-established training dead, the military said in a statement. The operation kicked off Wednesday in the Shorabak camp” that spanned about 1 square mile; the district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, and second site covered almost 30 square miles, the military said. continued through Sunday.

Initial reports indicate the operation seized “We struck a major al Qaeda sanctuary in the center of the Taliban’s historic heartland,” heavy weapons, bomb-making material and insaid Brig. Gen. Wilson Shoffner, a U.S. spokes- telligence data, the military said.

The United States has nearly 10,000 troops man in Afghanistan.

The Taliban established its presence in the remaining in Afghanistan, down from a high of region by capturing the city of Kandahar soon more than 100,000 in June 2011.

President Barack Obama has slowed the after the group was formed in 1994. Three years later, Taliban leader Mullah Omar forged a re- pace of plans to cut the current 9,800-strong U.S. lationship with al Qaeda leader Osama bin force in Afghanistan to 5,500 by the end of the Laden, who moved his base of operations to year.

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Kandahar.

After the September 11, 2001, attacks, the Gen. John Campbell, told the Senate Armed SerUnited States invaded Afghanistan and dis- vices Committee last week that he needed to lodged the Taliban government that had shel- adjust troop level recommendations based on tered bin Laden and al Qaeda, which orches- an uptick in insurgent activity, an increased al trated the terrorism. A U.S.-led-coalition has Qaeda presence and signs ISIS might also be battled the Taliban for years, since a new Af- targeting the country.—INP

Al Qaeda Afghan sites dismantled

PSM loses Rs. 112b by March Transparency in privatisation top priority: Zubair I SLAMABAD —Minister of State for Privatization and Chairman Privatization Commission, Muhammad Zubair Wednesday said transparency in transaction of public sector enterprises was the top priority of the government.

Addressing a press conference at PID Media center, he said privatization of public sector entities running in loss was part of national economic reforms agenda of the government to turn these institutions as profit making by improving their service delivery and efficiency.

He said the privatization process in the country was going on from last 25 years with a

prime objective of economic development and prosperity of the coming generations of the nation. A vibrant mechanism to keep transparency was in place and there were four forums working for the transaction of public sector enterprises including evaluation committee, transaction committee, board of privatization and Cabinet Committee on privatization, he added.

Each committee, he said had six members having vast experience of services in reputed national and international institutions and also from Ministry of Finance to keep check and balance in privatization process.

Vote-shift from NA-122 being investigated: Imran STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf Chairman Imran Khan congratulated party workers and activists on Wednesday for displaying conviction and passion in the NA-122 by-polls, and said PTI had created a cell to investigate the issue of ‘transferred and missing votes’ from the constituency, whose findings will be presented to a “free and fair election commission.”

“For now we will remain tight lipped, but as soon as our probe is complete, we will take action accordingly.”

Addressing party workers and activists in Garhi Shahu, Imran slammed the ruling PMLN for what he called were “prepoll intimidatory tactics and rig-

ging.”

He said nowhere in the world was an incumbent prime minister allowed to take part in an election campaign. “Sitting ministers – for railways and BISP – were also involved in campaigns in the constituency,” he said.

“I am the chairman of a party and I have the right to share my manifesto,” said the PTI chief, in an implicit remark after a court order had earlier banned him from campaigning in the by-poll.

Imran Khan also challenged PML-N’s claim that no rigging had taken place in the 2013 election, labeling Ayaz Sadiq’s victory as vindication.

“By that logic, Shaoib Siddiqui’s victory in the PP-147 by-poll means there was rigging in the 2013 election,” said the PTI chief.

Muhammad Zubair said privatization was time consuming process and transaction of a single public sector entity required 2-3 years time for completing its legal and financial formalities. He said international financial institutions had also recognized the privatization process of Pakistan and Privatization Commission had won three awards adding that big companies were investing in local capital market.

He informed that about 25 active transactions were under process adding that structural transactions of LESCO and Pakistan International Airlines were also approved.—APP

Marlon James wins Man Booker Prize 2015 O SLO —Jamaican author Marlon James has won the Man Booker Prize for his novel inspired by the attempted assassination of Bob Marley in the 1970s. Michael Wood, chair of the judges, described A Brief History of Seven Killings as the “most exciting” book on the shortlist.

The 680-page epic was “full of surprises” as well as being “very violent” and “full of swearing”.

James was announced as the winner of the £50,000 prize in London on Tuesday.

He is the first Jamaican author to win the Man Booker Prize. Receiving the award, he said a huge part of the novel had been inspired by reggae music.—AP

Petroleum & Natural Resources briefed the Prime Minister on import and subsequent provision of LNG to power sector.

‘China is a great friend and has tremendously justified the time tested friendship by heavily investing in Pakistan, especially in energy related projects, which would certainly resolve the most important issue of energy deficiency in the country’, said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said that the initiatives undertaken by the present Government would not only overcome the shortage of energy in the country, but will produce surplus energy in the times to come.

Expressing confidence on the progress made on energy projects, the Prime Minister directed that quality and standard must not be comprised at any cost.

The meeting was attended

by Muhammad Ishaq Dar Minister for Finance, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources, Ahsan Iqbal Minister for Planning & Development, Khawaja Muhammad Asif Minister for Water & Power and others.—INP

Muharram moon sighted; Ashura on Oct 24 STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Moon for the holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram has been sighted, therefore, the day of Ashura (10th Muharram) will fall on October 24 (Saturday).

The Central Ruet-eHilala Committee met here on Wednesday for sighting the moon for the holy month of Moharram-ul-Haram. The moon of Muharram also marks the beginning of Islamic year.

How can happiness make your heart healthier?

T

HERE is a proverb that tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”

Researchers at Penn State University have been investigating how positive thinking can lead to good habits and better health outcomes - for patients with heart disease. The findings are published in the journal Psychometric Medicine. A positive attitude can lead to better outcomes for people with heart disease.

“Positive psychology” has become a popular, although sometimes controversial, field in recent years. Some research has indicated that positive thinking can increase longevity; it has been seen to improve outcomes in patients with breast cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Additionally, recovery and survival rates following heart bypass surgery appear to be improved in those who think positively.

Negative emotions and depression, conversely, are known to have harmful effects on health. As interest grows in health care circles and the wider community, there is a need for research to support the claims that happiness can heal, to establish the veracity of the claims and to find more about its benefits and applications for particular health conditions.

The researchers, from the Centre for Healthy Aging and in the Department of

Biobehavioral Health, led by Nancy Sin, PhD., followed more than 1,000 patients with coronary heart disease to see how maintaining positive emotions might benefit them.

The psychological wellbeing of participants was assessed at baseline and again after 5 years by asking participants to rate the extent that they had felt 10 specified positive emotions, including “interested,” “proud,” “enthusiastic” and “inspired.” In the World Happiness Report 2015, the US ranked 15th. Americans were happier with the economy than with the state of their health. Physical activity, sleep quality, medication adherence and alcohol and cigarette use were measured at baseline and again 5 years later. Demographic factors, depressive symptoms and the severity of their heart conditions were also taken into account.

Patients who reported higher positive psychological states were more likely to be physically active, sleep better and take their heart medications; they were also less likely to smoke, compared with patients demonstrating lower levels of positive states. There was no correlation between positive emotions and alcohol use. The team found that positive emotions are associated with a range of long-term health habits, which are important for reducing the risk of future heart problems and death.

Cuba fully supports a peaceful, prosperous Pakistan CITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Ambassador of Cuba to Pakistan Jesus Zenen Buergo Concepcion Wednesday said that his country fully supported a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan and desired a long-lasting friendship between the two countries.

Addressing a function as chief guest he recalled the services and assistance of the Cuban Government in the aftermath of October 2005, earthquake and welcoming Pakistani medical doctors who had graduated from Cuba.

The ceremony was held here at Higher Education Commission, and was attended by over 60 doctors who had completed their medical education from Cuba.

The excited graduates, who were all praise for Cuban government’s scholarships and HEC’s efficient execution of the project, chanted slogans of Viva Cuba-Viva Pakistan on the occasion. He said Pakistan suffered a

devastating earthquake in October 2005 that caused heavy losses of life and property, adding that after six days of the tragic calamity on October 14, 2008, the first group of 2,400 Cuban doctors arrived in Islamabad.

He said the Government of Cuba did not wait for any call of international help, as it was clear that Pakistan needed urgent help.

He said the humanitarian mission successfully accomplished by the medical brigade left in the hearts of its members deep memories. He said the gathering on the 10th Anniversary of the arrival of the first doctors group marks the signs of immense solidarity, brotherhood and friendship.

He maintained that as another gesture of solidarity with the people of Pakistan, Cuba granted 1000 scholarships to Pakistani students to graduate from Cuba. He expressed confidence that the Pakistani doctors who graduated from Cuba will contribute to increasing medical care to the people in the homeland.

New Chinese embassy building: A jewel in Islamabad’s crown

Envoy’s wife hosts first coffee morning at new residence

Wife of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Bao PO photo by Sultan Bashir beauty. The income generated through ZUBAIR QURESHI sale of various items at these stalls was ISLAMABAD—‘1-Zhou Enlai donated to Foreign Women Association Avenue’ enjoys the unique for its charity works MNA Zahra Wadood Fatimi was the distinction of being the biggest Chinese Embassy in the chief guest while vice president of Forworld. With its sprawling eign Women Association Jasmina lawns and illuminating halls, Makarervic was the guest of honour.

Addressing the guests, Bao Jiqing fountains and pathways, parking lot and playgrounds, the said it was an historical occasion since it embassy can rightly be called was the first coffee morning at the new a jewel in the crown of building. This is going to be registered in our minds for all the days to come. She Islamabad.

Wednesday offered the introduced a number of accomplished ‘outsiders’ an opportunity to ‘guzheng player’ an 11-year old girl who visit the new building and en- played Romeo & Juliet on the instrument. joy hospitality of Mrs Bao Guzheng was once the most commonly Jiqing, the spouse of Ambassador Sun Weiddong. She had hosted China Day’s coffee morning at her residence.

Though it was a coffee morning yet the guest were served with tea and lunch as well.

China Day’s coffee morning as it was called was different from the usual monthly gatherings as it was the first such gathering at the new building. Secondly, it also held a number of stalls depicting China’s rich traditional heritage and cultural

CEO Shifa International Hospital, Dr. Manzoor H. Qazi and COO SIH, Aziz Ahmed cutting ribbon to inaugurate a Mela to mark Global Hand Washing Day.—DNA

Jiqing speaks during the monthly coffee morning organized by PFWA.— played music instrument in China, said the hostess.

A demonstration of tea making was also given on the occasion. Feeling the fragrance of tea before taking its first sip is a ritual in China and one cannot help taking another cup after having one. Chinese paper cutting was also introduced by the ambassador’s wife.

Paper cutting is in vogue in China since the times when paper was not invented, she said. It has a over 2,300 years old history. Chinese are very fond of paper cutting and use it for decorating their doors and windows. She also showed the guests a painting drawn by a (Roots)school’s 8th grade student. I was

given this as a gift by the student during a recent visit to the school. “We must admire how a student of a junior level with masterly strokes has shown how Chinese woman looks like,” she joyfully remarked.

About the new building Bao Jiging said it is a combination of old and new Chinese cultures. You can see the traditional architecture blended with ‘window’ style giving the building looks of old and new at the same time. Chinese traditional poetry, piano, dance and last but not the least Chinese’ traditional medication were also some of the highlights of the coffee morning. Later, gifts were distributed among guests through lucky draws.

Saudi Ambassador Abdullah Marzouq Al-Zahrani called on Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan on Wednesday.—PID

Ambassador’s message on foundation day of Republic of Korea

The Dream of Indus River miracle will come true CITY REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Ambassador of Republic of Korea Dr. Song Jong-Hwan, has said Korea Pakistan relation are becoming stronger in every field and this is something we should all celebrate.

In a message he said, as Korea celebrates National Foundation Day on 3rd October, I would like to thank the government of Pakistan and all my Pakistani friends for your friendship and support.

During my tenure as Ambassador the Korean Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Korean National Assembly visited Pakistan in 2014 for the first time in history.

Thanks to the visionary leaders and the hard work of the Korean people, the Republic of Korea rose above the ordeals of partition, war and absolute poverty and achieved industrialization and democratization within a short span of time and became one of the top 15 economies in the world.

He said, from the end of World War II till now about 140 countries have gained independence. Of all these countries, Korea was the first to change from an aid recipient country to a donor country in 2010. Korean per capita income in 1960 was less than $80. Now Korean per capita income is more than twentyeight thousand dollars!

Korea’s trade volume has been more than one trillion dollars since 2011. This progress is called the ‘Miracle of the Han River’.

It is my wish to see a similar

‘Miracle of the Indus River’

in Pakistan. God has given

Pakistan the second highest mountain in the world as well as a deep sea like the Indian Ocean. Pakistan has a strategic location, abundant natural resources, population and land. Pakistan also has talented and skilled labor. All these reasons convince me Pakistan can achieve its own ‘Miracle of the Indus River’.

Korea is fully prepared to help Pakistan in achieving this miracle by sharing its own experience and its resources. Korea is helping Pakistan to achieve the

‘Miracle of the Indus River’ with the EDCF (Economic Development Cooperation Fund). The 2015-2017 EDCF Framework Agreement amounting to five hundred million dollars was signed on 2nd October in Islamabad. Under the signed Framework Arrangement, various projects in Road Infrastructure, Agriculture, Information Technology and Health Sector will be completed. Also, a number of grant projects are being undertaken by KOICA, the Korean Aid

Agency under the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Korea is also providing scholarships to Pakistani students to study in Korea.

I would like to recommend Pakistan to adopt the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) which was the first step towards prosperity for Korea.

He further said, the Saemaul Undong was launched on 22nd April, 1970 by former Korean President Park Chung-hee. It is a community-based rural development program to escape from

poverty. Diligence, self-help and collaboration were the slogans to encourage community members to participate in the Saemaul Undong.

The early stages of this movement focused on improving the basic living conditions and environment whereas later projects concentrated on building rural infrastructure and increasing community income.

He said it is my hope and prayer that the dream of the ‘Miracle of the Indus River’, with help from Korea, will come true.

Japan to support Polio eradication program in Pakistan Fajar

05:30 01:30 04:30

STAFF REPORTER

ISLAMABAD—A high level delegation of Japan’s Parliament evinced keen interest in Asr key initiatives of the health sector and exMeghrab at Sunset pressed their desire to provide support especially in Polio Eradication and Lady Isha 07:45 Health Workers program.

Brothers in Islam The delegation comprising members of establish regular Japan’s Parliament-DIET alongwith repreprayers & charity sentation of international agencies based in Japan led by Secretary General of the Diet Task Force, Dr. Kenzo Fujisue, currently visiting Pakistan met here on Wednesday with the Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, Saira Afzal Tarar. Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Hiroshi Inomata also accompanied the delegation.

October 15 The Minister welcoming the delegation Course said Pakistan and Japan enjoy close ties in a wide range of areas since establishing A training course for diplomatic relations in 1952. She said in all medico-legal officers, law- these years our friendship has gone from yers media and civil soci- strength to strength withstanding the test ety representatives, of time. women shelter managers, Briefing the delegation on key initiato share the upgraded tives, the Saira Afzal said access to equiknowledge on pro-women table quality health services is the right of laws will be held in every individual and Pakistan has recently Islamabad Hotel on Wednesday and Thursday (Oct 14-15).

Zohr

****

White Cane Day Barrister Abid Waheed Sheikh, Managing Director Pakistan Bait ul Mal will be the chief guest on the occasion of International White Cane Safety Day being celebrated in collaboration with Pakistan Bait ul Mal and Eye Donors organization Wah Cantt on Thursday 15 th October. 2015 at 11:00 am in Royal Son’s Hotel main GT road Taxila. ****

PIA performance PILDAT is holding a briefing session to assess the performance of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC) on Thursday, October 15, 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm, at ShamadanI & II Hall, Islamabad Serena Hotel.

October 21

Public Talk The Institute of Strategic Studies is organizing a Public Talk on “ The Role of FWO in National Infrastructure Development and Implementation of the China - Pakistan Economic Corridor “, by Maj. Gen. Muhammad Afzal, Director General, Frontier Works Organization on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 1500 hrs, at its premises.

Zardari’s assets reference case postponed RAWALPINDI—Judge National Accountability Court (NAC) Wednesday postponed hearing of assets reference case filed against former President Asif Ali Zardari, till October 17.

According to details, Khalid Ranjha, Judge National Accountability Court, Rawalpindi, while hearing of the reference filed against the Co-Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Asif Ali Zardari, postponed the proceedings due to absence of the defendant’s lawyer.

Witnesses and (NAB), Prosecutor, FIA Director Jalil Ahmed were also present in the Court.—APP

launched a major initiative to provide universal health coverage by reaching out to the most vulnerable segment with a comprehensive National Health Insurance Initiative - The Prime Minister’s Health Insur-

ance Program.

She said through this scheme poor families, whose daily income is less than two US Dollars, will be provided with free of cost health insurance to access secondary

with 85 percent reduction in polio cases.

She said the biggest challenge faced by the program was insecurity and inaccessibility adding that with the success of military operation Zarb-e-Azab and support provided by the armed forces in implementation of the campaign that challenge is clearly behind us now.

The Minister sought support from Government of Japan for polio vaccine procurement for the year 2016-2018 for which 300 Million US Dollars are required.

She requested the Parliamentarians to advocate for placing polio back on the G7 agenda which will take place in Japan on 2627 May, 2016.

She said as we move towards the end game for Polio Eradication, this type of commitment could help garner full support for the eradication effort up to certification in Pakistan and globally. The Minister also discussed Japan’s support for strengthening recently established Dashboard in the Ministry of National Health Services with a stateof-the-art data repository. The delegation was also apprised of the ten point Mother and New Born Child Health Plan of Action launched by the Ministry of National Health Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, Saira Afzal Tarar with Japanese Parliamen- Services in partnership with Provincial Health Departments.—APP tarians Task Force on Global Eradication.—INP

Twin cities administrations finalize security plans for Muharram

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD—The administrations of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have finalized comprehensive security plans to ensure peace and order during Muharram.

In Rawalpindi, extra security measures have been agreed upon in view of the Raja Bazar tragic incident in 2013. A special control room has been set up at Race Course Traffic Headquarters to keep close watch on suspected persons, vehicles and motorcycles . No one will be allowed to enter the Muharram procession without

proper screening.

CTO Rawalpindi said a comprehensive traffic plan has been prepared and no vehicle or hand cart will be allowed to ply or parked along the route of the procession.

In Islamabad more than 10,ppp Police and rangers personnel would be deployed on security of the 177 big and small processions and 909 ‘Majaalis’. The authorities have also decided that strict action would be initiated in case of any provocative/hate speeches and the code of conduct will be strictly implemented.—INP

Coordinated response stressed to fight glacial lake floods STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Climate change scientists, experts and policymakers on Wednesday emphasized that boosting intra-regional collaboration in South Asia for dealing with common climate risks, particularly glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), has become inevitable for making the regional climate-resilient.

The South Asian countries including Pakistan have witnessed increased frequency in GLOF incidents, which occur when the dam containing a glacial lake outbursts and unleash water downstream at a frightening speed. As a result, the devastating outburst of glacial floods like the recent one in Chitral district wipe out everything in their way when they flow downstream, they noted while addressing a two-day international moot on “Glacier Lake Outburst Floods: Challenges And Adaptation Solutions”, which started here at a local hotel on Wednesday. The conference is being attended by climate change experts, scientists, policy makers, academia from, among others, Italy, Netherlands, Afghanistan, Nepal and

Bhutan and various parts of the country.

“It is a multi-dimensional challenge and strong partnership and multi-lateral cooperation is required to deal with it,” Arif Ahmed Khan, secretary climate change ministry, said during his keynote address to the participants of the conference.

He highlighted, “GLOFs are dynamic in nature and involve various expertise for designing and implementation of adaptation and mitigation interventions of the projects like GLOF. Therefore a multi-lateral cooperation, partnerships and coordination at national and regional scales are required.”

He informed that participants from various countries that for making the country resilient to GLOF incidents, the climate change ministry in collaboration with UNDPPakistan through UN’s Adaptation Fund initiated four-year climate change adaptation project in year 2011 titled “Reducing Risks and Vulnerabilities from Glacier Lake Outburst Floods in Northern Pakistan” at a cost of US$ 7.6 million, for which Pakistani government contributed US$ 3.5 million in kind.

Enforcement Department starts anti-encroachment operation R AWALPINDI —Rawalpindi

cantonment board’s enforcement department has started anti encroachment drive on special advice of Cantonment executive officer.

According to spokesman of ‘cantonment board’ the operation was started on the advice of cantonment executive officer and enforcement department staff is working against encroachments on daily basis.

He said the traffic remains jam for hours due to encroachments, and without removing of encroachments the problem of traffic flow

could not be solved.

Meanwhile the Enforcement department staff seized the material of 3 truck loads including stalls, counters, tables and chairs in addition to fruits and second hand clothes from different localities of range road, tenchbhata, chuhr chowk and peoples colony where the encroachments were leading to traffic jams for long time. The spokesman further told that all out efforts will be made to solve the resident’s complaints, so that they may not face such situation in future.—INP

Book ‘Naat Nageene’ launched R AWALPINDI —Rawalpindi

as well as priority disease treatment without any financial obligations.

Talking about Anti-polio efforts, the Minister said major gains have been made this year in reaching unreached children

Baligh urges schools, colleges to promote sports

Arts Council in collaboration with literary society Sukhanwar Wednesday arranged a launching ceremony of the book “Naat Nageene” by poet Naseeme-Gadi Nasheen Kalyaam Sharif, Pir Shabaan Farid presided over while Sajjad Babar and Arif Mansoor were chief guests of the launching ceremony which was anchored by Aftab Zia. The poets and intellectuals who threw light on the book and personality of Naseem-e-Sahar were Sharf ud Din Shami, Hasnain Nazish, Pir Attiq Chishti, Khawar Ejaz, Dr Farhat Abbas, Farkhanda Shamim, Jabbar Mirza, Ziauddin Naeem, Prof Kaleem Ehsan, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Muhammad Baligh Dr Zahid Chughtai, Resident ur Rehman addressing during prize distribution ceremony of Inter-Collegiate, InterDirector RAC Waqar Directorate (Schools) Inter-Boards competitions.—APP Ahmed, Arif Mansoor and compulsory subject in the curriculum and it CITY REPORTER Sajjad Babar and Pir would be a “step forward” in encouraging Shabaan Farid.—APP ISLAMABAD—State Minister for Education and people to participate in sports at the grassroots Professional Training, Baligh ur Rehman on level.

He expressed the hope that schools of ruWednesday exhorted the schools, colleges and educational institutions to play their pro ral areas would also participate in these sports active role in promotion of sports in their re- competition in the future and the government spective organizations for developing balanced will felicitate them. He congratulated the stupersonalities. He was speaking at the annual dents who had won the prizes in sports comsports prize distribution ceremony of session petition and advised them to work hard to main2014-15 held here at Federal Board of Interme- tain their success.

He also lauded the achievements of the diate and Secondary Education(FBISE).

The Minister, on the occasion, wished the FBISE for improve ranking and transparency ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Tele- successful students at national level to repre- among the boards. Chairman FBISE Dr. Ikram communication Authority sent their country at international level adding Ali Malik in his opening remarks highlighted (PTA), in its ongoing drive “these are the asset of Pakistan”. that more than 5000 students from all over the against grey trafficking He said the sportsmanship is that a sports- country participated in this sports gala.

Wednesday unearthed an man should also have the ability of accepting He on the occasion vowed to promote illegal gateway exchange his defeat with open heart. sports among the students in collaboration operating in an area of the The Minister quoting that success and loss with its affiliated institutions. Dr. Ikram conFederal Capital. are part of and parcel of life said “We should gratulated the winners of sports event and The authority along with accept the results although they are against hoped that these students would carry on their a team of Federal Investiga- us, instead of waiting for third umpire”. journey to project the name of Pakistan on intion Agency (FIA) launched He said the Federal government had in- ternational level. The minister of education also a successful raid against the creased allocation for promoting sports among awarded the Medals, shields and trophies in grey operator stationed at students, who, he said, were the “architects of different categories including Tennis, Badminton, Gymnastic, Hockey, Athletics, to winners an apartment in DHA Phase- the country’s future”.

II, Islamabad.

He said the government was determined (boys and girls) of inter- collegiate, inter-direcDuring the raid, an illegal to including sports and physical fitness as a torate and inter-boards tournaments.

VOIP exchange comprising 16 ports has been confiscated, while two accused, arrested from the scene, are in custody of FIA for further investigation, said a press release.

The successful raids against the grey operators RAWALPINDI—Rescue 1122 personnel are fully Moreover, additional rescue teams will remain are being carried out because prepared to provide cover to Muharram pro- on stand-by and in case of any untoward inciof continuous monitoring, cessions and would be on high alert. Accord- dent. All mobile posts and ambulances with commitment and persistent ing to the Emergency Plan, 12 Ambulances, 10 medical kits will  move along with the procesefforts by PTA to curb the Fire Vehicles, 3 Rescue Vehicles, Water Res- sions to provide mourners immediate treatment. menace of grey traffic and cue Teams and rescuers on different mobile Emergency Officers including trained doctors curtail the loss to national posts have been deployed to provide emer- shall supervise the arrangements on both exchequer, it added.—APP gency cover to all mourning processions. days.—APP

PTA busts illegal gateway exchange, two accused arrested

Rescue 1122 to be on high alert during Muharram

Women buying items made by rural women from different parts of the country at the Rural Women mela at Lok Virsa Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Barrister Usman Ibrahim leading breast cancer on the eve of Rural Women Day.—INFN awareness walk at PIMS Hospital.—INP

Attique expresses condolence Hurriyat leader to Turkish ambassador Nayeem arrested SRINAGAR —Police arrested Jammu Kashmir National Front Chairman and Hurriyat leader, Nayeem Ahmad Khan as he was coming out of Hurriyat Conference office at Hyderpora.Nayeem Khan participated in a Hurriyat Conference meeting and as he came out at the end the meeting, he was arrested.

A police team took him to Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) Humhama.

Strongly condemning the unnecessary arrest of Nayeem Ahmad Khan, National Front spokesman said that Mufti Sayeed’s

regime has directed police to silent all the opposite political voices.

Terming the arrest of Nayeem Ahmad Khan as an act of hooliganism at the hands of police, the spokesman said that arrests and restrictions cannot deter the pro-freedom leadership from putting forth their view point.

He said that Nayeem Khan’s arrest indicated that Mufti Sayeed’s so called government is at war with the genuine leadership of Kashmiris. Spokesman National Front.— Email

Grenade blast injures many, TeM owns onus SRINAGAR—Militants hurled a grenade at an bunker and launched a search operation to nab

STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, ex-premier of AJK and President Muslim Conference on Wednesday morning visited the Turkish embassy here and expressed his deep grief over the loss of precious human lives in Turkish blasts on Tuesday.

Plot allottees seek justice ALTAF HAMID RAO. MIRPUR (AJK)—Aspirants of speedy and inexpensive justice in hundreds of the undertrial cases of different nature, related to hundreds of plots, allotted by Mirpur Development Authority (MDA) in the local civil courts here seek the immediate empowerment of the jurisdiction of a civil court to the recently-established Appellant Tribunal Court of the MDA. The Court of Appellant Tribunal of MDA comprising a Judge of the status of District & Session Judge, was established and inaugurated here on November 21 last year with the limited powers to adjudicate upon the appeals from orders made by the MDA Board, regarding allotment, cancellation and revision of plots and matters relating thereto.

According to an investigation carried out by this Correspondent to ink this report, the concerned aspirants of the quick and inexpensive justice in connection with hundreds of the different nature of cases i-e suits for declaration, mandatorycum-perpetual injunction and specific performance related to the MDA, had attached a great hope about the quick disposal of such cases after the transfer of the cases from the civil courts to the Appellant Tribunal Court of the MDA through trial in minimum possible time. But their high hopes gone fruitless following the lack of required jurisdiction and powers of a civil court to the Court of Judge Appellant Tribunal to hear such specific cases related to MDAmade allotments of the real estate comprising residential and commercial plots, under-trial in the local civil courts.

He also recorded his condolence impressions in the condolence book of the embassy, saying every loss sustained by the brotherly people and government of Turkey shock us most. He recalled the ongoing visit to Turkey by the Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif describing that most timely and successful.

Sardar Attique also recalled the timely and prompt

help the people and goernment and the NGOs of Turkey had extended to the earthquake battered people of AJK and of KPK in 2005 and once again thanked Turkish government.

Pakisan and Turkey are two in body, but one in soul, recalled he and highlighted the historic ties between the two brave nations.

Hurriyat (G) slams Parrikar over Pak bashing SRINAGAR—Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman ment on the international forums and it will lose Syed Ali Shah Geelani has slammed the Defence Minister Moanohar Parriker for bashing Pakistan army.

While commenting over the statement of Defence Minister of India Manohar Parrikar in which he had said that “if Kashmiris will come to know the cruelties of Pakistan army, they will never opt for that country”, Hurriyat Conference (G) said that knowing Pakistan army is the matter of future, but the fact is that the Kashmiris are fully aware about the cruel, autocratic, barbaric and inhuman face of the Indian army.

“From the last 68 years, Kashmiris are not only watching their criminal attitude but they are the worst victims of their terrorist acts and this army has killed lakhs of innocent Kashmiris so far, raped thousands of their daughters and sisters and destroyed their residential houses and other property worth billions of rupees,” Hurriyat (G) spokesman Ayaz Akbar in a statement to KNS quoted Geelani as saying The spokesman said that the accusations of Parrikaer on Pakistan army is based on guesses and hypotheses but if world will came to know about the real and cruel face of Indian army in Kashmir, this country will have to face embarrass-

its largest democracy mark. In a statement to KNS, Hurriyat (G) spokesman Ayaz Akbar said that the freedom struggle of Kashmiris is a home based movement and our nation is struggling for their birth and basic right, right to self determination.

“We have no direct relationship with the Pakistan army but what the Indian army is doing to suppress our just and genuine demands, we are watching that with our own eyes and after watching this, our nation has decided that whatever will happen but we will not stay with this country and nor will we people ever accept the sovereignty of this country,” he said.

Hurriyat (G) spokesman said that the argument of Manohar Parriker is just a poetic imagination and as far as the people of Azad Kashmir are concerned.

“He can’t present any solid proof in support of his argument. It is just a negative propaganda through which India wants to hide its war crimes and human rights violations in Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.

The spokesman said that Kashmiris only know that the Pakistan army has been a big supporter of their right to self determination and they have never opposed the holding of referendum in Kashmir.—KW

Three Indian troops injured in grenade attack in Kupwara S R I N A G A R —In occupied Kashmir, three Indian Army soldiers were injured when unidentified attackers hurled a grenade on an Army camp at Hihama in Kupwara district.

The grenade exploded near a bunker, resulting in injuries to three Army soldiers of 41 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and damages to several vehicles. After the attack troops started search operation in the area.—KMS

Indian army bunker in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district injuring at least three soldiers while causing damage to five vehicles including an armourd army vehicle.

Police sources told media that the Army bunker guarding the office of Town Commander of 41 Rashtriya Rifles on Hyhama road came under grenade attack that left at least three soldiers wounded. SP Kupwara Ajaz Ahmed Bhat said that it was a low intensity explosion and the all the injured soldiers are stable. “Four civilian vehicles and an Army armoured vehicle suffered minor damages,” he said.

Shortly after the grenade attack the police and the army cordoned off the area around the

the suspected militants.

Meanwhile, claiming the responsibility of the attack, militant outfit Tehreek-ul-Mujhadeen said at least four Indian army men were killed and the Town Commander was wounded in the attack. In a statement to CNS, the outfit claimed that some army vehicles caught fire and the army press chopper into service to lift the seriously injured soldiers to the hospital.

The outfit also claimed that its squad also attacked a CRPF party near Habbakadal bridge in old Srinagar city during the night of Tuesday and Wednesday. The claim of the militant outfit was refuted by Police. Station House Officer Kralkhud Police Station told CNS that no such incident occurred in Habbakadal.—KW

Intolerant India: Litterati to return academy awards as protest SRINAGAR—Kashmiri writer and poet, Ghulam there would be a tremendous impact and most probNabi Khayal Wednesday made a fervent appeal to all the 38 literary figures from Kashmir region to return their Sahitya Akademi awards in protest against the growing intolerance against minorities in India. The 75-year old writer, who won the award for his book ‘Gashik Minaar’in 1975, and has authored 30 books in Kashmiri, Urdu and English told CNS that minorities all over India are being harassed and the Hindu zealots have let loose a reign of terror across the country. “Not only Muslims are attacked but the Churches are targeted too, that too in India’s capital New Delhi,” he said and added that from Kerala to Kashmir, literary figures have been resenting the policies pursued by RSS backed BJP Government. So far 38 literary figures from Kashmir have bagged the coveted Sahitya award.

These awards were started in 1954. “I appeal to all the Kashmiri writers who have received this award to return it to the Government. If they will do it,

ably the unwarranted and unprovoked attacks on the minorities especially on Muslim will stop,” Khayal said. He said that instead of revoking AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir, the communal forces are trying to abrogate Article 370. “Instead of allowing Muslims to consume beef, the communal elements kill innocent Muslims for even consuming cattle meat. The Dadri lynching incident, smearing ink on Kulkarni, attacking Churches, imposing ban on sale and consumption of beef and playing politics over the issue are some examples that amply prove that India has been turning out to an intolerant country,” he said adding he has never seen such an alarming communal atmosphere in India in his whole life. Urging fellow recipients of Sahitya Akademi awards from the Valley to help create greater solidarity against growing intolerance in the country, the veteran writer expressed the hope that “they will join me in the protest.—KW

In a major anger spillover Udhampuris return compensation to govt SRINAGAR—The parents of the two Kashmiri truckers from South Kashmir Wednesday alleged that District administration has been threatening them of dire consequence in case they did not accept the compensation from them. “The Anantnag district administration misled its own government and common people by claiming that Rs one lakh twenty thousand each has been paid as exgratia to the Udhampur victim families. It is not true. We were provided two air-tickets and an amount of Rs 10,000 each was handed over to us to visit our wards who have been admitted in New Delhi’s Safdar Jung Hospital after goons attacked them on Srinagar-Jammu highway,” said Ghulam Rasool, the father of one of the victims.

The parents of Zahid Ahmed and Showkat Ahmed who accompanied independent legislator Engineer Rashid during a press conference said that they handed over two cheques of Rs 10,000 each and Rs 20,000 cash to Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed during his Anantnag visit on Tuesday. “Shortly after we returned back the meager amount provided to us by district administration, the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag called us on mobile and asked us to take back the returned money. After that, Tehsildar Anantnag called us and threatened that PSA will be slapped upon us if we refuse to take the money from the administration,” they said.—KW

SRINAGAR: Police arresting JKLF leaders for protesting on streets Wednesday

View from Srinagar

India’s secular challenge SHUJAAT BUKHARI

T

ODAY, the discussion in India is not about communal ism posing a threat but secularism that appears to pose a serious challenge to its (India’s) existence. With the current government in power, incidents of intolerance have increased and are seen to take form of sporadic violence. Murder of noted writer Professor M M Kalburgi a month ago and the recent one of Mohammad Akhlaq, a resident of Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, has shaken the basis of an inclusive India. Murders like these have a strong psychological impact not only on the minorities living in India but also those who stand for secular values that were seen as foundation for the largest democracy in the world.

KALBURGI AND AKHLAQ MURDERS: The way murders like that of Akhlaq and Kalburgi have been responded with, essentially by those in power, it has raised more concerns about where India is really heading. It is ironical that instead of communalism it is the secularism that is becoming a problem for India. The way Prime Minister Narendra Modi took long time to break his silence over the murder of Akhlaq and that too without being direct in condemning the particular episode; it tells a lot about “New India”. Since the subtle patronage by those in government adds as a strong backup for the people involved in attacks such as Dadri, it becomes clear that a free hand is given to the culprits. Statements by ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders were more than clear about how they condoned Akhlaq’s murder. The argument on which the fiery mob murdered an innocent man proved a subterfuge as

forensic tests revealed that the meat stored in the refrigerator

by Akhlaq family was not beef, which the family had been pleading since the attack took place. The poor family still had to pay the price for a rumour.

Reaction by Akhlaq’s son Sartaj who works in Indian Air Force too was loaded when he enounced “Saare Jahaan se Accha, Hindustan Hamara, Mazhab Nahin Sikhaata, Aapas Mein Bair Rakhna”. It was not a mere reaction but it speaks volumes about what remains at the back of the mind of an average Indian Muslim. Even if he had to be very forgiving he could have reacted by absolving the killers and set a course for a new life. But the fear that his identity remains suspicious he had to take refuge under Allama Iqbal’s famous poem. Notwithstanding the fact that a section of media did give fair space to all the views but the way the ‘right wingers’ tried to justify the murder was something that tells a lot about the lines drawn between the communities. The way extremist political groups are going scot free, it comes with real dangers to the edifice of India, that has been protected by secular and democratic values for last over six decades.

WRITERS SPEAK UP: With the right-wing parties showing no letup in capitalizing on communal frenzy and almost taking over the middle class India with their dubious politics, there seems to be no light at the end of the dark tunnel. What 15 eminent writers did in the wake of these two murders has rarely been seen in the past. The first to create a stir and show a way to others was Hindi writer Uday Prakash. Later Nayantara Sehgal, Ashok Vajpayee, Keki Daruwalla and K Satchidanandan, who have an unchallenged standing in their

respective fields spoke up against this wave of communalism.

They not only returned the Sahitya Akademi (Academy of Letters) awards conferred on them but many resigned from the top positions. While being concerned over the direction Indian society is being pushed to, they challenged the Sahitya Akademi on being silent at least over the death of Prof Kalburgi. Akademi is a prestigious body that represents 24 Indian languages, but its President had been silent on the issue. “We clearly see a threat to our democracy, secularism and freedom. There have been attempts to curb free speech earlier also, but such trends have become more pronounced under the present government.

These are visible all over,” said Hindi poets Mangalesh Dabral and Rajesh Joshi in a joint statement.

Coming down heavily on Sahitya Akademi, Vadodra based writer Ganesh Devy made an interesting reference saying, “it’s ironical that the Akademi is located in Rabindra Bhavan in New Delhi, named after Rabindranath Tagore who wrote the poem titled “Where the mind is without fear”.

This wave of returning the awards certainly kicked off a debate since the writers are considered to be the reflection of the society. When one Uday Prakash did it, not many had hoped that 25 will follow the suit. But the way it raised the level of concern over what is happening in “secular” India, the silver lining was visible through the dark acts of those who not only want India to be a Hindu Rashtra but also are emboldened to dictate others what they can and cannot eat. Raising the banner of revolt by the literati has put a big question mark over the secular credentials of a nation that has been targeting others, particularly Pakistan, for its intolerance and extremism. When

the challenge comes from a citizen who is directed by his or her conscience it becomes real one and that is the message these writers have given to those who have assumed the authority for making India hostage to their frenzy.

Though the Sahitya Akademi president Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari has made an appeal to writers to protect this prestigious body and upheld the “freedom of expression” and also condemned the murder, the strong protest by writers finally won the day by invoking his conscience.

KASURI’S BOOK LAUNCH: Similar drama was seen in Mumbai where Shiv Sena tried to enforce ban on the launch of a book authored by former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri. Sainiks attacked Sudheendra Kulkarni – who is a former aide of A B Vajpayee and who had organized the event – and smeared his face with ink. This too came as a grim reminder about increasing intolerance with which the right-wing India was dictating its terms on what to hear and what not to. Kasuri had launched his book “Neither a Hawk nor a Dove” in Delhi where among others former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani too was present. The book launch did take place, but it further strengthened the dominant view that the space for dissent was fast shrinking in India and right-wing had a field day. If the BJP’s coming to power is an elixir for such forces as is seen through the stoic silence of those in government, secularism has certainly taken a beating in a country that boasts of its strong inclusive secular and democratic values.

—Courtesy: Rising Kashmir

Feedback at the bukhari@risingkashmir.com

Scientific approach handy to solve agri-related problems: President

Services trade deficit shrinks 47.62pc ISLAMABAD—The services trade deficit has narrowed by 47.62 percent during first two months (July-August) of current fiscal year 2015-16 as compared to same period of last year. The exports of services trade declined by 10.48 percent while the imports were plunged by 22.54 percent during the period, according to data revealed by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The services exports during the period under review stood at US $940.43 million as against the exports of $1.05 billion last year while the imports also dipped from $1.555 billion during July-August 2014 to $1.205 billion during same period of current year which means the services trade deficit narrowed from $505 million to $264 million. However on month-on-month basis the trade deficit widened from a surplus of $71.92 million in July 2015 to a deficit of $336.57 million in August 2015.—APP

Stable Pakistan irks India I SLAMABAD —Patron Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders Shahid Rasheed Button Wednesday said India wants to see Pakistan as an arid and failed state for which it has been employing water aggression as a tool.

New Delhi wants issue of water scarcity to transform Pakistan into a totally failed state within a decade for which is continues to hatch conspiracies and violate Indus water Treaty, he said. Speaking to the business community, he said that war between Pakistan and India on water resources seems inevitable despite trade.

The Hindu fundamentalist government will not change its policy if India is granted status of Most Favoured Nation, he observed.

Shahid Rasheed Butt said that successive governments have failed to ensure water security or advocate India to change its longterm policy of destroying Pakistan through water hostilities.

To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men; and the employment of the people at the proper seasons.

—Confucius

STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday said Pakistan being an agricultural country needs a scientific approach to address its agriculture-related problems and stressed the need to develop research culture in the country. Addressing at the inauguration of bioremediation project here, the President said non-scientific approach had resulted in reduced agricultural produce and spread of diseases, which had also put a negative impact on the national economy.

The bioremediation plant set up at the capital’s Rose and Jasmine Garden is a joint effort of the scientists of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Capital Development Authority (CDA). Under the project, microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi will be used to remove or neutralize pollutants from the sewerage water of Rose and Jasmine Garden, to be reused for plantation.

The President hailed the launch of bioremediation project and appreciated the scientists for their efforts to bring improvement to the environment.

He expressed satisfaction that similar projects in other Muslim countries including Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh and Afghanistan were being carried out with the help of Pakistan. He also mentioned that the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) states had also shown interest to benefit from the experience of Pakistani scientists. The President said it is the responsibility of governments and societies to support the work of their scientists besides maximum benefitting from their research.

He mentioned a report of UNICEF according to which forty percent of the Pakistan’s population is affected by polluted water, directly or indirectly, due to use of contaminated food produce. He lauded the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the businessmen of Islamabad and wel-

fare groups for patronizing the bioremediation project and called for same spirit to address another issue of water shortage for cultivation. Presi-

young generation about the concept of biodiversity.

President Mamnoon said he was waging a war against corruption and urged upon the nation to support him in this cause. He said there was no dearth of scientists and learned professional in all fields, however stressed the need to encourage the culture of their appointment on merit by shunning practices of nepotism and corruption.

He said it was a general notion to blame politicians or bureaucracy for corruption, however in reality, no area was devoid of this menace. He called for correcting the perceptions in this regard and emphasized the need for reforms against corruption. Minister for National Food Security Sikandar Hayat Bosan said the bioremediation project, which took one year to complete, would make the contaminated water reusable for plantation and would bear no additional cost.

He said PARC and CDA were jointly working on several joint projects including Margalla Hills Honey project and preservation of perishable fruits. Secretary National Food Security and Research Seerat Asghar said under the master-plan ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan presenting of CDA, the Rose and Jasmine Gara shield to President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain on inauguration of PARC-CDG Bioremediation Model. den was to be made a camping ground for tourists, which could not dent Mamnoon said the government was taking mental impact. The President said it was welcom- be materialized due to shortage of funds to fix the steps to improve economy and the China Pakistan ing that the supplementary research of issue of sewerage water passing through the garEconomic Corridor (CPEC) project was significant bioremediation project was being focused on pres- den. He said the bioremediation project would rein this regard, which he said would usher in a new ervation of herbs at Potohar region, for which a vive the beauty of Rose and Jasmine Garden. Chairera of prosperity in the country. repository had been established. He mentioned that man PARC Nadeem Amjad and Chariman CDA He said CPEC would generate massive eco- a theme park had also been set up to educate the Maroof Afzal were present.

Second phase of CPFTA kicks off in Beijing MIAN ARSHAD I SLAMABAD —Talks on second phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA), Wednesday, kicked off in Beijing and would continue till Friday. Additional Secretary Ministry of Commerce Robina Ather is leading Pakistani side in the discussion. Main focus of current round is on bilateral trade issues, Investment and Service market opening, Tariff Reduction Modalities, Electronic Data Interchange, Rules of Origin and other Customs issues, technical barriers to trade and Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary issues.

In this regard, Ministry of Commerce has held extensive consultative meetings for over two weeks covering almost all the sectors concerning trade with China. Detailed discussions were held with the representatives of sectors specific organizations on tariff-line-to-tariff-line basis from chapter 25 to chapter 97 of the Pakistan Customs Tariff manual to seek proposals on tariff modalities. For Chapters 1 to Chapter 24, which are related to agriculture the Ministry of Commerce is in consultative talks

with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and the relevant agriculture organizations.

The sector which were invited for market input for trade negotiations with China included chemical, rubber, tyre, plastic, steel, glass, textile, footwear, paper and board, electric and electronic, ceramic, writing instruments, batteries, auto, surgical and cutlery sector. The stakeholders appreciated the fact that the consultative sessions by the Ministry are unprecedented and would result in a comprehensive trade deal with China thus safeguarding the interests of several strained domestic sectors. The negotiators have been directed to keep the consultations with the domestic industry comprehensive and broadbased so that concerns of the whole industry may be reflected in the final proposals. MoC had invite the sectors, which could not make it to the earlier consultative sessions again and seek the support of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in this regard so that proposals on the Tariff Reduction Modalities may be finalized.

WB lauds GoP reforms STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—World Bank (WB), Wednesday, lauded the overall reforms introduced

by Government of Pakistan (GoP), especially in the energy sector. According to Finance Ministry, the newly appointed World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, Patchamuthu Illangovan appreciation for the dynamism with which the Finance Minister led the energy sector and growth reforms.

In a meeting with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, he also conveyed to the Finance Minister warm regards from World Bank President and Managing Director. Patchamuthu Illangovan on this occasion exchanged

views with the Finance Minister on the ongoing and planned funding by World Bank for various projects in Pakistan. He observed that Pakistan had already qualified for IBRD funding due to its remarkable economic performance and it was important now to open financing as soon as possible and identify projects for the process.

Minister Dar welcomed Patchamuthu Illangovan to Pakistan and assured him of full support and cooperation during his tenure. He also welcomed the plans of World Bank to draw up guidelines for IBRD financing. Finance Minister said that the Prime Minister accorded great importance to promoting regional connectivity.

KSE-100 Index declines by 56 points AMANULLAH KHAN K ARACHI —KSE-100 confronted with a slight decline of 56 points, which however

resulted in coming down to 34000 levels when the market closed in red at 33, 974.85 levels here on Wednesday. The better performance by the financial sector however provided a support to the index to remain resilience while the forthcoming financial results of the corporate sector may add fuel to bullish trend, which is still intact among the participants.

The international Oil prices however once again fell approximately 1% on Tuesday after weak economic data from China and UK. Additionally, the US Energy Information Administration said it expects oversupply in the market to last another year. According to their report, US Shale production is expected to fall the most on record in November.

The market volume of all share stood at 192.66 million shares while PACE Pakistan was the volume leader of the day with a trade of 30.97 million shares to their credit, while Lotte Chemical and TRG were second and third volume leaders with 13.50 million and 12.41 million shares respectively.

Further media reports adds that Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE) has witnessed bearish trend by loosing 16.17 points, as the LSE Index-25 opened with 5661.53 points and closed at 5645.36 points.

nomic activity with setting up of industries and added that bioremediation project would be much relevant in addressing the challenge of environ-

PBIF, AKIA hail govt refusal to devalue currency STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA) on Wednesday lauded the government for refusing to devalue currency to boost exports of textiles. Government preferred interests of masses over interests of textile sector as the textile millers had demanded devaluation of currency, 25 percent duty on imports of yarn from India, reduction in gas tariff, payment of refunds, three percent export rebate and abolishing GIDC. On the other hand, government has offered electricity at Rs. 9 per unit if the textile sector shuts primitive captive power plants wasting precious gas. PBIF President and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain said that APTMA is representing spinning sector and some composite units’ therefore value-added sector responsible for 45 percent exports and 18 million jobs should also be included in the negotiations for textile package.

He said that 25 percent duty on India yarn amounts to banning its exports, which will destroy value-added industry, rather export of year and raw cotton should be controlled to help value-added sector get input on reasonable price.

Jatoi directs PHSADC to focus on exports MIAN ARSHAD ISLAMABAD—The Federal Minister for Industries and Production Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi, Wednesday, asked Pakistan Hunting & Sports Arms Development Company (PHSADC) to focus on exports rather than internal sale as the sensitive security situation of Pakistan. “Because the internal sake makes it difficult for the Government of Pakistan to allow sale of arms, even for a sporting purpose, within the country” he added while presiding over a meeting with PHSADC representatives here.

The representatives of PHSADC briefed the Minister about the performance of the organization and gave an overview of their management. The company also presented the categories of products they produce which include pistols, shotguns and rifles, specifically SKS rifles. The company said that they maintain the highest quality standards certified by USA’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). PHSADC said that even though the company’s products are produced manual as compared to the automated mechanism used by international manufacturers, their quality and performance standards are at par with each another.

The company has exported products worth Rs. 23.32 million and orders worth Rs. 21.40 million are in the process to countries such as Austria, Lebanon, UK and USA. The company appealed to the Minister that they face financial, production, logistic and export policy related issues. PHSADC used its own funds and financial assistance from Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) to order machinery, which is on route, but require additional financial support to improve their business.

Furthermore, mass production is difficult as currently they produce two dozen products and can exponentially increase this amount with the support of the Ministry of Industries & Production. Moreover, Emirates is the only airline, which provides logistic support to PHSADC and the company requested the Minister for alternatives. As far as export policy was concerned, PHSADC shared grievances of their goods not being categorized as “commercial” goods so far and NOC being difficult to obtain. The Minister suggested that the company should focus on exports rather than internal sale as the sensitive security situation of Pakistan makes it difficult for the Government of Pakistan to allow sale of arms, even for a sporting purpose, within the country.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Industries and Production Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi presiding over a meeting with Pakistan Hunting and Sporting Arms Development Company.

Making KASB commercially viable bank—an uphill task for Bankislami AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—Acquiring a bank with a 4.36 percent negative Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and converting into a commercially viable entity is not only an uphill task but a challenge to the professional competency—which is exactly the case with BankIslami which had acquired the defunct KASB Bank. The KASB Bank was acquired by Bankislami in the in backdrop when the deposits were running into several billions of rupees which were raised at rates higher than KIBOR to meet the withdrawal requirements of depositors, Without BankIslami stepping in, the there was no way they would have been re-paid.

Before amalgamation of the Defunct KASB Bank into BankIslami, the shareholders of Defunct KASB Bank filed three petitions in High Courts.

One was withdrawn, two were dismissed.

In none of the petitions the moratorium or-

der of SBP was challenged. If the financial and liquidity position was so ‘strong’ as we are being told now, why was moratorium order not challenged? The Islamabad High Court in its judgment in WP 1274/2015 called Defunct KASB Bank’s financial position ‘feeble’. Opposing something for the cause of opposition makes no use as there was a noise over the deal and rejection of a Chinese offer one of the so called bidding candidates for the defunct bank, however the Central Bank has clarified the position of the Chinese investors as there was no verifiable and valid offer of any so-called Chinese investor. The parties claiming to be ‘Chinese Investors’ even failed to produce visiting cards let along financial statements and other details.

The existence of any valid, verifiable offer of investment was denied by the Defunct KASB Bank itself on the Stock Exchanges on April 23, 2015. The net worth of the Defunct KASB Bank

was found negative not only by A.F. Ferguson, but also by at least two other leading firms of Chartered Accountants, KPMG and grant Thornton.

Honorable Islamabad High Court in its dismissal order of WP 1274/2015 found nothing wrong in keeping the valuation report of A.F. Ferguson confidential. There are no shareholders approved financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014. The ones being circulated to media are unapproved and the auditors, Ernst and Young, expressed a ‘disclaimer’ on them, which is the worst opinion an auditor can express. On April 30, 2015, BankIslami’s Equity was Rs. 9.95 billion and a rights issue of Rs. 4.32 billion was in the final stages of closure. Our CAR was 23.26% as against required 10% making us one of the strongest banks in the country.

Continued on Page 7

Aptma strike call Currency

Selling

Buying

USA

104.30

UK

159.42

104.10 159.12

Euro

118.77

118.54

Canada

80.16

80.01

Switzerland

108.88

108.68

Textile industry holds countrywide ‘Black Day’ SALIM AHMED

Australia

75.43

75.29

LAHORE—All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma)

Sweden

12.82

12.80

Japan

0.8715

0.8698

Norway

12.84

12.81

Singapore

74.83

74.69

Denmark

15.92

15.89

Saudi Arabia 27.81

27.76

– one of the most powerful business lobbies in Pakistan on Wednesday observed ‘black day’ by shutting down factories across Pakistan till 5.00 pm that led to loss of 1800 millions of rupees. Aptma Punjab Zone Chairman Amir Riaz told reporters at a media briefing today that as many as 45 mills have already closed down while there is 14% drop in exports during the last three months.

The Aptma members by observing nine-hour strike lamented the increased cost of production made worse by the power crisis. “Our members are facing a serious crisis.

We want to tell the government that we cannot move forward in the current circumstances because the rising cost of production is unbearable,” Aptma members said. They demanded relief package for textile industry, otherwise they warned that the Aptma members may go on strike for indefinite period.

“Shutting down factories for a day is not to pressurize the government to expedite the textile package. It is just to show the government that the situation is alarming,” said one of the senior Aptma members while talking to Pakistan Observer. The situation is fast turning into a crisis because about 25% of our members have already closed down their factories, he added. Itmay be noted that the Aptma had also called a strike on August 7 to protest the rising cost of production before the association deferred the call until the first week of September. Aptma says the current government has burdened the textile industry with Rs38 billion in Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC), Rs78 billion in electricity surcharge and Rs65 billion in innovative taxes. The total impact of this burden comes to around 12% of total sales of the industry. Due to the levy of GIDC and increase in gas tariffs, the cost has reached to

Hong Kong

13.46

13.43

China

16.43

16.40

Kuwait

345.51

344.85

Malaysia

24.94

24.90

Newzealand

69.66

69.53

Qatar

28.64

28.59

UAE

28.40

28.34

Kr Won

0.0909

0.0907

Thailand

2.931

2.926

PSO holds annual general meeting STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Pakistan State Oil Company (PSO), the oil market leader in Pakistan, held its 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at a local hotel in Karachi. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Imran Ul Haque, Managing Director and CEO of PSO, says a statement on Wednesday. Present at the meeting were Yacoob Suttar, CFO; Ayesha Afzal, Company Secretary and other members of the PSO senior management.

While, summarizing the company’s performance in fiscal year 2015, Sheikh Imran Ul Haque shed light on the challenges faced by the Company and how its profitability was adversely affected by the sharp decline of 46% in the OPEC basket price of crude oil from USD 109 per barrel in July 2014 to USD 59 per barrel in June 2015.

He also gave the shareholders a brief overview of Pakistan’s economic indicators in FY15 as well as the petroleum consumption pattern in the country, PSO’s product-wise market share and the competitive landscape of the oil market. Speaking at the occasion, Sheikh Imran Ul Haque said that PSO is an iconic institution of Pakistan and the number of people we touch every day is extraordinary. He also said that by utilizing its wellestablished storage and supply infrastructure and wide-spread retail network, PSO has ensured that the wheels of the nation’s economy continue to move forward.

Oil prices up in Asian trade S INGAPORE —Oil prices rose in Asia Wednesday but gains were capped by an International Energy Agency (IEA) report showing that the global crude oversupply will persist until next year. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for November delivery was up 0.28 percent to $46.79 in afternoon trade following a volatile morning session.

Brent crude for November climbed 0.16 percent to $49.32 a barrel. “The fundamentals of oil still have not changed,” Daniel Ang, an investment analyst with Phillip Futures in Singapore, told AFP. “The market remains in oversupply and with impending Iranian crude possibly entering the market in November, this is really putting a lot of bearishness in the market.” Iran is expected to start ramping up oil exports by late November after a political agreement with major world powers in July to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for a lifting of crippling economic sanctions.

Demand is struggling to cope with the oversupply amid a slowdown in the global economy this year and is expected to continue into next year. The monthly IEA report released Tuesday projected that world demand growth would slow from 1.8 million barrels per day in 2015 to 1.2 million bpd in 2016.—AFP

$6.7 per million million British thermal unit (mmbtu) compared to $4.2 mmbtu in India, $3.1 mmbtu in Bangladesh and $4.2 mmbtu in Vietnam.

The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) Central Chairman Tariq Saud has said that the textile industry has observed a very successful countrywide black day by closing down operations throughout Wednesday.

“It was a successful strike and all the textile mills, including leading groups in spinning, weaving and spinning sectors, right from Karachi to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained closed,” he said. Meanwhile, the Association’s Punjab Chairman Aamir Fayyaz also addressed a press conference on Wednesday after attending the extra ordinary general body meeting of the Association at the APTMA Punjab office. He said the APTMA management was thankful to all the member mills for responding to its call for observing black day against high cost of doing business and unchecked entry of subsidized goods from India, including yarn, fabric and garments to damage the domestic market.

He also welcomed the Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA), Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) and Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) leadership at the APTMA Punjab office, who visited to support and join the struggle for the restitution of the viability of textile manufacturing. Chairman APTMA Punjab said the textile industry was the mainstay of economy, which is playing pivotal role in generating employment and exports besides contributing to the national GDP. “It is highly unfortunate that the current circumstances have forced us to hold black day to mark our protest, as the government is not answering back to our miseries lucidly,” he stressed. He further pointed out that the competitors in regional countries are getting full support to enhance production.

PPP opposes PSM, PIA privatization AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) which is against the privatization of the national assets like PIA or Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) irrespective to the heavy financial deficits of the two organizations, has urged the government to focus on revival of the two organizations rather than considering to shift the management to private sector through privatization. PPP leader, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and privatization, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla has suggested that the government should work on revival of national strategic institutes like Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) instead of going on a single track policy of Privatization to please the IMF and selling all of Pakistan’s assets. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla has said that organizations like the Pakistan Steel Mill and PIA are national assets and can be revived if there is a political will.

He said that some forces want to destabilize the public sector enterprises (PSEs) to make the process of privatization smooth. The private sector however has a contradictory ap-

proach with an argument that why the PPP government did not put this wisdom of revival during their five year tenor both in the federal and provincial governments in the province of Sindh. However, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla demanded that a full-fledged enquiry should be held in affairs of PIA from 2005 to 2015. It should be investigated that who were the forces behind the two strikes that PIA experienced. Senator Mandviwalla revealed that after the strike in 2011 the union leaders in a joint statement had said that if the government accepted their demands of canceling the Turkish agreement and removal of then MD, PIA will become profitable in six months.

But now the very same forces are saying that had that arrangement between PIA and Turkish Airlines materializes then PIA would have been in a better position. He asked “It is time we investigate and identify those forces responsible for bringing PIA to this state, irrespective of the fact whose lobby they belonged to. If they were appointees of our (PPP) government or those supported by the then opposition (PML-N), we must bring all to account for their misdoings”.

Oracle ERP goes live at Pesco OBSERVER REPORT LAHORE—InfoTech Pvt Ltd, a leading systems integrator and technology solutions provider, recently deployed Oracle ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) at Peshawar Electricity Supply Company (Pesco) in a record period of 15 months. The Oracle ERP system successfully went live on 11thSeptember 2015. PESCO, a power distribution company with headquarters located in Peshawar, primarily focuses on the service of power distribution for over 2.6 million consumers of all civil districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With the ERP implementation, Pesco aims to enter a new era of IT that will help improve operational efficiency and gather timely information to successfully realize its organizational goals.

In this phase, InfoTech has deployed Oracle Finance, Supply Chain and HRMS, Project Costing and Hyperion Planning across Pesco HO, Division, Revenue Offices Store, Project Directorates and other operating entities. These technology solutions will enable Pesco to enhance its

operational efficiency. Furthermore, the project will incorporate substantial improvement of financial, supply chain and human resource management. Eventually, the roll out effort will bring better opportunities and challenges for PESCO with a new and innovative way of seeking timely information.

To mark the occasion, Mr. Syed Hassan Fazil, CEO Pesco, commented, “This is step forward to build PESCO as a Technology Enabled Company which will help us in achieving organizational goals and help ensure reasonably good-governess to curtail ATC&C.” Naseer A. Akhtar, CEO InfoTech Pvt Ltd, remarked, “I want to extend my congratulations to Pesco & PDP for Oracle ERP Go Live! InfoTech prides itself as a team of highly professional and dedicated individuals. This achievement only serves to solidify our commitment to excellence. We look forward to making similar brilliant strides in this project in the future. Even though we still have a long road ahead of us to get to the finish line, I am confident we will come out on top!”.

Prgmea repudiates Aptma strike call STAFF REPORTER LAHORE —Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (Prgmea) has made it clear that it has not observed Wednesday as Black Day, as all units of value-added sector from Karachi to Peshawar remained open. All textile industry, excluding spinning sector, in Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan and Sialkot continued their work and did not participate in the strike called by All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma).

The Prgmea Chief Coordinator Ijaz Khokhar told media men here that whole apparel sector, which mostly consists of small and medium units, remained operative on Wednesday, saying it is not part of shutdown strike of the APTMA. He said, Pakistan Apparel Federation including Knitwear Manufacturers Association, Supports wear and Supports goods Association, Towel Manufacturers Association, Hosiery Manufacturers Association, All Pakistan Textile Processing Manufacturers Association, under the banner of Prgmea strongly oppose any regulatory duty imposed on yarn import and also strongly oppose any barrier on im-

port of fabric for garments export.

He explained that Black Day was observed only by yarn manufacturers (Spinners), having just around 350 units, against value added sector, which comprises more than 10,000 units across the country. With regard to employment generation, one spinning unit generates just five percent employment while garment unit creates 95 percent employment.

However, the proposed relief package’s some points are favourable for all textile chain like cut in cost of doing business, speedy payments of sales tax refund of all textile chain, GIDC removal, zero rated regime for textile export and cut in power tariff, he maintained.

Ijaz Khokhar said, “Textile industry is far behind due to lack of variety of latest fabric used by competitors, so we need the policy allowing us to import latest fabrics from everywhere in the world to increase our product line and improve our garments export and to maximize benefits of the GSP.” “Such an evil activity by the APTMA, at a time when the government is waging war against terrorism, will hurt the GSP plus benefit. At this time we should back the government instead of holding protest and demonstration,” he suggested.

Allied Bank wins strong balance sheet award

LAHORE; Aptma Punjab Zone Chairman, Amir Fiaz Sheikh, Almas Haider, Muhammad Arshad and Mian Zahid addressing a press conference.—PO photo by Maqsood Shah

Minister of State for IT & Telecom Ms. Anusha Rahman discussing Internet Governance matters with Fahdi Chedahe, President and CEO ICANN.

STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Allied Bank Limited has been named as the Strongest Bank in Pakistan in the “Asian Banker 500 (AB 500) Strongest Bank by Balance Sheet Ranking 2015”. AB 500 is an evaluation of the 500 largest banks in the Asia Pacific region for the financial year 2014. The AB 500 Strongest Banks by Balance Sheet Ranking is the most comprehensive annual evaluation that captures the quality and sustainability of the balance sheets of banks in the region. It tracks the relative financial strengths of banks in response to their respective market conditions, based on a common scorecard.

Tahir Hassan Qureshi, Chief Operating Officer, Allied Bank Limited, received the award in a ceremony held at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Allied Bank Limited has been declared as the strongest bank in Pakistan, based on its financial results in 2014. The Bank’s impressive showing was underscored by robust results in its profitability and risk profile metrics, especially its return on asset and capital adequacy ratios.

The award also recognizes the strength, liquidity and sustainability of the Balance Sheet in a challenging market place, relative to peers in the industry.

Tahir Hassan Qureshi, Chief Operating Officer Allied Bank Limited receiving ‘Asian Banker 500 Strongest Bank by Balance Sheet Ranking 2015’ at a ceremony held at Marina Bay, Singapore.

Mobilink hosts dinner for LUMS graduates MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—Mobilink and its parent VimpelCom hosted an event in honor of the graduates of LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship’s ‘The Foundation’ program in a local hotel.

‘The Foundation’ is a 4month long, intense, business incubation and acceleration program offered at the LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship to the most promising startups scouted from all across Pakistan and scrutinized by the Foundation Council.

This is LCE’s 4th graduating class since the program’s inception, with the previous three batches doing exceptionally well with their start-up initiatives so far.

Mobilink has partnered with the prestigious LUMS to offer an allinclusive development incubator for up and coming entrepreneurs. LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship will scout for, mentor, and facilitate budding and young entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and guidance to shape their ideas into productive ventures.

Aamir Ibrahim, CCO and Deputy CEO Mobilink and Nadeem H. Mandviwalla, MD Mandviwalla Entertainment at the signing ceremony between Mobicahs and ME for the digitisation of cinema ticket purchase through Mobicash.

FAISALABAD: FCCI President Chaudhry Muhammad Nawaz talking to media at FCCCI Complex.

SSGPL cyclist wins Tour de Galiyat National Cycling Race P ESHAWA R —The two-day national cycling race, “Tour de Galiyat” concluded here at Nathiyagali, where Habibullah of the Sui Southern Gas Pipeline Limited (SSGPL) was declared overall winner of the sensational over 119 - Kilometer long race after reaching first to the designated point in the scenic Nathiagali on Wednesday.

Najibullah of the Wapda and Awais Khan of the SSGPL clinched second and third positions, respectively.

The Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cycling Association (KPCA) had jointly organised the race

Nathiagali.

Additional Secretary Sports and Tourism Muhammad Tariq, General Manager (Events) Muhammad Ali Syed, General Manager Sajjad Hameed, TCKP Managing Director Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, Director Sports Tariq Mahmood, Secretary Pakistan Cycling Federation Syed Azhar Ali Shah, KPCA president Nisar Ahmed and Secretary Taifur Zarin and other officials and a large number of spectators were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to Chief Minister Amjad Afridi said that his department was working on various programmes to promote sports, tourism and culture in the province and engage youth in healthy and positive activities.

He said this year Shandur Polo Festival could not be held due to the recent devastating floods in Chitral. He, however, said a free style polo tournament would soon be organised in Islamabad and all the polo teams would be invited to the event.

The first phase of the race from Islamabad to Abbottabad was earlier concluded on Tuesday in which the cyclists covered 119 kilometre distance.

Habibullah and Awais Khan of the SSGPL had stood first and second while Nisar Khan from Wapda had clinched third position.

Seventy-eight cyclists from nine teams hailing from Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, ABBOTTABAD: Advisor to KP Chief Minister on Sports and Tourism, Amjad Khan Sindh, SSGPL, Wapda and Afridi awarding trophy to winner of Tour de Galiyat Cycling Race, Habibullah and Pakistan Army participated in the race.—APP Awais Khan of Sui Southern Gas Pipeline Limited.

Annual sports competitions planned at Dir schools

to promote tourism in the province and also tell the world that KP has now become citadel of peace and harmony.

The second phase of the spectacular cycling race started from Abbottabad and concluded at Nathiagali in the scenic Galiyat region.

Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Khalid Mahmood and Director Galiyat Development Authority inaugurated the second leg of the two-day event.

Advisor to KP Chief Minister on Sports and Tourism Amjad Afridi was the chief guest who later gave away cash prizes and souvenirs to the winners at the concluding ceremony at

Bangladesh relieved to keep junior World Cup

D HAKA —Bangladesh breathed a sigh of Bangladesh Cricket Board will host next ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup,” the C HAKDARA —The district relief Wednesday after cricket’s governing year’s ICC said in a statement, adding it was workbody confirmed that the country would host sports committee for government schools of Dir Lower here Wednesday called a meeting to arrange yearly spots competitions.

The committee for this purpose distributed the district into different zones for smoothly holding of the competitions.

The District Sports Committee meeting was held under the headship of its general secretary, principal Muhammad Humayun Khan in Government Centennial Model High School Timergara wherein assistant district officer sports Wajeehuddin, Master Gul Rehman, Aftab Alam, Salahuddin and Khadim Muhammad besides technical advisor Khaliqurrahman and Abdul Wadud were present. The meeting formed seven zones for cricket competition and three for volley ball to be held at Government High School Mian banda, Timergar, Ouch and Khal, Timergara.

The competition of hockey and football would be held at Chakdara, Munda and Shamshi Khan while basketball events would be held at Malakand University Chakdara, Khazana and Timergara. Competitions of badminton would be held at Rabat while table tennis and tug of war competitions would be at Government High School Mian Banda and Timergara.—APP

next year’s junior World Cup despite mounting concerns over security.

Australia last month cancelled a two-Test tour of Bangladesh citing fears of terrorism while the South African women’s team subsequently shelved a tour, which had been due to begin on Thursday, on similar grounds.

The cancellations had raised questions over whether Bangladesh would be allowed to go ahead with hosting the biennial Junior World Cup from January 22 to February 14 of next year.

But after a two-day meeting of its executive board in Dubai, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced there would be no change of venue although plans would be drawn up to ensure players’ security.

“The Board confirmed that the

ing with the Bangladeshi authorities on “developing an appropriate security plan that addresses all security risks”.

The Bangladesh board said it was happy with the decision and pointed to its successful hosting of the T20 World Cup last year as proof of its ability to stage international tournaments in a secure environment.

“We can assure we’ll do everything it takes to make the Junior World Cup a big success. The government has said it’ll provide the highest level security at the tournament,” board spokesman Jalal Yunus told AFP. Safety fears for foreigners have heightened in Bangladesh after the recent murders of an Italian aid worker and a Japanese farmer which were claimed by the Islamic State group.—AFP

CHITRAL: Commandant Scouts Col Nizamuddin Shah awarding winning trophy to Chitral Scouts team during prize distribution ceremony of District Polo Cup Tournament.

Chitral Scout lift Autumn Polo Cup GUL HAMAAD FAROOQI C HITRAL —Chitral Scout clinched the 10-day Autumn Polo Cup played here at Scout ground on Wednesday.

A total of some 35 polo teams participated in the Cup. The Cup was organized by District Polo Association (DPA) with financial support of Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP).

Commandant Chitral Scouts Col Nizamuddin Shah was chief guest on the occasion while additional secretary Health Mutasim Billah Shah and other guests including Shahzada Sikandarul Mulk president of DPA were also present on the occasion.

The final match was played between Chitral Scouts polo team and Chitral Levies team.

Chitral scouts score 3 goals in first half while Chitral Levies team scores only 2 goals. Hence in second half Chitral Scouts team score 5 goals and Chitral Levies only 3 goals. On concluding of match Col. Nizamuddin distributed prizes. He also announced a cash prize of Rs. 20,000 for each of the participating teams.

Islamia Stars, Khalil Gymkhana advance in Inter-Club Cricket P ESHAWAR —Islamia Stars, Khalil Gymkhana advanced to next round after securing victories against their respective in the ongoing Peshawar District Inter-Club Cricket Championship being played on different venues on Wednesday. In the first match played at Gymkhana ground, Islamia Stars won the toss and elected to bat first by setting up 131 runs in the allotted 25 overs.

Noor made 40 runs, Imran scored 37 runs.

For Usmania club, Alamgir claimed three wickets, Shahjehan got two wickets.In reply, Usmania club bowled out for 124 runs with Zohaib (36), Asif (18) were the key contributors.

For Islamia Stars Shah Wali, Imran

and Noor Ullah took three wickets each.

Islamia Stars won the match by seven runs. In the other matches Malik Gymkhana beat PTI club by six wickets.

PTI club scored 125 runs.

Asfandiyar scored 28 runs.

For Malik Gymkhana Bashir and Zahid took two wickets each.

In reply, Malik Gymkhana chased the target for the loss of four wickets.

Zahid (44), Rifat Ullah (34) were the main contributors.

In the third match played at University Campus ground Khalil Gymkhana beat The Mall club by five wickets. The Mall club batting first scored 88 runs with Hamza (22) was the prominent scorer. Khalil Gymkhana club Basit

claimed four wickets, Wasi got two wickets.

In reply, Khalil Gymkhana club chased the target for the loss five wickets. Haroon (16), Shahab (33) were the key scorers.

In the fourth match played at University Campus ground No. 1 Hashnagir club beat Al-Khudafa club by 93 runs.

Hashnagir Club while batting first scored 156 runs with Imran made 38 runs, Irfan scored 51, Sarzamin scored 22 runs.

Al-Khudafa’s Nadeem took four wickets, Rohullah took three wickets and Haider Ali got two wickets.

In reply, Al- Khudafa club bundled out for 63 runs. Sarzamin Gul, Zamin Gul took three wickets each.—APP

Qasim Bagh stadium to be ready for sports activities MULTAN—Qasim Bagh Stadium will be ready for didfferent sports competitions within next 15 days.

This was stated by Tahsil Sport Officer (TSO) Chaudhry Farooq Latif while talking to APP here Wednesday. He said that Qasim Bagh Stadium was under the Punjab Horticulture Authority and now it has been handed over to district sports department.

He said, grass maintaining, levelling and other development work has been started to start sports competitions within 15 days.

He said that no specific funds has been allotted for the project and district sports department was completing the project with in its own resources.—APP

Jalalabad Club secure win in T20 Disabled Cricket Series opener P E S H AWA R —Star batsman Muhammad Ashraf ’s 50 runs unbeaten knock and Nafiz three wickets haul guided Jalalabad Club of Afghanistan to secure one wicket victory against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa XI in the first match of the three-match Twenty20 Disable Cricket Series played here at Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The super-fit batting of middle order batsman Muhammad Ashraf played an instrumental role while hitting some cracking shorts all around the ground including two towering sixes and three dashing boundaries.

Muhammad Ashraf came on the wicket when Jalalabad team was struggling on the 11 runs for the loss of three wickets but he controlled the one end by showing his class. He was also supported by Nouman with his 19 runs knock.

Earlier, Jalalabad team of Afghanistan skipper won the toss and invited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa XI to bat first. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while batting first setup 131 runs target for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Opener Wajid missed his very deserving half-century by

just one runs and was caught at fine leg on 49 runs, Nihar scored 23 runs, Waisal 15 and Kaleem not out 7 runs.

For Jalalabad club of Afghanistan Nafiz claimed three wickets, Shereen Aghan got two wickets and Javed and Ashraf took one wicket each.

In reply, Jalalabad Club of Afghanistan chased the target for the loss of nine wickets. Surprisingly Jalalabad Club lost its four wickets when the match was tied in 19 over and they needed one run for victory. The magical bowling of Nihar and Wajid restricted the Jalalabad team to some extend but it was the last bowl when Ashraf took the winning run.

For Afghanistan Muhammad Ashraf smashed an elegant knock of 50 runs not out, Nouman scored 19 runs, Sangar (10) and Shereen Agha (9), Ubaid (8) runs. For KP XI Nihar took three wickets and Wajid got two wickets, while Wisal and Kaleem got two wickets.

Earlier, Director Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Board Salim Raza, who is also Caretaker, Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, formally inaugurated the TriMatches Twenty20 Cricket Series.—APP

Amir fined for bust-up with Faisal Iqbal F AISALABAD —Match-fixing convict fast-bowler Muhammad Aamir has been slapped with a fine of 100 percent of his match fee for hurling abuses against PIA batsmen during a domestic game between PIA and SSGC in Faisalabad.

25-year-old Aamir, who is trying hard to make a comeback into national colours on the basis of back-to-back impressive performances, got involved in what the players and umpires on the field termed as an unnecessary verbal spat.

According to match referee Nadeem Arshad, the decision was taken after strong video evidence available from match recording and eyewitness accounts from on-field umpires and players.

According to eyewitnesses, Aamir, who was seen in an aggressive mode throughout the three-day game, got involved in another heated debate with PIA fast bowler Imran Ali Pasha on receiving a bouncer on the last day.

Pasha was also fined 30 percent of his match fee.

Umpires also recommended a one-match ban on Aamir but the final verdict will rest on the decision of the match referee.

The 22-year old pacer has been in prime form for his department, Sui South-

ern Gas bowling them into the main rounds of the premier first class tournament with 33 wickets in four matches including four five wickets in a innings hauls.

Meanwhile, tall left arm pacer Mohammad Irfan has also been caught up in a ball tampering row in the qualifying rounds but the

team which initially made the accusation against him (State Bank) have now changed their stance.

“We never made any official complaint over ball tampering with reference to Irfan to the match referee,” the State Bank manager Zaheerul Hassan said.—APP

National Kabaddi Championship

Army beat Navy to retain title

ISLAMABAD: Pak Army Kabaddi team after winning 13th National Kabaddi Champonship 2015 (Asian Style) at Homedi Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex.

I SLAMABAD —Defending champions Pakistan Army retained their title after beating Pakistan Navy 39-14 in the final of the 13th National Asian Style Kabaddi Championship 2015 at Hamidi Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Wednesday.

Army started the game in style and got earlier lead in the first half. International players Sajjad Waseem, Nasir Ali, Aqeel Ahmed and Qasir Khan displayed great form and excellent skills to help Army

dominate the game right from outset.

They were leading 24-06 in first half of the match. In the second half, they maintained the same pace and kept adding more points to finish the game 39-14.

Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Dr. Akhtar Nawaz Genjera, who was the chief guest distributed prizes amongst the players. Secretary Pakistan Kabaddi Federation Rana Mohammad Sarwar and other top officials of PSB were also present on the occasion.—APP

Ronaldo collects fourth Golden Shoe award M ADRID —Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo collected a record fourth Golden Shoe award as Europe’s top scorer on Tuesday for his 48-goal haul in La Liga last season and said he is hungry for more.

The Portugal captain and FIFA Ballon d’Or holder netted 61 times in all competitions in 2014-15, although Real missed out on the three main titles as arch rivals Barcelona swept to a treble of Champions League, La Liga and King’s Cup triumphs.

Ronaldo, 30, is poised to become Real’s all-time top scorer ahead of former Spain striker Raul, with whom he is level on 323 goals, and has another chance to break the record in Saturday’s La Liga game at home to Levante.

“I never planned on winning four times,” Ronaldo said at a presentation ceremony in Madrid attended by his mother and son.

“Maybe one or two yes but never four,” he added. “I always want more. I know I am the only one to have four but I want more. “That implies winning trophies with the world’s greatest club. This year will be no different and we want to win La Liga, the Cup and the Champions League.— APP

Malik, Shafiq grind England down

Injured Finn out of England’s Test and ODIs A B U D HABI —England paceman Steven Finn will return home after suffering a toe injury which ruled him out of the threematch Test and four-match one-day series, England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Wednesday. The 26-year-old lanky paceman suffered a “bone stress injury” a day before the first Test started in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, forcing him out of the eleven. “Finn has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour of the United Arab Emirates with a bone stress injury to his left foot which requires a period of off-loading to aid recovery,” said the ECB release. Finn will return to the UK on Wednesday for further assessment, the ECB added. Paceman Chris Jordan will replace Finn in the Test and one-day squads to face Pakistan.—AFP

A BU D HABI —Younis Khan has come a long way to be Pakistan’s highest run-getter in Test cricket, but he says he is still not satisfied.

The 37-year-old overhauled Javed Miandad’s aggregate of 8832 runs on Tuesday during his knock of 38 against England in the first Test in Abu Dhabi, adding to his already achieved Pakistan

A BU D HABI —Shortly after Pakistan 34-0-163-0 were the worst by any bowler form in Tests in Abu Dhabi, where they had declared their formidable first innings of the first Test on 523 for 8, with Shoaib Malik having marked the end of his five-year Test exile with an innings of Burj Khalifa proportions, a falcon was spotted on the outfield at

Paatelainen is new coach at Dundee United G L A S G O W —Struggling Scottish Premiership side Dundee United on Wednesday announced that Finn Mixu Paatelainen has been appointed as the new head coach.

A former player at Tannadice between 1987 and 1992, Paatelainen scored 47 times in 173 appearances and is a member of the club’s hall of fame. Paatelainen, who also played for Aberdeen, Bolton Wanderers and Hibernian amongst others, has signed a contract through to June 2018. As a coach he was most recently in charge of the Finnish national side for four years and has had spells with other Scottish club sides—Kilmarnock, Hibs and Cowdenbeath.

United chairman Stephen Thompson told the club website: “I am delighted to welcome Mixu back to the club as our new head coach. “He served United with distinction as a player and will do the same as a manager.—AFP

More to come from me: Younis

in the 138-year history of Test cricket.

What is more, his efforts usurped those of another legspinner, Bryce McGain, who was tormented to the tune of 0 for 149 by Herschelle Gibbs in his one and only appearance for Australia at Cape Town in March 2009.

For Gibbs, read Malik, whose 10-and-a-half hour masterclass marked an astonishing return for a man who might not have got a look in had Azhar Ali been fit.

Shafiq alongside him chipped in with a century of his own, and though both men survived notable moments of good fortune on the first day of the contest, neither offered another sniff of an opportunity until an improbable clatter of wickets after tea, when fatigue and the impending declaration e n a b l e d England’s toiling seamers to massage their stats, in particular Ben Stokes who

Shoaib Malik celebrates his maiden Test double-century against England during 1st Test’s 2nd day on Wednesday at Abu Dhabi. the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, greedily emerged with the disembowelling the luckless prey in oddly respectable figures of 4 for 57. its talons.

The MalikHappily for any squeamish onlookers among the smattering of fans Shafiq partnership in the vicinity, Adil Rashid quickly al- was a fifth-wicket layed concerns about his whereabouts record for Pakistan by taking his place on the England in Tests against dressing-room balcony. He too had England, beating displayed guts on the second day of the 197-run stand the first Test - of the blood and gore at Lord’s between variety, alas - as Shoaib’s career-best Javed Burki and 245, the majority compiled in a fifth- N a s i m - u l - G h a n i wicket stand of 248 with Asad Shafiq, that had stood condemned him to a cruel slice of Test since 1962. It continued their run of history.

Rashid’s debut innings figures of staggering batting

have never yet lost a match and where they have now recorded 11 hundreds in their last two-and-a-half Tests, dating back to the visit of Australia last October.

Pakistan are past masters of batting in the UAE, having developed an innings tempo that is perfectly suited to the brutal conditions. They were content to wear England’s bowlers down for hours on end before latching on to the opportunities to make their dominance count. Between them, Malik and Shafiq struck 34 fours and four sixes, 160 runs in boundaries, a testament to their patience and ability to cash in.

Malik, in particular, batted with the insouciance of a man in utter command of the attack and the conditions, and Rashid bore the brunt of his aggression, not least when he opened his shoulders with his double-century in the bag, first to wallop him over extra cover for four before pumping his next delivery clean down the ground for the third of his four sixes.

Rashid, in truth, did not bowl especially badly, having been re-introduced to the attack in the seventh over of the day. By that stage, the seamers - armed with a ball that was just three overs old at the start of play - had been effortlessly repelled, and there was never an opportunity to get a toe-hold in the game. Rashid will cling on to the belief that his debut can be less like McGain’s and more like that of a certain SK Warne, whose debut figures of 1 for 150 at Sydney in 1992 included the maiden wicket of Ravi Shastri, but not before he had made 206.—AFP

Pakistan 1st innings (overnight 286-4): Hafeez lbw b Stokes ..... 98 Shan b Anderson ............ 2 Shoaib Malik c Bell b Stokes ........................... 245 Younis Khan c Cook b Broad .............................. 38 Misbah c Butler b Anders o n .................................... 3 Asad lbw b Wood ....... 107 Sarfraz Ahmed c Bell b Stokes ............................... 2 Wahab Riaz not out ........ 2 Zulfiqar c Anderson b Stokes ............................... 0 Extras: (b4, lb21, nb1) ... 26 Total: (8 wkts dec; 151.1 overs) ............................ 523 Fall of wicket: 1-5, 2-173, 3247, 4-251, 5-499, 6-514, 7-

521, 8-523 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W Anderson ........... 22-7-42-2 Broad .................. 21-8-44-1 Stokes .............. 17.1-3-57-4 Wo o d .................. 22-5-58-1 Rashid ............... 34-0-163-0 Ali ...................... 30-2-121-0 Root ...................... 5-1-13-0 England Ist innings: A. Cook not out ............ 39 Moeen Ali not out ........ 15 Extras: (nb1, w1) .............. 2 Total: (for no loss; 21 overs) ......................... 56 Bowling: ........... O-M-R-W Rahat ..................... 4-0-12-0 Khan ..................... 5-0-16-0 Babar ..................... 7-1-16-0 Riaz ........................ 4-1-10-0 Shafiq ...................... 1-0-2-0

record of 30 centuries.

He achieved the milestone in his 102nd Test, 22 less than Miandad. He compared the achievement to “climbing a wall” for someone who hails from the small town of Mardan in the northwest of Pakistan.

“I have climbed the wall but still want to go on as I am never satisfied with my achievements. When I look back on my career I came to Karachi to play for Pakistan and had to struggle a lot.”

Younis said his motivation came from his late father. “My father was the greatest motivation for me,” he said. “He was a hard worker

to the core and instilled in me that knack.”

Former captain Rashid Latif and batsman Basit Ali mentored Younis as they saw huge talent in the youngster.

“Younis was struggling as he was not given a chance in the Karachi team so he came to Latif and me and we saw him scoring a brilliant hundred so we sort of helped him in his progress,” said Ali. “His best quality is that he is honest, plays for the team and country and gives his best which are the qualities of a great player.”

He scored 514 runs with two hundreds, one against Karachi, to announce his arrival on the national level in 2000.

Selected for a home Test series against Sri Lanka, Younis instantly made his mark by scoring a debut Test hundred against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi.

“I had an auspicious start but Pakistan lost that Test match and I was not happy because if you perform and the team loses then its not satisfying,” said Younis.

Slowly and gradually he progressed under the shadow of Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf, but former coach Javed Miandad found him different.

“What made Younis different was his approach to the game,” recalls Miandad who had three stints as coach. “He puts up more hard work than any other player which you could easily notice in the nets.”

Younis’s talent was best harnessed by the late Bob Woolmer who guided his comeback to the team in 2004.—AFP

Willian lifts Brazil, Argentina held to draw M ONTEVIDEO —Brazil kick-started their Santos in the 64th, but 35-year-old striker South American World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Venezuela on Tuesday as Chile, Ecuador and Uruguay posted their second wins and Argentina gained their first point. Willian scored twice— in the 37th second and again the 42nd minute as Brazil rebounded from a humbling loss to Chile last Thursday as qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia got underway.

“It was a great game, we could have scored even more goals,” said the Chelsea star, who opened the scoring with a hard shot that Venezuelan goalkeeper Alain Baroja couldn’t control. He doubled the score with another hard shot past Baroja, set up by a scintillating solo run by Filipe Luis.

Venezuela responded through Christian

Ricardo Oliveira sealed the win for Brazil in the 73rd. While Brazil were celebrating their first three points of the young campaign, Copa America champions Chile, Ecuador and Uruguay all notched their second victories in as many matches to stand tied on six points apiece.

Chile defeated 10-man Peru 4-3 in Lima, Ecuador followed up their shock defeat of Argentina last week with a 2-0 victory over Bolivia in Quito and Uruguay downed Colombia 3-0 in Montevideo.

Argentina, still struggling to shake off the disappointment of losing the Copa America final in July—their second defeat in a major final in 12 months—were held to a scoreless draw by Paraguay in Asuncion.—AFP

Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 1st Test

Karunaratne ton steers Sri Lanka on dominant day G ALLE —An unbeaten century from Dimuth Karunaratne ensured Sri Lanka negotiated the opening day of the series with a sense of calm and lost only two wickets on a slow Galle pitch. Sri Lanka grew increasingly dominant as the day progressed. The final session produced over 43% of the runs they scored on the day, and ended with a punchy Karunaratne straight drive that took the score from 246 to 250.

West Indies did themselves no good by dropping two catches in the middle session. The first spill didn’t cost them - Lahiru Thirimanne, the reprieved batsman, was disimissed soon after - but the other - a backtracking

Jerome Taylor failing to grasp Dinesh Chandimal at mid-on when he miscued an attempted pull off Devendra Bishoo - certainly did. Chandimal, who was on 11 at that point, went on to end the day unbeaten on 72, having added 149 with Karunaratne.

Karunaratne’s innings was a triumph of restraint and adherence to a simple plan. In the morning session, he left resolutely when the ball was angled across him, and didn’t get lured into indiscretion outside off even when the quicks went around the wicket. He read the lengths well, picking up most of his runs with checked drives through cover - he rarely went

Dimuth Karunaratne of Sri Lanka raises the bat after making hundred against West Indies in 1st Test at Galle on Wednesday.

hard at the ball while playing this stroke, mindful of the slowness of the pitch - and glides and cuts behind point. Against the legspinner Bishoo, he used his feet well, coming down the track to either whip him with the turn or to get close enough to the pitch of the ball to smother any potential misbehaviour out of the rough.

In the first two sessions, accurate bowling and a slow pitch ensured Sri Lanka never ran too far ahead of their opponents. But they took control in the period immediately after tea, when West Indies began proceedings with Bishoo and Marlon Samuels and kept them going in tandem for 16 overs. It was a strange tactic, given that West Indies’ attack contained four frontline quicks - it was, perhaps, an admission that they had got the selection wrong - and those 16 overs went for 53 runs - the run rate of 3.31 comfortably above the rate of 2.56 that Sri Lanka had scored at until tea.—AFP

Sri Lanka 1st Innings: Dimuth Karunaratne not out .. 135 Kaushal Silva c Ramdin b Roach17 Lahiru c (sub) Chandrika b Bishoo ....................................... 16 Dinesh Chandimal not out ......... 72 Extras: (lb5, nb5) .......................... 10 Total: (two wkts; 90 overs) ...... 250 Fall of wicket: 1-56, 2-101 Bowling: ......................... O-M-R-W Taylor ................................ 12-2-35-0 Roach ................................ 13-3-33-1 Holder ............................... 13-4-20-0 Gabriel ............................... 11-2-36-0 Samuels ............................ 18-4-42-0 Bishoo .............................. 22-1-78-1 Brathwaite ............................ 1-0-1-0

Willian (centre) of Brazil kicks the ball between Fernando Amorebieta and Alejandro Guerra of Venezuela during their 2018 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Fortaleza, Brazil.

Age not on my side to go and watch match at Holkar Stadium: Nayudu’s daughter Bipin Dani OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT M UMBAI —Chandra Nayudu is best known as the daughter of India’s first ever Test captain, the late Colonel CK Nayudu.

The Nagpur-born India’s legendary cricketer C.K.Nayudu died in Indore at the age of 72 in 1967.

The age has caught up Chandra with a result the 81-year-old lady was unable to go to the Holkar Cricket Stadium, where the international match is being scheduled after 4 years.

Speaking exclusively over telephone from her Indore residence on Wednesday morning, she said, “no, I won’t be at the Stadium though I would have loved to go there.

At the age of 81, my moments are restricted and I hardly go out of my house.

I would have loved to meet the people over there but as you know the age of 81 is not the comfortable one”.

“I shall watch the game on TV. But the game has changed completely. The TV advertisements and sponsorships are at the centre-stage now and the charm is lost”.

“Till three years ago I used to attend all BCCI functions. Even the late Rajsingh Dungarpur used to invite me for all CCI functions but the memory of those days make me sad now”.

“The MPCA (Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association) did send the complimentary tickets but those people who know I am unable to go to Stadium have taken away the tickets”, she said.

Interestingly, Chandra Nayudu was the first ever woman commentator.

“I wanted to do something in the memory of my father. If he was India’s first ever Test captain, I took up the commentary assignments and thus became the first female commentator.

The chance came to me when I was asked to do the cricket commentary for a match in Indore and I didn’t think for a second to grab the opportunity to hold the mike in my hands”, she said.

Her father was the first Indian to figure in Wisden’s one of the five cricketers of the year.

“Harsha Bhogle is in Indore, I am told.

Would have loved to meet him. I like his commentary very much”, she said.

How can happiness make your heart healthier?

T

HERE is a proverb that tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Re searchers at Penn State University have been investigating how positive thinking can lead to good habits - and better health outcomes - for patients with heart disease. The findings are published in the journal Psychometric Medicine. A positive attitude can lead to better outcomes for people with heart disease.

“Positive psychology” has become a popular, although sometimes controversial, field in recent years. Some research has indicated that positive thinking can increase longevity; it has been seen to improve outcomes in patients with breast cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Additionally, recovery and survival rates following heart bypass surgery appear to be improved in those who think positively.

Negative emotions and depression, conversely, are known to have harmful effects on health. As interest grows in health care circles and the wider community, there is a need for research to support the claims that happiness can heal, to establish the veracity of the claims and to find more about its benefits and applications for particular health conditions. The researchers, from the Centre for Healthy Aging and in the Department of Biobehavioral Health, led by Nancy Sin, PhD., followed more than 1,000 patients with coronary heart disease to see how maintaining positive emotions might benefit them.

The psychological well-being of participants was assessed at baseline and again after 5 years by asking participants to rate the extent that they had felt 10 specified positive emotions, including “interested,” “proud,” “enthusiastic” and “inspired.” In the World Happiness Report 2015, the US ranked 15th.

Americans were happier with the economy than with the state of their health. Physical activity, sleep quality, medication adherence and alcohol and cigarette use were measured at baseline and again 5 years later. Demographic factors, depressive symptoms and the severity of their heart conditions were also taken into account.

Patients who reported higher positive psychological states were more likely to be physically active, sleep better and take their heart medications; they were also less likely to smoke, compared with patients demonstrating lower levels of positive states. There was no correlation between positive emotions and alcohol use. The team found that positive emotions are associated with a range of long-term health habits, which are important for reducing the risk of future heart problems and death.

Though positive emotions at baseline did not predict changes in health behaviours 5 years later, increases in positive emotions across the 5-year period were associated with improvements in physical activity, sleep quality and medication adherence. The researchers suggest a number of reasons why positive emotions are linked to optimal health habits.

A view of Rangers and Police flag march held to develop a sense of protection among people in the Province during Muharram-ul-Haram.—PO photo

CM allows use of loudspeaker during majalis, processions STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Qaim Ali Shah, keeping in view the demand of Shia Ulemas has approved the permission to use loudspeaker during majalis and processions.

For the purpose a notification would be issued. He accorded this approval while presiding over a meeting of Shia Ulemas at CM House Wednesday.

The meeting was attended Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Shah, Special Assistant to CM on Religious

ATC extends bails of Tahir Mashhadi, Rauf Siddiqui KARACHI—The Anti-TerrorShoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Commissioner Karachi, addressing the Ittehad-ul-Benalmuslimeen Conference.—PO photo

Muharram arrangements reviewed STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—KMC Administrator Sajjad Hussain Abbasi has directed concerned officials to ensure repairing of 18 out of order fire tenders before 5th of Muharram along with cleaning and lighting arrangements around the Imam Barghas and on the routes of Muharram processions.

Presiding a review meeting of the arrangements made for Muharramul Haraam in Civic Centre on Wednesday he also announced the cancellation of staff of essential services department till Ashura-e Muharram in KMC.

The meeting was also attended by the Metropolitan Commissioner Samiuddin Siddiqui, representatives of DMCs, KW&SB, Cantonment Boards, Zila Council Karachi and traffic police.

Administrator Sajjad Hussain Abbasi also instructed the fire brigade department to prepare the summary of the procurement of 200 fire tenders and 6 snorkel ladders on immediate basis.

He said the management of Imam Barghas and the focal persons must have close contact so that the problems could be solved soon and the Azadars be provided with the required facilities during Muharramul Haraam.

ism Court on Wednesday extended the bails arrest of Muttahida Qaumi Movement leaders Senator Tahir Mashhadi and Rauf Siddiqui. The hearing was held against the MQM leaders Senator Tahir Mashhadi and Rauf Siddiqui in ATC. The MQM leaders appeared before the court but the investigation officer against Tahir Mashhadi could not appear before the court. The court further issued show cause notice to all absentee investigation officers.—INP

Ban on display of arms, pillion riding STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Home Department has under Section 114 (6) Cr. P.C. imposed complete ban on display/ brandishing and carrying of weapons in the Province with immediate effect till Dec 31, 2015.

The ban will not apply on security forces, law enforcing agencies and all security guards of private companies. However, police and personnel of other law enforcing agencies i.e. Rangers, Frontier Constabulary Forces and all Secu-

rity Guards of Private Companies would not display / carry weapons when in civvies.

Meanwhile, the department has also imposed ban on pillion riding of motorcycles and scooters in Karachi Division 8th to 10th Muharram. The ban will, however not apply on the women, children below the age of 12 years, senior citizens, disabled persons, journalists, personnel of LEAs, security guards of all private companies in uniform and employees of essential services.

Affairs Dr Qayyum Soomro, IG Sindh Ghulam Haider Jamali, Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Siddiqui, Special Assistants to CM Waqar Mehdi and Rashid Rabbani and others. Maulana Nazir Abbas, Maulana Baqar Zaidi, Maulana Furqan Hyder Abidi, Maulana Jaffer Subhani and others attended.

The Shia Ulemas thanked the CM for allowing the use of loud speakers during Moharram. They said the use of loud speakers was inevitable as the Ulema would address huge gatherings of mourners and to guide them during

Moharram processions through loudspeakers.

The CM told the meeting that the ban on use of loudspeakers was imposed under National Action Plan the ban is being relaxed as special case with regard to Moharram. However, its usage must be made sagaciously, particularly in the light of code of conduct and strict action would be taken if hate speeches are delivered anywhere in the province.

The Shia Ulemas appealed to the CM to ask the Karachi Electric to shed no load during Moharram and in this

Fool proof security of majalis, processions being ensured IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Police have finalized their special security plans for the Majalis and Processions of Moharram Al Haraam in this port city. Police will provide security to at least 4951 Majalis and 959 small and large processions.

This would be a challenging job for police to ensure complete protection of the

Shiite mourners of Majalis and Processions besides continuation of the ongoing targeted operation against the outlaws and terrorists and banned terrorist organisations.

Sindh Police under leadership of Inspector General Ghulam Haider Jamali have made contingency plan for the Moharram. The DIGs will ensure quick deployment of special police commandos

KARACHI—“The Embassy of France in Islamabad has decided to send the scientists of International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi to France for scientific training in molecular medicines and Nan technology. The formation of scholastic network between France and Pakistan is inevitable.”

This was stated in the closing ceremony of the 4th Pak-France Bi-national Workshop on Drug Discovery and Molecular Medicine, held at International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi Wednesday.

Dr Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) of

ICCBS, University of Karachi organised the workshop in collaboration with the Embassy of Republic of France, Islamabad, Pakistan.

ICCBS Director Prof. Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Alban Schwerer, Attaché Scientific and Academic Cooperation, from the French Embassy, Prof.

Dr Georges Massiot, Prof. Iqbal Bhangar, Prof. Darakhshan Haleem, Dr Rafat Ali Siddiqui and French officials also spoke on the occasion.

Prof. Iqbal Choudhary said that ICCBS, University of Karachi was going to be affiliated with the international leading French, Institute Pasteur International Network (RIIP). This leading institution associates 32 institutes around the world linked by the same missions and values, but the affiliation of ICCBS with

the Institute Pasteur is rather different, he mentioned.

Alban Schwerer, Attaché Scientific and Academic Cooperation, from the French Embassy said that the French Embassy introduced new scheme of scholarships for Pakistani students Prof. Dr Georges Massiot said that Pakistan and France need to develop more academic collaborations to strengthen the academic relationship between both the countries. He maintained that the creation of academic association between France and Pakistan was inevitable. He applauded the efforts of ICCBS for organizing such a useful and well-organised scientific event.

He also commended the hospitality of Pakistani people. In the end, awards and certificates were also distributed among the participants and organizers.

and also keep a heavy contingent of force on high alert at the police headquarters.

The IG has asked traffic police to ensure proper management of vehicular traffic in the city particularly around the venues of Majalis and routes of processions.

The IG has sought complete report of screening the shops and markets alongside the routes of processions so as to pre-empt any untoward situation.

Minister urges cut in pollution CITY REPORTER KARACHI—Sindh Minister for Environment, Parliamentary Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Sikandar Ali Mandhro has advised the factory owners to adhere to the Environment Protection Act 2014 and ensure the lives of workers should not suffer due to poisonous wastages of factories.

This he said while talking a delegation of Power Cement Factory, led by its Chief Executive, Kashif Habib who met him today at his office; the delegation requested the Minster for re-opening the factory sealed by the EPA Sindh for violation of EPA Act, 2014.

Dr Mandhro made it clear that government would not compromise on health hazard issues, adding that the Government had also no intention to close the factories, which were playing vital role for strengthening the economy and providing jobs to the jobless peoples of the province and adhering to the rules and regulation in vogue Dr Mandhro further said that Government was fully aware of problems faced by the population due to environmental pollution, adding that government wanted pollution-free society.

He urged the factory owners to extend their full co-operation in Government efforts for reducing pollution and implementation of EPA Act.

Pakistani scientists to be trained in France STAFF REPORTER

regard the Karachi Commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui told the meeting that he had talked to the COO of the KE and he had assured him that no load-shedding would made during Muharram especially in the areas where majalis and processions were to be held.

The CM on the occasion directed the minister for religious affairs Dr Soomro to set up a complaint cell in his department and announce its landline numbers so that people could register their complaints regarding violation of code of conduct and such other issues.

A shopkeeper displaying Muharram related items at Soldier Bazaar.—INP

KMC continues removal of signages STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The local taxes department of KMC carried on action against signage installed in different areas of city during which 43 hoardings, 70 pole sign, 150 banners and steamers and 45 direction boards were removed from Shahra-e Faisal, Sher Shah Suri Road and North Nazimabad.

The staff of local taxes department removed 38 hoardings from Shahra-e Faisal, 5 hoardings from Sher Shah Suri Road and North Nazimabad whereas 70 pole sign, 150 banners.

How can happiness make your heart healthier?

T

HERE is a proverb that tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Re searchers at Penn State University have been investigating how positive thinking can lead to good habits - and better health outcomes - for patients with heart disease. The findings are published in the journal Psychometric Medicine. A positive attitude can lead to better outcomes for people with heart disease.

“Positive psychology” has become a popular, although sometimes controversial, field in recent years. Some research has indicated that positive thinking can increase longevity; it has been seen to improve outcomes in patients with breast cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Additionally, recovery and survival rates following heart bypass surgery appear to be improved in those who think positively.

Negative emotions and depression, conversely, are known to have harmful effects on health. As interest grows in health care circles and the wider community, there is a need for research to support the claims that happiness can heal, to establish the veracity of the claims and to find more about its benefits and applications for particular health conditions. The researchers, from the Centre for Healthy Aging and in the Department of Biobehavioral Health, led by Nancy Sin, PhD., followed more than 1,000 patients with coronary heart disease to see how maintaining positive emotions might benefit them.

The psychological well-being of participants was assessed at baseline and again after 5 years by asking participants to rate the extent that they had felt 10 specified positive emotions, including “interested,” “proud,” “enthusiastic” and “inspired.” In the World Happiness Report 2015, the US ranked 15th.

Americans were happier with the economy than with the state of their health. Physical activity, sleep quality, medication adherence and alcohol and cigarette use were measured at baseline and again 5 years later. Demographic factors, depressive symptoms and the severity of their heart conditions were also taken into account.

Patients who reported higher positive psychological states were more likely to be physically active, sleep better and take their heart medications; they were also less likely to smoke, compared with patients demonstrating lower levels of positive states. There was no correlation between positive emotions and alcohol use. The team found that positive emotions are associated with a range of long-term health habits, which are important for reducing the risk of future heart problems and death.

Though positive emotions at baseline did not predict changes in health behaviours 5 years later, increases in positive emotions across the 5-year period were associated with improvements in physical activity, sleep quality and medication adherence. The researchers suggest a number of reasons why positive emotions are linked to optimal health habits.

DCO Lahore Captain (R) Muhammad Usman administering oral polio vaccine to a child.—DNA

Special attention being paid to complete mega projects speedily STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Provincial Minister for Food Bilal Yasin has said that PML-N government is working round the clock for resolving problems of the masses. He said that special attention is also being paid for completing mega projects speedily so that living standard of the common man should be improved.

He said this while talking to various delegations of the people in his office, Wednesday.

The Provincial Minister said that PML-N government is determined to make Pakistan a great country. He said that development strategy has

been evolved under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif which has given a new momentum to the development of the country.

He said that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has made Punjab role model with regard to development. Bilal Yasin said that people of other provinces desire to have a determined, committed and dynamic Chief Minister like Shahbaz Sharif who is serving the people round the clock.

He said that the victory of PML-N candidate in NA-122 has made it clear that the future is of PML-N. Members of the delegations highly appreciated the public welfare projects.

A view of the ongoing construction work of Orange Metro Train project in Provincial Capital City.—APP

Anti-polio drive kicks off in city LAHORE—City District Government Lahore (CDGL) kicked off three days polio drive in 74 sensitive Union Councils of the city on Wednesday.

District Coordination Officer Lahore Capt (R) Muhammad Usman inaugurated this drive in Lytton Road area. He also visited to various areas and inspected the performance of polio teams.

He said that as many as 597,544 children from the birth to five years of age will be vaccinated in three days polio drive across the provincial capital.

Usman further stated that 1919 polio teams are taking part in this polio drive while the administrators of towns will personally monitor the working of teams in their respective areas.

It may be mentioned here that all UCs of Data Gunj Bukhsh town, Ravi Town and Samanabad Town and some of Allama Iqbal Town, Gulberg Town and Aziz Bhatti Town have been declared sensitive where the drive would be carried out.—APP

Ensure transparency in LG polls, CS tells depts SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Chief Secretary Punjab Khizar Hayat Gondal has directed all provincial departments to perform duties regarding local government elections as national responsibility and take all possible steps for ensuring transparency in the polls.

He was presiding over a meeting of Administrative Secretaries at Civil Secretaries here on Wednesday. The meeting discussed, in detail, local government elections in Punjab, steps for resolving problems of overseas Pakistanis, implementation of job quota for special persons, and other matters.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Secretary said that holding of local government elections is a national responsibility; relevant departments should play their due legal role in this regard.

He said that problems of overseas Pakistanis should be resolved on priority basis. He directed all departments to extend full cooperation to Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission for resolving problems of Pakistanis living abroad.

He issued instructions to administrative secretaries to ensure implementation of job quota for special persons and complete the recruitment process as early as possible. He also ordered early disposal

of pension cases and departmental inquiries.

Local Government and Community Development Secretary Khalid Masood Chaudhry gave detailed briefing about local bodies’ elections in Punjab. He said that the Election Commission of Pakistan has devised a comprehensive programme for training of election staff and its first phase has been started.

Those among present were: Senior Member Board of Revenue, Additional Chief Secretary, Commissioner Overseas Pakistanis, secretaries of different departments including Law, Local Government, Information, Regulation, and Services.

Increase in Neelum-Jhelum Project cost sheer robbery: Sarwar MUZAFFAR ALI L AHORE —PTI Punjab Organizer Ch Muhammad Sarwar took a hard stance against the 138 billion rupees surge in the cost of Neelum-Jehlum Hydel Power Project and called it a robbery on behest of government on Wednesday.

He was talking to the delegation of party members who visited him on Wednesday in Chairman Secretariat, Lahore.

This would result in to power tariff hike

and higher inflationary rates, he warned. He called the government responsible for the loss of 180 billion rupees caused due to strike of APTMA for resolution of its demands. Announcing complete support to the just demands of APTMA, he said, the PMLN was ruling the country in a fashion to destroy its economy completely.

He advised the rulers to focus and fix the dilapidating state of national industries instead of foreign visits every now and then.

He declared not to spare those responsible

for shifting voters in and out of NA-122 ahead of recent by-polls because this, he said, is a crime against public and democracy.

The rise in the cost of Neelum Jehlum up to 416 bn rupees is sheer injustice with the public exchequer and would bring a tide of inflation making the lives of common people more miserable. This, coming after the increase in Nandipur Power Project’s cost, he said, is the epitome of bad governance, ill-planning and corruption.

US-funded building at UE inaugurated CITY REPORTER LAHORE—The inaugural ceremony of newly constructed building of Faculty of Education in University of Education (UE) funded by USAID was held at Township Campus here on Wednesday.

Acting US Counsel General Erik Martini attended the ceremony as chief guest while Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan was guest of

honor. At the occasion, Chairman Punjab HECD. Nizamud Din, Education University Vice Chancellor Prof .Dr. Rauf-i-Azam, Director Colleges, faculty members and a large number of students were present.

After plaque unveiling, Acting US Counsel General Erik Martini, in his address said that the Pakistan’s true development, betterment and the promotion of quality education is the top priority of USAID. He stressed the students to focus

their studies whole heartedly and work hard for making country’s future brighter.

Education University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam briefed the participants about the basics of University including core purpose, effective teacher’s training programs and other remarkable facts and figures that prominent University of Education as a prestigious institution among many other Universities at national and international level.

China to provide assistance in promotion of tech education SALIM AHMED LAHORE—China will find way to provide technical assistance to TEVTA for the promotion of technical education and vocational training system across the province of the Punjab.

It was stated by Chinese Consul General Mr. Yu Boren during his visit at TEVTA Secretariat on Wednesday. “We will also arrange teachers, text books and other related material for Chinese Language classes, started at TEVTA Institutes. We would like to establish long term cooperation with TEVTA regarding Chinese language education,” Mr. Yu Boren said.

Chairperson TEVTA Irfan Qaiser Sheikh, Press Attache Zhai Yinglin, Chief Operating Officer TEVTA Jawad Ahmed Qureshi, Member TEVTA Board Rehmat Ullah Javaid and other officers of TEVTA were also present at this occasion.

Chinese Consul General Mr. Yu Boren said that contributions of TEVTA to provide skilled training courses are highly appreciable. I am very happy to see that Chinese Language class has got fruitful development. Chinese President Xi Jingping paid a successful visit to Pakistan.

This visit has greatly promoted the unique friendly relations between China and Pakistan and injected strong impetus to the ChinaPakistan cooperation. During the visit, leadership of both countries agreed to uplift the China-Pakistan relations to the All-Whether strategic Cooperative Partnership. By all-whether, we mean that our two countries will always move ahead together rain or shine.

As Consulate General here in Lahore, we need to join our hands to enhance the people-to-people exchange. And language is one of

the critical factors to promote the people-to-people contact. I believe TEVTA is doing its full efforts to provide trained manpower ment for the provision of trained manpower.

China and Pakistan will work more closely to push forward bilateral in shortest time as per requirement of the Industry. On the recExpertise of our manpower on Chinese Language will prorelations and strengthen coordination in the international affairs. ommendations of relevant Industry, TEVTA has started new short vide better working environment with Chinese stakeholders in China economic cooperation will open new corridors of courses. At present, TEVTA is also signing MoU’s with differPakistan. Chinese Language class has successfully been started prosperity for the people of Pakistan. China is committed to the ent organizations to introduce new courses to meet their requireas pilot project in Lahore. path of peaceful development and the win-win strategy of opening up venues for joint ventures. A more developed China will make greater contribution and bring more opportunities to the world; he said adding that the year 2015 was marked as a special year for the “friendly partnership for common development” between China and Pakistan.

We believe that alongwith the construction of China-Pakistan economic Corridor, there will be more and more Chinese enterprises coming to Pakistan to support the economic development here, in various areas. And there will be a broad space for the intellects that can speak Chinese. And there will be a huge picture to draw by our joint hands.

Chairperson TEVTA Irfan Qaiser Sheikh in his address highlighted the efforts of TEVTA for boosting vocational training and increasing opportunities for training of youth. TEVTA is the largest organization, providing technical education and vocational training across the province of the Punjab. Introduction of demand driven courses and placement of pass-outs is the main focus of TEVTA. Industrial growth of our country is not possible without provision of trained manpower. The vision of Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif is to provide skilled training to the youth to produce employable skilled work force Chinese Council-General Yu Boren is addressing a meeting at TEVTA Secretariat on Wednesday.—DNA responsive to the needs of industry locally and abroad.