Ep27august2015

Between the lines Situationer M Ziauddin

I

AM NOT sure it is just a coincidence. There seems to be a well thought out script behind it all. First, Pakistan is forced to withdraw from National Security Advisors’ meeting scheduled on August 23-24 in New Delhi. Right on its heels the Afghan finance minister cancels his trip to Islamabad for a meeting of Joint Economic Commission (JEC) scheduled on August 24-25.

Along with it comes the news that a violent crowd had staged a protest demonstration in front of Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul blaming Pakistan for the new wave of terror attacks in Afghanistan. This was followed immediately by a ban imposed ‘voluntarily’ by Afghan traders on import of medicines from Pakistan.

As if serving perhaps as some kind of un-spoken backup to this pressure the US has threatened to stop the last tranche of $300 million from the $1.1 billion Coalition Support Fund (CSF) ostensibly to punish Pakistan for continuing to provide in the opinion of Washington sanctuary to the Haqqanis which are blamed for mounting attacks on Afghanistan from across the Durand Line.

Meanwhile both the Line of Control (LoC) and the Durand Line (DL) have become too hot as the two, India and Afghanistan acting in lockstep seemingly at the behest of the US appear to be trying to force Pakistan to succumb to the dictates of the US (to oust the Haqqanis from its safe havens), India (to give up claim on Kashmir) and Afghanistan (to deliver Afghan Taliban in Islamabad’s protective custody for reconciliation talks).

Pakistan alone cannot face off these threats and pressures.

Among friends we can cur-

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Pak cancels DG ANF’s visit to India NEW DELHI—Pakistan Wednesday decided against sending Director General of the Anti-Narcotics Force to attend a meeting on illegal narcotics trade to be held in New Delhi next month.

The decision comes days after the scheduled talks between the national security advisers (NSAs) of the two neighbours were called off just hours before Sartaj Aziz, the prime minister’s adviser of national security and foreign affairs, was set to fly to New Delhi.

The meeting of South Asian counties on illegal narcotics trade is to be held in September under the Colombo Plan.

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China willing to build 8 power projects on Indus River ISLAMABAD—China on Wednesday has shown interest in constructing as many as eight power projects on River Sindh that will produce at least 35,000 Mega Watt (MW) electricity.

Chinese Power Company’s delegation held a meeting with Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif in the federal capital.

The meeting discussed different power projects having importance for both Pakistan and China.

The foreign delegation Continued on Page 7

More military courts to deter Karachi criminals

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US also sees ‘others’ in Kabul ................................................

CPEC attracts Kazakhstan too

See Page 04

Big breakthrough in Balochistan.....

Brahamdagh withdraws demand for ‘independent’ Balochistan Ready to talk to sort political solution to problems Malik welcomes STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Founder of Baloch Republic Party, separatist leader Brahamdagh Bugti on Wednesday said he is ready to renounce demand of independent Balochistan and said he is willing to talk to govenment in order to sort out the issues.

In an interview with BBC Urdu, Bugti said the establishment has to accept its faults too. He said Baloch people should be added to the development mainstream.

He said if Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar who is in London with regard to Imran Farooq murder case wants

to meet him then he is ready because “we are politicians and want political solution to the issues”.

“Our doors are open for him if he wants to meet, as we are politicians and always ready to see political solutions to issues,” he said.

Brahamdagh Bugti linked his readiness to withdraw his demand for an ‘independent Balochistan’ with the wishes of the people of the province.

“If the Baloch people are willing then I will call the ‘movement for a separate country’ off. We want to resolve the issues politically, peacefully, and amicably,” he told British Broadcasting Cor-

poration Urdu in a latest interview.

This is a rare development as Bugti, the founding chief of Baloch Republican Party, had sworn not to sit down with the government on any condition. The government of Balochistan has welcomed Bugti’s fence-mending icebreaker.

Bugti had always rejected negotiations in the past and remained firm in his stance for an ‘independent’ Balochistan.

Bugti, who has been adamant on waging an insurgency for separation of Balochistan, said he is willing to come to the table if “our friends, comrades, political allies, and majority of people wish to stay within Pakistan.”

Bugti, who currently resides in Switzerland, elaborated by asking what difference has been made by torture, killings and arrests in the last ten to fifteen years.

He also stated that the negotiating environment must be conducive.

When asked about assistance from India, Bugti said he will not deny it, as it is usual for people to ask for assistance when they are defending themselves.

“Development in Balochistan is irrelevant, as a democratic government is not present in the province,” said Bugti.

After the Jamhoori Watan Party split,

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Nisar discusses Imran murder case in London

Election Tribunal upholds Tareen’s petition PPP-PTI join hands against ECP Election tribunal has disqualified and banned Siddique Baloch from taking part in elecISLAMABAD/MULTAN—PML (N) received a tions for life due to his fake degree.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran third blow on Wednesday when its supported Khan termed Election Tribunal’s verdict of NA candidate Muhammed Siddiqe 154 constituency as another vicBaloch was deseated in NA -154 tory for his party. Congratulating (Lodhran) by the Election TribuJehangir Tareen, Khan said nal on a petition filed by PTI Tareen stands vindicated for leader Jehangir Tareen. “long, arduous and determined The tribunal announced its struggle for justice in NA 154”. verdict in favour of Jahangir The election tribunal on Aug Tareen over a petition filed by the 20 had reserved its verdict after former secretary general of Pathe lawyers of both the parties kistan Tehreek-i-Insaf against completed their arguments. alleged rigging in NA-154 Addressing a press confer(Lodhran) during the 2013 genence in Multan, PTI leader eral elections.

Jahangir Khan Tareen said that, The tribunal deseated Paki“This verdict proves that I should stan Muslim League—N’s have been a Member of the NaMuhammad Siddique Khan tional Assembly after the 2013 Baloch and election tribunal Justice Rana Zahid Mehmood de- PTI leader Jahangir Tareen general elections.”

He congratulated party chairclared the poll result null and void and ordered man Imran Khan ‘as it is his efforts that had re-election in the constituency.

According to the short order, massive irregu- resulted in the fall of PML-N’s third wicket’.

“I demand that the four provincial election larities were reported in the polls with no mencommissioners step down from their posts after tion of rigging.

PML-N to re-contest polls in all 3 constituencies MUZAFFAR ALI

LIAQAT TOOR

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Zardari’s right-hand man Dr Asim detained IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—Former Federal Minister and chairman of the provincial Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr Asim Hussain, a right -hand man of former President Asif Ali Zardari was detained on Wednesday by officials of intelligence agencies here.

The law enforcers in plain clothes had arrived at the HEC office and waited there for Dr Asim. On arrival for DR Asim Hussain, the law enforcers entered his room and pulled all out from the room. They engaged Dr Asim for an hour and half and then took him with them in a car of the law enforcers.

Dr Asim Hussain was arrested when he was interviewing candidates of the post of Vice Chancellor for the Dow University of Health Sciences.

Sources claimed that Dr

Asim was under watch of LEAs. He had a few days ago returned from London where his spouse is admitted in a hos-

tract of CNG filling station on receipt of commission. However, this could not be confirmed by any independent and reliable source.

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SSGC DMD held STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Law enforcement

pital for medical treatment.

It has also been said that Dr Asim Hussain had met Zardari often during his stay in London.

According to sources, the law enforces picked Dr Asim to probe allegations of misuse of powers for awarding con-

Rangers, BSF top commanders to meet in Delhi

agencies have arrested Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) Deputy Managing Director Shoaib Warsi Wednesday noon. Earlier, the llaw enforcers had arrested Dr Asim Hussain, a close friend of former President Asif Ali Zardari and former federal minister for petroleum.

Sources claimed that the ar-

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ebrations by PTI, Pakistan Muslim League (N) has decided not to challenge the verdicts of tribunals in the apex court and announced to go to people’s court to restore its falling high moral ground.

The Pakistan Muslim League-N announced it will withdraw all appeals against verdicts by the election tribunals in favour of re-elections in NA 122, 125 and 154 constituencies.

The party has decided to go to ‘people’s court’ instead of Supreme Court. Previously winning candidate of NA 122 Khawaja Saad Rafique will also withdraw appeal.

The Election Tribunal has also declared the result of NA 154 null and void.

It has been reported that the PML-N would not approach Apex court. The election tribunals have disqualified three candidates of PML-N namely Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Khaja Saad Rafique and Muhammad Siddique Khan Baloch.

The PTI had challenged their victory in election tribunals for alleged rigging in 2013 elections.

Meanwhile, Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid Wednesday said the Pakistan Muslim League-N leadership would

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Additional 5000 MW electricity by 2017: Shahbaz SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that load-shedding is not the destiny of the people of Pakistan and the Continued on Page 7

LONDON—Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry discussed role of Pakistani community in the Nisar on Wednesday met British authorities with regards to Imran Farooq murder case and agreed on eliminating obstacles in probing the case, Dunya News reported.

According to details, Nisar has held crucial meetings with the British authorities in which issues pertaining to the murder case were discussed.

The British officials requested Chaudhry Nisar to permit them to meet the officials that arrested the suspects. Reportedly, there’s a positive development on prisoners exchange programme between both countries.

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan discussed Pak-UK bilateral relations, bilateral cooperation especially in the area of security and ongoing fight against terrorism in his meeting with British counterpart Theresa May. During the meeting, Interior Minister also

United Kind and ways and means to further strengthen the existing bilateral multi-faceted cooperation.

Discussing Pak-UK bilateral relations, the Interior Minister observed that Pakistan greatly valued its friendly relations with UK and was keen to further strengthen them in all possible areas.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress being made under the umbrella of Enhanced Strategic Dialogue, said a press release.

They agreed to further strengthen the ex-

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Altaf summoned as UK starts trial LONDON—The proceedings of a highly anticipated money laundering case kicked off here in London with a magistrate issuing summons for Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) boss Altaf Hussain along with other suspects.

Hussain, was arrested in April on suspicion of money laundering by Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) as thousands of people

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Pak-Kazakh ties enter new era of closer cooperation Nawaz, Nazarbayev share vision of peace and progress ASTANA, Kazakhstan—Pakistan and Kazakhstan on Wednesday agreed to bolster bilateral ties through enhanced cooperation in trade, economy, energy, science and technology, education, and air-connectivity for the mutual benefit of two brotherly countries.

“As we move forward, we would be taking concrete steps to expand mutual cooperation in diverse fields, including regional connectivity, energy, security, education, culture, and people-topeople exchanges,” said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif while addressing a joint press stakeout with President Nursultan Nazarbayev here after the two leaders held bilateral talks.

The Prime Minister said Continued on Page 7

ASTANA: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif shaking hand with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.—APP

CPEC and new world economic order Comment

STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Top Commanders of Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) are scheduled to meet in New Delhi from September 9 to 13.

“As per border ground rules 1961, a routine, biannual meeting of Inspector General BSF and Director General Pakistan Rangers is scheduled to take place in New Delhi starting September 9, 2015,” a spokesman for Pakistan Rangers told media.

Pakistan would take up the matter of ‘unprovoked’ Indian firing along the Line of Control and Working Boundary, and the killing of its civilians, the spokesman said.

He added that matters related to smuggling and other border issues are also likely to be discussed in the meeting.

A meeting was earlier held between representatives of Rangers Continued on Page 7

L AHORE —Amidst the cel-

Obstacles in case probe to be eliminated

Ashraf Ansari

D

URING Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s just concluded visit to Kazakhstan, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) among other matters, remained in limelight.

The Kazakh leaders seemed fascinated over the vision that gave birth to CPEC project. In fact China visualized the Corridor to link itself with Pakistan economically. And Pakistan quickly embraced the idea.

Now that the CPEC has been launched in all earnestness its rel-

evance expands beyond Pakistan and China. Though China has a vision of building more corridors out to other countries besides Pakistan, such linkages are yet in embryo stage. The CPEC is destined to be twined with other economic corridors, China envisions to build to boost its economic ties with other regions, particularly, the Central Asia.

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov discussed with his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif the prospects of CPEC for Pakistan and China and he was visibly impressed saying his country would like to join

the CPEC project as it would provide alternate route to it for access to sea.

CPEC’s connectivity with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries will revolutionize the vast regions of South and Central Asia.

Kazakhstan, other Central Asian countries and Pakistan have great economic potential which needs to explored and exploited. Abundant natural resources of Central Asia and Pakistan can be harvested through building of infrastructures, especially roads and railways and provision of air links.

Talented and hardworking manpower of Pakistan will be highly useful in

manning of economic projects of the corridor.

The CPEC and the proposed allied corridors would pave the way for fast pace of progress throughout. China being advanced in terms of technology would meet technological needs of the economic projects being envisaged in line with the corridor vision.

The idea of CPEC has been conceived to bring about a paradigm shift in the current world economic order. The world economic order today accentuates dominance of the

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PTI politics to be buried in by-polls L AHORE — Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan has said the PML-N will inflict a crushing defeat on the PTI in the ensuing byelections. “We respect courts and follow their decisions with an open heart,” he added. Talking to the media outside the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday, he said the party leadership had decided not to approach the apex court against the verdicts of election tribunals in NA-122 and NA-154 and the matter will be taken to people’s court. Answering a question, Rana Sana said asking for resignation of chief election commissioner was unconstitutional and threat to besiege office of the election commission was highly deplorable. He advised Imran Khan to eschew hurling threat for another sit-in as according to him it would not serve the purpose but to put the country’s growth and development at stake.—APP

Security measures in edu institutions being upgraded SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has said that no laxity should be displayed in the security arrangements in educational institutions after summer vacations. He said that motivating male and female students to hat extremism, terrorism and violence through curricula and extra curricula activities is part of national action plan and necessary for our survival and bright future.

He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting to review the steps for creating hatred against terrorism and extremism through curricula and extra curricula activities and security arrangements in educational institutions. Secretary Schools Abdul Jabar Shaheen, Secretary Higher

Education Irfan Ali, Chairman HEC Punjab Dr. Nizam-ud-Din, Additional Secretary Higher Education Shahid Zaman and other officers attended the meeting.

A briefing was given to the Minister about security arrangements and other measures taken at schools education and higher educational level in educational institutions. The Education Minister was told that the essays, stories and poems have been included in the syllabus for creating hatred against terrorism and extremism.

These topics have also been included in speech and writing contests at schools level. Similarly, effective steps are also being taken at colleges and university level. Rana Mashhood Ahmed said that the prescribed SOPs regarding security arrangements in educational institutions should be implemented strictly particularly no

laxity or negligence should be shown regarding posting of security guards, installation of barbed wire, metal detectors and boundary walls of educational institutions.

He said that no political interference with regard to posting of security guards should be tolerated. The Provincial Minister also stressed upon patrolling of mobile police vans and installation of alarm system in schools under SOPs. He said that the heads of those educational institutions should be given final warning who have not fully implemented SOPs. He also directed to make effective security arrangements of historical places and other tourist places.

Secretary Higher Education Irfan Ali said that security and steps of national action plan are being made more effective in higher educational institutions. Rana

Mashhood Ahmed directed Secretary Higher Educational to invite male and female students of Balochistan obtaining first ten positions in speech contests to visit Punjab so that the struggle against terrorism and extremism should be converted to a national moment.

Earlier, representatives of Malone Souliers, a fashion design institution of London, Mr. Luwolt and Mary Alice Molone called on Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan.

Commercial Consular of Pakistani High Commission in London Ajlal Ahmed Khatak and Additional Secretary Higher Education Shahid Zaman were also present on the occasion. The delegation discussed with the Provincial Minister about the Pakistani artisans and promotion of business relations with renowned fashion designers.

49 prisoners executed after lifting moratorium on death penalty

SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) President and former Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujat Hussain presided over meeting of PML leaders at his residence here today. During the meeting, consultation was held regarding establishment of united Muslim League and Chaudhry Shujat Hussain was fully empowered in this regard by the party leadership.

Ch Shujat Hussain’s scheduled meetings with All Pakistan Muslim League chief and former President Parvez Musharraf, chief of Muslim League Functional

STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—“In 1965 war, with the Pakistani national

PESHAWAR: Governor KP, Mehtab Ahmed Khan giving cheque of Rs.5 million to legendry singer Mashooq Sultan at Governor House.

KP govt, opposition to protest against Pesco STAFF REPORTER P ESHAWA R —After being disappointed by Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) for resolving the issues of the power outages and other electricity problems the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the opposition have decided to raise the issue at political levels and stage a protest sit-in in front of Pesco offices.

They also resolved to give a mass protest call to press for the provincial government’s demand for providing

full share of 13.5 percent in the total power production.

They stressed that Pesco should formulate such schedule of load shedding which could ensure full utilization of the provincial share and reduce the power outages accordingly. The consensus was evolved at a high level meeting of the KP government and parliamentary leaders of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly with Chief Minister Pervez Khattak in the chair at CM secretariat on Wednesday.

The Speaker of the Provincial As-

sembly, Asad Qaisar, MNA Sahibzada Tariqullah, parliamentary leaders of the assembly, provincial ministers and MPAs, the Chief Secretary, the Pesco Chief and other high level concerned officers attended the meeting. Accepting PESCO proposal, the Chief Minister Pervez Khattak formed a technical committee of the provincial energy department and PESCO for ascertaining technical and other causes of the load shedding and suggest such schedule of the power breaks that could consume full share electricity for the province.

Tripartite alliance announces names for Nazims, Naib Nazims N OWSHERA—The tripartite alliance comprising ANP, PPP and JUI-F has announced the names of their candidates for the posts of District, Tehsil Councils and UCs Nazims, Naib Nazims for Nowshera. A meeting to this effect was held here Wednesday at the residence of Liaqat Shabab, Provincial Secretary Information PPP which was attended by representative of ANP and JUI-F. The meeting agreed to nominate Khushal Khan of ANP for District Nazim

and Mian Zahoor Kakakhel of JUI-F for Naib Nazim. For Tehsil Council Nowshera, Ehsan Ullah Wazir of ANP and Dr. Gohar Ali of JUI-F were selected for Nazim and Naib Nazim respectively.

The committee nominated Falak Niaz of ANP for Nazim and Syed Mohib Ullah for Naib Nazim of Tehsil Council Pabbi and for Tehsil Jehangeera the nomination would be announced later. In case of losing elections for district Nazim.—APP

HYDERABAD: Acting Amir Jamat-e-Islami Pakistan, Liaqat Baloch addressing a press conference at JI office.

as 49 condemned prisoners have been executed in different jails of Faisalabad region after lifting moratorium on death sentence, whereas another 241 prisoners are waiting for their execution.

Talking to APP here on Wednesday, DIG Prisons Rana Abdur Rauf Khan said that there were 9 prisons in Faisalabad region including 6 district jails, 2 central jails and one borstal jail which were overcrowded with a burden of 5042 prisoners.

He said that prisons in the region have a capacity of total 6775 prisoners where 11817 prisoners had been lodged at present including 189 females and 223 juveniles.

The DIG Prisons further said that 241 condemned prisoners including 9 women were waiting for execution, whereas appeals of 1057 prisoners against death sentence were under trial in the apex courts.

He said that 3007 convicts including 54 females and 50 juveniles were experiencing their sentence in the jails whereas cases of 7100 jails birds including 126 women.—APP

Pir Pagara and former Sindh Chief Minister Ghous Ali Shah during upcoming proposed visit to Karachi also came under discussion.

Besides senior central leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Ch Parvez Elahi, others who attended the meeting included senior lawyer S. M. Zafar, Dr Khalid Ranjha, MNA Tariq Bashir Cheema, Ch Zaheeruddin Khan, Mohammad Basharat Raja, Mohammad Anwar Bhinder, PML Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, Asad Junejo, Naveed Anwar Bhinder, Nauman Langrial, Imtiaz Ranjha and Saalik Hussain.

Minister reviews preparations for Defence Day celebrations

F A I S A L A B A D —As many spirit, we defeated an enemy

Education promotion PESHAWAR— Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights Imtiaz Shahid Qureshi on Wednesday said the provincial government was taking serious steps for promoting education in the Province. He was addressing in a seminar as Chief Guest on education here at Crown Education Consultancy. Director British University of Nicosia, Nroth Cyprus Ms. Nuket Tanol, education expert Anwar Akbar Khan, Director CEC Ayaz Khan and a large number of students also attended the seminar. The Minister said that education promotion was t priority of the provincial government. He stressed the foreign universities to grant scholarships to students of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as there was abundance of talented people. He also appreciated the CEC for facilitating students in acquiring education in foreign universities.

Director British University of Nicosia Ms. Nuket Tanol.—APP

PML-Q discusses united Muslim League

which was much bigger in size and had conventional weapons superiority”, said Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Defense while holding a meeting with the office holders and representatives of APNS, CPNE and PBA in connection with commemorating the 50th anniversary of 1965 war with India. Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Minister for IB & NH and Abdul Qadir Baloch, Minister for SAFRON were also present in the meeting.

The Defense Minister said that in the celebrations of defense day, we will pay homage to our heroes and demonstrate unity of the nation irrespective of regional and ethnic affinities.

In the face of aggression we are a one nation and we will rejuvenate the spirit of the 1965 war. He said that both print and elec-tronic media can play an important role in paying tribute to our Shuhada for their countless sacrifices for the defense of the country. He added that the poets, musicians and singers were instrumental in creating a national spirit of the nation which formed an iron wall against aggression of the enemy and we should not forget their contribution.

The Minister for Information said that the present Zarb-e-Azb operation is continuation of similar designs by a hidden enemy and we will deal the enemy with the spirit of 1965 war. He added that in the war, both the armed forces and the whole nation united together in the defense of the country and defeated the nefarious designs of the enemy.

He urged the media organizations to play their due role in informing and educating the younger generation with national spirit that was witnessed during 1965 war.

He said that we are a one nation in defense of the country. Our narrative is peace but in case of aggression, we know how to defend ourselves.

The representatives of the media organizations also highlighted their role in bringing together unity and national spirit in the country and agreed that they will play their role in informing the younger generation of our history and national achievements.

The officials as well as representatives of APNS, CPNE and PBA agreed on evolving a unanimously agreed mechanism for dissemination of special media content regarding the 50th anniversary of the Defense Day in order to sensitize the citizens in general.

HYDERABAD: A flood affected family sitting at their temporary set-up at the bank of River Indus.

Ex-servicemen meet to discuss society’s presidential slot SHER GONDAL M ANDI B AHAUDDIN—The ex-servicemen from Pakistan Navy and Air Force eye up the presidential slot of Pakistan Ex-servicemen Society, which has, fallen vacant after the death of Gen Hamid Gul. To discuss the question as to who will lead the apex representative body of retired soldiers, the Pakistan Ex-servicemen Society Mandi Bahauddin held a meeting with its District President Sher Gondal in the chair the other day.

Dozens of ex-servicemen from Army, PAF and Navy including PESS office bearers attended the meeting.

The ex-airmen proposed that this time president should be from PAF former generals.

They suggested the names of AVM (r) Shahid Latif and AVM (r) Shahzad Chaudhry for the new PESS president.

In support of their suggestion, they said that anyone of them would represent cause of ex-servicemen and promote their welfare in a better way.

The other participants raised no objection and the meeting resolved unanimously to approach and persuade these two air marshals for accepting their proposal.

It is learnt through reliable source that Lt General (R) Ali Quli Khan and General (R) Ehsan are rubbing muscles to contest election for president PESS. Meanwhile PESS executive body is preparing for holding PESS National Council meeting in Rawalpindi to decide election schedule.

Candlelight vigil held for Shuja Khanzada RAZA NAQVI ATTOCK —Candles were lit at Fawara Chowk Attock by Christian Community to pay rich tributes to Shuja Khanzada Shaheed. President PML(N)Minority Affair Shireen Aslam , Paster Javed Johson , Paster Zafar , Paster Locus Johnson , SVP PML(N) Saleem Shehzad and large number of notables from christian community at-tended the vigil.

While addressing the gathering Shireen Aslam and others said that Christians were with Muslim community in every thick and thin, happiness and grief.

They said, Shuja Khanzada Shaheed sacrificed his life for a noble cause and he will remain alive till dooms day and his name will be written with golden words in history.

They said Khanzada served the country with full determination and served the hu-manity also. He was a man who listened to minorities and solved their problems as well. They said, gap created after his martyrdom will never be filled.

Citizens of Sukkur demand action against fake dentists

MUET, University of Taxas ink agreemnt for advanced studies in water

S UKKUR —Citizens of Sukkur have called for an action against the fake dentists in all the areas of district including, Rohri, Pano Aqil, Saleh Patt.

A number of these people posing as a dentists are seen doing their business of extracting teeth in the areas of Bagirji village, bachal Shah, New Goth, Kandhra, Sultanpur and other vicinities.

They are illiterate people and even cannot write their names but are playing with the lives of people under the garb of dentists. “I got my tooth extracted from one of these quacks but I am now patient of hepatitis due to the use of filthy equipment by that fake dentist”, said Aijaz Ahmed, a citizen.—APP

HYDERABAD—Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro and University of Taxas has inked an agreement in Arlington aimed to carry out research and find out ways of addressing different issues of water.

Presiding over a meeting with the faculty members and staff of the US Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Water at his office on Wednesday, the Vice Chancellor MUET, Dr. Muhammad Aslam Uqaili said that the center would get more success in its research and higher academic studies with technical assistant of the University of Texas at Arlington USA. He said that centre is the only higher learning institute for water which will pro-

duce Ph.D and M.Sc scholars on over 200 water related subject.

A state of the art building with modern laboratories would be completed within a period of two years and after that the interested students of the country particularly the young generation from remote parts of the Sindh province would be able to get admission in this centre on merit, he added.

The Project Director US Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Water Dr. Bakhshal Khan Lashari on the occasion briefed the participants of the meeting about the agreements which made with the management of the University of Texas in Arlington.—APP

Reference filed against QDA officials in plots scam Hot, humid weather likely Q U E T TA —National Ac- Mohammad, Ex Assistant land measuring 500 acre mosques, waiting hall and countability Bureau Balochistan has filed Reference in Accountability Court against the officials of Quetta Development Authority (QDA) for committing millions of rupees corruption by creating 2176 additional plots and allotting it to their own choice.

NAB Balochistan in its reference filed with the Accountability Court held Mohammad Zakir, Ex Director General QDA, Zafar Iqbal Magsi, Ex Director State, Zahir Hussain Bugti, Acting Director Town Planning QDA and Akhtar

Estate QDA accused of committing massive corruption which caused huge loss to the national exchequer.

Government of Balochistan had approved rehabilitation scheme for construction of Hazarganji Commercial Complex, Quetta assigning QDA to plan and execute the project. On the basis of ample evidence against QDA officials, NAB Balochistan has filed reference in the accountability court.

In this connection, a

was transferred to QDA by Board of Revenue with the object to shift Bus Ada, Truck Ada, Vegetable Market, Dry Fruit Market, Grain Market, Garage Complex and Business Complex to Hazarganzi, outskirt of Quetta.

As per the master plan, a total of 964 plots were approved for the Hazarganji Commercial Complex. However, the accused officials of the QDA in collusion with each other fraudulently created 2176 additional plots in areas earmarked for amenity plots,

parking bays.

Besides, areas earmarked for shops were reduced in order to create more commercial plots for vested interests. Taking the notice of the gross illegality and massive corruption and corrupt practices DG NAB took cognizance of the matter and authorized an inquiry into the scam which was later converted into investigation.

On the basis of ample evidence against QDA officials, NAB Balochistan has filed reference in the accountability court.—APP

in most parts of country

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said that mainly hot and humid weather is expected in most parts of the country. However, rain with thundershower is expected at isolated places in upper FATA (Bajour, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai and Kurram agencies), Malakand, Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, Sargodha, Kalat, Zhob divisions and Gilgit-Baltistan.

PMD, in its daily report said that weather remained

hot and dry in most parts of the country. However, rain-thundershower occurred at isolated places in Kalat division.

The rainfall during last

24 hour was recorded, 15 mm at Khuzdar. The temperature was recorded, Nokkundi 46øC, Dalbandin 45øC, Sibbi 42øC, Chillas, Sh. Benazirabad, Noorpurthal, Sukkur, R.Y.Khan and Bhakkar 40øC. According to synoptic condition seasonal low lies over north Baluchistan with its adjoining areas. A shallow westerly trough is present over FATA and its adjoining areas.—APP

Int’l female Kabaddi player among 8 booked on murder charges F AISALABAD —Nishatabad police have registered a case against 8 persons including International Kabaddi player Saba Sultana, her father and 2 brothers on the charge of killing Malik Imran in Chak No.5-JB Kamalpur.

Police said here on Wednesday that Malik Imran allegedly stormed into the house of International Kabaddi player Saba Sultana in Chak No.5-JB Kamalpur on August 18, and shot her dead after she refused to develop love affairs with him.

After firing, the accused fled the scene and people of the area including relatives of Saba Sultana chased and overpowered him in the fields outside the locality where the youth shot

himself. As a result, Malik Imran and Saba Sultana were rushed to Allied Hospital Faisalabad in precarious condition.

Malik Imran succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday (August 25) in the hospital, whereas Kabaddi player Saba Sultana is still under treatment. After the death of Malik Imran, his relatives staged a demonstration and alleged that he was shot dead by the relatives of Saba including her father Abdus Sattar and brothers Abdus Salam, Bilal, relative Saghir and other 3 accomplices.

The demonstrators also blocked the jail road in front of Allied Hospital Faisalabad and demanded registration of a murder case and immediate arrest

of the accused. Senior police officers reached the spot and pacified the mob.

However, Nishatabad police have registered a case on late Tuesday night against 8 accused including injured Kabaddi player Saba Sultana, her father Abdus Sattar, her brothers Abdus Salam, Bilal, relative Saghir and 3 others and started investigation.

SP Madina Town Jameel Zafar told the media that earlier Nishatabad police had registered a case against Malik Imran on the charge of forcefully entering the house of Saba Sultana and shooting her to injuries and now a case has been registered against Saba Sultana and her relatives on the charge of SIALKOT: District Police Officer Rai Ejaz Ahmed addressing a meeting of CPLC at DPO Office. killing Malik Imran.—APP

DROs, ROs being trained for LB polls HYDERABAD—The Regional Election Com- management, the process of issuing and missioner (REC) Aijaz Anwar Chohan Wednesday said that District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) are being imparted training about the code of conduct for the upcoming local government elections. Speaking on a training session held here at a local hotel, Chohan informed that all the 29 DROs and 316 ROs were being given the training.

He said that they were being imparted understanding of the importance of local government elections, the role of the DROs and ROs, coordination with the relevant government departments during the polls, complaint redressal, financial

accepting the nomination papers after scrutiny.

The training of the polling staff, allotment of election symbols, preparing list of the candidates and polling schemes, logistics related to polling material, voting process, guiding voters, vote count, preparation of results and subsequent announcement were being taught to the trainers, he added.

The trainees learned about the election process for the Chairman and Vice Chairman District Council, Mayor and Deputy Mayor and other elected office bearers in the local government system.—APP

2-Day Int’l seminar at UOS

Meeting reviews arrangements for holding CSS classes at SALU

BILAL SULTAN

S UKKUR —A meeting in connection with Khoso, briefed the participants about the launching CSS coaching classes at Shah

salient features of the centre, available fa-

was held under the chairmanship of ProVice Chancellor (P-VC) Prof Dr. Lutfullah Mangi on Wednesday.

Addressing the participants, Dr Mangi said, our students possess huge potential and curiosity to avail the knowledge but they need proper direction and guidance adding that with the initiative of VC SALU, Dr Parveen Shah CSS/PCS Information Centre has been established at SALU. Former ambassador and Director, Institute of Foreign Languages and CSS/PCS Information Center, Faiz Mohammad

He said that the centre will coach the students of this area with devotion and commitment to prepare the generation to participate in competitive examinations and serve the nation at large.

The CSS coaching classes will start from September 1, 2015 in the evening time from 3:00 pm to 06:15 pm at Faculty of Education. Prof Dr Imdad Hussain Sahito, Prof Dr Taj Mohammad Lashari, Prof Dr Ghulam Mustafa Mashori, Registrar, Dr Syed Asad Raza Abidi, Prof Dr. Abdul Hussain Shar and others attended the meeting.—APP

S ARGODHA —A 2-Day in- Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur cilities and subjects.

ternational Seminar on “Technical Issues and Challenges to the Fruit & Vegetables Processing Industries in Pakistan and their Synoptic Solutions” held here at University of Sargodha. The seminar was jointly arranged by UOS Institute of Food Science and Nutrition and Food Protein R&D Centre Texas A&M University (America).

In his presidential and inaugural address Prof. Dr. Mohammad Akram Chaudhary, Vice Chancellor University of Sargodha expressed that the 2-Day seminar would help to resolve and culminate issues facing by the people to achieve better healthy results in food industry. Our beloved country Pakistan wants salubrious foods including sufficient proteins as per requirements.

The country needs economy-based knowledge not only for reduction in unemployment but also for creating healthy upshot in society. This seminar would bring dynamic promotion in food science , industry and nutrition.

Prof.

Dr. Akram QUETTA: Afghan refugees loading their belongings on truck for returning to Af- Mohammad Chaudhary further added. ghanistan at UNHCR Office.

Funds released to make water purification plants operational M ULTAN —District Coordi- tion was trying its level best nation Officer Zahid Saleem Gondal on Tuesday released special funds to make all the dysfunctional water purification plants operational with replacement of their filters to resume supply of clean drinking water to the citizens. He also gave approval assigning towns administrations to run the water purification plants, says an official release issued here Tuesday.

Talking to citizens and district officers, the DCO said the district administra-

to facilitate the citizens despite resource constraints.

He said that Wasa and TMAs should replace filters of water purification plants immediately. He said that citizens should also share the responsibility to help protect the assets meant for their facilitation.

The DCO said that dilapidated buildings of walled city was a serious issue confronting the residents, however, their non-cooperation was creating hurdles in demolition of risky structures.

He said that a summary has been sent to Punjab government for establishment of Walled City Authority (WCA). He added that dilapidated buildings in walled city would be demolished after establishment of WCA and affected people would be provided alternate accommodation.

He said that Punjab Horticulture Authority would be given the assignment of plantation and developing green belts on Metro routes after completion of the mega transport project.—APP

More military courts to deter Karachi criminals

MEDIA WATCH

Morally bankrupt response to refugee crisis

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HE visit of the Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif, to Karachi on Tuesday would surely help maintain the tempo of the on-going op eration against terrorists and hard core criminals, as it provided yet another opportunity to demonstrate unwavering resolve of the Army to hunt down terrorists at all costs. The unequivocal announcement made by him that across-the-board operation will continue to eliminate terrorists, criminals and mafias from Karachi for a significant improvement in security environment, was also reassuring not only to residents of the mega city but also people of Pakistan, who want the campaign to reach its logical conclusion.

Speedy trial of the terrorists and others involved in heinous crimes is a key to peace and security in Karachi as in the past known criminals went scot free due to non-commitment of the political leadership, political expediencies, lack of proper investigations and inaction by police and moribund system of dispensation of justice. These factors encouraged criminals, antisocial and anti-state elements to continue with their misdeeds and the situation in Karachi worsened with the passage of every day. In this backdrop, the Government, the political leadership and Pakistan Army agreed on one point to start operation and set up military courts for speedy trial of the criminals and terrorists. These courts have tried a number of cases and many others are being heard by them but in view of the number of those apprehended from Karachi on charges that require trial in military courts, there was a need to increase the number of these courts. Therefore, the decision of the Army Chief to increase their number is a welcome development and would send discouraging signals to terrorists that there is no room for them to go away with their dastardly acts. The military courts are doing their job but it has been felt that the routine judicial system is somewhat scuttling the process by way of suspensions of the punishments and delays in disposals of appeals. It should be kept in mind that neither do the military courts operate in void, nor do the Presiding officers of these courts have any personal vendetta against any one. The cases are referred to them after thorough inquiry and appraisal and the courts follow due process of law and decide the cases on the basis of available evidence.

We, therefore, hope that the normal judicial system would complement the working of the military courts, to achieve the targets laid down under the National Action Plan for speedy administration of justice.

US also sees ‘others’ in Kabul T

HE United State has publicly stated that ‘others’, not Taliban, might also have been behind some of the recent terrorist attacks in Kabul. For the first time, the US State Department spokesman declined to directly hold Taliban responsible for recent attacks in Kabul.

It has now become a fashion to attribute everything wrong going on in Afghanistan and also in some parts of Pakistan to Taliban. It was in line with this general trend that the Kabul Government accused Taliban for recent terrorist attacks in the capital and also pointed fingers towards Pakistan for supporting them. The allegations created tension between the two brotherly countries and that too at a time when substantial moves were being made to remove mistrust and forge unity to fight the common enemy.

Those who sponsored and carried out these attacks, in a way, succeeded in their designs to create a wedge between Islamabad and Kabul. It is understood that the US spokesperson has not made off-the-cough remarks about who could be involved in these terrorist bombings in Kabul. The United States has an elaborate intelligence network in Afghanistan and they are in the know of what is happening there. However, the spokesperson, obviously for the sake of diplomatic niceties, did not mention any names and only confined to the use of word ‘others’ but it is a sufficient pointer to the reality that hidden hands are behind these acts. In fact, there were not only moves towards closer cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan but also bright prospects for reconciliation in the neighbouring country after successful outcome of the Murree parleys between Afghan Government and Taliban. Another round was scheduled but attacks and some other developments created hurdles in the way of further progress. We hope that the Afghan Government and other genuine stakeholders would join hands against these ‘others’ who are spoiling the situation for their own nefarious agenda.

CPEC attracts Kazakhstan too HILE Karakoram Highway (KKH) is considered as 8th wonder of the world, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would become yet another wonder as it would have even more far reaching impact on the economy of the region. A mammoth $46 billion project, stretching over 3000 kilometres from Gwadar to Xinjiang, the CPEC has the potential not just to make Pakistan’s economy grow by leaps and bounds, but bring dividends to the neighbouring countries of Pakistan and China as well.

Considering its vast benefits, Kazakhstan Prime Minister Karim Massimov during talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Astana Tuesday said his country wanted to become part of the CPEC projects. That reflects the far sightedness of the leadership of Kazakhstan and similar interest is being shown by other Central Asian Republics. For considerably long time, experts have been saying that Pakistan is a natural corridor for trade and energy but lack of resources remained the most contentious issue in turning this dream into reality. Pakistani ports in Karachi and Gwadar provide the shortest route to sea for the CARs and Pakistan has offered them to take advantage of this facility that would make their imports and exports cheaper and affordable. No doubt for Pakistan it is the project that has the potential to put it on the track to a self-sustaining, stable and strong economy, yet we may point out that a prosperous Pakistan would be to the advantage of all its neighbours. Exploitation of Gwadar port, which is part of CPEC, will add capacity to handle transit trade as the country offers the shortest and cost effective route to China as well as the Central Asian countries. With the exception of India, every country is welcoming the CPEC and we are confident that once it is fully implemented, its benefits would be more than being anticipated. Keeping all this in view, the far sighted leadership of the region has realized that CPEC will be a game changer and would add new dimensions to the progress and well being of the whole region.

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Democracy by stay order the sanctity of their Election Tribunals by taking action this scandalous defaIkram Sehgal against mation?

Email:ikram.sehgal@smswppl.com As in the case of Saad Rafique, the primary focus on the tribunal’s verdict was the N an election petition filed glaring irregularities because of the inby Pakistan Tehreek-e- competence and inefficiencies of the Insaf (PTI) alleging poll rig- polling staff, during and after the elecging in NA-125 in Lahore, an elec- toral process. Unfortunately the same tion tribunal decided in May this year holds good to a higher or lower extent that the irregularities were serious in almost every constituency in the enough to cancel the constituency’s country. For the record, other than NA 2013 election results. Terming it null 125 Khawaja Saad Rafique (Minister) and void, the tribunal de-seated PML and NA122 Sardar Ayaz Sadiq (N)’s Khawaja Saad Rafique, the (Speaker), the SC has also been Federal Minister for Railways. Chal- pleased to give stay orders to NA 110 lenging this decision in the Supreme Khawaja Asif (Minister), NA 57 Court (SC), Saad Rafique petitioned Attock Sheikh Aftab (Minister), NA the SC for a “Stay Order” because 58 Attock Malik Intikhab, NA 118 the election tribunal did not prove that Malik Riaz and NA 154 Sadique he was involved in rigging. Suspend- Khan. The ECP has shown an inhering the tribunal’s verdict for re-elec- ent in capacity of being able to hold tions, the SC instructed the Election general elections in a truly fair and free Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to re- manner. While the PML-N being part store Saad Rafique’s membership as of any deliberate manipulation was not the MNA for NA-125. On this stay conclusive, the Judicial Commission order he not only continues as an (JC) gave a “Sab Accha” Report in the MNA but also a Federal Minister. face of a host of glaring irregularities In line with the August 22 judge- recorded by it. ment of the Election Tribunal in Heading the NA-122 Election TriLahore, the ECP recently de-seated bunal Justice Kazim (Retd) said in his National Assembly (NA) Speaker detailed decision, “No evidence Sardar Ayaz Sadiq after nullifying his though is available on record that the election from NA-122. Ayaz Sadiq, returned candidate or any other candiwho had defeated the PTI Chairman date was responsible for the missing Imran Khan, accepted the tribunal’s record or even for invalid statements verdict but said he would challenge of count. ... But what is apparent, it this decision in the apex court on reflects manifestly clear that serious various legal grounds. What was re- lapses and negligence was evident at ally appalling was the manner Pervez every stage of conduct of elections”.

Rashid, Rana Sanaullah and other His judgement recorded that many of PML (N) stalwarts went after Justice the complaints and objections that Kazim Ali Malik (Retd) personally. cropped up might well have been What a democracy where a suppos- avoided with better planning, better edly elected govt cannot tolerate a ju- professionalism and better devotion to dicial verdict without resorting to duty. Re-polling was ordered on the character assassination of the worst clearly drawn conclusion that the eleckind. Why cannot the ECP protect tion was materially affected. The PML

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(N) should be more than willing to contest a by-election; its popularity not being in doubt given results of recently held Cantt local bodies elections.

In the Rawalpindi Cantonment and Chaklala Cantonment Board Local Bodies polls, PML-N candidates made a clean sweep winning in all 20 wards.

Retaining massive popularity in the Province, the PML (N) should not have resorted to the higher courts for obtaining stay orders but should have showed its strength by going for reelections. Stay orders by courts are meant to give temporary relief to either party, this is followed by detailed proceedings where guilt or innocence is established. The spirit behind the issue of stay orders is excellent but the system is being manipulated to provide relief to only a handful. This safeguards the interests of the innocent party; this is not the case in majority of the instances because the SC workload of the forces in a delay in dispensing justice. The liberal recourse for stay orders is systematically and cynically being exploited by the guilty, at times for an unjustified end. Restraining the misuse of these laws falls squarely not only upon the govt’s shoulders but on the higher courts who must formulate a mechanism to ensure such abuse of laws does not take place. Such mechanism must also have provision of punishment for those who misuse these laws to shield themselves.

What is worrying is the tendency to turn to our higher courts in this manner by whosoever is frustrated, what then becomes the rationale for a democratic dispensation? After all, democracy is meant to empower the ordinary citizens and promote as well as protect individual freedoms, not be misused for the interests of a handful of people. If election tribunals continue to declare elections in each constituency irregular without pinning the blame on any party, the entire electoral

process will be seen to be a farce.

Given the fact that judgment by the SC is not expected anytime soon because of the SC workload, decisions made by the Election Tribunals challenged in every case makes the whole rationale behind setting up the Election Tribunals to reinforce the process of democratic dispensation null and void.

Though the situation is far better than a year ago, Pakistan is struggling to strengthen its democratic governance. Terrorism, domestic insurgencies, sectarian and communal violence have taken a huge toll on the morale and the economy of the country. Our external challenges remain two-fold i.e. our relations with India and Afghanistan, which have continued to pose enduring security dilemmas for Pakistan. As for the domestic front, it is an irony that despite both major political parties being quite moderate, they have failed to modernize, industrialize, educate, or develop Pakistan’s society over decades. Our principal challenge lies in the revival of its economy but the crisis of corruption has become endemic. With its nexus with organized crime and terrorism, the process of democracy is being hurt badly. India takes advantage of the situation that our politicians have created, and does not miss an opportunity to pressurize us, internally or externally.

With the politics of stay orders being played out so liberally, can we be faulted for believing that we live in a stay order style of democracy?

There is considerable frustration at out the lack of governance, how long before the mounting frustration because of the lack of speedy justice in the electoral process forces (pun intended) a “stay order” on democracy?

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

Counter the mistrust notions Mukhtar Ahmed Email:mukhtar17@yahoo.com

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NFORTUNATELY majority of the analysts and anchors are not fully aware about the functioning of the armed forces as a result most of the stories we hear are based on hearsay. Secondly our guests who appear on talk shows discussing civil military relations in most of the cases lack proper knowledge and their assessment is devoid of facts. The readers by now must have got the clue that it is about Senator Mushahidullah’s recent interview with a BBC correspondent that cost him his ministership and drew anger of Mian Nawaz Sharif.

During his interview he levelled very serious charges against Lt Gen Zahir-ul-Islam ex DG ISI and accused him of plotting to overthrow the government and take over. This simply meant that he was involving army un necessarily because ISI is part and parcel of army, although they report to the Prime Minister but militarily the control is with the Chief of Army staff. Prior to this nation also witnessed outburst from our defence minister against the armed forces who criticised the army so openly never witnessed anywhere in the world.

After the Judicial commission report the government should have appointed a commission to go in to the alleged allegations about Dharna and alleged involvement of ex DG ISI as it had become common talk during those days. It must be stated clearly that ISI is a task specific organisation, as an individual no one has any role to play until it has the backing from the right quarter. It is a huge army and one or two corps commanders matter very little and can hardly op-

erate independently and that too without the knowledge of COAS is just not understandable Pakistan army is well disciplined army known all over the world and no officer can dare even to conceive such a plan. We saw this happening in 1973 when group of disgruntled officers tried but in turn they were tried by special military courts and punished accordingly. In 1991 when Lt Gen Hameed Gul(late) was posted to Heavy Mechanical Complex Taxila, he refused to move as a result he was retired same day by COAS, such is he authority of any COAS, so no officer can take liberties with him irrespective of ranks.We heard so much during Dharna about neutral umpire etc, but army does not operate in such manner. When they operate they mean it and there are no ifs and buts and do not require any help from the parties.

After the departure of Gen Musharraf the army took a complete U turn and wholly disassociated itself from country’s politics and this principle is being followed in letter and spirit by the army. We have seen in recent past Gen Raheel Sharif has punished certain senior officers on corruption charges and some more cases are being probed and soon they all shall meet their waterloo Lt Gen Zaheer-ul-Islam retired in Nov 2014 and succeeded by Lt Gen Rizwan Akhtar. This should be known to all of us that no action can be planned by DG ISI without the approval of COAS. The prime minister can always assign special task to DG ISI but in both cases COAS has the knowledge what is happening in ISI. Politicians have tendency to exploit the situation to suit their convenience and at times misjudge the things and land themselves in to problems. PTI time and again referred to neutral umpire to confuse the whole issue and create

an impression as if army may intervene anytime. But those who are aware about the internal working of the army knew that no such thing is taking place and it is false propaganda to create panic in the government quarters and they did succeed to some extent. Army has its own ways of doing things and move fast beyond someone’s comprehensions. If IB can tap telephone conversation of DG ISI, then nothing is safe in this country.

All over the world speech scramblers are installed and it is just not possible to tape conversation, unless some insecure means of communication are used and if a person like DG ISI is so casual then God help this country.

Therefore, it is otherwise important that this matter should be thoroughly investigated by the ministry of interior at least to reach to some conclusion about the veracity of the whole story. If the tapes exist, in that case it is a very serious matter and lapse on the part of ISI and other functionaries and calls for most secure means of communication with latest equipment to be used while indulging in conversation of secret nature. It is true that civil and military both have denied of any such audio tape and alleged taping of conversation of ex DG ISI plotting against the government must be probed thoroughly to ensure no one dares to indulge in such unconstitutional acts. The allegations must be probed and made known to public and if it is found that matter had no truth whatsoever the people spreading such rumours must be brought to justice.

The question arises when prime minister says his government and army is at the same page, the mischief mongers must be identified and punished. If it is not true why Mushahidullah Khan made such wild accusations against ex DG ISI? Was it an appropriate time to indulge in loose

talk and display irresponsible behaviour when the nation was celebrating its independence day? Has the minister become so strong to put prime minister in deep crisis by making irresponsible statement? Why PML N followed the strategy adopted

by MQM and PPP to annoy army who appear to be unhappy over the ongoing operation in Karachi? Is it because of the popularity of Gen Raheel Sharif that has created tremors in political circles specially PML N? But who made him most powerful person in Pakistan? Perhaps the answer is known to Bacha Bacha of Pakistan, it is the government itself that has made him most powerful person. It is law of nature water seeks its own level, the gaps left open are always filled and that is what Gen Raheel has been doing.

It is time government takes responsibility of all its actions instead putting on the shoulders of army.

Prime Minister must evolve a new strategy to curtail the role of Gen Raheel in political matters and take ownership. Rhetoric’s no longer can serve any useful purpose. An order from PM should go to all the ministers, MNA’s MPA’s senators that it is only the spokesperson of the government that would reply, brief press on issues of national importance and they should be forbidden to appear in media on talk shows for a period of 6 months, let media criticise government for not attending the talk shows, their attendance is not making any useful contribution in defending the government, so it is immaterial whether they attend or just avoid attending discussion programme.

This is the only way civil can have supremacy over military, otherwise they shall keep chasing shadow.

—The writer is a senior political analyst based in Karachi.

HE refugee crisis, the tip of an almost unprecedented hu man migration from south to north, faces the EU with a moral challenge that it is proving illequipped to meet. The Europe of values, reflected in the obligation for countries applying for EU membership not just to meet economic tests but to have democratic institutions and a proven respect for human rights, is under strain. Economic recession, the threat of terrorism and the rise of the extreme right are all weakening its institutional underpinnings: high ideals are always at risk from low politics. But this is no abstract question. It is an all-too-real disaster for hundreds of thousands of Syrians and others who are fleeing war and persecution and have endured perilous journeys to reach southern fringes of Europe. It could also be dangerous for the EU itself.

Germany, partly for reasons to do with its history and its growing demand for labour, is emerging as the champion of the moral case. On Sunday, in a significant demonstration of its commitment to Europe’s fundamental values, the government unilaterally suspended the Dublin protocol, which obliges refugees to seek asylum in the first safe country they reach, for all Syrians. On the same day, the foreign and economic ministers co-wrote a 10-point plan for a Europe-wide migration, refugee and asylum policy founded on the principle of solidarity and “our shared values of humanity”. On Monday, Angela Merkel and François Hollande reiterated support for a Europe-wide solution – adapting Germany’s own internal system of distributing refugees fairly throughout the country – that was comprehensively rejected in June.

Meanwhile, Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, made his own call to arms, condemning in the name of Europe’s shared values those he accused of trying to cordon themselves off from “distress, fear and misery”, and the populist politicians who stirred up xenophobia in the name of winning votes. Germany has taken more than 40% of the Syrian refugees who have reached Europe (and those, it should be recognised, are only a tiny proportion, less than 5%, of the total number of Syrians who have fled the civil war). Sweden has taken another 20%; the southern European countries of Greece, Italy and Spain account for another 25%. The proportion offered asylum in Britain is fewer than 1%. But as the June summit proved, there is strong resistance from across eastern Europe as well as from the UK to allowing Brussels to set a course for collective action. This political argument is hindering a fair and principled solution.

This is, at the very least, shortsighted.

As Angela Merkel argues, the refugee crisis is one of the greatest challenges the EU has faced, and it is not likely to ease off for years to come. As a matter of solidarity, it is unacceptable that the poorer countries of southern Europe should be left to pick up a disproportionate share of the bill for playing host to a fast-growing number of refugees and migrants, while richer countries turn their backs. Without a responsibility-sharing scheme, the far right, who were behind the attacks on refugees and migrants that marred some German towns last weekend, will only grow stronger. If only as a matter of self-interest, Britain should seize the chance to educate young Syrians and turn them into English-speaking citizens who in a sunnier future will play a role in rebuilding their native country and forging links between their old home and their new one. Instead, the approach from the Conservative government has been unremittingly hostile. Last week’s meeting between British and French home affairs ministers to try to resolve the Calais crisis resulted only in an ever more punitive regime of razor wire and crackdowns. That is why new clauses to the immigration bill, further tightening sanctions on employers who employ illegal migrants and introducing a prison sentence of up to six months for anyone working illegally, have been announced.

Fence-building in Hungary, razor wire in Calais, prison in the UK: none of these are real solutions to either the economic or political challenges of this era of mass migration.

Nor are they any sort of adequate response to the moral imperative of offering shelter to those seeking asylum. — The Guardian Books and friends should be few but good.

— Proverb

Pak-Japan economic bilateralism Voice of the People gram was launched by Japan in 1961of which Pakistan was a major recipient. The initial Amna Malik aid was 20 million dollars in Email:amnamalikk69@gmail.com 1961 and Pakistan swiftly reached up to 80 percent of the total ODA disbursements ISTORY of relations between by 1964. The assistance was aimed at Pakistan and Japan dates back to be utilized primarily for mega to the post World War-II pe- projects and industrialization. Still, riod when devastated Japan was try- Japan is one of the largest trading parting to emerge from the ashes of war. ners of Pakistan with an annual trade Pakistan itself being in state of infancy, more than 4.5 billion US dollars.

Various significant development extended a friendship hand to Japan and played a substantial role during projects were also commenced by Jaits testing times (1947 to 1951). Like pan during different time period ina friend indeed, it not only reached out cluding the Indus Highway and the various fields to animate them but tried Kohat Tunnel, known as symbol of a level best in restoration of Japan’s Pak-Japan friendship with provision sovereignty. Pakistan unlike many of soft loan of 80 billion rupees. A 10 other Asian countries forbore from en- billion rupees grant for Polio Eradicagaging Japan in reparation of war and tion Program in 1996, 11 billion yen aimed at building its economy by put- grant to Pakistan Institute of Medical ting down a foundation of bilateral Science, technical assistance to establish telephone exchanges throughout economic relations.

In May 1957, Japanese Prime Pakistan, assistance to construct the Minister Nobusuke Kishi undertook Thermal Power Station Jamshoro and official visit to Pakistan which was Bin Qasim Thermal Power Station, the also marked as first ever visit from a Construction of Machinery Training Japanese premier. Pakistan also Centre and innumerable other projects bucked up Japan to first constitute dip- in the social sectors under Japanese aslomatic relations with all Asian coun- sistance program have been carried out tries before establishment of Asian in recent past. Several agreements Development Bank. In 1960s, Paki- were signed that include the Internastan got a meridian position in Japa- tional Postal Money Order Exchange nese pursuit to channelize its assis- Agreement, the Pakistan-Japan Agreetance to the Asian region and rest of ment regarding Establishment of a developing world. In November 1961, Telecommunication Research Centre, Japanese Prime Minister Hayato Ikeda and the Pakistan-Japan Plan of Operavisited Pakistan as part of his Asian tion for Engineering and Economic tours and proffered a loan of 20 mil- Survey for Development of a New Ocean Port at Pitti Creek. lion yen to Pakistan.

Since 1954, in total 5792 PakiEven as Japan was recuperating from the backwash of World War-II, stani trainees have been sent to Jastruggling to establish friendly rela- pan by JICA (Japan International tions with Asian nations, Pakistan was Cooperation Agency). Even today, trying to lay down itself as a new na- Japan is still the third largest OECD tion by fortifying ties with many ad- (Organization for Economic Co-opvanced nations like Japan. This actu- eration and Development estabally paved the way to start an impor- lished in 1960) donor to Pakistan tant economic relation, as the Official after USA and UK. The total amount Development Assistance (ODA) pro- of aid received by Pakistan from Ja-

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pan up till now is 1278 billion rupees. A declaration was signed on April 30, 2005 that states both the countries would encourage leadership role in various areas and adhered to continue holding dialogues on politics and security. Japan in all time has patronized Pakistan’s endeavors to corroborate democratic norms to promote social and economic development. In this connection, Friends of Democratic Pakistan Ministerial Meeting and the Pakistan Donors Conference in Tokyo in April 2009 were hosted by Japan.

In 2010, while Pakistan faced countrywide catastrophic flood, Japan plied for the flood relief and rehabilitation travails which include Self-Defense Force, helicopter and medical teams. Pakistan on its side has always demonstrated its suasion and good-will gestures to the Japanese people. For instance in the consequences of ruinous earthquake and Tsunami, Pakistan expressed its solidarity and support to the government and the people of Japan in letter and spirit. Pakistan also turned to lend a greater hand by providing Japan two C-130 aircraft carrying relief goods.

Pakistan is pursuing to develop economic and trade cooperation with Japan and pursuing major energy companies to invest in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif visited Japan in September 2013 and in meeting with his Japanese counterpart Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sought Japan’s help to overcome energy crises in Pakistan.

Today, Japan is the third largest economy of the world and its total export is more than US$ 500 billion.

While Pakistan the first trading partner of Japan in post-war period today only constitutes 0.05 (?) in Japanese imports. Pakistan under the leadership of recent government is focusing on to offer a Special Economic Zone in Pakistan with attractive package which includes benefits of sole

ownership, tax exemption and compensation of earning and single window operations. For this purpose Pakistani Finance Minister visited Japan in January 2015 and tried to mobilize Pakistan’s Special Economic Zone Plan for Japanese investors during a delegation level talk held

by Pak Japan Business Forum and Japan Pakistan Business Cooperation Committee in Tokyo.

In order to sustain multi-purpose task including political, economic and cultural cooperation dialogues, Pakistan and Japan have also established Parliamentary Friendship Group. Stimulating the objectives of Cultural Exchange Agreement signed in 1957, Pakistan Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) has been established with offices in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar. Hundreds of Pakistani students, researchers, artists and journalists are benefited through this cultural exchange.

Japan being the world’s thirdlargest economy, having achieved remarkable growth in second half of the 20th Century is a partner of Pakistan. However, the trade volume between the two countries is far below the potential. Despite having immense prospects of growth, the trade balance remains in the favor of Japan. It is high time for the two countries to focus on broadening the scope of mutual cooperation by extending it to the areas of trade, investment, energy and infrastructure development including all other sectors of interest.

To make progress for active engagements of the Japan and Pakistan Trade ministries which could act as resource base for exchanging information. Exchange of trade delegations and holding of joint trade exhibitions would also help in promoting bilateral trade.

—The writer is freelance columnist based in Islamabad.

View From Abroad

Why Republicans reject Iran deal, diplomacy Nicole Hemmer, Tom Switzer

S

INCE the nuclear deal with Iran was announced on July 14, Re publicans have attacked it with fire-and-brimstone zeal. They have called it everything from appeasement to betrayal. President Obama has fired back, arguing that opposition to the deal stems from the same worldview that led to the 2003 invasion of Iraq: “A mind-set characterized by a preference for military action over diplomacy.” But this strain of thinking goes beyond Iraq. Although not all conservative Republicans share it, the tendency to reject diplomatic deals is rooted on the right of the American political spectrum. And while several Democrats — from Harry Truman to Henry “Scoop” Jackson during the Cold War — have embraced aspects of this hardline foreign policy, it is conservatives who are far more likely than liberals to stress confrontation over conciliation.

Since the early 1950s, many conservatives — conditioned to think in Manichean terms of absolute victory or total surrender — have opposed major peace initiatives on the grounds that they were forms of surrender and appeasement. Rather than making the world safer, they argued, such diplomatic deals weakened America’s global standing. The antipathy toward diplomacy so often found on the right goes back to what conservatives see as the original sin of postwar diplomacy: the 1945 Yalta Conference. The meeting between Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin recognized Soviet hegemony in Eastern Europe, where the Red Army had established itself in its westward

march to Germany. For hardliners, Yalta represented the sell-out of the “captive nations” of Eastern Europe and the start of the Cold War. Just as Neville Chamberlain had appeased Adolf Hitler at Munich in 1938, so the leaders of the Anglo-American alliance had capitulated to the Soviets, legitimating both Stalin’s rule and his expansionist appetites. The lesson: Diplomacy was a sign of weakness and a naïve expression of trust in an untrustworthy enemy.

More than anyone else, it was James Burnham, a Trotskyite-turnedconservative who co-founded the magazine National Review with William F. Buckley Jr. in 1955, who made antipathy toward diplomacy a cornerstone of modern conservative policy.

Mr. Burnham saw the Soviet Union as uniquely evil and an existential threat to America. To him, negotiation with enemies was the same as surrender; co-existence was the same as defeat. Containment would never win the Cold War. What was needed was some sort of offensive war — what Mr. Burnham, and later Barry Goldwater, called “rollback.” Defining foreign policy in such ideologically rigid terms helped set the litmus test for the conservative movement: no diplomacy with mortal enemies.

When Dwight Eisenhower invited Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to the United States in 1959, conservative hardliners reacted with anger and horror. They created the Committee Against Summit Entanglements to protest the visit and held a sold-out rally at Carnegie Hall. The great offence of the visit was not Khrushchev’s blood-soaked hands, Mr. Buckley argued, but that America had reached out for a handshake and stained its own.

This belief that diplomacy compromised America’s moral authority led these conservatives to oppose re-

flexively any negotiations with Communist countries — even when it meant turning on their own. Conservatives had long embraced Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan as fellow Cold Warriors and opponents of “Red China” and the “Evil Empire.” Yet both Mr. Nixon’s rapprochement to Communist China in 1971-72 and Mr. Reagan’s détente with the Soviet Union in 1987-88 provoked blistering criticisms.

When Mr. Nixon announced his decision in July 1971 to visit China, the right lashed out — so much so that 12 leading conservatives publicly suspended their support of the president, backing Ohio congressman John Ashbrook’s ill-fated campaign against Mr. Nixon in 1972. In his first term, Mr. Nixon had crossed conservative redlines by supporting affirmative action, creating the Environmental Protection Agency and implementing wage-and-price controls. But it was not until his China volte-face that conservatives broke ranks.

Likewise, when the once-hawkish Mr. Reagan pursued arms-control agreements with Mikhail Gorbachev 15 years later, hardliners were aghast.

From the National Review to Republican Senator Jesse Helms, former supporters of the Reagan presidency felt a special sense of betrayal. Mr. Reagan defended the arms-control treaties by saying America would “trust but verify.” But for hardline conservatives, this phrase was nonsense: How could the Soviets ever be trusted? The Wall Street Journal published several editorials in the winter of 1987-88 condemning Reagan for being “snookered into letting the Soviets turn arms-control talks to their own purposes.” For the hardliners, Eisenhower’s summits, Nixon’s rapprochement, Reagan’s détente and now Mr. Obama’s nuclear deal all follow in the shameful tradi-

tion of the Yalta accords. But for all the doomsaying, Mr. Nixon’s China opening turned out to be hugely significant. By breaking a 23-year-old taboo on negotiating with the leaders of the world’s most populous nation, America exploited the SinoSoviet split to create a new global balance of power. Likewise, virtually all historians today recognize that the Reagan-Gorbachev summits helped end the four-decade standoff between the nuclear superpowers peacefully. When conservatives praise the Gipper for winning the Cold War, they’re praising policies they themselves opposed.

After a decade in the background, the 9/11 attacks brought back the hardline approach in the form of the Bush doctrine of unilateralism, preemption and regime change in a world divided between good and evil.

And as the backlash against the Iran deal and the recent Republican presidential primary debates have demonstrated, the mind-set that began at Yalta has left a lasting imprint on Republican foreign-policy thinking.

Iran may be a radical and deeply anti-Western regime that has sponsored brutal militias across the Middle East. But in the face of such foes, American interests have in the past been advanced best through diplomacy, not isolation. In hurling brickbats at the president, the modern-day inheritors of the hardline tradition — from the Republican leadership to Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer — are simply reminding Americans of earlier episodes of right-wing rejectionism. Today, those past backlashes against important diplomatic overtures appear discredited and foolish. The writers are research associates at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.

— Courtesy: The New York Times

Cash that cheque..!

M

ANY years ago I worked as a salesman in my dad’s company and have always been glad for that experience, especially stuff my father taught me.

Ever so often I would hit a rough patch when for days I would trudge the roads and not bag a single order. “Take a day off Bob!” “How’s that going to help?” I’d ask my father gloomily. “Use that day to imagine you are stacked with orders, so much business, your order book is full, then my son go and sell with renewed confidence!”

And it worked. I remember those words of advice as I read this

rather interesting story I’d like to share with you: A business executive was deep in debt and could see no way out.

Creditors were closing in on him. Suppliers were demanding payment. He sat on a park bench, head in his hands, wondering if anything could save his company from bankruptcy. Suddenly an old man appeared before him.

“I can see something is troubling you my son,” he said. After listening to the executive’s woes, the old man said, “I believe I can help you.” He asked the man his name, wrote out a cheque, and pushed it into his hand saying, “Take this money. Meet me here exactly one year from today, and you can pay me back at that time.”

Then he turned and disappeared as quickly as he had come. The business executive saw in his hand a cheque for $500,000, signed by John D. Rockefeller, then one of the richest

men in the world! “I can erase my money worries in an instant!” he realized. But instead, the executive decided to put the uncashed check in his safe. Just knowing it was there might give him the strength to work out a way to save his business, he thought.

With renewed optimism, he negotiated better deals and extended terms of payment. He closed several big sales. Within a few months, he was out of debt and making money once again. Exactly one year later, he returned to the park with the uncashed check. At the agreed-upon time, the old man appeared. But just as the executive was about to hand back the check and share his success story, a nurse came running up and grabbed the old man.

“I’m so glad I caught him!” she cried. “I hope he hasn’t been bothering you. He’s always escaping from

the rest home and telling people he’s John D. Rockefeller.” And she led the old man away by the arm.

The astonished executive just stood there, stunned. All year long he’d been wheeling and dealing, buying and selling, convinced he had half a million dollars behind him!

Suddenly, he realized it wasn’t the money, real or imagined, that had turned his life around. It was his newfound self-confidence that gave him the power to achieve anything he went after. The cheque he’d cashed was confidence in himself!

I smile as I recollect the uncashed cheque my father used to tell me to cash; the power to believe in myself: A power available to all of us, each and everyone, wherever we are, whatever situation we are in now. Just go and cash that cheque..!

—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com

Martyrdom of a valiant soldier SABA ALTAF

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he patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth, says Stonewall Jackson. Such a passion is an inherent quality in a person by virtue of which he loves his country and zealously supports and defends it and its interest. A soldier, for example, is a role model of patriotism. Capt Waseem uddin Razi, the Hero of Tirah, presents one of the shining examples of courage, strength and sacrifice. Born and grown up in Karachi he got the training in Kakul and opted to join the SSG in Chirat. True to his instinctive nature that he got inherited from his parents who sacrificed everything while migrating from India, he had toughness of body and alertness of mind, from his very childhood. As if he had already decided to become a soldier. He used to hold a toy gun, run around jumping, staging mock attacks making firing shots. In a similar, but this time real, fight in Tirah on 25 April 2013, he fought the last battle of his life, not with a toy gun, and embraced martyrdom in such a fashion that he left for others a shining example to follow, for all times to come. Why he opted to join the SSG leaves another motivation for others. During his deployment in Swat, his Company got trapped in the mountain terrain. He saw three SSG commandos were air dropped who daringly managed to save the entire Company. There and then he decided to become a Commando. He, along with his 25 jawans was tasked to clear a compound in Inzargul area. He was shot couple of times and embraced Shahadat. The patriot volunteer made him the most reliable soldier on earth…and in Heaven. “Do not call them the dead, they are living in eternity.” Each one of the soldiers of Pakistan, the military has proved is a true embodiment of professionalism and commitment. Its history is full of the stories of so many unsung heroes like that of Capt Waseem Shaheed. March on – the jawans and officers – march on, until last terrorist is eliminated. Nation is proud of you.

—Islamabad

Information Minister’s blunder JAVAID BASHIR It is interesting to note the clumsy manner in which Pervez Rashid (PR) twisted his tongue to denounce the decision of the Election Tribunal on NA 122. It is obvious that the poor man is doing his duty to defend the indefensible matter. The Tribunal has confirmed Imran Khan’s stance on rigging. It is now proven beyond doubt that PML-N was the beneficiary of rigging. This is its second wicket that has fallen; all the credit goes to Captain (Kaptaan).

PR made a blunder by criticizing the court of prejudice against the ruling party. He perhaps has not read the judgment of the Tribunal. The learned Judge has fully taken into account the evidence and facts as presented by the both sides’ lawyers. It took 2 years and 7 months to reach the conclusion. Massive irregularities were committed, the CNIC numbers did not match, fake and bogus votes were stuffed in the bags. Now the cat is out of those bags. And the learned Judge has belled the cat. Justice has been done and it also appears to have been done in this case.

Kunwar Dilshad the former Secretary Election Commission lauded the judgment. He correctly pointed out that the court has taken into consideration all the evidence that confirms the rigging in the said election.

He rebuffed PR’s argument. The Problem with the Minister is that he makes obnoxious remarks without thinking. Perhaps he are incapable of intelligent discourse. He has damaged his party by appearing on the TV programs. We can only say this blunder is too much to digest.

—Karachi

Cultural values and modernism TAUQEER AHMAD The incredible advancement of Science and Technology has completely distorted our life style and compelled us to an unsocial human behaviour; we spend much of time in an imaginary world of modern technology and machines. Seemingly we use mobile phones, computers, vehicles, ships, satellites etc. but unintentionally cramp ourselves to a limited social circle. In old days culture and traditions were considered as essential factors in learning about this world and ways to face ups and downs of life.

Elders of families arranged gatherings narrating experiences of their life, eventful incidences and situation that was itself a lesson for youngsters.

Helping hands were ready to help and take good blessing from elders. In short there was an attachment of love, affection and respect among members of society that is extremely missing today when nobody even has time to share his thoughts besides formal “hello” and “hi”.

I can recall the moments we used to gather around burning woods, sipping green tea while heating our body in the winter evenings. These gatherings were held in a big hall with charpies in a circle around the fire in Mohallahs. Television were really found in some distant house, however a noisy radio with Chacha Gama was famous among all, who spend whole time entertaining the crowd on jest about politics and village issues till late night. Elders, youngster even children used to sit side by side, entertaining and amusing each other with their discussion and jokes. Problems of village were suggested and settled with the final decision of the aged member.

There were discussions about local and international politics, corruption of patwaris, court cases, injustices of Numberdar and some other issues highlighting backing powers and concealed conspiracies, broadening the knowledge of young ones. These gatherings aroused a sense of sociability, respect of elders, humanity, unity, tolerance and patriotism. Daadies and Naanies used to narrate fairy tales and

toota meana kahani, after which children with good sense wished to be like that Prince and Tarzan to kill the evils, mercy on poor and helping each other which are now replaced by Spiderman, Superman, Ben Ten etc that are communicating violence and negative messages. There was a moral for every story that arose attention toward a unique dimension; these stories were source of entertainment for children as well as there was much to learn too.

Daadies used to teach Quran, Namaz and basics of Islam and social ethics.

These public get-together trend is almost disappeared in cities and towns especially in famous gathering points of “Inder shehr” and “Qisa Khawani”of Peshawar city that were centres of such pastime in old times.

However, in villages, if not disappeared completely, it is seemingly losing its value day by day as people are advancing toward technology and machines. It prevents us of social epidemics. West has everything but not this kind of organized social system and they regret the moment when the stepped up to modernize everything.

Unfortunately, when we left those good habits and customs, we encountered with generation gap, violence, and disobedience. Thought of being modern has not only crushed our social system but it has snatched those good activities, memories, gathering as well. While tackling negativism, the pleasant aspects of 21st century cannot be denied, as change is unchangeable laws of nature, those who deny change always lose the race of economic and conceptual maturity and progress. Though our children are studying in an advanced education system but this system cannot give the teachings that were essentials of our old social system. We can learn how to command machines but we cannot be independent socially. Our old customs are our identity, nation who forgets its identity, is deviated in searching its destination, we want progress but not on the cost of our precious cultures because it is a deal of great loss.

—Peshawar

Psychological impact MALIK SHAHANASLAM Children are the flowers of the garden of humanity created by Allah Almighty. Unfortunately, these flowers were treated in an inhuman manner as exposed in Kasur Child Abuse incident. The people involved in this crime can’t even imagine that just for the fulfilment of their desire, what psychological impacts they are leaving on the minds of small children.

All over the world, the developed nations own their children; they support them by providing good, free education, healthy food, recreational activities and proper care with maintenance facilities so that those children may form good personalities.

According to pioneer of Psychodynamic approach, Sigmund Freud, “Individual past experiences contribute to one’s personality, but the early childhood experience had most profound impact on personality formation.” Comparing the Freud’s view with regard to Kasur incident, the children who are the victims of this incident will also have to suffer with such profound impact which results in a Intrapsychic or Psychodynamic conflicted personality formation, which can ruin all life.

According to Article 37 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, “The state shall promote social justice and shall eradicate social evils” but still we have failed in implementing this provision of the Constitution due to failed and unprofessional policies of government authorities. These state authorities are indirectly enhancing social problems instead of eradicating them. We have to understand that this is not the question of 300 children, this is the question of 300 plus families which will have to suffer years after today’s negative psychological impacts on personality development because of this immoral Kasur incident. In short, we

must love children, support them in the best possible manner as they are the beautiful colours of the nature blessed on us. We must not waste their sweetness and innocent cuteness by pushing them in the dark trenches of child labour, juvenile delinquency and sexual harassment..

—Via email

PIA pensioners MUHAMMAD KHAN SIAL On behalf of retired employees of PIA, I would like to draw the attention of the Federal government as well as PIA’s Board of Directors towards the long outstanding issues of these retired employees. Despite their repeated efforts, no one seems ready to help them.

This is height of indifference and callousness on part of Federal government as well as PIA Management.

Needless to mention here that if PIA Management increases prevailing meagre amount of pension, it would not affect PIA revenues as it would be increased from the readily available Pension Trust Fund. Therefore, there seems no justification whatsoever, for using delaying tactics in increase of pension. It may be pointed out that increase in pensions of PIA retirees/widows was granted only once during the past 10 years, that was insufficient in view of the meagre amounts of the original pensions, which are not enough to even pay a single utility bill of a family.

The main issues of the PIA retired employees include; with special emphasis on a substantial increase in pensions, payment of group insurance amount on maturity and restoration of the 50 per cent commuted amount of pensions to those who have completed 10 years of their retirements in addition to ensure payment of minimum pension already fixed by the government.

—Via email

Remembering 1965 glory SUMMIYA ARIF Defence Day this year is being celebrated as the golden jubilee year of the 1965 War victory against four time bigger enemy India. The day is observed to eulogize the sacrifices and acts of valour of our jawans and officers, many of whom embraced martyrdom and others emerged as ghazis. My hats are off for those who dared and who left a legacy for others to follow.

India on the other hand is claiming victory in 1965 War and wrongly projecting it through its effective media.

On Pakistani media’s part, one sees lack of knowledge and lack of cohesion, it seems we are not fully aware the facts on ground. We need to understand the circumstances, the events and how the entire nation came united at the back of the Armed forces and defeated the enemy on many fronts. The point is if India had won the war, why then it rushed to seek the help of the UN to appeal for a ceasefire?

Obviously this war affected the economies of both the countries but this is naturally an outcome of a war.

There is a need to re-write our military history with eye witness accounts, so that to deter enemy’s media onslaught. We need to highlight and teach the masses as to why, despite three wars, the issue of Kashmir could not be resolved.

—Rawalpindi

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 Jinping bestows military honors B EIJING —President Xi Jinping, in his role of chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed orders to give honorary titles to two military units and one individual for their outstanding services.

Unit 69316 was honored for their outstanding border duty services amid treacherous environment and complicated security situations over the past decades, and the 61st branch of Unit 73122 was honored for cultivating a large number of high-quality cadres and their efforts to promote traditional, revolutionary values, according to a Wednesday statement.

Tan Qingquan, a senior engineer with the 42nd branch of Unit 96315, was honored for achievements in leading the research and development of missile facilities.

The statement urged all officers and soldiers to follow the

examples of those honored and make concrete efforts to boost military construction, reform and combat readiness.

In a separate statement also released Wednesday, Xi signed orders of commendation to award merit citation, a lesser honor than honorary titles, to three military units and 28 individuals.

The first-class merit citation was awarded to the 90th branch of Unit 92730 and the computer research center with the National University of Defense Technology for “making prominent contributions” in fulfilling missions and scientific research, respectively, according to the statement.

Individuals honored with first, second and third-class merit citations included research fellows, engineers, university professors and hospital staff.—Xinhua

UN: Israeli weapons fueling South Sudan civil war

G AZA STRIP —A year after ment, steel and aggregates Israeli weapons are in use by what are basically all the security bodies in the country: UN report. required to rebuild Gaza have so far been allowed to enter the territory, according to Avaaz. At that rate, the group noted, it could take 17 years to complete reconstruction.

In addition to the Israeli blockade, Gaza’s border with Egypt is also frequently closed and smuggling tunnels in Gaza’s south have also been systematically destroyed. The ongoing political disagreements between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) has also been blamed for further stalling reconstruction.

What Gaza needs more than anything is reconstruction, yet the government of Israel restricts the entry of even the most basic building materials … [preventing] the rebuilding of even the most vital infrastructure in Gaza, including hospitals and clinics,” said Tony Laurance, the CEO of Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Organisations supporting the petition are calling on donor countries, who collectively pledged $3.5bn in aid to rebuild Gaza at the 2014 Cairo conference, to fulfil their promises. Funds have been trickling in amid concerns over the Hamas-PA tensions and a number of other major regional crises that have demanded donor aid.—AA

HUSSAIN ABDUL-HUSSAIN

A

Petition pushes for end to Israel’s Gaza blockade a ceasefire ended Gaza’s 51day war, hundreds of thousands of people have signed a petition urging world leaders to pressure Israel to lift its blockade of the Palestinian territory.

Launched by the online activist group Avaaz, the petition whichi has the backing of dozens of organisations, including World Vision International and Medical Aid for Palestinians - notes that 100,000 Palestinians in Gaza remain homeless and calls for “urgent action” to allow more construction materials to enter the besieged coastal enclave.

“For a whole year the Israeli government has restricted basic and essential construction materials from entering Gaza. Not one of the 19,000 homes that were bombed and destroyed has been fully rebuilt,” notes the petition, released on Wednesday.

Organisers are hoping to gain at least 1.8 million signatories, representing the current population of the Gaza Strip. The move comes a year after a ceasefire agreement ended the war on August 26, 2014.

Israel has created barrier after barrier preventing necessary supplies to come in just five percent of the nearly seven million tonnes of ce-

Lebanon is still suffering without Hariri

JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN—Israeli weapons are being used in South Sudan by the local army and its senior officers, according to a recent UN report. The report, issued by a panel of experts appointed by the UN Security Council to study the civil war in South Sudan, is based on photographs from the field showing weapons manufactured by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI).

According to the interim report, which summarizes the first 10 weeks of the panel’s activities, the weapon in question is an Ace, an upgraded version of the Galil assault rifle, which was developed by IWI.

China sacks work safety chief after graft probe BEIJING—Yang Dongliang, currently under corruption investigation, was dismissed from his post as director of the State Administration of Work Safety, said the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) Central Committee Wednesday.

The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) announced the investigation into Yang on Aug. 18 for “severe violation of discipline and law”. Yang is a member of the 18th CPC Central Committee.—Xinhua

Toll of Syrian air strikes near Damascus rises to 247 in 10 days

South Sudan has been in the midst of a civil war for the past 18 months, and the United Nations has reported in the past on extensive human rights violations there during the fighting, including the drafting of child-soldiers and the burning of villages.

According to the current report, the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) has been implementing a scorched-earth policy, and has been involved in indiscriminate killing, rape, pillaging, destruction of infrastructure and uprooting of civilians from their homes.

The panel of experts noted that at least some of the weapons were given to the local national security service before the outbreak of the war, but now the Israeli weapons are in use by what are basically all the security bodies in the country – the SPLA, the local police, the national security service and the bodyguards of senior officers. They are also carried by the officers themselves.

Israel does not admit if selling arms to South Sudan, but officials from the African state have taken part in recent Israeli weapons shows.—UN News.

OIC SG ends visit to Azerbaijan B AKU —On the second leg of his consultations with some Asian Member States, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani, held on 25 August 2015 in Baku, a meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Elmar Mammadyarov.

Upon leaving Baku, the Secretary General is set to head to Islamabad to meet with senior Pakistani officials. Email.

Discussions between Madani and Mammadyarov revolved around the need to boost OIC solidarity to cope with the daunting challenges faced by the Member States.

They exchanged views on the priorities

and activities of the Organization, notably the upcoming three OIC summits and other issues of mutual interest.

Madani reaffirmed the OIC’s support for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

In a similar vein, the Secretary General and the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister expressed concern over the misrepresentation of Islam and Muslims in many parts of the world and explored the ways of coping effectively with the pressing issue of Islamophobia. Upon leaving Baku, the Secretary General is set to head to Islamabad to meet with senior Pakistani officials.—Email

Thailand destroys ivory stockpile amid junta crackdown BANGKOK—Thailand destroyed more than two tonnes of ivory Wednesday—a victory for animal rights groups fighting against the trade in a country renowned for being a hub for illegal tusks.

The ceremony, in which 2,155 kilograms of raw tusks and carved trinkets were fed into an industrial rock crusher before being incinerated, was presided over by the Thai junta leader Prayu ChanO-Cha and is the first time the kingdom has taken steps to destroy part of its stockpile.

“This is to show the Thai government’s strong determination to oppose ivory trafficking and that Thailand will comply with international rules,” he said during the ceremony. Animal rights campaigners have long accused successive Thai civilian and military administrations of turning a blind eye to the lucrative trade. They have pushed for Bangkok to destroy its stockpile to signal its determination to stamp down on the trade and avoid the risk of seized ivory finding its way back onto the black

decade after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, Lebanon is still reeling. The ruling estab lishment is incapable of running the country as electricity cuts become more frequent, water shortages more acute and garbage piles up across the country.

With the end of the Civil War in 1990, Hafez Assad arranged Lebanon’s governance in a way that gave him a free hand in all matters of security and foreign policy. The late Syrian president gave the Lebanese political establishment under Hariri — then still a new face and a political novice — the role of running domestic issues such as reconstruction, budgeting and services.

But the line between security and reconstruction was not always as clear, with Syrian contractors such as Yarob, the son of former Syrian intel chief and Lebanon’s viceroy Ghazi Kenaan and Jamal, the son of former Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam, often snatching whichever lucrative contracts they wanted.

The line between security and reconstruction was further blurred with the election of former Army Commander Emile Lahoud as president. Lahoud’s two sons, Emile Jr and Ralph, became known for their moneymaking ‘entrepreneurship’ during their father’s tenure. Assad’s security officers, such as Kenaan’s successor Rustom Ghazali, started demanding bigger cuts. Under Bashar Assad, Lebanon was transformed from a marriage between Syrian security and Lebanese oligarchs into Assad’s kleptocracy.

During the Hafez years (1990 – 1998) Hariri presented a new brand of political craftsmanship. He radiated with positive energy, which he used to dig Lebanon out from under the rubble.

Hariri had a plan for making Lebanon a regional hub for business, tourism and services.

Hariri wanted to build the Middle East’s biggest airport, the brightest downtown, the highest bridge over the mountainous pass of Dahr al-Baidar, a world-standard public sports complex, the highest-ranking private universities and hospitals, and many other superlative institutions. He wanted Lebanon to enter into partnership with the EU, host Olympic games, and entertain many other grandiose activities.

But Lebanon’s actual ruler, the Assad regime, did no want Hariri to grow big with his achievements. They often sent him messages. When the American University of Beirut announced the appointment of the first resident president since the mid1980s, someone threw dynamite over the university’s fence. Some other disagreement saw two rockets strike Hariri’s Future TV building.

Coupled with these explosive messages, Assad’s Lebanese cronies built a narrative that completely vilified Hariri. In fact, even a decade after his death and the participation of Michel Aoun as a ‘partner’ in government, pro-Syrian pundits still blame Hariri for the nation’s $72 billion debt.

The brilliance of Hariri was that, despite the attacks against him, he remained steady and was never caught badmouthing his rivals. Hariri behaved as if he owned Lebanon. He reasoned that if he engaged his opponents, the bickering would hurt the country’s reputation and international trust in it.

Another one of Hariri’s skills was his ability to run a tight ship among his cohorts and keep his house and finances in order.

He instilled awe in his fans and foes and used his power to shield Lebanon. Even when he was out of office between 1998 and 2000, the world still trusted Lebanon because it was the place that Hariri called home.

After his assassination and the withdrawal of Assad’s army in 2005, Lebanon lost its balance. Hezbollah repeatedly offered Hariri’s successors to re-synch security, under its control, with reconstruction under Hariri supervision. The Hariri’s turned down Hezbollah’s offer based not only on past experience but also on the fact that Assad had already brought Christian leader Michel Aoun back from exile to replace Rafiq.

But Aoun never measured up to Hariri. Aoun is twitchy, nagging and radiates negative energy. It might have been something if Aoun had ever promised Lebanon some good days, but instead he has spent the last decade in Lebanon rewriting Hariri’s story, mostly incorrectly. For its part, Hezbollah has used Aoun to channel Shiite hatred against Hariri, often to deflect Shiite anger away from Hezbollah’s own crises and endless wars.

Unlike what Aoun claims, it is not true that Hariri renovated Muslim areas only. Casino du Liban, in the heart of Christian Lebanon, was renovated on Hariri’s watch and became the lucrative cow that his rivals — Lahoud, Franjieh and Jamil Sayyed — abused. When former Finance Minister Fouad Siniora wanted to tax slot machines, the anti-Hariri concert sprang into action.

Hariri’s positive vibes overrode corruption, nepotism and plans to turn Lebanon into a ‘resistance’ state. He gave most Lebanese hope that things would always improve, like they did starting with his rise in 1993. Since his assassination, Lebanon has been on a downhill slide.

Hezbollah has the upper hand in Lebanon. Since 2005, its ally Aoun controls a considerable portion of parliament and cabinet and punctures the rest of the government. Both Hezbollah and Aoun have failed miserably in governing the country postHariri.

Whining, nagging and blaming the man on whose legacy Lebanon barely survives today show both Hezbollah and Aoun as failing governors and as politicians who are too small to measure up to the late, larger-than-life Rafiq Hariri.

market through corrupt officials.Trade in ivory was banned in 1989 under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). But that has not stopped criminal gangs seeking to exploit a continued demand for tusks in Asia. Ivory and other body parts of elephants are prized for decoration, as talismans, and for use in traditional medicine across parts of Asia with Thailand a key transit point.

The country’s generals, who seized power in a coup last spring, have vowed to crack down on the illegal ivory trade. Earlier this year, they ordered all Thais to register any ivory they owned, warning that those who failed to do so would see their items confiscated.

They have also made a series of high profile seizures including four tonnes of ivory found hid—Courtesy: NOW. den in containers in April that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and was destined [Hussain Abdul-Hussain is the Washington Bureau Chief of Kuwaiti newspaper Alrai. He tweets @hahussain]. for Laos.—APP

Myanmar Armed conflict: The beginning of the end A UNG NAING O O

M

YANMAR took a huge step forward on August 7.

The government concluded its negotiations with ethnic armed groups over a nationwide ceasefire to end more than 60 years of civil war.

An activist participates in a peace march in September 2012. Photo: Ko TaikAn activist participates in a peace march in September 2012. Photo: Ko Taik It is arguably one of the more significant feats that Myanmar, a pariah nation just a few years ago, has achieved since it reintroduced partial democracy in 2010.

It is even harder to believe that President U Thein Sein, a top general and prime minister under the military regime, is the one to pull off something of this magnitude.

By completing the ceasefire negotiations, his gamble to make peace his government’s top priority has paid off handsomely.

But the road to the nationwide ceasefire agreement was anything but smooth. Negotiators from both sides spent almost two years poring over hundreds of issues. The talks have taken place mostly inside Myanmar, but also in neighbouring Thailand and China.

During this time, negotiators faced numerous delays, breakdowns and unexpected twists and turns. Fierce fighting in ethnic areas, notably with Kokang rebels near the Chinese border since February, incessantly tested their resolve to bring peace to Myanmar.

Even as the talks were concluded, skirmishes with the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, a Palaung armed group, have continued in northern Myanmar.

The Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement is also a lengthy document, containing 104 points across seven chapters.

These cover not only ceasefire matters but also political guarantees, including political negotiations to chart the future of Myanmar and the formation of a federal union – a key ethnic demand that previous Myanmar governments refused to even discuss.

Further, the agreement mandates all signatories to implement a joint ceasefire monitoring mechanism buttressed by a comprehensive code of conduct, as well as dozens of civilian and humanitarian protection provisions.

To mark the end of the negotiations, the government published the full ceasefire text on August 18, the fourth anniversary of the peace process, with the agreement of the ethnic groups.

But the most immediate challenge for both sides is to address the issue of inclusiveness. The ethnic groups have insisted that all members of their alliance be signatories to the agreement.

The government, on the other hand, has rejected the inclusion of the Kokang group, whom the government considers the aggressor in the bloody conflict, which has claimed hundreds of lives.

The government has accepted the participation of three small groups in the political dialogue but refuses to allow them to sign the ceasefire because they have no armed components. The government has urged the ethnic groups to hold on to the all-inclusive issue but to approach it from a pragmatic standpoint.

Government negotiators are confident that they can overcome the problem by bringing various ethnic armed

groups into ceasefire and political negotiations stage by stage. Meanwhile, the Senior Delegation of the ethnic armed groups met in Thailand this week to prepare for their proposed meeting with President U Thein Sein. A week ago, he sent invitations to each group to sign the nationwide ceasefire.

The meeting with Myanmar’s top leader could take place later this week. The signing of the ceasefire would follow shortly afterward.

Once the agreement is signed, a parallel process of strengthening ceasefires and starting political dialogue will ensue. It seems all is good to go.

But the nationwide ceasefire is just the beginning of a long road to political settlement that will end the protracted armed conflict once and for all.

The ceasefire calls for huge commitments from all signatories. While the government and the armed forces will stick to their part of the bargain, they will expect their ethnic counterparts to reciprocate.

Likewise, the ethnic groups will fuss about the details of the agreement if there is any shortcoming on the part of the government in adhering to the provisions of the agreement.

The ethnic groups fear that the government may not live up to its promises – a fear that has arisen out of deep-rooted distrust.

The feeling is shared by the government and the Myanmar army.

They are concerned that some ethnic groups may intentionally break the rules of engagement.

The implementation of the ceasefire is the ultimate test of all parties’ commitment. It will enable us to see if all sides have the stomach for the intricacies of a task they

have never previously experienced.

It will determine if the sworn cooperation and compromise throughout the negotiations is to materialise.

On the political side also, the ending of ceasefire negotiations and signing of the treaty will herald an unprecedented political dialogue to chart Myanmar’s future.

Unlike the ceasefire negotiations, which took place between the government and ethnic armed groups, the political talks will include many new stakeholders, primarily the country’s mushrooming political parties. This will certainly complicate a situation that is already extremely complex.

Without doubt, it will be yet another test for all parties whether they are truly committed to peaceful political dialogue to resolve the nation’s long-running armed conflict.

As the political negotiations will focus on powersharing, resource-sharing and many other pressing issues, the process is likely to test the endurance of all stakeholders, as well as their ability to compromise and think of the bigger picture.

Despite the hurdles ahead, Myanmar seems determined to move forward. The signing of the nationwide ceasefire agreement will help the election environment, which will in turn reinforce the notion of inclusive democracy that friends of Myanmar hope to see flourish here.

—Courtesy: MT. [Aung Naing Oo is director of the Peace Dialogue Program at the Myanmar Peace Center].

Obstacles in case probe From Page 1 isting cooperation, keeping in view shared concerns of the two countries in the area of security, especially in the ongoing fight against militancy, capacity building of security officials and mutual sharing of knowledge and expertise in counter-terrorism.

Discussing ongoing global fight against terrorism, the Interior Minister emphasized that the international community must take immediate steps to discourage those elements who propagate Islamophobia and ridicule Muslim traditions and sentiments. This, he said, was critical in efforts to overcome tendencies leading towards extremism.

He stressed that neither Islam should be associated with terrorism nor the madrassas be bracketed with preaching extremism.

To effectively fight terrorism and militancy, Muslims should be considered as part of the solution and not part of the problem, he added.

He emphasized that the world must now come out of this wrong notion and misperception of considering every man with a beard and every woman wearing hijab as potential terrorist.

Talking about Pakistan’s struggle against militancy and terrorism, the minister observed that in the war against terrorism, Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices were neither duly acknowledged not fully understood.

He said that a lot of propaganda in the West regarding human rights and capital punishment

SSGC From Page 1 rest of SSGC DMD is in connection to the arrest of Dr Asim Hussain. The law enforcers also arrested him in plain clothes as was witnessed in Dr Asim Hussain’s case, being escorted by the paramilitary Rangers as security cover.

PML-N From Page 1 hold consultations with Prime Minister to chalk out a strategy regarding the verdicts of election tribunals.

Reacting to the verdict, he said the Pakistan Tehreek-iInsaf had a tradition of fleeing from elections, but now they would not let them escape.

Responding to a question, he said Jehangir Tareen should have better implemented the decision of Justice (retd) Wajihuddin. “I neither get afraid of threats nor try to threaten others. Evidence must be presented if I have threatened anybody.

The PTI leaders should stop telling lies in this regard,” he said responding to a question.

Pak cancels From Page 1 “Pakistan has sent a terse note, simply expressing regret over not being able to make it for the meeting on September 911,” Indian officials said.—INP

China willing From Page 1 showed interest in investments in different hydel projects on River Sindh. However, Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has been asked to provide relevant data before starting the projects.Asif has ordered Wapda authorities to provide the information required.— SABAH

Dr Asim From Page 1 Despite arrest of Dr Asim, interviews of the candidates for the post of VC DUHS were not suspended.

Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, talking to media condemned the detention of Dr. Asim Hussain and said such measures could result in a disastrous outcomes.

was incorrect and without any reason.

He said that some people were only pursuing the agenda of defaming Pakistan.

Discussing efforts to fight militancy and terrorism, the Interior Minister said that the international community must undertake concerted efforts to check financial resources and must take action against financiers of terrorists.

On bilateral cooperation of the two countries in fight against terrorism, the minister emphasized that to effectively pursue the cases against terrorists in the courts it was important to focus on capacity building of prosecutors and law professionals. In this regard, he continued, the country looks forward towards UK for greater cooperation.

Matters relating to bringing to justice the proclaimed offenders and Pak-UK prisoners exchange agreement also came under discussion.

Theresa May in her remarks said that UK valued its ties with Pakistan and desired to further cement them. “We value the efforts and sacrifices of Pakistani government and its people in the fight against terrorism and efforts for regional peace.”

She assured the Interior Minister that UK would continue to extend every possible support to the country in its efforts towards socio-economic development and overcoming the challenges that it is faced with.— Agencies

From Back Page Briefing the committee on the process of local government elections, Election Commission Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad had said the Sindh government would face numerous problems in case polls were held on a single day, including shortage of security and polling personnel and ballot boxes.

He had said the Sindh government had not yet updated and finalised local government election rules, 2013, adding that nomination papers would be printed only after the rules were finalised.

He said the manual of instructions for District Returning Officers, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers also would be prepared only after the finalisation of rules.

Both the Sindh and Punjab governments also want holding of polls in phased manner and the Sindh government has already proposed polls in three phases to the ECP.

CPEC and new world economic order From Page 1 West over the developing countries of Asia and Africa. Only two non-West countries namely China and Japan are in position to help the AfroAsian countries in overcoming their backwardness. However it is only China who has developed a global vision for the developing countries.

Through the economic corridors to China including CPEC, vast regions would have the chance of making rapid progress, may be at the speed China has geared into.

Pakistan by dint of its geographical location and its strategic importance will serve as lynch pin of “Corridor Network” to be woven around the CPEC. As a result of CPEC and other corridors to be linked with it, all countries in the corridors would emerge as developed countries not in distant future. And when that happens, a new world economic order would emerge replace the current one that only promises a status quo holding no hope for the “Wretched of the Earth”.

Pak-Kazakh ties From Page 1 the two sides also agreed to strengthen economic cooperation by optimally utilizing the existing institutional mechanisms, adding, the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Kazakhstan was not commensurate with the actual potential and needed to be revitalized.

Nawaz Sharif said he was impressed by the remarkable political stability, social cohesion and impressive economic progress that had been achieved under the visionary and farsighted leadership of President Nazarbayev.

“We wish Kazakhstan all the best on its road to progress and prosperity”, he added.

The Prime Minister mentioned the deeprooted and historic fraternal ties between the people of Pakistan and Kazakhstan and said the two countries also have great potential to further strengthen their relations to the mutual benefit.

He said the current visit provided him the opportunity to discuss with President Nazarbayev, a wide range of subjects and they touched upon the whole spectrum of bilateral, regional and international issues.

The Prime Minister said the two sides have also decided to continue their cooperation at international fora, including the United Nations, SCO, ECO and OIC. “We are grateful to Kazakhstan for its valuable support to Pakistan for attaining full membership of the SCO. The people of Pakistan will always value this gesture of friendship,” he added.

The Prime Minister was also appreciative of Kazakhstan’s support to Pakistan’s successful bid to become non-permanent member of United Nations Security Council in 2012-13 and said it will happily support Kazakhstan’s candidature to the non-permanent seat of the Security Council for 2017-18.

He said the two sides also reviewed the regional situation, especially with regards to Afghanistan, adding, a peaceful and stable Afghanistan remained vital for peace and stability in our region.

“We both continue to support an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process,” he added.

The Prime Minister said he had come to know that for Kazakhstan, 2015 was a remarkable year, as it was celebrating several important anniversaries.

“We congratulate you Mr. President, and the people of Kazakhstan, on the occasion of

Between the lines

ECP

the 550th anniversary of the Kazakh Khanate.

We also congratulate you on the 20th anniversary of the constitution of Kazakhstan and 20th anniversary of the Assembly of the people of Kazakhstan”, he maintained.

President Nazarbayev said his country considers Pakistan as an important member of the region that was courageously fighting the war against terrorism.

He noted the deep rooted ties between the two countries and said the current visit would give further impetus to their ties established in 1992. He said Kazakhstan desired increase in exports, besides enhanced security cooperation.

The President mentioned the Memorandums of Understanding inked between the two countries and said it would further strengthen their ties. He also evinced interest in initiating trade with Pakistan through its Gwadar Port.

Prime Minister Sharif said there was also scope for joint ventures in textiles, pharmaceuticals besides cooperation in oil and gas sectors.

The Prime Minister said his visit to Astana had provided both sides the opportunity to reflect on their common goals of progress, prosperity, development, connectivity and integration of the entire region.

The Prime Minister said he has also invited President Nazarbayev to visit Pakistan, adding, “We look forward to his visit, at an early date.”

During the talks the two leaders held indepth discussion on bilateral relations with particular focus on ways and means to augment their trade and economic cooperation to the level that was commensurate with their deep-rooted ties.

The Prime Minister told the Kazakh President that it was his Government’s top priority to transform relations with Kazakhstan into a strategic partnership and enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan already has a relaxed visa for the Kazakh businessmen and hoped that Kazakhstan will also consider extending visa facilities to Pakistani businessmen in their recently announced liberalized visa policy regime.

He hoped that Government of Kazakhstan will also facilitate easy access to Pakistani commodities in the Kazakh markets.

The Prime Minister said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that links the western region of China with Gwadar will be a beneficial route for the regional countries including Kazakhstan.—APP

From Page 1 rently count only on China. But this great neighbour of ours, an all-weather friend whose friendship is said to be deeper than the seas, higher than the mountains and sweeter than honey has its own approach to foreign policy which is based on the principle of not letting any of its bilateral and multilateral disputes come in the way of its material progress.

And that is what China has been advising us to do all along—not to let even Kashmir dispute come in the way of developing close trade and economic relations with India for mutual benefit. It has also been advising Islamabad not to allow militants and terrorists to launch and sustain ‘separatist’, ‘religious’ and ‘freedom’ movements in neighbouring countries including in China’s Xinjiang province from our soil.

It seems that the current rulers in Pakistan do not approve of what President Musharraf had done to make India agree to seek a bilateral solution of the Kashmir dispute. He had publicly declared that Paki-

stan was prepared to withdraw from its traditionally stated position on Kashmir in return for India agreeing to his out-of-the-box solution for resolving the dispute: A joint India-Pakistan control of the territory in dispute with the LoC becoming irrelevant. And he even kept the Hurriyat out of the loop during these negotiations.

However, since neither General Raheel Sharif’s Pakistan nor Prime Minister Modi’s India seems to be in the mood to own Musharraf’s formula there is no way it can be revived. And both also seem adamant on the issue of Hurriyat.

Let us not be afraid of India’s insistence on talking about terrorism first because no talks on terrorism between India and Pakistan can proceed without Kashmir getting in the way.

Indeed, at Ufa it was India which missing the forest for the trees did not see that it was walking right into where it had never wanted to go. Realizing at the eleventh hour its Ufa folly New Delhi used the pretext of

Hurriyat to force Pakistan to cancel the NSA meeting.

But then, it would have been in the interest of an ascendant India to talk Kashmir with today’s down and out Pakistan to resolve the dispute to own complete satisfaction. A great opportunity missed by an India being led by a confused Prime Minister.

However, in times like these when we stand all lone with not a single friend on our side —not even the Muslim Middle East or the Organization of Islamic Conference we should do what ZA Bhutto did at Shimla while negotiating on behalf of a defeated, dismembered and internationally shunned Pakistan—agree to take up the Kashmir issue as a last item of the long list of bilateral disputes after having cleared the deck completely. Let us just remember that the UK would not have retuned Hong Kong to China no matter what the 100-year agreement had said if Beijing had not been what it had become by midnight June/July1, 1997.

Election Tribunal upholds the third announcement of the election commission’s tribunal regarding the rigging charges in the four constituencies highlighted by Imran Khan,” the former secrerary general of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf said.

He added, “What is to stop the ECP officials from performing the same way in the upcoming by-polls and local government elections. As long as these officials are not held accountable, democracy cannot flourish in Pakistan.”

Referring to the ECP’s assertion, that it was not answerable to the PTI, Tareen said that the commission is answerable to the citizens of Pakistan and the political parties are the representatives of the citizens. He further said that, “We will make the ECP answerable to us.”

Jahangir Khan Tareen also said, “We will not wait for the verdict of the fourth constituency as the hat-trick has been completed and will continue our protests against the Election Commission of Pakistan as per our democratic right.”

PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said: “before gearing up for by-polls, PTI wants the ECP members to tender their resignations.” Major political parties, including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), have expressed reservations over the integrity of ECP members, said Qureshi.

“We hereby request that, in order to uphold the integrity of

Altaf From Page 1 in his home city of Karachi staged a sit-in calling for his release. He was later freed on bail, which was extended afterwards. The magistrate had also legally bound Sarfaraz Merchant, Iftikhar Qureshi, and Tariq Mir to produce themselves before the court. Among the respondents only Merchant appeared before the court in the first hearing, which was turned incamera in the middle of the proceedings.—INP

Brahamdagh From Page 1 Bugti became the leader of his own faction, which he later renamed as BRP. On the other hand Talal Akbar Bugti is the leader of the second faction of Jamhoori Watan Party.

After leaving Pakistan, Bugti stopped over in Afghanistan for a while but later, in October 2010, he along with his family reached Switzerland, where they sought political asylum.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Balochistan Abdul Malik Baloch welcomed Bugti’s statement. He said current government is willing to talk to all dissident Baloch brothers including Bugti.

“It has been our stance from the day one that Balochistan issue has to be resolved in a political manner”, he said. “It is our wish that fire in Balochistan is put out as soon as possible.” Mr Malik said enough blood has been spilled in the past and that now it is time to heal the wounds.

From Page 1 the institution and working in the better interest of nation, the ECP members should step down,” suggested the PTI leader.

Responding to a question that whether the PTI will take to the streets to demand resignations from ECP members, Qureshi said, “we can only suggest and request, we can’t order or force them”. PTI thinks that ECP, as an institution, should be trusted by all political parties and if due to any reason this trust is lost then its ethical of the ECP members to resign to uphold and strengthen democracy, said Qureshi. NA-154 is among the four where PTI Chairman Imran Khan has been demanding a recount and verification of the thumb impressions. PTI supporters, gathered outside the election commission tribunal in Multan, erupted in celebrations after the verdict was announced.

An independent candidate, Muhammad Siddique Khan Baloch who later joined PMLN, was declared successful by the Election Commission of Pakistan in this constituency in 2013.

The result was challenged by Jehangir Tareen through an election petition filed under Section 52 of the Act, claiming that Mr Baloch possessed fake secondary education, intermediate and undergraduate degrees and he committed illegal practices on polling day. The tribunal on May 21, 2014, had directed National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to carry out thumb verification on the request of Mr Tareen but Mr Baloch got a stay order from the Lahore High Court on May 26. Mr Tareen moved the Supreme Court through his counsel Abdul Hafeez Pirzada against the LHC decision.

The apex court on June 6, 2014, vacated the LHC stay order and directed the tribunal to hold proceedings on a daily basis for the verification of thumb impressions. In its report submitted to the tribunal, the Nadra revealed that it failed to authenticate the thumb impressions of

Afghans From Back Page said Dinesh Lal Shrestha, head of UNHCR Balochistan.

“We hope that with the formation of the National Unity Government and better livelihood prospects in some parts of Afghanistan, more refugees will opt to return to their homeland,” added Shrestha.

UNHCR has facilitated the return of over 50,000 registered Afghan refugees this year.

179 voters in NA-154.

According to the report, 218,056 votes cast at 290 polling stations were received by Nadra from the election tribunal for verification, out of which 20,601 were polled with invalid CNICs or without identity cards.

Similarly, 121 voters were found to be out of constituency, while there were 728 duplicate votes and 587 were without thumb impressions, the report said. It said 73,707 votes had authenticated fingerprints while thumb impressions on 179 votes could not be verified.

Meanwhile, PPP and PTI have joined hands against Election Commission demanding resignation of its members.

Additional 5000 MW From Page 1 problem of shortage of electricity will be overcome with the grace of Allah Almighty and cooperation of friends like China. He said that production of 5000 megawatt electricity will be started till 2017 with the completion of energy projects based on cooperation between Pakistan and China.

He was talking to the senior authorities of Chinese investment companies, financial institutions, nation building departments and different ministries during meetings in Beijing today.

Rangers, BSF From Page 1 and BSF at Wagah border to coordinate modalities of the September meeting and to finalise the meeting’s agenda, the Rangers spokesman said.

The meeting will follow days of bickering between India and Pakistan, as the Pakistani government on Saturday decided to cancel the planned meeting of national security advisers with India, citing New Delhi’s refusal to allow an expanded agenda and a meeting with Kashmiri leaders.

The Indian external affairs ministry immediately termed the decision “unfortunate” and tried to wash its hands of the controversy that led to the cancellation of the meeting by saying that it “did not set any preconditions”.

Adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz was to have travelled to the Indian capital on Sunday for the Aug 24 meeting with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.

Saudi forces shoot down Scud missile fired from Yemen Al Qaida blows up army HQs in Al Mukalla RIYADH/ADEN—The Royal

South Sudan leader signs peace deal JUBA, South Sudan—South Sudan President Salva Kiir has signed a peace deal with rebels, after 20 months since the start of fighting between loyalist forces and rebels led by his former deputy. Kiir signed the agreement in Juba, the South Sudan capital, in a ceremony witnessed by regional leaders on Wednesday. Kiir’s opponent, former Deputy President Riek Machar, signed the agreement last week in Ethiopia but Kiir asked for more time to consult supporters. Kiir has been under intense international pressure to sign the agreement mediated by a group of neighboring states, with the U.S. threatening new U.N. sanctions if he failed to do so. The agreement binds Kiir into a power-sharing arrangement with Machar, whose dismissal in July 2013 sparked a political crisis that later boiled over into a violent rebellion.—AP

Fight against IS jihadists JOUY-EN-JOSAS (France)—Queen Rania of Jordan said Wednesday that moderate Muslims were not doing enough to fight against IS jihadists and their “diabolical ideology.” Speaking at a major French business gathering in Jouy-en-Josas near Paris, the 44-year-old said helping the Middle East’s youth was crucial in the fight against the extremist group, which controls swathes of Iraq and Syria on Jordan’s doorstep. “We are facing a time of great peril.

Daesh, or the so-called Islamic State, continues to spread its diabolical ideology,” she said. “Moderate Muslims the world over are not doing enough to win the ideological struggle at the heart of this battle.—AFP

Greek snap elections ATHENS—Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos is expected on Friday to call a snap election for next month, an official at the presidency told Reuters, ending fruitless coalition efforts among parties deeply divided over the country’s new bailout. Following last week’s resignation of leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Pavlopoulos asked a conservative and a radical left leader to try to form a new government and thereby avoid another election just seven months after the previous poll. The official stressed on Wednesday that the timetable could still change, but said Pavlopoulos intended to appoint a caretaker premier, Supreme Court judge Vassiliki Thanou, on Friday. —Reuters

RAWALPINDI: Commander US CENTCOM, Gen Lloyd Austin along with Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif saluting at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada as homage to Pak Army’s martyrs.

ECP issues schedule for LB polls in Sindh, Punjab STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—The Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday announced the schedule for the first phase of local body elections in Punjab and Sindh, the process of which will commence in September and will come to an end with polls scheduled for October 31.

District Returning Officers, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers have already been appointed by ECP for this purpose, and they have been asked to fulfill their duties in accordance with the provision of law and rules and maintain neutrality and impartiality.

According to the notification by the ECP, severe action will be taken against those returning officers who fail to fulfill their responsibilities.

Furthermore, the commission has declined the requests of the provincial governments and provincial election commissioners of Punjab and Sindh for the replacements of DROs, ROs and AROs, directing that the proposal for any changes — if required in the public interest — may be sent to the ECP for approval with full justification and compelling reasons.

The ECP had said that it will be difficult to print nomination papers as the Sindh government intends to change election rules.

The commission had also informed the apex

court that the Punjab government has partially or impartially changed several clauses of the local body election rules through an ordinance.

“The decision has been taken in view of inability expressed by the provincial governments to spare administrative officers for the election process and training due to relief and rehabilitation of flood affected people,” the ECP had said.

Previously, the ECP had deferred the announcement of schedule for local government elections in Punjab and Sindh.

The ECP further said it was all prepared to hold the polls as expected but pointed out that certain activities were required to be carried out prior to the announcement of the schedule, including publication of final delimitation of constituencies, revision of electoral rolls on the basis of claims and objections received by the registration officers and completion of legal formalities required for the purpose of elections.

The National Assembly’s standing committee on parliamentary affairs recommended last week that local government elections in Punjab and Sindh planned for Sept 20 be put off in view of floods in the two provinces. The committee, headed by Mian Abdul Rahman, had previously recommended

Continued on Page 7

Ahmet invites pro-Kurdish MPs into caretaker cabinet —Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Wednesday invited three lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party to join an interim government to take Turkey to November 1 elections.

If they accept, it will be the first time in Turkish history that representatives of a pro-Kurdish party have taken seats in the government.

Davutoglu is forming the caretaker cabinet as a constitutional obligation following the failure to form a coalition after June 7 polls and analysts have suggested the outcome is one he had wanted to avoid at all costs.

According to the Turkish constitution, such an interim government must be formed with ministries shared among Turkey’s parties according to their share of the seats in parliament.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will have 11 ministries, the second biggest party the Republican People’s Party five and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and HDP three apiece.

The cabinet will rule up until the polls, where the

ANKARA

AKP hopes to regain its overall majority.

Analysts have said the invitation for the HDP is hugely awkward for Davutoglu as Turkey forces an offensive against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) rebels.

Davutoglu and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have accused the HDP of being the political front for the PKK, which is outlawed by Turkey and its Western allies as a terror group.

HDP MPs Levent Tuzel, Muslum Dogan and Ali Haydar Konca have been invited into the cabinet, the state-run Anatolia news agency quoted a government statement as saying.

HDP co-leader Selahattin Demirtas has said his party is willing to take part in the caretaker cabinet. Among those invited from the CHP is its former leader Deniz Baykal.

The CHP and MHP however have said they will not join the government. Unless they change their decision, their cabinet seats will be taken by apolitical experts.This raises the prospect of the AKP having the HDP as its sole political cabinet partner until the November 1 polls.—AFP

US Centcom Chief, Gen Raheel focus on region security scene STAFF REPORTER RAWALPINDI—General Lloyd J. Austin,Commander United States Central Command (Centcom), on Wednesday called on Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

During the meeting matters of mutual interest and regional security were discussed.

US Centcom Commander Gen. Lloyd Austin acknowledged Pakistan Army’s efforts and sacrifices rendered during the war against terrorism to bring peace in Pakistan and the region.

Gen Austin also paid homage to army martyrs and laid a floral wreath at martyrs’ monument.

The US Centcom chief also called on Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmood during which both military leaders discussed matters related to mutual interest.

General Lloyd Austin acknowledged the role played by the armed forces of Pakistan in fighting the menace of terrorism.

Earlier in January this year, General Lloyd J. Austin III had held a meeting with COAS Gen Raheel Sharif at GHQ during which matters of mutual interest, including bilateral defence cooperation and the overall regional security situation with special emphasis on Afghanistan, came under discussion.

Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif, during his visit to the United States in November last year, had called on US Centcom chief General Lloyd J. Austin in Tampa, Florida during which the two had discussed regional security and stability.

Gen Lloyd Austin had also met Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif, in May 2014, to discuss on the post-2014 situation, particularly in the context of the Afghan-US Bilateral Security Agreement and bilateral military-to-military cooperation.

Saudi Air Defense Forces have intercepted and destroyed a Scud ballistic missile fired from Jazan over the southwestern province of Jazan, the Saudi military command said on Wednesday.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Armed Forces said the scud missile was shot down at about 6:30 a.m. before it could hit any target, reports Arab News.

“The Air Forces have also responded immediately by destroying the rocket launcher after defining its location inside Yemeni territory,” said the SPA report.

In Sanaa, Brig. Gen. Sharaf Luqman, a spokesman for the Yemeni forces fighting alongside the Iran-backed Houthis, said the missile was aimed at an electricity station in Jazan.

Meanwhile, Al Qaida militants on Wednesday blew up an army headquarters and set up checkpoints in the group’s southeastern stronghold of Al Mukalla, officials in Hadramout province said.

The militants had deployed in force across Al Mukalla after receiving information of a possible operation by a Saudiled military coalition to help government loyalists retake the provincial capital, the officials said. The coalition of Arab states has been carrying out air strikes against Iran-backed Al Houthi militants in Yemen since March, but has so far not intervened

Deadly clashes hit Indian PM’s home state, 9 killed AHMEDABAD—At least nine people have died in the worst violence to hit Narendra Modi’s home state in more than a decade, police said Wednesday, as the Indian prime minister appealed for calm.

Authorities in western Gujarat state said the army had been deployed to try to restore peace after a mass rally turned violent, with protesters torching cars, buses and police stations.

The violence appears to have been triggered by the detention late Tuesday of the 22-year-old leader of a mass movement by the Patidar or Patel caste demanding preferential treatment for jobs and university places.

Director general of police P P Pande told AFP three people had been killed in the main city of Ahmedabad, where an estimated half a million people gathered for a rally on Tuesday.

The violence later spread to other parts of the state and another two people were killed when police opened fire on rioters early Wednesday in Banaskantha district.

A sixth protester died in Mehsana district later Wednesday, also in police firing, the district superintendent J R Mothalia told AFP by phone.

The police late Wednesday said that the seventh victim was a police constable, who was beaten by a mob and later succumbed to his injuries in hospi-

tal.

Two others injured in the rioting, including a 30-year-old man detained by the police, succumbed to injuries late Wednesday, Ahmedabad police inspector P.D Parmar told AFP. “I appeal to all brothers and sisters of Gujarat that they should not resort to violence,” Modi said in a statement.

“Violence has never done good for anyone.

All issues can be resolved peacefully through talks,” said Modi, who served as the state’s chief minister for more than a decade, in a television address delivered in his native Gujarati.

Media reports said it was the first time the army had to be deployed in Gujarat since religious violence in 2002 that left more than 1,000 people dead, most of them Muslims.

The streets of Ahmedabad were deserted on Wednesday with schools, shops and businesses closed.

But some protests continued in Surat, the centre of India’s lucrative diamond trade, where local media said police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

Political leaders appeared to have been taken by surprise by the scale of the protest movement, which began earlier this year but has rapidly gathered pace in recent weeks.

The Patidars or Patels are one of the state’s most affluent commu-

KSE-100 loses 261 points

Impact of global financial turmoil persists AMANULLAH KHAN KARACHI —The hangover of the Monday crash when KSE-100 lost over 1400 points is not over so far as the panic selling by foreign investors contributed to a decline of 261 points to KSE100 Index closing in red at 33,537 levels here Wednesday.

The shock wave stemming from the devaluation of Chinese Yuan still persists

on the global markets even

after Chinese central bank

reduced interest rates and reserve requirements for banks in an attempt to stabilize the economy after another 8% drop in Equities.

The news pushed up US Equities and European markets. US Equities, however, gave back the gains and ended the day lower.

The State Bank of Pakistan is also likely to keep on its easy instance of policy rate when it meets to review Monetary Policy next month

against Al Qaida.

Wednesday’s explosion flattened the three-storey army building - the command centre for a zone covering Hadramout and parts of neighbouring Shabwa province.

It came a day after Al Qaida dynamited a headquarters of the secret police in Mukalla, the officials said.

on Sept 15, 2015 on the back of global fall of commodity prices and low inflation rate all around the world.

The demualization process of the stock market also looks in advance stage which emphasized sell of 40 percent of the total share issued to a strategic investor.

It is important to note that Turkey and Qatar have shown their interest to have a 40 percent strategic stake in Karachi Stock Exchange.

This demutalization process when completed likely to give a big push to stock business in Pakistan.

On the home front the market volumes were 278.69 million shares K Electric kept its title as the volume leader of the day with a trade of 15.91 million shares to their credit while Dewan Cement and TRG were the second and third volume leaders with respective trade of 15.40 million and 14.51 million shares.

nities, but they say they are struggling to compete with less privileged castes for jobs.

India sets aside a proportion of government jobs and university places for Dalits, known as “untouchables”, and for so-called “other backward castes” under measures intended to bring victims of the worst discrimination into the mainstream.

“Gujarat has a long history of communal violence going back decades, but this phenomenon is something entirely new,” said Sandeep Bamzai, a veteran political analyst and journalist.

“Every observer is mystified by this 22-year-old boy who is leading the agitation and has acquired a cult status in so little time.”

It remains unclear how Hardik Patel, the 22-year-old self-styled leader of the movement, managed to mobilise such huge numbers. State authorities have already ruled out granting the Patidars’ request. But their firebrand leader, who was briefly detained on Tuesday but has since been released, has vowed to keep up the pressure.“This is a fight for our rights… we will continue with our campaign on the roads and the streets,” he said in a television interview Wednesday.

At least a dozen officers were injured in Tuesday’s violence, prompting the first curfew in the state since 2002.–AFP

550 Afghan refugees return home STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Wednesday assisted a group of 550 registered Afghan refugees in returning to Herat in Afghanistan.

The repatriation took place under the Facilitated Group Return (FGR) initiative, and the refugees were repatriated from UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation centre in Baleli, Quetta.

“Voluntary repatriation is a cornerstone of the Solution Strategy for Afghan Refugees,”

Continued on Page 7

Infant probiotic use ‘reduces risk of gastrointestinal disorders’

P

AST studies have suggested that consuming probiotics on a daily ba sis can benefit our digestive health.

And these benefits may also apply to infants, as a new study suggests that giving probiotics to children in their first 3 months of life may reduce their risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders.

The research team from the Aldo Moro University of Baro in Italy, led

by Dr. Flavia Indrio, says that probiotic use in infants may also lead to lower health costs associated with gastrointestinal disorders.

During the first 6 months of a child’s life, infant colic, acid reflux and constipation are the most common gastrointestinal disorders that lead to pediatrician referral, according to the investigators. They add that these disorders can result in hospitalization, use of medication, changes in food intake, parental anxiety and loss of parental working days. The investigators wanted to see whether regular intake of a probiotic supplement may reduce the occurrence of these gastrointestinal disorders.

Probiotics are microorganisms that are believed to play an important role in regulating intestinal function and digestion by balancing the microflora of the gut.

Earlier this year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that probiotics may reduce the risk of diarrhea from antibiotics. Some foods, such as yogurt, aged cheeses, miso and some

soy beverages, contain natural probiotics, or they can be consumed in the form of supplements.

For their study, the research team analyzed 554 newborn children who were less than 1 week old. All children were born at nine different neonatal units in Italy between September 2010 and October 2012. The infants were all randomized to receive either a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 bacteria, or a placebo supplement each day for a period of 90 days. The children were followed for 3 months.

Parents were required to keep a diary of the frequency of their child’s vomiting, the emptying of their bowels, the duration of inconsolable crying and the number of doctor visits. Any changes in daily crying time, vomiting, constipation and the cost benefits of probiotic supplement use were measured during the study period. At 3 months, the researchers found that the children who received the probiotic supplement emptied their bowels more each day, compared with the placebo group - at 4.2 times versus 3.6 times.

The infants who had the probiotic also had a lower average vomiting and crying rate each day, compared with the placebo group, at 38 minutes versus 71 minutes and 2.9 times versus 4.6 times, respectively.

Furthermore, probiotic use was associated with an average saving of $119 per patient in each family. The researchers note that probiotic use did not cause any adverse effects in the infants.

Patronage of art can promote country’s positive image abroad: President CITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday said Pakistan is home to rich cultural heritage and stressed that patronage of arts and literature can promote the country’s positive image abroad. The President expressed these views at the inauguration of an exhibition of Arabic calligraphy organized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, besides the launch of a book ‘Al’lama Bil Qalam’ on calligraphic art.

The President said Arabic calligraphic art is a beautiful and creative way to write the Quranic message and occupies the most distinguished place in Islamic art. He said the book ‘Al’lama Bil Qalam’ was distinctive by its content that added a wonderful dimension to the intricate artwork by upcoming calligraphers. He appreciated the calligraphic work of artists that depicted rendition of Quranic verses in an exquisite manner.

The President also lauded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for publishing the book ‘Al’lama Bil Qalam’ launched through their dedicated Division that aimed at promoting Pakistan’s image through public diplomacy. He said such events related to arts and literature were a fresh breather in an era of terrorism and extremism, and also reflected that Pakistanis were a peace-loving and democratic nation. He

President Mamnoon Hussain viewing calligraphic work being displayed on occasion of inauguration of Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition at Foreign Office.—INP mentioned that in the sub-continent, the calligraphic art gained prominence in the Mughal era and at present had its global artistic appeal.

He said Pakistan had a splendid cultural heritage, which had greatly contributed to the flourishing of Islamic art in the region. The President said in Pakistan, the calligraphy gained much popularity in the era of 1970s and played a central role in defining the Pakistani culture of visual arts. He expressed satisfaction that the legacy of renowned Pakistani calligraphers Sadequain and

Gul Jee was continuing with the work of young calligraphers.

He said Pakistani artist Shafiq uz Zaman, who was the Chief calligrapher of Masjid-e-Nabvi, was a source of pride for the country. Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry welcomed the President for gracing the occasion and said that holding of this unique occasion at the Ministry’s Sahabzada Yaqub Khan Block was a new chapter in the public diplomacy. He said the coffee table book ‘Al’lama Bil Qalam’, exclusively launched by the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, carried description of creative blending of ancient and modern calligraphic art.

He said the two-day exhibition, starting today, would showcase art pieces by 56 outstanding artists. Later, the President was presented a piece of calligraphic artwork beautifully depicting Quranic verses. Minister for Information Pervaiz Rasheed, Advisor to PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Leader of the House in Senate Raja Zafarul Haq, ambassadors and senior diplomats were present.

Pakistan meets Details regarding eviction of hundreds of families from I-11 sought UN’s targets in education sector I SLAMABAD —Reiterating

Charge d’ Affaires of Indonesian Embassy Samsu Rizal, presenting a portion of traditional Indonesian cuisine to Dr. Mussadiq Malik, Advisor to Prime Minister, on occasion of 70th Anniversary of Independence of Republic of Indonesia.—DNA

Best brains face wrath of PM&DC

Council’s security guards trash protesting students ZEESHAN JAVAID ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) let loose its security guards to suppress the voice of best brains of the country who had gone there to protest against the policies of the Council and in particular of increase in tuition fee of private medical colleges.

Hundreds of medical students, who gathered before the PM&DC secretariat shouted the slogans against the recent steps taken by the administration of the Council to increase annual tuition fees by 7% for the students getting admission to private medical and dental colleges.

The security guards of the council started thrashing the students on the direction of administration. The uncouth security guards

pushed not only the medical students but also the media persons faced the wrath of council’s administration.

The Council under the chair of president, Dr. Masood recently reviewed its regulations and allowed private medical and dental colleges to enhance fees.

One of the security guards brutally trashed correspondent of daily Pakistan Observer (Zeeshan Javaid) who was recording the spot scenes in his mobile phone. The security guards also snatched his mobile phone to delete the pictures of protest. However the scribe succeeded to protect the mobile data.

Security guards detained the reporter in a room for two hours, however later, on intervention of Council’s administration; they released him with threatening words.

government’s commitment to improve and expand quality education in the country, Minister of Education Eng. Baligh ur Rehman said they are making maximum investment to achieve the stipulated targets, set by the United Nations. Addressing a seminar on “Education for All” at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), he said the UN asks for 4 percent of country’s GDP and 15-20 percent of total budget to education, and we have achieved more than that.

Two years back education sector budget in Balochistan was 11 percent which is now 26 percent of the entire budget.—INP

Apex court orders CDA to halt demolition of slums ZUBAIR QURESHI

ISLAMABAD—The Supreme Court has ordered the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to immediately halt demolition of all houses of katchi abadis not only in sector I-11 but across Islamabad and directed the federal government, CDA and police to submit reports on I-11 katchi abadis demolition.

The order was given Wednesday by a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja, and comprising Justice Qazi

Faiz Isa and Justice Dost Mohammad Khan during the initial hearing of a petition submitted by residents of the I-11 katchi basti. They are contesting the CDA’s recent demolition and eviction drive. The petitioners requested the court to declare the residents of katchi abadis of the federal capital entitled to the benefits conferred under Articles 9, 10A and 25 of the Constitution.

“It should be declared that the state is bound to provide the residents of katchi abadis shelter and other amenities as per the Constitution and the National

Housing Policy 2001.” The court was critical of the way the authorities handled demolition of the I-11 settlement asking who had ordered the police to get involved in the operation. The court also asked why the police were continuing to harass residents of the informal settlements. The bench sought details of all First Information Report (FIR) and entry records related to arrests made by the police during the I-11 eviction at all 22 police stations the federal capital, and inquired as to why not a single terrorist was during the operation.

Diplomatic community welcomes COP Tasawar Khan L IAQAT T OOR

of diplomatic corps.

Holding a Master’s degree in International Diplomatic Studies, University of London, the Chief of protocol was serving Pakistan in Canberra as Deputy High Commissioner before attaining the present status.

He also served the country in important capitals including London and Riyadh.

Members of diplomatic community has hosted welcome receptions in his honour.

I SLAMABAD —Diplomatic community and related circles have welcomed appointment of seasoned diplomat Tasawar Khan as Chief of Protocol.

Worked in different capacities in Pakistani missions abroad and in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tasawar Khan is an acclaimed personality in diplomatic field.

He will act as a bridge between the Government of Pakistan and members

CDA launches Azadi Monsoon tree plantation campaign CITY REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched Azadi Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign-2015 here on Wednesday at Park Enclave Housing Scheme, Park Road.

Chairman CDA, Maroof Afzal inaugurated the campaign. Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman said that CDA has always taken steps to maintain and improve green character of Islamabad while initiating new development projects in the city so the development and green character of the Federal Capital

could be boosted side by side.

Chairman CDA planted a sapling of Alestonea in the launching ceremony of CDA’s Aazadi Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign2015.

Member Environment of the Authority, Syed Mustafain Kazmi, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries, representatives of the civil society and NGOs, officers and officials of different government and non-government organizations, large number of students and people from other walks of life also participated in the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign2015 and planted saplings of

different plants at Park Enclave Housing Project.

Chairman CDA, Maroof Afzal while talking to media said that CDA adopted a comprehensive strategy to ensure better environment of the city while launching all mega projects in accordance with the Master Plan of Islamabad.

He said that authority only chopped trees under unavoidable circumstances and to maintain the greenery, CDA plants four (04) trees for one (01) chopped tree. He said that CDA prefers to plant indigenous species as they have ability to sustain the severity of the local environment.

He said that CDA

Chairman CDA Maroof Afzal planting a sapling during Aazadi Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir

affectively observe spring and Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaigns every year to educate and aware the residents of the Islamabad about the importance of trees and significance of tree plantation for human life. The Environment Wing of the authority remains busy in planting trees and takes steps for their proper growth.

He said main reason behind launching the campaign at Park Enclave is to provide beautiful and lush green environment.

Member Environment briefed the Chairman that federal government has given the CDA a target to plant 300,000 trees during the Monsoon Tree Planta-

tion Drive-2015. However, CDA in collaboration with different NGOs, educational institutes and other organizations would plant 450,000 plants which include Alestonia, Silver Oak, Legustronea, Argun and Gaab etc in the city.

He briefed that 225,000 plants would be planted in the rural areas of Islamabad while 75,000 plants would be planted at green areas, road sides, and in different parks.

He informed that 5000 saplings of different species have been planted on the first day of the campaign and 25,000 more plants would be planted at the Park Enclave Housing Scheme.

PBM to establish Thalasaemia centre ZUBAIR QURESHI Fajar Zohr Asr

04:45 I SLAMABAD—Managing Director Pakistan (PBM), Barrister Abid Waheed 01:30 Bait-ul-Mal Sheikh on Wednesday said after the suc05:30 cess of Pakistan Thalassemia centre in the

federal capital, a new centre will be inaugurated in Chakwal next month. He was talking to a delegation of Novartis from Singapore led by Thomas Weigold, Regional Head of Asia Pacific and South Africa. Barrister Sheikh said currently 350 patients were enrolled at the centre for last five months. According to available data more than 100,000 children are suffering from the disease in Pakistan and PBM has a plan to expand this project in other areas as well.

In this regard, we have completed all arrangements to start a new centre in Chakwal August 27 next month, said PBM chief.

MoU He informed that the centre needed 700 pints of blood every month for registered MINISTER of State for Edu- patients but only half of it was collected cation Engr. Muhammad while the rest is being arranged by hospiBaligh ur Rehman will attend the signing ceremony of MoU between AIOU and PARWAN at AIOU H-8 at 10:45 am on 27th August, 2015.

Meghrab at Sunset Isha 09:00 Brothers in Islam establish regular prayers & charity

August 28 to 30th

Stage play RAWALPINDI Arts Council will host a stage play ‘Is Diye ko Jalne Do’ from August 28 to 30th to encompass certain social issues, spokesman of RAC informed here Wednesday. The Council will also arrange Sufi Night on Aug 31 wherein Sain Muhammad Ali, Jan Miri Qawwal, Wahadat and Rameez and Shaukat Dholi will perform. General public will be facilitated with free entry for these events.

tals and donor organizations etc.

“Almost Rs60,000 to Rs100,000 are being spent annually on a patient and the PBM is assisting only the poorest of the poor who could not bear expenses of the deadly disease,” further said Barrister Abid Waheed Sheikh.

Head of the delegation, Thomas Weigold expressed satisfaction over the facilities and the quality of treatment being provided at the centre. “We want to expand our cooperation to eradicate this disease and in this regard we shall extend support and services for research,” said he.

MD Bait-ul-Mal appealed masses especially youth to come forward and donate blood generously to cater to the centre needs, adding, “Saving one life means saving humanity so people come forward for giving a new life to their fellow being suffering from it”. He also asked doctors, experts, philanthropist to join hands with the PBM to achieve that target and root out Thalassemia from the country.

Efforts underway to cope with dengue fever

dengue fever in the Rawalpindi district, said Incharge anti-dengue campaign Dr Tahir Ahmed.

As many as 26 dengue fever cases were reported in the allied hospitals during the last two weeks of which 22 patients were admitted including 5 in Holy Family Hospital (HFH), 15 in Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) and 2 in District Headquarter Hospital (DHQ), he confirmed.

He said union council no 30 of the city was worst affected as more number of cases were reported from the area. He said a full-

area and drying standing water. He said all out-efforts are being made to control dengue cases and said the situation is under control and threat of dengue will end by mid of October.

Dr Tahir said maximum arrangements for the treatment of dengue fever patients have been made with all possible preventive measures in place.

He also advised citizens to adopt precautionary measures and not be panic as dengue fever is curable with timely and proper treatment.—APP

RAWALPINDI—Ameer Jamiat Ulema Islam (F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman Wednesday visited the residence of JUI local leadr Maulana Saeed ur Rehman Sarwar here and condoled the demise of his father,Maulana Hidayat ul Haq. Maulana offered fateha for the departed soul and condoled with the bereaved family saying that late Hidiayat ul Haq, was a devoted Party worker and rendered valuable services for the cause of Islam, democracy and well-being of the people of his area.

The JUI Ameer prayed for A view of broken outer wall of IMCB, F-7/4.—INP blessings on the departed soul and grant courage to the members of bereaved family to bear this immense loss with fortitude.—APP

STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani will inaugurate a revamped website of the Senate of Pakistan today (Thursday) in the Parliament House in line with his plan of making the Senate more transparent. He will also unveil a booklet on all the measures in Phase-I as well as an instructions manual on lodging Public Petitions.

Besides Chairman Senate Rabbani, the Leader of the House, Raja Zafarul Haq and parliamentary party leaders will be present in the ceremony.

10 outlaws arrested

R AWALPINDI —The district health depart- scale fumigation drive is underway in the R AWALPINDI —The police ment is struggling to cope with outbreak of said union council along with cleaning the

JUI(F) chief condoles death of party worker

New Senate website to be launched today

A view of smoke after fire erupted in a factory at Asghar Mall Road.—INP

AIOU takes step for timely delivery of books to students

ISLAMABAD—Allama Iqbal Open University country-wide extra-curricular activates to de(AIOU) has taken a number steps to ensure timely delivery of books as well as announcement of results within stipulated time-frame.

“We will fix a time-lime from next semester for dispatch of books to students and similarly there will be time-frame for announcement of results said Vice-Chancellor AIOU, Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, said a press release issued here Wednesday.

He said this, while addressing prize-distribution ceremony held at the Gordon College in connection with Independence Day. Taking serious notice of some complaints regarding late receipt of books by the students, the Vice Chancellor said they have decided to reform the entire books mailing system.

SMS service has also been started to keep the students informed about the books delivery, dispatch of roll number slips and results cards.

Meanwhile, the AIOU has also launched

A truck turned turtle after an accident at the Express Highway.—INFN

velop positive and health trends among its 1.3 students.

These activities coincided with the University’s ongoing autumn admissions that will country till September 4.

Dr. Siddiqui also announced that AIOU will meet the target of producing eight highquality research journals by the end this year, as part of its efforts of bringing about qualitative improvement in its overall academic pursuits. Four have already been published while the rest-brand new journals are in process, he said adding they are making concerted efforts to develop the University as Researchbased University to create knowledge and bring innovations in the educational work to serve the society and help the government to meet its socio-economic targets. In order to promote research culture in the country, a special fund has been created to award those who come up with creative work in the research field.—APP

Tuesday arrested 10 outlaws and recovered drugs,weapons and bottles of liquor from them. According to police spokesman,Banni police arrested Shahzada khan and recovered 1045 grams charas from his possession while 1020 grams charas was recovered from Aqeel zada.

Pirwadahi police arrested Faisal Mehmood and recovered 10 liter liquor from him.

Waris khan police nabbed Johnson and recovered 2 bottles of liquor from his custody. Saddar Beroni police arrested Arif and recovered one 30 bore pistol with two rounds from him.

New Town police nabbed Khurram and recovered one 32 bore pistol with 3 rounds.

Meanwhile Rawat police arrested Zahid Raza and recovered one 9mm pistol with 6 rounds while Chontra police nabbed Nusrat Iqbal and recovered one 12 bore rifle from him.—APP

Homage paid to Ahmed Faraz ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) on Wednesday organized a Mushahira to pay homage to legendary poet Ahmed Faraz. Eulogizing his literary services, Chairman of the Academy Dr. Qasim Bogio said that Ahmed Faraz achieved popularity due to his literary endeavours.

On the occasion, renowned poets presented their poems, paying homage to Ahmed Faraz in recognition of his literary contributions.

The mushahira was attended by Dr. Ihsan Akbar, Partu Rohila, Jalil Aali, Haleem Qureshi, Nusrat Zehdi, Dr. Wahid Ahmed, Ali Muhammad Farshi, Hasan Abass Raza, Khawar Ijaz, Abdul Qador Taban, Parveen Tahir, Noreen Talat Aroba, Shehzad Nayar, Shamsheer Haider, Ahmed Idres, Younas Majaz, Sagheer Anwar, Aftab Zia, Dr. Roshan Nadeem, Junaid Azar, Rifat Wahid, Ahmed Ali, Prof. Naveed Ajiz, Ashraf Saqi, Ali Yasir, Tehseen Haider, Shahzad Haider and Noman Farooq.—APP

Pension cases of Audit department to be finalized within a week ISLAMABAD—Auditor-General of Pakistan, and Accounts Service who retired as AddiRana Assad Amin Tuesday reiterated that all kind of moral and official support would be provided to the bereaved families of deceased officers and officials.

Directives have already been issued to subordinate offices of Department of Auditor-General of Pakistan throughout the country to establish a Special Cells for finalization and payment of pension and other dues of deceased officers and officials within one week.

He was chairing a condolence meeting held here in Auditor-General’s office on sad demise of a senior officer of Pakistan Audit

tional Secretary (Finance), Abdul Jabbar, exChief Coordinator (PIFRA), attended by all Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service officers stationed at Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The meeting prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to his family to bear this irreparable loss.

On this occasion, the Auditor-General said that helping bereaved families of deceased officers and officials was our moral and official responsibility adding that any act of negligence in this regard would not be tolerated.—APP

Cases registered for violating renting rules R AWA L P I N D I —Police have registered cases against landlords and tenants for violation of Punjab Information of Temporary Residence Ordinance 2015, as the accused did not pass on to the police the required particulars about their tenants.

According to Rawalpindi police spokesman, the cases have been registered against the accused under Punjab Information of Temporary Residence Ordinance 2015.

Westridge police registered FIR against three house owners namely Abdul Basit,Waqar and Zohaib khan and their tenants Jan Muhammad,Zafar ul Haq and Fahad Mehmood as they had not submitted details to the police.

Morgah police registered FIR againt one tenant Akhtar Mir for violation of renting rules.

The spokesman informed that on the special directive of CPO, action in accordance with the law is being taken against hotel owners not keeping records of their guests.

According to the Ordinance, administration of hotels and guest houses is bound to provide information about the renters to the local police within three hours.

Similarly, it is made compulsory for the real estate agents to submit the information about the tenants to the police within 15 days after the house is rented out.—APP

MoU signed between RMS & RCCI S TAFF R EPORTER I SLAMABAD —A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Roots Millennium Schools (RMS) and Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at Chamber House Rawalpindi last day.

The fundamental target of Millennium Schools and RCCI is to support the students towards business enterprise and in addition to stimulate linkages between industry and academia.

Both organizations commonly consented to enrich collaboration in numerous zones such as organizing internships for RMS students, seminars on en-

trepreneurship and implementing theoretical knowledge into practical life.

Another mutual consent is that RMS will provide 10% discount on monthly tuition fee to the children of RCCI members.

Mrs. Sabina Zakir Director Schools & Outreach from Roots Millennium Schools with other team were at RCCI to sign the MoU on behalf of RMS and CEO Mr. Chaudhry Faisal Mushtaq TI. Mr. Mian Humayun Pervaiz (Sr. Vice President RCCI) has signed the MoU on behalf of RCCI. MoU between RMS and RCCI will have a strong impact and give useful results furthermore reinforce the relationship.

Labourers are busy in construction work of bridge over Nullah Leh.—APP

Geelani praises Pakistan’s Kashmir stand, wants consistency SRINAGAR—Terming the statement of Pakistan dressing their inner have proven these talks Prime Minister Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif after the cancellation of NSA level talks as very encouraging in which he had termed the Kashmiris as basic party instead of third party to the Kashmir dispute, Chairman All Parties Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Geelani showered lots of praises over it. While appealing the rulers of Pakistan to maintain the consistency and firmness over their recently adopted stand with regarding to the Kashmir, Geelani Sahab said that the case of the Kashmiri nation is very strong and if Pakistan will continue to pursue this case strongly in future, then it will be impossible for India to continue their rigid stand over this issue and they will have to accept the ground realities.

In his Wednesday’s press release, the pro-freedom leader of Kashmir said that the cancellation of the National Security Advisers-level talks have proven as ‘Blessings in Disguise’ for us and this time the whole world have came to know that Kashmir is not any Siachin and Sircreek like border disputes between India and Pakistan but it is the issue of the future of 13 million people living in this region and they too have their wishes and aspirations which are yet to be fulfilled due to the rigid and stubborn approach of India.

Geelani Sahab also appealed the world bodies including America to accept this reality that the Kashmir issue can’t be settled through IndoPak two party level talks. He said that there have been 150 rounds of talks between Indian and Pakistan during last 68 years but non inclusion of Kashmiris into these dialogues and not ad-

meaningless and fruitless and they have not progressed an inch towards the resolution of this long pending dispute.

While commenting over the Tashkant and Shimla agreements, Hurriyat Chairman said that these agreements completely failed in resolving the Kashmir problem because these were two party level agreements and nor were Kashmiri nation consulted in these accords.

Geelani Sahab said that the Kashmir issue can’t be solved through any type of shortcut. The simple and transparent solution to the Kashmir dispute is that the people of this region should be given their chance to decide their future and their decision should be respected. Geelani Sahab said that the India is claiming to be the largest democracy in the world.

According to which India should address the Kashmir issue through democratic ways instead of using its military might. He said that if referendum can be held in East Timor, East Sudan MUZAFFARABAD: AJK Premier Ch. Abdul Majeed and Deputy Speaker Shaheen Kausar Dar leading anti-India protest procession here on Wednesday. and Scotland then why can’t in Kashmir. This process is a simple, practical and an ideal solution for the Kashmir dispute too that the UN resolutions should be implemented in this region and the promises made with the people should be fulfilled. The pro-freedom leader said that the stand which Pakistan adopted on the occasion of the recently scheduled NSA level talks between India and Pakistan is very encouraging for the people of Jammu & Kashmir and this policy S R I N A G A R — H i z b u l should be followed strictly in the future.—Email Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani has posted a video message asking Kashmiri youth to join militancy. “We want to send a drive from Prime Minister House and cen- Kashmir. The resolution was presented ALI RAZA NAQVI message to the people of tral press club. They presented a memo- from the side of opposition leader in AJK Kashmir, especially youth randum there to officials UN observer Legislative Assembly Raja Farooq Haider M UZAFFARABAD —Prime Minister State that they should come and mission about the LoC firing and Indian Khan. join us. If they can’t join us, of Azad Jammu & Kashmir led a rally here Brutalities. The memorandum urged the Due to the unprovoked Indian firing on Wednesday here.

According to the they should help us in whatinternational community to take notice of along with LoC, two people martyred and details,The rally was held in Muzaffarabad forgot that her mentor Atal Bihari Vajpayee ever way they can,” says the violations of Line of Control, by the six other wounded in Nakyal Sector some exchanged letters with me and the Prime Min- young Burhan in the video. to protest against continuous ceasefire vio- Indian forces. Speaker AJK legislative days ago. Due to the sense less Indian firister of India Dr Manmohan Singh met all the Wearing trousers and a mili- lations on Line of Control, by the Indian Assembly Sardar Ghulam Sadiq along ing, along LoC, people are getting separatist leadership to resolve the Kashmir tary fatigue, Burhan is sitting troops. Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime with AJK premier Choudhary Abdul wounded and destructions of their buildthe ground.

A Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed led the Majeed and others presented the memo- ings and other materials. This session of issue. If Kashmir is not an issue then why gov- on ernment of India dispatched All Parties Del- Kalashnikov, a pistol and a rally. The rally had the representation of randum to the representative of UN Ob- Legislative assembly demanded the Govegation to meet the separatists in Kashmir. Quran is in front of him and every walk of life from capital city server mission. ernment to provide special packages to Even the members of the Indian All Parties he is guarded by two gun- Muzaffarabad and AJK and was particiof LoC. pated by large amount of masses includAJK Assembly condemns masses Delegation met me in prison and sought my men. This is the first time a Another resolution was presented by suggestions to resolve Kashmir imbroglio in militant commander has ad- ing government officials, members of leg- Indian firing at LoC the side of Finance Minister to AJK, 2008,” Shah told reporters during a press con- dressed people directly through islative assembly, lawyers, journalists, stuChoudhary Lateef Akbar and Azhar Muzaffarabad : Legislative Assemdents and others. a video message.—RK ference here.—KW Members of AJK Legislative Assem- bly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir AJ&K Gillani, said that the session paid tribbly and the general public participated in in a resolution here on Wednesday has utes to the Kashmiries of Occupied the rally in large number with zeal and zest. strongly condemned violation of ceasefire Kashmir and their scarifies. The resoThey were very charged about the Indian along Line of Control and Working Bound- lution stated that, due to the Indian firbrutalities in occupied Kashmir and Indian ary by Indian forces. It also urged federal ing, people who are residing along the government to raise the issue at interna- areas of LoC compelled to migrate in firing along with LoC. They marched up to the UN Observ- tional forum. The resolution said the in- other areas. The resolution also strongly ers Mission located in Muzaffarabad at discriminate Indian firing on LoC had in- condemned the Indian firing on residennear Domail, approximately ten minutes flicted miseries on the people of Azad tial areas resulted as martyrs.

Hizb releases video, urges youth to join militancy

Shah advises Sushma to read Kashmir history SRINAGAR—Terming the arrest of Hurriyat leadership in New Delhi against the spirits of India democracy pro-freedom leader Shabir Ahmed Shah Wednesday questioned that if Kashmir is not an issue and Hurriyat leaders are irrelevant then why former Prime Ministers of India talked to pro freedom leadership from Kashmir in past.

“The claims made by Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj with regard to Kashmir issue and Kashmiri separatist leaders are not only astonishing but baseless as well. “Swaraj

AJK News

Kashmiri rally urges UN to focus on K-dispute solution

FKO provides monthly stipend to Kashmiri orphan students BERLIN—Germany based Kashmir lob- Qurbani projects in occupied Kashmir and for themselves and their families. Such cenbyist group, Free Kashmir Organization (FKO) is playing an important role for socio-economic uplift of underprivileged people in both parts of divided Kashmir through its social services and interventions. Speakers expressed this at the annual progress review meeting of the organization held at Al- Madina town of Berlin on Wednesday.

The meeting chaired by organization’s president, Muhammad Siddiq Kiani discussed various ongoing and future projects of the organization including educational and economic help to the orphans children and their families in Azad Kashmir, income generation projects for widows and destitute women and Ramadan and

SRINAGAR: NRHM empoyees take out protest rally to press for their demands Wednesday.

liberated area.

The participants of the meeting were briefed about the performance of the organization with regard to highlighting Kashmir issue in Germany and wider Europe through seminars, symposiums, rallies and public meetings. Speaking on the occasion, President of the organization, Dr Muhammad Siddiq told that organization initially started its welfare work in AJK, which is being expanded to other parts of Pakistan gradually.

In AJK, he said, a number of vocational centers have been set up for women and girls to train them in life skills with the aim to enhance their employability and to provide them opportunity for generation of income

ters are being provided free of cost machinery, training equipments, raw material and other requisite paraphernalia. The widows and destitute women especially those affected by 2005 earthquake area main beneficiaries of organization’s welfare oriented projects, he added.

About orphan scholarship program, FKO president said that a significant number of orphan children are being provided monthly scholarship to meet their educational cost besides helping their families on occasional basis. The organization also started Ramadan Food Program and Qurbani project to help the low income communities in AJK and occupied Kashmir.—Email

View from Abroad

Another Opportunity On Kashmir Lost DR. GHULAM NABI FAI

O

NE thing is very clear. The statement issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif representing some kind of agreement at the Russian city of Ufa on July 10, 2015 seems on its face to be conspicuously duplicitous. One wonders if Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had some subordinate prepare it, trusting him to convey the intent, but never actually read what was published before it was published.

Here’s the thing. There are two distinct parts to the Ufa agreement as it is explicitly written. First, It is prefaced with the general policy statement: They agreed that India and Pakistan have a collective responsibility to ensure peace and promote development. To do so, they are prepared to discuss all outstanding issues.

Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and agreed to cooperate with each other to eliminate this menace from South Asia. “they are prepared to discuss all outstanding issues.” To any outside observer this specific remark implies that they are prepared to talk about Kashmir. How much significance should be given to the fact that “all outstanding issues” are not specifically enumerated? Instead, in part two, in elaborating what this meant, an agenda is set. A list of 5 items on the agenda are enunciated very clearly. Nowhere is there any mention of Kashmir. Why was Kashmir not mentioned in the statement?

Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz on August 22, 2105 implied that India must be confused. “We have always been clear on our stand on Kashmir. It is India that has misinterpreted it,” Aziz said.

Frankly, one cannot go around being “clear” about an issue if the suspect doesn’t say what it is he is being so clear about in his agreements. If Sartaj Aziz is so adamant in pressing the Kashmir issue, then what kind of agreement is it that

cannot name what is in fact the primary bone of contention between India and Pakistan? Why is the issue of Kashmir being raised now, since it was not raised in this agreement?

The agreement is very clear in its focus. India has placed terrorism on the front burner. Kashmir is nowhere to be seen.

In fact, India always wanted it to be that way And doesn’t it seem abundantly clear that such an oversight — excluding Kashmir from the statement — was drawn up to allow India to slip through the noose? By not explicitly naming Kashmir as an “outstanding issue,” Pakistan unwittingly allowed India to slip away from any commitment to discuss it, to deny that they did intend to discuss it, and to refuse any participation by Kashmiris because there is nothing to discuss. And of course India has done this time and time again.

How sad. The past bilateral negotiations between India and Pakistan have yielded no results. They are nothing but a charade.

This represents insincere negotiations that are a form of grandstanding, the great pretense of prancing on the world stage, making claims of being serious about discussions when they are not.

India is not pretending. It has not raised the issue of Kashmir and does not intend to. India is not interested in resolving the Kashmir issue but to dissolve it. There’s been no change in its stance on Kashmir – that Kashmir is frankly not in dispute and not up for discussion. Otherwise, why lock up the proresistance leaders? Why refuse to include the Kashmiris in discussions if India has a sincere desire to open that issue up and agreed to such a discussion at Ufa? “A meeting in New Delhi between the two NSAs to discuss all issues connected to terrorism” was very specific in defining and limiting the meeting in New Delhi to terrorism. I don’t know how that could be construed otherwise. One is left with the feeling that, well, ok. Kashmir won’t be brought up just now but maybe later, in some future universe, at an as yet unscheduled talk, which they will remain “prepared for,” as agreed, just in case. I mean, after all, it isn’t constructive to try

to bring up all the issues at one time.

That’s India’s loophole. India is willing to talk about “all outstanding issues” which shall remain unnamed so that anyone can say anything, the issue of Kashmir can be ignored, and for now we are just going to talk about terrorism.

How strange that Sushma Swaraj, the foreign minister of India has the temerity to say “We just want you to honour the spirit of the Shimla and Ufa agreements .” Sushma Swaraj seems to invoke the Simla Agreement because of lack of knowledge about its actual terms and the circumstances in which it was signed. She is taking full advantage of this factor to spread the misinformation that the Simla Agreement sanctions the perpetuation of the status quo in Kashmir and absolves her from the responsibility of striving for a settlement of the dispute. By citing the Simla Agreement at this stage, or encouraging others to do so, Sushma Ji obviously seeks to prevent those basic issues of the dispute being addressed that were fully taken into account by the United Nations. The Simla agreement is pressed into service as a formula for evasion.

Sushma Swaraj does not bother to ponder that the Simla Agreement nowhere precludes a settlement of the Kashmir dispute along the lines laid down by the United Nations with the consent of both India and Pakistan. Nor does it require that the United Nations be by-passed in the effort towards a settlement.

On the contrary, it expressly says that the relations between the two countries shall be governed by the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. The Agreement thus reinforces the obligations of both parties to achieve a settlement in accordance with the resolutions endorsed by the Security Council and, if their bilateral efforts fail, to turn to the United Nations for assistance.

Perhaps the only redeeming value of Ufa is that Pakistan and India have joined a common purpose in the SOC (Shanghai Cooperation Organization), the primary purpose of the Russian meeting. The SOC is Vladimir Putin’s answer to

Washington’s vision of a uni-polar world, and brings together, with Russia and China, South and Central Asia in a unified effort to confront security challenges in the 21st century without the U.S. dominance and its agenda. The opportunity for India and Pakistan to work together may ultimately benefit their relations back home. But for now, this does not seem to be working.

It is time for Pakistan and India both to get serious about talks. It’s like two enemies at war agreeing to talk about the illegality of using FedEx to ship weapons. They need to settle down and talk about what’s causing the war in the first place.

The United States has urged the two countries to settle their differences and come to the table, but it knows much better that bilateral talks have always failed. Third party engagement or facilitation is needed as it yielded results in Ufa and brought India and Pakistan at least together on the basis of other mutual interests.

The United States of course understands that India has always tried to siphon off international pressure by taking some cosmetic steps and nothing substantial. The international eye needs to be watchful.

In addition, the United Nations resolution on right of selfdetermination of Kashmir was not only cosponsored but also coauthored by the United States itself. Any resolution to the dispute must include the Kashmiris in talks with India and Pakistan. They are not the third party but the primary party to the dispute. The United States has the ability to persuade both India and Pakistan to do that. It must also find the will to do so.

If that happens, peace and stability will be guaranteed not only in Kashmir but in the region of South Asia – home to one fifth of total human race.

—Email [Dr. Fai is the Secretary General of World Kashmir Awareness.

He can be reached at: gnfai2003 @ yahoo.com].

LSE down by 41.52 points LAHORE—Lahore Stock Exchange here Wednesday witnessed bearish trend by loosing 41.52 points, as the LSE Index25 opened with 5837.62 points and closed at 5796.10 points. The market’s overall situation also did not correspond to an upward trend as it remained at 1.091 million shares to close against previous turnover of 1.129 million shares, showing a downward slide of 37,500 shares.

While, out of the total 80 active scrips, 17 moved up, 15 shed values and 48 remained equal. The Major Gainer of the day was Systems Limited, Gul Ahmed Textile Mills Limited and Byco Petroleum Pakistan by recording increase in their per share value by Rs 3.03, Rs 1.50 and Rs 1.04 respectively.

Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Sui Southern Gas Company Limited and Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited lost their per share value by Rs 3.00, Rs 1.71 and Rs 1.65 respectively.—APP

OGDCL declares financial results for 2014-2015 Staff Reporter ISLAMABAD—Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL)’s Board of Directors in its meeting held on Wednesday approved the financial results of the Company for the year ended June 30, 2015.

OGDCL net sales stood at 210.624 billion compared to Rs. 257.014 billion in the last year. OGDCL’s net profit after taxation stood at 87.249 billion against Rs. 123.914 billion in the preceding year translating into Earning per share of Rs.20.29. The Board of Directors declared financial cash dividend of Rs. 1.50 per share (15 percent) totaling to Rs. 7.75 /- per share i.e. (77.5) percent for the year ended June 30, 2015.

Meezan Bank opens branch at Darul Uloom Staff Reporter KARACHI—Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s first and leading Islamic Bank, has, as a part of its branch expansion efforts, opened a branch at Jamia Darul Uloom, Korangi, Karachi. This branch, which is conveniently located on the main road, will cater to the banking needs of the people and businesses of the area as well as the students and faculty at Darul Uloom, as more than 10,000 students are enrolled in the institution. The branch was inaugurated by the President - Jamia Darul Uloom, Mufti Muhammad Rafi Usmani and Vice President of Darul Uloom & Chairman Shariah Board of Meezan Bank, Justice (Retd) Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani. The event was graced by the President & CEO of Meezan Bank Mr. Irfan Siddiqui, Deputy CEO - Mr. Ariful Islam and Shariah Advisor & member of the Shariah Supervisory Board of Meezan Bank - Dr. Muhammad Imran Ashraf Usmani.

Pak economy stable to Finance Minister reviews withstand stock crisis TRC working ISLAMABAD—Pakistan’s growing economy is corresponding period. Local brokers and stable enough to stand up to the global and local stock market downfall emerging from China, the world’s second-largest economy.

The local stock market panic appeared to be easing following a dramatic sell-off by investors who blindly followed foreign investors to overreact, said President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain in a statement here Wednesday.

Ups and downs in the stock markets is a normal phenomenon and some volatility was likely to continue but the recent falls had been overdone, he added. He said that stock market should not be considered real economy and it should not be linked to GDP. He said the crisis took birth in China where the market is still 50 percent higher than the

investors should not have followed foreign MIAN ARSHAD investors who have only 10 percent in market capitalisation and 30 percent share in ISLAMABAD—Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq free-float shares; they have a different men- Dar here on Wednesday approved three months extentality and different goals, he added. sion (upto November 15, 2015) for the Tax Reforms ComMian Zahid Hussain said that those comparing China crisis with global economic crisis of 2008 are pessimistic. He said the government should keep an eye on stock market, dollar and those trying to manipulate the situation, improve existing guidelines and laws and overcome mafia which deprived masses of billions is the stock market crash seven years ago. He said despite some anxiety, the Pakistan’s stock market which has climbed by 12 percent in 2015 will continue bullish trend if reforms were introduced immediately.—APP

Urban Unit holds meeting on ‘New City Project’ MUZAFFAR ALI L AHORE —The Urban Unit (Planning & Development Department, Government of the Punjab) held a consultative meeting on its ‘The New City Project’ at the Jhelum Chambers of Commerce & Industries (JCCI) where representatives from JCCI, Urban Unit, Housing & Urban Development, nominees from Punjab Board of Investment & Trade and members of local business community were also present. The Urban Unit gave a detailed presentation on the project with an aim to introduce it to the members of JCCI and other participants.

The city limits, jurisdictions and issues related with the geographical location were also discussed as to have the optimum utilization of this geographically significant site. The participants also had consultation on existing and proposed business environment of the New City. The city will be developed as industrial hub of not only the province but of Pakistan on the whole. The participants also had discussions on criteria based mapping- GIS, investment potential, integration of the project with China Pak Economic Corridor, media strategy for the project and its consultation framework.

The meeting was part of consultations series that will be going on to assess and analyze the industrial demand in the region while focusing on market trends and also assessing the potential to establish a knowledge based economy with emphasis on service industry. In addition, an analysis of potential risks is also the part of the

design process.

Consultative sessions and interviews will be conducted with business communities, especially with the local chamber members in order to elicit their response on all aspect of the feasibility of the development of new city. Similar sessions are planned for other cities of Punjab as well as in the federal capital and other provincial chambers. In the second stage, sessions will be also be held with business councils, foreign missions, trade associations and other groups to incorporate a wide range of inputs for optimal city design. In the pursuit of materialization of the vision of its worthy Chief Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif, the Government of Punjab, Pakistan has initiated the development of a new Urban-Industrial development on world-class standards along the Lahore- Islamabad Motorway (M2) corridor near Lillah Interchange. This city would have the largest industrial cluster in the country covering around 200 Sq. Km with high-end supportive infrastructure.

The city itself would cover 600 Sq. Km of land area offering diverse work-live-leisure opportunities. This initiative is expected to capitalize on the potential opportunities offered under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor’s long term goals that expected to grow business and trade with China and the (Central Asian Region) CARs in addition to boost domestic commerce within and between provinces based on the immense potential of urbanization and economic growth in Punjab.

Nestlé Pakistan posts impressive 1H financial results STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —Nestlé Pakistan boosted its overall earnings by 33.8per cent for the six months ended on June 30, 2015. After an impressive display of a strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2015, Nestlé Pakistan has again posted encouraging results for the second quarter and first half of 2015.

Despite the prevalent socio-political situation in the country and the energy crisis, Nestlé Pakistan has witnessed an overall increase in its total revenue by almost Rs. 2.9 billion. Additionally, its earnings per share have increased from Rs. 102.29 per share in 2014 during the same period to Rs. 136.83 per share in 2015. In the area of Sales, Nestlé Pakistan’s revenues stood at Rs. 53.2 billion, 5.75 % higher compared to the same period last

year. Export sales during the same period stood at Rs. 3.2 billion.

The gross profit margin increased by 558 bps compared to last year mainly due to extended cool weather positively impacting milk flush and relatively stable fresh milk prices. Further, the prices of dairy related commodities in the international market combined with a strong Pak Rupee have positively impacted the input cost.

Nestlé Pakistan’s operating profit increased to Rs. 9.9 billion translating into 28.6 % growth versus the same period last year. This was achieved as a result of improved gross margin and effective cost management. The company reduced waste in the value chain by approximately PKR 844 million, which allowed improving margins and also reduction of prices for products.

—Heather Matarazzo

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar chairing a meeting to review the performance of Tax Reforms Commission. mission (TRC) to complete its task. The Chairman TRC, Masood Naqvi briefed the Minister about the working of the Commission and informed that most of the areas had been covered barring a few sales tax and customs related issues, according to statement issued by Ministry of Finance.

He emphasized the need for developing a foolproof mechanism to check cross border smuggling with inputs from all stakeholders. Chairman FBR apprised the Minister about efforts to revamp and upscale the IT system of

Oil catches breath after record falls LONDON—Oil stabilised on Wednesday after China’s central bank moved to support the country’s economy, but prices stayed near 6-1/2year lows as a heavy supply glut kept the market outlook bearish. “Oil is catching its breath a bit and seeing if markets have been oversold or not,” Capital Economics commodities economist Thomas Pugh said. Brent was up 20 cents at $43.41 a barrel by 1115 GMT, and US crude was up 15 cents at $39.46 a barrel. Oil has lost a third of its value since June on high US production, record crude pumping in the Middle East and concern about falling demand in Asian economies.

On Monday, both crude oil benchmarks saw their lowest trades since early 2009, dropping as much as 6 percent in one session after heavy falls in equity markets. “The trend remains down, but in an erratic phase where attempts to recover are being made,” PVM Oil Associates director Robin Bieber said. China has cut interest rates and lowered the reserves banks must hold and injected 140 billion yuan into banks through short-term liquidity operations to calm fears about a severe economic slowdown.—Reuters

up with proposals in this regard. The Minister asked the Chairman TRC to prioritise its recommendations for effective implementation. He said “The real issue is that of implementation and this time around we would make all out efforts to ensure that recommendations of the TRC are put into practice for benefit of both the tax/revenue system as well as the tax payers.” Senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, FBR, senior members of TRC and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Revenue, Haroon Akhtar also attended the meeting.

PALPA considering to launch strike SALIM AHMED LAHORE—The Pakistan Airline Pilots’ Association (PALPA) is seriously considering going on strike if the management of the national airline continues to implement its highly destructive plan of putting pilots on contract jobs.

‘Converting pilots’ jobs into contractual is not only a safety risk for flying community but will put pilots in distress. We have decided to go on strike if the management refuses to consult us on the contracts issue; said President PALPA Capt. Amir Hashmi. He added that the basic requirement for safe flying is that pilots’ minds should be free of all worries.

‘It has been proved through crash investigations by National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States that a pilot in distress or disgruntled over leaves, salary, compensation or domestic issues is a risk for flight safety,’ added Capt. Amir Hashmi. President PALPA added that all efforts globally are being made to involve International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) whenever a decision regarding pilots is taken by any airline. ‘Similarly, airlines consult their respective pilots’ association to decide over the financial issues, duty time limitation, job positions, office duties etc,’ added Capt. Amir Hashmi.

He added that the airlines consult their pilots’ associations in the larger interest of passengers and aircraft safety. ‘But here things are completely being handled by the inexperienced management without any consultation with PALPA. This is not acceptable for the pilots of the airline as a matter of fact is that most of the top management is not even in regular employment of the airline as they are on LPR (Leave Prior to Retirement); added Capt. Amir Hashmi. PIA is contemplating contracts to

pilots changing their job status from regular employee to contractual. ‘The management denied this initially but then the contract proposal was presented to the board.

PALPA tried to make them understand but the Association was not taken on board on this important development; added Capt.

Amir Hashmi. Amir added that PALPA is a bargaining body with a responsible role in aviation sector, so it must be consulted on this important issue.

‘According to the first phase of our plan, the pilot community will withdraw extra cooperation over and above the agreement negotiated between the management and the Association,’ added Capt. Amir Hashmi. Then, he added, in the next phase the pilots would go on strike. ‘It is quite unfortunate that the management of the airline always tries to run things in their own fashion and doesn’t bother to consult other important stakeholders of the airline which make things worse and associations/stakeholders are left with no option but use extreme means to get their rights; added Capt.

Amir Hashmi. He said that the contract proposal is not only against the airline rules But, he added, the matter was not even put up to the HR Committee of PIAC whose approval is a pre-requisite of putting up cases to the board for consideration.

‘Similarly, the bindings of ESTA Code pertaining to contract employment in government/semi-government organizations/autonomous bodies have also been disregarded; he added. Moreover, the rulings of the Supreme Court on the hiring of personnel above the age of 60 years is completely disregarded, while neither any approval has been granted by the establishment division nor any approval has been sought from the Honourable Prime Minister as required under the rule.

PCJCCI demands ‘information silk road’ to reap CPEC benefits SALIM AHMED LAHORE—President Pak-China Joint Chamber of

But especially if you have the wrong people within your circle.

Truthfully, at the end of the day, no one cares about you in this business whether they are your agent or your manager or your publicist.

the FBR for better tax/revenue management. He also briefed the Minister about the tax audits conducted by the FBR during the past four to five years.

There was detailed discussion on ways and means to improve the system of audit and TRC was asked to come

Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) Mr. Shah Faisal Afridi, has urged the government of Pakistan to take a lead in developing an “information silk road” for having maximum benefits out of the economic corridor to be constructed by China in the AsiaPacific region. In a press statement issued, he said that roads and railways are easy enough to build, but it is hard to cultivate mental harmony among people that holds more importance in regional connectivity. Information has become a core resource and is crucial to international cooperation.

“The next leap for regional connectivity is to create Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway”, he said adding that the infrastructure development was progressing steadily for the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, but parallel with a communication and infrastructure network connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, there was dire

need of breaking the barriers of information among the connecting nations.

Faisal Afridi further elaborated that Peopleto-people bond provides the public support for implementing the strategic Initiatives. “We should carry forward the spirit of friendly cooperation of the Silk Road by promoting extensive cultural and academic exchanges, personnel exchanges and cooperation among media, youth and volunteers so as to win public support for deepening bilateral and multilateral harmony, he said.

Faisal Afridi suggested various strategies to promote a well-synchronized intellectual and business environment among the silk route countries.

He said that we should expand the scope and scale of bilateral currency swap and settlement with other countries along the Belt and Road apart from opening and develop the bond market in Asia and making joint efforts to establish the joint financial institutions like Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and BRICS New Development

Bank, which will pave way for carrying out multilateral financial cooperation in the form of syndicated loans and bank credits in the region through China-ASEAN Interbank Association and SCO Interbank Association.

Mr. Afridi pointed out that Pakistan had a vast role to play for bridging the gap between political parties and the parliaments of the nations situated alongside the Silk Road. He proposed to develop a concrete agenda to initiate an effective communication process among the states being connected through Pak-China economic belt as well as the Silk Road. The agenda should specially include friendly exchanges of the respective legislative bodies and political parties.

Faisal Afridi observed that Belt and Road Initiative aimed at creating a world in which, economically, everyone’s path ends at the door of China,” “But it’s not a path that people are unwilling to walk. It’s not a political domina-

tion; it’s more like a stressing of mutual benefits.” he added and expressed confidence that present government of Pakistan was quite capable of taking successful initiatives in this regard. He hoped that such initiatives would emerge Pakistan as a leader of the region, which would make us able to supersede the so called influence of India in the neighboring countries.

He assured of his fullest cooperation on behalf of the Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry in this move, which will also have the fullest support of all Chinese Companies operating in Pakistan.

Meanwhile Mr. Wang Zihai Chairman Association of all Chinese companies working in Pakistan has also appreciated the idea of Mr. Shah Faisal Afridi for developing an information super highway in the Asia-pacific region. To materialize this idea he has proposed to hold culture years, arts festivals, film festivals, TV weeks and book fairs in each other’s countries.

Umar Gul puts in the hard yards in comeback bid L AHORE —While the nation was preoccupied in discussing the possible return of spot-fixing tainted Mohammad Amir, it went largely unnoticed t h a t a n other spearhead, Umar Gul, h a s been working hard in the gym to regain fitness and form as he aims for a comeback in the Pakistan team. Gul, who represented Pakistan in 47 Tests, 126 one-day internationals and 58 Twenty20 Internationals, has not been quite able to regain fitness since he underwent a knee surgery in 2013. The 31-year-old, often dubbed as a “yorker specialist”, said he has been eyeing an international comeback after last playing for Pakistan in April this year. Gul, who was inducted into the side after the departure of greats Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in 2003, fast became Pakistan’s go-to man in the shorter formats of the game.—APP

England rest Root for Australia T20, ODIs L ONDON —England have rested Ashes-winning star batsman Joe Root from their squads for both the upcoming lone Twenty20 International and five Oneday Internationals against Australia.

Root, t h e Ashes player of the series after his 460 r u n s played a central role in England’s 3-2 win over the five Tests, has been a key player in all three international formats in recent times. But with England facing tough Test series away to Pakistan and South Africa later this year, England’s selectors have decided to give the 24-year-old a break from international duty. —AFP

Qatar to host $1m Pakistan Super League: PCB L AHORE —The twice-postponed Pakistan pete with and against top foreign players, Super League (PSL) will finally be ready for take off in Doha, Qatar, next year, former chairman Najam Sethi announced on Wednesday.

The event is scheduled for February and will feature around 25 foreign players.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had planned a Super Twenty20 league in 2013 but had to postpone it twice — in 2014 and 2015 — over a lack of response from spon-

sors and logistics problems.

Sethi, the head of PCB’s Executive Committee, announced the PSL will be held from 4-24 February next year.

“The PSL will be held in Doha from February 4-24 with a prize money of one million dollars (100 million rupees) and we are getting encouraging responses from sponsors and foreign players,” said Sethi.

The idea behind staging the league was to give Pakistani players a chance to com-

something which the national players do not get as international cricket has been suspended in the country since 2009.

Pakistan was a no go area for international teams since terrorists’ attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.

This was partially overcome with a short limited-over series against Zimbabwe in May-June this year.

“We are in talks with 40 foreign players and we expect some 25 to sign for the league and out of these 15 will be world class players,” Sethi said of the planned league.

Four West Indians and two players each from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa were amongst the targeted names, he said.

Sethi added that no player from India was on the PSL target list as the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not allow its players to feature in a foreign league.

Pakistan was forced to shift the League to Doha after grounds in the United Arab Emirates — where Pakistan have played all their home cricket since 2009 — were booked for a private league in January-February 2016.

Brushing aside apprehensions about Pakistan-India series, head of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) executive committee Najam Sethi said he was sure that series between arch-rivals would be held at a neutral venue by all means.

“Im saying this on the basis of my experience that the series between the two countries is sure to be held in UAE or at some other neutral venue,” he told a sports TV channel.

Pakistan and India are scheduled for a full series comprising three Tests, five ODIs and two T20 internationals in the UAE in December, this year.—APP

KARACHI: Pakistan-born British boxer Amir Khan interacting with local boxing players at People Soccer Stadium Lyari on Wednesday.

Ireland to host Pakistan, Sri Lanka in ODI I SLAMABAD —Ireland will host one-day internationals against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the summer of 2016.

Bolt, Gatlin reach 200m final at worlds B EIJING —Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin set up the sequel to their world championship sprint showdown on Wednesday, both winning their semifinal heats in the 200 meters.

After Bolt edged the American by .01 second in Sunday’s 100 final, he will be seeking his record 10th world title overall on Thursday at the Bird’s Nest.‘’I’m looking forward to it,’’ Bolt said. ‘’This is my favourite event.’’

Bolt was grinning widely after crossing in 19.95 seconds, coasting for about 60 meters and checking the stadium screens high up in the stands to see if someone could come close. As usual, none did. ‘’You save as much energy as possible, because you’re going to

need it,’’ Bolt said.—AP

BEIJING: Jamaica’s Usain Bolt smiles as he crosses the finish line with South Africa’s Anaso Jobodwana after their men’s 200m semifinal at the World Athletics Championships at the Bird’s Nest stadium on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka will play two games against the Irish in June while the two matches against Pakistan are set to take place in August, BBC reported. “These are exactly the type of fixtures we have been crying out for,” said Ireland captain William Porterfield.

“We want to be playing regularly against top sides and these fixtures are a welcome first step,” he added.

Ireland’s most recent meeting with Pakistan came during the World Cup in Adelaide, when they lost by seven wickets despite a brilliant 107 from Porterfield.

On their last visit to Ireland in May 2013, a Paul Stirling century and an unbeaten 84 from Kevin O’Brien saw Ireland claim a dramatic tie in the first ODI.—APP

Amir Khan visits Lyari in search of boxing champions K ARACHI —British boxer Amir Khan on Wednesday vowed to help Pakistan produce champion pugilists with a network of academies in his family’s country of origin.

The former two-time world champion is currently touring the South Asian giant of 200 million people better known for its prowess in cricket, and plans to set up boxing schools in the western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, eastern Punjab, and the southern city of Karachi.

“I think we have the talent to produce boxing champions,” the 28-year-old told media during a visit to Karachi’s troubled Lyari area, which is frequently hit by gang violence but also known for producing talented footballers and boxers.

British boxer Amir Khan of Pakistani

waves to fans during his visit to the Peoples Football Stadium in Lyari, Karachi.

“I have made a promise to the nation that I will pay back what I have achieved in boxing,” added the highly-rated fighter from Bolton, England who has a record of 31 wins including 19 knockouts, and three losses.

Khan was accompanied by a heavy security contingent to the neighbourhood, which has long been a hub of political, ethnic and criminal violence.

“I am here to meet potential champions and I am not afraid of anything, we will... beat terror and produce boxers of top quality,” he said. Pakistan’s sole Olympic boxing medallist is Hussain Shah, who won a middleweight bronze in the Seoul Games in 1988.— AFP

Five-star Spain as Valencia make Champions League history MONACO—Spain became the first country club competition. to have five teams in the Champions League group stage in one season after Valencia squeezed past Monaco 4-3 on aggregate in the playoff round despite a 2-1 defeat on Wednesday.

Valencia joined holders Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, who got an automatic berth as last season’s winners of Europe’s second-tier Europa League.

On a night of pulsating action, Malmo, Dinamo Zagreb, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Shakhtar Donetsk also booked money-spinning group stage spots in Europe’s premier

Former Manchester City forward Alvaro Negredo put Valencia in the driving seat with a deft fourth-minute chip but the Spaniards were forced to hang on after Andrea Raggi and Elderson revived Monaco’s hopes in the principality.

“It was important to get an away goal and we managed that early in the match which helped calm things down,” Negredo told Spanish television. “In the second half they pressed forward and we were tiring but thankfully we held on.”—Agencies

Infant probiotic use ‘reduces risk of gastrointestinal disorders’

P

AST studies have suggested that consum ing probiotics on a daily basis can ben efit our digestive health. And these benefits may also apply to infants, as a new study suggests that giving probiotics to children in their first 3 months of life may reduce their risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders.

The research team from the Aldo Moro University of Baro in Italy, led by Dr. Flavia Indrio, says that probiotic use in infants may also lead to lower health costs associated with gastrointestinal disorders.

During the first 6 months of a child’s life, infant colic, acid reflux and constipation are the most common gastrointestinal disorders that lead to pediatrician referral, according to the investigators. They add that these disorders can result in hospitalization, use of medication, changes in food intake, parental anxiety and loss of parental working days. The investigators wanted to see whether regular intake of a probiotic supplement may reduce the occurrence of these gastrointestinal disorders.

Probiotics are microorganisms that are believed to play an important role in regulating intestinal function and digestion by balancing the microflora of the gut. Earlier this year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that probiotics may reduce the risk of diarrhea from antibiotics. Some foods, such as yogurt, aged cheeses, miso and some soy beverages, contain natural probiotics, or they can be consumed in the

form of supplements.

For their study, the research team analyzed 554 newborn children who were less than 1 week old. All children were born at nine different neonatal units in Italy between September 2010 and October 2012. The infants were all randomized to receive either a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 bacteria, or a placebo supplement each day for a period of 90 days.

The children were followed for 3 months.

Parents were required to keep a diary of the frequency of their child’s vomiting, the emptying of their bowels, the duration of inconsolable crying and the number of doctor visits. Any changes in daily crying time, vomiting, constipation and the cost benefits of probiotic supplement use were measured during the study period. At 3 months, the researchers found that the children who received the probiotic supplement emptied their bowels more each day, compared with the placebo group - at 4.2 times versus 3.6 times.

The infants who had the probiotic also had a lower average vomiting and crying rate each day, compared with the placebo group, at 38 minutes versus 71 minutes and 2.9 times versus 4.6 times, respectively. Furthermore, probiotic use was associated with an average saving of $119 per patient in each family. The researchers note that probiotic use did not cause any adverse effects in the infants.

Steps being taken to regulate flow of traffic: Commissioner

Crime rate escalating across coastal belt in city Home Minister asks police chief to set up Police Station at Do Darya IRFAN ALIGI KARACHI—The coastal belt in Karachi has since long been made a ‘no-go-area’ for the Karachiites especially those visiting the different locations alongside the coastal belt, Do Darya, Sea view and Clifton beach with families.

The notorious gangs of criminals had robbed the families and in past 6 months couple of murders caused the picnickers to vanish. A large number of anglers, who kept the coastal belt busy, had also disappeared. On the other hand, cops on patrol also deprived the

Coordinated action against criminals KARACHI—The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Police, Karachi South, Dr. Jamil Ahmed, has called for intensifying the drive against the proclaimed offenders and absconders in the area.

He has also directed the Station House Officers (SHOs) to compile a list of the accused wanted by the police in the cases of terrorism, targeted killing, extortion, dacoities and street crimes etc.

DIG South also asked the SHOs to ensure picketing at the exit and entrance points in their respective limits so that the accused could not manage to escape.

He further instructed that a daily report of the police action be forwarded to him.

Dr. Jamil also pointed out that he was looking into the performance of the DSPs and the SHOs of the South Zone.—APP

Namaz-i-Janaza of police constable offered K ARACHI —The Namaz-i-

Commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui presiding over a meeting of the Divisional Traffic Management Board at Commissioner Office.—APP

CITY REPORTER KARACHI—Steps are being taken to improve the flow of traffic in the metropolis. This was pointed out by the Commissioner of Karachi, Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui. He was presiding over a meeting of the Traffic Management Board on Wednesday which reviewed measures taken for improving traffic in the city.

The meeting decided for a coordinated campaign against the fake and fancy number plates of the vehicles as well as tinted glasses. The district administration would

take steps for resolving the issue of parking yard for the vehicles impounded after action.

The meeting also considered steps for action against ‘illegal bus stands’ in the metropolis for buses coming from Balochistan as parking place have already been provided for these at Yousuf Goth and Baldia.

The meeting was informed about the traffic problems because of bus stands in Saddar, Mansfield Street, Shahrah-i-Iraq, Sohrab Goth, Lyari etc. It was further pointed out that flow of traffic is impeded because of car show rooms in various areas of the city.—APP

Cleanliness in Korangi KARACHI—The Deputy Commissioner of Karachi’s Korangi area, Ejaz Baloch, has directed that the required steps be taken for resolving the civic problems of the residents.

During a visit to Model Colony he stressed

for the maintenance of cleanliness in the area.

Ejaz Baloch also met with the residents of Model Colony and discussed their problems. He directed that the area be cleansed of the garbage dumps and water problems be resolved.—APP

Janaza of police constable Muhammad Ibrahim was offered at Police Headquarter Garden here on Wednesday.

The deceased had lost his life in a firing incident by unidentified men in the jurisdictions of Preedy Police Station.

The Namaz-i-Janaza was attended among others by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sindh, Ghulam Haider Jamali, Additional IG Karachi, Mushtaq Mahar, other senior police officers,friends and relatives of the deceased and area people.

A special contingent of the police presented the ‘Shaheed Salam’ on the occasion.

The IGP also met with the heirs of the deceased and offered condolences.

He announced a sum of rupees two million on behalf of the Police Department, disbursement of monthly salary till the retirement age and other benefits.

Two of the family members of the deceased would be provided job in the police.

According to a police report, 53 police officers and jawans have laid down their lives in performance of duty so far this year.—APP

Construction of Yellow Line to be started by end of this year KARACHI—The construction work of Yellow Line one of the most important component of Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) project would be started by the end of this year.

This was decided in a meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and a 2-member delegation headed by Chairman of China National Electronic Import- Export Corporation, Zing Song Wang here on Wednesday.

The project would be initiated by

China National Electronic Import & Export Corporation commonly known (CUEC) in joint venture with Sindh Government under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode of investment at an estimated cost of Rs 15 billion.

Sindh Minister for Finance, Planning & Development Syed Murad Ali Shah and Transport Minister Mumtaz Jakhrani were also present in the meeting. Talking to the delegation the Chief Minister said “we are keenly interested in this project and we

want to complete this project before the time period”. He said that there are lot of opportunities and potential of investment in Sindh province and we are providing one window facilities to the investors to encourage them.

Minister for Finance Syed Murad Ali Shah assured all possible support of Sindh Government to the Chinese Company for starting work on Yellow Line and complete it as early as possible.—APP

anglers and those, who visited the coastal belt for picnic.

The Sindh Home Minister Sohail Anwar Khan Siyal took notice of the grave situation and directed the police top slot to take steps for setting up a police station immediately and it should be named as ‘Sahil police station’.

This would be a positive step forward provided that the cops should not replace the robbers and hooligans and perform their duty as security guards to the picnickers and anglers. In this regard, the Home Minister had held a meeting with the police high-ups at the Karachi

Police Office (KPO) Wednesday.

He also asked police officials to constitute a committee to identify vacancies in police department, which would be filled on early basis so as to overcome the shortfall issue.

He informed that 10,000 jobs in police department would be created in police department in this current financial year. A report in this regard should be submitted to him tonight (Wednesday night).

The Minister also reminded that a lot of complaints were being relieved form the people regarding loot and robberies alongside the coastal belt espe-

cially the Do Darya beach.

The Home minister also issued directives for establishment of a high power board at Central Police Office level under the chairmanship of IG Sindh to examine all policies, financial, administrative, welfare matters of Police department.

Inspector General of Police, Sindh Ghulam Haider Jamali, Additional IG Karachi, DIG Administration, zonal DIGs, DIG Criminal Investigation Agency, District SSPs, SSPs investigation and others senior police officers were also attended the meeting.

PPP condemns 30pc hike in electricity tariff STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) MPAs have condemned NEPRA for 30 percent hike in electricity tariff of residential consumers of electricity on federal government’s orders on dictation of IMF. NEPRA had on one hand condemned the Karachi Electric for being a major cause of 1300 deaths amid extreme heat wave, issued show cause notice to the KE and the NEPRA’s counsel had apprised the higher court that NEPRA might cancel KE’s license.

However, the increase in tariff of residential consumers by 30 percent has ex-

posed all tall claims of the NEPRA, which were all lies and meant to deceive the judiciary and the consumers.

In a statement issued from the PPP Media Cell Sindh, they said that IMF wants to weaken Pakistan and create a state of anarchy by dictating its agenda of Pakistan in the cover of loans. The 30 percent increase in electricity tariff of residential consumers is a valid proof of IMF’s malicious agenda against Pakistan.

They said there is no antecedence of 30 percent increase in tariff of residential consumers in any country except Pakistan but the federal government is simply

implementing the dictation of the IMF, which is tantamount to facilitating the IMF for its notorious agenda.

They said the federal government should realize that days to stay in power are so limited and it could never be enjoyed without the support of the masses but unfortunately the federal government has adopted policies that all are meant to crush the masses. They demanded the federal government to withdraw the 30 percent increase in electricity tariff of the residential consumers and cut the electricity tariff further in accordance to the oil prices in international market.

Govt providing safety to minorities: Gayan Chand KARACHI—Sindh Minister for Minority statement on Wednesday.

Affairs Gayan Chand Essrani has said that all opinions are respected in democratic era and decisions are made above the criticism which are acceptable for all.

He said that Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is looking after the issues of minorities including their security. This he said while talking to a 3member delegation of Sindh Rural Partners Organization here at his office here, said a

The Minister was briefed by Executive Director Zahid Detho about the objectives of Sindh Rural Partners Organization and also informed about the problems being faced by minorities.

During the discussion legal affairs of minorities, establishment of minority cell at district level, just distribution of employment and their security were discussed in detail.

The Provincial Minister assured the del-

egation that Sindh Government was ensuring the safety of minorities at all cost, while the protection of their worship places and provision of employment to them was the part of PPP Agenda.

He added, as the Minority Minister he is ready to help out Sindh Rural Partners Organization in every way and he will visit all the district every week. The Delegation thanked the Provincial Minister for his cooperation.—APP

Sustained cordial environment for women workers stressed KARACHI—Women including researchers, religious scholars, educationists, journalists and political activists have urged government to help in sustainment of a cordial environment for working women across the country.

Addressing the launching ceremony of ‘Raushan Aabginay,” a compilation about achievements of women, here they said Pakistani women too have come a long way in establishing their capabilities.

It was appreciated that these achievers also managed to manifest the rights guaranteed to them under Islam besides efficiently establishing logic behind marked distinction between rights and responsibilities.

Enumerating many of the Pakistani women to have made a name for themselves, not only in the country but internationally too, speakers said this being no mean feat demanded that women in general be provided an enabling environment to deliver in fields of their respective choice and also in accordance to their capacities.

Contribution of women associated with informal sectors and also those as home makers was also mentioned with recommendation for proper recognition of the same.

Prof Dr Talat Wizarat (International Relations Department of CBM - Karachi); Dr Jehanara Latifi (Shaikh Zaid Islamic Centre - Karachi University); Samia

Raheel (former MNA and member Islamic Ideology Council) Ayesha Munawaar and Shahnaz Jamil (political activists representing JI and PML - Functional respectively); Safia Malik (researcher and columnist), Rubina Farid and Rizwana Ansari (journalists) were the speakers on the occasion.

Durdana Siddiqui, compiler of the book said the exercise involved lot of research work as it was meant to help youth introduced to prominent women of muslim world, many of whom being close associates of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

My emphasis has been to highlight their contribution in development of a judicious society,” said the compiler.—APP

Experts for thalassemia screening facilities in all medical colleges CITY REPORTER KARACHI—All medical colleges and universities across the country must have mandatory provision for thalassanemia screening, said experts here on Wednesday.

He was addressing a session organized by Baqai Institute of Hematology, as part of Baqai Medical University’s continuing medical education (CME) programme.

He said the disease difficult to be managed and also with poor survival rates needed to be prevented.

Prof. Zahida Baqai said students seeking admissions to medical colleges and universities may be motivated to go for screening on voluntary basis.

Prof. Moinuddin, a senior hematologist said thalassemia that was largely un-heard of in years 1947 to 1970s.

It was found to be increasingly diagnosed in people with traces of both thalassemia minor and thalassemia major.

Despite series of public awareness campaign to protect people against the health

condition, he said local population largely remains indifferent to the risks.

“This is despite the fact that it required massive treatment costs against negligible expenses incurred in premarital screening,” said the researcher.

He said under the given situation, it was important that authorities may consider provision for columns, vis-avis carrier or non carrier of thalassanemia in each of the computerized national identity cards (CNICs) issued by NADRA.

Infant probiotic use ‘reduces risk of gastrointestinal disorders’

P

AST studies have suggested that consum ing probiotics on a daily basis can ben efit our digestive health. And these benefits may also apply to infants, as a new study suggests that giving probiotics to children in their first 3 months of life may reduce their risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders.

The research team from the Aldo Moro University of Baro in Italy, led by Dr. Flavia Indrio, says that probiotic use in infants may also lead to lower health costs associated with gastrointestinal disorders.

During the first 6 months of a child’s life, infant colic, acid reflux and constipation are the most common gastrointestinal disorders that lead to pediatrician referral, according to the investigators. They add that these disorders can result in hospitalization, use of medication, changes in food intake, parental anxiety and loss of parental working days. The investigators wanted to see whether regular intake of a probiotic supplement may reduce the occurrence of these gastrointestinal disorders.

Probiotics are microorganisms that are believed to play an important role in regulating intestinal function and digestion by balancing the microflora of the gut. Earlier this year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that probiotics may reduce the risk of diarrhea from antibiotics. Some foods, such as yogurt, aged cheeses, miso and some soy beverages, contain natural probiotics, or they can be consumed in the

form of supplements.

For their study, the research team analyzed 554 newborn children who were less than 1 week old. All children were born at nine different neonatal units in Italy between September 2010 and October 2012. The infants were all randomized to receive either a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 bacteria, or a placebo supplement each day for a period of 90 days.

The children were followed for 3 months.

Parents were required to keep a diary of the frequency of their child’s vomiting, the emptying of their bowels, the duration of inconsolable crying and the number of doctor visits. Any changes in daily crying time, vomiting, constipation and the cost benefits of probiotic supplement use were measured during the study period. At 3 months, the researchers found that the children who received the probiotic supplement emptied their bowels more each day, compared with the placebo group - at 4.2 times versus 3.6 times.

The infants who had the probiotic also had a lower average vomiting and crying rate each day, compared with the placebo group, at 38 minutes versus 71 minutes and 2.9 times versus 4.6 times, respectively. Furthermore, probiotic use was associated with an average saving of $119 per patient in each family. The researchers note that probiotic use did not cause any adverse effects in the infants.

Brunei’s Ambassador, Brig General (Retd) Dato Paduka Mahmud Saidin being briefed about different antiques during his visit to Lahore Museum.—DNA

Modern security system to be installed at Railway Station CITY REPORTER LAHORE—Installation of a state-of-the-art security system and car parking at Lahore Railway Station will start functioning from mid September. This was informed by divisional commercial officer (DCO) M Waheed Anwar while talking to APP here on Wednesday.

He said that a private contractor was working on the installation of security cameras, walk through

PA offers fateha for Shuja Khanzada L AHORE —The Punjab As-

Hamza Shahbaz MNA giving away a cheque of 100,000 to father of a child injured in a traffic accident on Wednesday.—DNA

4-tier service structure for Tabeebs approved by Health Department STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—Health Department of Punjab has approved 4- tier service structure for Hakeem/ Tabeeb working in different public hospitals and notification has been issued here in this regard.

Health department also allocated these seats in different public hospitals and implementation of service structure will be made after framing of service rules incorporating therein newly upgraded posts.

All the upgraded post of BS 16 to BS 18 will be filed in accordance with the service rules to be amended through service rules committee of S&GA Department on recommendation of

sembly on Wednesday offered fateha for Shaheed Punjab Home Minister Col (Retd) Shuja Khanzada. The House paid glowing tributes to late Khanzada and said the sacrifice rendered by the brave and valiant hero would not go waste.

It stated that martyrdom of Shuja Khanzada was a message to terrorists that their evil designs would not be succeeded. Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that terrorists would be chased to their last hideout and they would be eliminated.—APP

departmental promotion committee on seniority cum fitness basis.

According to notification, Governor of Punjab has been pleased to approve 4- tier service structure for Hakeem/Tabib for working for health department. This new service structure would be implemented on total 192 posts of Hakeem and Tabib.

According to new service structure, 96 seats of Tabeeb would be in BS 15 besides 65 posts of senior Tabeeb would be in BS 16. It further says that 29 posts of senior Tabeeb /lecturer would be in BS 17 while 2 seats have been allocated for senior Tabib officer/ principle for BS 18.(ENDS).

gates and other equipments as well as a modern and computerised car parking. He said the contractor would not only construct car parking and install security system, but also responsible for parking for five years.

According to the contract, the contractor would pay Rs 20.1 million per annum to the railways while the amount would be raised by five percent every year and a contract had been signed for five years. The PR DCO said that after the installation of security sys-

tem, movement of every passenger could be under observation and would be recorded.

He said the car parking system would be computerised and parking would be charged on hourly basis like car parking system at Allama Iqbal International Airport, however, the contractor would develop a system for overnight parking. He said that contactor was given the target of completion of the work till the end of August, however, it would be functional by September 15.

Flood victims to get compensation from Sept 1 LAHORE—Chief Relief Commissioner Ashraf said compensation would be paid Rs.20,000 compensation will be given Punjab Nadeem Ashraf has said a survey of losses caused to houses and crops owing to flood and rains will be completed till August 31 while payment of compensation to victims will be completed in two phases.

He expressed these views while addressing a meeting of Flood Cabinet Committee here Wednesday. Nadeem

from September 1 in the first phase while on September 10 in the second phase.

He said Rs 80,000 would be given to victims whose cemented houses had been destroyed completely due to rain and flood while Rs 40,000 will be given to owners whose cemented houses had been partially destroyed.

Similarly, Rs 40,000 will be given for ordinary houses destroyed completely and

Arms worth Rs 5m recovered from different areas CITY REPORTER LAHORE—The Lahore police recovered five klashnikoves, 36 rifles and cartridges worth Rs five million during on going crackdown against illegal weapons in the last two days.

The crackdown which conducted in different areas of the city including Shahdara, Lorry Adda, Bhatti Gate, Masti Gate, Tibbi City, Shafiqabad, Islampura, Ravi road, Misri Shah, Sundar, Factory Area,

Burki and Harbancepura.

The crackdown was launched on the order of CCPO Lahore Muhammad Amin Vains under which different teams of investigation are active.

SSP Investigation Rana Ayaz Saleem said that proper investigation of the cases would be ensured adding that strict action would be taken against the officials involved in poor investigation. All sources were being used for implementing National Action Programme, he added.

for partially destroyed ordinary houses.

He said Rs 10,000 per acre will be given to owners of 12.5 acre land for damage of crops. He said, payment centers will be launched in flood-affected districts in this regard so that victims could be facilitated under one roof and payment could be made through a nearby bank.—APP

Inter-district dacoit gang busted, three arrested LAHORE—CIA Sadar Police have smashed an inter-district dacoit gang and arrested its three members involved in robbery, dacoity and looting people.

DSP CIA Sadar led the special police team which conducted a raid and arrested the accused of Haji Dacoit gang and recovered Rs 700,000 in cash, gold ornaments besides illegal weapons.

The arrested have been identified as Ishtiaq alias Haji

and his two accomplices Sakhawat and Ramazan. The police claimed that the accused were top ten proclaimed offenders.

During preliminary interrogation, the accused confessed 65 incidents of dacoity and house robbery in different areas of the Lahore, Gujranwala and Sheikhupura.

CCPO Lahore Muhammad Amin Vains has announced cash and commendatory certificates for the raiding team.—APP

Kasuri’s book on Pakistan’s foreign policy to be launched in early September SALIM AHMED LAHORE—Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri’s book ‘Neither A Hawk, Nor A Dove’ on Pakistan’s foreign policy will be launched in early September. Interestingly, the book’s title is based on the first line in the book in which former President Pervez Musharraf has been quoted in his very first meeting with the new Foreign Minister as asking him pointedly, “Are you a hawk or a dove on India, Kasuri Sahib?”

The book has been published worldwide by Oxford University Press. It will be published in India by Penguin. It may be pointed out that two internationally established publishing houses has agreed to publish the same book, which is very rare. The book contains the first ever insider’s account by someone who took

part in the developments at the official level on Kashmir with his Indian, European, and American counterparts and also gives details regarding the backchannel negotiations on Kashmir and the peace process during 2002 to the end of 2007 regarded by keen observers and analysts of International Affairs as the most productive peace process between Pakistan and India since independence.

Mr. Kasuri has updated the book to early 2015 including the advent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India and has analysed the situation regarding the latest developments in India, Afghanistan and on Pak-US relations based on his experience of dealing with these countries as Foreign Minister.

Mr. Kasuri has besides giving an account of the developments in the peace process under the former Prime Minister

Dr. Manmohan Singh, he has also given an account of his interactions with the leadership of the BJP since the peace process started under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He has also shared details of his interactions with his three Indian counterparts, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee – current President of India, Mr. Yashwant Sinha, and Mr. Natwar Singh. Besides, he has given details as well as the background of these landmark developments – much beyond the so called ‘four point formula’ often referred to in the media.

It took Mr. Kasuri four years to write the book because it has been comprehensively researched, is fully referenced and has been brought up to date. To make it interesting and easier for the reader to follow the theme, there are many pictures with meaningful captions in an attempt to tell his story through these pictures.

PTI workers celebrating Election Tribunal’s verdict in favour of Jahangir Tarin at Faisal Town.—INP