Gwadar, Chabahar to be ‘sister ports’ Ali Zafar wins SC Bar Elections STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Barrister Ali Zafar of Asma Jehangir group has won the Supreme Court Bar elections by getting 1172 votes on Thursday. Secretary Supreme Court seat has been won by Hamid Khan group. Candidates of Asma Jahangir group and Hamid Khan group tightly contested the election of the Supreme Court Bar Association. According to final results, Barrister Ali Zafar of Asma group took 1172 votes and became President of the bar. His opponent Kalim Khurshid took 915 votes. Asad Manzoor of Hamid Khan group won the seat of Secretary Bar Association. Atif Bajwa came second with 30 votes.
US not dictating Pak for fighting terrorists WASHINGTON—The United States is not dictating Pakistan the timeline on fighting terrorists and is willing to help them as needed, a State Department spokesman said at a daily briefing. “We’re not dictating to Pakistan the timeline under which they would or would not undertake operations against that or any other terrorist group,” the State Department spokesman John Kirby said while responding to a question at a briefing on Wednesday.—APP
Nisar, Shamkhani pledge to work together to face challenges STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said the Chabahar and Gwadar seaports would work as ‘sister ports’ and their operational activity would complement each other. The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary Supreme National Security Council of Iran here at the PM Office. The Prime Minister said Pakistan and Iran are brotherly countries and share deep historic and cultural ties. He mentioned that Pakistan had rendered invaluable sacrifices in war against terrorism and Operation Zarb-e-Azb was yielding very positive and fruitful results. Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani said terrorism has no boundaries and it is a common enemy of both the countries. He said a stable Afghanistan is in the best interest of both Iran and Pakistan. The two sides expressed grief and sorrow with each other
over the tragic incidence of Mina, Saudi Arabia where the citizens of both countries lost their lives. The matters of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting. Meanwhile, talking to Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali Khan said that Pakistan and Iran need to have a candid and ‘heart-toheart discussion’ not only to iron out mutual issues and forging close cooperative mutual equation, as strategic neighbours and brothers in faith, but also to restore the true strength of their relationship that transcends the governmental level and permeates to the level of people of the two countries. During the meeting, matters relating to Pak-Iran bilateral relations, mutual cooperation in the area of security, ways and means to further promote and raise the level of existing cooperation in all area of security including border management, promotion of regional peace and regional situation was discussed during the meeting.
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US steps up diplomacy to end Syrian crisis WASHINGTON—The United States is intensifying its diplomacy to end the “hell” of Syria’s civil war even as it increases support for moderate rebels fighting Islamic State militants, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Wednesday The chief U.S. diplomat leaves for Vienna later in the day for talks among more than a dozen foreign ministers on ending the four-and-a-half year conflict. Iran is for the first time
taking part in such talks, which will also include Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Russia and Iran both support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad while the United States, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and other gulf Arab nations insist he cannot play any longterm role in Syria’s future. In a speech, Kerry made a case for wider U.S. engagement in the Middle East despite growing American energy in-
NAB arrests former ECC extends 0.3pc ambassador WHT till Nov 7 over BZU graft December 2015. M A ECC met here with FiIAN
STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD—The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested on Thursday former ambassador Khawaja Alqama after the investigating team found evidence against him. Alqama misused his authority as the vice chancellor of Bahauddin Zakaria University (BZU) Multan, NAB officials said. Officials added that the former ambassador was found involved in irregularities and violation of rules as he tried establishing a university’s sub-campus in Lahore.
Today’s issue of Pakistan Observer carries a 2-Page Special Report on Cancer Treatment and Pakistan Energy Commission on Page 14 and 15.
Maryam Nawaz in London, feels and acts for Pakistan
................................................ World supports longsanctioned Cuba ................................................ Scholars, writers in UK speak for Palestine
See Page 04
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RSHAD
ISLAMABAD—The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC), Thursday, granted approval for the provision of 64,000 Metric Tons of Wheat to the United Nations WFP to be provided to TDPs of FATA and KP. The cost of wheat will be Rs. 2.569 billion and it will be distributed till
nance Minister Islaq Dar in the chair and also approved extension of 0.3% reduced rate of withholding tax on non-filers up to November 07, 2015. In the event that the National Assembly extends the Income Tax Ordinance 2015, the reduced rate will remain applicable till
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KARACHI: Ahmed Bux, a labourer, was not at home when his son Sarfaraz-14 was burned to death in a fire incident. This tragedy occurred at a spatial settlement that was unlawfully set up on a 600 square yard plot of land in block-2 of Gulistan-e Jauhar. The city’s fire service did reach the venue but was unable to save the children from the killer flames. The victim family hailed from Bahawalpur. Those who lost their lives were identified as 80year-old Saiba Bibi, a woman Mehnaz 20, seven-year-old Mohsin Aslam, Sarfaraz 14, and Rabia 15. SSP Javed Jiskani of District East said, “Apparently, it happened accidently but we are further investigating. No one has claimed the ownership of the plot yet.” Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah took serious notice of the incident and directed the authorities to provide all-out help to the affected people. Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Sohail Siyal directed police chief to conduct enquiry into the incident and register an FIR accordingly. Meanwhile, another fire broke out at a shanty town in Block-8 of same area injured three.—Irfan Aligi
APS attack terrorist held from Italy ISLAMABAD—Alleged terrorist Usman Ghani with links to a banned organization who was arrested in Italy with the help of Interpol was brought back to Pakistan early Thursday morning. Ghani who is hails from Swabi was wanted in Pakistan for multiple cases of terrorism including suspected links to the Peshawar attack. Pakistan approached the Interpol for his arrest following which Usman Ghani was arrested in Italy by Italian authorities and was escorted to Pakistan late last night via a private airline flight. Ghani was handed over to Pakistani authorities at the Benazir International Airport in Islamabad at about 3:00AM on Thursday morning. Ghani is reportedly wanted for his involvement in terrorist activities in Pakistan including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)-claimed APS attack in which at least 150 people were killed, over 140 of them being children, they said. After he was handed over to FIA, the suspect has been shifted to the agency’s passport cell for investigation, sources added. In the deadliest terror attack in the country’s history, over 135 schoolchildren and at least 10 other people were killed when heavily armed militants stormed the army-run school in Peshawar.—INP
Top Chinese military officer to visit Pakistan, India BEIJING—One of China’s most links, and while Chinese and armed forces and is headed by senior military officers will visit Pakistan and India next month, China’s defence ministry said on Thursday, making trips to neighbouring rivals which have very different relations with Beijing. China and Pakistan describe each other as “all weather friends” and have tight
Indian relations have improved considerably since a brief border war in 1962, the two remain locked in a messy territorial dispute and deep suspicions persist. Fan Changlong, one of the vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission which controls the Chinese
PM wants immediate disbursal of relief items Visits affectees in Dasu DASU—Prime Minister Nawaz ask the banks to waive their prime minister. Sharif visited Dasu in Kohistan district on Thursday to review the situation on ground. He was given a briefing on the status of rescue and relief operation. During the briefing the prime minister was told that due to the terrain relief operations were facing difficulties. The prime minister instructed that medicines and blankets be dispatched to those in need immediately. He added that he will try to release funds for reconstruction of the houses damaged by the earthquake in the next three or four days. While addressing those affected by the earthquake, the prime minister said he cannot
outstanding agricultural loans but told them that he will provide whatever amount the people owe to the banks in the form of a grant, so they may pay off their agricultural loans. Nawaz Sharif said that the implementation of the relief package announced by him has started. “The federal and the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) will pay Rs600,000 to the next of kin of those who lost their life in this tragedy,” said the premier. “The affected people will be provided all necessary relief goods, including tents, blankets and food items,” added the
China lifts one-child policy, allows two B EIJING—China will ease family planning restrictions to allow all couples to have two children after decades of the strict onechild policy, the ruling Communist Party said on Thursday, a move aimed at alleviating demographic restraints on the economy. The policy is a major liberalisation of the country’s family planning restrictions, already eased in late 2013 when Beijing said it would allow more families to have two children providing the parents met certain conditions. A growing number of scholars had urged the government to reform the rules, introduced in the late 1970s to prevent population growth spiralling out of control, but now regarded as outdated and respon-
sible for shrinking China’s labour pool. For the first time in decades the working age population fell in 2012,
President Xi Jinping, will visit in the middle of November, ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular news briefing. The trip is to boost friendly exchanges and help “jointly maintain regional peace and security”, Yang said, without elaborating.—Reuters
and China could be the first country in the world to get old before it gets rich. The announcement was made at the close of a key Party meeting focused on financial reforms and maintaining growth between 2016 and 2020. “China will allow all couples to have two children, abandoning its decades-long onechild policy,” the official Xinhua new agency said in a short report. Under the 2013 reform, couples in which one parent is an only child were allowed to have a second child. It is being
said the relaxation of rules was too little, and too late to redress substantial negative effects of the onechild policy on the economy and society. Couples who flout family planning laws in China are, at minimum, fined, some lose their jobs, and in some cases mothers are forced to abort their babies or be sterilised. Wang Feng, a leading expert on demographic and social change in China, called the change an “historic event” that would change the world but said the challenges of China’s aging society would remain. “It’s an event that we have been waiting for a generation, but it is one we have had to wait much too long for,” Wang said. “It won’t have any impact on the issue of the aging society, but it will change the character of many young families,” Wang said.—Reuters
The premier also stated on the occasion that relief goods would also be provided through the use of helicopters in areas which are inaccessible by land routes in the district of Kohistan. He directed all relevant authorities to open blocked routes in the district through the use of heavy machinery. Earlier in the day, the prime minister was briefed on the situation in the district.—INP
Earthquake death toll 268 I SLAMABAD /P ESHAWAR — Death toll has soared to two hundred and sixty-eight in Oct 26 earthquake which jolted different parts of the country with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the worst affected by the natural calamity. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four other people were injured while thirteen thousand seven hundred and seventy-one houses got damaged in the tremor. KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday said that the 8.1 magnitude quake claimed at least 221 lives while not less than 12,000 houses bore complete or partial damages in the Province. The authority stated that Shangla tops the list of death toll among different districts with 50. Swat follows with 34 deaths while those in Chitral are 32. Death tally in Lower Dir and Upper Dir is 24 and 17 respectively. At least 20 locals lost lives in Torghor, 11 in Kohistan Upper, nine in Bonair, four in Peshawar, two in Mansehra, one in Hangu, Abbottabad and Batgram while three each in Mardan and Charsadda. Continued on Page 7
VIP movements adding to quake victims’ miseries Situationer Tariq Saeed
T
HE VIP syndrome continues to haunt the society which adds to the miseries and agonies of the helpless quake affected injured and their attendants. The Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during his maiden sojourn to Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Thursday visited the Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar that turned into a mini public meeting place. The PPP Chief’s visit was aimed at “enquiring about the health of the earthquake victims and review the facilities” being provided to them. Accompanied by the party Chief were Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Asifa Bhutto and Sherry Rehman. The PPP chief was driven to the Lady Reading Hospital (LRH)
from Peshawar Airport in a motorcade consisting ofluxurious cars amid tight security arrangements. Elaborate security arrangements also made at the hospital premises where PPPs own security’ personnel Bilawal’s body guards and police commandos were present. Barbed wires were erected around the hospital to bar the “common” man and even attendants of the quake victims. While hundreds of Jialaas of PPP thronged the LRH by breaking security cordon, the only sufferers were the poor patients and their attendants who were not allowed to enter the hospital. The otherwise quiet hospital its atmosphere turned into a Public meeting place on the arrival of Bilawal and company as the hospital was completely taken over in the name of security. The party head addressed the charged Jialaas. Full throat slogans
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IDPs return ISLAMABAD— Minister for State and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) and focal person on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Lt. Gen.(R) Abdul Qadir Baloch said that return of IDPs to their homes was top priority of the government and steps were being taken in this regard. Talking to a news channel, he said the operation Zarb-e-Azb was going on successfully and most of the areas have been cleared of terrorists. He said an amount of Rs 10 billion had been released to restore infrastructure which was damaged during the operation in tribal areas. The minister said about 44% of total IDPs have been sent back to their homes while arrangements were being made for rest of the others to send them.—APP
Environ friendly
Govt urged to make vaccination mandatory for every child STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—National Child Health Consortium (NCHC) held its second meeting in Lahore to engage civil society and human rights activists of Punjab for the cause of promoting Routine Immunization and Polio Eradication Initiative. National Child Health Consortium is a group of leading civil society and human rights activists who have committed to promote the cause of Routine Immunization and Polio Eradication in the country. In the meeting Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Prime Minister’s Polio Focal Person briefed the participants on her legislation “Mandatory Vaccination and Protection of Health Workers Bill 2015” that has been tabled in the Senate of Pakistan. Main clauses of the Bill including various persuasive measures of the Bill were discussed. “Constitution of Pakistan guarantees right of life to every citizen of Pakistan and we aim to provide healthy life to every child of Pakistan,” said Senator Farooq. “This Bill is an effort to create an enabling
environment where every child enjoys a healthy life free of all vaccine preventable diseases”, she further added. Participants signed a Declaration urging the Government of Punjab to support Federal legislation of Mandatory Vaccination and enhance its scope to cover Punjab as well. Declaration also urged to mobilize political will to enact this legislation to support an enabling environment where Immunization is seen as a right of every child. Declaration in its clauses also urged the Government of Punjab to bring a Resolution in the Provincial Assembly of Punjab to support the Federal Legislation of Manda-tory Vaccination and support uniform legislation across country. Earlier Mr. Wajih Akhtar convener, NCHC briefed the participants on the objectives of the consortium and presented the scope of work. The basic objective of the NCHC is to enhance the awareness on the routine Immunization and polio among communities and society at large to create an en-
abling environment for vaccinators to perform their job and to manage perception of target groups making them more receptive towards immunization services. The meeting was attended leading civil society and human rights activists. Leading writer Mr. Asghar Nadeem Syed said that unfortunately our country is included in those places where vulnerable groups are not protected and considered as equal citizens. He further highlighted the role of media and criticized over commercialism of media channels where ratings race has compromised social and public service. Dr. Munir Ahmed, Director EPI, Government of Punjab in his presentation gave an overall situation of Routine Immunization and Polio Eradication in the Punjab. The meeting was attended by President Pakistan Pediatrician Association, Dr. Tahir Masood and representatives from Punjab PPA chapter. Me-dia representatives, members of civil society organizations, columnists and polio survivors attended the meeting.
L AHORE —Provincial Minister for Mines and Minerals Chaudhry Sher Ali Khan has said that Pakistan’s coal is environment friedly and cheapest option for power production. Giving out details of a meeting to monitor the progress of coal power projects here on Thursday, he said Salt range has coal reserves of 600 million metric tonne and a project was being finalised to make use of the coal reserves. The Minister said the local coal was disregarded for power production in the past due to high sulphur, high ash contents and costly conditions for mining.—APP
Effective reporting L AHORE— Provincial Labour Minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar has said reliable and effective reporting systems to ensure implementation on International Labour Standards (ILS) has gained more importance for economic and social development of the country. “The ILO is providing technical assistance to the Punjab government helping to improve the application and reporting mechanism on ILS,” he added. He stated this while presiding over a meeting to review the progress on ILS reporting system here on Thursday. Director Labour Hasnaat Javed informed the meeting about the measures being taken to improve reporting system in industrial and commercial units.—APP
Fair, transparent SIALKOT — Chaudhary Muhammad Akraam, MPA (PML-N) on Thursday said that local bodies election would be held in a free,fair,and transparent manner as the government had taken several solid measuresto ensure this constitutional requirement. Talking to APP late on Wednesday,he said that PML-N would clinch all major seats during local bodies election in district Sialkot.He said that his party unanimously decided to award party tickets for chairman and other slots to noble,well-reputed and suitable candidates. The traders organizations here have announced to keep their businesses closed on Local Bodies (LB) election day on Saturday (October 31). Hajji Aslam Bhalli,patron-in-chief of Supreme Council of Anjuman Tajiran said on Thursday said that traders will actively participate in the election.—APP
BAJAUR AGENCY: President Mamnoon Hussain and Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Mahtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi inquiring about health of an injured girl during their visit to earth-quake affected areas.
Arrangements Eight Sindh districts to completed for observe holiday on Saturday Vehari LB polls RIZWANA CHAUDHARY V EHARI —All arrangments have been finalized for Local Bodies elections which are going to be held tomorrow, Saturday. District Vehari comprises of three tehsils , ie Vehari, Burewala and Mailsi. Total number of of votes in entire district is 14,30,696 including male 8,12,109 and female 6,18,587. According to new constituencies, Vehari district has been divided into 105 union councils, out of which Vehari has 33, Burewala 34 and Mailsi 38. Likewise Vehari has 24 wards, Burewala 36 and Mialsi 12 wards. There are 458 candidates contesting elections for Chairman and Vice Chairman slot in 105 union councils. One candidate of union council No. 27 Zahid Daultana of PPP has been elected unopposed. PML-N and PTI did not challenge him in this UC. Fortytwo candidates for general member have been elected unopposed in district council and municipal committees. For general members of union councils 1985 candidates are contesting the elections within wards of district council; 463 candidates are contesting elections for the general member of union council within wards of municipal committees in entire district out of which 161 belong to Vehari, 76 Mailsi and Burewala 226. Eleven women are going to contest for special seats of chairman while 12 women for Vice chairman and 13 will contest for general councillor for district council and one candidate will contest for nonMuslim seat in Municipal Committee Vehari. There is no candidate for the women seat for Municipal Committee, Vehari, while two will contest in Mailsi and one in Tehsil Burewala.
Relief goods dispatched to KP A QAYYUM MALIK
Returning officers protest, seek acceptance of demands
SHO ordered to register case against RO BASHIR AHMAD REHMANI HAFIZABAD —All the twelve Returning Officers appointed in the Hafizabad district to conduct the Local Government Elections in Hafizabad on Thursday stopped work to protest against the ran-sacking of office of RO Allah Ditta Warraich, insulting, humiliating and torturing him. At a meeting of the Returning Officers which was attended by Umar Farooq Warraich, Iftikhar Nawaz Virk, Manzoor Hussain, Muhammad Irfan Gondal, Muhammad Nawaz Gohar, Abdul Ghafoor, Haider Ali Chattha, Rana Muhammad Ilyas, Shabbir Ahmad Kaliyar, Jawad Hussain, Rana Zafarullah and Allah Ditta Warraich, unanimously approved 5-point charter of demands and sent to the Provincial Commissioner and Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan and requested them to accept their demands, otherwise, they would be
unable to perform their duties as Returning Officer. The demands included disqualification of all those accused who had insulted, humiliated, tortured the RO and interfered in his official duties and they should be declared disqualified to contest election, the bails granted to those accused involved in the incident should be cancelled, all the polling stations in the Hafizabad district should be declared sensitive, appoint Army and paramilitary forces at all the polling stations and order of the court to register a case against the RO Allah Ditta Warraich should be cancelled/withdrawn. Meanwhile, on the call of APCA, clerical staff of the district continued their strike for the third consecutive day to protest against the hooliganism of workers of PTI and some advocates. Nasrullah Hanjra, President APCA, has declared that clerical staff of the district would continue their strike till the arrest of all the accused.
He threatened that the clerks of the district would boycott election duties also if the government officials are not provided proper security. On the application of Fazal Hussain Tarar advocate the District and Sessions Judge Hafizabad Sajjad Ahmad has ordered the SHO police station Sadar Hafizabad to register a case against Allah Ditta Warraich Returning Officer Hafizabad. Meanwhile, the lawyers of Hafizabad and other towns of the province boycotted the courts to protest against the registration of cases against lawyers of Hafizabad. Ch. Amanullah Sandhu, General Secre-tary DBA, Hafizabad, has announced that the lawyers of Hafizabad and Pindi Bhattian Bars would continue boycott of the courts on Friday also and threatened that they would continue boycott of the courts in the district till the transfer of DCO, DPO and the Returning Officer.
GUJRANWALA —A rescue team consists of 65 personnel’s and eight vehicles full of medicines and other relief equipments has been send from Gujranwala to taking part in relief operation at KP earthquake victims. Director General Rescue 1122 Punjab Brig. Rtd Dr Arshad Zia talking to Pakistan Observer told that rescue 1122 have been given a task by Punjab government for relief of earthquake victims. Meanwhile, a campaign has been launched by regional transport authority Gujranwala against vehicles indulging over charging, over loading, extra CNG/ LPG cylinder and other violation of rules. Secretary RTA Ali Akbar Bhindar while talking to Pakistan Observer told that during this campaign 2650 vehicles have been got challaned and Rs. 16,28,200 received as fine from January to October while 16 bus stands got checked, two sealed and 135 vehicles impounded.
Appeal to PM to stop rise in petrol prices SALAHUDDIN HAIDER
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EWS have been circulating for the last one week that petrol prices are to be raised again from 1st November, ranging between Rs 3 to over Rs 5 a litre. There will be identical rise in other petroleum prices like diesel, kerosene oil, high speed octane etc. This is being done by OGRA ( oil and gas petroleum regulatory authority), an organization consisting of self-centred bureaucrats, and devoid of any political philosophy as to needs and requirements of the public. Rise in fuel prices has recoiling effects, and would cause further rise in
prices of items of daily use. An impassioned appeal is being made to the Prime Minister to reject the summary, which will be submitted to him by tonight or tomorrow during day time by the ministry of petroleum by OGRA. A government worth name is recognized by its deeds. Public welfare and addressing their grievances has to be its foremost priority. Petrol prices have been falling world over, and had slid to almost 40 dollars a barrel. Raising fuel prices in Pakistan, therefore, will be shocking for people. Transport will be costlier, and charges will automatically push the prices of essential items upwards. That will be unbearable for people, already complaining of helplessness, and are unable to meet their daily expenses. Poor are unable to pay school fee of
their wards. Buying books, stationery etc, is added burden for them. Does a government, elected on popular votes, will do justice for the support given to it by the poor and the needy, living in hutments, or in slum areas in sub-human conditions. Pathetic is their condition. Poverty level has gone done substantially over the years, and yet a new bombshell is ready to be dropped, which will only add to their miseries. People, are therefore, looking to the prime minister for relief. Bureaucracy in Pakistan is interested only in its perks and privileges. It is least interested, and does not even wish to know the problems of the general public. Raising fuel prices at this critical juncture of our history, when the country looks poised for a takeoff, the government will be accused
of being irresponsible. The prime minister, in the past, has shown maturity, and has often rejected government proposals for rise in prices. Recently a cess was put on gas prices. That led to production cost of our products, making them incompetitive in world markets. China, Turkey, India, and Bangla Desh are doling out subsidies after subsidies to their industries . Their products are slowly occupying larger share in international markets, whereas Pakistani products have been suffering for quite a while. Exports have shown dwindling trends, widening the gap between imports and exports. Rise is prices are no solutions. It also will show failure of the government’s financial policies. Ishaq Dar should attend to this problem without delay.
3551 Punjab polling stations highly sensitive
L AHORE —As many as 3551 polling stations have been declared highly sensitive in twelve districts of Punjab during first phase of Local Body polls being held on Saturday. According to the list of polling stations issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan,Punjab office,citizens will use their right to vote at 16266 polling stations out of which 8300 have been declared sensitive. In the provincial capital,none of the 3269 polling stations has been declared to be in ‘normal category‘.As many as 839 stations have been declared highly sensitive and 2430 sensitive. Sindh government has announced public holiday in its eight districts going for first phase of the local bodies polls 2015 on Saturday. Authorities told APP Thursday that all government and private institutions will remain closed in Khairpur, Sukkur, Ghotki, Larkana, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad and Kashmore to facilitate optimum public participation in the exercise. Adequate security arrangements, they said are already in place and this would be further strengthened to avoid any untoward situation. During the exercise people will elect their representatives at District Council, Union councils, Union Committee, Municipal Corporation and Municipal Committees levels respectively. Polling for second phase of local government elections will be held in Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Hyderabad, Dadu and Jamshoro on November 19. Other districts in Sindh to go for polls include Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushehro Feroz, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot and Tharparkar. Local bodies polls in six districts, all pertaining to Karachi will be held on December 3, said the official. Under the current arrangement, there will be a chairperson, vice-chairperson and four general councilors from each union councils (in rural areas) and union committee (in urban areas).—APP
Shehbaz felicitates Turkish people on National Day SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has felicitated Turk President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turk people on national day of Turkey. In a message of felicitation, the Chief Minister said that Turkey has made rapid progress during the last few years and due to stability of economic system and continuity of policies, Turkey has become a prosperous and developed country. He said that Turkey has made extraordinary progress under the dynamic leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan which is a role model for the developing countries. He said that people of Pakistan are proud of unprecedented development of brotherly country Turkey and appreciate sagacious leadership of Turkey over its growing influence in the world community. He further said that Pakistan and Turkey are bound together in strong, cultural and historic ties and the people of two countries have stood by each other in the moments of successes as well as trials. He said that Turkey has helped Pakistan in the hour of needs including earthquake, floods or any other natural calamity. The Chief Minister further said that the longstanding friendship and social relations between Turkey and Pakistan are reflected in every sector of life in two countries. He said that the social and economic help and cooperation extended by Turkey on humanitarian basis is a proof of strong ties between Pakistan and Turkey. He said that state-of-the-art Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital in Muzaffargarh is a splendid gift for Pakistan and an example of Pak-Turk friendship. He said that Turkey is a reliable and true friend of Pakistan and there are deep-rooted historic relations between the two countries. The Chief Minister said that Turkey and Pakistan have a uniform approach with regard to peace and stability in the region. He said that a number of Turk companies are making investment in various sectors in Pakistan especially Punjab. He said that credit goes to Pakistan Muslim League-N government for giving the form of economic cooperation to the longstanding sentiments of friendship and brotherhood between the people of the two countries.
KP govt appeals int’l community for prompt relief STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has appealed the international community for sending prompt relief help in the earthquake affected areas of the province due to gravity of the situation especially in the worst-hit Malakand Division. It revealed that stranded and homeless families in Dir Upper, Chitral and other hilly areas badly needed better shelters, warm clothes, food commodities and medical facilities on emergency grounds wherein the provincial government would welcome immediate assistance of world community and international relief agencies This appeal was made by KP Senior Minister for Local Govt, Elections and Rural Development (LGE&RD) InayatUllah Khan while talking to the rescue and relief authorities, affectees and media-men during visit of the remote mountainous villages Gandigar, Hajibaba, Barawal, Rehankot and other ‘darras’ of Dir Upper district on 3rd day of the devastating earthquake. He however clarified that such an international help must be on crash basis and in practical shape rather than mere offers, commitments and assurances. He said that the federal and provincial governments though immediately launched the rescue and relief operation soon after occurrence of the natural calamity while a joint compensation package has also been announced for the affectees but the fact has also come to surface that this earthquake proved more devastating to the people of malakand including Dir, Chitral and Shangla Division than that of 2005 as, he said, besides hundreds humans killed, thousands injured, countless of people rendered homeless and exposed to spend days and nights under the open sky in immense cold and snowfalls. Senior Minister said initial survey of damages revealed that 50 schools completely.
Bilawal visits LRH, inquires after quake victims’ health PESHAWAR—Chairman, PPP with the affectees of the devBilawal Bhutto Zardari Thursday visited Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) and inquired after the health of those injured in the devastated earthquake in the province. The PPP chairman, during his visit to the Peshawar was also accompanied by Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Vice President, PPP Sherry Rehman. Talking to media at the residence of former provincial minister, Engineer Mohammad Hamayun PESHAWAR: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari giving cheque to an earthquake victim after inquiring about his health at Khan, the Chief Minister Sindh expressed solidarity Lady Reading Hospital. Chief Minister, Sindh, Qaim Ali Shah was also present on the occasion. with the earthquake victims of Khyber Pakhtunk-hwa and FATA. He said that the delegation of PPP headed by chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is visiting the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to share grief
KP govt, Pakistan Navy relief operations continue in earthquake-hit areas
155 schools damaged in KP: PDMA 5180 tents, 12000 blankets, 5000 food packets dispatched
P ESHAWAR —Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Information, Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani on Thursday said that relief activities continue all across the province by using helicopter in from far-flung areas. Talking to nwesmen here he said that three big hospitals in Peshawar Lady Reading Hospital, Khyber Teaching Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex and medical teams in all District Headquarters Hospitals and have been on high alert to the injured of Oct 26 earthquake that mostly dam-aged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that PDMA Punjab, SDMA Kashmir, NDMA and local and foreign NGOs in affected districts comprising Shangla, Chitral, Dir and Torgher have also providing relief to the affected people. Mushtaq Ghani informed that total 225 people were died due to the devastating earthquake and 2059 were injured. Adding that 263 injured were still under treatment in different hospitals while the rest have been discharged and five critically injured have been shifted to Islamabad. He said that total 15689 properties were damaged including 147 schools. He said that from Thursday morning helicopter have been using for ensuring relief to the people of the far-flung areas and
Patwaris protest suspension by AC
so far 2000 tents, 2000 blankets, 2000 mats and 1000 food packets were distributed beside sending 30 loaded trucks with relief goods to the affected areas of Malakand division. He said that 32 more trucks with 3000 tents, 10,000 blankets and 4000 food relief packets have already been distributed. About 3500 tents and food packets will be dispatched today to the affected areas of Malakand division, he added. Mushtaq Ghani said that Federal and Provincial government would equally compensate the affected people and have announced a special compensation package for affected people amounting Rs. 6,00,000 for the dead, Rs.2,00,000 who lost limb, Rs 1,00,000 for injured. Distribution of compensation amount will start from Monday (November 2). Continuing with the humanitarian efforts, Pakistan Navy’s ongoing Relief Operation is extending its reach and resources to adjoining areas of Swat for provision of all possible support to the earthquake affectees. According to a press release issued by the Navy said on Thursday that the medical teams including lady doctors and female nurses stationed at Pakistan Navy’s Earthquake Relief Camp at Dehrai Shangla are providing round the clock medical assistance/treat-
ment and have so far provided medical treatment to hundreds of patients/injured personnel. In order to reach out to remote areas affected by earthquake, medical team of the Navy also established a medical camp at Village Damrai, Tehsil Alipuri. Some 15 tons of relief goods including food and clothing items transported through special aircraft and trucks have been distributed amongst affectees so far. Relief goods collection points have also been established at Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Coastal bases for collection of donations/relief goods which are then transported through Pakistan Navy aircraft to affected areas of KP. A close liaison is also being maintained with District Administration and NDMA for better coordination of relief efforts in the affected areas. As many as 155 schools in Khyber Pakthunkhwa were either fully or partially damaged by the powerful earthquake of October 26 that wracked havoc to educational infrastructure in five districts of the province. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Spokesman told APP on Thursday that till 10am today 155 schools in five districts of Khyber Pakthunkhwa were damaged. The Provincial Disaster Man-
agement Authority (PDMA) has so far dispatched 5180 tents, 12000 blankets, 5000 food packets and 2000 floor mates to the earth-quake affected areas of Khyber Pakthunkhwa. On Wednesday last, as many as 3080 tents, 10000 blankets and 4000 food packets were dispatched to the worst quake hit Malakand division, officials of PDMA told APP on Thursday. As many as 500 tents, 500 blankets, 1000 food packages, 500 floor mates were dispatched to Chitral whereas 300 tents, 300 blankets and 300 floor mates to Shangla besides 300 tents, 200 blankets and 2000 floor mates to Dir Upper. Likewise, PDMA has delivered 200 tents, 200 blankets, 200 floor mates to Dir Lower, 200 tents, 200 blankets and 200 floor mates to Torghar, 200 tents besides 200 tents, 200 blankets and 200 floor mates to Swat and 200 tents, 200blankets and 200 floor mates to Malakand. The flood affected people of Buner were also provided 200 tents, 200 blankets and 2000 floor mates. These goods were dispatched to the above affected areas on October 27-28. The relief and rehabilitation operations has been accelerated in the affected areas and relief items are being distributed among the flood victims under a well transparent mechanism.—APP
PML-F accuses PPP of planning rigging
election rules. He said election officials the performance of the PPP rulers. WAHEED PHULPOTO BASHIR AHMAD REHMANI have been appointed to conduct the Meanwhile, PML-F MPA Imtiaz HAFIZABAD —The Assistant SHIKARPUR—The leaders of the Paki- election by the provincial government, Ahmed Shaikh said that PPP candidates Commissioner Pindi Bhattian Saroosh Fatima has suspended Ghulam Hussain, Malik Zulfiqar, Riaz Hussain and Altaf Hussain Patwaris on the charge of their poor performance. Following the suspension, the Patwaris of Pindi Bhattian have observed strike to protest against the decision of the AC and demanded their immediate reinstatement and threatened that they would continue their strike till the withdrawal of suspension orders. ***** An independent candidate for the slot of General Councillor of Ward No. 15, Tariq Javed Dhotar advocate was shot at and injured when he was allegedly attacked by seventeen activists of PTI led by Rai Fiaz Ahmad. The police have registered a case against seventeen accused and arrested two of them. According to police source, the victim was sitting in his office when his rivals allegedly opened fire on him. He was shifted to the DHQ Hospital. ***** A woman was shot dead while her brother-in-law was seriously injured when they were fired at by Ansar, Asif, Mansab and others in Samra village. The police have registered a case against the accused. According to police source, Azhar Ali, son of deceased Khursheed Bibi, had developed illicit relations with the wife of accused Ansar. On this issue the accused exchanged harsh words with Khursheed Bibi and others which enraged the accused who opened fire as a result of which Khursheed Bibi was fatally injured.
stan Muslim League-F have allegedly said that the ruling party supported candidates were seemed busy in planning for committing rigging in Local Government elections and they expressed their apprehensions it would revive the tribal disputes again during the polls. Addressing a press conference PML-F MNA Ghous Bakhsh Khan Mahar levelled the allegations that the PPP nominated candidates with the support of rulers are involved in haring the peaceful situation by manipulation and exploiting the democratic minded and peace loving people by playing a foul play of staging protest demonstration and making unnecessary complains against the Election Commission as well as the complains against the district election commissioner Shikarpur and other district officials that they were supporting the PML-F candidates violating the
therefore how it can be possible to support the opposition groups candidates instead of supporting the PPP candidates. Therefore, he termed it as “drama” to develop the extraordinary pressure over the election staff to play free game to commit rigging during the polls. As the PML-F wanted the local government elections to be free, fair and transparent held in peaceful atmosphere the PML-F took part in LG elections so that the power could be transferred to the elected representatives to run the democratic affairs through local bodies institutions in the interest of the people of the areas. He said the PPP rulers have failed to provide basic amenities and redress the people’s problems during its eight-year rule, the people of the province generally and the people of Shikarpur district particularly have been disappointed with
were involved in planning to commit rigging in polls for which the PPP candidates were involved in detracting the peaceful situa-tion while attacking the election camp and offices of PML-F candidates in Shikarpur city which has caused panic and fear among the PMLF supporting voters and the workers. Shaikh said that the PPP has divided in many groups and the party tickets were issued with the recommendations by the PPP group leaders which has caused confusional among the PPP candidates. He also demanded of National Accountability Bureau to conduct probe into the matter of embazzling the development funds of about Rs 4 billion released to Municipal Committee, Shikarpur, by Sindh Government for development schemes in the city but no scheme has ben completed.
Keys handed over to shopkeepers NASIB SHAH SHINWARI K HYBER A GENCY —Keys of ten reconstructed shops were given to the shopkeepers by the administrative officials of Landikotal. The shops were demolished by Frontier Works Organization (FWO) during the construction of Peshawar Torkham highways. A ceremony in this regard was organized at the office of Assistant Political Agent (APA), Landikotal where beside APA, Nasir Khan flanked by FWO project manager, Mohammad Zia as chief ISLAMABAD: Qamar Zaman Chaudry, Chairman NAB chairing a meeting to review guest; owners of the performance of 3rd quarter of 2015 of all Regional Bureaus of NAB on the basis of Party shops and tribal elders Quantified Grading System at NAB Headquarters on Thursday. participated.
astated earthquake. The chief minister Sindh pledged that the government of Sindh is ready for provision of assistance both in shape of relief goods and cash. He said that two trucks loaded with relief goods comprising blankets, tents and food items have been dispatched for Peshawar that will reach here tomorrow. On this occasion, some earthquake victims’ relatives as well as the provincial ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers staged a protest against Bilawal’s arrival and the hindrances faced by them due to his visit as roads were blocked. Meanwhile, the party’s senator Sherry Rehman wrote on social media saying they are collecting tents and warm clothes for Peshawar survivors.—APP
Cold, dry weather in most parts I SLAMABAD —Mainly dry weather is expected in most parts of the country for next three days. According to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), cold and dry weather in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts namely Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Batagram and Mansehra during Thursday to Saturday. The weather department also forecast cold and dry weather for Bajaur,
Mohmand and Khyber agencies in Federally Administered Tribal Areas for the next three days. PMD added that the weather in GilgitBaltistan districts of Astore, Diamer, Gilgit, Ghizer.—APP
Maryam Nawaz in London, feels and acts for Pakistan
MEDIA WATCH
Newspapers still a vital resource
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ETTING a highly noble example, vibrant PML(N) leader Maryam Nawaz Sharif acted instantly and promptly to the media report about absence of teachers of Maths, Computer Science and Science subjects in a local school of Islamabad. Maryam Nawaz, who was in London, browsed Pakistan Observer and read about the plight of the Federal Government school in G-11/2 and issued instructions to the relevant authorities to act urgently to address the problem. According to details, published in this newspaper, the entire process of deputing the required staff in the said school took only forty minutes after personal intervention of Maryam Nawaz. It was not only a pleasant surprise for students whose precious academic year was being lost but also for parents and to people of Pakistan in general. This is because the Government and its leadership is supposed to be responsive to the plight of the people and address their day-to-day problems. The daughter of the Prime Minister proved her worth as a leader and a good administrator as incharge of the PM’s youth development schemes, which were being run on merit and under a highly transparent process. However, in our muddy political environment, her role was politicized and instead of viewing her contribution and service to the people on merit, some circles unnecessarily raised questions about her responsibilities. What she did on Wednesday sent a loud and a clear message that one needs not to be incharge of any Ministry or organization to streamline things. If there is will and passion, leaders can contribute towards mitigation of difficulties and problems of the masses and we are glad Ms. Maryam Nawaz is doing exactly that. She has vowed to promote the cause of education in the country and her intervention is indicative of her sincerity and commitment to this cause. However, the question arises as to how a school remained without teachers and that too for vital subjects and no one took the notice. There is a Ministry and the government has made it clear on various occasions that it would allocate funds and other resources for promotion of primary, secondary and higher education in the country. There might be many more schools without teachers or other basic facilities and we hope Mohtarma Maryam Nawaz would take care of the issue. Ministers and officials concerned of different Ministries can do a lot if they become proactive on such issues.
World supports long-sanctioned Cuba I
N the first United Nations vote on a resolution condemning the U.S. embargo against Cuba since the two countries renewed diplomatic ties in July, Cuba scored its biggest victory yet as the General Assembly voted 191-2 to adopt the resolution. The two countries that voted against the resolution were the United States and Israel, which was nothing but indication of their total isolation on the issue of unjust sanctions against Cuba. It is regretted that despite its public plans to ease sanctions against Cuba, which are there for over four decades, the United States is still not ready to yield fully to the will and aspirations of the global community. The overwhelming support for Cuba on Tuesday was a clear message that the world is against these tyrannical sanctions and wants their immediate end. This was the strongest ever support extended by the UN on the issue but regrettably the United States is not listening to the voices of reason and instead of accepting the verdict of the majority, as is the case in democracy, it has described the passage of resolution as ‘unfortunate’. Speaking on the resolution, representatives of different countries rightly pointed out that it was the most unjust, severe, and longest lasting system of unilateral sanctions ever applied to any country. Cuban people surely suffered a lot due to these uncalled for sanctions but the fact remains that these strengthened resolve of Cuban nation and their leadership to withstand pressure aimed at undermining their sovereignty. Fidel Castro and his successor acted as true leaders and led their country in its struggle to resist sanctions and act like dignified nation. The United States has been using sanctions as a foreign policy tool for armstwisting of other countries. But history tells us that none of the sanctions paid back fully as envisaged by their architects and instead they did more harm to the world as well as the United States itself. While praising people of Cuba and their leadership, we would urge the United States to read writing on the wall and discard this absurd foreign policy tool of sanctions.
Scholars, writers in UK speak for Palestine I
N a significant development, hundreds of British academicians said Tues day they would boycott contact with Israeli universities over the state’s intolerable human rights violations towards Palestinians. The announcement titled “A commitment by UK scholars to the rights of Palestinians” was printed as a full-page ad, also affirmed that they would not accept invitations to visit Israeli academic institutions. Luckily, similar moves have been reported in India as well where ten film-makers returned their national awards on Wednesday to protest against growing intolerance in the country. Earlier, noted Kashmiri writer and poet Marghoob Banhali returned Sahitya Akademi award against increasing attacks on minorities in India. Some Kashmiri students also refused to get degrees from Indian leaders in protest against atrocities on Kashmiris by occupation forces. Both India and Israel are the countries with poor human rights record and are known for their brutal attitude towards minorities especially Kashmiri Muslims and Palestinians, repectively. Lately, there have been a series of acts of violence against Muslims and other minorities in India on the issues of slaughter of cow and people-to-people contacts with Pakistan. The world has been condemning brutalities against Palestinians and minorities in India but unfortunately these two countries have adopted a contemptuous attitude towards global public opinion. They are persisting with their repressive policies and that has forced writers and poets, who are more sensitive and feel for people, to react to their policies. As governments of so-called civilized countries are not ready to intervene effectively on behalf of Palestinians and minorities in India just for the sake of their own interests, we hope other segments of the civil society in different countries would follow the footsteps of writers and intellectuals in boycotting Israel and India in different ways.
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Democrats crawl before Hillary strikes and covert activities (including supply of lethal weapons to individuals vetted by the most rudimentary of processes) which led to the fall of Kaddafy in 2011 M D Nalapat and the consequent chaos in that country. Later,she joined Email: mgnalapat@gmail.com hands with the GCC rulers as well as the CameronHollande combination in ATCHING the way in flooding “moderate opposition fightwhich House of Repre ers” with cash and weapons. What sentatives members of the such individuals were moderate in was Benghazi investigation committee not specified, for the fact is that soon conducted themselves during the after getting such assistance,most wanquestioning of Hillary Clinton, it was dered off in the direction of Al Nusra clear that South Asian sycophants and ISIS. Ambassador Christopher could learn lessons in obsequious- Stevens was done away with two years ness from their US counterparts. later by the very individuals whom he Aside from crawling on the floor did so much to empower with cash and in supplication to the former First guns in 2011. Forget about a 3am Lady, the Democratic Party mem- phone call, given her record as Secrebers of the House Benghazi enquiry tary of State,it is doubtful that Hillary committee displayed on live tele- Clinton would be able to reach decisions appropriate to the longer-term vision their loyalty to her. A similar scene was witnessed interests of her country even at 3pm in India in 2004,when Congress Party after an afternoon nap. On issue after Members of Parliament were in- issue,she has allowed herself to be led formed that Congress President by activists with private agendas. In each case, President Obama Sonia Gandhi would not be sworn in as Prime Minister,but had decided to seems to have accepted her view alhand that job over to Manmohan most against his own judgment, with Singh. From the point of view of consequences that are unpleasant and Sonia Gandhi, it was a wise choice,as on occasion disastrous, as in the case throughout his two 5-year terms in of Libya. Fortunately for Hillary the job,Singh behaved with impec- Clinton, her faithful retainers within cable loyalty, the same way as the the House of Representatives ensured Democrat members of the Benghazi that enough smoke and noise was crecommittee showed their personal al- ated by them as to divert attention away from such truths as the former legiance to Hillary Clinton. The fact is that Hillary Clinton Secretary of State knowing from early has a lot to answer for in her record on that the Benghazi attack was an act as Secretary of State under President of terror,but claiming for days afterObama. In the case of Libya, it was wards that it had been motivated by a Mrs Clinton who prodded her boss video of a mentally unstable individual into approving a US role in the air cursing the Muslim faith from his
Geopolitical notes from India
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home in the US The manner in which Bernie Sanders, who was till then presumed to be a rival of Hillary Clinton for the Democratic Party nomination as the Presidential candidatwe, genuflected before her. The display of doglike devotion exhibited towards her by Democratic Party members of the House of Representatives committee on Benghazi, it seems likely that Hillary Clinton may end up with the nomination, although this columnist still believes that flaws in her record will get manifested and commented upon in the initial months of 2016, thereby denying her the nomination. However, nothing can get predicted with certainty in US politics,so it is conceivable that Hillary Clinton get her party’s nomination and then go on to win the election towards the close of 2016. Given the fact that President William Jefferson Clinton enacted some of the most Wall Streetfriendly measures seen in the US,such as the discarding of the Glass-Steagall act, it is clear that a President Clinton would continue with a policy of helping the wealthy in deed while talking about helping the poor. Almost every decision of the Clinton administration appears to have been tailored to suit a particular special interest, although the loxic effects of some of the measures introduced by President Clinton took years to manifest themselves. In a tribute to the way in which the wealthy were cosseted by Clinton, the incoming George W Bush administration retained most of them. Given such a record,it comes as a surprise that Senator Sanders appears to have surrendered himself to Hillary. Although the Washington Beltway is dismissive of Donald Trump, yet from his responses it would appear that the feisty candidate for the Republican
Party’s Presidential nomination has his concepts anchored to the ground. Trump has refused to go the way of Hillary Clinton and others in talking harshly of foreign countries not regarded as friendly to US interests, such as China and Russia. He has made it clear that he favours a cobnciliatory policy towards them, although on Iran he was hawkish before the nuclear deal was signed, but has been less voluble on the matter since. In Dr Ben Carson, the Reublican side has a contender of undoubted brilliance, even though most of his policy prescriptions are far from what the Washington Beltway is comfortable with. Will Carson do a Barack Obama on the Republican Party and become their nominee? The popularity of the Clintons within the black community owes less to substance than to show The Benghazi hearings revealed the manner in which Hillary Clinton relies on friends to frame policy. An example was the way a close friend named Blumenthal influenced policy on Libya that was not based on expert knowledge of the subject. However, Blumenthal’s views were identical to those of the GCC rulers,and only an investigation will reveal whether there are any financial reasons behind the one-sided advice given by him to the then Secretary of State. But instead of examining her record objectively, leading Democratic Party functionaries instead seem to have decided to accept the role of servitor to the Clintons. —The writer is Vice-Chair, Manipal Advanced Research Group, UNESCO Peace Chair & Professor of Geopolitics, Manipal University, Haryana State, India.
Tackling changing security paradigm decade or so, through a long term prism whereby policy and business leaders Ikram Sehgal makers understand the implications for Email:ikram.sehgal@smswppl.com any decisions that are taken to address the threat. According to the World EcoAST-paced changes are taking nomic Forum (WEF) some key meaplace in all sectors across the sures to address the issue could be: (1) world, among them the reshap- examine major factors that will be the ing of the global security landscape. drivers for change over the next deThis we cannot afford to ignore. With cade or more and (2) examine the posthe world economy becoming in- sibility of whether these factors might creasingly more and more intercon- evolve and interact over time. WEF nected every passing day, these says that the ultimate aim of this exerchanges are influenced and driven by cise would be to (1) raise global awarethe revolutionary transformations, in ness about the nature of future secueconomics, politics, technology etc rity issues (2) make all stake-holders to name just a few, be they in gov- understand the threat of such security ernment, business or society. Be- risks and (3) identify how the collabocause of the fluid nature of the secu- ration between public-private enterrity context understanding among all prises will afford a better understanddecision makers has become crucial. ing of the threat. All interested entities, private or govTo devise the international secuernment, involved in either investing rity agenda for the promotion of peace or promoting/advancing trade or and security, we must engage with all commercial links, must understand sectors that would be touched by the these changes and the possible rami- threat i.e. business, government, acafications that will surely follow. demic, international organizations, etc. Many states around us are in a While one wishes things could be difstate of chaos and turmoil because ferent, with geopolitical uncertainty they face an enemy excelling in the showing no signs of abating any time use of unconventional asymmetric soon. This partnership becomes critimode of warfare, combining guerilla cal for achieving the strategic advantactics with terrorism. This menace tage needed to understand not only the has multiplied so alarmingly that it nature of such threats but the means has resulted in an overall erosion of to combat the same. trust in the multilateral system. Many WEF says that, “In today’s world of the conflicts raging are no longer conflicts are no longer peripheral but confined to one country alone, they transcend borders and economies”. We transcend all borders and all econo- live in a dangerous world where shared mies, and in turn sow fear and uncer- borders are not necessary for a containty on an international scale. flict to spread to other areas. A conWe need to understand this trans- flict in one part of the world can cause formation and evolution of the envi- conflicts elsewhere, even thousands of ronment better as well as how the fu- miles away, passively as well as acture security issues might shape up tively. To quote Wilson & Donnan as and affect us. Greater cooperation and far back as 1997, “International borcollaboration is required between ders are becoming so porous that they public and private sectors to look into no longer fulfill their historical role as the dynamics of how these security barriers to the movement of goods, challenges might unfold over the next ideas, and people, and as markers of
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the extent and power of the state.” Today we see how conflicts are transcending borders and economies and wreaking havoc at many places. From all this turmoil some states are able to gain considerable advantage solely because of their military prowess, their geographical size and economic might enables them to use considerable leverage by influencing and shaping politics and security in areas that are undergoing periods of chaos. Globalization is a greatly misunderstood term. Many critics have pointed out over time that the contemporary form of globalization, driven by economic power is very beneficial to the west and clearly promotes the hegemony of Western culture and corporations, this in turn exploits cheap labour in the poorer countries and undermines the foundations of democracy and social stability by subjecting national political institutions to forces of economic change beyond their control. Claude Ake, a leading African critical thinker, has argued in this regard that: “Economic forces are constituting the world into one economy and, to a lesser extent, one political society. Nations participate in global governance according to their economic power, which is coextensive with their rights. The global order is ruled by an informal cabinet of the world’s economically most powerful countries; its law is the logic of the market, and status in this new order is a function of economic performance” There is a link, howsoever small, between globalization and conflict. Living in a multilateral and networked world, it is increasingly apparent that our trust in this system has taken a beating, if not altogether eroded. The perception is that we have very little ability with which to counter and fight the speed with which the threats are multiplying and affecting the lives of peoples all over the world. Illicit Financial Flows (IFF) of all types are associated with either inef-
fective state functioning or illegitimate use of state authority. In his essay titled “Illicit Activities Impact on Peace and Security”, Carlos Lopes says that IFF are intentionally hidden from the plain view of financial institutions and their impact and consequences are underestimated on many counts, namely regarding peace and security. But there is a strong nexus between IFF and conflict. Organized crime which facilitates IFF is rooted in corruption, terrorism is dependent on organised crime. They present a threat to governance by undermining both political institutions and confidence in them and weaken safeguards when tensions arise. Equally, conflict undermines institutional resilience and governance systems designed to address inequalities, or corruption hindering the incentives for long term investments, over short term rent-seeking activities. In order to best prepare for the security landscape of the future, WEF intends to “develop a unique body of research and tools for understanding politics through the lens of specific industries and across industries and develop a “map” of impact of geopolitics on industry; first by developing a taxonomy of common challenges and the impacts posed by geopolitics for industries, and secondly, by collecting best or common practices of industry to manage geopolitical impacts.” Recent events have shown that the consequences of conflicts raging today have been quite negative. The changing security landscape has the potential of impacting very negatively on a global scale. (Based on discussions, formerly in WEF’s Global Agenda Council (GAC) for “Counter-terrorism” and recently in GAC’s “Transparency and AntiCorruption”.) — The writer, retired army officer, is a leading defence and security analyst.
survey by the Yomiuri Shimbun earlier this fall that found 88 percent of the public believes newspapers will continue to be necessary in the future for obtaining information and acquiring knowledge. That significant percentage shows just how important newspapers continue to be, and how important they will be in the future as well. The results of the survey, though, revealed the ongoing importance of newspapers to a large number of eligible voters, according to the respondents in the survey. At a rate of 79 percent, they said newspapers provide information that is necessary and useful for daily life. Asked what they expect from newspapers, the most popular answer is for information to be reported accurately. Only 64 percent said newspapers do in fact impartially convey the facts and a variety of opinions, showing that the reading public doubts and questions the veracity of much reporting. However, 77 percent of readers said reporting is generally trustworthy, a number that has remained steady from past surveys. Most importantly perhaps, 93 percent of respondents feel that elementary, junior high and high school students should read newspapers. That figure shows how valuable people consider newspapers to be in developing an understanding of the world. No figures were available for how often grandparents or parents read the newspaper with young people, nor how often schools incorporate newspaper reading activities in the curriculum. Clearly, though, they should. The power of the newspaper press remains an important factor, even in this age of multiple online sources. Throughout Japan, newspapers are still widely available at newsstands and train station kiosks, not to mention libraries. To a lesser extent, everyplace from coffee shops to waiting rooms and other semi-public areas still offers a newspaper for readers to peruse. It would be a strange future indeed if the availability of newspapers disappeared from those areas. Newspapers and the media continue to provide information, which the survey found was expected by 74 percent of respondents. Presenting facts in a clear, understandable way was wanted by 71 percent, and providing community-based information was wanted by 43 percent. Even though the concept of newspapers has surely changed in the digital age, with more people reading on tablets, cellphones or computers, the survey showed that in Japan, newspapers continue to provide a concise presentation of facts about the world that people want, and surely need to know. — The Japan Times
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E-agri information centres
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E applaud the Bangladeshi government decision to expand eKrishi (e-agriculture) services in rural areas to disseminate agricultural information among farmers. Under the InfoSarker project the government has chosen 254 farmers’ associations to turn them into ICT-driven Agriculture Information and Communication Centres (AICCs). Members of these centres will work as ‘smart farmers’ who will provide agricultural information to their fellows. This initiative will definitely boost our agricultural output by helping farmers employ IT applications and services suited for firm and wider agricultural use. The agriculture sector is increasingly becoming knowledge-intensive where farmers require more information to make complex decisions on their land use, selection of the crops, flexibility in the choice of markets for their produce and other necessary decisions that impact their lives. With these new 254 centres the number of AICC has risen to 499. Still we need to set up more such centres to cover the whole agricultural landscape, particularly the remote areas. We should also focus on ICT innovations like developing agri-apps, SMS, weather alert, cloud computing, tracking services and so on. The government and private ICT solution providers need to invest more in making these ICT tools affordable to poor farmers. — The Daily Star
First impressions are the most lasting. — Proverb
Do we mind our language?
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OW should one communicate about morally sensitive and delicate subjects? Anyone can be crude, explicit, and vulgar. But Islam civilises this aspect of our life also and teaches us to be refined, subtle, and indirect. As a result, the language of Islamic societies has been language of haya. They do not talk about some subjects, (not publicly at least), not because of ignorance, but because they know. When there is need to talk about sensitive subjects, they are mentioned in a language that is as fully clothed as decent men and women should be. Haya is an all-encompassing Islamic concept that includes modesty, decency, and inhibition against sin. It is an inner feeling. A state of mind that reflects itself in myriad ways. Among other things, it shows itself in the language one uses. “Every religion has a distinct moral call and the moral call of Islam is haya.” [Hadith Bayhaqi] Today being explicit and crude is considered a virtue by the “open society.” To its convoluted logic inhibitions are a sickness and having taboos is taboo. The atmosphere is clearly hostile to haya. Unfortunately, as emerg-
ing communities within this landscape Muslims have had little time for scrutiny; they have borrowed the vocabulary and idiom without questioning. Many of us avoid benedictions when writing in English, even though that has been a cherished and extremely valuable Islamic tradition. That is why we avoid titles of respect in places where we would be routinely using them if we were conversing in Arabic, or Urdu, or Farsi, etc, etc. And that is why it does not occur to us to deviate from the prevalent modes of expression even on intimate subjects. One can see the results of this attitude in the most unlikely places: Jumma Khutbas, religious talks and writings, and religious discussion groups. Normally we do not recognise these changes because we have become accustomed to them. So one example might help. In 1947, when British India was partitioned into Pakistan and India, rogues and fanatics targeted women in addition to men and children. The tragedy was remembered, but it was always referred to as the ‘violation of women’ or ‘sacrifice of honour’. In contrast, during the
Bosnia tragedy, everyone was using the R-word. Matter of fact. Mechanical. Indifferent to haya. Emerging communication technologies, because of the lopsided in-
The Spirit Of Islam
Khalid Baig ternational power structure, have effectively put Muslims at the receiving end of the global media. This global media is alien to the ideas and ideals of haya. It is spreading its haya-hostile language with impunity. To make matters worse, most Muslim media
outlets today act simply as clipping services for global media. All they can do is translate and in doing that they are unwittingly creating a new haya-neutral or anti-haya vocabulary even in the languages which hitherto were influenced by Islamic moral teachings. Thanks to careless Muslim journalists, the R word has become a common word in Pakistan also. There is a deliberate effort by big powers to destroy the moral fiber of all societies, especially the Muslim societies, for strategic reasons. The machinery of this social engineering project is gigantic and one of its main goals is to corrupt the discourse by using all means possible. The notorious “sex education” and “family welfare education” schemes are just one example of this effort. Overall, the result has been alarming. It is robbing our children and youth of their innocence. It is robbing our societies of their sense of haya and Islamic morality. When a people forget their distinct moral call, they are a people lost. We should watch our language before we talk our way into that disaster. — Courtesy: Albalagh.com
Revival of US gunboat diplomacy pledge was for ushering a new era of cooperation, bonhomie and It was meant to enSultan M Hali camaraderie. sure that instead of wasting preEmail: sm_hali@yahoo.com cious and scarce resources in challenging each other, like it was during the cold war era, the world HE term gunboat diplomacy is would see peace and tranquillity. Unfortunately, hardly a month has a reminisce of the 19th century imperialist era when great na- gone by than the historic declaration val powers would intimidate less pow- that the US has resorted to the use of erful states into submitting to their will show of force by sending its guidedand granting concessions through a missile destroyer within 12 miles of demonstration of their superior mili- an artificial islands under construction tary capabilities, usually depicted by by China in the South China Sea. The their naval assets. In US history, gun- USS Lassen sailed within the preboat diplomacy refers to the pursuit sumed territorial limits around the new of foreign policy objectives with the Nansha islands at Subi and Mischief aid of conspicuous displays of naval reefs. Those reefs are among seven power—implying or constituting a oceanic features in the disputed South direct threat of warfare, should terms China Sea where China is dredging not be agreeable to the superior force. sand and building major land-based One would have assumed that in facilities — including long runways the twenty first century, the days of and deep-water ports. The USS gunboat diplomacy would be over. In Lassen illegally entered waters near the current era of civilisation, infor- relevant islands and reefs of China’s mation technology and advancement, Nansha Islands without the permisdifferences if any would be resolved sion of the Chinese government on through negotiations, dialogue and October 27, 2015. Relevant authoriconsultation. Chinese President Xi ties of the Chinese side monitored, Jinping’s recent visit to the US reiter- followed and warned the US vessel. ated the resolve between him and US The unjustifiable actions by the US President Obama that the bigger na- naval vessel threatened China’s sovtions would join forces to make the ereignty and security interests; put the world a more peaceful and prosper- personnel and facilities on the islands ous place, where the more fortunate, and reefs at risk and endangered reopulent and developed nations would gional peace and stability. The Chisupport, help and enable the lesser de- nese side expressed strong dissatisveloped nations to come out of the faction and opposition. The Chinese side has stressed on entanglement of poverty, deprivation and backwardness. This solemn many occasions that China has indis-
T
putable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters. China’s sovereignty and relevant rights over the South China Sea have been formed over the long course of history and upheld by successive Chinese governments. Construction by the Chinese side on its own territory is in the realm of China’s sovereignty. It does not target nor affect any country, and will not have any impact on the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea to which all countries are entitled under international law. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it respects and safeguards the freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea to which all countries are entitled under international law, but stands firmly against the harm caused by any country to China’s sovereignty and security interests under the cloak of navigation and over-flight freedom. The Chinese side is steadfast in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and security as well as lawful and justified maritime rights and interests. China’s Foreign Ministry was quick to condemn the US action, saying the ship’s actions were illegal and that the move threatened regional peace as well as US-China relations. “The actions of the US warship have threatened China’s sovereignty and security interests, jeopardised the safety of personnel and facilities on the reefs, and damaged regional peace and stability,” the ministry said on its website. “The Chinese side expresses
its strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition,” the statement added. The incident is tantamount to provoking the otherwise peace loving China into possible retaliation, which could lead to confrontation. Interestingly, the unwarranted coercive US move has been condemned even by those nations, who are in the vicinity of the disputed islands. A Cambodian government official and scholars on Tuesday criticised the United States for sending a warship near Chinese islands in the South China Sea, saying the move would stir regional tensions. Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers of Cambodia, said the US is flexing its muscles and creating more tension in the area. “The US is not an involved party in this issue, so it should distance itself from this matter,” he told international media. Joseph Matthews, director of the International Cooperation Department at the Phnom Penh-based Asia Euro University, dubbed the US provocative action “a dangerous move” that could intensify an already volatile situation in the region. The scholar said ASEAN should take a unanimous stance against this US action and condemn it because the US is interfering in regional affairs. It is hoped that good sense will prevail and the US would let the regional countries settle the matter internally without outside intervention. —The writer is retired PAF Group Captain and a TV talk show host.
View From Abroad
Stop anti-Arab scare mongering Souheila Al-Jadda
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Y mother immigrated to the US from Syria more than 40 years ago. When she first arrived, she knew no English. Any English she acquired in those first few years, she did from watching soaps: General Hospital and Days of Our Lives. She continued to speak only Arabic at home. That, of course, gave me the benefit of growing up bilingual, a benefit that would manifest itself decades later when using Arabic in my professional journalism work. But not everyone can appreciate the nuances of the Arabic language. Newly released Census data reveal that more than 63 million Americans speak a foreign language other than English at home. The anti-immigration group Centre for Immigration Studies (CIS) politicised the information in a report, emphasising that the largest percent increase is among Arabic speakers. CIS report author Steve
Camarota told Breitbart News, “English as our common language is part of the glue that holds our country together. These numbers suggest that the levels of immigration are so high that it may strain that. … With no pause in immigration levels in sight, the nation is headed into uncharted territory.” Some news media outlets have echoed the alarmist fear-mongering. Headlines scream, “We’re erasing Western civilisation” or “New American Century: Arabic is the fastest growing language in USA.” One “scareticle” claims, “The great US melting pot is quickly becoming the ‘Arabic pot’.” They all give the impression that the homeland is rapidly being taken away from Americans, one Arab immigrant at a time. Such rhetoric only serves to advance an un-American, bigoted agenda, which fails to acknowledge that our country has always been a pluralistic society of newcomers. Even so, a closer look at the Census numbers uncovers a different story. There are only 1.1 million Arabic speakers in the USA. That’s less than
0.5% of the population — hardly a menacing “New American Century”, considering we’re a nation of 320 million people. From 2010 to 2014, there was a 29% increase in Arabic speakers, the largest rise compared with speakers of all other languages. Previously, there were almost 850,000 Arabic speakers; now there are a little more than a million. Not exactly an Arabian invasion. Perhaps fears stem from the changing demographics of the USA. A 2008 Pew survey indicated that the number of non-Hispanic whites, who made up 67% of the population in 2005, would decrease to 47% by 2050. Such change worries many people, particularly those who believe that white people are more entitled to US citizenship than any other race or ethnicity. (Racially, Arabs are mostly Semitic, Caucasian or African.) America doesn’t have an official language, yet some politicians want to force English down the throats of citizens. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says anyone living in the USA should speak only En-
glish. Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio agree that any immigration reform must include a requirement for newcomers to learn English. Former Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin wants us all to “speak American.” Actually, most immigrants do speak “American,” uh, English. A report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine indicates that 66% of immigrants who speak a foreign language at home speak English “well” or “very well.” Clearly, the fear of non-English speaking immigrants tearing our nation apart by not assimilating is false. For centuries, many immigrants, like my mother, have been productive, model citizens of this great country while speaking in their own languages. America has always been a melting pot of people of diverse ethnicities, religions, races and spoken languages. I hope it stays that way. The writer is editorial director of The Islamic Monthly magazine. — Courtesy: USA Today
Don’t stop trusting...!
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VERY day on opening my email I find kindly souls from Africa and now even India offering me vast sums of money if I hide the wealth some dictator has siphoned out of their country or that I’ve won a lottery. I’ve learned from the Internet that I also have extremely wealthy acquaintances in Bangladesh and Pakistan who have enormous amounts of money they need to transfer into
someone’s name; mine! They contact you and me literally every day! And if I will only help, they will gladly share a portion of their bounty with you and me and we’ll become instant multi-millionaires. Others promise me wealth beyond my wildest dreams if only I invest in an up-and-coming business venture. Daily, the net reminds me that greed can lead to disaster; that not everybody has my best interest in mind and I must be sensibly cautious. Their letters are well written and some even have spiritual greetings; all to win you over. Behind those innocent letters are conmen, thieves and robbers! “So what do I do Bob?” asked a friend the
other day, “Do I stop trusting people? Do we stop believing in others because of such untruths on the net?” I would rather trust than shut others out. I would rather be taken advantage off by a few than isolate myself from everybody. Perhaps not everybody should be trusted, but I would hate to experience life without that trust. Ralph Waldo Emerson put it well: “Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great.” When we grew up, my dad and mom put money for the day into a glass bowl, and my brother and I took out what we needed. They built trust. People will more often live up to our
high expectations than not if they feel they are being trusted and you’ll find friends and colleagues showing themselves to be dependable when they feel your trust. The net may be invaded by conmen but the world we live in is a good world, inhabited by mostly good people who can still be counted on. If you feel cynical, don’t give up on trust, I feel its awful leading a suspicious life, wary of just about everyone and anyone; believe you me, trust people and they will somehow come through. There’s only one way to build trust; by trusting..! —Email: bobsbanter@gmail.com
Voice of the People Edhi’s loud & clear message F Z KHAN
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ats off for Abdul Sattar Edhi, who declined the offer of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to donate 10 million rupees for taking care of Geeta, a girl who is now back to her home country after 12 years. “What the Edhi family has done is too priceless to be measured but I am happy to announce a contribution of Rs10 million for their Foundation,” Modi tweeted. I have been critical of Edhi Sahib as I couldn’t understand that his men collect the bodies of terror victims but never step forward to save them from falling at the hands of perpetrators. (Might be that it is beyond their capacity, a departure from their mission to protect the honour and sanctity of the dead bodies of human beings, or maintain their non-partisan and purely humanistic posture to pursue their mission uninterruptedly). They could have identified the criminals before they could perform the heinous acts. (But because they reach the scene after the deadly deed has already been done). Anyway, such thoughts created suspicions about the nature of their philanthropy. Sorry, everything is possible in a country where everything is shrouded in mystery. But the news that Edhi Sahib has declined Modi’s offer, impressed me a lot. This is an act which one can expect from a truly tall Pakistani. Edhi has said nothing except thanking Modi for his gesture. But his act has given a clear message across the border that what Modi, his government, BJP and Shiv Sena are doing against humanity, the Muslim minority and visitors from Pakistan is not at all acceptable. Edhi Sahib is not a political figure, nor did he give any political statement. The Indian Prime Minister must take it as a protest and revisit his policies. Modi must understand that he is turning India into an extremist state. Instead the Pakistani state is busy in fighting extremists and terrorists. It is advisable that Pakistan and India as well as other regional countries must join hands together and fight out terrorism once and for all. India, as a bigger country, will have to stop sponsoring terror and resolve outstanding disputes for a better future of this continent. —Islamabad
Travel troubles AYESHA GHAFOOR Pakistan is blessed with some of the world’s most beautiful places to visit. With its unmatchable beauty it is considered to be a paradise on Earth. But lately I have been observing that our beauty is not getting encouragement or much appreciation. Our tourism industry is declining with each passing day. I think it’s time to boost the tourism industry of Pakistan. One of the initiatives that I can talk about, is the online hotel booking website, Jovago.com which is playing a key role in promoting tourism. They are offering suitable rates for everyone at different hotels across the country. When I was planning a trip, I expected it to be very hectic and disorganized. However, thanks to Jovago I actually had no trouble whatsoever and ended up having a wonderful experience. This might be a small step but initiatives like this should be taken by Government bodies and the media and tourism sectors if our responsible bodies are intending to mark Pakistan’s beauty and tourism sector in the World. —Via email
Our hero, ‘Abdul Sattar Edhi’ ARIBA KHAN A renowned and most distinguished social worker and pride of Pakistan and the entire contemporary humanity, “Abdul Sattar Edhi” declined to accept the donation of “Modi” which was announced as contribution to the charity after hearing the expressions of the impaired girl “Geeta” to India. The girl was in the care of “The Edhi Foundation” in Karachi, the largest welfare organization in Pakistan, for more than a decade. By declining the donation of Modi, Abdul Sattar Edhi once again has won the hearts of the nation and again he has shown his humanity and his love for mankind. Such people are born as ‘one in a million’. Abdul Sattar Edhi has giving a clear message to the whole nation in a very decent and sober way. His whole life is in front of us. May Allah give him long life and enable us to follow his footsteps. Ameen —Karachi
Indian extremism JAVAID BASHIR We should thank Allah for blessing us with an independent Islamic State where we are free to ordain our lives in accordance with the commands of Allah the Almighty and conform our attitudes in line with the message of Islam. Even Quaid-i-Azam was known as Ambassador of unity for both the Muslims and Hindus, but when he realised that the Hindu majority would be the most intolerant breed, he decided to part his ways and strived for a separate homeland for Muslims. We cannot deny the reality that if our neighbour creates trouble or becomes hostile to our security, respect and peace, then any person would confront such a person and defeat its nefarious designs. Unfortunately the Indian leadership has never accepted the creation of Pakistan and always sought opportunity to destabilize our country. India occupied Kashmir and intervened in our internal affairs. After the Narender Modi’s ascendancy to power, things have taken the most ugly turn. Indian leadership has never hidden or masked its designs for destabilizing Pakistan. Modi confessed with great disdain that his country played the key role in the separation of East Pakistan. Due to conciliatory, appeasing and apologetic behaviour of Premier Sharif, Modi disrupted the talks process with Pakistan. Indian National Security Advisor Ajit
Wawodil’s video is enough to raise eyebrows here. He stated with great pride that Indian Secret Agency through its proxies is trying to disintegrate Pakistan by religious, linguistic and sectarian divisiveness. In this perspective every Pakistani naturally wants something be done in retaliation. We must act in our interest and save ourselves from adverse effects of Indian extremist policies. In this situation on the behest of Indian extremist elements, Modi government has committed atrocities against Christians, Sikhs and Muslims alike, due to which India has become land of protests. Somewhere Muslims are mourning, and in other places Christians and Sikhs have turned violent to defend and protect themselves. The low caste Hindus are oppressed in Hindu India. They feel unsafe from their own brothers. The State and government are instigating them by comparing them with dogs, instead of providing them security against extremists. No relief and respite is available to them. It translates into what Ajit wanted to do in Pakistan, is happening in India. In this situation the extremists and Modi have become a blessing in disguise for Pakistan. There are religious and linguistic extremist divisions and contradictions which were covered by democracy and Secularism’s umbrella. Now the Indian extremists have lifted the protection of democratic and secularist cover by their extremist and violent behaviour. I think moderation is the way to go and make progress because extremism leads to self destruction of the society and the nation. Extremist leadership become source of embarrassment and leads to failure of the State, whereas moderate leadership can take the nation to new heights of glory. Let us say big no to all sorts of extremism and militancy. —Via email
A prize for Sindh Police S M IQBAL It is a matter of great pleasure for the people of Pakistan in general and Sindh in particular that the Sindh Police Department’s Special Security Unit (SSU) has been awarded ISO certificate. It is the first ever Counter Terrorism and Security outfit of Police in the country certified as ISO by United Kingdom Accreditation Systems (UKAS) Britain, on its outstanding professional quality services in counter terrorism operations and providing foolproof security to vital installations and important personalities. Most of the ISO recognized organisations are operating in USA, Britain and Europe etc. In the present circumstance, it is encouraging that the recruitment in SSU is made purely on merit through National Testing Service and intensive psychological tests are also undertaken. The recognition by ISO shows that our youth / youngsters have high level talent of policing tactics and are playing pivotal role to effectively curb / eliminate the menace of terrorism from allover the country. Now, there is a need that the officers working in SSU must be encouraged and their skills / professionalism not only be utilized but also other police institutions / officers and jawans be imparted training on its pattern. —Via email
Provocative call from India MARYA MUFTY What is going wrong in India? It is stunning to know that someone from India called on telephone some staff member of the Sindh Governor on October 23 and threatened to blow up the Governor House, with explosives. How daring! Sometime back some
Indian called from Foreign Ministry office at New Delhi and threatened the President of Pakistan to get ready for facing dire consequences. Later the Foreign Ministry clarified that the call was made erroneously. As I have an experience of Indians, they are used to over drink and obviously talk nonsense. On border posts, the drunkard Indian troops usually open joy firing on Pakistani troops, and in held Kashmir they resort to rapes or other crimes. The most horrible of consequences is resorting to suicides. The caller who lately threatened the then President’s staff was later reported to have been drunk. One can assume that the October 23 call threatening Governor Ishratul Ibad must also be from an over drunkard ‘official’. But the point to be noted is the phobic hatred against Pakistan is in their un-conscience. The Intelligence and law enforcement agencies will certainly trace out the caller and the motive of the call, but if it is the same case of over drinking, then India government can well imagine such a hoax call can also cause an irreparable and irreversible damage to South Asian region. Appointing such people at sensitive posts must be checked before it is too late. —Lahore
Hand over Chhota Rajan HAMZA ALI Who knows how is Chhota Rajan, the man arrested the other day on Bali Island? Why was he wanted in India for more than two dozen murder cases? Why did he use to cyanide his victims, mostly women? What was special related to him that India kept tracking his movements closely, and informed the police in Indonesia and Australia? One wonders, Rajendra Nikalje, his real name, has been “on Interpol’s wanted list since 1995 for running a crime syndicate that engaged in extortion, arms smuggling and contract killing.” One recalls Chhota Rajan’s recorded and widely reported involvement in supplying arms and funding the BLA and safely trafficking its activists to Iran and Afghanistan. One may refer to the investigative report by Makhdoom Babar available on the web. Rajan has also been staying in UAE, Afghanistan and other countries reportedly working for executing RAW-directed operations inside Pakistan. It is unclear whether the man was tracked to really prosecute him or bring him under protective custody to hide his acts of sabotage, subversion and terrorism from the world at large. One believes that the dossiers handed over to the US, UN and Indian government very much include a huge of list of RAW agents and handlers including that of Chhota Rajan. Reportedly Daoud Ibrahim also happened to be the Chhota Rajan-like gangster whom the Indian government wanted to track down so that they could eliminate the evidence of RAW’s own sinister designs. Pakistan must hand over a dossier to the Indonesian government and under the pretext demand Chhota Rajan’s handing over to Islamabad. If not possible, then Pakistan government should formally ask the Indian government for Chhota Rajan’s handing over to Islamabad, so that cases of his involvement in acts of terrorism and other crimes could be initiated. —Islamabad
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
Illegal expats could be new Daesh recruits
King tells media: Report responsibly R IYADH —Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has urged the country’s media houses to report responsibly and ensure that they carry patriotic messages aimed at the youth. King Salman made the comments at a meeting with senior intellectuals, newspaper editors, writers and journalists at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh. Those present included Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, deputy premier and interior minister, and Minister of Culture and Information Adel Al-Toraifi. King Salman said journalists must criticize constructively, which should be in the interests of the country, especially now that the Kingdom is the focus of many people. He said everyone has this responsibility, including other leaders in government. He said Allah would have mercy on those “who point out my faults” and that the leadership was available on the telephone and through various councils for citizens to raise concerns or speak about challenges in their lives. He said that Saudi Arabia was the “Qiblah of Muslims” and that the media should reflect that its governance follows the directives contained in the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet, peace be upon him. He said Muslims bow toward Makkah five times a day because it is the place where parts of the Qur’an was revealed and the message of the Prophet, peace be upon him, was spread. It was important for the country’s intellectuals to understand the important role being played by the country in the lives of Muslims, he said.—AN
WILLIAM M. DALEY
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Daesh militants pass by a convoy in Tel Abyad, northeast Syria.
JEDDAH—Runaway and illegal workers tration at Naif Arab University for Secu- security checks. This is probably why we flage so that they can attract simpleare in danger of being exploited by terrorist groups, according to experts. These workers, especially women, are the most vulnerable to exploitation by terrorist groups such as Daesh, according to the government’s security agencies, a local publication reported. The Ministry of Labor’s annual report recently stated that 86,549 domestic workers have absconded from their employers, with women making up 60 percent of this number. Brig. Saad AlShahrani, dean of admissions and regis-
rity Sciences, said many of these workers are illiterate or have basic education, which make them ideal targets for terrorists because they can be manipulated into taking up arms and carrying out attacks. He said many workers run away from their sponsors because they are lured by better money and jobs. They are often assisted by compatriots. “Foreign women workers on the run are more easily exploited by these terrorist groups. “Women also move easily between cities because they are subjected to fewer
need to employ women at check points to deal with this weakness in our system,” he said. Sultan Al-Anqari, former director general for crime research at the Ministry of Interior, said it was important to clarify the nature and objectives of these terrorist organizations. “Daesh and other terrorist groups are in fact all mercenary militias consisting of foreigners working for money, with the support of foreign states aiming to destabilize the Arab world.” Al-Anqari added: “They are only using religion as camou-
minded people and use them as tools to achieve their plans in the Middle East. They have tried and failed to implement other plans in the region.” He said illegal workers are easy to recruit, especially women, who often need a safe place to stay and work. These women are then used to sell drugs, sell themselves and forced to beg, all activities that can be used to fund terrorist organizations. He said Daesh members are unlikely to recruit Saudi women because they fear they may be reported to the authorities.—AN
China-Japan-South Korea summit to open new chapter in regional cooperation BEIJING—Chinese Premier Li Keqiang travels to Seoul this weekend for an official visit to South Korea and the first leaders’ meeting of the top three economies in East Asia after a three-year hiatus. Given the economic heft of China, Japan and South Korea, observers say, the upcoming summit is set to inject a badly needed dose of political impetus into their cooperation and fresh vigor into regional development. As a crucial and integral part of East Asian cooperation, the trilateral mechanism was initiated in 1999 as a derivative of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus China, Japan and South Korea platform, with annual leaders’ meetings launched in 2008 outside the 10+3 framework. It had grown into a full-fledged institution featuring all-dimensional, multi-tiered and wide-ranging cooperation before its temperature took a nosedive in 2012 due to a string of Japanese moves on historical and territorial issues that angered both China and South Korea. Now the resumption of the summitry, the core of the tripartite arrangement, indicates that cooperation among the three countries is finding its way out of the straits, returning to the right track and marching into a new phase, said Yang Houlan, secretary-general of the Seoul-based China-Japan-South Korea Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat. In the lead-up to the renewal, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held an ice-breaking summit in November on the sidelines of the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Beijing. Meanwhile, relations between South Korea and Japan have also been on the mend. At the 10+3 summit last year, South Korean President Park Geun-hye voiced her hope that the three countries would hold a foreign ministers’ meeting in the near future and then a trilateral
summit. During her early September visit to China, Park also sought China’s support in resuming the leaders’ meetings. Although the resumption does not mean that the three countries have solved their problems, it shows that they are intent on improving relations and handling differences, said Ruan Zongze, vice president of China Institute of International Studies. In addition, the high-level meeting is poised to create a sound atmosphere that will restrain relevant parties from misbehaving and invigorate trilateral cooperation at different levels, and thus play a positive role in improving China-Japan-South Korea ties and promoting regional stability and development, he added. China, Japan and South Korea are close neighbors and leading players in Asia. Their population accounts for 70 percent of the East Asian total, and their GDP makes up 70 percent of the whole Asian economic output. “So China-Japan-South Korea cooperation is important not only to the three countries themselves but also to the whole Asia and Asia-Pacific,” said Jiang Ruiping, deputy director of China Foreign Affairs University. The upcoming summit is set to discuss international production capacity cooperation, technological innovation, alignment of development initiatives, free trade talks and regional economic integration, among other topics. The three sides will have an in-depth exchange of views, reach extensive consensus and push forward their cooperation towards higher levels, broader areas, larger scales and a more diversified and optimized structure, said Chinese Assistant Minister of Commerce Tong Daochi at a recent press briefing. Following the summit, they are expected to release joint statements on cooperation in such areas as agriculture, trade and environment and make remarks on historical issues.
Noting that East Asia is now the most economically dynamic region in the world, but China-Japan-South Korea cooperation, a major engine of regional development, has been hindered by political and diplomatic issues, Woody Han, director of South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo China Institute, said he hopes the summit will restore the development vigor of East Asia. In the eyes of Prof. Kumiko Haba of Japan’s Aoyama Gakuin University, the meeting should serve as an opportunity to expand trilateral exchanges of scholars and the general public, which will form the biggest guarantee for peace and prosperity. Atsushi Kouketsu, a deputy head of Japan’s Yamaguchi University, urged the three countries to seize the momentum and regularize their leaders’ meetings once again while committing themselves to foster friendly relations and prepare for the building of a EUlike Asian community of common destiny in the future. Observers agree that Japan was to blame for the breakdown of the trilateral summitry, whose last session — the fifth — took place in Beijing in 2012. In essence, it was the various problems caused by Tokyo’s wrong approach to history that eventually led to the suspension, said Han, who also pointed to Japan’s separate territorial disputes with China and South Korea. Haba, who is a Ph.D. of international relations, attributed the hiatus to a serious aggravation of Japan’s relations with China and South Korea prompted mainly by Tokyo’s so-called “nationalization” of Diaoyu Islands and the rightward slide of the Abe administration. She pointed out that in the wake of its highly controversial lifting of the ban on exercising collective selfdefense, the Abe government has seen its popularity on the skids and thus, in order to arrest the decline, has to mend fences with Japan’s neighbors.—Xinhua
Amnesty blasts Australia’s ‘lawless’ boatpeople policy SYDNEY—Amnesty International on Thursday slammed Australia’s secretive operation to deter boatpeople as a “lawless venture” in a damning report authorities called a “slur” on defence and border force personnel The rights group claimed to have evidence Australian officials were involved in “transnational crime” and had abused asylum-seekers in its report “By Hook or By Crook”. “New evidence gathered by Amnesty International suggests that Australia’s secretive maritime border control operations now resemble a lawless venture,” it said. Under the conservative government’s Operation Sovereign Borders policy, asylum-seekers attempting to enter Australia by boat are turned back or sent to detention camps on Nauru or Papua New Guinea. They are blocked from resettling on the mainland, even if found to be genuine refugees — a policy that has drawn international criticism, but which Canberra argues saves lives by deterring boat people.—APP
JOSH COHEN s Russia’s bombing campaign in Syria drags on, a number of commentators have suggested that President Vladimir Putin’s bold move could drag Russia into an Afghan-style quagmire. This negative outcome is far from guaranteed, however, and Putin holds more cards than his critics realize. Russia may well achieve its core military objectives in Syria — while the United States cannot. Here’s how Putin might achieve his ideal outcome in Syria. To start, a key strength of Russia’s Syrian military strategy is its simplicity. Today the Russian bombing campaign seeks only to stabilize the Syrian regime’s lines around the key corridor running north from Damascus through Homs and Hama. This approach provides breathing space for Assad, and allows his regime to implement its longmooted Plan B — a rump state centered on the Alawite heartland along the Mediterranean coast. While it’s unclear whether the Assad regime can re-conquer large portions of Syria, the rebels are now on the defensive and the regime has stopped losing crucial pieces of territory. The United States’ strategy, by contrast, remains much more convoluted. President Barack Obama both demands that “Assad must go,” while also vowing to “degrade and destroy” Islamic State. To date, though, the United States has been unwilling to commit the necessary military forces to achieve either of these goals. Not surprisingly, Assad continues to cling to power while Islamic State controls large chunks of both Syria and Iraq.
Putin’s desire to reassert Russia’s influence in the Middle East appears to be bearing fruit already. By summoning Assad to Moscow on Oct. 20, Putin made clear that Russia now runs the show in Syria. Indeed, the reported use of a Russian military plane to secretly transport Assad to Moscow demonstrates Assad’s total dependence on Russia, not just militarily, but for his personal safety as well. By all indications Assad is painfully aware of this dynamic — and Putin surely is, too. Assad’s reliance on Russia thus offers Putin a number of diplomatic options vis-àvis the West. The early 19th century military theorist Carl von Clausewitz famously said that “war is the continuation of politics by other means,” and Putin clearly seeks to translate Russia’s military campaign into political success. According to a statement from the Russian president published on the Kremlin’s website, “positive results in military operations will lay the base for then working out a longterm settlement based on a political process that involves all political forces, ethnic and religious groups… We would do this, of course, in close contact with the other global powers and with the countries in the region that want to see a peaceful settlement to this conflict.” Translation: a solution to the Syrian crisis flows through me. Consider the following scenario. After an additional one or two months of Russian bombing, Assad’s grip on the regime’s remaining territory looks secure. Putin could then propose a political compromise between Assad and his enemies, which
would entail a power-sharing agreement between Assad and as many of the non-Islamic State rebels that can be cajoled into working with his regime — and who would agree to target Islamic State. The West might well consider such an outcome acceptable. Europe’s overwhelming concern is stopping the flow of refugees from Syria, while the United States’ core objective remains weakening Islamic State. While neither Europe nor the United States could afford to say so — at least explicitly — it’s still possible that the West would accept a deal that leaves Assad in power, either in a ceremonial role or as part of a long-term transition. While the United States would need to walk back its absolutist “Assad must go” policy, Europe would surely leap at any straw that offers at least some possibility of easing its refugee burden. To sweeten the deal further, Putin might even agree to implement “no-fly” safe zones in northern Syria where humanitarian organizations can tend to the millions of Syrians displaced by the war — an option which to date Russia has rejected. Naturally, Putin would demand the West pay a price for this cooperation. First of all, he would surely require that Russia be afforded a seat at the table for any discussions involving a broader geopolitical and security architecture for the Middle East. Indeed, even without Western support, Russia has made progress towards this goal. Putin reportedly spoke with important Sunni leaders in the Gulf states and Jordan to brief them on his conversations with Assad. Even more important than expanding
HEN the Washington Post’s front page declares: ‘Re publicans are on the verge of ceasing to function as a national party’, it’s time to ask: How did this come to
pass? You can choose from a litany of insurrections, government shutdowns and other self-inflicted wounds. But this year’s carnival-like GOP presidential primary makes one event, in retrospect, stand out as a crucial turning point on the road to upheaval: The 2008 embrace of the then-Alaska governor, Sarah Palin, to be a heartbeat for the presidency. Palin’s blatant lack of competence and preparedness needs no belabouring. What’s critical is that substantive, serious Republican leaders either wouldn’t or couldn’t declare, before or after the election: “This is not what our party stands for. We can and must do better.” By the campaign’s end, GOP operatives were shielding Palin from even the simplest questions. (She had flunked “what newspapers do you read?”). Barack Obama cruised to victory. Palin became a Fox News fixture, reinforcing the newly formed Tea Party’s “never compromise” demands. Bombast, not reason, reigned. Now the “settle for flash” aura of Palin’s candidacy looks like a warning that the party was prizing glib, redmeat rhetoric over reasoned solutions. Sadly, Palin owes her fame to 2008 presidential nominee John McCain, who is generally one of the party’s more thoughtful and substantive veterans. He has championed reforms to immigration and campaign finance. He denounced “wacko birds” who stymie Congress to pursue hard-right agendas with no chance of passage. Whether McCain actively sought Palin in 2008 or passively yielded to aides’ pressure, he set a new standard for GOP candidates who rely on lots of sizzle and little substance. Once McCain put Palin on the ticket, Republican “grownups”, who presumably knew better, had to bite their tongues. But after the election, when they were free to speak their minds, they either remained quiet or abetted the dumbing-down of the party. They stood by as Donald Trump and others noisily pushed claims that Obama was born in Kenya. And they gladly rode the tea party tiger to sweeping victories in 2010 and 2014. Now that tiger is devouring the GOP establishment. Party elders had hoped new presidential debate rules would give them greater control. But they are watching helplessly as Trump leads the pack and House Republicans engage in fratricide. It’s hard to feel much sympathy. The Republican establishment’s 2008 embrace of Palin set an irresponsibly low bar. Coincidence or not, a batch of nonsense-spewing, hard-right candidates quickly followed, often to disastrous effect. Party leaders aren’t responsible for every candidate’s gaffe. And Republican primary voters, not party honchos, choose nominees. But it’s easy to draw ideological lines from Palin to some of the farfrom-mainstream presidential contenders of 2012 and today. True, the party eventually settled on Mitt Romney. But for months, Americans wondered, “Is this party serious?” Now the Republicans’ leading presidential contenders are Trump — who vows to make Mexico pay for a “great, great wall” on the US side of the border — and Ben Carson, who questions evolution and asks why victims of the latest mass shooting didn’t “attack the gunman”. This isn’t to heap new scorn on Palin. But let’s not diminish the recklessness of those who championed her vice-presidential candidacy. It was well known that McCain, 72 at the time of his nomination, had undergone surgery for skin cancer. It wasn’t preposterous to think Palin could become president. Now Republicans ask Americans to give them full control of the government, adding the presidency to their House and Senate majorities. This comes as Trump and Carson consistently top the GOP polls. Republican leaders brought this on themselves. Trump calls Palin “a special person” he’d like in his Cabinet. That seems only fair, because he’s thriving in the same cynical value system that puts opportunistic soundbites above seriousness, preparedness and intellectual heft. —Courtesy: Washington Post
Save Earth: We have nowhere else to go ABDULATEEF AL-MULHIM
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Moscow’s influence in the Middle East, Putin might seek to use his Syrian campaign to force an end to Western economic sanctions over Ukraine. Although the United States is unlikely to accept a Syria-for-Ukraine trade-off, the Europeans very well might. Many European countries and businesses already want an end to sanctions anyway, and if Putin offers Europe even a glimmer of hope of solving its refugee problem, the pressure on the European Union from its member states to end sanctions may prove irresistible. In Putin’s best-case scenario, Europe might even pressure the United States to wind down its own sanctions regime as well. To be clear, this represents a hypothetical scenario and any number of things could still go wrong for Russia. Russian military personnel could be captured and held as hostages; the Russians could face retaliatory terrorist strikes from jihadists within Russia itself; Assad may continue to lose ground despite Russia’s airstrikes; and Russian domestic public opinion could swing decisively against Putin if the Syrian campaign drags on or the Russian economy continues to sink. Moreover, the same moderate rebels currently on the receiving end of Russian airstrikes may well reject any Russian role in forging a political solution, thereby undercutting Putin’s ability to present Moscow’s involvement as indispensable to solving the Syrian crisis. Despite these substantial downsides, if events break the right way for him, Putin could still surprise us all with a geopolitical victory.
ORMER US Navy captain Scott Kelly may be an astro naut as per NASA’s official records but for many all across the world he has already qualified for the title of a thorough gentleman. The world recognizes him as a genuine global citizen. And not only that, he is probably the most valuable asset to the world of science. This article should have been written by the end of September to mark the completion of six months of the One-Year in Space mission to the International Space Station. The writing of this article got delayed because the continuous flow of new information from the space station. Finally, I thought that this flow might not stop so I should better finish writing the article before it’s too late. Since the launch of Mission 43 Russian Soyuz rocket from Baikanour, Kazakhstan last March, I have been receiving weekly updates from Shannon Hartman updating me about the activities aboard the International Space Station. For the information of the readers, mission 43 took some astronauts to the space station and among them are the One-Year In Space crew, American astronaut Scott Kelly and Russian Cosmonaut Mikhail Komeinko. During the launch, I was at the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson’s Space Center in Houston. Just as I started to write the article, I planned to contact Scott Kelly to ask a question about an experiment being carried out on the space station. But I learned that he and flight engineer Kjell Lindgren are busy preparing for two spacewalks on Oct. 28 and Nov. 6. So I started looking at old posts and photos taken by Kelly, which were mainly taken from the Cupola, which is an observatory module of the space station. Its seven windows are used to conduct experiment, dockings and observations of Earth. When astronauts are in space, they look at the planet as one single entity with no borders dividing countries. People living on this planet become members of one big family living together and the differences based on color, creed and nationality become invisible. The stunning beauty of our planet in pictures we receive from the International Space Station leave us speechless. We see how beautiful our planet is and how important it is for us humans to appreciate it. Earth is but a tiny speck in this limitless universe. It is the only place where human beings can survive. There is no other planet (so far) that could support human life. So, it is not worth fighting over petty issues on this planet. We need to keep in mind that we have no other place to go. There are enough natural resources for all of us to share and live in peace and harmony. Instead of fighting over natural resources like flowing rivers, vast deserts, high mountains and beautiful cities etc, we should try to enjoy all the natural beauty together and use all these resources for our common good. We on Planet Earth are not doing enough to preserve the riches of our planet. We continue to pollute waters and destroy forests at a time when we see many places are simply going dry and barren. It is true that the One-Year Mission and the experiments being carried out at the space station is a giant step in our search for other planets but we should not destroy the one we are living in. Kelly’s return to earth in a few months will open many doors for the world’s scientists after the unprecedented Twin Experiment (Scott and Mark Kelly) to see the effects of long-term space flight on the human body. At the end, it is very important to show our appreciation for all astronauts and scientists who have spent time and efforts to help advance things that make life easier on our planet. We have seen for the first time astronauts grow plants in zero gravity in a step that can further enhance more productive growth of crops on earth and there are many crucial efforts to help this planet to use water in the most efficient way.
—Courtesy: Reuters
—Courtesy: Arab News
What a Russian ‘win’ in Syria would look like
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Republican dysfunction started with Palin
PUASA urges govt to use agri land STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Punjab University Academic Staff Association on Thursday took out a rally against construction of Orange Train Project offices on University Town 1 land from Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology to Faisal Auditorium. PU ASA Vice President Prof Dr Abid Hussain Chaudhry, Secretary Dr Mahboob Hussain, Dr Liaqat Ali, Dr Kamran Abid and a large number of teachers were present on the occasion.
Gwadar, Chabahar to be ... From Page 1 The two leaders reiterated their pledge to work hand in hand and to further strengthen the existing mechanisms for promoting greater cooperation in order to overcome mutual challenges including the menace of terrorism, cross-border and transnational crimes through greater intelligence information sharing and forging close cooperative equation among the security agencies of the two countries. The Interior Minister said that the key to further cementing Pak-Iran relationship and exploiting full potential of their friendly equation lies not only in having mutual trust onto one another and sitting together at all levels to address problems but also in understanding that
our failure to addressing our mutual issues would not only strengthen our common enemies but would also harm the interests of our countries and our region besides having negative impacts on the unity of Muslim Ummah. The Minister said that a strong and strategic Pak-Iran partnership would not only benefit the two countries and would be instrumental in realizing their full potential but would also yield positive results for the peace, stability and socio-economic development of the region. Admiral Ali Shamkhani while appreciating the sentiments of the Interior Minister lauded his
US steps up diplomacy ... From Page 1 dependence, saying that the conflicts in Syria, Iraq and between Israel and the Palestinians can all threaten U.S. interests and inflame anti-U.S. sentiment at home and abroad. He also suggested that the United States currently faces the best opportunity in years to end the Syrian civil war, in which more than 200,000 people have died and millions have been displaced inside the country and forced to flee abroad as refugees. “The challenge that we face in Syria today is nothing less than to chart a course out of hell,” Kerry said in a speech at the Carnegie Endow-
Rehabilitation work on Jahangir’s Tomb starts LAHORE—The Punjab government has allocated Rs 30 million to restore beauty of the Jahangir’s Tomb building and work has been started. This was said by Project Director Naeem Iqbal while talking to APP here on Thursday. He said the rehabilitation project would be completed in two years while renovation would also be started in the second phase. “Rehabilitation work on rooms of “Akbari Sroy” and boundary wall has also been started while imported red stone will also used on top of the south tower of the tomb”, he added.—APP
ECC extends ... From Page 1 November 15, 2015. The Committee also considered the proposal of Federal Board of Revenue for introducing a 10% Regulatory duty on the import of cotton yarn and grey and processed fabrics of cotton. The Chairman FBR informed the Committee that the proposal was based on extensive consultations with the relevant stakeholders. The Committee approved the proposal. ECC also approved the issuance of revised GoP guarantees of up to Rs.37,650 million for 425MW Nandipur Power Project. The guarantee have been issued to a syndicate of local banks (HBL, NBP, UBL, Askari bank, Bank Alfalah and BoP), against their financing for the project. The revision of guarantees will enable the syndicate to extend the period of financing facility till 1st June 2016. ECC also granted approval for the issuance of sovereign guarantee against financing facility of PKR 18 billion for TharMatyari Transmission Line project.
Pakistan has two Ambassadors.... From Back Page has carved out a position of grace and admiration for herself among the Pakistani people.The Government of China has the unique and unparalleled privilege of having posted not one but two Ambassadors to Pakistan at one and the same time.
ment for International Peace think tank. Kerry said the United States was providing more military supplies to moderate rebels in northern Syria to help them hold territory they have seized and to pressure the Syrian city of Raqqa, a stronghold of the Islamic State militant group. The group, which is also known as Daesh and by the acronyms ISIL and ISIS, has seized swathes of territory in both Syria and Iraq over the last year and a half. A US military effort to train and arm thousands of rebels abroad has failed, leading to a bigger push to support rebel fighters inside the country.—Reuters
Landmine blast kills tribal elder, six others in Quetta STAFF REPORTER Q UETTA —At least seven people, including the tribal elder Mir Gul Khan Marri, were killed in a roadside blast when their vehicle hit a landmine in Marwar area of Quetta district on Thursday. Levis sources said that the convoy of Gul Khan Marri accidentally hit a landmine in the suburb area of the provincial capital. The vehicle was badly damaged due to the intensity of the blast, killing the tribal elder and his aides and guards. The bodies of the seven were taken to a hospital morgue. Security officials who arrived at the blast site confirmed that the explosion was of a landmine. Levis sources further said that “three people were injured in the blast who have been shifted to hospital”. Police, Levies and Balochistan Constabulary officials reached the blast site and cordoned off the area as a probe into the incident went underway. The security in the city has also been beefed up following the incident.
VIP movements adding....
Lawyers during Supreme Court Bar Association election.—INP
TEVTA to train 200,000 youth by the end of current year SALIM AHMED LAHORE—TEVTA will achieve its target to train 200,000 youth by the end of the ongoing year. Introduction of demand driven short courses with the collaboration of Industry and placement of its pass-outs within country and abroad especially in Middle Eastern countries are the main focus of TEVTA. Chairperson TEVTA Irfan Qaiser Sheikh said while addressing the 35 member delegation of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) here at TEVTA Secretariat. He said, TEVTA is doing its best to spread technical education and vocational training system across the province of the Punjab. Our pass outs will play vibrant role to boost the national
From Page 1 echoed through the halls, much to the misery of gency medicines to the patients which they othpatients and their attendants. erwise have to purchase from the Bazaar. Infact this was not the first time. Whenever, The Chief Minister Khyber Pukhtunkhwa casualties resulting from mishaps or natural ca- Pervez Khattak, only a couple of days back relamities are brought into the hospitals, the VVIP quested the VIPs as well the media persons to movements, mostly for photo sessions add to avoid visiting the hospitals so that the doctors the sufferings of the poor patients and their at- could discharge their duties without any hintendants. drance with full concentration. However, the VIP Bilawal’s intentions may be to inquire after movement goes on unabated. the health of the quake victims who have sufEven the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chief fered injuries, but his arrival added to their prob- Imran Khan and his spouse Reham Khan could lems with many attendants left stranded outside not help visiting the LRH Peshawar to enquire The report further states not allowed in, unable to attend to their loved about the health of the people injured during the that more than 12,000 houses ones under treatment and even deliver the emer- devastating earthquake. have been damaged in the massive quake that brought back to minds the October 2005 disaster. At least 147 schools buildings have been damaged in KP. From Back Page On the other hand, the government has announced comculture, tradition or showbiz) and said she MoU. According to the MoU, Social Diary will pensation money of at least Rs would also contribute to the magazine and will devote at least four pages for Chinese art, cul- six lacs for heirs of the killed share the work of Islamic and other traditional ture, showbiz or other entertainment news. while Rs two lacs for severely art done in China for the magazine. Earlier, in her welcome address Amna Malik injured. If the magazine continues with the same welcomed the guests and expressed her gratiSeparately, Pakistan Air pace, the day is not far when it will become the tude to the Ambassador and his Force’s (PAF) special flight has most popular magazine of Pakistan, she said. wife for accepting her invitaOne could feel how Bao Jiqing felt for Pakistan tion. Pakistan is full of busiand Pakistanis by the fact that she remembered ness opportunities for the busithe affectees of October 26 Earthquake at the nessmen, firms and companies very outset of her speech and wished them early of the two countries, she said. recovery from the shock. She spoke high of the efforts “I know the leadership of the country is the Chinese embassy in bringworking hard to mitigate their sufferings and all ing the two peoples closer toof us assure that we are with them in this diffigether. About her political procult hour.” file, she said she was looking after the youth afA Memorandum of Understanding MoU fairs of the PML-N as Vice President of PML-N was also signed on the occasion. Women Wing & Youth Punjab. Ms Sadia Zahid Malik Editor of Social DiShe also briefly mentioned her struggle and ary, weekly family magazine of Pakistan Ob- long and arduous journey to success. server and Yu Xueyong Director Political and My business consortium Melange (Pvt) will Press Affairs, Embassy of China (on behalf of soon launch a new project China Town on the Chinese community in Pakistan) signed the occasion of Chinese New Year, she said.
economy and growth of the industry. Industrialists, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and service providers are the back bone of the Pakistani economy. While narrating his vision about development & performance of Technical and Vocational Education & Training (TVET) sector, Irfan Qaiser Sheikh said, TEVTA has initiated short courses for training the manpower as per industry demand. TEVTA is signing MoUs with different organizations to offer short courses. The purpose of these MoUs to train the youth as per requirement of the industry so that the pass outs may be absorbed easily in the concerned industries. TEVTA is launching a scheme from next month to provide interest free loan to 8000 TEVTA Graduates through Akhuwat.
Earthquake death....
Chinese envoy’s wife....
‘101 Friends of China’.... etc etc. Instead, he said it is a group to support China in all respects. It will help address the inconveniences being faced by China or Chinese companies etc. Zahid Malik said in the recent past, this support group played a role in case of K-2/ K-3, 2200 MW Nuclear Power Plants being built by China in Karachi against the construction of which a foreign-funded propaganda was unleashed by some elements. The gang succeeded in getting the support of 30000 fishermen also as they were made to believe that the sea fish will die in contaminated water. At that time to counter this move, the Think Tank invited the then Chairman PAEC Dr. Ansar Pervez who
From Back Page gave convincing presentation allaying the fears of so-called melt-down of the plants .The group also mustered support of everyone who matters in Karachi condemning these elements. A resolution signed by leaders of all the political parties and elders of Karachi was passed in the support of the nuclear plants, he said. He said in appreciation of this struggle, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong wrote a very encouraging letter to him. Zahid Malik said he will lead a 10-member delegation of the Thin Tank to China on November 11 to lay the foundation and to establish sustainable contact with some organizations in Beijing, Shanghai and Urumqi and that will further strengthen the ThinkTank. He said the Think Tank has
very committed friends as Prof. Dr. Iqbal Qureshi has dashed to Islamabad from UAE to attend this dinner. Similarly some friends have travelled all the way from Karachi to Islamabad to join this event.
14x3
From Page 1 reached Chitral with another 16,000 lb ration and items paramount to survival. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) stated that at least 28,219 tents, staple diet that weighs more than 450 tons and 45,700 quilts have been distributed among the affectees in different areas. A C-130 aircraft flew from Nur Khan Airbase with relief goods for locals of quake-hit areas. NDMA stated that at least 14 ton potable water bottles are among the already
distributed items. Spokesperson for the authority said that NDMA Chairman Major General Asghar Nawaz would pay a visit to Malakand Division and review the relief activities.—INP
Nepal signs fuel pact with China KATHMANDU—India has lost its long-standing status as Nepal’s sole fuel provider, after the Himalayan nation signed an agreement with China for the supply of petroleum products. The agreement came after India stopped fuel and other items under the pretext of blockade of land routes from India due to unrest over the new constitution. “Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and China National United Fuel Corporation formalized a long-term commercial agreement in Beijing,” a senior Nepali bureaucrat said. Under the agreement, the bureaucrat added, China will supply fuel at international rates, which Kathmandu might find cheaper than its imports from India. To begin with, China will fulfill at least a third of Nepal’s requirements. Nepal decided to look beyond India for fuel supply while the two nations were locked in a whoblinks-first game.—INP
China to respond to US ships with all necessary means Both navies agree to maintain dialogue to avoid clashes
UK Iraq war report not ready LONDON—Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday said he was “disappointed” that a long-awaited report into Britain’s role into the Iraq War — initially due to have been published in 2010 — would not be released until next June or July. In a letter to Cameron published Thursday, inquiry chairman John Chilcot said the twomillion-word report would be completed by mid-April 2016, ready for the authorities to conduct “national security checking”. “I consider that once national security checking has been completed it should be possible to agree with you a date for publication in June or July 2016,” he said.—AP
GOP piles on Hillary over VA remark WASHINGTON—Hillary Clinton said
last week the problems the V.A. is facing have “not been as widespread as it has been made out to be,” which Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., today in a conference call described as “very offensive to not only all veterans but all Americans,” demanding that she apologize. “I don’t know what Hillary Clinton’s view of what widespread is but the facts are stubborn things,” McCain said, citing statistics of veterans who have had extended wait times and even died waiting for care. ”If that’s not quote ‘widespread,’ I would like to know what Hillary Clinton’s definition of widespread is.” But Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon said in a statement today, “At this point, Republicans are trying to exploit the scandal to try to score partisan points.—AP
Iran considered nuclear weapons DUBAI—Iran considered pursuing a nuclear deterrent when it began its nuclear program in the 1980s, during an eightyear war with Iraq, a former president has been quoted as saying. Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani’s comments comes at a sensitive moment, as Iran implements an agreement reached with world powers in July aimed at curbing its nuclear program, to allay Western fears it was trying to build an atomic bomb. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations nuclear watchdog, is investigating whether Iran’s nuclear program ever had a military application. It is due to issue a report by Dec. 15.—Reuters
BEIJING—China’s military will take “all necessary” measures in response to any future U.S. Navy incursions into what it considers its territorial waters around islands in the South China Sea, a Defense Ministry spokesman said Thursday. The statement by Col. Yang Yujun followed the sailing of a U.S. guided missile destroyer within the 12-nautical mile (22-kilometer) territorial limit of one of the islands newly created by China in the strategically vital region. The U.S. refuses to recognize the man-made islets as deserving of sovereign territory status. The Chinese side took no forceful action during the USS Lassen’s sail-by on Tuesday, but strenuously protested the maneuver. Yang offered no details on how Beijing might respond differently in the future. “We would urge the U.S. not to continue down the wrong path. But if the U.S. side does continue, we will take all necessary measures according to the need,” Yang said. China’s resolve to safeguard its national sovereignty and security interests is “rock-solid,” he added. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea and its islands, reefs and atolls as its sovereign territory, an assertion challenged by five other regional governments. While the U.S. takes no formal position on sovereignty, it insists on freedom of navigation and has urged China to cease its ambitious project to construct new islands complete with buildings, harbors and airstrips. Yang said a pair of Chinese navy ships had shadowed the Lassen, monitored its actions and
issued warnings. The spokesman said China supported the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, but accused the U.S. of abusing those for its own interests. “We are strongly against any kind of effort in the name of freedom of navigation that might damage the interests and security of the littoral states,” Yang said. However, he indicated that the incident wouldn’t disrupt official exchanges between the sides, saying that planning was still underway for a visit by Adm. Harry Harris Jr., commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, later this year. Meanwhile, the Chinese and U.S. navies held high-level talks on Thursday after a U.S. warship challenged China’s territorial assertions in the South China Sea, and a U.S. official said both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and follow protocols to avoid clashes. After the talks between U.S. chief of naval operations Admiral John Richardson and his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Wu Shengli, scheduled port visits by U.S. and Chinese ships and planned visits to China by senior U.S. Navy officers remained on track, the official said. “None of that is in jeopardy. Nothing has been cancelled,” said the official. Both officers also agreed on the need to stick to protocols established under the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea.“They agreed that it’s very important that both side continue to use the protocols under the CUES agreement when they’re operating close to keep the chances for misunderstanding and any kind of provocation from occurring,” said the official.—AFP/Reuters
Dar for conduct of Census in accurate, transparent manner STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Emphasing the importance of the census exercise, Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar, Thursday, stated that all efforts should be made to conduct the Census in precise, accurate and transparent manner. While chairing the inaugural meeting of the National Census Apex Committee here, he directed Economic Affairs Division to coordinate with the donor agencies and PBS to arrange the requisite foreign support and expertise where required. The Chief Statistician, Asif Bajwa gave a comprehensive presentation on preparations made by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) for conduct of Census in the country. He highlighted its methodology, structure, and appointment of field staff, activity calendar and role of stakeholders at federal and provincial levels. He informed the participants that Population and Housing census would be held in March 2016 under the supervision of armed forces in accordance with the decisions of the Council of Common Interests. He gave a detailed rundown on the preparatory activities, which involved final-
ization of modalities with Federal and Provincial Governments and the Armed Forces for the nation-wide exercise. While explaining the Census methodology the Chief Statistician informed that Census would be conducted in one go i.e. house listing and main census would take place simultaneously. The country has been divided into 1,62,921 Census Blocks which cover the four countries as well as FATA, AJ&K and GB. A field force of 2,05,372 will be required as enumerators and supervisors. After detailed deliberations, the Chair directed that a meeting may be held with the experts of Interior Division, Survey of Pakistan and IT Division to share their experiences in preparation of maps and assessment of IT equipment before taking up census exercise. Members including Secretary Interior Division, Acting Secretary Defence Secretary IT Division, Acting Secretary Finance, Additional Secretary EAD and representatives from provincial governments, NADRA, Manpower Institute, NIPS, ECP, Capital Administration, Survey of Pakistan and others attended the meeting.
Pakistan loses UNHRC re-election bid
Imran issues strong warning to Punjab police
OBSERVER REPORT LAHORE—Pakistan Tehreek-e- be spared when PTI comes to stan (ECP) to deploy Pakistan NEW YORK—Pakistan failed Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran power in Punjab,” he added. Army and Rangers personnel on
to win a re-election to the top Khan gave a strong warning to Further, the PTI chief flayed United Nations human rights the Punjab police against any the Punjab government over body, garnering just 105 votes misconduct towards his party what he termed was its in the 193-member General Assembly. Pakistan’s current term ends on December 31, 2015. It lost the seat in the Asia-Pacific category in which five seats were vacant, according to a statement issued by the UN. The UN General Assembly through a secret ballot elected 18 states to serve on the 47member UN Human Rights Council for three-year terms beginning on January 1, 2016. United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea and the Philippines were elected from the Asia-Pacific region, while Laos was the other country that lost. The elected countries which will start their terms beginning January 1, 2016 include Belgium, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Germany, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Panama, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, Togo, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. India is a member of the Council and was re-elected last LAHORE: PTI Chairman Imran Khan consoling the mother year to second term on the of PTI workers killed in clash with PML-N activists.—INP Council. workers during the upcoming patronization of criminals and It’s term will end in 2017. local government elections in said the whole nation watched Members of the Council serve the province. the killing of innocent people in for three years and are not eli“I have come here to tell Lahore’s Model town last year; gible for immediate re-elec- policemen that no government yet, nothing happened. “They tion after serving two consecu- remains in power forever,” he have heavily politicized the potive terms. said while addressing a press lice and use force against politiconference in Lahore on Thurs- cal opponents to win elections.” Imran also called on the day. “Those policemen who are assaulting our workers will not Election Commission of Paki-
208 Pakistanis died during 2015 Hajj
STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD —According to the list of casualties finalized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as many as 208 Pakistanis died during the 2015 Hajj season. The list says 99 Pakistani pilgrims lost their lives in Mina stampede, 12 in the crane crash incident, whereas 97 died from natural causes. Owing to these incidents, the toll jumped to 208 this year, as compared to 87 deaths in 2014 and 93 in 2013. The government has not yet been able to determine the whereabouts of four Iqama holders; two of whom went through private Hajj tour operators whereas one through government’s Hajj scheme.
Top Indian scientist to return Padma award, more join protest
“at least sensitive polling stations” across the province. The PTI chief once again accused other political parties of teaming up and providing each other a cover against accountability. “Accountability is another name for democracy but as soon as the process of accountability of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) started, all corrupt politicians started a hue and cry,” he said. He said when his party ministers and their relatives were being rounded up by KhyberPakhtunkhwa’s (KP) accountability body, no one said a word but as soon as the same institution arrested an ex-minister of the Awami National Party (ANP), every politician jumped into action and cried ‘political victimization’.“In this country, people like Rana Sanaullah, who is a murder accused, can become law minister,” Imran lamented, adding, “This is a union of looters which gathers together when there is a threat to their looted money.” In response to a question, the PTI chief said it was his belief that the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N) “cannot win elections through fair means”.He claimed his party could not stop rigging in the NA-122 by-poll held recently, accusing the ruling party of committing “technical rigging”. Earlier PTI Chief Imran Khan visited the house of his party workers in old city, killed in clash with PML-N activists and console with their mother on their death.
28 militants, two BLA commanders surrender STAFF REPORTER
QUETTA—Two commanders HYDERABAD—Eminent Indian try was of “very strong fear” and of the proscribed Baloch Liberascientist Pushpa Mittra Bhargava on Thursday said he is returning his Padma Bhushan award alleging that the National Democratic Alliance government was trying to make India into a “Hindu religious autocracy” even as more scientists joined the chorus of protest against “growing intolerance”. Bhargava, who founded the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad, said he will return the award conferred on him in 1986 because he felt the climate in the coun-
it was “against rationality, against reason and against scientific temper”.“I have decided to return the award. The reason is that the present Government is moving away from the path of democracy, moving towards the path of making the country Hindu religious autocracy. This is not acceptable. something I find unacceptable,” the 87-yearold scientist said. He alleged that appointments to various positions are being made with people who have some connection with RSS.—INP
tion Army along with 28 militants surrendered to authorities in Balochistan on Thursday.The militants laid down their weapons in a press conference held by provincial minister Nawab Changaiz Marri. “We appreciate that the militants have surrendered and have announced their decision to join peaceful lives,” said Marri on the occasion. The militants who surrendered were involved in attacks against civilians and security forces, according to a security official.
Chinese envoy’s wife an avid reader of Social Diary ‘Pakistan offers immense business opportunities to Chinese companies’ ZUBAIR QURESHI ISLAMABAD—Spouse of the Ambassador of China, Madam Bao Jiqing Thursday emphasised a greater role for the women of Pakistan and China in bringing the families of the two countries together. “So far, we have been hearing of the men’s friendship but today, I propose a similar nature of strong friendship between the women of the two countries.” The ambassador’s wife said this while addressing a dinner party hosted in her honour by a member of the think tank “101 Friends of China” and an eminent businesswoman and emerging political leader Ms Amna Malik. Chairman of the think tank and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer Mr Zahid Malik was also a co-host on the occasion. Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ambassador of China Sun Weidong, Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme Marvi
Memon, Parliamentary Secretary for Interior MNA Marriyum Aurangzeb, MNA Shaista Pervaiz, Provincial Minister Zakia Shahnawaz, Senator Razina Alam Khan, Kashmala Tariq, eminent businessman and nominate president of the FCCI Rauf Alam, PML-Q Women Wing leader
Mrs Bao Jiqing, wife of the Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong, speaking at the Chinese dinner in her honour by Ms Amna Malik.—PO photo
Mrs Farrukh, ambassadors, businessmen and businesswomen, dignitaries, notable personalities of the town, members of the think tank and supporters of Pak-China friendship in large number attended the dinner party that was based on Chinese theme in the illuminating halls of the Serena Hotel. Madam Bao Jiqing referring to the term ‘iron brothers’ coined a new term exclusively for PakChinese women i.e. ‘golden sisters’. Her goodwill gesture was taken so well that the entire hall burst into clapping. Madame Bao Jiqing referred to an earlier gathering held at the Chinese embassy in the same month (October 14). Amna Malik’s party has reminded me of that gathering where I met a large number of Pakistani friends. Today, I am seeing familiar faces of friends once again, she joyfully remarked. Talking about Pakistan Observer and its weekly magazine Social Diary, Bao Jiqing said she was a great
fan of Sadia Zahid Malik , Editor of the weekly magazine. “I am a loyal reader of the Social
Diary as it gives me ample knowledge of Pakistan’s culture, its rich traditions, art and
showbiz.” She commended the pages in Social Diary for the chairman Zahid Malik’s an- Chinese content (art, cuisine, nouncement of allocating four Continued on Page 7
‘101 Friends of China’ is a movement to cement ties: Zahid Malik LIAQAT TOOR ISLAMABAD—Zahid Malik, Chairman ‘101 Friends of China’ said the Think Tank is a movement to bring the people of Pakistan at the back of China and at the back of Pak-China friendship to further cement tries between the two great neighbors and strategic partners. It will also endeavor to promote teaching of Chinese language in major private schools and educational institutions to bring the people of both the nations closer to each other. Speaking at the Chinese dinner, he said the ‘101 Friends
of China’ does not mean it is confined to 101 members only.
It is rather a politbrieau. But a process is on to expand it and the figure may go to millions. The Think Tank has already started assuming a recognized position and status of a mother China-related NGO, an umbrella and that is why some Pak-China Friendship bodies in Pakistan have expressed the intention of getting affiliation with the Friends of China. He further said the Think Tank is not just a debating club as some NGOs are, not merely a platform to read papers or as Editor-in-Chief Pakistan they say research papers on Observer Mr Zahid Malik subjects like emerging sceaddressing the Chinese din- narios in this or that region ner party.—PO photo Continued on Page 7
Published by: Zahid Malik, Printed by Gauhar Zahid Malik,33-Queens Road, Lahore at Barex Printers.
Pakistan has two Ambassadors from China STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Referring to great services of Madame Bao Jiqing in the field of culture, Zahid Malik said Pakistan has two Ambassadors from China as spouse of the Ambassador Sun Weidong is also an Ambassador in Pakistan of the culture of China. He said Madame Bao
Continued on Page 7
Mediterranean-style diet may protect against brain aging
A
DHERING to a Mediterraneanstyle diet could protect against brain shrinkage that commonly occurs with aging, finds a new study published in the journal Neurology. Following a Mediterraneanstyle diet may protect against brain shrinkage, according to researchers. A Mediterranean diet typically involves high consumption of fish and seafood, plantbased foods - such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and legumes - replacing butter with healthy fats, such as olive oil, while limiting consumption of red meats and dairy products. The potential benefits of such a diet are well documented. Last month, Medical News Today reported on a study claiming a Mediterranean diet can promote a healthy gut, while another study linked a Mediterranean diet with olive oil to reduced risk of breast cancer. For this latest study, Yian Gu, of Columbia University in New York, NY, and colleagues set out to investigate the effects of a Mediterranean diet against brain shrinkage - the loss of brain cells that typically occurs as we age. The team enrolled 674 individuals of an average age of 80 who were free of dementia and asked them to complete a questionnaire detailing their dietary habits over the past year. The researchers split the partici-
pants into two groups. One group included subjects who followed at least five components of the Mediterranean diet, while the other group included participants whose diet did not closely follow the Mediterranean diet. Around 7 months after the dietary questionnaire was completed, the participants underwent brain scans, enabling the researchers to assess their total brain volume. Compared with participants who did not follow a Mediterranean-style diet, those who followed at least five components of the diet had a total brain volume that was around 13.11 mm larger; the gray matter volume of these subjects was 5 mm larger, while their white matter volume was 6.41 mm larger. Gu says the differences in brain volume identified between the two groups were the equivalent to around 5 years of aging, indicating that the participants who followed the Mediterranean-style diet were protected against 5 years of age-related brain shrinkage. Specifically, the team found that adhering to certain dietary patterns within the bounds of the Mediterranean diet positively impacted brain shrinkage. For example, consuming at least three to five portions of fish weekly and eating a maximum of 3.5 ounces of meat daily was found to protect against brain cell loss the equivalent to around 3-4 years of aging.
Pak US knowledge corridor will be key to prosperous future:Ahsan STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Acting Ambassador of United States of America (USA) Jonathan Pratt called on Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reforms Prof. Ahsan Iqbal here today. The Minister highlighted various initiatives present government has taken in the areas of economy, education, science & technology, energy. He expressed great satisfaction with the outcomes of PM’s US visit. Minister particularly emphasised the need for operationalising Pak-US Knowledge Corridor, agreed between two countries during PM’s US visit, to further the bilateral ties between the two countries in education and
science & technology. Appreciating the high standard of education in USA universities, Ahsan Iqbal said that this knowledge corridor would establish partnership between Pakistan and USA universities to prepare ten thousands Phds in next ten years for the country. Present government initiative to set up sub-campus of universities at district levels and to fulfil the needs of faculty at these campuses, Pakistan needs 10000 Phds by 2025. Minister admired the strength and quality of universities in USA and said that these are backbone of USA’s success. We want greater linkage with the universities in USA to bring benefit for our youth.
Editor of Social Diary, the weekly family magazine of Pakistan Observer, Sadia Zahid Malik and Director Political and Press Affairs, Embassy of China, Yu Xueyong (on behalf of Chinese communities) signing an MoU here on Thursday at Serena Hotel. Editor-in-Chief Pakistan Observer Zahid Malik, Mrs Zahid Malik, Chinese ambassador and Mrs Sun Weidong and Executive Editor Gauhar Zahid Malik are also present on the occasion.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir
Young artists show talent in portrait painting competition I SLAMABAD —As many as 70 young amateur artists showed their talent in a portrait painting competition here Thursday at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on diverse themes. Chief Executive/ Director General PNCA Shabir Ahmed on the occasion said students from various educational institutions of twin cities and budding artists were invited to participate in art activities organized by PNCA. He appreciated the students and teachers for participating in the event that primarily focussed on providing them a platform of national level to show their skills and learn form others in the field. The council would continue its efforts to promote art through organizing such events and encourage the young generation, he said and congratulated the winners of the competition.—APP
Charge d’ Affaires of Czech Republic & Mrs. Naara Beatriz Musif, Federal Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Ambassador of Romania Emilion Ion, Dean of Diplomatic Corps Rodolfo Martin Saravia and others, cutting the cake during a ceremony to celebrate the Czech National Day and the 65th Anniversary of the diplomatic relations of Czech Republic with Pakistan at a local hotel.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir
Ambassador inaugurates Turkey Access Centre
Peoples of Turkey, Pakistan stood by each other in times of need STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Islamabad H.E. Babur Girgin inaugurated the Turkey Access Center at The Millennium University College – TMUC H-11/4, Islamabad and talk about Pakistan -Turkey relations with the students. The ceremony commenced with the playing of National Anthems of Turkey and Pakistan after which a student welcomed the guests in Turkish language. Later, Mr.Faisal Mushtaq Rector TMUC, took the rostrum to give an overview of the ambassador’s professional achievements and personal efforts to fortify PakTurkey relations. The entire faculty and students from all disciplines keenly took part in the event. The ambassador started his address by extending his gratitude to the team TMUC for the warm welcome. Speaking on the depth of Pak-Turk relations, the ambassador maintained that the people of both countries share a bond that goes beyond the creation of both states. He recounted several moments from history where governments and people from both countries stood steadfast by each other’s side in their times of need. Speaking about both nations’ struggle for independence, Mr. Girgin informed the students that Allama
Iqbal and Mehmed Akif, the leading national poets, were in correspondence with each other and shared their views on freedom for their nations that fought for independence. He further
cational programs bilaterally accessible for students. The ambassador ’s address was followed a half-hour question answer session where in students asked vari-
added that by learning from each other’s experiences the governments of both countries can make a tangible impact on meeting their respective challenges. In a concluding note he felicitated Mr. Faisal Mushtaq and his team for setting up a world class institution in Pakistan while expressing his desire that academic institutions in Pakistan and Turkey employ their efforts in making edu-
ous pertinent questions on Pak-Turkey relations of academic, political and economic nature. Some of the questions were on increasing connectivity between both countries via the revival of train/road channels, the Pak –Turkey Free Trade Agreement, Turkey’s merger with the European Union and the prospects of sports collaborations between the two countries.
World should support conflict Wit & wisdom launched resolution in South Asia: Aizaz ZUBAIR QURESHI
I SLAMABAD—Dost Publications Islamabad has published a new book of 171 pages titled “Wit and Wisdom” priced at Rs360. The book contains selected humorous poetry of renowned scholar, poet, critic and researcher Prof. Dr. Inamul Haq Javeid which has been translated into English by Dr Safdar Ali Shah. Dr Safdar has dedicated the translation to his granddaughter Zoya. Dr Safdar Ali Shah is a well known writer and researcher and has published a number of books on a variety of subjects including a quarter of coffeetable books on the cultural
heritage of Pakistan and colonialism, English and
Punjabi. Presently, he is Director Publishing and Student Affairs at National University of Sciences and Technology
(NUST) Islamabad. Dr. Safdar has earlier translated popular humorous poems of Dr Inamul Haq Javeid who is presently working as the Managing Director of National Book Foundation (NBF). Dr. Inam is a poet of Urdu and Punjabi. He is the author of more than 50 books of poetry, research and criticism but humorous poetry is his forte of poetic expression. Apart from other awards, he is also the recipient of the Presidential Award of “Pride of Performance” for his meritorious work in the field of literature. Dr Safdar Ali Shah, the translator says the humorous poetry provides much needed catharsis to the common people who are
frustrated by prevailing socio-economic conditions. Dr. Safdar has mentioned that Inamul Haq Javeid is a representative modern humorist who successfully employs general humor to embellish his poetry. He has also given the reason for selecting Dr. inamul Haq Javeid’s poetry “for its the quality of humor and its meaningfulness, the wit and wisdom which highlight the serious social malaise in a lighter vein.” The translator has mentioned a famous verse of Dr.Inam under the title dedication which speaks “Na Mairon Kay Naam Aur Na Tairon Kay NaamSiasat Kay Faslee Batairon Kay Naam”.
STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry on Thursday called on world powers to strive for conflict resolution in South Asia and avoid actions that destabilize region’s strategic stability. The foreign secretary was speaking at an international conference jointly hosted by Islamabad based think tank Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS) and The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), London. The conference was titled ‘Defense, Deterrence and Stability in South Asia’. “If their (world powers) aim is to help achieve a lasting peace in South Asia, they should help to promote an equitable solution to Kashmir and other outstanding disputes and an agreement on mutual military restraint between Pakistan and India, while desisting from policies and actions that destabilize deterrence in the region,” Mr Chaudhry said at the seminar that deliberated on the on-going tensions between
Pakistan and India, nuclear doctrines and deterrence in South Asia, and Pakistan’s integration into the nuclear order. He said that Pakistan’s nuclear program was defensive in nature and had no offensive designs. Explaining the regional context, Mr Chaudhry stressed that “conventional asymmetry between India and Pakistan continues to widen as India engages in a massive arms build up”, while Pakistan’s policy is being guided by the principles of “restraint and responsibility”. He further said that Pakistan was being compelled to take appropriate measures for its security as the strategic stability in the region was being undermined through “discriminatory nuclear cooperation agreements and waivers from long-held non-proliferation principles” to favour India. The foreign secretary also elaborated the concept of Full Spectrum Deterrence adopted by the National Command Authority. “Our conduct continues to be
guided strictly by the principle of credible minimum deterrence. Full Spectrum Deterrence is by no means a quantitative change in our credible minimum deterrence, it is rather a qualitative response to the emerging challenges posed in South Asia,” he underscored. He dismissed reports about Pakistan’s nuclear program being the fastest growing in the world as utterly baseless hype. “Such reports are aimed at diverting attention from the exponential increase in India’s fissile material stockpiles as a result of nuclear deals with a growing number of NSG countries and its destabilizing consequences for the region,” he observed. Executive Director Center for International Strategic Studies, Amb Ali Sarwar Naqvi spoke about the emerging scholarly debate on dealing with de facto nuclear weapons’ states and their relationship with the global nuclear nonproliferation regime. He also reflected on India-Pakistan tensions and need to move forward.
Fajar Zohr Asr
05:40 01:30 04:15
Meghrab at Sunset Isha 07:15 Brothers in Islam establish regular prayers & charity
October 30
Launching of documentary Launching of Shoaib Mansoor’s on rape “Hum aisay Kyun Hain” and Anti-rape campaign will be held on October 30, 3:30 pm at Auditorium of Allama Iqbal Open University, H-8 Islamabad. November 2
Public talk A Public Talk and Book Launch will be held at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad on “Directory of Think Tanks in Pakistan: A Guide to Research Organizations in Social Sciences in Pakistan” on Monday, November 2, 2015 at 1100 hours. Another talk by Philippe Lacoste, Deputy Special Representative for the Paris Climate Conference on “Climate Change and International Security” on same day at 1500 hours.
FECHS asked to hand over plots to allotees before end of year MIAN ARSHAD ISLAMABAD—Acting Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Thursday, directed Federal Employees Cooperative Housing Society (FECHS) to transfer 226 plots to the employees before October 31, 2015 and remaining ones before end of the year. Expressed his displeasure over delaying tactics in handing over the possession of plots to the National Assembly Secretariat employees he observed that FECHS management has failed to fulfill its commitment made in meeting of the House and Library Committee held in September 10, 2015. Chairing the meeting of the National Assembly Committee on House & Library, Acting Speaker said that said that the FECHS management had disappointed the August Committee by not abiding to its own commitment and put the matter in abeyance. He added that the continuous lethargic behavior on the management’s part has resulted into embarrassment of the committee before the employees. The President and management of FECHS, Islamabad had assured the committee in its previous meetings that the possession of 287 plots out of 1093 would be handed over to the employees who had deposited the full payment of land before October 31st, 2015. The management had also committed to
handover the remaining plots before December 31st, 2015. However, the Acting Speaker said that this matter had been lingering on since 1988 and despite, the deposition of savings of the employees; they have not got the possession of plots. He made clear that no one would be allowed to deprive the employees of their life-long savings. The Acting Speaker asked the President of FECHS to take every possible measure to honour his commitment by ensuring implementation of the directions of the Committee within the given time. He also showed his displeasure over transferring of funds of about 1700 plots instead of 1093 plots by the NACHS Administrator to the FECHS management. He directed the ICT management to strictly monitor the process. Later, the FECHS President apprised the committee about the development work being carried out in the society. He said that 226 plots have been developed and were ready for possession. Moreover, he assured the committee that rest of the plots would be handed over to the employees after development within time prescribed by the Committee. The meeting was attended by MNAs Mian Muhammad Rasheed, Aqib Ullah Khan, Dr. Mahreen Razzak Bhutto, Molana Qamar ud Din, senior officers of the National Assembly Secretariat and ICT administration.
Exhibition of autumn flowers from Dec 4 ISLAMABAD—Capital Development Authority (CDA) would arrange exhibition of autumn flowers and chrysanthemum flowers at Rose and Jasmine Garden from December 4 to 6, 2015. Different species of autumn flowers and chrysanthemum flowers would be displayed during the upcoming exhibition, while participation of different departments in the upcoming autumn flowers show would also be ensured. Talking to this news agency, an official of CDA that such exhibitions are the best source of amusement, entertainment and recreational facility, directing the concerned formations of the Authority to invite school children, college students so that they could enjoy this facility. He said that Chairman CDA Maroof Afzal directed for provision of technical expertise to the flowers lovers during the exhibition for their encouragement. Chairman CDA, directed the all concerned to establish tuck shops and other recreational facilities for the children during the flowers exhibition including various rare species of birds. Official said that autumn flowers and chrysanthemum flowers show has become an annual festivity in Islamabad and people from all walks of life visits the flowers exhibition from twin cities of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining areas.—APP
Work underway at Peshawar Morr Interchange.
AIOU, OIC to promote Islamic culture, Arabic language I SLAMABAD—Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) will strengthen their on-going collaborative partnership to promote Arabic language and Islamic culture. This was stated by a senior officer of OIC Secretariat Abdula Manafi Matualo during his visit to the AIOU’s main campus here Thursday. On his arrival he was given detailed briefing on the OICfunded project- Regional Institute for complimentary education (RICE) that is being implemented by the Arabic Department of the AIOU. The project was started in collaboration with the AIOU and OIC in 1984 in light of the decision taken by the OIC’s Foreign Ministers’ Conference in 1981. Abdula Manafi assured that the visiting delegation which included their professional officer Galib Huseynov will present a report to the OIC’s Secretary General suggesting ways and means to further strengthen this project to achieve the stipulated goals. Speaking on the occasion, AIOU’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Siddiqui underlined the need of pooling the available resources in the Muslim countries for acquiring knowledge and expertise in order to meet the socio-economic challenges of the contemporary world. Knowledge is only way to revive their past glory and receive a respectable
place in the comity of the nations. In the present era, he added most important source for progress and development is knowledge, and it has proven in the history that the nations which possessed knowledge became powerful and got their culture dominated. The AIOU, he said will strengthen its partnership with the Muslim countries particularly in the field of research for achieving the goals set by the OIC. The University has recently enhanced its academic, intellectual and research-oriented activities for creating and constructing knowledge. Focus has also been laid on disseminating of the research findings among the relevant quarters and the end users to take its due benefit and to serve the society. The delegation was informed that the Arabic department of the AIOU has launched various programs for promoting Arabic language and Islamic culture in the non-Arabic countries. The University has planned to introduce Associate degree for ‘Imam and Khateeb’ as well as in the disciplines of Islamic Banking and Islamic education. Dead of department of Arabic and Islamic Studies Dr. Ali Asghar Chishti thanked the delegation for its support in overcoming certain difficulties in accomplishing task assigned to the department for promoting Islamic teaching.—INP
A view of large number of water tanks on the rooftops of houses at a katchi abadi in Federal Capital.—APP
Traffic jams have become a daily routine at Murree Road..—NNI
Cleric, his bodyguard shot at, injured R AWALPINDI —A
local cleric, Nazir Hussain on Thursday morning came under the armed attack of some unknown bike riders and got severe injuries. A bodyguard of the cleric who was riding the same vehicle along with Nazir also came under the fire attack and got severe wounds. He was identified as M. Hilal. The Rescue 1122 immediately after the incident shifted both the victims to BBH in critical state. The details in this regard revealed that both the victims were riding a car, when it reached at Transfarmer Chowk of Sadiq Abad area, one of the pillion riders opened fire on them and fled from the scene. The cleric is also a teacher of Islamayat in a local educational institution and it was the second attack on him. As some time back he came under attack of some unknown assailants and had got injuries. He had received five bullets and recovered after medical treatment. On Thursday he received three bullets, of them one in the neck while rest two on shoulder. —APP
RAC holds evening with Dr Maqsood R AWALPINDI —Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) in collaboration with Literary Society Sukhanwar arranged an evening with international fame UK based Pakistani intellectual and short story writer Dr Maqsood Elahi Sheikh here Thursday. The evening was presided over by renowned short story writer Hameed Shahid and while literary figures including Muhammad Yousaf and senior poet Naseem-e-Saher highlighted the services, life and work of Dr Maqsood Elahi. They paid tribute to Dr Maqsood Elahi Sheikh on his literary works and contributions for keeping alive the identity of creative intellectuals.—APP
Course development workshop for authors at AIOU ZUBAIR QURESHI I S L A M A B A D —Early Childhood Education or ECE Course Development Workshop at AllamaIqbal Open University attracted a large number of participants as the course was developed by those academicians who don’t have link with fieldwork. The workshop is being organized by Parwaan E9 National Center of Excellence in collaboration with the ECE Teachers Department of AllamaIqbal University. More than 30 course writers and reviewers from Department of Education of Universities from Karachi, Lahore, Sargodha, Gujrat, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi and Islamabad and experts from organizations working on early years are attending this workshop to develop course books on Early Childhood Education (ECE) for the future teachers. Chairman Department of Early Child-
hood & Elementary Teacher’s Education Prof Dr Nasir Mahmood while talking to the authors said when a unit is written, it is written in complete in isolation. “With the review we try to make it more practical. ECE programme is not new, but our target audience is unique as we provide education at their doorsteps and whatever we develop for them has to be selfsufficient,” he said. The course development workshop is the result of partnership between Allama Iqbal Open University and Parwaan initiated in August with the signing of MoU for development of post-graduate diploma course for Early Childhood Education. According to the MOU Parwaan provided technical assistance to AIOU in the development of the course. The course is of 30 credit hours and will be launched in spring next year. Education faculty of AIOU is offering this course for the first time.
Rs 289m sanctioned for child patients labs STAFF REPORTER RAWALPINDI—Punjab Govt has released Rs 289 million funds to Benazir Hospital and District Headquarter Hospital, to set up modern laboratories for children wards. The amount will be spent for the purchase of ventilators and X-ray machines to ensure fully equipped modern laboratories for children. According to details Rs 195 million have been approved for Benazir Hospital for the purchase of X-ray Machines, Cardiac Monitor, Ultra sound machines and ventilator ma-
chines and other equipment. A grant of Rs 94 million has been released for District Headquarter Hospital for purchasing X-ray machines, Cardiac monitor, Ultrasound and ventilator machines and other equipment With the establishment of modern Lab facilities, children of poor people of Rawalpindi and adjoining areas will benefit. In the past these children were forced to get their tests from private laboratories. The step is in line with the provincial government’s policy to provide most modern treatment and test facilities at the allied hospital,s official sources said.
Rescue 1122 helps 116,745 persons STAFF REPORTER RAWALPINDI —Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi has responded to 107,233 Emergency Calls and rescued 116,745 helpless victims of emergencies in the district during the last decade. During the period 48,282 were vehicular traffic accidents, 5106 fire incidents, 114 building collapse incidents, 72 bomb blast incidents, 3259 crime incidents, 168 drowning cases, 5388 special rescue operations (Animal Rescue) and 44844 medical emergencies, said Spokesperson of Rescue 1122 while briefing a delegation of 25 MS students from National University of Modern Languages, who visited the office of the emergency service on Wednesday. Dr. Syed Waqas Ali of Governance and Public Policy Studies of NUML headed the delegation which was given detailed briefing on the relief and rescue operations about Emergency Management System (EMS). Spokes-
person Rescue 1122 Ms Deeba Shahnaz briefed the delegation about the structure and working of the Emergency Service Rescue 1122 through electronic presentation and showed working of Control Room. The rescuers also demonstrated about life saving equipments in ambulance and mock exercise of firefighting. District Emergency Officer Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi responded to the questions relating to monitoring system, induction process of rescuers, transparency mechanism and ensuring 7 minutes response time procedure. Deeba said that Rescue 1122 has credit of holding one Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one Tamgah-eImtiaz, two consecutive National Youth Awards and four Gallantry Awards. Besides, the Service has also been presented with the best Picture Award at National Level and Azam-eAlishan Award 2011. Dr. Syed Waqas Ali thanked the organizers for arranging briefing and visit to the esteemed organization.
Students of different colleges of Rawalpindi and Islamabad busy in sketching portrait during a competition at PNCA.
Corporate sector urged to discharge social obligations MUZAFFARABAD—Minister for Finance and planning Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chaudhary Latif Akbar has called upon financial institutions and banks working in Azad Kashmir to discharge their corporate social obligations besides focusing only on deposits. Addressing a meeting of the regional heads of banks and financial institutions here Thursday, he said investment in different social sectors such as health, education, environment and sports was their prime responsibility under corporate social obligations as they were earning from the area. The meeting was participated by Secretary Finance Malik Muhammad Sadiq, Secretary Local Governments, Arshad Quraishi, Director General Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Malik Muhammad Younas and regional heads of all the banks and financial institutions working in Azad Kashmir. He said banks and financial institutions
were playing their role in social development in other parts of the country but in Azad Kashmir nothing was seen apparently like that of promoting sports activity, betterment of environment, landing in agriculture and other sectors and student loans etc which was very unfortunate. The Minister stressed on the regional heads of banks and other institutions to form teams for sports promotion, environmental protection activities and initiate different loans schemes for students and development of agriculture sector and small businesses in the region. The Secretary Local governments briefed the meeting about a comprehensive plan for the beautification of city and sought sponsorship by the banks and financial institutions for the purpose. The regional heads present on the occasion assured their all out support to Finance Minister in this respect. —APP
Gilani’s forum announces to hold mammoth rally SRINAGAR —The forum patronized by the participate in the rally. The leaders, on the veteran Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani has announced to hold a peaceful mammoth rally at TRC Ground in Srinagar of the forthcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to the territory on 7th November. The forum spokesman, Ayaz Akbar, in a statement issued in Srinagar, today, said that over one million people will participate in the public rally. He said that the rally would be a referendum against Indian occupation over Jammu and Kashmir. “Geelani will invite all the pro-freedom leader ship to participate in the rally at TRC to show the world that Kashmiris are against the Indian occupation,” Hurriyat (G) Ayaz Akbar said in a statement on Thursday. The statement said that Syed Ali Gilani would invite all senior Hurriyet leaders to
occasion, will address the public gathering and reiterate to continue the liberation struggle till it reaches its logical conclusion, it added. The spokesman said, the forum through this rally wants to convey to the Indian Prime Minister and the world that Kashmiris’ movement is not a terrorist or communal movement; instead they are struggling to secure their inalienable right to self-determination. Ayaz Akbar said that Narendra Modi should understand that the people of Kashmir were peace-loving in nature and they wanted India to fulfill the pledges made by its leaders with them at international fora to grant them an opportunity to decide their future by themselves through an impartial plebiscite.—KMS
Two Army porters missing as avalanche strikes SRINAGAR—Two Army porters missing as avalanche strikes north Kashmir Two Army porters were reported missing after an avalanche struck a forward area in Gurez sector of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district this afternoon, police said. The avalanche hit between Razdan post and Z-Gushi in snow-bound Gurez sector, 120 kms from here, around 1400 hours, a police officer said. Two Army porters were reported missing after the
avalanche and a rescue operation has been launched to recover them missing porters, the officer said. High altitude areas of Kashmir Valley including Gurez experienced first heavy snowfall early this week. Two to five feet of snow was recorded in the upper reaches of the Valley, as a result of which most of the far-flung areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Bandipora and Kupwara districts were cut off from the district headquarters.—GK
MIRPUR: Chief Organizer All AJK Central Traders Association Chaudhry Naeem meeting with President AJK Sardar Yaqoob Khan.
Thousands of people, including women, join funeral procession of Abu Qasim on way to a graveyard in Bugam village of south Kashmir on Thursday.
HC bars PSC on proceeding with KAS mains exam
Multitudes join funeral of martyred youth in Kulgam Three districts lay claim over Abu Qasim’s body
SRINAGAR—The J&K High Court on Wednesday directed the Public Service Commission not to conduct the KAS main examinations till further orders. The directions were passed by a bench of Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar while hearing a petition by four candidates who have challenged issuance of “wrong key” to the result pertaining to the Combined (Competitive) Preliminary Examination, 2014 conducted by the PSC. “Basically, answers to 23 questions from public administration, law and geography given by PSC are wrong,” advocate Mahfooz Ahsan Nazki, counsel for the petitioners, told Kashmir Reader. “We have challenged it before the High Court which, prima facie, agreed with our contention and restrained the PSC from conducting the mains examination,” Nazki said, adding that the Court directed the examination conducting body to file objections to the petition. According to the petitioners, the PSC issued a notification on 24 April 2014, inviting applications from eligible candidates for the Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination. Subsequently, an examination was conducted on August 30 this year, and on the same day it notified the official key of various sets of question papers pertaining to the examination. As per notification, the candidates were also called upon to make a representation to the PSC in the event they were of the opinion that the answers to the questions provided were wrong. On finding that to be the case, the petitioners pointed out the errors and the PSC notified a revised key. “To the shock and chagrin of the petitioners, not only did the key continue to have errors, some answers that had been correctly notified earlier stood changed to a wrong answer,” Nazki said.—KR
SRINAGAR—In occupied Kashmir, thousands of people defying curfew and other restrictions participated in the funeral procession of a youth martyred by Indian troops in Kulgam district, today. Indian troops martyred the youth during a siege and search operation in Khandaypora area of the district. The protests were led by Hurriyet leader Ghulam Nabi Sumjhi and were participated by the activists of Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, Tehreek-e-Hurriyet Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front and Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement. They shouted anti-India and pro-Pakistan slogans on the occasion. The mourners also waved Pakistani flags during the procession. Several people were injured when Indian police used brute force on protesters in the area. Protest strike was also observed in Pulwama and Shopian against the killing of the youth by In-
dian troops in the districts. Meanwhile, four Indian troops including a Major were killed in an attack in Bandipora district. The Major and three soldiers of the Indian Army’s 14-Rashtirya Rifles were killed in a clash with Mujahideen in Bhutoo area of Bandipore district. The forum patronized by the veteran Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani in a statement announced to hold a grand peaceful rally in Srinagar during the proposed visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the territory on 7th November. The statement maintained that one million people were expected to participated in the rally. It said that the event would convey a message to the world that the people of Kashmir reject Indian occupation over Jammu and Kashmir. Hurriyet leaders including Mohammad Yousuf Naqash, Syed Bashir Andrabi, Bilal Siddiqi, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza and Muhammad Musaddiq Aadil during their visits to
Hurriyet leaders visit martyrs’ families in Pulwama, Shopian SRINAGAR—Hurriyet leaders visited the bereaved families of Irshad Ahmad Sheikh, Adil Khanday, Afaq Ullah Butt and Abdul Mannan Dar, who were recently martyred by Indian forces, and expressed solidarity with the families. The leaders also paid tributes to another martyr, Abu Qasim. Hurriyet leaders, Mohammad Yousuf Naqash, Syed Bashir Andrabi and Bilal Siddiqi and a delegation of Peoples Political Front led by Muhammad Musaddiq Aadil on the occasion said that the unprecedented participation of people in the funeral processions should serve as eye-opener to the occupation authorities. They said that such supreme sacrifices for the freedom would never be allowed to go waste. “These martyrs are the precious asset of the ongoing freedom movement and their martyrdom will soon bear fruits in the form
of freedom from India,” they observed. The Hurriyet leaders said that peace in South Asia was linked to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. They made it clear that Indian cruelties could not suppress the Kashmiris’ freedom movement. Our struggle will continue till freedom from India, they vowed. The leaders visited the house of Hurriyet leader Hakeem Abdul Rasheed, who was injured during police raid. They prayed for his early recovery. Meanwhile, Hurriyet leaders, Farooq Ahmad Tauheedi, Mohammad Ramzan Khan, Zafar Akbar Butt and Bilal Ahmad Siddiqui in their separate statements issued in Srinagar, paying tributes to the martyrs, renewed the Kashmiris’ pledge to co On the other hand, another delegation led by Muhammad Yousuf Atai also visited the families members of martyred youth and expressed solidarity with them.—KMS
View from Srinagar
Aid offer to neighbours, empty vessels for Kashmir! ASHQ HUSSAIN BHAT
W
HILE Afghanistan and Pakistan were still in shock due to the massive earthquake that occurred on October 26, 2015, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered assistance to both the neighbours on the evening of the same day. Apparently the announcement of assistance offer would seem to be a magnanimous gesture particularly towards Pakistan, a country India habitually accuses of behaving “nastily”. But viewed in light of India’s relations with its neighbours and in light of condition of Indian masses, it seems to be nothing but manifestation of Big Brother mindset of the Indian state. Any country should, before offering assistance to others, bow its head in shame if the farmers, who feed the nation with their toil, are forced to commit suicide. And farmer suicides are a daily routine in India. India’s neighbours consider it as a regional bully. They accuse its foreign service officers, posted in embassies in their capitals, of behaving like viceroys (Dr Happymon Jacob Oct. 4, 2015, Greater Kashmir). Quite recently, India asked Nepal to make changes in its constitution in order to make it more democratic! They suggested that Nepal should give representation to Madhesi and Tharu people living close to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar border. India thus implied that it was entitled to speak for these
peoples living in the Terai region. Nepalis rightly considered it an undue interference in their internal affairs, and, therefore, carried out anti-India protests. Landlocked as it is, Nepal is now facing shortage of supplies especially fuel from Indian side. Even during the June 2015 earthquake the paternalistic attitude of Indian agencies particularly the media compelled Nepalis to demand that Indians should go back home. What would India’s reaction be in the event of Nepal suggesting it to make changes in the Indian constitution in respect of Kashmir? Nearer home, Kashmir suffered a massive flood last year. There was no disaster preparedness plan in place and no response on the part of government during the flood. Kashmiris suffered losses worth trillions. Post flood, it was India’s foremost duty to facilitate rehabilitation in Kashmir. Instead it only revealed a miserly attitude in its dealings with flood-hit Kashmir. And when international donors offered assistance, Modi disallowed it to reach Kashmir. And now the same Modi announced aid to Pakistan and Afghanistan! On international front Modi makes out of turn announcements of assistance to Pakistan and Afghanistan but on the domestic front, he has evinced ostrich like behaviour by pursuing a policy of ignoring problems faced by masses rather than dealing with them head on. The lynching of Muslims and Dalits in various Indian states
the families of martyred youths in Pulwama and Shopian said that huge participation of people in funeral processions of martyrs should serve as an eye-opener for India and its stooges in the occupied territory. Meanwhile, People from three districts of south Kashmir are laying claim over the body of Abu Qasim who died in a gunfight with government forces last night. Thousands of people who participated in the funeral prayers of Qasim at Bugam village in Kulgam district have so far failed to evolve at a consensus over the custody of Lashkar militant’s body, said a witness. He said delegations of people from Kakapora in Pulwama, Khudwani in Kulgam and other areas want the body to be buried in their villages. The basis of the claim, he said, was simple: Abu Qasim had spent more time in their areas. The deliberations were going on at the time of filing of this report.—GK/KMS
didn’t ruffle him. When he finally broke his silence for once, he said that Hindus and Muslims should decide whether they wanted to fight poverty or each other. This implied that all Hindus were pitched against all Muslims and vice versa while as the truth was/is that only a handful of extreme rightwing Hindus seem to be bent upon taking India towards a civil war by flaring up communal and caste hatreds. Common people, whom Modi had promised “achhe din” during the election rallies, are at the receiving end. Right-wingers, the constituency of Modi, would not allow them to eat bovine meat. They cannot afford to purchase pulses and other food items because their prices have gone sky high. Compounding their misery is the spread of dengue epidemic, and crimes against women including rape especially in Delhi. Since Hindutva brigades (the Indian version of Tehrik-i-Taliban) are on the loose, it seems that the Modi government has brought “achhe din” only for extreme Hindu right-wingers. While the RSS, the umbrella organisation of extreme Hindu rightwingers took out on October 23 a procession in Jammu city with members brandishing swords, tridents, and guns in full public view, peaceful protesters in Kashmir and Punjab get killed at the hands of police on slightest provocation. The Hindu rightwing is out to dictate to the common people as to what they should and
should not eat. They killed Mohammad Akhlaq of Uttar Pradesh and Zahid Rasool Bhat of Kashmir on the assumption that they were beefeaters. Only last week they burnt to death Dalit children in Haryana. On the last day of September they murdered 90-year-old Dalit man called Khimma in Uttar Pradesh for daring to enter a Shiva Temple to pray which the Hindutva brigade consider to be their exclusive privilege. Still earlier they shot dead antisuperstition activist Madivalappa Malleshappa in Karnataka and Narendra Dabholkar in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena disrupted the book release function of former Pakistan Foreign affairs minister Khursheed Mahmood Kasuri in Mumbai. Emboldened by the failure of government to take punitive action against them, they blocked Pakistan cricket board chief Shahryar Khan’s meeting with his Indian counterpart. This has effectively blocked any chances of cricket diplomacy being revived between the two hostile neighbours. So, in this atmosphere, what is the fun of announcing assistance to quake-hit neighbouring countries. Your “integral part” people haven’t received a penny since the September 2014 floods and you are talking of giving assistance to neighbouring countries. Better take care of your own suffering masses before making a spectacle. —Courtesy: Kashmir Reader
Mirwaiz pays tributes to martyrs, visits damaged shrine SRINAGAR —The Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has paid rich tributes to the martyred youth, Afaqullah Butt and Abdul Mannan Dar, saying that the sacrifices of these martyrs are the asset of the Kashmir resistance movement. Afaqullah Butt Abdul from Pulwama and Abdul Mannan Dar from Shopian were martyred by Indian troops in Pulwama district on Monday. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in a statement issued in Srinagar said, “Kashmiris’ sacrifices of lives and properties for the right to self-determination will not be allowed to go waste.”—KMS
Farooq Abdullah ‘greeted’ with protests in Islamabad S RINAGAR —A group of press sympathy with the famwomen protested against visit of National Conference Patron, Dr Farooq Abdullah, to Betingo village in Islamabad district. He was scheduled to express sympathy with the family of truck driver, Zahid Rasool Butt, who was killed by Hindu extremists in Udhampur early this month. As the NC patron along with several other leaders of the party reached the village to ex-
ily, scores of women took to streets and held a protest against his visit. The women police charged batons on protesters and during the clashes at least four women protesters including Zahid Rasool’s daugher and a police constable was injured. One of the critically injured protesters, Zahida Jan, was shifted to local hospital for treatment.—KMS
Clashes in Palhalan against ‘high-handedness’ of forces BARAMULLA—Clashes broke out in Palhalan area of Pattan in north Kashmir’s district Baramulla on Wednesday morning after scores of people from the village staged demonstrations against the ‘high-handedness’ of government forces, even as a shutdown was observed in protest. The people said forces had fired several tear gas shells
into the Jamia Masjid late on Tuesday evening when people were offering evening prayers. They also claimed government forces damaged several window panes of the mosque. The protestors blocked the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road near the bus stand on Wednesday morning for many hours, resulting in disruption of traffic. They were later dispersed by the police.—KR
Evaluation Report of GSP+ Status Agri dept calls to protect potato crop Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI —According to spokesman of Agriculture Department Rawalpindi, it is necessary to prevent potato crop from harmful pests. These pests cause decline in potato production, so there is a dire need to identify these pests in the field and adopt suitable measures. Further more spokesman told that major harmful pests of potato are Cut Worm, Jassid, Aphid, Whitefly, Potato Tuber Moth, Helicoverta Armigera and Army Worm. In order to get rid from these pest farmers can get help from agricultural experts.
PIA adjusts passengers in subsequent flights Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD—PIA has adjusted those seven passengers in its subsequent flights without extra charges, who couldn’t board PK 701 from Islamabad to Manchester on Thursday. Islamabad Airport is closed from 1 pm to 6 pm every day till end of this month due to maintenance of runway and schedule of all flights taking off and landing at the airport during this time has been changed. All the passengers had been informed in time about the early departure of this flight but regrettably these seven could not be contacted as they had either given their UK cell numbers which were going off or had given numbers of their travel agents. PIA has also offered free hotel accommodation to these passengers.
EU pledges to continue supporting Pakistan MIAN ARSHAD I SLAMABAD —While preparing evaluation report of the GSP+ status granted to Pakistan, the European Union has expressed concerns over the executions by Pakistani of the non terrorism related juvenile criminals in the aftermath of the lifting of moratorium on death penalty. However, a well-placed source at Ministry of Commerce (MoC), Thursday, told Pakistan Observer that EU members have had welcomed measures taken by Pakistan in bringing stability in the country and appreciated the Pakistan’s role in war on terror and acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan. Moreover, the source said that EU members had also pledged to continue support for strengthening of democracy and economic development of Pakistan and also appreciated the formation of treaty implementation cell under the direct supervision of Prime Minister. “Ahead of the preparation of the said evaluation report, a delegation led by Commerce Minister is in France and Belgium to brief and convince the EU to
continue the said status for Pakistan” the source maintained saying that the delegation had held detailed meetings with almost all the key concerned officials in order to win support for Pakistan. Pakistan’s exports to EU member states increased from US$ 4.25 billion in 2005 to $ 6.21 billion in 2013. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of exports to EU has been 4.85 % only. However as a result of grant of GSP Plus to Pakistan by EU, Pakistan’s exports to EU during the year 2014 amounted to $ 7.54 billion. As a result of GSP Plus Pakistan’s exports to EU have increased from $ 6.21 billion during 2013 to $ 7.54 billion in 2014. Thus as a result of GSP Plus Pakistan’s exports to EU registered an increase of US$ 1.32 billion in one year. This represents an increase of 21%. Hence it is obvious that as a result of depreciation of Euro vis-à-vis USD, there is a decline in export earnings of all countries, when we adjust the exchange rate values. However in terms of Euros, the value of our exports have actually increased even during the financial crisis.
KCCI donates relief goods for earthquake affectees AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—With a view to share the miseries and hardships being suffered by the affectees of recent earthquake which trembled many areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has donated two containertrucks carrying blankets, tents and sleeping bags which were handed over to Sindh Government in an effort to supplement Chief Minister Sindh Relief Program for earthquake affectees. Chairman Businessmen Group and Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli and Vice Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala along with President KCCI Younus Muhammad Bashir handed over the two container-trucks laden
with relief goods to Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah during a simple ceremony held at Chief Minister House. Senior Vice President KCCI Zia Ahmed Khan, Former President KCCI AQ Khalil, Chairman Special Committee for My Karachi Exhibition Idrees Memon and others were also present on the occasion. Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah warmly welcomed the goodwill gesture shown by BMG leadership and KCCI Office Bearers who promptly responded to the hardships being suffered by our brothers and sisters inhabiting in Punjab, KPK and other northern areas of the country. Speaking on the occasion, BMG Chairman and Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli expressed deep sympathies with the affectees of devastating earthquake victims.
Shipping activity at Port Qasim KARACHI —Four ships carrying containers, chemical and edible oil were berthed at Qasim International Containers terminal and Engro Vopak terminal and Liquid Cargo Terminal respectively. Meanwhile four more ships carrying containers, project cargo and steel coil also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was 75% at the port on Thursday where total eight ships namely Maersk Semwang, CGM Amazon, Espon Trader, Equisite LNG, Sea Charming, Constitution Sprit, Black Pearl and Chemroad Quest are currently occupying berths to load/offload containers soyabeen LNG, chemical, furnace oil, LPG mix and edible oil respectively during last 24 hours.—APP
The reality is that business and investment spending are the true leading indicators of the economy and the stock market. If you want to know where the stock market is headed, forget about consumer spending and retail sales figures. Look to business spending, price inflation, interest rates, and productivity gains. —Mark Skousen
KARACHI: A delegation of Karachi Chamber led by Qasim Siraj Teli, Younis Bashir, Zubair Motiwala and others called on Sindh CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah and handed over two containers of relief goods. Special Assistant to CM Sindh, Waqar Mehdi was also present.
KSE-100 continues bullish run with 269 points gain AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—The KSE-100 index added 269 points to close in green at 34.330.84 levels indicating the bullish momentum to take the index towards its critical resistance level of 35,000 levels in the comings sessions. In the present scenario the oil & gas sector looked strong at current levels on the back of stability seems to have return to international oil prices which were increased by 6% on Wednesday despite a stronger US dollar. The market moved north after inventory data showed an increase of 3.4mnbbl. However, Gasoline and distillate inventories fell, suggesting a pickup in demand. It is important to note that short covering also contributed to the rally.
In a little bit improved market volume at 192.39 million shares K Electric was the top volume leader with a trade of 18.43 million shares while PACE Pakistan and Pak Electron with a trade of 1516 million and 7.20 million shares respectively. Out of the total
market activity 191 scrips were gainers, 156 losers and 10 remained unchanged.
FFC to set-up fertilizer complex in Tanzania STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Fauji Fertilizer Company Ltd (FFC), the leader in Pakistani fertilizer sector has entered into Joint Venture for setting up large scale fertilizer plant in Tanzania. FFC is partnering with renowned technology provider HaldorTopsoe A/S (HT) from Denmark, and project developer Ferrostaal Industrial Projects GmbH (FIP) from Germany as a consortium and joined by the state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), according to statement issued here on Thursday. The plant will be located in the South of Dar es Salam in the Lindi/Mt. Wara area, where port facilities and connections to natural gas grid would be available. This project is one of the biggest foreign investment in Tanzania. The fertilizer complex is expected to be on-stream by 2020, and will be producing 1.3 million tons of urea fertilizer per year, for both local and international market. The agricultural sector in Tanzania would be benefitting the most from this investment and FFC’s agriservices experience. Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) with over three decades of experience in operating large scale ammonia and urea plants is well poised to run safe and reliable operations of this fertilizer plant and training of domestic manpower in Tanzania. TPDC considers this project to be of strategic importance to the Country in view of enormous economic and social benefits. This project will significantly help boost economy in Tanzania by creating employment opportunities directly and also in spin-off industries. Lt. Gen Shafqaat Ahmed (Retd), CE and MD FFC, while briefing the Board of Directors, expressed his optimism on this key project which marks the beginning of FFC’s ‘Global Aspirations’. The project is seen as a positive development towards the national economy, as a valuable source of earning foreign exchange and goodwill in African Region.
Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chairing a meeting of ECC at PM office.
Shahbaz reviews Int’l business seminar arrangements SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Punjab
Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presided over a high level meeting, here Thursday, which reviewed the arrangements for holding of an international seminar on business opportunities in the province. The 2-day seminar will be held in the beginning of November in Lahore in which foreign investment companies and officials will participate. Investors from Pakistan will also attend the seminar. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that Punjab has become a hub of investment due to excellent policies and conducive atmosphere. He said that Punjab government will ensure a favourable atmosphere for investment while solid strategy has been adopted for increasing investment opportunities in the province. He said that problems like poverty and unemployment can be overcome through the promotion of economic and trade activities. Shahbaz Sharif said that the holding of
international seminar will help in motivating foreign investors to make investment in different sectors in the province. He said that this seminar will go a long way in the promotion of foreign investment in Punjab. He further said that interest taken by foreign investors in international seminar reflects their confidence in the economic policies of the government. He said that due to development programmes of Punjab government, business activities have accelerated, however, there is room for further progress. The Chief Minister directed that best arrangements in every respect should be made with regard to seminar. Secretary Communication & Works and Commissioner Lahore Division gave briefings on the arrangements for the seminar. Provincial Minister for Finance Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, concerned secretaries, Commissioner Lahore Division, Chairman Punjab Investment Board, Director General Walled City of Lahore Authority and senior officials attended the meeting.
Lucky Cement reports Rs 2.968b profit of 1Q AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI—Lucky Cement Limited continued to lead the cement industry and reported net profit of PKR 2.968 billion during the first quarter ended September 30th, 2015 which is 11.2% higher than the same period last year. Consequently, the earnings per share (EPS) for the 1stquarter increased to PKR 9.18 compared to PKR 8.25 reported during the same period last year. The Company’s net sales revenue declined by 1.2% to PKR 10.34 billion compared to PKR 10.47 billion reported during the same period last year. The decrease in net sales revenue was primarily attributable to 2.7% decrease in sales volume, which was partially offset by 1.5% increase in net retention due to improved sales mix. The local sales volume of the Company during the first quarter registered a growth of 11% with 1.07 million tons compared to
0.97 million tons reported during the same period last year, whereas export sales volume registered a decline of 23.2% with 0.49 million tons compared to 0.64 million tons during the same period last year. On a consolidated basis, Lucky Cement reported net profit of PKR 3.297 billion for the first quarter ended September 30th, 2015, which is 13.81% higher, compared to same period last year. Consequently, consolidated EPS during the first quarter increased to PKR 10.20 compared to PKR 8.96 reported during the same period last year. The Board of Directors of the Company have also decided to set up a 2.3 million tons capacity, fully integrated green field cement manufacturing plant in Punjab Province. The expected project cost is US$ 200 million and construction work is expected to start in the first quarter of calendar year 2016. It is expected that plant will become operational in the second quarter of calendar year 2018.
SAARC Chamber to assist earthquake victims STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an apex body in the region on Thursday announced to despatch a number of relief consignments to the earthquake-hit areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. In a statement issued on behalf of all Vice Presidents of member countries, Iftikahr Ali Malik Vice President SAARC CCI and incharge SAARC CCI Headquarters office, Islamabad, expressed grief and sorrow over the causalities of the people in earthquake in Pakistan and Afghanistan”. He said the SAARC CCI was with the
victims in this hour of trial and would extend all possible assistance for the early rehabilitation of the affected people and re-construction of their damaged and partially collapsed houses on top priority. He said that all Vice Presidents of member countries had been approached to send their relief goods directly to affected countries. While Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and all its affiliated chambers of commerce and industries across the country have also been directed to make necessary arrangements on war-footings for delivery of relief goods in affected areas and share with government efforts for quick rehabilitation of victims,he added.
PCJCCI stresses Chinese model to resolve energy crises SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Chinese waste to energy incineration model could prove to be a solution for energy crises and environment pollution in Pakistan. It was stated by President Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI), Shah Faisal Afridi while commenting on ideas extended by officials from Tianying Company, Shanghai. Afridi informed that Tianying is a renowned waste to Energy Chinese Company and willing to invest in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) incineration power generation area. The company is looking for a suitable project agents to start the investment in Pakistan. Faisal Afridi said that Energy crisis is one of the major problems of our country and it’s the time that we should emphasis on new energy resources to fulfill our demand. In renewable energy resources, biogas is one of them that can be used to fulfill the deficit.
He explicated that the shortfall of fuel and electricity in Pakistan is an indication for us to decrease our dependence on conventional fuel resources and find the new sustainable resources such as renewable resources. He said that Pakistan has proved potential for renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, biomass and Utilization of these renewable energy resources would save our foreign reserves and also create new employment opportunities. Through these resources, we will be able not only to meet energy demand but also minimize environmental contamination, he added. Municipal Solid waste incineration (Burning) could be used as an option to enhance waste management and provide households and institutions with biogas – a renewable, clean source of cooking energy. Afridi said that in China waste-to-energy incineration is playing an increasingly important role in waste management and energy production. He said that currently two plants of 260 ton/day capacity incinera-
tors are incinerating 137,325 tons, or approximately one/sixth of the MSW generated in China, saving more than 0.2 million m3 landfill space and a total of 46.2 million kWh electricity is being generated. He informed that in Pakistan about 3,000 MW combined gross electricity can be generated using agricultural residue and municipal solid waste. He said that Pakistan generates about 10 million tons of crops residue annually, which can be used as feedstock to generate 120-MW electricity. The other important waste that can be converted into energy is municipal non-hazardous solid waste that is about some 56,000 tons on a daily basis in urban areas only and is increasing at the rate of 2.4 per cent annually. He suggested that Pakistan should attain Chinese assistance and investment for bringing in Pakistan advanced waste-to-energy conversion technologies that have been proven commercially viable and sustainable, and recognized as renewable, asserted Afridi.
Amir Khan hopes to face Manny Pacquiao ISLAMABAD—British boxer of Pakistan-origin Amir Khan believes he is the favourite to face Manny Pacquiao before the Filipino retires. Pacquiao, 36, is understood to want one more b o u t before hanging up h i s gloves to focus on a career in public office. Khan w a s snubbed by Floyd Mayweather, who chose Andre Berto as his final opponent in September. Now the former world champion is targeting Pacman, who lost to Mayweather in May, for a possible fight in early 2016. Terence Crawford and Tim Bradley are also believed to be in the mix. “It would be Manny Pacquiao’s last fight and end his career in a big way, not like Floyd Mayweather where, no disrespect to Berto, but I think Floyd finished his career on a low note,” Khan, was quoted as saying by BBC. “I am the front-runner. Manny Pacquiao makes a good story because we’ve been training partners and I’ve been with his coach Freddie Roach.— APP
Yasir brings downfall to Waqar Younis criticizes DRS England with Warne on his side SHARJAH—Legendary Australian spin- Monday. ner Shane Warne Thursday worked with Yasir Shah in the nets, saying he gave the Pakistani slow bowler advice on tactics to help down England in this week’s third Test. Warne enjoyed tormenting England during his illustrious career, taking 195 of his 708 wickets against England, 23 in his last series at home in 2006-07. Warne, who is here on a promotional event, spent 90 minutes with the fast-rising Pakistan spinner who took eight wickets in the second Test against England in Dubai which Pakistan won by 178 runs on
Raikkonen eyes grand prix changes TEXAS—Kimi Raikkonen says a complete revamp of the Formula 1 grand p r i x weeke n d format should be considered. Last week’s US Grand Prix was thrown into turmoil when heavy rain in Austin, Texas, meant qualifying and the race both took place on Sunday. So impressed was Ferrari driver Raikkonen that he is now suggesting organisers look at the possibility of replicating that format for every race, with all free practices occurring on Saturday. The 2007 world champion believes such a change would be win-win for both the teams and fans.—AFP
from discussing whether or not a particular appeal should be given out or not, as DRS requires conclusive evidence to overturn a decision. However, with half of the technology in use, Waqar doesn’t believe this makes any sense.
Warne added: “We couldn’t communicate that well but when he was smiling afterwards I knew what he got was pretty good. It was a nice hour or so and that was good fun. “He is happy and he will go away and, hopefully, in the next couple of days start ripping and getting wickets and that will be great,” he added. The former Australian great admitted he has been a fan of Shah, who made his mark at international level last year. He took 12 wickets in Pakistan’s 2-0 series win over Australia in United Arab Emirates last year before taking 24 in the 2-1 win this year. “Look I have always been a fan of Shah since the first time I saw him a while ago, probably he is the best leg-spinner in the world, the way he bowls and the way the ball comes out of his hand,” added the 46-year-old. Warne hoped the final Test would be exciting. “It will be nice to have two leg-spin“This half-DRS is not acceptable and the ners on display,” said Warne of Shah and system like this doesn’t make any sense,” he England’s Adil Rashid. said. “You either don’t have it or have it com“I think it will be great if Yasir and plete. We have witnessed big blunders and I Rashid go right up there on the rankings think the ICC should look into the matter and and that will bring a big smile on my face, it should be the one body controlling it uniso I hope that both do well.” formly for all. Warne hoped Rashid will learn with “Sometimes one bad decision can affect the time. entire game like we had in Abu Dhabi. I have “Rashid is also a wonderful bowler — already met with the ICC and suggested that it was tough against Pakistan’s batsmen they revisit their parameters. They have agreed because they did wonderfully well against to some extent and I hope this will be considthe spinners, so he will learn,” said the ered at their cricket committee meeting,” Paformer Aussie great of Rashid, who failed kistan chief coach said.—APP to get a wicket in the first innings of the Abu Dhabi Test but got five in the next. Shah said it was a dream come true for him, bowling alongside his childhood idol, Warne. “It was a childhood wish that I could bowl with him, play with him and I was excited to have him here for me. I am very happy to know the kind of feedback he gave me and that he spoke highly of me,” cellation of their meeting in Mumbai. SPORTS REPORTER said Shah of the session. Letter has also conveyed that the BCCI “He emphasised that Test cricket is played with patience and I don’t need to LAHORE—The President, Board of Control has officially approached the Indian government to obtain definitive guidto train at Sharjah cricket stadium on rush and waste energy, I just need to keep for Cricket in India (BCCI), ance on the Pakistan-India semyself calm,” Shah added.—AFP Shashank Manohar has exries. pressed his sincere regrets for The PCB maintains that the cancellation of meeting sports and politics should not between officials of two be mixed, and hopes that the boards in Mumbai last week BCCI will not be held hostage because of pressure from exby extremist elements who tremists elements. wish to sabotage bilateral According to a media recricket relations. lease of PCB issued on ThursThe series, scheduled to day, Chairman PCB, be held in UAE at the end of Shaharyar M. Khan has rethis year, is part of an MOU breaking in the first game and threatening ceived a letter from BCCI Sharapova a break to get back to 4-4. The pair continued on serve until the to repeat the feat several times before head, Shashank Manohar, regarding the can- signed between PCB and BCCI. 12th game and with the Russian able to tee Radwanska somehow regained parity with off on the Italian’s modest serve knowing a surprise break in the 10th game. Still deadlocked after 12 enthralling she had the safety net of a tiebreak, her relentless pressure told on Pennetta, who con- games, the opener went to a tiebreak and when the players changed ends with the Roceded the game and the set meekly. The Russian now had the momentum manian 5-1 ahead, it appeared Halep would JALANDHAR—India cricketer and broke early in the second set through a secure the set that would end Radwanska’s Harbhajan Singh and combination of her typical booming fore- interest in the tournament. Bollywood actress Geeta Basra hands and recently developed sliced backHer opponent had other ideas though, finally tied the knot on Wedneshand chips and drop shots to surge 3-0 clear. and threw herself around the court to reel day in Jalandhar. Pennetta staved off more break points off six straight points and seal the opener The 35-year-old off-spinner to stop the rot as Sharapova was threaten- when Halep chipped wide at the end of a and Basra completed the wedding after a long relation. The couple chose traditional attires for the ceremony. Sachin Tendulkar was also seen at the wedding in Jalandhar with Muskesh and Nita Ambani’s son Akash. Their wedding outfits are being styled by ace designer Archana Kochhar. In a statement couple days of ago, Kochhar had said that Geeta’s wedding lehenga will be in traditional red-and-gold combination accessorised by a ‘nath’, a ‘matha patti’ and a ‘tikka’ with a beautiful head dupatta to complete the en- Harbhajan Singh with actor Geeta Basra at their wedding ceremony at Jalandhar on Thursday. semble. Harbhajan complemented Archana Kocchar for the Amitabh Bachhan, Shah Rukh the bride with a red and white mehendi and chose a dark green Khan and Priyanka Chopra are also likely to attend the recepoutfit. lehenga for sangeet. Earlier, a mehendi and The couple will host a re- tion in the capital. Harbhajan, sangeet ceremony was also held ception in New Delhi on Sun- 35, and Geeta, who has acted at Harbhajan’s Jalandhar home. day, November 1. Apart from in several Hindi and Punjabi For her mehendi Geeta Basra his Team India teammates like films, have had a five years of chose pastel colours. She wore Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli, courtship before they took the a pink and yellow lehenga by Bollywood celebrities like marital plunge.—Agencies The first Test ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi while the final Test starts in Sharjah from Saturday. That performance rose Shah to number two in Test bowlers’ rankings, behind South African paceman Dale Steyn. “He is a wonderful bowler,” said Warne of the 29-year-old Pakistan spinner. “We didn’t work on any tactical thing, just worked on who he his having trouble with in the England side, some tactics and plans, how he can be a little bit better as he wants a bit more drift and bounce.”
BCCI express regrets with PCB chief
IOC suspends Kuwait Olympic Committee PARIS—The Kuwait Olympic Committee (KOC) has been suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a result of what they regarded as und u e government interf e r ence. According to the IOC, the KOC is not entitled to participate in any activity connected with the Olympic movement or exercise any right conferred upon it by the Olympic Charter or IOC. The suspension will remain in place until a reasonable and mutually acceptable solution can be found although details of the alleged government interference were not released. Kuweit’s Football Association (KFA) was already suspended by world governing body FIFA last Friday after earlier allegations of government interference. Kuwait are currently well-placed to qualify for the next stage of World Cup qualifying, sitting in second spot behind South Korea in Group G with their next match scheduled for November 17 against Myanmar.—AFP
KARACHI—Pakistani Coach Waqar Younis, has criticised the inconsistency of the Decision Review System (DRS), and believes that the margin of doubt for Umpire’s Call should be increased from 50 to 75 percent. “The current set-up, is allowing match officials to be complacent in their decision-making,” he told cricinfo.com Thursday. An umpire’s call verdict is currently given when the TV replays suggest that an lbw decision is too marginal to be fairly overturned. Waqar believes there is excessive weight given to distinct parameters - pitching point, point of impact with batsman’s body, and whether the ball is hitting the stumps or not. Presently, if the umpire gives an appeal not out and less than half the ball is shown to be hitting the stumps, the decision will not be overturned. “I strongly believed this 50 percent formula is not fair to the players,” Waqar said. “They should even it out a little bit by making it 70/30 or 75/25. If the ball strikes you inside the line, 25 percent it should be given out rather than making a verdict on the basis of 50 percent. Sometimes a decision is not out when it is hitting 49 percent [of the stump], even though you are convinced that it is hitting flush. So that sparks frustration, this whole mechanism needs to be tweaked. “Even if it’s hitting the stump 30 percent, it should be given out rather than applying Umpire’s Call and a 50 percent margin. We don’t mind playing with DRS but the important factor is it should involve all elements, otherwise it will kept on leaving out a lot of controversy.” DRS technology is being used during Pakistan’s series against England, although without the use of HotSpot and Snickometer, because their addition would raise the cost by more than $6,000 per day. The third umpire is explicitly prohibited
Yasir Shah and Shane Warne head out Thursday.
Spotless Sharapova carries Radwanska into semis SINGAPORE—Maria Sharapova made light of her long injury layoff by advancing to the last four of the WTA Finals with an unbeaten record in round robin play after the Russian breezed past Flavia Pennetta 7-5 6-1 on Thursday. The victory also ended the career of the 33-year-old Italian, who announced this season would be her last after her stunning US Open victory last month, and booked a surprise passage to the semi-finals for Agnieszka Radwanska. Radwanska had earlier battled past Simona Halep 7-6(5) 6-1 in their last Red
Harbhajan ties knot with Geeta
Physically challenged Pak, Afghan players to play tri-nation series in India BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT Maria Sharapova of Russia consoles Flavia Pennetta of Italy at the net after a straight set victory during WTA finals in Singapore on Thursday. Group match, with the Pole just two points ing to send her into retirement with a thrilling rally that had the crowd on their away from elimination at one stage and only dreaded ‘bagel’ but the reprieve was brief feet in appreciation. The loss of the set had a demoralising able to progress if Sharapova beat Pennetta as the Russian sent down her seventh ace in straight sets.Perhaps aware that a single on the way to winning the last three games. effect on Halep and the Romanian was soon Radwanska had lost her first two transformed into a helpless spectator as set was all she needed to extend her career by at least one more match, Pennetta started matches and few would have given the fifth Radwanska stormed through the second set quickly, breaking in the first game against seed a chance of upsetting the highest- in 30 minutes, breaking three times as she an opponent who had not completed a match ranked player in the tournament after Serena chalked up her 500th win on the WTA Tour. Radwanska, Halep and Pennetta all Williams’ withdrawal, especially when she since July before arriving in Singapore. The Italian could not pull further away, took to the court with strapping around her ended round robin play with 1-2 records but the Pole advanced after she won three sets however, and handed back the advantage right thigh and shoulder. Her hopes appeared even more remote in her matches while the others could only in the eighth game, unable to find a first serve and double-faulting twice to gift when the world number two started quickly, manage two.—Agencies
MUMBAI —Physically Challenged Cricket Association of India (PCCAI) will celebrate the Disability Day (December 3) in India and will organise the few Twenty20 matches. This was revealed by Ravi Chauhan, the Founder Secretary General of the association. Speaking exclusively over telephone from Delhi, he said, “the handicapped players from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan will play few Twenty20 matches on December 3,4,5 and 6”. “The tournament is scheduled to be played in Bhiwani and the teams from Pakistan and Afghanistan will play the triangular series”, he further added. “We are approaching the BCCI president (Shashank Manohar) to grace the occasion”, he further added.
Waqar Ahmed Khan, the Secretary General : Pakistan Cricket Association for the Physically Handicapped, has thanked the move by the Indian association to celebrate the Disability Day, and has confirmed his team participation in the event. Sayed Mohammad Hussain “Sadaqat”, the Director : Afghan Disabled and Vulnerable Society (ADVS) has also accepted the invitation and confirmed the participation of Afghanistan’s handicapped players. Since 1992 when the United Nations first promoted Disability Day, or the International Day of People with Disability, December 3 of every year is celebrated in several countries. “We have been approaching the Indian cricket board for the affiliation but not met with success so far. We don’t beg money but seek encouragement from the board and its players”, Ravi Chauhan added.
Mediterranean-style diet may protect against brain aging
A
DHERING to a Mediterranean-style diet could protect against brain shrink age that commonly occurs with aging, finds a new study published in the journal Neurology. Following a Mediterranean-style diet may protect against brain shrinkage, according to researchers. A Mediterranean diet typically involves high consumption of fish and seafood, plant-based foods - such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and legumes - replacing butter with healthy fats, such as olive oil, while limiting consumption of red meats and dairy products. The potential benefits of such a diet are well documented. Last month, Medical News Today reported on a study claiming a Mediterranean diet can promote a healthy gut, while another study linked a Mediterranean diet with olive oil to reduced risk of breast cancer. For this latest study, Yian Gu, of Columbia University in New York, NY, and colleagues set out to investigate the effects of a Mediterranean diet against brain shrinkage - the loss of brain cells that typically occurs as we age. The team enrolled 674 individuals of an average age of 80 who were free of dementia and asked them to complete a questionnaire detailing their dietary habits over the past year. The researchers split the participants into two groups. One group included subjects who followed at least five components of the Mediterranean diet, while the other group included participants whose diet did not closely follow the Mediterranean diet.
Around 7 months after the dietary questionnaire was completed, the participants underwent brain scans, enabling the researchers to assess their total brain volume. Compared with participants who did not follow a Mediterranean-style diet, those who followed at least five components of the diet had a total brain volume that was around 13.11 mm larger; the gray matter volume of these subjects was 5 mm larger, while their white matter volume was 6.41 mm larger. Gu says the differences in brain volume identified between the two groups were the equivalent to around 5 years of aging, indicating that the participants who followed the Mediterranean-style diet were protected against 5 years of age-related brain shrinkage. Specifically, the team found that adhering to certain dietary patterns within the bounds of the Mediterranean diet positively impacted brain shrinkage. For example, consuming at least three to five portions of fish weekly and eating a maximum of 3.5 ounces of meat daily was found to protect against brain cell loss the equivalent to around 3-4 years of aging. While Gu admits their study does not prove a causal link between a Mediterranean diet and prevention of brain shrinkage, they do indicate a significant association between the two. He adds: “These results are exciting, as they raise the possibility that people may potentially prevent brain shrinking and the effects of aging on the brain simply by following a healthy diet.”
Work on Green, Orange Line projects to begin soon: Ebad CITY REPORTER KARACHI—Green and Orange Lines projects of public transit for Karachi will begin in a month’s time and to be completed within a year, said Governor of Sindh, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan. Talking to the media during his visit to the sites of different development projects under way in the metropolis, he said infrastructural progress is fast on its way through Rs 150 billion Karachi package approved for the metropolis. The Governor on the occasion was accompanied by provincial minister for local bodies Syed Nasir Hussain, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s administrator, Sajid Hussain Abbasi and other KMC officials. The Sindh Governor asked the authorities to ensure completion of Malir flyover by December 15 and Nazimabad underpass in three months’ time. “These projects must be completed and be made open to public without any delay and also without any compromise in quality of work or material,” he reiterated. The Governor directed the officials to see
that alternative routes are also ensured so that inconvenience to the citizens is reduced to minimum. Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan was informed that work on Malir flyover began on January 20 last year. As per its PC-One the project was to be completed within a year against an estimated cost of Rs 531.69 million, however delay due to unavoidable circumstances raised its completion cost to Rs 999.792 million. He was further informed that pace of work on the project has been expedited and it is expected to be opened by mid December 2015 without any failure. On his visit to the site of Nazimabad underpass, the Governor was told 373.15 meter long scheme was started on April eight this year against an estimated cost of Rs 450 million. “Thirty seven percent work on the project has been completed in six months’ time,” officials told the Governor mentioning that alterative route has been arranged for a sizable number of commuters passing through the site. The Governor responding to queries said there was no issue related to funds while administration related hitches or any bottleneck has also been removed.
A view after a fire that gutted 40 huts in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area in which at least five children were killed and six other people were injured.—INP
Three terrorists killed, 20 suspects arrested in police operation KARACHI—At least three suspected firing at least three terrorists were killed Anwar Siyal, Additional Inspector 20 suspects. Police recovered one pisterrorists were killed by police in an encounter at Momanabad area of Karachi on late Wednesday night. At least 20 suspects including a target killer were also arrested. According to SSP Karachi-West Azfar Mahesar, Police on tip off raided a house in the area and during search operation the terrorists opened fire at the police party and in the retaliatory
Nepra approves Rs 0.85/unit cut in K-Electric’s tariff KARACHI—National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Thursday approved Rs 0.85 price cut per unit in power tariff for K-Electric customers. The reduction has come in as fuel adjustment for the month of August. K-Electric chairman had forwarded a plea seeking cut in price to Nepra. A meeting chaired by Nepra Chairman Tariq Sadozzai took the decision. The authorities said that the relief would be granted to the people in November billings. The Karachi electricity company had saved at least Rs 1.31 billion in August. Chairman Sadozzai said that K-Electric draws at least 650 Mega Watt (MW) power from the national grid.—INP
on the spot while one of their accomplices managed to flee from the scene. The killed terrorists were identified as Sher Dil, Rahil and Umair. They were involved in target killings, robberies and extortion activities. SSP said that huge quantity of arms, ammunitions and explosive material also recovered from their custody. Sindh Home Minister Suhail
General (AIG) Karachi Mushtaq Maher and Inspector General Police (IGP) Sindh Ghulam Hyder Jamali appreciated the efforts of Karachi police while the home minister announced cash reward for the KarachiWest police team that took part in the encounter. Meanwhile, during search operation in Jahangir Road police arrested at least
tol and a snatching motorbike from possession of the arrested suspects. Police sources said that police also arrested one target killer from Eidgha area. The arrested accused was involved in killings of four people. Two accomplices of arrested target killer managed to flee from the scene. The Police started search operation for their capture.—INP
Book launching
Need for global warming research stressed KARACHI—The Minister of State for Communications, Abdul Hakim Baloch, has called for undertaking global warming research to help check the effects of global warming. He was speaking at the launching of the book authored by Dr. Moinuddin, a former professor of Botany at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Tech-
nology (FUUAST) here on Thursday. The book was titled: “ The Science of Tree Ring: Dendrochronology”. The dendrochronology is the dating and study of annual rings in trees. The Minister said that such a research would help check the gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth. He also referred to the dwindling green belts and the trees which gave rise to extreme
temperatures. The Minister also referred to the recent heat wave in Karachi which resulted in many deaths. He also praised the research and academic work undertaken by the author of the book. The Vice-Chancellor of the FUUAST Prof. Dr Sulaiman D. Muhammad in his remarks highlighted the significance of the research work.—APP
Workshop on Human Rights concludes STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—A 4-day Workshop on Human Rights and Law Enforcement: Criminal Investigation concluded here today at Special Security Unit (SSU) Headquarter, Karachi. The workshop was organized with the approval of Inspector General of Police Sindh. The Workshop was sponsored by SHEHRI-CBE in collaboration with National Endowment for Democracy, USA
and Sindh Police. Niaz Ahmed Siddiqui, former Inspector General of Police, Sindh was the lead trainer and Ms. Fouzia Tariq, Chief Operating Officer, MCTS coordinated the programme. Certificates were distributed to the participants after conclusion of the programme today by Barrister Shahida Jamil and Muzzafar Iqbal, Superintendent of Police, SSU on behalf of Lt. Maqsood Ahmed, Tamgha-e Imtiaz, SSU AIG Security, who was abroad on an official commitment.
Prominent speakers were Barrister Shahida Jamil, former federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights; Asad Jahangir Khan, former Inspector General of Police, Sindh; Niaz Ahmed Siddiqui, former Inspector General of Police, Sindh; Zafar Ahmed Farooqi, former Additional Inspector General of Police, Sindh; Anwar Ul Hassan Siddiqui, former Civil and Family Judge and Judicial Magistrate and Fouzia Tariq, Chief Operating Officer, MCTS.
Grief expressed over earthquake tragedy STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Syed Jawaid Iqbal, Chairman,
Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan visiting Karachi city along with Minister for Local Government Nasir Hussain Shah, Administrator Karachi Sajjad Abbasi and other officials.—PO photo by Arif
Society for Global Moderation (SGM), has expressed his profound grief on the earthquake that hit Pakistan on Oct 26, 2015 and caused loss of precious lives in addition to damaging houses and property. In his message of condolence, Jawaid Iqbal said it was unfortunate that over 300
persons had died as a result of the earthquake. The magnitude 7.8 earthquakes with a depth of 210 km hit the Hindu Kush mountain range in northern Afghanistan on Monday, with strong tremors felt in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. Jawaid said he and members of the Society for Global Moderation were deeply saddened by the loss of life and property following the earthquake and all their sympathies
were with the people in face of the disaster. He recalled another devastating earthquake that had hit Pakistan 10 years back and pledged that the people would again unite in the same manner to help their compatriots as they had done before. Founded in 2003, the Society for Global Moderation is a private-sector Think Tank committed to strengthening tolerance, interfaith harmony and democracy.
PPP to protest in Parliament on increase in POL prices: senators STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senators Ajiz Dhamra, Rozi Khan Kakar and Rubina Khalid said the PMLN government has failed to address the problems of the common men especially the lower and middle classes as these two segments of the society totalling to around 70 percent of country’s population. The federal government should avoid increasing the POL prices from
next month (November) or else the PPP would protest against the hike in POL prices at all for a of the Parliament. They said the PPP had in its past government introduced three new concepts in the country, which were policy of reconciliation, strengthening of democracy and people-friendly policies. However, the incumbent federal government of PMLN has taken a different track that opens IMF’s domain under which the life of common men has become a misery.
They said the people while expecting the PMLN would bring prosperity to their lives had elected the party but today they are in absolute state of despondence owing to its anti-people and pro-IMF policies. They demanded the PMLN’s federal government to bring the POL prices in accordance with the POL prices at international market and reduce the GST, which ranges from 26 percent to 50 percent so that the people might get some relief.
Prof Dr Hakim Abdul Hannan, Vice Chancellor, Hamdard University, Prof Dr Muhammad Javed, Dean, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Prof Dr Syed Muhammad Mubeen, Head of the department of Community Health Sciences and Prof Dr Muhammad Furqan addressing the Annual Student Research presentation at Main Campus, Hamdard University, Madinat al Hikmah. Mrs Sadia Rashid, Chancellor HU and President Hamdard Foundation Pakistan was also present on this occasion.—PO photo
Mediterranean-style diet may protect against brain aging
A
DHERING to a Mediterranean-style diet could protect against brain shrink age that commonly occurs with aging, finds a new study published in the journal Neurology. Following a Mediterranean-style diet may protect against brain shrinkage, according to researchers. A Mediterranean diet typically involves high consumption of fish and seafood, plant-based foods - such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and legumes - replacing butter with healthy fats, such as olive oil, while limiting consumption of red meats and dairy products. The potential benefits of such a diet are well documented. Last month, Medical News Today reported on a study claiming a Mediterranean diet can promote a healthy gut, while another study linked a Mediterranean diet with olive oil to reduced risk of breast cancer. For this latest study, Yian Gu, of Columbia University in New York, NY, and colleagues set out to investigate the effects of a Mediterranean diet against brain shrinkage - the loss of brain cells that typically occurs as we age. The team enrolled 674 individuals of an average age of 80 who were free of dementia and asked them to complete a questionnaire detailing their dietary habits over the past year. The researchers split the participants into two groups. One group included subjects who followed at least five components of the Mediterranean diet, while the other group included participants whose diet did not closely follow the Mediterranean diet.
Around 7 months after the dietary questionnaire was completed, the participants underwent brain scans, enabling the researchers to assess their total brain volume. Compared with participants who did not follow a Mediterranean-style diet, those who followed at least five components of the diet had a total brain volume that was around 13.11 mm larger; the gray matter volume of these subjects was 5 mm larger, while their white matter volume was 6.41 mm larger. Gu says the differences in brain volume identified between the two groups were the equivalent to around 5 years of aging, indicating that the participants who followed the Mediterranean-style diet were protected against 5 years of age-related brain shrinkage. Specifically, the team found that adhering to certain dietary patterns within the bounds of the Mediterranean diet positively impacted brain shrinkage. For example, consuming at least three to five portions of fish weekly and eating a maximum of 3.5 ounces of meat daily was found to protect against brain cell loss the equivalent to around 3-4 years of aging. While Gu admits their study does not prove a causal link between a Mediterranean diet and prevention of brain shrinkage, they do indicate a significant association between the two. He adds: “These results are exciting, as they raise the possibility that people may potentially prevent brain shrinking and the effects of aging on the brain simply by following a healthy diet.”
Senior officer awarded penalty for objectionable behaviour towards a female officer SALIM AHMED LAHORE—The Ombudsperson Punjab, Ms. Farkhanda Wasim Afzal has awarded penalty to a senior officer of Livestock Department, Government of the Punjab, for his “demeaning, objectionable & unacceptable” behaviour towards a female officer. The penalty was awarded after hearing the female officer’s complaint lodged under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010. The said Act has been promulgated to provide a harassment and intimidation-free work
environment for women so that they can perform their duties to their full potential with dignity. The Ombudsperson after hearing the parties, concluded that the demeaning attitude and use of objectionable language by the senior officer to a female employee (complainant) was “harassment” as per the provisions of the Act ibid and awarded the penalty of ‘censure’ to the accused officer. She also observed that such attitude was not only morally unacceptable but also caused intimidating work environment for women and was cognisable under the Act.
TMA Gulberg Town has set up a relief camp for earthquake affectees.—DNA
PUASA urges govt to use agri land STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Punjab University Academic Staff Association on Thursday took out a rally against construction of Orange Train Project offices on University Town 1 land from Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology to Faisal Auditorium. PU ASA Vice President Prof Dr Abid Hussain Chaudhry, Secretary Dr Mahboob Hussain, Dr Liaqat Ali, Dr Kamran Abid and a large number of teachers were present on the occasion. Addressing the rally, Dr Mahboob Hussain said the malafide intention of bureaucracy was complicating the issue as the government could easily purchase agricultural land for the project which was a far better option. However, the bureaucracy was continuously insisting to use developed land which was totally illogical, he added. He said that the next meeting of PUASA general body will be held in Old Campus and PU teachers would stage protest demonstration on The Mall. Earlier, Dr Abid Hussain Chaudhry presided over the meeting PUASA general body which discussed the option of involving civil society in the movement.
Security measures taken to ensure law, order during LB elections CITY REPORTER LAHORE—The city police have put in place comprehensive and effective security measures to ensure law and order during local government elections to be held on October 31. A spokesman for the police said about 18,000 policemen along with other law enforcement agencies personnel would perform duties in the city to provide security to people. He said additional police personnel
would also be deployed at 890 sensitive polling stations while 7,000 policemen would perform duties at 3,332 polling stations. About 351 teams of Quick Response Force (QRF) would conduct patrolling on the day of local bodies elections in the city, the spokesman added. He said the city had been categorized into 12 zones under the security plan and a superintendent of police (SP) would supervise the zones to ensure law and order. He said about 6,000 policemen would
be called in from other districts besides others who had been deployed at offices. The city police have 1,200 walk through gates which would be installed at polling stations. He said the metropolitan police were utilizing all available resources to keep a peaceful environment for local bodies elections and provide foolproof security to people. The DIG said the city police would effectively implement and enforce the code of conduct of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Rehabilitation work on Jahangir’s Tomb starts LAHORE—The Punjab government has allocated Rs 30 million to restore beauty of the Jahangir’s Tomb building and work has been started. This was said by Project Director Naeem Iqbal while talking to APP here on Thursday. He said the rehabilitation project would be completed in two years while renovation would also be started in the second phase. A view of the tomb of Mughal Emperor, Jehangir.–APP
“Rehabilitation work on rooms of “Akbari Sroy” and boundary wall has also been started while imported red stone will also used on top of the south tower of the tomb”, he added. He said the work had been started under the directions of “International Cultural Heritage” a subsidiary department of the UNESCO.—APP
National Immunization Days against polio from November 10 STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Punjab is holding the next National Immunization Days (NIDs) against polio from November 10 to 12 and the Health Department has directed the District Officers (Health) of all districts of Punjab to review and update their micro-plans. In this connection a meeting of DOHs held here on Thursday. The DOHs meeting was Chaired by
Director EPI Dr. Munir Ahmed and besides the DOHs of 36 districts of Punjab, representatives of UNICEF, WHO and Rotary attended the meeting. The data analysis and progress review of all districts was presented and three bottom districts Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar and Rajanpur, were directed to improve their performance as they are not showing desired pace of improvement as assessed in last Neilson Survey.
Special buses ‘Lahore Lahore Ay’ for tourists are parked at Punjab Stadium.—DNA
TEVTA to train 200,000 youth by the end of current year SALIM AHMED LAHORE—TEVTA will achieve its target to train 200,000 youth by the end of the ongoing year. Introduction of demand driven short courses with the collaboration of Industry and placement of its pass-outs within country and abroad especially in Middle Eastern countries are the main focus of TEVTA. Chairperson TEVTA Irfan Qaiser Sheikh said while addressing the 35 member delegation of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) here at TEVTA Secretariat. He said, TEVTA is doing its best to spread technical education and vocational training system across the province of the Punjab. Our pass outs will play vibrant role to boost the national economy and
growth of the industry. Industrialists, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and service providers are the back bone of the Pakistani economy. While narrating his vision about development & performance of Technical and Vocational Education & Training (TVET) sector, Irfan Qaiser Sheikh said, TEVTA has initiated short courses for training the manpower as per industry demand. TEVTA is signing MoUs with different organizations to offer short courses. The purpose of these MoUs to train the youth as per requirement of the industry so that the pass outs may be absorbed easily in the concerned industries. TEVTA is launching a scheme from next month to provide interest free loan to 8000 TEVTA Graduates through Akhuwat. The said loan will be helpful for skilled manpower to start
or expand their existing business in the province of the Punjab. TEVTA has also started driving courses with the collaboration of National Motorway Police. As number of 6400 prisoners will be trained during the ongoing year. At least ten thousands TEVTA pass-outs will be sent Middle East during the year. Chinese Language course has already been started as pilot project at Lahore and we are planning to start it across the province of the Punjab. TEVTA will welcome industry to give their recommendations to revise existing curricula as per their demand, Chairperson also said. Speaking on the occasion President LCCI Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that the industrial sector needs skilled manpower with knowledge and expertise to meet the challenges of present era.
Lawyers during Supreme Court Bar Association election.—INP
The participants were apprised that Punjab is approaching elimination of Mother and Neo Natal Tetanus in near future and the number of cases have dropped considerably as per international standards. The districts were also asked to submit measles surveillance report regularly. Director EPI shared that next Neilson survey will start from 16th November. The meeting also reviewed the Implementation status of Red strategy in southern districts.