PM announces Rs5 lakh each for victims of Baldia factory tragedy STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has announced additional financial assistance worth five hundred thousand rupees for heirs of each of those killed during Baldia Town tragedy in Karachi.
Bilour announces $100,000 head-money for film director RAHMATULLAH KHAN PESHAWAR—Federal Minister for Railway Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour has announced head money of 0.1million US dollars for killing of the film director, who has done hateful act and demanded for giving an exemplary punishment to end the increasing anger of Muslims in the world over the sacrilegious. “We are not against the freedom of expression, but it does
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Senate kills US-Pak aid conditions bill W ASHINGTON—The Senate has defeated a bill that would have conditioned foreign aid on a country’s cooperation in investigating attacks on US diplomatic facilities. The bill also would have denied aid to Pakistan unless that country releases Dr Shakil Afridi. Pakistan arrested the doctor, who allegedly helped the United States track down Osama bin Laden by running a fake vaccination program for the CIA to collect DNA.
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Australia beat Windies by 17 runs
KARACHI: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf distributing cheques among heirs of Baldia Town factory martyrs at Chief Minister House on Saturday.
No evidence found against Rimsha: Police Cleric held guilty in blasphemy case I SLAMABAD —In a startling evidence by adding holy nesses and evidence against development on Saturday, the Islamabad police claimed to have found no evidence or witness to prove that blasphemy accused girl Rimsha Masih was seen desecrating holy papers, according to a copy of the revised charge sheet. In the charge sheet, the police claimed that the cleric of a nearby mosque, Mohammad Khalid Chishti, was guilty of tampering with
pages into a shopping bag the girl had been carrying. The police claimed the investigation proves the holy papers had also been burnt. The evidence is now being sent to a forensic science laboratory in Lahore for further examination. The Islamabad police submitted the charge sheet in a district and sessions court Saturday. “We have also told the court that there are wit-
US Senate approves envoys to Pak, Iraq
the local imam for framing a false blasphemy case against Rimsha,” Investigating Officer Munir Jafri told AFP. Judge Ghulam Abbas Shah adjourned the case till Monday, Sept 24 to decide on whether Hafiz Mohammed Khalid Chishti should face trial. Rao Abdur Rahim, the counsel for Rimsha’s neighbour Hammad Malik who had accused her along
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3 killed in drone strike TARIQ SAEED
WASHINGTON—The US Sen- turn a page in diplomatic rela- P ESHAWAR —Adding to the ate on Saturday approved tions with Islamabad. Continued on Page 7 new American ambassadors to Pakistan and Iraq both veteran diplomats nominated by President Barack Obama. In a voice vote, the Senate confirmed Richard Olson to be the new ambassador to Pakistan and Robert Stephen Beecroft as the new envoy to Iraq. The appointment of Olson, a 30-year veteran of the State Department who was envoy to the United Arab Emirates between 2008 and 2011, meanwhile will aim to Richard Olson
hatred of the Pakistanis against the America, the US drones in afresh attack in North Waziristan agency killed at least three people and injured equal number of others Saturday morning. The attack by the American planes killing innocent people in the Pakistani tribal belt was launched at the time when the anti-American emotions are already running very high in Pakistan as well as rest of the Muslim countries in the backdrop of making of blas-
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C OLOMBO —Australia defeated West Indies by 17 runs according to the Duckworth-Lewis method. The match looked evenly poised until the rain interrupted the Group B encounter, with Australia 1001 chasing a seemingly imposing total of 191-8 set by the West Indies although Shane Watson and Michael Hussey looked well set. Earlier in the day, the West Indies’ big hitters launched an assault on the Australian attack with Chris
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OGRA proposes no hike in petrol price ALI SYED ISLAMABAD —The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has recommended to the government to maintain the price of petrol at existing level and reduce the other POL prices by Rs 6.06 per liter which are to be effective from tomorrow (September 24), senior officials told Pakistan Observer. “And in case, the petrol price gets increased, then CNG price would also surge by Rs 1.55 per kg.” In a summary to Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Resources, according to officials, Ogra has recommended not to increase the petrol price from tomorrow ( Monday), and rather asked the government to reduce the other POL products prices by up to Rs 6.06 per unit. The regulator asked the government not to pass on the proposed increase of Rs 1.73 per litre in petrol price to end consumers by reducing the petroleum levy on it. The government should maintain the price of petrol at existing level of Rs 106.72 per liter. According to officials of Ogra, the regulator in its role
monitoring the prices has extended the recommendation to the government. The regulator has recommended the reduction in price of HOBC (high octane blending component) by Rs 6.06 per liter, high speed diesel (HSD) Re0.47 per litre, light diesel oil (LDO) Rs 2.10, kerosene oil Rs3.50. The government earlier increased the price of petrol from September 17 by whopping Rs 6.82 per litre and CNG by Rs 6.24 per kg. In case increase in petrol price
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Addressing a cheque distribution ceremony among the affected people in Karachi on Saturday evening, he said the amount would be paid by the Ministry of Labour irrespective of whether or not the employee was registered. He said this would be in additional to four hundred
thousand rupees announced by the Federal Government, three hundred thousand rupees by Sindh Government and two hundred thousand rupees by President of PPP Women Wing Faryal Talpur. The Prime Minister said the Ministry of Labour would
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Army ensures round-the-clock relief to affectees
PAF relief operations in rain-hit zones upped ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI— Army troops and PAF are working day and night to provide relief to flood affectees in Naseerabad, Jacobabad, Sukkur and Rajanpur. According to ISPR over 100 helicopter sorties have been flown so far to rescue 3400 persons to safer places in Naseerabad. Alongwith helicopters 34 boats have also been employed to augment the rescue operation. More than 12000 patients have been treated in the Army Field Hospital established in the flood affected areas. In addition 35 tons of ration have also been distributed among affected people of the Naseerabad division. Pakistan Air Force also continued relief operations in the rain affected areas of Jacobabad, Sukkur and Rajanpur. Another PAF C-130 aircraft carrying ration, medicines and Raft Boats reached PAF Base Shahbaz. On the instructions of Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, PAF Helicopters are being used for Aerial drop of dry ration and Raft Boats for distribution of re-
lief goods. Approximately been employed to augment seventy thousand kilograms the rescue operation. More (70,000 Kgs) of ration conthan 12000 patients have been taining essential food items treated in the Army Field Hosand clean drinking water has pital established in the flood been distributed in these araffected areas. eas. The National Disaster Field and Mobile HospiManagement Authority tals have also been estab(NDMA) has distributed lished at Jacobabad, Sukkur 194,665 foods packs among the and Rajanpur, where PAF flood victims in different parts doctors and para-medical of the country. An NDMA offistaff are providing free medicial told APP on Saturday that cal treatment & medicines to each food pack contained 10 the calamity stricken people kg rice, one kg black tea, 20 kg of these areas. More than flour and two kg sugar. He said 1000 rain affectees have been that that 3350 food packs had provided with necessary been distributed in different armedical treatment. On the ineas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, structions of Chief of the Air including Nowshera, Pabbi, Staff, PAF is airlifting relief Tank and Peshawar. The augoods donated by charity / thority has also provided 290 welfare organizations to the tents, 380 plastic bag sheets, rain affected areas on volun130 blankets and 50 kitchen tary basis. sets to the victims of the provMeanwhile, it is reported ince, he added. that Pakistan Army troops are He said that 66,933 food working round the clock to packs had been handed over provide relief to flood to the affectees in Ghotki, affectees in Naseerabad DiviJacobabad, Thatta, sion of Balochistan. AccordKashmore, Shikarpur and ing to ISPR‚ over 100 helicopKhairpur in Sindh,, besides ter sorties have been flown so 31,197 tents and 20 de-waterfar to rescue 3400 people to ing pumps. The NDMA has safer places. Along with heli- JACOBABAD: Relief goods for the rain affectees of Jacobabad, Sukkar and Rajanpur areas being unloaded from C- also provided 93,270 ration copters‚ 34 boats have also 130 aircraft.—APP packs, 45,000 bottles of min-
Kalash culture to be preserved: CS
Muslims’ unity urged to foil conspiracy Upon Him) were based on envisioned by the founding that officially declared to
STAFF REPORTER PESHAWAR—Chief Secretary of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Ghulam Dastgir has urged upon the Kalash as well as Muslim communities of Bumburat valley to be vigilant about their borders to thwart the repeated attempts of Afghan militants to intrude into their valley which has increased in the recent past. He was speaking to the joint meeting of Kalash and Muslim communities in Kalash valley Bamboorat during which he was apprised by the community members about the rising number of infiltration of the militants from the neighboring province Nooristan of Afghanistan. He reiterated that the deployment of security forces along the border has been concentrated and every possible effort has been taken but the two communities of the valley should not be ignorant to the border situation. He expressed his apprehensions over the working of Sheikh (Muslim) community of the valley in the Afghan security forces and said that the sense of patriotism warrants that no one should become a part of the ruse of the enemy against one’s own homeland. Mr. Dastgir stressed that for the cause of a few coins, the Chitrali youth should no more serve in the security forces across the border. He said that Kalash culture will be preserved at any cost as the unique culture of the primitive people is known throughout the world and it attracts tourists to the area. He also eulogized the Sheikh community dwelling the border areas and said that they have always guarded the valley against the infiltrators from the other side of the border.
Gilani stresses tolerance STAFF REPORTER
tolerance and respect for fathers. The former Prime protest against the film and vowed to mobilize support caste, creed or religion and to formulate a mechanism to those who opted to tread prevent the production of on the opposite path were such films in future, he alien to religion of Islam. added. Gilani, who is also the SeHe said that the protest nior Voice Chairman of the in the Muslim world against Pakistan Peoples Party the film had sent a strong (PPP) underscored the immessage to the international portance of forging unity community. It will pave the to face multifarious chalway for international conlenges. vention to circumvent the He said that the eleproduction of such hate maments, who wanted to creterial hurting the feelings of ate a division, should be more than one billion Musmarginalized as their lims, he hoped. The former mindset was not prone to Minister said that the coali- Prime Minister appreciated reason and the imperatives tion democratic government the statement of UN of the day-to-day life. was taking up the matter at Secreatry General Ban KiHe said that extremism all forums, including the Moon, in which he categoriwould never succeed in de- OIC, and at the forthcoming cally rejected and conrailing the Pakistani nation UN General Assembly ses- demned the contents of the to achieve its goal of a mod- sion by President Asif Ali films - designed deliberately erate, democratic, pluralistic Zardari. Pakistan is the only to sow intolerance and and prosperous Pakistan as country in the Muslim world bloodshed.
I SLAMABAD —Former Prime others regardless of their Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Saturday said that it was the collective responsibility of the political leadership, religious scholars, civil society and media to portray and promote tolerance in the country and discourage those, who were planning to divide the society. Gilani expressed his deep grief over the loss of lives and damage to the public and private property by miscreants on Friday and said it was done at the behest of those, who wanted to harm the cause of Islam, the country and the democracy in Pakistan. He said that the essence of Islam and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be
Nothing ‘common’ about common cold T
HE season of the ‘common cold’ is upon us. But this not all! As if this harried country of ours did not have enough problems to contend with as it is, newer and newer varieties of maladies keep popping up out of the blue. There is the dreaded ‘swine flu’ that again appears to be rearing its ugly head in some parts of the country. Earlier it was aviation influenza or ‘bird flu’ emanating in some other continent. The possibility of the spread of the virus to other regions of the world is accentuated by the phenomenon of the seasonal migration of birds. Experts keep on hinting at the danger of one of these developing into a ‘pandemic’ with terrifying results. One can hope for the best and pray that the worst fears of the experts don’t come true. Still the matter can hardly be taken lightly. Without sounding paranoid, one cannot help having the queasy feeling that man’s regrettable tendency to interfere with the laws of
nature is now coming home to roost. Not all that long ago, the United Kingdom was seized with the foot and mouth disease among bovines (not to be confused with the ‘foot in mouth dis-
It may be recalled that sometime earlier there was the scare of the possible largescale outbreak of the deadly respiratory disease known as SARS. Mercifully, that news has gone off the front pages
ease’ common among our liberal intellectuals). What with one thing or the other, humankind can hardly get away from pestilence, either natural or man-made. Nature, it would appear, is out to prove that man’s antics to outdo it are bound to boomerang.
of late. The World Health Organization had, then, given out that their research had confirmed that SARS was indeed caused by the ‘corona virus’: one that also causes the common cold. Brings to mind the cold fact that - the strides made in the field of
medicine notwithstanding cure for the ‘common cold’ has yet to be discovered! The reader will no doubt recall the hullabaloo at the completion of the ‘human genome’ - whatever that means in layman terms. In all seriousness, what does the whole thing signify in the most general terms? All it leads to is the truism that, try as he might, man is in no position to overtake nature. Nature will always remain a good step ahead! Not so far back, there was a news item prominently carried by the international media to the effect that the American Drug Agency had approved a ‘treatment’ for common cold “that would reduce the period of the ailment by two days”. After years of intensive research, the best the world’s experts could come up with was a drug not to cure the common cold but merely to curtail the period of the symptoms! Giant strides are evident in the field of science and technology over the past few years. Medical science, likewise, has come a long way.
Several ailments, once considered fatal, have been brought within the gambit of curable diseases. On the negative side, the outbreak of such deadly ailments as Aids, SARS and ‘swine flu’ and the re-emergence of some dreaded diseases that had long been written off as virtually extinct - like small pox, tuberculosis and even malaria represents a cause for serious concern. What with the re-emergence of some old deadly diseases coupled with the appearance of new varieties, serious challenge is being posed to humankind. Man would be well advised to reorder his priorities in order to be able to cope. In particular, he would do well to depend on the bounties of nature. Among other things, attempts to influence nature through the use of artificial means, like strong pesticides and ‘cultured’ seeds, need to be eschewed. Unless this is done, the future does not look to be overly bright. Meanwhile, let it be said that there is nothing ‘common’ about the common cold!
Dry weather forecast across country I SLAMABAD —Pakistan Me- lation Authority of Tarbela teorological
Department Dam Project has been ad-
P ESHAWAR —Pakistan Mus- (PMD) on Saturday forecast vised to take utmost care
lim-League-Quaid (PML-Q) central leader Syed Qasim Shah urged the Muslims Umma to bring unity among them to foil conspiracy being hatched against Islam. Addressing a press conference here at press club on Saturday, he said that the disrespected movie is an attempt to defame Islam, which hurt the sentiments of the Muslims around the world saying we could never tolerate insult of our last Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) by the Islam’s enemies. Flanked by provincial general secretary of the party Intikhab Khan Chamkani, the PML-Q central said Pakistan had been brought into being in the name of Islam but West and America were trying to enforce their own policy and culture in our country. He said to register protest was our right against the defamatory film by the American civilians but it did not mean to ransack the private and pubABDULLAH MADANI lic property adding that LOWER DIR —District chief of peaceful agitation is sign of the Jamaat-i-Islami Dir Lower the civilized nations. We can and former MNA Maulana defend our religion. Asadullah while briefing journalists on Saturday said that the JI was holding a historical rally at Timergara on Sunday (today). He said that more than 120,000 workers and general public was expected to participate in the Sept, 23 rally. A 60 feet long and 20 feet high stage had been set at the famous Rest House ground, he said, adding that youth of Hizb ul Mujahideen and Shabab e Milli would provide security during the rally. The rally, he said would be addressed by the party chief Syed Munawar Hassan.
Munawar to address JI rally today
CHINIOT: A view of mud dumped outside Govt Primary School Korala. —INP
STAFF REPORTER
eral water, 36,000 bags of 20 kg rice and 37,000 bags of 20 kg flour in flood hit areas of Punjab, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts, he added. As many as 7,569 tents, 15,000 blankets and 78 dewatering pumps have also been given to the affected people of these districts, he added. In Balochistan so far 172.60 ton flour, 194 ton sugar, 1,332.10 ton rice, 92.75 ton cooking oil, three metric ton Lobbia, 4.30 ton dates, 15.40 ton tea, 88,732 biscuits packs, 3,350 water cans, 234.60 ton pulses, 15.75 ton salt and 61.30 ton milk powder have been distributed among the folld-hit people, besides provision of 30,650 food packs, he added. The official said that in non-food items the authority had distributed 4670 tents, 5000 blankets, 100 pairs of shoes, 20 carpet rolls and 4,290 jerry canes and 105 cartons of first aid items in the flood-hit areas. In GilgitBaltistan, 364 mixed ration packs, 410 bags of flour and 125 tents have been distributed in Ghizer.—APP
mainly dry weather in most parts of the country during next 24 hours. However light rain may occur at a few places of Malakand division and Gilgit-Baltistan during night. According to weather report, weak seasonal low lies over northeast Balochistan. A shallow westerly wave is affecting northern parts of the country. Chief amount of rainfall during last 24 hours in mm: Kalam 5mm. While maximum temperature recorded at Turbat = 41oC. Meanwhile, the Federal Flood Commission (FFC) on Saturday said presently all main rivers including Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej were flowing normal. According to daily FFC report, the reservoir elevations indicates that Tarbela Dam has attained its Maximum Conservation Level of 1550.00 feet since September 12 whereas, Mangla Dam is at elevation of 1205.05 feet, which is 36.95.30 feet below its Maximum Conservation Level of 1242.00 feet. The Dam Regu-
and vigilance in operation and strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures and safety guidelines. The combined live storage position of Tarbela, Chasma and
Mangla reservoirs is 11.468 MAF as compared to last year’s 11.753 MAF. According to Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), Lahore, weak seasonal Low lies over Northern Balochistan. As forecast by the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), Lahore, mainly dry weather is expected over most parts of the country during next 24 hours. However, isolated thunderstorm/rain may also occur over Khyber Pakhutnkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and upper catchments of River Indus during the same period.—APP
PPP’s sacrifices lauded Staff Reporter
I SLAMABAD —Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) member of the National Assembly Jamshed Dasti on Saturday said that the PPP leadership and workers had sacrificed their lives to deliver the people their rights. Talking to APP, he said the manifesto and programme given by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto would be fully implemented, which would ultimately address the problems of the masses. He said that the PPP had always considered the support of people its real power and with their support, all conspiracies being hatched against democracy would be frustrated. Talking to media outside Supreme Court, following Ali Musa Guilani’s arrest in ephedrine case, appearance on court order and then release on interim-bail, Jamshed Dasti said esrlier that the terrorist Generals have once again invaded the court after Pervez Musharraf. He said that the government should not give extension to the Generals. He said if I were the prime minister, I order a court marshal action against ANF personals who have arrested Ali Musa before the apex court. He said “If I were Prime Minister of the country, I would have ordered for court martial of the officials who arrested Ali Musa Gilani outside the apex court” He said that Supreme Court should take notice of this incident, adding that system in the country is weak, “ if we were on the proper track, then the Generals engulfing 90 per cent money would not have dare to take such steps, he said. To a question about not writing letter to Swiss authorities on the orders of the court, he said that Prime Minister of PPPled government is before the court, adding that PPP has implemented all the orders of apex court. He said that we expected that court would send to jail these ANF officials but court has let them to go.
Peaceful protest democratic right of Muslims: Qadri
3 children killed over old enmity OUR CORRESPONDENT KOHAT —An armed man on
STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Hundred of people from across Islamabad and Distt Rawalpindi attended ‘Azmat-e-Rasool (SAW)’ rally to protest the profane, anti-Islam movie. The rally started from Liaqat Bagh Rawalpindi at 11 am and ended in De Chowk in front of Parliament Islamabad led by Secretary General Tehreek Minhaj ul Qiuran, Dr Raheeq Abbasi and Ameer e Tehreek Punjab, Ahmad Nawaz Anjum. At 1am in Abpara, rallies from
Gojar Khan, Doltala, Kalar, Kahuta, Kotli Satian, Wah Cantt, Taxila, Islamabad federal area and Islamabad city also joined and in this way it became the biggest rally till no. In addition to infants and children, a large number of women also took part in the rally. The participants were carrying placards and banners with anti-movie slogans written on them. They also demanded for strict enforcement of existing UN conventions and amendments in laws for putting permanent end to
such irresponsible and heinous acts. The protestors described such profane sketches and movies as the greatest danger to the world peace and demanded of the global community to shun the policy of double speak. In his telephonic address to the participants of the rally, Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said that the making of profane and blasphemous film is not only a step aimed at hurting the emotions of 1.5 billion Muslims in the world but also a heinous conspiracy to dam-
age the global peace and harmony. He said that all three religions namely Islam, Christianity and Judaism revolve around the holy personages of the Holy Prophet (SAW), Jesus Christ and Hazrat Musa (A.S.). Both the Holy Quran and Bible not only condemn such sacrilegious acts but also regard them as the biggest crime of universe because it is not only the Holy Quran but also Bible which was the first Book, which condemned and forbade blasphemy of prophets and Divine Books.
Saturday shot dead three children over an old enmity in Rangarh area near Bannu bazaar here. According to police sources, a man opened fire at three children over old enmity, killing them on the spot and the accused managed to flee from the scene after the killing. Police reached the crime scene and shifted the dead bodies to General Hospital in Kohat for autopsy. Police started investigation after registering case against the culprit. In another report from Faisalabad a man was hit to death by a motorcyclist who was doing a wheelie on Samandri Road in Batala Colony police limits on Saturday. According to police,
Zahid Naeem of Ghousia Chowk, Peoples Colony, was crossing the road when an unidentified motorbike hit him. As a result, Zahid and the motorbike rider were seriously injured and were rushed to a local hospital. Zahid died in hospital while the accused fled. Police have impounded the motorcycle and started investigation. Meanwhile, it is reported from Mardan that during a launching a campaign against anti-social elements, police claimed on Saturday to have arrested 61 proclaimed offenders and seized weapons from their possession. Briefing the media men at his office, DIG, Nisar Ahamad Tanoli said that a two-day crackdown was launched against criminals in Bannu Region under the supervision of DPO City.
Christians demand church re-construction
M ARDAN —The Christian gious film and demand action community of Mardan, on against the pastor and the filmJudicial committee to probe damages Saturday, demanded recon- maker. “Due to personal acts of Staff Reporter struction of the Paul a few fanatics the Christian P ESHAWA R —Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Lutheran Church which was community and its worship burnt down by angry mob places in Pakistan are becomMinister for Information Mian Iftikhar during the anti-Islam film ing unsafe, which is regrethas announced a judicial inquiry against demonstrations in the can- table.” He remarked that the violent protests that caused damages tonment area. The Christian church and the Christian school to public and private properties besides community staged a demon- had been looted and the newlytook five precious lives with more than stration near the burnt installed computers had been 70 people were injured including seven church and said that the po- stolen by the miscreants while children. This he said in press statement lice had failed to protect their the looters also take away other issued here. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inworship place when angry stuff from the church formation Minister, also expressed deep The protestors carrying protestors set the church on shock over killing of an employ of a prifire along with two Pastor placards and banners also vate TV channel ARY. He also announced Rs. 0.5 million houses and the adjacent condemned the act of violence for the heirs of the Shaheed Amir Zeb. He also expressed and decried the police for its head-teacher’s house. great sympathies with the bereaved family members of five Vice president of the church failure for not protecting the other persons killed in the violent protest and directed the Andaryat, speaking to report- church. Andaryat said: “The hospital administration to provide good medical care to ers in Mardan, on Saturday said divine books in the church those got injured. He said there were people who got cover that the Christian community have also been burnt down of the protest and engaged in sabotage activities. He advised the people to keep vigilant eye on them. He also FAISALABAD: Dogs wearing the flags of US, India and Israel during a demonstration against the blasphemous film. equally condemn the sacrile- while the church.”—DNA advised the people to keep unity in their rank. He also condemned those involved in damaging the public and private property. He also condemned released of antiIslam film. He said Islam does not preach violent. Talking to APP, Maulana Naseeruddin also appealed to people of OUR CORRESPONDENT champion of human rights on ing that they created a rift the country to get united to foil nefarious designs of enOUR CORRESPONDENT one side, and on the other it among adherents of differemy who want to create instability in the country through C HAMAN —Hindu commu- hurt the sentiments of the ent religions. Creators of MUZAFFARGARH—The Agrisubversive incidents. Damaging public and private propon Saturday staged a Muslims on the name of free- this blasphemous movie OUR CORRESPONDENT harmony. He added, if the culture Department said on nity erties was violent act with Islam did not allow such things. demo to protest against the dom of expression, speakers should be given exemplary American and Jewish lobby Saturday that 490 green trac- profane film here in Chaman. said. They demanded of the punishment, he said, adding He also advised the Ulemas to advocate peace to the people instead of fiery speeches that instigate the people to come SARGODHA—State Minister would not respect our Holy tors would be distributed in the A large number of protestors UN to pass a law against pro- that it had triggered violent out and damaged public and private properties. “We con- for Water and Power Prophet (PBUM) then the district on October I. In a state- belonging to the minority duction of such movies to protests and killings in difdemn, in the strongest terms, the incidents, which are Tasneem Ahmad Qureshi said Muslims Ummah would not ment, the EDO Agriculture said Hindu community took to the bolster inter-faith harmony. ferent countries. He said that that 9,967 applications had against all human and Islamic norms,” Mian Iftikhar added. that the Muslims will never tolerate it. The minister demanded of been received for the Punjab street to condemn the blas- The called for exemplary pun- the Christian community This is grounded in the Noble Laws of Islam which forbid tolerate the desecration of our Holy Prohpet (PBUH) and the American Administration government green tractor phemous movie that sparked ishment to the film producer. across the world supported all forms of attacks on innocents. Earlier, talking to media Muslims across the world raise the sensitive issue at in- to bolck the defamatory film scheme. He said tractors would anti US violence across the ternational forum. Addressing from the You Tube and the be distributed among farmers world. The participants hold- persons in Islamabad, Ad- and condemned the shameDozens join PPP a protest rally organised by strict action be taken against trough a draw led by DCO ing anti US placards and ban- viser to the Prime Minister ful act. He said that all religions Our Correspondent Ittehad Banul Muslimeen and the creator of the film accused Muzaffar Khan Sial at DCO ners after marching on vari- on Interfaith Harmony Dr M ALAKLAND —Chairman District De- PPP against the defamatory Terry Jones. Maulana Mohin office on October 1. Over ous roads in the town staged Paul Bhattai also appealed taught peace, brotherhood, the West to take strict mea- protection of others’ rights velopment and Advisory Committee, film here on Friday, he said ud Din Salfi and Irfan Ullah 257,000 applications have sit-in at Shuhada Chowk. The USA claims to be the sures to stop such acts, say- and promoted tolerance. MPA Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha on that Islam and our Holy Sanai also addressed the rally. been received for balloting of Saturday said that joining of PPP by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Meanwhile, it is reported from 10,000 tractors on subsidized large number of people has endorsed taught us the lesson of peace, Faisalabad a complete shut- rates under the Green Tracthe fact that party is true representative brotherhood, patience and ter down strike was observed. tor Scheme. of masses and credits unprecedented sacrifices for upholding their rights against all odds. Addressing a ceremony at Muhammad Pate Nawakali, to welcome the new party entrants, he said that remarkable increase in popularity graph of PPP is clear proof of its dedication and commitment towards people and unflinching approach to continue democracy in the country. On the occasion a large number of workers of various parties led by elders Sameeullah Khan, Niaz Muhammad, Jamal Shah, Irshad Khan announced to join “I felicitate Muslims for Saturday said that the govPPP. Baacha appreciated new party members for reposing OKARA/BATKHELA—Jamiat being united against blasphe- ernment should seek reconfidence on PPP leadership and said that they would be Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) mous film. But those who re- sponse from acting US Amrespected and consulted in all important party matters. He chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman sorted to violence were not bassador Richard E. said that whole infrastructure of the area has been trans- has said that US policies were part of our protest as they Hoagland within three days formed owing to the accomplishment of record develop- cause of terrorism across the don’t understand prestige on US profane film. Talking to mental work and the process would continue despite un- globe and the West was at- and teachings of Islam,” Fazl media persons of Okara press favorable conditions and financial constraints. He urged tacking Muslim’s faith. Addressing a rally in added. The Maulana criticized club on telephone, the JI people to forge unity among their files and ranks against Tehreek-e-Insaf Ameer said that the governMalakand Agency on Satur- Pakistan politicians wants to deceive people and said that those Chairman Imran Khan and ment should expel acting US elements should be judged by their performance and sin- day, the Maulana said that said the PTI chief was deceiv- ambassador from the country cerity rather false and unpractical claims to mislead masses. on one hand dogs were un- ing the youth in the name of after declaring him persona Meanwhile, former federal minister and leader of Pakistan leashed on prisoners while “change”. non grata if he failed to give a Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khawaja Muhammad Khan Hoti has on the other hand blasphesatisfactory response over LOWER DIR: JUI chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman a addressing the Islam Zindabad Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami mous film and caricatures decided to join Pakistan People Party (PPP), sources closed were being produced. (JI) Syed Munawar Hasan on the anti-Islam film.—INP Conference at Azfar Park, Bathkhela. to Hoti said.
‘Pak to raise video issue at int’l forum’
Green tractors to be distributed on Oct 1
Hindu community flays profane film
Imran deceiving youth in the name of change: Fazl
Muslim countries should question US envoys over anti-Islam film: JI
German CG role to promote cultural activities praiseworthy SALAHUDDIN HAIDER
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IVING upto their na tional tradition of being innovative in character, the German Consul General in Karachi Dr Tilo Klinner and his wife made a bold attempt at creating a fusion of western and eastern music at their residence Friday night. It was quite an interesting evening where a jazz player Peter Weniger and Pakistani guitarist Asif Sinan tried to delight the audience with their creativity. The German consulate has since the last few years been very active at promoting cultural activities in a praiseworthy bid to enhance the goodwill between their country and the
station of their posting. Previously, Dr Christian, and even before him also, the consulate has been having holi celebrations and Indian and Pakistani musical evenings. It has worked wonders. The present consul general and his wife too are engaged in carrying forward the mission of their predecessors and have been quite successful. Varied kind of background is available in reference books about the Jazz History. However it seems that it is probably 300 years old. Some American slaves, the blacks used trumpets to struggle for their liberty. For quite some time even till the post-war period, the Jazz was mostly relied upon and perfected as an art to pull crowd, was by blacks in America, the country of its origin perhaps. In the 1800, the Blues, born in the South,derived a music form that recognized the pain of lost love and injustice and gave ex-
pression to the victory of outlasting a broken heart and facing down adversity. The Blues evolved from hymns, work songs, and field hollers— music used to accompany spiritual work and social functions to portray their sentiments. Then in 1900, “New Orleans had a great tradition of celebration. Opera, mlitary marching bands, folk music, the blues, different types of church music, ragtime, echoes of traditional African drumming, and all of the dance styles that went with this music could be heard and seen throughout the city. When all of these kinds of music blended into one, jazz was born.” In 1950s, according to Wynton Marasalis, the Afro-Cuban jazz celebrated a collective musical history. Through its percussive beat, it unites ragtime, blues, swing, and the various grooves of Cuban music. It proclaims our shared musical heritage The combina-
tion of African, Spanish, and native cultures in Latin America created a unique body of music and dance. Jazz musicians from Jelly Roll Morton to Duke Ellington to Dizzy Gillespie
combined their music with this Latin sound to create a powerful blend. In the 1940s and 50s, when musicians from Cuba began to play with jazz musicians in New York, the circle was
complete. By combining the musical traditions of North, South, and Central America, Latin jazz celebrates our musical differences and helps us to find a common ground.
At the CG house, Peter Weniger, produced a classical show which was both soul-stirring and exhilarating. Dont give me wrong , was a typical style in which he showed mastery. The show had two different sessions,first belonging to Peter, and Asif Sinan, performing after the interval of about half an hour. Asif has delicate and remarkable finger work at the guitar. But as he progressed, his turned his raga, the typical Indian or subcontinent music of melody and emotional in style, to westernise pop music,often heard these days on the FM radios. Despite that however, he was quite a maestro in his art. Perhaps the boisterous music he resorted to on his instrument, was in keeping with the tune of the time, or an attempt to mix western style with the oriental ones. However, it would not be KARACHI: Musician Peter Weniger, and guitarist Asif Sinan performing for Jazz and out of place to say that the show was remarkable as it Ragaas at the German Consulate.
proved in way the old saying of Kipling that “East is east and West and west, and the twain shall never meet”. Many a pundits now believe that time has changed drastically and the fusion of eastern and western cultures are no longer at a distance. Look at the Indian movies, where dances and music has now a blend of the two vastly different orientations. Pop music has much bigger appeal to younger generation now, and the classical singing of ghazals or qawwalis, though still dominating the scene in India and Pakistan, does feel the threat. However, no one can halt the process of history, If late Nazia Hasan, could give a new dimension to Indian pop music with her song in “Qurbani”, then Pakistanis should be proud equally of Atif Aslam and Shehzad Roy for giving a new dimension to our musical heritage.
Nation protests and deeply hurts itself
MEDIA WATCH
Wake-up call for Libya
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OTAL chaos witnessed and death and destruction caused by vio lent mobs on the day of “Love for Prophet (PBUH)” reconfirmed the widely held view that the Government erred and erred badly in giving official patronage to the surging rage of the people on the issue of blasphemous film. The Federal Government conveniently passed on the buck to the Punjab Government for what happened in Islamabad on Thursday but who is responsible for death of over two dozen people, injuries to about 200 and economic loss worth billions of rupees inflicted on Friday in different parts of the country especially in the two provinces where PPP is senior or junior coalition partner. The day was meant to display love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and convey injured feelings of the nation to the outside world in the strongest possible terms but it ended up in complete disorder and turmoil presenting scenes of battlegrounds here and there. The course of the events was hijacked by some unscrupulous elements and criminals who fought pitched battles with law-enforcers, looted banks, widely damaged petrol pumps and CNG stations as well as other public and private buildings, torched police and private vehicles as well as cinema houses and pelted police with stones. Was this the objective of the day? How on earth we have served the cause of Islam or upheld the dignity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) by indulging in such heinous activities that amounted to hurting ourselves? What harm we have caused to those who made mockery of our great religion and Prophet (PBUH) by resorting to violence that led to enormous loss of life and property? If the objective of the day was to present a unified and strong message to the world then that objective has apparently been defeated as instead of condemning the unholy acts of some individuals in the United States, we inflicted loss on ourselves and that would have made the enemy happier. “Incite them toward self-destruction” is part of the psychological warfare and this tool is effectively being used by our enemies. Friday’s incidents exposed two things: the society stands brutalized and there is total collapse of rule of law, which could take us to civil war in the time to come. Therefore, our policy-makers and planners should do something serious to address this challenge.
Issues need to be raised at UNGA P
RESIDENT Asif Ali Zardari has gone to New York to address the opening session of the UN General Assembly, which is an annual ritual. But from Pakistan’s point of view, the address of the President at the world body will be important as Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf in his emotional speech at the Ishq-e-Rasool conference in Islamabad the other day stated that Mr Zardari will strongly demand for declaring sacrilege a global crime. The western world including the media have been blaming the Muslims for religious intolerance but they never admitted that the religious intolerance was more in their societies where fanatics frequently invent one issue after the other to hurt the sensitivities of the Muslims and feel pleasure and satisfaction when 1.5 billion followers of Islam stand up in unison to protest. One cannot buy the often-repeated stance of the western governments that there is freedom of expression because these fanatics hurt the rights of billions of people across the globe. Therefore among many issues that President Zardari needs to raise in his address, he must strongly demand a UN Convention or Resolution banning publication or telecast of any material that hurts the sentiments of followers of any religion. The issues of blasphemous film by US Pastor and the French cartoons have become a major cause of worry as they have the potential of starting an inter-faith world war. Already the entire Muslim Ummah is up in arm and there is strong anger and resentment among the people who are demanding strict action against those indulging in sacrilegious acts. Therefore, the Islamic countries should support the demand of Pakistani President and the UN should remove the stigma of becoming a tool in the hands of some powers, act independently and preserve world peace otherwise it would be too late to avert clash of civilisations.
Aggressive Gen Bikram Singh A
S Pakistan and India were engaged in intensive negotiations leading to signing of key accords to bring the two countries closer especially in trade and commerce, Indian Army Chief General Bikram Singh was doing exactly the opposite. He churned out two statements reflecting the mindset of the Indian establishment vis-à-vis improvement of relations with Pakistan and the possibility of any positive move towards resolution of the core issues. As repeatedly asserted by Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan has discarded its decades-long policy of linking economic ties or good-neighbourly relations with India to settlement of the Kashmir dispute in the hope that closer cooperation in other areas could create conducive atmosphere for the purpose but General Bikram’s statements on Siachin and Kashmir have dashed any hope for improvement on these fronts. The Indian Army Chief has said categorical no to withdrawal of troops from Siachen. This shows that change of heart is just on Pakistani side while Indians are not ready to budge an inch from their stated position. This is despite the fact that the two countries had arrived at a clear understanding on withdrawal of troops in 80s but this could not be materialized due to foot-dragging by New Delhi. And on Kashmir, Bikram Singh killed two birds by claiming presence of Chinese troops in Azad Kashmir, as the statement is aimed at maligning Pakistan and China for ‘harbouring aggressive designs’. Beijing has done well in rejecting the statement with the contempt it deserved but the Indian Army Chief has made his intentions known by levelling baseless allegations. The two statements should serve as an eye-opener for those who have pinned great hopes on the process of dialogue that has yielded no other result than serving India’s commercial interests.
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US turning into Empire State? Alya Alvi
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he recently published book “The Next Decade” by George Friedman, the founder of eminent Stratfor thinktank that forecasts global events, has dwelled at length the idea of quietly distancing from the Jews and Jewish Israel, if the United States has to continue with its dominant superpower role. The book provides two concepts; one of the US as an uncontested Empire and the other of the survival of the republic linked with the management of the Empire. There is no contesting the fact that the US is an Empire, but whether the republic can survive in this game of global and regional powers is the main concern of the book. It establishes that the US Empire will retain its powers for the next decade, even the next century, while the republic remains in danger of being engulfed by the regime it selects. It is only through the presidency that the republic can survive as it is the only office for which people, as a whole, select a powerful leader. The relevant excerpts from the book, as follows, speak volumes for the realization of the republic turning into an empire state in the United States, which are very important to note while formulating any future strategy of further establishing relationship with America. The author says “I am not convinced that (the US) empire is worth the price of republic (p.xvii); the reality is that the American people have no desire for an empire. (p.10) Foreign policy and values simply coincide. The President will have to pursue virtue as all of our great presidents have done: with suitable duplicity. (p.8) The US possesses what I call “deep power”, and deep must be first and foremost bal-
anced power. This means economic, military, and political power in appropriate and mutually supporting amounts. (p.8) Unrivaled power is dangerous enough, but unrivaled power that is oblivious is like a rampaging elephant. (p.11) There is a growing sense prevailing in the United States that the Jews’ influence in the American politics and its foreign policy is leading America towards disaster. A number of leading think-tanks, members of intelligentsia, educationists and media persons have suggested the successive American governments to gradually distance from the Jews who have dominated almost the entire policymaking process both in Washington, White House and Pentagon. In fact the superpower is hostage to Jews-controlled media, economy or the entire social fabric of the American society. Shakespeare’s famous ‘Shylock’ character depicts the deep-rooted realization of the Jewish mindset that, to them, had been plaguing the Christian societies for centuries. That was probably the reason that Germany’s Hitler reached the conclusion that unless the Jews are eliminated from the map of the earth, peace cannot be prevailed. Hitler’s hatred against the Jews was not without a solid reason. He and his comrades had been of the view that the Jews were the reason of Europe’s downslide, economic downfall and above all the cause of two World Wars, consequently the killing of millions of people. But most of all is interesting the speech of former US president, Benjamin Franklin, which he made at the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention in 1787 and recorded in the diary of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a delegate from South Carolina. It is worth reading to understand and assimilate it with the notion propounded by “The Next Decade” author, George Friedman.
Benjamin Franklin said “…I fully agree with Gen Washington, that we must protect this young nation from an insidious influence and penetration. The menace, gentlemen, is the Jews. In whatever country Jews have settled in any great number, they have lowered its moral tone; depreciated its commercial integrity; have segregated themselves and have not been assimilated; have sneered at and tried to undermine the Christian religion upon which that nation is founded, by objecting to its restrictions; have built up a state within the state; and when opposed have tried to strangle that country to death financially, as in the case of Spain and Portugal. For over 1,700 years, the Jews have been bewailing their sad fate in that they have been exiled from their homeland, as they call Palestine.” “But gentlemen, did the world give it to them in fee simple, they would at once find some reason for not returning. Why? Because they are vampires, and vampires do not live on vampires. They cannot live only among themselves. They must subsist on Christians and other people not of their race. If you do not exclude them from the United States, in their Constitution, in less than 200 years they will have swarmed here in such great numbers that they will dominate and devour the land and change our form of government, for which we Americans have shed our blood, given our lives our substance and jeopardized our liberty. If you do not exclude them, in less than 200 years our descendants will be working in the fields to furnish them substance, while they will be in the counting houses rubbing their hands.” “I warn you, gentlemen, if you do not exclude Jews for all time, your children will curse you in your graves. Jews, gentlemen, are Asiatics, let them be born where they will nor how many generations they
are away from Asia, they will never be otherwise. Their ideas do not conform to an American’s, and will not even though they live among us ten generations. A leopard cannot change its spots. Jews are Asiatics, are a menace to this country if permitted entrance, and should be excluded by this Constitutional Convention.” In this backdrop George Friedman’s book “The Next Decade”, his advice to the Americans and his predictions for the next decade are not only worth reading but offer guidelines for us as well as to how to move forward and what are the theme lines the American think-tanks thinking on. It is now clear that the American intelligentsia is well aware of being hostage to the Jewish lobby, and is very much involved in finding out solution to it. Whether are not Washington and fellow Americans succeed in distancing from the Jews during the next decade and stop patronizing Israel is yet to be seen? Given the US-led NATO raids on Libya dwelled at length the idea of quietly distancing from the Jews and Jewish Israel, if the United States has to continue with its dominant superpower role. The book provides two concepts; one of the US as an uncontested Empire and the other of the survival of the republic linked with the management of the Empire. There is no contesting the fact that the US is an Empire, but whether the republic can survive in this game of global and regional powers is the main concern of the book. It establishes that the US Empire will retain its powers for the next decade, even the next century, while the republic remains in danger of being engulfed by the regime it selects. It is only through the presidency that the republic can survive as it is the only office for which people, as a whole, select a powerful leader.
War without going into war F Z Khan
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nterestingly the US lawmakers this year on May 18 introduced a Congressional Bill called “The World War-III Legislation” for empowering and “authorizing the President of the United States to declare World War-III – an endless war with no borders, no clear enemies, to take unilateral military action against all nations, organizations, and persons, both domestically and abroad, who are alleged to be currently or who have in the past supported or engaged in hostilities or who have provided aid in support of hostilities against the United States or any of its coalition allies.” The legislation “removes the requirement of congressional approval for the use of military force and instead gives the President totalitarian dictatorial authority to engage in any and all military actions for an indefinite period of time.” It even gives the President the authority “to launch attacks against American citizens inside the United States with no congressional oversight whatsoever.” The world known defence observers and war experts believe that the World War-III has already been unleashed. Dr Maleeha Lodhi’s last week article in The News proves that the “reshaping of the Middle East” and especially the falling down of the Qaddafi regime in Libya are part of the war for OIL, which some call it (Oil,
Israel & Libya). The fact finding mission of the US Congress has disclosed the use of depleted-uraniumweapons in Libya. The other prong of it is called WOT of which Pakistan is the real target. The country is subjected to numerous facets of the war i.e. economic crunch, extremism, militancy, terrorism, insurgency, law and order mayhem, despondency, unemployment and chaos. Water War aided by ecological and climatic onslaught (HAARP syndrome) is the major part of WWIII, which Pakistan is subjected to under the well thought-out plan. More startling was the formal request of Yashwant Sinha, the then Indian foreign minister in the Prime Minister Vajpayee’s cabinet, to the then US secretary of State, Gen (retd) Colin Powell that New Delhi be given assurance that Pakistan would abandon the Kalabagh Dam project. And the assurance was granted, according to the Agencie France Presse. Why no government in Pakistan since the time of Ziaul Haq has been able to draw consensus on going ahead with the lifeline project of Kalabagh Dam is now understood. Whoever played politics on KB Dam under the American insistence is guilty of collaborating with the perpetrators of this war on Pakistan. Those who drumbeat the electricity shortfall privately admit that the current power generation capacity is enough to cope with the industrial and domestic energy needs. Electricity is being produced in Pakistan from three main sources i.e. hydel (water), thermal (gas, steam
and furnace oil), and nuclear. There are four major power producers in country which include Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC), Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). Looking at the break-up of the installed capacity of each of these power producers (as of June-2008) one can establish the fact that the current power generation capacity is not insufficient to administer long load-sheddings in the width and breadth of the country. WAPDA is generating 6461 Mega Watt power at its 13 hydel projects. The Independent Power Producers (IPPs) generate a total 6,365 MW power. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) generates total 462 MW nuclear energy from KANUPP (137 MW), and from CHASNUPP-1 (325 MW). Hydal electricity generated by WAPDA varies between two extremities i.e. between minimum of 2,414 MW and maximum of 6,761 MW depending upon the river flow through the whole year. Total Power Generation Capacity of Pakistan (including all sources) is 19,855 MW and the electricity demand (as of today 2011) is 14,500 MW. So it is obvious that these 1520 hrs power shutdowns in most parts of the country are not because of the lack of generation capacity but only because of the IMF and World Bank policies imposed on our nation by the government under the ‘agreed formula’. The power generation companies are not buy-
ing Furnace Oil from PSO by saying they don’t have money to do that but we are all paying for electricity that is generated from Furnace Oil. This is the reason that top refineries like PRL are operating at 40% capacities. The IMF and World Bank have imposed to reduce budget deficit by importing less crude oil. But due to this fact all our industries are under severe crisis. None of our political parties which are in the Assembly is ready to speak on it because everyone is blessed by US, IMF or World Bank, thanks to the water war imposed on us. Electricity now is at Rs 15 per unit, and it will increase after every two months as directed by the government under the IMF pressure. Interestingly China has offered Pakistan electricity for just Rs 200 monthly bill and unlimited usage of electricity but our government is not taking the offer seriously. This is because there will be neither kickbacks nor any commissions to be pocketed by the strong mafia of politicians and bureaucrats. No amount of repent on the part of inside-collaborators can mitigate the sufferings the nation and masses are subjected to, out of personal whims and vested interests. Space does not allow to dwell at length as to how the Water War’s India factor has rendered hundreds of thousands of agricultural lands barren, which is causing shortage of food and life-saving items across the country. Pakistan is facing the ‘defeat’ at the hands of mostly our own people, without going into war.
he murder in Benghazi on Tuesday, of the US ambassa dor to Libya, Christopher Stevens, along with three colleagues could have catastrophic consequences for Libya. The crime demonstrates vividly the impotence of the authorities, thus far, to rein in heavily-armed militias in a country that is still awash with weaponry from the revolution. In the light of this appalling deadly attack, many international companies that have committed to operations in postQaddafi Libya will be reviewing their decisions. Meanwhile, those like Shell, who decided the country was still too dangerous to return to, will be congratulating themselves on their decisions. Without foreign investment, the oil-driven Libyan economy will not be able to broaden and diversify, to create much needed jobs. Worse, unless the militias are confronted and disarmed, they will continue to undermine what stability there is in the country, and drive increased factionalism. Yet it is not all bad news. The Libyans voted in July for a legislature that will oversee the drafting of a new constitution within the next 18 months. On Wednesday, even as the world was still getting to grips with the news of the Benghazi assassinations, that legislature went ahead and in two ballots, chose a new prime minister from a candidate list of eight. Mustafa Abu Shagur, now has two weeks in which to form his govt. It is absolutely clear that the new premier’s priority has to be security. The slaying of the US ambassador came about after an angry crowd demonstrated outside the American Consulate, to protest a bigoted, anti-Islamic film, made in California by religious extremists. However contrary to many press reports, the actual attack with rocketpropelled grenades and improvised explosive devices, only took place after the crowd was infiltrated by armed extremists. These same killers are widely believed to be responsible for a failed attack, also in Benghazi, on the British ambassador, as well as on the headquarters of the Red Cross. They may also be behind the series of murders of former Qaddafi-era officers who are still serving in the armed forces. Then again, there is a suspicion that these killings could be the work of Qaddafi loyalists, mounting revenge attacks on officers who changed sides during the revolution. Whatever the truth, the new government has to get a grip on security. Unlike in Iraq, where the American occupation forces stupidly swept away all Saddam Hussein’s police and army, many of Qaddafi’s former security forces, certainly at medium and lower levels, remain in place and are content to work with the new order. However they have been underresourced and neglected. Law and order still largely rests in the hands of the Supreme Security Committee (SSC), which sprang up after the revolution. This body has frequently ignored the instructions of the interim government, for instance refusing to intervene last month when extremists began destroying religious monuments. One of Abu Shagur’s first tasks will be to insist that the SSC makes itself accountable to the elected government, and ultimately is integrated into the normal security services. This may not be an easy task. However, one strong argument against the SSC, is that for all its claims to be the main upholders of law and order, it has failed spectacularly to prevent the recent terror attacks, which culminated on Tuesday with the killing of the US ambassador and three of his colleagues. The truth is that until now, the unelected Libyan government has had neither the mandate nor the appetite to confront all those armed groups that are acting outside the law. Within a fortnight, after Abu Shagur has formed his Cabinet, this situation will have changed. Disarming the militias will not be easy. The small number of dedicated terrorists in their midst will have to be hunted down by the authorities, but this is a task that can no longer be postponed. Libyans are a moderate people. The vast majority want firm action against all the armed thugs. They have been revolted by the Benghazi crimes, which have been a wake up call for the whole country. Abu Shagur’s new government must start to respond, the minute it takes office. —Khaleej Times All good things must come to an end. —Proverb
A world full of lies one including every Muslim should see it and thus awaken or encourage hatred against Ali Ashraf Khan Islam, The Prophet and the Muslims Email:balti@super.net.pk among the viewers. This 18 minutes film was not only loaded few weeks back on You-Tube, but on ewspapers in the US and the Goggle and other networks as well, West are upset about the an which had failed to attract attention ger of Muslims in the world so that its Arabic translation had to and the violent reaction which the be launched to ignite Muslim outrage, You-Tube video maligning the it was first noticed in Egypt, then prophet of Islam (pbuH) has created. spread like wild fire in Libya, TuniAnd they are complaining also that sia and elsewhere. this anger is used by radical forces After failing to divide Muslim among the Muslims to fen their an- between different sects now the ger and direct it against the West and media in the West is blaming this in the first place, against America - outrage as a result of internal secorigin of not only the film but of the tarian rivalry among Muslim sects war against terror and destruction in – Shia’s, Sunnis and Salfis to frame the Muslims world. Syrian ruler as the root cause of the Western journalists like Hasznain sectarian problem and absolve their Kazim deplore that hate preachers own responsibility from this outrage like the imam of Lal masjid in in provoking Muslim sentiments Islamabad are happily taking on the time and again through film and carioccasion that the video is providing catures in magazines. Unbelievers, to them and that they are even en- Jews and Christians have fully excouraging their followers to see the posed their religious hollowness film so as to get more angrier. While with the failure of millinieum I suspect it as a well planned and well agenda and war termed crusade timed move to gain from the present launched by Bush junior in 2001 to Muslim outrage at the time of establish one world government or Obama’s election campaign while the the American Empire. US is trying to further strengthen conNow eleven years later US is trol through their handmade stooges confronted not only with the danger in power to achieve desired results. of collapse of dollar regime estabAnd that goes to prove my point of lished under Federal Reserve Act of view that this was the very purpose 1913, which was revoked by John of the video? So the religious forces F. Kennedy in 1963, that cost him and the government are just doing his life and President Johnson imwhat the west wanted! Looking at it mediately on becoming the President from the Muslim side one could ask re-instated Federal Reserve Act of why are hate preachers in the West 1913, which sustains the World again and again allowed to preach Jewry at the cost of misery and povhate and to put it on you tube etc., erty from the jobless, homeless unwhich obviously means that every- employed Americans, who can not
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be fooled anymore by using their wealth through such third degree methods of intolerance against Islam. CNN TV claim that they have given zero coverage to French cartons as a goodwill gesture but has failed to educate their Western viewers that the origin and background of Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan came from Britain as early as 18th and 19th Century when Christians and Jews were facing challenges of extinction that they coined Blasphemy Law to protect their religion that was then gifted to Pakistan through British-India Act of 1935, which has been incorporated as to the needs of Pakistan. If the US or any of the Western societies were really interested in peace then why don’t they prevent these things from happening at least in their own countries? Why US court refused to ban You-Tube and Goggle to stop showing this film on the appeal of Actress Sandy L Garcia the other day, who also called the producer a big cheat and liar. Freedom of speech is no freedom if it is causing destruction of others. It is not only limiting the freedom of the Muslims but it is limiting the freedom of movement in the west also when all embassies have to be closed, the staff has to leave the country and travel warnings have to be issued, Binghazi situation is telling that Ghadafi will continue to haunt Americans. Why is the west ready to give up freedom of movement for freedom of expression? That can be seen in US travel advice to Americans to avoid visiting Pakistan. Because this video may have catalyzed the present outrage, it can not be called the only cause; it reflects their mind set and intolerance towards Islam and claiming their false right of free expression. This
is counter productive for a western society and it shows that they are not any more able to defend their own values or have they always been lying about them? Yes, this film and the caricatures and the satanic verses before are a provocation and they are meant to be a provocation. They are meant to create a reaction and that reaction happens to be violent in a world full of violence. People in Pakistan who see violence in their daily lives, seeing abductions, target, killings extortion, rape and thousand other forms of violence nothing to day about the war in Afghanistan, Tehrik Taliban Pakistan and roadside bombs, suicide bombers while living in abject poverty without electricity and clean drinking water what else would their reaction be than violence? And I say that the violence these provocations are creating is all by design and shedding tears after seeing the outrage is desperate move of both US govt releasing 30 second TV advertisement on 7 Pakistani channels in which President Obama and Hillary Clinton are shown denouncing this film, one fails to understand why this advertisement has been made for Pakistan only, when the reaction and damage in Arab world specially Libya & Tunis was much higher. And Pakistani govt not only declared Friday as public holiday, but organised an Ishq-e-Rasool (SAWS) conference at Islamabad Convention Centre Chaired by PM in a bid to defuse the situation of desperation, how far both these moves produce any positive result in their favour remains to be seen in coming days. God give serenity and courage to these leaders to deliver peace and prosperity honestly without differentiating on cast, colour and creed.
Managing political conflicts try. We had an interpreter who could speak five languages. On enquiry it transpired that Costa Ricans could Dr Zafar Altaf all speak any five lanEmail: dr_altaf@hotmail.com guages and that it was compulsory to do so. Education was free till fourteen years [our BA]. We did not see have been witness to many as any police or any army around. So pects of political conflicts and we asked whether they had an army wondered as to whether the west- and the reply came in the negative. ern system of management was at How was the country stable? The next all possible in Pakistan. We have obvious question was ‘How many been, just as the other developing past Presidents are still alive and countries been subjected to control where are they’. There were eight of by the more developed countries. It them and none of them was incarceris useless to lament about it. The so- ated or in jail. On the way from the lutions are within us and if we can- airport to the hotel these houses of not find the means to determine and the past Presidents were pointed out. resolve these issues the country and The houses were like those of the citiits people will have to suffer. The zens of the country. They had merged Arab spring or whatever name you in to the society that they had emerged might give it would not have hap- from. No rockets were there to safepened if the conflicts within the guard them, no police force and none countries were resolved. That did not were in any kind of difficulty. No happen and we have situation where all the said countries were destroyed. army, no navy, and no air force just The loss to humanity was immense policies for the many. Compare Pakistan and see the and what is even more enigmatic was the fact that the west intervened difference. Can we learn from USA and used all its coercive powers in and the west or should we model the name of humanity while mak- ourselves on the Costa Rican exing sure that the countries so de- ample or should we go it alone. Why stroyed will keep on begging them do our politicians end up in jail? There are many ramifications that for salvation. Pakistan is also subjected to the follow from this kind of fear. Psysame moves and in our effort to ap- chologically and this is perfectly pease the west we got in to this mess. plausible that any one who is under But that is another story for another threat has the right and the obligatime. For the moment one would want tion to protect them self. How many to identify some of the causes of the politicians have been incarcerated political fights and conflicts that are after they have left power? How going on. A long time ago I had gone many have been held by usurping to Costa Rica a Latin American coun- governments violating the natural
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human rights that they should have enjoyed as a matter of legal right? No one is immune. I had on one occasion met a minister who had played cricket with me and I suggested that he had the occasion to do well by the country. His reply still haunts me ‘Dr. Sahib there is no need to do so for I have so many cases registered against me and if I get one more on corruption so what?’ I had no answer. The fear that sitting ministers have and the politicians have is real. The ordinary policeman will be the one to catch them and take it out on them with a vengeance. The elite force developed and created by Nawaz and Shahbaz was used against them and this despite that the entire elite force was their ethnic clan [bavas from Gowalmandi-remember the slogan ‘Nawaz Sharif kadam bharao hum tomarey sath hain-when the chips were down there was no one]. When the time comes for the state to use coercive power against any one reason and favors do not count. The slaves run away. It is a devilish game and those that have suffered earlier do not learn but play the game in a blood thirsty manner. So the survival depends on staying in power. I asked one of the close political associate who had been a minister with PML-N as to why he left the party. His answer ‘I was called by the usurping powers and given the choice-go to jail for an unspecified period or join us as minister in your earlier position’. He asked me what would have been my response. He remained out of jail and forgot his loyalty to PML-N. His family remained free of any stigma that the state’s coercive power would have foisted on
to him. When Sharifs were taken in to custody by Musharaf I went to Karachi to witness the proceedings. It was not easy for I had to seek permission. Why? Similarly when some of the PPP ministers were put in to jail I went to meet them. Go when the chips are down. The fear of atrocities by the jail and the police authorities are legendry. When will the police learn that misbehavior is going to end up with them? The world then works backwards for them. The world of the victim does not forget atrocities. Eventually the bill has to be paid. It is surprising how frequently we send our leaders to jail and become laughing stock of the world. All these supposed leaders should come down many a peg in their respective egos to understand that they are not special people or specially ordained by Allah. The public is the one that is dearest to Allah. In fact they are in trust. They have messed up that trust. We have as a result of our intransigence forgotten our ability to work and to work while containing our desires. The cheat process by the rich is everywhere. The recent happenings in UK are again an example of what goes on. The CM Punjab had gone there and one Zubair Gul acting as his tout took from many as much as 2000 pounds to help them with the Punjab Government. The British police arrested him and then bailed him pending investigations. Why do our politicians interact with persons of this kind? Search me I am ignorant. Ego leaps are not required but some kind of moral reconstruction. Are there men of courage to withstand the onslaught?
Views From Abroad
The multiplier effect Suresh Kumar
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ast week, Hu Jinto — who may step down shortly — made a dramatic ‘infrastructure spend’ announcement of more than $180 billion. The Chinese President, Prime Minister and the Politburo are, no doubt, anxious to preserve the strong economic momentum, now petering out. They cannot allow China to sputter, on the eve of their retirement/exit. In the US, the President, in the run-up to an election is gridlocked by a Congress dominated by the Republicans. Even if either Obama or Romney falls in the polls and the other is inaugurated as the President, they will both be constrained by galloping fiscal and trade deficits. The President will have little elbow room, in terms of discretionary ‘spends’. Of course the Federal Reserve may oblige with quantitative easing a third time and pump enormous liquidity or print ‘greenbacks’ as it did in QE 1 and 2 with a view to ‘jumpstarting’ growth
in the economy. In a manner, not dissimilar to the Fed, the European Central Bank (ECB) is going on a bondsbuying spree albeit with some good criteria and conditionalities. In both instances, the objective is what the old school economists would call ‘pump-priming’. Central banks in different parts of the world react differently to economic crises, depending on their levels of autonomy and their self-stipulated / inflicted objectives (inflation containment, growth or lack of it; as it were). When the ECB Board agreed on its bonds purchase programme, the Bundesbank (German) Chief was a sole dissenter. Ultimately, all in the ECB Board are political appointees and would not be entirely immune from other pressures from the politicians of the day! For a while, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ploughed a lonely furrow. Arguably, they revel in using blunt monetary instruments like hiking interest rates and restricting credit to certain sectors. Sadly, these are like broad-spectrum antibiotics i.e. they kill the good and the bad. The real inflation-propellers in India are the
fiscal and trade deficits. The former is caused by profligate non-productive expenditure of the government and the latter is fuelled by galloping gold imports, among other things. Ultimately, the jury is out across geographies as to whether such quick-fixes do indeed help. The Dubai-Singapore city state models, on the other hand, represent a refreshingly workable approach. Both have a positive bias towards corporatising many governmental functions and near-corporates — like those in the airports, airlines and seaports segments. Such city states tend to operate efficiently, as Singapore Inc. or Dubai Inc., thanks to the absence of political interference, multiple layers of bureaucracy and handson decision-making at the helm of affairs. Ultimately, growth, development and economic progress are agnostic to the obsessions of the 19th and 20th century i.e. the various ‘isms’ – socialism, communism, statism, pluralism etc. These dogmas have dogged entire generations with sub-optimal solutions to what are simpler issues of efficiency and ef-
fectiveness in public services, manufacturing and trade, across the entire economic spectrum. Indeed, even social infrastructure projects and the so-called ‘not for profit’ organisations, charities and priority sectors for the under-privileged need shaking up. Lethargy and inefficiencies are likely to creep in quickly. The delivery objectives, in terms of quality and scale, become blurred and not accomplished / ‘under-achieved’!. The ‘isms’ of yesterday ought to be replaced by robust economic models such as Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in vital sectors and competitive enterprises of various corporate forms. These are more equitable and superior to unbridled capitalistic and public-marketsdriven economies. Rather than relying on the gyrations of the stock and bond markets to initiate economic stimuli, actionable PPPs deliver results — pro and anti-cyclically. But that’s another story! —The author is a veteran banker and now Chairman, Values Group — Arab News
Voice of the People Green vs blue UMME RUBAB
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ccording to media news Afghan security forces killed six service members from the American led military coalition in a series of attacks in southern Afghanistan These attacks are the latest in the long series of so called green on blue incidents or insider attacks. Two British soldiers also lost their lives in same incident in Helmond province. Insider or so called green on blue attacks have become big threat to security and future of Afghanistan. Only this year sixty coalition forces members lost their lives in insider or so called green on blue attacks. Increasing numbers of insider attacks also destroy US plan to hand over security of major cities to Afghan forces after departure of NATO from Afghanistan. US also suspended training of Afghan National security forces after increasing insider attacks and want more scrutiny. According to media reports social and cultural difference is main cause of recent dividing gulf between Afghan and coalition forces. Due to poor scrutiny process and lack of information Insurgents can easily penetrate in Afghan forces now even high security locations are not safe from insurgents attacks. Recent events prove that security situation is going bad to worse in country In an attack last month on Bagram air base an insurgent rocket damaged a top U.S. general’s plane and In latest attack six US fighter jets destroyed in attack on Prince Harry base. Three coalition refueling stations were also destroyed and six aircraft hangers also damaged which cost millions of dollar. —Karachi
Harassment of female passengers MAIMUNA RAZA Most people in Karachi use public transport for travelling within the city. The condition of our public transport system is there for all to see. For a working woman to travel in Karachi’s buses is a painful ordeal as it seems that conductors, drivers and male passengers believe it is their right to harass female passengers. Harassing women through the use of foul, indecent language, playing highly vulgar songs and adopting offensive body language is a matter of routine. Local authorities need to take a look into this state of affairs to make travelling by buses bearable for women passengers. —Karachi
Pathetic transport system MAIMUNA RAZA The transport system in Pakistan is pathetic. It has neither been developed according to rising population nor has it been improved. According to the transport policy 2011 by the Sindh transport department, Pakistan has a high fatality rate of 19 deaths per 10,000 vehicles. At least 65 per cent of these deaths are pedestrian. Most of the link roads and main roads, are widely damaged due to lack of maintenance and safety measures. There are no signboards on roads. Many signboards are being used as political advertisements by the ignorant community. Shoulders and medians of roads are mostly not provided; vehicles with improper lights and indicators are not penalised or banned; donkey carts move on main roads without any reflectors which are liable to cause accidents, especially during the night. In urban areas, almost half of the road is used for parking by vehicles and carts which lead to traffic congestion and air and noise pollution. All of this causes environmental degradation. Why is the construction of roads all over Sindh always started just a month before the monsoon? The government and all transportation authorities need to work diligently where the construction of roads is concerned. An excellent transportation system is one of the leading factors in the prosperity of a country. —Karachi
Are we Muslims? SYED MUHAMMAD ABUBAKER As I switch on the TV I see many provincial and national issues being raised by the media but when the news of blasphemy, being the most important is played down, I think to myself that are we Muslims? On daily basis I observe politicians giving their stance on national and international issues, but they seem quiet when a highly condemnable movie on our HOLY PROPHET (PBUH) is made by international media and they don’t even bother to comment on such a hideous act, I simply don’t understand the logic and ask myself that are we Muslims? A Session of national assembly can be called for passing of any bill or amendment but none of our elected representative has called for a national assembly session to discuss the blasphemy issue and to condemn the controversial movie. None of any MNA or MPA has protested against it or demanded to ban this obnoxious movie. Are our leaders Muslims or they’re just pretending to be Muslims?? Our media, our judiciary and our leaders should realize the seriousness of the situation. They must highlight the issue on international platform and tell the world that the sentiments of muslims get hurt when any such thing happens. Freedom of expression is no doubt allowed ev-
erywhere and everyone should have an absolute right to express his/her feelings but nowhere is it mentioned to criticize ISLAM and say wrong words, make pictures or produce films on the HOLY PROPHET (PBUH). HAZRAT MUHAMMAD (S.A.W.W) is the last Prophet of Allah Almighty and respect for the HOLY PROPHET (PBUH) is essential for every human being. All what this Jewish lobby is doing won’t be of any use to them, as this will arouse protests, looting, anarchy and civil disobedience worldwide. This will arouse hatred against the Jews which might result into another genocide of jewish community like the one Hitler did to them. They need to abstain themselves from such hideous acts and apologize for all they have done. They need to know that still there are true Muslims living in this world, who can’t be purchased, those who can lay their lives for the sovereignty of Islam and for the HOLY PROPHET (PBUH). These Muslims have the potential to alter the course of history and till this world lasts, anyone who will be convict of blasphemy will be brought to justice. —Lahore
implement the law too. Every human should learn to really tolerate other religions. Every time there is something that is “offensive” what will be done? Objective approach is needed not subjective one. Just have a look at the Post film scenario, Western governments are not allowing their public to protest over this issue and here in our Muslim world all governments are joining public protests against this blasphemous. Almost all Muslim countries have blocked Youtube and all other sites, where blasphemous material was uploaded. In their frame of reference ‘all is well’ and in ours ‘all is hell’. This is the clash and point of no return. Difference of opinion between 1.6 billion population of Muslims and 2.2 billion population of Christians is not good sign for long lasting peace of the world. 56 percent of world’s population is at direct clash with each other. Few handful illiterates and extremists on either sides have become successful to ignite hatred and they have put the world’s peace at risk. —Via email
Pains of women in disaster
Islam is not only one of the Abrahmic and revealed religion but the one which is chosen as a blessed religion by Allah. Throughout the ages, even at the time of the holy prophet (PBUH) and immediately after his death we see threats imposed upon Islam either through the emergence of false prophets or the conflicts within. Our country in the current era is at its brink of destruction, we have fallen miserably in terms of economic development and are reverting back to Stone Age where man existed in a state of nature; where life was brutal, nasty and solitary. There was no hope, no respite; man lived and died aimlessly. The history now repeats itself; everywhere we see turmoil, frustration, anger, sorrow and shadow of death. In the wake of recent events we see that 9/11 to be rendered as the last crusade, Denmark made humiliating caricatures of Holy Prophet, Salman Rushdie coming up with his controversial book “the satanic verses” and now the blasphemous movie which came in to limelight few days ago. —Via email
HASHIM ABRO Sindh province, in particular, the upper and lower regions have the alarming ratio of women dying due to pregnancy related causes. However, the present devastating monsoon rains triggered floods which have destroyed the fundamental infrastructure in the affected areas, have put the lives of tens of thousands of pregnant women under threat. Thousands of such women die needlessly every year in the remote and rural areas of Sindh because there are neither doctors no skilled manpower and not even necessary medicines in different hospitals, dispensaries or basic health or rural health units in the province. While visiting different monsoon rains and floods affected areas I happened to learn about premature deliveries, miscarriages and new born babies delivered on the roadsides and having nothing to feed the suckling babies and their mothers. Believe me! I could witness several women dying in different worst affected areas. The Sindhi intelligentsia wants government to do something about the plight of pregnant women, among others, in the affected areas. The provincial and national relevant organizations and also mother and child caring international NGOs are appealed to assess the needs and provide relief materials to the victims in the worst affected areas at the earliest. —Islamabad
Let sanity prevail! DR SAIFUR REHMAN There have been unabated riots in Muslim world over blasphemous movie “innocence of Muslims”. One cannot deny this fact that movie “innocence of Muslims” is yet another highly blasphemous action in the history of mankind. One sane soul will feel ashamed while watching the 14 minute trailer of two hour movie, I am totally shocked over inhumanity of the film maker. This is not first time that this is happening. We have been experiencing such inhuman acts in the name of religion. Each year, almost two or three episodes are released one after the other against religions and holy personages. This is blasphemy, this is not freedom of speech per se, in fact it is the highest degree of offensive provocation. There is no double opinion that worst hit is no other religion but Islam. All sorts of blasphemous acts should be condemned. Condemnation and peaceful protests are justified. But to riot in your own country is just wasting time and resources of our own country? There should be the great debate, dialogue, and discussion with US and western world over this issue. International community and UNO in particular should define the difference between freedom of speech and offensive provocation, make legislations in this respect and they need to take necessary steps to
Another crusade? HADIA MUKHTAR SINGAPURI
Don’t spare money makers TAHIRA MUSHTAQ The Federal Ministry of Food Security ordered to quarantine and to cull all the infected Australian sheep in Karachi. This timely action on the behalf of ministry has saved many people from getting infected, however the Australian officials and the Pakistani meat industry is of the view that these animals are not only healthy but also fit for human consumption. It should also be kept in mind that these animals were imported after they got rejected by Bahrain on the same pretext of carrying infection. The government should not pay heed to these arguments and keep the health of the people as a top priority. Timely elimination of these infected sheep must be ensured now; it should also be ensured in future that no such infected and diseased animals should be imported in the country. Pakistan should take appropriate steps in future to avoid to be used as a dumping ground for such products which are rejected by other countries. An inquiry should be launched against all those who were involved in permitting these infected animals to be landed in Pakistan. Similarly all those who want to make money by putting peoples’ health at stake should be dealt with iron hand. —Via email
READERS are requested to type their letters legibly with double spacing and only on one side of the paper.
—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net
Should the US and Pakistan Get ‘Divorced?’ JOHN ALLEN GAY
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UCH has already been said about former Pakistani ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani’s return to the public sphere after being accused of requesting an American intervention in Pakistani politics. The crux of Haqqani’s argument—to be developed in a forthcoming book on U.S.-Pakistan relations, Magnificent Delusions—is that the United States and Pakistan willfully mislead themselves about what their alliance means, leading to cycles of engagement and disenchantment. These cycles have had serious consequences, including feelings of distrust and betrayal, uncooperative behavior, and acts of violence. Haqqani called for a looser relationship—in his terms, a friendship, not a marriage—to break the cycle and enable the two states to cooperate more effectively in areas of common interest. In some respects, this is not a revolutionary opinion. Pakistani distaste for America’s involvement is well-known, from the neatly-painted signs at Jamaat-e-Islami protests to the widespread nationalist grievance that followed the raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Polls suggest that about three quarters of Pakistanis see America as an enemy. American distaste for Pakistan is just as deep. For many Americans, for instance, the mention of Pakistan
conjures of images of a flag-burning mob, while among the foreign policy elite it is not rare to hear that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons are a more serious danger to America than any that Iran might acquire. The cover of The Atlantic branded Islamabad “The Ally From Hell;” nobody in Haqqani’s audience at the Center for the National Interest last month moved when he asked for a show of hands from those who thought the U.S. should have told the ISI before going after bin Laden. What is revolutionary is that the call for ‘divorce’ is now coming from a man who spent three and a half years trying to keep the marriage together, for in spite of all the criticism of Washington and Islamabad’s dysfunctional relationship, few are willing to live with the risks of separation. Many American security officials have grave concerns about the security of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. A close relationship with Pakistan, they reason, allows the U.S. to press for stronger safeguards and, in the event of a radical coup or other crisis, gives Washington more ways to keep the bombs out of the most dangerous hands. The United States has reportedly provided guidance on securing nuclear facilities and creating stringent launch procedures, even though Pakistan has understandably kept Americans away from the physical facilities.
American efforts to deepen this cooperation have been rebuffed, but officials have expressed satisfaction with the general safety of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, and Islamabad
is believed to keep its weapons systems partially disassembled, a lower state of readiness than America’s own. However, worries abound that in a nuclear crisis with India, Pakistan’s nuclear forces would disperse from their secured bases to ensure some would survive an Indian strike, and, according to some reports, Pakistan moves some warheads in unmarked vans even in peacetime. Enterprising extremists could seize some of these wandering weapons. Haqqani argued that America’s
The west and the Islamic world should leave one another to live and let live DEBORAH ORR
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HE two have a vast arro gance in common: both want their values universally accepted and both want to win If I deliberately wound up an angry, resentful acquaintance to the point where he went on a rampage and murdered someone, I like to think I would have some regrets, that the important detail would not be the fact that it was my right to make the points I did, in the manner I did, but that I had caused someone to kill and someone to die. Similarly, I like to believe that if a teacher called to say my child was insisting on her right to criticise the physical, intellectual and social shortcomings of some of her classmates, and that it was causing those classmates distress, then I would have a word with my child about her behaviour. I would also like to think that were I the editor of a French satirical magazine, having just watched as swaths of people across a number of countries erupted into sometimes fatal anger over a film they believed had insulted them, I would not think: “Cool. Let’s see if we can stoke that nightmare right up again.” However, an astonishing number of people seem to feel differently. The right to free speech is not in the least abused, it seems, when troublemaking hotheads decide their provocative opinions have more legitimacy than any other consideration within the complex matrix of human responsibility. The right to offend is precious. The right to taunt large numbers of already resentful people is the acme of freedom, civilisation and sophistication. Apparently. Many of the people who defend so ardently the right to offend would call the police immediately if a mob of angry people decided to stand on their doorstep and tell them they were selfish, little narcissists who ought to be ashamed of themselves. Why? Because – no offence – they were all of those things and hypocrites as well. But who really thinks the right to offend is inalienable? Who believes that some hideous error was made when it became untenable to put a sign on the door of your pub saying: “No Irish, no blacks, no dogs”? Is there anyone who thinks the world would be a bet-
ter place if high levels of homophobia were lauded as a wonderful sign that the right to free speech was being enthusiastically upheld? And who would think it fair and sensible if the primacy of free speech dictated that there could be no such thing as slander or libel? Free speech does not confer the right to be wrong, mistaken, biased or merely a doggedly axe-grinding painin-the-ass about your pet hates. It is by no means a settled fact that there is no God, that Muhammad was not his final prophet and that the world would not be a better place if everyone submitted to his teachings. I am absolutely certain that it is bunkum, but I can’t prove it. So until someone tries to make me live my life as if Islam were an indisputable fact, I am happy to let Muslims arrange their own lives under whatever legal set of narrative values they prefer. That, to me, is the most vital western value – not the absolute and untrammelled freedom to shoot my mouth off, whatever the ghastly consequences. Happily, the teachings of Islam don’t contradict those truly fundamental values. Yes, a lot of hideous acts are perpetrated in the name of Islam,
acts that most Muslims abhor. But a lot of hideous acts are perpetrated in the name of liberal democracy, too, without invalidating all aspects of liberalism or democracy. Neither belief system is perfect, and therefore, surely, neither can claim the perfect right to condemn and ridicule the other. Furthermore, many of the Islamic values the west finds so reprehensible were our own settled values too, until embarrassingly recently. Islamic homophobia? Not acceptable. Yet gay people in Britain only achieved the same rights to legal sex as heterosexuals in 2001. Islamic inequality in its treatment of men and women? Don’t start me. Yet I remember a time when two women walking into a pub together was like two
pheasants wandering on to a shooting range. Barbarous Islamic punishment? We hanged our last murderers in 1964. Some Islamist groups’ yearnings for world domination? Britain parcelled out the land of another people like it was the family allotment, as recently as 1948. Of course, most extremist Islamists (not all Muslims) are hypocrites too. They reserve the right to condemn the secular values of the west, even as they threaten to kill those who condemn the religious values they cleave to themselves (or any more handy proxy who happens to be within reach). They demand unconditional respect for Islam, while reserving their own right to despise and revile the west. The worst irony? Despite the many differences between the Islamic world and the west, we have one vast arrogance in common: we won’t content ourselves with living and letting live. We each want our values to be universally adopted. We each want to be proved right. We each want to win. The west won’t win by antagonising those Muslims who can be relied on to rise to the western dog whistle. It scores a few petty propaganda points, that’s all. And Islamists won’t win by antagonising those weste rners who rise to the Islamic dog whistle. Telling the west it can’t criticise Islam, any more than Muslims can, is like a red rag to a bull. Mass Arab street protest thrills the west when we agree with it – as with the Arab spring – and appals if we don’t – as when we see a heated anti-American uprising. Yet indiscriminate anti- Americanism is no more or less valid than indiscriminate Islamo phobia. Maybe it is time for both western and Islamist hotheads to have a think about this, for example: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Quran 13:11). Smart advice. Works for everyone. Islamists need to stop attacking the west, and issuing fatwas against those outside the Islamic belief system. Likewise, the west needs to solve its own problems, rather than insisting on interfering in the affairs of Muslims, while failing to admit that previous interference might have provoked much of the “Muslim rage” that westerners find so “medieval”. — Courtesy - Guardian.
worries about Pakistan’s bombs are not realistic and thus do not justify the alliance. After all, he noted, America did not provide assistance in securing the nuclear weapons of its rivals during the tensions of the Cold War, yet the weapons were not accidentally launched or seized by terrorists. Haqqani has a valid point. With or without American involvement, Pakistan’s government has a vital interest in the security of its nuclear weapons. Nuclear irresponsibility could have grave consequences for Pakistan’s international relations, and would increase the risk of accidental war. Pakistan’s leaders would be insane not to take steps to secure their bombs and clarify the chain of command. However, Haqqani left out America’s intense efforts to secure its rival’s nuclear arsenal after the collapse of the Soviet Union. American leaders correctly judged that the post-communist chaos was an exceedingly risky environment for nuclear storage. It is hard not to see a potential for similar disorder in roiling Karachi or the untamed frontiers. American interests dictate a global concern with nuclear security, a concern that includes Pakistan. Still, alliance is no requisite for cooperation on nuclear security given the convergence of needs. The United States did not become Russia’s ally before it helped Russia secure its bombs. Even if Pakistan were as friendly with
America as Canada or Britain, it would still keep Americans away from many elements of its nuclear program. Haqqani argued that many other areas of cooperation, such as intelligence-sharing, would also survive a divorce. The grounds of these relations are again based on shared interests. While the ISI has some truly loathsome allies, it also has enemies, and America’s powerful electronic intelligence apparatus can eavesdrop on them far better than any Pakistani outfit. Haqqani’s call will likely go unanswered as long as American troops remain in Afghanistan. U.S. and NATO troops need supplies, and the shortest route is through Pakistan, even though the insurgent groups that ply the border area with suspicious ease give American decision makers daily reminders of divergences between American and Pakistani interests west of the Khyber Pass. This fuels the cycle of engagement and betrayal. Although American leaders will continue to fear a breakdown of order in Pakistan, the pending retreat from Afghanistan may allow the two states to finally have their amicable divorce. —Courtesy - TD. [John Allen Gay is program assistant for the Regional Security Program and the Program on American National Security in the Twenty-First Century at the Center for the National Interest]
Political, strategic implications of Europe’s crisis JULIAN LINDLEY-FRENCH
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VER the next few months the editors of European Geostrategy will undertake a number of interviews with various individuals who are involved in thinking about European foreign, security and military policies. In this fourth interview in the series, Luis Simón discusses the political and strategic implications of Europe’s crisis with Julian Lindley-French, the Eisenhower Professor of Defence Strategy at the Netherlands Defence Academy and author of a popular blog on European military affairs. LS: On a blog post last year, referring to the stark contrast between their visions for Europe, you said Berlin and London were on a collision course. While the German chancellor advocated for greater fiscal and political union, the British prime minister called for a flexible Europe. These two countries disagree on other things: the two attach a different value to military power and have found each other on different sides of the fence over a number of international crises in recent years (like Iraq and Libya). Do you think there is any way in which the British and German views of Europe and the world can be reconciled? JLF: Let me first explain the fundamental problem over Europe. The Germans want to integrate the Eurozone to impose greater fiscal discipline on European Union members. This is clearly a political project that will involve a much closer relationship between Germany and the European Commission. The political implications of this process are very deep. At heart, this is about Germany having a far greater influence over European economies. The consequence is that it rebalances the relationship between the individual and the state in favor of the latter. This is fundamentally against Britain’s political DNA. In fact it is against the whole Anglo-Saxon political DNA (we must bear in mind that the American revolution was an extension of the English Civil War). Britain’s vision for Europe has always been that of a Free Trade Area, respectful of private enterprise and national sovereignty. Regarding the British and German world
views, the fundamental difference boils down to the balance that is struck between hard and soft power. We the British essentially believe you cannot have soft power without an important degree of hard power. Whereas the Germans, for understandable historical reasons, believe one can exercise economic power and political power without necessarily having military power. An interesting case is France, which shares the German political view of the need for an integrated Europe, and yes the British strategic view about the need for hard power. Can the British and Germans find some common ground? Yes, of course. Can we develop a common strategic culture? Unlikely. But going back to Europe, I think the main problem is that the Germans are in denial about how serious the current Eurosphere crisis is for Britain. We could indeed leave the European Union if the wrong decisions are made. The Germans find it very hard to understand why Britain does not share their vision of Europe. But Britain will never share their vision of Europe. LS: It sometimes seems that France is pulled between its politico-economic ties to Germany and its military-strategic relationship with Britain. Given the current European political climate, will Paris be able to maintain the two or will it come to choose one over the other? JLF: It will have to choose, and for various reasons. The Euro will survive because it is first and foremost a political project. Greece will be put in a ‘box’. The focus of the European Union should be on ensuring the restructuring of other southern European economies, particularly Italy and Spain. But also, partly, that of France. The furthering of the Eurosphere will over time further dilute France’s strategic relationship with the British and the Americans. Because the British are already making it clear that they are going with the Americans and are embracing the Anglosphere as a strategic concept. In a sense both Britain and France are trying to maintain a balancing act, but neither will be able to do so for much longer. When push
comes to shove France will go with Germany. This is because France is tied to the Eurosphere economically, politically and philosophically. It is after all a continental power. Britain is not. I regret the dilution of the FrancoBritish strategic relationship. But there is a reordering of power in Europe around Germany and France at least cannot escape that. LS: You have also highlighted the importance of Franco-German pushes for an European Union-wide Financial Services Transaction Tax or their calls for greater European financial and banking integration. The two could hurt the United Kingdom more than any other Member State, putting London’s status as a global financial hub in jeopardy. Some argue that this could lead Britain to distance itself further from the European Union. How do see these debates playing out over the coming years and what impact do you think they will have upon the political and strategic balance among the European Union’s Big Three? JLF: It will indeed have a decisive impact on Britain’s relationship with the European Union, maybe not during this parliament, but certainly during the course of the next parliament. Some eighty percent of European financial transactions go through the City of London. What the European Union is effectively doing is imposing a tax on the British economy for a problem that is not of Britain’s making. There is no such thing as a free tax. The Eurozone is trying to shift the cost of the Eurozone crisis onto British taxpayers. This is what this whole debate boils down to. And this is unacceptable for Britain, because the economic balance of Britain’s European Union membership is already negative. Unless Eurozone leaders soften their stance on this, the tax could be the trigger of the coming political crisis between Britain and the European Union. A financial services tax will be seen in Britain as an attack on Britain. Now, about the strategic implications…If this were to go ahead it could strengthen Frankfurt, which will try to manipulate this in its favor to strengthen its standing as a financial centre. But the costs of moving out of London for the banks and other financial companies would be huge. What makes London attractive is the lack of regulation. —Special Courtesy - European Geostrategy.
What if Israel bombed Iran? The view from Washington KARIM SADJADPOUR & BLAKE HOUNSHELL
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OR months, Israel has threatened to strike Iran’s nuclear sites. The United States has urged restraint. If such an operation were launched, how might Washington react? President Obama is enjoying a quiet dinner with Michelle, Sasha and Malia at the White House residence on a Thursday evening in October when he gets the call. Two dozen Israeli fighter jets have just entered Jordanian airspace, apparently en route to Iran, chief of staff Jack Lew tells him. They will enter Iranian airspace, via Iraq, in approximately 85 minutes. “Damn it,” Obama says under his breath. “Bibi told me he was going to hold off.” Within 45 minutes, the president’s national security brain trust has convened in the Situation Room. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta informs the group that attempts to reach Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have so far failed but that Israeli military commanders are briefing the Pentagon on Israel’s targets. Panetta lays out the United States’ options: either persuade Netanyahu to call it off, or shoot down the planes. “Shooting down the planes is not an option!” Vice President Biden explodes. “Tell Bibi the president of the United States wants to talk to him now!” Within minutes, Netanyahu’s voice is heard on the speakerphone, and he immediately preempts any attempts to call off the mission. “I couldn’t wait any longer, Mr. President,”
he says firmly. “I am responsible for the security of the Jewish nation.” As Netanyahu explains the operation, Obama eyes the large electronic map of the Middle East on the Situation Room wall. The coordinates of the Israeli planes show that they’re nearing Iran. “Mr. President,” Netanyahu says. “I hope we can count on your full support.” Obama’s face masks his scorn. He pauses for several moments before responding. “You know I respect Israel’s right to defend itself,” he says, “but I need to do what’s in the interests of the United States.” Panetta orders the head of U.S. Central Command, Gen. James Mattis, to activate Operation Gulf Shield, putting America’s military forces throughout the Middle East on their highest defensive posture, bracing for Iranian retaliation. Obama surveys the room. “What do we tell the Iranians?” he asks. “They’re going to assume we’re behind this.” The battle lines are quickly drawn. Susan Rice — the ambassador to the United Nations and a close Obama confidante, who is in the running to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state — is the first to chime in, via secure video teleconference: “We need to be clear that the Israelis acted without our knowledge. We need to urge Iran to exercise restraint while we restrain Israel.” “With respect,” CIA Director David H. Petraeus says, “if we send them that message, they’ll think they can retaliate without us responding. The Iranians need to believe that if they respond, the United States will enter this
war — and swiftly and decisively end it.” “I agree with David,” Clinton says. “The Iranians need to know there is no daylight they can exploit between us and the Israelis.” Within hours, Twitter is alight with reports of explosions in various parts of Iran. All seemingly can be traced to one source: the Iranian opposition group Mujaheddin-e Khalq. Mainstream media outlets say they cannot corroborate the story, and Iranian state media is silent. A few hours later, while Washington sleeps, the Saudi-owned satellite channel Al Arabiya confirms reports of massive explosions in Iran. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz alludes to an Israeli military operation in Iran but, citing national security restrictions, does not offer details. It appears that one plane has gone missing, but Israeli officials refuse to comment. By the time Washington awakens, oil futures are up 20 percent to $110 a barrel. At 6:30 a.m., Obama meets in the Oval Office with senior campaign adviser David Axelrod and former chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, who have flown in from Chicago. Axelrod suggests that the White House’s message should be that Iran brought this upon itself. “What the hell do I say,” Obama asks them, “when the press ask me whether I knew about this operation in advance?” “Don’t answer yet,” Emanuel says. He scribbles a few sentences on a notepad, rips the paper out and hands it to Obama. “If we need to,” Emanuel says, “we can leak the news that we weren’t given a heads up. But we shouldn’t disown it right away if there’s po-
tential it was a successful operation.” Obama shakes his head. “Voters don’t care about whether the attack was successful. They care about $5 gasoline.” By 8 a.m., the White House has issued the terse statement Emanuel drafted, saying: “The United States is monitoring events in Iran closely. Israel has a right to defend itself, and America’s commitment to Israeli security is unwavering.” Having long rehearsed this scenario, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is ready with a sharp, gaffe-free response. While campaigning in Palm Beach, Fla., that morning, Romney pledges his “ironclad support” for Israel and attacks “Obama’s policies of appeasement that left Prime Minister Netanyahu no choice but to take exceptional measures.” Romney adviser Dan Senor rips into the president on CNN: “Our strongest ally in the world, Israel, is facing an existential threat, and Obama is still leading from behind.” Another Romney adviser, former U.N. ambassador John Bolton, echoes this theme on Fox News. “Instead of doing his job as commander in chief, Barack Obama outsourced our national security to Israel,” he says. “The American public owes a debt of gratitude to Prime Minister Netanyahu, and we should be prepared to finish the job.” By late morning, more details of the attack trickle out in the media. The strike reportedly caused extensive damage to Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Arak and Isfahan, as well as to the country’s radar and command-and-control centers. But
it’s unclear just how much damage has been done, and there’s no word on casualties. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) begins circulating a draft resolution on Capitol Hill expressing the Senate’s “unconditional support” for Israel. By noon, 99 senators — with Rand Paul the lone dissenter — have signed on. J Street, a liberal Jewish advocacy group, issues a statement expressing “concern” that Israel acted preemptively. China and Russia condemn Israel, urging restraint and calling for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates — which in WikiLeaked State Department cables from 2010 appeared to support a military attack on Iran’s facilities — condemn Israel’s action but stop short of expressing solidarity with Tehran. Unable to reach Obama again, Netanyahu tells Biden that it has been a “clean, successful operation,” with minimal Iranian casualties. “Frankly, we should have done this a long time ago,” he says. But the first batch of satellite photos suggests that the Fordow nuclear plant outside Qom, buried under 300 feet of specially designed concrete, may have survived the raid. Unless Israel or the United States mounts a follow-up attack, Iran may be able to continue enriching uranium fairly quickly.—Courtesy - The Washington Post. [Karim Sadjadpour is a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Blake Hounshell is managing editor of Foreign Policy magazine].
No evidence found against Rimsha: Police
Australia beat Windies by 17 runs
From Page 1
From Page 1 Gayle and Marlon Samuels starring with the bat. They started badly, Mitchell Stark ripping through the defences of Dwayne Smith in the second over but following the dismissal of Johnson Charles to Daniel Christian, Gayle and Samuels got the run rate flying. Gayle punished Shane Watson for dropping him early on, smashing five fours and four sixes in his way to a quickfire 54 of 47 balls before chipping the ball straight back to a relieved Watson. Samuels picked up the baton, hitting 50 off 45 balls including four sixes as the West Indies posted an intimidating looking total. Aided by some wayward bowling from Ravi Rampaul in particular, David Warner got Australia of to a flyer in their run chase, scoring 24 of 14 before being given out to the slightest of edges of Fidel Edwards. But with the workmanlike Hussey joining the belligerent Watson at the crease, Australia stayed ahead of the run rate, milking runs at will and posting the highest powerplay score of the tournament as the West Indies bowlers struggled to bowl to their field placings. The end result meant that Australia were ahead of the required rate to book their place in the Super 8 stages and the West Indies face a must win match to join them.—Online
US Senate approves From Page 1 The outgoing American ambassador to Pakistan, Cameron Munter, resigned in May after a turbulent tenure in which a covert US forces raid killed Osama bin Laden near a major military academy, humiliating the country’s powerful army. Until June, Olson served in the US embassy in Kabul as the coordinator for development and economic affairs, a key priority for Washington as the United States prepares to withdraw its forces. Beecroft has served at the US embassy in Baghdad since July 2011, first as the deputy chief of mission and from June this year as the charge d’affaires. Earlier he was US ambassador to Jordan 20082011, and has held positions at the American embassies in Saudi Arabia and Syria. In mid-June Obama’s original pick for the Iraq job, Brett McGurk, withdrew his candidacy after the revelation of racy emails sent in 2008 between the married diplomat, then stationed in Baghdad, and Wall Street Journal reporter Gina Chon. The two are now married.—AFP
COURT NOTICE In the Court of Shaukat Iqbal Ahmed, Judge Banking Court-III, Multan. Judge Banking Court-12-B Allah Shafi Chowk Pul Bararan Road Multan. Suit No.358/2012 Askari Bank Ltd Branch Shah Plaza Aziz Abad Road Multan —Plaintiff Versus Muhammad Rashid S/O Muhammad Anwar R/O HNO-156, Street NO-4 Nazim Abad Old Shujaabad Road Tehsil & Distt, Multan — Defendant Proclamation U/S 9 (5) Financial Institution Recovery of Finances Ordinance 46 of 2001 WHEREAS the aforesaid plaintiff has instituted a suit against you and others for recovery of Rs-717146/alongwith mark up/interest and costs etc claimed to be payable by you Proclamation u/s 9(5) Ordinance 46 of 2001 to the above is hereby issued requiring you to make within 30 days of this proclamation, an application for leave to defend the suit. Taken notice that on your failure to file such application within time specified above the Banking Court shall pass a decree as prayed for in the plaint. Next date for further proceedings, in the case has been fixed on 26.09.2012. Given under my hand and the seal of the court, this 24th day of August, 2012 Seal of the Court Judge Banking Court III Multan
with Chishti, said he was not satisfied with the police report. “This report is based on the bad intentions of the investigators and is made to prove Rimsha innocent. But, I will fight the case and make her face trial,” he told AFP. Rimsha and her family, who fear for life after the blasphemy charges, were moved to an undisclosed location since her release on bail on Sept 8. The district attorney, who signed the charge sheet along with a note of objections, observed: “Had Khalid Chishti burnt the Holy Quran, prior to adding them in the evidence, he could be declared accused under 196 PPC.” According to the charge sheet, no witness has so far identified the place where LAHORE: Activists of Young Nurses Association chanting anti-US slogans protesting anti-Islam film. Rimsha was alleged to have burnt the holy papers. The police also claim that, in reality, it was Rimsha’s six year old younger sister Savera who had come to From Page 1 From Page 1 throw the garbage in front of phemous film by few Ameri- another official in Miranshah big majority of the drone’s pay five hundred thousand the house of one Maqbool cans. Report reaching here saying the vehicle had been victims remained the innocent rupees each to the heirs of Ahmed. This account has from Miran Shah, the head- driving through a village 40 ki- tribals as even admitted by the victims of fire tragedy in a fac- been testified by two witquarters of the North lometer west of Miranshah, the international watch dogs. tory in Lahore. Waziristan agency (NWA) headquarters of North Though a considerable The Prime Minister also say an American pilotless Waziristan agency. However, decline was noticed in the referred to the Fridays’ viospying plane commonly the locals insisted those killed drone hits after the NATO lence on the occasion of known as drone, targeted a in the fresh missiles attack forces attack on Salala Youm-e-Ishq-e-Rasool and vehicle in Tehsil Datta Khel were among the ordinary checkpost Mohmand Agency said we should lodge protest some forty kilometres west of tribesmen who have been fall- killing 25 Army men on Novem- peacefully to convey message agency headquarters near ing victim to the American ber 26 last year as the incident of love and peace to the world. Pak-Afghan border. planes attack off and on and had badly stained the PAK-US He said the Government “The American plane fired nothing to do with the mili- relations and had led to strong is taking up the issue of blastwo to three missiles on a mov- tancy. They further said the US resentment from Pakistani gov- phemous film at all relevant not mean to use the word of freedom insulting the most ing vehicle that not only re- drones could be seen hover- ernment, the masses as well as forums. sulted in destroying the tar- ing in the area even after the the top military leadership of Chief Minister Sindh Qaim respectful personality and geted vehicle but another pass- attack sending a wave of ha- the country, the drones at- Ali Shah said police and judi- hurting the religious sentiing by vehicle also sustained rassment and anxiety among tacks were, however, again cial inquires are in progress ments, which is totally wrong damages in mountainous the residents of the area. paced in the current year. and reports would be made and intolerable,” he said while Danday Khel area killing three The American planes comAmerican planes striking public. Governors of Sindh addressing a press conferpeople on the spot and seri- monly known as drones and off and on in Waziristan agen- and Punjab also spoke on the ence here at press club on ously wounding three others”. that have been launching mis- cies killed hundreds of more occasion and expressed soli- Saturday. He stressed the need for The locals and the indepen- sile attacks in the Pakistani people during the last few darity with the families of the dent sources told Pakistan tribal belt for since August months with all the appeals victims and affected people. legislation at international level against the blasphemous Observer. It was not clear as 2008; have killed more than made by the Pakistani auacts aimed at stopping such to who was the target of the three thousand people in over thorities to honor the soverblasphemous and hateful act fresh drone hit or if there were 300 hits mostly in North and eignty of the country always in future, otherwise the peacewanted people travelling in the South Waziristan agencies. falling on the deaf years of ful atmosphere would get vehicle. “The identity of those Out of those strikes, 33 the those at the helm of afworst across the world. killed in Saturday’s strikes was were conducted in 2008 and fairs in Washington who are Regarding the riots during immediately not known but 53 in 2009. However, the no- least pushed by the reality the Friday’s incidents, the From Page 1 this area is mostly occupied by torious drones struck 118 that these attacks were provmembers of the militant com- times in 2010 and more than ing counter-productive and by Rs 1.73 as proposed by oil federal minister said that it mander Gul Bahadur’s group”. two dozen attacks were only multiplying the anti- marketing companies is enter- was not the way to condemn the detestable movie by deA security official said with launched in 2011. No doubt, a American sentiments. tained by the government and stroying public property and did not honour the recom- creating law and order situamendation of the Ogra, then tion. “We are completely in the price of petrol and CNG favour of peaceful protests would escalate by Rs 8 in fif- and demonstrations carried teen days time. The official said if Ministry of Finance reduces the NEW D ELHI —Holding that in the Kargil war”, the ing factor, those flash points petroleum levy on petrol, then the possibility of future con- Carnegie Endowment for In- could erupt into open-ended the end consumers would be ventional wars of major con- ternational Peace says the conventional showdowns saved from further hike in sequence along India’s north- 1999 Indo-Pak conflict dem- for the highest stakes,” it price of motor gasoline and CNG. The POL prices adjustern borders with Pakistan and onstrated on a strategic level says. ments would be finalized tothat a stable bilateral nuclear But the study goes on to China persists, a prominent TAJAMMUL GURMANI US think-tank says the Indian deterrence relationship can add that the Kargil war “also day (Sunday). defence establishment “must markedly inhibit such re- demonstrated that nuclear L ONDON —The protest plan and prepare accord- gional conflicts in intensity deterrence is not a panacea”, against the blasphemy film and scale, if not preclude and consequently India ingly”. has also sparked out the some In a 70-page report titled, them altogether. “In the ab- must plan and prepare for the 1.8 million Muslims live in sence of the nuclear stabilizfuture.—INP “Airpower at 18,000: The IAF United Kingdom and they From Page 1 have also started a peaceful The objective was to movement against the controCOURT NOTICE COURT NOTICE verify bin Laden’s presence versial movie. at the compound where the In the Court of Mr Javad In the Court of Shiekh The Hounslow Islamic al-Qaeda leader was later Centre would file a petition to Akhtar, Judge Banking Khalid Bashir, Judge killed. Court-II, Multan Banking Court-I, 60-B, the UK and USA governAfridi was convicted of ments to take serious action Abdali Road Multan Suit No.660/2012 high treason and sentenced Suit No.150/2012 the producer of such HBL Branch at Akbar Road KABUL—A senior insurgent to 33 years in prison. The against UBL Branch at shameful film. They request Multan —Plaintiff Shamshabad LMQ Road commander has been killed in United States has sought his the authorities to introduce Versus Afghanistan following an release. Multan —Plaintiff the law to prohibit any future Shazadi Fasiha Sultana operation overseen by the Eighty-one senators op- attempt of this kind. Versus (Deceased) through Legal NATO-led International Se- posed Republican Sen Rand M Waris (Deceased) Chairman Hounslow IsHeirs.(i) Ali Hussain. (ii) curity Assistance Force. Paul’s bill and 10 supported lamic Centre Ch Abdul (1) Raheem Khatoon W/O Aun Raza. (iii) Noor-ulIn a statement, senior it. M. Waris (2) M.Javeed (3) Majeed and prominent MusAin. (iv) Qural-ul-Ain All ISAF officers said that Qari US facilities in several lim youth leader Muhammad M. Sohail Waris Sons of R/O H-NO-2118, Muhalla Yahya, a leader with the Iscountries have been atM.Waeris (4) Naseem Pir Collo Shah Outside Pak lamic Movement of tacked to protest an anti-Is- Rashid were taking active part Kausar(5) Parveen Waris (6) in this petition. They said that Gate Multan —Defendant Yaseen Waris D/O M. Waris Uzbekistan, died during a lamic film.— AP more than 2000 Muslims have Proclamation U/S 9 (5) Fiskirmish with troops in the R/O H-NO-544-C Iqabal nancial Institution Recovprovince of Street Nawan Shaher northern ery of Finances Ordinance Kunduz. Multan. —Defendant 46 of 2001 Reports suggest that a Proclamation U/S 9 (5) FiWHEREAS the aforesaid force of Afghan military and nancial Institution Recovplaintiff has instituted a ery of Finances Ordinance ISAF personnel had moved suit against you and othon Yahya’s compound when 46 of 2001 ers for recovery of Rshe and another insurgent WHEREAS the aforesaid 151994/-alongwith mark plaintiff has instituted a suit confronted them. up/interest and costs etc The statement said that against you and others for claimed to be payable by the leader was “positively recovery of Rs-677411/61you Proclamation u/s 9(5) alongwith mark up/interest identified and displayed hosOrdinance 46 of 2001 to and costs etc claimed to be tile intent towards the the above is hereby ispayable by you. Proclama- troops”. Yahya was killed sued requiring you to make tion u/s 9(5) Ordinance 46 and his comrade taken alive. within 30 days of this procYahya is believed to have of 2001 to the above is lamation, an application been directly responsible for hereby issued requiring for leave to defend the IED attacks in addition to you to make within 30 days suit. of this proclamation, an maintaining communication Taken notice that on application for leave to de- and logistic ties with senior your failure to file such Taliban leaders. fend the suit. application within time Kunduz province, which Taken notice that on specified above the Bankborders Tajikistan in northyour failure to file such aping Court shall pass a deern Afghanistan, has been plication within time specicree as prayed for in the fied above the Banking the scene of clashes over plaint. Next date for further Court shall pass a decree the past three years with inproceedings, in the case as prayed for in the plaint. surgent activity on the inhas been fixed on Next date for further pro- crease. 17.10.2012. A previous governor, ceedings, in the case has Given under my hand Mohammad Omar, was killed been fixed on 13.11.2012. and the seal of the court, by a bomb in October 2010. Given under my hand this 23rd day of August, Germany has some 4,000 and the seal of the court this 2012 19th day of September, 2012 soldiers stationed in the Seal of the Court Seal of the Court Kunduz province Provincial Judge Banking Court II Judge Banking Court I Reconstruction Team, serv- LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif meeting Multan Multan ing with the ISAF Regional man Ulema Board Punjab. Command North.—INP
3 killed in drone strike
PM announces Rs5 lakh each
nesses. The police are also accusing the complainant of hiding the actual facts from the police. The police investigation further states that the burnt holy papers were first seen by Mehreen Noor, Maqbool’s daughter, who had told the same to her mother. The burnt pile of papers was then sent to the cleric Mohammad Khalid Chishti through Mehreen Noor. The police also says that Chishti is “an educated person and knows religion and the sanctity of the Holy Quran.” Moreover, the police accuse Chishti of deliberately tearing two papers from the Holy Quran to add them into the pile of burnt papers, and preparing a false testimony. Chishti had also signed the testimony as a witness. The police report further claims that Rimsha, a minor Christian girl, is illiterate and her mental age is not according to her actual age, which is 14. The case has gained huge attention because of
the girl’s age and questions about her mental capacity. It is also a rare instance where someone has been held responsible for an apparently false accusation of blasphemy. Earlier on Sept 7, the additional district and sessions court of Islamabad had granted bail to the girl. Later on Sept 8, Rimsha was airlifted from Adiyala jail to an unspecified location within Islamabad under the protective custody of police after completion of legal formalities by her lawyers. The girl belonging to the Christian community is said to be suffering from Down’s syndrome. She had been arrested on Aug 16 under Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws, prompting concern from Western governments, the Vatican, and rights groups. Blasphemy is an extremely sensitive subject in Pakistan, where 97 per cent of the 180 million population are Muslims, and allegations of desecrating the holy Quran or insulting Islam often provoke public fury.—Agencies
Bilour announces $100,000 head-money for film director
OGRA proposes no hike in petrol
India must plan for war with China, Pak: US report
out against the sacrilegious film, but the riots and panic on occasion of the worthy day didn’t suit to the Muslims,” he advised. He said that if any party and groups were involved in the riots and disturbance, should be held accountable and to apologize for it. “I’m announcing here the bounty of $ 0.1million against the film maker,” said Ghulam Bilour. He added that if any international court declared me guilty for announcing the bounty, “I would be ready to be hung in the name of Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH),” he dared. “We are ready to render every kind of sacrifices to protect the dignity and honor of the last Prophet,” he maintained. Condemning the attacks and torching church in Mardan, he said the Islam
teaches for a great respect to all religions, therefore, we should avoid targeting holy places of non-Muslims. He said the repercussions would be dreadful in western world, if such disrespectful attitude are not stopped in future. Regarding the killing of innocent people in the riots, he said government had not allowed for opening firing on the protesters. However, he said the demonstrators had other motives while targeting the public property and other government installations. Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, who also senior leader of Awami National Party (ANP) condemned the killing of a driver of private news channel and the rest of six people during the protest demonstrations and expressed sympathy with the bereaved families.
Muslims to organize protest rally in London today
Senate kills US Pak aid
Uzbek terrorist leader killed in Afghanistan
From Page 1
already signed on the petition. The petition said we the undersigned, residents of the London Borough of Hounslow would like to register our protest at the disgraceful and shameful American movie which attempts to slander our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). We would like the British and American governments to take a firm stance on this blatant disregard for Islam and urge them to take steps to introduce a law to prohibit any future attempts of this kind. The Muslim religious scholars have also gathered in Birmingham and they announced Muslim Action Forum (MAF) for a joint protest against the American movie. The MAF would also hold a protest rally on Sunday (today) at 2.00 pm at US em-
bassy near at Marble Arch tube station. Qari Abdul Aziz Chisti Chairman Markzi Ulmah Mushaekh Council UK said that “Allama Syed Zafar Ullah Shah has been elected as convener of MAF and thousands of Muslims would gather in our appeal today”. He said the UK leading organizations including Jammat Ahle Sunnat, Markzi Jammat Ahle Sunnat UK and Europe, World Islamic Mission, Hazrat Sultan Bahu Trust and individuals will participate in the demonstration. He said in next phase the religious organizations will observe protest in all major cities in UK. The Muslims from Derby, Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Bradford and other cities will reach in the protest rally, Qari Abdul Aziz Chisiti, added.
with Rabnawaz Lak, MPA and Pir Amin-ul-Hasnat, Chair-
US, Pak pledge to cooperate on Afghanistan: Clinton WASHINGTON —The United stan, and other militants on its tant relationship and we are con-
Believe it or not! Bashir Ahmad Rahmani HAFIZABAD—Believe it or not but it is a bare fact that WAPDA has issued consumption bill of Rs. 46,000/- to a grower for a tubewell which has not yet been energised. According to Allah Ditta Bhatti S/o Peera of Sanbal village, he had applied for tubewell connection since long and has also deposited the Demand Note amount but the Sub Division Sukheki has not yet provided electricity connection for the tubewell. It is irony of fate that he has been issued consumption bill of Rs. 15,000/last month and Rs. 46,000/- this month vide non-existing Meter No. 004586.
JACOBABAD : Jacobabad :A PAF helicopter airdrops dry ration for the rain affectees. (See also Page 2)
SC asks Malik to reveal details of dual nationality lawmakers
Staff Reporter HAFIZABAD—The AntiCorruption Establishment Hafizabad today arrested Fida Hussain Clerk of Education Department Hafizabad on the charge of allegedly extorting Rs. 7,500/ - from Mulk Sher of Channi Karimdad for arranging order in his favour. On the complaint of Mulk Sher ACE Incharge Hafizabad Rana Muhammad Ramzan alongwith a Judicial Magistrate raided the pointed premises and caught the clerk red-handed while accepting Rs. 7500/- as bribe from the complainant.
soil. However, relations between the two countries hit an all-time low following a string of events, including the killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in a clandestine US raid in May last year. And the killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers in a cross-border NATO air strike in November 2011 prompted Pakistan to close all supply routes into Afghanistan. The ban was lifted only in early July. Other thorny issues like US drone attacks on targets inside Pakistan remain unresolved, despite Islamabad’s insistence that the move infringes upon its sovereignty and fans anti-American sentiment in the country. Acknowledging the past 18 “challenging” months, Clinton said: “We know that there is still much to be done, but I can assure the people of Pakistan that the United States remains committed to this impor-
fident we can continue to move forward together one step at a time to reach our shared strategic objectives.”On her part, the Pakistani foreign minister said Islamabad and Washington face a common challenge in Afghanistan.“Perhaps today the strongest convergence of interests that we have is not in any of these bilateral tracks but in Afghanistan, because Afghanistan today represents a common challenge to both the countries,” she said. “We are concerned of some of the infiltration which is coming from Afghanistan inside Pakistan, we are also concerned about the security situation,” Khar added. Khar believed that the two countries have a “unique opportunity” today to work together to ensure “there is no security vacuum left in Afghanistan.”— NNI
Two killed in Kurram blast
Rahman Malik published in the dual national MNA spotted hid- have dual citizenship. Similarly, PARACHINAR—Two people STAFF REPORTER same daily dated 22.09.2012 un- ing behind secrecy’ by Umar the handout said, with reference killed when explosive ISLAMABAD —The Supreme der caption “Many dual national Cheema wherein it is averred that to Senator A. Rahman Malik, an- were material went off in Khwar
Court of Pakistan, on Saturday, sought explanation from Minister for Interior Rahman Malik over his claims that there are several Moderate quake members of the parliament and provincial assemblies who hold ISLAMABAD—A moderate dual nationalities. earthquake jolted different Taking notice of reports that upper parts of Khyber quoted Malik and journalist Umar Pakhtunkhwa here on Cheema on the dual nationalities Saturday. An earthquake of case, the SC directed for writing low intensity was also felt in letters to Malik, Umar Cheema parts of Gilgit-Baltistan late and Member of the National AsFriday night. According to sembly Shehnaz Sheikh to furnish geological department of details of members of the parliaPakistan Meteorological ment and provincial assemblies Department (PMD) and holding dual nationality. earthquake of 4.4 magnitude “In pursuance of the news on Richter scale was felt in story of Umar Cheema published Chitral, Mingora, Dir, Swat in a daily dated 21.09.2012 under and other areas of the caption ‘Another dual national province. The people of the MNA spotted hiding behind seearthquake hit areas were frightened by the jolts . —INP crecy’ and statement of A.
Two killed
States and Pakistan have pledged to work together to confront challenges facing Afghanistan. “We face a common threat from a common enemy, and we must confront terrorism and extremism together,” US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told reporters prior to her meeting Friday with Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar. “Earlier this month, I designated the Haqqani Network as a foreign terrorist organization so we could make full use of every available legal authority to end their deadly attacks,” she said. Washington looks to Pakistan for help as it is seeking a solution to the decade-old war in Afghanistan and has been pressing the South Asian nation to flush out the Haqqani Network, a Taliban-affiliated group that was accused of launching deadly attacks on American and NATO-led forces in Afghani-
Libyan protesters oust Benghazi militia BENGHAZI—Libyan protesters
ousted a jihadist militia from its headquarters and seized a raft of other paramilitary bases in second city Benghazi early Saturday in heavy clashes that left four people dead. The seizure of the headquarters of Ansar al-Sharia – which has been accused of, but denied, involvement in the murder of US Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans last week – came after tens of thousands took to the streets on Friday to protest against the power of the militias. The group’s members took Crushed to death flight as hundreds of protesters stormed and then torched its comLAHORE—A nine class pound, and also evicted it from the student was crushed to death at city’s Al-Jalaa hospital, where Ferozpur road, Kahna area on they were replaced by military poSaturday. Police said student lice, an AFP correspondent reMuhammad Waseem (16) was ported. But to the alarm of senior going to school on a local bus officials, the demonstrators also when suddenly fell down on stormed a raft of other paramilithe road. Meanwhile, a speedy tary bases in the city controlled by tractor-trolley ran over him. As former rebel units.—AFP a result, he received srious injuries and died on the spot while the driver of vehicle fled away from the scene.Later, people of the area staged a protest demonstration. They burnt tyre and blocked Ferozpur Road for some time ISLAMABAD — The use of and demanded the arrest of drones in Pakistan normally driver.Police have registered a brings to mind images of U.S. case.—APP spy planes attacking tribal areas. But drones now are being used Two dead to capture a different kind of picture in the country — showing Staff Reporter some of the world’s highest HAFIZABAD—Two persons mountains being scaled by including a girl were killed in world-class climbers through two different incidents at two some of Earth’s thinnest air. different places Saturday. Drones, or remote-controlled According to details, an 18aircraft, have long been the doyear-old girl in Siranwali main of the American military (Thatha Gahra) village has committed suicide by shooting and are used extensively in Pakistan’s tribal areas near the herself with her father’s Afghanistan border to spy on firearm. Maria (18) had been admonished by her parents due and target militants. Recently, however, civilians have increasto her suspicious character ingly turned to drones to shoot which was resented by her. ground-breaking footage of adConsequently the desperate This sumgirl allegedly fired at her temple venture sports. mer a Swiss expedition used reand died on the spot. According mote-controlled helicopters to to another report, Babar Ali of shoot rare footage of climbers Mohallah Pir Kalay Shah on the Karakoram, one of the crushed under the wheels of world’s most demanding and wood-laden tractor trolley while formidable mountain ranges. attempting to ride on the trolley.
Begum Shehnaz Sheikh, former Minister of State for Health and PML-Q MNA, is an AustralianPakistani, who has been the Australian citizen at least for 16 years, knowing well that a dual national is not eligible for the position she held in the previous Parliament and the present one,” said the order. The newspaper, in its issue dated 22.09.2012, carried another report under the caption “Many dual national MPs still in assemblies” wherein the Interior Minister is reported to have said that a number of dual national legislators are still sitting in assemblies and that he will produce evidence to prove the allegation, if asked, said the handout. Another news report stated that more than 30 members still
other media report stated that proceedings were conducted against only few of the members of assemblies whereas a large number of members had concealed their dual citizenship and he would produce the list of such members if so directed by the court or the government. “This court vide aforesaid short order dated 20.09.2012 decided the cases of those parliamentarians and the members of the provincial assemblies in respect of whom either the petitioner or the interveners, M/S Waheed Anjum and Tariq Asad, advocates, had furnished information, whereas no one amongst the persons named hereinabove, including Umar Cheema or Senator A. Rahman Malik had come forward to assist the court”.
Killay area of Kurram Agency on Saturday, tribal sources said. According to details, explosive material went off in Jannat Khan Morcha area of Khwar Killay, leaving two persons dead. Other sources said the deaths occurred due to explosion of a mortar shell. The political administration has arrested several persons and started investigations. —INP
‘President to move UN over profane film’
Measures to end threat of flash floods soon: PM
LAHORE— The United States
MPs still in assemblies’, the Hon’ble Chief Justice has directed the office to send letters to Umar Cheema and Senator A. Rehman Malik to furnish details to substantiate the stand taken by them, enabling this court to deal with all of them equally in terms of Article 25 read with Article 5 of the Constitution and to send letter to Begum Shehnaz Sheikh through Secretary National Assembly to confirm the information given in the newspaper,” said a handout issued by the apex court. “After pronouncement of the short order in Constitution Petition No. 05/2012 (Syed Mehmood Akhtar Naqvi v. Federation of Pakistan through Secretary Law & others), the paper dated 21.09.2012 published a news report under the caption ‘Another
M ULTAN —Governor Sardar country, adding that Pakistan had R OJHAN J AMALI —Prime Latif Khan Khosa said on Saturday that President Asif Ali Zardari would raise Pakistan’s concern over the profane film at the United Nations. Addressing a press conference at the local airport along with MNA Javid Iqbal Warriach, he said Pakistan was the only Islamic state that observed “Youm-i Ishaqi Rasool” (Peace Be Upon Him) on national level. He said ceremonies were held at the PM Secretariat and Governor’s House in which people from various religions, participated. “A resolution to punish those, who had hurt religious feelings of others, was also adopted,” he added. Khosa urged the international community to make laws against blasphemous acts. To a question, Punjab Governor Latif Khan Khosa said that Afia Siddiqi was a daughter of the
also provided legal aid to her. He said justice should be provided to her and the government had raised the issue at ambassador level.On the dual nationalilty issue, he said the government had already moved a bill on it. He said that Senate Chairman Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari had to decide about Interior Minister Rehman Mailk in the light of the court verdict. To a question on Seraiki province, Khosa said the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was determined to establishing the province as it was the right of people of the area and added that people of Mianwali, Jhang and Bhakkar also wanted to be part of the new province.To a question about the NRO implementation case, he said the space given by the Supreme Court was a win-win situation for both the government and the court. —APP
Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf Saturday said a permanent solution was needed to counter the threat of flash floods, affecting populated areas in Balochistan. Addressing a gathering of flood-affected people of the area, he said the government would construct protective walls and channels to divert the raging hill torrents away from the populated areas. He announced a package of Rs100 million for the provision of food, tents and other relief goods to the thousands who have been displaced. He also announced a compensation of Rs400,000 for each of the 15 people who lost their lives in the flash floods. The Prime Minister directed Pakistan Baitul Maal to ensure that the people are provided with quality food stuff and other relief goods so as to ease their sufferings. —INP
US spread dengue virus in Cuba as part of bio-warfare: Expert SALIM A HMED used dengue virus as a tool of bio-warfare and spread it in Cuba in 1971, said Dr Aramis Martinez, Vector Borne Disease Central Consultant, Zambian National Larviciding Programme Coordinator, Cuba. He was addressing a meeting of Dengue Research Group at Al Raazi Hall here on Saturday. PU VC Dr Mujahid Karman chaired the meeting while Mr Jorge Luis Martinez, Director International Sales, Cuba, Registrar Prof Dr Aurangzeb Alamgir, Chairman Dengue Research Group Dr Saeed Akhtar, Chairman Zoology Department Dr Muhammad Akhtar, heads of various sub groups and members participated in the meeting. Dr Aramis Martinez said that Cuba controlled dengue fever through vector control, larvae control, community involvement and case management. He said that only one type of Dengue was found in Cuba i.e. Aedes Aegypti and
vector control and wise use of harmless chemicals played vital role in containing the disease. He said that we should combine the work of entomologistS with other experts to fight the disease. He said that government was responsible only to provide resources and it was the prime responsibility of private sector to move forward and collaborate in controlling the disease. He said that Pakistani experts should be well aware of the habits of dengue mosaquito as in 2006 in Cuba, the dengue mosquito changed its habits and its breeding sites were found on the rooftop, tree holes etc. He said that uncontaminated and harmless chemical insecticides should be used against dengue mosquito. PU VC Dr Mujahid Kamran said that the United States tested viruses not only in Cuba and other countries but it also experimented dengue virus on its own population in Florida. He said that it could not be ruled out that the Dengue fever in Pakistan was a part
Drones now turn to ‘picture’ highest Pak landscape “People are going to see footage from the Karakoram that no human being has ever seen,” said Corey Rich, a photographer and videographer from Lake Tahoe, California, who was on the expedition.The expedition was a joint project between outdoor clothing and equipment company Mammut, and Dedicam, a firm that specializes in using remotecontrolled helicopters to shoot video. Their goal: to document world-class mountaineer David Lama and his climbing partner Peter Ortner as they climbed Trango Tower. The sheer granite tower in the Baltoro Glacier is more than 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) above sea level and is one of the most technically difficult climbs in the world. Filmmakers long have used helicopters to capture aerial footage of climbers — as well as other extreme sport athletes like surfers and skiers —that is hard to capture from the ground. But helicopters are costly and can
be dangerous if they crash or get too close to the people on the ground. Additionally, their beating rotors often kick up dust, snow and wind — and can push climbers off balance.Drones, which can weigh just a few kilograms (pounds) and cost between $1,000 and $40,000, are a fraction of the size and cost of the helicopters traditionally used in adventure photography. Newer models tend to have all of their rotors facing into the sky, making them look a bit like a mechanical flying spider or insect.The main concern for the summertime expedition was how — and if — the drone would perform in Pakistan’s rugged conditions and high altitude.“The main challenge was that the air is much thinner, and we didn’t know how the flight controls would work with this and the propellers and motors,” said drone operator Remo Masina, from Lucerne, Switzerland. He brought two on the Pakistan expedition — one
with four propellers and another with six. From the ground, he flew them with a handheld console that resembles a video game console, and wore goggles to let him see the camera’s view.Another challenge was to find the climbers on the mountain. Tracing the planned trek route, Masina directed the drone up the mountain until he spotted them — more than a mile (roughly 2,000 meters) away. The result was stunning images of the Karakoram and the climbers making it to the top. Experienced climbers say the Karakoram puts the rest of the world’s mountain ranges to shame. Neighboring Nepal has Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, but Pakistan has four of the world’s 14 peaks that soar to more than 8,000 meters (26,246 feet) above sea level, including the second highest mountain on earth, K2.Lama and Ortner said climbing the legendary Pakistan mountains was an amazing experience.
Here there are so many mountains, and so many difficult mountains, and mountains that haven’t been climbed,” said Lama. “That’s probably why the Karakoram is known as paradise for us.” This year has been particularly successful for Pakistan’s climbing industry, which plummeted in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks in the U.S. In addition to hosting the renowned Lama for the first time, Nazir Sabir, Pakistan’s elder statesman of climbing who was the country’s first person to scale Everest, said 30 climbers summited K-2 in 2012, the first summits from the Pakistani side of the mountain since 11 people died trying in 2008. And the drone footage obtained during Lama and Ortner’s climb will expose even more viewers to the legendary Karakoram mountain range. Drones also increasingly are being used in other adventure
sports to push conventional photography boundaries. Cameras on drones have been used to capture video of surfers on Hawaii’s North Shore and to chase mountain bikers speeding down mountain trails. “I’ve filmed anything from kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, to track and field to just casual walking,” said photographer and videographer Mike Hagadorn, who has begun to build his own drones to support his Coloradobased firm, Cloud Level Media. “Anything you can dream of — and as long as you don’t crash — you can make it happen.”Experts predict drone cameras eventually will become an integral part of every sports shoot. But for now, they’re definitely a novelty. The Swiss team filming Lama said villagers in Pakistan stood in awe, staring at the drones as they buzzed around, whenever he used one on the expedition. —Reuters
of bio-warfare of the United States. He said that biological and psychological warfare was going on and it should be kept in mind that the enemy of Cuban, American people and the whole mankind was not United States but a clique of supreme rich families who controlled the United States behind the curtain. He said that the only way to fight their onslaught was cultivation of knowledge and awareness and Cuba was an example for us which was facing pressures from USA bravely for the last 50 years. He said that Cuba was the only country which was spending maximum of its GDP i.e 18 percent on education and also stood 15th in the recent Olympics and our rulers should learn a lesson from it. Earlier, Dr Saeed Akhtar welcomed the delegates and briefed them about the work of Dengue Research Group. PU’s virologist Dr Idrees Khan also presented a comprehensive report of virology group, which was largely appreciated.
Ex-MPA among four killed in Karachi
KARACHI—At least four persons including Ex-MPA were killed and several others injured in fresh spate of target killing in different areas of the city here on Saturday. According to police, unidentified motorcyclists opened fire at former MPA Sindh Assembly Malik Atta in Mehmoodabad Gate area injuring him critically and fled the scene. The injured was rushed to Jinnah Hospital for treatment where Dr Seemi Jamali confirmed his death. Violence erupted in Mehmoodabad after death of the Malik Atta. In Orangi area unknown armed men gunned down one person and fled the scene. The body was shifted to hospital for postmortem where identity of the deceased was yet to be confirmed. The police recovered bullet riddled and tortured dead bodies of two unidentified youths from Garden area.—INP
Lower back pain part of inheritance baggage
S
CIENTISTS have identified a gene flaw linked to disc problems that are a common cause of lower back pain. The UK study looked at 4,600 people and found the PARK2 gene was linked to agerelated disc problems. A third of middle-aged women have problems with at least one spinal disc and the condition is known to be inherited in up to 80 percent of patients. Experts said finding the gene could lead to new treatments being developed. Till now the causes of the condition are not fully understood. In lumbar disc degeneration (LDD), discs become dehydrated and lose height, and the vertebrae next to them develop bony growths called osteophytes, leading to lower back pain. The King’s College London researchers carried out MRI scans of all those in the study and looked at differences in their genetic makeup. They found variants of the PARK2 gene appeared to have an effect in people with degenerate discs and influence the speed at which their condition deteriorated. The researchers, funded by the Wellcome Trust and Arthritis Research UK, say more research is now needed to find out how the gene influences the condition but they suggest it could be switched off in people with LDD. They say it could be that environmental factors - such as diet and lifestyle could make what are known as epigenetic changes to the gene. The researchers say
that once the mechanism is fully understood, their finding could lead to the development of new treatments of lower back pain. Dr Frances Williams, of the department of twin research and genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, who worked on the study, said: “We know that people whose discs wear out are at increased risk of episodes of lower back pain, but normal human discs are hard to get hold of to study so until now our knowledge of normal human biology was incomplete. “Further work by disc researchers to define the role of the PARK2 gene will, we hope, shed light on one of most important causes of lower back pain. “It is feasible that if we can build on this finding and improve our knowledge of the condition, we may one day be able to develop new, more effective treatments for back pain caused by this common condition.” Prof Alan Silman, medical director at Arthritis Research UK, said: “Lumbar disc degeneration is a common cause of lower back pain, and it’s known that up to 80% of cases have a genetic basis, but this is the first time a gene has been identified as linked to this often painful and disabling condition. “It’s a promising start and provides us with the first clue to the genetic basis of this condition, and with further research, may potentially lead to the development of more effective treatments”.
ISLAMABAD: Chief guest, Chairman Nazriya Pakistan Council (Trust) and Editor-in-Chief Pakistan Observer Zahid Malik speaks during a welcome party in honour of new students of Jamia Ghausia Rizvia, I-8/4. —PO photo Sultan Bashir
Drama competition at RAC RAWALPINDI—On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Rawalpindi Arts Council is organizing inter Colleges/Universities Drama competition in connection with Punjab Youth Festival from 25 September 2012. Two dramas will be staged daily at the auditorium of this Council. First drama will be staged at 10 am while second will be at 11:30 am. The concluding ceremony will be held on 29th September 2012 in which awards, certificates and cash prizes will be given to the position holders.—INP
Deeni Madaris should form think-tanks
Thirty million children are school-less: Zahid Malik LIAQAT TOOR ISLAMABAD—Debunking the
WRCP to train journalists on gender sensitive reporting S TAFF REPORTER I S L A M A B A D —White Ribbon Campaign Pakistan (WRCP) will launch a ‘Nationwide Journalists Engagement Program” to train journalists on gender sensitive reporting. White Ribbon Campaign Pakistan WRCP is a project of Women’s Empowerment Group and Vision 2015, working with men and boys to eradicate women’s human rights violations.
White Ribbon Media Awards would also be announced in different categories of print and electronic media under the program. WRCP would arrange training workshop for journalists on the code of ethics for gender sensitive reporting which was developed by it earlier this year in consultation with over 150 senior journalists across the country. The code of ethics en-
compasses basic principles of media ethics, mainstreaming gender in media coverage, accountability and impartiality and gender stereotyping. Talking on the occasion Chief Executive Officer of the White Ribbon Campaign Pakistan (WRCP) Omer Aftab said that as effective content through electronic and print media can highlight violence against women as a crime against humanity.
Norway keen to promote cultural ties with Pak CITY REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Ms. Cecilie Landsverk Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan has said her country was keen to promote cultural ties with Pakistan. She said cultivating closer cultural ties with AJK was also a priority. She made these remarks on the occasion of a cultural-musical show arranged at her residence. Musicians from Azad Kashmir took part in the show while the sports and culture minister of AJK was the chief guest on the occasion. The Norwegian ambassador further said huge Diaspora was living in Norway which had played an instrumental role in bring-
Quran itself as a source of extremism”, Mr. Malik lamented. However, Mr. Malik was of the view that to confront the barrages of criticism against the religious institutions their managements should form think tanks in each and every educational institution and one at the national level. He suggested that in such think tanks representatives of various walks of life may be included. “Some loud thinking to confront multi-faceted onslaught is a must”, he emphasized. He paid compliments to Prof. Dr. Zafar Iqbal Jalali, Principal of Jamia Ghausia Rizvia who had very wisely blended the education being
baseless propaganda against the Deeni Madaras, Mr. Zahid Malik, Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer has said that the country-wide network of these Madaras were the biggest education, as well as shelter providers in Pakistan. Speaking at a reception of the Jamia Ghosia Rizvia, Islamabad Mr. Zahid Malik, who is also the Chairman of Nazriya Pakistan Council, said that the criticism was part of a sinister propaganda against Pakistan itself. Mr. Zahid Malik revealed CITY REPORTER that according to a survey, now almost all the registered RAWALPINDI—Administrator Madrassas of Pakistan, over Rawal Town Saif Anwar Jappa 20,000 in number, were imsaid that TMA functioning round the clock and the Sunday off has been abolished to control the dengue threat. He told that TMA has received 60 complaints about dengue which was dispatched to the relevant departments for necessary action. Mostly complaints were received regarding the cleanliness and about Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) the administrator added. The Administrator said he himself and inspectors would go into the streets and Mohallahs and the complaints will be addressed with in 24 hours. He said that efforts are being made for the elimination of dengue and all the union councils and vulnerable areas of the city would be clean to get rid of this disease. RAWALPINDI: People sitting and walking on the railway track near Mareer Bridge.
60 complaints about dengue
ISLAMABAD: Visitors taking keen interest in the paintings of Raja Changez Sultan, displayed at an exhibition.—PO photo
parting modern day education, in addition to the muchneeded religious education. Thus the syllabuses of these were, in essence, market-specific. He said one shudders to imagine the plight of hapless children if there were no deeni madaris because 30 million of them were already school-less. “One can imagine the future of Pakistan”, Mr. Malik said. He advised the students not to be provoked by the sacrilegious incidents like the blasphemous film and feared that in the days to come there would be more and more provocations from some mentally deranged elements. “Some of them went so far as to describe the Holy
ing peoples of both countries even closer. She said people to people links in fact were the real backbone of integrated relations between Norway and Pakistan. While giving a brief account Norway-Pakistan relations the ambassador said, relations between the two countries had grown tremendously over the years and encouraging aspect is this that these relations are constantly on the move. She said, her country was trying its best to provide maximum possible facilities to Pakistani living there. She was happy that Pakistanis had contributed ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Norway Cecilie Landsverk with the folk artists from AJK greatly to the economic growth of Norway. during a cultural show in Islamabad.—PO photo Sultan Bashir
R AWALPINDI —The Emergency Service, Rescue 1122 conducted a Building Fire Safety Inspection workshop for Inspectors of Teshil Municipal Administration to sensitize them about Fire Safety Standards in high risk and high rise buildings. The purpose of Fire Safety Inspection Workshop is to impart basic knowledge about Fire Safety equipment installed in high rise building so that Inspectors of Tehsil Municipal Administration could carry out effective Inspection of high risk building and authentic data could be received to Emergency Service and City District Government (CDG)
Women Hajj training workshop
ISLAMABAD—Dawah Centre for women of the Dawah Academy, International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) is holding “Hajj Training Workshop” from Monday. According to IIUI Spokesperson, Dawah Centre for women of the Dawah Academy, International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) is organizing four day “Hajj Training Workshop” for the women hajj pilgrims to provide them guidance about Hajj rituals and other related matters. This four day workshop will remain continue at 09:00 am to 01:00 pm since September 24, 2012 to September 27, 2012 at Dawah CenRawalpindi. tre For Women, New CamThe Inspectors from pus, IIU, Sector H-10, Tehsil Municipal Administra- Islamabad.—Online tion, Rawal Town attended Building Fire Safety Inspection Workshop at Community Training Centre (CTC) Rawalpindi. Ms. Deeba Shahnaz Spokesperson welcomed the participants and showed Ghakhar Plaza disaster documentary to highlight main risks to Emergency Service for conducting rescue operation during such disasters. Dr. Abdur Rahman, District Emergency Officer, Rescue 1122 briefed them about installation required for Fire Safety in high rise building and assigned them task to fill building Fire Safety Inspection Checklist in respective areas.
Workshop on fire safety standards STAFF REPORTER
imparted by his educational institution with the demands of the day. Concluding his address Mr. Malik advised the students to concentrate on education and education only which was a guarantee for their better and prosperous future as well as that of their country. Dr. Zafar Iqbal Jalali in his brief remarks appreciated the efforts being made by NPC headed by Mr. Zahid Malik in strengthening the foundations of Pakistan. His students will be equipped with ideology of Pakistan, he said. Rizwan Sadiq, President of PML (Q) Islamabad in his speech advised the students to devote themselves to their studies and become a good citizen of Pakistan.
Calm prevails after Friday’s furious protests
Zohr
05:10 01:30 05:00 08:00
September 22 THE fourth National Photo Exhibition organized by Pakistan Association of Photo Journalists (PAPJ) would be starting in at Rawalpindi Arts Council (RCA). The display would continue for three days and more than 400 photo journalists from all over the Pakistan would put their extraordinary pictures on display. September 24 SDPI is holding a lecture on rediscovering our common wealth and book launch of clustered deprivation, district profile of poverty in Pakistan at 03:30 pm at SDPI, Seminar Hall, 38, Embassy Road, G-6/3, Islamabad. September 24 ROHTAS Art Gallery has scheduled a show of Pakistani Contemporary Art at the National Art Gallery here on September 24 to celebrate Rohtas Gallery’s 30th anniversary. More than 65 artists will display in excess of 160 works. The artists are recognized worldwide and the show will celebrate the contribution the Rohtas Gallery has made over three decades to the development of contemporary art in Pakistan.
Rural areas of CBR to get water supply from next week R AWALPINDI —With rise of water level in Khanpur dam after the recent rains, Cantonment Board Rawalpindi (CBR) has decided to initiate water supply to some of its rural areas from next week. It should be mentioned here that water supply lines had been laid down a year back in Dhok Gujaran, Misriyal Road and some areas of Chakara but due to shortage of water at Khanpur dam provision of water supply could not be realised earlier. CBR Chief Executive Rana Manzoor Ahmad Khan said that MNA Malik Ibrar was informed about the initiation of water supply to the areas from next week, adding that it would to redress water shortage in rural areas of Cantt. On the other hand, residents of other parts of Cantonment Board complained that despite increase in water level at Khanpur dam they were still provided water on every alternate day.—INP
People demand law to regulate demonstrations I SLAMABAD —People from tified that the political and were to travel under compulacross the religion political divide have demanded legislation by the Parliament and the provincial assemblies to regulate protests and rallies to avoid losses of lives and property at the hands of unscrupulous elements. A cross section of people, including some parliamentarians talking to INP expressed their great anguish and grief over the loss of innocent lives and losses of billions of rupees to public and private property. Referring to Friday’s violent protests, they referred to looting and burning of banks, shopping plazas, shops and vehicles and said the followers of great religion of Islam and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) were supposed to stage peaceful protests but they were joined by thieves and scrupulous elements who exploited the situation and indulged in looting and ransacking for their personal gains. Some elected representatives who refused to be iden-
religious parties should agree to consensus legislation that the parties taking out the processions would take the entire responsibility of law and order. Any losses to public and private property must rest entirely on those organizing the protest and they are made to pay. Till they do so, they should be sent behind the bar. They said that to give strong signals that ransacking would not be allowed at any cost, the law should provide authority to the guards and security personnel at the installations to fire in defence. They said that this would serve as a strong deterrence to unlawful activities as witnessed in Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad and other cities. They said it was surprising that the agitators enjoyed a free hand and no political or religious leader led them to avoid any untoward incident. A number of people who
sion like attending funeral of relatives and taking patients to hospitals were denied movement, which they said is a crime. Some of the people interviewed by this agency said that Afghan refugees were the main culprits in the looting of banks and shops and demanded that they be forcibly evacuated from cities and Pakistan. Markets including Aabpara‚ Super and Melody are opened and traffic is also plying on the roads. In Islamabad‚ calm is prevailing after Friday’s furious protests against the production of a blasphemous film by an American. Markets including Aabpara‚ Super and Melody are opened and traffic is also plying on the roads. However‚ roads leading to the red zone are still closed. Police is on high alert and special security arrangements are in place outside the diplomatic enclave to avoid occurrence of any untoward incident.—INP/NNI
Death trap on Ninth Avenue
I SLAMABAD —The uncovered portion of drainage line beneath bridge on Ninth Avenue underpass could cause an untoward incident anytime but the death trap is invisible to Capital Development Authority (CDA). Commuters talking to INP expressed concern over the casual attitude of CDA, saying that missing safety fence on the rain water drainage line could prove death trap for the fast moving vehicles, particularly the motorcycle riders. “I could have died today, but I managed to escape the death trap at the eleventh hour as some portion of the drainage line was without safety fence,” Muhammad Ihsan, a motorcycle rider said. He said that uncovered manholes in the middle of roads and missing safety fence are a question mark on the performance of civic body. ISLAMABAD: Journalists holding a demonstration against killing of a worker of a TV It should be mentioned channel in Peshawar. here that CDA should cover all uncapped manhole and other death traps on the main roads of the federal capital lest anything untoward happens.—INP
TV channel driver’s death
Journalists demand arrest of ATC hands over killers, Rs2m compensation BB murder case STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD—Journalist community of Islamabad, protesting over the death of Muhammad Aamir, a driver of a private television channel, by the firing of KPK police in Peshawar, Saturday demanded of the provincial government to immediately arrest the killers and pay Rs2 million as compensation to the bereaved family. Thousands of journalists
from print and electronic media of the federal capital held a protest demonstration in front of the National Press Club, Islamabad. They were carrying banners, placards and posters with slogans against the KPK government. Talking to media, they said that the government had failed to provide security to the journalists, as the number of incidents of violence and killing of journalists is going up. They said that journalists
play the role of eyes of the society and any attack on them is like making the whole society blind. Rejecting the KPK government’s decision to give Rs500,000 to the family of Aamir, they demanded of the provincial government to announce the compensation money of Rs2 million for the heirs of the deceased and take strict legal action against the killers after arresting them immediately.
TNFJ calls for severe punishment to makers of profane film RAWALPINDI— The chief of away from Pakistan and sent through creating OIC and
TNFJ Agha Syed Hamid Ali to the gallows then why Arab League within the MusShah Moosavi has called those who commit blas- lim ranks that is why these upon the OIC, Arab League phemy against the Rasool-e- organisations were playing and Motamar-e-Islami to file Azam (SAAW) could not be the role of silent spectators case of blasphemous Ameri- booked and punished? This contrary to the fact that the can movie in the ICC, the was stated by him while de- whole Muslim Ummah has United Nations should sum- livering his special address become the symbol of promon emergent session and on the opening day of the test against the desecrating those who committed blas- three-day Ayyam Azmat-e- American movie and through Muslim rulers, the Muslim phemy should be booked in Rasool Azam (SAAW). The TNFJ chief said that Ummah is being told that Muslim States and given exthe atheist world has always they should not cause any emplary punishments. In a statement here he considered the Islamic World harm to the American intersaid, when Pakistani daugh- and the Mashaheer of reli- ests while different channels ter Aafia Siddiqui could be gion and Shariat a hurdle in were opposing the protest launched throughout the Isand other Pakistanis in- their way. ISLAMABAD—Islamabad po- tried What she had desired to lamic World on the blasphecluding Ramzi Yousuf and lice has foiled a bid of pro- Aimal Kasi could be taken do, she is getting it done mous act.—NNI testors to loot weapons from Tarnol Police Station. According to spokesman of police, one ASI got bullet injury while five policemen received fractures in arms and legs.Investigation of the incident is underway. Meanwhile another incident Islamabad police also started crackdown against the dacoits and arrested for taking motorbikes and valuables from cars during protest in Islamabad. Four motorbikes and looted items from the cars also recovered. A case has been registered at relevant police stations.Inspector General Police (IGP) Bani Amin Khan appreciated the per- ISLAMABAD: Hundreds of Jamia Hifza students holding protest rally against antiformance of police.—APP Islam film outside Lal Masjid.
Capital Police foils bid to loot weapons from police station
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik saluting a police official upon his bravery, who was injured during maintenance of law and order situation.
report to LHC R AWALPINDI —The special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Rawalpindi Saturday sent the report of Benazir Bhutto murder case to Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi bench. It should be mentioned that at least 37 cases of terrorism including Benazir Bhutto murder case were under hearing in special antiterrorism court of Rawalpindi. Due to burden of a number of cases trial of BB murder case has not been completed yet. Meanwhile, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has also written to the LHC Rawalpindi bench for hearing of BB murder case on daily basis and it had summoned report of the said case from the ATC. The ATC complying with the LHC directives handed over the report.—INP
Army, parliament consultation over national issues stressed ISLAMABAD—Chairman Par- operation should continue army has key role in seculiamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS), Senator Raza Rabbani has said there should be consultation between the parliament and armed forces regarding national issues but any decision in this regard would be finalized by the parliament. Addressing a ceremony of Youth Parliament here on Saturday, Senator Raza Rabbani said government stepped forward to involve army in national issues and got positive response from other side therefore the co-
in future. He said that in democratic system, army has to work under the parliament and people. The chairman PCNS said that soon after Pakistan came into being civil and military democracy became power and all democratic governments remained under their pressure till to date. He said that sitting judiciary first time in the history of the country rejected the steps taken by a dictator which is a positive change. Raza Rabbani said that
32 absconders nabbed during last two weeks ISLAMABAD—Islamabad po- renewed efforts to arrest outlice have nabbed 32 absconders involved in crime of heinous nature during last fortnight in its special crackdown against outlaws, a police spokesman said here Saturday. Inspector General of Police Islamabad Bani Amin Khan and SSP Yaseen Farooq has assigned the task to all police officials to ensure arrest of proclaimed offenders as well as court absconders and inform his office on the daily basis about success in this special crackdown. He also directed all SDPOs launch massive crackdown against proclaimed offenders and court absconders. In compliance of these directions, All SPs Zones ordered all heads of police stations of Islamabad to start their
laws. A total of 32 absconders including proclaimed offenders and court absconders have been apprehended during last two weeks. City and Saddar Zones of Islamabad police arrested 18 absconders each while Industrial area, rural area circles nabbed 14 absconders respectively. Inspector General of Police Islamabad Bani Amin Khan has issued directions to make this campaign further effective as the performance of police stations in-charges would be further reviewed soon in this regard. He said that no one is above the law and arrest of those being at large after their involvement in crime of heinous nature should be ensured for the safety to the lives and property of the citizens.—NNI
rity and stability of the country but steps like to dethrone the democratic government and to take over the administrative charge of the country could not be supported. He rejected the formation of National Security Council (NSC) and supported strengthening defence committee instead. He said the country could not survive without the federation. He further said that the violent incidents on the occasion of Ishq-e-Rasool Day actually hurt its noble purpose.—INP
Harley Street in dilapidated condition RAWALPINDI—The streets of posh residential area, Harley Street of Cantonment Broad Rawalpindi have been in dilapidated condition due to the slackness of authority concerned. Residents of the locality talking to INP complained that despite paying regular taxes to concerned authority, no development work had been carried out in the area as there was hardly any street in good condition. Muhammad Shahid, Kamran Sohail, Raja Mudasir Aziz and many other residents said that some streets have caved-in at various points while road connecting Chowk No.22 to main Harley Street and road from Gora Kabristan were also in dilapidated condition.—INP
World Tourism Day on Thursday RAWALPINDI: Begum Joint Chief of Staff Committee, Khalid Shamin Wynne, Principal
I SLAMABAD —World Tour- Air Commodore (R) Nasir Ahmed, Vice Principle Zareen Kamran with students of Joint ism Day will be observed on September 27 (Thursday) in the entire world including Pakistan. This year’s theme is “Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development.” World Tourism Day 2012 is being held on September 27 (Thursday) under the theme Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development. This year ’s theme aims to highlight tourism’s role in a brighter energy future; a future in which the world’s entire population has access to modern‚ efficient and affordable energy services. Tourism‚ one of the world’s largest economic sectors‚ has already taken important steps towards this future - improving energy efficiency and increasingly using renewable energy technologies in its operations.—NNI
Staff Public School and College, Chaklala on the occasion of Annual Day.
Training of employees enhances professionalism I SLAMABAD —Dr. Faqir employees, the trainings play Hussian, Registrar, Supreme Court of Pakistan, has said that training was an essential element to develop professionalism among the employees of any organization. He expressed these views in the certificate-awarding ceremony of one -week training course entitled “How to be an effective Nazir” for Accountants hailing from all over Pakistan including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan here at the Federal Judicial He Academy (FJA) on Saturday. Speaking about the state of training in Pakistan he said: Indeed, trainings enhance the capacity of the
an important role to improve the overall efficiency of any organization but it is evident that this very vital area has not been accorded due importance in our country in the past. Those organizations where the trainings are institutionalized such as military, their performance is better. Regarding reforms in the system he opined: reforms come slowly and gradually in any system. The civilized countries arrange such like trainings, orientations and workshops for their people, they hold discussions, in which they exchange views with each other.—Online
RBISE to announce FA, FSc Part-I result on October 2 R AWALPINDI —Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (RBISE) will announce the result of annual examination of F.A and F.Sc. part one on October 2. Spokesman of the board, Arslan Ali Cheema said that the RBISE had prepared the results both manually and online this time to save the candidates from inconvenience. Chairman of the board, Dr Muhammad Ashraf would announce the result in a press conference at his office.—INP
UN urged to implement resolutions on Kashmir Indian troops martyr one more Kashmiri youth
GENEVA: APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq alongwith participants of a seminar on Human Rights.
Arrest of IHK protesters denounced
Peaceful Yaum-e-Ishq-e-Rasool (PBUH) observed in AJK
GENEVA—Speakers at a seminar in Geneva have called upon the United Nations to take steps for implementing its resolutions on Kashmir and for the protection of human rights of the people of occupied Kashmir. The seminar was organized by the International Council for Human Rights in coordination with the International Human Rights Association of American Minorities at the Palais des Nations on the sidelines of the ongoing 21st Session of the UN Human Rights Council. The Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in his keynote address expressed serious concern over the continued human rights violations by Indian troops in occupied Kashmir due to the invoking of draconian
laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Public Safety Act. He said that this impunity had lead to grave human rights abuses including extra-judicial killings, fake encounters, violence against women and children besides custodial disappearances in the territory. The Mirwaiz pointed out that India was living in the state of denial, which was neither allowing the Kashmir-centric dialogue nor improving the human rights situation in Kashmir. Barrister Abdul Majeed Tramboo, Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl, Dr Ishtiyaq Ahmed and Chaudhry Pervaiz Ashraf also spoke on the occasion. At another seminar, which was also addressed by these speakers, a documentary film ‘Humans without Human
Rights’ was screened. The film is produced by the Kashmir Centre London and its script has been written by Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl. The human rights situation in occupied Kashmir as observed by authentic Indian civil society activists and international watchdogs has been highlighted in the film. On the occasion, Ms Shamima Shawl, spoke about the plight of half widows who are a tormented section of the Kashmiri society bruised by Indian occupation as a consequence of forced disappearance. Kashmiri representative, Ishtiyaq Hameed, addressing the 21st session of the Human Rights Council, appealed to the World Body to impress upon India to repeal draconian laws from occupied Kashmir.
And in occupied Kashmir, Indian troops, in their fresh act of state terrorism, martyred one youth at Bijhama in Uri area of Baramulla district. Complete shutdown was observed in Islamabad and Baramulla towns, today, against the arrest of scores of youth during peaceful protest demonstrations against the sacrilegious film in the US. Hurriyet leaders, Syed Ali Gilani, Muhammad Azam Inqilabi and Mukhtar Ahmed Waza in their separate statements denounced the arrest of youth. APHC leader, Nayeem Ahmed Khan, addressing his party activists in Srinagar castigated the occupation authorities for restricting the people from protesting against the blasphemous film.
HSSC-I annual exams result on 26th
UZAFFARABAD —Yaum-eM IRPUR—AJK Board of InApart from the shutter down S RINAGAR — In occupied M Ishq-e-Rasool (SAW) was ob- strikes and demonstrations, pri- parties were holding their re- termediate & Secondary EducaKashmir, the veteran Kashmiri served in Azad Kashmir as thouspective flags as well.
Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani has strongly condemned the arrest of scores of youth from Baramulla and Islamabad areas during demonstrations against the blasphemous film in the US, demanding their immediate release. Syed Ali Gilani in a statement issued in Srinagar said that raising voice against the blasphemy was right of every Muslim. He deplored that the Indian police subjected peaceful demonstrators in Islamabad and Baramulla towns to brute force and arrested more than 200 youth during the peaceful protests. APHC leaders, Muhammad Azam Inqilabi and Mukhtar Ahmed Waza, in their statements denouncing the arrest of youth said, “Our young boys are arrested and persecuted by Indian police for no fault of theirs except that they were displaying exuberant and ebullient love and respect for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).” Meanwhile, the spokesman for Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party in a statement in Srinagar condemning the arrest of youth said that the Indian police used brute force in Srinagar, Islamabad and Baramulla to disperse the peaceful demonstrators. He demanded immediate release of illegally detained protesters.—KMS
Indian trooper among three killed in IHK SRINAGAR—In occupied Kashmir, three persons, including a trooper of Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and his son, were killed and four others injured in a road accident in Ramban district. The incident occurred when a vehicle skidded off the road and rolled down into a deep gorge at Chamalwas in Banihal area of the district. The injured persons were removed to a hospital.—INP
sands of people poured onto the streets in all cities and towns to record their protest against the anti-Islam film, but unlike other parts of country no incident of violence was reported from anywhere, officials said. People burnt US flags and effigies of the US president and the makers of anti-Islam film and called upon the OIC to rise to the occasion and struggle for global legislation stipulating death penalty for the blasphemers of any relig-ion or religious personality, they said.
vate and public transport also remained off the roads across Azad Kashmir, officials and witnesses said. In Muzaffarabad, small and big processions taken out from almost all neighbourhoods converged in the main thor-oughfare outside the district headquarters complex. Participants were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans condemning the despicable act and express-ing their love and affection for the Last Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Most activists of religious
A large number of women and girls staged a demonstration in the nearby girls higher secondary school. Expressing wrath and indignation against the shameful act, representatives from all walks of life made it clear that the Muslim Ummah would not accept anything short of death sentence for the blasphemers. They regretted that weaknesses and disunity of Muslim rulers had spurred the anti-Islam forces to go to such an extent and it was high time they sat together to combat this situation in a befitting manner.—NNI
KU holds lecture on crime against women SRINAGAR—Academic Staff tion that perceptions about their rightful place in the society. College, University of Kashmir organized a lecture on “crimes against women” during the ongoing three-week long Refresher Course in Women’s studies for college and university faculty which was delivered by, Abdul Gani Mir, IGP Crime. Maintaining that women’s issues have taken a centre stage world over and it was during industrialization and liberaliza-
women changed for better. Issues regarding crimes against women were deliberated upon by the speaker who said women constitute 50% of the world population and share 67% of all working hours but enjoy only 10% of world income and 1% of the world property. Mir was of the opinion that we must educate men besides women to ensure that women get
Education is the only tool to see the women being empowered to the extent where she will see her rights being honored. Maintaining in his lecture that J&K is still a far better state where women were not subjected to atrocities in comparison to the other parts of the country. A G Mir also guided the participants on how to prepare for the competitive exams viz. IAS, KAS, IFS etc. —NNI
UNHRC asked to help repeal black laws from IHK GENEVA—Kashmiri represen- sively address the recommenda- stances of gross human rights viotative, Ishtiyaq Hameed has appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Council to impress upon India to repeal draconian laws from occupied Kashmir.Ishtiyaq Hameed was addressing the 21st session of the Human Rights Council on agenda Universal Periodic Review (UPR) India. He said that India had failed to comprehen-
tions of UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders following her mission to India calling for an end to impunity and repeal of draconian laws that had lead to wide spread human rights violations including disappearances and unnamed mass graves in the occupied territory. “We have documented in-
lations perpetrated by Indian armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir since the first cycle of Indian UPR. Indeed, that record is pathetic to say the least,” he said. He demanded of India to ratify the Convention against Torture, repeal draconian laws and conduct an impartial investigation into the unnamed mass graves in occupied Kashmir.—KMS
Kashmiris not allowed to take part in anti -fill rallies
tion will announce the results of Intermediate (Part-I) Annual Examinations, 2012, on September 26 at 10:00 am, the AJK BISE officially announced. Controller Examination (Colleges), AJK BISE Sardar Muhammad Razaq Khan told newsmen here Saturday that the results will also be available on the website of the board www.ajkbise.net. Moreover, the results could also be ascertained through all the mobile cell services, except WARID by writing in the message, “AJK space Role Number and sending on 5050.” The result cards of regular candidates will be sent to the heads of their respective colleges, whereas the result cards of the private candidates will be sent through regis-tered mail on their respective addresses, he said. The Controller declared that Intermediate Part-I and II (Composite / Supplementary) Examination-2012 is likely to be commenced in the first week of November this year.—APP
Pathribal case
Army rejects shifting of court martial trial SRINAGAR—The Indian Army rejected a demand to shift the court martial proceedings in Pathribal fake encounter case from Nagrota in Jammu to the Kashmir Valley. The victims’ families had made the demand. Besides shifting the proceedings, the family had also called for a transparent trial in presence of media. A spokesman of Indian army in a statement in Srinagar rejected the demand of the victims’ families. Army had started the court martial proceedings into the case at Nagrota the other day and had also summoned the family members of the deceased but they did not appear, demanding the shifting of the trail to Valley.—KMS
Girls protest video S RINAGAR — Hundreds of
S RINAGAR — Pakistan observed ‘Yaum-e-Ishq Rasool (SAW)’, Kashmir witnessed the worst restrictions imposed by the state in recent times with public movement strictly disallowed under undeclared curfew and almost all communication channels choked. Yet protests against the anti-Islam movie rocked parts of Kashmir, leaving seven people injured. Eenior pro-freedom leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mohammad Yasin Malik SRINAGAR: Kashmiri students take out rally against the blasphemous film. were arrested.
burqa-clad girls staged a protest against the anti-Islam film here on Saturday. The protest held in a primary school here had girls from all age-brackets wearing black, white and green burqas, holding placards and banners, and raising slogans against the US and the makers of the film. The protesters condemned the movie and demanded action against the filmmaker. Muslims across the globe are questioning why the US failed to take action against the producers of the film.—INP
KOTLI: A memorandum against blasphemous film being presented to a UN official.
Restrain India from violating Kashmiri rights:Naqshbandi HAMEED SHAHEEN I SLAMABAD —Syed Faiz Naqshbandi, a central leader of Pakistan chapter of All Parties Hurriyet Conference while addressing an event on the 21st session of the UN Human Rights Session in Geneva Saturday reminded the world that the Jammu and Kashmir was an international issue of highest sensitive nature, says an email to Pakistan Observer here. The fact is that on this dispute the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations Commission on India and Pakistan (UNCIP) had unanimously adopted/passed a number of standing resolutions indicating the roadmap for its peaceful, based-on-will of the people solution. Not only the whole UN international community endorsed those resolutions but they were also willingly accepted by India.
Those resolutions on Kashmir dispute in fact make them an international composite agreement of binding force, he asserted. But he reminded at the same time that India despite
agreeing to implement the UN’s Kashmir mandate has deployed today more than 700,000 troops in Jammu and Kashmir who have killed more than 92,000 Kashmiri men, women and children, rendering them orphans, widows, homeless and businessless.
Mr Naqshbandi elaborated that over 8000 Kashmiris are languishing in jails across India. India had hammered into so-called laws various anti-human mechanisms that flout openly human rights, properties rights, civic rights of Kashmiris and all that connected with them. All these violations of human rights are going on with impunity. Indian occupying armed forces have least regard for the human rights and indulge in every type of violations. It has drastically increased the pace of anti-humanism. Indian denial of right to selfdetermination has resulted in massive human right violations by Indian troops, he stressed. Mr Naqshbandi appealed to the international community to take urgent notice of the worst human rights situation in India-held Kashmir. Human morals and values of life demand to safeguard Kashmiri rights, he pleaded.
Undeclared curfew, strike cripple normal life in Held Kashmir SRINAGAR—As Pakistan observed ‘Yaum-e-Ishq Rasool (SAW)’, Kashmir witnessed the worst restrictions imposed by the state in recent times with public movement strictly disallowed under undeclared curfew and almost all communication channels choked. Yet protests against the anti-Islam movie rocked parts of Kashmir, leaving seven people injured. Senior pro-freedom leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mohammad Yasin Malik were arrested, while Shabir Ahmad Shah, Javid Ahmad Mir and others were placed under house arrest. The day began with large contingents of police and CRPF taking control of the entire old city, particularly the areas under five police stations, to enforce curfew. While police termed it as just restrictions, the
sources said the police vehicles marched in the area in the morning to announce curfew. Shops, banks and other business establishments across the valley and in Tangdhar and Ladakh region remained closed. Traffic including inter-district transport was off the roads and only the vehicles of police, paramilitary forces and Army were seen plying on the roads in Kashmir Valley. Fearing law and order problems, the administration imposed strict restrictions on the movement of people in old Srinagar, Islamabad (Anantnag) town in south Kashmir and Baramulla town of north Kashmir. The police and paramilitary forces were deployed in strength on roads and by-lanes of every town. Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) established barricades at roads junctions to stop
the movement of people and transport in old Srinagar areas. Additional policemen and CRPF personnel were deployed in the old Srinagar areas and other vulnerable areas of the city like Maisuma and Lal Chowk to maintain law and order. At most of the places in old Srinagar, the residents were not able to offer the morning and Friday prayers. Friday prayers were not offered in historic Jamia Masjid as the area witnessed curfew-like situation. “We were stopped from offering Friday prayers in Jamia Masjid,” Abdul Rashid, a Nowhatta resident said. “It was curfew-like situation in Nowhatta area,” he added. Abdul Qadir of Babademb said that he could not venture out to mosque in the morning. “CRPF and policemen in large numbers were outside and they ordered me to move back.—NNI
Kashmir—India’s Justice and Humanity AMEER TARIN US President Barack Obama, reported by Hindustan Times, July 18, 2012, having said that “Kashmir solution lies within”. The US leader responding to a question stressed the point that India and Pakistan must resolve their is-sues, including that of Jammu & Kashmir. Indian media is trying to project the
statement of the superpower in consonance with India´s claim about Kashmir’s “hunky dory” political status quo. Though the principle stand of the US government has always been that Kashmir question is unresolved and the US backed by the international community including the United Kingdom expect India and Pakistan, both nuclear nations having a history of fighting wars, to give peace-
ful negotiations a good chance to solve the problem “bilaterally” as per the wish of the people of Kashmir. It seems India has misunderstood the message and believes in dragging the issue as much as possible and hopes for some miracle to happen in the meantime. Deutsche Welle in its issue of July 16, 2012, reported that Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on his recent visit to
Kashmir said that dialogue was the only way to resolve Kashmir issue. Dalai Lama, though, misquoted by Indian media recognises the need to settle Kashmir issue as he knows that people of Kashmir have given huge sacrifices and unprecedented brutal violence faced by Kashmiris cannot simply be brushed under the carpet. Zee News, July 18, 2012, reports quoting‘ Indian army sources that
Kashmiri militants are regrouping and the situation, according to Lt Gen Om Prakash, is alarming. Lt Gen Prakash also surmised that there might be some suicide attacks on army in the days to come. In its news report of July 19, 2012, Hindustan Times quotes Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rubbishing the army statement and snubs army general’s statement that situation in Kashmir was alarming. The
army report that “al-Qaida” is present in Kashmir is merely the general’s figment of imagination and an attempt to cash on the premise to continue its reported crimes in Kashmir. The “suicide at-tacks” is unknown to Kashmir as they traditionally do not approve in harming innocent and unarmed people. The two objectives that Indian army wants to achieve are to mislead the international community projecting the fight against
occupation as terrorism and secondly prepare the ground for future killings with impunity. In order to maintain the political status quo and flog the dead horse, India uses brute force to exhaustion desper-ately trying different strategy in the likeness of ‘divide and rule’ and in this context the burning of Dastgir Sahib (Sufi Shrine) a conspiracy was hatched recently to ignite a new sectarian conflict of
Wahhabism against Sufi culture. Kashmir maintaining its secular tradition nipped it in the bud. Human right violation which is nothing unusual elsewhere in India has crossed all boundaries in Kashmir. 4% Pandits under a plan allowed to sneak out during the dark hours of night, gave Indian army ample opportunity to pounce on the local population to kill indiscriminately.
Agri programmes Staff Correspondent FAISALABAD—“Holland can help Pakistan by offering various fellowship programmes to faculty and students of the Pakistani universities thereby building their capacity in horticulture, floriculture, dairy and food processing,” said Gajus Scheltema, Ambassador of Netherlands to Pakistan during his visit to the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) in a meeting with deans and directors. Scheltema said that Holland universities were independent and government did not interfere in any affairs of the institution adding that his embassy can act as a bridge between both institutions to frame similar programmes and collaborate with each other. He said that horticulture is the core business of the Netherlands as the country was a globally recognised flower producer and exporter.
PQ shipping activity KARACHI—Two ships carrying containers arrived at QICT discharge diesel oil at FOTCO on Friday. Berth occupancy was maintained at 47% on Saturday where a total of four ships namely M.V Pagona M.V Fisher-D. MV Ismail Deeb M.V Atlantia M.T AL Soor-II. M.V Shan Dong Haitong are currently occupying berths to load/ offload cement, containers, diesel oil fertilizer was handled at Port last 24 hours. Cargo handling operations were carried out smoothly at the Port where a cargo volume 36817 tonnes comprising 36459 tonnes import 358 tonnes export and 652 (Tues) was handled at the Port during last 24 hours. M.V Altonia sailed at Friday morning. M.T Chem Road seas arrive at LCT on Saturday.—APP
Rates of commodities L AHORE —The Agriculture Marketing Information Service Punjab (AMISP) on Saturday issued rates of agriculture products in local market. The following are 100 kg rates of different agriculture products in Lahore market: Maize minimum Rs 2000 and maximum 2200, Rice Super Karnal Basmati (New) minimum Rs 10000 and maximum Rs 11000, Rice Basmati (old) minimum Rs 11000 and maximum Rs 12000, white sugar minimum Rs 4950 and maximum Rs 4950, white gram (local) minimum Rs 10200 and maximum Rs 10200, Red Chili Whole (Dry) minimum Rs 12500 maximum Rs 12500, Cauliflower minimum Rs 6000 and maximum Rs 6400, Onion minimum Rs 4000 and maximum Rs 4400, Tomato minimum Rs 3000 and maximum Rs 3600, Ginger (china) minimum Rs 5000.—APP
“Without customers, you don’t have a business. You have a hobby.” — Don Peppers & Martha Rogers
NHA accords priority to communications projects Multan (M-4) in the Punjab, Lyari Express in Sindh, Naran-Jhalkand N-15 in ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, KalatRaja Pervez Ashraf Saturday Quetta-Chaman N-25 in urged National Highway AuBalochistan and West Bank thority (NHA) to accord priBypass in Muzaffarabad, ority to communication would be completed by the projects in Balochistan so end of this year. that it could be integrated Referring to work on with rest of the country by Attaabad Lake Project, the accelerating economic activPrime Minister said the ity. Project came under discusThe Prime Minister made sion during his recent visit these remarks while chairing to China. The Chinese Prea meeting to review the mier assured that Government progress of mega projects of of China will ship all necesNHA at Prime Minister ’s sary equipment to Pakistan House. to ensure that work is carried Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf chairing a meeting to review the progress of mega projects of Ministry for He said that projects, out as per international stan- Communications. which are near completion, dards and completed timely. should be completed on fast The Prime Minister said track basis so that the burthat keeping in view the imden on PSDP is minimized. portance of the Project, he Early completion of these would visit Attaabad Lake projects, he added, is essenon August 27, 2012 and finally 100,000 tons, M/s CHS Europe, STAFF REPORTER site, once necessary equip tial to minimize the impact of awarded the contract letters to Switzerland for 50,000 tons and inflation. Continued on Page 14 K ARACHI —Two consign- four international suppliers, M/s Transammonia AG SwitSTAFF REPORTER ments of urea, imported by which were agreed to supply zerland, for 50,000 tons. As per schedule, submitTrading Corporation of Paki- urea at lowest price of $399.38 K ARACHI —The Federal stan (TCP) to meet demand in per ton. Out of 12 participants, ted by the successful bidders, Board of Revenue has Rabi season, have reached M/s Key Trade AG Switzer- the two ships namely Mandrin land offered the lowest price Glory and Marie Paul carrying started issuing notices for fil- Gwadar Port. ing of Annual Reconciliation In August this year, the of $ 399.38 per ton for 100,000 about 50,733 tons and 47,640 Statement (ARS) under rule Economic Coordination Com- tons and accordingly got con- tons urea, respectively has 44(4) of the Income Tax mittee (ECC) of the Cabinet tracts letter. To complete the reached Gwadar Port and both encountered increasingly warned that world trade Rules, 2002, albeit the last asked TCP to import 0.3 mil- procurement of total targeted ships are now under discharge STAFF REPORTER strong headwinds since the growth, which slowed to 5.0 date for submission of in- lion tons of urea to avoid any quantity of 300,000 tons, TCP port. Sources said another I SLAMABAD —The World last WTO Secretariat forecast percent in 2011 after a big come tax returns is Decem- shortage during Rabi crop as invited other bidders to match ship Namely Shan Dong Hai Trade Organization (WTO) was issued, the WTO said. rebound of 14.0 percent in ber 31, 2012. the domestic urea plants were the lowest bid, hence the im- Tong carrying some 52,447 on Friday slashed its 2012 Output and employment data 2010, would weaken again According to tax experts, unable to produce commodity port contracts for balance tons of urea has also arrived global trade outlook, citing in the United States have this year. quantity were awarded to three at FAP. In addition, three more tax departments are asking due to gas curtailment. Director-general Pascal taxpayers to ensure complithe eurozone debt crisis and continued to disappoint, Following the ECC direc- other bidders namely M/s ships are expected to reach Paweak growth in the US and while purchasing managers Lamy called for more to be ance to notices relating to the tives, TCP successfully Dreymoor Fertilizer Overseas kistan in first and second week indices and industrial pro- done to boost global monitoring of withholding tax opened tender for urea import (PTE) Ltd, Singapore for of October 2012. China as key factors. Global trade is now ex- duction figures in China point growth, on top of recent for tax year 2012. However, pected to grow 2.5 percent to slower growth in the measures to buy up govern- the last date for filing of rement bonds announced by turn is December 31, 2012. in 2012 compared with a pre- world’s largest exporter. More importantly, the the central banks of the vious forecast of 3.7 perTax experts said it is imcent, the WTO said in a European sovereign debt cri- United States, Europe and possible for the taxpayer to statement released in sis has not abated, making Japan. prepare ARS before DecemIn an increasingly in- ber 31, 2012, adding that deSingapore. It also cut its glo- fiscal adjustment in the pebal trade growth outlook for ripheral euro area economies terdependent world, eco- spite various complaints sent next year to 4.5 percent from more painful and stoking nomic shocks in one re- by the taxpayers in respect volatility. gion can quickly spread to of monitoring of withholding 5.6 percent. crease the shareholding to 50 multinational brand owners STAFF REPORTER In April the WTO had Continued on Page 14 The global economy has taxes (WHT), the issues are percent at a later stage sub- in Pakistan with packaging still unsolved. KARACHI—The board of di- ject to certain conditions be- products, such as liquid packMunawwar H. Shaikh, rectors of Packages Limited ing met, it added. The JV will aging board, folding boxPresident, Karachi Tax Bar has resolved to sign an include operations in Kasur board and corrugated packAssociation (KTBA) in his agreement to start a 50/50 Mills (paperboard and corru- aging. letter to Asrar Rauf, Member joint venture (JV) with Stora gated packaging) and Also, the JV will continue STAFF CORRESPONDENT country. Mr. Bilal Mustafa role being played for socioEnso OYJ Group of Finland Karachi (corrugated packag- with its extensive investment appreciate the efforts of economic uplifts across the Continued on Page 14 in its 100 percent wholly- ing). programme to improve its NATHIAGALI—The Bank of branches in achieving the country. The main reason for for product quality and competiowned subsidiary Bulleh While speaking on the Khyber (BoK)’s assets operational targets and adthis joint venture is that it tiveness including new alterShah Paper Mills. reached by Rs. 73 Billion in vised the field staff to work occasion BoK Executive gives Packages paperboard nate fuel based boiler investAccording to a commuJaved Hashmat August 2012. This was stated more dedicatedly to contin- Mir and corrugated packaging ment. nication sent to KSE, Stora ues these achievements in stressed upon the Managby Mr. Bilal Mustafa, Manbusinesses core focus and The agreed value for 100 Enso is the second largest ers to work more efficiently aging Director BoK while rest of year and ahead. access to Stora Enso’s techpercent of the joint venture paper and board producer in He said increased in prof- and dedicatedly to achieve addressing the inaugural sesnology as well as an oppor- company is $107.5 million on the world. itability is due to team work excellence in present comsion of Half Yearly BoK ConISLAMABAD—Marketing and Their initial shareholding tunity of being a regional a cash and debt-free basis ventional Branches Confer- at all levels and we can get petitive world of the bank- commercialisation cell of Pawith additional equity to be will be 35 percent by way of player. more good results with the ing sector. The BoK ence. The target of joint ven- subscribed by Stora Enso, kistan Council of Scientific subscription to right shares collective efforts in all opmanager ’s conference also The conference was also ture is to serve key local and and Industrial Research Continued on Page 14 attended by BoK Executive erational areas on regular condemned the blasphemy (PCSIR) has started working, with a commitment to inbasis our day by day infilm made and released by Director Mir Javed Hashmat, Chairman PCSIR, Dr Shoukat Group Heads Credits Mr. creasing branches network ill motived elements who Parvaiz said. Imran Samad, Raast Islamic is also help in improving our made an efforts to play with Talking to media, he said Banking Mr. Kamran operational results. He said the emotions of Muslims as that the council was acting Masood Khan HRD that Rs. 717 Million profit a whole. The meeting de- on the principle of self-reMuhammad Tariq Nasim, Di- after tax by the end of Au- manded severe action liance, so that it can fulfill visional Head from Head Of- gust 2012 shows the confi- against these persons and its necessities in case of fice and Chief Managers and dence of general public on to totally avoid such action not getting government Managers from across the BOK policies and its vital in future. Fund like the imposition of will have to repay the IMF as STAFF REPORTER funds. GST, eradicate the subsidies per schedule even if it goes The chairman said that after reviewing the financial I SLAMABAD —Post-program especially for the power sec- for a new loan program. All hardships of the council, monitoring team of the Inter- tor and bringing the domes- the scheduled repayments of the Senate’s Standing Com- national Monetary Fund tic borrowing to a certain Pakistan to the Fund are on mittee on Science and Tech- (IMF) will hold meetings with limit, the program was for- an “obligation” basis. The nology had assured to re- Pakistani officials for three mally suspended in 2011 repayments schedule will not lease funds for the council, days in Dubai and Islamabad. though the last tranche was be deferred even if the coun‘This is a normal “post released more than a year try succeeds in getting a new which was a benevolent loan program from the Fund”, step. “The Senate’s stand- program monitoring” mission earlier. Pakistan received $ 3.1 sources revealed. ing committee has made a scheduled for late SeptemPakistan has not resub-committee that would ber/early October. Discus- billion from IMF on Nov 26, help in the release of funds,” sions will take place in Dubai 2008, $ 847.1 million on April quested a new loan program 1, 2009, $ 1200.2 million on from the Fund so far but if it and in Islamabad”. he added. The IMF team will moni- August 7, 2009; $ 1.2 billion does succeed in getting a He further said that the marketing and commercial- tor the recent Stand-By Ar- on December 23, 2009, and $ new bail out package from ization sell of the council was rangement (SBA) of IMF that 1.13 billion on May 14, 2010. IMF, program lending from It is being apprehended multilateral institutions like fully in contact with its all commenced in November centres throughout the coun- 2008 but due to the that in order to repay its loan, the World Bank and the Managing Director Bank of Khyber (BoK) Bial Mustafa with BoK senior management, try, which have started mar- government’s failure to Pakistan may go for another Asian Development Bank chief managers and managers at BoK Half Yearly Conventional Branches Conference keting of their products.— implement key benchmarks new bail-out package with (ADB) that has been sus Continued on Page 14 2012. that it had agreed with the IMF. Sources said, “Pakistan INP
STAFF REPORTER
The Prime Minister said that government gives highest priority to development of road infrastructure, essential for economic prosperity of the country. The government, he said, during the past four and half years had initiated a number of road development projects which are now near completion. Minister for Communication, Dr. Arbab Alamgir apprised the Prime Minister that NHA has initiated 79 mega projects amounting to over Rs. 600 billion across the country. Out of which 33 projects are being executed in the Punjab, 17 in Sindh, 14 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 12 in Balochistan and three in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Dr Arbab said that ongoing mega projects of Faisalabad-Khanewal -
FBR notices ARS ahead of deadline
Urea shipment arrives
WTO cuts global trade growth outlook
Packages, Stora Enso group sign deal
BoK assets increase to Rs 73b
PCSIR marketing cell starts functioning
IMF, Pak officials locked in 3-day SBA meet
KFC denies Pak business wrap-up
Govt fails to upgrade PITHM STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —Despite passage of more than a year, Sindh government failed to upgrade Pakistan Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (PITHM). PITHM was running under the Federal Tourism Ministry which devolved to Sindh government following the devolution of Tourism Ministry to the provinces according to 18th Constitutional Amendment.
Sources said that the authorities of this state-run institute applied for the affiliation with the Karachi varsity during the mid of February 2012 with the intention to upgrade the PITHM on degree level. But, despite passage of more than seven months, the University of Karachi is yet to consider the application of PITHM for affiliation, they said. Currently, PITHM is providing more than 15 short-
term courses and diplomas to the students from all over the country in various subjects of hotel management and tourism. The application was submitted after the authorities concerned reversed the earlier decision of upgrading PITHM as university, they said. Sources said that institute was to be upgraded during the tenure of Ayaz Soomro as minister for tourism. A committee also drafted
a bill, which was approved by the provincial law department and it was to be tabled in Sindh Assembly for final approval but that could not happen due to change of the tourism minister. PML-Q’s Mohammad Ali Malkani, who replaced PPP’s Ayaz Soomro as tourism minister, did not take much interest in upgrading of the government institute due to which this important institution could not be made a full-fledged univer-
sity, they said. Later, as per the decision of PITHM Board, the authorities submitted an application to University of Karachi for the affiliation but KU is yet to entertain the request despite the passage of more than seven months, sources added. In this regard, a high-level official said on the condition of keeping his name secret that the institute is considering an affiliation with another university as the Karachi var-
sity is paying no heed to the application. He further said that Sindh government approved four campuses of PITHM each in Thatta, Benazirabad, Khairpur Mir and Larkana. An amount has also been allocated in the Annual Development Program (ADP) of FY13. However, these campuses would only be established after PITHM is affiliated with any provincial university, he added.
ISLAMABAD—Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), chain of US based restaurants, has denied the reports regarding wrapping up its business in Pakistan amid security threats due to protests against anti-Islam film, Innocence of Muslims. The KFC spokesman Christopher Fuller said that on Youm-e-Ishq e Rasool, KFC restaurants in Pakistan remained closed as a precautionary measure. It should be mentioned that earlier, a foreign new agency had reported that
KFC had announced to shut all franchises across Pakistan over attacks on American products across the Muslim World. The administrator of KFC in Pakistan Rafiq Rangoonwala denied the reports and said that the fast food chain was not closing its business in the country. He said that KFC is based on 100% investment from Pakistanis adding that the restaurants would be reopened after monitoring the law and order situation.—INP
Ukraine to raise trade tariff G ENEVA —Ukraine has told its trading partners it wants to raise maximum tariffs on hundreds of imported goods, a move that could unleash protectionist forces and may even pose a threat to the $18 trillion global trade system. In a document marked “secret” sent to members of the World Trade Organisation last week and seen by Reuters, Ukraine says it intends to raise the limit on the tariffs it can legally impose on more than 350 goods. Based on figures in the proposal, Kiev’s plan would hit overall imports worth more than $4.6 billion in 2011. The document, which diplomats said they had received on Sept. 14, consists of 85 pages of annexes detailing the items affected. It says Ukraine is prepared “to enter into negotations and consultations” with WTO members for the concessions. There was no response to requests for comment from Ukraine officials in Geneva or Kiev. Ukraine, a relative newcomer to the WTO whose trade deficit widened by more than 50 percent last year to $14 billion, has already threatened to block car imports and said last year it would act to improve its terms at the WTO. The United States said Ukraine’s possible decision would raise “serious concerns”, although WTO officials played down the move, which, though radical, is permissible under the agency’s rules. Some trade experts fear the plan, which would force hundreds of trade deals to be renegotiated, could trigger increasingly protectionist policies worldwide. The four-year-old global financial and economic crisis has so far not led to a rush to protectionism but, under pressure to help their producers weather the storm, governments have pounced on “unfair” moves by their rivals. The United States and Brazil were the latest to trade diplomatic blows. WTO Director General Pascal Lamy, who forecast on Friday that world trade would grow by a mere 2.5 percent this year, has repeatedly warned of the danger of a return to protectionism.— APP
FBR issuing From Page-13 Tax Policy (Direct Taxes), FBR said the tax departments are directing taxpayers to produce hard and soft copies of the statements and issuing notices in case of non-compliance. However, the same have already been filed through e-filing process and also available in the FBR’s database. He said the jurisdiction for monitoring of withholding taxes assigned to the taxation officer should be publicized amongst the taxpayers and their representatives. However, if inadvertently notices were issued by the taxation officer, the matter may be taken up with the commissioner for appropriate action and copy of such letter be marked to the concerned officer. Moreover, he said the orders in the cases where reconciliation was furnished and hearing was also concluded should be passed within 30 days and added that the monitoring of WHT should be conducted for one time for a particular year only and if any taxpayer was found guilty, the monitoring of other years would be allowed. Moreover, he said tax should be deducted at the time of payment and in the cases of large taxpayers; it is more than difficult to reconcile the figures of statement with audited accounts as required under Rule 44(4) of the Income Tax Rules, 2002, due to accounting on accrual basis. In such cases where preparation of reconciliation of withholding taxes required under prescribed rule is difficult; the taxation officer with prior approval of commissioner of income tax and consent of taxpayer may examine the records of withholding taxes at the taxpayer ’s premises, he maintained.
Sindh govt to buy 500 diesel buses STAFF REPORTER KARACHI —The Sindh government has, in principle, decided to bring at least 500 diesel-run buses, instead of 1,000 CNG buses for the metropolis, Business Recorder learnt on good authority on Friday. This plan was changed in view of the CNG shortage, additionally, the move also attempted to reduce the burden on the national exchequer. For the past two weeks, Sindh has been facing twoday closure of CNG stations. Previously, Sindh was facing 24-hour CNG load-shedding every week. Multi-billion-rupee Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Transport Programme was unlikely to materialise any time soon. The Rs2.5 billion project was announced by the federal government in 2006-07. It was delayed be-
cause of the lack of interest on part of the PPP-led coalition government in Sindh government, which is currently facing a political crisis. Under this project, some 500 CNG buses were to be brought on road in Karachi by February 2008, while at least 1,000 buses were to be introduced in the entire province. As many as 600 buses were to run on different inter-city routes, 100 on Karachi-Sukkur, 100 on Karachi-Hyderabad and 50 each on KarachiLarkana, KhairpurBenazirabad and Mirpurkhas routes, sources added. Sources said that the main financier of the project, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), pulled out of the project after indifference of the Sindh government and the political instability in the province. Besides, the Centre also refused to provide its share of Rs700,000 per vehicle, cit-
ing financial crunch, they said. They said that the transport department forwarded two requests to the Centre to provide funding for the project. However, the federal authorities showed reluctance citing financial crisis as the reason because the project would cost Rs5 billion, they informed. The defunct Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had also completed all groundwork to initiate the project. Furthermore, sources said, the federal government had informed the Sindh government that the project could not be initiated because of shortage of funds and energy crisis. Instead, the government is considering to remove CNG cylinders installed in buses and vans to avoid further gas crisis, the sources said.
Motor dealers irksome over new import parameters STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Office-bearers of All Pakistan Motor Dealers Association (APMDA) have expressed concern over abrupt changes in practice for allowing depreciation of customs value for import of old and used vehicles. APMDA’s Chairman HM Shahzad in a statement issued here said that a Customs General Order (CGO) had been issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) without any consultation with stakeholders to favor local manufacturers of cars.
APMDA, being at the centre for trading of such vehicles, has become secondary stakeholder, protecting interests and rights of overseas Pakistani workers who had planned for import of such vehicles or whose vehicles were in the pipeline when the subject CGO was issued abruptly. It is clear that CGO is neither legally an effective piece of legislation for enhancing customs value to increase duties or curtail exemptions on import of second-hand vehicles nor it is in consonance with the rulings of su-
perior courts nor best international practices, he said. Shahzad requested the FBR to withdraw the CGO and said that it had been issued by ignoring poor overseas Pakistanis to favor powerful lobbies, adding that the use of first registration abroad should be restored and date of entry of vehicle in Pakistan should be used as parameters for assessment. All stakeholders may be taken on board to discuss the issue and arrive at an amiable resolution protecting the rights of all stakeholders.
Ali new Pak Steel Re-Rolling NHA to accord priority Mills Association Chief STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —Ali Ahmad has been elected Chairman of Pakistan Steel Re-Rolling Mills Association while Mian Murad Ashraf Vice Chairman (Lahore Circle) and Ghulam Ali Bhatia Vice Chairman (Karachi Circle) for the year 2012-13. The results of the newly elected office-bearers were, announced at 51st Annual General Meeting of The Pakistan Steel Re-Rolling Mills Association held here at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Steel industry leaders Hafiz Mohammad Akbar, Mian Mohammad Ashraf and a large number of steel industry businessmen were present on the occasion. The Executive Committee members elected for the year 2012-13 are: Executive Committee (Lahore Circle) Mian Murad Ashraf, Mian Tariq Waheed, Asmat Pervaiz
Malik, Mian Arif Mehmood, Khawaja Javaid Iqbal and Khalid Javaid. Executive Committee Members for Karachi Circle are Mr Ali Ahmad, Ghulam Ali Bhatia, Shahnawaz Istiaq, Iftikhar Ali, Khalid Khan and Irshad Mowjee. Earlier, Pakistan Steel ReRolling Mills Association newly elected Vice Chairman Mian Murad Ashraf invited the attention of the government towards the massive Rs 7000 per ton Sales Tax evasion with the result that honest tax payers of the steel industry are unable to compete with these unscrupulous elements. He said that the Association had a number of times pointed out this evasion to the concerned authorities and so much so the manes of these tax evaders were given to the Chairman FBR and other concerned authorities but it is very unfortunate that no action has so far been taken.
Apple’s iPhone 5: Does it live up to the hype? L ONDON —After weeks of works. speculation about its size, feel and capabilities, the iPhone 5 has finally arrived. Apple introduced its latest smart phone at a special event in San Francisco, almost a year after the death of founder and CEO Steve Jobs. The new phone is taller, thinner and lighter than the iPhone 4S. It has a four-inch display, enhanced picture resolution and a longer battery life. Its processor and graphics are twice as fast as the iPhone 4S, uses iOS 6 and can run on LTE net-
Its price: $199 for 16GB on contract. The phone will be available through Verizon Wireless, AT&T and Sprint. As part of today’s iPhone 5 introduction, Apple slashed the price of the iPhone 4 8GB to zero and the 16GB iPhone 4S to $99. “iPhone 5 and iOS 6 are the the biggest things to happen to the iPhone since the iPhone,” Apple CEO Tim Cook told his audience today. But does the new smartphone live up to the hype?—Newswire
WTO cuts From Page-13 others, he said in the state- grew just 0.3 percent in the second quarter, significantly ment. Recently announced slower than the 1.2 percent measures to reinforce the seen in the previous three euro and boost growth in the months. Lamy, speaking in United States are therefore Singapore, said the WTO’s extremely welcome. But more needs to be revised trade outlook should done. We need a renewed not come as a surprise given commitment to revitalise the strains facing the global the multilateral trading economy. The main reason for system which can restore economic certainty at a growth slowing down is betime when it is badly ing of course Europe where growth is slowing. But not needed. The WTO’s revised pro- only Europe, we also know jections for 2012 came as data that US is lower than exshowed global trade volume pected, said Lamy.
From Page-13 ment and mobilization is completed. He also directed Ministry of Communications to expedite the work on Lowari Tunnel. It is a very strategic project as its completion would open access to Tajikistan, an important Central Asian State, he added. Soon after the meeting, the Prime Minister left for a two-day visit to flood-affected areas of Southern Punjab and Balochistan. He will also give away cheques to the victims of fire incident in Karachi, on Saturday night. The meeting was attended by Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ch. Saeed Iqbal, Parliamentary Secretary, Babar Yaqoob Fateh, Chief Secretary Balochistan, Syed M. Ali Gardezi Chairman NHA, Raja Nowsherwan Sultan, Member Planning NHA, Maj Gen Obaid Ullah Khan IG FC, Maj Gen Javed Mehmood Bokhari DG FWO and the Secretaries of relevant Ministries.
Packages, Stora Enso From Page-13 through right shares in the joint venture company of $17.5 million, based on the financial results of second half of 2012 and the first half of 2013. Its sales are forecast to be approximately $130 million in 2012. Packages will continue to hold minimum 50 percent ownership and future profits of the joint venture. As part of the agreement, both parties are committed to a substantial $135 million investment programme during 2013 and 2014 to develop the business further. To finance this investment programme, Packages will contribute $18.5 million in cash to the JV Company subject to regulatory approvals. The joint venture will meet Stora Enso’s and Packages investment targets and the investment at Kasur mill, including a new alternate fuel based power plant, will further improve the product quality, competitiveness and profitability of the mill. The joint venture will employ about 950 people and its annual capacity will be 360,000 tons of paper board when the investments have been completed.
KARACHI: Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani President FPCCI and S. M. Muneer President India-Pakistan CCI cochaired a meeting to discuss the suggestions and recommendations for improving trade relations between India and Pakistan. Shakeel Dhingra, Iqbal Dawood Pakwala, Begum Salma Ahmed, Amjad Rafi, Khurram Sayeed, Siddique Sheikh and Nasiruddin Sheikh also seen in the picture.
ICCI condemns property damages during protests STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—President of the
Farooq Iftikhar elected new LCCI president SALIM AHMED
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) Yassar Sakhi Butt on Saturday condemned damaging of private properties by the rioting mobs during Firday’s protests against the sacrilegious film properties across the country. Presiding over a meeting of businessmen at Chamber House here, Yassar Sakhi Butt said that the protesters should have expressed their anger in a peaceful and disciplined manner. By ransacking the businesses and properties, they have sent a very negative message to the international community that their (protetsters) approach is totally against the principles of Islam, he added. The private sector was the backbone of economy, but the frenzy mob ransacked various buildings in the country, causing loss of millions of rupees to the owners and rendering the business almost non-functional, which was a very unfortunate, he added.
L AHORE —Farooq Iftikhar
MCCI blasts anti-Islam film
STAFF REPORTER
STAFF CORRESPONDENT M ULTAN —Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) on Friday condemned the provocative, defamatory anti-Islam film, asking the government to convey its sentiments to the United Nations for necessary action against perpetrators. Acting President of MCCI Khawaja Muhammad Hussain said that all the industrial and commercial units remained closed on Friday to protest against the highly blasphemous film. He asked the United States to punish all those involved in the production of sacrilegious movie, which has hurt the sentiments of millions of Muslims across the world.
Saturday elected new president of Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI)while Irfan Iqbal Sheikh elected Senior Vice President and Mian Abuzar Shad elected Vice President. According to LCCI election schedule, September 22 was last date for filing of nominations for LCCI officebearers for year 2012-13 and no other candidate turned up for filing nomination against Farooq Iftikhar, Irfan Iqbal Sheikh and Mian Abuzar Shad therefore all the three made their way to victory stand. A formal announcement, however, would be made at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for September 29. The newly elected LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar
while spelling out his priorities called for tightening of belt to wear off the intensity of ongoing economic crisis. The LCCI President feared that if the belt was not tightened by both the government and the private sector, the answer would be nothing else but more poverty and joblessness. He said that tight monetary policy was not the only solution to fast increasing inflation but it could be tackled easily by increasing production and cutting unnecessary expenditures. He said that the business community would have to spend its energies for increasing exports, particularly the exports of non-traditional items. He said that high markup was crushing the whole industrial sector like anything and this needs to be taken care of by the concerned au-
‘Poor in society continues to suffer’ L AHORE —Mahbub-ul-Haq Centre’s 2012 report on Governance for People’s Empowerment stresses on the need to go beyond traditional measures of poverty based on income to incorporate multiple deprivations suffered by the poor, such as lack of access to education and health when estimating the extent of poverty in Pakistan. The last available official estimates for poverty released by the Government of Pakistan are more than 6 years old. According to these estimates, the proportion of people living below the calorie-based-income poverty line was 22.3 percent in 2005. This measure of poverty may be misleading as it ignores multiple deprivations suffered by the poor. In broader terms, poverty is a denial of opportunities the opportunity to
have access to good quality education and health-care facilities and the opportunity to earn a decent living. It is the inequality in opportunity for poor people to develop their potential that is deemed more unfair than the inequality in income alone. The report reveals the latest estimates for the Poverty of Opportunity Index (POPI), pioneered and developed by Dr. Mahbub-ul-Haq in 1998 for Pakistan and a few other select South Asian countries. The POPI goes beyond what is captured by traditional measures of poverty to include poverty of opportunity in health and education, in addition to income poverty. In recent years, the United Nations and the World Bank have also developed indicators such as the Multidimensional Poverty Index and the Human Opportunity Index that aim to capture the multiple deprivations suffered by the poor across the world.
Importance of human resource stressed STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—The future of every enterprise depends upon the quality of human resource it has as technology and economic shifts need innovative, creative and knowledge-based workers, said speakers at the Pakistan-India Management Summit. The two-day conference jointly organised by Aman ki Asha – the peace initiative of the Jang Group and the Times of India – and Nutshell Forum was aimed at establishing relations between management
practitioners and professional institutions in both countries. Over 600 delegates had gathered in Lahore in order to share their management experiences and challenges with a view to learning from each other and evolving best practices. Talking about the essentiality of quality leadership, management gurus advised the entrepreneurs to start nurturing the future workforce, in sync with contemporary trends. Federation Asia Sourcing Network president Mark Geary said that future economic activities would be
based on creativity and would be led by young generations based in Asia where countries like India and Pakistan enjoy a demographic advantage. He said the demand for products and services would multiply in the next two decades as the population of middle-income persons would double to five billion people. By 2020, he predicted, around 45 percent of the global workforce would be from the new generation that would operate on new values of transparency, authenticity and trust.
New proposal to end tariff differential STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —The Planning Commission has proposed a revised tariff regime to eliminate tariff differential, subsidy and improved tariff collection with necessary legislations for penalties to arrest the power sector losses that have mounted to 21 percent, sources said. The implementation plan of framework for growth strategy of the Planning Commission has laid its prime emphasis on improved governance to attain energy security through reformed en-
ergy sector institutions for improved performance and comprehensive action plan to reduce losses, control theft and improve efficiency. Besides, amended NEPRA and Conservation Acts, ensuring recovery of cost could prevent recurrence of the circular debt, they said. The implementation of the growth strategy as per the plan would result in increased supply of electricity and gas in efficient, affordable and friendly manner to spur and sustain growth, according to the plan. The growth strategy aims at reducing the electricity
sector losses to 16 percent, elimination of power outages, reduction in gas distribution losses to five percent and elimination of gas outages by 2015-16. The commission’s plan noted that better guidance and enforcement of rules and regulations through revamped generation companies and Water and Power Development Authority’s hydel, privatisation of distribution companies and induction of professional management could result in fully corporatised and privatised energy sector.
thorities. The Federal Board of Revenue should also focus on simplification of taxes as existing procedures were cumbersome in comparison with other economies of the world. The LCCI President said that the main objective of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the promotion of trade and industry and all available resources would be utilized for economic turnaround as the economic meltdown had now started taking its toll and everybody in suffering badly. Farooq Iftikhar said that Research and Development was an area which if was given proper attention could do miracles. He said that the LCCI would, in collaboration with business community, work for the promotion of Research culture in Pakistan.
IMF, Pak officials From Page-13 pended for the last two and a half years would be restored. Pakistan has to repay 4.9 billion SDRs to IMF from the year 2012 to 2016. According to data available on IMF’s website, in the year 2012 Pakistan has to repay SDR 726.8 million which is the agreed loan repayment with SDR 39.9 million of accrued interest. The SDR is neither a currency, nor a claim on the IMF. Rather, it is a potential claim on the freely usable currencies of IMF members. Holders of SDRs can obtain these currencies in exchange for their SDRs in two ways: first, through the arrangement of voluntary exchanges between members; and second, by the IMF designating members with strong external positions to purchase SDRs from members with weak external positions. Under its Articles of Agreement (Article XV, Section 1, and Article XVIII), the IMF may allocate SDRs to member countries in proportion to their IMF quotas. Such an allocation provides each member with a costless, unconditional international reserve asset on which interest is neither earned nor paid.
HBFCL clarification STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —House Building Finance Company Limited (HBFCL) has taken strong notice of inaccurate reporting in a section of the press, regarding the appointment and continuing in office of its regularly appointed MD and CEO, Azhar Abbas Jaffri. HBFCL has pointed out that as recently as September 10, 2012 it received a letter from the Finance Division, requesting the presence of Azhar Jaffri for a meeting of the PAC in Islamabad. The said letter is categorically addressed to Azhar Jaffri as ‘Managing Director HBFCL’, and hence reports in the media referring to some letters in the past from the Finance Division, and purporting to indicate that the Finance Division does not recognize Azhar Jaffri as the MD, are categorically inaccurate and malicious.
Hasina to attend UNGA session DHAKA—Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leaves Dhaka for the US tonight to attend the 67th General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA), when international disputes and their solutions will dominate the discussions. Hasina, who is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the UNGA, will arrive in New York on Sunday morning. The prime minister will address the UNGA on September 27 and also take part in several important sessions on peace and development, expansion of education, climate change, nutrition, disability and rule of law. The theme for the sixty-seventh session is: “Bringing about adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations by peaceful means”, which is a continuation of previous sessions. This year’s UNGA carries crucial significance as it will take place amid some extraordinary challenges including terrorism, widespread geopolitical instability and the urgent need for sustainable development. The 193-member UNGA is expected to be participated by heads of state and government from 129 countries. The “Dhaka Declaration” on a Peace Model proposed by Hasina at the UNGA last year and subsequently adopted, will be presented at the session this year for discussion, following which a resolution might come out, officials said. Once adopted by the UN, it would be used as a global model for peace and sustainable development. The declaration was prepared at an international conference held in Dhaka in August this year. On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Hasina is likely to hold bilateral meetings with several important heads of state and government including Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, Senegal President Macky Sall.—Reuters
Ethiopia’s new premier takes oath ADDIS ABABA—Ethiopia’s new Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn took the oath of office yesterday, vowing to maintain the legacy of long-time ruler Meles Zenawi who died last month. “I, Hailemariam Desalegn, in front of the Parliament, accept to be the prime minister of Ethiopia,” he said, as lawmakers banged on their desks in support. Hailemariam, 47, was elected last week as the chairman of the ruling coalition Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), which holds an overwhelming majority in Parliament. “With the decision of the EPRDF and the parliament, I am very happy to take the responsibility of being prime minister,” he said, speaking after taking the oath. A close ally of Meles as deputy prime minister and foreign minister since 2010, Hailemariam pledged to continue in the footsteps of Meles who ruled the country for over two decades. “We brought peace, democracy and development to the country,” he said. “Meles considered himself as a son of the people,” he added, promising to continue “Meles’s legacy without any change.” Some analysts have argued that Hailemariam will be handicapped by his relatively young age, limited experience in national politics and the fact he was not part of the still powerful core of ex-rebels who seized power in 1991. Facing tough challenges in the wider volatile Horn of Africa region with Ethiopian troops battling militants in Somalia as well as frosty relations with arch-foe Eritrea Hailemariam also promised to ensure the “security of our country.”—Arab News
Listens to public anger on taxes L ISBON —Portugal’s Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho promised on Saturday to listen to the nation, suggesting he could soften planned tax hikes which have sparked the worst backlash to austerity since the country received a bailout last year. The plan to raise the contributions in 2013 has undermined a reluctant acceptance of austerity in Portugal and sparked large protests, increasing pressure on the government as it strives to meet the strict conditions of the bailout. “We are not deaf to the difficulties faced by the country,” Passos Coelho told parliament. But several thousand protesters booed the council members and Finance Minister Vitor Gaspar arriving at the presidential palace in Belem. They chanted: “Thieves, thieves!” and carried banners “Enough of robbing the people!” or “We fire you!” “They’re a rotten gang. They have powerful computers to make great projections, but know nothing about real life,” one of the protesters told SIC television. The tax measure had strained relations between Passos Coelho’s Social Democrats and the rightist CDS party the small coalition partner that ensures the government’s majority in parliament and is traditionally opposed to tax hikes.—Reuters
Medvedev raps Putin M OSCOW —Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev offered rare criticism of President Vladimir Putin’s methods of dealing with business leaders on Friday, heightening speculation of a growing rift between Russia’s top two rulers. In a speech at a showcase business forum in the Black Sea city of Sochi, Medvedev referred to an incident in 2008 when Putin, then serving as prime minister, promised to “send a doctor and a prosecutor” to the billionaire owner of steel and coal producer Mechel who had been unable to attend an industry meeting because of illness. The comments directed toward Igor Zyuzin came to be known as one of Putin’s harshest attacks ever on a powerful business figure and caused the company’s stock to plummet. “I think that in modern Russia, if we talk about business, unequivocal orders are being made in different ways, let’s say, in proposals to send a doctor in for a cure,” Medvedev said on Friday. “Russian business knows what I mean ... I wish we (would) start learning to live in a different way.” In early 2011, when he was still president, Medvedev appeared to publicly rebuke Putin for comparing Western calls for action on Libya with the medieval Crusades. While cautious, Medvedev’s words on Friday seemed to be one of his first public barbs at Putin since the two swapped jobs in May.—Reuters
‘Romney is out of touch’ MIAMI—President Barack Obama cast Mitt Romney on Saturday as an out-oftouch challenger for the White House, while the Republican countered that the US economy “is bumping along the bottom” under the current administration. The two men crisscrossed hotly contested Florida, their travel plans nearly overlapping in Miami. Florida is one of a handful of battleground states with large Hispanic populations that are expected to decide the close race for the White House. The president is not chosen by a nationwide popular vote but in state-bystate contests, making these states especially important. Romney worked to move past the furor over a video showing him telling donors last May that nearly half of Americans see themselves as victims entitled to government handouts, and that as a candidate, his job wasn’t to worry about them. But Obama made his most extensive comments to date on the subject, seizing the chance to make the most of a controversy that has knocked his rival off stride. —Reuters
Manila, Muslim rebels peace deal in offing KUALA LUMPUR—The Phil- as the “architecture” for the ternal security, and wealth- when a small rebel faction op- said the first phase would talks with the 11,000-strong ippine government and Muslim rebels are closing in on a peace deal after nearly 15 years of violence-interrupted talks, a potential landmark success for President Benigno Aquino that could pave the way for more investment in the country’s impoverished but resource-rich south. Negotiators from both sides told Reuters that the major obstacles to a framework deal being signed this year appear to have been surmounted after a period of intense diplomacy. The deal would formalise a ceasefire in Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao island and set in train a roadmap to create a new autonomous region in the mainly Catholic country before the end of Aquino’s term in 2016. “What we are saying is that the whole thing will be completed this year,” said Marvic Leonen, a law professor who is the government’s chief negotiator, describing the deal
peace process. sharing arrangements,” the The deal to end the 40- chief negotiator with the Moro year-old conflict, which has Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels, Mohagher Iqbal, told Reuters The framework deal would signal a major breakthrough in trust between the government and the MILF separatists, who have long viewed Manila’s motives in the talks with suspicion. It comes as the Philippines defies its reputation as an economic laggard with strong growth and a resurgence in investor interest. In the latest sign of a policy shift toward killed more than 120,000 Mindanao, the Aquino govpeople, could be signed as ernment has given the impovsoon as the next round of talks erished the state the biggest in Malaysia, expected to take regional share of government place in early October. Tough infrastructure funds. For the negotiations still lie ahead MILF leadership, a peace deal and, analysts say, other dan- could simply be a matter of gers lurk, such as the threat pragmatism. posed by powerful clans who After four decades of conmay disrupt a deal, fearing a flict, they are ageing and, analoss of political influence. lysts say, eager to see some “We are close to it, but fruit from the grinding years there are still big elephants in of peace negotiations. An outthe room, such as territory, in- break of violence last month
posed to the deal attacked army camps underlined how the MILF is struggling to control a younger, more radical generation. The leadership may also be motivated by the prospect of royalties from huge untapped deposits of oil, gas and mineral resources in rebel areas, part of an estimated total of $312 billion in mineral wealth in Mindanao. France’s Total has partnered with Malaysia’s Mitra Energy Ltd. to explore oil and gas fields in the Sulu Sea off Mindanao. “If the peace agreement will be signed this year, then I think we will see some benefits already trickling down next year. That’s how fast it is,” said Vicente Lao, president of Mindanao Business Council. Ishak Mastura, former head of investments for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said a peace agreement would take more time to boost investment and trade in the conflict areas. He
likely be an influx of development aid. “There’s a lot of things to be done before we see these big companies coming in, such as legal environment, infrastructure, and security on the ground,” Mastura said. Despite the prospect of a peace deal with the MILF, Mindanao is likely to remain one of the most violent places in Asia, plagued by a longrunning communist insurgency, heavily-armed clans, and radical Islamic splinter groups. The framework agreement will set up a 15-member Transition Commission, which has until 2015 to draft a law creating the new entity to replace the current autonomous region that has been in place since 1989 and which is widely seen as a failure. “It’s not a Panacea,” said Bryony Lau of the International Crisis Group in Jakarta. “But it will be really significant because it is the first substantive text since 2008.” Peace
MILF started in July 1997, but broke down three years later when then president Joseph Estrada ordered troops to seize rebel bases after a rebel attack on a ferry that killed dozens. His successor Gloria Macapagal Arroyo re-opened talks in 2001, inviting Muslimmajority Malaysia to join. Peace appeared to be within reach in 2008, but the Supreme Court declared the deal unconstitutional in a decision that set off rebel attacks and a fierce military offensive that displaced 750,000 people. The turning point came in August 2011 when Aquino held secret talks with MILF leaders at a Tokyo hotel, apparently convincing them of his sincerity in reaching a deal to end the conflict. “The government has been determined all along to reach a deal that it could implement within Aquino’s term, and that emphasis appears to have resonated with the MILF,” said Lau.—Reuters
Nigeria most populous nation
Facebook party turns to rioting
SOKOTO—The question of
A MSTERDAM —Police and
either Nigeria was a construct or a country arose during and after the British colonialism. Nigeria as a project refers to as a project sceptically pursued by some who believed that there is no other choice, and as for others it sounds invalid as they are in seat of power. The beginning of the colonial rule changed many dynamics within that century. During the colonialism new colonial capital, new ports, new transport systems and coastal areas led to great improvement within the region. Previously, the coastal areas with low population densities began to experienced huge immigration which continues up till today. About half of the population of West Africa had abandoned their farms in the rural areas and migrated to urban centres.—AFP
MANAMA: Riot policewomen arrest an anti-government protester during a demonstration.
Suu Kyi upstaging president in US visit not worrisome: Min U NITED
N ATIONS —
Myanmar’s government says it is not worried opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will upstage the president during their overlapping U.S. visits because they work together for democracy, just as Nelson Mandela did with South Africa’s last apartheidera leader. Aung Min, a minister in President Thein Sein’s office, said on Friday that the government was “very proud” of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi, who this week in Washington was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for her fight for democracy. Suu Kyi - who championed democracy in opposition to Myanmar’s military junta during 17 years under house arrest - is on a coastto-coast U.S. tour. Thein Sein will visit New York to speak at the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday. “We don’t worry about that,” Aung
4 dead in Benghazi militia bases attacks T RIPOLI —At least four people have been killed in the Libyan city of Benghazi after military police and protesters took over several militia bases. The violence followed a day of protests by tens of thousands of citizens demanding an end to the armed groups. The bases include the HQ of the Islamist group Ansar al-Sharia, suspected of involvement in an attack on the US consulate in the city. The deaths occurred during a standoff at the base of another group. Officials in Tripoli have been appealing for calm, she says. Senior Libyan officials say that while they welcomed the protests, people should differentiate between the rogue militias and honest rebel brigades that helped to secure the town in last year’s uprising against Col Muammar Gaddafi. Earlier, some 30,000 protesters marched through Benghazi calling for an end to the armed groups and a return to the rule of law.—Reuters
prosecutors say they are investigating how rioting erupted after thousands of revelers descended on a small Dutch town for a party that was inadvertently advertised on Facebook. Authorities say 34 people were arrested Friday night and in the early hours of Saturday morning as rioters clashed with police in Haren, 185 kilometers (115 miles) north of Amsterdam. Mayor Rob Bats said Saturday: “Scum ran amok in our town.” Dutch media reported that the party originally was planned as a small celebration by a 16-year-old girl but her invitation went viral when she posted it on Facebook. Some of the people arriving in Haren on Friday wore T-shirts emblazoned with “Project X Haren,” a reference to the film “Project X” that portrayed an out-of-control party.—AP
Min told reporters at the United Nations in New York, when asked if Suu Kyi could outshine the president during their visits to the United States. Suu Kyi struck a conciliatory note herself during a visit to the United Nations to meet Secretary-General Ban Kimoon on Friday, saying she and Thein Sein had to “learn to work together.” The president has won international praise for driving reforms in the 18 months since the military ceded power. The former military heavyweight has freed more than 650 political prisoners, scrapped media censorship and introduced broad economic liberalization. “The president alone cannot undertake all democratic reforms. I don’t think Daw Aung San Suu Kyi alone can accomplish everything either. But the president and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will have to work together,” Aung Min
said. “When you look at South Africa, Nelson Mandela alone could not have achieved what South Africa has managed to achieve. It was mainly because Mr. Mandela and Mr. de Klerk, they worked together,” he said. South Africa’s last apartheid-era president, F.W. de Klerk, received the Nobel Peace Prize - jointly with Mandela - in 1993 for releasing Mandela from prison in 1990 and allowing multi-racial elections four years later. Mandela became South Africa’s first black president in 199 Myanmar was ruled by army generals starting in 1962. Pro-democracy protests in 1988 led to elections in 1990 won by Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, but the generals refused to step down. Suu Kyi was freed from house arrest in 2010 and elected to parliament in April this year.—Reuters.
HRW wants Iran to lift women eduation ban D UBAI —Human
Rights Watch (HRW) urged Iran on Saturday to lift restrictions on women attending university and enrolling in certain academic fields. Thirty-six universities across Iran have banned women from 77 different majors, including accounting, counseling, and engineering, for the school year that begins on Saturday, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported in August. There was no official reason given for the move, but Iranian officials have expressed alarm in recent months about the country’s declining birth and marriage rates, seen as partially caused by women’s rising educational attainment in the last two decades. In a statement released on Saturday, Human Rights Watch urged the Iranian government to immediately reverse the more restrictive policies, and said they were a violation of the international right to education for everyone without discrimination. “As university students across Iran prepare to start the new academic year, they face
serious setbacks, and women students in particular will no longer be able to pursue the education and careers of their choice,” said Liesl Gerntholtz, women’s rights director at Human Rights Watch. Women in Iran make up a majority of college students. Sixty percent of those who passed this year’s national college entrance exam were women, said Hossein Tavakoli, an official at Iran’s National Education Assessment Organization (NEAO), according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA. Iranian Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi argued in a letter to the United Nations in August that the closure of certain academic fields to women was part of a push by the Iranian government to stifle “women’s presence in the public arena”. Human Rights Watch said some of the banned majors include high-paying fields where women have had a greater presence in recent years, like engineering and applied science.—Reuters
Rebels down Syrian fighter AMMAN—Rebel fighters trying to oust President Bashar al-Assad shot down a fighter jet as it flew over the northern Syrian town of Atarib in Idlib province, a witness said. The witness, an independent journalist who asked to remain anonymous, said rebel fighters were attacking a military base near the town when the jet flew over and rebels shot it down with anti-aircraft guns. Vastly outgunned, rebels say they need surface-to-air missiles to take down planes and helicopters used by the Syrian military to bombard opposition strongholds. Fighters use outdated anti-aircraft machine guns that are welded to pickup trucks but they are inaccurate and useless if the military aircraft fly above a certain altitude.— Reuters
Bahrain arrests 29 during protest DUBAI—Bahrain arrested 29 police and civilians in the
people in the commercial district of the capital Manama on Friday as anti-government protesters marched in the city centre in defiance of a government ban, state media said late Friday. Riot policewomen arrest an anti-government protester during a demonstration in capital Manama. Bahrain, where the U.S. Fifth Fleet is based, has been in political turmoil since a protest movement dominated by majority Shi’ite Muslims erupted in February 2011 demanding the Sunni-led monarchy enact democratic reforms. The demonstration was organised by an opposition group called February 14, said Jasim Husain, one of the leaders of the main opposition group, Wefaq. It came two weeks after protesters and police clashed in the city centre for the first time since last year, following months of demonstrations in other parts of Manama and elsewhere in L ONDON —The Roman the country. “Rioters hurled Catholic Church in the Aus- petrol bombs, iron rods and tralian state of Victoria has stones, endangering both the confirmed that more than 600 children have been sexually abused by its priests since the 1930s. The Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, described the figures as “horrific and shameful”. They were released in a YANGON—Myanmar’s transisubmission to a state parlia- tion to democracy will not mentary inquiry into the han- change the country’s tradidling of abuse cases. Cam- tional friendship with China, paigners say the true num- Myanmar President Thein ber of abuse victims could Sein was cited as telling Chibe up to 10,000. nese Vice President Xi Jinping, In its submission, the amid concerns in China its church said the 620 cases neighbour could become a US went back 80 years with the ally. majority taking place beChinese officials and metween the 1960s and the dia have expressed concern 1980s. It says it is still inves- Washington’s renewed intertigating a further 45 cases. est in slowly democratising In a statement, Arch- Myanmar, formerly known as bishop Hart said it was im- Burma, could be part of US portant to be open “about designs to dilute China’s inthe horrific abuse that has fluence there and encircle occurred in Victoria and else- China with pro-US states. where”. “We look to this inFears about China’s influquiry to assist the healing of ence in Myanmar have been those who have been bolstered not only by abused, to examine the broad Washington’s engagement context of the church’s re- with the country but also the sponse, especially over the US military’s strategic “pivot” last 16 years, and to make back to Asia. But during a recommendations to en- meeting on the sidelines of a hance the care for victims trade fair in southern China, and preventative measures Thein Sein said Beijing should that are now in place,” the not worry. statement said.—Reuters “Myanmar is at present in
Church abuses over 600 children
area,” the government Information Affairs Authority said in an emailed statement. The government has taken a notolerance approach to protests in the city centre, saying unrest in “vital commercial areas” could damage the economy. The statement added that police “used only the necessary force to restore order”, that the 29 people arrested would be referred to the public prosecutor. It said there would be an investigation to identify others involved in the protest. “People should have the right to stage rallies in the capital. A rally on a Friday afternoon is not a big deal. It will not undermine the economy,” said Husain. In Bahrain, the weekend falls on a Friday. The United States urged Bahrain this week to accelerate democratic change and hold talks with the opposition after a meeting in Geneva where Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa pledged “unprecedented reforms.”—Reuters
Democracy won’t change China friendship: Myanmar a transitional phase, but Myanmar pays great attention to developing relations with China, and its policy of seeing China has a true friend has not changed,” China’s foreign ministry cited Thein Sein as telling Xi. “China has for a long time provided a large amount of sincere support and help, and stood at Myanmar’s side at the most difficult of times. Myanmar’s people will never forget this,” Thein Sein added, in the statement released late Friday. It is Thein Sein’s second trip to China since he took office in March 2011. He goes to the United States after completing this trip. China has long worried about its ties with Myanmar, with a history of resentment of China among the Burmese population and fierce public opposition to a $3.6 billion Chinese-built dam at Myitsone that prompted Thein Sein to shelve the project last year, a move that stunned Beijing.—Reuters
Today Matches
World Twenty20 2012, Group C
South Africa win seven-a-side affair H A M B A N TO TA —AB
de Villiers gave the big crowd at Hambantota as much entertainment as he could as South Africa won a sevenover-a-side shootout against the hosts. The fixture was the most anticipated in Group C but a two-hour 45-minute rain delay meant the contest was curtailed
Pakistan vs New Zealand England vs India
Aamir Atlas clinches CAS squash C’ship SPORTS REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Aamir Atlas won the final match of the Chief of Air Staff International Squash Championship, 2012 played at Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad. Aamir Atlas won the Championship by defeating Farhan Mehboob with a game score of 11-8, 11-2, 211 and 11-2. Air Chief Marshal Tahir ISLAMABAD: Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt awarding CAS International Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Squash Championship 2012 trophy to Aamir Atlas at Mushaf Squash Complex. Staff, who is also the President of Pakistan Squash Federation, was the Chief Guest at the occasion. The Chief Guest awarded trophies to the players. A large number of squash lovers from all walks of life witP ESHAWA R —Shahab club Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports for long as Mardan club’s nessed the match. Toru clinched the trophy af- Board Syed Saqlain Shah, shooter Inam Ullah scored ter defeating Mardan club in Assistant Director Jamshed five individual goals on the the final of the Handball Baloch and large number of field attempts. There were event part of the ongoing teams officials and players heated moves from both District Mardan Sports Fes- were also present and wit- sides as well. At half time Shahab club tival played here at Gen (Retd) nessed the thrilling final. The players of both was a leading by 9-6. It was Ihsan Ullah Khan Sports Complex Mardan on Satur- Shahab club Toru Mardan the second session in which and Mardan Club presented Shahab club also dominated day. Government excellent display of perfect and reached to 17-12. Khalid P ESHAWAR —Peshawar club PostPrincipal and attacking was the top scorer for Graduate College Pro- passing secured 1-0 victory against moves. Shahab club opened Shahab club while Inam Ullah fessor Fayyaz Ali Shah was Muslim Stars in the ongoing the account through Sajid Ali scored five individual goals. Rab Nawaz Shaheed Memo- the chief guest on this occa- Shah when he scored three Thus Shahab club won the sion. President Khyber rial Football Tournament beindividual goals in the very match by 17-12. ing played here at Tehmas Pakhtunkhwa Handball As- outset of the match. The match was supersociation Farooq Khan, OrKhan Football Stadium on The three goals lead of vised by Arshad Khan and ganizing Secretary of the Saturday. Shahab club could not remain Ibrar Khan.—APP Both Peshawar club and Festival and Director Sports Muslim Stars forwards were failed to click against each other because of the defensive strategy. Muslim Stars club have a victory earlier on but it failed to score on three occasion. There were easy goal C OLOMBO —The Pakistan and sent Sri Lanka into bat. Pakistan’s bowling attach scoring chances but the for- women cricket team defeated Asmavia Iqbal bowled mag- and could only score 77/8. Pakistan in reply scored wards of Muslim Stars failed hosts Sri Lanka by four wick- nificently for team Pakistan to utilize that chances and ets in a warm up match of the claiming four wickets includ- 78/6 with several players ing a hat trick. The Sri Lankan scoring in double figures.— thus the first-half was ended T20 World Cup. a goal-less draw. Pakistan won the toss team was no match for A P After the resumption of the second session Peshawar club put in some pressure and soon succeeded in scoring a goal through right winger Muhammad Obaid Khan on the field attempt. Shabnam Bilal 3-1, Faryal bt Abdul Qayyum 3-1, Umer Muhammad Obaid got a L AHORE —A heavy prog- Minhas bt Ahmad Hussain 3- Zaka bt Adnan Mushtaq 3-0, free ball from teams link- ramme went underway in the 0, Waqas Ayub bt Jehangir Bilal Yasir bt Shahzaib man Imtiaz Khan and Chroma Open Table tennis Khan 3-0, Asim Aziz bt Maqbool 3-0, Mehboob Elahi zoomed quickly toward the tournament here on Saturday Shabnam Bilal 3-0, Asim bt Abdul Qayyum 3-2, Qasim danger zone where as total 33 matches were de- Qureshi bt Ahmad Hussain 3- Aziz bt Adnan Mushtaq 3-0, Muhammad Obaid Khan cided at Chroma table tennis 0, Faryal Minhas bt Sslman Yasir Bhatti bt Umer Zaka 3-2, netted a fine goal to make hall. A good competition was Virk 3-0, Jehangir Khan bt Bilal Yasin bt M.Abdulla 3-0, the tally 1-0. seen among senior and up- Hafiz Zeshan 3-2, Waqas Shahzaib Maqbool bt Abdul Muslim Stars did some Ayub bt Shabnam Bilal 3-1, Qayyum 3-0, M.Abdullah bt resistance in the dying mo- coming players and 16 Asim Aziz bt Faryal Minhas Adnan Mushtaq 3-0, Qasim matches were decided in ments of the match but they 3-0, Asim Qureshi bt Salman Aziz bt Mehboot Elahi 3-1, were failed and thus Group A and 17 in Group B. Virk 3-0, Jehangir Khan bt Umer Zaka bt Abdul Qayyum Peshawar club won the Shahzaib Maqbool and Shabnam Bilal 3-2, Hafiz 3-0, M.Abdullah bt Yasir match by 1-0. The match was Waqas Ayub qualified for sec- Zeeshan bt Ahmad Hussain Bhatti 3-1, Qasim Aziz bt supervised by Zahid Khan ond stage group leagues by 3-0, Faryal Minhas bt Waqas Shahzaib Maqbool 3while Gohar Rehman and beating Abid Iqbal and Abdul Ayub 3-0, Asim Qureshi bt 0,Mehboob Elahi bt Bilal Yasir Waheed . Following are the Irfan acted as deputy referresults of the matches: Group Asim Aziz 3-0 Group B: 3-2, Umer Zaka bt Bilal Yasin ees.—APP A: Asim Aziz bt Waqas Ayub Mehboob Elahi bt Shahzaib 3-0, Each group comprises 3-1, Asim Qureshi bt Hafiz Maqbool 3-1, Qasim Aziz bt nine players and each player Zeeshan 3-0, Salman Virk bt M.Abdullah 3-1, Yasir Bhatti played four matches.—APP
Shahab club Toru clinch Handball trophy
and the result, another onesided mis-match in a tournament crying out for proper competition. De Villiers’ 30 off 13 balls and baseball style run out of Tillakaratne Dilshan set the tone for a match dominated by South Africa. Together with Dale Steyn’s controlled use of pace and movement, he ensured Sri Lanka were never able to get into the match, despite the two early wickets they claimed. With a licence to go boom or bust, Richard Levi ended up doing the latter when he was deceived by a Nuwan Kulasekera’s slower ball. Levi chipped an attempted swipe through the
South Africa Innings Levi b Kulasekara ............ 4 Amla st Sangakkara b Herath ........................... 16 Plessis b Perera .............. 13 Villiers b Malinga ........... 30 Duminy not out .............. 12 Morkel not out ................. 0 Extras: ................... 2w 1lb 3 Total: ...... for 4/78 (7.0 ovs)
Bowling: ......... O-M-R-W Kulasekara .......... 1.0-0-9-1 Malinga ............. 2.0-0-27-1 Herath ................ 2.0-0-21-1 Mathews ............. 1.0-0-8-0 Perera ................. 1.0-0-12-1 Fall of wicket: 1-4, 2-27, 365, 4-68
Peshawar club secure win in Rab Nawaz Shaheed Memorial Soccer
Hambantota: Hashim Amla attempts to drive a ball, during Sri Lanka vs South Africa, World Twenty20 2012, Group C match on Saturday. leg-side to mid-on where Hashim Amla showed facing a ball. Mahela Dilshan Munaweera had run early intent and sent two of Jayawardene called Dilshan backwards and made Lasith Malinga’s full deliver- through for a run after hitground to take what will be ies over extra cover for ting the ball to extra cover one of the catches of the boundaries. But a rush of but Dilshan was too slow. tournament. blood to the end ended his Albie Morkel’s throw was time at the crease. He swung flat and de Villiers took it on wildly at a ball angled in to the run and dived into the him from Rangana Herath stumps. The South Africa and was stumped by quick captain took a whack to the Sri Lanka Innings work from Kumar Sangakkara left arm and received some Jayawardene b Steyn ..... 4 down the leg-side. treatment but far greater Dilshan run out ............... 0 Faf du Plessis was pro- damage was done to Sri Behardien b Morkel ...... 13 moted up the order to No. 3 Lanka’s chances of winning Sangakkara b Kallis ...... 13 to find form but he did not the match. Perera c Duminy b Steyn ........... 1 discover much. Instead, de Jayawardene fell trying to Mendis not out ............... 7 Villiers stole the show. He re- force runs off Dale Steyn and Thirimanne not out ......... 5 verse-swept Herath and was caught at deep-square leg Extras: ................. 2w 1lb 3 heaved him down the and Sri Lanka had all but lost Total: ..... for 5/46 (7.0 ovs) ground for six before smash- the match in two overs. South Bowling: ......... O-M-R-W ing a Malinga’s short ball Africa dropped three catches Morkel ................. 2.0-0-9-0 over midwicket. JP Duminy but were still offered chances. Steyn .................. 2.0-0-10-2 ended the South African in- Kumar Sangakkara, Thisara Botha ................... 1.0-0-9-0 nings strongly, with 10 runs Perera and Munaweera were Kallis .................... 1.0-0-9-1 off the last two balls. all dismissed attempting big Morkel ................. 1.0-0-8-1 Sri Lanka were pegged shots, something that could Fall of wicket: 1-4, 2-8, 3- back in the first over when not be avoided in the context 30, 4-32, 5-40 Dilshan was run out without of the match.—Agencies
New Zealand vs Pakistan, World Twenty20, Group C
Pakistan set for late entrance
B IG P ICTURE —Pakistan, we’ve been expecting you. The team with the best World Twenty20 record is the last to open its campaign in Sri Lanka. Pakistan have World Twenty20 pedigree. In the first tournament in 2007, they were finalists, and so nearly champions. They won in 2009, and in 2010 they had one foot in the final before Michael Hussey blind-sided them. They’ve been put in the toughest group in 2012, with New Zealand and Bangladesh, and will play their first game against the stronger of those teams. Win against New Zealand, and Pakistan are almost certain to make it to the Super Eights; lose, and they will face a mustwin against Bangladesh. The strength of Mohammad Hafeez’s side is unquestionably its bowling. In Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi, three bowlers of varied skills, Pakistan possess the highest wicket-takers in Twenty20 internationals. Any of those bowlers can turn a Twenty20 game single-handedly and a collective performance can be devastating. Their batting is less formidable; it can be hot or cold. In the two warm-ups for the World Twenty20, Pakistan chased 186 success-
fully against India but failed to achieve 112 against England. The challenge, as ever, will be for Pakistan to combine their enviable talent with discipline. New Zealand go into this game with the opportunity to win Group D. Doing so will make their progress to the Super Eight independent of the result of the PakistanBangladesh fixture. Their evisceration of Bangladesh by 59 runs on Friday was almost faultless. The key battle in that game was tipped to be between New Zealand’s batsmen and Bangladesh’s spinners. They took 117 off 12 overs from the slow men. A strong performance against a more formidable Pakistan will make people sit up and take notice of a team that isn’t considered to be a strong contender for the 2012 title. Watch out for: The majority of New Zealand batsmen: Brendon McCullum, with his 123 off 58 balls, demolished Bangladesh single-handedly. So aggressive was his approach and so clinical his execution that there was almost no pressure on his teammates. All they needed to do was give McCullum strike. It’s unlikely that anyone will play as explosive an innings against Pakistan, so the contributions need to be more
collective to reduce the reliance on McCullum and Ross Taylor. Saeed and Shahid: In Ajmal and Afridi, not only do Pakistan possess the highest and third highest wicket-takers in this format, but also the third and fourth lowest economy-rates among bowlers who’ve played at least 20 Twenty20 internationals. Ajmal goes at 6.03 per over on average and Afridi 6.10. They strike and they stifle. Team news: New Zealand may not make any changes to the XI that beat Bangladesh, but it is likely they will change their batting order. James Franklin, the left-handed allrounder, opened with Martin Guptill in the first game to combat Bangladesh’s left-arm spin, but Rob Nicol could return to the top on Sunday. New Zealand (probable): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Rob Nicol, 3 Brendon McCullum (wk), 4 Ross Taylor (capt), 5 Kane Williamson, 6 James Franklin, 7 Jacob Oram, 8 Daniel Vettori, 9 Nathan McCullum, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Kyle Mills.The four players Pakistan are likely to leave out of their starting line-up are Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Sami, Raza Hasan and Yasir Arafat. Pakistan (probable): 1
Mohammad Hafeez, 2 Imran Nazir, 3 Nasir Jamshed, 4 Kamran Akmal (wk), 5 Umar Akmal, 6 Shoaib Malik, 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Abdul Razzaq, 9 Sohail Tanvir, 10 Umar Gul, 11 Saeed Ajmal. Pitch and conditions: The forecast is for some showers in Pallekele. It threatened to rain during the Bangladesh-New Zealand game as well but there were no interruptions. The spinners didn’t get much turn either, with the ball coming on to the bat. Stats and trivia: Pakistan played New Zealand in Pallekele during the 2011 World Cup and fed Ross Taylor a diet of full tosses and deliveries that were too straight. He scored 131 off 124 balls.New Zealand and Pakistan have played eight Twenty20 internationals and the head-to-head record is 5-3 in Pakistan’s favour. New Zealand’s three wins, however, came in the last four matches. In Twenty20 matches over the last 12 months, Afridi and Ajmal have economy-rates of less than six an over. Mohammad Hafeez and Sohail Tanvir conceded 5.82 and 5.94 on average during this period.—Agencies
T20: Pak women defeat Sri Lanka in warm up
35 matches decided in Chroma Open table tennis
Record-breaking McCullum savours Bangladesh bashing
P ALLEKELE —Dashing New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum Saturday showed pleasure over his recordbreaking knock against Bangladesh, saying contributions to team wins are significant. The 30-year-old righthander hit 123 off just 58 balls—the highest individual score in all Twenty20 internationals—to guide New Zealand to 191-3 before restricting Bangladesh to 132-8 in 20 overs at Pallekele on Friday. “Obviously I am very pleased to be able to make that contribution,” said McCullum, declared man-ofthe-match after New Zealand’s 59-run win in the opening group D match. “There have been a couple of innings which I remember for various reasons,” said McCullum, whose other Twenty20 century came against Australia at Christchurch in 2010. “This GUANGDONG: British Laura Robson returns the ball to one is really up there among Hsieh Su-Wei of Taiwan during their final at Guangzhou my best.”—AFP Open tennis tournament in Guangzhou.
Su-wei beats Robson to win Guangzhou Open G U A N G Z H O U —Hsieh Suwei of Taiwan scored beat Laura Robson of Britain 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 Saturday to win the Guangzhou Open. Robson had nine aces but was let down by her serve, offering 22 break opportunities to Hsieh and hitting 11 double faults. Hsieh, who made the third round at Wimbledon this year and is ranked 53rd, broke six times and dropped serve on five occasions in the match. The 18-year-old Robson became the first British woman in 22 years to make a WTA final. She made the last 16 of the US Open and won a mixed doubles silver at the London Olympics with United States Open champion Andy Murray.—AP
Lower back pain part of inheritance baggage
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CIENTISTS have identified a gene flaw linked to disc problems that are a common cause of lower back pain. The UK study looked at 4,600 people and found the PARK2 gene was linked to age-related disc problems. A third of middle-aged women have problems with at least one spinal disc - and the condition is known to be inherited in up to 80 percent of patients. Experts said finding the gene could lead to new treatments being developed. Till now the causes of the condition are not fully understood. In lumbar disc degeneration (LDD), discs become dehydrated and lose height, and the vertebrae next to them develop bony growths called osteophytes, leading to lower back pain. The King’s College London researchers carried out MRI scans of all those in the study and looked at differences in their genetic make-up. They found variants of the PARK2 gene appeared to have an effect in people with degenerate discs and influence the speed at which their condition deteriorated. The researchers, funded by the Wellcome Trust and Arthritis Research UK, say more research is now needed to find out how the gene influences the condition but they suggest it could be switched off in people with LDD. They say it could be that environmental factors - such as diet and lifestyle - could make what are known as epigenetic changes to the
gene. The researchers say that once the mechanism is fully understood, their finding could lead to the development of new treatments of lower back pain. Dr Frances Williams, of the department of twin research and genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, who worked on the study, said: “We know that people whose discs wear out are at increased risk of episodes of lower back pain, but normal human discs are hard to get hold of to study so until now our knowledge of normal human biology was incomplete. “Further work by disc researchers to define the role of the PARK2 gene will, we hope, shed light on one of most important causes of lower back pain. “It is feasible that if we can build on this finding and improve our knowledge of the condition, we may one day be able to develop new, more effective treatments for back pain caused by this common condition.” Prof Alan Silman, medical director at Arthritis Research UK, said: “Lumbar disc degeneration is a common cause of lower back pain, and it’s known that up to 80% of cases have a genetic basis, but this is the first time a gene has been identified as linked to this often painful and disabling condition. “It’s a promising start and provides us with the first clue to the genetic basis of this condition, and with further research, may potentially lead to the development of more effective treatments”.
KARACHI: A view of the bank building destroyed in protest against the blasphemous film.
PTI condemns violence, condoles deaths K ARACHI —The Secretary General of Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf condoles the death of four party workers during yesterday’s protests. They were not involved in any violent action. In Karachi, Qari Khalid Khan, Kashif and Abrar left their homes in Kemari trying to reach the main peaceful PTI procession that was marching from Empress Market to Saddar, says a press release Saturday. Little did they know that their lives would be cut short? Khalid and Kashif died on the spot and Abrar succumbed to his injuries later. Another PTI worker Mohammad Amir was killed in Peshawar. He was on duty with a television company and was covering the protest. Mr Imran Khan had ap-
pealed for peaceful protests and by and large tens of millions of people in Pakistan in every nook and corner of the country remained peaceful. PTI protested peacefully in more than 100 cities of Pakistan. This was because the leadership of the party was in the protesting crowd in every city and controlled the angry workers. There were some un-scrupulous elements within the general crowd who damaged public property and resorted to violent action. We condemn this hijacking of a peaceful protest day that was meant to show our love for the prophet, and sadly the ultimate memory of this day would be that of violence and deaths. Criminals who went on a looting and destroying spree cannot be the people who felt actual
pain on the publication of the defamation videos. The Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf holds the Government responsible for these killings of innocent people as they exhibited a very casual approach after declaring Friday as a holiday. The internal security system collapsed leaving a trail of death and destruction. The law enforcing agencies should have been better prepared with tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets. The rangers should have been called in and even the army in some places could have restored law and order. PTI condoles the death of all 23 people who were killed on Friday including our brave policemen who laid down their lives performing their duty.— NNI
MQM seeks early legislation on SPLGO 2012 KARACHI—Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Saturday demanded Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Dr. Ishratul Ebad Khan that Sindh People’s Local Governments Ordinance (SPLGO) 2012 should be tabled in the Sindh Assembly at the earliest. A letter was written by the Muttahida’s Parliamentary Leader in Sindh Assembly Sardar Ahmed urging the top high-ups of the province to turn the SPLGO 2012 into a law. The MQM demanded the notification be issued to raise the divisions including Karachi to the metropolitan level.—NNI
87 outlaws arrested from district South KARACHI— Karachi police launched operation against criminals and arrested at least 87 miscreants from district South here on Saturday. To prevent the criminals activities in the south of Karachi the police lunched operation against criminals and arrested 34 criminals in the precincts of Botbase police station. According to SSP south Asif Sheikh, 12 criminals were arrested in the limits of Parody police station that were involved in heinous crime. 18 criminals from karadar, 8 accused from Nabi Baksh, 4 from civil line, 2 from Eidgah, 5 from Defence, 3 from Guzri and one accused from Balouch colony. He also said that a heavy contingent of police under supervision of SP had been deployed in Civil Line Chowk and why the action was not taken against the protesters this matter is being investigated. In response to a question, he said that during the day before protest where rangers and FC contingent was disappeared he said that this question should not ask from me and asked to be from high officials. DC South demanded rangers on wireless but no one came, he added.—Online
Soyem of SBP Governor’s mother today K ARACHI —Begum Ismat Anwar, wife of Late Commodore Shaikh Mohammad Anwar and mother of Yaseen Anwar, Governor State Bank of Pakistan, was buried at old Army graveyard next to CSD, here on Saturday afternoon. She had passed away peacefully in Karachi on September 20. Her Namaz-e-Janaza was offered at PNS Shifa, DHA Phase -11, Karachi after Zuhar prayers on Saturday which was attended by a large number of senior bankers, State Bank’s officers and staff and senior officers of Pakistan Navy. The Soyem/Quran Khawani for Begum Ismat Anwar will be held on Sunday, September 23, between Asr-e-Maghreb prayers (5 p.m. -6.30 p.m.) at Bank House, 12 Fatima Jinnah Road, Kara-chi, an official of SBP said.—APP
‘Sacrificial animals must be vaccinated before being sold’ KARACHI—Fast approaching gain strength as well severity able for human protection Eid-e-Qurban makes it all the important that the concerned authorities as well as traders dealing in livestock ensure proper vaccination of relevant animals against vaccine preventable diseases. Chemical treatment of these with ticks is also extremely crucial to protect people in general against any in-crease in the number of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) cases. CCHF, a serious health issue that holds every chance to
during festivals like Baqra-eid required realistic approach to prevent any possible outbreak of the disease. Acaricides (chemicals intended to kill ticks) is the only realistic option for well-managed livestock produc-tion besides indirectly protecting those coming into direct con-tact with tick carrying animals. Prof. Afia Zafar, associated with microbiology department of Aga Khan University mentioned that there was no safe and effective vaccine widely avail-
against CCHF. This, she said was in a scenario where tick vectors are numerous and widespread while those with direct exposure to these animals at farms or even in their homes hold opti-mum chances to suffer from the ailment, that holds high chance of death. In reply to a question, she said workers at slaugh-ter houses, care takers of CCHF patients, surgeons, doctors and nurses coming into unprotected contact with patients or the infected secretion are also at high risk.
The microbiologist extensively discussing Den-gue Fever, CCHF and Naegleria said these three different diseases with almost similar manifestations needed to be properly under-stood by the healthcare providers as well as the masses. Although they are prevalent in Pakistan yet fac-tors causing them or contributory to their spread are often, either not known, or ignored by people. It therefore important that people are educated with major focus on prevention.— Agencies
KARACHI: Efforts being made to extinguish fire, erupted in an oil factory in Sher Shah Area.
Raging fire guts oil mills K ARACHI —Fierce fire in a due to inflammable raw mate- cooking oil stored in the mill cooking oil mill gutted raw material and processed oil, ghee and machinery worth billion of rupees here late Friday night. Several rescuers were injured or affected of smoke in attempt to extinguish the fire. According to details, fire caused due to unknown reasons engulfed the cooking oil mill located in Shershah industrial cluster in SITE area of Karachi. Fire fighters reached the scene and started operation to putout the fire but despite drastic efforts it continued to rage
rial and worsened into a third degree blaze. Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat ul Ibad taking notice of fire directed for immediate action after which Administrator Karachi Muhammad Hussain Syed reached the scene and monitored the rescue efforts. More fire tenders across the city were called in to help extinguish the wild fire and it was brought under control after 10 hours of hectic efforts Meantime, hundreds of tonnes of raw and processed
worth billions of rupee was gutted. However, no casualties were reported except for firemen, who kept on swooning after they tried to enter the suffocating smoke-filled building. The rescuers, who sustained injuries or affected of smoke were rushed to hospital for treatment. Earlier it was stated that short circuit was cause of the fire but some sources claimed that it was not accidental but someone intentionally initiated the fire.—INP
Symposium on Natural Product Chemistry begins
Progress measured with reference to education: Experts KARACHI—The four-day International Symposium on Natural Product Chemistry commenced at the University of Karachi on Saturday. According to organizers, about 600 delegates from 40 countries are taking part in the moot being organized by the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi. The experts at the Symposium said that now the progress of nations in the world is measured with reference to the education, while nations are known for their achievements in education, health and science and technologies. It was pointed out that around 54 per cent of Pakistanis
are below the age of 19, which is the real wealth of the country. Science can bridge the gap between people of different races, languages, countries and regions, as science is beyond boundaries, they said while speaking at an inaugural ceremony of the moot on Saturday. Vice Chancellor of Karachi University, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser, performed the inauguration. Former Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, Director ICCBS Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Dean Faculty of Science Prof. Dr. Nusrat Jameel, Managing Trustee Muhammad Hussain
Panjwani Memorial Trust, Ms. Nadira Pujwani, Chairman Husein Ebrahim Jamal Foundation, Aziz Latif Jamal, and Dr Ghulam Musharraf, Prof Dr Ahsana Dar addressed the ceremony. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Vice Chancellor of Karachi University said that there is dire need to make our country stronger through science and technology. “ In the today’s world, nations are known for their achievements in education. Development is no more considered to be the development of infrastructure, roads, dams, and bridges. The whole notion of development has been changed. It is now defined and measured
World Heart Day at AKUH today KARACHI—Aga Khan Univer- take of fruit and vegetables, make their respective presentasity Hospital (AKUH) has chalked-out an elaborate program to celebrate World Heart Day 2012 on Sunday with the theme One World, One Home, One Heart in the backdrop of the fact that Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s largest killers, claiming 17.3 million lives a year. Risk factors for heart disease and stroke include raised blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, smoking, inadequate in-
overweight, obesity and physical inactivity. The AKU program has been planned with the motive to raise awareness and encourage individuals, families, communities and governments to take action for reduction in the local burden of heart disease and stroke. Dr Khawar Kazmi (consultant cardiologist), Dr Hasanat Sharif (consultant cardiac surgeon) and others will
tions on the occasion. Awareness presentations will be followed by a heart walk from auditorium to the sport centre where the stalls will be setup for blood sugar and cholesterol testing, BP, BMI measurement, risk and micro fit assessment, and heart check and consultation. The event would also include fun activities, like, games, lucky draws and healthy food stalls.—APP
Women violance Law to be reviewed K ARACHI —Sindh Minister for Women Development, Tauqeer Fatima and Deputy Speaker of Sindh Assembly, Shahla Raza will jointly cochair a seminar to review measures required for early adoption of domestic violence bill in the province. The moot to be hosted by Aurat Foundation will be attended by senior activists, journalists and women professionals from different sections of the society. The Motive of the meeting will be to convince Sindh Government to pass the domestic violence bill as after the passage of the 18th amendment, the bill falls under the provincial governments’ domain. The upper house of the parliament (Senate) has already passed the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill in Feb 2012. Early passage of the law in Sindh is extremely important as an overall 6.74 % increase was reported in violence against women (VAW) in the country during 2011 compared to 2010. According to fourth annual report published by Aurat Foundation 8539 women became victims of violence in 2011 against 8000 in 2010. In 2009, the incidents of violence against women were 8548 whereas in 2008 the number of VAW were registered to be 7571.—APP
Calm prevails in Karachi KARACHI—Calm is prevailing in the city after Friday’s furious protests against the blasphemous film by an American. On Saturday markets were opened and traffic was also plying on the roads in the city. However the public transport remained off the roads. However, police is still on high alert and special security arrangements are in place outside the important places to avoid occurrence of any untoward incident. The funeral prayer was offered of three persons named Qari Khalid, Ghaffar and Kashif, who were killed on Friday during protests against KARACHI: Youngsters trying to lift a donkey who collapsed due to overloading. anti-Islam film.—Online
Extreme heat, cold can trigger fatal heart attacks
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XTREMES of temperatures during heat waves or cold spells could trig ger premature deaths from heart attacks, according to a new study by Australian researchers. The findings are important because of how the body responds to temperate extremes, the growing obesity trend and the Earth’s climate changes, said Cunrui Huang, who led the study as doctoral scholar at the School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane. Exposure to extreme temperatures can trigger changes in blood pressure, blood thickness, cholesterol and heart rate, according to previous research, the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes reports. The study is the first in which researchers examined the link between daily average temperature and “years of life lost” due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Years of life lost measures premature death by estimating years of life lost according to average life expectancy, according to a QUT statement. “With increasing rates of obesity and related conditions, including diabetes, more people will be vulnerable to extreme temperatures and that could increase the future disease burden of extreme temperatures,” Huang said. Researchers collected data on daily
temperatures in Brisbane, Australia, between 1996 and 2004 and compared them to documented cardiovascular-related deaths for the same period. Brisbane has hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The average daily mean temperature was 68.9 degrees Fahrenheit (20.5 degrees Celsius), with the coldest one percent of days (11.7 degree Celsius) characterised as cold spells and the hottest one percent (29.2 degree Celsius) heat waves. Per one million people, 72 years of life were lost per day due to CVD, researchers said. Risk of premature CVD death rose more when extreme heat was sustained for two or more days, researchers found. “This might be because people become exhausted due to the sustained strain on their cardiovascular systems without relief, or health systems become overstretched and ambulances take longer to reach emergency cases,” said Adrian G. Barnett, study co-author and associate professor of biostatistics at QUT. “We suspect that people take better protective actions during prolonged cold weather, which might be why we did not find as great a risk of CVD during cold spells.” Spending a few hours daily in a temperate environment can help reduce heat- and cold-related illnesses and deaths, Barnett said.
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif meeting with Rabnawaz Lak, MPA and Pir Amin-ul-Hasnat, Chairman Ulema Board Punjab.
Religious parties unity need of hour: Haideri LAHORE—The JUI-F Secre- Maulana Haideri was ac- film. They appealed the tary General Abdul Ghafoor Haideri on the instructions of the party chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has started interactions with the leadership of the parties of defunct MMA for the revival of the alliance. Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri met the Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami Liaquat Baloch and Jamiatul Ulema-e-Pakistan Secretary General Qari Zawar Bahadur separately here on Saturday.
Police register case against protestors
companied by Maulana Amjad Khan, Qari Sanaullah and Hafiz Akhtar. The JUI-F sources said that during the meetings, the parties agreed in principle for the revival of MMA and to continue to remain in touch in the future for this purpose. The leaders of the three religious parties also decided to increase the volume and scope of protests against the blasphemous
Demos against blasphemous movie
L AHORE —Police Saturday LAHORE—Pakistan registered cases against more than six thousand citizens involved in violent protests on the occasion of Youm-e-Ishqe- Rasool. According to details, police have registered the cases under different articles of terrorism, attempted murder, police encounters, ransacking and disturbing law and order situation. The culprits included violent protestors who ransacked public and private property, pelted stones at police deployed at sensitive location, looting banks and shops, setting ablaze police pickets, vehicles and motorcycles outside governor house, in Garrhi Shaho, Shimla Paharri and other localities of the city.— INP
people to remain calm and peaceful during their protests. Speaking about his meetings, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri said unity among the religious parties was need of the hour and they have decided to revive the MMA. He said he would be meeting other component parties in the coming days and hoped that the nation would get good news soon.—INP
Sunni Tehrik (PST) staged a protest demonstration against blasphemous US movie at Lorry Adda Chowk here on Saturday. PST City President Muhammad Tahir Qadri, Allama Riaz, ulema of different schools of thought and a large number of PST workers participated in the protest. The participants were carrying banners and placards inscribed with different slogans against US movie makers. They strongly condemned the blasphemous movie and vowed to continue Namous-e-Risalat tehrik. Artistes organised a protest rally against the blasphemous US movie on Saturday. Renowned stage artistes Iftikhar Thokar, Fakhari Khan, Akmal Rahi, Abid Sialvi, Hassan Murad, Sabir Ali Raja, Tahir Noshad, Asif Iqbal and
Uzma Naz participated in the rally which started at Mehfil Theatre and ended at the Lahore Press Club on Saturday. The participants were carrying placards inscribed with slogans against the movie makers. Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan (Narooni) on Saturday staged a protest demonstration against the US movie. A large number of JUP workers participated in the protest outside the Lahore Press Club. The participants were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against US pastor Terry Jones and the US government.Addressing the protsters, JUP City President Naseer Narooni, Hafiz Ihsan Noorani and Tasadaq Narooni condemned the movie makers and vowed to sacrifice their lives for the honour of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).—APP
Ex-LHC CJ’s murder plot
Interim bail of accused extended L AHORE —The Anti-Terrorism Court extended the interim bail of accused in former chief justice of Lahore High Court, Khawaja Sharif’s murder plot case till September 24. During the course of proceedings, the accused Tauqeer Shah and Talha Burki told the Special central judge Lahore that they had no link with the murder plot of former chief justice of LHC, Khawaja Muhammad Sharif. ‘The FIA has filed a baseless and fake case against us’, the accused added. The FIA investigation officer said that the inquiry in the case is still not completed. The court ordered the FIA to complete the investigation immediately and extended the LAHORE: Activists of Young Nurses Association chanting anti-US slogans protesting anti-Islam film. interim bail of the accused till September 24.—INP
Saima Bharwana meets Shahbaz SALIM AHMED
PML-N Model police stations being leaders power established in Punjab: IGP hungry: Basra STAFF REPORTER
LAHORE—Member National L A H O R E —Inspector GenAssembly Saima Akhtar Bharwana called on the Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and discussed political and overall situation of the country. Talking on the occasion, Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that blasphemy against Holy Prophet (PBUH) is an intolerable act and the entire Muslim Ummah is protesting and shocked over this mischievous and sacrilegious act. Profane movie is like open terrorism and those responsible for this film deserve deterrent punishment, he added. He said that Punjab government of PML(N) strongly condemns this blasphemous film. Shahbaz Sharif said that no civilized society can allow animosity against any religion in the garb of freedom of expression. He said that religious sentiments of the Muslims have been badly hurt by the sacrilegious film which is highly condemnable. The Chief Minister said that the profane movie hurting the sentiments of the entire Muslim Ummah is a very shocking and shameful act and protest against this blasphemous film is the right of every Muslim. However, he appealed the people to remain peaceful during protest and avoid damaging property as Islam is the religion of peace. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that every Muslim is ready to sacrifice his life for the honour and sanctity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Performing art festival on Oct 13
eral of Police Punjab Muhammad Habib-urRehman has said that all available resources are being utilized to establish all the Model Police Stations in the province on the pattern of Danewal Model Police Station in Vehari district. He said this while presiding over a high-level meeting held here to review the progress on the project of Model Police Stations at Central Police Office. Additional IGPs and DPO Vehari were also present. The IGP reviewed in detail the progress on the Model Police Stations while a presentation was given to the IGP regarding the project. He lauded the efforts of DPO Vehari for setting up model police station Danewal and said that the next meeting on the MPS project would be held in
Vehari district. Meanwhile, a high-level meeting was held at the Central Police Office to finalise a strategy to ensure proper monitoring of the law and order situation in the Punjab province particularly in Lahore for the Chief Minister. Advisor to CM Jehanzaib Barki presided over the meeting. The IGP gave a detailed briefing about the strategy while MNA Pervaiz Malik, MPA Hafiz Nauman, Additional Secretary (Police) Home Department Asif Bilal Lodhi, Chairman PITB Umar Saif, Secretary Prosecution, Maroof Afzal were also present on this occasion besides other senior officers. During the meeting, various proposals were discussed to finalise a strategy to prepare a comprehensive briefing for Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and it was decided that the
briefing should be held on fortnightly basis rather than weekly basis. It was also emphasised that a coordination committee should be constituted while a focal person be also appointed to maintain liaison among the public representatives, police, and prosecution. The expansion forensic lab for evidence collection at district or division level, comparative analysis of crime incidents of last six months, sensational murder, kidnapping for ransom, dacoity, robbery, robbery-cum-murder, street crimes, car snatching, motorcycle-theft, jewellery shops and bank dacoities and data of online prosecution on the pattern of online FIR were also discussed in detail. He assured full cooperation to all the participants and said that these proposals would be implemented after getting approval of Punjab Chief Minister.
‘PML-N protest to continue against film’ STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —PML-N Lahore President MNA Pervez Malik said on Saturday that the party would continue its protest against the sac religious movie but in an organised and peaceful manner. Talking to party workers at his Mozang residence, he said the PML-N had the spirit of sacrificing lives for the dignity of Quran and the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said protest against the blasphemous film was the right of every Muslim. He said PML-N workers through a rally on Youm-eIshq-e-Rasool had conveyed
a message to the western world that the entire Pakistani nation was united on the issue. Meanwhile, Pakistan People’s Party Ulema Wing Punjab President Rai Muzamil Hussain has said that peaceful protest against the blasphemous movie is the right of people but they should not harm national or private assets during the protest. Rai Muzamal Hussain, in a statement on Saturday, said the whole Muslim nation was united on the issue of the honour of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The West and the United States should
not test the patience of Muslims as every member of the nation can sacrifice his life for the respect of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), he added. He said that non-Muslim communities were also with Muslims in the issue and the world should find out a solution to the issue by joining hands with Muslims. He said that no religion allows any one to insult others in the name of freedom of expression. He demanded the international community take notice of the movie and make laws to ensure that no one could insult any religion or religious personality.
L A H O R E —The Aitchison College Art, Music and Dramatics Society has arranged a two-day “Art & Performing Art Festival” on October 13 at Aitchison College Lahore. Three societies have collaborated to give students a chance to show their art skills. The aim of the event is to provide a platform to young artists to enhance their skills, allow them to explore fields of arts. Azad Theatre Pakistan in collaboration with Alhamra Arts Council, on the occasion of 105th birthday of Baghat Singh, has arranged to show its new play “Chupan Tu Pehlan”. The play directed by Malik Aslam will be showed for here on September 24, 25 LAHORE: Deputy Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan giving sports and 26 at the Alhamra kits to the students in connection with Punjab Youth Festival at Government Degree College Gulshan-e-Ravi. Hall.—APP
L AHORE—PPP Deputy Parliamentary leader in the Punjab Assembly Shoukat Mehmud Basra said on Saturday that leaders of Pakistan Muslim League-N were power hungry and were levelling corruption charges against the PPP-led federal government to cover their own misdeeds in the province. Talking to this news agency at the opposition leader ’s chamber here he said, “ Sharif brothers had forgotton their billions of rupees corruption by which they built Raiwind palace.” He strongly crticised them for raising fingures on the central government and said people knew well how honest Sharif brother are. Basra said that democratic institutions were stable owing to reconciliation policy of the President Asif Ali Zardari. He said, during last four and half years the country made tremendous progress. He said government had taken various steps to overcome load shedding. Referring to cases instituted against him by the Punjab government, he said, he was the follower of Bhuttos and would not be deterred by such under hand tactics.—APP
Crushed to death LAHORE —A nine class student was crushed to death at Ferozpur road, Kahna area on Saturday. Police said student Muhammad Waseem (16) was going to school on a local bus when suddenly fell down on the road. Meanwhile, a speedy tractor-trolley ran over him. As a result, he received srious injuries and died on the spot while the driver of vehicle fled away from the scene. Later, people of the area staged a protest demonstration. They burnt tyre and blocked Ferozpur Road for some time and demanded the arrest of driver. Police have registered a case.—APP