Ep26mar2015

Moody’s terms Pak currency bond rating positive PM greets nation ISLAMABAD—Moody’s Investors Service has revised the outlook on Pakistan’s foreign currency government bond rating to positive from stable. According to Moody’s Investors Service, the rating was affirmed at ‘Caa1’ and Moody’s has affirmed the government’s issuer rating and senior unsecured rating at Caa1.

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First 60,000 tons LNG shipment arrives today ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told the National Assembly Wednesday that the first shipment of 60 thousand tonnes of imported LNG is reaching Karachi, tomorrow, 26th March.

Responding to a call attention notice in the lower house, Mr Abbasi said that the imported LNG from Qatar

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Women among 16 killed in Khairpur road accident MANSOOR PIRZADA GHOTKI—At least sixteen people including five women died and 25 sustained serious injuries, in collision of a passenger bus with a truck near Setharja city of Khairpur on Wednesday.

The bus was on its way to Karachi from Multan and collided with a truck near Setharja. An eyewitness told newsmen that the bus was in very high speed and the

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Nawaz keeps leaders on his right side

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Induction of short-range nukes ................................................

IHK women celebrate Pakistan Day

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Karachi operation to continue till end of last criminal: Nawaz PM assures full support to Rangers Governor not invited to meeting STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, lauding the Rangers for taking action against criminals and targeted killers in Karachi, on Wednesday said, “The operation must continue till the elimination of the last criminal. We have to bring back the lights of Karachi which is economic hub of Pakistan.”

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said this while presiding over a crucial law and order meeting at the Pakistan Air Force Faisal Base in Karachi, opting out of the usual location for such meetings – either the CM House or Governor House.

Assuring the Rangers of the federal government’s full support in their operations, Nawaz said, “Pakistan’s economy depends on Karachi, but unfortunately some elements have disrupted the law and order situation. We have to deal with them with iron hands.”

“We will defeat those elements who want to impose their writ in Karachi and other areas

of the country,” he added. Further, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah briefed the premier regarding the cases referred to military courts.

The premier was informed 369 encounters have taken places and 56 belonging to outfit organisations have been killed. The issue of removal of barriers also came under discussion and DG Rangers informed the meeting that they have started taking action without any discrimination.

Sources said Rangers had arrested members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s ‘militant wing’ in the first phase while in the second phase, they will target influential leaders involved in target killing, extortion and other crimes. ”Well known faces of MQM — in Parliament and in Sindh Assembly — would be investigated,” the sources revealed.

The sources said the LEAs are determined to arrest and punish all those accused of criminal activities in the city in line with the federal

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Notorious LI commander among 30 killed in KA blitz Three militant commanders arrested TARIQ SAEED PESHAWAR—The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) war birds in pre-dawn strikes in the volatile Khyber agency on Wednesday mowed down at least 30 alleged militants including a notorious commander and spokesman of the militant outfit Lashker-e-Islam. Several hide outs and ammunition dumps of the militants were destroyed.

The Security forces apprehended three mili-

tant commanders in Peshawar and Khyber agency the same day. As the Operation Khyber II advanced, the PAF jet fighters heavily pounded the trouble makers positions in the Tiraah valley early morning that resulted in the destruction of several hide outs and two arms and ammunition dumps in the area. The incessant bombings left as many as 30 miscreants dead. “Early morning Wednesday terrorist’s

KARACHI: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif being briefed by DG Rangers, Sindh, Major-General Bilal Akber during a meeting held at PAF Airbase regarding ongoing operation in Karachi.

JIT to interrogate 29 Nine Zero suspects, including Amir STAFF REPORTER tion team (JIT) will carry out interrogation of 29 of the suspects, include Amir Khan and Umair Siddiqui, arrested by the Rangers from Nine Zero, sources said on Wednesday.

Sources said, the Interior Ministry has issued a notification for the formation of a JIT for the purpose. An anti-terrorism court on Wednesday, extended the physical remand of five suspects arrested during the Rangers raid on Muttahida

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It was a draw Situationer

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KSE-100 index slides T yet another 266.65 points KARACHI—Although the KSE-100 Index persistently on the declining trend as it lost yet another 266 points to close in red again on Wednesday at 31044 levels yet the market pundits feel that the current level could hold this support area and rise towards 33,000 in the coming trading session.

However if the index keep on decline movement and a closing below 30,850 could drag the index further down somewhere at 28,300

levels, said market analysts.

However the market volume remain quite

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China with Pakistan on progress journey: Wang Yi

KARACHI—A joint investiga-

M. Ziauddin

AMANULLAH KHAN

Shahbaz calls on Chinese FM

ECHNICALLY the PMLN-led government seems to have come out of the election rigging scrap without any bruises. But politically the PTI seems to have won hands down. And this is going to help the partly decisively in the upcoming local bodies’ elections in the Punjab and Sindh.

However, since the peaceful culmination of the more than six-month long political feud between the PMLN-led federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, there has ensued a frenzied debate in the media over the winner-loser question.

The way this debate is being conducted it seems as if the media is trying its worst to send the PTI back to the D-

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BEIJING—Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Islamabad. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minishas lauded the steps taken by Pakistan against terrorism and said that the country is moving in right direction in curbing the menace of terrorism. He was talking to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Beijing on Wednesday.

The Chinese Foreign Minister said that China is with Pakistan in journey of progress.

Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif said China-Pak Economic Corridor will open new chapter in relations between Pakistan and China.

He said the Pakistani people are eagerly waiting for Chinese President’s visit to

ter Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-run power plants are being installed in Punjab to generate three thousand and six hundred (3600) megawatt electricity.

He was talking to Chinese investors and construction experts in Beijing on Wednesday. He expected that these plants will start functioning by the end of 2017.

Shahbaz Sharif invited Chinese companies to participate in construction of these plants. The Chief Minister pledged that every possible security will be provided to Chinese investors in Pakistan.—/Online

Bureaucracy neglects real heroes on Pakistan Day ZEESHAN JAVAID I SLAMABAD —Rusty bureaucratic machinery seems to have forgotten to oil its memory sticks by neglecting to include two legendary names Aitzaz Hasan and SP CID Chaudhary Muhammad Aslam In the list of civil awards bestowed upon civilians by government of Pakistan for extraordinary services for the country.

The nepotism and fear factor in bureaucracy can never be ended, because these are the tools which used by ‘Baboos’ in civil administration for their survival. The two legendry names beside others who lost their lives in fighting against terrorism including a 16 year

old slain Aitzaz Hasan and Karachi Superintendent of Police (SP) CID Main Chaudhary Muhammad Aslam were not included in the list of civil awards approved by the president office.

A senior bureaucrat on condition not to be named informed this scribe that the normal procedure which is adopted to prepare the lists for national awards by president house falls with the concerned ministries or divisions, who nominate the names for awarding national civil medal, adding “There is no specific criteria or merit to choose the right person who deserve in real sense the civil award for recognition the achievements or sacrifices”, he maintained.

He was of the view that it

has been remained a practice since the independence of Pakistan to accommodate the favorite ‘Baboos’ in bureaucracy for such prestigious national civil awards.

The slain Aitzaz Hasan 16, a Pakistani citizen from Hangu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province who sacrificed his life while preventing a suicide bomber from entering his school of 2,000 students at Ibrahimzai village of Hangu, on 6 January 2014.

Aitzaz’s action to save the lives of his classmates hailed him as a National hero. For his act, the office of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had recommended President Mamnoon Husain to confer

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Notification of sending Ogra chief on forced leave stands intact

Compensation for Shangla lightening victims P ESHAWAR —The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has announced Rs. 100,000 for heirs of each victim of Shangla where two houses were destroyed due to striking of lightening on mid night of TuesdayWednesday. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Industries, Abdul Muneem directed the district administration of Shangla district besides health staff to provide every possible help to the victims families besides provision of best medical treatment to injured.

Expressing deep condolences with victims families over the incident, he said provincial government are with them in this hour of grief and sorrow.

He said the Provincial Government would give Rs. one lakh to heirs of each deceased besides making arrangements for construction of new houses for them.—APP

Homework for LG polls PESHAWAR— Pakistan Tahrik e Insaf has completed its homework for upcoming local bodies election aimed at getting maximum seats besides giving tough time to opponents in their strongholds, said Provincial Minister for Revenue Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday. Talking to media persons here at his office, the Minister claimed that PTI would make a clean sweep in the local bodies elections, adding success of PTI candidates in the Senate election was an eye opener for all. He said all the organizational office bearers had been directed in light of the vision of the party’s chairman to gear up for the local bodies polls.

The Minister said the workers and local leaders of PTI had accelerated mass contact campaigns in the province and home work for local bodies elections have been completed.—APP

Z UBAIR Q URESHI

QUETTA: Member Balochistan Provincial Assembly Dr Shama Ishaq addressing a rally organized by National Party for promotion of education.

PPPP challenges Cantt Board elections on non-party basis MIAN ARSHAD I SLAMABAD —The Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians has challenged the intent of the Election Commission of Pakistan to hold elections of the Cantonment Boards on a non-party basis. The ECP recently announced elections of local government in the Cantonment Boards throughout Pakistan.

The PPPP contends in the petition which has been filed through senior counsel and party leader, Senator Aitzaz Ahsan that the constitution under article 17 mandates that political parties have a right to participate in the elections to elective offices as

held in 1988 by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in its judgment on a petition filed by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The Court also held that political parties and their members have a fundamental right to participate in such elections with their political and party identity.

The Supreme Court also held in another judg-ment of the same year that it was the fundamental right of political parties and their members to be awarded party symbols in the elections. Former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has contended that there are 43 Cantonment Boards in Pakistan in all the four provinces.

Therefore it is a matter tht the apex

court can as in the past take up directly under article 184 (3) of the constitution.

He also contends that fundamental rights con-tained in section 9,10A, 17, 19, 25 as well as article 4 of the constitution will be violated if the elections are held on a non-party base. He has also averred that it affects millions of citizens residing in Can-tonment Boards.

Accordingly it is a matter of public importance. It is urged that section 61 of the Cantonment Boards act2000 to be declared violative of constitution and the ECP be directed to hold party-based elections in Cantonment Boards.

HEC degree attestation service in Quetta I SLAMABAD —The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has launched the process of degree attestation at its Regional Centre in Quetta . As part of its effort to facilitate the university graduates,HEC has already started the degree attestation facility at its Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar Centres.—APP

I S L A M A B A D —A division bench of Islamabad High Court on Wednesday set aside single bench’s decision of reinstating chairman of Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) Saeed Ahmed Khan thus keeping intact the notification. The court has however, sought reply from the parties by March 31. Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Amir Farooq gave this order while hearing a government petition filed against a single bench decision of March 17, 2015 that had restored Ogra chief to his position.

State counsel appeared before the court arguing that the government had constituted a commission to hold independent probe into the petroleum crisis and Mr Khan was sent on leave only to ensure transparency of the inquiry. If Mr Khan is restored in the light of the single bench decision, it will create problems for the government.

It may be mentioned here that the same single bench comprising Justice Noorul Haq N Qureshi had suspended its own decision of March 17 only two days after the announcement i.e. on March 19.

Additional attorney general Afnan Karim

Kundi had informed the court that the government was going to file an intra court appeal (ICA) against the March 17 order of the IHC and the operation on the said order might be suspended till filing of the ICA. According to him, if the court did not suspend the order, Khan would resume charge of chairman Ogra which might affect the inquiry process regarding petrol crisis in the country during January 2015.

The cabinet division on Feb 11 had sent Mr Khan on ‘forced leave’ in connection with his alleged role in January this year’s oil crisis. The cabinet division also requested the federal public service commission (FPSC) to conduct inquiry against Mr Khan. As a makeshift arrangement, the government had assigned chairman Ogra’s charge Amir Nasim an Ogra member.

However, when Khan informed the IHC that Mr Nasim was also facing an inquiry before the FPSC, the charge of the post has been given to secretary cabinet division Babar Yaqoob. Saeed Khan through his lawyer Asma Jahangir had challenged the decision of sending him on ‘forced leave’ last month.

PDWP approves 29 uplift projects P ESHAWAR —The meeting Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Hammad of Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Khyber

Owais Agha on Wednesday approved 29 projects with an estimated cost of Rs. 40.31 billion.

The meeting that was attended by members and respective Administrative Secretaries considered 34 projects of Health, Elementary & Secondary Education, Higher Education, Local Government, Energy & Power, Irrigation, Communication & Works and approved 29 projects with financial implications of Rs. 40.31 billion and deferred five projects due to inadequate project designs.

The meeting approved three Health Sector projects including Establishment of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical College Peshawar, Establishment of Khyber Institute of Neuro-Sciences & Clinical Research (KINAR) in Mardan and Upgrading of RHC Oghi to Category- D Hospital in District Mansehra. Elementary & Secondary Education Sector projects that were approved are: Provision for new policy initiatives in El-

ementary & Secondary Education Sector, Provision of Sports Equipment to middle schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Feasibility, Detailed Design and Supervision for work standardization of 200 Higher Secondary, Provision of facilities in Education Institutions for Security Measures and Improved Physical Learning Environment, Construction of five Cluster Hostels (Female) on need basis. The only Higher Education sector project approved was Endowment fund for Universities of the province. • In the Regional Development Sector PC-II for Non ADP scheme, Establishment of Play Lands in Existing Parks was approved.

Other projects included Planning and Monitoring Cell in Irrigation Department, Restoration of Damaged Civil Channels and Remodeling of Warsak Canal System.—APP

CS directs to cooperate with Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Punjab

Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal has directed all departments to extend full cooperation to Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission for resolving problems of Pakistanis living abroad.

He was presiding over a meeting of Administrative Secretaries Committee held at Conference Room of Chief Secretary’s Office here on Wednesday. The meeting discussed, in detail, dengue control measures, local government elections, recruitment against the disabled quota, tree plantation campaign and implementation of law to protect

women’s share in inheritance. The Chief Secretary said that overseas Pakistanis are an asset for the country; their problems should be resolved on priority basis.

He issued instructions to departments to fully participate in the tree plantation campaign. He directed that a detailed transition plan regarding local governments be presented in next meeting. He also ordered early disposal of pension cases and departmental inquiries.

The Secretary Local Government and Community Development told the meeting that boundaries of the local governments have been notified under the Punjab Local Government Act, 2013.

ABBOTTABAD: Commissioner Hazara Division Muhammad Akbar Khan planting tree to inaugurate plantation drive.

75,000 trees to be planted during summer season A BDUL K HALIQ Q URESHI A B B O T TA B A D —At least 75 thousand trees would be planted during the ongoing summer season said Hazara Commissioner, Muhammad Akbar Khan while addressing a sizeable gathering which was organized under the auspices of local administration, soon after planting a tree at Takia Scouts Camp situated within the jurisdictional territory of district, Abbottabad, Wednesday.

Beside Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad, Khalid Mahmood, Assistant Commissioner, Meer Raza, Additional Assistant Commissioner, Ansar Mahmood, Divisional Forest Officer, Azhar Ali Khan, among many other officers of different institutions along with prominent area men were also present on this occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Hazara Commissioner, Muhammad Akbar Khan said that unlawful forest cutting, together with its safeguard including smuggling a stern action would also be launched against the timber mafia to protect the forests in all respects through-

out the Hazara Division, adding that it would be first and foremost duty of local administration and the department concern.

He said that the forests were playing pivotal role to smash away environmental pollution far away from the area, and was supplying a source of provisioning natural beauty to the entire area.

He said that forests were also enhancing a socio-economic condition of the country.

He said that to protect forests was not only a responsibility of forests department and the other institutions but each member of civil society have the right to focus their attention collectively on them just to save as well as to promote the forests on each coming minute of their most precious time.

He informed that various people were busy to destroy the forest callously, but the present Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has started a strict action against those playing role to smash the forest without any cogent rhyme or reason.

30 women factory workers injured R.Y . W AHEED HAFIZABAD—As many as 30 female workers of a mill were injured, three of them critically, when the bus of the mills carrying them overturned near Mustafaabad this morning. All the injured were shifted to the THQ hospital Pindi Bhattian where they are progressing satisfactorily.A bus

of the Crescent Bahu Maan Mills was bringing female workers from Sangla Hill and others villages and when it reached near Mustafaabad, the driver of the vehicle lost control over the steering as a result of which it overturned. According to eye witnesses the mishap took place due to rash driving. The police are investigating.

SIC Chairman among 50 booked under riots charges FAISALABAD—As many as 50 persons including Chairman Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Sahibzada Hamid Raza, activists and workers of SIC have been booked by Kotwali police on charge of staging demonstration, creating riots, public nuisance, blocking roads, fighting with police, damaging shops, forcing shopkeepers for shutter down business activities etc.

The case was registered on the complaint of Saad Saood Safdar Station House Officer (SHO) Kotwali police station under sections 341, 506, 148, 149 of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and 16 MPO. The complainant in his complaint alleged that SIC Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza along with his brother Hasan Raza, Khurram Nawaz, Bukhsha Elahi, Rana HYDERABAD: DIG Training Dr. Jamil Ahmad reviewing Guard of Honour during 1st passing-out parade at Police Recruitment Centre, Kohsar.

Fatwa issued in favour of polio vaccination campaign SALIM AHMED LAHORE—The Ulema Mashaikh Council Pakistan, a leading representative organization of religious scholars in the country, issued a fatwa on Wednesday in favour of immunization drive especially polio eradication efforts in Pakistan. Chairman UlemaMashaikh Council Pakistan, Allama Hussain Ahmed Saeedi, stated in a letter written to Director General Health Services Punjab Dr. Zahid Pervaiz: “The Ulema Mashaikh Council Pakistan appreciates and endorses the announcement by the Prime Minister on making Pakistan a polio free country.”

In the written fatwa sent to the DG Health Services Punjab, Allama Saeedi further stated: “After necessary consultations with scholars from all

Town employees stage protest MANSOOR PIRZADA GHOTKI—Large number of Town employees staged a sit-in protest outside Town Committee office here in Daharki on Wednesday for corruption of non-payment of salaries. Talking to the media protestors Siraj Waso, Munir Ahmed, Muhammad Ali and others said, newly appointed Town Officer Ghulam Yaseen Abbasi had not issued the salaries for most of employees and also deducted amount from issued salaries without any reason, while the monthly installment for the salaries from government of Sindh was issued complete, they said. One of the employees seeking anonymity said that previous town officers had also done same practice of corruption by non payment and deduction of salaries, and later they get themselves transferred and embezzled the government funds; it seems this town officer will repeat the same practice.

The protestors threatened if their salaries won’t be released they will start a protest movement and work will be stopped. According to reliable sources, Local Government Sindh department issues a monthly installment of Rs10.5 million for salaries and pension to Town Committee Daharki but Town administration deducts the salaries of employees each month.

major sects both within the country and abroad, and in light of the information collected from health experts,we came round to the conclusion that all vaccines provided in Pakistan including polio are of the same quality and standard as in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Iran, Egypt and the rest of the world.

The polio vaccine is halal and does not contain any harmful ingredients. All parents must provide immunization cover to their childrenespecially polio drops.”

Allama Hussain Ahmed Saeedi had also held a meeting with the health officials in February and tabled his queries on vaccine supply, its distribution mechanism and the global progress on this front. The fatwa urged every Pakistani especially religious figures to support and cooperate with

the volunteers and staff working for the cause in realizing the larger vision of making Pakistan polio free. The Ulema Mashaikh Council Pakistan also offered to volunteer its services to the government efforts. Director General Health Services Punjab Dr. Zahid Pervaiz welcomed the fatwa and expressed his gratitude to the Council. He said that Pakistan will be able to overcome all the complex challenges, polio being one of them, with integrated efforts of all stakeholders including religious figures.

Director EPI Dr. Munir Ahmed applauded the council for the fatwa. He said migrant populations posed a challenge in Punjab and the fatwa would be greatly helpful in addressing the problem in areas where the council is influential.

Rangers remove barriers in front of Musharraf’s residence KARACHI—After the passage of deadline, in an action to remove illegal areas from streets across Karachi, Rangers authorities on Wednesday cleared barriers placed in front of former president Pervez Musharraf ’s residence.

However, according to reports, barriers are yet to be removed from most of the areas of the city. MQM’s London Rabita Committee has also questioned the failure of the authorities to remove barriers pointing out that such barriers could be seen in different parts of the city including in front of offices of political parties.

The deadline of three days by the Pakistan Rangers to remove illegal barriers has expired. The locals said that they are ready to remove all the barriers if they are ensured foolproof security.

DG Rangers said that the Rangers personnel have completed their preparations

to remove barriers from the entire city as these are hindrances in opera-tions against criminals.

Meanwhile, the Sindh Home Department forwarded a request to Director General (DG) Rangers to not remove the barriers in front of Bilawal House.The home department on Tuesday “requested” the para-military force to exempt measures taken for the security of former presidents including the huge concrete walls built along Bilawal House that has blocked Shahrah-i-Saadi track for traffic.

The request was followed by a statement from Sindh IG Ghulam Hyder Jamali who has also categorically said the concrete structure along Bilawal House could not be demolished due to persistent security threats to the facility which was given the status of the president’s camp office from 2008 to 2013 when Asif Ali Zardari was president.—INP

PCP approves imposition of taxes on newspapers, news agencies ISLAMABAD—The 11th General Meeting of Press Council of Pakistan (PCP) held Wednesday in Islamabad under the chairmanship of PCP Chairman Dr. Rana M. Shamim.

The meeting was also attended by Abdul Rehman Khan Kanju, MNA, Azam Nazeer Tarar Vice Chairman PBC, Sadia Qasim Shah, Ayesha Ikram, Kazi Asad Abid, Anwar Sajjidi, and Amir Mahmood, Wamiq A. Zubari, Nasir Zaidi, Iqbal Jafri, Khursheed Tanveer and Muhammad Ibrahim. Various

agenda items were discussed in the meeting including cases placed before Special Inquiry Committee.

The Council was told that PCP has received 85 complaints by now and out of 85, forty three complaints have been disposed off. The Council was also informed about suo moto notices taken by the Chairman PCP under regulation section 9.

The Council was also apprised of regarding opening of sub offices in Provincial capitals, Appointment of

Mass Media Specialist under section 8(h). The Council also gave the approval for the funds of PCP by imposing tax on newspapers and news agencies. The issues of shifting of PCP Secretariat in Islamabad, PCP employee’s services rules and constitution of Inquiry Commissions were also discussed in the meeting.

The Council also deliberated on the role of media during military operation in North Waziristan, Public Awareness through Public Service Message in Print and Electronic Media, Incorporation of Tobacco related Clause in PCP Code of Ethics.—Online

KARACHI—Hameed Haroon, President and Sarmad Ali, Secretary General of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society have expressed their profound grief on behalf of the office bearers and the Executive Committee of the Society over the sad demise of mother of Masood Hamid, Director Marketing, Dawn Media Group, former PESHAWAR: Director Health FATA, Dr. Zafeer Hussain distributing certificates among Secretary General, APNS. The office bearers and the participants from Kurram Agency and North Waziristan during three-day training members of the Executive workshop on HIV/AIDS Control Programme.

Mostly dry weather predicted I SLAMABAD —The Met office Wednesday in the country. Lasbella with 41øC, Mithi predicted mainly dry weather in most parts of the country during next 24 hours. However, hot and dry weather conditions would prevail in Sindh, South Punjab and South Balochistan.

According to synoptic situation, continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country. During last 24 hours, rain-thunderstorm associated with gusty winds occurred at scattered places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar, Kohat and Bannu divisions, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Sargodha divisions, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, whereas weather remained dry elsewhere

and Chhor 40øC, Sibbi and Turbat 39øC, Padidan, Pasni, Hyderabad and Shaheed Benazirabad 38øC remained the hottest places in the country. Meanwhile, during the last three days citizens of Lahore were experiencing a heat wavelike condition as on Tuesday mercury crossed 33 degree celsius mark, highest temperature of current month in the city experiencing 12 degrees celsius rise in a fortnight.

Muhammad Akram Anjum, Chief Meteorologist Lahore informed APP that such a steep rise in temperature during March is unusual and it would touch 34 degree celsius mark during the next couple of days.—APP

AWKUM hosts lecture by Russian envoy STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWAR —Abdul

Wali Khan University made a diplomatic scoop by inviting Russian Ambassador to Pakistan for a first ever lecture in the Province. Ambassador Mr. Alexy Dedov spoke about ‘Pakistan-Russia Relations: New Prospects and Challenges’ at the spectacular event where faculty and students actively participated putting question on various aspects of the relations.

It was the first visit of a Russian Ambassador to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in many decades. After 40-year of hostility during the Cold War where Pakistan was in the antiSoviet Union camp and had been instrumental in the Soviet pullout from Afghanistan in 1980’s, relations between the old rivals are improving.

Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Ihasn Ali received the honorable guest. The visited was organized by veteran journalist Shiraz Paracha who is now Chairman of Journalism & Mass Communication Department at Abdul Wali Khan University.

Besides hundreds of students, dozens of professionals, who had graduated from Soviet Universities, came to Mardan to greet the Ambassador from towns and cities across the Province.

Dr. Ali made an interesting remark when he said: “Your Excellency we don’t need money, we don’t ask for any material support, we want academic cooperation and sharing of knowledge and expertise”.

APNS condoles death of Masood’s mother OBSERVER REPORT

Imran, Mian Faheem, Abid Qamar Noorani, Atif, Farooq Chishti, Farhan Qadri, Tariq Chishti, Shehbaz and others instigated the people and SIC workers and other religious organizations to stage demonstrations by indulging in riots, public nuisance, blocked roads by burning tyres, attacked the police, caused damage to shops and forced shopkeepers and traders for close down their business activities on Tuesday to make their shutter down strike call a success.

On the complaint, Kotwali police have registered a case and started search for arresting the accused. However, no arrest in this regard has been made so far, told police spokesman here on Wednesday.—APP

Committee have offered their condolence to Masood Hamid and his family and prayed that Almighty Allah may rest the departed soul in peace and give them courage and patience to bear this irreparable loss.

Members of the APNS join Masood Hamid and his family in the hour of their grief.

The Namaz-e-Janaza will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 after Namaz-e-Zohr at Sultan Masjid, DHA, Karachi.

FAISALABAD: Vice Chancellor University of Agriculture Faisalabad Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, former Indian Election Commissioner Dr Manohar Singh and Kewari Gul seen during inauguration of exhibition in connection with Jashn-e-Baharan at the University.

Nawaz keeps leaders on his right side

MEDIA WATCH

Air pollutants from coal plants

I

N yet another manifestation of his policy of consultations with national leadership on important national issues, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif convened a meeting of the Parliamentary leaders on Tuesday to take them into confidence over details of the understanding between the Government and PTI on the proposed Judicial Commission to probe allegations of rigging in the last general elections. The initiative paid the dividends as all Parliamentary parties with the understandable exception of MQM, backed formation of Commission on lines agreed upon between PML-N and PTI. The policy of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to fall back upon the collective wisdom whenever a crisis besets the country, is indicative of his political maturity and reflective of the welcome thinking and mindset. His approach is often led to dampening of the irritation and significant reduction in political temperature. He faced immense pressure during sit-ins and everyone was apprehensive of something ominous happening anytime but the Prime Minister wisely consulted other political leaders, who provided the necessary support to keep the system intact. Similarly, the situation arising out of APS tragedy necessitated a firm and decisive action against terrorists and their abettors but the success hinges upon complete support of the nation. Here again, MNS moved quickly and frequently consulted other political parties and leaders and as a consequence almost all of them agreed on the National Action Plan against Terrorism. It was heartening to see Imran Khan sitting by the side of the Prime Minister to lend support to the plan and understandably that move paved the way for ultimate sorting out of differences on the formation of the Commission. We are sure that if the Prime Minister steadfastly pursues this policy of consultations and accommodating viewpoint of others then he would be able to steer the country ahead successfully. This would enable the system to move forward and Govt would find time to concentrate on its real agenda of bringing about economic revolution. It is hoped that same thinking and approach would be applied in Provinces as well to promote national harmony and solidarity.

Induction of short-range nukes A

DVISOR on the National Command Authority (NCA) Khalid Kidwai, who played a long but successful innings as boss the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), has pointed out that Pakistan needs short-range ‘tactical’ nuclear weapons to deter arch-rival India. Speaking at a conference on nuclear security organized by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington on Monday, he said having tactical weapons would make war less likely.

It is satisfying that SPD achieved remarkable progress and innovation during stint of General (Retd) Kidwai, which took the country significantly forward in its quest for deterrence. Development of tactical nuclear weapons and short-range missiles to deliver them, would improve the country’s deterrence capability, thereby minimizing dangers of war in South Asia. In fact, Pakistan is not to be blamed for development of nuclear weapons as it was India which started the race and after achieving the nuclear capability also began hurling threats on Pakistan. Pakistan was forced to go nuclear to ensure safeguarding of its security as it suffered repeatedly at the hands of India in the past. Pakistan has neither resources nor intention to enter into an arms race but it surely has to take steps to ward off imminent dangers to its security and survival. As nuclear weapons cause havoc, it is, therefore, in the fitness of things to minimize the danger in case of a conflict. The development of tactical weapons is indication of responsible behaviour to contain the threat and danger in the event of a war. No country with peaceful intentions has to worry about Pakistan’s nuclear capability and potential as it is purely meant to safeguard its interests against any aggression. Pakistan’s security and command and control system is more foolproof and reliable than some other countries and this fact has been acknowledged by strategists and experts. We are sure that the Government would continue to provide necessary resources to the SPD to give teeth to the country’s nuclear and defensive capabilities.

IHK women celebrate Pakistan Day D

UKHTARAN-e-Millat (DeM) in Indian held Kashmir joined the people of Pakistan in celebrating Pakistan Day on 23rd March by holding functions in occupied valley and raising Pakistan Zindabad slogans with great enthusiasm. Chairperson of DeM Aasiya Andrabi in addition to addressing a Pakistan Day function held in Srinagar also telephonically addressed various events in other districts which is a proof that the people of the State have deep love and affection for Pakistan.

Though every year Pakistan Day and Independence Day are celebrated in Indian held Kashmir and at places Pakistan National Flag is also hoisted despite strict administrative measures by the occupation authorities, the sentiments expressed by the women in Indian held Kashmir particularly this year reflect their goodwill towards Pakistan and strong opposition to the joining of PDP with BJP in the formation of the government in occupied Kashmir. The Kashmiri women were undeterred by threats from the PDP-BJP government and their body language reflected determination and courage to face whatever the consequences when they raised full-throated slogans in support of Pakistan. No Kashmiri Muslim likes the BJP for its anti Muslim and anti Kashmir stance and it astonished every one when the PDP for the sake of capturing power entered into alliance with BJP. DeM Chief thanked Pakistan for its moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiris for their just cause. Pakistan firmly believes that the final disposition of the Jammu and Kashmir issue should be in accordance with the will of the Kashmiri people, to be determined through a free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices, as enshrined in relevant Security Council Resolutions. Kashmiris are important stake holders in Kashmir solution as they are the ones required to exercise their right to self determination and the statement made by the Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman cannot change the ground realities. The Indian government would be well advised to see that the world is changing and the winds of change are blowing over Kashmir too. It is about time that it should not tilt against the windmills but rather go with the drift of this change and resolve the Kashmir issue in line with aspirations of the people.

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The crossroads of credibility as media space to the criminals.

The “Ayyan model” episode symbolises how money-launIkram Sehgal dering is blatantly facilitated Email:ikram.sehgal@smswppl.com from Pakistan. Money went in suitcases and duffle bags in official aircrafts when PPP was in HE superb March 23 military power, how did they avoid customs display in Islamabad after a 7 checks and special units for moneyyear hiatus aroused the patri- laundering in destination countries otic fervour of the nation, it also UAE and UK, very strict about apraised a number of questions. plying their money-laundering laws?

Clouding the continuing sacrifice How come such illegal funds allowed rendered by those in the marching our corrupt to purchase prime real columns and those flying overhead estate in these countries? Once out was the virtual immunity under the of power, carriers like Ayyan were Constitution to the rulers to enrich used by PPP. Khalid Malik is not just themselves. The legal nuances not- anybody, he is Rahman Malik’s withstanding, the farcical indirect brother, of the US$ 500,000 Ayyan elections to the Senate, the cache of was carrying, rumour has it convicted murderers caught at one US$150,000 was earmarked for the place in Karachi, the televised con- UAE lawyer legally filibustering fession of Saulat Mirza, the reported Uzair Baloch from being extradited admissions of Uzair Baloch to the to Pakistan. Ayyan has reportedly UAE police, the cover-up of the confessed acting as the courier for Model Town massacre, etc, symbol- almost US$40 million in the last two izes the deliberate criminality inher- years. Rumours are that Sindh Govt ent in our present governance struc- is requesting Ayyan being shifted to ture, graphically defining how the Karachi Jail. If suo motu action farce masquerading by the name of could be taken for Atiqa Odho’s two democracy functions in Pakistan. measly bottles of alcohol, why is evEmasculating the capacity of the eryone and his uncle acting “deaf, militants to wage war against the dumb and blind” about all the recent State in the mountains of Swat and revelations?

FATA, the Armed Forces are physiWith witnesses blatantly crimically engaged in supporting the law nally intimidated, direct evidence to enforcement agencies (LEAs) convict anyone for corruption is seltargetting terrorists (and their infra- dom available for the courts, already structure) deeply embedded in the difficult given our ambiguous and invast urban hinterlands of Pakistan. effective laws of evidence. Al Capone Deng Xiaping famously said it did publicly committed dozens of murnot matter whether the cat is black ders, laughing at witnesses refusing or white as long as it eats mice. to give evidence in court he scared Given the nexus between corruption, them out of their wits with the threat organized crime and terrorism, para- of summary execution. He was fiphrasing the late Chinese leader, nally incarcerated for “tax evasion”. whether a murderer belongs to a re- Those who cannot provide tangible ligious faction, political party, crimi- proof of taxes paid should be held nal gang, etc, those committing and accountable under existing laws for sanctioning murder, and those facili- their accumulated assets (and their tating terrorism are all equally cul- luxurious living). Incidentally what pable. As are guilty those providing happened to the Federal Tax political and legal support as well Ombudsman’s recommendations in

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the Malik Riaz Arsalan Iftikhar case?

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) does seem committed under the present hierarchy but one does question their priority of persecuting culprits. To regain trust and credibility NAB must target those within their own ranks, past and present, who prevented NAB’s mandate from taking its course. With an honest reputation himself, Lt Gen Muhammad Amjad collected quite a selection of crooks and outright scoundrels in his team, they made money on “plea bargain” ploy. Living way beyond their known sources of income, at least two of the Chairmen who succeeded him were absolute rascals. Can they be investigated for taxes not paid on their illegally acquired wealth?

The military is held in great esteem in Pakistan, the superior judiciary has gained some trust, both must work harder to shore up their credibility. Principles and standards for honesty and integrity must apply equally, otherwise it is patently unfair to hold others accountable. When you combine the influence of past associations with illegally acquired wealth, raw power force-multiplies frustrating the course of justice. Why was Kayani in haste to post a new Corps Commander in Karachi during his last few days as COAS in Nov 2013? During the eleven months this “favourite” served before doffing his uniform, he went berserk, among other criminal activity converting an amenity car park into a lucrative DHA plot for himself. Kayani himself can hardly answer his connections to Malik Riaz, what to speak about the shenanigans of his two brothers.

If he feels aggrieved he should please have the courage to sue me!

One of Musharraf’s Corps Commanders was responsible for Meinhardt attempting the Creek City Project (read my article “Creek City, Bleak City” of Aug 02, 2003), having failed their commitment has Meinhardt settled their monetary ob-

ligations to DHA more than a decade after? This rascal tried influencing winding up of the investigation of the well-known scam forging documents in connivance with DHA officials to get possession of numerous unclaimed DHA plots. It is also documented he failed to prevent sacking of the 6-7 DHA officers involved with those running the scam. Coincidence that these same scam artists bought this three star’s DHA plot way beyond the market price? The present military hierarchy has an excellent reputation, both professionally and personally, they owe it not only to the uniform but to posterity to hold accountable the handful of crooks who besmirched the uniform they wear and brought it into disrespect.

Gen Raheel Sharif did for Gen Pervez Musharraf what needed to be been done. It is unthinkable that a former COAS be degraded in a civilian court in the manner that the Sharif govt was attempting. Whatever questions Musharraf has to answer must be within the ambit of a military court of enquiry. Notwithstanding Raheel Sharif’s soft corner because of Musharraf’s association with his late brother being understandable, this emotion cannot be held hostage to the wrong public perception that the Army is sympathetic to Musharraf’s political ambitions and redemption thereof. Despite all his “Pakistan First” talk Musharraf saddled Pakistan with the black NRO law for his own survival, NRO being directly responsible for the virtual state of criminality that the country has descended into under the camouflage of the Constitution. We are at a dangerous crossroads, lip-service to the rule of law and accountability thereof erodes the credibility of governance that we desperately need.

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

Threats vs defence budget hike Maimuna Ashraf Email:maimuna.svi@gmail.com

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LMOST fifty years after the nuclear weapons states pledged under Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to pursue goals for ceasing nuclear proliferation and its arm race, the fiscal years continues to validate a steady hike in their nuclear budgets. Lately, the states possessing nuclear weapons are announcing their defense budgets; yet again the pronounced statistics reaffirms their rising nuclear spending. It is estimated that the collective annual spending of nine states on their nuclear programs surpasses one hundred billion dollars.

This hike reflects two dominant verities, first, advancement in the nuclear capabilities is rapidly growing and second, the development, deployment, maintenance and modernization of nuclear weapons cost an enormous price tag. Consequently, the states possessing nuclear weapons spend a major chunk of their defense budget on strategic nuclear arsenals. The defense budget and strategic culture is interconnected thus the military expenditures and nuclear spending are discussed simultaneously. The geo-strategic realities, threat-perception and geopolitical directions derive the decisions on defense/nuclear policies and expenditures.

The rising defence expenditures of states are resulting in security dilemma. This is why despite ongoing global efforts for nuclear nonproliferation, the nuclear costs of

two major powers, US and Russia, will continue to rise even after the ratification of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) agreement, under which both states will overall reduce the size of their strategic nuclear weapons and the number of their deployed warheads.

This rise will be reasoned due to the plans of both states to upgrade and modernize their aging nuclear arsenals, missiles and submarines.

Lately Obama’s proposed budget for fiscal 2016 amounts to $585.3 billion while nuclear budget seeks 8% more than the last financial year. The United States (US) estimated cost on nuclear weapons and related expenditures is $56 billion annually. According to a recent report of the National Defence Panel Review of the 2014 Quadrennial Defence Review, US will be spending $872 billion to $1 trillion on its nuclear programme in next 3 decades.

The US developments have reportedly coerced Russia to historical rise of 33% (more than $50 billion) in defence budget this year. Russia is also planning to grind out a new generation of submarines and rockets to uphold an uneven parity with US. China too also announced a hike of 10% in its defence budget for FY 2015-16 that roughly sums up to $145 billion, the second highest in the world after US. Other than this triangle of three major international players, the South Asian region holds significance for unprecedented nuclear build-up between two nuclear rivalries. The South Asian regional nuclear politics and policies are defined by the behaviours among three states; China, India and Paki-

stan. Pakistan’s nuclear posture is India centric and Indian nuclear posture is believed to be mainly directed against China and nominally against Pakistan. Conversely, the recent trends of Indian defence expenditures exhibits Indian nuclear program largely focused to Pakistan and nominally towards China.

India has recently announced the defence allocation of $40 billion for financial year 2015-2016. The budget demonstrates a raise of 7.9% over the last fiscal year. However, it is a low raise of 5% as compared to 17% of last fiscal year. The insignificant hike in Indian budget must be significant to Pakistan for several realities. First, this rise will not be enough to thin the military gap with China especially with declared forays into the Indian Ocean but enough to uphold asymmetry with Pakistan. This limited hike validates Indian nuclear developments primarily focused to Pakistan and not China because the maintenance of nuclear weapons plus the acquisition of warships, fighter planes and submarines is not possible at once with this defence allocation. Second, the border skirmishes and aggressive political postures of Indian government continue to deteriorate relations between Pakistan and India; contrarily, India and China are seeking to reduce border tensions through high-level diplomacy. Thus the existing trends of Indian elected regime appear to focus on Indian rigidity and readiness towards Pakistan. Third, evidently, the budgetary limitation means that despite the maritime growing challenges in Indian Ocean, the immediate focus of India will remain on the internal security and land-based

threats. India is maintaining the status quo by focusing its strategic orientation towards Pakistan and for this purpose India will continue to strengthen its Ayni and Farkhor Airbases (located in Tajikistan) to fortify its influence in the region and to contain Sino-Pak influence in Central-Asian region. Moreover, the existing strike corps- two-third of the military strength of India- is keyed towards Pakistan. Fourth, Indian future missile development is geared towards developing long-range missiles to contain China, therefore there is an internal debate on the need to deploy canistered launchers and equip ballistic missiles with the capability to carry multiple warheads, which the Indian government has yet to be approved. Thus majority of the current military modernization is still aspired towards Pakistan.

The recently revived Indo-US nuclear deal has already been viewed as factor of instability in the regional nuclear equation and would force Pakistan to revise its nuclear calculus in order to ensure the full spectrum credible minimum deterrence to contain all form of conventional and nuclear asymmetry. It is naïve, if Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) demand other states to shrink their nuclear size while they are growing their own. Likewise, it is naïve to question Pakistan’s growing nuclear-weapon size in presence of growing neighbouring threats. Pakistan’s growing nuclear build-up is by compulsion and not by choice.

—The writer is a member of Strategic Vision Institute, Islamabad.

NE can understand why critics of the Obama admin istration are angry about the so-called mercury rule, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clean-air regulation that they will ask the Supreme Court to quash.

The EPA did not conduct a costbenefit analysis when it decided to regulate hazardous air pollutants, such as mercury, from power plants.

When the agency did consider costs, the balance ended up looking good only because the rule would coincidentally reduce another type of pollution. But this minor regulatory sleight-of-hand doesn’t mean the rule is misguided. It will save lives at an acceptable cost. Certainly there is no basis for Supreme Court intervention.

The Clean Air Act obligates the EPA to determine if regulating power plant emissions of “hazardous air pollutants,” a specific class of dangerous compounds, is “appropriate and necessary.” But the agency didn’t consider costs when it decided whether to submit power plants to hazardous air pollution regulation; it got around to conducting a cost-benefit analysis only after it decided to regulate, while it figured out how strong regulations should be. The government argues that it did. First, the EPA determined whether hazardous air pollutants emitted from power plants posed a public health threat. Because mercury spewed from coal-fired power plants lands on surrounding terrain, from there entering the food chain, the agency determined there was grounds for concern. Then it tailored regulations to address the issue, including cost estimates as a major consideration. It turns out that requiring power plants to reduce hazardous air pollutants also cuts emissions of harmful particulate matter, which causes respiratory, heart and other health problems. All told, the EPA figured the regulations would cost about $9.6 billion a year but produce $37 billion to $90 billion in public health benefits annually. In other terms, the rule would prevent up to 11,000 premature deaths per year. It’s true that these are only estimates. But the balance looks lopsided in the government’s favour. It’s also true that a separate EPA rule would reduce particulate emissions to a degree. But that doesn’t mean the mercury rule is useless; the agency tried to avoid double-counting when calculating the benefits each rule would have.

— The Washington Post

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Yemen’s GCC call

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HE rise of Houthis, though surprising, is now one of the most debatable issues of geopolitics in the region. The Arab world’s most populous country cannot go on like this, as the Western support to push back Al Qaeda and the like also seems to have ended in doldrums. That is why apparently Yemen’s Foreign Minister Riad Yassin has called for the Gulf Cooperation Council support, in an earnest attempt to save the country from being completely Balkanised at hands of Houthis and Al Qaeda.

The rivalry between the militias, with Houthis being allegedly backed by Iran, has posed grave dangers, and that cannot simply whither away with the passage of time. The first response to come, as Sanaa sought militaristic support from the GCC, was from Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal, who took it as a challenge and warned that the six-nation organisation cannot sit on the fences for long. The best way to go, taking into account the history and political crisscross of the embattled country, is to reinitiate the dialogue process under the United Nations aegis, and help broker a ceasefire and a subsequent political accord. The heterogeneous composition of Yemen cannot be fought militaristically, and it has to have a political solution sooner than later. — Khaleej Times Happiness cannot be travelled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.

Denis Waitley —US writer

Bowing before false gods Afshain Afzal Email:afshainafzal@yahoo.com

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HE US claims to be champion of interfaith harmony and free speech. However, this month, at the floor of US’s Senate, the religion professed by world largest democracy was challenged, humiliated and insulted. Hinduism has been attacked in US but there are no words of apology from Washington. In the incident, three US’ Senators; Steve Vick, Sheryl Nuxoll and Lori Den Hartog claimed that Hindus have false gods. As per the details, when Universal Society of Hinduism President Rajan Zed recited prayers for the state Senate’s 3 March 2015 session in Boise, these three Senator boycotted the invocation and Sheryl Nuxoll said that she believed the US is a Christian nation and Hindu is a false faith with false gods. Other senators also expressed their unhappiness with the decision to open the session with the first Hindu prayer ever heard on floor of state Senate.

In past Islam and the Muslims were targeted for over a decade and a half but nobody dare to raise the

issue of hate speech with Washington. The Muslims in US and other Western countries tolerated the humiliation and rather gave clarifications about their religion and belief.

The US constitution seems to be secular and prohibits the establishment of official religion. However, there are good numbers of people who believe that the US Constitution is based on Judeo-Christian principles. The question arises is US is a Christian nation based on Christian principles or it is a Jewish state? Rabbi Daniel Fink of Boise’s Jewish Congregation Ahavatah Beth Israel organised the letter campaign through the Idaho Interfaith Equality Coalition but Senator Sheryl Nuxoll refused to render an apology and said that she is not going to be praying to false gods.

The US talk much about interfaith harmony and have spent billions of dollars in converting followers of other religions be tolerant to the teachings of other faiths but they themselves do not follow it themselves. We have the sermons from the Roman Catholic Church as well as Pope Francis for interfaith harmony but it seems that they should teach the same principles to their own followers. Despite the fact that there are

about three million Hindus in US, the treatment of Hindus in US is that of third grade citizens. Although, other religions, with the exception of Christians and Jew, also face difficulty but Hindu are usually unnecessarily targeted. The recent incident at Idaho State Senate indicates that hardliners and fundamentalists do exist in US. Hindus of US and India are excited that it was first Hindu prayer ever heard on the floor of the state Senate. However, the humiliation of Hindus in US and around the world is irreparable. Reacting to the statements of American Senators, denouncing a Hindu prayer in the Idaho Senate, Hindu American Foundation (HAF) wrote a letter to Idaho Senator Steve Vick to publically apologize. He also gave clarification about Hinduism, “The caste system is a social construct which exists in most South Asian religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and others. Nor is the caste system unique to South Asia, as caste structures can be found in Japan, Indonesia, Africa, and Europe”.

To put the record correct, HAF statement is misleading as in Islam there is no caste system and no one has superiority over other due to colour,

caste, race or social status. The American Senators, who boycotted Hindu prayers had right to do so but they could have used better phrase that might not had injured the sentiments of the Hindus. One wonders how would a Christian, Jew or a Muslim feel if the same was said about their God. In the Holy Quran, Muslims have been forbidden to criticize others gods as others might criticize the Almighty Allah.

Similarly Quran give full protection of the worship places of the other religions. It would be interesting to note that in Pakistan, although the state religion is Islam and Muslims have been guaranteed to order their lives in the individual and collective spheres in accordance with the teachings and requirements of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah but minorities have been given complete freedom. In the Constitution of Pakistan there are provisions for the minorities to profess and practice their religions and develop their cultures. The point to stress remains that no one can force others to bow before false gods but we need to be tolerant and respect others’ religious beliefs.

—Writer is freelance columnist.

Disparagement of society Nighat Leghari Email:nighatleghari@yahoo.com

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HE gruesome attack on Churches and later lynching of two youngsters has provided a point of scoffing to all other religions. The extremists have driven wages between Muslims and NonMuslims. The terrorists have striped off the mask of morality and perverted Islam which is the component of pluralism, tolerance and activism.

An alumnus fullbright scholar Zeshan Ansari from Florida Institute of Technology in his book “Simulation of suicide bombing” has analyzes the background of terrorism.

He analyses that social injustice of many types has brought this havoc all over the world especially in Pakistan. Quoting many justices in the developed countries he says to my immense surprise while living in America, once while visiting the Disneyland in a queue, the Governor of Florida was second to me in the queue. He says we are lack of the

ability to tolerant each other, we need to respect each other, to listen to opposing opinions and avoid conflicting views. Moreover in his estimation using some dense mathematics to predict the next suicide bombing attacks before it happens and adding more input to the database, we can save more and more lives. He elaborated many other techniques to prevent the suicide bombing.

Providing a laugh line to the readers I would like to quote an old Greek episode which supposed to be related to the background of willful deaths of terrorists “an old lady tried to teach her pet parrot to speak for many long year but in vane, one day the parrot suddenly quaked, “I cannot eat this garbage this is full of insects” can u speak? Cried the old lady, why you had not spoken anything in this long period? There was nothing to complain about up till today, spoke the parrot. After exploring the background of this turmoil of terrorism prevailing in Pakistan, that what are the motivation which force a human being to kill himself alongwith his fellow beings round him. I am of the

opinion that the social segregation, the injustices, the poverty and down run of many necessities of life to the down-trodden people of Pakistan has risen this trend in the youth who are now called as the terrorist.

The bringing up also plays a vital role to make a fine human being.

Parenting can make a childe a thorough human being. Moreover the western tendencies have divorced the religion form the life of our youngsters because parents have not time to teach them Islamic teachings. Parents are so much occupied with the worldly affairs that they have even no time for themselves to set any good example to their children. Media has raised a very negative and subversive attitude in the youth, motivated by violent movies they start their thrilling activities from toy gun to the real ones. The other bad luck which brought a total ruin to us is abolishing the joint family system. The foremost advantage of this system was that the grandparents use to give full attention and love to them, while sitting in the cozy beds the grandmothers use to narrate the heroic stories of their chivalrous heroes

of our history which inspired the grand children the chivalry, righteousness and urge of promoting their physical strength because physical strength always give a child boldness, confidence and prevents him for bad activities. Factually the un-Islamic and unbalanced system set by our governments nourished restlessness in the people and paralysed the abilities of the individual. In Islamic system the ruler of a state has to perform his duty in a way that he is responsible to provide his people an economic satisfaction and spiritual elevation.

In North Waziristan almost every male member has got its own weapon which they use openly on very minor matters as a token of chivalry. Under an intrigue the US propagated that all the terrorists are from the North Waziristan. The US claimed that to protect the Pakistanis people and their human rights, it has started the latest technology of Drones attacks and killed the infallible people at random.

—The writer is Multan-based journalist.

View From Abroad

NATO’s new perils David Ignatius

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HE NATO alliance seems stuck at a crossroads on Ukraine, unsure whether to move toward greater confrontation with Russia or accept the deadlocked “frozen conflict” that has emerged there. It’s a unified morass, at least, with President Obama sharing the reluctance of European leaders to escalate the crisis by providing defensive weapons to Ukraine or tightening sanctions against Russia. The United States tacitly backs the decision made by European leaders here last week to maintain the status quo — and link any easing of sanctions to implementation of the Minsk agreement that has brought a shaky truce in Ukraine.

The policy impasse was illustrated by Gen. Philip Breedlove, the NATO commander. I asked him Sunday at a conference in Brussels whether arming Kiev, which he reportedly favours, would be stabilizing or destabilizing. He indicated that he favoured sending weapons, saying: “I do not think that any tool of US . . . power should necessarily be off the table.” But Breedlove noted the ambiguity of the policy choice: “Could it be destabilizing? The an-

swer is yes. Also, inaction could be destabilizing.” The problem is that it’s hard to see how current sanctions policy will lead to a true de-escalation, unless Russian President Vladimir Putin has a sudden conversion. Russian analysts here say it could take years for sanctions to bite so much that they force a policy change. Leaving aside whether a Russian economic breakdown would really be in the West’s interest, sanctions may have a perverse outcome in the near term: Rather than encouraging Putin and his cronies to change course, they may instead empower the most corrupt and conservative forces in Russia.

Sanctions had just this unintended outcome in Iraq during the 1990s, when controls that were meant to punish the regime of Saddam Hussein enfeebled the mass economy but enriched elite regime cronies who could evade sanctions.

Russians here warned that just such a process may be underway in Russia. NATO has learned to live with frozen conflicts near its borders, such as between Georgia and the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia; and between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Diplomatic efforts to resolve these disputes have been underway for years, with little progress. But a frozen conflict with

Russia itself would be considerably more dangerous. The status quo, with Ukraine vulnerable and sanctions continuing, would mean increasing isolation and impoverishment of a Russian economy that was foundering long before Putin annexed Crimea and triggered reprisals. Russians can probably live with a declining economy — their ability to endure suffering is part of the Russian national identity — but this course seems likely to produce a Russia that’s ever more lawless, unsteady and prone to violence, internally and externally.

The Brussels Forum discussions explored another dilemma for NATO: As a conventional military alliance, it is ill-prepared for the “hybrid warfare” Russia has waged in Ukraine, which has been closer to a paramilitary covert action to support proxy forces than to a traditional military attack. Breedlove acknowledged this problem and said that NATO needed to mount an “all of government” response to Moscow, including information operations and other tools that are traditionally used by intelligence agencies or foreign ministries, not military alliances. While NATO leaders recognize they need these strategies, the debate about boosting the alliance usually centres on

military hardware and whether countries are spending the promised 2 percent of GDP on defence.

The next frontier of hybrid warfare may be cyberattacks. They pose a special challenge for NATO’s doctrine of collective self-defence because the attackers are hard to identify and the damage is usually limited in scope. Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the international affairs committee of Russia’s Federation Council, pointedly asked NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg here Friday whether NATO would bomb a country in response to a cyberassault.

Stoltenberg gave a predictable nonresponse. “We will do what’s necessary to do to protect all allies. But I’m not going to tell you exactly how I’m going to do that.” His answer seemed less a calculated ambiguity than a reflection of a genuine uncertainty in NATO about just how it would find a “proportional” response in the event a member nation was attacked electronically.

Thanks to Putin, NATO now faces a clear threat to European security.

But the question of how the alliance should respond is fuzzy, and it needs much more discussion. A frozen conflict can become as dangerous as a hot one.

— Courtesy: The Washington Post

It’s not just beef..!

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HE man in the Mumbai Irani restaurant sitting oppo site me had a troubled look on his face as he eyed the sliced onions and lime that sat so fresh in his side plate. He looked at me then looked uneasily at his plate again.

“You don’t like onions?” I asked him gently. I love them,” he said.

“They’re spoilt?” “They look fresh,” he said, “They also feel fresh!” “Then eat them,” I said encouragingly, “Spray the lime on the

onions, and have them with relish!

Come on!” “No!” shouted the man sitting opposite me in the Irani restaurant, “No!” “Hey, hey, there’s no need to panic. What’s the problem, if you like onions and still don’t want to eat them?” “I’m scared!” said the man opposite me, and a waiter passing by stopped as he saw the man shiver. “Scared of what?”

“Scared that if I like onions too much, the government will ban them!” “They would never do that!”

“If they could ban my beef, they’d do the same with my onions, and also…” “Also what?” I asked as the same waiter held the slightly shivering man who shared my table, “What else would they ban?” “My coffee!”

“Why would they ever do that?”

I asked. “Because we coffee drinkers are a minority in Mumbai, and the majority tea drinkers would see that that the minority who drink coffee would lose their cuppa! “That’s a terrible thought,” I said, and suddenly started getting a shivering fit like my neighbor as he whispered, “What do you like?”

“Chocolates!” I whispered back.

“Banned!” said the man, cheerfully.

“Why would they ban chocolates?” I asked. “If the chief minister and the majority of his colleagues are diabetic, you become a minority and that’s the end of your sweets!” I stared at the man sitting at the other side of the table, staring at his onions and

suddenly found myself also staring at the restaurant counter with the bottles of chocolates, “This is serious!” I said.

“I told you it was!” said the onion loving man, “Though I fear much worse!” “What’s worse than no chocolates and no coffee!” I wailed and then fell silent as he raised his finger, and asked “Do you love your wife?” “Of course!” I shrieked, “But now you’re stretching it too far, they wouldn’t ban wives in our lives would they?”

“Well, if the man behind all this walked out on his, why wouldn’t he ban ours too?” We both stared at our onions and began to cry.

—Email: bobsbanter@gmail.com

Voice of the People The Pakistan Resolution JAVAID BASHIR

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N All India Muslim League’s meeting held at Minto Park in Lahore on March 23, 1940 historical document, “Lahore Resolution” was presented and passed with resounding voice vote. It was drafted during the meeting. This heralded the struggle for the Pakistan Movement that culminated in the independent State of Pakistan. The word Pakistan was coined by Ch. Rehmat Ali an Oxford University student, in 1933. Lahore Resolution was presented by the Premier of Bengal, Maulvi Fazal e Haq. It was seconded by Ch. Khalque uz Zaman. The Lahore Resolution was jeered at by the Hindus who sarcastically gave it the name of ‘Pakistan Resolution’ (thanks to the malicious conduct of Hindus, which further motivated our forefathers to gear up their struggle for separate homeland) and it was the Pakistan Resolution that provided a clear sense of direction and destination to the Muslims of the subcontinent. Seven years later after fierce struggle and nationwide movement Known as Pakistan Movement under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah independent State of Pakistan appeared on the world map. Ideology of Pakistan is based on the famous, “Two-Nation theory” which was elaborately advocated by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah the great leader of Muslims, who sensed the designs and motives of the Hindus. The theory supported the proposal that Muslims and Hindus should be two separate Nations. It is the ideology that is the main identity and unifying aspect of Muslims in the Indian Sub-continent. Therefore, Indian Muslims and Hindus are two distinct nations regardless of ethnic or other commonalities. It became the founding principle of Pakistan Movement. Quaid-i-Azam won independence with the might of his argument and reason. It was a great fete performed by the Quaid, despite the resistance of Hindu majority.

—Karachi

Business communication SALMAN AHMED The importance of communication in business cannot be overlooked.

Business communication consists of two aspects, internal and external communications. Internal communications take place when people within the same company communicate and interact with each other.

Big companies, with larger work force, make this an essential aspect of running their business, and this involves decision making, issuance of orders and guidelines, reporting of results, reporting of complaints, discussion of new ideas, examination of client needs, determining of marketing strategies, production of the goods and communications for the motivation of employees. All of these aspects are crucial for smooth running of a business, and embracing new technologies in the modern world for these purposes will be aptly helpful.

The other form of communication that is necessary is external communication, and this involves interacting with vendors, clients, customers, press representatives and legal representatives and a comprehensive mechanism for monitoring of the market forces vis-a-vis their products and collection of the feedback. All of these channels require great tact and showmanship, and no company can survive without following the proper lines of communication. The needs of the clients need to be understood, the progress needs to be regularly conveyed to them, the procurement of raw materials needs to be carried out, the synergy and partnership with other companies needs to be nurtured, and the customers need to be targeted properly. All of these tasks require a concentrated effort from all departments of the organization, and this can only be achieved through proper means of business communication. The importance of business communication in modern day scenarios must not be underestimated by any means, since this is the life blood of any company. Embracing new technologies for this purpose is also essential, and all successful companies know this.

—Via email

Word press banned

ets or batted brilliantly or sometimes misjudged shots made him out; every time these moments had created a Boom Boom in the environment.

Whether it’s a little child or elderly person, everyone has admired him.

In 1996, he started his career where he made records, bowled magnificently, batted unpredictably. His amazing years had brought numerous records, astonishing moments and enthusiastic victories. He had given phenomenal memories to the world of cricket, which could never be forgotten. Though, in world cup 2015 he could not perform his best but at the end of Pakistan world cup journey, fans have received him with respect and honour. It seems just yesterday, where he made the record of fastest century and today saying him goodbye to ODI cricket is heartbreaking. Shahid Khan Afridi, Boom Boom the legend, who will always be remembered in the amazing memories of cricket!

—Karachi

Say no to worthless drama IQRA ALI Although television industry in Pakistan has given a lot to its viewers highlighting the potential problems of our society but even with the number of channels and advancement in aspects of drama technology, the storyline has gone limited to tragic marriages, family intrigues, issues relating to in-laws, unlawful relationships and jealousies and worn out topics with no concrete message or guidelines for a happy family life, national honour or intellectual up-bringing.

Story conclusions are now predictable and the variations to the topic are not seen anymore which is casting unhealthy impact on our society.

Our television industry should get rid of purposeless, directionless monotonous stories and should start focusing on some new subjects. We are way too good when it comes to our neighbour country, except that the movies and dramas for their own public are ideologically and patriotically motivated while ours seem to be apologetic about our values, morals, ideology and traditions. We can and we should inject a sense of direction and national honour in our movies and dramas.

—Via email

Give children their due

SIDRA TALHA After the You Tube, the Pakistani government has also blocked Word Press - the popular blogging platform that empowers around 30% of the internet. The ban is said to be temporary and on account of security concerns. However, there is no official statement from Pakistan Telecom Authority regarding the ban. Word press is used by thousands of users for building websites and blogs. The sudden ban is quite shocking and the silence of PTA on this issue is utterly disappointing.

The government and IT Ministry should come up with better ideas rather than just blocking the websites if they threaten the security or display blasphemic content.

—Karachi

Boom Boom, the legend

UMER MUSTAFA If we visit any of the institutions in our society, we will witness the crowd of people, same is the case when we turn towards the hospitals, where we see a number of people along with their new born babies and little kids.

Actually hospital is the place where people are diagnosed and treated for their diseases; but the atmosphere there is unfavourable and unhealthy, especially for babies.

Therefore, it becomes the moral obligation of the administration of the hospital to treat small children on priority basis and proper measures should be taken to create awareness among common masses about the harmful impact of diseases on the health of children and the far reaching consequences which could result into the chronic diseases at later stages.

—Islamabad

SAROJ RIZWAN KHAN A young boy, who had surprised world with his fastest century, astounded the cricket fans with his charismatic performance and amazed other competitor with his powerful game. He had always brought energy to the matches, his unpredictability had entertained the crowd and his Boom Boom essence had overwhelmed the atmosphere.

With magnificent sixes or wrongly played shots, he is none other than Shahid Khan Afridi a.k.a. Lala.

Shahid Afridi had always brought spark in every match. He took wick-

23rd March, Pakistan Day LARAIB HAMEED rd

23 March is called Pakistan Resolution Day, Republic Day or Lahore resolution. I want to share that it was really great to see the parade after many years. It was really worth to see the way Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force displayed their talent and operational capabilities. It is also the Day of Quaid’s vision, reflected in his speech in July 1947 even before

Pakistan came into being, when he categorically announced that the ‘Minorities to whichever community they belong will be safeguarded.

Their religion or faith or belief will be secure’. It is an important day in the history of Pakistan. Pakistan came into being in the name of Islam. If we look into our lives it is our religion which holds us together in all matters and day-to-day affairs. By virtue of this day we should redeem our pledge to hold our country together. May ALLAH guide this country out of crisis to safety. Ameen!

—Via email

Resolution Day SHAHID AHMED QURESHI 23rd March is being celebrated with traditional zeal, fervour and determination to strive harder for the country’s prosperity, peace, security and stability, at Islamabad after lapse of seven years, to memorize the historic Pakistan Resolution on March 23, 1940, which spearheaded the provision of a separate state for Muslims. Special prayers were offered in Mosques after Fajar prayer for progress, prosperity and solidarity of the country. The national flag was be hoisted on major government buildings.

The last parade took place in Islamabad when General (retired) Parvez Musharaf viewed it as a civilian President, but later-on ceased due to security concerns. The main event of the Day was military parade after a gap of seven years at the newly constructed Parade Ground near Faizabad interchange, owing to the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif and Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. We request Federal and Provincial governments to continue to celebrate this Day in future and also pass on orders to Education departments to celebrate this day in different schools and colleges and conduct competitions among students to build students’ confidence in their study as well as in speech.

—Badin

Evil of illiteracy MUBBASHAR RIAZ Education is believed to be the most facile defence of a nation. The Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan says, “The state of Pakistan shall remove illiteracy and provide free and compulsory education within minimum possible period.” Pakistan having literacy rate of 49.9% with 33.8% in females and 47.18% in males and standing at the 136th position in the world, lags far behind the due literacy rate for developed and socially organized states. The Constitution rescinds itself and the government has failed to boom the education services up to the marked criterion. Illiteracy leads to numerous hitches in the society and impedes its growth.

Lopsided education system, disparity in medium of education in public and private sectors, motivational paucity, dilettante staff and little investment on education, are a few intrinsic stumbling blocks. Illiteracy is the mother of all evils. A thorough change can just be brought about via better education. Terror activities, rapes, poverty, moral decline, gauche manners, smashes and grabs etc. are the pay-offs of illiteracy. The government and parents can curb this evil by resolving that each and every child is granted admission to school.

—Lahore

DISCLAIMER THE articles, columns and letters are published on these pages in good faith. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.

—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net

Xi’s initiative spurs scholarship plan BEIJING—China plans to set up a scholarship designed exclusively for students coming to study in the country from nations involved in Beijing’s initiatives to build a Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

An official from the Ministry of Education confirmed the “One Belt and One Road” scholarship plan on Tuesday.

“We are negotiating with the Ministry of Finance on establishing scholarship programs under the (One Belt and One Road) plan to provide more support to students from those countries,” said Tian Lulu.

Tian, an official in the Education Ministry’s Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges, was speaking at an international forum on studying in China, held in Beijing. The forum, which was organized by the China Education Association for International Exchanges, discussed issues such as policies, problems and solutions in recruiting and managing international students.

Tian said they are working on the design of the scholarship programs, but she declined to provide more details. She said the ministry had noticed that the major sources of international students in China are

changing, and it will draw up new policies as a result.

President’s initiatives spur plan for new scholarship “The number of students from some countries, such as South Korea, Japan and the United States, remains stable or has started to drop. But some neighboring countries, including India and Pakistan, are becoming emerging sources for international students in China,” Tian said.

According to the Education Ministry, Pakistan, with 13,360 students coming to study last year, was the eighth-largest source of international students in China, compared with the 10th largest in 2013, when President Xi Jinping announced the “One Belt and One Road” plan.

The number of students coming to study in China from India rose from 11,781 in 2013 to 13,578 last year, making India the seventh-largest source of China’s international students. Tian said, “Against such a backdrop, we are considering providing more preferential policies to some border provinces and regions to help schools and other educational institutions recruit and accept more students from neighboring countries.”—Xinhua

All sanctions be lifted in any nukes deal: Iran T EHRAN —Iran will insist the last word on all matters that all sanctions against it are lifted as a condition for a nuclear deal, the foreign minister said on Wednesday, showing no sign of compromise on a major sticking point in its talks with world powers set to resume this week.

“This is the position that the government has insisted on from the start,” Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was quoted by the official IRNA news agency as saying.

The United Nations, United States and European Union have imposed a wide array of sanctions on Iran to try to curtail its nuclear program as they fear Tehran wants to develop an atomic weapon. Iran insists its aims are peaceful.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has

of state in the Islamic Republic, said in a speech last week that the immediate lifting of sanctions must be a part of any nuclear deal.

Western officials have consistently rejected that demand, and a senior European negotiator last week said the immediate lifting of all sanctions was “out of the question”.

Officials from Iran and the P5+1 group of countries the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China - are due to resume nuclear talks on Thursday aimed at resolving a decadeold standoff over the country’s nuclear program.

Negotiatiors want to agree on a political framework deal by the end of March, three months before the end-June deadline for a comprehensive nuclear pact.—Reuters

Syrian rebels seize historic town in south

Houthi forces attack air base near Aden

ZHOU BO

A

Southern People’s Resistance militants loyal to Yemen’s President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi take positions on the frontline of fighting against Houthi fighters in the country’s southern province of Lahej.

ADEN—Houthi forces backed by allied tion later said the Houthis had captured fense of Aden, but its fall to the Houthis army units attacked a big air base about 60 km (37 miles) north of Aden on Wednesday, triggering heavy fighting with defenders loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, security sources and residents said.

The fighting at the al-Anad facility was also reported by media affiliated with the Iranian-backed Houthi movement, which has taken over much of the north of the country in recent months and contests U.S.allied Hadi’s legitimacy as head of state.

The Houthis’ al-Masira television sta-

the base, but there was no independent confirmation of that report.

The fighting suggests the Houthis are making steady progress in a push south towards Aden seen by many Yemenis as an attempt to unseat Hadi, who is based in the city and seen by the Shi’ite Muslim group as a stooge of Gulf Arabs and the West.

Al-Anad, held by Hadi’s forces up until now in the country’s worsening conflict, is believed to house a number of military aircraft that Hadi could call on in de-

rebels who have received military support from President Bashar al-Assad’s foreign foes and jihadist group the Nusra Front, which is al Qaeda’s arm in Syria.

The mainstream rebels say they have received more military support from Assad’s foreign foes since the start of the offensive by Damascus.

The Observatory said 21 insurgents had been killed in the four days of battles. The Syrian military on Monday said it had killed several insurgent leaders during the fighting.

Bosra al-Sham is around 20 km (12 miles) north of the Jordanian border in the province of Deraa.

Bosra’s historic sites include an ancient citadel built around a 2nd century Roman amphitheatre. Bosra was once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, according to the UNESCO website.—Reuters

would deprive him of their use.

The base has also housed an intelligence post for monitoring the Yemeni affiliate of al Qaeda, or AQAP, that is normally manned in part by U.S. personnel.

But the United States last week evacuated its remaining personnel from Yemen, including about 100 special operations forces, because of deteriorating security. The last major U.S. military contingent in Yemen had been stationed at al-Anad, according to U.S. national security sources.—Reuters

Ukraine’s president dismisses powerful regional governor KIEV, UKRAINE—Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko dismissed authorities,” said Serhiy Leshchenko, an investigative journalistthe billionaire governor of an eastern region Wednesday following a rancorous dispute pitting the tycoon against the government.

Poroshenko’s office said in a statement that Ihor Kolomoysky had asked to be released from his duties as governor of Dnipropetrovsk.

The government last week followed through on its plans to dilute the power of Ukraine’s ultra-rich business elite by pushing a law through parliament that led, in effect, to control over an oil and gas company being wrested from Kolomoysky.

Kolomoysky reacted by ordering armed groups of men to seize the offices of two energy companies in the capital, Kiev.

The episode has threatened to spark renewed political instability in Ukraine, which is battling Russian-backed separatists in eastern regions neighboring Dnipropetrovsk, as well as a sinking economy.

Kolomoysky is a contentious figure in Ukraine — unafraid to use heavy-handed tactics in his business activities but also strongly committed to protecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Over the past year, he has tapped into his wealth, which Forbes magazine estimates stands at $1.3 billion, to finance volunteer battalions waging war against separatist militias. Those battalions have since been subordinated to central government control, although it is believed Kolomoysky still retains considerable sway over them.

While there is concern about how the showdown between Kolomoysky and the government could play out, many are greeting the move against him with relief. “(His) behavior was simply a slap in the face to the legitimate

turned-parliamentary deputy.

Poroshenko said that Dnipropetrovsk should continue to serve as a defensive line for eastern Ukraine. “We must ensure peace, stability and tranquility. Dnipropetrovsk region should remain a bastion for Ukraine in the east, to protect the peace and tranquility of citizens,” Poroshenko said.

When then-President Viktor Yanukovych was overthrown last year in a mass street revolt fueled in part by anger over corruption, many hoped business would no longer continue as usual.

Chief among the figures distrusted by the public are the tycoons that earned their riches in the chaos of the post-independence period. The hyper-rich in the former Soviet Union influence politics and government more brazenly and openly than their Western counterparts, earning them the label of oligarchs.

In a move transparently designed to cut Kolomoysky down to size, the parliament last week adopted a law requiring only 50 percent of shareholders of joint stock companies to attend company meetings before decision could be taken. The threshold was previously 60 percent. Poroshenko signed off on the law overnight Tuesday, around the time he was meeting with Kolomoysky to discuss the governor’s dismissal. That measure had the most immediate ramifications for Kolomoysky, whose Privat Group conglomerate holds a 43-percent stake in oil and gas company Ukrnafta.

Although the government-owned energy company Naftogaz controls just over 50 percent of Ukrnafta, Privat Group had — until now — been able to obstruct any policies going against Kolomoysky’s interests.—AP

B EIRUT —Insurgent groups in the south include mainstream fighting the Syrian government have seized control of a southern town near the border with Jordan after four days of battles, the Syrian Observatory for Human rights reported on Wednesday.

A Syrian military source said there had been heavy fighting with armed groups in and around the town of Bosra al-Sham on Tuesday night.

“We are investigating the facts in the field,” the source said. The ancient city of Bosra is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

The Syrian army and allied forces including the Lebanese group Hezbollah launched a big offensive against rebel groups in Syria’s southwestern corner early last month. It is an area of strategic importance due to its proximity to Damascus and neighboring states Israel and Jordan.

Insurgent groups operating

China,Greece to advance pragmatic cooperation

Syrian rebels seize Bosra Al-Sham town.

BEIJING—Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias in Beijing on Wednesday, pledging to advance pragmatic cooperation. Wang said the two countries trust and support each other, which is the foundation of the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two sides should make the Chinese-run project at the Greek port of Piraeus “a paradigm of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Greece,” Wang said. Wang spoke highly of the positive role Greece plays in the ties between China and Europe.—Xinhua

Pragmatism still hallmark in post-Lee era EI SUN OH

W

HEN as a child I first met Lee Kuan Yew in the early 1980s, he was very much in his prime, addressing a huge noon-time crowd in an election rally in downtown Singapore. When I last saw him in a banquet a few years ago, he was holding forth in a question-and-answer session. In both instances, Lee’s undaunted forcefulness and confident forthrightness was almost palpable.

And that was how Lee ran Singapore, the then precarious island nation he created half a century ago amid gathering regional tensions.

When Lee passed away on Monday, he had hammered Singapore into one of the world’s indispensable economic hubs.

Singapore’s world-class achievements led some to coin the term “Singapore model,” which has at its core a strong but elected government which is thus empowered to supposedly look out for the interests of the people with focused attention. A powerful government, with timely policy revisions along the way, looks set to hold sway in Singapore for some time to come, even after Lee’s passing.

And there is plenty in the “Singapore

Neutrality is key to ASEAN centrality

model” to be emulated. One is the emphasis placed on human resources. The avowed meritocracy practiced in Singapore, first mooted by Lee, attracts talent to the tropical island that plays a crucial role in its fast-paced development.

Moreover, the relentless drive against corruption is another pillar of the “Singapore model.” Lee defied the pervasive impression of developing Asia as being riddled with corrupt officials and businessmen alike, and swept out those in the civil service and in society in general who made a livelihood “on the take.”

The result was a “clean” Singapore that is the envy of many from around the world.

Yet another pillar of the “Singapore model” that was perhaps close to Lee, a trained lawyer’s heart, is the stringent upholding of the rule of law in Singapore. Strict laws were enacted and studiously enforced to combat crimes of all stripes, while Singapore was carefully shaped into a first-choice commercial dispute resolution center. All these measures

by Lee have long permeated Singaporean society.

But perhaps by far the most valuable pillar of the “Singapore model” honed by Lee is

its full-fledged pragmatism. In public sphere, this translates into the constant updating and revisions of various policies. In the early days of the republic, for example, population pressure prompted Lee to introduce family planning. When the specter of an aging population started looming, however, Singapore reversed its population policy and started to encourage more births, a policy which is still in force today.

Since Lee’s days at the helm, Singapore’s foreign policy has also anchored itself on pragmatism. On the global stage, this manifested in Singapore often not taking an ideological stand on issues, but subtly searching for a balancing point between its own national interest on the one hand, and regional peace and security on the other. In recent years, for example, Singapore has had to carefully situate itself between the towering presence of both China and the US in the region.

Lee made an immense contribution to the close-knit relations between Singapore and China, having built up a personal rapport with five generations of Chinese leaders. Despite ideological differences, Singapore was one of the role models referenced by China during the

onset of the latter’s reform and opening-up.

The China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park and Tianjin Eco-city joint projects broke new ground in binational cooperative development.

But perhaps of more lasting impact is the “mayoral course” held periodically in Singapore for Chinese officials to be exposed to modern management skills. This sort of personnel exchange constitutes an invisible heritage that could cement the long-lasting relations.

Indeed, in the post-Lee era, bilateral relations will only further expand and deepen. The maritime Silk Road initiative propounded by China is being implemented, and Singapore as a traditional entrepot is well poised to work with China in bringing this important 21st century trade and investment route into fruition. Lee’s passing saddens many in Singapore and beyond, but his pragmatic and farsighted legacy will continue to be a part of Singapore’s and perhaps also the region’s public discourse, providing guidance for future generations of leaders.

—Courtesy: GT [The author is a senior fellow with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn]

SEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh recently told The Manila Times that China’s claim in South China Sea based on the nine-dash-line was illegal, and that the happenings in the South China Sea were further complicating the situation and impeding the development of the ASEAN community. His remarks were immediately criticized by China’s Foreign Ministry.

Le wears two hats, one as a senior Vietnamese diplomat and the other as ASEAN secretary general. It is not difficult to imagine what a Vietnamese diplomat might say about Vietnam’s maritime dispute with China (especially to a newspaper in Manila, which too has a dispute with Beijing). But what if he made the remark as ASEAN secretary general? If his remark represents the views of ASEAN, then it should be seen as a new and dangerous move.

China and ASEAN relations are not bad. China and ASEAN signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2003. The first decade of this century was hailed as a golden decade for the two sides, and China is now ASEAN’s largest trading partner. But behind the glitter, there is the shadow of the South China Sea disputes. After all, China has disputes with four ASEAN member states.

So, when Le talks about the situation in the South China Sea and the ASEAN community, he apparently makes a link between the two. According to the 2002 China-ASEAN Declaration, the disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved by “sovereign states directly concerned”, that is, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. If the disputes are taken as an issue between China and ASEAN, the only conclusion would be that ASEAN is being hijacked by some countries, such as Vietnam and the Philippines which are at the forefront of challenging China.

The question is: Could ASEAN be hijacked? The answer: It is not impossible. The Philippines is trying to move the international maritime tribunal against China. When Manila launched such a surprise attack on Beijing, it didn’t consult ASEAN. Although ASEAN knew fully well that such a move violates the 2002 China-ASEAN Declaration that “the parties concerned undertake to resolve their territorial and jurisdictional disputes through friendly consultations and negotiations”, ASEAN chose to remain silent.

ASEAN is thriving and its influence has widened. It has announced that it would establish the ASEAN community by the end of 2015. Irrespective of the huge economic disparities among its members and the dissimilarity with the European Union, the process of integration is impressive. If indeed the art of survival of small nations is to maintain the right balance with major powers, then it makes sense for them to hang together to, at least, look big.

So far ASEAN has carefully maintained such a balance among regional powers. The strategy is to engage through the “ASEAN Way”, which emphasizes comfort to all. No haste. No worry. I am only happy if you are merry. After two decades, such a strategy has worked. Major regional powers such as China, Russia, Japan, Australia and the United States all agree to ASEAN’s centrality in regional security.

But ASEAN must exercise moderation. If balance is the key, then the key to balance is neutrality. And if ASEAN loses its neutrality, its centrality would be doomed. For ASEAN, neutrality means not only being impartial in its relations with major powers, but also being neutral in the disputes some of its member’s have with China, because this is what it has committed to. No matter how eagerly ASEAN wishes to conclude a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea with China, the precondition is that China has to have confidence in the Southeast Asian bloc.

It is noteworthy how the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman tried to differentiate Le from ASEAN when he said ASEAN is not owned by a particular country. This apparently means China doesn’t wish to spoil its relations with ASEAN even after the ASEAN secretary general made the inappropriate remark.

—Courtesy: CD [The author is an honorary fellow with Center of China-American Defense Relations, affiliated to the Academy of Military Science]

Cold-Bloodedness DILAWAR SHERZAI

O

UR city has become ruthless these days. It has become insensitive to human emotions and humanity. Though it is the start of spring season, there is no scent of flowers and greenery. The sky has become grey and the winds have turned dustier. The roads are lengthy and lead to nowhere. The people have become ferocious and barbaric. They saunter so as to find victims, attack them and tear them to pieces.

It was not always the way it is now. The beginning of spring season was more colorful in Kabul. The celebrations of Nauroz were more joyous. Hafth Mewa was more mouthwatering. Qabuli had more taste and odor. The songs of Ahmad Zahir used to be more melodious. Things are not the way this year. There is a change – something has haunted the city. There is smell of blood near the Kabul River. Yes, it is the blood of Farkhunda!

The same Farkhunda, who was bullied, stoned, dragged, kicked, beaten and burnt by hundreds of men. The same Farkhunda, who seemed like a helpless dear among a group of hungry Hyenas. The same Farkhunda, who kept on repeating that she was guiltless and had not done any crime or sin. However, she could not convince the violent men. The men who had only heard that she had burnt the Holy Koran.

The men, who were not even sure that she was really responsible for burning Holy Koran. The men, most of whom themselves did not know how to recite the Holy Book perfectly or understand it properly. The men, who were blindfolded by religious extremism and chauvinistic beliefs. The men, many of whom themselves had committed several sins but were never held accountable for. The men, who proved their manhood on a woman who at that stance was stranded and alone.

How to talk of justice and fair play in a country, where the punishment for a crime that one has not done is death? How to talk of humanity when the people feel taste in killing a lonely woman by dragging her on the streets? How to talk of Islam in a society where there is no respect for well-being of others? How to talk of responsibility in a city where the policemen are incapable to provide you safety even when you are being beaten to death in front them? How to talk of guidance and spirituality in a society where the religious leaders are the ones who lead you astray?

There has to be a way to salvation for the coldblooded murder of Farkhunda. Protests are appreciated but not enough. A different burial was necessary but not sufficient. Even it is not enough that Farkhunda’s corpse was carried by her fellowwomen; not even this that her burial rituals were carried out by women themselves.

It is also not adequate that people are wearing her masks and chanting “I am Farkhunda”. Something more needs to be done. Something that can guarantee that such heinous acts will not be repeated. Something that can make women feel more secure while they are on the streets and even in their houses.

Something that can teach a lesson to those who will to do anything they want in the name of religion. Something that can restore our belief on human beings and humanity. Something that can absorb the stink of the burning corpse of Farkhunda from the air around us.

Why don’t we mend ourselves? Why don’t we recognize that we are naturally the best of the creatures and claim to be superior? Why don’t our minds think and our hearts feel the way they should? Why don’t we strive for a better way of living?

Why don’t we adopt the habit of research and the search for knowledge? Why don’t we open our eyes and see the things as they are not as we want them to be?

—Courtesy: Outlook Afghanistan [Dilawar Sherzai is the permanent writer of the Daily Outlook Afghanistan. He can be reached at email.urya@gmail.com]

Operation to continue till end of last criminal: Nawaz From Page 1 government’s commitment to take the Karachi operation to its logical end.

Speaking about the role of Pakistan People’s Party Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari in ensuring peace in Karachi, the sources said both the federal government and Pakistan Army are happy with Zardari.

“Playing his cards smartly, Zardari is benefiting from the efforts to restore peace in the city,” they said.

In a meeting with his party lawmakers, the premier had expressed satisfaction over the progress made in the Karachi operation, claiming that there has been considerable reduction in incidents of street crime, kidnapping for ransom and target killing. “I would personally go to Karachi to get progress updates,” he said.

The DG Rangers and the Corps Commander also briefed the premier on

the city’s law and order situation. The premier was apprised over the ongoing targeted operation in the metropolis and the investigation carried out after the recent raid and arrests at Nine Zero.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah was also present in the meeting. The Karachi operation will be brought to an eventual conclusion and peace will be restored in the city, Nawaz said.

Adding to the controversy, Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad was not present at the meeting despite having received the premier along with Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah from the airport. However, presiding over the meeting, PM Nawaz said, “I want to see complete peace in Karachi come what may.”

The Prime Minister clarified that

the Karachi operation was initiated by taking all the parties into confidence and it is against criminals rather than any specific political party.

“Karachi operation was initiated in September 2013 by taking all the parties into confidence whereas government with a help of administration has tried to make Karachi free from terrorism, target killing, kidnapping for ransom and street crimes as we want to make Karachi a peaceful heaven for the citizens,” he added.

Nawaz further wished to have friendly relations with the neighbouring country India and has also urged the Indian leadership to initiate table talks.

Moreover, he further vowed to overcome gas and electricity load-shedding as early as possible for the restoration of economical development in the country.

Bureaucracy neglects real heroes guilty of plagiarism.

Memory loss seems to have occurred at the different segments of federal cabinets particularly the Interior affairs department of provinces and federation as well, who is directly engaged in ongoing war against terrorism in the country.

Another name, the slain Chaudhary Muhammad Aslam who was a Superintendent of Police (SSP) in the Sindh Police department and headed the anti-extremist cell of Sindh police’s Crime Investigation Department (CID).

In 2011, he escaped unhurt from an attack by militant group on his house situated in the Defence Phase VIII area of Karachi. The attack resulted in the death of eight people. At that time, a defiant Aslam, whose home

was half blown away by the blast, said he knew he was the target but it would not deter him from fighting against extremists.

The MQM worker Saulat Mirza was arrested by late Ch. Aslam SP CID, when he arrived on Karachi airport returning from Bangkok on December 1998.

On 9 January 2014, he died along with two other officers, his guard and driver, when a bomb targeted his convoy on the Lyari expressway in Karachi.

The Mohmand Agency chapter of the banned Tehrike-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif praised SP CID Chaudhry Aslam and the other officers killed as martyrs, Inter Ser-

vices Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement of the army chief General Raheel Sharif, acknowledging the contributions of police and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in the fight against terror, and paying tribute to Chaudhry Aslam for laying down his life in the line of duty.

However the ‘Baboos’ with rusty brains also missed the name of not only these peoples from civil award lists but hundreds of others who lost their lives for their homeland.

There is a question mark over the democratic ruling regime that claimed to ensure transparency in state business and promised a corruption free state to justify the families, Is it the justice with the families of real Heros.

Notorious LI commander among 30 killed From Page 1 hideouts were targeted through precise aerial strikes in Tiraah valley Khyber agency.30 terrorists were killed and two arms and ammunition depots were also destroyed in the strikes”, the Inter Services Public Relations statement said.

The local sources, said the Lashker-eIslam spokesman Salahuddin Ayubi is also among the terrorists killed in Khyber Agency on Wednesday.

The death of Ayubi has been confirmed by the sources of the Lashkere-Islam. Operation Khyber, the second leg of Military Operation titled Zerbe-Azb, was initiated on October 19 2014 against the insurgents challenging the official writ in Khyber agency specially Tiraah valley for the last many years.

The Tiraah valley and some other pockets in the Khyber agency, have in fact been in the grip of violence and bloodshed for the last many years

including infighting between the defunct Tehreek Islam and Lashker-e-Islam led by self–styled cleric Mangal Bagh thus turning the area into a battle field.

They have also been targeting the men in uniform and killing scores of them till date that forced the security forces go for a decisive operation in the region. Situated in remote hilly terrain the troubled Tiraah valley, it may be mentioned, is considered as strong hold of the militants and has been in the grip of violence for the last many years. In the Meanwhile in Khyber Agency security forces arrested two commanders of banned Lashker-e-Jhangvi (LI) near Pak- Afghan border who were trying cross into other side of the border. The commanders were identified as Arman Shah Waleed and Hikmat Shah. In Peshawar also the security forces Wednesday arrested a militant com-

mander Bacha Khan. According to reports, Bacha Khan, who is commander of Lashker-e-Islam, was arrested from Saddar road. He was allegedly involved in attacks on security forces in Khyber Agency.

On the other hand at least 27 members of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban were killed in Afghanistan security forces operation and shelling near PakAfghan border areas in Afghanistan on Wednesday.

According to details, the Afghanistan military carried out air-strikes and ground operation against militants on the Pak-Afghan border area near Kurram Agency and North Waziristan Agency (NWA).

The air-strikes targeted Taliban hide outs and killed at least 27 Taliban militants. Sources said that during the operation several hide outs of militants were also destroyed.

Women among 16 killed in Khairpur From Page 1 driver was not fully alert. He lost control due to which it collided with a truck that was coming from opposite direction.

Some people said that accident took place due to the dilapidated condition of the road. Emergency was declared in the hospitals and injured were immediately shifted to hospitals of Gambat, Khairpur and Thari Meerwah for emergency treatment.

The dead bodies were identified as Shoukat Qureshi, Muhammad Hassan, Sultana, Hazrat Ali khan, Hayat, Muhammad Taiyab, Abdul Aziz, Zulfiqar, Hamadullah, Riaz Ahmed, Mehmood Arshad, Faisal Mahar, Jawad Ali, Hamadullah, Irfan Asad, Zohaib Kausar, Gulzar Begum while in-

jured include Hamza Mustafa, Sehrish, Sajid, Jamila, Anela, Ishtiaq, Rashid and Asad.Rescue and security teams reached the accident site. Locals assisted the rescue personnel in shifting the victims to a nearby hospital. Later the injured were shifted to Tharimirwah, Gambat and civil hospital Khairpur.

An emergency was declared at the Khairpur Civil Hospital, Thairmirwah and Gambat where doctors confirmed that 16 people had died and 20 others, including women and children, were wounded and admitted in the hospitals.

Commissioner Sukkur Abbas Baloch and Deputy Commissioner Khairpur Munawar Ali Mithiani visited Thari

Mirwah hospital to ensure satisfactory medical treatment of the injured passengers.Mean while Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Sindh Chief Minister Sayed Qaim Ali Shah expressed their concern over death of the passengers and issued direction for better medical facilities to injured.

Earlier in November, 58 people, including women and children, were killed and several others injured following a collision between a passenger coach and a truck near Theri Bypass area of Khairpur.

Road accidents are frequent in Pakistan and claim thousands of lives annually due to poor roads, badlymaintained vehicles and reckless driving.

First 60,000 tons LNG shipment From Page 1 will flow into the system on the 31st of this month.

The Minister said the LNG price agreement is still being negotiated between the Qatar Gas and Pakistan State Oil. He assured the House that the LNG will be imported at the most competitive price and in a transparent manner. He said the gas price whenever finalized will be shared with the Parliament and other appropriate forums. He said world class terminal has been constructed at a record time to handle the imported LNG. The Minister said the primary recipient of the imported LNG will be the power sector and it will provide an advantage of 300 million dollars to the power sector as compared to the liquid fuel.

Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif told the House that the imported LNG will be provided to four IPPs and KAPCO for generation of electricity.

He was confident that the production of

electricity through LNG will help reduce load-shedding in the summer season.

Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal told the House that Pakistan and Iran are engaged in negotiating a workable implementation plan for the Pakistan-Iran Gas Pipeline Project. He said that Pakistan is pursuing the project implementation through an alternate strategy with Chinese cooperation.

The strategy encompasses completion of pipeline segment from Gwadar to Nawabshah along with the construction of LNG terminal at Gwadar Port.

Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Pervaiz Rashid said that a three pronged strategy of awareness, prevention and enforcement is being pursued to eradicate corruption from the country.

He told the National Assembly during question hour that National Accountability Bureau has been successful not only in bringing the culprits to book but also re-

From Back Page two hangings in Sukkur Central Jail where Abdul Razzaq Chohan and Jalil alias Jalal Morejo were hanged to death.

Jalil was awarded death penalty for killing a relative in 1997 while Abdul Razzaq killed a secondary level student by slitting his throat.Sahiwal Central Jail carried out one hanging while another was delayed as the aggrieved family reportedly pardoned the murderer.

According to reports, Shahbaz was executed while Jaffar’s hanging was delayed.

Shahbaz killed a citizen Asim Baig in a gun attack back in 1998.

Jaffar who killed his brother Khaleel and sister Saeeda was pardoned by the family.

Muhammad Khan was hanged to death in Mianwali Central Jail while another convict Khubdar Shah’s execution was delayed due to request that a ‘compromise agreement’ has been reached.

Death row convict Ayub was hanged in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail while a rapist cum murderer Ghulam Yaseen was executed in Bahawalpur Jail.—INP

KSE-100 index

From Page 1 Aitzaz Hasan with the high civil award of Sitara-e-Shujaat (Star of Bravery).

However, instead of recognizing the sacrifice of a school student who belongs to a poor family, the president house on March 23 was echoed with claps for those besides a little number of some right persons who really deserved for such a prestigious honor.

An efficiency of president office can be gauged that Dr. Masroor Akram a professor at Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences was the premier example of nepotism and favoritism who was decorated with Tangha-eImtiaz despite knowing the fact that his name was blacklisted by Higher Education Commission (HEC) because of founding him allegedly

6 more death row

covered billions of plundered money. He said the NAB has recovered Rs 3880.47 million and completed 869 inquiries since June 2013. He said the NAB also established prevention committees in order to develop doable recommendations for eradication of corruption. He said the authority is also engaged with different government and non-governmental organizations to fight against the menace.

Pervaiz Rashid said that several laws are in the pipeline including the establishment of a National Commission for the protection of child rights. He said the proposed bills envisage enhancement of the minimum age for fixing the criminal responsibility.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad told the House that construction work on KarachiHyderabad Motorway will be started next month and completed in a span of two years at a cost of Rs 44 billion.—INP

From Page 1 unimpressive as 99.20 million shares were traded amid lackluster trading activity probably an impact of withdrawals by the foreign investment portfolios.

The volume leader of the day was Pak Electron with 9.07 million shares traded to the credit of this scrip while Maple Leaf Cement and K Electric were the second and third volume leaders with 6.47 million 5.40 million shares respectively.

It was a draw From Page 1 Chowk arena.

When you pit the representatives of the PTI and the PMLN against each other on live talk shows asking them who won and who lost you are not leaving them any other option but to join the fight and reignite the fire that the two sides are trying desperately to put out in their own respective political interests.

Of course, it is more in the political interest of the PMLN government than the PTI’s that the controversy over the May 2013 general elections kicked up by the latter is brought to the settlement mode at the earliest.

The controversy had clearly eroded the ruling party’s credibility and to an extent also its moral authority.And its continuation was expected to further add to its political woes.

On the other hand, with the local bodies’ elections approaching fast in Punjab and Sindh where it believes it has made huge gains at the grassroots level during its dharna agitation and expects to grab majority of local governments in both the provinces and also with the challenges of governing the KPK making increasing demands on the administrative capacities of the provincial government and its time, the PTI too seemed to have reached to the conclusion that it was not worth its while to continue stree politics at this juncture.

Also, perhaps it hadrealized that it would be politically counterproductive at this particular point in time if it attempted to go back to the streets and try to retrieve the momentum that it had cut short on its own in December last after the terror attack on

the Army Public School.

There was also the possibility that if it tried to close down the country but failed then perhaps it would stand to lose the massive support it had successfully mobilised in Punjab and urban Sindh in the last six months or so.

So, it was, seemingly, in the mutual political interests of the two that they reach an amicable and mutually acceptable agreement on how to go about reconciling their conflicting positions on the issue of whether or not the PML-N manipulated the general elections in its favour systematically.

The scope of inquiry of the Judicial Commission that is proposed to be constituted through a presidential ordinance has been confined to a three-point terms of reference.

The Commission shall enquire into and determine whether or not: 1. The 2013 general elections were organized and conducted impartially,honestly,fairly, justly and in accordance with the law; and 2. The 2013 general elections were manipulated or influenced pursuant to a systematic effort or by design by anyone; and 3. The results of the 2013 general elections, on an overall basis, are a true and fair reflection of the mandate given by the electorate.

The Commission has been empowered to examine and consider any documents, material or evidence relating to the 2013 general elections. However, the Commission has not been given a time limit. The PTI, however, expressed its

JIT to interrogate 29 Nine Zero From Page 1 Qaumi Movement headquarters for 14 days.

Shakeel, Abid, Mehmood and others were accused of possessing illegal weapons and explosives and were produced before the court on Wednesday.

A heavy contingent of Rangers and police officials visited Nine-Zero and its adjacent areas and reviewed security there on Wednesday. The law enforcement agencies visited the area following a letter by MQM office-bearers.

Police officials said MQM Nine-Zero office-bearers had written letter to police and Rangers on March 24 over security concerns in the locality.

Meanwhile, seven other accused belonging to a banned outfit were produced before the court and later handed over to police on physical remand.

The accused, arrested by Counter-Terrorism department of police from Shah Latif Town in Karachi, included Iftikhar, Farooq, Salar, Zahid Khan,

Nafees, Waseem and Waris, officials said.

Meanwhile, the police arrested a target killer involved in murder of eight people besides recovering arms from his possession on Wednesday.

SSP East, Azfar Mehsar said that the police on a tip off conducted search operation in Site Area of Karachi. During operation alleged target killer identified as Imran alias Khan was arrested along with arms.

The detainee stated to be belonging to a political party, in the preliminary interrogation admitted killing eight people on sectarian basis.

A case has been registered against the detainee and further investigation was in progress.

Police said on Wednesday that Shakeel alias Chhota in his confession has admitted that he along with other accomplices set fire to Baldia factory in which more than 250 workers were burnt alive.

According to police,

Shakeel was apprehended from the precincts of Preedy Police Station on March 22.

The accused said he along with his accomplices loaded a chemical container onto a vehicle and carried it to Baldia town to set the target on fire. He said that they first tied the factory’s security guard and then ignited fire near its power generator.

Police says six men were involved in executing the Baldia factory arson. The suspect, Javed Shakil, told interrogators that a meeting was held in an office of a political party to devise a plan to set the said factory on fire.

Automatic factory doors were locked after the fire broke out, nearly 300 workers were trapped in side the factory. Police have requested the Sindh government to set up a joint investigation team to interrogate the suspect, said a private TV channel.

Moody’s terms Pak currency bond rating positive From Page 1 The Caa1 rating was also affirmed for US dollar Trust Certificates issued by the Second Pakistan International Sukuk Company Limited.

Moody’s decision to revise the outlook on Pakistan’s foreign currency rating was based on strengthening of external liquidity position, continued efforts toward fiscal consolidation and government’s steady progress in achieving structural reforms under the IMF programme, it added.

The Moody further said that net foreign reserves with the State Bank of Pakistan climbed to $11.2 billion as of March 13, from $3.2 billion at the end of January 2014. The cushion provided by foreign reserves coupled with dwindling external debt repayments to the IMF has reduced external vulnerabilities.

This has in large part resulted from a lower current account deficit, which was easily financed by the issuance of a Eurobond in April 2014, a Sukuk issuance in December, continued disbursements under the IMF programme and privatization proceeds. The narrowing of the current account deficit to 1.2 percent of GDP in the fiscal year ended June 2014 (FY2014) from 2.1 percent in FY 2012 was largely due to the steady uptick in workers’ remittances and receipt of anti-terrorism Coalition Support

Funds from the US. “We estimate that the current account will narrow further in fiscal 2015 to 0.8 percent of GDP, on account of the fall in Oil prices”. The Moody further said that although wide fiscal deficits and high debt levels remain a credit constraint, Pakistan has made progress towards fiscal consolidation.In FY 2014, the government was able to bring the deficit down to 5.5 percent of GDP (excluding grants), from 8.2 percent the previous year.

The government was targeting a further shrinkage in the deficit, to 4.9 percent of GDP in FY 2015. Although the pace of deficit reduction may be less marked than the budget forecasts suggest, we expect the authorities will continue along the path of fiscal consolidation.

The government has relied on the banking system for deficit financing, but such borrowing is gradually declining as privatization proceeds, and the Eurobond and Sukuk issuances, have helped it to diversify funding. Moreover, the maturity of domestic public debt is lengthening as the government substitutes shorter-term treasury bills with Pakistan Investment Bonds that carry a longer tenure. This will reduce roll-over risks and volatility in debt issuance prices.—APP

wish that the Commission would complete its work in 45 days.

The scope of inquiry is such that the Commission can complete its work within a week or it may take a couple of years to wind-up its work.

The onus, seemingly, is now on the PTI to produce the necessary evidence and witnesses so as to prove its case that the last elections were rigged and that the PML-N was solely responsible for systematically rigging and that the results were not the true reflection of the mandate given by the electorate.

Going by the way most of the past commissions have taken time to complete their task one can safely assume that the one constituted to look into alleged poll fraud too would probably fail to finish its job within 45 days. More likely by the time we would know its verdict, the next polls would have been called.

However, if the results are made available in time, it would help the parliamentary committee constituted for recommending electoral reforms to frame proposals that would have the in-put of judicial insight as well.

The agreement between the PML-N-led government and the PTI on this highly thorny issue, in fact, reflects the degree of political maturity that our political parties have attained since 2008 when a General Musharraf reluctantly transferred reins of the government to a civilian elected government. The two contesting parties were seemingly also helped by the rest of the political parties in their endeavour to reach a mutually agreedresolution of the problem.

The most reassuring thing about the whole affair was that no non-political force was seen sitting between the two hostile political parties and dictating the terms of agreement using the baton. The agreement also seems to have injected a new sense of vitality and purpose in the on goingdemocratic process that still seems to be in a highly vulnerable state of existence.

Committee approves From Back Page the assistance of development partners. These observations were related to the much discussed issue of embezzlements and money made by changing the directions of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as well as Speaker’s announcement to reopen the PAC audit report for the fiscal year 2006-07. However, nothing, except the litigation and bad repute came out of whole saga.

Panel approves proposal to increase NA budget MIAN ARSHAD

said that it would be an honour

In the last year’s meeting of

the Parliament of Pakistan to the NA’s Finance Committee, the I SLAMABAD —The Finance for hold such Conference which Speaker had apprised the comCommittee of the National As-

BEIJING: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in a meeting with Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister on Wednesday.

Case registered against Shahab ISLAMABAD— Case has been registered against former minister and PPP leader Makhdoom Shahab ud Din on the charges of allegedly harrassing a women and threatening her.

Zahida Sami, resident of Bahara Kahu has filed application with police stating that former federal minister Makhdoom Shahab ud Din has been black mailing and harassing her on mobile phone in different times.

Zahida Sami approached the court by invoking section 22-a when police did not take any action against former minister. The court on completion of arguments by the lawyers of both the sides ordered the police to register case against the accused Shahab ud Din, conduct neutral investigation and fulfill all the legal formalities. —Online

Lakhvi house-held for fourth time Zubair Qureshi ISLAMABAD—Islamabad High court on Wednesday summoned Secretary Interior and District Coordination Officer (DCO) Okara on April 14 in a petition challenging the fourth-time house arrest of the alleged mastermind of Mumbai terror attacks Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. Justice Noorul Haq N Qureshi gave these orders while hearing a petition filed

by Lakhvi’s counsel Rizwan Abbasi who had submitted that his client was facing a man’s kidnapping charges and charges of masterminding Mumbai attacks. “Apart from these two, there is no case registered anywhere against my client.

Probe on video given up QUETTA— Balochistan government has reportedly dissolved a committee that was constituted to investigate video recording of death row prisoners Saulat Mirza, local media quoting sources reported on Wednesday.

Mirza, a murder convict, is scheduled to be hanged on 1st April in Machh jail of Balochistan. Reports quoting sources in Balochistan Home Ministry said the body was constituted to investigate leakage of video statement to media hours before his execution.

However, they added, the committee is no longer required as fresh black warrant has been issued. He was sentenced to death by an anti-terrorism court in May 1999 for a triple homicide. —Online

If Bhutto, Nawaz could be arrested, why not Altaf: Asif OBSERVER REPORT ISLAMABAD—Defence Minister Khawaja Asif questioned on Wednesday why Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain couldn’t be arrested if former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif had been in the past arrested.

The defence minister’s statements come just days after convicted Muttahida Qaumi Movement target killer Saulat Mirza’s confessional video surfaced, in which he revealed that he killed the former MD of KESC on the MQM chief orders.

S U K K U R /L A H O R E — S i x “If Bhutto could be arrested and there more murder convicts were could be a decision against him, which is still hanged early Wednesday at difquestionable; if Nawaz Sharif can stay in jail ferent jails across the country.

The executions started with for 14 months … why not others?” said Khwaja Asif, during an interview to a TV channel in Continued on Page 7 response to a question on whenever the MQM chief could be arrested.

The defence minister added that no one is above the law when it came to national security.

Talking about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief, Asif said Imran Khan wanted to become the prime minister of Pakistan, and failing to do so, has been a grave psychological shock to him.

Like Pharoah, Altaf’s days are numbered: Imran

Germany raps death penalty I SLAMABAD —German Ambassador Dr Cyril Jean Nunn

MIRPUR—Pakistan Tehreek-e- countries. We are setting up the Wednesday said that his Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan Wednesday launched a fresh tirade against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief, saying the Altaf Hussain’s day is near. “Like every Pharoah, Altaf Hussain’s time has come too,” Imran roared while addressing a rally in Mirpur ahead of by-election in the city.

The PTI chief claimed that people attend MQM’s rallies and listen to Altaf’s speech quietly out of fear for their lives. He pledged that his government would introduce in Azad Kashmir a Switzerland-like Local Government system after coming to power. “We will bring in a Local Government system which is being practiced in Switzerland and other Scandinavian

same system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he added.

Criticizing the PML-N and PPP governments, he said that both the parties have badly politicized the police department, adding that his party would depoliticize Azad Kashmir police if his party got a chance to form a government in the region.

“We will depoliticize the police as we did in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the PTI chief said. Judicial Commission is being constituted to probe alleged election rigging, he said, adding that it would resulted in “Go Nawaz Go”.

He aid that his party will bring prosperity to the people of Mirpur, adding that “we won’t get rights until we snatch them”.

country’s government and parliament criticized the death penalty in Pakistan.

Addressing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs he however made his remarks diplomatically lenient by saying with smile, “We would try to fight within our parliament in favour of Pakistan, trying to convince it”.He referred the covenants Pakistan had signed in its recent history including International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Giving his input on Pak-Germany ties, the ambassador said that his country, which is now one of the major players in EU, supported Pakistan position for GSP Plus.—Online

3-pronged policy being pursued US, Pakistan joint military to eradicate corruption, NA told drills in October ISLAMABAD—Minister for In- from 127 to 126. formation, Broadcasting, National Heritage, Law, Justice and Human Rights Pervaiz Rashid on Wednesday said a three pronged strategy of awareness, prevention and enforcement was being pursued to eradicate corruption from the country. Replying to the question of legislators in National Assembly during Question Hour, he said National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has been successful not only in bringing the culprits to book but also recovering billions of plundered money.

He said NAB has recovered Rs 3,880.47 million and completed 869 inquiries, 201 investigations since June 2013 while 237 references have been filed in various courts. He said NAB also set up prevention committees in order to develop doable recommendations for eradication of corruption. He said the authority is also engaged with different government and non-governmental organizations to fight against this menace.

Corruption in the country has been reduced significantly in a period of only one year as country’s ranking amongst corrupt countries has decreased

6 more death row prisoners hanged

Referring to the recent report of Transparency International, he said corruption in the country has been reduced. Various measures are being taken to enhance awareness against corruption by holding workshops, media campaigns, advertisements, character buildings of future generations in educational institutions, messages against corruption in utility and mobile bills.

NAB is engaged to fight corruption including signing MoU with higher education commission for creating awareness amongst students of various universities. NAB has collaborated with Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan Cricket Team, Motorway Police, PTV, PTA, PIA, SNGPL and IESCO to display and print “Say no to Corruption.”

NAB is set to sign MoU with UNODC for joint efforts against corruption. Generic and sector specific awareness campaign in print media was also continuing by focusing on warning public against possible financial scams, fake housing societies, unrecognized educational institutions, etc.—APP

WASHINGTON—The US Central Command has said that the United States and Pakistan will conduct a range of joint military exercises starting in autumn this year.

According to policy documents, the two countries have more than 100 engagements and exercises planned.

The joint drills are expected to begin in October.

These will focus on a broad spectrum of military components, including air, land, sea and special operations The planned engagements between the two countries’ militaries include seminars and other forums covering a range of topics that includes counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, civil-military cooperation, intelligence.

Earlier this month, Pakistani and US military representatives gathered at the Macdill Air Force Base in Florida for the 24th US-Pakistan Military Consultative Committee, an annual forum for reviewing military-to-military engagements and exercises between the two countries. —INP

sembly, Wednesday, approved proposal for increased budget of the National Assembly Secretariat for the fiscal year 20152016 amounting to Rs.2.99 billion as compared to the current fiscal year 2014-15.

The exact amount of the approved budget is Rs.2, 997,077,000 where as last year the approved figure of the budget was Rs.2,609,390,000/-.

NA Finance Committee met here under the chairmanship of Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

The committee appreciated the prudent leadership of the Speaker for initiating austerity measures in the National Assembly Secretariat after assuming the office of Speaker; However, the official handout does not mention the initiatives which were endorsed by the committee.

The Committee was also briefed about the ongoing preparation of the 61st Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference to be held in SeptemberOctober this year. The Speaker

would be attended by the Presiding Officers and the delegates of Commonwealth Legislatures. He was of the view that such Parliamentary moot would help the foreign parliamentarians to see the democratic, progressive and peaceful Pakistan.

mittee about the formulation of HR policy whereby promotions would be made subject to performance, creation of paperless office, conducting of energy audit as well as electrification of Parliament House on Solar with

Continued on Page 7

New ‘MIND’ diet linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer’s

A

NEW diet developed by researchers from Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago, IL, could significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, even for those who do not follow it precisely. The MIND diet focuses specifically on berries rather than consumption of all fruits. Blueberries and strawberries, in particular, have been hailed for their brain benefits. This is the finding of a new study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

The diet - called the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet - was created by nutritional epidemiologist Martha Clare Morris, PhD, and colleagues at Rush. It uses aspects of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet - an eating plan based on studies supported by the National Institutes of Health - and the Mediterranean diet.

While both the Mediterranean and DASH diets have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure, some studies have suggested the diets may also protect against dementia. The newly created MIND diet, according to Morris and Colleagues, is easier to follow than the Mediterranean and DASH diets. It consists of 15 dietary components: 10 “brain-healthy food groups” and five unhealthy food groups.

Green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poul-

try, olive oil and wine make up the brainhealthy foods, while red meats, butter and stick margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast food are the food groups that should be limited. Unlike the DASH and Mediterranean diets - in which high consumption of all fruits is recommended - the MIND diet focuses specifically on berries. Morris explains that blueberries and strawberries, in particular, have been hailed for their brain benefits in past research.

For their study, the researchers analysed the food intake of 923 Chicago residents between the ages of 58 and 98 who were part of the Rush Memory and Aging Project - an ongoing study that aims to identify factors that may protect cognitive health. Dietary information was gathered from food frequency questionnaires the participants completed between 2004 and 2013. The researchers scored participants on how closely their food intake matched either the MIND diet, Mediterranean diet or DASH diet, and incidence of Alzheimer’s disease was assessed over an average follow-up period of 4.5 years.

More than two thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women. The researchers found that participants whose food intake closely followed either of the three diets were at lower risk of Alzheimer’s. Participants who followed the Mediterranean diet were at 54% lower risk, those who followed the MIND diet were at 53% lower risk, while followers of the DASH diet had a 39% reduced risk for Alzheimer’s.

Role of poets, writers important in promotion of ethical values

Govt making concerted efforts to control TB: Minister CITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The Government is making concerted efforts to control TB in the country as 1.5 million TB patients have been treated free of cost in both public and private sectors. Minister for State National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar said Pakistan is having 4th highest incidence in the world which does not occupy an enviable position with regard to Tuberculosis.

She was addressing a seminar at Aiwane-e-Quaid Nazriya Pakistan Council, Islamabad to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day 2015, organized by National TB Control program (NTP), ministry of National Health Services Regulation & Coordination. She said the key to controlling TB is to raise awareness about its symptoms and encourage sufferers to seek treatment which is available free of cost. it is to ensure that patients follow the full course of the medication for the prescribed period.

Also, tuberculosis carries so- Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Saira Afzal Tarar speaking during national seminar cial stigma, which is major ob- with stakeholders in connection with World TB Day at Aiwan-e-Quaid, F-9 Park. stacle for treatment. Public education and building awareness can help lives of thousand of people who die of TB tioned the major achievements during the ters and 4000 treatment centers. 300,000 prevent a deepening epidemic, she said. every year. She said that TB is a curable last six months: More than 1.5 million TB cases were notified to National TB However, we know that information about disease and Government of Pakistan is pro- TB patients have been diagnosed and Control Program and treatment success TB symptoms and treatment is at low lev- viding free of cost treatment services treated free of cost with quality assured rate remained at 91% during 2013. 5886 anti TB drugs in both public and private MDR-TB patients were enrolled since els in the country. I believe that we as a throughout Pakistan.

We always hear that” Prevention is sector across country since 2001 through June 2010 to December 2014 in 24 PMDT nation can help in disseminating such information regarding TB among our com- better than Cure” but in TB treatment TB a network of 1500 quality assured micros- sites. 3435 patients are still under on treatmunities. By so we can help in saving the is the prevention of TB. She also men- copy centers including 200 private cen- ment by the end of December 2014.

One year property tax for Murree road traders remitted RAWALPINDI—Chief Minister

(CM) Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif has remitted property tax for one year in respect of traders, shop keepers and business centers located on both sides of Murree road being affected by Metro Bus Project (MBP).

Property tax to the tune of Rs 110 million has been remitted and notification in this respect has been issued.

MBP committee chairman Hanif Abbasi had presented a written application to CM Punjab seeking his orders for remission of one year property tax in respect of Murree road traders and shop keepers whose business has been adversely affected during the course of construction of mega MBP. The notification has sent a President Mamnoon Hussain with eminent poets and poetesses at Pakistan Day Mushaira wave of jubilation among the at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

He said terrorists have complete disregard Murree road traders and owners STAFF REPORTER for religious places and sanctity of the home. of shopping centers.—Online ISLAMABAD—President Mamnoon Hussain has He added that dark forces are bent upon impossaid poets and writers can play a great role in ing their misguided ideology on the people promotion of ethical and social values. The through force which has nothing to do with reliPresident underscored that poets should high- gion and ethics. The President said corruption light issues of corruption and character-build- erodes the very fabric of a society, adding that basic reasons behind corruption are greed and ing of youth through their literary work.

The President said this while addressing the moral degradation. The President stated that PaMehfil-e-Mushaira held as part of Pakistan Day kistan is blessed with enormous resources and celebrations, here at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednes- called for better utilization of these resources day. Renowned poets from across the country for the growth and development of the country.

He also underscored the importance of acparticipated in the Mushaira and read out their quiring education and training of the youth and poetic verses.

Praising the poetry, the President said art noted that lack of proper training had resulted in should also be used as a vehicle of positive weakening of social and ethical values. The Presichange and as a means to convey message for dent emphasized that under these circumstances, betterment of society. The President said pres- there was a need to give light of hope by doing ently, Pakistan is going through challenging away with the evils of terrorism, extremism, moral times and terrorists spared nobody and even tar- degradation and corruption. He said the thinkers, geted innocent children and women to further poets, philosophers and literary personalities can play a significant role in this regard. their hideous agenda.

NAB casts net against fake housing schemes ISLAMABAD—The National Accountability Bureau and RDA to identify fake housing schemes on their (NAB) has cast its wide net against around 100 housing schemes operating in the twin cities without obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from relevant civic agencies.

Sources in the NAB confided that NAB Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry has taken notice of reports that several housing schemes have popped up in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and most of them have gotten no NOCs from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) — the two competent agencies to issue clearance for new housing schemes and societies.

The source said that so far over Rs4 billion have been returned to the affected people after their investment was retrieved from fake real estate developers.

The NAB chairman has also asked the CDA

websites to alert citizens against making investment in fake housing units. The NAB chairman has also asked newspapers to ensure authenticity of housing schemes before publishing their advertisements so that the citizens could not be tricked and lured by fake proponents of housing schemes.

The sources said that gullible people have been deprived of more than Rs20 trillion by fake real estate developers during the last 20 years.

Currently, around 82 illegal housing societies are operating in zone-II, IV and V of the federal capital with impunity, and the NAB has recently put them under its radar for investigation.

The NAB sources confirmed that Rs4.6 billion have so far been retrieved from developers of Askari Town, Services Cooperative Housing Society, Majid Nizami Town, Iqra City, Prince Welfare Society and Capital Builders.—Online

A view of Dandelions, known for pollen allergy, at the green area along roadside in the Federal Capital.

Customs officials oppose Ayyan’s detention as ‘Category B’ inmate ISLAMABAD—Customs officials here opposed detention of supermodel Ayyan, who was detained for attempting to fly out with $506,000, as a category B ‘VIP’ inmate at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail which entitles her to several privileges not available to other inmates.

They submitted a written response requesting the Customs court in Rawalpindi to reject Ayyan’s plea which proposes that she should be detained as a class B inmate.

In her plea, Ayyan’s lawyer Khurram Latif Khosa had maintained that Ayyan should be

awarded Class B status as she is a well-known figure and is not habitual of a less-than-comfortable lifestyle.

Customs officials claimed that since Ayyan was arrested in a case of money-laundering, she does not merit a class B inmate status.

As a category B inmate in the Adiala Jail, notorious for housing terrorists and high profile criminals among its 4,500 inmates, supermodel Ayyan enjoys the selective privileges that celebdom affords.

A natural beneficiary of the ubiquitous ‘VIP culture’, Ayyan has been provided a room

of her own in the ladies barracks of the jail, as well as a female helper who cleans and fetches meals.

Meanwhile, Ayyal Ali submitted the proof of ownership regarding the currency being laundered to Dubai to the investigation team on Wednesday. According to details, the ownership proof was submitted at the letterhead of a private property company whereas written record of money transaction is present on the company’s letterhead. The proof will be presented in the court on March 28.—Online

Ombudsman for extending pension benefits to divorced, unmarried daughter beyond ten years ISLAMABAD—Federal Ombudsman has strongly recommended to federal government to allow provision of pensionary benefits to the unmarried daughter, divorced daughter and unmarried sister of government employee until she remarries or acquires regular source of income through amending the existing law. The existing policy of federal government at present provides pensionary benefits to the unmarried daughter, divorced daughter and unmarried sister of gov-

ernment employee for only 10 years.

The recommendations to amend the law was made by the Federal Ombudsman in a response to the complaint filed by a lady stating that after death of her mother who retired from a federal agency, her pension was stopped after ten years as per the policy.

Quoting Punjab Ombudsman decision regarding grant of family pension for life to divorced daughter or unmarried sister, she requested for issuance of such direction to the

agency. Federal Ombudsman in its recommendations stated that the general trend has been for the provincial governments to replicate the policies and benefits including pensionary and allied benefits granted by federal government to its employees.

According to the Punjab government policy, a widowed daughter, divorced daughter and unmarried sister of government servant would get pension till their re-marriage or acquiring regular source of income.

The Ombudsman said this de-

cision is based on compassion and clearly grounded in the social, religious and cultural values of the country and its people.

He stated that on the touchstone of equity and equal treatment, it would be unfair and indeed discriminatory to treat Pakistani citizens differently in different provinces regarding pensionary benefits. The Ombudsman appreciated the step taken by federal government of announcing the new Prime Ministers package for dependents of employees who die

while in service.

The federal government would be acting in sync with the spirit of that package and seek the approval of the competent authority to amend the rule to include unmarried daughter, divorced daughter and unmarried sister as well for pension until she re-marries or acquires regular source of income, the Ombudsman said. The Ombudsman directed the relevant authority to submit compliance report of the recommendations within 30 days.—APP

Parliamentary interaction to strengthen Pak-Germany relations: Ayaz Sadiq Fajar Zohr Asr

05:50 01:30 04:30

Meghrab at Sunset Isha 07:45 Brothers in Islam establish regular prayers & charity

March 29

Peace conference INTERFAITH Council for Peace and Harmony, Pakistan will hold Universal Peace and Harmony Conference on Sunday, 29 March 2015, time: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Marriott Hotel (Marquee Hall)-Islamabad.

Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony Pakistan will preside over conference.

March 31

Public Talk SPEAKER/ Author Dr. Markus Daechsel, Senior Lecturer in Modern Islamic History, Royal Holloway, University of London will give a Public Talk - launch of the book “Islamabad and the Politics of International Development in Pakistan” at The Institute of Strategic Studies Sector F-5/2, Islamabad on Tuesday March 31, 2015 at 1630.

ATC to hear Benazir Bhutto murder case today RAWALPINDI—An Anti-Terrorism court(ATC) will resume hearing of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s murder case here on Thursday.

On March 24 Assistant sub-inspector Mustaq Ahmed had recorded his statement before the court.

Judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court(ATC) Pervaiz Joyaa had adjourned hearing after recording the statement of the ASI and summoned three more witnesses to record their statements.

Former President Pervez Mushraff ,Saud Aziz, Khurran Shahzad, Abdul Rashid, Sher Zaman, Rafaqat Hussain and Husnain Gul were the other accused indicted in the BB murder case.—APP

Anti-polio campaign underway RAWALPINDI—The three-day anti-polio campaign, which began in all tehsils and towns of Rawalpindi district on Tuesday was in full swing, said Executive District Officer (EDO), Health, Dr Khalid Randhawa here.

Under the drive, he said, over 250,000 children had so far been administered the antipolio drops on first day.

Randhawa informed that 1700 mobile health teams were operating in the district to complete the task of immunization.

He said that polio drops were also being administered at 111 transit health centres in order to ensure that all children should be immunized.—APP

CITY R EPORTER I S L A M A B A D —Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that Pak-German relations were exceptional and gaining strength with the passage of time. He said interaction between Members of Parliament of Pakistan and German Bundestag will transform into meaningful cooperation between both the countries.

He said this while talking to German Ambassador Dr. Cyrill Nuun in Parliament House this morning. The Speaker said Pakistan greatly values its relations with Germany and wants to further reinforce them through interaction at political and parliamentary levels.

He said that Germany and Pakistan share commonalities of views and have always been supportive of each other on different forums.Both the sides strongly desire to strengthen the existing relations through reinvigorating parliamentary linkages, he added.

He said that Parliamentarians could play a

Dr Cyrill Nunn, German Ambassador called on Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker NA at Parliament House.

Pakistani expatriates grievances being addressed on priority: Amir Magsi STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Chairman National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OP&HRD), Mir Amir Ali Khan Magsi on Wednesday said that Pakistani expatriates grievances were being addressed on priority.

This he said in a meeting with a delegation of Overseas Pakistanis hailing from United Kingdom and Europe led by Sajjad Haider Karim, Member European Parliament.

The delegation visited Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Head Office and met with Chairman National Assembly Standing Committee on overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Mir Amir Ali Khan Magsi and Managing Director, OPF, Habib Ur Rehman Khan.

Welcoming delegation Habib Ur Rehman Khan briefed them about various welfare activi-

ties of OPF. He informed that OPF has been starving to provide more facilities to overseas Pakistanis and their dependents in all walks of life including health, education, housing and other departments. He also congratulated Sajjad Haider Karim on receiving Sitara- e-Quaid-i-Azam by the Government of Pakistan due to his contributions and services for Pakistani community abroad as well as in Pakistan.

The head of the delegation, Sajjad Haider Karim lauded the efforts of OPF for the welfare of Pakistani diaspora and expressed his hope that direction of the country has been set on right track which will leads towards development and prosperity.

He thanked the government of Pakistan for honoring him with Sitara-e-Quaid-i-Azam.

The members of the delegation demanded that overseas Pakistanis should be given right to vote and right to contest in elections.

Children on brink of epidemics volcano

Dumping of PIMS hospital waste outside primary school CITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Non disposal of PIMS hospital wastage being thrown daily in front of primary school located in PIMS premises has put the school children on the brink of fatal epidemics volcano. The hospital management and CDA have shown criminal unwillingness to remove this waste which is being thrown daily in front of Islamabad Model School and burn center. Both these authorities are embroiled in the row of shifting the responsibility of dumping this waste to each other.

This school has been built in PIMS hospital premises to provide education facilities to the children of PIMS employees but it has now turned into death knell for the children of the school in the wake of dumping of hospital wastage by PIMS administration in front

Youth urged to follow teachings of Holy Quran STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Minister of State for Religious Affairs, Pir Muhammad Aminul Hasnat Shah on Wednesday urged the young generation to follow teachings of Holy Quran and ‘Seerat-un-Nabi’ for having a successful life here and hereafter. He was speaking at a ‘Naat Competition’ arranged by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) among the local students.

The competition was arranged to inculcate true spirit of Islam among the youth and pay tributes to the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for his eternal massage of peace for the entire humanity.

He strongly condemned those who kill their brothers and sisters in the name of religion. A true Muslim, he added always upholds glorious principles of Islam, i.e. love, peace and harmony. The Minister said that the entire nation should support the present government and the armed

forces for their action against the terrorists and criminals.

“We fully stand by our forces for what they doing providing peace and security to the people,” he added. He appreciated the AIOU for holding such competitions, encouraging the students to develop their love for the Prophet (PBUH) and seek aspirations from his teachings. Vice Chancellor AIOU, Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui announced that the University would invite distinguished scholars to deliver lectures on relevant topics for the benefit of the youth.

He congratulated the winners of ‘naat’ completion, stating ‘naat’ reflects their deep attachment with Islam and love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The AIOU, he said was frequently arranging extra-curricular and cultural-literary activities to develop positive and healthy culture among youth. The function was also addressed by eminent columnists and schol-

ars Jabbar Mirza and Khurshid Nadeem.

They paid tributes to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and hoped that youth will follow his teachings in a letter and spirit.

The function was arranged by the Directorate of students affairs, in collaboration with the University’s Rawalpindi and Islamabad campuses, and Al-Wadood Centre of Quran Sciences. Director of Students Shah Farrakh and Abdul Basit Mujahid also spoke on the occasion. Those who won the competition were Tahteer Zahura, IMCG G-6/2 (first) Aleena Tariq, IMCG g-10/4 (second) and Shaheena, IMCG F7/2(third) among females, and Muhammad Akram, AIOU RWP region (first) Amir Rehman, IMCB H-8 (Second) and Hafiq Muhammad Waqas, IMCB H-9 (third) among the males. Special prizes went to Amna Arshad of IMCG and Iqra Noor of AIOU RWP region. Later, the Minister distributed certificates and cash prizes to the position holders.

AIOU book festival attracts youth from twin cities

of building of this school. This waste is being thrown there on daily basis rather than destroying it on scientific basis. The threat is looming large for eruption of fatal epidemics like AIDS, typhoid , hepatitis and others in the event of non initiation of effective steps for lifting this waste out side the school building and the innocent children will be their easy targets.

This hospital waste bomb is one among the diverse manifestations of terrorism for our children and it is ticking now speedily and when it explodes, its effects will not be less disastrous than Peshawar Garrison school suicide attack, said a father of a children studying in this school. The citizens have demanded for disposal of this waste on war footing before it gives rise to another human catastrophe.

One side of Committee Chowk underpass to be opened for traffic R AWALPINDI —One side of Nullah Leh been set at 5.1 to 5.6 meters.

Bridge and Committee Chowk underpass closed in connection with metro bus project will be opened for vehicular traffic from March, 31. Metro bus drivers will start driving practice in connection with track learning upto Rawalpindi from March, 28.

Sources said the height of Mareer Railway Bridge has been shortened due to construction of concrete road under the bridge.

The concerned authorities have said that standard height size under the bridge has

vital role in this regard through Parliamentary Friendship groups in both the Parliaments. The Speaker said National Assembly would be delighted to host parliamentarians from Germany.

The Ambassador acknowledged the sentiments of the Speaker saying that German Government also values its friendship with Pakistan and wants to strengthen it through diversifying its ongoing cooperation.

He apprised the Speaker about the forthcoming visit of a multi-party delegation comprising Members of the German Bundestag in April.

He was confident that the German Parliamentarians would meet their fellow Pakistani parliamentarians and members of the political hierarchy to exchange views and share experiences. He also assured his Government’s unwavering support to Pakistan.

Sources said if the weather is not cloudy then horticultural work beneath committee chowk underpass will start. Tiles painted with pictures are being pasted on the walls during horticultural work from Liaqat Bagh chowk to RDA office .

Sources said that Nullah Leh bridge side which has been completed will be opened for vehicular traffic for some days without carpeting. Later asphalt work will be carried out thereon.—Online

Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui and others visiting stalls during book festival at AIOU.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—A book festival arranged by Allama Iqbal Open University featuring a number of stalls with books on diverse subjects attracted the youth from twin cities. The book festival kicked off at AIOU on Wednesday to strengthen library network and develop ‘Friendship with books culture’.

A number of writers, publishers and sellers of books from various parts of the country were participating in the festival which was arranged by the Central Library of AIOU. While inaugurating the festival, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui said they the university’s library was being developed as a most modern one for providing strong support to research work.

The university was also trying to provide best library facilities to the readers through online automatic digital system. Accessibility to the library’s books is being ensured, so that the people sitting at their homes and offices could take benefit of it. Scanning and uploading of over 5000 thesis have been completed so that the people all over the world could get access to them through internet. The festival is part of the University’s efforts to promote researchbased and social-literary activities. Library, Dr. Siddiqui further said serves as best information provider and it is considered a brain of any educational institution for research work.

He called for strengthening media-academic institution collaboration for promot-

ing meaningful and result-oriented education as well as for enhancing literacy rate in the country. The inauguration ceremony of the festival was also addressed by eminent columnists Khurshid Nadeem and Jabbar Mirza, besides chief librarian of AIOU Muhammad Umar Khan.

They spoke on the importance of books and the library in the academic pursuits. A number of youngsters from different universities and colleges visited the book stalls to quench their thirst for knowledge. Saleem Rana, a visitor said, such activities should be arranged on regular basis to instill the book reading habit among the students like me. Books on multiple subjects are available here at a single platform which is a good thing, he said.

IIU holds awareness walk, seminar to mark World Water Day CITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Department of Environment

IG Islamabad Tahir Alam talking to media persons after destroying pressure horns and illegal vehicle’s number plates at ITP Headquarters.

Sciences International Islamic University (IIU) organized an awareness walk and a seminar to mark World Water Day. President World Youth Parliament for Water Mr. Bart Devis from Belgium particularly participated in the event, while Member International Water Secretariat Raza Ali, Founder Member Pakistan Youth Parliament for Water Wasif Bashir, Chairman Department of Environment Sciences IIU Dr. Muhammad Irfan faculty members and students also attended the event.

The guests delivered comprehensive presentations on importance of water, current water challenges, fear of water scarcity and issues of drinking water around the globe.

In his profound presentation by the Bart

Devis, he raised some particular challenges and issues regarding available water, its quality, purification and drinking water for people of the world.

He also urged the youth that they must come forward and contribute their potential beyond all the political, geographical, cultural boundaries for saving the water for our next generations.

Bart put strong emphasis on youth to build the pressure on authorities to make a national water policy for saving of water and face the current challenges.

Dr. Irfan in his talk said water is a blood of our economy as the Pakistan is an agrarian country. He said Pakistan has 3rd largest population of youth which also has a potential to lead the nation. He further termed youth a source of development and custodian of wa-

ter resources.

Dr. Irfan also stressed on students that they should care efficient use of water must fulfil their responsibilities in this regard.

Later on, Mr. Bart Devis had a meeting with Vice President Academics IIUI Dr. Muhammad Bashir Khan. In his remarks Dr. Bashir said there is a dire need to raise the awareness about water issues, challenges and problems. He said irrespective of regions where we living, everybody should take his or her responsibility to save the water and raise the voice for it.

He said our youth has great potential to lead the nation towards sustainable development and prosperity. He was of the view that collective programs must be initiated for this universal matter. Later on, participants joined the walk.

Hoisted Pak flag on my own soil: Aasiya Andrabi SRINAGAR—Dukhtaran-i-Millat Chairperson Syeda Aasiya Andrabi Wednesday said she did not hoist Pakistani flag on Indian soil but hoisted it on the soil of Jammu and Kashmir which is a disputed territory and is not a part of India. She was reacting after the reports that Jammu and Kashmir police have booked her for unfurling Pakistani flag in Kashmir during Pak National Day on March 23.

“From last 35 years we have been hoisting Pakistan Flag in India. This time the difference was that instead of unfurling it in Pakistan embassy in New Delhi, we hoisted in on our own soil in Kashmir. Let me make it clear that Jammu and Kashmir is my own land and it is not the part of India and for that reason I have not committed any crime,” Aasiya Andrabi told CNS adding that she was booked by police on the behest of Indian media under section 13A of MUZAFFARABAD: Former Premier and President Muslim Conference Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan talking to his party workers here on Wednesday. Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. “Indian biased news channels blew the issue of flag hoisting out of proportion and all

Turabi briefs Pak envoy on IOK situation

KUALA LUMPUR ,

—Ameer Jamat-e-Islami Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Abdur Rasheed Turabi has apprised the Pakistan Ambassador to Malaysia, Syed Hasan Raza of the latest situation of occupied Kashmir and stressed the need of highlighting the Kashmir dispute in Malaysia at every level.

Abdur Rasheed Turabi in a meeting with the Pakistan Ambassador said that the people of Malaysia fully supported the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, adding that a framework was needed to put pressure on India for resolution of the lingering dispute.

He told the envoy that the Malaysian media should be focused as it could also play a vital role in creating awareness regarding the Kashmir dispute.

The Pakistan Ambassador ensured the JI-AJK Ameer that he would further accelerate his efforts for projecting the Kashmir dispute at all forum in Malaysia.—KMS

Flood victims accuse officials of fraud SRINAGAR—The residents of Bemina locality of Srinagar city Wednesday alleged that concerned Revenue official in league with higher ups has swindled large chunk of money meant for the flood victims.

A delegation from Ibrahim Colony Bemina led by Ghulam Muhammad Bhat alleged that Tehsildar sheltering G.A.Khan, Naib Tehsildar Bemina Parveez Ahmad and Patwari Arshid Ahmad Baba embezzled the cheque vide number 386497 that had been issued in his favour.

The delegation said that cheques had been issued on the names of flood victims which they never received. “These officials have indulged in financial irregularities and to save their skin, they have been blaming each other for the mess. These officials avoid us on the one or the other pretext,” the delegation told CNS. “We suffered heavy loss due to floods and for construction purpose we applied for loan in Jammu and Kashmir Bank. We appeal to Revenue Minister to look into the matter. We are sure that it is a big scam and the officials related to the distribution of cheques have surely looted the exchequer in the name of flood victims,” the residents said. —KW

PDP cashed in on anti-BJP wave: Geelani

Pak, India cordial ties vital for peace: Prof Butt

Govt disclosure puts question mark on AFSPA

NEW DELHI—Senior leader of Parties Hurriyet ConferSRINAGAR—Taking a dig at the BJP-PDP coa- Kashmir are not tired in achieving their birth All ence, Professor Abdul Ghani S RINAGAR right and their resolve is getting strengthened lition, the Huriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani while holding a three hour long meeting with Pakistan High Commissioner at New Delhi Abdul Basit has said the “PDP is not peoples’ representative but cashed the antiBJP sentiment to cash votes during polls in Kashmir valley.”

Geelani, who met Basit at 2 PM discussed various issues pertaining to the present political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He hailed Pakistan for continuing its support to the ‘resistance’ movement in Kashmir.

Sources told KNS that Geelani, in the meeting, told Basit that as the euphoria is being created by the media over the representative character of the new government in JK, it in reality is a hoax and that the polls were held ‘under the barrel of gun with no democratic principles.’

The senior separatist took a further jibe against the PDP, saying that it made people to vote while trying to en-cash the anti- BJP sentiment in Valley.

The Huriyat (G) spokesman Ayaz Akbar told media over phone from New Delhi that in a three hour long meeting between Geelani and Basit, the Pak envoy assured that Pakistan would continue its diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir and there would be no ‘compromise’ on part of Pakistan from undermining the right to self determination to the people of the Himalayan region.

Akbar quoting Geelani said that people of

everyday after. “We want both India and Pakistan to emerge as strong nations but it would not be possible till the pending Kashmir is not resolved at an earliest,” Akbar quoting Geelani told Basit, adding that the misinformation tirade launched by the New Delhi based media was unfortunate and un called for. The senior separatist termed the media campaign as ‘journalistic hooliganism’.

Over holding of dialogue with New Delhi, Geelani stated that the government of India must accept Kashmir as a dispute and people of the region as a party to it.

On unity among the pro-freedom camp, the senior separatist leader said, “On principle we are not against the unity but unity of those parties only would be possible whose stand would be complete freedom and not any out of box solution.”

We too want unity but it should not be the unity of heads but the unity of principles. Our alliance will be only possible with those profreedom parties who would accept nothing less than freedom as a solution to the Kashmir dispute,” Geelani, according to Akbar, told Pak envoy.

Basit told Geelani that during his proposed meet with the Government of India, Pakistan would intimate it that the resolution of Kashmir must be the core agenda between the talks, Akbar said.— KW

Pak envoy continues to meet Kashmiri leaders NEW DELHI —Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit has continued holding consultations for the third consecutive day with separatist leaders from Jammu and Kashmir during which he sought their help for building an environment of peace in the subcontinent.

The first delegation was led by former chairman of moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference Abdul Gani Bhat which was followed by a team of hardline Hurriyat led by Syed Ali Geelani.

After his hour-long meeting, Bhat told PTI that it is important for peace in India and Pakistan that there should be friendship between the two countries.

“We are with any such move that forges a new era of friendship between two neighbours of the South Asia. We have to understand that dialogue is the only way to move forward,” he said.

A professor of Persian language, Bhat said every Indian and Pakistani citizen was in favour of friendship between the two countries as this will not benefit this region only but the entire world.

“He (Basit) told us that both the countries were moving towards resolution of all outstand-

ing issues including Kashmir,” Bhat said, adding “he (Basit) sought help from Hurriyat Conference in contributing towards building an environment for that.”

He regretted controversies created over the meetings between separatists and the Pakistani High Commissioner saying “I wonder why are some people seeing red. I pray that they should get the sense of urgency of having a good relations between the neighbouring countries.”

The media criticism of Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh’s presence at the Pakistan High Commission reception yesterday has no basis, Bhat said and advised media to contribute in peace rather than become an obstacle.

Hurriyat Conference Chairman MirwaizUmer Farooq, who held a separate one-to-one meeting with Basit on Sunday, also said that speculation in media should not be given importance.

“The matter is whether there is political will between the two countries to go together. Media cannot make the government hostage, it cannot make the situation of Kashmir or Kashmir policy as a hostage,” the Mirwaiz

said.

As for Hurriyat Conference, it is also a constituent and representing an opinion of people of Kashmir and “we will be happy talking to India as well as Pakistan. When the two sovereign nations will sit across the table, all issues including Kashmir will go together. In case any country shies away from the Kashmir issue, we may be talking peace but we don’t mean peace then,” Bhat, who was accompanied by Aga Sayeed Hassan Badgami and MukhtarWaza, said.

Later, Geelani held a separate one-to-one meeting with Basit which was followed by delegation level talks in which his spokesman Ayaz Akbar, son-inlaw Altaf Shah and Bashir Ahmed participated for nearly two hours.

Later talking to PTI, the spokesman of the hardline faction said it was for a peaceful resolution to Kashmir issue and expressed happiness over the presence of the Minister of State for External Affairs at the Pakistani High Commission yesterday.

“Finally India has realised that any breakdown in dialogue is not in its own benefit. —GK

Butt, has said that cordial relations between Pakistan and India are essential for regional and global peace.

Professor Abdul Ghani Butt said this in an interview after meeting along with an APHC delegation with the Pakistan High Commissioner in New Delhi, Abdul Basit.

He said that every Indian and Pakistani citizen was in favour of friendship between the two countries as this would benefit not only this region but also the entire world.

He said that the APHC would support any move aimed at forging friendship between the two South Asian neighbours.

“Abdul Basit told us that both the countries were moving towards resolution of all outstanding issues including Kashmir dispute. He sought help from Hurriyet Conference in contributing towards building an environment for that,” Professor Butt said. We have to understand that dialogue is the only way to move forward, he stated.

He deplored the controversies created over the meetings between Hurriyet leaders and the Pakistani High Commissioner.

“I wonder why are some people seeing red. I pray that they should get the sense of urgency of having good relations between the neighbouring countries,” he added.— KMS.

these channels put a pressure on police to book me.

Instead of showing the ‘news’, these Indian news channels are acting as judge for Kashmiri people and are directing the Indian police and authorities, what to do and what not to do,” she said and added that she would continue to hoist the Pakistani flag on Kashmir soil and will not abandon the practice under pressure either from Indian media or authorities.

Meanwhile,the Indian police have registered an FIR against Dukhtaran-e-Millat Chairperson, Aasiya Andrabi, for celebrating Pakistan Day on March 23 and unfurling Pakistani national flag in Srinagar.

The FIR, which has been lodged at Nawhatta Police Station in Srinagar, accuses the Dukhtaran-e-Millat Chief of unlawful activities.

In the FIR, Aasiya Andrabi is alleged to have not only unfurled the Pakistani National flag on March 23 but also sang its national anthem along with her supporters, the police said.—KMS.

—Mufti Mohammad Sayeed led government has said that the Disturbed Areas Act has lapsed in 1998, putting a question mark on continuation of AFSPA in the state.

“This is to inform you that the Jammu and Kashmir Disturbed Area Act, 1997, was valid for only one year and has lapsed on 7th of October 1998.

At present, the (DDA) is not in force in the state. Therefore, the resolution submitted by you for revocation of Disturbed Area Act has been disallowed,’’ read a letter written by Additional Secretary Legislative Council to National Conference’s Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri to inform him about the rejection of his resolution regarding revocation of DAA. Agitated over rejection of his resolution by the Council Secretariat, Veeri according to

GNS raised the issue in the House and even walked into the well.

“I have moved a motion seeking adjournment of question hour to discuss this important issue as it has serious and wider ramifications,” he said.

Chairman Legislative Council, Amrit Malhotra asked Veeri to take his seat, saying that he has given him the full reply while rejecting his resolution.

Talking to reporters outside the Council, Veeri said that the absence of DDA in the state has rendered the continuation of AFSPA ‘illegal’.

“How AFSPA is continuing in the state when the state government has to first declare an area disturbed under provisions of the DDA which, however, is not in vogue in the state since 1998,” he asked.

Nayeem Akhtar, Minister

of Education, declined to elucidate even as he accused Veeri of raking up a non-issue. “The power to declare an area disturbed is inherent in AFSPA itself,” he said. Asked to elucidate, he said, “Kindly ask the Chairman.”

On Monday, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said that his government will undertake denotification of areas of DAA in a gradual way in bid to remove Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

“By gradual process some areas will be denotified from Disturbed Areas Act. I cannot do it in one go but I will do it,” Mufti had told Legislative Council.

Mufti maintained that Army will be taken on-board over the decision. “I will do it with their (Army’s) consultation and after taking them on board”, Mufti had said. —KD

LA ‘drops’ Afzal Guru resolution JAMMU —In a major breather for the ruling PDP-BJP government in J&K, the Legislative Assembly (LA) has dropped the resolution on return of mortal remains of Muhammad Afzal Guru.

Legislator from Langate constituency, ErAbdur Rashid—who had moved the resolution—said “it was not subjected to balloting process.”

Officials in the Legislative Assembly Secretariat said the

resolution has been dropped from business of the House.

“The resolution couldn’t make it to the business of the House through draw of lots,” they claimed, adding, 14 other resolutions have been selected through balloting process.

According to them, the resolution on Afzal Guru will not be taken up on April 1 and April 8—the days reserved for Private Members’ Resolutions.

Rashid accused the PDPBJP government of “sabotaging” the resolution “to save the chair.”

“My resolution was not subjected to the balloting process,” Rashid claimed. Rashid said he was yesterday intimated that the balloting process would take place at 5 pm today.

“When I went there (LA secretariat) at 5 pm, I was told that balloting has already taken place at 2 pm,” he said. —GK

MUZAFFARABAD: Students performing on the stage during the Annual Festival at AJ&K University organized by Department of Kashmir Studies.

Kashmir: Urgency in dialogue process DR. GHULAM NABI FAI

A

Ll of us remain concerned that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir should be solved through peaceful negotiations and should be willing to lend all the strength we have to the resolution of this matter.” President Nelson Mandela at the NAM Summit – September 2, 1998 In matters of international conflict resolution, that can only imply the involvement of a third party mediator or facilitator. If Ashok and Ahmad can’t put Humpty Dumpty back together because they can’t agree on where the pieces go, then Sam, a specialist in eggshell reconstruction, should be called upon in order for differences to be resolved. Most importantly, without a third party’s impartial diligence in pursuing a settlement, breakdowns in lines of communication or other disputes that may arise will inevitably create barriers to resolution, and the process will fail. The side in the dispute which offers initiatives will always be seen as weak when both are out rattling their sabres; hence no progress can be made.

Although it seems that the UN would be the most ideal party to do so, it’s obvious that UN involvement needs acceptance from both Pakistan and India. India has made it clear that the UN’s monitoring of the Line of Control separating the two sides is itself unacceptable. Efforts to involve other major power brokers has achieved nothing, and most have alliances with one or the other of the two countries that would taint the process. The world powers can still persuade India and Pakistan to go back on their position in respect to the UN. Alternatively, they can suggest to both neighboring countries to simply agree that some other neutral party which perhaps professionally engages in conflict resolution might work between the two countries, creating an unbroken line of communication between them so that differences can in fact be resolved.

This mediator or facilitator should not be any party that is tied to any known national or international political agenda, whose funding should be derived independent of such interests, and which may pursue the resolution of this conflict objectively.

It would be the task of such an independent agency or a personality of an international stature to review solutions to the dispute which have garnered some attention and agreement in the past and to propose steps that would bring Pakistan and India together on points of alignment, with the full inclusion of the Kashmiris themselves. Since the future of Kashmir is at stake, it is vitally important that its own interests, however varied among Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and others, be a party to any discussions that are to take place.

Numerous proposals have been made in the past for resolving the Kashmir dispute which the neutral agency might take into consideration, such as that proposed by Sir Owen Dixon’s Plan in 1950, Ambassador Yusuf Buch’s Proposal in 2003, to Ambassador Kuldip Nayar’s Proposition in 2014.

There are several key issues that have been addressed in such proposals that need to be taken into consideration again.

1. Should all military operations cease and all troops from both countries be withdrawn? 2.

What political, economic, national defense or

social interests do Pakistan and India have in their respective regions of control in Kashmir that are important to retain? 3. Is their involvement in the power structure of a future Kashmir necessary to preserve such interests? 4. Should the long-term objective be complete sovereignty and independence for such a state, or should a powersharing arrangement be sought with the countries now involved? 5. Should communal interests that divide these regions culturally and religiously be used to establish provincial or federalized boundaries in order to separate them politically? 6. Should the Chanab River be used as a boundary in making such a division? 7. Should the Line of Control be dissolved? 8. Does land or territory make a country or do people make a country? Which has greater priority in deciding Kashmir’s future? 9. Should the interests of the people who now live in Kashmir be given greater priority than geographic considerations of proximity to Pakistan or India or any other interests of those who live outside its boundaries? 10. Is peace possible if the interests and desires of the population inhabiting Kashmir are not given the highest priority? 11. Should valuable resources

within Kashmir, such as water, which provide an essential need to all countries involved, be managed by a board or coordinating committee composed of members from all who benefit with international guarantees? 12. What examples of international conflict resolution may be used to identify successful pathways to resolving the conflict? 13. What are the benefits that would accrue to both India and Pakistan in resolving this dispute?

It is clear that resolving this dispute requires a careful evaluation of its many points of contention and addressing them one by one in a carefully drawn out process in which coming to an agreement on each sets the stage for moving on to the next.

The most basic set of principles must be established and adhered to regarding human rights, the interests of the Kashmiris themselves, and the preservation of vital interests that both India and Pakistan have at stake, and then to proceed with steps toward objectives that result in a winwin solution for all. Courtesy: Kashmir Watch.

Dr. Fai can be reached at: gnfai2003@yahoo.com]

Economic development dependent on peace in Karachi: Nawaz

ISE-10 Index witnesses bullish trend ISLAMABAD—Islamabad Stock Exchange witnessed bullish trend here on Wednesday as the ISE-10 index was down by 31.87 points and closed at 3,527.21 points. A total of 7,800 shares were traded, which were up by 6,200 shares when compared with previous day’s trading of 1,600 shares.

Out of 133 companies, share prices of 28 companies recorded increase while share prices of 105 companies registered decrease whereas no company remained stable in today’s trading. Pakistan Tobacco remained the top trading company in today’s trading with Rs. 35.00 per share, while the shares of Packages Limited was decreased by Rs. 20.57 per shares during the trading session. K-Electric, Silk Bank and Nishat Mills remained the market leaders during Wednesday’s trading with 7,000, 300 and 500 shares respectively.—APP

Shipping activity at Port Qasim KARACHI—Shipping Activity: Brisk shipping activity has been observed at the port where seven ships carrying containers, Project cargo, Chemical, LPG, Coal and Furnace Oil berthed at Qasim International containers Terminal, Multi Purpose Terminal, Engro vopak Terminal, IOCB Terminal and FOTCO Terminal respectively.

Meanwhile five more ships carrying Containers, Chemical and furnace Oil also arrived at outer anchorage of Port Qasim during last 24 hours. Berth occupancy was 85% at the port on Wednesday where nine ships namely OOCL Kobe, Al Rawadeh, Motion Scan, Thorco Winter, Atlantic Glory, Alpha Melody, Green Speed, Trans Pacific, and Amarayllis are currently occupying berths to load/ offload Containers, Project Cargo, Chemical, Canola, LPG, Coal.—APP

AMANULLAH KHAN/IRFAN ALIGI K ARACHI —Prime

KARACHI: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif giving an Award to youngest winner at KSE Top 25 Companies Awards ceremony. Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar was also present at the occasion.

Chinese firms ready to invest in PIA to improve performance STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —A number of leading Chinese firms have shown their interest to invest in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to improve facilities for the passengers and increase the number of flights to connect Pakistan with all over the world.

Pakistan just need some improvement in its transportation facilities, reservation system, airport facilities and technical know-how to get more destinations and enhance number of passengers through PIA, said Qiao Song Managing Director of a leading Chinese company Sibol China Limited while talking to APP here on Wednesday. He is in Pakistan to look into prospects of joint venture with PIA by Chinese firms.

He said Pakistan is situated at a very important geographical area and PIA can take full advantage from this geographical situation to link the world. Qiao Song said PIA could also linked to about ten cities of China and

these flights could go further to other destinations taking the advantage of close and strong ties of Pakistan and China. He said presently there are only three destinations, which are being connected between Pakistan, and China while these flights can be extended to ten cities to cater more business for PIA. He said ticketing and reservation system of PIA need to be improved so that it can be accessed from any where in the world for booking and checking the status of their booking.

Regarding problem of Union in PIA, he said, union is not a problem for improving the PIA facilities as workers’ union always very important segment of the organization and helpful in implementing the policies of the administration.

Chairman Sibol China Limited Yang Shu while giving his opinion said there are many Chinese companies already working in Pakistan and due to strong bilateral relations; there are very bight chances that more Chinese firms could come here to invest in vari-

OGDCL discovers hydrocarbons at Well Palli Deep-1 MIAN ARSHAD

Economic depression cannot be cured by legislative action or executive pronouncement.

Economic wounds must be healed by the action of the cells of the economic body - the producers and consumers themselves.

—Herbert Hoover

ous sectors especially in airline industry. He said some Chinese companies have already doing business and interacting with leading airline-manufacturing companies including Boeing Company therefore, they can use their experience for transfer of technology to the staff of PIA. Yang Shu said maintenance of the aircraft and addition of new aircraft are very important and many Chinese firms are ready to help, assist and provide financial assistance to Pakistan in this regard. Chairman Global Industrial Solution Mian Zia, who had been doing business in China for last 25 years very successfully and motivating the new Chinese companies to invest and do business in Pakistan, while talking to APP said there are wide scope for joint venture with many Chinese companies in different areas.

He said aviation industry of Pakistan need some assistance, technical help and modern training to improve its standard equal to the world and Chinese Company Sibol China Limited is ready to invest in this sector.

ISLAMABAD—The Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Wednesday, discovered another oil discovery from exploratory Well Palli Deep-1, located in District Tando Allah Yar, Sindh with 100 per cent OGDCL ownership. This is the 104 hydrocarbons discovery, which OGDCL has made within the short span of four months during the current fiscal year.

The structure of Well Palli Deep # 01 was delineated, drilled and tested by using OGDCL’s in house expertise. The well was drilled down to the depth of 4050 Meters, targeting to test the hydrocarbon potential of Upper Sand of Lower Goru Formation.

Significant reserves of oil have been found at Well Palli Deep # 01 in (Basal Sand &

Middle Sand) of Lower Goru Sand formation, which produced, 1095 Barrels of oil per day at 32/64” choke size. This discovery of Palli Well Deep-1 will add to the hydrocarbon reserves base of the OGDCL and GHPL. Muhammad Rafi, the Managing Director and CEO of OGDCL further expressed that OGDCL has reached the 104th landmark of hydrocarbon well discovery at Palli Deep-01 Well located in District Tando Tallah Yar, Sindh Province. He further appraised that OGDCL is Pakistan’s premier and largest Oil & Gas Exploration and Production Company, which contributes 55% of Pakistan’s oil output and 31% of Natural Gas output.

OGDCL is the top tax paying company in Pakistan with annual tax payments surpassing Rs. 50 billions.

Gold import declines by 91.63pc ISLAMABAD—The gold imports during the first eight months of current fiscal year 2014-15 plunged 91.63 percent as against the same period of last year. According to data revealed by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), during the period under review, 354 kilogram of yellow metal worth of US $14.476 million was imported as compared to the import of 4,177 kg valuing $172.950 million during July-February 2013-14.

The overall imports of metal group, however registered an increase of 25.65 percent during the first eight months of the year 2014-15 against the same period of last year.—APP

Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif says peace and tranquility in the port city of Karachi was inevitable for country’s economy. Peace in Pakistan was conditioned by peace in Karachi, which was the key to employment, development and investment in the country. The ongoing-targeted operation had brought down crime rate, incidents of extortion and targeted killings. Targeted operation in Karachi would continue till complete peace and tranquility was restored and in this regard, federal government and Sindh provincial government were working in complete harmony.

He said that the targeted operation in the city was launched with complete understanding among all political parties and it was finalized at Sindh Governor House in the presence of Sindh Governor and Sindh CM. He said those involved in sectarian violence should be taken to task at all cost.

Pakistan had offered great price for the war on terror and the country suffered from loss that was accumulated in billions. He was

addressing a award ceremony for 25 eminent companies at the Karachi Stock exchange. Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Ashraf Mehmood Tharra, Karachi Stock Exchange Chairman Muneer Kamal, Investment Board Chairman Miftah Ismail, Security and Exchange Commission Chairman Zafar Hijazi and others were present.

The PM said that the government was predetermined to eliminate terrorism from the country and prior to waging war against terrorist groups, efforts for peaceful resolution of the menace through dialogue were made but to no avail. He said that all political parties in Pakistan had unanimously supported and endorsed government’s decision for the decisive action against terrorist. Henceforth, a military operation was in full swing and would not stop until the last remaining terrorist would be eliminated. A 20-point National Action Plan was carved out to beat the terrorism on which all political parties had showed unanimous support to the government.

Continued on Page 14

ISLAMABAD: Secretary Economic Affairs Division, Saleem Sethi and Country Director World Bank Rachid Benmassoud exchanging documents after signing an agreement.

MOL to carry out inquiry of stolen crude oil: Jam Kamal ISLAMABAD —The minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal here on Wednesday informed the Lower House that M/s MOL was carrying out enquires which will establish the stolen quantity of crude oil. Answering a question raised by the Ms Naeema Kishwar Khan in the National Assembly, regarding stolen quantity of crude oil,, the minister said that Crude oil was not stolen from pipeline while some cases of oil tanker refilling were observed in different areas of the country, after which some companies have been black-listed.

He said a total of 1077 Kilometer pipeline crossing under the mountains was laid down underground so its monitoring was impossible. He further added that the said issue was also discussed in the standing committee and a Subcommittee was also constituted to probe the matter while the Chairman of the committee was also from that area.

The NA was told that law and order being a provincial matter, M/o Peroleum and Natural Resources has taken up the matter with Chief Secretary, KPK for taking remedial measures and action against culprits.

It was further stated that

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has also constituted a joint investigation team comprising on Commissioneer Kohat, Regional Police Officer/DIG Kohat, Deputy Commissioner Kohat, Deputy Commissioner Karak, CEO of MOL and CEO of KPOGDCL to investigate the matter.

In another question regarding total quantity of crude oil supplied annually by the MOL Company to the government in Karak, the minister stated that a total of 5,061,391 Barrels crude oil/condensate supplied from processing facilities at Karak district by M/ s MOL during 2013 while 6,495,948 in 2014.—APP

Macro-economic stability to lead Pakistan towards economic growth SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Former Governor State Bank of Pakistan Dr. Ishrat Hussain Wednesday said that macro-economic stability and a favorable policy environment is likely to lead Pakistan towards economic growth. He said this while speaking on the first day of the XIth Conference on the Management of the Pakistan Economy hosted by the Lahore School of Economics, which was opened up Wednesday.

The keynote address was given by Dr.Robert Wade (Professor, London School of Economics). He stated that before 1980’s it was widely understood that development meant rising overall “prosperity” and that heavy investment in infrastructure and in industry were key drivers. After the mid 1980’s the content of development came to be “extreme poverty reduction”, “humanitarian assistance”, “primary school education”, “primary health care”, “anti-corruption”. Why this change? He argued that it was due to several factors: (1) the end of the Cold War, and the resulting change in the geopolitical strategy of western states led by the US; (2) the increasing strength of “post-materialist” values in developed countries and their translation into the content of western development

thinking (eg World Bank, USAID, DfID); (3) business interests in the West; and (4) continued western control of inter-state organizations that are meant to be organizations for the world (eg World Bank).

The first session’s theme was Policy Environment and Manufacturing Performance.

The first session was chaired by Dr. Ishrat Hussain (Dean and Director, Institute of Business Administration). He emphasized the importance of Pakistan as a regional manufacturing hub and how industrial policy can cater to all vital sectors. Dr. Inayat Mangla (Professor, Western Michigan University) analyzed the impact of macroeconomic environment on Pakistan’s manufacturing sector emphasizing in particular the role of monetary and fiscal policies in shaping incentives for industrial investment. Furthermore he argued that macroeconomic stabilization policies have often failed to produce the desired results owing to lack of coordination between monetary and fiscal policies. Though recent macroeconomic indicators show some improvement, fundamental weaknesses remain. In particular, the recent improvement in the current account deficit is driven largely by high inflow of remittances coupled with financial engineering such as payments from the IMF,

friendly money, EU bond issue and ‘Islamic Sukuk’.

Dr.Hafiz Pasha (Professor Emeritus,Lahore School of Economics) discussed the implications of varying incidence of taxes and subsidies on industries. In doing so, it quantifies the effective levels of protection to different industries and the value of export incentives Dr. Matthew McCartney Director of South Asian Studies, University of Oxford) established evidence that the exchange rate was managed in a way that should have helped a more liberalized trading regime contribute to economic growth. He explored wider evidence linking trade liberalization to economic growth and argues that the positive relation is at best only a contingent one. Those contingent factors that have failed to support the positive link between trade liberalization and economic growth in Pakistan are investment, tax revenue, and upgrading/learning The second session was on Pakistan’s Manufacturing Sector. Dr.Naved Hamid (Professor,Lahore School of Economics)explained trends in the share of manufacturing employment and value added over the last 50 years or more. According to him, it seems that turning point in Pakistan occurred in 2007. To understand the factors

underlying the slowdown of the manufacturing sector, he analyzed the structural changes that occurred in the manufacturing sector over the last 30 years.

Dr. Azam Chaudhry (Professor,Lahore School of Economics) looked at how the establishment of different types of firms across the districts of Punjab has impacted district level socio-economic outcomes in Punjab. He explained that the entry of firms has a positive impact on economic outcomes like employment and enrollment and this impact can vary by the scale of the firms that enter Dr. Theresa Chauhdry (Associate Professor, Lahore School of Economics) and Mahvish Faran(Lahore School of Economics) analyzed the production, management, wage practices, and quality and discussed issues related to how re-organization can spur future growth in the electrical fan and ready-made garments sector in Pakistan. The last session of the day was on what makes manufacturing firms succeed or fail. Mr. Mujeeb Rashid (CEO, Michells Fruit Farms Limited) reviewed the business operations at Michell’s Fruit Farms focusing on supply chain efficiencies through a Rolling Sales Forecasting System supported by PDCA Concept among all operating units. He explained that together with these efforts Training and

Development of Staff was undertaken to improve essential Skills and Attitudes. The resulting internally generated Value enabled the company to make new investments that would strengthen both Backward & Forward linkages to Growers and Consumers.

Dr.Shahzad Khan (Director Marketing and Sales at Getz Pharma Pvt Ltd) explained that Getz Pharma is the first and only manufacturing company in Pakistan and amongst few in the region to be certified by PIC/s. In the month of Feb, 2015 Getz Pharma initiated a ground-breaking ceremony of its largest pharmaceutical plant to be constructed in South Asia at one site. It is being designed and being built to attain the WHO, US FDA and EU certifications. With US$ 300 million this Project largest investment in the manufacturing sector of Pakistan since independence. All this has been made possible because of our Vision to be the Top-10 regional, research-driven, branded-generic, pharmaceutical company with a global outlook. We will continue our journey of excellence by serving the needs of the patients and medical community worldwide Mr.Sajid Minhas (CEO,Delta Garments) illustrated the importance of the garment sector in the overall economic perspective is two-fold.

Currency

Selling

Buying

USA

101.70

101.50

UK

151.20

150.91

Euro

111.16

110.94

Canada

81.34

81.18

Switzerland

105.99

105.78

Australia

80.12

79.96

Sweden

11.98

11.95

Japan

0.8501

0.8484

Norway

12.95

12.93

Singapore

74.41

74.26

Denmark

14.89

14.87

Saudi Arabia 27.12

27.06

Hong Kong

13.11

13.09

Kuwait

339.51

338.84

Malaysia

27.81

27.75

Newzealand

77.65

77.50

Qatar

27.93

27.87

UAE

27.69

27.63

Kr Won

0.0923

0.0921

Thailand

3.125

3.119

HUBCO gets KSE Top 25 Companies Award STAFF REPORTER K ARACHI —The Hub Power Company Limited (HUBCO) has been honoured with Karachi Stock Exchange Top 25 Companies Award 2013, out of the 580 companies listed at the bourse. The award was conferred by the honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif during a ceremony held in Karachi. The KSE Top 25 Companies Award is the country’s most prestigious honour and is given to the companies fulfilling the stringent requirements of dividend payout, return on equity, compliance with listing regulations and sound corporate governance practices. The Hub Power Company also received The Top 25 Companies Award in 2010 and 2012.

Pak real estate to draw huge foreign investment OBSERVER REPORT LAHORE—The USA is the leading foreign investor in Pakistan’s real estate market, according to new data released today by property portal Lamudi.pk. Lamudi website data shows that the top five countries investing in the local real estate sector are: the USA, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Canada. It comes at a time when Pakistan’s buoyant real estate sector is seeing increasing interest from foreign investors. The demand for residential and commercial property has risen by up to 15 percent in the first three months of 2015. This trend is expected to accelerate throughout the year.

Saad Arshed, Country Director of Lamudi in Pakistan, said: “Pakistan has a multi-million dollar real estate industry, which can be gauged from the sheer value of its domestic real estate assets which are worth a staggering US$700 billion. This sector has recently attracted an increasing number of foreign investors, as seen by the recent boost in the number of overseas property-seekers accessing the Lamudi website. Our website receives the most number of foreign views and leads from the USA since a large number of overseas Pakistanis are living there.”

Pakistan has one of the most liberal foreign investment regimes in South Asia. Investors can have 100 percent foreign equity in the infrastructure sector, along with other incentives such as repatriation of capital, capital gains, dividends and profits. “All of this has further sparked the interest of investors in Pakistan’s most promising investment sector,” Arshed said. The three-day Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) expo held in 2014, of which Lamudi.pk was an official bronze sponsor, sparked international interest in the property and construction sectors.

President Xi’s visit to leave historical impact on Sino-Pak relationship ISLAMABAD—Chinese President Xi Jinping upcoming visit to Pakistan will bring the Sino-Pak ties to a new height, as both sides during the visit are expecting signing of some far-reaching agreements to further develop their all-round strategic partnership.

“The visit, likely to take place next month will further consolidate and upgrade their decades’ old partnership’ said a senior official. The impact of this high profile visit will be historical one on their all-round partnership, both quantity and quality-wise, the official said adding “China is going to become our most strong partner in overcoming energy crisis and generating maximum investment in various socio-economic sectors.

China is our big supporter in the development of agriculture sector as well. Development of hybrid rice technology is a big contribution from the Chinese side. China’s assistance in education sector is also marvelous. Currently around 10, 000 Pakistani students are studying in China, mostly on Chinese scholarships.

Series of visits have been planned this year to further deepen people-to-people contacts. A media-forum will be held soon to develop cooperation at journalists’ level. We are having solid cooperation in security sector, the official said. China fully supports Pakistan in war against terror.

Chinese government and the people stood by Pakistan during difficult times, particularly when the country was hit by natural calamity. Chinese government is also providing financial support to Pakistan for rehabilitation of IDPs. The sources further said, bilateral cooperation at the diplomatic front is also exemplary one in state-state to relationship. Both the countries enjoy almost identical position on all regional and international issues. Bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and China has reached to dollar 16 12.8 billion, showing 12 percent annual increase,

according to the latest official statistics available here.

This is a big jump in the bilateral trade, reflecting the level of socio-economic cooperation increased in the recent two years. Balance of trade position is also getting improved, as Pakistan‘s export to China has increased to about dollar 4 billion. The bilateral trade was registered dollar 5.2 billion in 2006, which jumped to dollar 16 billion last year.

China has emerged as second largest trading partner of Pakistan in the region. The growth in the economic ties started with signing of free trade agreement between the two countries.

Besides the trade, there was also unprecedented increase in China’s investment in Pakistan in the recent months. There is a manifold increase in number of Chinese companies working in Pakistan. Currently, around 10,000 Chinese workers are engaged in various projects, undertaken in Pakistan. According to the sources, the two countries maintained momentum of their all-round cooperative partnership that was the result of frequent bilateral exchanges took place at various levels. It is expected that China-Pakistan economic corridor project (CPEC) will be another milestone in the development of their bilateral relations. The leadership of the two countries attached top priority to its early implementation.

The CPEC is not only road project, in fact it covered wide-range of areas including infrastructure and energy development. This project is for the benefit for whole of Pakistan, the sources said. It provides strong connectivity between the two countries, covering all regions of Pakistan. China’s support is also unprecedented in the development of Gowdar port and Karkarum highway. Pakistan is heavily depending on China to overcome its energy shortage. Currently there are 14 projects which are under-implementation with the support of Chinese government or Chinese companies.—INP

TCS, DIB sign corporate financing agreement STAFF REPORTER KARACHI —Pakistan’s largest express and logistics company, TCS has signed a Corporate Financing Agreement with Dubai Islamic Bank (Pakistan) Ltd. worth PKR 600 Million which includes short-term working capital, fleet financing, and car financing facilities for TCS employees. The overall arrangement and delivery of financial services would involve close collaboration between the Treasury & Corporate Finance team at TCS headed by Fahd Ali Sheikh and DIB’s Corporate Banking team represented by Ghazanfar Ali Baig.

Through this strategic financial arrange-

Oil prices mixed in Asia SINGAPORE—Oil prices were mixed in Asia Wednesday ahead of the release of US stockpiles data, a closely watched barometer of demand in the world’s biggest consumer of the commodity, analysts said. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate fell 12 cents to $47.39 and Brent was up five cents at $55.16 in afternoon trade. Crude supplies in the United States are expected to have risen in the week ending March 20, according to a survey by Bloomberg News.

Inventories have risen for the past 10 weeks in a row, putting further downward pressure on prices in the face of a global supply glut, with the OPEC oil cartel also maintaining elevated output levels.

The US Energy Information Administration will announce the data later Wednesday. “Inventories remain crucial in judging the oversupply issue,” Daniel Ang, an investment analyst with Phillip Futures in Singapore, said in a market commentary.

Data showing an unexpectedly sharp manufacturing slowdown in China is also weighing on sentiment.

China’s manufacturing activity contracted in March at its fastest rate in 11 months, British banking giant HSBC said.—AFP

ment, DIB’s Cash Management team represented by Danish-ul-Haq will also be facilitating TCS in enhancing efficiency of its payments processes, cutting overall transactional costs including salary disbursements for 10,000 TCS employees and ensuring effective cash collection from TCS area hubs in Karachi. The facilities have a competitive pricing structure anchoring the reputation of TCS in terms of brand image and financial standing. Junaid Ahmed, CEO, DIB and Zubair Haider Shaikh, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, DIB along with Irteza Ali Qureshi, Group CFO, TCS and Salman Akram, Country Head Corporate, TCS attended the agreement signing ceremony.

USC, GAIN hold nutrition talks with food suppliers I SLAMABAD —Worldwide, iodine itself. iodine deficiency affects about two billion people and is the leading preventable cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

It’s been more than half a century when iodine deficiency disorder was recognized as a public health problem in Pakistan. Almost 50 per cent of Pakistani population is still at risk of iodine deficiency disorders; physical and mental retardation are very common indications of IDD’s.

According to the findings of WHO (2014), the reason behind the IDD are higher cost of iodized salt, consumer misconceptions, lack of awareness, not permitted by law and instability of iodine. Adequate awareness on the part of policy makers, the salt industry and the general public by GAIN, UNICEF, WHO and other agencies is only the solution. Keeping in view the importance of iodine for the human body particularly the vulnerable women and the children, Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has collaborated with Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) to increase the distribution of the adequately Iodized salt and eventually the

Currently, inclusion of iodized salt in processed foods is voluntary and no data is available how much of the industry is using the iodized salt in their food items. To encourage the food item suppliers to use the adequately iodized salt in the food items where the salt is an ingredient, Utility Sores Corporation in collaboration with GAIN conducted a panel discussion with the leading food item suppliers of UCS including the representatives from Qarshi Industries, Shan Foods, Colgate Palmolive and Unilever participated.

Food technologist and the experts from various universities emphasized the importance of using iodized salt in the food items to decrease various health issues for the Pakistan population. Senior General Manager Utility Stores Corporation Mr. Wajid Ali Swati, Senior Project Manager GAIN Mr. Faiz Rasool, Dr.Anwaar Ahmad, Dr.Sham and Dr.Zaheer emphasized and encouraged the to use adequately iodized salt in the food items for the improvement of the mental and physical abilities of the nation.—PR

RAWALPINDI: Logor Bykov First Deputy Chairman of State Military and Industrial Committee of Belarus called on Rana Tanveer Hussain Federal Minister for Defence Production.

Workshop on ‘Building Sustainable Family Business’ SALIM AHMED L AHORE —The

Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday arranged a day-long workshop on “Building a sustainable Family Business.” The workshop was jointly organized by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, QCT and International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The topics covered in the workshop were Business case for corporate governance and succession planning, the challenges of running a family business, the health check of your business and last but not the least family governance and succession.

Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that Family-owned business is recognized today as an important and distinct organization in the world economy. He said that Family-owned businesses now operate in every country and may be the oldest form of business organization, but only within the last decade have their unique benefits been identified and studied. The business spirits starts fading away when the business starts entering in the 2nd and 3rd generation. He said that the important part at this time is that the corporate experts should handle the business.

He said that strong entrepreneurial spirit is actually the backbone for supporting the family venture. He said that the core reason being the direct contact of the employees and founders, which bonds their mutual relationship. In my view attention should be given to this particular point since loyal team members will produce concrete results.

Senior Vice President Mian Nauman Kabir, Amer Qureshi of QCT, former LCCI president Tariq Sayeed Saigol, Bashir A. Baksh, Mian Misbah-ur-Rehman, Syed Shahid Ali of Treet Corporation.

ISLAMABAD: President FPCCI Mian Adrees presenting shield to outgoing Ambassador of European Union, Lars Gunnar Wigemark at a farewell reception. Federal Minister for Commerce, Khurram Dastgir Khan, CEO TDAP, SM Muneer and others also seen in picture.

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of overseas Pakistanis led by Sajjad Haider Khan, member European Parilament being briefed during their visit to Overseas Pakistanis Foundation head office.

Economic development.....

Continued from Page 13 He said the country was passing through difficult times and in order to stabilize the economy, all had to work hard round the clock.

There were numerous challenges such as energy crisis and the government was striving at overcoming it. He said the government was working on alternative resources of energy including solar, wind and coal- base power generation with which the country would get 15000 to 17000 megawatts. He said the government not only wanted to rid of the power outages abut wanted to overcome it and for this purpose the government was also working on construction of water reservoirs and dams especially

the Bhasha Dam with water storing capacity more than the Mangla and Terbella dams.

Federal minister for Finance Mohammad Ishaq Dar in his statement said that concerted efforts by the government, led by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan’s economy has achieved position of stability. “Pakistan of today is far better than the Pakistan as of May 2013”, Dar said while addressing an award ceremony here at Karachi Stock Exchange to recognize the 25 best performing companies, during 2010-2013. He said the previous governments also announced reforms but the element of effective implementation was missing.

“We have not only intro-

duced reforms but also ensured implementation- results are positive”, he maintained. He said the government wanted to take the country from a stable economic position to the league of emerging economies and Karachi stock exchange was a good example of brisk business activity.

He said today the country’s foreign exchange reserves stand at US $16.13 billion and next target was to achieve $17 billion mark.

“Despite tremendous pressures on the Government since it came into power, untiring efforts have enabled us to achieve GDP growth of 4.1% last year and we are on target of achieving 5.1% GDP growth in the current fiscal year”, he added.

Wheat growers concerned over delay in procurement despite bumper crop OBSERVER REPORT KARACHI —Government of Sindh’s Food Department has failed to address fears prevailing among the wheat growers that delay in buying wheat might ruin their early crop. The growers fear is based on the reality that the procurement of wheat from growers at supporting price fixed by the department has not been started yet.

Wheat growers are distressed that inefficient and ineffective planning and delay in buying by the Sindh government would compel them to opt for other cash crops. It is pertinent to mention that growers are still waiting for opening of wheat procurement centers throughout the province.

Meanwhile food department has issued tenders for the transportation, storage and fumigation of reserves places. Farmers were also concerned about the decreasing prices of wheat in international market and took the sigh of relief after Economic Coordination Committee ECC’s decision to impose uniform 25 percent duty on im-

port of wheat and its products.

But their main concern is still there and that is the Sindh government has reduced its wheat procurement target by 25% this season due to surplus wheat in stock and limited warehouse facilities, which is to further damage the livelihood of farmers.

Agri expert opined that for the coming wheat season, the provincial food department has reduced their wheat purchase target from 1.200 million (last year) to only 0.900 million tons for current year (reduction of 25%). This is to harm the farmer and growers quite much, forcing them to sell their wheat at distressed selling rates to the private buyers,’ said a source in food department.

Sindh has current stock of 0.866 million tons, so it is very unlikely that Sindh would even meet the reduced target (0.9m tons) of wheat procurement this year. ‘The government launches crackdowns on farmers and growers when they need to achieve their procurement targets, but they don’t

feel accountable for leaving farmers in lurch by not procuring wheat from farmers on time and in desired quantity,’ he added.

Also, reports are that the country may miss a target to export 1.2 million tons of wheat this year after a decline in global prices slowed sales, making new crop rotting in fields in May. ‘The farmers are already perplexed over the country’s inability to export enough wheat this season, which would make them cautious about harvesting in March,’ he said.

Meanwhile, buyers said the government at the time of wheat shortage also allows wheat import in heavy quantity, which proves damaging for local farmers, and creates unrest. It is to be noted that the private sector in Sindh imported around 700,000 million tons of wheat last season.

‘Sindh government reportedly accuses the federal government for allowing wheat import for the private sector in Sindh despite bumper crops in the country, which has created problems for local growers,’ he added. This is the

reason, he added, the Sindh government has imposed a 60-day ban on movement of wheat across provincial borders, fearing the inflow of wheat flour to Karachi from other parts of the country. ‘But this step is not going to help the farmer,’ reasoned the source.

Even the revised support price (Rs 1300/40 kg) for the new season, he added, would be of no help to them as an official of Sindh Abadgar Board has already stated that farmers in Sindh would sell the grain below the support price because they are about to start harvesting and surplus stocks are still at government warehouses. The Sindh government has announced procuring wheat from the 15th of this month at Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas divisions, while the pending stock of wheat would be shifted from Sukkur, Ghotki and Khairpur go-downs to Karachi to ensure the supply of monthly requirement of 2 million tonnes wheat to Karachi market. Pakistan will have 27 million tons wheat this year, which is even much bumper than last year’s.

President SFP declares federation’s elections unconstitutional K ARACHI —President Softball Federation of Pakistan (SFP) Mohammed Saleem Khan has said that the recently held elections of the federation were unconstitutional aiming at dividing the federation.

In a statement isued here on Tuesday, he said that such fake elections would not be tolerated.

He further said that the Secretary General of the Federation Haider Lehri announced the holding of elections without convening meeting of the executive committee. Besides all steps taken by MR Lehri for fixing of date, place and appointment of the chief election commissioner and other related matters were without his (President’s) permission.

Saleem Khan said that he had postponed the elections slated for

West Indies training squad to face England

March 21 at Lahore by using his constitutional authority, however, Haider Lehri called the annual general body council meeting and conducted the elections to get himself elected as the secretary general for the third time against the national sports policy.

He further said that the chief election commissioner Syed Khawar Shah illegally accepted the nomination papers of Haider Lehri and allowed him to run for the third term in violation of the policy of the Pakistan Sports Board that bars a member to contest elections for the third term. Khawar Shah through intrigue barred the Punjab Softball Association to participate in the elections while Sindh Softball Association did not take part in the elections as it was postponed by the President

SFP. Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) had also stopped its nominated representatives Painda Malik (Gymnastic) and Iftikhar Tabassum (Tae Kwondo) from participating in the unconstitutional elections and hence they did not participate in it as POA observers. Saleem Khan appealed to President POA, General (R) Syed Arif Hasan and Secretary Ministry for Inter-provincial Cordination Ijaz Chaudhry and PSB’s higher authorities not to recognise these so called elections and declare them as void.

He further said that constitutional elections of the federation will be held soon in consultation with all affiliated units to which representatives of the sports bodies will be invited as observers.—APP

DFA elections in KP completed PESHAWAR—The election of the District Foot- MA Latif Khan as President DFA, Jehangir

Khan as Secretary, Sifayat Ullah as President DFA Bannu, Israr as Secretary, Rohullah President as DFA Karak, Ahmad Nawaz as Secretary, Aziz Muhammad of President Dir Upper, Sardar Yousaf as General Secretary, Qazi Wajid WAH CANTT: Players struggling to take hold on ball during 54th national basketball championship for Chairman S T . J OHN ’ S (Antigua and President DFA Nowshera and Muhammad POF Gold Cup. Barbuda)—West Indies 20Amjad as Secretary, Hizb Ullah President DFA man squad for a training Tank, Umar Farooq as Secretary. Umar Farooq camp in Antigua to be staged (Haripur), Muhammad Saeed Khan (Mardan), ahead of the three-Test seMuhammad Saeed (Mardan), Fazal-e-Ghafoor ries against England in April (Dir Lower), Aman Ullah (Koaht), Mohib Ullah and May: (Hangu), Saleem Awan (Dera Ismail Khan), Sulieman Benn, Devendra Saeed Khan (Bannu), Rohullah Karak, Haji Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Niaz Muhamad (Dir Upper), Ashfaq Hussain Carlos Brathwaite, Kraigg Shah (Peshawar), Ghalam Haider (Nowshera), KUALA L UMPUR—All Malaysian athletes positive for a banned stimulant after winBrathwaite, Darren Bravo, Wajid Khan (Abbottabad), Nusrat Ullah (Lakki participating in the Southeast Asian (SEA) ning Malaysia’s first gold in at the Games.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, S PORTS R EPORTER Marwat) and Muhammad Nouman Tai, who has returned her gold medal, Games in June will undergo a mandatory Sheldon Cottrell, Miguel (Malakand) will represent KP in the house of was banned until March 20 and is among doping test before departing for host city Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Pakistan Football Federation.—APP W A H C ANTT —The Na- Singapore, a report said citing a senior the Malaysian athletes heading to Shannon Gabriel, Jason tional 54th Basketball Cham- sports minister.

Singapore.

Holder, Shai Hope, Leon pionship kicked off at POF Khairy said previous doping tests were Khairy Jamaluddin, Malaysia’s youth Johnson, Veerasammy Sports Complex under the and sports minister said the measure was only conducted on 30 percent of the athPermaul, Denesh Ramdin, auspices of Pakistan Ord- necessary to overcome any possible abuse letes picked at random before they take part Kemar Roach, Marlon nance Factories (POF) of banned substances by the country’s ath- in a major sports events.

Samuels, Devon Smith, Sports Control Board here letes.

Sieh Kok Chi, Olympic Council of MaJerome Taylor on Wednesday. laysia secretary general hailed the move, “I have ordered the Malaysian AntiMatch schedule Col (R) Inamullah Khan Doping Agency to conduct doping test on saying it will deter athletes from using April 13-17: 1st Test Vice President POF Sports every athlete going to the SEA Games,” he banned drugs.

Vivian Richards Cricket Control Board presenting was quoted as saying by Bernama news “It is a deterrent. This is to ensure no Ground, Antigua welcome address said that agency late Tuesday.

Malaysian athlete is tested positive,” he April 21-25: 2nd Test 12 top teams from all over Malaysia has been hit by two high-pro- told AFP. Sieh confirmed that wushu exNational Cricket Stadium, the country are participating file doping cases recently. ponent Tai will participate in the Games since Grenada. May 1-5: 3rd Test in the championship includshe has completed her four-month suspenThe country’s badminton star and twoKensington Oval, Barbaing Pakistan Railway, FATA, time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong sion period. dos.—AFP Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, Wei was suspended after failing a doping The Southeast Asian Games will take Sindh, Punjab, KPK, Pak test at last year’s badminton world champi- place from June 5-16. Athletes from 11 parArmy, Pak Air Force, onships. ticipating nations are expected to compete WAPDA, HEC & host POF Asian Games organisers last Septem- in the Games which will showcase 36 sports team. ber expelled Malaysia’s wushu gold medal- including swimming, athletics and bilVice President POF winner Tai Cheau Xuen after she tested liards.—AFP Sports Control Board said that under the guidance of Lt Gen Muhammad Ahsan L AHORE —The Pakistan Mahmood, HI(M) Chairman Rugby Union (PRU) apPOF Board, POF Sports pointed Shakeel Ahmad as a Control Board had organized head coach of the national LAHORE: President Pakistan Cycling Federation Adrees Haider Khawaja talking to several sports competitions team, a spokesman of the medida persons after the arrival of cyclists of Tour de Punjab Open Cycle Race from including Basketball, body said on Wednesday. Rahimyar Khan to Rawalpindi at Chung area.

Kabaddi, Volleyball & Cricket of national & inter- L AHORE —Pakistan’s ace fast bowler national Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to national level during the last Wahab Riaz on Tuesday invited the bat- fine Wahab Riaz and Australian batsmen ting legend Brian Charles Lara to visit Paki- Shane Watson. three years.

He said, “I can’t wait to meet Wahab For this purpose POF is stan after the latter expressed the wish in offering international level the media in meeting the sports facilities to various former.

ISLAMABAD —A colorful girls sports gala dents to polish their hidden potential.

In a message on micro sports federations and PaHe said that women are the half of Wednesday held at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid blogging website Twitter, kistan Sports board.

Agriculture University Rawalpindi (AAUR) country’s population and through healthy It is worth mentioning Wahab said he was proud with an aim to provide female students an sports activities ‘we can prepare them for the that a large number of spec- and honoured that legend opportunity to explore their talent in a practi- tough future challenges.’

Rai Niaz said that Pakistan’s future de- tators including office Brian Lara wanted to meet cal way. Vice Chancellor AAUR Prof. Dr. Rai pends upon education and the ability of stu- bearers of Pakistan Basket- him and that it would be a Niaz Ahmad inaugurated the sports gala while privilege for him to host the Special Judge Central, Muhammad Naeem dents can be utilized through such activities ball Federation, players & former West Indian batsman. sports lovers witnessed Arshad and Senator Najma Hameed were the for the benefit of the country.

It may be noted here The university has been trying to provide the inaugural match. Final guest of honor on the occasion. that the West Indian legof this Championship will The event was also attended by Deans/ better opportunities for extracurricular events played on 30th end, Brian Lara had to the youth so that they could play their role be Directors, faculty members, staff and a large Shakeel, a former Pakistan tweeted during the March’2015. in nation building, he said. captain, returned from New number of female students, said a press requarterfinal between PakiAt the end, Vice Chancellor distributed Zealand where he completed lease. stan and Australia, saying More than 100 students of different de- prizes and shields among the students who coaching courses and his first he enjoyed the spell of Pakistani fast got top positions in different competitions.

Riaz and will pay his fine”. assignment with the team partments showed their sports spirit and enbowler Wahab Riaz.

Earlier, Syeda Irum Umer, coordinator of thusiasm by participating in different sports “A guy running in bowling at 150km/h comes in may when the PakiTalking to an Indian channel after the the event delivered the welcome address and stan 15 side takes part in a activities, including 100 meter race, 400 meter said that such extracurricular activities are es3rd quarter-final of the world cup, Brian Lara plus and Watson looked like he was at three-nation tournament in rally race, discus throw, volleyball, long jump, sential for the personality development of stuexpressed disappointment over the Inter- school”, Lara added.—APP Tashkent. Having made his in- handkerchief snatching, short put and tug of dents. She said sports are an integral part of ternational debut for Pakistan war etc.

Rai Niaz emphasized the students that education and the objective behind of holdin 2006, Shakeel was also asknowledge without practice is nothing, add- ing the sports gala is to involve the students sistant coach to Roger O LOT (Spain)—Spain’s ing that sports related activities help the stu- in healthy activities.—APP Combous.—APP Alejandro Valverde won a sprint finish to claim the second stage of the Tour of Catalonia.

Poland’s Maciej Paterski maintained his overall lead I S L A M A B A D —Rio started the 500-day The 2016 Olympic Games in Rio will in the race, following the countdown for the 2016 Olympic Games. be held from August 7 to 18.

191.8km run from Mataro to Some 38,000 Brazilian military troops The beginning of the countdown Olot. means that the planning phase is over will ensure security during the 2016 He had won Monday’s and Rio is now in the execution phase of Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de opening stage after being the Olympic projects, Xinhua reported. Janeiro, the Brazilian Defense Ministry part of a three-man Carlos Arthur Nuzman, head of the a n n o u n c e d . breakaway that finished al- Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) and “The objective is to take preventive most three minutes ahead of the Organizing Committee for the 2016 action,” the ministry’s special adviser for the peloton.

Olympic Games, stressed the importance major events, Gen. Jamil Megid Junior, Movistar ’s Valverde of the Games for Rio, saying that the said in a communique. In addition to the edged out team-mate and competition will lead to a great change army troops, members of the navy and compatriot Jose Joaquim in the city, even more than it was seen in air force will be on standby during the Rojas and Switzerland’s Barcelona (1992) and Tokyo (1964). world’s largest sporting event.

Martin Elminger of IAM in Most of the 38,000 troops will be sta“The population will be the greatest the sprint finish after more beneficiary of the Games,” he said. tioned in Rio, where the games are being than five hours in the Nuzman, a former Olympic athlete held, however some soldiers will also be saddle. who participated in the Tokyo Olympics dispatched to cities hosting Olympic Wednesday’s 156.6km in 1964 in Brazil’s volleyball team, football matches, including Sao Paulo, stage starts and finishes in stressed that the infrastructure projects Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Salvador and Girona. carried out to prepare Rio for the Games, Manaus, Xinhua reported on WednesFormer Tour de France including the large port area revamp day. winners Chris Froome of which is underway, will transform the The ministry expects to spend some Britain and Spain’s Alberto city.

580 million reals (about 190 million U.S. Contador are among the In addition, Nuzman highlighted that dollars) in 2014, 2015 and 2016 on securiders expected to chal- the Olympic projects are on schedule - rity for the Olympic Games. That figure lenge Valverde for overall an understandable concern for Brazil- includes the purchase of materials and victory, although last ians, as many of the projects foreseen equipment, “especially for preventing year ’s winner Joaquim for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, such as chemical, biological, nuclear and radiaRodriguez pulled out of airport renovations and new subway tion incidents, and the prevention of terISLAMABAD: A view of play during a tie of Serena Polo Cup 2015 organized by Serena Hotels in collaboration with the race on Sunday due to lines, were not ready by the beginning rorism and cyber attacks,” the ministry a stomach virus.—AFP Sports Diplomacy Initiative at the Islamabad Club Polo Ground.—PO Photo by Sultan Bashir said.—APP of the competition. ball Association in 16 districts out of total 17 districts completed under the aegis of Pakistan Football Federation which issued a notification.

Talking to APP, Basit Kamal disclosed that Ashfaq Hussain Shah elected as President DFA Peshawar with Secretary Farid Ullah, Umar Farooq was elected as President of DFA Haripur and Bilal Khan as his Secretary.

Khail Muhammad elected as President DFA Tank, Qamar Zaman as Secretary, Ali Gohar as President DFA Mardan and Zahir Muhammad as Secretary, Muhammad Bashir of President DFA Mansehra Saboor as Secretary. Muhammad Ghafoor as President DFA Dir and Khan Bahadar as Secretary, Syed Noor as President Kohat and Mohib Ur Rehman as Secretary, Muhammad Ashraf of DFA Hangu and Abdul Manan as Secretary,

National Basketball Championship starts

Shakeel handed Pakistan rugby team’s reins

SEA Games: All Malaysian athletes to undergo drug tests

Wahab Riaz invites Brian Lara to Pakistan

Girls sports gala at AAUR

Cycling: Valverde takes Catalonia second stage

Rio starts 500-day countdown for Summer Olympics

Intense battle on cards as Australia face India in CWC semis Clarke backs Warner to behave, Johnson leads battle cry SYDNEY—Australia captain Michael Clarke expects temperamental opener David Warner to be on his best behaviour in Thursday’s World Cup semi-final against India, but Mitchell Johnson is ready to step up the sledging war.

Warner, who has already been warned twice for onfield verbal sledges, faces suspension from the final, should Australia qualify, if he is found guilty of another misdemeanour at the Sydney Cricket ground.

“David will be fine,” Clarke told reporters on Wednesday. “He knows the rules, as we all do, and his rules are no different than the rest of ours.” But fast

SYDENY—Intense battle will be on the cards as defending champion India faces co-host Australia in the second semifinal of Cricket World Cup (CWC) day/night encounter here on Thursday.

The tickets of the match is already sold-out in 46,000 capacity Sydney Cricket Ground as thousands of Indian fans are expected to throng the stadium.

Four-time former World Champions Australia starts as slight favorites despite consistent performances by the Indians.

The winners of the match will meet New Zealand in Sunday’s final at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

While Australia will be enjoying the services of their pace bowler spearheaded left arm Mitchell Starc, the highest wicket-taker in CWC with 18 wickets to his credit. Mitchell Johnson, Josh Hazlewood and James Faulkare will be supporting Starc.

While Australians will be banking on their batting and pace bowling, India will have reliable batting and solid spin attack in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindera Jadeja. However Muhammad Shami could prove a danger man for Australian batting.

India have had a fine run in the World Cup, winning all seven starts, but they will have to be well on top of their A game to be able to beat the strong and determined home side and get to within one match of having the chance to defending the crown won, a feat achieved only by the great sides

of the West Indies and Australia.

To be sure, it is not beyond Dhoni and his men. The top three batsmen, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli all relish the challenge of squaring up against the best bowling line-up. If they can extend that to

Thursday’s massive showdown.

India’s bowlers have caught the eye by lifting their game and executing the plans admirably. Mohit Sharma’s backof-the-hand slower delivery could be one the handiest weapons on the SCG track that is not expected to be aid bowlers overtly. The slowness of the pitch could make off-spinner R Ashwin’s variations of pace and Ravindra Jadeja’s accuracy key, too.

After spending an evening, sweating under covers as it rained over Sydney, the pitch was back under the charge of its caretakers, curator Tom Parker and his colleagues. Between sessions of rolling spread over the day, the pitch had a number of curious visi-

tors, including Australia coach Darren Lehmenn, Chairman of Selectors Rod Marsh and his colleague Mark Waugh.

Clearly, the curator’s attempt has been to ensure that the pitch would be even-paced unlike in the quarterfinal where it started off being dual-paced and challenged the Sri Lanka batsmen. It would be important for the team batting first to ensure that not too many wickets are lost in the mandatory power play.

Shane Watson’s show of character must count as a positive spin-off of Australia’s engaging quarterfinal skirmish with Pakistan or a fired-up left-arm paceman Wahab Riaz, to be more specific. His presence in the middle-order does lend experienced muscle to go with the youthful exuberance of Glenn Maxwell.

Teams from: Australia: Aaron Finch, David Warner, Michael Clarke (captain), Steve Smith, Shane Watson, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin (wicket-keeper), James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, George Bailey, Mitchell Marsh and Xavier Doherty.

India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain/wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Muhammed Shami, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Ambati Rayudu, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Axar Patel and Stuart Binny.—APP

Australia’s captain Michael Clarke chats with David Warner after batting practice in Sydney on Wednesday. bowler Johnson said he did not expect any let up in Australia’s aggressive approach, and was even willing to take the lead if Warner did not sledge.

“I heard Davey (Warner) say he was not going to get involved in all that stuff,” Johnson told Fox Sports.

“Someone has got to do it and I think I might put my hand up. It’s part of the game.”

Meanwhile all-rounder Shane Watson accepted he too was on thin ice after being fined for exchanging words with Pakistan paceman Wahab Riaz during Australia’s quarter-final victory.

“I don’t want to get fined again or get suspended so I know I’m going to have to be even more diligent with what I say, when I say it and how I say it,” Watson said.

“Based on my last fine, I am just about on my last warning.”

The International Cricket Council faced criticism for being heavy-handed in fining both Wahab and Watson, but chief executive David Richardson insisted they had done the right thing.

“I enjoyed the competitiveness ... it was just a pity it extended later in the game to something you wouldn’t want your kids to see,” said Richardson.

“Things get heated — we actually like them to get heated from time to time. On the odd occasion, you lose your cool and you say something you shouldn’t — perhaps you should get a fine or you might get suspended.”

Australia and India have had a tumultuous relationship on and off the field in recent years.

The bad blood showed up during India’s Test and one-day series in Australia prior to the World Cup when heated on-field exchanges led to several players being penalised.

Three Indian players, Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, and Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc were charged for a breach of the ICC’s code of conduct. Warner was reported both in the Test and one-day series, and was publicly told off by Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland to “stop looking for trouble”.—AFP

SYDNEY—India’s team director Ravi Shastri believes the spinners will have a key role to play in Thursday’s semifinal against hosts Australia at the SCG. India’s spinduo of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been crucial in suffocating the o p p o s i t i o n ’s flow of runs during the middle overs this World Cup, and Shastri backed his slow bowlers to once again rise to the occasion.

“It’s very important that they bowl well,” Shastri told ESPNcricinfo.

“They’ve been key to our success with wickets in the middle overs, and it gives the captain lot of options. There’s a great variety and balance in the attack. I’m sure spin will play an important role tomorrow.”

Shastri also left open the possibility of MS Dhoni even resorting to spinners early in the innings: “You never know. It looks a good pitch for both sides and will likely last the duration of the game. It mainly depends on the weather. If it’s hot, the odd ball could just grip and we wouldn’t mind that one bit.”

Ashwin and Jadeja have collected 21 wickets between them from seven matches at an average of 28.04. Backed by the longer boundaries in Australia, Ashwin, in particular, has tossed the ball up more often than before and made regular use of the offbreak, fetching him 12 scalps at an economy rate of 4.29, the third-best among spinners to have bowled at least 20 overs this World Cup. However, both Ashwin and Jadeja have enjoyed little success against Australia in the recent past. Glenn Maxwell, in particular, has hit the pair for 124 runs off just 78 balls at a strike-rate of 158.97.

But B Arun, India’s bowling coach, remained unfazed and had only high praise for all his bowlers, who he felt “complemented” each other really well. He added that India would not alter their game plan to negotiate the threat of Australia’s batting power, and rather persist with a tried-and-tested winning formula.—AFP

Jubilant Kiwis daring to dream of WC glory

Indian cricketers warm up before a training session ahead of their Cricket World Cup semi-final match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

SA comedy of errors is no laughing matter S YDNEY —Another World Cup semi-final but another failure to get to the final has left many South Africa fans questioning what their side

final.

In 1992 they were undone by the unfairness of the rain rule then in force which left them needing an

Spin or seam? India confident of passing Sydney test SYDNEY—India will go into Thursday’s World Cup semifinal against Australia in Sydney confident of success irrespective of whether the wicket took turn or assisted fast bowlers, opener Rohit Sharma said.

The wear and tear at the end of a long season was evident when the covers were removed at the Sydney Cricket ground on Wednesday, revealing a dry, brown pitch that would gladden India more than their rivals.

South African spinners Imran Tahir and JP Duminy shared seven wickets to bowl out Sri Lanka for 133 in the quarter-final at the SCG last week, setting up a nine-wicket win for the Proteas.

But the bat dominated the ball in previous World Cup games at the venue, with Australia piling up 376 for nine against Sri Lanka and South Africa smashing 408 for five off the West Indies’ attack.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann predicted a highscoring game, but Sharma said India were not sweating over the nature of the wicket.

“It does not worry us what sort of wicket we get because we are confident of doing well on any surface,” said Sharma, who scored a century in the quarter-final against Bangladesh in Melbourne.

“We have taken 70 wickets in seven matches, bowled out the opposition every time, so we know what we need to do.

“Our seamers have done well and so have the spinners. We are ready for anything that we get.”—AFP

Spinners will play key role in Sydney: Shastri

AUCKLAND: South Africa´s Farhaan Behardien trys to take a catch but is hit by teammate Jean-Paul Duminy during the Cricket World Cup semi-final match between New Zealand and South Africa. must do to reach one-day impossible 21 off one ball to international cricket’s show- beat England, while in 2007 they were swept aside by piece match.

Tuesday’s dramatic Australia.

However, Tuesday’s four-wicket defeat by New Zealand in a rain-affected clash had echoes of South clash at Auckland’s Eden Africa’s 1999 tie with AusPark was the fourth time the tralia—a result that saw the Proteas had made it to the Australians into the final on last four—and the fourth superior net run-rate—in time they hadn’t reached the that the Proteas squandered

chances to win the game.

But this time around a selection decision may have hampered South Africa even before the match started.

Fast bowler Kyle Abbott, who took an excellent one for 27 off a tight six overs during the quarter-final victory over Sri Lanka, was dropped to make way for Vernon Philander—who missed several matches including the last eight clash this World Cup with a hamstring injury.

Philander’s first over was savaged for 14 runs by New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and he was taken out of the attack, with none of his eight overs on Tuesday producing a wicket.

“You’ve got an in form bowler (Abbott) who’s got bounce and he’s got pace and has bowled so well in the last couple of days.

You’ve got to be so brave to change that bowling lineup,” former South Africa spinner Pat Symcox told local radio.

Dale Steyn is widely acknowledged as the best fast bowler of his generation, his Test average of just over 22 runs per wicket placing him among cricket’s all-time greats.

But a return off 11 wickets in eight matches at this World Cup was modest for a man of his class and on Tuesday his 8.5 overs cost an expensive 76 runs.

Steyn also needed

lengthy treatment for a leg problem during the final over, and this was a further setback for a South Africa side who throughout the tournament, had to ‘fiddle’ 10 overs from a fifth bowler—reviving a longstanding criticism they had been excessively cautious in selecting an extra batsman rather than an additional bowler.—AFP

W ELLINGTON—New Zealanders hailed the Black Caps’ cliffhanger World Cup semi-final win over South Africa as one of the country’s top sporting moments Wednesday and finally began dreaming of even greater glory in the tournament decider on Sunday.

“One to go,” trumpeted the front page of the New Zealand Herald, while the Dominion Post’s back page headline described victory over the Proteas at Eden Park as “The stuff that dreams are made of”.

There was also relief at a four-wicket win achieved with just one ball to spare that propelled New Zealand into the final for the first time after a run of six losses in the semis.

Former Black Cap bowler Jacob Oram said Brendon McCullum’s men had shown their class against a dangerous South African side and should be favourites in a tournament where they remain undefeated after eight matches.

“It looks at the moment like nothing daunts them,” he told commercial radio.

“The bigger the expectation, the more that’s asked, the bigger they stand up. I honestly don’t think this World Cup final is going to daunt these guys.”

Long-suffering Black Caps fans have endured many disappointments over the years but pundits said it was finally time to start believing the team could deliver against either Australia or India in Melbourne on Sunday.

“Dare to dream, New Zealand “ advised Fairfax cricket writer Fred Woodcock, adding: “If you didn’t think these Black Caps had the mental strength to go the whole way, you should now, because they stood up under the pressure that defines teams.”

NZ Herald columnist David Leggat even suggested the spectacle at Eden Park exceeded the Rugby World Cup final at the same venue in 2011, when New Zealand edged France 8-7—unheard of praise in the All Blacks-obsessed nation.—AFP

South Africa, too, were worthy of playing WC final: John Key BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT M UMBAI —The Indian Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) tweeted his congratulatory message to the Dhoni-led Team India immediately after their victory against Bangladesh in the World Cup Quarter Final. Almost at the same time, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Ms. Sheikh Hasina Wajed made her displeasure known against the “biased” umpiring.

Now, the New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key has gone out of his way and done not many would do and has extended his “sympathies” towards the losing semi-finalists.

Sympathizing with the Proteas through his press secretary, Mr Michael Fox, the PM said exclusively from Japan, where he is on a two day visit for TTP negotiations,”firstly, my commiserations to the South African side, so ably led by AB de Villiers, who were worthy finalists

and great representatives of their country”.

He reserved special praise for his “boys” and said, “ Tuesday night’s win was just a magnificent result for Brendon McCullum and the Black Caps, and for the country which is right behind them.”

He added, “they are a great side, who fight for each other, are not overawed on the big stage and who make New Zealand proud”.

Not picking up a favourite between India - Australia semi final, he further added, “ I have contacted Brendon ( McCullum ) to congratulate him on the win and will be supporting the team at the weekend – whether that is against India or Australia, who are both great teams”.

“I am sure that I speak for all New Zealanders when I say we wish the Black Caps all the best”, he signed off.

It couldn’t be ascertained whether Mr John Key will be attending the final of the Cricket WC 2015 to be held at the M.C.G. on Sunday, 29th March 2015.

New ‘MIND’ diet linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer’s

A

NEW diet developed by researchers from Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago, IL, could significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, even for those who do not follow it precisely. The MIND diet focuses specifically on berries rather than consumption of all fruits.

Blueberries and strawberries, in particular, have been hailed for their brain benefits. This is the finding of a new study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

The diet - called the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet - was created by nutritional epidemiologist Martha Clare Morris, PhD, and colleagues at Rush. It uses aspects of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet - an eating plan based on studies supported by the National Institutes of Health - and the Mediterranean diet.

While both the Mediterranean and DASH diets have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure, some studies have suggested the diets may also protect against dementia. The newly created MIND diet, according to Morris and Colleagues, is easier to follow than the Mediterranean and DASH diets. It consists of 15 dietary components: 10 “brain-healthy food groups” and five unhealthy food groups.

Green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poul-

try, olive oil and wine make up the brainhealthy foods, while red meats, butter and stick margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast food are the food groups that should be limited. Unlike the DASH and Mediterranean diets - in which high consumption of all fruits is recommended - the MIND diet focuses specifically on berries. Morris explains that blueberries and strawberries, in particular, have been hailed for their brain benefits in past research.

For their study, the researchers analysed the food intake of 923 Chicago residents between the ages of 58 and 98 who were part of the Rush Memory and Aging Project - an ongoing study that aims to identify factors that may protect cognitive health.

Dietary information was gathered from food frequency questionnaires the participants completed between 2004 and 2013. The researchers scored participants on how closely their food intake matched either the MIND diet, Mediterranean diet or DASH diet, and incidence of Alzheimer’s disease was assessed over an average follow-up period of 4.5 years.

More than two thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women. The researchers found that participants whose food intake closely followed either of the three diets were at lower risk of Alzheimer’s. Participants who followed the Mediterranean diet were at 54% lower risk, those who followed the MIND diet were at 53% lower risk, while followers of the DASH diet had a 39% reduced risk for Alzheimer’s.

Rangers removing barriers from Administration Society 33 Abdullah Shah Ghazi.

Corps Commander confers awards upon military officers, JCOs, soldiers STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—On behalf of President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Corps Commander, Lieutenant General Naveed Mukhtar conferred awards upon various military officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and soldiers in a simple yet impressive ceremony held at Malir Cantt, here on Wednesday. The awards were conferred on outstanding military service and gallantry action in operations.

The recipients of Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) are Brigadier (Retired) Muhammad Rashid Butt, Brigadier Imran Ul Haq, Brigadier Muhammad

An Anti-Terrorism Court remanded five suspects arrested by Rangers during a raid at Muttahida Qaumi Movement headquarters, Nine Zero.

Drive against marriage lawns on green belts STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Administrator Karachi Saqib Ahmed Soomro said Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has launched a special campaign for removal of marriage lawns built on green belts and parks.

This operation will continue till the end of all such marriage lawns.

He said a big campaign was started in the city against encroachments on the directive of minister for local government Sharjeel Innam Memon and KMC already taking action against all sorts of encroachments in the city, however a special campaign was begun to vacate all the parks and green belts which will be carried on till the removal of all such

STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Parliamentarian Leader in the Senate of Paki-

encroachments.

Administrator Karachi said any construction on green belt or park was illegal whether it is a government office as the Supreme Courts through its directive made this clear that no construction could be made on the land allocated for parks or green belts and any such attempt will be considered as illegal and unauthorized and will be removed.

He also said to citizens of Karachi to make it sure before going to book the marriage lawn for marriage or other such programs that the lawn or hall was not located on a land not been allowed for this purpose.

They should take special care in this regard and refrain from booking such marriage lawns or marriage halls.

KARACHI — The Sindh High Court passed a consent order on a petition filed by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan), Pakistan Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Citizens for Better Environment (Shehri – CBE) on a turtle smuggling case. The court directed federal and provincial government to ensure enforcement of the laws, particularly Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Flora and Fauna Act, 2012; Pakistan Fish Inspection and Quality Control Act, 1997; the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1890, the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972 and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which protect wildlife species. It also added that the government should develop and enforce procedures and mechanism for safety and protection of wildlife species including

turtles and tortoises. It further stated that the government should publish a detailed programme to prevent illegal export and smuggling of wildlife species and other incidents leading to their extinction. The court declared that the Customs and Revenue Authorities should take further legal action against turtle smuggler, Sajid Cheema under the Customs Act 1969 and other laws. It also declared that the federal and provincial government should conduct investigations into such incidences in which government officials, departments or private institutions are involved.

On 20 September 2014, a consignment of 218 turtles was seized by Customs and Wildlife Authorities at Quaid-e-Azam International Airport Karachi, out of which 45 mortalities of turtles took place due to suffocation and injuries caused during transportation. A smuggling case was registered before the Judicial Magistrate District Malir Court against the culprit. During the first hearing of the case the culprit was released

tenant Colonel Mrs. Kausar Habib, Lieutenant Colonel Saeeda Naweed, Lieutenant Colonel Zahid Hussain, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Ali, Lieutenant Colonel Ali Zaman, Lieutenant Colonel Aamir Umar, Major Saeed Ahmed Jokhio, Major Ashraf Haider, Major Saif Riaz Chaddher, Major Ghulam Mustafa and Major Ashfaq Hussain Humayun.

The recipients of Tamgha-i-Basalat are Unpaid Lance Naik Intikhab Alam, Sepoy Touqeer Abbas, Sepoy Muhammad Waseem Khan, Sepoy Muhammad Awais Qarni, Sepoy Fakhar Abbas, Subedar Rasool Bux (Shaheed), Sepoy Aftab Ahmed (Shaheed), Sepoy Faiz

Muhammad (Shaheed), Sepoy Manzoor Ali (Shaheed), Sepoy Shan Muhammad (Shaheed), Craftsman Vehicle Mechanic Gulzar Ahmed (Shaheed), Craftsman Vehicle Mechanic Ashok Kumar (Shaheed), Sepoy Abdul Nabi (Shaheed), Sepoy Zafar Ali (Shaheed), Sepoy Shafi Muhammad Shah (Shaheed), Major Atta Ullah, Naib Subedar Naeem Akhtar (Shaheed), Lance Havildar Muhammad Anwar Khan (Shaheed), Sepoy Wali Muhammad (Shaheed), Sepoy Wali Muhammad (Shaheed), Sepoy Ali Akhtar (Shaheed), Lance Naik Abdul Rasheed (Shaheed), Sepoy Allah Rakha (Shaheed), Sepoy Sabir Hussain (Shaheed), Sepoy Waqar Abbas (Shaheed).

Victimisation of peasants in Punjab unacceptable: Saeed Ghani

WWF-Pakistan welcomes SHC decision to enforce laws on species smuggling Staff Reporter

Naseer Raja, Colonel Syed Afzal Haider Shah, Colonel Meer Khursheed Ali and Colonel Imran Asghar.

The recipients of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) are Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Mumtaz Awan, Lieutenant Colonel Arshad Iqbal, Lieutenant Colonel Sher Muhammad, Lieutenant Colonel Waqas Aslam Malik, Lieutenant Colonel Arshad Munir Malik, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Shahid Kamal, Lieutenant Colonel Shahid Sultan, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Afzal, Lieutenant Colonel Rizwan Ahmed, Lieutenant Colonel Hamid Afzal, Lieutenant Colonel Nabi Bux, Lieutenant Colonel Mufti Tausif Ur Rehman, Lieu-

on bail of PK 20,000 and the Court also ordered the immediate release of turtles into their natural habitat at Haleji Lake, Thatta. However, keeping in consideration the minor penalty for release of the culprit and the severity of the turtle smuggling case, WWF-Pakistan, PAWS and Shehri – CBE became a party to this case and filed a Constitutional Petition entitled “Preservation of Turtles and Tortoise” under article 199 of the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973 in the Sindh High Court. The main objective behind this petition was to plead to the honorable court to pass the verdict for enforcement of relevant laws to prevent such smugglings cases and devise a comprehensive mechanism to punish the culprits.

Turtle smuggling in Pakistan came into the limelight in 2014 when Chinese custom authorities confiscated a consignment of 220 black spotted turtles near the Pak-China border in August 2014.

stan, Senator Saeed Ghani while vehemently condemning the Police baton-charge on peasants and their arrest in Lahore termed the Police’s action uncalled for and an open serious violation of the human rights.

He said Punjab govern-

ment was inflicting tyranny and anguish on the innocent peasants by refusing to realize their demands for their rights were just and as per law. Such an inhuman treatment on the peasants and plain denial did not suit an elected democratic provincial government of Punjab.

Senator Ghani reminded that the manhandling of the peasants in Punjab was now a new case as Punjab Police had in past been quite aggressive and violent on doctors, nurses, lawyers, blind and handicapped people and teachers.

He warned Punjab government of devastation that might be looming around after manhandling of the peasants as they were the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and served the country and the nation in all conditions and during all extremes of four seasons.

Senator Taj Haider terms ‘Judicial Commission’ an open constitutional violation IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Sindh chapter General Secretary, Senator Taj Haider had severely criticised the government on reaching an agreement on the formation of a Judicial Commission to look into the allegations of rigging levelled by the Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf (PTI).

“What unique logic. Let us violate the

Constitution and promulgate an ordinance and the Supreme Court shall strike it down.

Further if the Court does not strike it down, we will get away with the violation and the blame will fall on the Court, not on us”, said Senator Taj Haider while commenting on the accord between the Government and PTI over the appointment of a Judicial Commission to look into the rigging of elections 2013.

Senator Taj Haider said that in a blatant show of moral bankruptcy ideological partners i.e. government and the PTI, both brought in power, on the barrel of the gun

by Taliban have now crossed all limits.

Commit a crime, but do not get caught” logic had been extended to “go on committing crime with impunity, deplored the Senator, adding that terrorism and democracy cannot co-exist.

Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon inaugurating tree plantation campaign in city.—PO photo by Arif

New ‘MIND’ diet linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer’s

A

NEW diet developed by researchers from Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago, IL, could significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, even for those who do not follow it precisely. The MIND diet focuses specifically on berries rather than consumption of all fruits.

Blueberries and strawberries, in particular, have been hailed for their brain benefits. This is the finding of a new study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

The diet - called the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet - was created by nutritional epidemiologist Martha Clare Morris, PhD, and colleagues at Rush. It uses aspects of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet - an eating plan based on studies supported by the National Institutes of Health - and the Mediterranean diet.

While both the Mediterranean and DASH diets have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure, some studies have suggested the diets may also protect against dementia. The newly created MIND diet, according to Morris and Colleagues, is easier to follow than the Mediterranean and DASH diets. It consists of 15 dietary components: 10 “brain-healthy food groups” and five unhealthy food groups.

Green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poul-

try, olive oil and wine make up the brainhealthy foods, while red meats, butter and stick margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast food are the food groups that should be limited. Unlike the DASH and Mediterranean diets - in which high consumption of all fruits is recommended - the MIND diet focuses specifically on berries. Morris explains that blueberries and strawberries, in particular, have been hailed for their brain benefits in past research.

For their study, the researchers analysed the food intake of 923 Chicago residents between the ages of 58 and 98 who were part of the Rush Memory and Aging Project - an ongoing study that aims to identify factors that may protect cognitive health.

Dietary information was gathered from food frequency questionnaires the participants completed between 2004 and 2013. The researchers scored participants on how closely their food intake matched either the MIND diet, Mediterranean diet or DASH diet, and incidence of Alzheimer’s disease was assessed over an average follow-up period of 4.5 years.

More than two thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women. The researchers found that participants whose food intake closely followed either of the three diets were at lower risk of Alzheimer’s. Participants who followed the Mediterranean diet were at 54% lower risk, those who followed the MIND diet were at 53% lower risk, while followers of the DASH diet had a 39% reduced risk for Alzheimer’s.

Artists from Gilgit Baltistan perform during a ceremony at Al-Hamra Arts Council.

LGH administration to provide medicines to patients at their beds MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—The Lahore General Hospital (LGH) administration has decided to constitute a new policy to ensure transparent provision of medicine to patients which will save their attendants from botheration of going to hospital dispensary instead the staff will provide the same at the their beds.

The decision was taken in a high level meeting

held here Wednesday under the chairman ship of Principal Post Graduate Medical Institute and Lahore General Hospital Prof. Anjum Habib Vohra. According to new policy, the concerned in- charge head nurse would write down the details of medicine required by the patient in the indent book duly verified by senior registrar. The availability report about the medicine must have to be signed by the pharmacist or administrative doctor which would be followed by de-

livery of medicine at patient’s bed by concerned head nurse after receiving it personally.

According to new policy, medicine would not be directly handed over to the patients or their attendants instead hospital staff would perform this duty. The left over medicine would be returned to the store. At the end of the shift the record of issued medicine would also be given to next shift having verified by Additional Medical Superintendent.

World Epilepsy Day

Implementation of health roadmap being made on fast track basis SALIM AHMED

Policemen seen arresting members and workers of Pakistan Kisan Ittehad during their demonstration in support of demands outside Lahore Press Club.

JICA shows interest in PEF schooling project LAHORE—Japan International Cooperation Agency Ohashi, Project Coordinator Abid Gill and Pro(JICA) has shown interest in the pilot project initiated by the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) for the education of child labourers and beggars through non-formal schooling in the evening.

The project is launched in Lahore and Multan in the first phase where 104 educational centres are setup and partnered to educate five thousand students comprising mostly of child labourers. The PEF is providing financial support to the partners every month.

In this regard, a meeting was held at PEF head office on Wednesday with MD PEF Dr. Aneela Salman in the chair. The JICA team was represented by Project Advisor Ms. Chiho

gram Officer Bilal Aziz, while PEF Directors Ms. Bushra Saeed Khan, Ms. Samina Nawaz besides Deputy Director Saad Cheema also attended the meeting.

At the outset, the MD PEF told that the non formal evening schooling project was bearing fruit more and more out of school children are turning up for their evening studies.

This has helped to discourage child laboring and prompted the parents to send their children to schools. Similarly, free school education for five thousand Cholistani students have also been sponsored in collaboration with Cholistan Development Authority (CDA). —APP

LAHORE—Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Health Kh. Salman Rafique has said that government is focusing on upgradation of primary and secondary healthcare institutions, while presence of doctors and availability of medicines is being ensured to provide best treatment

LAHORE—At least two dacoits were killed while one was arrested in injured condition during an alleged police shootout here on Wednesday in Defence area of Lahore. According to details, four dacoits were trying to escape after robbery at midnight when they encountered with police.

The robbers opened fire on the police officials retaliating to which two of the robbers iden-

day. He said that there is a dire need of creating awareness in the masses about diseases. Prof. Fareed Ahmed said that though the medicines of epilepsy are inexpensive but due to low profit ratio, pharmaceutical companies do not take interest in manufacturing these medicines and only costly medicines are available in the market.

PU honours, 6 recipients of civil awards STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —Out of 36 renowned personalities who have been awarded with civil awards

by President of Pakistan, 6 belong to Punjab University which is an honor for the country’s oldest seat of learn-

Two robbers killed, one arrested in police encounter STAFF REPORTER

facilities to the patients. Implementation of health roadmap is on fast track for this purpose, he added. He said that medicines used for the treatment of epilepsy would be included in the essential drugs list of DHQ and THQ hospitals according to the recommendations of health experts.

He said this while addressing a seminar held at Mayo Hospital to observe World Epilepsy Day, here Wednes-

ing.

Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran and Institute of Quality and Technology Management’s former direc-

tor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Akhter were awarded with Sitara-e-Imtiaz. President’s Pride of Performance Award was conferred on Physics’ Prof Muhammad Masood ul

Hassan and chemical engineering’s Dr Mazhar Mahmood. Prof Rafiuddin Hashmi of history and Dr Qari Mian Thanvi.

District Coordination Of-

ficer (DCO) Capt. (R) Muhammad Usman issued directions to the price control officials to continue crackdown against the hoarders and profiteers.

Shopkeepers fined for overcharging LAHORE—Special teams of the district administration continued a drive against overcharging in the city and challaned 96 shopkeepers besides imposing fine worth Rs 1,43,600 on violators of price act.

The magistrates also got arrested 35 shopkeepers and sent 17 persons to prison for three days after summary trial on the spot.

Special Price Control Magistrates Wednesday conducted raids on 809 shops

in various areas of the provincial capital and inspected prices of commodities at local level. As many as 18 FIRs also were lodged in various police stations of the provincial capital.—APP

tified as Awais Khan and Obaidullah were killed whereas one of their companion managed to escape. According to police, the robbers belong to Afghan dacoit gang and were wanted in several cases.

The police also confiscated tracker jamming devices, number plates of cars and weapons from their possession whereas further investigation is underway in this regard. Moreover, the dead bodies of the robbers were sent for autopsy.

BoM should arrange jobs for TEVTA pass-outs MUZAFFAR ALI LAHORE—District Board of Management (BoM) should arrange jobs for TEVTA pass-outs in their districts. BoM members should visit the industry of their area and identify the vacancy position for TEVTA offered relevant courses. They will send proposals to TEVTA to start and update the curricula of industrial demand driven courses. Chairperson TEVTA Irfan Qaiser Shaikh was addressing the Presi-

dents and Members of District Board of Management Multan and Khanewal/Vehari along-with other members of District Board of Management.

Khawaja Muhammad Usman, Javaid Khan Daha, Syed Shamshad Jaffari, Chief Operating Officer TEVTA Jawad Ahmed Qureshi, General Managers Hamid Ghani Anjum, Azhar Iqbal Shad, Akhtar Abbas Bharwana and others were also present in the meeting.

While addressing the meeting, Irfan

Qaiser Shaikh said that TEVTA will now continue liaison with BoM for their effective role. BoM members should also visit TEVTA Institutes and submit their proposals regarding increase in the number of trainees at institute level while utilizing the available resources. The purpose of organizing the meeting was to review the function/role of District Board of Managements for uplifting the status of TEVTA in the industry and smooth functioning of TEVTA Institutes.

Girls taking keen interest in flower arrangements during exhibition organised by Pakistan-Japan Culture Association.